bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social structure of the solitary slow loris Nycticebus coucang (Lorisidae)
Authors: Wiens Frank , Zitzmann Annette 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe social structure and social interactions of the nocturnal slow loris Nycticebus coucang are described from locational as well as observational data on wild animals. Data were collected during 600 h of nocturnal radio‐tracking and 400h spent radio‐locating sleeping slow lorises during the day. Data are also presented on morphometrics, injuries and ectoparasites, and dispersal. The slow loris is generally described as solitary, but although close‐range encounters were rare, animals were observed to form stable social units (‘spatial groups’) characterized by home‐range overlap and friendly interactions among members and non‐overlap between units. Four spatial groups were observed, each consisting of a single adult female, a single adult male and a varying number of younger individuals. Group composition, together with relatively small testis volume and natal dispersal occurring in both sexes, hints towards a monogamous mating system. One extended family group was formed by the delayed dispersal of a primary pair's offspring. We did not find another often quoted correlate of monogamy – a weak sexual size dimorphism. Friendly interactions among members of a spatial group included allogrooming, following, alternate click‐calls, and sleeping in contact. Yet, members did not engage in any co‐operative behaviour of the types usually thought to be responsible for group formation in gregarious mammals. One important factor contributing to the sharing of space between slow lorises is probably that chances of successful dispersal are low. However, subtle benefits arising from the presence of conspecifics (allogrooming, transfer of information on food resources) may also be crucial for the formation or maintenance of slow loris spatial groups.
Gill‐cleaning mechanisms of the burrowing thalassinidean shrimps Nihonotrypaea japonica and Upogebia major (Crustacea: Decapoda)
Authors: Batang Zenon B. , Suzuki Hiroshi 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe burrowing habits of thalassinidean shrimps presuppose their high susceptibility to the deleterious effects of gill fouling by particulate debris and epibionts. The structures and strategies used to prevent gill fouling were examined in Nihonotrypaea japonica and Upogebia major by morphological inference and aquarium observations. The gill complement of both species consists of 10 arthrobranchs, with flattened filaments of the phylloid trichobranch type. Nihonotrypaea japonica and U. major lack passive gill‐cleaning setal systems in the branchial chamber, but were found to actively groom gills by inserting and brushing the gill filaments with a pad of dense setae on the distal segments of their fifth pereiopods (P5 brush). Grooming setae of the P5 brush in N. japonica are of serrate and plumose types, whereas they are serrate and pappose in U. major. Serrate setae with distally curved spiniform denticules were morphologically similar in both species. Phylogenetic mapping of the gill‐cleaning mechanisms suggests that gill‐cleaning characters are homoplasic and systematically conservative among the families of the Thalassinidea.
Differential parasitaemia in the tawny owl (Strix aluco): effects of colour morph and habitat
Authors: Galeotti Paolo , Sacchi Roberto 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe relationships between haematozoan parasites, cell‐mediated immune response, territory features and colour morph were investigated in tawny owls Strix aluco, in the Park of Monza in Milan, northern Italy. Rufous and grey birds were found to differ significantly in their blood parasite loads, particularly during the breeding season, when rufous birds hosted more parasites than grey birds. The increase in parasitaemia of rufous owl was not, however, owing to the breeding status of sampled individuals. Although body condition was similar between the two colour morphs, immune response was higher in grey than in rufous owls for the same level of parasites. Moreover, parasites seemed to influence breeding of rufous birds negatively, because only individuals with no or few parasites reproduced. Both these results suggested a higher susceptibility to parasites of rufous owls. Nevertheless, a habitat effect existed because parasite loads increased significantly with woodland extent and tree‐density within owl territories, and rufous birds defended more wooded territories than grey ones. Thus, the differential parasitaemia between colour morphs in tawny owls may be the result of both a differential exposure to flying vectors depending on habitat selection and a differential colour‐based susceptibility of individuals.
An insect larva with a ‘pig‐snout’: structure and function of the nasale of Hyphydrus ovatus L. (1763) (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)
Authors: Friis Henning , Bauer Thomas , Betz Oliver 
Published: August 2003

