bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A note on group sizes of oribi (Ourebia ourebi, Zimmermann, 1783) from two contrasting sites in Zambia, with and without predation
Authors: Goldspink C. R. , Holland R. K. , Sweet G. , Stewart L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe oribi (Ourebia ourebi, Zimmermann, 1783) is a small species of antelope widely represented across open grasslands of sub‐Saharan Africa. Although largely territorial, differences in group size and mating systems (monogamy/polygamy), have been linked to habitat conditions and population density. At high population densities, additional males are recruited to assist in territorial defence. Other factors which might impact on group size, include predation threat, especially at low population densities. In this study (1995–98), we recorded group sizes of oribi across two contrasting areas (c. 300 km2 each) of Zambia with (Kafue), and without (Bangweulu), large vertebrate predators. A total of 412 groups was recorded across the two sites, with mean sizes of 2.31 (n = 217) at Bangweulu and 2.33 (n = 195) at Kafue. The modal group size was two throughout (range 1–6). Groups were more variable in size and sex composition at Kafue than at Bangweulu, but there was no significant difference in estimates of population density between sites. Mean estimates were 2.02 and 1.90 km−2 for Bangweulu and Kafue, respectively. Sex ratios (males : females) were biased towards females (1 : 1.72 and 1 : 3.55, respectively) at both sites. Adult males were particularly scarce at Kafue. However, values of density and group size, were both unexceptional for the species. Whilst a modal group size of two is consistent with a monogamous mating system, variations in group composition and size were more difficult to explain. Adult females appeared to retain or recruit additional animals to groups, irrespective of the needs of territorial defence. This suggests that vigilance is an important function of groups on large open plains, especially in the presence of predators. By extension, reversed sexual dimorphism in oribi could reflect increased selection for vigilance duties in females. Predators had no apparent effect on population density, but oribi groups were more variable in size and sex composition in their presence. Adult males may be particularly vulnerable to predation when defending territorial borders at low population densities. However, further work is needed to define group dynamics in this species and to identify causes of mortality amongst adult males.
Time‐course changes of ECL cell markers in acetic acid‐induced gastric ulcers in rats
Authors: Kazumori H. , Ishihara S. , Fukuda R. , Kinoshita Y. 
Published: March 2003

Background and aim:Enterochromaffin‐like (ECL) cells are the major source of histamine for the regulation of gastric acid secretion, and also contain histidine decarboxylase (HDC), vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), and chromogranin A (CgA). Although gastric acid secretion is suppressed during ulcer healing, the role of ECL cells in that process is not yet fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the changes in ECL cell number during healing of experimental ulcers in rats.Materials and methods:Seven‐week‐old male Wistar rats were used. Acetic acid‐induced ulcers were caused by an application of 100% acetic acid to the serosal surface of the rat stomachs. At different time points following the induction (12 h‐15 days), time‐course changes of HDC, VMAT2, and CgA mRNA expression were investigated by Northern blot analysis. The expressions of HDC, VMAT2, and CgA were immunostained on gastric mucosal sections with ulcers.Results:HDC, VMAT2, and CgA mRNA in gastric mucosa each showed an initial marked transient decrease, followed by an increase on day 10 back to the initial value. HDC, VMAT2, and CgA‐immunoreactive cells at the ulcer margin were reduced in number on day 3, compared with those in distant areas. On day 10, however, they returned to levels similar to those in distant areas.Conclusion:The present study revealed a local down‐regulation of HDC, VMAT2, and CgA in ECL cells at the ulcer margin. As a result, we concluded that a suppression of ECL cell activity during ulcer healing may be involved in suppressed gastric acid secretion.
Detection of cancer cells in peripheral blood of stomach cancer patients using RT–PCR amplification of tumour‐specific mRNAs
Authors: Shin J‐H. , Chung J. , Kim H‐O. , Kim Y‐H. , Hur Y‐M. , Rhim J‐H. , Chung H‐K. , Park S‐C. , Park J‐G. , Yang H‐K. 
