bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moxifloxacin‐Containing Triple Therapy as Second‐Line Treatment for Helicobacter pylori Infection: Effect of Treatment Duration and Antibiotic Resistance on the Eradication Rate
Authors: Yoon Hyuk , Kim Nayoung , Lee Byoung Hwan , Hwang Tae Jun , Lee Dong Ho , Park Young Soo , Nam Ryoung Hee , Jung Hyun Chae , Song In Sung 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a moxifloxacin‐containing triple therapy as second‐line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection. We also investigated the effect of treatment duration and antibiotic resistance on the eradication rate of this therapy.Methods:  We prospectively enrolled patients found to have persistent H. pylori infections after failure of first‐line proton‐pump inhibitor‐based triple therapy. Patients took moxifloxacin (400 mg q.d.), amoxicillin (1000 mg b.i.d.), and esomeprazole (20 mg b.i.d.). The eradication rate, drug compliance, and adverse event rates were evaluated. Minimal inhibitory tests were performed for moxifloxacin and amoxicillin by the agar dilution method.Results:  In 2004, 41 patients were treated for 7 days. The intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol eradication rates (ITT/PP) were 75.6/83.8%. Moxifloxacin resistance was 5.6%. Therapy was extended to 10 days during 2005–2006 and 139 patients were treated. The ITT/PP eradication rates were 71.9/82.6%; moxifloxacin resistance had increased to 12%. The final group of 181 patients in 2007–2008 who were treated for 14 days also had low eradication rates (68/79.9%), but there was no statistical significance in the efficacy among the treatment periods. Moxifloxacin resistance in 2007–2008 was 28.2%. Side‐effect increased with treatment duration (i.e., 9.8, 12.2, and 25.4% at 7, 10, and 14 days, respectively, p = .001).Conclusion:  The 7‐day moxifloxacin‐containing triple therapy produced an unacceptably low eradication rate. Increasing the duration of therapy was expected to increase the eradication rate, but the expected increased did not materialize, most likely because of coincident marked increase in the prevalence of resistance to moxifloxacin. Tailored treatment based on antibiotic susceptibility testing might be more effective in the achievement of high eradication rate when rapid antibiotic resistance such as moxifloxacin is occurring.
A Population‐Based Epidemiologic Study of Helicobacter Pylori Infection and its Association with Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Jackson Louisa , Britton John , Lewis Sarah A. , McKeever Tricia M. , Atherton John , Fullerton Donna , Fogarty Andrew W. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground:  Infection with Helicobacter pylori is associated with a variety of non‐gastrointestinal sequelae. These may be mediated by an increase in systemic inflammation. We assessed if serologic evidence of infection with H. pylori is associated with increased serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels.Methods:  The study design consisted of a randomly selected, cross‐sectional population‐based study of 2633 individuals phenotyped in 1991, of whom 2361 participants provided serum samples to permit measurement of H. pylori’s serologic status and CRP levels.Results:  Male gender (odds ratio (OR): 1.65; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23–2.21), age (OR per year: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.04–1.06), height (OR per meter: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.01–0.24), current smoking habit (compared with never smokers, OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.13–1.88), and less affluent socioeconomic status were associated with increased odds of being seropositive for H. pylori. Helicobacter pylori infection was associated with increased risk of having an elevated serum CRP (above 3 mg/L) after adjustment for gender, age, height, smoking status, and socioeconomic status (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.05–1.67). Similar associations were seen using a threshold for elevated serum CRP of greater than 1 mg/L.Conclusions:  Our data suggest that infection with H. pylori is associated with increased systemic inflammation. This suggests one potential mechanism to explain the extra‐gastrointestinal conditions associated with H. pylori infection.
