bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability, Validity, and Clinical Utility of the Migraine‐ACT Questionnaire
Authors: Kilminster Shaun G. , Dowson Andrew J. , Tepper Stewart J. , Baos Vicente , Baudet Francis , D'Amico Domenico 
Published: April 2006

Background.—The 4‐item Migraine‐ACT questionnaire is an assessment tool for use by primary care physicians to identify patients who require a change in their current acute migraine treatment. It has been shown to be easy to use, and to be reliable and accurate in its assessments.Objectives.—To further analyze the Migraine‐ACT study database, providing additional information on the reliability, validity, and potential clinical utility of the questionnaire.Methods.—Reliability was assessed by recording the distribution of Migraine‐ACT scores recorded at baseline and 1 week later (test–retest reliability). Analyses of consistency of Migraine‐ACT scores were conducted on the total sample of patients and for the separate centers, using Pearson and Spearman correlations. Validity was assessed by comparing the t‐discrimination values for clinically relevant questions within domains of the original 27‐item questionnaire. Reliability and validity were also assessed by constructing an “alternative” (Form B) Migraine‐ACT questionnaire, derived from an analysis of the second‐best items in each domain in the original study data. Clinical utility was assessed using Pearson pairwise correlations to compare Migraine‐ACT scores with clinically defined criteria as analyzed by the SF‐36 Quality of Life questionnaire, the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire, and the Migraine Therapy Assessment (MTAQ) questionnaire.Results.—The distribution of Migraine‐ACT scores between the 2 completions of the questionnaire was consistent for the total sample (test–retest reliability, r= .81) and between the individual countries (r= .61 to .92). In this study, the validity (assessed as t‐discrimination) of the Migraine‐ACT “impact” and “global assessment of relief” questions were markedly higher than those of other endpoints used in migraine clinical studies. The Form B Migraine‐ACT questionnaire was almost as reliable and accurate as the original Form A questionnaire. The distribution of Migraine‐ACT scores was: 0 = 12.6%, 1 = 13.7%, 2 = 14.7%, 3 = 20.5%, and 4 = 38.4%. The change in Migraine‐ACT score correlated with, and had a linear relationship with changes in SF‐36, MIDAS, and MTAQ scores, and indicated that a Migraine‐ACT score of ≤2 corresponded with a need to consider changing the patient's acute medication. About 40% of the migraine patients in the study scored ≤2 and may have had significant unmet treatment needs.Conclusions.—These data confirm the excellent reliability and validity of the Migraine‐ACT questionnaire and provide further evidence for its utility in clinical practice.
Subcutaneous Sumatriptan for Refractory Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Kanai Akifumi , Saito Miwako , Hoka Sumio 
Published: April 2006

Background.—Mechanical compression of the trigeminal root by an artery is thought to cause trigeminal neuralgia. The 5‐HT1B/1D receptor agonist may inhibit neurogenic inflammation and vasodilation near the irritated trigeminal root.Objective.—To examine the effectiveness of a 5‐HT1B/1D receptor agonist, sumatriptan, on a paroxysmal pain in trigeminal neuralgia.Methods.—Twenty‐four patients with trigeminal neuralgia refractory to previous treatment were randomized to receive subcutaneously either 3 mg (1 mL) of sumatriptan or 1 mL of saline placebo. Following a 7‐day period, patients crossed over to receive the alternative treatment. Paroxysmal pain triggered by touching or moving the face was assessed with VAS before and 15 minutes after the treatment. Patients used a descriptive scale to pain‐grade outcome, and asked to note whether the pain returned and how long after therapy it recurred.Results.—Subcutaneous sumatriptan, but not placebo, significantly decreased VAS from 8.3 ± 2.1 to 2.4 ± 3.0 cm (mean ± SD). The number of patients who described their pain as moderately or slightly better was 20 in the sumatriptan group and 1 in the placebo group. The effect of subcutaneous sumatriptan persisted for a median period of 7.9 hours (range: 1–20 hours).Conclusions.—Subcutaneous sumatriptan produced prompt analgesia without serious adverse reactions in patients with trigeminal neuralgia refractory to previous treatment.
Platelet Levels of Dopamine Are Increased in Migraine and Cluster Headache
Authors: D'Andrea Giovanni , Granella Franco , Perini Francesco , Farruggio Angelo , Leone Massimo , Bussone Gennaro 
Published: April 2006

