bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro comparison of hepatic metaboliosm of 9cis‐11 trans and 10trans‐12cis isomers of CLA in the rat
Authors: Gruffat Dominique , De La Torre Anne , Chardigny Jean‐Michel , Durand Denys , Loreau Olivier , Sébédio Jean‐Louis , Bauchart Dominique 
Published: November 2006

AbstractHepatic metabolism of the two main isomers of CLA (9cis‐11 trans, 10trans‐12cisC18∶2) was compared to that of oleic acid (representative of the main plasma FA) in 16 rats by using the in vitro method of incubated liver slices. Liver tissue samples were incubated at 37°C for 17h under an atmosphere of 95% O2/5%CO2 in a medium supplemented with 0.75 mM of FA mixture (representative of circulating nonesterified FA) and with 55 μM [1‐14C]9cis‐11 trans C18∶2, [1‐14C]10trans‐12cis C18∶2, or [1‐14C]oleate. The uptake of CLA by hepatocytes was similar for both isomers (9%) and was three times higher (P<0.01) than for oleate (2.6%). The rate of CLA isomer oxidation was two times higher (49 and 40% of incorporated amounts of 9cis‐11 trans and 10trans‐12 cis, respectively) than that of oleate (P<0.01). Total oxidation of oleate and CLA isomers into [14CO2] was low (2 to 7% of total oxidized FA) compared to the partial oxidation (93 to 98%) leading to the production of [14C] acid‐soluble products. CLA isoemrs escaping from catabolism were both highly desaturated (26.7 and 26.8%) into conjugated 18∶3. Oleate and CLA isomers were mainly esterified into neutral lipids (30%). They were slowly secreted as parts of VLDL particles (<0.4% of FA incorporated into cells), the extent of secretion of oleate and of 10trans‐12 cis being 2.2‐fold higher than that of 9cis‐11 trans (P<0.02). In conclusion, this study clearly showed that both CLA isomers were highly catabolized by hepatocytes, reducing their availability for peripheral tissues. Moreover, more than 25% of CLA escaping from catabolism was converted into conjugated 18∶3, the biological properties of which remain to be elucidated.
Effects of policosanols and phytosterols on lipid levels and cholesterol biosynthesis in hamsters
Authors: Wang Y. W. , Jones P. J. H. , Pischel I. , Fairow C. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe current study was carried out to examine the effects of policosanols and phytosterols, alone and in combination, on lipid profiles, cholesterol biosynthesis, and tissue histopathological changes in hamsters. Fifty male Golden Syrian hamsters, weighing 100 to 120 g, were fed a regular rodent chow for 2 wk before being randomly assigned into 5 groups of 10 animals each fed semisynthetic diets for 4 wk. Group 1 was given a control diet that contained 0.25% cholesterol and 5% fat with a PUFA to saturated FA ratio of 0.4. Groups 2 to 5 were fed the control diet and given Octa‐6 [a policosanol mixture from sugar cane was, 25 mg/kg body weight (BW)], Ricewax (a policosanol mixture from rice wax with 50% being converted to the corresponding acids, 50 mg/kg BW), phytosterols (CholestatinTM; 1,000 mg/kg BW), and Ricewax (50 mg/kg BW) plus phytosterols (1,000 mg/kg BW), respectively. The results showed that there was no difference between Octa‐6 and Ricewax treatments in any of the lipid parameters measured, and both had similar levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T‐C), and HDL cholesterol (HDL‐C) as the control. Octa‐6 but not Ricewax increased (P=0.03) non‐HDL‐C as compared with the control. Phytosterols reduced T‐C (P<0.0003) and HDL‐C (P<0.004) without a significant effect on TG and non‐HDL‐C as compared to the control. Ricewax plus phytosterols had effects similar to those with phytosterols alone. Free cholesterol synthetic rates were not different among the treatments. Policosanols or phytosterols did not show any toxic effects in liver, heart, brain, or kidney. Results suggest that, although phytosterols reduce T‐C and HDL‐C levels, policosanols have no significant favorable effect in changing lipid levels in hamsters.