Meta‐Analysis: Lactobacillus Containing Quadruple Therapy Versus Standard Triple First‐Line Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication
Authors: Zou Jian , Dong Jie , Yu Xiaofeng 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground:  Recent evidence showed that Lactobacilli could exert an inhibitory effect on Helicobacter pylori both in vitro and in vivo models. To systematically evaluate whether adding Lactobacilli to H. pylori eradication regimens could improve eradication rates and reduce side effects during anti‐H. pylori treatment.Materials and Methods:  Eligible articles were identified by searches of electronic databases. We included all randomized trials comparing Lactobacilli supplementation to placebo or no treatment during anti‐H. pylori regimens. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.0.10. Subanalysis analysis was also performed.Results:  We identified eight randomized trials (n = 1372). Pooled H. pylori eradication rates were 82.26% (95% CI = 78.01–86.51%) and 76.97% (95% CI = 73.11–80.83%) for patients with or without Lactobacilli by intention‐to‐treat analysis, respectively, the odds ratio (OR) was 1.78 (95% CI = 1.21–2.62). The occurrence of total side effects had no significant difference and were 30.84% (95% CI = 24.82–36.86%) and 42.24% (95% CI = 35.89%–48.59%) for two groups, the summary OR was 0.49 (95% CI = 0.24–1.02); However, Lactobacilli supplementation group had lower occurrence of diarrhoea, bloating and taste disturbance.Conclusions:  Our review suggests that supplementation with Lactobacilli could be effective in increasing eradication rates of anti‐H. pylori therapy for first‐treated patients. Furthermore, Lactobacilli showed a positive impact on some H. pylori therapy‐related side effects.
Excimer Laser Assisted Angioplasty in Hemodialysis Access Intervention
Authors: Yevzlin Alexander S. , Urbanes Aris 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA case is described in which an excimer laser is used to assist angioplasty of a severe central venous lesion that is refractory to conventional techniques. Modern laser technology uses the ultraviolet (UV) spectral region to generate nanosecond pulses of energy. This results in photoablation, which is the process by which energy photons cause molecular bond disruption, while minimizing thermal damage to the surrounding vascular tissues. Further investigation of excimer laser assisted angioplasty in the setting of hemodialysis access intervention is needed to rigorously define its potential role. In occlusive disease where no conventional alternative is available, however, laser therapy is a viable option.
Detecting Alcohol‐Related Problems in Developing Countries: A Comparison of 2 Screening Measures in India
Authors: Nayak Madhabika B. , Bond Jason C. , Cherpitel Cheryl , Patel Vikram , Greenfield Thomas K. 
Published: September 2009

Background:  There is inadequate recognition of alcohol misuse as a public health issue in India. Information on screening measures is critical for prevention and early intervention efforts. This study critically evaluated the full and shorter versions of the AUDIT and RAPS4‐QF as screening measures for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in a community sample of male drinkers in Goa, India.Methods:  Data from male drinking respondents in a population study on alcohol use patterns and sexual risk behaviors in randomly selected rural and urban areas of North Goa are reported. Overall, 39% (n = 743) of the 1899 screened men, age 18 to 49, reported consuming alcohol in the last 12 months. These current drinkers were administered the screening measures as part of detailed interviews on drinking patterns and AUD symptoms. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted for each combination of screening measure and criterion (alcohol dependence or any AUD). Reliability and correlations among the 4 measures were also examined.Results:  All 4 measures performed well with area under the curves of at least 0.79. The full screeners that included both drinking patterns and problem items (the AUDIT and the RAP4‐QF) performed better than their shorter versions (the AUDIT‐C and the RAPS4) in detecting AUDs. Performance of the AUDIT and RAPS4‐QF improved with lowered and raised thresholds, respectively, and alternate cut‐off scores are suggested. Scores on the full measures were significantly correlated (0.80). Reliability estimates for the AUDIT measures were higher than those for the RAPS4 measures.Conclusions:  All measures were efficient at detecting AUDs. When screening for alcohol‐related problems among males in the general population in India, cut‐off scores for screeners may need to be adjusted. Selecting an appropriate screening measure and cut‐off score necessitates careful consideration of the screening context and resources available to confirm alcohol‐related diagnoses.
Our Science is Better than Yours: Two Decades of Data on Patients Treated by a Kardecist‐Spiritist Healing Group in Rio Grande do Sul1
Authors: GREENFIELD SIDNEY M. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTThis article examines whether a group of Brazilian Kardecist‐Spiritists are using the symbols of medicine and science to gain respectability and to better promote their beliefs and ritual activities or whether they are using the view of the world proposed by their founder to forge a new paradigm to replace science, as we know it. Their therapeutic practices, which range from the performance of surgeries without anesthesia and antisepsis to “teleporting” the astral bodies of patients to the spirit world where they are treated for illnesses acquired during previous lifetimes are described and analyzed in terms of their worldview which postulates reincarnation. Data indicating positive results from a sample of patients treated for illnesses they claim to be caused by experiences in previous lives are presented.
