bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
25 The effect of lipase supplementation on upper gastrointestinal symptoms and gastric myoelectrical activity induced by a high fat meal in healthy volunteers.
Authors: LEVINE ME , GOPAL VD , YANCHIS S , KOCH KL
Published: May 2006

Background/Aims:  Dyspepsia symptoms of abdominal discomfort, fullness, early satiety, and nausea occur after ingestion of meals in 20–30% of the population. Gastric dysrhythmias are exhibited by approximately 55% of dyspepsia patients. Currently there are limited therapies to reduce these symptoms. Gastric and pancreatic lipases are key enzymes in fat digestion, and hydrolyze fat into fatty acids and monoglycerides. The aims of this study were to characterize the effects of a high fat meal on upper gastrointestinal symptoms and gastric myoelectrical activity, and to evaluate the effect of acid‐resistant lipase supplementation on the same outcomes.

Methods:  Sixteen healthy volunteers enrolled in a double‐blind, placebo controlled, cross‐over trial were given a high fat meal (Pulmocare®) that was 55% fat, 28% carbohydrates, and 17% protein (237 ml; 355 Kcal). A capsule containing 280 mg of acid‐resistant lipase (Amano Enzyme USA) or placebo was administered immediately before ingestion of the meal. The order of conditions was counterbalanced, and visits were separated by at least one week. At each visit, individuals completed a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) concerning symptoms of nausea, stomach fullness, hunger, bloating, and abdominal discomfort at baseline, immediately after the meal, and at 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after the meal. Electrogastrograms (EGGs) were recorded throughout each visit to assess gastric myoelectrical activity.

Results:  Nausea, bloating, and stomach fullness were significantly increased 10 min after ingestion of the meal (ps < 0.05), and hunger was significantly decreased (p < 0.001); there was also a significant decrease in normal gastric myoelectrical activity (3 cycles min−1), and a significant increase in tachygastria (3.7–10 cycles min−1) at 10 min after the meal (ps < 0.05). By 45 min after the meal, dyspepsia symptoms and tachygastria had decreased significantly from immediately after the meal, and normal gastric myoelectrical activity had increased significantly (ps < 0.05). Stomach fullness was significantly lower with lipase supplementation than with placebo condition at 20 and 30 min after the meal (p < 0.05); no effect of lipase supplementation on gastric myoelectrical activity was detected.

Conclusions:  (1) The high fat meal induced dyspepsia symptoms and gastric dysrhythmias, suggesting the meal may be a useful test for assessing gastric neuromuscular disorders; and (2) Acid‐resistant lipase supplementation decreased stomach fullness after ingestion of the meal, and warrants further study in individuals with functional dyspepsia.
3 Predictors of symptom non‐responders to high‐frequency gastric electrical stimulation for refractory gastroparesis
Authors: MCCALLUM RW , LIN Z , SAROSIEK I , FORSTER J
Published: May 2006

Chronic high‐frequency gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has been shown to improve gastroparetic symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in up to 70% of patients with refractory gastroparesis (Gastroenterology 2003; 125:421–8). Little is known about factors associated with treatment failure. Clinical and gastric function data (gastric emptying test, GET; electrogastrogram, EGG) were extracted from a retrospective analysis of 87 gastroparetic patients (48 diabetic, 20 idiopathic and 19 postsurgical) who completed GES therapy (Enterra™ System, Medtronic) for at least 1 year. Total symptom score (TSS) (sum of severity of nausea, vomiting, early satiety, bloating, postprandial fullness, epigastric pain and burning using a 5‐point scale, 0 = non, 4 = extremely severe), quality of life (SF‐36 Health Status Survey questionnaire including physical composite score (PCS) and mental composite score (MCS)) and GET (4‐hour scintigraphy of a low‐fat meal) were examined at baseline and 1 year follow‐up. A non‐responder had <25% reduction in TSS and a responder was defined as having a ≥ 50% reduction in TSS after 1 year of GES therapy.

Results:  Overall the non‐responder rate was 23% (10% in diabetic vs. 16% in postsurgical vs. 35% in idiopathic subgroup). Non‐responder rates were similar for men (22%) and women (23%) and age was not a factor. Compared to responders of GES therapy, non‐responders had similar mean baseline vomiting (2.6 vs. 3.2) and nausea scores (3.3 vs. 3.6) but a lower TSS (17.6 vs. 20.1, P < 0.05). Also non‐responders had less improvements in mean gastric retention both at 2 hours (+5.4 vs. ­8.7%) and at 4 hours (+4.0 vs. ­10.5%), less improvement in mean PCS (+2.0 vs. +12.4, P < 0.05) and gained less weight (­0.4 kg vs. +3.7 kg) than responders. 67% of non‐responders had an abnormal EGG (dysrhythmia >30% or decrease in postprandial EGG power) vs. 33% in responders. Non‐responders had more baseline mean tachygastria both in the fasting state vs. responders (26% vs. 11%, P < 0.05) and in the fed state (24% vs. 11%, P < 0.05) and less increase in postprandial EGG power (­1.3 dB vs. 1.6 dB, P < 0.05). Conclusions: The best symptom improvement achieved by high‐frequency GES therapy in refractory gastroparesis is in diabetics (10% treatment failure rate) and postsurgical (16% failure) while the worst results are in idiopathics (35% non‐responder rate). Baseline EGG abnormalities are predictors of poor symptomatic response to GES therapy and may be useful in developing a patient profile to optimize selection and expectations for GES therapy.
30 Characteristics of symptoms and functional gastric tests in patients referred for electrogastrography (EGG) and GET
Authors: BETHARDS DM , XU L , AHN K , KOCH KL , OUYANG A
Published: May 2006

The association between symptoms (Sx) and gastric function tests remains unclear.