Effects of high‐γ‐linolenic acid canola oil compared with borage oil on reproduction, growth, and brain and behavioral development in mice
Authors: Wainwright Patricia E. , Huang Yung‐Sheng , DeMichele Stephen J. , Xing HuaCheng , Liu Jim‐Wen , Chuang Lu‐Te , Biederman Jessica 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPrevious research in rats and mice has suggested that γ‐linolenic acid (GLA) derived from borage oil (BO: 23% GLA) may be an appropriate source for increasing levels of long‐chain n−6 FA in the developing brain. Recently, transgenic technology has made available a highly enriched GLA seed oil from the canola plant (HGCO: 36% GLA). The first objective of this study was to compare the effects of diets containing equal levels of GLA (23%) from either BO or HGCO on reproduction, pup development, and pup brain FA composition in mice. The second objective was to compare the effects of the HGCO diluted to 23% GLA (GLA‐23) with those of undiluted HGCO containing 36% GLA (GLA‐36). The diets were fed to the dams prior to conception and throughout pregnancy and lactation, as well as to the pups after weaning. The behavioral development of the pups was measured 12 d after birth, and anxiety in the adult male offspring was assessed using the plus maze. The findings show that despite equivalent levels of GLA, GLA‐23 differed from BO in that it reduced pup body weight and was associated with a slight increase in neonatal pup attrition. However, there were no significant effects on pup behavioral development or on performance in the plus maze. An increase in dietary GLA resulted in an increase in brain 20∶4n−6 and 22∶4n−6, with a corresponding decrease in 22∶6n−3. Again, despite their similar levels of GLA, these effects tended to be larger in GLA‐23 than in BO. In comparison with GLA‐23, GLA‐36 had larger effects on growth and brain FA composition but no differences with respect to effects on reproduction and behavioral development. These findings suggest that the HGCO can be used as an alternative source of GLA.
Natural abundance stable carbon isotope evidence for the routing and de novo synthesis of bone FA and cholesterol
Authors: Jim Susan , Ambrose Stanley H. , Evershed Richard P. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis research reported in this paper investigated the relationship between diet and bone FA and cholesterol in rats raised on a variety of isotopically controlled diets comprising 20% C3 or C4 protein (casein) and C3 and/or C4 nonprotein or energy (sucrose, starch, and oil) macronutrients. Compoundspecific stable carbon isotope analysis (δ13C) was performed on the FA (16∶0, 18∶0, 18∶1, and 18∶2) and cholesterol isolated from the diet (n=4) and bone (n=8) of these animals. The dietary signals reflected by the bone lipids were investigated using linear regression analysis. δ13C values of bone cholesterol and stearic (18∶0) acid were shown to reflect whole‐diet δ13C values. whereas the δ13C values of bone palmitic (16∶0), oleic (18∶1), and linoleic (18∶2) acids reflected dietary FA δ13C values. Dietary signal differences are a result of the balance between direct incorporation (or routing) and de novo synthesis of each of these bone lipids. Estimates of the degree of routing of these bone lipids gleaned from correlations between Δ13Cdlipid‐wdiet (δ13Cdiet lipid‐δ13Cwhole diet) spacings and Δ13Cblipid‐wdiet (δ13Cbone lipid‐δ13Cwhole diet fractionations demonstrated that the extent of routing, where 18∶2>16∶0>18∶1>18∶0>cholesterol, reflected the relative abundances of these lipids in the diet. These findings provide the basis for more accurate insights into diet when the δ13C analysis of bone fatty FA or cholesterol is employed.
