bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta‐analysis: the efficacy, adverse events, and adherence related to first‐line anti‐Helicobacter pylori quadruple therapies
Authors: Fischbach L. A. , van Zanten S. V. , Dickason J. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground : Owing to rising drug‐resistant Helicobacter pylori infections, currently recommended proton‐pump inhibitor‐based triple therapies are losing their efficacy, and regimens efficacious in the presence of drug resistance are needed.Aims : To summarize the efficacy, safety and adherence of first‐line quadruple H. pylori therapies in adults.Methods : Meta‐regression models identified factors explaining variation in the efficacy of first‐line quadruple therapies from 145 treatment arms. Estimates of average efficacy were calculated within homogeneous groups.Results : Quadruple therapy containing a gastric acid inhibitor, bismuth, metronidazole and tetracycline was enhanced when omeprazole was included, treatment duration lasted 10–14 days, and when therapy took place in the Netherlands, Hong Kong and Australia. Treatment efficacy decreased as the prevalence of metronidazole resistance increased. Even in areas with a high prevalence of metronidazole resistance, this quadruple regimen eradicated more than 85% of H. pylori infections when it contained omeprazole and was given for 10–14 days. Furthermore, in the presence of clarithromycin resistance, this quadruple regimen eradicated 90–100% of H. pylori infections, while the currently recommended triple therapy containing clarithromycin, amoxicillin and a proton‐pump inhibitor eradicated only 25–61% (P < 0.001). Adherence and adverse events for quadruple therapy were similar to currently recommended triple therapies.Conclusions : Guidelines should include quadruple therapy with a proton‐pump inhibitor, a bismuth compound, metronidazole and tetracycline among recommended first‐line anti‐H. pylori therapies.
Meta‐analysis: the diagnostic value of alarm symptoms for upper gastrointestinal malignancy
Authors: Fransen G. A. J. , Janssen M. J. R. , Muris J. W. M. , Laheij R. J. F. , Jansen J. B. M. J. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground : With the advent of empirical treatment strategies for patients with dyspeptic symptoms, it becomes increasingly important to select patients with a high risk of having cancer for immediate endoscopy. Usually alarming symptoms are used for this matter, but their diagnostic value is by no means clear.Aim : To investigate the diagnostic value of alarm symptoms for upper gastrointestinal malignancy.Methods : Meta‐analysis of studies describing prevalence of alarm symptoms in patients with and without endoscopically verified upper gastrointestinal malignancy were identified through a Medline search. The prevalence, pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated.Results : About 17 case studies and nine cohort studies were selected. The mean prevalence of gastrointestinal malignancies in the cohort studies was 2.8% of 16 161 patients. Five cohort studies indicated that 25% of the patients diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal malignancy had no alarm symptoms. The pooled sensitivities of individual alarm symptoms varied from 9 to 41%, the pooled positive predictive value ranged from 4.6 to 7.9%, and was 5.9% for ‘having any alarm symptom’. The pooled negative predictive value was 99.4% for ‘having any alarm symptom’.Conclusion : The risk of upper gastrointestinal malignancy in any individual without alarm symptoms is very low, but approximately one in four patients with upper gastrointestinal cancer have no alarm symptoms at the time of diagnosis.
