bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review article: the intestinal lumen as a therapeutic target in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: GASSULL M. A. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryUndigested carbohydrates reaching the colon can act as competitors for epithelial bacterial receptors, making it difficult for noncommensal bacteria to adhere to them.On the contrary, fermentation of these carbohydrates by anaerobic flora produces – among other substrates – butyrate that is involved in numerous important metabolic processes. These include the provision of energy to the colonocytes, the enhancement of sodium and water absorption and the synthesis of mucus and cell membranes. In addition, butyrate inhibits the nuclear translocation of the transcription factor NFκB, which exerts a potent anti‐inflammatory activity.Clinical experience with probiotics in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is controversial. Whereas some probiotic preparations appear to be useful in ulcerative colitis (UC) and pouchitis, most attempts to use probiotics for treating or preventing recurrence in Crohn's disease have failed. It should be pointed out that – unlike in the small bowel – the colon and ileal pouches are well‐established microbiological ecosystems with increasing amounts of a wide variety of bacterial strains. These bacterial strains have a high degree of metabolic interaction with luminal nutrients and a greater probability of developing dysbiosis.With this in mind, the rationale for using pre‐ and probiotics appears to be stronger for colonic IBD (UC or Crohn's colitis) and pouchitis than for IBD mostly involving the small bowel.
Review article: the management of achalasia – a comparison of different treatment modalities1
Authors: LAKE J. M. , WONG R. K. H. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryBackgroundAchalasia is an uncommon primary oesophageal motor disorder with an unknown aetiology. Therapeutic options for achalasia are aimed at decreasing the lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, improving the oesophageal empting, and most importantly, relieving the symptoms of achalasia. Modalities for treatment include pharmacologic, endoscopic, pneumatic dilatation and surgical. The decision of which modality to use involves the consideration of multiple clinical and economic factors.AimTo review the management strategies currently available for achalasia.MethodsA Medline search identified the original articles and reviews the published in the English language literature between 1966 and 2006.ResultsThe results reveal that pharmacotherapy, injection of botulinum toxin, pneumatic dilatation and minimally invasive surgical oesophagomyotomy are variably effective at controlling the symptoms of achalasia but that each modality has specific strengths and weaknesses which make them each suitable in certain populations. Overall, pharmacologic therapy results in the shortest lived, least durable response followed by botulinum toxin injection, pneumatic dilatation and surgery, respectively.ConclusionThe optimal treatment for achalasia remains an area of controversy given our lack of complete understanding about the pathophysiology of the disease as well as the high numbers of clinical relapse after treatment. Further research focusing on optimal dosing of botulinum toxin injection and optimal timing of repeated graduated pneumatic dilatations could add to our knowledge regarding long‐term therapy.
Impact of endoscopist withdrawal speed on polyp yield: implications for optimal colonoscopy withdrawal time
Authors: SIMMONS D. T. , HAREWOOD G. C. , BARON T. H. , PETERSEN B. T. , WANG K. K. , BOYD‐ENDERS F. , OTT B. J. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryBackgroundIn 2002, a U.S. Multi‐Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer recommended that the withdrawal phase for colonoscopy should average at least 6–10 min. This was based on 10 consecutive colonoscopies by two endoscopists with different adenoma miss rates.AimsTo characterize the relationship between endoscopist withdrawal time and polyp detection at colonoscopy, and to determine the withdrawal time that corresponds to the median polyp detection rate.DesignProcedural data from out‐patient colonoscopies performed at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester during 2003 were reviewed. Endoscopists were characterized by their mean withdrawal time for a negative procedure and individual polyp detection rate.ResultsA total of 10 955 colonoscopies performed by 43 endoscopists were analysed. Median withdrawal time was 6.3 min (range: 4.2–11.9); polyp detection rate was 44.0% (all polyps), 29.8% (≤5 mm), 5.9% (6–9 mm), 6.7% (10–19 mm), 2.1% (≥20 mm). Longer withdrawal time was associated with higher polyp detection rate (r = 0.76; P < 0.0001); this relationship weakened for larger polyps (r = 0.19 for polyps 6–9 mm, r = 0.28 for polyps 10–19 mm, r = 0.02 for polyps ≥20 mm). Overall median polyp detection rate corresponded to a withdrawal time of 6.7 min.ConclusionOur findings support a colonoscopy withdrawal time of at least 7 min, which correlates with higher colon polyp detection rates.
