bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beneficial effect of laserpitin, a coumarin compound from Angelica keiskei, on lipid metabolism in stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Ogawa Hiroshi , Nakamura Rei , Baba Kimiye 
Published: January 2006

Summary1. Recently, we found that 4‐hydroxyderricin, one of the major chalcones in Angelica keiskei extract (an ethyl acetate extract from the yellow liquid of stems), suppressed increases in systolic blood pressure and reduced both serum very low‐density lipoprotein levels and liver triglyceride content in stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). In the present study, we have isolated laserpitin, a characteristic coumarin, from the A. keiskei extract and examined the effect of dietary laserpitin on blood pressure and lipid metabolism in SHRSP.2. Six‐week‐old male SHRSP were fed diets containing 0.1% laserpitin for 7 weeks with free access to the diet and water. Bodyweight gain was reduced by dietary laserpitin after 4 weeks through to 7 weeks without any significant change in daily food intake. Serum total cholesterol, phospholipid and apolipoprotein (apo) E levels were significantly increased, which was due to significant increases in cholesterol, phospholipid and apoE contents in the low‐ and high‐density lipoprotein (LDL and HDL, respectively) fractions. These results suggest that dietary laserpitin increases serum apoE‐HDL levels.3. In the liver, significant decreases in relative liver weight and triglyceride content were found after treatment with laserpitin for 7 weeks.4. An investigation of hepatic mRNA expression of proteins involved in lipid metabolism indicated that a significant decrease in hepatic triglyceride lipase may be responsible for the increase in serum HDL levels and also indicated that a marked decrease in adipocyte determination and differentiation factor 1 may be responsible, at least in part, for the decrease in hepatic triglyceride content.5. In conclusion, dietary laserpitin produces increases in serum HDL levels, especially apoE‐HDL, and decreases in the hepatic triglyceride content in SHRSP.
Bradykinin B2 receptor antagonism attenuates inflammation, mast cell infiltration and fibrosis in remote myocardium after infarction in rats
Authors: Koike Marcia Kiyomi , De Carvalho Frimm Clovis , De Lourdes Higuchi Maria 
Published: January 2006

Summary1. Bradykinin may interfere with myocardial remodelling by promoting inflammation and mast cell activation or, alternatively, by counteracting angiotensin II‐dependent collagen accumulation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of bradykinin B2 receptor antagonism in inflammatory and mast cell infiltration, fibroplasia and fibrosis accumulation following myocardial infarction (MI).2. Myocardial infarction was produced by the ligature of the left coronary artery in male Wistar rats that were 10 weeks of age. Immediately after MI, rats received the B2 receptor antagonist Hoe140 (0.5 µg/kg per min, s.c.) or saline over a period of 3 days, 1 week or 4 weeks, constituting three separate groups and their respective controls.3. Coronal myocardial tissue sections underwent haematoxylin and eosin, Giemsa and picrosirius red staining, as well as immunohistochemistry for α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA). Morphometric studies were undertaken in three different myocardial regions: MI, remote non‐infarcted subendocardium (non‐MI SE) and remote non‐infarcted interventricular septum (non‐MI IVS).4. The MI size was comparable between Hoe140‐treated groups and their respective controls (day 3: 42 ± 4%, n = 8, vs 43 ± 3%, n = 6; week 1: 37 ± 5%, n = 5, vs 39 ± 2%, n = 5; week 4: 35 ± 3%, n = 9, vs 36 ± 3%, n = 7). At day 3, Hoe140 treatment reduced inflammatory cell reaction within the MI (585 ± 59 vs 995 ± 170 cells/mm2; P = 0.02), non‐MI SE (77 ± 12 vs 214 ± 57 cells/mm2; P = 0.02) and non‐MI IVS (93 ± 16 vs 135 ± 14 cells/mm2; P = 0.03) regions. Mast cells were reduced within the non‐MI IVS region (0.8 ± 0.1 vs 2.5 ± 0.4 cells/mm2; P = 0.006), but not within the MI region. In non‐MI SE, mast cells were rarely found. At week 1, Hoe140 treatment reduced α‐SMA‐positive myofibroblast infiltration within the MI (2535 ± 383 vs 5636 ± 968 cells/mm2; P = 0.01) and non‐MI SE (222 ± 33 vs 597 ± 162 cells/mm2; P = 0.03) regions. In the non‐MI IVS region, α‐SMA‐positive myofibroblasts were rarely found. At week 4, Hoe140 treatment reduced collagen volume fraction within the MI (37 ± 4 vs 53 ± 4%; P = 0.03), non‐MI SE (1.3 ± 0.2 vs 2.6 ± 0.3%; P = 0.001) and non‐MI IVS (1.1 ± 0.2 vs 1.8 ± 0.2%; P = 0.01) regions.5. Bradykinin promotes inflammation, fibroplasia and fibrosis after MI. Mast cells may have a role in fibrosis deposition through a bradykinin‐related mechanism.
