bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antinociceptive effects of NCX‐701 (nitro‐paracetamol) in neuropathic rats: enhancement of antinociception by co‐administration with gabapentin
Authors: Curros‐Criado M Mar , Herrero Juan F 
Published: July 2009

Background and purpose: Neuropathic pain is characterized by a poor response to classic analgesics. In the present study, we have assessed the antinociceptive activity of NCX‐701 (nitro‐paracetamol) in neuropathic rats, after systemic and intrathecal (i.t.) administration. In addition, we analysed the possible benefit of the combination of NCX‐701 and gabapentin, a well‐known potent analgesic, in the treatment of neuropathic painExperimental approach: The antinociceptive effects of i.v. and i.t. NCX‐701 and paracetamol were studied in spinal cord neuronal responses from neuropathic adult male Wistar rats, using the recording of single motor units technique. The effect of i.v. and i.t. NCX‐701 in combination with i.v. gabapentin was studied by isobolographic analysis.Key results: The experiments showed that NCX‐701, but not paracetamol, dose‐dependently reduced the nociceptive responses evoked by noxious mechanical and electrical stimulation, after i.v. (ID50542 ± 5 µmol·kg−1for noxious mechanical stimulation) or i.t. (ID50932 ± 16 nmol·kg−1) administration. The combined administration of i.v. or i.t. NCX‐701 and i.v. gabapentin induced a more intense antinociceptive effect than any of the two drugs given alone. The isobolographic analysis showed a synergistic effect.Conclusions and implications: NCX‐701 is an effective antinociceptive compound in situations of neuropathy‐induced sensitization, with an action mainly located in the spinal cord. The combination of NCX‐701 and gabapentin induces a synergistic enhancement of the depression of nociceptive responses evoked by natural noxious stimulation. The use of NCX‐701 alone or in combination with gabapentin might open up new and promising perspectives in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Characteristic changes in coronary artery at the early hyperglycaemic stage in a rat type 2 diabetes model and the effects of pravastatin
Authors: Kajikuri J , Watanabe Y , Ito Y , Ito R , Yamamoto T , Itoh T 
Published: July 2009

Background and purpose: Diabetes is a risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease but it is not known whether the functions of endothelium‐derived nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) in coronary arteries are altered in the early stage of diabetes. Such alterations and the effects of pravastatin were examined in left anterior descending coronary arteries (LAD) from Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats (type 2 diabetes model) at the early hyperglycaemic stage [vs. non‐diabetic Long‐Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats].Experimental approach: Isometric tension, membrane potential and superoxide production were measured, as were protein expression of NAD(P)H oxidase components and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS).Key results: Superoxide production and the protein expressions of both the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) [NAD(P)H] oxidase components and eNOS were increased in OLETF rats. These changes were normalized by pravastatin administration. Not only acetylcholine (ACh)‐induced endothelial NO production but also functions of endothelium‐derived NO [from (i) the absolute tension induced by epithio‐thromboxane A2(STA2) or high K+; (ii) enhancement of the STA2‐contraction by a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor; and (iii) the ACh‐induced endothelium‐dependent relaxation of high K+‐induced contraction] or EDHF [from (iv) ACh‐induced endothelium‐dependent smooth muscle cell hyperpolarization and relaxation in the presence of a NOS inhibitor] were similar between LETO and OLETF rats [whether or not the latter were pravastatin‐treated or ‐untreated].Conclusions and implications: Under conditions of increased vascular superoxide production, endothelial function is retained in LAD in OLETF rats at the early hyperglycaemic stage, partly due to enhanced endothelial NOS protein expression. Inhibition of superoxide production may contribute to the beneficial vascular effects of pravastatin.
Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Asymptomatic Children: A Prospective Population‐Based Study from the Czech Republic. Application of a Monoclonal‐Based Antigen‐in‐Stool Enzyme Immunoassay
Authors: Sýkora Josef , Siala Konrad , Varvařovská Jana , Pazdiora Petr , Pomahačová Renáta , Huml Michal 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground:  Acquisition of Helicobacter pylori occurs mainly in childhood and is significantly influenced by geographical variations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in a population‐based sample of asymptomatic children in the Czech Republic. Furthermore, this study aims to identify potential risk factors associated with this infection.Materials and Methods:  A prospective, cross‐sectional, population‐based study was undertaken in 1545 asymptomatic Czech children (aged 0–15 years; male 49.3%). Active H. pylori infection was diagnosed by monoclonal antibody‐based antigen‐in‐stool enzyme immunoassay. Socio‐demographic details of each subject were analyzed using a self‐administered standardized questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was performed.Results:  Overall, 7.1% of asymptomatic children were diagnosed with H. pylori infection. Of the infected children, 5.8% lived in the general population. A positive association was found with increasing age, although not with gender. Independent risk factors associated with H. pylori infection in our pediatric population were: the number of children in a household (odds ratio [OR] 4.26; confidence interval [CI] 1.91–9.80); lack of formal education of fathers (OR 0.23; CI 0.18–0.64) and institutionalized children (OR 6.33; CI 2.25–26.50).Conclusions:  This study of a large cohort of children demonstrated that, independent of gender, H. pylori infection in the Czech Republic is among the lowest reported in Europe. Socioeconomically disadvantaged children, unfortunately, are still at risk of harboring this potentially preventable infection in this low‐prevalence region.
Helicobacter pylori Seroprevalence in Symptomatic Veterans: A Study of 7310 Patients Over 11 Years
Authors: Carmack Susanne W. , Genta Robert M. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection has been decreasing in the USA, but recent data are lacking. This study evaluates the seroprevalence for anti‐H. pylori antibodies in symptomatic veterans tested over the past 11 years.Materials and Methods:  The same serum anti‐H. pylori IgG detection system has been used at a tertiary care Veterans Affairs hospital since late 1996. Results of all tests performed from 1997 to 2007 were analyzed.Results:  Of 7310 unique patients tested, 3982 (54.5%) were positive. Seropositivity declined from 70.8% in 1997 to 48.6% in 2002, then reached a plateau around 50%. A strong birth cohort effect was present, from a seropositivity of 72.7% for the veterans born before 1920 to 22% for those born between after 1980.Conclusions:  Despite a constant birth cohort effect, H. pylori seropositivity among symptomatic veterans leveled down at ~50% after declining steadily from 1997 to 2002.
Merkel cell carcinoma demographics, morphology, and survival based on 3870 cases: a population based study
Authors: Albores‐Saavedra Jorge , Batich Kristen , Chable‐Montero Freddy , Sagy Noa , Schwartz Arnold M. , Henson Donald Earl 
Published: July 2009

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine tumor arising predominantly on sun‐exposed skin of older and usually immunosuppressed individuals.Methods: Using data from NCI's SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) Program from 1973 to 2006, we analyzed the demographics and survival of MCC.Results: SEER had recorded 3870 cases of MCC. The incidence was higher in men (2380 cases, 61.5%) than in women (1490 cases, 38.5%). Most patients were White (94.9%) between 60 and 85 years of age. MCC was rare in Blacks. The most common location was the head and neck. The salivary glands, nasal cavity, lip, lymph nodes, vulva, vagina and esophagus were the most common extracutaneous sites. The 10‐year relative survival rate was higher in women than men (64.8% vs. 50.5%, p < 0.001). Patients 50–69 years had the highest 10‐year relative survival rate (59.6%). Stage of disease was the best predictor of survival.Conclusions: MCC arises predominantly in the skin of head and neck in White men above 70 years of age. Cases also occurred in extracutaneous sites. Age did not predict survival, yet gender, site and tumor size revealed clear differences. The most significant predictor of survival was tumor stage.