Implications of inadequate parental bonding and peer victimization for adolescent mental health
Authors: Rigby K. , Slee P.T. , Martin G. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTPrevious studies have indicated significant associations between relatively poor mental health of children and both perceived negative parenting and exposure to peer victimization at school. This paper examines their relative contribution to the mental status of adolescent school children. Questionnaires were administered to Australian school children () aged 12–16 years. These contained reliable self‐report measures of mental health (the GHQ) parental bonding (the PBI) and degree of peer victimization. As predicted, multiple regression analyses indicated that low levels of perceived parental care, high parental control and frequent peer victimization were each significantly and independently associated with relatively poor mental health. Together, they accounted for some 17% and 27% of variance in the mental health status of adolescent boys and girls, respectively. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are considered. Limitations of the study are also discussed (deleted)
Long term methadone for chronic pain: A pilot study of pharmacokinetic aspects
Authors: Fredheim Olav Magnus S. , Borchgrevink Petter C. , Klepstad Pål , Kaasa Stein , Dale Ola 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMethadone is used as an alternative opioid when first line opioids fail to provide adequate pain control. Highly variable morphine:methadone dose ratios make switching challenging and little is known about the pharmacokinetics of long lasting methadone treatment for pain. Twelve patients treated with morphine for chronic non‐malignant pain were switched to methadone. Seven of these patients continued with methadone throughout the nine months study period and only minor dose adjustments were performed. Serum concentrations of morphine, methadone and their metabolites were measured at baseline, day one and two, after dose titration and one week, five weeks, three months and nine months after the end of dose titration. Serum concentrations of methadone and its metabolite EDDP did not change significantly from the end of dose titration and during the nine months (repeated measures ANOVA: p = 0.88 and p = 0.06). Very low correlation between dose ratios and serum concentration ratios between morphine and methadone was observed. Large interindividual differences in serum concentrations and metabolism were observed. Our findings contradict that autoinduction of methadone metabolism takes place during long term treatment and supports that a 3‐day opioid switch from morphine to methadone followed by a one week titration seems pharmacologically sound.
Reduction meatoplasty with a post-auricular island flap
Authors: Harvey R J , Fagan P , Baldwin M 
Published: November 2006

The importance of an adequate meatoplasty is often emphasised in mastoid surgery. However, bigger is not always better, as an excessively widened external meatus can be cosmetically unacceptable, provide little extra benefit for cleaning, be an obstacle to the good fitting of hearing aids and expose the mastoid cavity to exaggerated caloric effect.The problems created by an overly large meatus can occasionally be difficult to manage, prompting consideration of reduction of the meatus. We describe the use of a pedicled, post-auricular skin flap to achieve reduction of an excessively large meatus.
A vector-format fuzzy logic approach for online robot motion planning in 3D space and its application to underwater robotic vehicle
Authors: Wu X. J. , Tang J. , Li Q. , Heng K. H. 
Published: November 2006

SUMMARYDue to its inherent advantages such as reasoning in the format of heuristic rules based on human experience and less stringent requirement on environmental description, fuzzy logic is a promising tool for the robot motion planning in 3-dimensional dynamic environment. In general, in the Cartesian space, the variables used in characterizing the motion of a mobile robot, such as position, velocity, and force relative to other objects or coordinate frames, contain both the magnitude and the pointing information. In previous studies, the fuzzy reasoning on the pointing information was often developed based on the decomposition of the pointing vector followed by conventional fuzzy logic technique on individual vector components. Consequently, when multiple pointing variables are involved, the number of fuzzy variables that need to be considered simultaneously becomes large and the rule base may become very complex, which diminishes the advantages of the fuzzy reasoning approach. In this research, we tackle this issue by implementing a new fuzzy reasoning approach based on vector-format fuzzy variables. To achieve this, a set of new membership functions is defined for the vector-format fuzzy variables, followed by the establishment of a series of new vector-based fuzzification, fuzzy inference, and defuzzification procedures. By treating the multidimensional variables as unitary linguistic variables, the number of fuzzy variables in the fuzzy propositions and therefore the scale of the rule base can be reduced considerably. As an application example, the proposed new fuzzy reasoning approach for motion planning is applied to an Underwater Robotics Vehicle (URV) operating in an oceanic environment, where the pointing of the goal and the pointing vectors of the obstacles are treated as vector-type fuzzy variables, which leads to a compact and significantly simplified rule base. The motion planner can successfully guide the URV to move in the complicated dynamic environ-ment in a real-time fashion, which clearly demonstrates the effectiveness and robustness of the new fuzzy logic approach.
