bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevention of colonic fibrosis byBoswelliaandScutellariaextracts in rats with colitis induced by 2,4,5‐trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid
Authors: Latella G. , Sferra R. , Vetuschi A. , Zanninelli G. , D’Angelo A. , Catitti V. , Caprilli R. , Gaudio E. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTBackground Currently, no effective preventive measures or medical therapies are available for intestinal fibrosis and, thus, surgery remains the only available strategy in the management of fibrostenotic enteropathies, especially Crohn's disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a combined therapy of anti‐inflammatoryBoswelliaand antifibroticScutellariaextracts on the development of colonic fibrosis in rats.Materials and methods Chronic colonic inflammation‐associated fibrosis was induced in rats by intracolonic administration of 2,4,5‐trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS). Sixty‐four healthy male Sprague‐Dawley rats were assigned to five groups: 8 controls, 14 TNBS, 14 TNBS orally treated withBoswelliaextracts (50 mg kg−1 day−1), 14 TNBS orally treated withScutellariaextracts (150 mg kg−1 day−1), and 14 TNBS orally treated with bothBoswellia(50 mg kg−1 day−1) andScutellariaextracts (150 mg kg−1 day−1). The colon was removed after 21 days of treatment and assessed by macroscopic, histological, morphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. For immunohistochemical analysis, alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), collagen types I–III, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1), Smad3, Smad7 and CD3 antibodies were used.Results Combined oral administration ofBoswelliaandScutellariasignificantly improved the course and macroscopic findings of TNBS‐induced chronic colitis assessed by disease activity index, colon weight, length, adhesions, strictures, dilatation, thickness, oedema, ulcerations and extension of damage. The histological severity of the colonic fibrosis was also notably improved by the treatment and associated with a significant reduction in the colonic expression of α‐SMA, collagen I–III, CTGF, TGF‐β1, Smad3, and Smad7.Conclusions These data demonstrate that the prophylactic administration of anti‐inflammatoryBoswelliaand antifibroticScutellariaextracts is effective in preventing colonic fibrosis in TNBS‐induced colitis. Their antifibrotic mechanism of action seems to be mediated by the inhibition of TGF‐β1/Smad3 pathway.
Hypomagnesaemia and risk for metabolic glucose disorders: a 10‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Guerrero‐Romero F. , Rascón‐Pacheco R. A. , Rodríguez‐Morán M. , De La Peña J. Escobedo , Wacher N. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTBackground   Although several lines of evidence suggest that hypomagnesaemia is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, there are no studies regarding the association between hypomagnesaemia and the risk for developing impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Our objective was to examine the association between serum magnesium levels and the risk for developing IFG, IGT and type 2 diabetes.Materials and methods   A total of 1122 individuals (20–65 years of age) were enrolled between 1996 and 1997, and 817 individuals re‐examined about 10 years later. New‐onset IFG (5·6–7·0 mmol L−1 fasting glucose), IGT (7·8–11·1 mmol L−1 glucose 2‐h postload), and type 2 diabetes were determined from the number of subjects who had these conditions at the second examination without evidence that they were present at the first one. The relative risk of new‐onset metabolic glucose disorders and diabetes (dependent variables) was computed using Poisson regression model adjusted for age, sex, family history of diabetes, waist circumference and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance index. Serum magnesium levels of < 0·74 mmol L−1 (independent variable) defined the exposed group.Results  At baseline, 420 (51·4%) individuals had hypomagnesaemia. New‐onset IFG and IGT was identified in 276 (33·8%) individuals. The relative risk for IFG, IGT and IFG + IGT was 1·11 (95% confidence interval, 0·5–5·1), 1·38 (95% confidence interval, 1·1–6·3) and 1·49 (95% confidence interval, 1·1–4·9), respectively. New‐onset diabetes was identified in 78 (9·5%) individuals (relative risk 2·54; 95% confidence interval, 1·1–4·1).Conclusions  Hypomagnesaemia is independently associated with the development of IGT, IFG + IGT and type 2 diabetes, but not with the development of IFG.