Published: March 2003

Background:RT–PCR amplification of tumour‐specific mRNA has been used for the detection of cancer cells in peripheral blood.Aim:To evaluate the characteristics of the tumour specific mRNA species in peripheral blood of stomach cancer patients.Methods:We analysed CEA, GalNAc‐T, MUC‐1, c‐MET and hTERT mRNA expression in the stomach cancer cell lines and tissues, lymph nodes and peripheral blood of stomach cancer patients using RT–PCR.Results:In RT–PCR analysis of the peripheral blood, 4%, 8%, 21%, 46%, and 100% of stomach cancer patients were positive for CEA, GalNAc‐T, c‐MET, hTERT and MUC‐1 mRNA, respectively, but MUC‐1 mRNA was also positive in all normal blood samples. The detection of hTERT mRNA was correlated with poor differentiation (P=0.01) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.009). The presence of c‐MET mRNA was correlated with T stage (P=0.025), lymph node metastasis (P=0.036), distant metastasis (P=0.031), and stage of the stomach cancer (P=0.023).Conclusions:Our study suggest that hTERT mRNA in peripheral blood can be a molecular marker for gastric cancer. We also showed that each molecular marker can be correlated with the clinicopathological features of the patients.
Treatment of mild and severe cases of GERD
Authors: Tytgat G. N. J. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryGERD prevalence continues to rise in contrast to peptic ulcer disease. The spectrum contains reflux esophagitis and so‐called `endoscopy‐negative GERD' or `non‐erosive GERD' (NERD) or S‐GERD and patients with `normal' overall 24‐h esophageal acidification but with a high `symptom‐index'.The majority of reflux patients will not need endoscopy initially. Prompt referral for endoscopy is indicated only if the patient has atypical symptoms or alarm symptoms such as dysphagia, anemia, weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or pain that does not respond to acid neutralization or suppression, or develops symptoms after the age of 50 years. Antireflux therapy consist of raising the head of the bed, maintaining normal weight, and avoidance of foods and drugs that precipitate symptoms, together with antacids or over‐the‐counter H2receptor antagonists (H2RAs). If symptoms persist after these simple measures or if antacids or H2RAs are needed quite often, then a more formal first‐line treatment should be started. Many experts feel that a stepdown approach instead of a stepup approach is clinically and economically a more appropriate way of installing such first‐line therapy. Physicians increasingly consider prescribing a (low‐ or standard dose) once‐a‐day proton pump inhibitor (PPI) as firstline therapy. If symptoms recur after 4‐week trial or are in sufficiently relieved, then the patient should be referred for endoscopy. Endoscopy may reveal no abnormalities (NERD) or evidence of reflux‐induced damage.Treatment of endoscopy‐negative reflux disease should be directed towards rapid relief of symptoms and then maintenance of relief using minimum effective therapy. Responses to PPIs are somewhat lower in endoscopy‐negative patients compared to esophagitis. Some form of long‐term therapy is needed in the majority of patients. `On demand' PPI therapy to control reflux symptoms is a new and attractive option.The goal of treatment of GERD should be to relieve symptoms and to heal lesions. Symptom severity and much less endoscopic abnormalities, drives the therapy. When symptoms are mild or intermittent and when esophagitis is absent or minimal, standard dose PPI is usually reinstituted. If there is moderate or severe esophagitis or if symptoms are particularly troublesome, then the patient should start again with standard‐dose PPI therapy once a day, but not uncommonly a b.i.d. dosage maybe necessary. Once a dose of the acid suppressant that relieves symptoms is found, this dose should be maintained for a period of 3 months. After this time, an attempt should be made to reduce the dose. A plan should be formulated for long‐term treatment.
