bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fasting modulates metabolic responses to cortisol, GH and IGF‐I in Arctic charr hepatocytes
Authors: Aas‐Hansen Ø. , Jørgensen E. H. , Vijayan M. M.
Published: December 2005

Hepatocytes in primary culture from fed and 2 month fasted Arctic charrSalvelinus alpinuswere exposed to physiological doses of either cortisol, salmon growth hormone (GH), salmon insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) or a combination of salmon GH and salmon IGF‐I. Fasting significantly lowered medium glucose levels compared to the fed fish, but had no significant effects on hepatocyte glycogen content or on the activities of enzymes involved in the intermediary metabolism. Cortisol treatment had no effect on hepatocyte glycogen content or on the enzyme activities investigated, but resulted in a significant increase in medium glucose concentration in hepatocytes isolated from fasted, but not fed fish. GH and IGF‐I treatments, both singly and in combination, significantly increased the glycogen content of hepatocytes isolated from fed fish, with less pronounced effects on hepatocytes isolated from fasted fish. The combination of GH and IGF‐I significantly increased lactate dehydrogenase activity regardless of the feeding state and significantly reduced the phosphenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity and medium glucose concentration in hepatocytes isolated from fed fish. Further, GH and IGF‐I significantly increased the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in hepatocytes isolated from fasted fish, but not fed fish. There were no effects of GH, IGF‐I, or their combination, on glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase or 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase activities. The results demonstrated that nutritional status of the animal modulates hepatocyte responsiveness to metabolic hormones, and suggested a role for GH and IGF‐I in hepatic glycogen conservation.
Ultrastructural study of skin and eye of UV‐B irradiated ayu Plecoglossus altivelis
Authors: Sharma J. G. , Masuda R. , Tanaka M.
Published: December 2005

A scanning electron microscopic study of the skin and eye of UV‐B radiated ayu Plecoglossus altivelis(age 30 days, mean ± s.e. total length: 16·25 ± 0·11 mm) under laboratory condition showed marked changes when compared with the control fish without UV‐B radiation. The exposure of the fish to the radiation resulted in the destruction of microridges in the epidermis and exposed neuromast cells of the skin. Domed protrusions were also more common in the skin of UV‐B radiated fish than in the control fish. The appearance of mucus in both groups was different. In the control skin the mucus was spread over a wide area whereas in the treated fish the mucus was concentrated in a small area. The anastomozing structures of the microridges of the eyes were lost in UV‐B radiated fish and the microridges themselves were fewer in number, fragmented, and aggregated. Mucus cells, prominently visible in the control fish, were distorted in the treated fish. Cell contours were irregular in UV‐B radiated fish and cell to cell contacts had been lost in this group.
Heat stress‐induced alterations of antioxidants in the freshwater fish Channa punctata Bloch
Authors: Kaur M. , Atif F. , Ali M. , Rehman H. , Raisuddin S.
Published: December 2005

The effect of elevated temperature on the antioxidants in the freshwater fish Channa punctata was investigated. Fish stressed with an elevated temperature of 12° C, range ± 1° C over the ambient temperature for 3 h showed a significant (P < 0·05–0·01) reduction in the levels of antioxidants: reduced glutathione (GSH) and non‐protein thiols. Activity of glutathione reductase was also reduced in all the tissues (liver, kidney and gills) after 3 h of heat stress and 24 h recovery. Catalase (CAT) showed enhanced activity in liver in both the conditions while gills and kidney showed a decreased CAT activity. Glutathione S‐transferase (GST) activity in kidney and liver decreased significantly (P < 0·05–0·01) after 3 h of heat stress. At 24 h GST activity showed a tendency to normalize in all the tissues along with a concomitant increase in the GSH level in the kidney. Total and protein thiols in heat stressed fish when matched with controls, showed significant (P < 0·05) reduction in the kidney only with a transient increase in liver and gills. Heat shock also induced lipid peroxidation in 3 h heat‐treated and recovery groups when compared with controls. Elevated temperature therefore resulted in tissue specific and time‐dependent alterations of antioxidants in the fish. It also induced lipid peroxidation in various tissues.
Mackerel icefish size and age differences and long‐term change at South Georgia and Shag Rocks
Authors: North A. W.
Published: December 2005

This study analysed the total length (LT)‐frequency distribution of mackerel icefish Champsocephalus gunnari at South Georgia and Shag Rocks from nine bottom trawl surveys at South Georgia and eight at Shag Rocks between 1987 and 2002. The estimated mean LT of age‐classes 1+, 2+, 3+ and 4+ years during January were, respectively, 14·7, 23·5, 29·8 and 35·1 cm at South Georgia. Age‐classes 1+, 2+ and 3+ years were 18·3, 26·2 and 33·8 cm at Shag Rocks. The derived Bertalanffy growth parameters for South Georgia were: L∞ = 51·7 cm, k = 0·27 and t0 = −0·26. The mean LT of each age‐class of C. gunnari at Shag Rocks was significantly larger than at South Georgia, equivalent to c. 5 months growth, although the annual growth in LT was similar. This is further evidence that C. gunnari hatched earlier at Shag Rocks. At South Georgia, the mean LT of age‐classes 1+ and 3+ years were correlated, and significantly decreased between 1987 and 2002, and were smaller following warmer summers. This decrease in the size of C. gunnari may be the result of reduced food availability linked to climate warming.
A new genus and species of deep demersal fish (Teleostei: Stephanoberycidae) from the tropical eastern North Atlantic
Authors: Merrett N. R. , Moore J. A.
Published: December 2005

