bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of tetracycline on pancreas and liver function of adult male albino rats
Authors: Asha K K , Sankar T V , Nair P G Viswanathan 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The effect of tetracycline, at two doses of 50 and 200 mg kg−1 daily, was studied on pancreatic and liver tissue function for 14 and 21 days in adult male albino rats. For pancreatic function the parameters studied were content of amylase and lipase in pancreas, serum amylase and lipase, serum glucose and faecal fat excretion. For liver function, liver specific enzymes in serum, namely alanine amino transaminase, aspartate amino transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase were estimated. In addition, total lipid, antiperoxidative enzymes and lipid peroxidation were measured in pancreas and liver. The content of amylase and lipase in pancreas showed a small but significant decrease in the rats given 50 mg kg−1 for 21 days and the decrease was much more significant in those receiving the 200 mg kg−1 dose. In pancreas free radical levels show a significant increase and reduced glutathione shows a substantial decrease at the 50 mg kg−1 level and a significant change in these parameters was observed at the 200 mg kg−1 dose. Antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase, showed a small but significant decrease in the pancreas of the rats treated with 50 mg kg−1 tetracycline. A significant decrease in the antioxidant enzymes level was observed at the 200 mg kg−1 dose. In the liver, free radical levels and reduced glutathione were within the normal range at the 50 mg kg−1 level and significant changes were observed at 200 mg kg−1. The antioxidant status was unaffected in liver after treatment with tetracycline at the 50 mg kg−1 level and a significant decrease was observed at the higher dose. Our results reveal the safe nature of tetracycline with respect to the liver at the lower dose tested, whereas, both the higher and lower doses seem to have detrimental effect on the pancreas as revealed by the rise in free radical levels and decrease in the antioxidant enzyme levels.
Inhibitory mechanisms of gabapentin, an antiseizure drug, on platelet aggregation
Authors: Pan Chi-Feng , Shen Ming-Yi , Hsiao George , Chou Duen-Suey , Sheu Joen-Rong , Pan Chi-Feng , Wu Chih-Jen 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Gabapentin (Neurontin) is an analogue of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that is effective against partial seizures. Gabapentin has been reported to modulate serotonin release from platelets, but the effects of gabapentin on platelet activation have not been explored. In this study, gabapentin concentration-dependently (60–240 μm) inhibited platelet aggregation in washed platelets stimulated by collagen (1 μg mL−1), ADP (20 μm) and arachidonic acid (60 μm). Gabapentin (120 and 240 μm) also concentration-dependently inhibited collagen (1 μg mL−1)-induced phospho-inositide breakdown, intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, thromboxane A2 formation, and p38 MAPK phosphorylation in human platelets. In conclusion, the most important findings of this study suggest that gabapentin inhibits platelet aggregation, at least in part, through the phospholipase C-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-thromboxane A2-Ca2+ pathway. Thus, it is possible that gabapentin treatment, alone or in combination with other antiplatelet drugs, may induce or potentiate inhibition of platelet aggregation, which may affect haemostasis in-vivo.
Fructus Ligustrum lucidi inhibits inflammatory mediator release through inhibition of nuclear factor-κB in mouse peritoneal macrophages
Authors: An Hyo-Jin , Jeong Hyun-Ja , Um Jae-Young , Kim Hyung-Min , Park Yun-Jum , Park Rae-Kil , Kim Eun-Cheol , Na Ho-Jeong , Shin Tae-Yong , An Hyo-Jin , Hong Seung-Heon 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Fructus Ligustrum lucidi (FLL) is a widely used herbal medicine for the treatment of a variety of pathologies. We have investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanism of FLL in mouse peritoneal macrophages. FLL exerted an anti-inflammatory action through inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α production in mouse peritoneal macrophages. The maximal inhibition rate of TNF-α production by FLL (0.5 mg mL−1) was 60.88 + 0.30%. In the inflammatory process, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increased in peritoneal macrophages. FLL decreased the protein level of NO and PGE2 in LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. In addition, FLL inhibited nuclear factor-κB activation and IκB-α degradation by the decrease in IκB-α phosphorylation. Our study suggested that FLL reduced inflammation via an important molecular mechanism, which might explain its beneficial effect in the regulation of inflammatory reactions.