Injection of botulinum toxin before pneumatic dilatation in achalasia treatment: a randomized‐controlled trial
Authors: MIKAELI J. , BISHEHSARI F. , MONTAZERI G. , MAHDAVINIA M. , YAGHOOBI M. , DARVISH‐MOGHADAM S. , FARROKHI F. , SHIRANI S. , ESTAKHRI A. , MALEKZADEH R. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryBackgroundPneumatic dilatation is the first line therapy in achalasia, but half of patients relapse within 5 years of therapy and require further dilatations.AimTo assess whether botulinum toxin injection before pneumatic dilatation is superior to pneumatic dilatation alone in achalasia patients.MethodsNewly diagnosed achalasia patients were randomly assigned to receive botulinum toxin 1 month before pneumatic dilatation (botulinum toxin‐pneumatic dilatation group: 27 patients with median age of 38) or to undergo pneumatic dilatation alone (pneumatic dilatation group: 27 patients with median age of 30). Response to therapy was assessed by clinical and objective methods at various intervals.ResultsOne‐year remission rate of patients in botulinum toxin‐pneumatic dilatation group was 77% compared with 62% in pneumatic dilatation group (P = 0.1). In pneumatic dilatation group, the oesophageal barium volume significantly (P < 0.001) decreased at 1 month, but this reduction did not persist over 1‐year follow‐up. Botulinum toxin‐pneumatic dilatation group showed a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in barium volume at the various times intervals post‐treatment. In the botulinum toxin‐pneumatic dilatation group, 10/11 (91%) patients over 40 were in remission at 1 year, comparing with only five of nine (55%) cases in pneumatic dilatation group (P = 0.07).ConclusionInjection of botulinum toxin before pneumatic dilatation does not significantly enhance the efficacy of pneumatic dilatation.
Effect of serotonin on the differentiation of human monocytes into dendritic cells
Authors: Katoh N , Soga F , Nara T , Tamagawa-Mineoka R , Nin M , Kotani H , Masuda K , Kishimoto S 
Published: August 2006

SummaryThe local cytokine environment and presence of stimulatory signals determine whether monocytes acquire dendritic cell (DC) or macrophage characteristics and functions. Because enhanced platelet activation is reported in patients with many allergic disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, platelet-derived factors may influence monocytic differentiation into DC. In this study we examined the effect of serotonin, a prototypic mediator of allergic inflammation released mainly by activated platelets at the inflammatory site, on the granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin (IL)-4-driven differentiation of monocytes into monocyte-derived DC. Monocytes from healthy adult donors were cultured with GM-CSF and IL-4 in the presence or absence of serotonin, and the phenotypes and function of these cells were analysed. In the presence of serotonin, monocytes differentiated into DC with reduced expression of co-stimulatory molecules and CD1a, whereas expression of CD14 was increased. These serotonin-treated DC exhibited significantly reduced stimulatory activity toward allogeneic T cells. However, these cells showed enhanced cytokine-producing capacity, including IL-10 but not IL-12. There was no significant difference between both types of DC in phagocytic activity. Experiments using agonists and antagonists indicated that serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) induced the alteration of their phenotype and reduction in antigen-presenting capacity were mediated via 5-HTR1/7. It is therefore suggested that serotonin-driven DC may have a regulatory function in the inflammatory process.
