bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and tolerability of transnasal/per‐oral placement of the wireless pH capsule vs. traditional 24‐h oesophageal pH monitoring – a randomized trial
Authors: Wong W.‐M. , Bautista J. , Dekel R. , Malagon I. B. , Tuchinsky I. , Green C. , Dickman R. , Esquivel R. , Fass R. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBackground : The wireless pH is a new technique to monitor oesophageal acid exposure.Aim : To compare the feasibility and tolerability of the wireless pH capsule vs. the traditional pH probe.Methods : Consecutive patients referred for a pH test were enrolled into the study. Patients were randomized to traditional pH probe, or wireless pH capsule. Patients recorded their activities, food consumption, symptoms, satisfaction with the test and completed a quality of life questionnaire.Results : Of the 50 patients recruited, 25 patients underwent placement of the traditional pH probe, and 25 the wireless pH capsule. Patients with the wireless pH capsule had less nose pain, runny nose, throat pain, throat discomfort and headache as compared with those with the traditional pH probe (P = 0.047, P = 0.001, P = 0.032, P = 0.001, P = 0.009, respectively). Patients in the wireless pH capsule group had more chest discomfort during the pH test (P = 0.037). Patients in the wireless pH capsule group perceived the test as interfering less with their overall daily activities, eating and sleep (P =0.001, P = 0.003, P = 0.025, respectively), and had overall satisfaction with the test (P = 0.023).Conclusions : Transnasal/per‐oral placement of the wireless pH capsule is significantly better tolerated then the traditional pH probe.
13C‐methacetin breath test as liver function test in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Braden B. , Faust D. , Sarrazin U. , Zeuzem S. , Dietrich C. F. , Caspary W. F. , Sarrazin C. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryBackground : The 13C‐methacetin breath test enables the quantitative evaluation of the cytochrome P450‐dependent liver function.Aim : To find out whether this breath test is sensitive in noncirrhotic patients also with chronic hepatitis C in early stages of fibrosis.Methods : Sixty‐one healthy controls and 81 patients with chronic hepatitis C underwent a 13C‐methacetin breath test. In all patients, a liver biopsy was performed. The liver histology was classified according to the histology activity index–Knodell score.Results : Delta over baseline values of the patients at 15 min significantly differed from controls (19.2 ± 9.2‰ vs. 24.1 ± 5.7‰; P < 0.003). The cumulative recovery after 30 min in patients was 11.4 ± 4.8% and in healthy controls 13.8 ± 2.8% (P < 0.002). However, patients with early fibrosis (histology activity index IVB) did not differ in delta over baseline values of the patients at 15 min (23.2 ± 7.9‰ vs. 22.6 ± 7.2‰; P = 0.61) or cumulative recovery (13.6 ± 3.7% vs. 13.2 ± 3.8%; P = 0.45) from patients with more advanced fibrosis (histology activity index IVC). Patients with clinically nonsymptomatic cirrhosis (histology activity index IVD; Child A) metabolized 13C‐methacetin to a significantly lesser extent (delta over baseline values of the patients at 15 min: 8.3 ± 4.9‰; P < 0.005 and cumulative recovery after 30 min: 5.6 ± 3.2%; P < 0.003). The 13C‐methacetin breath test identified cirrhotic patients with 95.0% sensitivity and 96.7% specificity.Conclusion : The non‐invasive 13C‐methacetin breath test reliably distinguishes between early cirrhotic (Child A) and noncirrhotic patients, but fails to detect early stages of fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
A comparison of liver transplantation outcomes in the pre‐ vs. post‐MELD eras
Authors: Kanwal F. , Dulai G. S. , Spiegel B. M. R. , Yee H. F. , Gralnek I. M. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryBackground:  The model for end stage liver disease (MELD)‐based organ allocation system is designed to prioritize orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for patients with the most severe liver disease. However, there are no published data to confirm whether this goal has been achieved or whether the policy has affected long‐term post‐OLT survival.Aim:  To compare pre‐OLT liver disease severity and long‐term (1 year) post‐OLT survival between the pre‐ and post‐MELD eras.Methods:  Using the United Network of Organ Sharing database, we compared two cohorts of adult patients undergoing cadaveric liver transplant in the pre‐MELD (n = 3857) and post‐MELD (n = 4245) eras. We created multivariable models to determine differences in: (i) pre‐OLT liver disease severity as measured by MELD; and (ii) 1‐year post‐OLT outcomes.Results:  Patients undergoing OLT in the post‐MELD era had more severe liver disease at the time of transplantation (mean MELD = 20.5) vs. those in the pre‐MELD era (mean MELD = 17.0). There were no differences in the unadjusted patient or graft survival at 1 year post‐OLT. This difference remained insignificant after adjusting for a range of prespecified recipient, donor, and transplant centre‐related factors in multivariable survival analysis.Conclusions:  Although liver disease severity is higher in the post‐ vs. pre‐MELD era, there has been no change in long‐term post‐OLT patient or graft survival. These results indicate that the MELD era has achieved its primary goals by allocating cadaveric livers to the sickest patients without compromising post‐OLT survival.
