bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation for the deficit syndrome of schizophrenia: A pilot investigation
Authors: SACHDEV PERMINDER , LOO COLLEEN , MITCHELL PHILIP , MALHI GIN
Published: May 2005

Abstract  In an open study, four subjects with a stable deficit syndrome of schizophrenia received high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (15 Hz at 90% of motor threshold, 1800 pulses each session, daily for 20 sessions over 4 weeks) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Subjects showed a significant reduction in negative symptoms and improvement in function, with no change in positive symptoms. This improvement was maintained at the 1 month follow up. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as a treatment of the deficit syndrome of schizophrenia is feasible, safe and may be beneficial. A systematic study in randomized control trials would be appropriate.
Effect of proapoptosis protein on hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: LI Bai , CAO Chuan‐Ping , MAO Gao‐Ping
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE:  The goal of the present study was to determine how proapoptosis proteins regulate the progression of liver proliferative foci and tumorigenesis initiated by a chemical carcinogen, diethylnitrosamine (DEN).

METHODS:  Bid‐deficient mice (15‐day‐old) were injected with 15 µg/g of DEN, then killed at 3 and 10 days, and 4 and 8 months after injection for analysis of hepatocellular proliferation, apoptosis and tumorigenesis.

RESULT:  The rate of apoptosis in the hepatocytes of the wild‐type mice was significantly higher than in the Bid‐deficient mice at 10 days after DEN exposure (P < 0.0001); the results of BrdU labeling agreed with the measurement of apoptosis in these animals, showing an obvious increase in the wild‐type mice compared with the Bid‐deficient mice (P < 0.0001). Four months after DEN exposure, the number and size of lesion foci or nodules in the wild‐type mice were both greater than in the Bid‐deficient mice (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively), but there was no significant difference between the two groups of mice at 8 months.

CONCLUSION:  These results suggest that a lack of apoptosis in liver tissue in the early stage after DEN exposure decreased some of the tumorigenesis potential of DEN.
The roles of vitamin C in Helicobacter pylori associated gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: ZHANG Zun Wu , FARTHING Michael JG
Published: May 2005

Ascorbic acid, as one of the important water‐soluble vitamins, is essential for a range of physiological functions, including the syntheses of collagen, carnitine and neurotransmitters. It is also an important dietary antioxidant against oxidative stress. Current information suggests that vitamin C might be protective against the development of gastric cancer. Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori is recognized to be a significant cause of gastric adenocarcinoma. Inflammation induced by H. pylori infection in the stomach not only causes significantly enhanced consumption of vitamin C, but also reduces secretion of the vitamin into the gastric lumen. Most of the evidence relating to vitamin C and H. pylori infection derives from clinical studies and experiments directly examining the effect of vitamin C on H. pylori‐associated gastric carcinogenesis and remains limited. Furthermore, results from recent studies suggest that vitamin C might also increase the risk of cancer through its pro‐oxidant activity and protect against oxidative stress in cancer cells through its antioxidant action. In this article we review recent publications on vitamin C research and assess the potential roles of vitamin C in H. pylori associated gastric carcinogenesis. The possible adverse effects of the vitamin C are also discussed.
Progress in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: SINGLETON John W
Published: May 2005

During the past 20 years, advances have been made in Crohn's disease and chronic ulcerative colitis. Despite impressive progress, it is still necessary to call these diseases ‘idiopathic’, as the details of their etiology remain obscure. Four areas will be reviewed in this article: genetics; intestinal inflammation; the relationship between the gut flora and the mucosa; and medical therapy.
Changes in gene expression profiles induced by parvovirus H‐1 in human gastric cancer cells
Authors: LIU Jiong , RAN Zhi Hua , XIAO Shu Dong , ROMMELAERE Jean
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE  The autonomous parvovirus H‐1 exhibits preferential toxicity for transformed or tumor cells. The precise molecular mechanism of H‐1 virus‐associated cytotoxicity is not fully understood. The present study aimed at gaining more information about parvovirus‐induced cellular disturbances.

METHODS  The H‐1 virus‐sensitive human gastric cancer cell line HGC27 was analyzed in the present study. cDNA microarrays were used to determine the global cellular gene expression changes which occur during the process of H‐1 virus‐induced death of HGC27 cells. A subset of differential expressed genes was further tested by RT‐PCR and Northern blot analyzes.

RESULTS  A total of 920 genes belonging to various functional groups were found to be differentially expressed in H‐1 virus‐ versus mock‐infected cells in cDNA microarrays. Among them, 363 genes were upregulated, whilst 557 genes were downregulated. The differential expressions of some of these genes were further confirmed by RT‐PCR and Northern blot analysis.

CONCLUSION  Some of genes known to be involved in cell signal transduction, apoptosis, DNA replication, DNA repair, DNA binding and transcription were differentially expressed after parvovirus H‐1 infection, they might play a role in H‐1 virus‐induced gastric cancer cell death. These genes represent interesting candidates to be tested at the functional level for their contribution to the disturbances triggered by H‐1 virus in tumor cells.
Modulation of multidrug resistance by andrographolid in a HCT‐8/5‐FU multidrug‐resistant colorectal cancer cell line
Authors: HAN Ying , BU Li Min , JI Xin , LIU Chun Yan , WANG Zhi Hong
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE  To develop an HCT‐8/5‐FU multidrug‐resistant colorectal cancer cell line and to elucidate the effect of Andrographolid (AG), an extract from Andrographis paniculate, a medicinal herb on the HCT‐8/5‐FU multidrug‐resistant colorectal cancer cell line.