Aims:  To determine whether specific clinical complaints and a history of GERD were associated with gastric emptying (GET) or EGG findings. Charts of 163 pts (39 M, 124 F) undergoing both GET and EGG were reviewed for weight, diabetes and complaints of nausea, pain, vomiting, bloating and altered bowel habits. The 1 and 2 hr GET, final EGG diagnosis and baseline frequency distribution of power, and volume (vol.) tolerated during the water load test (WLT) were noted. Data is reported as median, 5–95 percentile. Chi‐squared‐ and Wilcoxon‐Mann‐Whitney‐tests were used.

Results:  Women (F) complained of pain more than men (M) 70% vs. 43% (p = 0.002) and more men had altered bowel habits 77% vs. 57% (p = 0.02). No gender differences were seen with other Sx. F weighed less and drank less than M during the WLT (480 vs. 604 ml, p = 0.001). GET was slower in F than M: 63%, with 7–97 (median, 5–95 percentile) emptying in 2 hrs in F vs. 78%, 27–99, in M, p < 0.001. There was no gender difference in EGG diagnoses. Diabetics weighed more (187 vs. 146 lb, p < 0.0001) and were older (52 vs. 42, p < 0.01) than nondiabetics who had more a normal baseline EGG than diabetics. Overall, the Sx of pain was associated with a lower vol. tolerated on WLT, 450ml vs. 600 ml, p = 0.002. Only the Sx of pain was associated with delayed GET, which did not persist when adjusted for gender. No Sx complaint was associated with specific EGG diagnoses. GERD was associated with greater weight (156 lb vs. 140 lb, p < 0.05) but not with delayed GET or any specific EGG findings.

Conclusions:  GET was slower in F than in M. Pain was a more common presentation in F and the association of pain with a lower WLT vol. suggests that this Sx is related to an abnormal sensory process and suggests a different therapeutic approach to such pts.
34 Senso‐reflexory control of the gastric myoelectrical activity – effect of oral exposure to a sweet or a bitter taste on a multichannel electrogastrogram
Authors: DZIELICKI M , JONDERKO K , MATWIEJSZYN A , KASICKA‐JONDERKO A , WALUGA M , BLONSKA‐FAJFROWSKA B
Published: May 2006

Aim:  To examine the effect of sensory stimulation with a sweet or a bitter taste on the interdigestive gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) in humans.

Methods:  Eighteen healthy subjects (10F, 8M) underwent on two separate days four‐channel electrogastrographic recordings comprising three consecutive 35 min periods: (i) basal fasted, (ii) a stimulation epoch while a subject was chewing an agar cube soaked with a taste‐delivering substance (saccharose for the sweet taste, quinine hydrochloride for the bitter taste), (iii) a post‐stimulatory (recovery) epoch. An electrocardiogram was simultaneously registered for the purpose of the heart rate variability (HRV) analysis.

Results:  Exposure to the sweet taste brought about an increase in the power of the high frequency (HF: 0.15–0.4 Hz) band of the power spectrum‐analyzed HRV data. The bitter taste had no effect on the HRV. During the stimulation and the recovery epoch a statistically significant augmentation in the relative time share of tachy‐ and bradygastria within the multichannel electrogastrogram was found either with the sweet or the bitter taste. Whereas no any other modifications of the GMA were elicited by the sweet taste, the exposure to the bitter taste resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the relative time share of normogastria, a decline in the dominant frequency and the dominant power of the gastric slow waves, as well as a reduction in the percentage of the slow wave coupling.

Conclusions:  (i) Exposure to the sweet taste elicits a vagal arousal expressed by an increase in the HF power, whereas the bitter taste does not affect the equilibrium between the parasympathetic and the sympathetic component of the autonomous nervous system; (ii) The increased relative time contribution of tachy‐ and bradygastria within the electrogastrogram during both the stimulation and the recovery epoch should be considered an unspecific phenomenon because it accompanied stimulation either with the sweet or the bitter taste; (iii) The inhibitory effect of the bitter taste on the GMA, reflected by a diminution in the dominant frequency and the dominant power of the gastric slow waves, as well as their reduced coupling, may be indicative of an evolutionary archetype of a warning reaction of the human (mammalian) organism towards this taste.
36 Comparison of electrogastrogram utilizing a solid meal vs. water loading in healthy children and adolescents
Authors: FRIESEN CA , LIN Z , SCHURMAN JV , ANDRE L , MCCALLUM RW
Published: May 2006

The aim of this study was to evaluate the differential effects of a solid meal and water loading (WL) on the electrogastrogram (EGG) in healthy children and adolescents.

Methods:  Twenty‐six healthy participants (13 F; mean age 12.5 years, range: 8–17) underwent two separate EGG recordings performed in a standard fashion on two separate days. With the first session, EGG was recorded for 30 min in the fasting state and for 60 min following a solid test meal (2 eggs, toast, and water). The procedure for the second session was the same as for the first session except that the meal was replaced by WL. Spectral analysis was performed to compute EGG parameters and their postprandial changes. Data are presented as mean + SD.