A novel stephanoberycid genus and species, Abyssoberyx levisquamosus Merrett & Moore is reported from bottom‐trawl abyssal captures in 4490–4640 m depth. It has cycloid scales, differing from Stephanoberyx, Acanthochaenus and Hispidoberyx with spinoid scales; has 1–2 dorsal fin spines, differing from Acanthochaenus and Malacosarcus with 0, Gibberichthys with 5–6 and Hispidoberyx with 3–5 spines; has 5–7 + 14–15 gill rakers, differing from Stephanoberyx with 12–15 + 25–27 and Acanthochaenus and Malacosarcus with 8 + 17–20 gill rakers. Selected aspects of the osteology of A. levisquamosus are described, to confirm that it shares several features in common with other stephanoberycid genera and allied stephanoberycoids. Aspects of its biology and ecology are discussed.
Polypharmacy and falls in the middle age and elderly population
Authors: Ziere G. , Dieleman J. P. , Hofman A. , Pols H A. P. , Van Der Cammen T. J. M. , Stricker B. H. CH.
Published: December 2005

Aim

Falls in the elderly are common and often serious. We studied the association between multiple drug use (polypharmacy) and falls in the elderly.

Methods

This was a population‐based cross‐sectional study, part of the Rotterdam Study. The participants were 6928 individuals aged ≥ 55 years. The prevalence of falls in the previous year was assessed. Medication use was determined with an interviewer‐administered questionnaire with verification of use. Polypharmacy was defined as the use of four or more drugs per day.

Results

The prevalence of falls strongly increased with age. Falls were more common in women than in men. Fall risk increased with increasing disability, presence of joint complaints, use of a walking aid and fracture history. The risk of falling increased significantly with the number of drugs used per day (P for trend < 0.0001). After adjustment for a large number of comorbid conditions and disability, polypharmacy remained a significant risk factor for falling. Stratification for polypharmacy with or without at least one drug which is known to increase fall risk (notably CNS drugs and diuretics) disclosed that only polypharmacy with at least one risk drug was associated with an increased risk of falling.

Conclusions

Fall risk is associated with the use of polypharmacy, but only when at least one established fall risk‐increasing drug was part of the daily regimen.
Pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modelling of QT interval prolongation following citalopram overdoses
Authors: Friberg Lena E. , Isbister Geoffrey K. , Duffull Stephen B.
Published: December 2005

Aims

To develop a pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model describing the time‐course of QT interval prolongation after citalopram overdose and to evaluate the effect of charcoal on the relative risk of developing abnormal QT and heart‐rate combinations.

Methods

Plasma concentrations and electrocardiograph (ECG) data from 52 patients after 62 citalopram overdose events were analysed in WinBUGS using a Bayesian approach. The reported doses ranged from 20 to 1700 mg and on 17 of the events a single dose of activated charcoal was administered. The developed pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model was used for predicting the probability of having abnormal combinations of QT‐RR, which was assumed to be related to an increased risk for torsade de pointes (TdP).

Results

The absolute QT interval was related to the observed heart rate with an estimated individual heart‐rate correction factor [α = 0.36, between‐subject coefficient of variation (CV) = 29%]. The heart‐rate corrected QT interval was linearly dependent on the predicted citalopram concentration (slope = 40 ms l mg−1, between‐subject CV = 70%) in a hypothetical effect‐compartment (half‐life of effect‐delay = 1.4 h). The heart‐rate corrected QT was predicted to be higher in women than in men and to increase with age. Administration of activated charcoal resulted in a pronounced reduction of the QT prolongation and was shown to reduce the risk of having abnormal combinations of QT‐RR by approximately 60% for citalopram doses above 600 mg.

Conclusion

Citalopram caused a delayed lengthening of the QT interval. Administration of activated charcoal was shown to reduce the risk that the QT interval exceeds a previously defined threshold and therefore is expected to reduce the risk of TdP.
Warfarin use and the risk of motor vehicle crash in older drivers
Authors: Delaney J. A. ‘Chris’ , Opatrny Lucie , Suissa Samy
Published: December 2005

Aim

On the basis of a recent report, we assessed whether the use of warfarin by elderly drivers results in an increased risk of motor vehicle crash.

Methods

We used computerized records of Quebec insurance programmes, covering a population of 7 million people, to conduct a case–control study based on 5579 cases and 12 911 controls.

Results

The rate of injurious motor vehicle crash associated with the use of warfarin in the past year was not elevated (rate ratio 0.74; 95% confidence interval 0.55, 1.05).

Conclusions

Warfarin therapy does not appear to increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents in elderly drivers.
Different effects of fluvoxamine on rabeprazole pharmacokinetics in relation to CYP2C19 genotype status
Authors: Uno Tsukasa , Shimizu Mikiko , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Sugawara Kazunobu , Tateishi Tomonori
Published: December 2005

Aims

Rabeprazole is known to be a substrate of CYP2C19. Our objective was to evaluate the possible effect of an inhibitor of CYP2C19, fluvoxamine, and compare the inhibitory effect of fluvoxamine on the metabolism of rabeprazole between CYP2C19 genotypes.

