bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bradykinin receptor gene variant and human physical performance
Authors: Williams Alun G. , Dhamrait Sukhbir S. , Wootton Peter T. E. , Day Stephen H. , Hawe Emma , Payne John R. , Myerson Saul G. , World Michael , Budgett Richard , Humphries Steve E. , Montgomery Hugh E.
Published: February 2004

Accumulating evidence suggests that athletic performance is strongly influenced by genetic variation. One such locus of influence is the gene for angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE), which exhibits a common variant [ACE insertion (I)/deletion (D)]. ACE can drive formation of vasoconstrictor ANG II but preferentially degrades vasodilator bradykinin. The ACE I allele is associated with higher kinin activity. A common gene variant in the kinin β2 receptor (B2R) exists: the -9 as opposed to +9 allele is associated with higher receptor mRNA expression. We tested whether this variant was associated with the efficiency of muscular contraction [delta efficiency (DE)] in 115 healthy men and women, or with running distance among 81 Olympic standard track athletes. We further sought evidence of biological interaction with ACE I/D genotype. DE was highly significantly associated with B2R genotype (23.84 ± 2.41 vs. 24.25 ± 2.81 vs. 26.05 ± 2.26% for those of +9/+9 vs. +9/-9 vs. -9/-9 genotype; n = 25, 61, and 29, respectively; P = 0.0008 for ANOVA adjusted for sex). There was evidence for interaction with ACE I/D genotype, with individuals who were ACE II, with B2R -9/-9 having the highest DE at baseline. The ACE I/B2R -9 “high kinin receptor activity” haplotype was significantly associated with endurance (predominantly aerobic) event among elite athletes ( P = 0.003). These data suggest that common genetic variation in the B2R is associated with efficiency of skeletal muscle contraction and with distance event of elite track athletes and that at least part of the associations of ACE and fitness phenotypes is through elevation of kinin activity.
Fluid shear stress induction of COX-2 protein and prostaglandin release in cultured MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts does not require intact microfilaments or microtubules
Authors: Norvell Suzanne M. , Ponik Suzanne M. , Bowen Deidre K. , Gerard Rita , Pavalko Fredrick M.
Published: February 2004

Cultured osteoblasts express three major types of cytoskeleton: actin microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. The cytoskeletal network is thought to play an important role in the transmission and conversion of a mechanical stimulus into a biochemical response. To examine a role for the three different cytoskeletal networks in fluid shear stress-induced signaling in osteoblasts, we individually disrupted actin microfilaments, micro-tubules, and intermediate filaments in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts with multiple pharmacological agents. We subjected these cells to 90 min of laminar fluid shear stress (10 dyn/cm2) and compared the PGE2and PGI2release and induction of cyclooxygenase-2 protein to control cells with intact cytoskeletons. Disruption of actin microfilaments, microtubules, or intermediate filaments in MC3T3-E1 cells did not prevent a significant fluid shear stress-induced release of PGE2or PGI2. Furthermore, disruption of actin microfilaments or microtubules did not prevent a significant fluid shear stress-induced increase in cyclooxygenase-2 protein levels. Disruption of intermediate filaments with acrylamide did prevent the fluid shear stress-induced increase in cyclooxygenase-2 but also prevented a PGE2-induced increase in cyclooxygenase-2. Thus none of the three major cytoskeletal networks are required for fluid shear stress-induced prostaglandin release. Furthermore, although neither actin microfilaments nor microtubules are required for fluid shear stress-induced increase in cyclooxygenase-2 levels, the role of intermediate filaments in regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 expression is less clear.
Selected genetic polymorphisms and plasma coagulation factor VII changes with exercise training
Authors: Ghiu Ioana A. , Ferrell Robert E. , Kulaputana Onanong , Phares Dana A. , Hagberg James M.
Published: February 2004

We assessed the effects of coagulation factor VII (FVII) gene polymorphisms, lipid-related polymorphisms, and exercise training-induced plasma lipoprotein lipid changes on FVII level changes with exercise training in middle- to older-aged men and women. Forty-six healthy sedentary men and women were stabilized on a low-fat diet and then underwent baseline testing, 6 mo of endurance exercise training, and final testing. Plasma FVII-Ag levels decreased with exercise training (106.7 ± 1.4 vs. 104.2 ± 1.6%, P = 0.005). There were no significant differences in FVII-Ag changes with exercise training between -323 (0/10 bp)/-401 (G/T) haplotype or -402 (G/A) genotype groups. FVII-Ag changes with training were not correlated with changes in plasma lipoprotein lipids. In linear regression analyses, FVII-Ag changes with training remained significant after adjusting for training-induced plasma lipoprotein lipid changes ( P = 0.01). FVII changes with training were associated with apolipoprotein E genotype ( P = 0.012); this relationship was still evident after adjusting for training-induced plasma lipoprotein lipid changes ( P = 0.047). FVII changes with training also were significantly associated with human ATPase binding cassette-1 genotype ( P = 0.018); this relationship persisted after accounting for the effect of the training-induced plasma lipoprotein lipid changes ( P = 0.045). We conclude that plasma FVII-Ag changes with exercise training are more closely related to selected lipid-related genotypes than FVII gene promoter variants.
Aging and the skin blood flow response to the unloading of baroreceptors during heat and cold stress
Authors: Scremin Glaucio , Kenney W. Larry
Published: February 2004