Reversible change in embryonic diapause intensity by mild temperature in the Chinese rice grasshopper, Oxya chinensis
Authors: Zhu Dao‐Hong , Yang Yan‐Ping , Liu Zhiwei 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe effects of temperature on maintenance and termination of embryonic diapause were investigated in Jining (35.4°N, 116.6°E) and Sihong (33.5°N, 118.2°E) strains of the Chinese rice grasshopper, Oxya chinensis Thunberg (Orthoptera: Catantopidae). Eggs of both strains entered diapause when incubated at 30, 25, or 20 °C. Chilling at 8 °C had an evident effect on diapause termination and almost all eggs chilled for 60 days ended diapause development. Chilling of eggs at 8 °C for only 20 days failed to result in any hatching at 20 °C, suggesting that such level of chilling was not enough to induce diapause termination. However, the treatment combining incubation of eggs at 30 °C for varying lengths of time with subsequent incubation to 20 °C had a distinct effect on the completion of diapause of the eggs. The results indicate that there were two temperature optima, that is, low temperature (chilling) and high temperature, for diapause development in this grasshopper species. Incubation of chilled eggs at 20 °C for 5–15 days followed by further incubation at 25 °C reduced termination of diapause significantly compared with the eggs only chilled at 8 °C. Exposure of eggs chilled at 8 °C to a pulse of 25 °C from 1 to 7 days, separated by a 20‐day interval at 8 °C, resulted in a decrease in the percentage of successfully hatched eggs as the length of the pulse of 25 °C increased. The results suggest that diapause intensity may be restored at moderately high temperatures. This reversible change in diapause intensity would play an important role in maintaining diapause before winter.
Response of the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii, to host‐plant resistance: evidence for high adaptive potential despite low genetic variability
Authors: Lombaert Eric , Carletto Jérôme , Piotte Christine , Fauvergue Xavier , Lecoq Hervé , Vanlerberghe‐Masutti Flavie , Lapchin Laurent 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn agrosystems, pests are submitted to strong human‐imposed selective pressures to which they sometimes adapt rapidly, either through selection of genotypes resulting from mutation and/or recombination events, or through phenotypic plasticity. Understanding how insects respond to such selective pressures is of great importance for sustainable pest management strategies, such as the use of resistant plants. In this study, we investigated the genetic and phenotypic variability of anholocyclic Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) strains, in response to the resistance gene Vat that is present in melon crops. Forty‐nine aphid colonies were sampled on several melon crops in southern France, genotyped using 15 microsatellite loci, and tested in phenotypic experiments using Vat or non‐Vat melons. The level of genetic polymorphism between these colonies was low, as only seven multilocus genotypes were detected. In contrast, the phenotypic variability for life‐history and behavioral traits between colonies, including those sharing the same genotype, was unexpectedly high, with a continuum of response to the Vat gene from complete susceptibility to strong virulence. The low genetic polymorphism associated with a strong phenotypic variability highlights the high adaptive potential of A. gossypii and the major role of environmental cues in shaping phenotypic responses of this aphid to pest management strategies.