Novel bismuth–metronidazole–tetracycline triple‐layer tablet for treatment of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Graham D. Y. , Opekun A. R. , Belson G. , El‐Zimaity H. M. T. , Carlson M. R. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryBackground:  Current anti‐Helicobacter pylori treatment regimens are costly and because of the increasing antibiotic resistance, are becoming ineffective.Aim:  To evaluate a triple‐layer tablet containing 100 mg bismuth subcitrate, 250 mg metronidazole, and 250 mg tetracycline in a single triple‐layer tablet.Methods:  H. pylori‐infected adult patients received bismuth–metronidazole–tetracycline (two tablets, t.d.s.) and ranitidine (300 mg) once daily for 14 days. Efficacy was determined using 13C‐urea breath testing.Results:  Thirty‐three of 35 enrolled patients were available for evaluation; using the protocol‐specified modified intention‐to‐treat analysis, five failed treatment, two were lost to follow‐up (cure rate per‐protocol = 85.7%, intention‐to‐treat = 78.7%). The cure rate among metronidazole‐susceptible strains was 100% (22 of 22) (95% confidence interval 84–100%) compared with 55% (five of nine intention‐to‐treat) (95% confidence interval 21–86%) among metronidazole‐resistant strains. In four cases, therapy was truncated at 4–7 days because of side‐effects; yet the treatment was effective in three. The three metronidazole‐susceptible but clarithromycin‐resistant infections were cured.Conclusion:  This novel triple‐layer tablet combination therapy was effective in all patients with metronidazole‐susceptible H. pylori and many of those with resistant organisms. A greater degree of acid suppression may further improve effectiveness.
Short Communication: Detection of dengue virus antigens in desiccated mosquitoes: an improved tool for surveillance
Authors: Thenmozhi V. , Kabilan L. , Philip Samuel P. , Dash A. P. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryWe developed a surveillance tool to monitor dengue virus (DENV) infection in vector mosquitoes using a dengue antigen‐capture enzyme immunoassay (EIA) on desiccated specimens stored at room temperature (RT). We tested the effect of storage on the stability of DEN1, DEN2, DEN3 and DEN4 antigens. Although desiccated infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes stored between 31 and 34 °C (RT) showed greater reactivity in the EIA than those stored at −80 °C, a significant difference between the two was observed only with DEN2. Storage between 31 and 34 °C for up to 4 weeks (the longest period tested) did not affect the reactivity in the EIA, indicating the stability of DENV antigens.
DDT indoor residual spray, still an effective tool to control Anopheles fluviatilis‐transmitted Plasmodium falciparum malaria in India
Authors: Gunasekaran K. , Sahu S. S. , Jambulingam P. , Das P. K. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThis study from two districts of Orissa State which are endemic for Plasmodium falciparum transmitted by Anopheles fluviatilis and A. culicifacies investigated the impact of dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) indoor residual spraying, in view of the ongoing discussion on phasing out DDT in India. Based on their high annual parasite incidence and logistical considerations, 26 villages in Malkangiri and 28 in Koraput district were selected for DDT spraying. For comparison, six and four unsprayed villages were chosen from the same districts. In each district, the prevalence of malaria infection and incidence of malaria fever, indoor resting density and parous rate of the vectors, and their susceptibility to DDT were monitored in six and three villages selected randomly from the sprayed and unsprayed groups respectively. Anopheles fluviatilis was susceptible to DDT while A. culicifacies was resistant. DDT residual spraying with 1 g/m2, was carried out in October–November 2001. Spraying 74–86% of human dwellings and 100% of cattle sheds brought down the indoor resting density of A. fluviatilis by 93–95%. This was associated with a significant reduction of incidence of malaria fever as well as prevalence of malaria infection from November to February in both districts. The spraying also seemed to impact on vector longevity, and a residual effect of DDT on the sprayed walls was observed up to 10–12 weeks despite re‐plastering. Hence DDT spraying can still be an effective tool for controlling fluviatilis‐transmitted malaria. Although this species is exophilic, its nocturnal resting behaviour facilitates its contact with the sprayed surfaces. DDT is still useful for residual spraying in India, particularly in areas where the vectors are endophilic and not resistant.