Control of skin blood flow (SkBF) is on the efferent arm of both thermoregulatory and nonthermoregulatory reflexes. To what extent aging may affect the SkBF response when these two reflex systems interact is unknown. To determine the response of aged skin to the unloading of baroreceptors in thermoneutral, cold stress, and heat stress conditions, sequential bouts of nonhypotensive lower body negative pressure (LBNP) were applied at -10, -20, and -30 mmHg in 14 young (18–25 yr) and 14 older (63–78 yr) men. SkBF was measured by laser-Doppler velocimetry (averaged over 2 forearm sites), and data are expressed as percentage of maximal cutaneous vascular conductance (%CVCmax). Total forearm blood flow was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography, and forearm vascular conductance (FVC) was calculated as the ratio of forearm blood flow to mean arterial pressure. In young men, all three intensities of LBNP in thermoneutrality decreased FVC significantly ( P < 0.05), but FVC at -10 mmHg did not change in the older men. There were no significant LBNP effects on %CVCmax. Application of LBNP during cold stress did not significantly change %CVCmax or FVC in either age group. During heat stress, -10 to -30 mmHg of LBNP decreased FVC significantly ( P < 0.05) in both age groups, but these decreases were attenuated in the older men ( P < 0.05). %CVCmax decreased at -30 mmHg in the younger men only. These results suggest that older men have an attenuated skin vasoconstrictor response to the unloading of baroreceptors in heat stress conditions. Furthermore, the forearm vasoconstriction elicited by LBNP in older men reflects that of underlying tissue (i.e., muscle) rather than that of skin, whereas -30 mmHg LBNP also decreases SkBF in young hyperthermic men.
Regulation of oxygen sensing by ion channels
Authors: López-Barneo José , del Toro Raquel , Levitsky Konstantin L. , Chiara María D. , Ortega-Sáenz Patricia
Published: February 2004

O2sensing is of critical importance for cell survival and adaptation of living organisms to changing environments or physiological conditions. O2-sensitive ion channels are major effectors of the cellular responses to hypoxia. These channels are preferentially found in excitable neurosecretory cells (glomus cells of the carotid body, cells in the neuroepithelial bodies of the lung, and neonatal adrenal chromaffin cells), which mediate fast cardiorespiratory adjustments to hypoxia. O2-sensitive channels are also expressed in the pulmonary and systemic arterial smooth muscle cells where they participate in the vasomotor responses to low O2tension (particularly in hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction). The mechanisms underlying O2sensing and how the O2sensors interact with the ion channels remain unknown. Recent advances in the field give different support to the various current hypotheses. Besides the participation of ion channels in acute O2sensing, they also contribute to the gene program developed under chronic hypoxia. Gene expression of T-type calcium channels is upregulated by hypoxia through the same hypoxiainducible factor-dependent signaling pathway utilized by the classical O2-regulated genes. Alteration of acute or chronic O2sensing by ion channels could participate in the pathophysiology of human diseases, such as sudden infant death syndrome or primary pulmonary hypertension.
Effects of different dropping intensities on fascicle and tendinous tissue behavior during stretch-shortening cycle exercise
Authors: Ishikawa Masaki , Komi Paavo V.
Published: February 2004

This study examined whether the elasticity of the tendinous tissues plays an important role in human locomotion by improving the power output and efficiency of skeletal muscle. Ten subjects performed one-leg drop jumps (DJ) from different dropping heights with a constant rebound height. The fascicle length of the vastus lateralis muscle was measured by using real-time ultrasonography during DJ. In the braking phase of the DJ, fascicle lengthening decreased and the tendinous tissue lengthening increased with increased dropping intensity. In the subsequent push-off phase, the shortening of tendinous tissues increased with higher dropping intensity. The averaged electromyographic activities of the preactivation and braking phases increased and those of the push-off phase decreased as the drop height was increased. With higher dropping height but constant submaximal rebound jump, the stretched tendinous tissue length increased with less stretched fascicle during the braking phase. In the subsequent push-off phase, the recoil of tendinous tissues became greater. These results suggest that the increased prestretch intensity has considerable influence on the process of storage and subsequent recoil of the elastic energy during the stretch-shortening cycle action.
Greater effect of diet than exercise training on the fatty acid profile of rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Turner Nigel , Lee Jong Sam , Bruce Clinton R. , Mitchell Todd W. , Else Paul L. , Hulbert A. J. , Hawley John A.
Published: February 2004

We determined the interaction of diet and exercise-training intensity on membrane phospholipid fatty acid (FA) composition in skeletal muscle from 36 female Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were randomly divided into one of two dietary conditions: high-carbohydrate (64.0% carbohydrate by energy, n = 18) or high fat (78.1% fat by energy, n = 18). Rats in each diet condition were then allocated to one of three subgroups: control, which performed no exercise training; low-intensity (8 m/min) treadmill run training; or high-intensity (28 m/min) run training. All exercise-trained rats ran 1,000 m/session, 4 days/wk for 8 wk and were killed 48 h after the last training bout. Membrane phospholipids were extracted, and FA composition was determined in the red and white vastus lateralis muscles. Diet exerted a major influence on phospholipid FA composition, with the high-fat diet being associated with a significantly ( P < 0.01) elevated ratio of n-6/n-3 FA for both red (2.7–3.2 vs. 1.0–1.1) and white vastus lateralis muscle (2.5–2.9 vs. 1.2). In contrast, alterations in FA composition as a result of either exercise-training protocol were only minor in comparison. We conclude that, under the present experimental conditions, a change in the macronutrient content of the diet was a more potent modulator of skeletal muscle membrane phospholipid FA composition compared with either low- or high-intensity treadmill exercise training.
Effects of estrogen and progesterone administration on extracellular fluid
Authors: Stachenfeld Nina S. , Taylor Hugh S.
Published: February 2004