Pomegranate peel extract prevents liver fibrosis in biliary-obstructed rats
Authors: Toklu Hale Z , Sehirli Ozer , Sener Goksel , Dumlu Melek U , Ercan Feriha , Gedik Nursal , Gökmen Vural 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) is a widely used plant that has high nutritional value. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of chronic administration of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats. PPE (50 mg kg−1) or saline was administered orally for 28 days. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were determined to assess liver function and tissue damage. Proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 1 beta) in the serum and anti-oxidant capacity (AOC) were measured in plasma samples. Samples of liver tissue were taken for measurement of hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and collagen content. Production of reactive oxidants was monitored by chemilumi-nescence assay. Serum AST, ALT, LDH and cytokines were elevated in the BDL group compared with the control group; this increase was significantly decreased by PPE treatment. Plasma AOC and hepatic GSH levels were significantly depressed by BDL but were increased back to control levels in the PPE-treated BDL group. Increases in tissue MDA levels and MPO activity due to BDL were reduced back to control levels by PPE treatment. Similarly, increased hepatic collagen content in the BDL rats was reduced to the level of the control group with PPE treatment. Thus, chronic PPE administration alleviated the BDL-induced oxidative injury of the liver and improved the hepatic structure and function. It therefore seems likely that PPE, with its antioxidant and antifibrotic properties, may be of potential therapeutic value in protecting the liver from fibrosis and oxidative injury due to biliary obstruction.
Using Clinical Classification Trees to Identify Individuals at Risk of STDs During Pregnancy
Authors: Kershaw Trace S. , Lewis Jessica , Westdahl Claire , Wang Yun F. , Rising Sharon Schindler , Massey Zohar , Ickovics Jeannette 
Published: September 2007

CONTEXT:  Few studies have used classification tree analysis to produce empirically driven decision tools that identify subgroups of women at risk of STDs during pregnancy. Such tools can guide care, treatment and prevention efforts in clinical settings. METHODS:  A sample of 647 women aged 14–25 attending two urban obstetrics and gynecology clinics in 2001–2004 were surveyed in their second and third trimesters. Baseline predictors at the individual, dyad, and family and community levels were used to develop a classification tree that differentiated subgroups of women by STD incidence at 35 weeks’ gestation. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess whether the classification tree groups or commonly used risk factors better predicted STD incidence. RESULTS:  Nineteen percent of women had an incident STD during pregnancy. Classification tree analysis identified three subgroups with a high STD incidence (33–61%), one with a moderate incidence (16%) and three with a low incidence (6–11%). Women in subgroups with high STD incidence included those not living with the partner with whom they conceived and those who had a moderate or a high level of depression, a history of STDs and a low level of social support. A logistic regression model using groups defined by the classification tree analysis had better predictive ability than one using common demographic and sexual risk predictors. CONCLUSION:  This classification tree identified risk factors not captured by traditional risk screenings, and could be used to guide STD treatment, care and prevention within the prenatal care setting.
Characteristics Associated with Emergency Contraception Use by Family Planning Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Whittaker Paul G. , Berger Matthew , Armstrong Kay A. , Felice Toni L. , Adams Janet 
Published: September 2007

CONTEXT:  Little is known about how written family planning clinic policy regarding emergency contraception, as well as personal characteristics, behaviors and attitudes, may influence a woman to use emergency contraception. METHODS:  Between June 2001 and July 2002, women attending publicly funded family planning clinics in Pennsylvania were enrolled in an 18‐month longitudinal study. Half attended clinics with a policy of offering emergency contraception in advance; the remainder had only emergent access to the drug. After providing baseline data, women completed monthly automated phone surveys about recent sexual activity, contraceptive use and attitudes toward pregnancy. Characteristics associated with recent use of emergency contraception were examined using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS:  Responses to 3,700 phone surveys from 729 women showed that 25% of those who attended clinics offering advance access used emergency contraception at least once during the study, compared with 8% who attended emergent access clinics. Women attending advance access clinics had significantly elevated odds of having used emergency contraception in the past month (odds ratio, 2.6). Other characteristics positively associated with the likelihood of recent emergency contraception use were familiarity with the drug, having a new sex partner and having unprotected sex at least once (2.0 each); negative feelings toward pregnancy (1.4); and using condoms as one’s main contraceptive method (1.8). CONCLUSIONS:  In addition to discussing and offering advance emergency contraception, providers should further explore specific behaviors and attitudes associated with emergency contraception use.