Maintenance of asthma control by once‐daily inhaled ciclesonide in adults with persistent asthma
Authors: Chapman K. R. , Patel P. , D'Urzo A. D. , Alexander M. , Mehra S. , Oedekoven C. , Engelstätter R. , Boulet L.‐P. 
Published: January 2005

Background:  Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are recommended therapy for persistent asthma, although side effects can limit appropriate use. Ciclesonide, a novel ICS, is activated in the lung, thereby reducing systemic activity and side effects. This 12‐week, double‐blind, randomized, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled study evaluated the efficacy and safety of ciclesonide in adults with persistent asthma.Methods:  After a 2‐week baseline period in which current ICS treatment was continued, 329 patients were randomized to receive ciclesonide 160 μg (n = 107) or 640 μg (n = 112) (ex‐actuator doses, equivalent to 200 and 800 μg ex‐valve, respectively), or placebo (n = 110) once daily in the morning. Efficacy was monitored by asthma symptom scores, rescue medication use, morning and evening peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements, spirometry, and probability of study completion without experiencing lack of efficacy.Results:  Morning PEF remained stable with either ciclesonide dose but decreased with placebo; the differences were significant (P < 0.0001) for both ciclesonide doses vs placebo. The forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity decreased significantly with placebo (P < 0.005), but were unchanged with ciclesonide. Lack of efficacy was significantly greater for patients switched to placebo (63%) than it was for those treated with ciclesonide 160 μg (30%) (P < 0.0001 vs placebo) or ciclesonide 640 μg (31%) (P < 0.0001 vs placebo). There were no significant differences between the two tested doses of ciclesonide with respect to efficacy and safety. Serum and 24‐h urine cortisol were unaffected by ciclesonide treatment. Both doses of ciclesonide were well tolerated with no cases of oral candidiasis.Conclusion:  Ciclesonide (160 or 640 μg) once daily in the morning effectively maintains asthma control, does not affect cortisol levels, and has an adverse event profile comparable with placebo in adults with primarily mild to moderate asthma.
Effect of inhaled corticosteroid on an immunoreactive thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine expression in the bronchial biopsies from asthmatics
Authors: Hoshino M. , Nakagawa T. , Sano Y. , Hirai K. 
Published: January 2005

Background:  Bronchial asthma is characterized by airway inflammation, notably because of eosinophils and T cells. Thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC) is known to selectively attract Th2 cells, and is increased in response to interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐13, which share a common receptor, IL‐4 receptor alpha (IL‐4Rα). While corticosteroids have proven, very effective in modifying airway inflammation, the effect of corticosteroids on TARC in asthmatics has been little studied.Objective:  We examined the effects of inhaled budesonide (BUD) on the expression of TARC and the number of inflammatory cells in bronchial biopsy specimens taken from asthma patients.Methods:  Inhaled BUD 800 μg daily, or placebo was administered for 3 months in a double‐blind, parallel‐group study, and bronchial biopsies were performed before and after treatment. Biopsy specimens were examined by immunocytochemistry.Results:  We observed a significant decrease in the epithelial expression of TARC (P < 0.01) in the BUD group compared with the placebo group. This was accompanied by decreases in the number of eosinophils (P < 0.01), CD3+ T cells (P < 0.05), and CD4+ T cells (P < 0.01). A significant correlation was found between changes in epithelial TARC and in IL‐4Rα immunoreactivity (rs = 0.66, P < 0.01).Conclusions:  These findings suggest that corticosteroid asthma treatment can reduce infiltration of the airway by inflammatory cells, an effect modulated by down‐regulation of bronchial epithelial TARC expression.