Vasodilator actions of the endothelium‐derived relaxing factorl‐S‐nitrosocysteine in anaesthetized rats are markedly diminished by peroxynitrite
Authors: Graves Jonathan E , Bates James N , Kooy Neil W , Lewis Stephen J 
Published: January 2006

Summary1. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of the potent oxidant and nitrating agent peroxynitrite on the haemodynamic actions of the endothelium‐derivedS‐nitrosothioll‐S‐nitrosocysteine.2. The haemodynamic actions ofl‐S‐nitrosocysteine (12.5–100 nmol/kg, i.v.) were determined in pentobarbital‐anaesthetized rats before and after the induction of tachyphylaxis to peroxynitrite achieved by giving 10 intravenous injections of a 10 µmol/kg dose.3. l‐S‐Nitrosocysteine elicited dose‐dependent reductions in mean arterial blood pressure and in hindquarter and mesenteric vascular resistance.4. Thel‐S‐nitrosocysteine‐induced responses were substantially attenuated after administration of peroxynitrite.5. We have reported previously that nitric oxide‐mediated vasodilation is not diminished after the induction of tachyphylaxis to peroxynitrite. Taken together, these findings support the concept that peroxynitrite reduces the vasodilator actions ofl‐S‐nitrosocysteine via oxidation and/or nitration of putative membrane‐boundS‐nitrosothiol recognition sites.
GENE–ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS, NEURONAL DYSFUNCTION AND PATHOLOGICAL PLASTICITY IN HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE
Authors: Van Dellen Anton , Grote Helen E , Hannan Anthony J 
Published: January 2006

SUMMARY1. Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal autosomal dominant disorder in which there is progressive neurodegeneration producing motor, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. The dynamic mutation that causes the disease is common to numerous other brain disorders, which may share similar pathogenic mechanisms.2. Much progress has been made in the past decade in understanding how a trinucleotide (CAG) repeat expansion, encoding an expanded polyglutamine tract in the huntingtin protein, induces dysfunction at molecular and cellular levels. The present review integrates various lines of experimental evidence in an attempt to move towards a unifying mechanistic framework, which may explain the pathogenesis of HD, from molecular through to neuronal network and behavioural levels.3. Recent evidence, using transgenic mouse models, also suggests that environmental factors can modify the onset and progression of HD. The effects of specific environmental manipulations are discussed in the context of gene–environment interactions and experience‐dependent plasticity in the healthy and diseased brain, particularly the cerebral cortex.
Citrus aurantium and synephrine alkaloids in the treatment of overweight and obesity: an update
Authors: Haaz S. , Fontaine K. R. , Cutter G. , Limdi N. , Perumean‐Chaney S. , Allison D. B. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryObesity is a major health problem facing the developed and developing world. Efforts by individuals, health professionals, educators, and policy makers to combat the escalating trend of growing obesity prevalence have been multifaceted and mixed in outcome. Various dietary supplements have been marketed to reduce obesity. These products have been suggested to accomplish this by decreasing energy intake and energy absorption, and/or increasing metabolic rate. Ephedra, one such supplement, was banned from sale in the US market because of concerns about adverse events. Another substance, Citrus aurantium, which contains several compounds including synephrine alkaloids, has been suggested as a safe alternative. This review examines the evidence for safety and efficacy of C. aurantium and synephrine alkaloids as examined in animal studies, clinical weight loss trials, acute physiologic studies and case reports. Although at least three reviews of C. aurantium have been published, our review expands upon these by: (i) distinguishing and evaluating the efficacy of C. aurantium and related compounds; (ii) including results from previously unreviewed research; (iii) incorporating recent case reports that serve to highlight, in an anecdotal way, potential adverse events related to the use of C. aurantium and related compounds; and (iv) offering recommendations to guide the design of future trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of C. aurantium. While some evidence is promising, we conclude that larger and more rigorous clinical trials are necessary to draw adequate conclusions regarding the safety and efficacy of C. aurantium and synephrine alkaloids for promoting weight loss.
