bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternative Medication and Nutritional Supplement Use in the Otolaryngology Patient
Authors: Mehta Vishvesh M , Lim Jessica W 
Published: August 2004

ObjectivesThe use of nutritional supplements and herbal medications in the United States is becoming increasingly popular. Otolaryngology patients may not report nutritional supplement or alternative therapy use when asked during the medical history. However, its use may have adverse effects, such as interfering with prescribed medications or causing coagulation abnormalities. The objectives of this study are to make otolaryngologists aware of the potential effects of alternative therapies and nutritional supplements commonly used by patients.MethodsSurveys were completed by otolaryngology patients in the clinic and private offices. This study was conducted at the University Hospital and its affiliates. Additional case examples were included and a literature review was performed.ResultsNumerous nutritional, herbal, and alternative therapies were used. The treatments were usually not considered a “medication” by the patient. The products used were both for health maintenance and treatment of disease. Salicylate derivatives were one of the most common ingredients in nutritional supplement mixtures.ConclusionNutritional supplements and alternative therapies may not be elicited in the medical history or reported as medication by the patient. The otolaryngologist needs to be more aware of the use of alternative and complementary medicines to prevent adverse effects of treatment.
Tissue Model and Preliminary Analysis of Microdebriders Used in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Dave Sandeep , Casiano Roy R 
Published: August 2004

ObjectivesIn 1999, Ferguson reported the first and only quantitative analysis of microdebriders used in ESS. The purpose of our study was to establish a standardized in vitro model and compare the newer “next‐generation” microdebriders to determine which device and combination of tissue type, blade, and suction strength was most efficient for this model.MethodsThe Gyrus‐Diego‐Powered‐Dissector and Xomed‐XPS‐3000‐Powered‐ENT‐System were compared using a soft tissue model consisting of raw oysters (nasal polyps) and a firm‐tissue model consisting of scallops mixed with eggshells (nasal/sinus tissue). In addition, the effect of blade type (straight/60) and suction strength (wall‐suction/liposuction) on aspiration efficiency was evaluated. Aspiration efficiency was quantified by 3 outcomes (tissue aspiration, clog‐frequency, and clearance time).ResultsFor the “head‐to‐head” comparison, Xomed was statistically superior for soft tissue/oyster aspiration when using the straight blade regardless of suction strength and when using the angled blade with liposuction. Although not statistically significant, several trends were observed in our analysis. First, Gyrus appeared to be superior to Xomed for firm‐tissue/scallop aspiration, clog‐frequency, and clearance time. In addition, straight blades appeared to be superior to angled blades for overall tissue aspiration, clog frequency, and clearance time. Finally, liposuction appeared to be superior for both soft tissue/oyster and firm tissue/scallop aspiration, but wall‐suction demonstrated less clogging and clearance time.ConclusionThe tissue model presented appears to be both reliable and reproducible. Only 2 statistically significant results were observed, however, several trends toward significance were noted. A second study with a larger sample size and more advanced statistical analysis is needed to better delineate these trends.
Can drug injectors be encouraged to adopt non‐injecting routes of administration (NIROA) for drugs?
Authors: DOLAN KATE , CLEMENT NICOLE , ROUEN DAVID , REES VAUGHAN , SHEARER JAMES , WODAK ALEX 
Published: August 2004

