bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A series of melanomas smaller than 4 mm and implications for the ABCDE rule
Authors: Goldsmith SM , Solomon AR 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground  Although multiple studies have reported that a significant number of melanomas have diameters of less than or equal to 6 mm at the time of diagnosis, there has been only one series evaluating the proportion of melanomas less than 4 mm in diameter.Objective  The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of melanomas, in a single‐practitioner, general dermatology practice, with clinical diameters less than 4 mm.Methods  Information regarding each new diagnosis of melanoma had been recorded during the study period of 2000–2004. Patient records and pathology reports were examined from these patients.Results  Thirteen (13.7%) of the 95 melanomas had diameters less than 4 mm at the time of presentation, including five invasive and eight in situ melanomas. The defining clinical characteristic of these lesions was intensity of pigment. Three of these 13 melanomas, including one invasive and two in situ lesions, showed features of regression.Conclusions  The findings of this study support those authors who have suggested elimination of the 6‐mm diameter criterion in the ABCDE rule. In addition, this study provides further evidence that dark colour as a diagnostic criterion for melanoma should be given more emphasis. The substitution of ‘D’ to represent dark instead of diameter is worthy of consideration to enhance the value of the ABCDE mnemonic.
Plant resistance to parasitic plants: molecular approaches to an old foe
Authors: Rispail N. , Dita M.‐A. , González‐Verdejo C. , Pérez‐de‐Luque A. , Castillejo M.‐A. , Prats E. , Román B. , Jorrín J. , Rubiales D. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryParasitic weeds pose severe constraint on major agricultural crops. Varying levels of resistance have been identified and exploited in the breeding programmes of several crops. However, the level of protection achieved to date is either incomplete or ephemeral. Resistance is mainly determined by the coexistence of several mechanisms controlled by multigenic and quantitative systems. Efficient control of the parasite requires a better understanding of the interaction and their associated resistance mechanisms at the histological, genetic and molecular levels. Application of postgenomic technologies and the use of model plants should improve the understanding of the plant–parasitic plant interaction and drive not only breeding programmes through either marker‐assisted selection (MAS) or transgenesis but also the development of alternative methods to control the parasite. This review presents the current approaches targeting the characterization of resistance mechanisms and explores their potentiality to control parasitic plants.
Adhesion to the extracellular matrix is positively regulated by retinoic acid in HepG2 cells
Authors: Massimi Mara , Devirgiliis Laura Conti 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAims: In this work, we aimed to investigate the possible modulation of cell–matrix interactions by retinoic acid (RA), in view of the well‐known role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and integrins in hepatocyte differentiation and proliferation. For this purpose, we analysed the adhesion ability of HepG2 cells on different substrates in the presence and absence of RA evaluating both the expression and cellular localisation of major proteins involved in focal contacts, using Western blot and confocal microscopy.Results: A positive and substrate‐dependent effect of RA on cell–matrix adhesion was observed after long‐term culture. The increased adhesiveness in the treated cells was accompanied by an enhanced expression of β1 and α3 integrin subunits, together with a redistribution of β1 receptors clustered at the basal surface. In contrast, the levels of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), paxillin and α‐actinin were unchanged, as was the phosphorylation state of FAK. Nonetheless, a stronger association between β1 integrin and intracytoplasmatic proteins of focal contacts was observed in coimmunoprecipitation experiments after RA treatment, suggesting improved connection with the actin cytoskeleton. These results are consistent with previously described antiproliferative and differentiative effects of RA on transformed hepatocytes, and confirm the hypothesis of a direct influence of RA on specific adhesion molecules.
Recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis after living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Tamura Sumihito , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Kaneko Junichi , Matsui Yuichi , Togashi Junichi , Makuuchi Masatoshi 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground/aims: Cumulative experience in deceased donor liver transplantation for end‐stage liver disease due to primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) suggests that liver transplantation is the treatment of choice with excellent results. Reports on the outcome of live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for PSC, however, remain anecdotal.Methods: The clinical course and genetic disposition of nine patients who underwent LDLT for PSC were analyzed. The median follow‐up period was 3.5 years.Results: Cumulated 5‐year patient and graft survival rates were 90% and 71%, respectively. Recurrent PSC was diagnosed in four patients. Ratios of freedom from recurrent PSC at 1, 3, and 5 years were 100%, 73%, and 49%, respectively. The mean time to recurrence was 3.3 years. Excluding the one case with a biologically unrelated donor, recurrent PSC was diagnosed in 50% (4/8). None of the patients presented with the human leukocyte antigen‐B8DR3 haplotype, which is associated with a higher susceptibility for developing PSC among the Caucasian population. Overall patient survival of LDLT for PSC seems to equal that of deceased donor liver transplantation.Conclusions: PSC might recur earlier at a higher ratio after LDLT. Further study with protocol cholangiogram and genetic considerations, including high resolution human leukocyte antigen haplotype analysis, is necessary.
