bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response to chemical cues from conspecifics reflects male mating preference for large females and avoidance of large competitors in the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis
Authors: Plath Martin , Meyer-Lucht Yvonne , Poschadel Jens R. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractWe examined chemical communication in male and female European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis). In simultaneous binary choice tests, a focal animal was given a choice between pheromones from a conspecific and a choice chamber containing untreated water. Females did not show a preference, both when male and when female stimuli were presented. On the contrary, males preferred the odor of a female over untreated water, suggesting that males actively search for females. The strength of preference was positively correlated with the body size difference between the female and the focal male, indicating that males prefer to mate with larger females. Female fecundity is positively correlated with female size in E. orbicularis, which may account for male choosiness. No overall preference for the stimulus animal was observed when males were presented cues from another male. However, the strength of preference was negatively correlated with the difference in body size. Males avoided large males, but oriented towards smaller stimulus males. This reflects that males form dominance hierarchies, where large males aggressively attack smaller ones. Far-range chemical communication probably enables males to minimize the risk of costly aggressive interactions. This is, to our knowledge, the first study on the role of chemical cues for inter and intrasexual communication in the European pond turtle.
Persistence of neutralizing antibodies after discontinuation of IFNβ therapy in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Petersen Bodil , Bendtzen Klaus , Koch-Henriksen Nils , Ravnborg Mads , Ross Christian , Sorensen Per Soelberg ,   The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Group
Published: April 2006

Objective The main objective was to follow serum levels of neutralizing antibodies (NABs) against interferon-beta (IFNβ) after discontinuation of IFNβ therapy. Background A large proportion of patients treated with recombinant IFNβ for multiple sclerosis (MS) develop therapy-induced NABs. Knowledge of persistence of NABs after discontinuation of therapy is limited. Design/patients: A retrospective follow-up study of patients treated in Denmark for relapsing-remitting (RR) MS with IFNβ for at least 12 months. NAB-positive patients, who discontinued therapy, were followed up with measurements of NABs. Methods We measured NAB-neutralizing capacity and NAB titres a.m. Kawade using a clinically validated cytopathic effect assay. Results Thirty-seven patients were included. Mean follow-up time was 22 months. Of the 29 patients with a NAB titre at or above 25 prior to termination of therapy, only three patients reverted to a titre below 25. Of these, two had a titre below 200 and one patient a titre of 600 at the last examination before treatment stop. The longest post-treatment follow-up during which a patient maintained NAB positivity was 59 months. Conclusion NABs against IFNβ, especially with high titres, tend to persist for a long time after discontinuation of IFNβ therapy. NABs should always be measured before reinstitution of IFNβ treatment in NAB-positive patients.
Cytotoxic evaluation of injectable cyclodextrin nanoparticles
Authors: Memisoglu-Bilensoy Erem , Doǧan A Lale , Hincal A Atilla 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Nanoparticles were prepared using β-CDC6, which is an amphiphilic β -cyclodextrin derivative modified on the secondary face with 6C aliphatic esters. A nanoprecipitation technique was used to prepare the blank nanoparticles without any surfactant and nanoparticles containing Pluronic F68 as surfactant in a concentration range of 0.1 to 1%. Nanoparticle formulations were characterized by particle size distribution and zeta potential measurements. Entrapment efficiency and in-vitro release profiles were determined and the cytotoxicity of these injectable nanospheres was evaluated against mouse fibroblast L929 cell line and human polymorphonuclear cells by methlythiazolyltetrazolium assay. As far as particle size and zeta potential are concerned, there is a relationship between surfactant presence and nanoparticle characteristics. However, these effects are not significant. It was also found that surfactant presence has no effect on model drug nimodipine encapsulation but accelerates the in-vitro release of the drug. Cell culture studies on mouse fibroblasts and human polymorphonuclear cells revealed a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity more pronounced in fibroblast cells. This led to the conclusion that the use of surfactants in injectable nanoparticles prepared from amphiphilic β-cyclodextrins may lead to altered in-vitro properties and impaired safety for the drug delivery system.