Zileuton prevents the activation of the leukotriene pathway and reduces sebaceous lipogenesis
Authors: Zouboulis Christos C. , Seltmann Holger , Alestas Theodosios 
Published: July 2009

Please cite this paper as:Zileuton prevents the activation of the leukotriene pathway and reduces sebaceous lipogenesis. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 148–150.Abstract: Arachidonic acid (AA) activates the 5‐lipoxygenase, induces leukotriene‐B4(LTB4) synthesis, enhances interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) release and increases intracellular neutral lipids in human sebocytes. Moreover, the enzymes of LTB4biosynthesis are activated in acne‐involved sebaceous glands. Zileuton a 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitor, reduces the number of inflammatory acne lesions and lipogenesis in patients with acne. In this study, we investigated the activity of zileuton on LTB4generation, lipid content and IL‐6 and ‐8 release from human SZ95 sebocytesin vitro. Pretreatment with zileuton partially prevented the AA‐induced LTB4and IL‐6 release and increased neutral lipid content. IL‐6 release and neutral lipid content were also reduced under long‐term zileuton treatment. In conclusion, zileuton prevents the activation of the leukotriene pathway and enhancement of lipogenesis by AA in human sebocytesin vitro.
Diagnosis and Therapy of Localized Scleroderma
Authors: Kreuter Alexander , Krieg Thomas , Worm Margitta , Wenzel Jörg , Gambichler Thilo , Kuhn Annegret , Aberer Elisabeth , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin , Hunzelmann Nicolas 
Published: July 2009

AbstractLocalized scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease with primary affection of the skin, and occasional involvement of the fat tissue, muscle, fascia, and bone. Depending on the clinical subtype, the spectrum of skin lesions ranges from singular plaque lesions to severe generalized or linear subtypes which may lead to movement restrictions and permanent disability. This German S1‐guideline proposes a classification of localized scleroderma that, considering the extent and depth of fibrosis, distinguishes limited, generalized, linear, and deep forms of localized scleroderma, together with its associated subtypes. The guideline includes a description of the pathogenesis, of differential diagnoses, and particular aspects of juvenile localized scleroderma, as well as recommendations for histopathologic, serologic, and biometric diagnostic procedures. Based on studies of topical and systemic treatments as well as phototherapy for localized scleroderma published in international literature, a treatment algorithm was developed which takes account of the different subtypes and the extent of disease.
B‐cell depletion with rituximab for refractory head and neck Wegener’s granulomatosis: a cohort study
Authors: Martinez Del Pero M. , Chaudhry A. , Jones R.B. , Sivasothy P. , Jani P. , Jayne D. 
Published: July 2009

Objectives:  This study aimed to evaluate the response of refractory Wegener’s granulomatosis affecting the ear, nose and throat and granulomatous eye disease to B‐cell depletion with rituximab.Design:  A retrospective case note review.Setting:  Tertiary Centre.Participants:  All patients who received rituximab for refractory Wegener’s granulomatosis affecting the head and neck were included.Main outcome measures:  Demographic and follow‐up data at five time points were recorded. Response was measured using change in the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score and prednisolone dose. Secondary outcomes included changes in additional immunomodulators and anti‐neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies serology. Adverse events were recorded for the duration of follow‐up.Results:  Thirty‐four patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 47, the male to female ratio was 3 : 2 and the overall median follow‐up was 25.5 months. At six months, nine (26%) patients had a partial response, twenty‐one (62%) were in remission and four (12%) did not respond. All four non‐responders went into remission after a second course of rituximab. Total Birmingham Vasculitis Assessment score decreased after rituximab at all time points (P < 0.001). Four of five patients with retro‐orbital involvement responded well to treatment. Two patients were considered secondary failures requiring alternative therapy after an initial response. Adverse events included four major chest infections, two cancers and six infusion reactions.Conclusions:  Our cohort derived considerable benefit from rituximab permitting a reduction in immunosuppressive exposure and prednisolone dose with few major adverse effects. There was an 80% (4/5) response in patients with retro‐orbital granulomas. The effect of rituximab was most noticeable in the first 6 months (88% response).
Beyond a Joke: Types of Conversational Humour
Authors: Dynel Marta 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe main objective of this article is to list and briefly characterise several semantic and pragmatic types ofverbal humour, primarily those which cannot be reduced to (canned) jokes. First of all, a distinction is drawn between jokes andconversational humour, an umbrella term covering a variety of semantic and pragmatic types of humour, which recur in interpersonal communication, whether real‐life (everyday conversations or TV programmes) or fictional (film and book dialogues). On a different axis representing formal structure, stylistic figures are distinguished, such as irony, puns and allusions.