Efficacy of interferon in immunocompromised HCV patients after liver transplantation or with HIV co‐infection
Authors: Reiberger T. , Rasoul‐Rockenschaub S. , Rieger A. , Ferenci P. , Gangl A. , Peck‐Radosavljevic M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground Interferon (IFN)‐based antiviral therapy is increasingly used in immunocompromised patients with chronic hepatitis C after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and HIV–HCV co‐infection. Differences in early viral kinetics have not been compared in these patients.Materials and methods We retrospectively analysed 76 patients (31 OLT, 20 HIV–HCV and 25 HCV control patients) undergoing IFN sensitivity testing before starting antiviral therapy with pegylated IFN‐α2a (180 µg week−1) plus ribavirin (0·8–1·2 g day−1) for 48 weeks. We compared baseline parameters, response to IFN and treatment outcome between the groups and assessed the influence of specific calcineurin inhibitors in OLT patients and immune status in HIV–HCV patients on treatment response.Results Viral loads pretherapy were higher in OLT compared to nontransplanted HCV controls (P = 0·003). The same trend was present in HIV–HCV (P = 0·09). The log‐drop after test dose was less in OLT compared to HCV (P = 0·02), while no significant difference was found between HIV–HCV and HCV. In HIV–HCV patients viral load log‐drop correlated significantly with CD4+cell counts (P = 0·001). No difference in viral load pretherapy, log‐drop and treatment outcome was noted between different calcineurin inhibitors in OLT patients. Sustained virological response rates were 28% in OLT, 50% in HIV–HCV and 56% in HCV patients.Conclusions Immunosuppression results in high HCV viral loads. Initial efficacy of IFN is significantly impaired in OLT patients, but not in HIV–HCV with largely preserved CD4+cell counts. Sustained virological response rates of 28% in OLT patients are suboptimal, but encouraging results are shown for HIV–HCV patients with relatively high CD4+cell counts.
Fat overload aggravates oxidative stress in patients with the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Cardona F. , Túnez I. , Tasset I. , Montilla P. , Collantes E. , Tinahones F. J. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTBackground  Patients with the metabolic syndrome have greater levels of oxidative stress. However, as the response of markers of this stress to a fat overload is unknown, we evaluated certain markers of oxidative stress in these patients.Material and methods  The study population comprised 93 subjects (70 men and 23 women): 13 healthy people (controls) with a mean age of 48·81 ± 9·01 years and 80 patients with the metabolic syndrome (mean age, 43·25 ± 11·55 years), according to the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. All the participants were given a 60 g fat overload (Supracal). Three hours later the following biomarkers of oxidative stress were measured: lipid peroxidation products, protein carbonyl groups, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase (GSH‐Road) and glutathione S‐transferase. The levels of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were calculated.Results  Compared with the controls, the patients showed greater baseline oxidative stress, higher levels of lipid peroxidation products and oxidized glutathione, and lower levels of reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase activity, glutathione reductase and glutathione transferase. This stress was more intense after the subjects received a fat overload, more so in the patients who experienced a greater reduction in GSHpx and GSHrd antioxidant activity and a greater increase in the levels of carbonylated proteins and lipoperoxides than the controls.Conclusions  Patients with the metabolic syndrome have greater oxidative stress than healthy people. The variation in markers of this stress after a fat overload was even more pronounced in the patients.
A model of plant strategies in fluvial hydrosystems
Authors: BORNETTE G. , TABACCHI E. , HUPP C. , PUIJALON S. , ROSTAN J. C. 
Published: May 2008