AbstractDrug use by injection can cause problems specific to this form of administration. Problems include an increased risk of drug overdose, drug dependence, the transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C and vein damage. Shifting drug injectors from injecting to another route of administration may minimize these problems. The aims of the study were to develop and trial an intervention to assist willing injecting drug users (IDUs) to shift to non‐injecting routes of administration (NIROA) and to explore the acceptability and practicality of facilitating NIROA. IDUs were assessed and suitable subjects entered a cognitive behavioural trial consisting of five 1‐hour sessions of individual therapy with a registered psychologist. Forty‐two subjects were assessed (22 males and 20 females). Thirty subjects entered treatment. The mean age was 36 years. Twenty‐one subjects were followed‐up at 3 months and 10 subjects at 6 months. At 3 and 6 months, the proportion of subjects who had commenced using NIROA was 30% and 50%, respectively. This pilot study showed that it was possible to assist a minority of drug injectors to move from injecting to the non‐injecting administration of drugs. However, many of these appeared to be already motivated to cease using drugs and adopting NIROA was one way of assisting this. Poor follow‐up rate, lack of control group, questions about cost‐effectiveness and the impact of market factors which possibly constrain shifting to NIROA suggest that further research is needed before it could be said that NIROA should be recommended as a viable harm reduction strategy in the Australian context.
A review of drug use and driving: epidemiology, impairment, risk factors and risk perceptions
Authors: KELLY ERIN , DARKE SHANE , ROSS JOANNE 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe existing literature on the prevalence of drug driving, the effects of drugs on driving performance, risk factors and risk perceptions associated with drug driving was reviewed. The 12‐month prevalence of drug driving among the general population is approximately 4%. Drugs are detected commonly among those involved in motor vehicle accidents, with studies reporting up to 25% of accident‐involved drivers positive for drugs. Cannabis is generally the most common drug detected in accident‐involved drivers, followed by benzodiazepines, cocaine, amphetamines and opioids. Polydrug use is common among accident‐involved drivers. Studies of impairment indicate an undeniable association between alcohol and driving impairment. There is also evidence that cannabis and benzodiazepines increase accident risk. The most equivocal evidence surrounds opioids and stimulants. It is apparent that drugs in combination with alcohol, and multiple drugs, present an even greater risk. Demographically, young males are over‐represented among drug drivers. Although there is an association between alcohol use problems and drink driving, it is unclear whether such an association exists between drug use problems and drug driving. Evidence surrounding psychosocial factors and driving behaviour is also equivocal at this stage. While most drivers perceive drug driving to be dangerous and unacceptable, there is less concern about impaired driving among drug drivers and drink drivers than from those who have not engaged in impaired driving. Risk perceptions differ according to drug type, with certain drugs (e.g. cannabis) seen as producing less impairment than others (e.g. alcohol). It is concluded that drug driving is a significant problem, both in terms of a general public health issue and as a specific concern for drug users.
Genetic exchange between anchialine cave populations by means of larval dispersal: the case of a new gastropod species Neritilia cavernicola
Authors: Kano Yasunori , Kase Tomoki 
Published: August 2004

Despite being limited to caves, many anchialine taxa have disjunct insular distributions, which raises questions about their origins and colonization history. This study deals with the new gastropod Neritilia cavernicola sp. n. (Neritopsina: Neritiliidae) from anchialine caves on two islands in the Philippines that are separated by the deep Bohol Strait and situated 200 km apart along the coastline of Cebu Island. Neritilia cavernicola is an obligate stygobiont and most closely resembles Neritilia littoralis, which lives in interstitial waters of the Nansei‐shoto Islands, Japan. Its eggs and larval shells are identical to those of other Neritilia species, despite their different adult habitats. This suggests a marine planktotrophic phase (as occurs in amphidromous riverine species of Neritilia), and consequent migration between islands via ocean currents. Here we present the first genetic structure for anchialine cave organisms; comparisons of 1276 bp sequences from mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I show no evidence of genetic isolation between the islands. All individuals evidently are part of a panmictic population and the low vagility of adults and their seemingly isolated cave habitats do not limit gene flow in N. cavernicola. This migration model, based on marine larval dispersal, may be widely applicable to anchialine stygobites with insular distributions, as many such organisms (including shrimps, crabs and fishes) are phylogenetically allied to amphidromous species.
Claviceps purpurea: molecular aspects of a unique pathogenic lifestyle
Authors: TUDZYNSKI PAUL , SCHEFFER JAN 
Published: August 2004

SUMMARY Claviceps purpurea is a ubiquitous pathogen of cereals and grasses, causing Ergot disease, which results in substitution of grains by sclerotia. These overwintering structures contain ergot‐alkaloids, which can cause severe intoxication in mammals. C. purpurea is an interesting model system for the study of host–pathogen interaction. It displays strict organ specificity, attacking exclusively young grass ovaries. It is optimally adapted to this special niche of infection, probably by mimicry of pollen tubes: there are no resistance genes known, and no effective resistance reactions can be detected in the early steps of infection. In this early phase of host tissue colonization the fungus shows directed, almost unbranched growth towards the base of the ovary. Thus, C. purpurea represents one of the few systems in which directed growth in filamentous fungi can be studied. Finally, the fungus behaves as a true biotroph in planta, although it can be easily grown in axenic culture. We describe here the tools available to study this interesting pathogen, report on recent molecular investigations concerning the role of cell‐wall‐degrading enzymes and of reactive oxygen species in this specialized interaction, and present an update of the signalling cascades involved in early events of pathogenesis.
Recognition of Cladosporium fulvum Ecp2 elicitor by non‐host Nicotiana spp. is mediated by a single dominant gene that is not homologous to known Cf‐genes
Authors: DE KOCK MAARTEN J. D. , ISKANDAR HAYATI M. , BRANDWAGT BAS F. , LAUGÉ RICHARD , DE WIT PIERRE J. G. M. , LINDHOUT PIM 
Published: August 2004