To determine the effect of estrogen and progesterone on plasma volume (PV) and extracellur fluid volume (ECFV), we suppressed endogenous estrogen and progesterone by using the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist ganirelix acetate in seven healthy women (22 ± 1 yr). Subjects were administered GnRH antagonist for 16 days. Beginning on day 5 of GnRH antagonist administration, subjects were administered estrogen (E2) for 11 days, and beginning on day 12 of GnRH antagonist administration, subjects added progesterone (E2-P4) for 4 days. On days 2, 9, and 16 of GnRH antagonist administration, we estimated ECFV (inulin washout), transcapillary escape rate of albumin (TERalb), and PV (Evans blue dye). Plasma E2concentration increased from 17.9 ± 4.5 (GnRH antagonist) to 195.9 ± 60.1 (E2, P < 0.05) to 245.6 ± 62.9 pg/ml (E2-P4, P < 0.05). Compared with GnRH antagonist (1.3 ± 0.5 ng/ml), plasma P4concentration was unchanged during E2(0.9 ± 0.3 ng/ml) and increased to 9.4 ± 3.1 ng/ml during E2-P4( P < 0.05). Both E2(44.1 ± 3.1 ml/kg) and E2-P4(47.7 ± 2.8 ml/kg) increased PV compared with GnRH antagonist (42.8 ± 1.3 ml/kg, P < 0.05). Within-subjects TERalbwas a strong negative predictor of PV (mean r = 0.92 ± 0.03, P < 0.05), and TERalbwas lowest during E2-P4(5.7 ± 0.5, 4.1.0 ± 1.1, and 2.8 ± 0.9%/h, P < 0.05, for GnRH antagonist, E2, and E2-P4, respectively). ECFV was reduced during E2(227 ± 31 ml/kg, P < 0.05) compared with both GnRH antagonist (291 ± 37 ml/kg) and E2-P4(283 ± 19 ml/kg). Thus the percentage of extracellular fluid in the plasma compartment increased to 21.0% ( P < 0.05) during E2compared with GnRH antagonist (16.1%) and E2-P4(17.2%) admistration. Thus E2increased PV via actions on the capillary endothelium to lower TERalband favor intravascular water retention, whereas during E2-P4PV increased via the combined responses of ECFV expansion and lower TERalb.
The Peritoneal Route as a Safe Pathway for Early in utero Therapies: Illustration by a 12-Year Follow-Up after Conservative Management of Severe Rhesus Allo-Immunization
Authors: Gallot D. , Boiret N. , Vanlieferinghen P. , Laurichesse H. , Micorek J.C. , Berger M. , Lemery D.
Published: February 2004

Objective: We report a case of an extremely severe Rhesus allo-immunization treated very early in pregnancy 12 years ago. Methods and Results: After chorionic villus sampling at 12 weeks for fetal blood phenotyping, two intraperitoneal transfusions at 14 and 15 weeks were given followed by two intravascular and seven exchange transfusions. A girl weighing 2,940 g was delivered vaginally at term after external cephalic version for breech presentation. To date her neurological and social development is normal. Conclusions: Since the success of haematopoietic stem cell transplantations for the treatment of congenital haematologic diseases could imply early and repetitive procedures, this observation enlightens the technical feasibility of such an invasive approach and its relative safety for subsequent development.
Intrauterine Therapy for the Acutely Enlarging Fetal Cystic Hygroma
Authors: Kuwabara Yoshimitsu , Sawa Rintaro , Otsubo Yasuo , Yoneyama Yoshio , Asakura Hirobumi , Araki Tsutomu , Takeshita Toshiyuki
Published: February 2004

Enlarged fetal cystic hygroma is known to cause life-threatening complications such as fetal hydrops and neonatal respiratory difficulty. A 28-year-old Japanese woman, gravida 0, presented with fetal cystic hygroma at 23 weeks of gestation. There were no other structural malformations or hydrops detected by ultrasonographic examination. In addition, the karyotype was diagnosed as normal through amniotic fluid analysis. The cystic lesion showed acute enlargement and intrauterine sclerotherapy using OK-432 was performed at 26 weeks. The size of the cyst initially decreased, which was followed by a gradual increase. A viable 3,098 g male infant was delivered by cesarean section at 37 weeks without any other complications. The infant had no clinical difficulty during the neonatal period and later underwent a surgical removal of the remaining cystic lesion. Cases of fetal cystic hygroma showing acute enlargement without other complications are considered good candidates for intrauterine therapy to prevent subsequent complications.
Expression of Tyrosine Hydroxylase in Lymphocytes and Effect of Endogenous Catecholamines on Lymphocyte Function
Authors: Qiu Yi-Hua , Peng Yu-Ping , Jiang Jian-Ming , Wang Jian-Jun
Published: February 2004