Biochemical interaction between effects of beclomethasone dipropionate and salbutamol or formoterol in sputum cells from mild to moderate asthmatics
Authors: Profita M. , Gagliardo R. , Di Giorgi R. , Pompeo F. , Gjomarkaj M. , Nicolini G. , Bousquet J. , Vignola A. M. 
Published: January 2005

Background:  Several in vitro studies demonstrate that corticosteroids and long‐acting β2 agonists may have a complementary and synergistic mode of action on the inflammatory processes in asthma.Methods:  Sputum was induced in 20 mild to moderate asthmatic patients and the induced sputum cells (ISC) were cultured with beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) 10−7 M, salbutamol 10−8 M and formoterol 10−8 M either alone or in combination, BDP plus salbutamol and BDP plus formoterol, for 24 h. We measured the levels of growth macrophages‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), released on activation normal T cells expressed and activated (RANTES) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), in the supernatant of stimulated cells by ELISA. Furthermore, we assessed nuclear translocation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the expression of β2 receptor in ISC by immunofluorescence and RT‐PCR, respectively.Results:  The release of GM‐CSF, RANTES and IL‐8 in ISC was significantly reduced by BDP plus salbutamol or formoterol as compared with either drug alone (P < 0.0001). β2 receptor expression was increased after 30 min of incubation with BDP and continued to increase over a time period of 4 h (P < 0.0001). Furthermore after 30 min of incubation, nuclear translocation of GR was greater with BDP plus salbutamol or formoterol than with any of the drugs alone (P < 0.0001).Conclusion:  The present ex vivo study demonstrates a complementary mode of action between BDP and salbutamol or formoterol leading to an enhanced anti‐inflammatory activity.
Effect of loteprednol etabonate nasal spray suspension on seasonal allergic rhinitis assessed by allergen challenge in an environmental exposure unit
Authors: Krug N. , Hohlfeld J. M. , Geldmacher H. , Larbig M. , Heermann R. , LaVallee N. , Nguyen D. T. , Petzold U. , Hermann R. 
Published: January 2005

Background:  Loteprednol etabonate (LE) is a novel soft steroid that was designed to improve the benefit/risk ratio of topical corticosteroid therapy. This study assesses the clinical efficacy and safety of three different doses of LE nasal spray in seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).Methods:  In this single‐center, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group trial 165 subjects with SAR to grass pollen received daily single doses of either 100, 200, 400 μg LE nasal spray, or placebo for 14 days. The patients underwent three 4‐h allergen challenges with grass pollen in an environmental exposure unit at a screening visit (baseline) and on days 7 and 14 of treatment. Standardized nasal symptom scores were obtained every 20 min. Nasal flow, nasal secretions, and FEV1 were measured every hour during allergen challenges.Results:  After 14 days of treatment, patients who received 400 μg LE had significantly lower total nasal symptom scores compared with those receiving placebo (P = 0.007). LE400 reduced rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, nasal itching, the amount of nasal secretions, and improved nasal flow as compared with placebo (P < 0.05). LE100 and LE200 were not significantly different from placebo. All treatments were well tolerated.Conclusions:  Loteprednol 400 μg once daily is superior to placebo and the only effective dose tested in improving nasal symptoms and objective parameters in patients with SAR.
Association between allergic rhinitis and hospital resource use among asthmatic children in Norway
Authors: Sazonov Kocevar V. , Thomas J. , Jonsson L. , Valovirta E. , Kristensen F. , Yin D. D. , Bisgaard H. 
Published: January 2005

Background:  Preliminary evidence suggests that inadequately controlled allergic rhinitis in asthmatic patients can contribute towards increased asthma exacerbations and poorer symptom control, which may increase medical resource use. The objective of this study was therefore to assess the effect of concomitant allergic rhinitis on asthma‐related hospital resource utilization among children below 15 years of age with asthma in Norway.Methods:  A population‐based retrospective cohort study of children (aged 0–14 years) with asthma was conducted using data from a patient‐specific public national database of hospital admissions during a 2‐year period, 1998–1999. Multivariate linear regression, adjusting for risk factors including age, gender, year of admission, urban/rural residence and severity of asthma episode, estimated the association between allergic rhinitis and total hospital days. A multivariate Cox proportional‐hazards model estimated relative hazard of readmission according to concomitant allergic rhinitis status.Results:  Among 2961 asthmatic children under 15 years of age with at least one asthma‐related hospital admission over a 2‐year period, 795 (26.8%) had a recorded history of allergic rhinitis. Asthmatic children with allergic rhinitis had a 1.72‐times greater hazard of asthma‐related readmissions than asthmatic children without allergic rhinitis. Multivariate analysis revealed that history of concomitant allergic rhinitis was a significant predictor of increased number of hospital days per year (least‐squares mean difference 0.23 days, P < 0.05).Conclusions:  Concomitant allergic rhinitis in asthmatic children was associated with increased likelihood of asthma‐related hospital readmissions and greater total hospital days.