Effect of octreotide on gastric and small bowel motility in patients with gastroparesis
Authors: Edmunds  , Chen  , Soykan  , Lin  , McCallum  
Published: March 2003

Background:Octreotide has been shown to have effects on gastric and small bowel motility with implications for its role in treating patients with upper gastrointestinal dysmotility syndromes. Our aim was to investigate the effect of octreotide on antral and small bowel motility in patients with gastroparesis.Methods:Upper gastrointestinal manometry was carried out continuously for a period of 30 h in 11 patients with gastroparesis. The spontaneous migrating motor complex (MMC) in the fasting state and octreotide‐induced MMCs were characterized and compared with regard to site of origin, duration of phase III, amplitude of phase III and propagation velocity of the MMC along the gut. The 2‐h postprandial motility index was compared after a control meal as well as after a 100 μg octreotide administration.Results:In all 11 gastroparetic patients, octreotide induced a phase III‐like activity front within minutes after administration and this primarily originated in the small bowel (86% of activity fronts compared with 32% of fronts originating in the small bowel prior to octreotide administration (P < 0.004)). Gastric initiation of these activity fronts dramatically decreased after octreotide administration, occurring in 68% of activity fronts prior to octreotide administration and 14% of occasions after octreotide injection (P < 0.05). The postprandial antral motility index was markedly reduced after octreotide administration (11.33 ± 0.39 vs. 7.96 ± 0.76, P < 0.0003) and octreotide re‐established a motility pattern during the postprandial period that was similar to that normally seen in the interdigestive state. The octreotide‐induced phase III activity fronts appeared at a higher frequency and had a higher propagative velocity compared to the spontaneous phase III fronts in the fasting state (9.27 ± 0.82 vs. 5.56 ± 0.81 cm/min, P < 0.05).Conclusions:We conclude that octreotide’s marked inhibitory effect on antral contractility may serve to worsen clinical symptoms in patients with gastroparesis and therefore this agent should not be given in the peri‐prandial period. Those gastroparetic patients with associated small bowel dysmotility and diarrhoea from bacterial overgrowth may benefit from the nocturnal administration of octreotide because of its stimulatory effect of phase III MMC activity as well as its known inhibitory effect on small bowel secretions.
US double‐blind, controlled trials of omeprazole and amoxycillin for treatment of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Laine  , Johnson  , Suchower  , Ronca  , Hwang  , Neil  
Published: March 2003

Background:Widely variable Helicobacter pylori eradication rates have been reported with omeprazole/amoxycillin dual therapy. We present the first US double‐blind, controlled trials of this dual therapy.Methods:Three separate studies were performed: Studies 1 and 2 included patients with an active duodenal ulcer and Study 3 included patients with a documented history of duodenal ulcer. H. pylori eradication regimens in all studies were omeprazole plus amoxycillin vs. omeprazole vs. amoxycillin for 2 weeks. Doses in Study 1 were omeprazole 40 mg b.d. and amoxycillin 500 mg t.d.s., and in Studies 2 and 3 they were omeprazole 20 mg b.d. and amoxycillin 1 g t.d.s. Endoscopic biopsy tests were used for H. pylori diagnosis, and testing for H. pylori eradication was done at least 4 weeks after the completion of therapy. Amoxycillin sensitivities were performed in Study 2.Results:Intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analyses showed that eradication rates with omeprazole/amoxycillin [ITT: 39%, 40%, 46% (n = 72, 62, 48); PP: 50%, 46%, 54% (n = 54, 52, 37)] were significantly greater than monotherapy with either omeprazole (ITT: 0–4%; PP: 0–5%) or amoxycillin (ITT: 2–5%; PP: 0–11%). No patients taking the dual therapy discontinued therapy due to adverse events. Amoxycillin resistance was not seen at baseline (n = 76) or after amoxycillin therapy (n = 56).Conclusions:Omeprazole/amoxycillin dual therapy is well tolerated but the eradication rate which can be expected in the USA is at best about 50%.
Effect of pepper and bismuth subsalicylate on gastric pain and surface hydrophobicity in the rat
Authors: Lichtenberger  , Romero  , Carryl  , Illich  , Walters  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe mechanism by which dietary pepper causes dyspepsia and epigastric pain is poorly understood, as is the ability of bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) to relieve these symptoms.AimTo investigate the ability of black pepper, red pepper and BSS to affect gastric surface hydrophobicity and induce/relieve visceral pain in rat model systems.MethodsFasted rats were administered intragastrically Vivonex containing varying concentrations of either black or red pepper (0–200 mg/mL) and gastric contact angles were read after 1–24 h. Some rats were post‐treated with BSS (2.0–17.5 mg/mL) and contact angles were read after 2–18 h. To study pain sensitivity in rats treated with pepper/BSS, we compared tail‐flick latencies after the application of radiant heat.ResultsBoth black and red pepper rapidly (< 1 h) induced a decrease in gastric surface hydrophobicity in a dose‐dependent fashion. This spice‐induced increase in surface wettability was long‐lasting, could be enhanced in the presence of ethanol and reversed by post‐treating the rats with BSS. Both black and red pepper induced an increase in pain sensitivity, consistent with the presence of gastric pain, which could also be reversed by post‐treating the rats with BSS.ConclusionBoth black and red pepper may induce epigastric pain by removing the stomach’s hydrophobic lining and activating intramucosal pain receptors. BSS may provide relief from postprandial dyspepsia by restoring the stomach’s non‐wettable properties.