Summary1. We propose a model of plant strategies in temperate fluvial hydrosystems that considers the hydraulic and geomorphic features that control plant recruitment, establishment and growth in river floodplains.2. The model describes first how the disturbance gradient and the grain‐size of the river bed load affect the relative proportion of erosion and deposition processes, and how the frequency of flood disturbance affects the intensity of such processes.3. Secondly, the model predicts plant strategies according to direct and indirect effects of floods (disturbances through erosion versus deposition processes, and associated nutrient excess or limitation).4. The relevance of the model as a prediction tool is discussed. Some proposals are made to validate the model, and traits are proposed that should be considered in future research for improving the predicting value of the model.
Genetic homogeneity among breeding grounds and nursery areas of an exploited Lake Malawi cichlid fish
Authors: GENNER MARTIN J. , NICHOLS PAUL , SHAW PAUL W. , CARVALHO GARY R. , ROBINSON ROSANNA L. , TURNER GEORGE F. 
Published: May 2008

Summary1. Nursery areas are commonly recognized as important habitats for the management and conservation of fish stocks. Here we report the use of nursery areas by an exploited offshore cichlid in Lake Malawi, Rhamphochromis longiceps.2. Like all haplochromine cichlids that have been studied, the species is a maternal mouthbrooder that broods eggs for several weeks following spawning. We found evidence that during this brooding period females migrate from open water to release juveniles in three shallow peripheral waterbodies (Chia Lagoon, Unaka Lagoon, Lake Malombe). However, it was unclear whether there is geographical population structuring within the species, which could indicate stock differences in their use of these nursery habitats, or if the lake contains a genetically panmictic population that employs nursery habitats opportunistically.3. To investigate spatial and temporal population structuring within the lake we genotyped populations at seven microsatellite DNA loci. Overall, we found no significant spatial structuring among juveniles from the peripheral lagoons or among breeding males within the main lake body. Moreover, we found no evidence of temporal structuring among males on the breeding grounds within Lake Malawi or females entering Chia lagoon. Together, these results suggest that Lake Malawi contains a genetically homogeneous population of R. longiceps.4. At present we know little of the distribution of juvenile R. longiceps elsewhere in the Lake Malawi basin, but their absence from surveyed rocky and sandy littoral habitats makes it possible that the species is dependent upon a small number of nearshore nursery areas, including these lagoons. As such, conservation of lagoon habitats and monitoring of exploited fish stocks within them may be important for effective preservation of biodiversity within the catchment.
Prophylaxis for severe haemophilia: clinical challenges in the absence as well as in the presence of inhibitors
Authors: FISCHER K. , VALENTINO L. , LJUNG R. , BLANCHETTE V. 
Published: May 2008

Summary.  Prophylaxis is defined as the regular administration of clotting factor concentrates to prevent bleeding. Extensive data from observational studies and a recent randomized controlled trial (have established that early prophylactic treatment prevents bleeds and arthropathy in boys with severe haemophilia. The initiation of prophylaxis in young children remains challenging. To prevent arthropathy, prophylaxis should be started early, before the onset of joint damage. Alternative strategies of starting include starting before the age of 2 years, or starting before the third joint bleed. Dose and frequency vary between the original Swedish regime of 20–40 IU kg−1 three times per week and lower dosed and step up regimes starting with 50 IU kg−1 once weekly and rapidly increasing dose and frequency in case of bleeds. In the second decade, most patients on prophylaxis learn self‐infusion. Self‐management warrants confirmation of adequate knowledge of the disease. Increasing self‐management concurring with major physical and psychological changes may cause reduced adherence. The challenge is to promote adherence and continue to prevent bleeds during this important period of rapid growth. The third decade of life often represents a change in lifestyle. Patients may get a job and periods of physical activity may be more confined. About two thirds of patients experiment with discontinuing prophylaxis in their early twenties, and 20–30% with mild bleeding patterns switch to on‐demand treatment for prolonged periods or even permanently. The challenge is to optimize efficiency by individualizing prophylactic dose and frequency according to lifestyle and bleeding pattern.Inhibitors may develop in up to 30% of patients with severe haemophilia. Especially those with high titre inhibitors are at increased risk of developing target joints and severe arthropathy. The use of prophylactic treatment with bypassing agents in inhibitor patients is increasing. Early studies report in a significant reduction of bleeds, including intracranial bleeds, and improvement in quality of life. Data on results of primary prophylaxis in patients with inhibitors to prevent arthropathy are not yet available.
Quantitation of Spermatogenesis by Flow Cytometric DNA Measurements
Authors: Clausen O. P. F. , Purvis K. , Hansson V. 
Published: May 2008

Suspensions of testicular cells from rats, mice and humans have been subjected to flow cytometry (FCM) after staining with the fluorochromes ethidium bromide and mitramycin. The resulting DNA distribution patterns give valuable information about the relative quantities of cells with haploid, S‐phase, diploid and tetraploid DNA content in the testis.In the present study we show some examples of how FCM can be used to monitor meiosis, and to get a quantitative assessment of spermatogenesis in animals and humans.
Inhibition of Sperm Maturation Through Intervention of the Carnitine System
Authors: Bøhmer Thomas , Johansen Liv 
Published: May 2008