Objective.—To measure plasma and platelet levels of dopamine in patients with migraine with aura, migraine without aura, and cluster headache.Background.—Clinical, genetic, and pharmacological evidences suggest that an abnormality of dopaminergic system plays a role in migraine pathogenesis. Direct evidence of an abnormal metabolism of dopamine in migraine, however, is lacking.Methods.—Plasma and platelet levels of dopamine were measured in patients with migraine with aura or migraine without aura during headache‐free periods and in patients with cluster headache during the remission and active periods, as compared with healthy control subjects, using a multichannel electrochemical high‐performance liquid chromatography system.Results.—Plasma levels of dopamine were not detectable with our methodology. Platelet levels of dopamine were higher in both types of migraine (migraine without aura = .20 ± .17 ng/108 platelets; migraine with aura = .16 ± .19 ng/108 platelets) than in control subjects (.10 ± .11 ng/108 platelets), although in migraine with aura patients the difference was not significant. Patients with cluster headache showed the highest levels of platelet dopamine (.34 ± .36 ng/108 platelets).Conclusions.—Our results support the hypothesis that the dopaminergic system is impaired in migraine and cluster headache and suggest that high platelet levels of dopamine may represent an abnormal biochemical phenotypic trait of these primary headaches.
Color Vision but not Visual Attention Is Altered in Migraine
Authors: Shepherd Alex J. 
Published: April 2006

Objective.—To examine visual search performance in migraine and headache‐free control groups and to determine whether reports of selective color vision deficits in migraine occur preattentively.Background.—Visual search is a classic technique to measure certain components of visual attention. The technique can be manipulated to measure both preattentive (automatic) and attentive processes. Here, visual search for colored targets was employed to extend earlier reports that the detection or discrimination of colors selective for the short‐wavelength sensitive cone photoreceptors in the retina (S or “blue” cones) is impaired in migraine.Method.—Visual search performance for small and large color differences was measured in 34 migraine and 34 control participants. Small and large color differences were included to assess attentive and preattentive processing, respectively. In separate conditions, colored stimuli were chosen that would be detected selectively by either the S‐, or by the long‐ (L or “red”) and middle (M or “green”)‐wavelength sensitive cone photoreceptors.Results.—The results showed no preattentive differences between the migraine and control groups. For active, or attentive, search, differences between the migraine and control groups occurred for colors detected by the S‐cones only, there were no differences for colors detected by the L‐ and M‐cones. The migraine group responded significantly more slowly than the control group for the S‐cone colors.Conclusions.—The pattern of results indicates that there are no overall differences in search performance between migraine and control groups. The differences found for the S‐cone colors are attributed to impaired discrimination of these colors in migraine and not to differences in attention.
Validity and reliability of functional performance tests in meniscectomized patients with or without knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Bremander A. B. , Dahl L. L. , Roos E. M. 
Published: April 2006

