bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitogen‐activated protein kinases in chronic intestinal inflammation — targeting ancient pathways to treat modern diseases
Authors: Waetzig G. H. , Schreiber S. 
Published: July 2003

SummaryConventional treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases, employs broad‐range anti‐inflammatory drugs. In order to reduce the side‐effects and increase the efficacy of treatment, several strategies have been developed in the last decade to interfere with intercellular and intracellular inflammatory signalling processes. The highly conserved mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways regulate most cellular processes, particularly defence mechanisms such as stress reactions and inflammation. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge of the specificity and interconnection of mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways, their functions in the gut immune system and published and ongoing studies on the role of mitogen‐activated protein kinases in inflammatory bowel disease. The development of mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitors and their use for the therapy of inflammatory disorders is a paradigm of the successful bridging of the gap between basic research and clinical practice.
Heartburn severity can predict pathologic oesophageal reflux in gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease patients treated with a proton‐pump inhibitor
Authors: Gardner J. D. , Sloan S. , Robinson M. , Miner P. B. 
Published: July 2003

SummaryBackground : In gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) subjects treated with a gastric anti‐secretory agent, it is not known whether there is a relationship between heartburn severity and oesophageal acid exposure.Methods : Oesophageal pH and heartburn severity were determined in 27 GERD subjects at baseline and on days 1, 2 and 8 of treatment with 20 mg omeprazole or 20 mg rabeprazole in a randomized, two‐way crossover fashion.Results : Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine values for heartburn severity that gave optimal cut‐off points for distinguishing between normal and pathologic oesophageal reflux. Using these cut‐off points, we found that the probability of no pathologic oesophageal reflux (Y) could be best fitted by an exponential equation: Y = a(e–bX) + c, where a, b and c are constants and X is the value of heartburn severity. There was close agreement between predicted and observed percentages of subjects with pathologic oesophageal reflux during different days of treatment.Conclusions : In GERD subjects treated with a proton‐pump inhibitor, the value of heartburn severity following a single standard meal can predict the likelihood of pathologic oesophageal reflux over the entire 24‐h period.
Helicobacter pylori eradication and peptic ulcer healing: the impact of deleting the proton pump inhibitor and using a once‐daily treatment
Authors: Wheeldon T‐U. , Hoang T. T. H. , Phung D. C. , Björkman A. , Granström M. , Sörberg M. 
Published: July 2003

SummaryAim: To compare cheaper and simpler once‐daily regimens, with and without a proton pump inhibitor, with standard, twice‐daily, triple therapy.Methods: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, treatment trial in Vietnam allocated 296 Helicobacter pylori‐infected patients with peptic ulcer of ≥ 5 mm to one of three regimens: (i) twice‐daily: lansoprazole 30 mg, clarithromycin 250 mg and tinidazole 500 mg; (ii) once‐daily: lansoprazole 60 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg and tinidazole 1000 mg; (iii) once‐daily: placebo, clarithromycin 500 mg and tinidazole 1000 mg. H. pylori status was assessed by culture and immunoblot, ulcer healing by endoscopy and side‐effects by structured questionnaires.Results: Per protocol eradication (N = 256) was higher with standard therapy (87%) than with once‐daily therapy (72%), and both were better than once‐daily therapy without proton pump inhibitor (39%). Per protocol ulcer healing after standard therapy (83%) was not significantly better than that after once‐daily therapy (73%), but better than that after therapy without proton pump inhibitor (65%). Side‐effects were reported at similar rates in all groups.Conclusions: Proton pump inhibitor was needed for optimal eradication and ulcer healing. Twice‐daily administration showed improved success rates when compared with once‐daily therapies. Peptic ulcer healing was achieved even in patients treated with antibiotics only, confirming the central role of H. pylori in the pathophysiology of peptic ulcer disease.
A comparison of the upper gastrointestinal mucosal effects of valdecoxib, naproxen and placebo in healthy elderly subjects
Authors: Goldstein J. L. , Kivitz A. J. , Verburg K. M. , Recker D. P. , Palmer R. C. , Kent J. D. 
Published: July 2003