Methods

A two‐way randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study was performed. Twenty‐one volunteers, of whom seven were homozygous extensive metabolizers (EMs), eight were heterozygous EMs and six were poor metabolizers (PMs) for CYP2C19, received two 6‐day courses of either fluvoxamine 50 mg or placebo daily in a randomized fashion with a single oral dose of rabeprazole 20 mg on day 6 in all cases. Plasma concentrations of rabeprazole and its metabolite rabeprazole thioether were monitored up to 24 h after dosing.

Results

During placebo administration, the mean AUCs(0,∞) of rabeprazole in homozygous EMs, heterozygous EMs and PMs were 882 (95% CI, 602, 1162) ng ml−1h , 1214 (975, 1453) ng ml−1 h and 2762 (2482, 3042) ng ml−1 h (P < 0.001), respectively. Fluvoxamine treatment increased AUC(0,∞) of rabeprazole and rabeprazole thioether by 2.8‐fold (P < 0.001) and 5.1‐fold (P < 0.01) in homozygous EMs, and by 1.7‐fold (P < 0.01) and 2.6‐fold (P < 0.01) in heterozygous EMs, and significantly prolonged the elimination half‐life of rabeprazole and rabeprazole thioether in homozygous EMs and in heterozygous EMs, whereas no difference in any pharmacokinetic parameters was found in PMs. There was a significant difference in fluvoxamine‐mediated percentage increase in AUC(0,∞) of rabeprazole and rabeprazole thioether between CYP2C19 genotypes.

Conclusions

The present study indicates that there are significant drug interactions between rabeprazole and fluvoxamine in EMs of CYP2C19. It is predominantly involved in rabeprazole and rabeprazole thioether metabolism in EMs. Therefore, CYP2C19 is the key determinant of rabeprazole disposition in EMs.
Rapidly progressing high o,p'DDD doses shorten the time required to reach the therapeutic threshold with an acceptable tolerance: preliminary results
Authors: Faggiano Antongiulio , Leboulleux Sophie , Young Jacques , Schlumberger Martin , Baudin Eric
Published: December 2005

Introduction  It has been reported that the therapeutic threshold of mitotane, plasma level above 14 µg/ml, is achieved within 3–5 months after o,p'DDD treatment initiation in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC).

Objective and design  We evaluated pharmacokinetic and tolerance of a high‐dose schedule of pure o,p'DDD treatment given in 500‐mg tablets of mitotane (Lysodren, Bristol–Myers Squibb, HRA Pharma, Paris, France) in four patients with ACC and two patients with Cushing's syndrome‐related endocrine tumours. It was administered at a starting dosage of 3 g/day, which was rapidly increased to 6–9 g/day within 2 weeks according to digestive tolerance and then adjusted according to tolerance and plasma o,p'DDD monitoring. Patients were followed up until they reached the therapeutic threshold of mitotane, and toxicity was recorded. A relationship between o,p'DDD dose and plasma level was sought.

Results  The highest starting dosage given ranged between 6 and 9 g a day, during the first two weeks. The daily maintenance dose ranged 4·5–9 g during the next 2 weeks and 3–9 g by the second month of treatment. The therapeutic threshold was reached in all four patients who received o,p'DDD treatment for at least 1 month. Among these four patients, the toxic threshold (plasma mitotane level > 20 µg/ml) was even reached at 6 weeks of therapy in three patients. Grade 1, 2 or 3 toxicity was observed in 3, 2 and 1 patients, respectively. Toxicity resolved after reduction or discontinuation of o,p'DDD therapy. A significant linear correlation was found between plasma mitotane dose and plasma level.

Conclusions  These results suggest that a high‐dose o,p'DDD therapeutic schedule is feasible with an acceptable toxicity and may shorten the time required to reach the therapeutic schedule from 3–5 months to 4 weeks. These patients require a close follow‐up, combining clinical and plasma o,p'DDD level monitoring every second week. A confirmatory study is ongoing.
Consequences of simultaneous elevation of carbon dioxide and temperature for plant–herbivore interactions: a metaanalysis
Authors: ZVEREVA E. L. , KOZLOV M. V.
Published: December 2005

The effects of elevated carbon dioxide on plant–herbivore interactions have been summarized in a number of narrative reviews and metaanalyses, while accompanying elevation of temperature has not received sufficient attention. The goal of our study is to search, by means of metaanalysis, for a general pattern in responses of herbivores, and plant characteristics important for herbivores, to simultaneous experimental increase of carbon dioxide and temperature (ECET) in comparison with both ambient conditions and responses to elevated CO2(EC) and temperature (ET) applied separately. Our database includes 42 papers describing studies of 31 plant species and seven herbivore species. Nitrogen concentration and C/N ratio in plants decreased under both EC and ECET treatments, whereas ET had no significant effect. Concentrations of nonstructural carbohydrates and phenolics increased in EC, decreased in ET and did not change in ECET treatments, whereas terpenes did not respond to EC but increased in both ET and ECET; leaf toughness increased in both EC and ECET. Responses of defensive secondary compounds to treatments differed between woody and green tissues as well as between gymnosperm and angiosperm plants. Insect herbivore performance was adversely affected by EC, favoured by ET, and not modified by ECET. Our analysis allowed to distinguish three types of relationships between CO2and temperature elevation: (1) responses to EC do not depend on temperature (nitrogen, C/N, leaf toughness, phenolics in angiosperm leaves), (2) responses to EC are mitigated by ET (sugars and starch, terpenes in needles of gymnosperms, insect performance) and (3) effects emerge only under ECET (nitrogen in gymnosperms, and phenolics and terpenes in woody tissues). This result indicates that conclusions of CO2elevation studies cannot be directly extrapolated to a more realistic climate change scenario. The predicted negative effects of CO2elevation on herbivores are likely to be mitigated by temperature increase.
Determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption among 6–12‐year‐old children and effective interventions to increase consumption
Authors: Blanchette L. , Brug J.
Published: December 2005

Purpose  To review the current literature about potential determinants of fruit and vegetable intakes and effective intervention strategies to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables among 6–12‐year‐old children.