Innate immune peptide LL-37 displays distinct expression pattern from beta-defensins in inflamed gingival tissue
Authors: Hosokawa I , Hosokawa Y , Komatsuzawa H , Goncalves R B , Karimbux N , Napimoga M H , Seki M , Ouhara K , Sugai M , Taubman M A , Kawai T 
Published: August 2006

Summary
Anti-microbial peptides produced from mucosal epithelium appear to play pivotal roles in the host innate immune defence system in the oral cavity. In particular, human beta-defensins (hBDs) and the cathelicidin-type anti-microbial peptide, LL-37, were reported to kill periodontal disease-associated bacteria. In contrast to well-studied hBDs, little is known about the expression profiles of LL-37 in gingival tissue. In this study, the anti-microbial peptides expressed in gingival tissue were analysed using immunohistochemistry and enxyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemistry revealed that neutrophils expressed only LL-37, but not hBD-2 or hBD-3, and that such expression was prominent in the inflammatory lesions when compared to healthy gingivae which showed very few or no LL-37 expressing neutrophils. Gingival epithelial cells (GEC), however, expressed all three examined anti-microbial peptides, irrespective of the presence or absence of inflammation. Moreover, as determined by ELISA, the concentration of LL-37 in the gingival tissue homogenates determined was correlated positively with the depth of the gingival crevice. Stimulation with periodontal bacteria in vitro induced both hBD-2 and LL-37 expressions by GEC, whereas peripheral blood neutrophils produced only LL-37 production, but not hBD-2, in response to the bacterial stimulation. These findings suggest that LL-37 displays distinct expression patterns from those of hBDs in gingival tissue.
Adiponectin levels and cardiovascular risk factors in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
Authors: Altınova Alev E. , Törüner Füsun B. , Aktürk Müjde , Bukan Neslihan , Çakır Nuri , Ayvaz Göksun , Arslan Metin 
Published: August 2006

SummaryObjective  Adiponectin, an adipose tissue‐derived hormone, has been reported to have anti‐inflammatory and anti‐atherogenic effects. The physiological effect of adiponectin on the metabolic changes and its relation with cardiovascular risk factors in thyroid dysfunction states is still not clear. The aim of the study was to evaluate plasma adiponectin level and its relation to cardiovascular risk factors in patients with thyroid dysfunction.Patients and measurements  Sixty‐seven patients with hypothyroidism, 56 patients with hyperthyroidism and 52 age‐ and sex‐matched euthyroid subjects were enrolled in the study. Adiponectin, C‐reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine (Hcy), lipid parameters, Lipoprotein(a) [Lp (a)], Apolipoprotein (Apo) A, Apo B and fibrinogen levels were measured in all subjects. Insulin sensitivity was determined using the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA‐IR).Results  Circulating adiponectin levels were not different between the groups (16·2 ± 5·0, 15·1 ± 3·7, 15·9 ± 4·8 ng/ml; hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, euthyroid group, respectively). Plasma adiponectin levels correlated negatively with body mass index (BMI) and HOMA‐IR index and positively with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) in all groups. There was a significant correlation between adiponectin and CRP levels in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid groups. In all groups, adiponectin levels did not correlate with age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and thyroid hormones. Multiple regression analysis revealed BMI and HDL‐C levels to be the most important predictors of circulating adiponectin levels.Conclusions  Plasma adiponectin levels are associated with BMI and HDL‐C levels in patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. But there is not a direct relation of adiponectin with thyroid hormones in these patients.
α‐enolase: a novel autoantigen in patients with premature ovarian failure
Authors: Sundblad Victoria , Bussmann Leonardo , Chiauzzi Violeta A. , Pancholi Vijay , Charreau Eduardo H. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryObjective  Although controversial, the presence of circulating antiovarian antibodies (AOA) may be considered a marker of autoimmune premature ovarian failure (POF). The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the presence of AOA in POF patients, and to identify a possible autoantigen in order to develop a reliable diagnostic tool that might help to determine the real prevalence of autoimmune POF.Design  Non‐randomised study. Blood sampling for determination of circulating AOA.Patients  One hundred and ten patients with POF and 60 normally menstruating women with no record of autoimmune diseases (controls).Measurements  Presence of circulating AOA was assessed by Western‐blot, using cytosolic fraction from human ovarian homogenate as antigen.Results  Twenty‐one of 110 women with POF presented circulating antibodies directed toward an antigen of approximately 50 kD. Sixty control subjects proved negative. After purification and analysis by mass spectrometry, the antigen was identified as α‐enolase.Conclusion  Determination of the presence of circulating antiα‐enolase antibodies might be instrumental in identifying those patients who may present a putative defect in immunoregulation and therefore a possible autoimmune aetiolgy for POF.