Omeprazole 20 or 40 mg daily for healing gastroduodenal ulcers in patients receiving non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs
Authors: Claar G. Massimo , Monaco  , Blanco C. Del Veccho , Capurso  , Fusillo  , Annibale  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundNon‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are strongly associated with gastroduodenal ulcers, and the management of patients with NSAID‐associated ulcers represents a common clinical dilemma.AimTo assess NSAID‐associated ulcer healing during treatment with either standard (20 mg) or high dosage (40 mg) omeprazole.MethodsOne hundred and sixty‐nine patients chronically ingesting diclofenac, ketoprofen, indome‐thacin or naproxen for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, who had abdominal pain and an endoscopically proven gastroduodenal ulcer, were evaluated in a randomized, double‐blind, dose regimen trial with omeprazole 20 mg o.m. (n = 81) or omeprazole 40 mg o.m. (n = 88). Ulcer healing was assessed endoscopically at 4 and 8 weeks in the case of unhealed ulcers. Patients continued their usual daily dose of anti‐inflammatory medication throughout the study period.ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐six patients completed the study (77 patients taking 20 mg omeprazole and 79 patients taking 40 mg omeprazole); 12 patients were lost during follow‐up and one patient reported an adverse event. Cumulative ulcer intention‐to‐treat healing rates at 8 weeks were 88% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 79–95%) for the 20 mg omeprazole group and 96.2% (95% CI = 89–99%) for the 40 mg group, and 97.1% (95% CI = 90–100%) for the 20 mg omeprazole group and 98.6% (95% CI = 93–100%) for the 40 mg group by per protocol analysis. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Symptom relief did not differ significantly between the two treatment groups.ConclusionBoth standard and high doses of omeprazole are equally safe and effective regimens for the treatment of NSAID‐induced gastroduodenal ulcers when anti‐inflammatory treatment is not discontinued.
Effects of cholinergic agents on anorectal physiology
Authors: Siproudhis  , Bellissant  , Juguet  , Allain  , Bretagne  , Gosselin  
Published: March 2003

Background:Despite their potential therapeutic benefit, the effects of cholinergic agents on anal function have been poorly investigated.Aim:To analyse the effects of neostigmine and atropine on anorectal responses to rectal isobaric distension.Methods:This was a placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blind crossover study, performed in 12 healthy volunteers who received intravenously, on 3 separate days, neostigmine, atropine or the placebo. During each day of the experiment, seven pressure steps (ranging from 1 to 31 mmHg) in three different protocols of rectal isobaric distension (phasic, stepwise and tonic) were applied using an electronic barostat. Manometric responses of the anal canal, adaptative volumes and perception scores of the rectum were recorded.Results:During stepwise distension, a significant drug effect was encountered at the anal level. No drug effect was observed on the other investigated parameters (rectal volumes and rectal perception scores) or for the other modes of distension. Compared to placebo, neostigmine significantly decreased pressures at the upper level of the anal canal for both recto anal inhibitory reflex and mean resting pressures. In contrast, atropine significantly increased pressures at the lower part of the anal canal but did not modify upper anal pressures.Conclusion:The present study suggests that cholinergic effects result more from an indirect action on intermediate neurotransmitters and rectal myenteric neurons, than from a direct action on anal targets.