Results:  The solid meal was associated with an increase in the EGG dominant frequency (DF) (2.91 ± 0.45 cpm vs. 3.14 ± 0.37 cpm, p = 0.02), %normal slow waves (82.04 ± 11.31% vs. 89.85 ± 10.5%, p = 0.008), and the dominant power (DP) (47.40 ± 4.03 dB vs. 54.09 ± 8.07 dB, p < 0.001) from the pre‐ to the postprandial periods. With WL, only the DP significantly increased postprandially (45.71 ± 4.20 dB vs. 51.12 ± 6.78 dB, p < 0.001). WL was associated with a lower postprandial DF than the solid meal (2.80 ± 0.34 cpm vs. 3.14 ± 0.37 cpm, p = 0.001). The postprandial DP change following the meal was positively correlated with the change following WL (r = 0.523, p = 0.006).

Conclusion:  The postprandial EGG differs depending on the nutritional constituency or consistency of the meal.
4 Gastric electrical stimulation for gastroparesis: experience with higher settings
Authors: SCHNELLDORFER T , ABELL TL , LIMEHOUSE VM , LAHR CJ
Published: May 2006

Introduction:  Gastric electrical stimulation is a safe and efficient treatment option in medically refractory gastroparesis. Several controlled and open label trials have shown the effectiveness of gastric electrical stimulation in symptom palliation for patients with gastroparesis. Initial settings were established based on experiences in the animal model. We reviewed our experience using higher stimulator settings on symptom reduction after implantation of gastric electrical stimulators.

Methods:  42 consecutive patients (38 females and 4 males, mean age 43 ± 1.8 years) with medically refractory gastroparesis were followed after implantation of gastric electrical stimulator between 1999 and 2005. The 42 patients included 29 patients with idiopathic gastroparesis and 13 patients with diabetic gastroparesis Baseline stimulation settings were 14 Hz, 5 mAmps, 330 micro‐sec pulse width, 0.1 sec on, and 5 sec off. At each follow‐up gastrointestinal symptom scores were assessed. If symptoms were unsatisfactory, stimulator settings were increased according to a standardized protocol. Dose response relationships were evaluated.

Results:  After a mean follow‐up of 19 ± 2.6 months, 83% of patients had higher settings (p < 0.001, Fisher's exact test). Solid gastric emptying time during this period decreased from 195 ± 45 to 106 ± 38 minutes (T1/2 value, p < 0.05, paired t‐test) along with an average weight change from 64 ± 5.3 to 62 ± 5.6 kg (p > 0.05, paired t‐test). There were 258 stimulator interrogations with a stepwise improvement in total symptom score (R2 = 0.08, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that frequency of electric stimulation was independently associated with improvement of total symptom score (R2 = 0.06, p < 0.02). A prolonged cycle on time correlated with worsening of nausea score (R2 = 0.09, p < 0.02) and vomiting score (R2 = 0.13, p < 0.001). A measurement of high impedance independently correlated with a low vomiting score (R2 = 0.19, p < 0.0001). Though not statistically significant, most patients’ symptoms were optimized at mean current of 10 mAmps, frequency of 55 Hz, pulse width of 330 micro‐sec, cycle on time of 0.1 sec, and cycle off time of 1 sec.

Conclusion:  The majority of patients seem to benefit from higher than baseline settings. Optimal settings of the implanted device must be determined on an individual basis, but based upon experience in humans seem to be 10 mAmps, 55 Hz, 0.1 sec on, 0.4 to 1 sec off.
47 Effects of retrograde gastric electrical stimulation on gastric motility and plasma hormones in dogs
Authors: SONG G , SUN Y , HOU XH , YANG B , QIAN W , CHEN JDZ
Published: May 2006

Aims:  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different parameters of RGES with trains of long pulses in turning gastric slow waves into tachygastria, and evaluate the effects of RGES with the efficient trains of pulses on gastric slow waves, gastric emptying of solids and plasma concentrations of satiety‐related peptides and glucose.

Methods:  Seven female dogs implanted with four pairs of gastric electrodes were studied in two experiments. The first experiment included a series of sessions with different pacing parameters in the fasting state, each lasting 10 min. The second experiment included two randomized sessions (control and RGES). Gastric emptying of solid was measured by scintigraphy for a period of 4 h. Blood samples were collected at 45 and 15 min before, 30, 60 and 120 min after the meal. Plasma leptin, insulin and glucagon were measured using radioimmunoassay method. Plasma glucose was assessed with a commercially available glucometer. RGES was applied via the distal pair of electrodes (2 cm above the pylorus) with trains of pulses. RGES was initiated 30 min before the first blood sample and maintained for a period of 2.5 h. Gastric slow waves and symptomatic response were also recorded in each session.

Results:  (1) RGES with pulse trains (12 trains/min) was able to turn regular gastric slow waves into tachygastria. (2) RGES with the efficient parameters (frequency: 40 Hz; pulse width: 2 ms; amplitude: 5 mA; train on‐time, 2 s; off‐time, 3 s) was capable of delaying gastric emptying of solids (P < 0.05). (3) Compared with the control session without RGES, the total AUC's of plasma insulin with RGES was significantly decreased in the fasting and postprandial periods (p < 0.05). However, the total area under curves (AUC's) of plasma leptin, glucagon, and glucose were not significantly affected by RGES (p > 0.05). (4) This method of GES induced no noticeable symptoms.