SUMMARY Cladosporium fulvum is a fungal pathogen of tomato that grows exclusively in the intercellular spaces of leaves. Ecp2 is one of the elicitor proteins that is secreted by C. fulvum and is specifically recognized by tomato plants containing the resistance gene Cf‐Ecp2. Recognition is followed by a hypersensitive response (HR) resulting in resistance. HR‐associated recognition of Ecp2 has been observed in Nicotiana paniculata, N. sylvestris, N. tabacum and N. undulata that are non‐host plants of C. fulvum. Absence of Ecp2‐recognition did not lead to growth of C. fulvum on Nicotiana plants. We show that HR‐associated recognition of Ecp2 is mediated by a single dominant gene in N. paniculata. However, based on PCR and hybridization analysis this gene is not homologous to known Cf‐genes.
The C‐terminal region of the Barley stripe mosaic virusγb protein participates in homologous interactions and is required for suppression of RNA silencing
Authors: BRAGG JENNIFER N. , JACKSON ANDREW O. 
Published: August 2004

SUMMARYThe 17‐kDa, cysteine‐rich γb protein of Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) is a major contributor to viral pathogenesis, although it is dispensable for replication and movement in the ND 18 strain of the virus. Within the C‐terminal region of γb, six coiled‐coil heptad repeats, structures known to mediate protein–protein interactions, are predicted between amino acids 95 and 140. In this study, we have demonstrated that γb engages in homologous interactions and that the C‐terminal 67 amino acids of the protein are required for these interactions. The γb homologous interactions were abrogated by mutations designed to disrupt the coiled‐coil motifs with substitutions of glycine residues for hydrophobic residues in the a and d positions of the heptads (γbNC). Mutations within the γbNC derivative were also found to destroy the silencing suppression activity of γb in an Agrobacterium‐mediated transient assay. Infectivity experiments to evaluate the γbNC derivative revealed that this mutant developed symptoms 2 days earlier than the wild‐type strain in Chenopodium amaranticolor. In barley, γbNC elicited more severe bleaching and striping symptoms, similar to those of the previously described ‘bleached’ phenotype that is observed when mutations are introduced into the C1 and BM motifs. These findings collectively show that γb interactions mediated by the coiled‐coil motif are critical for the virulence and counter defence activities of BSMV in both monocot and dicot hosts.
Screening for gastric cancer: does it make sense?
Authors: Genta R. M. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryGastric cancer remains the second most frequent and lethal malignancy worldwide, with a wide range of incidence rates in different populations. Reducing its incidence is a priority in many high‐risk countries, and screening programmes are often advocated as an option. An effective screening programme should have the following characteristics: (i) the disease should be common in the population, otherwise the individual benefit will not offset the risk, cost and inconvenience of screening of the rest of the population; (ii) the diagnostic test(s) used should be safe, simple, inexpensive and reliable; and (iii) effective treatment should be available. With respect to gastric cancer, these conditions are not fulfilled completely in any population and therefore population‐based screening does not appear to be a viable approach to the prevention of this neoplasia. In contrast, gastroscopic screening in selected high‐risk subjects would seem appropriate. A more effective strategy, particularly in high‐incidence populations, could be the widespread screening and treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection. This could result in the virtually complete elimination of chronic gastritis and its associated conditions, including most peptic ulcers, primary gastric B‐cell lymphomas and a major portion of gastric epithelial tumours.
Helicobacter pylori infection: anything new should we know?
Authors: Basset C. , Holton J. , Gatta L. , Ricci C. , Bernabucci V. , Liuzzi G. , Vaira D. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryOver the past year, 2003–4, there have been a number of studies consolidating previous work in relation to pathogenesis of disease, diagnosis and management of Helicobacter pylori. Studies into the pathogenesis of disease have identified the main adhesin of H. pylori as an important virulence marker and as a potential target for therapy. Molecular investigations of both the strain and host variations have identified the action of several of the virulence factors, e.g. cagA, vacA, on disrupting host cell signalling and the consequences in respect of the release of chemokines from the damaged gastric epithelium and the effect on apoptosis. Over the past year, there have been further diagnostic kits developed based on modifications of current technology. Two promising areas of research for diagnosis are the use of host/strain genome polymorphisms as a means of identifying high‐risk patients who may develop severe disease and the use of proteomics to identify potential antigens of diagnostic (or therapeutic) use. The three main antibiotics that are used in first‐line eradication regimens are clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxycillin. Of these, metronidazole has the highest prevalence of resistance, followed by clarithromycin; amoxycillin resistance is only rarely reported. The decreasing success of current first‐line therapy is the driving force for the development of new antibiotic combinations and a search for novel sources for chemotherapeutic agents and novel therapeutic targets.
Should we eradicate Helicobacter pylori in non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug users?
Authors: Sung J. J. Y. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryThe interaction between Helicobacter pylori and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in ulcerogenesis has been visited by many studies. Apparently these studies yielded conflicting results. This is a result of a wide diversity of methodology, selection of patient groups and definitions of outcome used by different investigators. This review attempts to analyse separately studies dealing with new or chronic NSAID users, primary or secondary prophylaxis, complicated or uncomplicated ulcers in NSAID or aspirin users. Evidence suggests that eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection may reduce the risk of ulcer and ulcer complications in patients requiring NSAIDs and aspirin. Whether or not one should test‐and‐treat H. pylori before prescribing NSAIDs is a complicated issue. Factors such as the ulcer risk of patients, previous history of NSAID usage and the use of aspirin or NSAIDs would guide the strategy.
Pharmacological treatment of hepatorenal syndrome
Authors: Ginès P. , Torre A. , Terra C. , Guevara M. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryHepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a common complication of advanced cirrhosis characterized not only by renal failure but also by marked alterations in systemic haemodynamics and activity of endogenous vasoactive systems. Renal failure is due to a severe vasoconstriction of the renal circulation. The pathogenesis of HRS is not completely understood but it is probably the result of extreme underfilling of the arterial circulation secondary to arterial vasodilation located in the splanchnic circulation. As well as the renal circulation, all other extrasplanchnic vascular beds appear to be vasoconstricted. The diagnosis of HRS is currently based on the exclusion of nonfunctional causes of renal failure; prognosis of patients with HRS is very poor. Liver transplantation is the best option in selected patients, but it is not always applicable as survival expectancy is short. Vasoconstrictor drugs with preferential effect on the splanchnic circulation (vasopressin analogues with a predominant V1 receptor effect, such as terlipressin – Glypressin®) are very effective in improving renal function, with reversal of HRS being achieved in approximately two‐thirds of patients. There is no agreement as to the terlipressin treatment regimen that is associated with a greater efficacy and lower incidence of side‐effects. It appears that the administration of albumin together with terlipressin improves the therapeutic response rate. The impact of treatment on the natural course of HRS remains to be assessed in prospective investigations, but it seems that the reversal of HRS is associated with improved survival. Finally, treatment of patients with HRS with terlipressin before transplantation seems to improve post‐transplantation outcome.
Future indications for terlipressin therapy
Authors: Lebrec D. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryVasoconstrictor agents such as terlipressin (Glypressin®) have been shown to have beneficial effects in the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), in terms of improving renal function and subsequent survival rates. Patients with HRS have also been shown to have improved survival after liver transplantation if they receive terlipressin treatment prior to transplantation. In addition, studies show that terlipressin may have beneficial effects in treating other indications, including paracentesis‐induced circulatory dysfunction and endotoxic shock. A positive effect has also been demonstrated with vasopressin in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Efficacy of different concentrations of ciclopirox shampoo for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp: Results of a randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled trial
Authors: Altmeyer Peter , Hoffmann Klaus ,   on behalf of the Loprox Shampoo Dosing Concentration Study Group
Published: August 2004