Efficacy of adefovir dipivoxil in the treatment of lamivudine‐resistant hepatitis B virus genotype C infection
Authors: Kim Do Young , Kim Hong Jeoung , Lee Chun Kyon , Suh Jeong Hun , Kim Dong Hwan , Cho Yong Suk , Won Sun Young , Park Byung Kyu , Park In Suh 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground and Aims: Adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) is a nucleotide analogue that is known to be effective for lamivudine‐resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants as well as wild‐type HBV. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of ADV against lamivudine‐resistant genotype C HBV mutants.Methods: Thirty‐five patients with breakthrough hepatitis due to lamivudine‐resistant HBV received ADV 10 mg daily with discontinuation of lamivudine. Quantitative HBV DNA, HBeAg, liver function test including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was checked every 4–12 weeks to evaluate the efficacy of ADV.Results: ADV was administered for a median of 48 weeks (range: 24–120 weeks). The rate of serum HBV DNA loss was 68.6%, 80.0%, 84.0%, and 88.2% at weeks 12, 24, 36, and 48, respectively. The rate of serum HBeAg seroconversion was 8.3% and 14.3% at weeks 24 and 48, respectively. The rate of serum ALT normalization at week 48 was 70.6%. Within 32 weeks after stopping ADV therapy, serum HBV DNA levels increased to a median of 378.9 pg/ml in 88.9% of patients, who were treated for a median of 40 weeks. Moreover, in some patients, the ALT level increased to more than five times the upper limit of normal.Conclusions: Administration of ADV is an effective option for the treatment of patients with lamivudine‐resistant genotype C HBV infection.
Natural products and chronic hepatitis C virus
Authors: Azzam H. S. , Goertz C. , Fritts M. , Jonas W. B. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant public health problem, with a worldwide prevalence of approximately 170 million. The standard of care for chronic HCV, a combination of α‐interferon (IFN) and ribavirin, is only 50% effective, has serious side effects, and can be prohibitively expensive for low‐income countries with a high prevalence of HCV. Many patients use natural products, including those who are not eligible for IFN/ribavirin, cannot afford treatment, or fail to respond to IFN.Methods: Extensive literature searches were conducted in order to identify clinical trials and reviews of natural products used for treatment of chronic HCV. This review focuses on the composition, pharmacology and results of clinical trials of three natural products: Oxymatrine, TJ‐108/schisandra/Gomisin A and lactoferrin.Results: Several laboratory and human studies have been performed to evalaute these alternative treatments, but many of these studies are small, uncontrolled and have other important design flaws. While they do offer some safety and efficacy data, none of these studies is conclusive.Conclusion: Further research is needed on the effectiveness of these natural products for treatment of chronic HCV, including their preparation and standardization.
A comprehensive gene expression analysis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines as components of a bioartificial liver using a radial flow bioreactor
Authors: Kosuge Makoto , Takizawa Hiroko , Maehashi Haruka , Matsuura Tomokazu , Matsufuji Senya 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground/Aims: The cells constituting a bioartificial liver are crucial for an effective liver support system. We compared global gene expression profiles in a radial flow bioreactor or a monolayer culture of three functional liver cell lines previously established from human hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods: The expressions of 60 000 genes of the FLC‐4, FLC‐5, and FLC‐7 cell lines were analyzed by the microarray technique with the Affymetrix GeneChip system. Global gene expression profiles were compared with two‐way cluster analysis. Several liver function‐related genes were compared between the bioreactor and culture conditions.Results: Cluster analysis revealed that gene expression profiles of bioreactor‐grown cells resembled those of the normal liver. Genes related to cellular structure were highly expressed in the bioreactor‐grown cells, while genes involved in proliferation or carcinogenesis were suppressed. In the bioreactor‐grown cells, some genes for liver functions were expressed at a level similar to that in normal liver, although none of the cell lines expressed the complete set of genes encoding ammonium metabolism or cytochrome P450 species.Conclusion: The high‐density three‐dimensional culture in the radial flow bioreactor prompted differentiation of the cells. These data may be useful for improving the cells by genetic or pharmacological reinforcement and for monitoring bioartificial livers.