Conclusion:  RGES with at a tachygastrial frequency decreases gastric emptying of solids and plasma insulin, but has no effects on plasma leptin, glucagons, and glucose.
48 The effect of electrical acupuncture points on fasting and postprandial gastroduodenal myoelectric activities and brain gut peptide release in rats
Authors: ZHOU L , WANG L , YUAN B , ZHANG C
Published: May 2006

Fasting interdigestive myoelectric complex (IMC) and postprandial gastroduodenal myoelectric activities are regulated by motilin and leptin, respectively (L. Zhou 2005). This study is to observe whether electrical acupuncture points could increase fasting gastroduodenal IMC and postprandial activities, as well as increase the release of motilin and leptin.

Methods:  Bipolar platinum electrodes were implanted on the serosa of antrum and duodenum in 10 conscious Wistar rats to record IMC and postprandial digestive myoelectric activities. We acupunctured Points Zusanli (S‐36), Tianshu (S‐25), and Liangmen (S‐21) during phase I of IMC (Frequency 20~100 Hz, Strengthen 12~16 mA, period 90 min) and compared with non‐specific electric stimulation (sham acupuncture) group. Serum motilin and leptin level was measured by RIA.

Results:  (1) Acupuncture points could shorten markedly phase I of antroduodenal IMC and increase the period of phase III (P < 0.01). Acupuncture points also increased the number of spike burst of antral and duodenal slow wave by (121.24 ± 20.0)% and (97.34 ± 15.20)% (compared with control group, P < 0.01). In postprandial period, acupuncture points could increase the number of spike burst of antral and duodenal slow wave by (142.52 ± 23.50)% and (102.48 ± 13.25)% (compared with control group, P < 0.01). (2) When acupuncture points increased the number of spike burst of IMC in fasting state, serum motilin concentration also increased, which was (74.56 ± 8.20)% more than control group (P < 0.01). When acupuncture points with meal, serum leptin concentration increased with myoelectric activity, which was (139.84 ± 20.25)% more than control group (P < 0.01). There was no change of motilin and leptin concentration in non‐specific electric stimulation group. (3) Cutting off subphrenic vagus nerves could totally block the effect of acupuncture points on antroduodenal myoelectric activities and release of motilin and leptin.

Conclusions:  Acupuncture points could effectively increase fasting and postprandial antroduodenal myoelectric activities. This effect is mediated by motilin and leptin, respectively.
49 Sibutramine accelerates gastric emptying, inhibits intestinal motility in conscious dogs
Authors: XU J , CHEN J
Published: May 2006

Background and Aims:  Sibutramine is a serotonin ‐ norepinephrine uptake inhibitor, used in the treatment of obesity. It has never been reported whether sibutramine has any effects on GI motility and GI myoelectrical activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sibutramine on gastric emptying, small bowel contractions, rectal tone and compliance and gastric/intestinal myoelectrical activity.

Methods:  The study was performed in fourteen healthy female dogs (18–27 kg); seven of fourteen dogs were surgically prepared for duodenal cannula and pacing wires implanted in gastric and small bowel serosa. It was composed of 3 separate experiments: gastric emptying of liquids and gastrointestinal slow waves; small bowel contractions; and rectal tone and rectal compliance. Each experiment included two sessions: a control session and a treatment session with sibutramine (5 mg kg­1 p.o, Generic Meridia, United Pharmacies) administrated 2 h before the recording. 7 cannula dogs underwent gastric emptying study with liquid meal and small bowel contractions study in the fed state. 7 dogs underwent a rectal barostat study.

Results:  (1) Sibutramine significantly accelerated liquid gastric emptying at 75 min and 90 min after the meal but did not alter gastric or intestinal slow waves. Gastric emptying was 61.42 ± 19.34% at 75 min and 66.32 ± 19.38% at 90 min in the control session, and increased to 71.27 ± 13.5% at 75 min (p = 0.046, vs. control) and 75.93 ± 15.05% at 90 min (p = 0.036, vs. control) in the session with sibutramine. (2) Sibutramine significantly inhibited postprandial small bowel contractions. The area under the curve (AUC) was 14.57 ± 4.11 in the control session and decreased to 10.64 ± 4.18 (p = 0.014, vs. control) in the session with sibutramine. The contractile frequency was 12.49 ± 0.88 cycles min­1 in the control session and reduced to 8.8 ± 1.08 cycles min­1 (p = 0.0004, vs. control) with sibutramine. (3) Sibutramine did not alter the rectal tone, but significantly increased rectal compliance. The rectal compliance expressed as the slope of the pressure‐volume curve was significant increased from 7.59 ± 2.05 ml mmHg at baseline to 9.97 ± 3.25 ml mmHg­1 after sibutramine administration(p = 0.003).

Conclusions:  Sibutramine accelerates gastric emptying of liquids but inhibits small bowel contractions. These findings suggest the peripheral mechanisms of sibutramine in reducing food intake and causing weight loss in obesity patients.
5 Effect of gastric electrical stimulation on cerebral blood flow in patients with gastroparesis
Authors: NOWAK T , HUTCHINS G , HAMMOND J , WANG Y , RING L , LEAL K
Published: May 2006

Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) of the stomach is an effective treatment of nausea and vomiting in patients with gastroparesis (Gastroenterology 125: 421–28, 2003). However, the mechanism is unclear, as many patients show resolution of nausea and vomiting yet continue to exhibit delayed gastric emptying. This suggests GES may relieve symptoms by activation of a mechanism involving the central nervous system. The purpose of this study was to determine whether GES produces changes in the brain evidenced by alterations in cerebral blood flow on positron emission tomography (PET). Eight patients (6 females, 2 males) ranging in age from 27 to 68 yr were studied. Each patient had profound gastroparesis and had undergone implantation of a GES device from 6 to 57 mo (mean 25) prior. All patients studied had significant improvement in symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and early satiety after implantation of the GES device. PET scans were performed after an overnight fast and with the GES device in the ON mode. Each patient was then given an IV injection 30–40 mCi O15‐water. After PET image data were obtained the GES device was then turned to the OFF mode for 30 min. The O15‐water injection and PET image scanning was then repeated. Respective PET images obtained with the GES device in the ON and OFF modes were then analyzed and compared. PET images were analyzed using SPM2 (Statistical Parametric Mapping), implemented using Matlab 6.5 Prior to statistical analysis all images were realigned to correct motion movements and spatially normalized into the MNI standard template to remove inter‐subject anatomical variability. Spatially normalized images were smoothed using an isotropic Gaussian kernel with 16 mm FWHM to increase the signal‐to‐noise ratio. Statistical comparisons between ON and OFF scans were performed on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis using paired t statistics. Significant voxels were superimposed on a high resolution MRI template provided by SPM2, thus allowing anatomical identification. Significant increases in blood flow during GES were noted in the middle, superior, and inferior gyri, in the middle occipital and middle temporal gyri, and in the amygdala and parahippocampal gyri (P < 0.05 for each locus, respectively). Likewise, significant decreases in blood flow during GES were noted in the pre and post central gyri, in the anterior cingulate gyri, and in the caudate head and putamen (p < 0.05 for each locus, respectively).

Conclusions:  1) GES produces significant alterations in cerebral blood flow in gastroparetic patients; 2) central nervous system mechanisms during GES may be responsible for the relief of nausea and vomiting in these patients.
8 The effect of food on electrical and mechanical activity of the canine antrum
Authors: SANMIGUEL CP , HAGIIKE M , DELA CRUZ R , PHILLIPS E , CUNNEEN SA , CONKLIN JL , SOFFER EE
Published: May 2006

Background:  Gastric electrical and mechanical activities are modulated by food, however, the pattern of food‐induced changes and the mechanisms governing them are not well defined.

Aim:  To characterize food–induced changes in gastric antral activity and to explore underlying mechanisms for such changes.

Methods:  Experiment 1‐ intended to test the effect of food on gastric signals. Two bipolar electrodes were implanted in the antrum of 7 mongrel dogs for simultaneous recording of slow wave rate, in events /min (SWR), and contractions assessed by electrical impedance (AI) in ohms. A strain‐gauge transducer was implanted in 3 dogs to correlate changes in AI with contractions. The meal consisted of a preload of 100 g of dry food followed in 10 min, by 900 g of the same food, to lengthen meal duration. SWR and AI were determined during 4 periods of 5 min/each (baseline, end of preload, satiety, 10 min after satiety). Experiment was repeated 5 times/dog. Experiment 2‐acute study, under anesthesia with 3 tests: 1) esophageal balloon distension 2) fundic balloon distension at volumes of 50–400 ml, using a balloon of 800 ml, and 3) nitroglycerin infusion, 0.5 (g kg­1 min­1 for 10 min. results as Mean ± SD.

Results:  Experiment 1‐ frequency of antral contractions by strain‐gauge correlated well with frequency of contractions as measured by AI, R = 0.76. SWRs at baseline, preload, satiety and post satiety were: 5.0 ± 0.3, 4.9 ± 0.4, 3.8 ± 0.65, and 4.4 ± 0.47 respectively. SW amplitudes (ohms) at the same periods were: 5.3 ± 1.4, 8.5 ± 2.1, 12.2 ± 4.3 and 12.0 ± 5.3 respectively; p < 0.05 for satiety and post satiety vs. baseline for both measurements. Both changes peaked around the time of satiety. Mean time interval between satiety and slowest SWR was 80 ± 40 sec. Amplitude of contractions remained elevated for 212 ± 110 min after the meal. Experiment 2‐ fundic distension caused a transient decrease in SWR at lower volumes, but the decrease was sustained at the 400 ml volume, 3.9 ± 0.2 vs. 3 ± 0.8, baseline vs. distension, respectively, p = 0.002. NTG significantly reduced SWR: 4.0 ± 0.7 vs. 3.5 + 0.8, baseline vs. infusion, p = 0.007. Esophageal distension did not affect SWR.

Conclusions:  Food ingestion causes a significant decrease in SWR and significant enhancement of antral contractions that peak at satiety. This suggests a possible causal relationship that can be potentially useful when considering gastric electrical stimulation for modulation of satiety signals. Both gastric distension and nitrergic pathways affect SWR.
9 The TANTALUSTM System for obesity: effect on gastric emptying of solids
Authors: SANMIGUEL CP , CUNNEEN SA , PHILLIPS E , SOFFER EE
Published: May 2006

Background:  Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is currently investigated for the treatment of obesity. The TANTALUS System delivers gastric contractility modulation (GCM) signals in synchrony with gastric slow waves, resulting in significant augmentation of gastric contractions during food intake. We hypothesized that such modulation of contractile activity may affect gastric emptying and plasma ghrelin levels.

Aim:  To test the effect of GCM of the gastric antrum on gastric emptying of solids and ghrelin levels.

Methods:  12 obese subjects were implanted with 2 pairs of antral electrodes and an implantable pulse generator (IPG, TANTALUS TM) Gastric emptying test (GE) for solids was performed twice, on separate days, in each subject, starting few weeks after implantation: 1) control, before the start of stimulation, and 2) with stimulation, after device was turned on. Blood samples for ghrelin, were taken at baseline, and at 15, 30, 60 and 120 min after the test meal. Results as mean + SD, analysis by t‐test and p < 0.05.