Methods  A structured review of literature located in PubMed and Psychinfo electronic literature databases.

Results  Of all determinants, the availability and accessibility of fruit and vegetables and taste preferences were most consistently and most positively related to consumption. There was some evidence that parental fruit and vegetable intakes, knowledge of intake recommendations and skills had a positive association with children's intakes, whereas television viewing, exposure to television advertisement, and having a snack bar at school were associated with lower intakes of fruit and vegetables. Multi‐component school‐based interventions that combined classroom curriculum, parent and food service components showed the greatest promise for fruit and vegetable promotion among children. School fruit and vegetable subscription programmes, scout‐based interventions, and fruit and vegetables education via computer multi‐media channels also appear promising.

Conclusions  Interventions should improve the availability and accessibility of fruit and vegetables to children, and should aim to improve their taste preferences for them. Such interventions should be of a multi‐component nature, school‐based or use other social channels and may include multi‐media channels.
Low temperature‐induced insecticidal activity of Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Bresolin Geraldine , Morgan J. Alun W. , Ilgen Denise , Scherer Siegfried , Fuchs Thilo M.
Published: December 2005

The insecticidal toxin complexes (Tcs) are produced by several Enterobacteriaceae associated with insects, such as Photorhabdus luminescens, Serratia entomophila and Xenorhabdus nematophilus. Genome sequences revealed tc‐like genes in Yersinia spp., but insecticidal activity of this genus associated with the toxins has not been described. Through the search for genes upregulated at low growth temperatures in Yersinia enterocolitica strain W22703, a genomic island of 19 kb termed tc‐PAIYe with homologues of the toxin genes tcaA, tcaB, tcaC and tccC was identified. Southern blot and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of 34 strains demonstrated that the tc‐PAIYe is present in biovars 2, 3 and 4, but neither in biovars 1A and 1B, nor in five Yersinia species apathogenic in humans. Using the luxCDABE operon as reporter, the expression of the toxin genes was shown to be completely repressed in cells cultured at 37°C, and to increase by 4.6 orders of magnitude when the growth temperature was decreased gradually to 10°C. These data provide the first indication that temperature is a critical parameter for induction or repression of tc gene transcription. Whole‐cell extracts of Y. enterocolitica strain W22703 cultivated at 10°C, but not at 30°C, led to insect mortality when fed to Manduca sexta larvae, in contrast to an insertional tcaA mutant. Overall the results suggest that the tc‐PAIYe could play an important role in the transmission and survival of pathogenic Y. enterocolitica strains outside mammalian hosts.
TmpA, a member of a novel family of putative membrane flavoproteins, regulates asexual development in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Soid‐Raggi Gabriela , Sánchez Olivia , Aguirre Jesús
Published: December 2005

Asexual reproduction (conidiation) in Aspergillus nidulans is induced by environmental signals like exposure to air or nutrient starvation, and depends on brlA gene activation. The study of ‘fluffy’ mutants showing delayed asexual development and reduced brlA expression has defined the fluG pathway, involved in regulation of this differentiation process. Genetic characterization of a ‘fluffy’ mutant identified tmpA as a new gene involved in regulation of conidiation. TmpA defines a new family of putative transmembrane proteins of unknown function, widespread in filamentous fungi and plants, with homologues showing similarity to non‐ribosomal peptide synthetases. The deletion of tmpA resulted in decreased brlA expression and conidiation in air‐exposed colonies. This defect was suppressed when ΔtmpA mutants were grown next to wild‐type or ΔfluG mutant colonies, even without direct contact between hyphae. In liquid culture, tmpA was essential for conidiation induced by nitrogen but not by carbon starvation, whereas the overexpression of different tmpA tagged alleles resulted in conidiation. The overexpression of fluG‐induced conidiation independently of tmpA and ΔtmpAΔfluG double mutants showed an additive ‘fluffy’ phenotype, indicating that tmpA and fluG regulate asexual sporulation through different pathways. TmpA and its homologues appear to have diverged from the ferric reductase family, retaining overall transmembrane architecture, NAD(P), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and possibly haem‐binding domains. Based on our results, we propose that TmpA is a membrane oxidoreductase involved in the synthesis of a developmental signal.
Osmolyte‐induced transcription: −35 region elements and recognition by sigma38 (rpoS)
Authors: Rosenthal Adam Z. , Hu Minshan , Gralla Jay D.
Published: December 2005

In order to meet osmotic challenges in the gastrointestinal tract, enteric bacteria rapidly accumulate salts of glutamate and other weak organic acids. The ensuing transcriptional activation is mediated by unknown elements at sigma38 (rpoS)‐dependent promoters. Here we identify DNA elements needed for high levels of transcription in the presence of salt and acetate and show that they are associated with the −35 regions of target promoters. Unrelated −35 region sequences are shown to specify maximal salt‐challenged transcription at the otsB promoter and maximal acetate‐challenged transcription at the cfa promoter. Mutants in sigma38 are isolated that contribute to bypassing the salt response and most of these cluster in a small segment corresponding to the presumptive −35 DNA recognition determinant of the protein. Overall, the data suggest that an ensemble of −35 region elements exists at sigma38 promoters and these can help mediate responsiveness to physiological challenges through interactions involving region 4 of the sigma38 protein.
Hydraulic design of pine needles: one‐dimensional optimization for single‐vein leaves
Authors: ZWIENIECKI MACIEJ A. , STONE HOWARD A. , LEIGH ANDREA , BOYCE C. KEVIN , HOLBROOK N. MICHELE
Published: December 2005