Carnitine, acetylcarnitine and carnitine acetyltransferase (E.C.2.2.1.7) are present in 6–120 fold higher concentrations in human spermatozoa than in seminal plasma. Carnitine uptake by epididymal tissue in vitro in the rat is most active in the same segments of epididymis where the highest concentrations of carnitine are found in man. Radiolabelled carnitine is not taken up by mature human spermatozoa. Carnitine suppresses oxygen uptake in bovine ejaculated spermatozoa but not in human ejaculated or in rat or bovine epididymal spermatozoa. These findings indicate that the epididymis contributes to the accumulation of carnitine in caput spermatozoa and that carnitine may not be primarily responsible for the quiescent state of the spermatozoa in the cauda epididymis.Extensive changes in carnitine uptake in the epididymis can be encouraged by a hormonal treatment which has no effect on the carnitine uptake by the heart. This raises the possibility of interference with the carnitine balance in the epididymis without effecting the pattern of carnitine uptake in other tissues.
Electrolyte and Water Transport in Rat Epididymis; Its Possible Role in Sperm Maturation
Authors: Wong P. Y. D. , Au C. L. , Ngai H. K. 
Published: May 2008

Electrolyte and water transport in different regions of the rat epididymis has been studied using a microperfusion technique. The caput and proximal corpus epididymides were found to absorb NaCl and water and secrete K+ at a lower rate than the cauda epididymidis. The secretion rate of protein was the same in both regions. In the caput and proximal corpus, reabsorption of chloride was hypertonic. Reabsorption of sodium could not account for water reabsorption. In contrast, water reabsorption in the cauda epididymidis was dependent upon the intraluminal sodium ions. Amiloride inhibited both the Na+ and water reabsorption in this region. It was concluded that in the proximal regions of the rat epididymidis, water reabsorption may be secondary to an active transport of chloride, whereas in the cauda, a net transepithelial transport of sodium ions is the driving force for water reabsorption.Transport of electrolytes and water across the perfused rat cauda epididymidis has also been studied under various experimental conditions. Treatment of rats with alpha‐chlorohydrin (9 mg/kg/day) for 7 days inhibited the rate of sodium and water reabsorption without affecting the secretion of proteins. Ligation of the testicular efferent duct or the corpus epididymidis had no significant effect on the transport functions of the cauda epididymidis. When cyproterone acetate (10 mg/rat/day) was injected into male rats, the rate of sodium and water reabsorption was reduced. This effect was accompanied by a loss of sperm motility. It is concluded that the transport functions of the cauda do not require the normal flow of testicular fluid, but may depend on the supply of circulating androgen in the blood. Alpha‐chlorohydrin and cyproterone acetate may affect sperm maturation by disrupting the normal milieu of the epididymal duct.
Testosterone and Testosterone Binding Globulin (TeBG) in Young Men during Prolonged Stress
Authors: Aakvaag A. , Bentdal Ø. , Quigstad K. , Walstad P. , Rønningen H. , Fonnum F. 
Published: May 2008

The effect of prolonged physical and psychological stress on the testicular function was studied in 8 students (age 22–25 years) of the Norwegian Academy of War during a combat course of 5 days' duration. The average urinary excretion of free cortisol and 17‐ketogenic steroids was 81 and 129% higher than the respective control values one week after the course. Plasma cortisol levels increased from 21.7 μg/100 ml at 8 a. m. before the course to 24.6 (P < 0.05), and serum HGH rose from undetectable levels, < 0.08 ng/ml, to an average value of 12.9 ng/ml ± 3.7 (SD) at 8 a. m. during the course.A marked suppressive effect on plasma testosterone levels from 5.6 ng/ml ± 1.4 to 0.9 ± 0.5, and no adjustment to stress was observed over a 5 day period. TeBG increased gradually from 26.9 nmol/l ± 9.9 to 52.7 ± 17.7 on day 6, followed by a slow decrease without reaching control values on day 12, suggesting that the decreased plasma testosterone levels probably reflect reduced production and not increased metabolism of testosterone. LH fluctuated during the course, but was significantly higher in the morning immediately following the end of the course than at the start (P < 0.02). It is postulated that the effect of stress on the plasma testosterone levels is mediated via an action both on the hypothalamus‐pituitary level and on the testis.
Effect of Long Term Treatment with Gonadotrophic Hormones on In Vitro Metabolism of [3H]Progesterone in Human Testicular Tissue
Authors: Berg A. Å:son , Kjessler B. 
Published: May 2008

