bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short‐term control of capsaicin on blood and oxidative stress of rats in vivo
Authors: Lee Chung‐Yung Jetty , Kim Minsun , Yoon Sung‐Won , Lee Cherl‐Ho 
Published: May 2003

AbstractCapsaicin (8‐methyl‐n‐vanillyl‐6‐nonenamide), a pungent component found in red pepper can induce body heat and possibly enhance blood ﬂow as well as increase energy expenditure, and prevent oxidative stress. Male Wistar rats were divided into vehicle, 1 mg/kg body weight capsaicin and 3 mg/kg body weight capsaicin groups. Samples were taken from the animals on day 1 of i.p. treatment with capsaicin and on 3 consecutive days of i.p. treatment with capsaicin. Our investigation demonstrated that blood ﬂow measurements in rats was negatively correlated with LDL after treatment with capsaicin. Although capsaicin did not show a noticeable effect on the serum total cholesterol level, LDL decreased while HDL and triglyceride increased in rats treated with 3 mg/kg capsaicin for 3 days. The antioxidant effect of capsaicin was not shown when the rats were treated with 1 mg/kg body weight capsaicin. However, rats treated with 3 mg/kg body weight capsaicin for 3 days showed a reduction of oxidative stress measured as malondialdehyde in the liver, lung, kidney and muscle. Liver glycogen was found to decrease after 3 days treatment with 3 mg/kg body weight capsaicin. From this study, it is hypothesized that capsaicin can be a potent antioxidant and aid in lowering LDL even when consumed for a short period. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytotoxic activities of some Greek Labiatae herbs
Authors: Badisa R. B. , Tzakou O. , Couladis M. , Pilarinou E. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractNineteen methanolic crude plant extracts of Labiatae family, collected in Greece from different locations, were evaluated for cytotoxic activity against brine shrimps and three human cancer cell lines along with a normal mouse cells as a control cell line. In the brine shrimp lethality test, Mentha pulegium was the only sample found to be active with an LC50 value 347.3 µg/ml, while all remaining samples had LC50 values greater than 1000 µg/ml. In case of Caco‐2 and HepG2 cell lines, only one sample, namely Thymus parnassicus Halacsy, was active with LC50 values 44.6 and 50.3 µg/ml respectively, while against MCF‐7 cell line, two samples, namely, Clinopodium vulgare L. (LC50: 60.4 µg/ml), and Thymus parnassicus Halacsy (LC50: 54.7 µg/ml), were found active. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Superoxide dismutase activity enhanced by green tea inhibits lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 cells
Authors: Mori Midori , Hasegawa Noboru 
Published: May 2003

AbstractWe studied the effect of powdered green tea on intracellular superoxide dismutase activity in the adipose conversion of 3T3‐L1 cells. By the 14 days of culture with insulin, the triglyceride concentration was increased. When powdered green tea and insulin were added simultaneously, the increased triglyceride content was decreased (p < 0.05), and the superoxide dismutase activities were signiﬁcantly enhanced (p < 0.05). These data suggest that green tea may have an antilipogenic activity due to its radical scavenging activity mechanism. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza extracts on alcohol intake: inﬂuence of vehicle
Authors: Vacca Giovanni , Colombo Giancarlo , Brunetti Giuliana , Melis Samuele , Molinari Daniela , Serra Salvatore , Seghizzi Roberto , Morazzoni Paolo , Bombardelli Ezio , Gessa Gian Luigi , Carai Mauro A. M. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractA previous study demonstrated that an extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza, a medicinal herb highly valued in Chinese folk medicine for the treatment of different pathologies, including insomnia, was capable of reducing voluntary alcohol intake in selectively bred Sardinian alcohol‐preferring (sP) rats. The present study was designed to evaluate the suitability of different emulsifying, suspending agents and solvents as vehicles through which Salvia miltiorrhiza extracts can exert their reducing effect on alcohol intake. A single dose (100 mg/kg) of a standardised extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza was dissolved in either pure Polysorbate 80, arachis oil, PEG 400, or Polyoxyl 35 castor oil, or suspended in 0.5% CMC in water, and administered acutely by gavage to sP rats. A signiﬁcant and speciﬁc reduction in alcohol intake was recorded only in rats treated with the combination of Polysorbate 80 plus the Salvia miltiorrhiza extract. A further experiment demonstrated that the ability of the combination of Polysorbate 80 in water plus the Salvia miltiorrhiza extract to decrease alcohol intake was dependent upon the concentration of Polysorbate 80. The results of the present study demonstrate that Polysorbate 80 is a proper vehicle for unravelling the reducing effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza extracts on alcohol intake. The ability of Polysorbate 80 to form micelles with the active ingredient(s) of the Salvia miltiorrhiza may explain these results. They may also offer relevant information for pharmaceutical preparation of Salvia miltiorrhiza extract to be used in future clinical trials. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory effects of aromatic herbs on lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative modiﬁcation by copper
Authors: Toda Shizuo 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAromatic herbs have been used as carminatives. Oxygen free radicals are generated in ischaemia/reperfusion injury in the stomach, and induce lipid peroxidation or protein oxidative modiﬁcation. Several aromatic herbs were shown to have inhibitory effects on the generation of oxygen free radicals. It was shown that several aromatic herbs, Caryophylli Flos, Cinnamomi Cortex, Foeniculi Fructus and Zedoariae Rhizoma, have inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation or protein oxidative modiﬁcation by copper. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of simultaneous versus staggered dosing on pharmacokinetic interactions of protease inhibitors
Authors: Washington Carla B. , Flexner Charles , Sheiner Lewis B. , Rosenkranz Susan L. , Segal Yoninah , Aberg Judith A. , Blaschke Terrence F. 
Published: May 2003