Single‐vein leaves have the simplest hydraulic design possible, yet even this linear water delivery system can be modulated to improve physiological performance. We determined the optimal distribution of transport capacity that minimizes pressure drop per given investment in xylem permeability along the needle for a given length without a change in total water delivery, or maximizes needle length for a given pressure difference between petiole and needle tip. This theory was tested by comparative analysis of the hydraulic design of three pine species that differ in the length of their needles [Pinus palustris (Engl.) Miller, ∼50 cm; Pinus ponderosa Lawson & Lawson, ∼20 cm and Pinus rigida Miller, ∼5 cm]. In all three species, the distribution of hydraulic permeability was similar to that predicted by the optimum solution. The needles of P. palustris showed an almost perfect match between predicted and actual hydraulic optimum solution, providing evidence that vein design is a significant factor in the hydraulic design of pine leaves.
Responses of spinach leaf mitochondria to low N availability
Authors: NOGUCHI KO , TERASHIMA ICHIRO
Published: December 2005

Low N availability induces carbohydrate accumulation in leaf cells, which often causes suppression of photosynthesis. Under low N supply, excess carbohydrates would be preferentially respired by the non‐phosphorylating pathways, such as the alternative oxidase (AOX) and uncoupling protein (UCP), which would suppress the excessive increase in the ratio of C to N (C/N ratio). In leaves, however, responses of these pathways to the low N stress are still unknown. We examined the mitochondrial respiratory pathways in spinach leaves grown at three different N availabilities to clarify whether the respiratory pathways change depending on the N availabilities. With the decrease in N availability, leaf respiratory rates per leaf area decreased, but the rates on the leaf N basis were comparable. Using fumarase activities of whole leaf extracts and isolated mitochondria, we estimated mitochondrial protein contents per leaf N. The contents increased with the decrease in the N availability, that is, at the low N availability, N was preferentially invested into mitochondria. On the mitochondrial protein basis, capacities of cytochrome pathway (CP) and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) were comparable regardless of the N availabilities, whereas both AOX capacity and the amounts of AOX protein increased with the decrease in the N availability. Some enzymes of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, especially NAD‐dependent malic enzyme (NAD–ME), showed higher capacities under lower N. On the other hand, amounts of UCP did not differ amongst the N availabilities. These results indicated that, under low N stress, AOX will be preferentially up‐regulated and will efficiently consume excess carbohydrates, which leads to suppressing the rise in the C/N ratio to a moderate level.
Elevation of plasma cholecystokinin concentration following a meal is increased by gonadectomy in male cats*
Authors: Backus R. C. , Kanchuk M. L. , Rogers Q. R.
Published: December 2005

An overweight or obese body condition commonly develops after gonadectomy (GX) in domestic cats. The cause appears to be a rapid, quantal (approximately 12%), increase in food intake that is sustained and probably mediated by withdrawal of gonadal hormone. Recently, an interaction of gonadal hormone and cholecystokinin (CCK) effectiveness has been suggested. A reduction in the satiating potency of intestinal CCK was presently hypothesized to contribute to the disturbance of food intake control caused by GX in domestic cats. Pre‐ and post‐prandial intestinal CCK secretion as indicated by plasma CCK concentrations were determined in 16 adult male cats (5.1 ± 0.1 kg) 8 weeks before and 57 weeks after eight of the cats were gonadectomized. Duringad libitumintake of a commercial dry, expanded diet, body weight increased from 22% to 28% in gonadectomized cats and was unchanged in intact cats. Baseline CCK concentrations were not different between gonadectomized and intact cats. Amounts of diet ingested during CCK determinations were 15–19% of daily metabolizable energy requirement and were not different between gonadectomized and intact cats. The post‐prandial area under the curve (AUC; 0–400 min) CCK concentration increased linearly with meal size (p < 0.01) and was not correlated with body weight. Area under the curve CCK concentration, when normalized for meal size, was 34% greater (p < 0.01) in gonadectomized cats than that in intact cats. The findings indicate GX increases meal‐induced intestinal CCK secretion and therefore, do not support the study hypothesis. The findings indicate GX may slow digestion and absorption and attenuate inhibition of food intake by CCK.
Stress‐reductive effects of information disclosure to medical and psychiatric patients
Authors: KITAMURA TOSHINORI
Published: December 2005

Abstract Informed consent has become a central part of medical decision‐making. It is based on disclosure of medical information to support patients’ rights for autonomous decision‐making from a legal point of view. However, information disclosure may also benefit patients. Research indicates that information disclosure reduces stress among patients and that the more patients desire relevant information, the more stress‐reductive information disclosure may be. In psychiatry, too, studies have shown that educating psychiatric patients may not necessarily reduce compliance or increase relapse rate. These findings are in line with patients’ desires and their legal right to know their own medical matters. It has long been believed that patients, be they psychiatric or non‐psychiatric, should be protected and not given information that would potentially cause distress or harm to them. However, patient's competency may be a function of the physicians’ efforts to make patients understand necessary information. Therefore, a patient's right to give informed consent leads to a physician's duty to disclose individually tailored information understandable to patients.
The development of a brief screening instrument for depression and suicidal ideation for elderly: the Depression and Suicide Screen
Authors: FUJISAWA DAISUKE , TANAKA ERIKO , SAKAMOTO SHINJI , NEICHI KEIKO , NAKAGAWA ATSUO , ONO YUTAKA
Published: December 2005