Objectives: To comprehend the changes and significance of the endogenous catecholamines in the immune system, we explored the synthesis of catecholamines by lymphocytes in various lymphoid organs and in different activated states, and the effect of the endogenous catecholamines synthesized by lymphocytes on the function of the lymphocytes themselves. Methods: Immunohistochemistry for lymphoid organs (mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and thymus) and lymphocytes was used to observe their expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), an initial rate-limiting enzyme of the catecholamine synthesis. The contents of catecholamines, including norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and epinephrine (E), in lymphocytes were tested by means of high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Western blot was used to examine the character and relative quantity of TH-stained protein in lymphocytes, lymph nodes and adrenal medullary tissue. The effect of α-methyl-p-tyrosine (α-MT), an inhibitor of TH activity, on concanavalin A (Con A)-induced interleukin-2 (IL-2) production was determined by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay. Results: TH-positive cells were found in the three examined lymphoid organs, but the lymph nodes had the highest and the thymus had the lowest density. Both TH expression and the contents of NE, DA and E in the Con A-activated lymphocytes were markedly increased in comparison with those in the nonactivated lymphocytes. A band with TH immunoreactivity was seen in the extracts from either Con A-activated lymphocytes or nonactivated cells and the molecular weight of the protein was 59.4 ± 0.3 kD. However, the relative quantity of the protein was notably higher in the activated lymphocytes than in the nonactivated cells. As a positive control, a similar band of TH immunoreactivity in the adrenal medullary tissue was also obtained. α-MT at the doses of 10–11, 10–10 and 10–9 M was found to significantly facilitate the Con A-induced IL-2 production. Conclusions: These results suggest that lymphocytes can synthesize catecholamines and their synthesis levels may increase in the activated state, and that endogenous catecholamines synthesized by the lymphocytes can regulate the function of the lymphocytes themselves.
Effects of Cold Stress on Spleen Cell Proliferation and Cytokine Production during Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection
Authors: Aviles Hernan , Johnson Mary T. , Monroy Fernando P.
Published: February 2004

Background: Cell-mediated immunity is critical for controlling infection and preventing reactivation during the chronic phase of Toxoplasma gondii infection. In people suffering from AIDS, T. gondii is one of the major opportunistic infectious agents. Mechanisms regulating rapid development of clinical signs in previously asymptomatic patients remain unclear; however, cofactors such as stress are suspected to play a role in the susceptibility to opportunistic infections. Objective: This study examined the role of cold stress (CS) in splenocyte function during chronic T. gondii infection. Methods: Control mice and mice previously infected orally with T. gondii were subjected to CS during the chronic phase (CSchr), i.e. 90 days after infection, and in vitro cell proliferation and cytokine production were measured before (day 0) and 1, 15 and 25 days after CSchr. Splenocyte proliferation and cytokine production were measured after in vitro stimulation with concanavalin A (Con-A), anti-CD3 antibody (A-CD3) and Toxoplasma lysate antigen. Results: CSchr enhanced splenocyte proliferation in cells stimulated with Con-A and A-CD3, but it suppressed proliferation in cells stimulated with T. gondii antigens. Increased levels of interferon (IFN)-γ were detected independent of the type of stimulation after CSchr and remained high throughout the experiment. CS had similar results in noninfected animals. Conclusion: Although an overall increase in splenocyte function occurred after nonspecific stimulation, CS suppressed primed spleen cells from responding to T. gondii antigens which could lead to reactivation of latent infection. The increase in IFN-γ after CSchr could be a result of spleen cells being primed by released parasites by this stressor. IFN-γ is critical in the control of parasite reactivation.
Splenic Denervation Suppresses mRNA Gene Expression and Protein Production of IL-1β and IL-6 by Peritoneal Macrophages in both Trypanosoma brucei brucei-Infected and Non-Infected Rats
Authors: Liu Yajuan , Li Zhilun , Svarén-Quiding Cecilia , Cui Jianguo , Özenci Volkan , Bakhiet Moiz
Published: February 2004

Objective: To test the hypothesis that the nervous system participates in modulating the immune response during experimental African trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Methods and Results: Using in situ hybridization and immunochemistry, we studied the effects of splenic sympathectomy on mRNA gene expression and protein production of IL-1β and IL-6 in splenic and peritoneal macrophages (PMΦ) of Sprague-Dawley rats infected with T. brucei brucei and non-infected rats. The enhancements of mRNA gene expression and production of IL-1β and IL-6 by peritoneal macrophages were significantly suppressed by the splenic sympathectomy in both infected and non-infected rats. Conclusions: Our data indicate a probably stimulatory role of the sympathetic nervous system during the host immune response in both normal and T. brucei brucei-infected rats.
Role of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in the Diagnosis of Swellings in the Salivary Gland Regions: A Study of 712 Cases
Authors: Das Dilip K. , Petkar Mahir A. , Al-Mane Nadra M. , Sheikh Zaffar A. , Mallik Mrinmay K. , Anim Jehoram T.
Published: February 2004