Studies of Association of Variants Near the HHEX, CDKN2A/B, and IGF2BP2 Genes With Type 2 Diabetes and Impaired Insulin Release in 10,705 Danish Subjects
Authors: Grarup Niels , Rose Chrisian S. , Andersson Ehm A. , Andersen Gitte , Nielsen Arne L. , Albrechtsen Anders , Clausen Jesper O. , Rasmussen Signe S. , Jørgensen Torben , Sandbæk Annelli , Lauritzen Torsten , Schmitz Ole , Hansen Torben , Pedersen Oluf 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE— In the present study, we aimed to validate the type 2 diabetes susceptibility alleles identified in six recent genome-wide association studies in the HHEX/KIF11/IDE (rs1111875), CDKN2A/B (rs10811661), and IGF2BP2 (rs4402960) loci, as well as the intergenic rs9300039 variant. Furthermore, we aimed to characterize quantitative metabolic risk phenotypes of the four variants.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— The variants were genotyped in the population-based Inter99 cohort (n = 5,970), the ADDITION Study (n = 1,626), a population-based sample of young healthy subjects (n = 377), and in additional type 2 diabetic case (n = 2,111) and glucose-tolerant (n = 521) subjects. The case-control studies involved a total of 4,089 type 2 diabetic patients and 5,043 glucose-tolerant control subjects.
RESULTS— We validated association of variants near HHEX/KIF11/IDE, CDKN2A/B, and IGF2BP2 with type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, in middle-aged people, the rs1111875 C-allele of HHEX/KIF11/IDE strongly associated with lower acute insulin response during an oral glucose tolerance test (P = 6 × 10−7). In addition, decreased insulin release following intravenous tolbutamide injection was observed in young healthy subjects (P = 0.02). Also, a reduced insulin release was observed for the CDKN2A/B rs10811661 T-allele after both oral and intravenous glucose challenges (P = 0.001 and P = 0.009, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS— We validate that variants in the proximity of the HHEX/KIF11/IDE, CDKN2A/B, and IFG2BP2 loci associate with type 2 diabetes. Importantly, variations within the HHEX/KIF11/IDE and CDKN2A/B loci confer impaired glucose- and tolbutamide-induced insulin release in middle-aged and young healthy subjects, suggesting a role for these variants in the pathogenesis of pancreatic β-cell dysfunction.
Early Management of Gunshot Injuries to the Face in Civilian Practice
Authors: Glapa Miriam , Kourie Jeffrey F. , Doll Dietrich , Degiannis Elias 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackgroundGunshot injuries to the face in civilian practice are rarely reported. Potential complications in the Emergency Department can have catastrophic consequences, and inappropriate operative management of the facial soft and skeletal tissues are related to outcome.MethodsA structured diagnostic and management approach is used in our Trauma Unit to deal with gunshot wounds to the face. A retrospective study of 55 patients who sustained gunshot injury to the face was conducted over a 6½‐year period. Demographic details, mechanism of injury, and mode of presentation and management were recorded. Mortality and morbidity data were collated.ResultsThere were 51 male and 4 female patients. All injuries were caused by low‐velocity gunshots, except for one that was a shotgun injury. Overall, 28 of the 55 patients (50%) underwent orotracheal intubation on scene or in the resuscitation room, and 2 had cricothyroidotomy. In addition to the maxillofacial trauma, associated injuries were common. Forty patients underwent operation for maxillofacial trauma, 34 on the day of admission and the remaining 6 within 5 days of injury. Multiple operations over a 2‐week period were necessary for 18 of the 40 patients. Complications directly related to the gunshot injury to the face were very limited. Mortality was related to associated injuries.ConclusionsGunshot injury to the face in civilian violence is a “benign” condition as long as the Patient’s airway is kept patent and hemorrhage is controlled. Early operative intervention for repair of the soft and skeletal facial structures leads to satisfactory results. Mortality directly related to the facial trauma is uncommon.