Evaluation of the free-radical-scavenging activity of diclofenac acid on the free-radical-induced haemolysis of human erythrocytes
Authors: Tang You-Zhi , Liu Zai-Qun 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Free-radical-induced peroxidation in-vivo is regarded as the aetiology of some diseases and free-radical-scavenging drugs, also called antioxidants (AH), have been widely used to overcome oxidative stress. An in-vitro experimental method, 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH)-induced haemolysis of human erythrocytes can be applied to assess the free-radical-scavenging activity of a drug. The major objectives of this work were focused on three aspects. Firstly, introduction of the chemical kinetic deduction of free-radical-initiating reaction to AAPH-induced haemolysis of human erythrocytes, by which the number of free radicals trapped by an antioxidant, n, can be obtained after finding the quantitative relationship between the inhibition period (tinh) and the concentration of the antioxidant, tinh = (n/Ri) [AH]. Ri, the free-radical-initiating rate, was initially confirmed by using α-tocopherol (VE) whose n was taken as 2. Secondly, the free-radical-scavenging activity of diclofenac acid (DaH) and its sodium salt (DaNaH) was assessed. It has been found that DaH and DaNaH protect human erythrocytes against AAPH-induced haemolysis dose-dependently. In particular, the n values of DaH and DaNaH (4.96 and 3.60) were much higher than some traditional antioxidants, such as 6-hydroxyl-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-car-boxylic acid (Trolox, a water-soluble structural analogue of VE, n = 0.30) and L-ascorbic acid (VC, n = 0.25), and L-ascorbyl-6-laurate (VC-12, a lipophilic structural analogue of VC, n = 1.11). Moreover, the free-radical-scavenging activity of lipophilic antioxidants is higher than the corresponding water-soluble species. Thirdly, the free-radical-scavenging activity of mixed antioxidants, VE + DaH, VC-12 + DaH, Trolox + DaNaH and VC + DaNaH, was revealed. The n value of VC, VC-12, VE and Trolox increase in the case of mixed usage with DaH and DaNaH, implying that diclofenac acid can repair the radical of these antioxidants. Thus, a mutual antioxidant effect between diclofenac acid and these antioxidants prolongs the lifespan of VC, VC-12, VE and Trolox, respectively.
Mechanism for increased bioavailability of tacrine in fasted rats
Authors: Sung Jong-Hyuk , Hong Soon-Sun , Ahn Sung-Hoon , Li Hong , Seo Seung-Yong , Park Chul-Hong , Park Byung-Soon , Chung Suk-Jae 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
The mechanism associated with the increased bioavailability of tacrine as a result of a 24-h period of fasting was examined in rats. The AUC value for tacrine after the fasting was 52% higher compared with normal feeding when 4 mg kg−1 of tacrine was orally administered, but the value for velnacrine, a hydroxylated metabolite of tacrine, was reduced by 10%. The relative metabolic ratio of tacrine in urinary excretion (Autacrine divided by Auvelnacrine) was lower in fasted rats compared with normally fed rats. This clearly shows that metabolism of tacrine is reduced with 24-h fasting after oral administration. Altered intestinal permeation in the fasting state was hypothesized, and the transport of tacrine across the rat intestine was studied. When a fasted intestine was mounted in an Ussing chamber, the mucosal-to-serosal permeability of tacrine was increased to double that for a fed rat intestine. To examine the effect of absorption rate on the hepatic metabolism of tacrine, a direct pyloric vein infusion study was carried out. Compared with an infusion of tacrine for 5 min, a slow infusion of tacrine over a period of 30 or 60 min increased the hepatic metabolism of tacrine and decreased its systemic clearance in rats. Collectively, these results suggest that rapid transport across the intestine aids tacrine in avoiding hepatic first-pass metabolism and enhances its bioavailability in fasted rats. From these findings, we conclude that both oral administration before a meal and a reduction in the dose might be recommended in tacrine therapy considering the serious hepatotoxicity of tacrine in clinical use.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) inhibits saquinavir metabolism in-vitro and enhances its bioavailability in rats
Authors: Hirunpanich Vilasinee , Sato Hitoshi 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
This study investigated the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the metabolism of saquinavir by cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) in-vitro using rat liver microsomes and in-vivo using rats. DHA showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of in-vitro saquinavir metabolism with Km, Vmax and Ki values of 2.21 μM, 0.054 μmol h−1 (mg protein)−1 and 149.6 μM, respectively. After oral co-administration with 250 μg kg−1 DHA, the bioavailability of saquinavir significantly increased approximately 4 fold (P &lt; 0.01) without affecting the elimination half-life, as compared with the control. In contrast, oral administration of DHA did not affect the kinetic parameters of saquinavir administered intravenously. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of DHA on saquinavir metabolism predominantly takes place in the gut and imply that DHA impairs the function of enteric, but not of hepatic, CYP3A. The pharmacokinetic interaction occurred only when DHA was taken simultaneously with oral administration of saquinavir. These results considered together with the lack of time-dependent saquinavir metabolism inactivation effects in-vitro, imply that the inhibitory effect of DHA is primarily reversible. It is concluded that DHA inhibited saquinavir metabolism in-vitro and enhanced the oral bioavailability of saquinavir in rats.