Metabolically active functional food ingredients for weight control
Authors: Kovacs E. M. R. , Mela D. J. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryThe scale of the obesity epidemic creates a pressing consumer need as well as an enormous business opportunity for successful development and marketing of food products with added benefits for weight control. A number of proposed functional food ingredients have been shown to act post‐absorptively to influence substrate utilization or thermogenesis. Characteristics and supporting data on conjugated linoleic acid, diglycerides, medium‐chain triglycerides, green tea, ephedrine, caffeine, capsaicin and calcium, are reviewed here, giving examples of how these could act to alter energy expenditure or appetite control. Consideration is also given to other factors, in addition to efficacy, which must be satisfied to get such ingredients into foods. We conclude that, for each of the safe, putatively metabolically active agents, there remain gaps in clinical evidence or knowledge of mechanisms, which need to be addressed in order to specify the dietary conditions and food product compositions where these ingredients could be of most benefit for weight control.
Energy balance adiposity and breast cancer – energy restriction strategies for breast cancer prevention
Authors: Harvie M. , Howell A. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryExcess adiposity over the pre‐ and postmenopausal years is linked to risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Weight loss could potentially reduce risk amongst those with excess weight via beneficial effects on the hormonal (decreased circulating levels of oestradiol, testosterone, insulin) and secretory profiles of adipocytes (decreased production of leptin, tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin 6 and increased production of adiponectin). Only modest reductions in adipose tissue are achieved and sustained with current weight loss programmes, which makes strategies to mitigate the adverse metabolic effect of adiposity a priority for cancer prevention. The adverse hormonal and secretory effects of adipose tissue are influenced substantially by acute changes in energy balance prior to changes in adiposity. Human and animal studies have shown dietary energy restriction to bring about favourable changes in circulating levels of insulin, leptin, sex hormone binding globulin, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, oestradiol, testosterone, reactive oxygen species, and the production and secretion of locally acting adipokines and inflammatory cytokines, that is, increased adiponectin and decreased interleukin‐6. Achieving and sustaining energy restriction remains a difficult challenge. Intermittent energy restriction is a potential strategy for promoting periods of energy restriction on a long‐term basis. Animal and human data suggest that intermittent energy restriction may have cancer preventative effects beyond that of chronic energy restriction and weight loss. Intermittent energy restriction may be a potential strategy for the primary prevention of breast cancer.
Obesity drugs and their targets: correlation of mouse knockout phenotypes with drug effects in vivo
Authors: Powell D. R. 
Published: January 2006

SummarySequencing of the human genome has yielded thousands of potential drug targets. The difficulty now is in determining which targets have real therapeutic value and should be the focus of a drug discovery effort. The available evidence suggests that knockout technology can be used prospectively to identify targets that are amenable to drug development for the treatment of a variety of diseases. This review compares the knockout phenotypes of 21 potential obesity targets with the effects of therapeutics designed for those targets on rodents and, when data were available, on humans. The phenotypes of obesity target knockouts model the effects seen when therapeutics designed for those obesity targets are delivered to rodents; of the 21 obesity targets reviewed, 16 showed a correspondence between knockout phenotype and drug effect in mice and/or rats. This suggests that, at least in terms of evaluating obesity targets, it is rare for compensatory developmental changes caused by the gene knockout to prevent detection of the relevant phenotype. In the majority of cases, the knockout phenotypes also modelled the effects seen when the relevant therapeutics were delivered to humans. Thus, it seems rational to use mouse knockout technology prospectively to identify genes that regulate body fat in vivo, and then to develop anti‐obesity therapeutics by targeting the human protein products of these genes. Ultimately, the value of using this approach to identify novel targets for human anti‐obesity therapies will be judged by future studies examining the anti‐obesity effect, in humans, of the therapeutics that result from this approach.