Comparison of 7‐day and 14‐day Proton Pump Inhibitor‐Containing Triple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication: Neither Treatment Duration Provides Acceptable Eradication Rate in Korea
Authors: Kim Byeong Gwan , Lee Dong Ho , Ye Byong Duk , Lee Kwang Hyuck , Kim Beung Wook , Kim Sang Gyun , Kim Sang Woo , Kim Sung Kook , Kim Jae J. , Kim Hak Yang , Park Jong Jae , Park Chang Young , Baik Gwang Ho , Lee Yong Chan , Lee Jun Haeng , Lee Jin Hyug , Chun Hoon Jai , Hahm Ki Baik , Hong Su Jin , Lee Sang Woo , Jung Hyun Chae 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Although triple combination therapy containing a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and two antibiotics is considered as a standard regimen for the first‐line anti‐Helicobacter pylori treatment, there are still debates on the ideal duration of treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacies of 7‐day and 14‐day PPI‐containing triple therapy.Materials and Methods:  This study was performed in a randomized, multicenter, prospective manner. After upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, H. pylori‐infected patients with a gastric ulcer and/or a duodenal ulcer were randomly assigned to a PAC7 group (omeprazole 20 mg or equivalent dose of other PPIs, amoxicillin 1000 mg, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for 7 days) or to a PAC14 group (the same regimen as the PAC7 group but for 14 days). H. pylori status was evaluated by 13C urea breath test 5 weeks after anti‐ulcer treatment completion.Results:  A total of 598 patients were enrolled; 337 were randomized to the PAC7 group and 261 to the PAC14 group. The two groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics. The eradication rates of the PAC7 group were not inferior to those of the PAC14 group in both intention‐to‐treat analysis (71.2% vs. 75.5%) and per‐protocol analysis (83.6% vs. 86.6%). Incidences of adverse events were comparable.Conclusions:  Although the 7‐day PPI‐containing triple anti‐H. pylori therapy is not inferior to the 14‐day therapy, neither treatment duration provides acceptable eradication rate reaching 90% in per‐protocol analysis. New combination regimen with higher efficacy should be developed as a first‐line eradication therapy for H. pylori in Korea.
Migraine, Helicobacter pylori, and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Tunca Ayşe , Ardıçoğlu Yasemin , Kargılı Ayşe , Adam Bahattin 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground:  The aim of this study was to ascertain whether oxidative stress is a causative factor of migraine attacks for Helicobacter pylori‐infected migraineurs.Materials and Methods:  A total of 35 consecutive migraine patients without aura who came to gastroenterology polyclinic with various complaints and diagnosed H. pylori infection were included in the study group and compared with a group of 29 patients (control group) without migraine and H. infection. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by histopathological biopsies, which were taken by endoscopy (Olympus‐GIFXQ240 endoscope). Both the diagnosis and the classification of migraine were made according to the International Headache Society criteria. Blood samples for nitric oxide were taken from patients with migraine during headache‐free period as well as the control group. The interaction of nitric oxide was measured by the determination of both nitrite and nitrate concentrations in the sample.Results:  The study group included 31 women and 4 men (mean age 49 ± 8 years) and the control group included 25 women and 4 men (mean age 52.6 ± 11 years). The mean frequency of migraine attacks was 2.94 ± 1.58 days/month and the mean duration of attacks was 21.2 ± 3 hours. It was found that the study group has lower nitrate levels than the control group.Conclusions:  Our results do not support the role of oxidative stress in patients suffering from H. pylori infection and migraine.
