bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combinations containing amoxicillin–clavulanate and tetracycline are inappropriate for Helicobacter pylori eradication despite high in vitro susceptibility
Authors: Cheon Jae Hee , Kim Sang Gyun , Kim Jung Mogg , Kim Nayoung , Lee Dong Ho , Kim Joo Sung , Jung Hyun Chae , Song In Sung 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground:  The purpose of the present paper was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of amoxicillin–clavulanate and tetracycline‐based quadruple therapy as an alternative second‐line treatment for H. pylori infection.Methods:  The study subjects consisted of 54 patients infected with H. pylori, in whom initial triple therapy had failed. Subjects were randomized to receive the following 7‐day therapies: (i) pantoprazole 40 mg b.i.d., tripotassium dicitrate bismuthate 300 mg q.i.d., amoxicillin–clavulanate 1000 mg b.i.d., and tetracycline 500 mg q.i.d. (PBAT); or (ii) pantoprazole 40 mg b.i.d., tripotassium dicitrate bismuthate 300 mg q.i.d., metronidazole 500 mg t.i.d., and tetracycline 500 mg q.i.d. (PBMT). Eradication rates based on antibiotic susceptibility, drug compliance and side‐effect rates were evaluated and compared.Results:  The H. pylori eradication rates were 16.0%/17.4% with PBAT and 65.5%/70.4% with PBMT by intention‐to‐treat (P < 0.001) and per‐protocol analyses (P < 0.001), respectively. In patients who received PBAT, the eradication rates were only 16.7% (2/12) for both amoxicillin and tetracycline‐susceptible H. pylori strains. Drug compliance and side‐effect rates were similar in the two groups.Conclusions:  Despite high individual in vitro antimicrobial activity, amoxicillin–clavulanate and tetracycline‐based quadruple therapy showed low eradication rates, which strongly suggests that it should not be considered as a therapeutic option for H. pylori eradication.
Secretion of RANTES (CCL5) and interleukin‐10 from mesenteric adipose tissue and from creeping fat in Crohn’s disease: Regulation by steroid treatment
Authors: Schäffler Andreas , Fürst Alois , Büchler Christa , Paul Gisela , Rogler Gerhard , Schölmerich Jürgen , Herfarth Hans 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground:  Creeping fat represents a characteristic feature of Crohn’s disease (CD) and adipose tissue is currently being recognized as a complex compartment secreting highly active molecules. Pro‐ or anti‐inflammatory adipose tissue‐derived secretory products (adipocytokines) might play a role in the pathogenesis of CD.Methods:  Adipose tissue specimens were obtained from creeping fat contiguous to the involved intestine of 10 patients with CD. Mesenteric adipose tissue specimens resected in 13 patients with colon cancer (CC) and in seven patients with diverticulitis (DIV) served as controls. Three fat tissue specimens per well and n = 6–8 wells per patient were incubated ex vivo for 24 h. The release of regulated on activation, T‐cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and interleukin (IL)‐10 into the supernatant was measured by ELISA.Results:  Both RANTES and IL‐10 secretion could be demonstrated from total adipose tissue explants. The RANTES secretion is increased from creeping fat in CD (3691 ± 597 pg/g fat per 24 h) when compared to mesenteric adipose tissue from patients with CC (1690 ± 191 pg/g fat per 24 h; P < 0.0001) or DIV (1672 ± 336 pg/g fat per 24 h; P < 0.0001). In contrast, IL‐10 secretion is downregulated significantly only in patients with DIV (1418 ± 180 pg/g fat per 24 h; P = 0.016) when compared to CC patients (2368 ± 259 pg/g fat per 24 h). Crohn’s disease patients receiving steroids had a higher secretion rate of RANTES and IL‐10.Conclusions:  Both RANTES and IL‐10 secretion can be detected from mesenteric adipose tissue and from creeping fat. The elevated RANTES and IL‐10 secretion from creeping fat in CD is not due to a CD‐specific effect but caused by steroid treatment.