Asynchronous access to conventional course delivery: a pilot project
Authors: Simpson Natalie 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThis study describes a technological pilot project providing 160 graduate students with asynchronous access to the ongoing proceedings of a lecture‐based course. Exactly half of the students spoke the language of instruction, English, as a second language (ESL). While the asynchronous video‐on‐demand service proved popular overall, ESL students were markedly heavier users of the system and reported most enthusiastically on its benefits. Asynchronous access was valued as much for empowering the learner with control of the lecture as it was for the issue of convenience. Furthermore, the medium of video capture was found to create an impression of intimacy simultaneously cleansed of environmental distractions, an experience not necessarily consistent with live attendance. These findings became the foundation of a course distribution system now providing lectures to over 1,500 undergraduates each semester, yet many of the observed benefits remain to be confirmed by future research.
Do Divorcing Couples Become Happier by Breaking up?
Authors: Gardner Jonathan , Oswald Andrew J. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryDivorce is a leap in the dark. The paper investigates whether people who split up actually become happier. Using the British Household Panel Survey, we can observe an individual's level of psychological well-being in the years before and after divorce. Our results show that divorcing couples reap psychological gains from the dissolution of their marriages. Men and women benefit equally. The paper also studies the effects of bereavement, of having dependant children and of remarriage. We measure well-being by using general health questionnaire and life satisfaction scores.
Multiple cutaneous osteomas of the face associated with chronic inflammatory acne
Authors: Thielen AM , Stucki L , Braun RP , Masouyé I , Germanier L , Harms M , Salomon D , Borradori L 
Published: January 2006

AbstractMultiple miliary osteoma cutis of the face represents a rare and frequently unrecognized complication of chronic inflammatory acne. Their differentiation from microcomedones and macrocomedones may be challenging. The case of a 46‐year‐old Asian woman who suffered from chronic inflammatory acne is described. She had multiple papular lesions of the cheeks that did not respond to various topical and systemic therapies including oral isotretinoin. Light microscopy studies as well as ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan investigations demonstrated the presence of multiple osteoma cutis. Needle microincisions followed by mechanical extirpation of the bony formation resulted in a considerable cosmetic improvement of her skin disease. Knowledge of this rare complication of acne is mandatory, as its treatment is different from that of retentional and inflammatory acne and frequently relies on surgical modalities. Our novel technique consisting of needle microincisions with curettage of the lesions is simple and safe, leading to good cosmetic results.
Widespread skin necrosis associated with unfractionated heparin therapy in a patient under chronic coumarin anticoagulation
Authors: Sanchez‐Politta S , Angelillo‐Scherrer A , Masouyé I , Borradori L 
Published: January 2006

AbstractCoumarins and heparins are commonly used for temporary or long‐term anticoagulation. These molecules have potentially devastating side‐effects, including widespread skin necrosis. We report the case of an elderly patient under oral anticoagulation with coumarins, who developed widespread necrotic cutaneous lesions upon introduction of intravenous and subcutaneous unfractionated heparin administration for a surgical procedure. Laboratory investigations revealed the presence of circulating antibodies directed against heparin‐platelet factor 4. The lesions slowly resolved after withdrawal of heparin, whereas oral coumarin was re‐introduced without complications. This case illustrates the rare occurrence of skin necrosis as a result of unfractionated heparin in a patient under chronic coumarin medication. Recognition of this rare complication and appropriate laboratory testing is mandatory for prompt institution of alternative anticoagulant therapies.
Anonymous single‐copy nuclear DNA (scnDNA) markers for two endemic log‐dwelling beetles:Apasis puncticepsandAdelium calosomoides(Tenebrionidae: Lagriinae: Adeliini)
Authors: SCHMUKI C. , BLACKET M. J. , SUNNUCKS P. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThree approaches — microsatellite library screening, consensus primer PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and sequencing with arbitrary primer pairs (SWAPP) — were used to develop single‐copy nuclear DNA (scnDNA) markers for log‐dwelling beetlesApasis puncticepsandAdelium calosomoides. We are unaware of other nuclear markers for Adeliini. We tested > 70 primer pairs per species, but despite exhaustive optimization, we obtained only five polymorphic markers. Nonetheless, the markers are valuable in detection of effects of habitat fragmentation.