Predictors of Cancer Worry in Unaffected Women from High Risk Breast Cancer Families: Risk Perception is not the Primary Issue
Authors: Price Melanie Anne , Butow Phyllis Noami , Lo Sing Kai , Wilson Judy ,   Kathleen Cuningham Consortium for Research into Familial Breast Cancer (kConFab) Psychosocial Group
Published: September 2007

AbstractSome women at increased familial risk of breast cancer experience elevated levels of cancer‐specific worry, which can possibly act as a barrier to screening, and may be a significant factor in decisions regarding risk‐reducing surgery. The aim of this study was to comprehensively examine predictors of cancer‐specific worry in high risk women and to test a model which proposes that perceived breast cancer risk mediates the impact of other factors on worry. 1,437 unaffected women from high risk breast cancer families completed questionnaires and interviews. Path analysis was used to test the model of potential predictors of cancer worry, including familial, personal and psychological variables, mediated via perceived cancer risk. Levels of cancer‐specific worry were generally low despite an average perceived risk of 50.3%. The goodness‐of‐fit of the proposed model was poor, explaining only 9% of the variance for perceived risk and 10% of the variance for cancer specific worry. An alternative model of a direct relationship between all of the predictor variables and cancer worry, explained 24% of the variation in cancer worry. General anxiety, perceived risk, the stressful impact of recent cancer related events, a relative risk greater than 10, being closer in age to the youngest breast cancer diagnosis in family, and knowledge of personal mutation status, all independently contributed to cancer worry. Addressing general affective responses, experiences of recent cancer related events, in addition to education about personal risk, should be considered in counselling women with elevated cancer worry. Risk perception appears to act independently of other factors in its formulation and impact on cancer worry. Further research on the way in which women come to perceive their risk is indicated.
The Use of Fast Methodologies (Kits) in Evaluating Deep‐Frying Oils
Authors: Osawa Cibele Cristina , Gonçalves Lireny Aparecida Guaraldo , Ragazzi Sidnei 
Published: September 2007

AbstractFried foods are frequently served by fast food establishments but the evaluation of the oil used is quite laborious, expensive, and requires a well‐structured laboratory with sophisticated equipment. Moreover, p‐anisidine, used as the reagent in the traditional test for monitoring the alkenal concentration of frying oils, is carcinogenic. The DiaMed F.A.T.S. kits for the determination of alkenal (AlkalSafe™ STD) and malonaldehyde (AldelSafe™ STD), equivalent to the p‐anisidine and TBA tests, respectively, are safe, fast and accurate, using compact equipment and generating fewer residues than the official methods. The results obtained using these kits were compared with those obtained using the official methods for determining alkenal (AOCS Cd 18b‐90) and malonaldehyde (AOCS Cd 19b‐90), in 20 samples collected from an institutional restaurant. Based on the least squares regression analysis, the AlkalSafe kit results were highly correlated with the p‐anisidine values (r = 0.74), but there was a lack of correlation between the results of the AldeSafe™ kit and the TBA test. Both kits were significantly more sensitive than the official methods, as revealed by the results of the Tukey test. Although the TBA values for the samples investigated were minimal, suggesting the inadequacy of the test for monitoring frying oils, the greater sensitivity of the kit makes it a relatively feasible option.