Introduction: A mass in the salivary gland region often presents a diagnostic challenge with regard to its site of origin (salivary versus nonsalivary), benign or malignant nature, and tissue-specific diagnosis. The present study describes the utility of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in the diagnosis of these lesions. Subjects and Methods: Over a 6-year period (January 1994 to December 1999), 712 patients aged between 6 months and 91 years (median, 37 years) were subjected to FNA of swellings in their salivary gland regions. Male:female ratio was 1.28:1. The swellings were mostly located in the parotid (323 cases), submandibular (343 cases), and upper cervical region (27 cases). Swellings of oral (5 cases) and sublingual (2 cases) sites were rare. The lesions diagnosed by FNA cytology were compared among the major salivary glands. Cytologic diagnoses were correlated with histology in 45 cases. Results: Benign nonneoplastic lesions were the most common (73%), followed by neoplasms (20%), and those with atypical cytology (1%). Cytologic material was inadequate in 6% cases. Parotid gland region was involved more frequently by neoplasms (27.1%) than the submandibular gland region (13.7%, p < 0.0001). Inflammatory processes affected the submandibular gland region more commonly (42.0%) than the parotid (32.6%, p = 0.0164). Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common neoplasm (61.5%), followed by Warthin’s tumor (12.6%). Malignancies accounted for 10.5% of neoplasms. Frequency of involvement of parotid by Warthin’s tumor (16.7%) was significantly higher than that of submandibular gland (2.3%, p = 0.0191). However, the submandibular gland was more commonly affected by malignancy than the parotid gland (p = 0.0003). Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of FNA cytology for all neoplastic lesions of the salivary gland were 94.6, 75.0, and 91.1%, respectively. The corresponding figures for malignancies were 60.0, 95.0, and 91.1%, respectively. Conclusion: FNA cytology is very useful for the diagnosis of salivary gland lesions. However, sampling and interpretation errors may occur. The low specificity for the diagnosis of neoplasms as a whole and the poor sensitivity for malignancies found in our study can be attributed to the relatively small number of benign nonneoplastic and malignancy cases with available histopathologic diagnoses.
Perinatally Acquired Tuberculosis in a Neonate
Authors: Hammoud M.S. , Maiyegun S.O. , Al Saban F.M. , Devarajan L.V. , Malik A.H. , Hanafi E.M.
Published: February 2004

Objectives: To report a case of perinatal tuberculosis that appeared on the 21th day of life of an infant born to a mother with latent tuberculosis. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A preterm male infant was born by spontaneous vertex delivery at 33 weeks gestational age to a 33-year-old primiparous Philippine woman. The infant was well until the 21st day of life when he developed recurrent episodes of cyanosis and bradycardia. A chest radiograph showed infiltrates which were thought to be bacterial in origin. Blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid cultures were normal. Tracheal aspirate revealed acid-fast bacilli by Ziehl-Neelsen stain, later confirmed to be Mycobacterium tuberculosis by culture in Lowenstein-Jensen medium. The mother was later diagnosed as a case of tuberculosis with symptoms, signs and radiologic manifestation of hilar lymphadenopathy with mild pleural effusion and positive tuberculin skin test. Both infant and mother were treated with intravenous isoniazid, intravenous rifampicin, oral pyrazinamide, and intravenous pyridoxine. Both recovered. Conclusion: A preterm male infant perinatally acquired tuberculosis, most likely by inhalation of the bacteria during delivery. Both infant and mother responded well to antituberculous treatment.
Mirtazapine Decreases Stimulatory Effects of Reboxetine on Cortisol, Adrenocorticotropin and Prolactin Secretion in Healthy Male Subjects
Authors: Schüle Cornelius , Baghai Thomas , Laakmann Gregor
Published: February 2004

Reboxetine is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, whereas mirtazapine acts as an antagonist at noradrenergic α2, serotonin (5-HT2), 5-HT3 and histamine H1 receptors. In a former study we could demonstrate an inhibitory impact of mirtazapine on cortisol secretion. In the present investigation, the influence of combined administration of 15 mg mirtazapine and 4 mg reboxetine on the cortisol (COR), adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), and prolactin (PRL) secretion was examined in 12 healthy male subjects, compared to reboxetine alone (4 mg). In a randomized order, the subjects received reboxetine (4 mg) alone or the combination of reboxetine (4 mg) and mirtazapine (15 mg) at 8:00 a.m. on two different days. After insertion of an intravenous catheter, blood samples were drawn 1 h prior to the administration of single reboxetine or the combination (reboxetine and mirtazapine), at time of administration, and during the time of 5 h thereafter in periods of 30 min. Serum concentrations of COR, GH, and PRL as well as plasma levels of ACTH were determined in each blood sample by means of double antibody RIA, fluoroimmunoassay and chemiluminescence immunometric assay methods. The area under the curve (AUC) was used as parameter for the COR, ACTH, GH, and PRL response. For statistical evaluation, the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test was performed. There was a pronounced stimulation of COR, ACTH, GH, and PRL concentrations after single administration of reboxetine. When reboxetine was given in combination with mirtazapine, a significant reduction of the COR, ACTH, and PRL stimulation was observed whereas GH secretion patterns remained unchanged, compared to single administration of reboxetine. Apparently, the stimulatory effects of reboxetine on pituitary hormone secretion via noradrenergic mechanisms are counteracted in part by the α2-blocking properties of mirtazapine and its inhibitory influence on cortisol secretion.
Procaine Hydrochloride Fails to Relieve Pain in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Kahl Stefan , Zimmermann Sandra , Pross Matthias , Schulz Hans-Ulrich , Schmidt Uwe , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: February 2004