SummaryBackground : In long‐term outcomes studies, cyclooxygenase COX‐2 specific inhibitors spare COX‐1 at supratherapeutic doses and therefore demonstrate improved gastrointestinal safety over nonspecific nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, in clinical practice, anti‐inflammatory drugs are often used for short‐term treatment of pain.Aim : To compare the short‐term upper gastrointestinal mucosal effects of naproxen with the new COX‐2 specific inhibitor, valdecoxib, or placebo, in elderly subjects.Methods : In this multicentre, double‐blind, randomized, study, elderly subjects (65–76 years old), with a normal baseline esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), received oral valdecoxib (a supratherapeutic 40 mg b.d. dosage, n = 62), naproxen (500 mg b.d., n = 62), or placebo (n = 62) for 6.5 days. Upper gastrointestinal mucosal injury was evaluated post‐treatment by EGD (day 7).Results : Subjects receiving naproxen (11/60, 18%) had significantly more gastroduodenal ulcers post‐treatment than those receiving placebo (2/61, 3%; P < 0.01) or valdecoxib (0/60, 0%; P < 0.001). A similar significant finding was observed for gastric ulcer rates. All treatments had similar adverse event rates and clinical laboratory findings.Conclusions : Valdecoxib, even at supratherapeutic doses, was associated with an ulcer rate significantly lower than naproxen but similar to placebo in healthy elderly subjects, despite the short duration of therapy (6.5 days). Naproxen and valdecoxib were as well tolerated as placebo.
Is it possible to predict treatment response to a proton pump inhibitor in functional dyspepsia?
Authors: Bolling‐Sternevald E. , Lauritsen K. , Talley N. J. , Junghard O. , Glise H. 
Published: July 2003

SummaryBackground: The efficacy of proton pump inhibitors in functional dyspepsia is modest and the prognostic factors are almost unknown.Methods: Data were pooled on patients (n = 826) with a diagnosis of functional dyspepsia from two placebo‐controlled trials who were treated with omeprazole, 10 or 20 mg once daily, for 4 weeks. Self‐administered questionnaires for the assessment of symptoms and health‐related quality of life were completed before entry, and epigastric pain/discomfort was recorded on diary cards. Treatment success was defined as the complete absence of epigastric pain/discomfort on each of the last 3 days of week 4. Prognostic factors were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis.Results: The most discriminating predictor of treatment success (P < 0.0001) was the number of days with epigastric pain/discomfort during the first week of treatment. Fewer days with symptoms during the first week led to higher response rates at 4 weeks. In addition, age > 40 years, bothersome heartburn, low scores for bloating, epigastric pain and diarrhoea, history of symptoms for < 3 months and low impairment of vitality at baseline were identified as positive predictors of outcome.Conclusions: Early response to treatment with a proton pump inhibitor, during the first week, seems to predict the outcome after 4 weeks in patients with functional dyspepsia.
Proton‐pump inhibitor therapy for acetylsalicylic acid associated upper gastrointestinal symptoms: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Laheij R. J. F. , . Van Rossum L. G. M , Jansen J. B. M. J. , Verheugt F. W. A. 
Published: July 2003

SummaryObjective : Patients using acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) have an increased risk of upper gastrointestinal discomfort. The aim of this study was to assess whether gastric acid suppression improves upper gastrointestinal symptoms in patients using low‐dose aspirin for cardiovascular disease.Methods : In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomised trial, 150 patients using low‐dose (80 mg) acetylsalicylic acid with upper gastrointestinal symptoms who had been admitted at the Coronary Care Unit of the University Medical Center Nijmegen were assigned to treatment with rabeprazole (20 mg once daily) or placebo for 4 weeks. Treatment success, defined as complete upper gastrointestinal symptom relief, could be evaluated in 143 patients.Results : At 4 weeks after randomization, 34 of the 73 patients assigned to rabeprazole therapy (47%) as compared with 30 of the 70 patients given placebo (43%) reported complete upper gastrointestinal symptom relief (P = 0.54). Rabeprazole therapy did lead to a 52% improvement of heartburn symptoms [25% vs. 16%; odds ratio (OR) 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.24–0.97]. Epigastric pain, regurgitation, bloating and nausea symptoms did not statistically change after treatment. Patients with a history of dyspepsia more often reported treatment success in comparison to those without (75% vs. 40%; OR 0.25, 95% CI: 0.09–0.70).Conclusions : Proton‐pump inhibitor therapy significantly reduced heartburn, but not other acetylsalicylic acid associated symptoms.
High‐dose rabeprazole–amoxicillin versus rabeprazole–amoxicillin–metronidazole as second‐line treatment after failure of the Japanese standard regimen for Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Isomoto H. , Inoue K. , Furusu H. , Enjoji A. , Fujimoto C. , Yamakawa M. , Hirakata Y. , Omagari K. , Mizuta Y. , Murase K. , Shimada S. , Murata I. , Kohno S. 
Published: July 2003