AbstractBackground  Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disorder affecting 1–3% of the population. It is thought to be linked to dandruff via a common etiology, yeasts of the genus Malassezia. Ciclopirox is a broad‐spectrum, hydroxypyridone‐derived, synthetic antifungal agent with anti‐inflammatory properties.Methods  A total of 203 patients were enrolled in this vehicle‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized study designed to compare vehicle with three different concentrations of ciclopirox shampoo: 0.1%, 0.3% and 1%, with each applied twice a week. The main efficacy parameters were based on 6‐point ordinal scales describing the disease's signs and symptoms (scaling, inflammation and itching), global status of disease, and global change in disease.Results  A tendency towards improvement of the sum score from baseline was found in all ciclopirox treatment groups. The most pronounced improvement was found in the ciclopirox 1% group, which changed from a baseline sum score of 8.3 to 4.4 at the end of the 4‐week study period (P‐value vs. vehicle 0.0372). In addition, the therapeutic index showed increasing efficacy with the use of increased concentrations of ciclopirox.Conclusions  The study supports the use of 1% ciclopirox shampoo in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Furthermore, ciclopirox shampoo at each concentration was found to be safe and well tolerated.
In vitro biopsy of colorectal carcinomas
Authors: Lavelle M. A. , Keong N. C. H. , Berresford P. A. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjective  To determine the best part of an ulcerated colorectal neoplasm from which to take a biopsy in order to prove that the lesion is invasive.Patients and methods  In this experimental study, biopsies were obtained from 50 ulcerated colorectal tumours using colonoscopic biopsy forceps on the resected specimen after major colorectal resections. Four biopsy sites were chosen, the junction between the normal mucosa and the rolled edge, the top of the rolled edge, the junction between the rolled edge and the ulcer base, and the centre of the ulcer. A code was used so that the pathologist was not aware of the site of each biopsy.Results  Biopsies from the very edge of the lesion were positive for carcinoma in 16% of cases, from the top of the roll in 64%, from the inner aspect of the roll in 88% and from the centre of the ulcer in 90%.Conclusion  Biopsies from ulcerated colorectal carcinomas are more likely to be positive if taken from the centre of the lesion, rather than the very edge.