Gonadotrophic hormones appear to influence the preferred pathways for intratesticular androgen biosynthesis. Individuals with low levels of gonadotrophin in the peripheral circulation, as e. g. prepubertal boys and a hypophysectomized adult male, have previously been shown to metabolize [3H]progesterone in vitro mainly to 20α‐dihydroprogesterone (20α‐DH‐P) and less to 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone (17α‐OH‐P), i. e. an “immature metabolic pattern” (Berg et al. 1976; Kjessler & Berg 1976b).With physiologically increasing amounts of circulating gonadotrophins the preferred metabolic pathway in vitro shifts in favour of 17α‐OH‐P, i. e. a “mature metabolic pattern”. Such an alteration in the preferred in vitro metabolic pattern of [3H]progesterone has also been obtained by exogenous administration of gonadotrophins to a 47, XYY‐male with an initially immature metabolic pattern (Berg & Kjessler 1976).We have sequentially analysed the metabolism of [3H]progesterone in vitro in testicular incubates derived from a chromosomally normal male before and after 16 weeks of substitution therapy with gonadotrophic hormones.The patient originally displayed an “immature” pattern of progesterone metabolites, i. e. the ratio 20α‐DH‐P/17é‐OH‐P was 3.04. After treatment with human menopausal gonadotrophins and hCG, the metabolic activity in total had increased, and the ratio 20é‐DH‐P/17é‐OH‐P had switched to 0.39.These results confirm and extend the concept that gonadotrophic hormones may have a regulatory function on androgen biosynthesis by stimulating the oxidative metabolic pathway from progesterone to biologically active androgens via 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone.
Studies on the Bacterial Flora in Semen from Males in Infertile Relations
Authors: Eneroth Peter , Ljungh‐Wadström Äsa , Moberg Peter J. , Nord Carl‐Erik 
Published: May 2008

Microbiological analysis has been performed on semen from 101 men living in infertile relations. They had previous records of pathological sperm analysis.The following experimental approach has permitted conclusions regarding the presence of different bacteria in the male urogenital tractus:
Early Effects of Efferent Duct Ligation on the Rat Rete Testis
Authors: Nykänen Matti , Kormano Martti 
Published: May 2008

Early effects of efferent duct ligation (EDL) were studied in adult rats using histological serial sectioning and electron microscopy.From 30 min to 3 h after EDL the rete cavities dilated and there was accumulation of sperm and cellular debris. The lumen of the transitional zone, the junction of the seminiferous tubules with the tubuli recti, opened and the Sertoli cell bodies straightened up. The direction of sperm tails in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules near the transitional zone changed suggesting a backflow from the rete towards the seminiferous tubules. These changes progressively increased until 12 h. The distensibility of various parts of the rete was unequal. Likewise, the susceptibility of the junctional zone to pressure effects was related on its structure and position. Early changes in the rete testis and the transitional zone epithelium were fully reversible and seemed to be caused by mechanical influence of flow direction only. No evidence of a valve function of the transitional zone was obtained.
Sites of Action of Cyproterone and Cyproterone Acetate in the Immature Male Rat
Authors: Purvis K. , Haug E. , Aakvaag A. , Hansson V. 
Published: May 2008

Plasma testosterone (Leydig cell function), LH and FSH (pituitary function), the epididymal content of androgen binding protein (ABP) (Sertoli cell function) and plasma corticosterone (adrenal cortical function) were determined after 10 daily injections of varying doses of cyproterone and cyproterone acetate, beginning at 21 days of age. Daily doses of 0.5 mg or greater of either antiandrogen resulted in a marked depression in the levels of plasma testosterone and intra‐testicular testosterone (measured only in the cyproterone group) with a dose‐dependent decrease in testis and epididymal weights; both effects occurring with only minor changes in the levels of circulating gonadotrophins. In addition, these compounds caused a marked decrease in Sertoli cell secretion as reflected in a significant fall in the epididymal content of ABP.A more detailed examination of the apparently direct effects of cyproterone on Leydig cell function revealed: 1) no major effects of in vivo treatment for 6 days (5 mg/day) on [I125]hLH binding to testis membrane particles or on the in vitro response of enriched Leydig cell suspensions to hCG, 2) a dose‐dependent inhibition of the hCG responsiveness of normal Leydig cells in the presence of the drug in vitro. The inhibitory effects on steroidogenesis in vivo can well be explained by a direct inhibition of the 3β‐steroid‐dehydrogenase‐isomerase exerted by both antiandrogens.