Magnetic resonance coronary angiography to evaluate coronary arterial lesions in patients with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Suzuki Atsuko , Takemura Atsushi , Inaba Rikako , Sonobe Tomoyoshi , Tsuchiya Keiji , Korenaga Tateo 
Published: November 2006

We evaluated the efficiency of non-invasive magnetic resonance coronary angiography in detecting coronary arterial lesions in 106 patients, aged from 4 months to 37 years, with a median of 13 years, with Kawasaki disease. Non-contrast enhanced, free-breathing magnetic resonance coronary angiographic studies using both the steady-state free precession technique, namely bright blood imaging, and navigator-echo proton density weighted black blood imaging, so-called black blood imaging, were performed in all the patients. Conventional X-ray coronary angiography was performed in 70 patients with coronary arterial lesions.We observed 97 aneurysms, 17 dilatations, 17 occlusions, 18 localized stenoses and 10 recanalized vessels, and we clarified their unique pattern of images on magnetic resonance coronary angiography. The differences in size of the aneurysms as seen on X-ray coronary angiography and bright blood imaging was mean 0.0, and the 95% confidence interval was from −1.4 to 1.5 on the Bland-Altman plots. With bright blood imaging, the sensitivity of occlusion and localized stenosis based on X-ray angiography was 94.2% and 97.2%, specificity was 99.5% and 97.2%, and negative-predictive value was 99.5% and 97.2%, respectively. Black blood imaging provided remarkable visualization of the thickened intima of aneurysms, and/or thrombus, in 38 lesions. We conclude that magnetic resonance coronary angiography can visualize all types of lesions due to Kawasaki disease in patients of all ages, and that it is useful to reduce the number of times X-ray angiography needs to be performed in patients with Kawasaki disease.
Biological activities of a novel selective oestrogen receptor modulator derived from raloxifene (Y134)
Authors: Ning M , Zhou C , Weng J , Zhang S , Chen D , Yang C , Wang H , Ren J , Zhou L , Jin C , Wang M‐W 
Published: November 2006

Background and purpose:Selective oestrogen receptor (ER) modulators (SERMs) are of great value in the treatment of breast cancer and osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to characterize pharmacologically a new class of SERMs synthesized based on the core structure of raloxifene.Experimental approach:Competitive receptor binding and luciferase‐based reporter methods were used to study the bioactivities of raloxifene analogues, followed by efficacy determination in breast cancer cell proliferation assay. ER antagonist effects were investigated in female rats by measuring uterine and mammary gland growth, using wet weight, BrdU incorporation and terminal end bud (TEB) as indicators.Key results:Five analogues, belonging to two different structural series and display higher binding affinities for ERα than ERβ were functionally evaluated. One such analogue, Y134, exhibited potent antagonist activity at ERs in CV‐1 cells cotransfected with plasmids containing ERα or ERβ and oestrogen‐response element‐driven luciferase. The estimated IC50 value was 0.52 nM for ERα and 2.94 nM for ERβ, comparable to that of raloxifene. Little cytotoxicity was observed at Y134 concentrations below 10 μM. Y134 suppressed oestrogen‐stimulated proliferation of ER‐positive human breast cancer MCF‐7 and T47D cells. At an identical dose, administered to ovariectomized rats, Y134 was more effective than raloxifene at arresting oestrogen‐induced outgrowth of TEB and mammary gland DNA synthesis, but their inhibitory effects on the uterus were comparable.Conclusions and Implications:Y134 is a potent ER antagonist with better mammary gland selectivity than raloxifene and shows potential for development as a new SERM for therapeutic use.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 19–28. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706960
Beyond raloxifene for the prevention of osteoporosis and breast cancer
Authors: Jordan V C 
Published: November 2006

Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) can build bone in the postmenopausal woman and lower circulating cholesterol. These oestrogen‐like properties contrast with the anti‐oestrogenic properties observed in the breast where SERMs inhibit the oestrogen‐mediated development and growth of ER positive breast cancers. The two clinically useful SERMs, tamoxifen and its chemical cousin raloxifene, are currently used successfully either for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer (tamoxifen) or the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis (raloxifene). However, raloxifene has the beneficial side‐effect of breast cancer prevention. These multifunction medicines provide proof of concept that novel molecules can be selectively targeted to diseases mediated by the endocrine system.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 3–4. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706962