METHODS  An HCT‐8 colorectal cancer cell line was used and a high concentration of 5‐Fluorouracid (5‐FU) was introduced at the beginning to induce drug resistance, then the concentration of 5‐FU was increased in gradients. Approximately 7 months later, the cells grew stably in 2.0 µg/mL of 5‐FU, and the cell line was named HCT‐8/5‐FU multidrug‐resistant colorectal cancer cell line. The resistant index of HCT‐8/5‐FU cells to 5‐FU, adriamycin (ADM), cisplatin (DDP) was checked by MTT test, and a growth curve was drawn. The morphological changes were observed by both light and electron microscope. The function of P‐170 was detected by rhodamine staining. After the application of AG and co‐administration of 5‐FU, ADM and DDP, the growth curves and inhibition rate as well as apoptosis rate of HCT‐8/5‐FU at different concentrations of AG were evaluated by MTT and flow cytometry. Rhodamine staining was used to investigate the possible mechanism involved by AG.

RESULTS  The resistance index of HCT‐8/5‐FU to 5‐FU was 16.6, and a cross‐resistance to ADM and DDP was noticed. Compared with parental cells, HCT‐8/5‐FU cell's growth rate did not change significantly but the cell's morphology was remarkably changed as compared with parental cells. Overexpression of P‐170 by HCT‐8/5‐FU cell was indicated through rhodamine staining. AG at a low concentration showed weak inhibitory effect on HCT‐8/5‐FU. However, a remarkable inhibitory and apoptosis rate was shown when AG was co‐administered with 5‐FU, ADM and DDP, respectively. Interestingly AG alone could not induce apoptosis and change the cell cycles. AG might affect the expression of P‐170, which was indicated by rhodamine staining.

CONCLUSIONS  The HCT‐8/5‐FU multidrug‐resistant colorectal cancer cell line has been successfully developed and because it has cross‐resistance to 5‐FU, ADM and DDP, it might serve as an ideal multidrug resistance (MDR) model for colorectal cancer research. The mechanism of HCT‐8/5‐FU resistance to chemotherapeutic agents might be related to the overexpression of P‐170. Low concentrations of AG alone have no significant inhibition on HCT‐8/5‐FU and fail to induce apoptosis and to change cell cycles. AG might act as a chemosensitizer when co‐administered with 5‐FU, ADM and DDP, and the mechanism of reversal modulation of multidrug resistance by AG in the HCT‐8/5‐FU resistant cell line might be related to its downregulation of overexpression of P‐170.
Diagnosis and management of regional portal hypertension
Authors: LIU Quan Da , ZHOU Ning Xin , ZHANG Wen Zhi , WANG Mao Qiang
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE:  Regional portal hypertension (RPH) results from splenic vein thrombosis/occlusion, with emergence of gastric varices and severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Its diagnosis and management are summarized below.

METHODS:  We reviewed our experience in 16 consecutive patients with RPH at Chinese PLA General Hospital between 2001 and 2004. The clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods and therapeutic modalities were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS:  Among the 16 patients with RPH, 12 had co‐existing pancreatic diseases and 4 were of obscure origin. The main clinical findings were splenomegaly in 16 (100%), epigastric pain (mainly left upper abdomen) in 10 (63%), gastrointestinal bleeding in 7 (44%) and abdominal mass in 3 (19%). All had normal liver function tests. The main diagnostic methods used were ultrasound (US), computerized tomography (CT) and endoscopy. Splenic vein thrombosis could be identified by color Doppler ultrasound (7/7), enhanced CT could show its enlarged and tortuous short gastric vein, gastroepiploic vein, and collateral vessels around the splenic hilum (16/16). Isolated gastric varices (4/5) were mainly shown by esophagogastroscopy. Splenectomy was effective in controlling the variceal bleeding, but portal vein thrombosis occurred in 1 case. Endoscopic sclerotherapy had been carried out repeatedly in 2 cases, but was less effective (1/2, 50%).

CONCLUSIONS:  Precise diagnosis of RPH can be achieved by clinical manifestations, US and CT. Therapeutic options should be individualized basing on the underlying diseases, however, splenectomy is more preferable for patients with bleeding varices, and endoscopic sclerotherapy can be tried.
In view of an optimal gut antifungal therapeutic strategy: an in vitro susceptibility and toxicity study testing a novel phyto‐compound
Authors: METUGRIACHUK Yussef , KUROI Olivia , PAVASUTHIPAISIT Kanok , TSUCHIYA Junji , MINELLI Emilio , OKURA Ruichi , FESCE Edoardo , MAROTTA F
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE:  In view of the raising concern for gut fungal infection, the aim of the present research was to carry out a systematic in vitro study testing the antifungal activity and possible toxicity of a polygodial‐anethole compound (Kolorex) in several strains of Candida albicans and in other fungal pathogens.