Water-soluble extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-mediated hepatic apoptosis in rats
Authors: Lee Tzung-Yan , Chang Hen-Hong , Wang Guei-Jane , Chiu Jen-Hwey , Yang Ying-Ying , Lin Han-Chieh 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Apoptosis is one of the events that are involved in liver fibrogenesis. Thus, factors that affect apoptosis may be used to modulate liver fibrosis. We have recently reported that Salvia miltiorrhiza plays a protective role in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether S. miltiorrhiza modulated CCl4-induced hepatic apoptosis in rats. Male Wistar rats were given orally either vehicle or water-extract of S. miltiorrhiza (50 mg kg−1 twice daily) for nine weeks beginning from the start of CCl4 administration. A group of normal rats was included for comparison. Hepatocyte DNA fragmentation and cytosolic caspase-3 and caspase-8 activity were determined in the experimental animals. Hepatic cytosolic Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, and calpain-μ expressions were measured by Western blot analysis. Hepatic mitochondrial glutathione levels were assessed by colorimetric assay. Compared with normal rats, rats receiving CCl4 alone showed profound DNA fragmentation associated with an increased cytosolic fraction of cytochrome c and calpain-μ protein expressions and a decreased mitochondrial glutathione level. In contrast, a decreased laddering of DNA fragmentation was noted in rats receiving CCl4 plus S. miltiorrhiza extract. The mitochondrial glutathione level was significantly increased in rats receiving CCl4 plus S. miltiorrhiza extract compared with those receiving CCl4 alone. Additionally, cytosolic caspase-3 activity and cytosolic fractions of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, and calpain-μ protein expressions were decreased in rats receiving CCl4 plus S. miltiorrhiza extract compared with those receiving CCl4 alone. The cytosolic caspase-8 activity in rats receiving CCl4 alone was no different from those receiving CCl4 plus S. miltiorrhiza extract. These results indicated that chronic administration of S. miltiorrhiza ameliorated CCl4-mediatd hepatic apoptosis in rats. This effect may be related to the antioxidant properties of S. miltiorrhiza.
Influence of propolis water solution on heart mitochondrial function
Authors: Majiene Daiva , Trumbeckaite Sonata , Savickas Arunas , Toleikis Adolfas 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
The effect of propolis water solution (PWS) on the respiration of rat heart mitochondria with NAD-linked (pyruvate + malate), FAD-linked (succinate) substrates and fatty acids (palmitoyl-L-carnitine) was investigated in this study. PWS at the lowest concentration of 4 μgmL−1 of phenolic compounds (PC) had no effect on mitochondrial respiration with all investigated substrates. PWS at concentrations of 63 and 125 μ gmL−1 of PC caused a significant decrease of basal (24 and 54%) and maximal (58 and 70%) respiration rates with succinate as substrate. At these PWS concentrations the oxidation of pyruvate + malate and palmitoyl-L-carnitine was diminished to a lower degree: the basal respiration rate decreased by 13–18% and the maximal respiration rate by 15–28%. Succinate oxidation was affected, probably because of the inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase by the 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid esters found in PWS. The PWS-caused decrease in the mitochondrial respiration rate with pyruvate + malate and fatty acids could be due to diminished activities of respiratory chain complexes and/or ADP/ATP translocator.