Aims: Reduced functional performance and muscular dysfunction after knee injury and in knee osteoarthritis (OA) is suggested to be a factor in OA development. Validated functional performance tests applicable in the clinic and large‐scale studies are lacking. The aim was to study the reliability and validity of 10 functional performance tests.Methods: Two hundred and eighty‐five subjects, 15–22 years post‐meniscectomy, performed 10 functional performance tests. The mean age was 54 years (SD±11.2) and 79% were men; 52% had radiographic OA, and 48% were categorized as symptomatic. The tests were evaluated for test–retest reliability, discriminative ability (younger vs older age, men vs women, symptom‐free vs symptomatic) and floor and ceiling effects.Results: Two of the 10 tests, maximum number of knee bendings in 30 s and one‐leg hop for distance, had good test–retest reliability (ICC 0.92, 95% CI 0.86–0.96 and 0.93, 95% CI 0.87–0.97) and were able to discriminate with regard to age, gender and symptoms, and had acceptable floor effects (9% and 3%, respectively).Conclusion: This study suggests the use of two functional performance tests: knee bendings/30 s and one‐leg hop for distance, easy to use for evaluation of interventions due to knee injury and knee OA and when attaining long‐term data of natural disease history.
Acne therapy with topical benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and azelaic acid
Authors: Worret Wolf‐Ingo , Fluhr Joachim W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBenzoyl peroxide (BPO) was introduced in the treatment of acne in 1934. Despite the fact that only few randomized trials have been published, BPO is considered the standard in topical acne treatment. Anaerobic bacteria are reduced by oxidative mechanisms and the induction of resistant strains is reduced. Topical formulations are available at concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 %. The effect is dose‐dependent, but the irritation increases with higher concentrations. Usually 5 % BPO is sufficient to control acne grade I‐II. Due to its strong oxidative potential, patients should be advised that BPO may bleach colored and dark clothing, bedding and even hair. BPO is safe for use in pregnant and lactating females because it is degraded to benzoic acid. It is a cost‐effective treatment for acne grade I–II.Patients with papulopustular acne grade I–II, particularly with marked inflammation, show satisfactory improvement with topical antibiotic treatment. The following compounds are available and effective: erythromycin, clindamycin and tetracycline (the latter being less frequently used). A review in 1990 suggested that topical tetracycline was ineffective in the treatment of acne. Along with eliminating Propionibacterium acnes, the main mechanism of topical antibiotics is their antiinflammatory effect. All three penetrate the epidermal barrier well and are similarly efficacious. Randomized trials have shown that in concentrations of 2–4 %, their effects are comparable to oral tetracycline and minocycline. Combination therapy with retinoids or benzoyl peroxide (BPO) increases efficacy. Retinoids increase penetration and reduce comedones, while topical antibiotics primarily address inflammation. One side effect of topical antibacterial treatment is an increase in drug‐resistant resident skin flora with gram‐negative microorganisms prevailing, which can lead to gram‐negative folliculitis. All three antibiotics fluoresce under black light which may produce interesting effects in a discotheque. There are two reports of topical clindamycin causing pseudomembranous colitis after long‐term and widespread usage.Azelaic acid has a predominant antibacterial action, although it is not considered as an antibiotic in the classical sense. Furthermore, it possesses a modest comedolytic effect. Burning upon application is common. Since azelaic acid is naturally present, systemic side effects are not likely to occur, making it safe for acne treatment during pregnancy and lactation.
Post‐marketing surveillance on treatment of 5,665 patients with atopic dermatitis using the calcineurin inhibitor pimecrolimus: Positive effects on major symptoms of atopic dermatitis and on quality of life
Authors: Sunderkötter Cord , Weiss Johannes M. , Bextermöller Raphael , Löffler Helena , Schneider Dirk 
Published: April 2006

Summary Background: Topical application of the calcineurin inhibitors pimecrolimus and tacrolimus is a current major advance in the therapy of atopic dermatitis. The aims of this post‐marketing surveillance were: a) to acquire data on the efficacy and tolerability of pimecrolimus ointment (Elidel®) on a very large cohort of patients from outpatient clinics, and b) to assess changes in their quality of life, a parameter not often considered in previous studies. Patients and methods: Included were 5,665 patients with atopic dermatitis. During the observation period, data on efficacy and tolerability were obtained at the beginning of the study, 3 to 10 days after initiation of therapy and after 4 to 6 weeks. Evaluation of symptoms as well as assessment of efficacy and tolerability were based on linear scales and on the percentage of the body surface area (% BSA) involved. Quality of life was assessed by the German version of the “Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)” or the “Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI)”. Results: In this largest post‐marketing surveillance hitherto performed in Germany, the efficacy of pimecrolimus was judged as “good” by 79.3 % of physicians and by 76.5 % of patients. Tolerability was assessed as “good” by 87.2 % of physicians and by 83.1 % of patients. Major symptoms of atopic dermatitis such as pruritus, erythema or lichenification showed marked reduction after just 3 to 10 days, signalling general improvement of the skin disease. In addition, application of pimecrolimus resulted in a significant improvement of the quality of life scores in both children and adults. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that the good efficacy and tolerability of pimecrolimus ointment which had been shown in controlled trials: i) could also be demonstrated on a very large cohort of patients with atopic dermatitis when used in the outpatient setting, and ii) were paralleled by a significant improvement in the quality of life.
Keratosis pilaris and keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei
Authors: Arnold Andreas W. , Buechner Stanislaw A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryKeratosis pilaris and ulerythema ophryogenes (keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei) are hereditary disorders with altered follicular keratinization that show follicular, horny papules surrounded by an erythematous halo. Ulerythema ophryogenes is an uncommon variant of keratosis pilaris characterized by erythematous follicular papules of the eyebrows and cheeks followed by a gradual loss of hair. On the background of 15‐year‐old boy who presented with keratosis pilaris and ulerythema ophryogenes, we discuss the various clinical manifestations of keratosis pilaris.
Skin ulceration after leflunomide treatment in two patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Jakob Antje , Porstmann Romy , Rompel Rainer 
Published: April 2006