METHODS:  The in vitro susceptibility tests were carried out on 4 strains of C. albicans (C. krusei, C. lipolytica, C. tropicalis, C. utilis), Aspergillus flavus and A. fumigatus. Cultures were also analyzed by varying medium, pH and inoculum size, and a time‐course killing test was carried out.

RESULTS:  In the present study the polygodyal–anethole compound showed remarkable in vitro activity against the most common fungi, which was significantly better than polygodyal alone. Moreover, such mixture compound was shown to exert its activity against a wide spectrum of fungi, including C. lipolytica and C. tropicalis, which required significantly higher MIC of polygodyal to be unfeasible in clinical application. The activity of the polygodyal–anethole compound was significantly better than polygodyal alone with high inoculum size and low pH. Moreover, it proved to exert a significantly faster biological activity against low inoculum.

CONCLUSIONS:  This study suggests that the mixture compound Kolorex has a very good profile of antifungal activity in terms of effectiveness and spectrum of action while being devoid of any significant toxicity.
Analysis of clinical characteristics of dyspeptic symptoms in Shanghai patients
Authors: LI Xiao Bo , LIU Wen Zhong , GE Zhi Zheng , ZHANG Da Rong , ZHAO Yun Jia , DAI Jun , XUE Han Bin , XIAO Shu Dong
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE:  To improve the management of dyspepsia by analyzing the clinical characteristics of dyspeptic symptoms in patients from Shanghai.

METHODS:  782 patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) or organic dyspepsia (OD) completed a questionnaire about dyspepsia. The questionnaire asked participants to score 12 previously validated common upper abdominal symptoms. The clinical characteristics of dyspepsia including severe symptoms; and the relationship between symptoms and meals were then analyzed.

RESULTS:  Among the 782 dyspeptic patients, 543 cases (69.4%) were classed as FD and 239 (30.6%) OD. The proportion of males was significantly higher in the OD group. There was no difference in average dyspepsia scores between the 2 dyspeptic groups (21.5 vs 20.4, P > 0.05), but the scores of ‘stomach’ pain and ‘stomach’ pain before meals were higher in OD patients than in FD patients (2.65 ± 1.11 vs 2.16 ± 0.92, 2.26 ± 1.26 vs 1.79 ± 0.92, P < 0.05). In 45.2% of the OD patients and 47.7% of the FD patients, respectively, the severity of symptoms was not related to meals. In subgroups of ulcer‐like, dysmotility‐like and unspecified dyspepsia, the proportion of patients with symptoms not related to meals was 59.6%, 50.9% and 35.2%, respectively. 2.5% (6/239) of OD patients presented with progressive dysphagia, compared with 2.8% (15/543) of FD patients who presented with intermittent dysphagia. Approximately 8.8% (21/239) of OD patients reported dramatic weight loss accompanied with other severe symptoms, compared with 5.9% (32/543) of FD patients who had no other severe symptoms. A shift in symptom subtypes during the follow‐up period was found in 13.8% of FD patients. The infection rate of Helicobacter pylori was higher in the OD group than in the FD group (53.1%vs 42.2%, P < 0.01), but no difference was found among the three subgroups of FD patients (P > 0.05). Halitosis was more often found in dyspeptic patients with H. pylori infection (44.9%vs 17.0% in OD, 47.3%vs 25.4% in FD, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:  When dyspepsia patients present with ‘stomach’ pain or ‘stomach’ pain before meals, a diagnosis of OD should be considered. Intermittent dysphagia, weight loss not accompanied with other severe symptoms, and halitosis (more often seen in patients with H. pylori infection) might be regarded as the relatively unique symptoms of dyspepsia in some FD patients. In FD, we found that the severity of dyspepsia symptoms was not related to meals in half of the patients, and symptom subtypes might shift over time, this adds difficulty to the management of FD.
Synergistic effects of matrine and 5‐fluorouracil on tumor growth of the implanted gastric cancer in nude mice
Authors: HU Mei Jie , ZENG Hui , WU Yun Lin , ZHANG Yong Ping , ZHANG Shu , QIAO Min Min , FU Hua
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the inhibitive effects of matrine and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) on the growth of human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line SGC‐7901 when transplanted into nude mice and to investigate the bone marrow toxicity of these compounds.

METHODS:  50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg matrine with 50 mg/kg 5‐FU, and 50 mg/kg matrine only, 50 mg/kg 5‐FU only were intraperitoneally injected to observe their inhibitive effects by calculating the relative tumor volume (RTV) and tumor inhibition rates (IR%) as shown by the number of nucleated cells and bone marrow cell colony culture.