Co-infection with genital gonorrhoea and genital chlamydia in female sex workers in Yunnan, China
Authors: Chen Xiang-Sheng , Yin Yue-Ping , Liang Guo-Jun , Gong Xiang-Dong , Li Hua-Sheng , Shi Mei-Qin , Yu Yan-Hua 
Published: April 2006

An observational study on prevalence of co-infection with gonorrhoea and chlamydia was conducted among female sex workers (FSWs) in Kunming, China. A total of 505 FSWs participated in the study. All eligible participants gave informed consent. Demographic, behavioural and clinical information of the participants was gathered by direct structured interviews. Tampon swabs were collected to test for Chlamydia trachomatis and Nesseria gonorrhoeae. One-hundred and twenty-four (24.6%) FSWs were co-infected with these two pathogens. Of the 191 FSWs with gonorrhea, 124 (64.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 57.9–71.3%) were co-infected with chlamydia which was significantly higher than the proportion (41.9%, 95% CI = 36.4–47.6%) co-infected with gonorrhoea among 296 FSWs with chlamydia ( P < 0.001). Only 47 of 191 (24.6%) FSWs with gonococcal infection and 28 of 124 (22.6%) with co-infection with gonorrhoea and chlamydia reported vaginal discharge. The results of the study justify the recommendation in the national sexually transmitted disease (STD) guidelines that patients infected with gonorrhoea also be treated routinely with an anti-chlamydial regimen. However, a periodic mass treatment may be considered in some circumstances in STD control programmes to rapidly reduce the infections in this population.
Factors associated with anxiety in patients attending a sexually transmitted infection clinic: qualitative survey
Authors: Arkell J , Osborn D P J , Ivens D , King M B 
Published: April 2006

We used qualitative methods to explore factors, which might explain increased anxiety in patients attending a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic. Twenty patients, who scored significantly for anxiety on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) attended a 20-minute interview. This explored factors contributing to their current psychological symptoms. Transcripts revealed three main themes. First were factors related to possible STIs and the clinic visit. These included health anxieties about HIV or fertility and clinic factors, including staff attitudes and clinic location. Second were factors unrelated to the clinic, including previous emotional difficulties or substance misuse. Third were issues concerning stigma, embarrassment and shame. The origins of anxiety in STI patients are multifactorial and difficult to identify during brief appointments. Despite modern clinics and attitudes, stigma and embarrassment remain prominent. Interventions to address these factors could improve psychological health in this patient group.
An investigation of concurrent sex partnering in two samples of drug users having large numbers of sex partners
Authors: Williams Mark L , Ross Michael W , Atkinson John , Bowen Anne , Klovdahl Alden , Timpson Sandra C 
Published: April 2006

The objective of this study was to quantitatively measure the nature of concurrent sex partnering in two samples of drug users having large numbers of sex partners. The purpose of this study was to measure concurrent sex partnering and overlap in concurrent sex partners in two samples of drug users in which some or all participants were trading sex-for-money. Two samples having large numbers of sex partners were used to conduct the analyses: drug-using male sex workers (MSW) and male and female crack cocaine smokers (CS) having vaginal sex. To reflect the quality of concurrent partnering, three measures were used: the proportion of the samples having concurrent partners; the proportions of the samples having intimate, casual, and sex-for-money of partners; and overlap in concurrent partners. Proportions of each sample having concurrent partners were essentially the same. However, the kinds of concurrent partners and overlap in concurrent partners were significantly different. Concurrent partners in the MSW sample were mostly sex-for-money or sex-for-drugs partners. Most concurrent partners in the CS sample were initimate or casual sex partners. Overlap in concurrent partners was also significantly different. The measure of overlap for the CS sample was three times higher than that of the MSW sample. These data suggest that concurrent sex partnering in the two samples, beyond the proportion having concurrent partners, was different. The patterns of concurrent sex partners in each sample may reflect different reasons for engaging in concurrent partnering. Different reasons for engaging in concurrent partnering may also be reflected in different overlap scores between the two samples. Efforts should be made in future studies to better capture the complexities of concurrent partnering and to examine the implications of these for disease spread and control.