Abstract Hyphydrus ovatus beetles inhabit lakes, ponds and slow running streams. In central Europe the larvae develop at water temperatures of >10°C from May to July. All three instars live on or close to plants. The first instar prefers the upper areas of plants. Its prey are insect larvae and small stages of planktonic crustaceans. The second instar chooses deeper areas and catches larger prey, whereas the third instar prefers the root zone and feeds mainly on tubificids and chironomids that are caught in the detritus of the bottom layer. The elongated nasale of Hyphydrus ovatus is equipped with different sensilla. Despite the rather different shape of their outer parts, their ultrastructure indicates that they all have a mechanoreceptive function. Chaetiform sensilla are especially numerous and are especially long near the tip. Plate‐like mechanosensilla are positioned in a half circle at the ventral edge of the rostral tip. The assumed function of these sensilla is the location of prey. As in other Hydroporinae, the axis connecting the dorsal and ventral points of articulation of the mandibles is sloped laterally. Thereby, the closing mandibles move upwards and press the prey against the underside of the nasale, which – like the upper jaw in vertebrates – serves as the counterpart of the mandibles. On its ventral side, the nasale is equipped with various cuticular teeth that serve to hold the prey when it is pressed against them by the mandibles.
Evolutionary correlations between escape behaviour and performance ability in eight species of snow skinks (Niveoscincus: Lygosominae) from Tasmania
Authors: Melville Jane , Swain Roy 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThree locomotor modes were examined (sprinting, jumping and climbing) in eight species of skinks: seven Niveoscincus spp. and Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii. These species formed four distinct ecological types: ground‐dwelling, arboreal, heath/rock dwelling, and saxicolous. Significant behavioural preferences for particular escape modes in the field were found, which reflected the performance capabilities at an animal in the laboratory. This study used both non‐phylogenetic and evolutionary based analyses to demonstrate that species occupying different microhabitats and using different escape tactics exhibit corresponding differences in performance abilities. Four Niveoscincus species are specialized in performance abilities and behavioural responses (N. greeni, N. ocellatus, N. pretiosus, N. orocryptus) by excelling in some performance abilities but having behavioural restrictions at attemping other locomotor modes. Only N. microlepidotus and N. orocryptus used escape tactics opportunistically; these species possess a suite of behavioural responses that may reflect the wide range of microhabitats they occupy. Ground‐dwelling species N. metallicus, N. coventryi and Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii performed poorly at all performance abilities and seemed to have biomechanical limitations, rather than behavioural restrictions, on locomotor mode. Thus, when making interspecific comparisons, the behaviour of an animal needs to be considered before appropriate performance measures are selected. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that escape tactics and performance abilities have co‐evolved in Niveoscincus, with an evolutionary trend towards behavioural and locomotor specialization.
Erectile tissue in an invertebrate animal: the Octopus copulatory organ
Authors: Thompson Joseph T. , Voight Janet R. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe most familiar examples of erectile tissue are the genitalia of mammals, notably the penis and clitoris. Among the soft‐bodied invertebrates, erectile tissue is virtually unknown, even in sex organs. Here we report that the ligula, the copulatory organ that is a modification of an arm tip of male octopuses, is erectile in Octopus bimaculoides. The normally minute ligula was observed during an unsuccessful mating attempt to be engorged. Histological sections of the ligula reveal striking structural convergences with mammalian erectile tissue: large, well‐vascularized internal cavities subdivided by networks of collagen fibres and enclosed by an array of collagen fibres. This internal structure differs markedly from the dense, three‐dimensional array of muscles and connective tissues seen in the other octopodid ligulae examined. Erectile tissue may represent an evolutionary compromise between opposing selective forces. Small ligulae may be advantageous because O. bimaculoides hunts in daylight and the white‐faced ligula may be conspicuous to predators. Large ligulae, however, may be advantageous if the intense sexual selection thought to occur among octopodids selects for large ligulae, which can transfer larger spermatophores that carry more sperm. An erectile ligula may minimize the impact of these opposing selective forces.
Analyzes of three common thrombophilic gene mutations in German women with recurrent abortions
Authors: Pauer Hans‐Ulrich , Voigt‐Tschirschwitz Thekla , Hinney Bernd , Burfeind Peter , Wolf Cornelia , Emons Günter , Neesen Jürgen 
Published: September 2003