RESULTS:  The tumor inhibitive effect of the combined 100 mg/kg matrine and 50 mg/kg 5‐FU group was stronger than that of the combined 50 mg/kg matrine and 50 mg/kg 5‐FU groups (P < 0.05), and were also much stronger than that of the control group (50 mg/kg matrine only, 50 mg/kg 5‐FU only, P < 0.01). As for the bone marrow inhibition effect, there was no significant statistical difference between the combination group and 5‐FU alone group. In the cultured bone marrow cell colony, exuberant growth was seen in the combination group, but not in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS:  The inhibitive effect of combined matrine and 5‐FU on the growth of transplanted human gastric cancer in nude mice is superior to that of matrine or 5‐FU alone. Combined matrine and 5‐FU can increase the inhibitive effect on proliferative hemopoietic bone marrow cells in nude mice and does not affect the resting bone marrow stem cells.
Comparison of deterministic and stochastic approaches to global optimization
Authors: Liberti Leo , Kucherenko Sergei
Published: May 2005

In this paper, we compare two different approaches to nonconvex global optimization. The first one is a deterministic spatial Branch‐and‐Bound algorithm, whereas the second approach is a Quasi Monte Carlo (QMC) variant of a stochastic multi level single linkage (MLSL) algorithm. Both algorithms apply to problems in a very general form and are not dependent on problem structure. The test suite we chose is fairly extensive in scope, in that it includes constrained and unconstrained problems, continuous and mixed‐integer problems. The conclusion of the tests is that in general the QMC variant of the MLSL algorithm is generally faster, although in some instances the Branch‐and‐Bound algorithm outperforms it.
The economic production lot size model extended to include more than one production rate
Authors: Larsen Christian
Published: May 2005

We study an extension of the economic production lot size model, where more than one production rate can be used during a cycle. Moreover, the production rates, as well as their corresponding runtimes are decision variables. We decompose the problem into two subproblems. First, we show that all production rates should be chosen in the interval between the demand rate and the production rate which minimizes unit production costs, and should be used in an increasing order. Then, given the production rates, we derive closed‐form expressions for all optimal runtimes as well as the minimum average cost. This analysis reveals that it is the size of the setup cost that determines the need for being able to use several production rates. We also show how to derive a near‐optimal solution of the general problem.
Single machine due‐date scheduling of jobs with decreasing start‐time dependent processing times
Authors: Cheng T. C. E. , Kang L. Y. , Ng C. T.
Published: May 2005

We study the problem of scheduling jobs whose processing times are decreasing functions of their starting times. We consider the case of a single machine and a common decreasing rate for the processing times. The problem is to determine an optimal combination of the due date and schedule so as to minimize the sum of due date, earliness and tardiness penalties. We give an O(n log n) time algorithm to solve this problem.
Increase of Antigen‐presenting Cells in the Gastric Mucosa of Helicobacter pylori‐infected Children
Authors: Krauss‐Etschmann Susanne , Gruber Rudolf , Plikat Katinka , Antoni Isabel , Demmelmair Hans , Reinhardt Dietrich , Koletzko Sibylle
Published: May 2005

Background.  Infection with Helicobacter pylori leads to an increase of T cells in the gastric mucosa of children. In contrast to peripheral blood, where monocytes are the most abundant antigen‐presenting cells, CD14+ macrophages are very rare in infected gastric mucosa. We postulated that other types of antigen‐presenting cells must be present in infected gastric mucosa.

Material and methods.  Antral biopsies were obtained from 56 children. The cellular expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, CD1a/b, and CD23, which are involved in antigen presentation were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. In addition, T cells (CD4, CD8, CD25, and γ/δ‐TCR), B cells (anti‐IgM), macrophages (CD14) and granulocytes (CD15) were quantified.

Results.  Twenty‐eight children were H. pylori‐infected. Thirteen children were healthy, 15 had other gastric pathologies. T cells (p < .0001), B cells (p < .0001), CD23+ (p < .0001), and CD1a/b+ (p < .005) cells were significantly increased in the lamina propria of H. pylori‐infected children, whereas macrophages were rare without significant differences among the groups. Within the epithelium, CD8+ T lymphocytes predominated clearly over CD4+ cells. H. pylori‐negative children had only few MHC class II‐positive cells within the gastric epithelium, whereas MHC class II antigens were strongly expressed on epithelial cells (p < .0001) of all H. pylori‐infected children.

Conclusion.  Helicobacter pylori infection leads to an enhanced expression of antigen‐presenting molecules together with a parallel rise of T cells in the lamina propria. This may represent an effort of the immune system to optimize local immune responses against H. pylori. We speculate that the epithelium participates in the initiation of a local immune response against H. pylori.
Evidence for Instability of the Autonomic Nervous System in Patients With Migraine Headache
Authors: Appel Shlomo , Kuritzky Arieh , Zahavi Izhar , Zigelman Michal , Akselrod Solange
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Autonomic impairment in migraine is wall documented. In order to evaluate the autonomic control in migraine, spectral analysis of heart rate fluctuations was performed on ten migraine patients, drug‐free and during the inter‐headache phase. They were compared to nine healthy controls and eight tension headache patients. A 24h Holter recording of ECG was performed for each subject. Every half hour, a short ECG sub‐trace was digitized and submitted to R wave detection, followed by computation of heart rate power spectrum.

The spectral analysis of heart rate fluctuations disclosed significant differences between control subjects and patients with migraine. The migraine patients displayed markedly enhanced low frequency fluctuations (below 0.1 sec‐1), during day hours (p<0.01) and especially at night (p<0.0006). In the respiratory frequency band (between 0.2 and 0.4 sec‐1) no significant change was observed. Tension headache patients however, resembled the controls in that they did not display enhanced low frequency fluctuations.