Levofloxacin‐ vs. Ranitidine Bismuth Citrate‐Containing Therapy After H. pylori Treatment Failure
Authors: Gisbert Javier P. , Gisbert Jose Luis , Marcos Santiago , Moreno‐Otero Ricardo , Pajares Jose Maria 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAim:  Ranitidine bismuth citrate and levofloxacin‐based regimen may be an alternative to quadruple therapy after Helicobacter pylori eradication failure. Our aim was to compare two 7‐day triple second‐line regimens containing ranitidine bismuth citrate or levofloxacin.Methods:  Patients in whom a first eradication trial with omeprazole‐clarithromycin‐amoxicillin had failed were randomized to receive 7‐day treatment with: 1, ranitidine bismuth citrate (400 mg b.i.d.), tetracycline (500 mg q.i.d.), and metronidazole (250 mg q.i.d.), or 2, levofloxacin (500 mg b.i.d.), amoxicillin (1 g b.i.d.), and omeprazole (20 mg b.i.d.). Cure rates were evaluated by 13C‐urea breath test.Results:  One‐hundred patients were included: 50 received the ranitidine bismuth citrate regimen, and 50 the levofloxacin one. Groups were comparable in terms of demographic variables. Two percent of the patients (one in each group) did not return for follow up. Compliance was similar in both groups (90% took all the medications correctly). Side‐effects (only mild/moderate) in the two groups were also comparable (38% with ranitidine bismuth citrate and 36% with levofloxacin). Per‐protocol cure rates were 69% (95% CI = 54–80%) in the ranitidine bismuth citrate group, and 71% (57–82%) in the levofloxacin one. Intention‐to‐treat cure rates were, respectively, 68% (59–79%) and 68% (59–79%) (nonstatistically significant differences).Conclusions:  Both 7‐day ranitidine bismuth citrate‐ and levofloxacin‐containing second‐line regimens represent alternatives to quadruple therapy in patients with previous omeprazole‐clarithromycin‐amoxicillin failure.
Low Concentrations of Zinc in Gastric Mucosa are Associated with Increased Severity of Helicobacter pylori‐Induced Inflammation
Authors: Sempértegui Fernando , Díaz Myriam , Mejía Ricardo , Rodríguez‐Mora Oswaldo G. , Rentería Edgar , Guarderas Carlos , Estrella Bertha , Recalde Ramiro , Hamer Davidson H. , Reeves Philip G. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground:  Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common cause of gastric cancer. H. pylori induces oxidative stress while zinc deficiency results in increased sensitivity to it. In Ecuador, the prevalence of gastric cancer and zinc deficiency are high. We hypothesized that zinc deficiency in Ecuadorian people would cause increased H. pylori‐induced inflammation in the gastric mucosa associated with lower tissue zinc concentrations.Methods:  Three hundred and fifty‐two patients with dyspepsia underwent endoscopy to obtain gastric mucosa biopsies. Diagnosis of H. pylori infection and its severity, histopathology, mucosal zinc concentration, and inflammation intensity were determined.Results:  H. pylori‐infected patients with non‐atrophic chronic gastritis had lower concentrations of zinc in gastric mucosa than uninfected patients with the same type of gastritis (251.3 ± 225.3 vs. 426.2 ± 279.9 ng/mg of protein; p = .016). Considering all patients, the more severe the H. pylori infection, the higher the percentage of subjects with infiltration by polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells (p = .0001). Patients with high PMN infiltration had lower mucosal zinc concentrations than patients with low PMN infiltration (35.2 ± 20.7 vs. 242.9 ± 191.8 ng/mg of protein; p = .021).Conclusions:  The degree of inflammation in H. pylori‐induced gastritis appears to be modulated by gastric tissue zinc concentrations.
Chronic Daily Headache in a Primary Care Population: Prevalence and Headache Impact Test Scores
Authors: Coeytaux Remy R. , Linville Julie C. 