Oxidative stress in experimental liver microvesicular steatosis: Role of mitochondria and peroxisomes
Authors: Natarajan Sathish Kumar , Eapen Chundamannil E , Pullimood Anna B , Balasubramanian Kunissery A 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground: Hepatic microvesicular steatosis is a clinical manifestation seen in a number of liver diseases. Although the role of mitochondrial β‐oxidation in the development of the disease has been well studied, information on lipid peroxidative damage in liver subcellular organelles is scarce. The present study looked at oxidative stress in hepatic peroxisomes and microsomes in microvesicular steatosis, using an animal model of the disease.Methods: Rats were given i.p. injections of sodium valproate (700 mg/kg bodyweight) to induce microvesicular steatosis, which was confirmed by histology.Results: Oxidative stress was evident in liver in steatosis, accompanied by structural and functional alterations in hepatic mitochondria. Alterations in lipid composition, with decreased phosphatidyl choline and ethanolamine and increased lysophosphatidyl choline and ethanolamine, were seen. An increase in triglyceride content was also seen. In addition, increased lipid peroxidation was also evident in peroxisomes and microsomes from steatotic rats. Pretreatment with clofibrate results in partial reversal of changes produced by valproate.Conclusions: These results suggest that in addition to impaired mitochondrial β‐oxidation, oxidative stress is also seen in the hepatic peroxisomes and microsomes during microvesicular steatosis.
Helicobacter pylori status and the extent of gastric atrophy do not affect ulcer healing after endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Kakushima Naomi , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Yahagi Naohisa , Kodashima Shinya , Nakamura Masanori , Omata Masao 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground:  Eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori is effective in preventing peptic ulcer recurrence, but its efficacy in ulcer healing is still controversial. The effect of H. pylori on artificial ulcers after endoscopic resection is not known. The purpose of the present study was therefore to evaluate the influence of H. pylori infection on ulcer healing after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).Methods:  One hundred and 10 patients who underwent ESD for gastric tumors, and for whom the infection status of H. pylori was confirmed before treatment, were included. The healing stage was studied by endoscopy performed at 8 weeks after ESD. In addition, 73 patients whose serum pepsinogen (PG) was evaluated before ESD, were divided into three groups: PG positive (PGI ≤ 70 ng/mL and I/II ≤ 3 ng/mL), strongly positive (PGI ≤ 30 ng/mL and I/II ≤ 2 ng/mL) and negative, to study the influence of atrophic gastritis on ulcer healing.Results:  Ulcer healing was observed in 85 patients (93%) who were H. pylori positive, and in 19 patients (100%) in whom H. pylori had been eradicated previously. Serum PG level had no influence on the healing process. Among 15 patients with ulceration or ulcer scar with the lesion, ulcer healing was observed in nine patients (60%), which was significantly low.Conclusions:  Infection status of H. pylori and the extent of gastric atrophy do not affect ulcer healing after ESD. Preoperative existence of fibrotic change in the submucosal layer may delay the healing process.
Clinicopathological study of scirrhous hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kurogi Mina , Nakashima Osamu , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Fujimoto Masaru , Kojiro Masamichi 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Scirrhous hepatocellular carcinoma (SHCC) is characterized by diffuse fibrosis of the tumor, however, its clinicopathological features are not fully clarified. This study aimed to clarify the clinicopathological features of SHCC.Methods:  Among 546 consecutively resected HCC without preoperative anticancer therapies, 25 SHCC were selected for the study and compared with 521 cases without scirrhous as the control.Results:  SHCC accounted for 4.6% of cases. On diagnostic imagings, SHCC was frequently misdiagnosed as cholangiocarcinoma (CC), combined HCC‐CC or metastatic carcinoma. Overall survival rate was significantly higher than the control. The average (±SD) tumor size of SHCC was 3.4 ± 1.8 cm without significant difference to the control. The majority of SHCC (88%) were located close to the liver capsule. SHCC was characterized by stellate fibrosis (84%), no encapsulation (100%), no necrosis and hemorrhage (100%), intratumoral portal tracts (80%), remarkable lymphocyte infiltration (84%), clear cell change (84%), and hyaline bodies (52%). The number of α‐smooth muscle actin‐positive myofibroblast‐like cells (activated stellate cells) in the tumor was about three times more than that in the control. Regarding the developmental mechanism of scirrhous change, a close correlation with unique tumor location and activation of stellate cells was suggested.Conclusion:  SHCC presents with characteristic clinicopathological features and the recognition of SHCC is important for both clinicians and pathologists.