The enhancement at low frequencies fluctuations only, a frequency range known to be related to vasomotor control, suggests that the migraine patients are characterized by a clear sympathetic instability. This finding supports the hypothesis that migraine is of neural origin and is consistent with the observation of large variations in regional cerebral flow. Spectral analysis of heart rate fluctuations allows us to specify and quantitate this autonomic imbalance and may provide a useful tool for the evaluation of drug therapy in migraine.
Abortive Headache Therapy With Intramuscular Dihydroergotamine
Authors: Saadah Hanna A.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

During a six month period, intramuscular dihydroergotamine mesylate (1 mg.) was given to 43 patients (75 headache episodes) who presented to the office after oral medications failed to abort their headaches. Headaches were successfully aborted in 71%, with most responses occurring between 30‐minutes and 4‐hours after injection. Side effects were common (61%) but not serious; sedation developed in 25%, nausea in 24%, transient worsening of headaches in 15%, body aches in 11%, diarrhea in 5%, and in 13%, headaches that were successfully aborted relapsed within 24 hours. Intramuscular dihydroergotamine, although under‐used, is cost effective, practical, and well suited for busy medical offices. Its appropriate use can reduce the need for narcotic analgesics and emergency room visits.
Migraine With Aura: A Vicious Cycle Perpetuated by Potassium‐lnduced Vasoconstriction
Authors: Young David B. , Van Vliet Bruce N.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Two hypotheses have dominated attempts to understand the etiology of migraine with aura or classic migraine; the vascular spasm model proposed by Wolff and colleagues, and the spreading cortical depression hypothesis. Neither can provide a fully satisfactory explanation for the syndrome, however. We propose that classic migraine is both spreading cortical depression and localized ischemia linked in a vicious cycle by potassium induced vasoconstriction. The cycle can be initiated by any event which raises the local cortical ECF potassium concentration to approximately 20 mM. Such an event could be a localized burst of activity of a group of cells, localized metabolic impairment, or a transient reduction in blood flow to a region of the cortex. Once this level of potassium concentration is reached, it may result in localized depolarization of neurons, releasing more potassium into the ECF. Glial siphoning can distribute the potassium preferentially toward the blood vessels in the area, leading to an elevation in potassium concentration in the ECF surrounding the vascular smooth muscle of the arterioles. Above approximately 15 mM, vascular smooth muscle increases its tension in response to elevations in potassium. Therefore, as cortical ECF potassium concentration rises above 15 to 20 mM, localized vasoconstriction occurs, thereby reducing both the supply of oxygen for aerobic metabolism and the removal of potassium in the blood. Under these conditions, the effectiveness of the mechanisms which control potassium concentration is impaired and unable to prevent additional elevations in potassium. As the concentration continues to rise, vasoconstriction becomes more intense, perpetuating the cycle that results in localized depression of cortical neuronal activity and ischemia. The condition is propagated to adjacent regions of the cortex by diffusion and glial‐mediated spread of potassium. In many respects, the hypothesis unites the vascular spasm and spreading depression models. If verified, it may provide insight into the causes of classic migraine as well as give direction toward development of effective therapies.
Ice Cream Headache ‐ Site, Duration, and Relationship to Migraine
Authors: Bird Nigel , MacGregor Anne , Wilkinson Marcia I. R
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Objective ‐ To examine the characteristics of cold‐induced headaches in a group of migraine patients, to compare these with their usual migraine headache and with cold‐induced headache in s control population.

Design ‐ Subjects completed a structured questionnaire recording previous headache history along with the characteristics of any headache produced during supervised palatal and pharyngeal application of ice cream.

Subjects ‐ 70 consecutive patients attending the City of London Migraine Clinic, and 50 pre‐clinical medical and dental student volunteers from Queen Mary and Westfield College.

Results ‐ 27% of the migraine patients and 40% of the students reported previous ice cream headaches. 17% of the migraine patients and 46% of the students developed headache following palatal application or a swallow of ice cream.

Typically the headache was of early onset (x = 12.5s) and short duration (x = 21s), with a tendency for anterior headache on the same side as a palatal stimulus, and bilateral headache following an ice cream swallow. However, a significant minority experienced a previously unreported headache of late onset (x = 102s) and long duration (x = 236s) which tended to occur particularly after swallowing ice cream and to be less wall localised to the side of the cold stimulus.

Ice cream appeared not to be a common trigger for migraine, and there was no significant correlation between site of ice cream headache and usual site of migraine.

Conclusions ‐ These findings confirm that cold stimulation of the palate or pharynx commonly produces a headache. In contrast to previous studies, our results suggest that the 'ice cream headache' is less common in migraine patients than the general population. A similar pattern of headache was produced in both migraine patients and controls, and apart from the few for whom an ice cream headache may trigger a migraine, the ice cream headache seems not to have any special significance for migraine patients.
Hemicrania Continua: A Case Responsive to Piroxicam‐Beta‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Trucco M. , Antonaci F. , Sandrini G.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