Scheduling contractors' farm‐to‐farm crop harvesting operations
Authors: Basnet C. B. , Foulds L. R. , Wilson J. M. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe harvesting of renewable resources from an operations scheduling viewpoint is introduced, and a harvesting scenario arising in the agricultural context involving a commercial contracting enterprise that travels from farm‐to‐farm harvesting crops is discussed. This paper is an extension of previous work by two of the authors from the one‐farm to the multi‐farm case. In both cases, the duration of each operation is dependent upon the combination of constrained resources allocated to it, equipment and worker allocation is restricted, and minimum or maximum time lags on the start and completion of operations may be imposed. The present case incorporates harvesting at more than one farm and thus the sequence in which the farms are visited and the inter‐farm travel times must be taken into account. We report on a harvesting scheduling model and solution procedures designed specifically for large‐scale versions of the multi‐farm case. The computational times experienced in solving general instances of the model of small‐to‐medium practical size by a commercial integer programming package are encouraging. Greedy and tabu search heuristics, which are capable of solving problems of relatively large dimensions in reasonable computational time are also included. The authors believe that the model and the solution techniques developed represent a useful addition to the farm crop contractor's tool kit.
Disseminated Hyperkeratotic and Granulomatous Nodules in a Child with Fatal Epstein–Barr‐Virus–Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Brinkmeier Thomas , Reuter Thomas , Metze Dieter , Frosch Peter J. , Herbst Rudolf A. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare and potentially fatal syndrome associated with a variety of genetic, malignant, autoimmune, or infectious conditions. The importance of cutaneous presentations of this syndrome has only recently been brought forward. We report the first case of Epstein–Barr‐virus–associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis presenting with papulonodular and granulomatous skin lesions. A girl of African origin developed several umbilicated papules on her extremities and face at the age of 18 months. She was born in Germany, had never visited Africa, and was otherwise healthy. Over the next 5 months the lesions progressed in size and number and became hyperkeratotic. Histopathologic analysis of early lesions revealed a superficial lympho‐ and plasmacellular dermatitis with some features of panniculitis. Later biopsy specimens from nodular lesions showed the formation of tuberculoid granulomas in the deep dermis. At the age of 23 months she became severely ill, rapidly developing high fever, hepatosplenomegaly, icterus, pancytopenia, and ascites. On the basis of bone marrow and lymph node biopsies, the diagnosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis was established. However, this phenomenon could not be detected in any of the skin specimens. An active Epstein–Barr virus infection was diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction in blood, lymphoid tissue, and skin. Despite chemotherapy with etoposide and cortisone, the girl expired 14 days after clinical onset of her systemic disease.
Cutaneous Crohn Disease in a Child
Authors: Pinna Anna Luisa , Atzori Laura , Ferreli Caterina , Aste Nicola 
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  Cutaneous Crohn disease refers to granulomatous skin manifestations not contiguous with gastrointestinal affected areas. It is a very rare condition, especially in children, and is easily misdiagnosed when characteristic gastrointestinal symptoms are absent. We report a 10‐year‐old Caucasian girl with a 6‐month history of erythematous, firm tumescence of the left labium majus pudendi and moist vegetations circumscribing the anal ostium. Histologic analysis of skin biopsy specimens from both types of lesions showed a characteristic granulomatous noncaseating infiltrate throughout the dermis. Endoscopic examination and a colon biopsy specimen showed chronic granulomatous inflammation consistent with Crohn disease. Treatment with prednisolone 20 mg daily, metronidazole 250 mg three times daily, topical corticosteroids, and mupirocin ointment produced marked improvement of the vulvar edema, whereas the perianal lesion had a relapsing course. Early recognition of extra‐intestinal manifestations of Crohn disease, which are extremely rare in children, may be difficult. Coexistence of contiguous and noncontiguous lesions, representing the very first signs of the disease, are further peculiarities in our patient.