Diagnostic value of a group of biochemical markers of liver fibrosis in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: LESMANA C. Rinaldi A. , HASAN Irsan , BUDIHUSODO Unggul , GANI Rino A. , KRISNUHONI Ening , AKBAR Nurul , LESMANA Laurentius A. 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to investigate the use of non‐invasive biochemical markers to evaluate the severity of liver fibrosis in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).METHODS: This was a cross‐sectional study of patients with histopathologically confirmed NASH between January 2005 and December 2006. The patients’ characteristics were recorded and the body mass index was calculated for each patient. All patients underwent ultrasound‐guided liver biopsy and a fibrosis assessment was performed using the Brunt criteria. The non‐invasive laboratory markers measured were insulin resistance, tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α), type IV collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA).RESULTS: Thirty patients were recruited, of whom 18 (60%) were men. Their mean age was 45 ± 13.9 (18–71) years. About 83% of patients had fibrosis stage 1–2. In bivariate analysis, age, TNF‐α and type IV collagen concentrations showed a weak but significant correlation with the fibrosis stage. When the patients were grouped into mild fibrosis (stages 1–2) and advanced fibrosis (stages 3–4), the mean concentrations of HA and type IV collagen were significantly higher in those with advanced fibrosis than those with mild fibrosis (180.8 ± 49.63 vs 543.6 ± 360.45 ng/mL; for HA; P = 0.026 and 125.3 ± 32.11 vs 288.0 ± 171.22 ng/mL for type IV collagen; P = 0.010).CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the degree of liver fibrosis was significantly correlated with age, TNF‐α and type IV collagen concentrations. The level of HA and type IV collagen could differentiate between mild (F1–2) and advanced fibrosis (F3–4).
Endoscopic drainage and endoscopic necrosectomy in the management of symptomatic pancreatic collections
Authors: ANG Tiing Leong , TEO Eng Kiong , FOCK Kwong Ming 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of endoscopic drainage and endoscopic necrosectomy in the management of symptomatic pancreatic fluid collection.METHODS: The clinical data of patients with symptomatic pancreatic fluid collection referred for endoscopic drainage were captured prospectively and analyzed. Pancreatic duct disruption was treated with stenting. Endosonography‐guided transmural drainage and endoscopic necrosectomy were performed when indicated.RESULTS: Fifteen consecutive patients (mean age 53.7 years; range 23–82 years) underwent endoscopic management of pancreatic fluid collections (pseudocysts: six; abscesses: six; infected walled‐off necrosis: three). Pancreatic duct fistulas were present in 13 patients. The drainage techniques used were: (i) transpapillary drainage; five; (ii) transmural drainage; two (these two patients had no pancreatic duct fistulas); and (iii) combined transpapillary and transmural drainage; eight. An additional transgastric endoscopic necrosectomy was performed in five patients. The endoscopic treatment was successful in all cases. The only complication was asymptomatic pneumo‐peritoneum that occurred in one patient. Combined transpapillary and transmural drainage led to the faster resolution of the fluid collection compared to transpapillary drainage (75.6 vs 147 days, P = 0.03). No recurrence occurred over a mean follow up of 486 days.CONCLUSION: Endoscopic drainage and endoscopic necrosectomy are safe and effective techniques for the treatment of symptomatic pancreatic fluid collection.
Spatial and Temporal Epidemiology of Sporadic Human Cryptosporidiosis in Scotland
Authors: Pollock K. G. J. , Ternent H. E. , Mellor D. J. , Chalmers R. M. , Smith H. V. , Ramsay C. N. , Innocent G. T. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe spatial and temporal epidemiology of human cryptosporidiosis was described by analysing sporadic cases reported in Scotland from 2005 to 2007. Measures of livestock density and human population density were explored as indicators of the geographical variation in prevalence. Cryptosporidium parvum was more common in areas with lower human population densities, with a higher ratio of the number of farms to human inhabitants and with a higher ratio of the number of private water supplies to human inhabitants. Cryptosporidium parvum caused disease in humans in rural areas and in areas with high ruminant livestock density, whereas Cryptosporidium hominis was more common in the more densely human populated areas of Scotland. The association of private water supplies and increased Cryptosporidium reports merits further public health efforts.