The case of a 53‐year‐old woman is described, who since the age of 38 years had been suffering from a unilateral headache that was at first remitting, but then evolved into an unremitting course. The headache was burning in quality, located in the left forehead and face, and was accompanied by mild ipsilateral autonomic symptoms. The clinical picture, as well as the absolute response to indomethacin, suggested a diagnosis of hemicrania continua. The presence of mild gastric discomfort on continuous indomethacin administration made us transfer the patient to another NSAID (piroxicam‐beta‐cycIodextrin). With this drug, complete relief and good tolerability was obtained.
Exteroceptive Suppression of Temporalis Muscle Activity in Various Types of Headache
Authors: Paulus Walter , Raubüchl Otto , Andreas Straube  , Schoenen Jean
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Exteroceptive suppression (ES) of temporalis muscle activity, particularly the multisynaptic ES2, has been reported to be significantly reduced in tension type headache, but not in migraine. We re‐evaluated the methods of optimally analysing the single shock technique and its intra‐ and inter‐individual variability in 26 normal subjects. These data were compared with the results in patients with migraine, post‐lumbar puncture headache, headache due to meningitis, tension‐type headaches in HIV infection and patients with symptomatic headache of various etiologies. ES2 was absent in about 50% of tension‐type headache patients, but only in one normal subject. With the methods used here and when patients with absent ES2 were excluded, mean duration of ES2 was not significantly different between the various groups. It seems therefore necessary, in spite of increased discomfort for patients, to use complementary methods, such as averaging 16‐32 responses and applying various stimulation sets, if one wants to increase the potency of temporalis ES2 as a diagnostic and pathophysiologic tool in headache.
Headaches in Patients With Traumatic Lesions of the Cervical Spinal Cord
Authors: Spierings Egilius L.H. , Foo Dominic K. , Young Robert R.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

We established the occurrence of headache in a group of 20 patients with traumatic transections of the cervical spinal cord. All but two patients had complete sensory lesions at levels varying from C2‐3 to C7‐8. Only three patients claimed to have no headaches at all although one of them had nuchal pains with fever. Twelve patients had “bladder” or “bowel headaches” or had had them in the past. These headaches were mostly generalized, throbbing or pounding in nature and severe in intensity. They were caused by obstruction of urinary flow and fecal impaction, respectively, and were associated with autonomic dysreflexia. Otherwise the headaches reported by the patients were mild although frequent in four, i.e. once per week or more. These headaches were also mostly bilateral and lasted a relatively short time, i.e. less than one or two hours. The causes of these headaches were nonspecific for the group studied except for stimulation of the body which, however, probably depended on a mechanism similar to that of the bladder and bowel headaches. Migraine, either classic or common, was not reported by any of the patients.
The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Migraine
Authors: Lockett Donna‐Marie C. , Campbell J.F.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

A six‐week cardiovascular exercise program was provided to 11 subjects classified as experiencing classical migraines, while 9 similarly‐classified subjects served as waiting‐list controls. Measures included the Canadian Aerobic Fitness test, a headache diary to record the Frequency, Intensity, and Duration of migraine episodes and the Pain‐Severity, Affective‐Distress, and Support scales of the West Haven‐Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI). Measures were taken on both treatment and control subjects before, mid‐way through, and upon termination of the first aerobic program, as well as after a two week follow‐up. The aerobic classes were effective in significantly improving cardiovascular fitness. Pain Severity decreased significantly for those receiving aerobic training, who also showed (nonsignificant) trends, over the measurement periods, toward reductions in Affective Distress as well as the Frequency, Intensity and Duration of migraines, but these trends failed to reach statistical significance. Control subjects demonstrated no systematic changes in any of the dependent measures. These results suggest possible long‐term benefits of aerobic fitness in the management of classical migraines.
Handling of 5‐Hydroxytryptamine by Platelets in Migraine
Authors: MacGregor E.A. , Bird N. , Ridler C. , Wilkinson M.I.P
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

There is little dispute that a link exists between 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5HT) and migraine exists but the exact mechanism of an attack has yet to be established.

The handling of 5HT by the platelet is regarded as a simple model of the handling of 5HT by nerve terminals. If differences are seen in how the platelets from migraineurs handle 5HT compared to those from a control population, it is possible that a similar difference exists in the nerve terminal.

The Haemostatometer allows the rapid and simultaneous in vitro assessment of platelet function (shear‐induced haemostasis), coagulation and thrombolysis from non anticoagulated blood samples. In this study, a baseline comparison of haemostasis was made on 20 migraineurs between attacks and 20 controls. No differences were found in the results from each of the two groups. 5μM of 5HT was then added to blood taken from 10 migraineurs and 10 controls and the recordings were repeated. Again, no differences were found between the results from the two groups. In blood taken from both migraineurs and controls, the effect of 5HT was to significantly enhance clotting time and clot lysis. No effect was seen on primary aggregation. The possible reasons for and significance of these findings is discussed.
Organic Headaches Mimicking Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania
Authors: Medina Jose L.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

The article describes two women who had headaches that mimicked chronic paroxysmal hemicrania (CPH). The first patient had a collagen vascular disorder; and the second one, a large malignant tumor in the right frontal lobe. The similarity of the headaches of the first patient to CPH included an absolute response to indomethacin.