Background.  Several etiological factors have been proposed as a cause for recurrent fetal abortions. Changes in blood coagulation during pregnancy may play an important role in the occurrence of recurrent abortions (RA).Methods.  The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of factor V Leiden, factor II prothrombin, and methylenetetrahydrofolatreductase (MTHFR) mutations in women with recurrent abortions (≥2 abortions) in the German population. The mean number of abortions was 3 (range 2–8).Results.  Frequencies of the factor V Leiden mutation and the prothrombin G20210A mutation were equally high in the patient group compared with our control group (for factor V Leiden: 11/101 vs. 9/122; p‐value: 0.348; for prothrombin G20210A: 2/101 vs. 3/122; p‐value: 0.81). Moreover, in both the patient and control groups, 15 of the women were homozygous for the MTHFR C677T allele (15/101 vs. 15/122; p‐value: 0.635). The occurrence of FV Leiden, FII and MTHFR mutations was not significantly increased in the patient group compared with our control group.Conclusion.  The results of the present study reveal no relationship between these common three thrombophilic mutations and recurrent abortions for the German population, and further studies are essentially recommended on whether a thrombophilia evaluation should be performed in patients with recurrent abortions.
Phenylglycine derivatives as antagonists of group III metabotropic glutamate receptors expressed on neonatal rat primary afferent terminals
Authors: Miller Jacqueline C , Howson Patrick A , Conway Stuart J , Williams Richard V , Clark Barry P , Jane David E 
Published: August 2003

Three novel phenylglycine analogues; (RS)‐α‐methyl‐3‐chloro‐4‐phosphonophenylglycine (UBP1110), (RS)‐α‐methyl‐3‐methoxy‐4‐phosphonophenylglycine (UBP1111) and (RS)‐α‐methyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐phosphonophenylglycine (UBP1112) antagonised the depression of the fast component of the dorsal root‐evoked ventral root potential induced by (S)‐AP4 with apparentKDvalues of: 7.4±2.3, 5.4±0.6 and 5.1±0.3μM(alln=3), respectively.A Schild analysis of the antagonism of (S)‐AP4 induced depression of synaptic transmission by UBP1112 revealed a pA2value of 5.3 and a slope of 0.81±0.26 (n=9).None of the phenylglycines tested were potent antagonists of responses mediated by group II mGlu receptors (apparentKDvalues >480μM). UBP1112 when tested at a concentration of 1 mMhad little or no activity on (S)‐3,5‐DHPG‐, NMDA‐, AMPA‐ or kainate‐induced responses on motoneurones.British Journal of Pharmacology(2003)139, 1523–1531. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705377
Effect of fentanyl on 5‐HT efflux involves both opioid and 5‐HT1Areceptors
Authors: Tao Rui , Karnik Meghana , Ma Zhiyuan , Auerbach Sidney B 
Published: August 2003

Fentanyl is aμ‐opioid analgesic that might disinhibit 5‐HT neurons and thus increase 5‐HT efflux. However, fentanyl also binds to 5‐HT1Areceptors, and if it activates 5‐HT1Asomatodendritic autoreceptors, the resultant inhibition might offset opioid‐mediated increases in 5‐HT efflux. To test this hypothesis, we used microdialysis to study effects of fentanyl on extracellular 5‐HT in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) of unanesthetized rats.Systemic administration of fentanyl (0.01–0.2 mg kg−1, s.c.) increased 5‐HT efflux in the DRN. An intermediate dose of fentanyl (0.05 mg kg−1) produced the maximum increase in 5‐HT to ∼180% of baseline levels in the DRN. Naltrexone (10 mg kg−1, s.c.) blocked the increase in response to systemic fentanyl (0.05 mg kg−1).In contrast, during infusion into the DRN, fentanyl (10–1000μM) induced a dose‐dependent decrease in 5‐HT. Naltrexone andnor‐binaltorphimine failed to block the decrease suggesting thatμ‐ andκ‐opioid receptors did not mediate this effect.Systemic (−)‐pindolol (8 mg kg−1, s.c.) or infusion of WAY‐100635 (100μM) into the DRN blocked the decrease, and instead 5‐HT increased in response to local infusion of fentanyl (100μM). WAY‐100635 (0.3 mg kg−1, s.c.) also potentiated the effect of systemic fentanyl (0.2 mg kg−1, s.c.). (−)‐Pindolol and WAY‐100635 block 5HT1Areceptors, indicating that inhibition of 5‐HT neuronal activity resulting from fentanyl binding to somatodendritic autoreceptors attenuated opioid‐mediated increases in 5‐HT efflux.These results provide novel evidence that besides stimulatingμ‐opioid receptors, fentanyl is a 5‐HT1Areceptor agonist. Possibly, this contributes to lethality of fentanyl overdose.British Journal of Pharmacology(2003)139, 1498–1504. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705378
Action potential changes associated with a slowed inactivation of cardiac voltage‐gated sodium channels by KB130015
Authors: Macianskiene R , Bito V , Raeymaekers L , Brandts B , Sipido K R , Mubagwa K 
Published: August 2003