Screening for Nipah Virus Infection in West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia
Authors: Sendow I. , Field H. E. , Adjid A. , Ratnawati A. , Breed A. C. , Darminto  , Morrissy C. , Daniels P. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryCompared to other viruses, research on Nipah virus has been limited in Indonesia because attributable disease outbreaks have not been reported. However, Nipah virus is a zoonotic Biosafety Level 4 (BSL4) agent, so strategic monitoring is prudent. Farmer interviews and a serologic survey of 610 pig sera and 99 bat sera from West Kalimantan province were conducted. Farmers reported no recent or historic encephalitic or respiratory disease in themselves, their families, workers or pigs. The survey found no evidence of exposure to Nipah virus in pigs. In contrast, 19% of the 84 Pteropus vampyrus bat sera reacted in the ELISA, but none of 15 Cynopterus brachyotis bats reacted.
Census and Analysis of Persistent False-Negative Results in Serological Diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Group O Infections
Authors: Plantier J.-C. , Djemai M. , Lemée V. , Reggiani A. , Leoz M. , Burc L. , Vessière A. , Rousset D. , Poveda J.-D. , Henquell C. , Gautheret-Dejean A. , Barin F. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT
Human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) have a high level of genetic diversity. The outlier variants of HIV type 1 (HIV-1) group O are distantly related to HIV-1 group M. Their divergence has an impact on serological diagnosis, with a risk of false-negative results. In this study, we report 20 failure cases, involving patients with primary or chronic infection, in France and Cameroon between 2001 and 2008. Our results indicate that some assays detected group O infection much less efficiently than others. Two major reasons for these false-negative results were identified: the presence or absence of a group O-specific antigen (and the designed sequence) for the detection of antibodies and the greater envelope variability of group O than of group M strains. This study highlights the complexity of screening for these divergent variants and the need to evaluate test performance with a large panel of strains, due to the extensive diversity of group O variants.
Variable-Number Tandem Repeat Analysis and Multilocus Sequence Typing Data Confirm the Epidemiological Changes Observed with
Staphylococcus aureus
Strains Isolated from Bloodstream Infections
Authors: van der Mee-Marquet Nathalie , François Patrice , Domelier Anne-Sophie , Arnault Laurence , Girard Nicole , Schrenzel Jacques , Quentin Roland 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Since 2000, our geographical region in France systematically surveys bloodstream infections (BSI) due to
Staphylococcus aureus
. This survey involves 39 health care institutions (HCIs) encompassing 6,888 short-stay beds and was performed during two 3-month periods during 2007 and 2008. The study periods of this survey identified 292
S. aureus
isolates causing BSI. Extensive molecular characterization, including genotyping as well as toxin,
agr
, and staphylococcal cassette chromosome content determinations, allowed us to describe epidemiological evolution in comparison to that discussed in our previous study. Our main epidemiological observation shows that the incidence of BSI remained constant but that methicillin (meticillin)-resistant
S. aureus
strains with a wider variety of genetic backgrounds now harbor
pyl
, as has already been reported in different European countries. We noticed stable numbers of BSI episodes involving community-acquired methicillin-sensitive
S. aureus
(MSSA), whereas a drastic increase in the number of strains harboring the
tst
gene was recorded. The increase in the number of
tst
gene-harboring strains is related to known hospital-acquired MSSA isolates and appears related to epidemic episodes in specific HCIs. Monitoring the increase in prevalence of specific strains helps us understand where the standard precautions are not satisfactorily applied or do not efficiently prevent the spread of epidemic MSSA strains in these HCIs. The recent increases in incidence of these strains call for particular vigilance to avoid the spread of potentially virulent MSSA strains harboring the
tst
gene and for continuance of this strategy of BSI surveillance.
Performance of the RealStar Chikungunya Virus Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Kit
Authors: Panning Marcus , Hess Markus , Fischer Waldemar , Grywna Klaus , Pfeffer Martin , Drosten Christian 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT
A novel commercial Chikungunya virus real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) kit was evaluated on a comprehensive panel of original patient samples. The assay was 100% sensitive and specific in comparison to a published real-time RT-PCR. Viral loads from both assays were highly correlated. The kit proved to be suitable for routine use in patient care.