SummaryLeflunomide is a disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Skin ulcerations are not listed as a side effect for this drug, and there has been only one case report on leflunomide associated skin ulcerations. We report on two females, 59 and 63 years old respectively, who were treated with leflunomide for rheumatoid arthritis and subsequently developed severe skin ulcerations. After discontinuation of the drug the skin ulcerations healed complete even if very slowly.
Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome – 20 years experience with diagnosis and classification
Authors: Proske Sylvia , Hartschuh Wolfgang , Enk Alexander , Hausser Ingrid 
Published: April 2006

Summary Background: The Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome encompasses a group of hereditary disorders of the connective tissue, characterized by hyperextensible skin, joint hypermobility; and varying degrees of vessel and tissue fragility. The main forms are classical,hypermobile,vascular,kyphoscoliotic A/B,arthrochalasis A/B and dermatosparaxis types. Patients and Methods: We report our experience in diagnosis and classification of Ehlers‐Danlos‐syndrome, especially with the combination of clinical and morphological criteria, at the Department of Dermatology of the University of Heidelberg with more than 600 patients between 1984 and 2004. Results: We classified those types of EDS which are characterized by regular and characteristic ultrastructural changes in the dermal components, primarily collagen, including the classical, hypermobile and vascular types as well as the less‐common arthrochalasis and dermatosparaxis types. The combination of clinical and morphologic features facilitates the selection of candidate genes for molecular genetic investigation. Conclusions: Besides the skin, skeleton and vessels, many other organ systems such as eyes and intestine, can be affected in Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome. Accordingly, interdisciplinary cooperation (pediatrics, surgery, orthopedics, rheumatology, neurology, genetics) is necessary. As the connective tissue of the skin is accessible for biopsy and diagnostic investigation, dermatologists should be trained in the diagnostic approach and classification of this syndrome.
Investigation of risk factors for surgical wound infection among teaching hospitals in Tehran
Authors: Arabshahi Kamran Soltani , Koohpayezade Jalil 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis prospective study was carried out to investigate the risk factors and incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) among patients in surgical wards of five hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences. Data was collected in a register card filled by specially trained staff. Nine‐hundred and eighteen patients admitted in surgical wards were followed 30 days postoperatively for SSI during 1 April 2003 to 30 September 2003. A total of 77 patients were identified among 918 cases included in the study, with a resulting overall SSI rate of 8·4%. The risk of SSI was increased by age older than 60 years (OR = 3·9; P < 0·0001), diabetes mellitus (OR = 4·9; P < 0·0001), smoking (OR = 3·1; P < 0·0001), obesity (OR = 4·1; P < 0·0001) and wound drain (OR = 2·2; P < 0·0001). There were significant statistical difference in duration of anaesthesia (131·6 vs. 177 min, P < 0·001) and duration of surgery (99 vs. 140·5) between patients without SSI and patients with SSI. In conclusion, identification of the risk factors for SSI will help physicians to improve patient care and may decrease mortality and morbidity and hospital care costs of surgery patients.
Labdane Diterpenoids from Coleus forskohlii (Willd.) Briq.
Authors: Xu Ling‐Ling , Kong Ling‐Yi 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn order to investigate the active substances of Coleus forskohlii (Willd.) Briq., a new labdane diterpenoid, 12‐hydroxy‐8, 13E‐labdadien‐15‐oic acid, together with two 8, 13‐epoxylabd‐14‐ene‐11‐one diterpenoids, 6‐acetyl‐1‐deoxyforskolin and 6‐acetyl‐1,9‐dideoxyforskolin, was isolated on the basis of various chromatographic techniques and spectroscopic methods.(Managing editor: Wei Wang)
Walnut Staminate Flowers Can Be Explored as a Supplementary Plant Oil Source
Authors: Jia Husen , Xu Yinong 
Published: April 2006