Examination of a sociocultural model of disordered eating among male and female adolescents
Authors: Halliwell Emma , Harvey Martin 
Published: April 2006

Objectives. The study tests a version of Stice's (1994) sociocultural model of disordered eating that was modified to incorporate social comparisons. Additionally, it examines how self‐reported body‐mass index and perceived weight status influence associations within the model.Method. Questionnaires were administered in a state secondary school; the sample consisted of 250 female and 257 male adolescents aged 11–16 years.Results. The results supported the sociocultural model among both male and female adolescents. Perceived pressure to lose weight was directly associated with eating behaviour, as well as indirectly associated through social comparisons, internalization and body dissatisfaction. However, social comparisons were most strongly related to body dissatisfaction among adolescents who perceived themselves as overweight.Conclusions. The findings indicate that models of eating disordered behaviour, developed for adolescent girls, are also appropriate for understanding this behaviour among male adolescents. The results suggest that social comparisons represent a useful addition to Stice's (1994) original model and a potentially fruitful target for interventions.
A systematic review of motivational interviewing in physical health care settings
Authors: Knight K. M. , McGowan L. , Dickens C. , Bundy C. 
Published: April 2006

Purpose. Motivational interviewing (MI), a method of augmenting an individual's motivation to change problematic behaviours, is a patient‐centred counselling style that seeks to help patients resolve ambivalence about behaviour change. MI has successfully been used in the field of addictions and has recently received increased interest as a means of promoting treatment adherence in physical health care settings. This systematic review is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of MI interventions in physical health care settings.Methods. Electronic databases were searched for articles specifying the use of ‘motivational interviewing’ in physical health care settings between 1966 and April 2004. Fifty‐one relevant abstracts were yielded and data was extracted from eight relevant selected studies.Results. Eight studies were identified in the fields of diabetes, asthma, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and heart disease. The majority of studies found positive results for effects of MI on psychological, physiological, and life‐style change outcomes. Problems with research in this area include: small sample sizes, lack of power, use of disparate multiple outcomes, inadequate validation of questionnaires, poorly‐defined therapy and training.Conclusions. While MI has high face validity across a number of domains in physical health care settings, the general quality of trials in this area is inadequate and therefore recommendations for its dissemination in this area cannot yet be made. More research into MI applied to health behaviour change is urgently required.
Psychological distress and visual functioning in relation to vision‐related disability in older individuals with cataracts
Authors: Walker J. G. , Anstey K. J. , Lord S. R. 
Published: April 2006

Objective. To determine whether demographic, health status and psychological functioning measures, in addition to impaired visual acuity, are related to vision‐related disability.Methods. Participants were 105 individuals (mean age = 73.7 years) with cataracts requiring surgery and corrected visual acuity in the better eye of 6/24 to 6/36 were recruited from waiting lists at three public out‐patient ophthalmology clinics. Visual disability was measured with the Visual Functioning‐14 survey. Visual acuity was assessed using better and worse eye logMAR scores and the Melbourne Edge Test (MET) for edge contrast sensitivity. Data relating to demographic information, depression, anxiety and stress, health care and medication use and numbers of co‐morbid conditions were obtained.Results. Principal component analysis revealed four meaningful factors that accounted for 75% of the variance in visual disability: recreational activities, reading and fine work, activities of daily living and driving behaviour. Multiple regression analyses determined that visual acuity variables were the only significant predictors of overall vision‐related functioning and difficulties with reading and fine work. For the remaining visual disability domains, non‐visual factors were also significant predictors. Difficulties with recreational activities were predicted by stress, as well as worse eye visual acuity, and difficulties with activities of daily living were associated with self‐reported health status, age and depression as well as MET contrast scores. Driving behaviour was associated with sex (with fewer women driving), depression, anxiety and stress scores, and MET contrast scores.Conclusion. Vision‐related disability is common in older individuals with cataracts. In addition to visual acuity, demographic, psychological and health status factors influence the severity of vision‐related disability, affecting recreational activities, activities of daily living and driving.