The existence of these cases may lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of CPH. At the same time, their existence also calls for caution in the diagnosis of CPH.
Chronic Paroxysmal Headache: Two Cases With Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Newman Lawrence C. , Herskovitz Steven , Lipton Richard B. , Solomon Seymour
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Paroxysmal headaches often occur in benign headache disorders such as episodic cluster headache, chronic paroxysmal hemicrania (CPH) and episodic paroxysmal hemicrania. We report 2 patients with paroxysmal headaches occurring in association with cerebrovascular disease. The first patient had paroxysmal headaches from an arteriovenous malformation which resolved following embolization. In the second patient, headache followed a cerebral infarction and responded to treatment with indomethacin. We suggest that vascular disease may cause paroxysmal headaches resembling CPH. Patients with an atypical presentation of CPH warrant a neuroimaging procedure.
Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania Coexisting with Migraine. Differential Response to Pharmacological Treatment.
Authors: Pareja Juan , Pareja Julia
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

A 30 year old woman, suffering from migraine for 14 years, started having chronic paroxysmal hemicrania (CPH) attacks at the age of 29. Both types of headache coexisted for a year without any apparent influence of one type on the other. Treatment with indomethacin had a dramatic effect on the CPH attacks but did not modify the course of the migraine. The independent clinical courses and the differential response to indomethacin are consistent with the knowledge that both types of headache are different and that there is no relationship between them. Owing to the high prevalence of migraine it is likely that some CPH sufferers may have a familial or personal history of migraine; therefore the conjunction of CPH and migraine occurs by chance.
Frequency of Migraine Among an Unselected Group of Employees and Variation of Prevalence According to Different Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: Koehler Thomas , Buck‐Emden Eckart , Dulz Kay
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

A survey was carried out among 940 employees in a mail administration building in Hamburg, Germany to determine the prevalence rates of headache and of migraine, based on several definitions. Headache symptoms were assessed by means of questionnaires, which were returned by 92% of the addressed persons and properly evaluable in 87.8%. When 3 out of the following 4 criteria a) occurrence of headaches in attacks b) unilaterality of pain c) preceding visual disturbances d) pulsating character were required to diagnose migraine, prevalence rate was low (5.3%). It rose dramatically when only 2 of these requirements had to be met (18.0%); based on the definition that 2 of a), b) or c) had to be fulfilled, the prevalence rates were 13.1% for females, 5.6% for males. There was no difference in frequency of migraine between the two large income classes of mail employees. In accordance with other studies we found that only 57.5% of migraine patients had ever consulted a doctor for their headache; only 13.7% had done so within the last half year.
Treatment of Acute Migraine Attack With Diclofenac Sodium: A Double‐Blind Study
Authors: Karachalios George N. , Fotiadou Adroniki , Chrisikos Nickolaos , Karabetsos Alexandros , Kehagioglou Kyriakos
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

The efficacy of diclofenac sodium, a potent prostaglandin inhibitor, in patients with acute migraine attacks in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled study involving 86 migraine patients.

Forty‐six patients with acute migraine attacks were treated with intramuscular injection of 75 mg diclofenac sodium, and another group of forty patients with intramuscular injection of paracetamol.

Partial or complete relief of pain and other symptoms of acute migraine attack was achieved within 10 minutes after treatment in the diclofenac sodium group and within 32 minutes in the paracetamol group.

Complete relief of attack was achieved within 30 minutes after diclofenac sodium in 40 patients (88%) compared to 7 patients (17.5%) of the paracetamol group (P<0,001). Five of the patients treated with diclofenac sodium needed a second injection for complete relief of pain during the 2‐to‐4 hour follow‐up period. Side effects were rare and minimal.

In conclusion, diclofenac sodium administered intramuscularly is a very effective drug in treating acute migraine attacks.
Pupillary Reactivity in Children With Recurrent Abdominal Pain
Authors: Battistella P.A. , Carrà S. , Zaninotto M. , Ruffilli R. , Dalt L. Da
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Electronic pupillometry before and after phenylephrine instillation in the right eye was carried out in 18 children aged 10 to 16 years suffering from recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and 15 age‐matched controls. Before stimulation the pupillary diameter was almost equal in the two groups.

After phenylephrine eye drops iris dilatation was greeter in RAP patients than in controls, even though the difference was not statistically significant.

These results seem to suggest children with RAP have a chronically disturbed receptor sensitivity in their iris neuromuscular junction caused by a sympathetic hypofunction, similar to that already reported in migrainous patients.
Episodic Cluster Headache I: Personality and Some Neuropsychological Characteristics in Male Patients1
Authors: Levi Richard , Edman Gunnar V. , Ekbom Karl , Waldenlind Elisabet
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

The etiology and pathogenesis of cluster headache remain largely unknown. Some previous studies have focused on personality characteristics in cluster headache. However, no consistent personality profile has been found. The present study applied two personality inventories, the Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP) and the Heart and Lifestyle Type A Measure (HALTAM), that have not previously been used in the context of cluster headache. A correlation has been suggested between left‐handedness and early learning difficulties, and cluster headache.12 Thus, these variables were included and measured by inventory techniques.