Meta‐analysis: the detection of pancreatic malignancy with positron emission tomography
Authors: Orlando L. A. , Kulasingam S. L. , Matchar D. B. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground : Several factors contribute to the high mortality of pancreatic cancer, including limitations of diagnostic imaging.Aim : To perform a meta‐analysis to assess the diagnostic accuracy of Fluro‐deoxy‐glucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography compared with computed tomography alone.Methods : Articles were identified through a MEDLINE search and bibliography review. Summary estimates and receiver operating curves were calculated using Meta‐Test 0.6. Publication bias and heterogeneity were assessed with a funnel plot and chi‐squared test.Results : The summary estimate and 95% confidence interval for sensitivity and specificity were as follows: computed tomography 81% (72–88%) and 66% (53–77%), PET after a positive computed tomography 92% (87–95%) and 68% (51–81%), PET after a negative computed tomography 73% (50–88%) and 86% (75–93%) and PET after an indeterminate computed tomography 100 and 68%. The area under the summary receiver operating curve was 0.82 for computed tomography and 0.94 for PET. There was no heterogeneity or publication bias.Conclusions : Our results suggest that although adding Fluro‐deoxy‐glucose positron emission tomography to the diagnostic work‐up may enhance the diagnosis of pancreatic malignancy, its usefulness will vary depending upon the pretest probability of the patient, the results of computed tomography and the provider's testing thresholds. Further evaluation using a well‐designed prospective study with a cost‐effectiveness analysis is needed to clarify the appropriate role of Fluro‐deoxy‐glucose positron emission tomography.
Randomized placebo‐controlled trial assessing the effect of bifidobacteria‐fermented milk on active ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kato K. , Mizuno S. , Umesaki Y. , Ishii Y. , Sugitani M. , Imaoka A. , Otsuka M. , Hasunuma O. , Kurihara R. , Iwasaki A. , Arakawa Y. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground : Probiotics are efficacious for treating and maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis.Aim : To conduct a randomized placebo‐controlled trial of bifidobacteria‐fermented milk supplementation as a dietary adjunct in treating active ulcerative colitis.Methods : Twenty patients with mild to moderate, active, ulcerative colitis randomly received 100 mL/day of bifidobacteria‐fermented milk or placebo for 12 weeks with conventional treatment.Results : Clinical and endoscopic activity indices and histological scores were similar in the two groups before treatment. Although improvements were significant in both groups, the clinical activity index was significantly lower in the bifidobacteria‐fermented milk than in the placebo group after treatment. The post‐treatment endoscopic activity index and histological score were significantly reduced in the bifidobacteria‐fermented milk, but not the placebo group. Increases in faecal butyrate, propionate and short‐chain fatty acid concentrations were significant in the bifidobacteria‐fermented milk, but not the placebo group. No adverse effects were observed in either group.Conclusion : Supplementation with this bifidobacteria‐fermented milk product is safe and more effective than conventional treatment alone, suggesting possible beneficial effects in managing active ulcerative colitis. This is a pilot study and further larger studies are required to confirm the result these preliminary results.
Systematic review: is ingestion of paracetamol or non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs associated with exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease?
Authors: Forrest K. , Symmons D. , Foster P. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryAim : To examine the published evidence on the association between paracetamol or non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and relapse in inflammatory bowel disease.Methods : Medline searches were performed till June 2004 and Embase till April 2003. Abstracts published in Gut and Gastroenterology from 1999 to 2004 were hand‐searched. Twenty‐nine relevant abstracts and papers were identified.Results : Twenty‐two patients with relapse of inflammatory bowel disease following exposure to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs have been described in case‐reports. Four patients were re‐exposed to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and relapsed again. Two had relapsed after taking a cyclo‐oxygenase 2 inhibitor. One study described increased inflammatory activity and clinical relapse in some patients after challenge with naproxen or nabumetone. Fifteen epidemiological studies were identified. All had small sample sizes and many had methodological problems. Six studies found evidence for an association between non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use and relapse of inflammatory bowel disease, but the association was significant in only two. Three studies suggested a relationship between paracetamol use and exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease.Conclusions : Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs may precipitate a relapse in some patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This may be an idiosyncratic reaction. The published evidence does not support the view that non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs are important in inducing relapse of inflammatory bowel disease. There is weak evidence that paracetamol may be more important.