Life history of the bird cherry‐oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi, on transgenic and non‐transformed wheat challenged with Wheat streak mosaic virus
Authors: Jiménez‐Martínez Edgardo S. , Bosque‐Pérez Nilsa A. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe life history of the bird cherry‐oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), was studied via laboratory assays on Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV)‐infected and non‐infected transgenic and non‐transformed wheat [Triticum aestivum L. (Poaceae)]. Although R. padi is not a WSMV vector, it is known to colonize WSMV‐infected wheat plants. Two transgenic soft white winter wheat genotypes, 366‐D03 and 366‐D8, that express the WSMV coat protein gene, and the WSMV‐susceptible non‐transformed cultivar Daws were tested. All genotypes showed disease symptoms when infected with WSMV. Whereas plant height was significantly reduced on virus‐infected compared to non‐infected plants of all genotypes, virus‐infected transgenic plants exhibited lower virus titer and lower disease rating scores than Daws. No significant effects of WSMV infection or genotypes were observed on the length of R. padi nymphal development period, nor on their pre‐, and post‐reproductive periods. Rhopalosiphum padi reproductive period was significantly longer on Daws infected with WSMV than on non‐infected plants of this cultivar. In contrast, there were no significant differences in length of R. padi reproductive period between virus‐infected and non‐infected transgenic plants within a genotype. Rhopalosiphum padi daily fecundity was significantly lower and adult longevity significantly longer on virus‐infected than on non‐infected plants of all genotypes. Total aphid fecundity and intrinsic rate of increase were not significantly different among treatments. The percentage of winged aphids that developed was greater on WSMV‐infected compared to non‐infected plants within a genotype. Results indicate that both virus infection status of plants and wheat genotype influence the life history of R. padi.
Cold tolerance during larval development: effects on the thermal distribution limits ofLeptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: Lyytinen A. , Boman S. , Grapputo A. , Lindström L. , Mappes J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractInsects' cold tolerance during their development is a surprisingly understudied subject in ecology, despite the fact that subzero temperatures during the growing season are common at high altitudes and latitudes. Subzero temperatures can have detrimental effects on organisms, restricting a species’ range. This study addresses the question whether night frosts during the growing season have an instant or delayed negative impact on larval mortality of the Colorado potato beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata(Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). We also tested whether populations from the centre (Poland) and margins (Russia) of the distribution range ofL. decemlineatadiffer in their responses to subzero exposure and a low rearing temperature. Larvae of three ages were subjected to a subzero temperature (−4 °C for 3 h simulating night frost) twice, after which they were reared on a fluctuating temperature regime of 10–15 °C. These rearing conditions imitated cool summer temperatures beyond the beetles’ current range, such as in Finland. Individuals of both populations were highly cold tolerant, as only 3.1% of larvae died immediately following the subzero treatment. Nonetheless, the low rearing temperature was harmful to beetles of both populations. It caused high larval (ca. 90%) and overwintering (ca. 80%) mortality. As beetle performance was affected solely by rearing temperature, low temperatures during the growing season rather than night frosts apparently retard the beetle’s northern expansion.
Treatment‐resistant bipolar depression: towards a new definition
Authors: Pacchiarotti I. , Mazzarini L. , Colom F. , Sanchez‐Moreno J. , Girardi P. , Kotzalidis G. D. , Vieta E. 
Published: September 2009

Objective:  To summarize the conceptual and operational definitions of treatment‐resistant bipolar depression and to review the evidence‐based therapeutic options.Method:  Structured searches of PubMed, Index Medicus, Excerpta Medica and Psyclit conducted in December 2008.Results:  Criteria for treatment resistance in bipolar depression are commonly based on concepts stemming from treatment resistance as defined for unipolar depression, an approach that proved to be inadequate. In fact, the addition of an ad hoc criterion based on lithium and other mood stabilizer unresponsiveness after reaching adequate plasma levels appears to be a patch that attempts to take into account the uniqueness of bipolar depression but fails to become operational. Recent data from randomized clinical trials of new anticonvulsants and second‐generation antipsychotics should lead to the development of a modern definition of treatment‐resistant bipolar depression, and specific therapeutic algorithms.Conclusion:  We suggest a redefinition of resistant bipolar I and II depression. We propose different degrees of severity within bipolar depression in a stepwise manner.
Foreign body urethral obstruction in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Hammond E.E. , Bennett J. , Wolf T. , Cyril S. , Evans S.E. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  A 34‐year‐old, captive‐born, vasectomized male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) presented with lethargy and scrotal swelling.Methods  Urethral obstruction was diagnosed via urethroscopy.Results  Removal of the grass stem foreign body resolved the obstruction. Scrotal and preputial ulceration developed from urine scald, which was managed with surgical debridement and antibiotics.Conclusions  After 7 weeks, the animal was reintroduced to its troup and has been healthy for 11 months.