We have studied the acute cardiac electrophysiological effects of KB130015 (KB), a drug structurally related to amiodarone. Membrane currents and action potentials were measured at room temperature or at 37°C during whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording in ventricular myocytes. Action potentials were also measured at 37°C in multicellular ventricular preparations.The effects of KB were compared with those of anemone toxin II (ATX‐II). Both KB and ATX‐II slowed the inactivation of the voltage‐gated Na+current (INa). While KB shifted the steady‐state voltage‐dependent inactivation to more negative potentials, ATX‐II shifted it to more positive potentials. In addition, while inactivation proceeded to completion with KB, a noninactivating current was induced by ATX‐II.KB had no effect onIK1but decreasedICa‐LThe drug also did not changeItoin mouse myocytes.The action potential duration (APD) in pig myocytes or multicellular preparations was not prolonged but often shortened by KB, while marked APD prolongation was obtained with ATX‐II. Short APDs in mouse were markedly prolonged by KB, which frequently induced early afterdepolarizations.A computer simulation confirmed that long action potentials with high plateau are relatively less sensitive to a mere slowing ofINainactivation, not associated with a persisting, noninactivating current. In contrast, simulated short action potentials with marked phase‐1 repolarization were markedly modified by slowingINainactivation.It is suggested that a prolongation of short action potentials by drugs or mutations that only slowINainactivation does not necessarily imply identical changes in other species or in different myocardial regions.British Journal of Pharmacology(2003)139, 1469–1479. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705379
Bradykinin B2 receptor antagonism: a new direction for acute stroke therapy?
Authors: Sobey Christopher G 
Published: August 2003

Stroke is responsible for 10% of all deaths worldwide, and there remains an urgent need for the development of clinically effective treatments for acute stroke. Stroke is now considered to be a disease characterized by an ongoing inflammatory process rather than simply acute neurodegeneration. Bradykinin has attracted recent interest as a potential mediator of brain injury following stroke, because it activates several mechanisms responsible for the early manifestations of inflammation, including arteriolar dilatation, increased vascular permeability and oedema formation. These actions of bradykinin occur via activation of B2 receptors. New evidence suggests that blocking bradykinin B2 receptors after experimental cerebral ischaemia reduces brain oedema, infarct volume and neuronal necrosis, and improves neurological outcome. Thus, B2 receptor antagonists may be a promising new class of compounds for clinical use after the onset of cerebral ischaemia.British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 1369–1371. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705415
The effect of rebamipide on the expression of proinflammatory mediators and apoptosis in human neutrophils by Helicobacter pylori water‐soluble surface proteins
Authors: Kim J. S. , Kim J. M. , Jung H. C. , Song I. S. 
Published: August 2003

SummaryBackground : Helicobacter pylori infection elicits persistent neutrophil infiltration in gastric mucosa. The expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 and inhibition of apoptosis in the neutrophils could contribute to the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection. Rebamipide, a mucosal protective and ulcer‐healing drug, has been known to inhibit neutrophil activation.Aim : To evaluate the effect of rebamipide on the neutrophils activated by H. pylori water‐soluble proteins.Methods : After neutrophils were stimulated with H. pylori water extract (HPWE) or pre‐treated with rebamipide, the expression of COX‐2 mRNA and protein was assessed by quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Prostaglandin (PG) E2 synthesis was determined by radioimmunoassay. Neutrophil apoptosis was evaluated by cytosolic oligonucleosome‐bound DNA ELISA and caspase‐3 activity was measured by the detection of p‐nitroanilide after cleavage from labelled substrate.Results : Stimulation with HPWE up‐regulated COX‐2 expression and PGE2 secretion, and inhibited neutrophil apoptosis. Rebamipide suppressed PGE2 secretion from neutrophils dose‐dependently. Rebamipide, however, did not affect neutrophil apoptosis and caspase‐3 activity.Conclusions : Rebamipide effectively suppressed PGE2 secretion from neutrophils activated by H. pylori water‐soluble proteins. This is another possible mechanism of gastric mucosal protection by rebamipide.
The specific expression of Hypoxia Inducible Factor‐1α in human gastric mucosa induced by nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs
Authors: Ito M. , Tanaka S. , Kim S. , Kuwai T. , Matsutani N. , Kamada T. , Kitadai Y. , Sumii M. , Yoshihara M. , Haruma K. , Chayama K. 
Published: August 2003