Published: January 2007

Background.—Population‐based surveys estimate the prevalence of chronic daily headache (CDH) in the general community to be approximately 4%. The prevalence of CDH among patients seen in the primary care setting in the United States, however, is unknown.Purpose.—To estimate the prevalence and associated burden of suffering of CDH in a primary care patient population.Methods.—Cross‐sectional survey of a randomly selected sample of 1500 adult patients in an academic Family Medicine Center was done. Outcome measures include self‐reported headache frequency and Headache Impact Test scores.Results.—Completed questionnaires were returned by 853 (57%) patients. The mean age of respondents was 49 years (SD = 16), with a range of 18 to 94 years. Two hundred ninety‐six (58%) patients reported having had 1 or more severe headaches in the past month. Seventy‐four (9%) patients reported a frequency of headache consistent with CDH, defined as the occurrence of headache 15 or more days in the past month. Twenty‐four patients (32%) with CDH either believed that none of their doctors know that they experienced headaches or were not sure if their doctors were aware of their headaches, and 21 (28%) reported that they have not needed a doctor's care for their headaches.Conclusions.—The prevalence of CDH is greater among a primary care patient population compared to the general community. A substantial proportion of patients with CDH do not bring their headaches to the attention of their health‐care providers. In light of the advances in the development of effective medications for migraines and the growing body of evidence implicating medications as a contributing cause of CDH, it may be appropriate to encourage patients to inform their health‐care providers about their headaches and to encourage providers to identify patients with frequent headaches.
Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency and Response to Supplementation in Pediatric and Adolescent Migraine
Authors: Hershey Andrew D. , Powers Scott W. , Vockell Anna‐Liisa B. , LeCates Susan L. , Ellinor Priscilla L. , Segers Ann , Burdine Danny , Manning Paula , Kabbouche Marielle A. 
Published: January 2007

Background.—Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been suggested to be effective in the prevention of migraine, and levels can be quantified with standardized reference ranges.Objective.—This study documents the prevalence of CoQ10 deficiency in migraine headache and examines the potential effectiveness of supplementation.Methods.—We assessed patients attending a tertiary care center with frequent headaches for CoQ10 deficiency. We recommended patients with low CoQ10 levels begin supplementation with CoQ10 as part of their multidisciplinary treatment plan. We assessed response to treatment including correction of CoQ10 deficiency, overall headache improvement, and headache disability.Results.—CoQ10 was measured in 1550 patients (mean age 13.3 ± 3.5, range 3 to 22 years). The mean total CoQ10 level was 0.60 ± 0.20 μg/mL (range 0.21 to 1.77 μg/mL). Of these patients, 32.9% were below the reference range. Patients with low CoQ10 were recommended to start 1 to 3 mg/kg per day of CoQ10 in liquid gel capsule formulation. In a subset of patients who returned for timely follow‐up (mean, 97 days), the total CoQ10 level improved to 1.20 ± 0.59 μg/mL (P < .0001), while the headache frequency improved from 19.2 ± 10.0 to 12.5 ± 10.8 (P < .001) and headache disability assessed with PedMIDAS improved from 47.4 ± 50.6 to 22.8 ± 30.6 (P < .001).Conclusions.—Deficiency of CoQ10 may be common in pediatric and adolescent migraine. Determination of deficiency and consequent supplementation may result in clinical improvement. Further analysis involving more scientifically rigorous methodology will be required to confirm this observation.
Increased Dilator Response to Nitrate and Decreased Flow‐Mediated Dilatation in Migraineurs
Authors: Yetkin Ertan , Ozisik Handan , Ozcan Cemal , Aksoy Yuksel , Turhan Hasan 
Published: January 2007

Background.—It has been known that in a migraine attack intracranial and extracranial arteries on the headache side dilate and when the migraine attack has subsided, the intracranial arteries show segmental narrowing. We hypothesized that patients with migraine had an underlying systemic vasomotion abnormality and there might be an increased nitrate‐mediated vasodilatory response in the brachial artery of migraineurs. Accordingly we aimed to measure endothelium dependent and independent functions of brachial artery in migraineurs and healthy subjects.Materials and Methods.—Twenty‐four patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of migraine were enrolled in the study. Twenty‐six age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control subjects comprised the control group. Flow‐mediated dilatation and nitrate‐mediated dilatation were measured in all patients and control subjects by means of brachial artery ultrasonography.Results.—Flow‐mediated dilatation of patients with migraine was significantly lower than that of control subjects (7.6 ± 3.7% vs 10.4 ± 3.5%, respectively, P= .008). However, nitrate‐mediated dilatation in migraineurs was significantly higher than that of nonmigraineurs (25% vs 14%, respectively, P< .001).Conclusion.—We have shown that migraineurs have decreased endothelium dependent function whereas increased nitrate‐mediated response in their brachial artery. It can be suggested that the mechanism underlying migraine may be a diffuse vascular vasomotion abnormalities and migraine may be a local manifestation of systemic vascular abnormality rather than a primary cerebral phenomenon.