Background: Several analgesics are in use for pain control in patients with acute pancreatitis. Procaine hydrochloride (procaine) has a long tradition and is recommended by the German Society of Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases for pain treatment in patients with acute pancreatitis. There is no controlled trial showing that procaine could be effective for pain treatment. Methods: In an open, randomized, controlled trial, 107 patients (76 male, 31 female; mean age 45 ± 12 years) were included and randomized either to receive procaine (n = 55) or pentazocine (n = 52) for pain relief. Procaine 2 g/ 24 h was administered by continuous intravenous infusion, pentazocine 30 mg was administered every 6 h as a bolus intravenous injection. Pentazocine was additionally administered on demand whenever required in patients of both treatment groups and its total consumption was recorded. Pain scores were assessed twice daily on a visual analogue scale. Results: Patients receiving procaine were significantly more likely to request additional analgesics compared to patients treated with pentazocine alone, 98 vs. 44%, respectively (p < 0.001). Procaine did not reduce the amount of pentazocine required for pain control. The amount of pentazocine given in both groups was not statistically significantly different. Recorded pain scores were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in patients in the pentazocine group during the first 3 days of analgesic treatment. From day 4 on there was no significant difference in pain scores among the two groups. Conclusion: Thus, intravenous procaine treatment is not effective for pain control in patients with acute pancreatitis.
Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia with a Herbal Preparation
Authors: Madisch A. , Holtmann G. , Mayr G. , Vinson B. , Hotz J.
Published: February 2004

Background: We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a herbal preparation STW 5-II containing extracts from bitter candy tuft, matricaria flower, peppermint leaves, caraway, licorice root and lemon balm for the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia. Methods: 120 patients with functional dyspepsia were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups. Each patient received the treatment for three consecutive 4-week treatment blocks. The first two treatment blocks were fixed. For the third treatment period, medication was based upon the investigator’s judgement of symptom improvement during the preceding treatment period. In patients without adequate control of symptoms, the treatment was switched, or if symptoms were controlled, the treatment was continued. The primary outcome measure was the improvement of a standardized gastrointestinal symptom score (GIS). Findings: During the first 4 weeks, the GIS significantly decreased in subjects on active treatment compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). During the second 4-week period, symptoms further improved in subjects who continued on active treatment or who switched to the active treatment (p < 0.001), while symptoms deteriorated in subjects who switched to placebo. After 8 weeks 43.3% on active treatment and 3.3% on placebo reported complete relief of symptoms. (p < 0.001 vs. placebo). Conclusion: In patients with functional dyspepsia, the herbal preparation tested improved dyspeptic symptoms significantly better than placebo.
Allergy and Tumour Outcome after Primary Cancer Therapy
Authors: Pompei Raffaello , Lampis Giorgio , Ingianni Angela , Nonnis Daniela , Ionta Maria Teresa , Massidda Bruno
Published: February 2004

Background: Over the last decade several papers have dealt with the possible interference of allergies in both the infectious disease incidence and tumour development. In the light of all these observations we analysed several tumour patients for a possible interaction between a state of allergy and tumour development and progression after primary cancer therapy. Methods: This study included 1,055 patients with different types of solid tumours admitted consecutively between 1994 and 2002 to the Cagliari University Polyclinic. After primary surgery or medical therapy (or both), 92 allergic subjects and 182 non-allergic patients were studied over a follow-up period of 6–96 months (median 23). Results: Among 1,055 tumour-bearing patients, the prevalence of allergy was found to be about 8% versus 16–37% in a population of non-tumour-bearing subjects. After primary cancer therapy, allergic patients turned out to have a 20% higher probability of being cured and about a 50% lower risk of tumour progression as compared to non-allergic ones. The observed differences were statistically significant (p = 0.013). Conclusions: On the basis of our findings, we suggest that allergic subjects seem to have a better prognosis than non-allergic ones for disease outcome after cancer therapy.
Effects of Intranasal Estradiol Treatment on Serum Lipoprotein(a) and Lipids in Hysterectomized Women
Authors: Kiran Hakan , Kiran Gurkan , Ekerbicer Hasan C. , Kilinc Metin
Published: February 2004

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of intranasal estradiol on lipid metabolism and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels. A prospective comparative study was designed: 49 hysterectomized, healthy postmenopausal women received intranasal 17β-estradiol (E2; 300 µg/day). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the 3 and 6 months of therapy. After 6 months, the serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides did not show any significant change with intranasal 17β-E2 therapy. HDL-cholesterol levels at 3 and 6 months of treatment were significantly increased compared with baseline levels (p = 0.031, p = 0.000, respectively). There was a significant change in serum Lp(a) levels at the 6th month (p = 0.003) but not at the 3rd month (p = 0.183) compared with the baseline levels. Further studies are needed to detect whether these changes are significant and permanent or not.
From the Southern Ocean to the North Atlantic in the Ekman Layer?
Authors: Nof Doron , de Boer Agatha M.
Published: February 2004

Since the Southern Ocean encompasses the entire circumference of the globe, the zonal integral of the pressure gradient vanishes implying that the (meridional) geostrophic mass flux is zero. Conventional wisdom has it that, in view of this, the northward Ekman flux there must somehow find its way to the northern oceans, sink to the bottom (due to cooling) and return southward either below the topography or along the western boundary. Using recent (process oriented) numerical simulations and a simple analytical model, it is shown that most of the Ekman flux in the Southern Ocean does not cross the equator, nor does it sink in the northern oceans. Rather, the water that constitutes the link between the Southern Ocean and the deep water formation in the Northern Hemisphere originates in the eastern part of the southern Sverdrup interior.