Abstract  The early detection of depression and suicidal ideation is essential for the prevention of suicide in the community. This study therefore aimed to develop a brief screen for depression and suicidal ideation that can be easily administered in primary‐care settings. The Self‐rating Depression Scale (SDS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and a modified version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) were administered by 353 residents of a single community aged 64 years and over. A five‐item screen was derived from SDS and HADS, using CIDI as the external criterion (study 1). The scale was modified so that it was more appropriate for our use, and was labeled the Depression and Suicide Screen (DSS). Its validity and reliability were examined among a further 382 residents of the same community aged 64 years and over, using the Short‐Form Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐S) as the external criterion (study 2). The DSS was internally consistent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.62). Its reliability in detecting depression (defined as ≥ 6 in GDS‐S) and suicidal ideation (screened out by the inquiry by our trained staff) was 0.768 and 0.721, respectively. For depression, the sensitivity was 0.705; specificity, 0.729; positive predictive value (PPV), 0.446; negative predictive value (NPV), 0.888; and the overall diagnostic power, 0.723. For suicidal ideation, its sensitivity was 0.698; specificity, 0.693; PPV, 0.317; NPV, 0.926; and overall diagnostic power, 0.694. The DSS demonstrated a reasonable level of sensitivity and specificity in identifying both depression and suicidal ideation among the elderly within a community.
An open trial of outpatient group therapy for bulimic disorders: Combination program of cognitive behavioral therapy with assertive training and self‐esteem enhancement
Authors: SHIINA AKIHIRO , NAKAZATO MICHIKO , MITSUMORI MAKOTO , KOIZUMI HIROKI , SHIMIZU EIJI , FUJISAKI MIHISA , IYO MASAOMI
Published: December 2005

Abstract  The purposes of this study were to examine the therapeutic efficacy of combined group cognitive behavioral therapy (CGCBT) and to explore the characteristics of the patients who failed to complete it. Our group cognitive behavioral therapy combined with assertiveness training for alexithymia and self‐esteem enhancement therapy were attended over a 10‐week period. Twenty‐five participants were enrolled in the study. The clinical symptoms were assessed before and after treatment, using rating scales including the Eating Disorder Inventory‐2, the Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, and Global Assessment of Functioning. Sixteen participants (64%) completed the CGCBT program. Completion of the CGCBT resulted in significant improvements in reducing binge‐eating behavior and improving social functioning. Eight patients (32%) significantly improved using the Clinical Global Impression Change (CGI‐C). Stepwise logistic regression analysis of the results indicated that a lower age (P = 0.04) and psychiatric comorbidity (P = 0.06) were predictors of dropout from the CGCBT program. Our CGCBT program is a promising first‐line treatment for bulimic outpatients. Lower age and the presence of comorbidity had effects on dropout rates.
Clinical variables at age 2 predictive of mental retardation at age 5 in children with pervasive developmental disorder
Authors: TAKEDA TOSHINOBU , KOYAMA TOMONORI , KANAI CHIEKO , KURITA HIROSHI
Published: December 2005

Abstract  This study attempted to find clinical variables evaluated at age 2 that would predict mental retardation (MR, IQ/cognition‐adaptation developmental quotient [C‐A DQ] < 70) at age 5 in 57 children with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). About two‐thirds of subjects had MR at both initial and outcome evaluations. The C‐A DQ at initial evaluation was significantly lower in mentally retarded PDD (MRPDD) than in high‐functioning (IQ ≥ 70) PDD (HFPDD). MRPDD changed less than HFPDD in IQ/C‐A DQ between ages 2 and 5. The C‐A DQ at age 2 was a potent predictor for MR at age 5 and the total score and three item scores of Childhood Autism Rating Scale‐Tokyo Version evaluated at age 2 were also useful in predicting MR at age 5.
First episodes of behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease patients at age 90 and over, and early‐onset Alzheimer's disease: Comparison with senile dementia of Alzheimer's type
Authors: HORI KOJI , ODA TATSURO , ASAOKA TOSHIYASU , YOSHIDA MASAHIRO , WATANABE SHOICHI , OYAMADA REIKO , TOMINAGA ITARU , INADA TOSHIYA
Published: December 2005

Abstract  We evaluated dementia symptoms to clarify the character of dementia with Alzheimer's disease (AD) observed in the oldest old patients and that of dementia with early‐onset AD. Subjects were consecutive AD inpatients admitted for the first time at age of 90 years and over because of behavioral symptoms (demented nonagenarian group: D90G; n = 18) and those with 24 consecutive inpatients with AD with early‐onset (EOG). The Gottfries, Brane and Steen's scale and the Dementia Behavior Disturbance scale were used to evaluate the symptoms and troublesome behaviors. The scores of these scales in D90G and in EOG were compared with those of 26 sex distribution‐, severity of dementia‐, and disease duration‐matched inpatients with AD with late‐onset (LOG). Compared with LOG, wakefulness was more impaired and waking up at night was more frequent in D90G, while memory, orientation and inappropriate behaviors were more severe in EOG. These results suggest that the clinical features of dementia in EOG were quantitatively different from those of LOG. In contrast, the clinical feature of dementia of D90G were sleep–wake pattern disturbance and were qualitatively different from those of LOG.
Gastric bypass and resolution of proteinuria in an obese diabetic patient
Authors: Izzedine H. , Coupaye M. , Reach I. , Deray G.
Published: December 2005