Study on the cyclic GMP‐dependency of relaxations to endogenous and exogenous nitric oxide in the mouse gastrointestinal tract
Authors: De Man J G , De Winter B Y , Herman A G , Pelckmans P A 
Published: November 2006

Background and purpose:cGMP mediates nitrergic relaxations of intestinal smooth muscle, but several studies have indicated that cGMP‐independent mechanisms may also be involved. We addressed this contention by studying the effect of ODQ and NS2028, specific inhibitors of soluble guanylate cyclase, on nitrergic relaxations of the mouse gut.Experimental approach:Mouse gastric fundus and small intestinal muscle preparations were mounted in organ baths to study relaxations to exogenous NO, NO donors and electrical field stimulation (EFS) of enteric nerves.Key results:In gastric fundus longitudinal muscle strips, ODQ and NS2028 abolished the L‐nitroarginine‐sensitive relaxations to EFS and the relaxations to NO and NO donors, glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), SIN‐1 and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). EFS of intestinal segments and muscle strips showed L‐nitroarginine‐resistant relaxations, which were abolished by the purinoceptor blocker suramin. In the presence of suramin, ODQ and NS2028 abolished all relaxations to EFS in intestinal segments and strips. ODQ and NS2028 abolished the relaxations to exogenous NO and to the NO donors GTN, SIN‐1 and SNP in circular and longitudinal intestinal muscle strips. Intestinal segments showed residual relaxations to NO and GTN.Conclusions and Implications:Our results indicate that relaxations to endogenous NO in the mouse gastric fundus and small intestine are completely dependent on cGMP. ODQ and NS2028 incompletely blocked nitrergic relaxations to exogenous NO in intact intestinal segments. However, it is unlikely that this is due to the involvement of cGMP‐independent pathways because ODQ and NS2028 abolished all relaxations to endogenous and exogenous NO in intestinal muscle strips.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 88–96. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706964
pEg6, a Spire family member, is a maternal gene encoding a vegetally localized mRNA in Xenopus embryos
Authors: Le Goff Catherine , Laurent Véronique , Le Bon Kristell , Tanguy Gaëlle , Couturier Anne , Le Goff Xavier , Le Guellec René 
Published: November 2006

Background information. In Xenopus, during oocyte maturation and the segmentation period, cell cycle progression is independent of new transcription, but requires de novo translation. This suggests that the completion of oocyte maturation and then the rapid cell division period is controlled exclusively at a post‐transcriptional level by specific gene products. To isolate these maternal genes, a differential screening of a Xenopus egg cDNA library was performed. Several cDNAs were isolated which correspond to mRNA polyadenylated in eggs and deadenylated in embryos, and these constitute the founders members of the Eg family of mRNAs.Results. We report here the characterization of Eg6 mRNA as a novel maternal gene expressed in Xenopus egg until gastrula stage. The Eg6 transcript is initially concentrated in the vegetal cytoplasm of the egg, and later the distribution of the transcript marks the posterior vegetal end of developing embryos. pEg6 is a multidomain protein with a kinase non‐catalytic C‐lobe domain of unknown function, a cluster of four WH2 (Wiskott—Aldrich syndrome protein homology 2) domains and a modified FYVE zinc‐finger motif. The amino acid sequence of pEg6 is related to PEM‐5 (posterior end mark‐5), from an ascidian maternal mRNA, and spire, a Drosophila protein required to establish dorsal—ventral and anterior—posterior axes of polarity and recently described as an actin nucleation factor. In Xenopus and Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells pEg6 expression induces filamentous actin clusters and is associated with vesicular structure.Conclusions. These data suggest that pEg6 acts as a vegetally localized factor contributing to the actin nucleation process during Xenopus early development.