Prevalence of Malassezia spp. in healthy pigs
Authors: Garau M. , Palacio Amaila del , García J. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryIn the present study, we evaluated the occurrence of Malassezia spp. from superficial areas (ear, anus, forehead and back) in 100 healthy pigs. All cultures from anus, forehead and back were negative for Malassezia spp. A total of 73% of pigs were colonized by Malassezia yeasts in the external ear canals. We isolated only lipid‐dependent species (Malassezia sympodialis 58%, Malassezia slooffiae 30%). This study evaluates the occurrence of Malassezia spp. in pigs since the taxonomic revision in 1996.
Characteristics of dermatophytoses among children in an area south of Tehran, Iran
Authors: Rastegar Lari A. , Akhlaghi L. , Falahati M. , Alaghehbandan R. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and etiological agents of dermatophytoses, and also their distribution according to age, gender, and body site among children in an area south of Tehran. A total of 382 children aged ≤16 years suspected to have dermatophytic lesions were examined over a period of 3 years (1999–2001). The incidence rate of dermatophytoses was 6.6 per 100 000 person‐years. Trichophyton violaceum was the most frequent isolate (28.3%) followed by Microsporum canis (15.1%), Epidermophyton floccosum (15.1%), T. rubrum (13.2%), T. mentagrophytes (11.3%), M. gypseum (7.5%), and T. verrucosum (5.7%). Tinea capitis (39.6%) was the most common type of infection, followed by tinea corporis (30.2%), tinea faciei (18.9%), and tinea manuum (7.5%).
Isolation of Trichosporon in a hematology ward
Authors: Pini Gabriella , Faggi Elisabetta , Donato Rosa , Fanci Rosa 
Published: January 2005

SummaryDuring mycologic monitoring of the air in a hematology ward, we found massive air contamination caused by Trichosporon asahii, both in the room where neutropenic patients were staying and the corridor immediately outside the room. This fungal species had never been isolated in previous samplings. The urine culture taken from one of the patients in this room, whose urinary catheter had been removed immediately prior to air sampling, resulted positive for T. asahii. Both macroscopic and microscopic morphologic observation was insufficient for confirming the hypothesis of a close relationship between the strains isolated from the patient, from the air in the room and corridor. Therefore, we used genomic typing with random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). The five primers used, (GTG)5, (GACA)4, M13, OPE01, RC08, produced different patterns of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products; the genomic profiles obtained with the same primer, however, resulted perfectly superimposable for all the strains. This result led us to conclude that the massive air contamination caused by T. asahii can have effectively been determined by the removal of the urinary catheter from the patient who presented an asymptomatic infection caused by this microorganism.
Cryptococcosis in cirrhotic patients
Authors: França Alex Vianey Callado , Carneiro Marcos , Sasso Karina dal , Souza Cacilda da Silva , Martinelli Ana 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThe objective of the present study was to report on three distinct forms of presentation of Cryptococcus neoformans infection in three cirrhotic patients. One patient had disseminated cryptococcosis with detection of the fungus in ascitic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid and blood; the second patient had pleural involvement and the third had cutaneous infection caused by C. neoformans.
Tinea capitis in Diyarbakır, Turkey
Authors: Akpolat N. Ö. , Akdenız S. , Elci S. , Atmaca S. , Özekinci T. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThe incidence and types of tinea capitis in 234 children aged 1–12 referred to our laboratory with a preliminary diagnosis of tinea capitis infection in the past 5 years were investigated. Tinea capitis was determined in 149 (63.7%) of these patients, of which agents grew in culture in 124 (83.2%). The most frequently isolated agents, in order of frequency, are as follows: Trichophyton violaceum (43.6%), Microsporum canis (37.9%), T. mentagrophytes (8.1%) and T. verrucosum (4.8%).