The nuclear GTPase Gsp1p can affect proper telomeric function through the Sir4 protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Clément Martin , Deshaies Francis , de Repentigny Louis , Belhumeur Pierre 
Published: August 2006

SummaryThe small Ras‐like GTPase Ran/Gsp1p is a highly conserved nuclear protein required for the nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of macromolecules. Recent findings suggest that the Ran/Gsp1p pathway may have additional roles in several aspects of nuclear structure and function, including spindle assembly, nuclear envelope formation, nuclear pore complex assembly and RNA processing. Here, we provide evidence that Gsp1p can regulate telomeric function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that overexpression of PRP20, encoding the Gsp1p GDP/GTP nuclear exchange factor, specifically weakens telomeric silencing without detectably affecting nucleocytoplasmic transport. In addition to this silencing defect, we show that Rap1p and Sir3p delocalize from their normal telomeric foci. Interestingly, Gsp1p was found to interact genetically and physically with the telomeric component Sir4p. Taken together, these results suggest that the GSP1 pathway could regulate proper telomeric function in yeast through Sir4p.
Expansins are involved in the formation of nematode‐induced syncytia in roots of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wieczorek Krzysztof , Golecki Bettina , Gerdes Lars , Heinen Petra , Szakasits Dagmar , Durachko Daniel M. , Cosgrove Daniel J. , Kreil David P. , Puzio Piotr S. , Bohlmann Holger , Grundler Florian M. W. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryParasitism of the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii is characterized by the formation of syncytial feeding structures in the host root. Syncytia are formed by the fusion of root cells, accompanied by local cell wall degradation, fusion of protoplasts and hypertrophy. Expansins are cell wall‐loosening proteins involved in growth and cell wall disassembly. In this study, we analysed whether members of the expansin gene family are specifically and developmentally regulated during syncytium formation in the roots of Arabidopsis thaliana. We used PCR to screen a cDNA library of 5–7‐day‐old syncytia for expansin transcripts with primers differentiating between 26 α‐ and three β‐expansin cDNAs. AtEXPA1, AtEXPA3, AtEXPA4, AtEXPA6, AtEXPA8, AtEXPA10, AtEXPA15, AtEXPA16, AtEXPA20 and AtEXPB3 could be amplified from the library. In a semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR and a Genechip analysis AtEXPA3, AtEXPA6, AtEXPA8, AtEXPA10 and AtEXPA16 were found to be upregulated specifically in syncytia, but not to be transcribed in surrounding root tissue. Histological analyses were performed with the aid of promoter::GUS lines and in situ RT‐PCR. Results from both approaches supported the specific expression pattern. Among the specifically expressed genes, AtEXPA3 and AtEXPA16 turned out to be of special interest as they are shoot‐specific in uninfected plants. We conclude that syncytium formation involves the specific regulation of expansin genes, indicating that the encoded expansins take part in cell growth and cell wall disassembly during syncytium formation.
Fixed drug eruption in Nigeria
Authors: Nnoruka Edith N. , Ikeh V. O. , Mbah A. U. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractFixed drug eruption (FDE) causes cosmetic embarrassment in Nigerian patients, particularly when the characteristic hyperpigmented patches affect the face and lips. Drugs that have been implicated in the etiology of FDE, and the sites of lesions, may vary from country to country. Antimalarials, such as Fansidar, Fancimef, Maloxine, Amalar, and Metakelfin, were the most common offending agents, accounting for 38% of FDEs, followed by trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole (co‐trimoxazole) (28%), dipyrones (10%), Butazolidin (6%), thiacetazone (6%), metronidazole (4%), paracetamol (3%), and naproxen (3%). Lesions induced by the combination of sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine (in antimalarials) mainly involved the face and lips. In most cases, patients took these sulfa‐containing antimalarials in combination with numerous other drugs, particularly analgesics. Unlike chloroquine‐induced pruritus, which affects most Africans, the association between antimalarials and FDE has not been well documented in our region. Co‐trimoxazole was associated more often than antimalarials with FDEs involving the mucocutaneous junctions of the genitalia and lips. Males with genital lesions on the glans penis represented 11 (48%) of those with co‐trimoxazole hypersensitivity. The trunk and limbs were affected mainly by pyrazoles and Butazolidin, respectively; however, solitary lesions on the trunk were usually due to co‐trimoxazole, whereas solitary lesions on the limbs were associated with Butazolidin.
Efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy in asthma: systematic review of randomized‐clinical trials using the Cochrane Collaboration method
Authors: Calamita Z. , Saconato H. , Pelá A. B. , Atallah Á. N. 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is effective and safe in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. However, there is no meta‐analysis in asthma treatment.Methods:  The clinical efficacy of SLIT for asthma was evaluated through a systematic review with meta‐analysis. MEDLINE (1966–2005), EMBASE (1974–2005), LILACS (1982–2005), and the Cochrane Library were searched for related literature in any language. Randomized‐controlled clinical trials (RCT) on SLIT in asthma treatment for adults and children were selected. From 119 citations, 25 studies with 1706 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. For each report, quality scores were assigned and data were extracted in relation to the outcomes analyzed: asthmatic symptoms, use of asthma medications, lung function, and bronchial provocation.Results:  According to the Jadad quality method, 64% of the studies were assigned scores of 4 or 5. Immunotherapy was seen to significantly reduce asthma severity when parameter compositions were all analyzed by categorical outcomes. There was a nonsignificant reduction in asthma symptoms when analyzed using standardized mean differences. No severe reactions were observed.Conclusions:  This meta‐analysis found that SLIT is beneficial for asthma treatment albeit the magnitude of the effect is not very large. Moreover, it is a safe alternative to the subcutaneous route. More RCT with standardization of symptom scores and medications are needed in order to contribute further to this subject.
The use of three‐dimensional computed tomography for assessing patients before laparoscopic adrenal‐sparing surgery
Authors: Mitterberger Michael , Pinggera Germar‐Michael , Peschel Reinhard , Bartsch Georg , Pallwein Leo , Frauscher Ferdinand 
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of three‐dimensional computed tomography (3D‐CT) in delineating the relationship of the adrenal mass to adjacent normal structures in preparation for laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy.PATIENTS AND METHODSMultislice CT (1 mm slices, 0.5 s rotation time) was used to evaluate 12 patients before adrenal‐sparing surgery for aldosterone‐producing adenoma or phaeochromocytoma. The CT data were reconstructed using two rendering techniques; (i) volume rendering with the modified VOLREN software (Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA) which allowed interactive 3D examination of the whole data volume within a few minutes; (ii) surface representations only of the interesting structures (kidney, adrenal tumour, vessels) represented in different colours and depicted together in a 3D scene using the software package 3DVIEWNIX.RESULTSIn all, 14 adrenal masses in 12 patients were evaluated with 3D‐CT; the number and location of lesions was accurate in all cases with both rendering techniques. The coloured surface‐rendered images showed a consistently better delineation of the adrenal tumour from the normal tissue than did the volume‐rendering technique. From this information all laparoscopic partial adrenalectomies could be completed as planned.CONCLUSIONSInteractive visualization of volume‐rendered CT images was helpful for the planning and successful performance of the procedure, but coloured surface‐rendered CT provided more convenient, immediate and accurate intraoperative information.
Investigating Emotions Philosophically1
Authors: McEachrane Michael 
Published: August 2006

AbstractAmong today's philosophers of emotion there are, on the one hand, those that do “conceptual analysis” and, on the other hand, those that oppose such an approach as empirically naïve, as sanctifying our ordinary use of words and as based on an analytic/synthetic distinction and an outmoded theory of meaning. This paper is an attempt to show why this critique is misplaced and to clarify how conceptual investigations of emotions relate to empirical investigations.