Bacillus clausii therapy to reduce side‐effects of anti‐Helicobacter pylori treatment: randomized, double‐blind, placebo controlled trial
Authors: Nista E. C. , Candelli M. , Cremonini F. , Cazzato I. A. , Zocco M. A. , Franceschi F. , Cammarota G. , Gasbarrini G. , Gasbarrini A 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground : Helicobacter pylori eradication fails in about 10% of patients, particularly because of the occurrence of resistance to antibiotics and side‐effects. During anti‐H. pylori therapy, probiotics have been successfully used to reduce the incidence of side‐effects.Aim : To evaluate the effect of Bacillus clausii, a probiotic, on incidence (primary variable) and severity of antibiotic‐associated side‐effects during anti‐H. pylori therapy.Methods : One hundred and twenty H. pylori‐positive patients were randomly screened to receive: (i) a standard 7 days triple therapy with rabeprazole 20 mg b.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. and amoxicillin 1 g b.d. and B. clausii t.d.s. (each preparation containing 2 × 109 spores) for 14 days starting from the first day of treatment. (ii) The same 7 days triple therapy and placebo t.d.s. for 14 days starting from the first day of treatment. Side‐effects were assessed using a validated questionnaire and were recorded for 4 weeks from the start of therapy.Results : The incidences of nausea, diarrhoea and epigastric pain in patients treated with B. clausii were significantly lower than in placebo group, in both PP and ITT analysis. Equally, intensity of nausea and diarrhoea in patients treated with B. clausii was significantly lower than in placebo group. There were no differences in adherence to treatment and H. pylori eradication rates between groups.Conclusion : In symptom‐free, H. pylori‐positive subjects B. clausii bacteriotherapy reduces the incidence of the most common side‐effects related to anti‐H. pylori antibiotic therapy compared with placebo.
Genetic diversity and differentiation of Mongolian and Russian yak populations
Authors: Xuebin Q. , Jianlin H. , Lkhagva B. , Chekarova I. , Badamdorj D. , Rege J.E.O. , Hanotte O. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryIn this study we examined the genetic diversity of yak populations in the northernmost part of their current global distribution. Five Mongolian and one Russian yak populations as well as one Chinese yak population from the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, the putative centre of yak domestication, were analysed with 15 microsatellite loci to determine the level of genetic variation within populations as well as the genetic differentiation and relationship between populations. A total of 116 microsatellite alleles were identified. The mean number of alleles per locus (MNA) across populations was 7.73 ± 1.98 and the mean expected heterozygosity (HE) was 0.696 ± 0.026. The relative magnitude of gene differentiation (FST) among populations was 4.1%, and all genetic differentiations (FST) between populations were significant (p < 0.001). A significant inbreeding effect (FIS) was detected in the Hovsgol yak (p < 0.01). There was no indication of a recent bottleneck in any of the populations studied. The results showed that yak populations in Mongolia and Russia have maintained high genetic diversity within populations and a low, although significant, genetic differentiation between populations. Both phylogenetic and principal component analyses support a close genetic relationship between the Gobi Altai, south Gobi and north Hangai populations, and between the Hovsgol and Buryatia populations respectively. Our results indicate that these yak populations should be considered as distinct genetic entities in respect of conservation and breeding programmes.
Estimates of genetic covariance functions for growth of Angus cattle
Authors: Meyer K. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryEstimates of covariance functions and genetic parameters were obtained for growth of Angus cattle from birth to 820 days of age. Data comprised 84 533 records on 20 731 animals in 43 herds, with a high proportion of animals with 4 or more weights recorded. Changes in weights were modelled through random regression on orthogonal polynomials of age at recording. A total of 11 combinations of quadratic, cubic, quartic and quintic polynomials to model direct and maternal genetic effects and permanent environmental effects were considered. Results showed good agreement for all models at ages with many records, but differed at the highest ages and at very early ages with few weights available. Cubic polynomials appeared to be most problematic. The order of polynomial fit for permanent environmental effects of the animal dominated estimates of phenotypic variances and mean squares for residual errors. A model fitting a quartic polynomial for these effects and quadratic polynomials for the other random effects, appeared to be the best compromise between detailedness of the model which could be supported by the data, plausibility of results, and fit, measured as mean square error.