There is few human studies evidence that suggest a role for obesity in the formation and progression of glomerular lesions. We report the case of a morbidly obese female with diabetic nephropathy that was subsequently diagnosed with renal failure. Proteinuria resolved after gastric bypass procedure. The reduction of glomerular hyperfiltration and blood pressure associated with the important weight loss may be the major contributors to the decrease of proteinuria and serum creatinine levels in our patient.
Early detection of diabetic cardiomyopathy: usefulness of tissue Doppler imaging
Authors: Di Bonito P. , Moio N. , Cavuto L. , Covino G. , Murena E. , Scilla C. , Turco S. , Capaldo B. , Sibilio G.
Published: December 2005

Objective  The aim of the study was to evaluate whether tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) detects a pre‐clinical impairment of diastolic function in subjects with Type 2 diabetes with short duration of disease and normal cardiac function with conventional echocardiography (CE), and whether echocardiographic parameters are related to metabolic abnormalities.

Patients and methods  We studied 40 non‐obese, normotensive, uncomplicated Type 2 diabetic subjects with short duration of disease and 20 control subjects. All participants underwent both CE and TDI echocardiography. With TDI, early velocity (Ea), atrial velocity (Aa), their ratio (Ea/Aa) and systolic velocity (Sa) were measured at the lateral corner of mitral annulus. Glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose and insulin were determined and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA‐IR), as an index of insulin resistance, was calculated.

Results  Cardiac function with CE was similar in the two groups. Using TDI, diabetic subjects showed a lower Ea velocity (15.5 ± 3.9 vs. 19.4 ± 3.5 cm/s, P < 0.0001), an increased Aa velocity (15.5 ± 2.4 vs. 14.1 ± 2.4 cm/s, P < 0.05) and a reduced Ea/Aa ratio (1.00 ± 0.2 vs. 1.39 ± 0.3, P < 0.0001), compared with control subjects. Linear regression analysis in the diabetic group showed that only HOMA‐IR was negatively associated with Ea/Aa ratio (P = 0.026). No significant association was observed with other metabolic variables.

Conclusion  An early stage of diabetic cardiomyopathy can be evidenced by TDI in Type 2 diabetic subjects even in the presence of a normal cardiac function with CE. This abnormality is associated with insulin resistance.
Muscle infarction involving muscles of abdominal and thoracic walls in diabetes
Authors: Ran X. , Wang C. , Wang H. , Zhao T. , Tong N. , Song B. , Bu H. , Luo Y. , Tian H. , Li X.
Published: December 2005

Aims  This paper presents two cases of muscle infarction involving four major muscles of the anterior abdominal wall (case 1) and pectoralis major (case 2) in individuals with diabetes.

Methods  Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and creatine kinase (CK) were measured and Doppler ultrasound, an open muscle biopsy (case 1) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (case 2) were performed.

Result  The diagnosis of muscle infarction was made by histological findings and MRI images with hyper‐intensive signals on a gadolinium‐enhanced T2‐weighted sequence, respectively. Both patients were treated with bed rest, immobilization of the involved extremities, analgesia and intensive insulin therapy. In addition, anticoagulant drugs such as low molecular weight heparin sodium and cilostazol, and some traditional Chinese medicines such as ligustrazine and salvia miltiorrhiza were administered. The symptoms of both patients resolved gradually after 3 weeks. However, muscle infarction reoccurred in case 1 on the opposite side of the abdomen and recovered after 40 days.

Conclusions  This is the first report of muscle infarction involving the muscles of anterior abdominal walls and pectoralis major in diabetes. MRI is the best non‐invasive technique and T2‐weighted imaging is the most valuable method for the diagnosis. In addition to supportive therapy, administration of anticoagulant agents and some Chinese traditional medicine may be useful in symptom relief.
An investigation of the situated learnability effects of single‐ and dual‐modal systems in education: a report of music‐oriented learning environment and science computer‐assisted teaching studies
Authors: Truman Sylvia M. , Truman Philip J.
Published: December 2005

The evolution of the World Wide Web has encouraged a huge surfacing of e‐learning technologies over recent years. Often, such technology is rolled out devoid of consideration towards the way in which students process and assimilate information. To date, there exists inconclusive and contradictory evidence concerning learnability effects of single‐ and dual‐model systems in education. To overcome this, we advocate that the design of e‐learning systems requires a managed mix of elements grounded in cognitive psychology. In this paper, we report the results of a study concerned with determining an effective mix of multimedia elements. This is with regard to the situated learnability effects of single‐ and dual‐modal systems tested via ‘text only’ and ‘text and auditory–verbal’ conditions. We report on these experiments using science computer‐assisted teaching and music‐oriented learning environment, e‐learning environments developed to act as test platforms for this research. The results indicated that simultaneous presentation of identical information via text and narration was associated with enhanced learnability.
Young infants’ sensitivity to shading stimuli with radial motion1
Authors: SHIRAI NOBU , KANAZAWA SO , YAMAGUCHI MASAMI K.
Published: December 2005