Expression of microsomal epoxide hydrolase is elevated in Alzheimer's hippocampus and induced by exogenous β‐amyloid and trimethyl‐tin
Authors: Liu Mei , Sun Anyang , Shin Eun‐Joo , Liu Xianxi , Kim Sang‐Geon , Runyons Cecil R. , Markesbery William , Kim Hyoung‐Chun , Bing Guoying 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe brain is a potential target for drugs and environmental toxins. Microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) is one of several critical biotransformation enzymes in xenobiotic metabolism and detoxification. In the present study, we report that the expression of mEH is significantly elevated in the hippocampus and associated cortex, but not in the cerebellum, in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. A large proportion of the mEH‐positive cells are located around β‐amyloid plaques. The mEH‐positive‐staining cells are astrocytes and pyramidal neurons. Western blotting analysis confirmed increased expression of mEH in AD hippocampal tissues. In primary hippocampal glial culture, β‐amyloid aggregation stimulated mEH expression in the astrocytes, which displayed a patchy distribution. An environmental neurotoxic agent, trimethyl‐tin, also activated mEH expression in rat hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. The present study demonstrates a significant increase in mEH expression in the AD hippocampus, a region showing abundant neuropathology in AD. The expression of mEH could also be elevated by exposure to exogenous β‐amyloid in vitro and environmental toxins in vivo. Our studies suggest that mEH may play a role in pathogenesis of neurodegeneration in response to environmental stress.
Non‐fibrillar β‐amyloid abates spike‐timing‐dependent synaptic potentiation at excitatory synapses in layer 2/3 of the neocortex by targeting postsynaptic AMPA receptors
Authors: Shemer Isaac , Holmgren Carl , Min Rogier , Fülöp Livia , Zilberter Misha , Sousa Kyle M. , Farkas Tamás , Härtig Wolfgang , Penke Botond , Burnashev Nail , Tanila Heikki , Zilberter Yuri , Harkany Tibor 
Published: April 2006

AbstractCognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) stems from the progressive dysfunction of synaptic connections within cortical neuronal microcircuits. Recently, soluble amyloid β protein oligomers (Aβols) have been identified as critical triggers for early synaptic disorganization. However, it remains unknown whether a deficit of Hebbian‐related synaptic plasticity occurs during the early phase of AD. Therefore, we studied whether age‐dependent Aβ accumulation affects the induction of spike‐timing‐dependent synaptic potentiation at excitatory synapses on neocortical layer 2/3 (L2/3) pyramidal cells in the APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mouse model of AD. Synaptic potentiation at excitatory synapses onto L2/3 pyramidal cells was significantly reduced at the onset of Aβ pathology and was virtually absent in mice with advanced Aβ burden. A decreased α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole propionate (AMPA)/N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor‐mediated current ratio implicated postsynaptic mechanisms underlying Aβ synaptotoxicity. The integral role of Aβols in these processes was verified by showing that pretreatment of cortical slices with Aβ(25−35)ols disrupted spike‐timing‐dependent synaptic potentiation at unitary connections between L2/3 pyramidal cells, and reduced the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents therein. A robust decrement of AMPA, but not NMDA, receptor‐mediated currents in nucleated patches from L2/3 pyramidal cells confirmed that Aβols perturb basal glutamatergic synaptic transmission by affecting postsynaptic AMPA receptors. Inhibition of AMPA receptor desensitization by cyclothiazide significantly increased the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic potentials evoked by afferent stimulation, and rescued synaptic plasticity even in mice with pronounced Aβ pathology. We propose that soluble Aβols trigger the diminution of synaptic plasticity in neocortical pyramidal cell networks during early stages of AD pathogenesis by preferentially targeting postsynaptic AMPA receptors.