AbstractFossil fuel is currently the major energy source driving global socio‐economy, but its stock is being heavily depleted due to increasing anthropogenic activities worldwide. There are also concerns regarding the burning of fossil fuels, which contributes to global climate warming and air pollution. As such, the development of biodiesel as a non‐toxic, biodegradable, and renewable alternative energy source using oil crops such as soybean and rapeseed has quickly emerged in the West countries. However, the production of oil crops in China is far from sufficient to meet the demands of the country's population of 1.3 billion, and increasing oil crop production is inhibited by a severe shortage of agricultural land, which currently averages 0.2 acre per person and, as such, is less than half the world average. The current national policy in China regarding land use is more towards revering cultivated lands in ravins and hills to forestry, which presents an ideal opportunity to further develop plantations of walnut (Juglans regia L.) trees, a plant that is tolerant to drought and infertile soils and has a high oil content. Study in this paper shows that one ament of walnut staminate flowers produces about 0.168 g dry pollen, and the dry pollen contained 49.67% oil. Based on this discovery, oil yield obtained from staminate flowers is estimated to reach 6.95% of that from walnut nuts. Thus walnut staminate flower is suggested to explore as supplementary plant oil source, and has a great opportunity to utilize as a biodiesel feedstock.(Managing editor: Wei Wang)
The Cathaysia Flora and the Mixed Late Permian Cathaysian‐Angaran Floras in East Asia
Authors: Sun Ke‐Qin 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe Cathaysia flora, one of the most prominent floras of the Carboniferous and Permian, was mainly distributed in East Asia and was characterized by numerous endemic elements. China is one of the most important localities of the Cathaysia flora and it is also the center of origin of this flora. This paper reviews and discusses the characteristics of the Cathaysia flora and the biogeographically mixed Permian Cathaysian‐Angaran floras of East Asia. In addition, the formative mechanism of the mixed Permian floras is also discussed.(Managing editor: Ya‐Qin)
Effects of Overexpression of the Endogenous Farnesyl Diphosphate Synthase on the Artemisinin Content in Artemisia annua L.
Authors: Han Jun‐Li , Liu Ben‐Ye , Ye He‐Chun , Wang Hong , Li Zhen‐Qiu , Li Guo‐Feng 
Published: April 2006

AbstractArtemisinin is a novel effective antimalarial drug extracted from the medicinal plant Artemisia annua L. Owing to the tight market and low yield of artemisinin, there is great interest in enhancing the production of artemisinin. In the present study, farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS) was overexpressed in high‐yield A. annua to increase the artemisinin content. The FPS activity in transgenic A. annua was two‐ to threefold greater than that in non‐transgenic A. annua. The highest artemisinin content in transgenic A. annua was approximately 0.9% (dry weight), which was 34.4% higher than that in non‐transgenic A. annua. The results demonstrate the regulatory role of FPS in artemisinin biosynthesis.(Managing editor: Wei Wang)
Two New Cytotoxic Sesquiterpenoids from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC.
Authors: Huo Jun , Yang Sheng‐Ping , Ding Jian , Yue Jian‐Min 
Published: April 2006

AbstractTwo new sesquiterpenoid lactones, namely eupalinilides K and L, were isolated from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. Their structures were determined by spectral methods, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectra. Cytotoxic evaluation showed that eupalinilide L exhibited potent cytotoxicity against P‐388 and A‐549 tumor cell lines with IC50 values of 0.17 and 2.60 μmol/L, respectively.(Managing editor: Wei Wang).