Conservation programmes for African cattle: design, cost and benefits
Authors: Reist‐Marti S.B. , Abdulai A. , Simianer H. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryInformation on costs and benefits of conservation programmes for cattle is scarce in the literature and mainly available for Europe. This study aims at simulating cost of and benefits from different kinds of conservation programmes designed for indigenous African cattle. The programmes include installation of a herdbook and activities to promote the breed (HB), in situ conservation with a sire rotation scheme (IS), cryoconservation of semen (CC) and CC combined with in situ conservation (IC). The results indicate that cost of the analysed conservation programmes was generally higher than those reported in the literature for comparable schemes. If cost per effective population size conserved is considered, programmes analysed in this study do not appear to be more expensive. The proposed rotation scheme in IS can be applied to many different production systems and prove to be effective with regard to low increase in kinship. Reduction in extinction probability is found to be higher for conservation programmes that strongly involve farmers and give them part of the responsibility for the breeding population. IC was most efficient with regard to cost per effective population size conserved. However, if cost per reduction in endangerment is considered as criterion for the efficiency of a programme, IS, HB and CC are superior to IC. These findings suggest that decisions on conservation programmes should be based on multiple criteria, and not just on cost per effective population size.
Testing the predictions of an evolutionary trade‐off model using Iris pumila plants from an open and a shaded habitat
Authors: TUCIĆ BRANKA , PEMAC DANIJELA , AVRAMOV STEVAN 
Published: March 2005

AbstractIn current quantitative genetic models, the trade‐off is viewed as a dynamic relationship between competing fitness components, which will evolve as a consequence of selection. Selection can change both the intercept and slope of the trade‐off function, although it changes the former more strongly than the latter. We tested these predictions by examining two relationships among three clonal life‐history traits (ramet number per plant and ramet production rate as a function of leaf number per ramet) in Iris pumila plants originating from an open and a shaded habitat. Our results support the hypothesis that the trade‐off function will vary over environments, but not the expectation that the changes in the intercept are more likely than in the slope.
Life‐history monographs of Japanese plants. 1: Erythronium japonicum Decne. (Liliaceae)
Authors: KAWANO SHOICHI 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe life‐history characteristics and demography of Erythronium japonicum Decne. (Liliaceae) are described here. This is a typical prevernal species of temperate broad‐leaved deciduous forests in the Japanese Islands and adjacent Far East regions, and is one of the representative perennials of Arcto‐Tertiary origin. It flushes in early to late April (in May at higher elevations) on the deciduous forest floor in the lowlands to lower montane zone in Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. Flowering individuals bear a single but showy large purplish‐red flower, blooming downward from the top of the scape. This species is a typical polycarpic perennial and bumblebee‐pollinated outbreeder, with pollen/ovule ratios of 4800–6150, although occasional inbreeding is known in the northern populations of Hokkaido. Yellowish‐brown seeds, 2–3 mm long, with a tiny elaiosome, are susceptible to ant‐dispersal (i.e. myrmecochory). According to our long‐term monitoring study that has continued for the past 25 years, since 1979, its mean life expectancy is extremely long (approximately 40 years).