Endogenous factors derived from embryonic cortex regulate proliferation and neuronal differentiation of postnatal subventricular zone cell cultures
Authors: Agasse Fabienne , Benzakour Omar , Berjeaud Jean‐Marc , Roger Michel , Coronas Valérie 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn rodents, the subventricular zone (SVZ) harbours neural stem cells that proliferate and produce neurons throughout life. Previous studies showed that factors released by the developing cortex promote neurogenesis in the embryonic ventricular zone. In the present report, we studied in the rat the possible involvement of endogenous factors derived from the embryonic cortex in the regulation of the development of postnatal SVZ cells. To this end, SVZ neurospheres were maintained with explants or conditioned media (CM) prepared from embryonic day (E) 13, E16 or early postnatal cortex. We demonstrate that early postnatal cortex‐derived factors have no significant effect on SVZ cell proliferation or differentiation. In contrast, E13 and E16 cortex release diffusible, heat‐labile factors that promote SVZ cell expansion through increased proliferation and reduced cell death. In addition, E16 cortex‐derived factors stimulate neuronal differentiation in both early postnatal and adult SVZ cultures. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2‐ but not epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐immunodepletion drastically reduces the mitogenic effect of E16 cortex CM, hence suggesting a major role of endogenous FGF‐2 released by E16 cortex in the stimulation of SVZ cell proliferation. The evidence we provide here for the regulation of SVZ cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation by endogenous factors released from embryonic cortex may be of major importance for brain repair research.
Periparabigeminal and adjoining mesencephalic tegmental field projections to the dorsolateral periaqueductal grey in cat – a possible role for oculomotor input in the defensive system
Authors: Klop Esther Marije , Mouton Leonora J. , Holstege Gert 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe dorsolateral column of the mesencephalic periaqueductal grey (PAGdl) differs from its adjacent columns in terms of afferent and efferent connections and the distribution pattern of different histochemical substances. Functionally, PAGdl is associated with aversive and defensive behaviours, but in an earlier study of this laboratory [E.M. Klop et al. (2005) J. Comp. Neurol., 492, 303–322], it was found that PAGdl specifically receives input from the nucleus prepositus hypoglossi, which plays a role in oculomotor control. In search for other oculomotor‐related brainstem structures projecting to PAGdl we studied the projections from the parabigeminal nucleus (PBGN) and its medially adjoining periparabigeminal area (PPBGA). In three cats, injections of wheatgerm agluttinin–horseradish peroxidase involving PAGdl did not, or to only a very limited extent, result in retrogradely labelled neurons in PBGN. When the peripheral parts of PAGdl were involved in the injection site, labelled neurons were located in PPBGA, while after an injection involving only the more central parts of PAGdl they were located in the tegmentum medial to the PPBGA. An anterograde tracing study using [3H]‐leucine and biotinylated dextran amine affirmed that neurons in PPBGA project to more peripheral parts of PAGdl, while neurons located in the tegmentum medial to PPBGA project mainly to its central parts. These results provide further evidence for the existence of two different subdivisions of PAGdl. We hypothesize that PAGdl is alerted by sudden changes in the visual field, and that the PAGdl defensive system is inhibited when these changes are caused by eye movements.
Evidence for a role of CaMKIV in the development of opioid analgesic tolerance
Authors: Ko Shanelle W. , Jia Yongheng , Xu Hui , Yim Se‐Jeong , Jang Dong‐Hyuk , Lee Yong‐Seok , Zhao Ming‐Gao , Toyoda Hiroki , Wu Long‐Jun , Chatila Talal , Kaang Bong‐Kiun , Zhuo Min 
Published: April 2006

AbstractcAMP response‐element binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor involved in learning, memory and drug addiction, is phosphorylated by calcium–calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV). Here, we show that CaMKIV‐knockout (KO) mice developed less analgesic tolerance after chronic morphine administration with no alteration in physical dependence or acute morphine‐induced analgesia. The increase in phosphorylated CREB expression observed in wild‐type mice after chronic morphine was absent in CaMKIV‐KO mice, while there was no difference in the expression or phosphorylation of the µ‐opioid receptor between groups. Morphine‐treated CaMKIV‐KO mice showed less G‐protein uncoupling from the µ‐opioid receptor than did wild‐type mice, while uncoupling was similar in control wild‐type and KO mice. In addition, morphine reduced inhibitory transmission to a greater degree in CaMKIV‐KO mice than in controls after chronic morphine exposure. Our results provide novel evidence for the role of CaMKIV in the development of opioid analgesic tolerance but not physical dependence.