Results:  11 females, 1 male, age: 39.1 ± 8.9 years, BMI: 41.6 ± 3.4, 3 subjects with type 2 diabetes. One diabetic patient did not complete GE test because of technical issues. GCM significantly accelerated gastric emptying: retention at 2 hours 18.7 ± 12.2% vs. 31.9 ± 16.4%, stimulation vs. control respectively, p = 0.008. T 1/2 78.3 ± 23.5 vs. 95 ± 31.7 min, stimulation vs. control respectively, p = 0.04. Mean results for gastric emptying were within normal at both baseline and stimulation. Meal ingestion induced only minimal, insignificant reduction in ghrelin levels. There was no significant difference in AUC of ghrelin between control and stimulation.

Conclusions:  After GCM stimulation, there is significant acceleration of gastric emptying of solids in obese patients, without affect on ghrelin levels. The obese subjects did not exhibit the significant, meal‐induced reduction in ghrelin.
Symptomatic and functional outcome 12 months after a first episode of psychotic mania: barriers to recovery in a catchment area sample
Authors: Conus Philippe , Cotton Sue , Abdel‐Baki Amal , Lambert Martin , Berk Michael , McGorry Patrick D
Published: May 2006

Objective:  Recent studies have shown that outcome in mania is worse than previously thought. Such studies have been conducted in selected samples with restrictive measures of outcome. We aimed to explore outcome and its predictors in a catchment area sample of first‐episode psychotic mania of DSM‐III‐R bipolar I disorder.

Methods:  Prospective 6 and 12 months follow‐up was conducted with 87 DSM‐III‐R first‐episode psychotic mania patients admitted to Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre between 1989 and 1997. Syndromic and symptomatic outcome were determined with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; functional outcome with the Quality of Life Scale and Premorbid Adjustment Scale subitems.

Results:  Symptomatic outcome was assessed in 67 patients at 6 months and 61 patients at 12 months, and functional outcome in 56 patients at 6 months and 49 patients at 12 months. Logistic regressions were conducted on 46 and 43 patients, respectively, to explore predictors of outcome. While 90% of patients achieved syndromic recovery at 6 and 12 months, 40% had not recovered symptomatically at 6 and 12 months, still presenting with anxiety or depression. A total of 66% of patients at 6 months and 61% of patients at 12 months failed to return to previous level of functioning. Age at intake, family history of affective disorder, illicit drug use and functional recovery at 6 months predicted functional outcome at 12 months.

Conclusions:  This study confirms poor symptomatic and functional outcome after first‐episode psychotic mania. It suggests possible usefulness of early intervention strategies in bipolar disorders and need for developing specific interventions addressing anxiety, depression and substance abuse comorbidity.
The design of complex sexual traits in male barn swallows: associations between signal attributes
Authors: Garamszegi L. Z. , Hegyi G. , Heylen D. , Ninni P. , De Lope F. , Eens M. , Møller A. P.
Published: May 2006

Variation in the expression of sexually selected traits among individuals is widely investigated on the premise that these traits evolved to signal male quality. Significant repeatabilities of sexual signals and their associations with condition, mating success, survivorship and age may be the signatures of sexual selection. However, little is known about the relationship between these sexual attributes. Here we studied 28 acoustic and visual traits in the barn swallow, Hirundo rustica, that may potentially function in sexual selection. Based on effect sizes calculated at the between-individual level, we assessed the relationship between repeatability, condition-dependence, attractiveness, age-dependence and viability indicator value of sexual traits using sexual signals as the units of analyses. Those traits that showed high within-year repeatability also showed high between-year repeatability, indicating that between-individual variation is consistent within and among seasons. In addition, age-dependence of traits, probably causing between-year variation, was negatively related to between-year repeatability. Condition-dependence was negatively correlated with effect sizes for the extent to which traits predicted viability. Therefore, traits that are positively related to immediate condition are those that are negatively related to survival, which may be the signature of a trade-off between current and future reproductive success ultimately reflecting signal reliability. No other significant relationship was found between trait attributes. We conclude that multiple sexual signals reflect different aspects of male quality in the barn swallow.
Exploring the evolution of environmental sex determination, especially in reptiles
Authors: Janzen F. J. , Phillips P. C.
Published: May 2006

Environmental sex determination has been documented in a variety of organisms for many decades and the adaptive significance of this unusual sex-determining mechanism has been clarified empirically in most cases. In contrast, temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) in amniote vertebrates, first noted 40 years ago in a lizard, has defied a general satisfactory evolutionary explanation despite considerable research effort. After briefly reviewing relevant theory and prior empirical work, we draw attention to recent comparative analyses that illuminate the evolutionary history of TSD in amniote vertebrates and point to clear avenues for future research on this challenging topic. To that end, we then highlight the latest empirical findings in lizards and turtles, as well as promising experimental results from a model organism, that portend an exciting future of progress in finally elucidating the evolutionary cause(s) and significance of TSD.
Thermal evolution of pre-adult life history traits, geometric size and shape, and developmental stability in Drosophila subobscura
Authors: Santos M. , Brites D. , Laayouni H.
Published: May 2006