The associated path which takes the water from one hemisphere to the other resembles the letter “S”, where the top of the letter corresponds to the sinking region in the Northern Hemisphere and the bottom to the origin in the Southern Ocean. Although it is true that the amount of water that is cross crossing the equator is equal to the integrated Ekman flux in the northernmost part of the Southern Ocean, it is merely the amount (and not the origin of the water) that is equal in these two cases. The width of the transhemispheric current in the south iswhere τ is the wind stress, ∂τ/∂y the curl of the wind, β the familiar variation of the Coriolis with latitude, f0 the mean Coriolis parameter, and L is the width of the basin.
Darwin's Legacy and the Study of Primate Visual Communication
Authors: De WAAL FRANS B.M.
Published: February 2004

Abstract:After Charles Darwin'sThe Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals, published in 1872, we had to wait 60 years before the theme of animal expressions was picked up by another astute observer. In 1935, Nadezhda Ladygina‐Kohts published a detailed comparison of the expressive behavior of a juvenile chimpanzee and of her own child. After Kohts, we had to wait until the 1960s for modern ethological analyses of primate facial and gestural communication. Again, the focus was on the chimpanzee, but ethograms on other primates appeared as well. Our understanding of the range of expressions in other primates is at present far more advanced than that in Darwin's time. A strong social component has been added: instead of focusing on the expressions per se, they are now often classified according to the social situations in which they typically occur. Initially, quantitative analyses were sequential (i.e., concerned with temporal associations between behavior patterns), and they avoided the language of emotions. I will discuss some of this early work, including my own on the communicative repertoire of the bonobo, a close relative of the chimpanzee (and ourselves). I will provide concrete examples to make the point that there is a much richer matrix of contexts possible than the common behavioral categories of aggression, sex, fear, play, and so on. Primate signaling is a form of negotiation, and previous classifications have ignored the specifics of what animals try to achieve with their exchanges. There is also increasing evidence for signal conventionalization in primates, especially the apes, in both captivity and the field. This process results in group‐specific or “cultural” communication patterns.
Aging, Emotion, and Evolution
Authors: CARSTENSEN LAURA L. , LÖCKENHOFF CORINNA E.
Published: February 2004

Abstract:Ample empirical evidence shows that basic cognitive processes integral to learning and memory suffer with age. Explanations for age‐related loss typically cite the absence of evolutionary selection pressures during the postreproductive years, which consequently failed to optimize functioning during old age. In this paper, we suggest that evolutionary pressures did operate at older ages and that an evolutionary account is entirely consistent with the pattern of findings currently available in the psychological literature on aging. Cognitive loss is limited primarily to new learning, yet integrated world knowledge increases with age. In addition, socioemotional regulation improves with age, which is associated with increased investment in emotionally meaningful others (most notably kin). In this chapter, we argue that this profile of late‐life characteristics contributes to the reproductive success of kin. We consider how the uniquely human ability to monitor place in the life cycle and the consequent motivational shifts that occur when boundaries in time are perceived contribute to the adaptive value of long life. Finally, we suggest that joint consideration of evolutionary theory and life‐span psychology can lead to fruitful advances in the understanding of human aging.
Emotion in the Infant's Face
Authors: OSTER HARRIET
Published: February 2004

Abstract:Darwin viewed “experiments in nature” as an important strategy for elucidating the evolutionary bases of human emotional expressions. Infants with craniofacial anomalies are of special interest because morphological abnormalities and resulting distortions or deficits in their facial expressions could make it more difficult for caregivers to read and accurately interpret their signals. As part of a larger study on the effects of craniofacial anomalies on infant facial expression and parent‐infant interaction, infants with different types of craniofacial conditions and comparison infants were videotaped interacting with their mothers at 3 and 6 months. The infants' facial expressions were coded with Baby FACS. Thirty‐seven slides of 16 infants displaying 4 distinctive infant expressions (cry face, negative face, interest, and smile) were rated by 38 naive observers on a 7‐point scale ranging from intense distress to intense happiness. Their ratings were significantly correlated with ratings based on objective Baby FACS criteria (r> 0.9in all infant groups). A 4 (infant group) × 4 (expression category) ANOVA showed a significant main effect for expression category,F(3) 5 71.9,P5 0.000, but no significant effect for infant group or group 3 expression interaction. The observers' ratings were thus highly “accurate” in terms ofa prioriBaby FACS criteria, even in the case of infants with severely disfiguring facial conditions. These findings demonstrate that the signal value of infant facial expressions is remarkably robust, suggesting that the capacity to read emotional meaning in infants' facial expressions may have a biological basis.
Modeling the Role of Brand Alliances in the Assimilation of Product Evaluations
Authors: Levin Irwin P. , Levin Aron M.
Published: February 2004

A model of context effects in product evaluations is tested in which brand alliances play a key role. This three‐part study examined the extent to which evaluations of two restaurants are assimilated by virtue of their dual‐branding strategic linkage. Key factors in the assimilation process are thought to be the ambiguity of the target restaurant's description and the degree of linkage between the target and the context as operationally defined by varying the shared features of the dual brands. Results support a model in which inferences about the qualities of an incompletely described target product arise from the assumed similarity between target and context, which is directly related to the degree of linkage between the two brands. These inferences include both specific attribute values and global evaluations of quality.
Adrenal Sensitivity to Adrenocorticotropin 1–24 Is Reduced in Patients with Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome
Authors: Giordano R. , Pellegrino M. , Oleandri S. , Baldi M. , Balbo M. , Laureti S. , Falorni A. , Ghigo E. , Arvat E.
Published: February 2004