An improved protocol that induces human embryonic stem cells to differentiate into neural cells in vitro
Authors: Zhou Jun‐Mei , Chu Jian‐Xin , Chen Xue‐Jin 
Published: September 2007

AbstractHuman embryonic stem (ES) cells have the capacity for self‐renewal and are able to differentiate into any cell type. However, obtaining high‐efficient neural differentiation from human ES cells remains a challenge. This study describes an improved 4‐stage protocol to induce a human ES cell line derived from a Chinese population to differentiate into neural cells. At the first stage, embryonic bodies (EBs) were formed in a chemically‐defined neural inducing medium rather than in traditional serum or serum‐replacement medium. At the second stage, rosette‐like structures were formed. At the third stage, the rosette‐like structures were manually selected rather than enzymatically digested to form floating neurospheres. At the fourth stage, the neurospheres were further differentiated into neurons. The results show that, at the second stage, the rate of the formation of rosette‐like structures from EBs induced by noggin was 88 ± 6.32%, higher than that of retinoic acid 55 ± 5.27%. Immunocytochemistry staining was used to confirm the neural identity of the cells. These results show a major improvement in obtaining efficient neural differentiation of human ES cells.
Nitric oxide induced oxidative changes in erythrocyte membrane components
Authors: Brzeszczynska Joanna , Gwozdzinski Krzysztof 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe effects of NO in its environment may vary considerably depending on various factors. This study shows oxidative mechanism of cellular membrane alterations, which is not associated with triggering of ONOOH generation but is induced by pure NO. Our investigation examined the influence of low concentration of NO (0.1; 0.2 mmol/l) on the qualitative changes of structure and dynamics of erythrocyte membrane. NO causes a statistically significant increase in membrane fluidity on different depths of lipid bilayer that is correlated with increase of lipids peroxidation. Statistically significant changes in the conformational state of cytoskeleton proteins were also detected. NO can be considered as a molecule responsible for determining rheological properties of erythrocytes membrane. Therefore, we propose that NO acts as pro‐oxidant molecule at concentrations for which membrane appeared to be the first target before it entered the cytosol.
Translocation of annexin B1 in response to the stimulation of PMA and ionomycin in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Huang Jing‐Jing , Yan Hong‐Li , Gao Yuan‐jian , Sun Shu‐Han , He Yan , Ding Fei‐Xiang , Mei Qian , Xue Geng 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAnnexin B1 is a novel member of the annexin superfamily which was isolated from a Cysticercus cellulosae cDNA library. To investigate the physiological roles of annexin B1, we firstly performed immunohistochemical analysis on frozen Cysticercus cellulosae sections and found that annexin B1 was present not only in the tegument of the bladder wall, but also in the host‐derived inflammatory layer; In addition, ELISA analysis revealed that annexin B1 could be detected in the cystic fluid of Cysticercus cellulosae and the sera of pigs with cysticercosis. These findings indicated that annexin B1 might be a secretary protein. We further constructed a pEGFP—annexin B1 plasmid and transfected it into SiHa cells. We found that GFP—annexin B1 was stimulated to translocate to the plasma membrane by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA). By contrast, it was induced to distribute at the plasma and nuclear membranes by treatment with calcium ionophore ionomycin. PMA increased annexin B1 membrane binding, which might facilitate exocytosis. Moreover, translocation of the protein to the plasma and nuclear membranes after stimulated by ionomycin, was predicted to be related to an additional function.
Dihydrorhodamine 123 is superior to 2,7‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and dihydrorhodamine 6G in detecting intracellular hydrogen peroxide in tumor cells
Authors: Qin Yong , Lu Min , Gong Xingguo 
Published: September 2007

AbstractDihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123), 2,7‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH‐DA), and dihydrorhodamine 6G (DHR 6G) were evaluated as probes for detecting cellular hydrogen peroxide levels in SPC‐A‐1 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Imaging techniques and fluorescence‐activated cell scan were used in the study of the probe responses. Obvious green fluorescence was established after a 25‐min exposure. After staining with MitoTracker Orange CM‐H2TMRos (a probe for mitochondria) and the abovementioned probes simultaneously, only the DHR 123 and DHR 6G groups exhibited legible green fluorescence in the mitochondrial regions. Furthermore, the DHR 6G group exhibited weaker fluorescence intensity. When 100 μM H2O2 was added to SPC‐A‐1 cells loaded with these probes, the intracellular fluorescence increased rapidly and significantly. Our results suggest that DHR 123 is superior for the instantaneous detection of cellular hydrogen peroxide in SPC‐A‐1 cells.