An evaluation of whole blood testing for Helicobacter pylori in general practice
Authors: Talley  , Lambert  , Howell  , Xia  , Lin  , Agreus  
Published: March 2003

Background:Rapid whole blood tests for Helicobacter pylori infection were developed to assist in the management of patients with dyspepsia in general practice. However, they have not been extensively tested in this setting.Aim:To investigate the test characteristics of the BM‐Test (Helisal Quick Test) when used in general practice.Method:One hundred and ten dyspeptic patients attending local general practitioners were recruited into the study. The BM‐Test was administered by the general practitioner at the screening visit according to standard instructions supplied with the test kit. The patient was then referred to Nepean or Mornington Peninsula Hospitals for further assessment, including a 14C‐urea breath test. The test kit was forwarded to the appropriate hospital centre for an independent, blinded reading. The sensitivity and specificity of the BM‐Test were evaluated against the results of the 14C‐UBT.Results:Based on general practitioner readings, the BM‐Test had a sensitivity of 59.3% and a specificity of 90.2%. The positive and negative predictive values were 87.5% and 65.7%, respectively. When based on independent readings, sensitivity rose to 71.2% and specificity fell to 88.2%. The BM‐Test was more sensitive for older patients than for younger patients when based on both the general practitioner and independent readings.Conclusion:The BM‐Test performs below the generally recommended sensitivity and specificity of 90% required for clinical practice.
Helicobacter pylori eradication and ulcer healing with daily lansoprazole, plus 1 or 2 weeks co‐therapy with amoxycillin and clarithromycin
Authors: Louw J. A. , Rensburg C. J. Van , Moola S. , Kotze D. , Marks I. N. 
Published: March 2003

Background:Proton pump inhibitor based combination therapy is one standard strategy for Helicobacter pylori eradication.Aim:To compare the eradication and duodenal ulcer healing efficacy of two 2‐week, single dose, lansoprazole based combination therapies.Methods:Healthy adult patients with endoscopically confirmed, H. pylori associated duodenal ulcer disease (3 mm > ulcer < 20 mm) were eligible for the study. All patients received a 14 day course of lansoprazole 30 mg o.m., and were randomized to receive either 7 or 14 days of amoxycillin 1 g b.d. and clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. Patients were endoscoped at entry and 14–17 days later. Symptomatic, unhealed patients received a further 14 days of therapy with lansoprazole 30 mg o.m. Eradication was confirmed a minimum of 28 days after cessation of all therapy by urease reaction and histological assessment of gastric body and antral biopsies (three biopsies each site).Results:Sixty‐two patients were randomized to a treatment arm, of which 58 could be included in an intention‐to‐treat and key‐point‐available analysis. H. pylori eradication rates were identical, at 93% (95% CI: 73–98% (1 week), 78–99% (2 week)). In the combined group, all but 13 ulcers were healed at 2 weeks; six required further therapy because of symptoms, while six of the seven asymptomatic patients went on to heal.Conclusion:An eradication regimen, based on a 2‐week course of single dose lansoprazole with 1 week of antibiotic co‐therapy, is effective in eradicating H. pylori, while the 2 weeks of acid suppression is usually effective in duodenal ulcer healing.
Otilonium bromide in irritable bowel syndrome: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 15‐week study
Authors: Battaglia  , Morselli‐Labate  , Camarri  , Francavilla  , Marco  , Mastropaolo  , Naccarato  
Published: March 2003

Aim:To evaluate the efficacy of otilonium bromide, a spasmolytic agent, in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome using modern and validated diagnostic criteria.Methods:Three hundred and seventy‐eight patients with irritable bowel syndrome were enrolled in the study. At entry, endoscopy/barium enema, clinical examination and laboratory tests were used to rule out organic diseases. After a 2‐week placebo run‐in, 325 patients were randomly assigned to receive either otilonium bromide 40 mg t.d.s. or placebo for 15 weeks. Abdominal pain, abdominal distension and disturbed defecation were scored at the beginning of the study and every 5 weeks. A global determination of well‐being by visual analogue scale and the tenderness of the sigmoid colon were also scored.Results:The reduction in the number of abdominal pain episodes was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in otilonium bromide patients (55.3%) than in those taking placebo (39.9%) as was the severity of abdominal distension (42.0% vs. 30.2%; P < 0.05). Bowel disturbance improved in both groups, but without any statistically significant difference. The visual analogue scale of well‐being revealed a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in patients taking otilonium bromide. The investigators’ global positive assessment was in favour of otilonium bromide (65.2%) compared with placebo (49.6%) (P < 0.01).Conclusions:Otilonium bromide may represent an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome because it reduces its predominant symptom (abdominal pain/discomfort) more than placebo does.