Prevalence of overweight, obesity, and associated psychological problems in Qatari's female population
Authors: Bener A. , Tewfik I. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryDissatisfaction with body weight and the use of unhealthy weight reduction practices have been reported among adolescents. It is important to conduct rigorous studies using large representative samples of female adolescents to assess accurately the frequency of dieting, overweight and eating disorders and accompanying attitudes. The aim of the present study was to examine the severity of dieting and its association with obesity, body satisfaction and psychological problems in female adolescents. A representative sample of 800 girls aged 14–19 years were approached during the period of October to December 2004, and 566 girls gave consent and participated in the study, thus giving a response rate of 70.8%. Self‐reports were obtained from 566 teenage girls using the Adolescent Dieting Scale and the Self‐Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ‐20) for psychopathology. Subjects were classified into three categories: acceptable weight (BMI < 25 kg m−2); overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg m−2); and obese (BMI > 30 kg m−2). The prevalence of overweight and obesity for female adolescents were 13.4% vs. 1.8%; 39.9% were intermediate dieters, and 8.3% were extreme dieters. Dieting was not associated with age but was significantly associated with body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.045). Extreme dieting was strongly associated with peer perception of respondent's figure (P < 0.001) and self‐perception of figure (P = 0.016). Additionally, in adult Qatari population overweight and obesity for males were (34.4% vs. 34.6%) and for females were (33.0% vs. 45.3%). This is significantly higher than adolescent girls. (P < 0.01). The SRQ score was significantly highest in the extreme dieters group (P = 0.005). The extreme dieters get most of their education about dieting from school (14.0%) and TV (43.6%). The present study revealed strong evidence for the association between frequent dieting and overweight, body image dissatisfaction and psychological problems among adolescent females.
Prevalence of obesity in Kuwait and its relation to sociocultural variables
Authors: Al‐Kandari Y. Y. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThis study ascertains the prevalence of obesity and its relationship with some sociocultural characteristics in Kuwaiti society. The sample involved 212 men and 212 women, most of whom are overweight and obese. Grades 1 (body mass index [BMI] > 25–30 kg m−2), 2 (BMI > 30–40) and 3 (BMI > 40) of obesity characterize 71.2% of the sample. Most individuals are in grade 2 obesity, 37.2%. Grade 1 obesity is seen in 31.4% of the sample. Obesity increases with age, especially in women. The heaviest women are aged 60 years or older (mean BMI of 33.8), about the same mean as in the 50–59‐year‐old age group. The highest frequency of grades 1 and 2 obesity occur in women 30–39 years old. Fifty per cent of the underweight women are 20–29 years old or are over 60 years old. Most women of normal weight are 20–29 years old. For the men, 60% of the underweight sample are 50–60 years old. Male respondents between 30 and 39 years old are the heaviest; 42.7% of the sample are within grade 1 obesity and 40.7% of the sample within grade 2 obesity. The smallest percentage of men in grades 1 and 2 obesity are those 50–59 years old. An association was found between some sociocultural variables and obesity. Data show an increasing prevalence of obesity in Kuwait compared with some previous studies.
Bilateral Donors’ Interest vs. Recipients’ Development Motives in Aid Allocation: Do All Donors Behave the Same?
Authors: Berthélemy Jean‐Claude 
Published: April 2006

AbstractI provide an overall empirical assessment of the motivations of ODA granted by rich countries to developing countries, as revealed by aid allocation behaviors. Aid motives combine self‐interested and altruistic objectives. I use a three‐dimensional panel dataset, combining the donor, recipient and time dimensions, which shows a lot of heterogeneity in donor behavior. Thanks to the width of this dataset, I can test differences of parameters among donors and, in particular, compare their degrees of altruism. Switzerland, Austria, Ireland and most Nordic countries are among the most altruistic. Australia, France, Italy, and to some extent Japan and the United States are among the most egoistic.
Evaluation Bias and Incentive Structures in Bi‐ and Multilateral Aid Agencies
Authors: Michaelowa Katharina , Borrmann Axel 
Published: April 2006

AbstractEvaluation is generally considered as an important tool to ensure the effective use of development aid, but it is itself subject to distortions. To derive institutional conditions conducive to effective evaluation, we develop a multi‐level principal‐agent model focusing on the interests of the different actors involved in the evaluation process. The model highlights two central problems: (i) the aid agencies’ conflicting objectives of transparency and self‐legitimization, and (ii) the potential collusion between the evaluator and the project manager. Evidence for the World Bank and different German donor agencies reveals concrete institutional requirements for a reduced evaluation bias and increased transparency.