Autoimmune polyglandular syndromes are fairly common diseases that are classified into four constellations based on the clinical clustering of the various component diseases. In types 1, 2, and 4, primary adrenal insufficiency due to an autoimmune process is usually present, but its diagnosis is often delayed because it is difficult to detect in a subclinical phase. It is widely accepted that the classical dose of 250 μg ACTH1–24 is supramaximal, whereas 0.06 μg has been shown to be one of the lowest ACTH doses that is able to stimulate adrenal secretion in normal young subjects. The aim of this study was to clarify the sensitivity and maximal secretory response of the adrenal gland to ACTH in a group of patients with at least two autoimmune diseases, without clinical signs and symptoms of overt or subclinical hypocortisolism. Cortisol (F), aldosterone (A), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) responses to the sequential administration of very low and supramaximal ACTH1–24 doses [0.06 μg followed by 250 μg ACTH1–24 iv at 0 and +60 min] were studied in 18 patients with at least two autoimmune diseases (AP; age, 20–40 yr; body mass index, 22–26 kg/m2). The results in the patients were compared with the results recorded in 12 normal age-matched control subjects (CS; age, 22–34 yr; body mass index, 20–25 kg/m2). At baseline, ACTH levels in AP were within the normal range but higher (P < 0.05) than in CS, whereas F, A, DHEA, urinary-free F, and plasma renin activity were similar in both groups. F, A, and DHEA responses to ACTH were dose dependent in both groups. However, in AP, F, A, and DHEA levels showed no response to the 0.06-μg ACTH dose, which, in turn, elicited clear responses (P < 0.01) in CS. On the other hand, F, A, and DHEA responses to 250 μg ACTH in AP were not different from those in CS. In conclusion, patients with autoimmune diseases who displayed a normal basal adrenal function showed a loss of F, A, and DHEA response to the very low ACTH dose, although they were normal responders to the high ACTH dose. These data are likely to indicate that a reduced sensitivity to ACTH in all adrenal zones occurs in patients with different types of autoimmune disease.
Hypoadiponectinemia Is Associated with Impaired Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation
Authors: Tan K. C. B. , Xu A. , Chow W. S. , Lam M. C. W. , Ai V. H. G. , Tam S. C. F. , Lam K. S. L.
Published: February 2004

Adiponectin may have an antiatherogenic effect by reducing endothelial activation. We hypothesized that plasma adiponectin levels were correlated with endothelial function.

Plasma adiponectin level was determined by an in-house RIA assay using a rabbit polyclonal antibody in 73 type 2 diabetic patients and 73 controls. Endothelium-dependent and independent vasodilation of the brachial artery was measured by high-resolution vascular ultrasound. Plasma adiponectin level was lower in diabetic patients than in controls (4.73 ± 1.96 vs. 7.69 ± 2.80 μg/ml, respectively; P < 0.001), and they also had impaired endothelium-dependent (5.6 ± 3.6 vs. 8.6 ± 4.5%, respectively; P < 0.001) and -independent vasodilation (13.3 ± 4.9 vs. 16.5 ± 5.6%, respectively; P < 0.001). Plasma adiponectin correlated with endothelium-dependent vasodilation in controls (P = 0.02) and diabetic patients (P = 0.04). On general linear-model univariate analysis, brachial artery diameter, the presence of diabetes, plasma adiponectin, and high-density lipoprotein were significant independent determinants of endothelium-dependent vasodilation. In vitro experiments showed that endothelial cells expressed adiponectin receptors, and adiponectin increased nitric oxide production in human aortic endothelial cells.

In conclusion, low plasma adiponectin level is associated with impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation, and the association is independent of diabetes mellitus. Adiponectin may act as a link between adipose tissue and the vasculature.
Adiponectin Gene Expression and Plasma Values in Obese Women during Very-Low-Calorie Diet. Relationship with Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Garaulet Marta , Viguerie Nathalie , Porubsky Stefan , Klimcakova Eva , Clement Karine , Langin Dominique , Stich Vladimir
Published: February 2004

Adiponectin, a newly discovered adipose-tissue-specific protein, is thought to be involved in the regulation of insulin action. The aim of the present study was to determine whether adiponectin contributes to the improvement in insulin sensitivity during very-low-calorie diet (VLCD). Biopsies of sc abdominal adipose tissue and blood sampling for analysis of plasma adiponectin and related hormones and metabolites were performed before and at the end of a 4-wk VLCD in 33 nonmorbidly obese women (body mass index, 34.4 ± 4.1 kg/m2). VLCD produced a decrease in weight (7.1 ± 0.4 kg) and in insulin and leptin levels and led to an improvement in insulin sensitivity. Adiponectin gene expression and plasma levels were not modified during calorie restriction. Before VLCD, we found negative correlations between plasma adiponectin and variables related to the metabolic syndrome. Adiponectin mRNA levels showed a negative correlation with lipoprotein a plasma values. The correlations observed before VLCD were not found after VLCD. The data suggest that adiponectin is related to the protection against the metabolic syndrome but is not involved in the regulation of VLCD-induced improvement of insulin sensitivity.