SummaryBackground : Hypoxia is a cause of gastric mucosal damage induced by nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The expression of hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) reflects the status of tissue ischaemia.Aim : To investigate the effect of NSAID administration on the expression of HIF‐1α in human gastric mucosa.Methods : We employed 71 patients including 14 with NSAID administration. The HIF‐1α expression was estimated by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibody (H1α67) and raised antiserum (HI‐3). Vascular endothelial growth factor expression was also examined by immunohistochemistry. HI‐3 recognized hypoxia‐induced protein in HeLa cells.Results : In human gastric mucosa, HIF‐1α was mainly expressed in the nuclei of the surface epithelial cells and in the neck zone both by use of HI‐3 and of H1α67. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor correlated well with that of HIF‐1α. The level of HIF‐1α in the surface epithelium was significantly higher in patients with administration of NSAIDs than those without NSAID use (P < 0.001) both in the gastric corpus and antrum. Helicobacter pylori infection did not affected the levels of HIF‐1α. Long‐term administration of rebamipide reduced the level of HIF‐1α.Conclusion : HIF‐1α expression is a new biological marker of ischaemia especially in NSAID‐related gastric lesions.
Interaction of leptin with gastric myofibroblast transdifferentiation in Helicobacter pylori‐infected Mongolian gerbils: the effect of rebamipide
Authors: Nakamura M. , Akiba Y. , Matsui H. , Tsuchimoto K. , Ishii H. 
Published: August 2003

SummaryBackground : Our recent histochemical studies have revealed the marked increase of myofibroblasts in the Helicobacter pylori‐infected Mongolian gerbil fundic mucosa, while the mediators, which facilitate the conversion of fibroblasts to the myofibroblasts have remained unknown.Aim : The present study was undertaken to clarify the alteration of leptin in the control and H. pylori‐infected Mongolian gerbil stomach. The effector sites of rebamipide were also investigated in relation to leptin.Methods : The localization of leptin was investigated by the indirect immunofluorescence. Plasma leptin levels were determined by ELISA method. The localization of 3H‐rebamipide binding sites was investigated by autoradiography.Results : Serum leptin content in H. pylori‐infected Mongolian gerbils was significantly increased. The presence of leptin immunoreactivity was recognized in the endothelial cells of the microcirculatory network and very weakly in the glandular cells in the control group, while in the H. pylori‐infected group leptin was markedly recognized in the mesenchymal cells. Rebamipide bound to the fibroblasts and surface mucous cells and decreased the leptin immunoreactivity in the gastric mucosa.Conclusions : Leptin was mostly found in the mesenchymal cells. Rebamipide administration brought about the decrease of leptin in the gastric mucosaof the H. pylori‐infected gerbils.
Expression of midkine and receptor‐like protein tyrosine phosphatase (RPTP)‐β genes in the rat stomach and the influence of rebamipide
Authors: Yuki T. , Ishihara S. , Rumi M. , Ortega‐Cava Cesar F. , Kadowaki Y. , Kazumori H. , Yuki M. , Wada T. , Miyaoka Y. , Yoshino N. , Kinoshita Y. 
Published: August 2003

SummaryBackground : Midkine has been reported to bind to receptor‐like protein tyrosine phosphatase (RPTP)‐β and to play important roles in growth and differentiation of various cells. Midkine is expressed in rat stomach during experimental ulcer healing, suggesting that the midkine‐RPTP‐β system has some physiological functions in the stomach. Rebamipide is a mucoprotective drug used for the treatment of gastric ulcers. We have tested the hypothesis that the ulcer healing mechanism stimulated by rebamipide is linked physiologically to the gastric midkine‐RPTP‐β system.Materials and methods : Seven‐week‐old‐male Wistar rats were used. Midkine and RPTP‐β gene expression in rat stomach was investigated by laser capture microdissection coupled with the reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The effects of rebamipide on midkine and RPTP‐β expression in rat stomach and the gastric epithelial cell line RGM1 were evaluated by RT‐PCR and Northern blot analyses.Results : Midkine and RPTP‐β expression was detected in the gastric mucosal, submucosal and muscle layers. Rebamipide stimulated both midkine and RPTP‐β expression in rat stomach and RGM1 cells.Conclusion : Rebamipide may protect the gastric mucosa by regulating midkine and RPTP‐β expression.