SummaryBackground : There is currently no optimal second‐line treatment after failure of Helicobacter pylori triple therapy.Aim : To determine effective salvage therapy after failure of lansoprazole–amoxicillin–clarithromycin.Methods : After failure of lansoprazole–amoxicillin–clarithromycin 123 out‐patients were randomized to receive either 2‐week rabeprazole (20 mg b.d.) + amoxicillin (1000 mg b.d.) (RA group) or 1‐week rabeprazole (10 mg b.d.) + amoxicillin (750 mg twice b.d.) + metronidazole (250 mg b.d.) (RAM group). Eradication was assessed by the 13C‐urea breath test. We also evaluated cytochrome p450 (CYP) 2C19 genotype status, determined by polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism, and susceptibility to clarithromycin and metronidazole.Results : On an intention‐to‐treat basis, H. pylori infection cure was achieved in 37 of 63 (59%) patients in the RA group and in 49 of 60 (82%) patients in the RAM group. Per protocol‐based eradication rates in the RA and RAM groups were 66% (37/56) and 88% (49/56), respectively. In both analytic sets there were significant differences between the treatment groups (P < 0.01 in each). Mild adverse events were observed in eight and five patients from the RA and RAM groups, respectively. Genetic predisposition of CYP2C19 and antibiotic resistance did not influence the treatment outcome either regimen.Conclusions : The rabeprazole + amoxicillin + metronidazole therapy yielded satisfactory results. In contrast, the cure rate in high‐dose rabeprazole + amoxicillin was below an acceptable level.
The contributions of deficient androgen action in spermatogenic disorders
Authors: Ochsenkühn Robert , De Kretser David M. 
Published: July 2003

SummaryThe contributions of deficient androgen actions in spermatogenic disorders causing idiopathic male infertility are reviewed. The physiological role of androgens in spermatogenesis, the mechanism of actions of testosterone and the clinical implication of androgen deficiency are explained. The role of mutations in the androgen receptor (AR) in idiopathic infertility and, in particular, the contribution of expanded cytosine‐adenine‐guanine (CAG) repeats in exon 1 of the AR gene to the occurrence of male idiopathic infertility is highlighted. Possible future aspects of treatment for such patients are discussed.
Assessment of Sertoli cell functional reserve and its relationship to sperm parameters
Authors: Adamopoulos Dimitrios , Kapolla Niki , Nicopoulou Stamatina , Pappa Athina , Koukkou Eftyhia , Gregoriou Achilleas 
Published: July 2003

SummarySertoli cell functional reserve was assessed in normozoospermic men and oligozoospermic patients and its prognostic potential was evaluated for patient selection and treatment. For the first objective, three groups of normo‐follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH)/normozoospermic fertile men (n:12), normo‐FSH/oligozoospermic (n:21) and hyper‐FSH/oligozoospermic subfertile men participated in the study whereas for the second objective 24 normo‐FSH oligozoospermic patients volunteered for a pilot therapeutic trial. For the first part, high purity (hp) FSH (225 i.u., i.m.), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (1500 i.u., i.m.) or their combination was given separately at weekly intervals, with samplings at 0, 3, 24 and 48 h. For the pilot trial, rec‐FSH (150 i.u./48 h, i.m.) or placebo were prescribed for 6 months. The main outcome measures for the study were inhibin‐B (inh‐B), insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I, testosterone and oestradiol concentrations and the main sperm parameters. Bolus administration of hp‐FSH or hp‐FSH/hCG combination in normozoospermic men resulted in a significant rise of inh‐B in normozoospermic men (mean ± SD, basal: 183.8 ± 24.2 pg/mL in hp‐FSH and 175.2 ± 23.5 in hp‐FSH/hCG treatment; 48 h: 256.1 ± 34.2 and 246.3 ± 19.0, respectively, p < 0.001 for both). In oligozoospermic groups basal inh‐B concentration was lower than in normozoospermic men (normo‐FSH: 117.4 ± 16.5, hyper‐FSH: 81.2 ± 19.8, p < 0.001 for both) with a post‐stimulation increase noted only in normo‐FSH patients (hp‐FSH 24‐h: 132.8 ± 19.7, p < 0.01; hp‐FSH/hCG 0 min: 105.7 ± 20.1, 24‐h: 119.5 ± 20.6, p < 0.05). Total sperm number and progressive motility showed significant improvements (p < 0.05 for both) after 6 months of rec‐FSH treatment in the group of patients with a satisfactory response to hp‐FSH stimulation. In conclusion, the basal and reserve activity of Sertoli cells, as judged by inh‐B secretion, was higher in normozoospermic than in dyspermic men, with a better therapeutic outcome noted in those patients with an adequate response to hp‐FSH stimulation.
Clinical significance of the Acridine Orange test performed as a routine examination: comparison with the CASA estimates and strict criteria
Authors: Shibahara Hiroaki , Onagawa Tamaho , Ayustawati  , Jorsaraei Sayedgholamali , Hirano Yuki , Suzuki Tatsuya , Takamizawa Satoru , Suzuki Mitsuaki 
Published: July 2003