Short‐term combinational therapy of low‐dose estrogen with selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitor (fluvoxamine) for oophorectomized women with hot flashes and depressive tendencies
Authors: Nagata Hideaki , Nozaki Masahiro , Nakano Hitoo 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAim: To examine whether low‐dose and short‐term estrogen‐replacement therapy (ERT) plus selective serotonin  re‐uptake  inhibitor  (SSRI)  treatment  is  effective  or  not  in  the  treatment  of  climacteric  disorders,  hot flashes and depressive symptoms, in oophorectomized women.Method: Forty‐two oophorectomized women with hot flashes and depressive symptoms were assigned randomly to two groups. We examined the efficacy rates of climacteric disorders, particularly hot flashes and depressive symptoms in 21 women on low‐dose ERT (conjugated equine estrogens [CEE] 0.3125 mg/day) and 21 women on low‐dose ERT (CEE 0.3125 mg/day) plus SSRI (fluvoxamine 50 mg/day) treated for 8 weeks. We used questionnaires to evaluate the efficacy for depression, namely the Self‐rating Depression Scale (SDS) and the Self‐rating Questionnaire for Depression (SRQ‐D), and for anxiety with the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). In the statistical analysis, in the mixed‐effect model, for the score against time and adjusted with age, treatment and treatment as the fixed effects.Results: The average scores on the SDS in both groups were decreased by the treatment (P < 0.001). But the efficacy of the ERT + SSRI group in the time × treatment SDS and SRQ‐D scores was significantly higher compared with those of ERT (P = 0.0025, 0.0162) and there was a significant difference in the decrease in the frequency of hot flashes by 8 weeks between the two groups (P = 0.036).Conclusions: A combination of low‐dose and short‐term ERT + SSRI is more effective than low‐dose estrogen alone in relieving the depressive symptoms and hot flashes of oophorectomized women.
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: How many punctures per ovary are needed to improve the reproductive outcome?
Authors: Malkawi Hasan Y. , Qublan Hussein S. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAim: To evaluate the biochemical, clinical and reproductive results after laparoscopic ovarian drilling that carried out a different number of punctures in the ovaries.Methods: Sixty‐three clomiphene‐citrate‐resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) underwent laparoscopic ovarian drilling using insulated needle cautery. Patients were allocated to two groups: group I (n = 26) had five punctures per ovary, and group II (n = 37) had 10 punctures per ovary. Biochemical and clinical data, before and after the procedure along with the reproductive outcome, were compared between the two groups.Results: There were no significant differences in terms of body mass index, and insulin and glucose levels before and after the procedure between the two groups. Androgen levels and luteinizing hormone concentrations showed a statistically significant decrease after the treatment. The clinical and reproductive outcome, including menses cyclicity, ovulation, and pregnancy rates were similar in both groups.Conclusion: Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is an effective treatment in clomiphene‐citrate‐resistant women with PCOS. Five, instead of ≥10, punctures per ovary are sufficient to ameliorate the hyperandrogenic status in these women, improving their clinical and reproductive outcome.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma arising from one retroperitoneal mature cystic teratoma in a postmenopausal woman*
Authors: Song Eun‐Seop , Choi Suk‐Jin , Kim Lucia , Choi Sun‐Keun , Ryu Jeong‐Seon , Lim Myung‐Kwan , Song Yun‐Seob , Im Moon‐Whan 
Published: March 2005

AbstractMalignant degeneration of a retroperitoneal mature cystic teratoma to adenocarcinoma at postmenopausal age is extremely rare. A 72‐year‐old woman with mucinous adenocarcinoma arising from a retroperitoneal mature cystic teratoma is presented.
Are inner‐cities bad for your health? Comparisons of residents’ and third parties’ perceptions of the urban neighbourhood of Gospel Oak, London
Authors: Whitley Rob , Prince Martin 
Published: March 2005

Abstract  This paper analyses representations of the neighbourhood of Gospel Oak (London, UK), by contrasting views of residents with views expressed by third parties. Data from residents were gathered through in‐depth qualitative methods. Data from third parties were gathered through documentary analysis.Third parties’ descriptions of Gospel Oak were significantly more negative than residents’. In contrast, residents were overwhelmingly positive about the neighbourhood, often taking a diametrically opposed view to third parties on the same factor, for example, quality of housing.We argue that third parties’ negative social construction of Gospel Oak is functional rather than descriptive; a pathological orientation is usually taken to assist efforts to win regeneration funding. Though this is sometimes successful, we discuss possible negative affects of this social construction, for example, stigmatisation. Finally, we warn against making assumptions of collective social and physical pathology in urban neighbourhoods, urging a more critical approach to the study of the inner‐city in the health sciences.