Forty‐nine out of 51 consecutive male patients with episodic cluster headache participated in the present study. As compared to controls, the cluster headache patients were significantly more anxiety‐prone (higher scores in the KSP Somatic anxiety and Muscular tension subscales), less successfully socialized (low scores in the KSP Socialization scale), and had a more hostile attitude towards others (higher scores in the HALTAM Hostility scale). No relationships between left‐handedness or early learning difficulties, and cluster headache disease were found. The implications of the personality differences for the etiology of cluster headache disease are discussed.
Cluster Headache: Oxygen Saturation and End‐Tidal CO2 During and Without Attack
Authors: Shao J‐M , Sand T , Sjaastad O
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Twenty‐eight cluster headache patients were examined either in emission (n=10), in the interparoxysmal period (“cluster phase”) (n=12), or during spontaneously occurring (n=7), or nitroglycerin provoked (n=7) attacks. Fourteen healthy controls participated in the study. Oxygen saturation (SaO2), end‐tidal CO2 (PCO2), and respiratory rate (R.R.) were recorded for the controls and the patients during the different phases of cluster headache. Both PCO2 and SaO2 tended to be lower during the interparoxysmal period of the cluster phase when compared to the control group or to the remission. During both nitroglycerin‐provoked and spontaneous attacks, PCO2 and SaO2 tended to respectively decease and increase, both when compared with the “cluster phase” and with the period immediately prior to attack (“pre‐attack”). Hence the “pre‐attack” state may, on an average, be characterized by a slight hypoxia and a slight hyperventilation. Marked, clinically observable hyperventilation was present only in the occasional cluster headache patient.

There was no SaO2 decrease from the “cluster phase” (inter‐paroxysmal period) to the period immediately preceding the attack (“pre‐attack”), and SaO2“dips” preceding an attack were only observed in one cluster headache patient. As demonstrated previouslyby our group, a considerable lowering of SaO2 (i.e. partly to £83%) does only exceptionally lead to attack (Zhao et al, 1990). This observation combined with the evidence presented herein may seemto indicate that the slight pre‐attack oxygen desaturation probably is too small to be a symptom‐producing factor in cluster headache ‐ be it in the spontaneously occurring or in the induced attack. Slight O2 desaturation and hyperventilation may, however, be subtle reflections of an underlying dysfunction in autonomic control systems.
Serum and Salivary Magnesium Levels in Migraine. Results in a Group of Juvenile Patients
Authors: Gallai Virgilio , Sarchielli Paola , Coata Giuliana , Firenze Caterina , Morucci Piero , Abbritti Giuseppe
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

In the last few years a fundamental role for magnesium in establishing the threshold for migraine attacks and involvement in the pathophysiologic mechanisms related to its onset has become evident. We measured serum and salivary magnesium levels in juvenile migraine patients (with and without aura) and in a group of healthy young individuals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Migraineurs were studied in migraine‐free (interictal) periods and during attacks. In comparison with normal subjects, migraine patients had lower levels of serum and salivary magnesium interictally. Serum magnesium levels tended to be further reduced during attacks. With respect to the values of interictal periods we observed a reduction, not statistically significant, of salivary magnesium levels for both migraine groups. Serum, and to a lesser extent salivary magnesium level reduction, could be an expression, at the peripheral level, of reduced cerebral magnesium levels which would contribute, at least in part, to defining the threshold for migraine attacks.
Transcranial Doppler: Technique and Application to Headache
Authors: Young William B. , Silberstein Stephen D.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

This article reviews the technique and physics relevant to a functional understanding of transcranial doppler. The frequently contradictory findings in migraine are reviewed. Several studies suggest increased flow velocities are common in the interictal period. There are disparate findings between studies of the ictal period. In cluster headache, there appear to be more easily reproduced changes between and during cluster attacks.
Abortive Headache Therapy in the Office With Intravenous Dihydroergotamine Plus Prochlorperazine
Authors: Saadah Hanna A.
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Over two years, 92 patients were treated in the office for 146 severe headache episodes. Headaches were aborted using four different intravenous regimens containing 0.5 or 1 mg. of dihydroergotamine and 3.5, 5, or 10 mg. of prochlorperazine. The speed and rate of response were directly proportional to the prochlorperazine dose used. High prochlorperazine doses (10 mg.) aborted the most headaches (95%) in the shortest time, but caused more sedation and akathesia. Low doses (3.5 mg.) aborted less headaches (89%) and responses were delayed; but, on the other hand, sedation was minimal and akathesia mild and uncommon. Dihydroergotamine given alone caused intolerable side effects; but, when it was given with prochlorperazine, efficacy was enhanced and side effects were greatly reduced. Aborting headaches in the office can be reliably achieved with minimal side effects by administering an intravenous mixture containing 1 mg. of dihydroergotamine and 3.5 mg. of prochlorperazine.
Motor Vehicle Accidents, Headaches and Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder: Assessment Findings in a Consecutive Series
Authors: Hickling Edward J. , Blanchard Edward B. , Silverman Daniel J. , Schwarz Shirley R
Published: May 2005

SYNOPSIS

Results of 20 consecutive cases referred for post‐traumatic headache (PT‐HA) to a psychological practice were assessed for both psychiatric and neurological diagnoses. Nineteen of the 20 cases (95%) had a diagnosable psychiatric disorder, with 15 presenting with a post‐traumatic stress disorder. Prior headache history was reported for only 25% of the referred patients, while a prior psychiatric disorder was found for 7 (35%) of the cases. Findings suggest that consideration of a psychiatric disorder should be made for PT‐HA patients.