Replicated lines of Drosophila subobscura originating from a large outbred stock collected at the estimated Chilean epicentre (Puerto Montt) of the original New World invasion were allowed to evolve under controlled conditions of larval crowding for 3.5 years at three temperature levels (13, 18 and 22 °C). Several pre-adult life history traits (development time, survival and competitive ability), adult life history related traits (wing size, wing shape and wing-aspect ratio), and wing size and shape asymmetries were measured at the three temperatures. Cold-adapted (13 °C) populations evolved longer development times and showed lower survival at the highest developmental temperature. No divergence for wing size was detected following adaptation to temperature extremes (13 and 22 °C), in agreement with earlier observations, but wing shape changes were obvious as a result of both thermal adaptation and development at different temperatures. However, the evolutionary trends observed for the wing-aspect ratio were inconsistent with an adaptive hypothesis. There was some indication that wing shape asymmetry has evolutionarily increased in warm-adapted populations, which suggests that there is additive genetic variation for fluctuating asymmetry and that it can evolve under rapid environmental changes caused by thermal stress. Overall, our results cast strong doubts on the hypothesis that body size itself is the target of selection, and suggest that pre-adult life history traits are more closely related to thermal adaptation.
Spatial patterns and environmental factors affecting the presence of Melampsorella caryophyllacearum infections in an Abies alba forest in NE Spain
Authors: Solla A. , Camarero J. J.
Published: May 2006

The presence of trunk swellings caused by the rust fungus Melampsorella caryophyllacearum was systematically surveyed in an Abies alba forest (Irati, NE Spain), using 1237 circular plots (diameter = 18 m). The relationship between fungal presence and several abiotic (aspect, elevation, distance to the nearest river and slope) and biotic factors (basal area of A. alba and/or Fagus sylvatica, shrub, fern and herb cover) was assessed through correlation and ordination analyses. Additionally, the spatial pattern of the presence of diseased trees was described using Ripley's K function. Southern‐aspect plots had a significantly lower presence of diseased trees than plots‐oriented north, east and west. Plots with diseased trees were located at a significantly lower elevation, and at a shorter distance to the river than plots without infections. Plots with diseased trees had almost twice the average A. alba basal area, and less average F. sylvatica basal area than plots without diseased trees. However, similar mean values of slope and shrub, fern and herb cover were found in both types of plots. The disease showed spatial aggregation in patches with a mean radius of ca. 900 m. The implications of the results for disease management are discussed.
Defence reactions of developing somatic embryos of Algerian fir (Abies numidica)
Authors: Vooková B. , Hřib J. , Kormu?ák A. , Adamec V.
Published: May 2006

Defence reactions of embryonal suspensor mass (ESM), precotyledonary, cotyledonary and desiccated cotyledonary somatic embryos of Abies numidica were tested by dual cultures with Phaeolus schweinitzii. Defence reactions were expressed at a very early stage of somatic embryo development. Both ESM and early somatic embryos inhibited mycelial growth, but the strongest defence was shown by the precotyledonary somatic embryos. The cotyledonary and desiccated cotyledonary embryos also showed defence reactions but with less intensity. Eight major components of soluble proteins, already present in the ESM, increased in concentration during subsequent developmental stages. Synthesis of two low‐molecular components of 6 and 3 kDa appeared in desiccated embryos. Probable regulation of defence reactions by auxins in early somatic embryos, as well as by abscisic acid content and storage proteins in subsequent developmental stages, is discussed.
Calcium‐excess causes subclinical changes of bone growth in Beagles but not in Foxhound‐crossbred dogs, as measured in X‐rays
Authors: Dobenecker B. , Kasbeitzer N. , Flinspach S. , Köstlin R. , Matis U. , Kienzle E.
Published: May 2006

Numerous investigations and reports have covered the potential negative effects of an excess of calcium (Ca) in the skeletal development of young dogs. However, it still remains unclear why not all puppies, particularly of larger breeds, develop clinical signs of skeletal disorders after an overexposure to Ca. This trial with the small Beagle breed and a larger Foxhound‐crossbred dog (with an adult weight of around 35 kg) investigated the effects of Ca‐excess on parameters of bone growth. The employed small breed is known for its chondrodystrophic predispositions, no such data are reported for the slender hound‐type Foxhound‐crossbred dogs. The Ca‐supply had no influence on weight development and general health of the dogs. The measurements of bone lengths and widths in X‐rays of the forearm of Beagles and Foxhound‐crossbred dogs at 6 weeks of age, and again after a period of overexposure to Ca at about 27 weeks of age, revealed a growth‐reducing influence only in Beagles, without influence on clinical parameters of skeletal health.
Subacute effects of moderate feed loads of isolated Fusarium toxin deoxynivalenol on selected parameters of metabolism in weaned growing piglets
Authors: Drochner W. , Schollenberger M. , Götz S. , Lauber U. , Tafaj M. , Piepho H.‐P.
Published: May 2006

In 36 female weaned piglets, the effect of different dosages (0, 300, 600 and 1200 μg/kg feed) of isolated, pure Fusarium toxin deoxynivalenol (DON) was examined during a period of 8 weeks. Standardised trial conditions were provided. Pigs were fed restrictively to allow a complete feed intake of all animals. Parameters of liver integrity, haematological data and blood concentrations of some selected metabolic components of energy and protein metabolism were examined weekly. Enzyme aspartate aminotransferase was affected subclinically by age and significantly by dosage, which was proved by Wald F‐test. Some additional enzymes, for instance alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, glutamate dehydrogenase and sorbit dehydrogenase, showed no clear systematic effect. Urea and glucose in the blood were inter‐related. Depending on DON load with increasing glucose concentrations, the urea level declined. Albumin and total protein in serum showed no significant DON‐related effect. Haemoglobin in blood was found to be significantly affected by DON, which was proved by the Wald F‐test, where the effect was more pronounced with 600 μg DON/kg diet compared to 1 200 μg DON/kg. An obvious DON‐related affection of liver, N‐metabolism and stimulation of haematopoiesis depending on dosage and time is discussed.
The influence of dietary conjugated linoleic acid on blood serum and colostrum immunoglobulin G concentration in female goats before and after parturition
Authors: Castro N. , Capote J. , Martín D. , Argüello A.
Published: May 2006