Abstract:  The purpose of this study was to examine 5‐month‐old infant's sensitivity to a shading cue with radial motion. Our stimuli were radially expanding or contracting circles with vertical or horizontal shadings. We tested infants’ preference for vertical (top‐ and bottom‐lit) and horizontal (left‐ and right‐lit) shadings. The results indicate that infants tested with the vertical shading showed significant preference for the top‐lit shading, whereas infants tested with the horizontal shading did not show any significant preference. The fact that the significant preference was observed only in the vertical shading condition suggests that 5‐month‐old infants might use shading information on the basis of the “light‐from‐above assumption.” We revealed that even 5‐month‐old infants are sensitive to shading information when they are exposed to shading stimuli with radial motion.
Proteasomal degradation of caspase‐6 in 17β‐estradiol‐treated neurons
Authors: Tounekti Omar , Zhang Yan , Klaiman Guy , Goodyer Cynthia G. , LeBlanc Andréa
Published: December 2005

In primary cultures of human neurons, 17β‐estradiol (17β‐E2) prevents caspase‐6‐mediated cell death and induces a caspase inhibitory factor (CIF) inhibiting active caspase‐6 (Csp‐6) in vitro. Here, we show that treatment of neurons with 17β‐E2 results in a proteasomal‐dependent but ubiquitin‐independent degradation of endogenous and exogenous active Csp‐6 in live neurons and in cell free assays, respectively. We further show that the proteasomal‐dependent degradation of Csp‐6 is not required for its inhibition. Using several protease inhibitors, we find that leupeptin, E‐64, and ALLN prevent inhibition of recombinant active Csp‐6 (R‐Csp‐6) in 17β‐E2‐treated neuronal protein extracts. Because all three protease inhibitors have the ability to inhibit cysteine proteases, we believe that a cysteinyl protease activity may be required for 17β‐E2‐mediated inhibition of active Csp‐6. However, we exclude caspases, calpains, and cathepsins as potential cysteinyl proteases involved in the 17β‐E2‐mediated Csp‐6 inhibition. The results suggest that a proteolytic activity inhibited by leupeptin, E‐64, and ALLN is needed to inhibit Csp‐6 and that the inhibited Csp‐6 is subsequently degraded by the proteasome. The mechanism of 17β‐E2‐mediated inhibition of Csp‐6 is different from the ubiquitin‐dependent proteasomal degradation of Csp‐3 and Csp‐7 by XIAP and cIAP2 but consistent with the mechanism of Baculovirus p35 inhibition of caspases.
The nerve growth factor precursor proNGF exhibits neurotrophic activity but is less active than mature nerve growth factor
Authors: Fahnestock Margaret , Yu Guanhua , Michalski Bernadeta , Mathew Silvy , Colquhoun Amy , Ross Gregory M. , Coughlin Michael D.
Published: December 2005

Nerve growth factor (NGF) promotes neuronal survival and differentiation and stimulates neurite outgrowth. NGF is synthesized as a precursor, proNGF, which undergoes post‐translational processing to generate mature β‐NGF. It has been assumed that, in vivo, NGF is largely processed into the mature form and that mature NGF accounts for the biological activity. However, we recently showed that proNGF is abundant in CNS tissues whereas mature NGF is undetectable, suggesting that proNGF has biological functions beyond its role as a precursor. To determine whether proNGF exhibits biological activity, we mutagenized the precursor‐processing site and expressed unprocessed, cleavage‐resistant proNGF protein in insect cells. Survival and neurite outgrowth assays on murine superior cervical ganglion neurons and PC12 cells indicated that proNGF exhibits neurotrophic activity similar to mature 2.5S NGF, but is approximately fivefold less active. ProNGF binds to the high‐affinity receptor, TrkA, as determined by cross‐linking to PC12 cells, and is also slightly less active than mature NGF in promoting phosphorylation of TrkA and its downstream signaling effectors, Erk1/2, in PC12 and NIH3T3‐TrkA cells. These data, coupled with our previous report that proNGF is the major form of NGF in the CNS, suggest that proNGF could be responsible for much of the biological activity normally attributed to mature NGF in vivo.
17beta‐estradiol protects oligodendrocytes from cytotoxicity induced cell death
Authors: Takao Toshihiro , Flint Nicole , Lee Lan , Ying Xiaoyou , Merrill Jean , Chandross Karen J.
Published: December 2005

During pregnancy, changes in circulating levels of hormones, including estrogens, correlates with a significant decrease in the relapse incidence in women with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In the present study, we demonstrate that both primary and cell line cultures of rat oligodendrocytes express the estrogen receptor (ER)‐α and ERβ estrogen receptors in the cytosol and nucleus, and that nuclear compartmentalization becomes more pronounced as the cells mature. Moreover, 17β‐estradiol significantly decreases the cytotoxic effects of the peroxynitrite generator 3‐(4‐morpholinyl)‐sydnonimine (SIN‐1) in both immature and mature oligodendrocytes in a dose dependent manner. This protective mechanism requires pretreatment with 17β‐estradiol and is blocked by ICI 182,780, a selective ERα/ERβ antagonist. These results strongly suggest that 17β‐estradiol protects oligodendrocytes against SIN‐1 mediated cytotoxicity through the activation of the estrogen receptors and provides new insights into the roles of the estrogen signaling pathways in myelin forming cells that are lost in demyelinating disorders.