SummaryThe aim of the present study is to clarify the clinical significance of the Acridine Orange (AO) test (a sperm function test) as a routine examination by investigating the relationships between chromatin decondensation assessed by the AO test and routine semen analysis. Totally 543 semen samples were obtained from 286 infertile men. The AO test was performed, and spermatozoa displaying green fluorescence were considered as mature. The threshold of green AO fluorescence as 50% was adopted and the values <50% were considered as positive in the test. Computer‐aided sperm analysis (CASA) and strict criteria were used for routine semen analysis. Twenty‐two (4.05%) of 543 semen samples were positive in the AO test. In 20 semen samples obtained from men with severe male infertility treated by intracytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSI), the positive rate was 30.0%, which was significantly higher than that (2.63%) treated by conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) (p = 0.01). As for the basic sperm parameters, there were significant correlations between the AO test and sperm motility (p < 0.001), and between the AO test and normal sperm morphology (p = 0.02). However, there was no relationship between the AO test and sperm concentration (p = 0.585). Sperm motion parameters assessed by CASA, including amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), curvilinear velocity (VCL) and rapid sperm movement (Rapid), were significantly correlated with the AO test. The information obtained using the AO test was indicated to be useful in planning treatment strategy for infertile couples.
The Spleen ofZaedyus pichiy, (Mammalia, Dasypodidae): a Light and Electron Microscopic Study
Authors: Galíndez E. J. , Estecondo S. , Casanave E. B. 
Published: July 2003

SummaryArmadillos are ancient mammals important as models for biomedical, evolutive and ecological studies, because they have adaptive and primitive morpho‐physiological characteristics. In this work we study the splenic microarchitecture of the ‘Patagonian Piche’,Zaedyus pichiy, as an attempt to understand the relationship between the organizational plan of the organ and the particular features of this species.The organ samples were classically processed for light and electron microscopic study.The microanatomy of the organ as well as its different cell types are studied. The spleen is non‐sinusoidal, with the typical arrangement for storage functions. White pulp is well defined. Red pulp is a meshwork of circulating, immunocompetent and haemopoietic cells. The general structure of the organ agrees with the semi‐fossorial habit and the adaptability of the species. Comparative aspects with other armadillos or other less specialized groups are discussed. Persistence of haemopoietic spleen activity in the adult suggests the existence of specific inductive functions of the stroma. Better knowledge of spleen structure and function in ancient mammals may give important information about their phylogeny.
Morphometry and Histochemistry of the Semitendinosus Muscle of Tufted Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus apella Linnaeus, 1758)**
Authors: Roque D. D. , Andreo J. C. , De Oliveira J. A. , Roque J. S. , Buchaim R. L. , Rodrigues A. C. 
Published: July 2003

SummaryConsidering monkeys are animals closely related to the human, and semitendinosus muscle has been used in many postural research experiments, we have decided to study its histochemical characteristics. Samples were removed from the proximal, middle and distal regions of the semitendinosus muscles of five adult male tufted capuchin monkeys and observed for reaction with m‐ATPase (with alkaline and acid pre‐incubation), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide tetrazolium reductase, and haematoxylin and eosin. The muscle fibres were classified as fast glycolytic (FG), fast oxidative glycolytic (FOG) and slow oxidative (SO) and quantified in terms of frequency and area. The three regions of the semitendinosus muscle showed no significant differences in frequency or area of the respective fibre types, and therefore the muscle can be considered histoenzymologically homogeneous. FG fibres presented higher frequencies and larger areas. The sum of FOG and SO fibres was 57.5%, suggesting that the semitendinosus muscle of the tufted capuchin monkey is adapted to an action involved in posture maintenance and in long arboreal dislocation. The present data agrees with the notion of differentiated quadrupedalism in some primates, which support a lower percentage of their weight on the fore limbs.
The Course of the Nasolacrimal Duct in Brachycephalic Cats
Authors: Breit S. , Künzel W. , Oppel M. 
Published: July 2003