The effects on blood serum and colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels from including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in the diet were evaluated in goats. In experiment 1, 20 goats were allotted into two groups; the CLA group received 20 g/kg of dry matter of CLA 60 and the control group received 0 g/kg of CLA 60, from the third month of gestation until partum. Blood samples were taken every 2 weeks from 1 day before CLA inclusion to partum. From partum until 96 hours, blood and colostrum samples were taken every 24 h. Before partum, IgG serum blood levels were 15.6 and 9.4 mg/ml (CLA and control, respectively); the time effect was statistically significant. After partum (96 h), the effect of CLA dietary inclusion was statistically significant.
Ectopic fat accumulation and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Rasouli Neda , Molavi Behzad , Elbein Steven C. , Kern Philip A.
Published: May 2006

The recent escalation of obesity from an individual health problem to a major public health issue reaching epidemic proportions has drawn attention to a constellation of abnormalities (abdominal obesity, hypertension and dyslipidaemia) collectively referred to as metabolic syndrome. As an indicator of insulin resistance and a harbinger of diabetes, this syndrome has been associated with major cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Yet, the exact pathophysiological events leading to the development of metabolic syndrome remain unknown. We review some of the current literature on the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome with an emphasis on the role of ectopic lipid accumulation.
Conceptions of Contemporary European Universities: to do research or not to do research?
Authors: DEEM ROSEMARY
Published: May 2006

The article examines the extent to which the notion of a publicly‐funded university as an institution engaging in both teaching and research is likely to be sustained in the European higher education space of the future, given the variety of pressures (including funding and mass higher education) on such a conception of a university and changes in how national governments regard the purposes of higher education. Relevant literature on the changing purposes of universities is reviewed. For illustrative purposes, the article uses an example of recent legislation, the 2004 Higher Education Act, in England, whereby research degree awarding powers are no longer a pre‐requisite for the conferral of university status. The position in England’s higher education system with regard to research and teaching is contrasted with that of a second UK country, Scotland, which has contrasting policies on teaching and research in universities. The article examines the research‐teaching debate from the perspective of individual academics, universities and policy‐makers, using recent empirical data where available. It is suggested that whilst academics and their institutions (for different reasons) may be in favour of retaining a link between teaching and research and may resist changes to this, policy‐makers faced with rising demands on the public purse may see such links as suited only to an academic elite. Such pressures apply equally to other member countries of the European Higher Education space, so the outcomes of this policy debate about the centrality of research and teaching to universities have many implications for the future shape of European higher education.
Orientation dependent mental representations following real‐world navigation
Authors: TLAUKA MICHAEL
Published: May 2006

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the mental representations acquired from real‐world navigation are encoded in a single, specific orientation. Previous research has revealed an inconsistent pattern of results. In the present study, participants explored a university campus. In two reaction‐time tasks, spatial judgments were then made relative to four imagined headings within the explored environment. The main result was that one of the headings was encoded in a distinct manner: When making left‐right judgments performance on this heading was generally superior by comparison with the other orientations, and when making front‐back judgments the same heading was the only one in which an advantage of front over back responses was observed. The finding that the headings were not encoded equally indicates that real‐world navigation can lead to orientation specific representations.
A Swedish non‐word repetition test for preschool children
Authors: RADEBORG KARL , BARTHELOM ELEONORA , SJÖBERG MONIKA , SAHLÉN BIRGITTA
Published: May 2006

A Swedish non‐word repetition test for preschool children was constructed with the aim of measuring short‐term phonological memory, which has been shown to correlate with language development and language proficiency. Normative data based on results for 200 children four to six years of age are presented. An item analysis of the original 30‐item test resulted in a shortened 24 non‐word version found suitable for four‐ to six‐year old children. Results for this shortened version, which had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.73, showed longer non‐words to be more difficult to repeat than shorter ones, and significant effects of age and compatibility of the tester's and the child's accent, but not of gender. The results are discussed within the framework of Baddeley's working memory model.
The ethic of care development: A longitudinal study of moral reasoning among practical‐nursing, social‐work and law‐enforcement students
Authors: JUUJÄRVI SOILE
Published: May 2006

The study investigated changes in care‐based moral reasoning, in the context of justice development over the 2‐year period among practical‐nursing, bachelor‐degree social‐work and law‐enforcement students (N = 59). Main measures were Skoe's Ethic of Care Interview and Colby et al.'s Moral Judgment Interview. Of the participants 34% progressed in care reasoning, and 48% in justice reasoning. Social‐work and nursing students progressed in care reasoning, and all groups progressed in justice reasoning. One participant (1.7%) regressed in care reasoning. Care and justice reasoning were parallel in terms of internal consistency, and they were positively related to each other. Findings suggest that care reasoning follows a developmental sequence, involving three main and two transitional levels, as suggested by Gilligan (1982). Main levels include self‐concern (Level 1), caring for others (Level 2), and balanced caring for self and others (Level 3).