Tree recruitment above the treeline and potential for climate‐driven treeline change
Authors: Hofgaard Annika , Dalen Linda , Hytteborn Håkan 
Published: September 2009

AbstractQuestions: How do population structure and recruitment characteristics of Betula saplings beyond the treeline vary among climatic regions, and what is the potential for development into tree‐sized individuals with interacting grazing pressure?Location: Scandes Mountains.Methods: Sapling characteristics of Betula pubescens subsp. tortuosa, their topographic position above the treeline, growth habitat and evidence of recent grazing was investigated in three areas with a long continuous grazing history, along a latitudinal gradient (62‐69°N).Results: Saplings were common up to 100 m above the treeline in all areas. The northern areas were characterised by small (<30 cm) and young (mean 14 years old) saplings in exposed micro‐topographic locations unfavourable to long‐term survival. In the southern area, broad height (2‐183 cm) and age (4‐95 years; mean 32 years) distributions were found in sheltered locations. Age declined with altitude in all areas. Sapling growth rate varied within and between areas, and the age × height interaction was significant only in the southern area. Growth rates decreased from south to north and indicated a considerable time required to reach tree size under prevailing conditions.Conclusions: Regional differences can be attributed to climatic differences, however, interacting biotic and abiotic factors such as micro‐topography, climate and herbivory, mutually affect the characteristics of birch saplings. In view of the long time needed to reach tree size, the generally expected evident and fast treeline advance in response to climate warming may not be a likely short‐term scenario. The sapling pool in the southern region possesses strongest potential for treeline advance.
Epidermal growth factor receptor ligands as new extracellular targets for the metastasis‐promoting S100A4 protein
Authors: Klingelhöfer Jörg , Møller Henrik D. , Sumer Eren U. , Berg Christian H. , Poulsen Maria , Kiryushko Darya , Soroka Vladislav , Ambartsumian Noona , Grigorian Mariam , Lukanidin Eugene M. 
Published: September 2009

The function of S100A4, a member of the calcium‐binding S100 protein family, has been associated with tumor invasion and metastasis. Although an essential pro‐metastatic role of extracellular S100A4 in tumor progression has been demonstrated, the identification of the precise underlying mechanisms and protein partners (receptors) has remained elusive. To identify putative targets for extracellular S100A4, we screened a phage display peptide library using S100A4 as bait. We identified three independent peptide motifs with varying affinities for the S100A4 protein. Sequence analyses indicated that the most abundant peptide mimicked the F/YCC motif present in the epidermal growth factor domain of ErbB receptor ligands. S100A4 selectively interacted with a number of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands, demonstrating highest affinity for amphiregulin. Importantly, we found that S100A4 stimulated EGFR/ErbB2 receptor signaling and enhanced the amphiregulin‐mediated proliferation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts. S100A4‐neutralizing antibodies, as well as EGFR‐ and ErbB2 receptor‐specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors, blocked these effects. The present results suggest that extracellular S100A4 regulates tumor progression by interacting with EGFR ligands, thereby enhancing EGFR/ErbB2 receptor signaling and cell proliferation.Structured digital abstract
MINT‐7256556: EGF (uniprotkb:P01133) binds (MI:0407) to S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) by far western blotting (MI:0047)
MINT‐7256512: BC (uniprotkb:P35070) binds (MI:0407) to S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) by far western blotting (MI:0047)
MINT‐7256485, MINT‐7256618, MINT‐7256636: AR (uniprotkb:P15514) binds (MI:0407) to S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) by far western blotting (MI:0047)
MINT‐7256494: HB‐EGF (uniprotkb:Q99075) binds (MI:0407) to S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) by far western blotting (MI:0047)
MINT‐7256502: P53 (uniprotkb:P04637) binds (MI:0407) to S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) by far western blotting (MI:0047)
MINT‐7256654: S100A2 (uniprotkb:P29034) binds (MI:0407) to AR (uniprotkb:P15514) by far western blotting (MI:0047)
MINT‐7256693: S100A5 (uniprotkb:P33763) binds (MI:0407) to AR (uniprotkb:P15514) by far western blotting (MI:0047)
MINT‐7256593: S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) binds (MI:0407) to BC (uniprotkb:P35070) by pull down (MI:0096)
MINT‐7256567: S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) binds (MI:0407) to AR (uniprotkb:P15514) by pull down (MI:0096)