SummaryCasts of the nasolacrimal duct system were obtained from 50 euthanised cats including brachy‐, meso‐ and dolichocephalic breeds. The course of the nasolacrimal duct, which was assessed radiographically and gross‐anatomically, was strongly related to the shape of the skull. In meso‐ and dolichocephalic cats the nasolacrimal duct formed a dorsally opened arch with the descending part being directed rostroventrally. The main part of the duct passed the nasal cavity in a rather horizontal course parallel to the hard palate and was located ventrally to the lacrimal foramen. However, foreshortening of the face was associated with a right‐angled or even acute‐angled alignment of the duct. In higher degrees of brachycephaly the main part of the duct ascended beyond the level of the lacrimal foramen and passed the nasal cavity dorsal to the level of the lacrimal foramen. This specific course of the nasolacrimal duct in brachycephalic cats was consistent with a steeper alignment and attachment of the maxilloturbinate. Accessory orifices of the nasolacrimal duct opening into the nasal cavity had never been observed. The present results strongly suggest that the specific course of the nasolacrimal duct in brachycephalic cats might hinder the drainage of the lacrimal fluid irrespective of the diameter of the lumen of the nasolacrimal duct system.
Neurotrophin 3 and its Receptor TrkC Immunoreactivity in Glucagon Cells of Buffalo Pancreas
Authors: Lucini C. , Costagliola C. , Borzacchiello G. , Castaldo L. 
Published: July 2003

SummaryNeurotrophin 3 (NT3), a member of the neurotrophin family, and its specific receptor tyrosine kinase C (TrkC) are involved in the differentiation, survival, and maintenance of many neuronal populations. Recently, NT3 and TrkC were also retained involved in the biology of non‐neuronal tissues. In this study, we report the presence of NT3‐ and TrkC‐immunoreactive cells in the endocrine pancreas of adult buffalos. They were usually distributed at the periphery of islets and showed intense immunoreactivity. By double immunohistochemical staining, NT3‐ and TrkC‐IR resulted to be colocalized in glucagon immunoreactive cells. These findings suggest endocrine and/or autocrine roles of NT3 in pancreatic A cells.
Extrinsic Cardiac Nerve Segments in the Domestic Dog (Canis familiaris– Linnaeus, 1758). Comparative Study in Young and Adult Dogs
Authors: Brugnaro M. , De Souza R. R. , Ribeiro A. A. C. M. 
Published: July 2003

SummaryIn this paper, important connections between the two main contingents of the autonomic nervous system, intrinsic and extrinsic visceral plexus were analysed. Concerning heart innervation, the territories of extrinsic innervation are very important in the treatment of congenital or acquired cardiopathy, thoracic neoplasia and aortic arch persistence, among others. This research compared young and adult extrinsic cardiac innervation and described the surgical anatomic nerve segments. Animals were perfused with a 10% formaldehyde solution in PBS (0.1 m) (pH 7.4) and submitted to macro‐ and meso‐scopic dissection immersed in 60% acetic acid alcoholic solution and 20% hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution. The nerve segments were assigned as: right vagus nerve segment, left vagus nerve segment, right middle cervical ganglion segment, left middle cervical ganglion segment, right caudal laryngeal nerve segment, left caudal laryngeal nerve segment, right phrenic nerve segment and left phrenic nerve segment.
Histochemical Study of Innervation and NADPH‐D Activity of the Thymus
Authors: Danko J. , Ondrašovič M. , Švický E. , Jenča A. , Pospieszny N. , Ondrašovičová O. 
Published: July 2003

SummaryAcetylcholinesterase (ACHE)‐positive nerve fibres in the thymus of the rat form perivascular plexuses as well as free ACHE‐positive nerves, which do not follow the course of the vessels. A higher number of ACHE‐positive nerves was observed in corticomedullary border and the medulla, a lower number in the cortex of the thymus lobuli. A gradual reduction of ACHE‐positive intrathymus nerve formation was recorded and correlated with the increasing age of the rats. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐diaphorase positive cells observed in the rat thymus were irregular with numerous projections and were located on the boundary of the cortex and medulla.