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether pharmacokinetic interactions between the protease inhibitors saquinavir soft gel, nelfinavir, and ritonavir are affected by the timing of administration.Study designWe used an open‐label, 6‐period, incomplete Latin square crossover study in 18 human immunodeficiency virus–negative subjects. Each received single oral doses of 2 of the 3 protease inhibitors during each of 6 periods. Single doses were given either simultaneously or separated by 4 hours. The order of the periods was balanced, and periods were separated by 2 days. We measured protease inhibitor concentrations over a 24‐hour period by HPLC and estimated pharmacokinetic parameters by noncompartmental methods.ResultsMedian saquinavir area under the curve (AUC) increased by 62‐fold when ritonavir was coadministered, by 50‐fold when ritonavir was given 4 hours earlier, and by 16‐fold when saquinavir preceded ritonavir by 4 hours. Saquinavir AUC increased by 7‐fold when nelfinavir was coadministered. Nelfinavir AUC increased by 2.5‐fold with coadministration of ritonavir and by 1.8‐ and 2.1‐fold when ritonavir was administered before nelfinavir and after nelfinavir, respectively. Ritonavir AUCs were unaffected by coadministration of the other drugs. The effect of ritonavir on the kinetics of saquinavir persisted for at least 48 hours after a single dose of ritonavir, suggesting the possibility of metabolic intermediates that form inhibitory complexes.ConclusionExcept for saquinavir followed by ritonavir, there is little difference in protease inhibitor exposure for simultaneous or staggered doses. The persistent effect of ritonavir suggests the possibility that lower doses and longer dosing intervals might be effective when ritonavir is used to boost concentrations of other protease inhibitors.Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2003) 73, 406–416; doi: 10.1016/S0009‐9236(03)00006‐7
Termination of early pregnancy in the scarred uterus with mifepristone and misoprostol
Authors: Xu J. , Chen H. , Ma T. , Wu X. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjective: To analyze the safety and possibility of terminating early pregnancy up to 49 days gestation after cesarean section with mifepristone and misoprostol. Methods: One‐hundred and ninety‐two early pregnant women were recruited, of which, 35 cases with uterine cicatrix and 157 cases were no‐uterine cicatrix as control group. All of them took 25 mg of mifepristone, b.i.d. for 3 days and 600 μg of misoprostol on the 4th day. Results: Of the 35 cases with uterine cicatrix, 33 achieved complete abortion after medical abortion. The complete abortion rate was 94.29% (95% CI 81–99%) in the cicatrix group and 89.81% (95% CI 75–91%) in the control group. There were no obvious complications detected in the cicatrix group. Conclusion: For the termination of early pregnancy in scarred uterus, administration of mifepristone and misoprostol is safe and effective, and a further large series study needs be done to confirm its acceptability as a routine medication in such situations.
Constant estrogen, intermittent progestogen vs. continuous combined hormone replacement therapy: tolerability and effect on vasomotor symptoms
Authors: Rozenberg S , Caubel P , Lim P.C 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjective: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of a novel oral constant estrogen plus intermittent progestogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regimen to a continuous combined HRT regimen in postmenopausal women. Methods: Subjects were randomly assigned to receive treatment with either constant 17β‐estradiol (E2), 1 mg, plus intermittent norgestimate (NGM) 90 μg (3 days off, 3 days on) (n=221) or E2 2 mg/norethisterone acetate (NETA) 1 mg (n=217) for 1 year. Treatments were evaluated based on the incidence of hot flushes and uterine bleeding. Results: Both regimens had similar bleeding profiles and provided comparable vasomotor symptom relief. However, breast discomfort and edema were experienced by twice as many subjects who received E2/NETA. Conclusions: The constant E2/intermittent NGM regimen was well tolerated and possesses similar efficacy compared with a continuous combined E2/NETA regimen and may be considered whenever HRT without withdrawal bleeding is deemed appropriate.
Urgent adolescent psychiatric consultation: from the accident and emergency department to inpatient adolescent psychiatry
Authors: Parker Kevin C.H. , Roberts Nasreen , Williams Cheryl , Benjamin Marcia , Cripps Linda , Woogh Carolyn 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACTThe Rapid Response Model (RRM) provides psychiatric services to children and adolescents seen at the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department or at the Urgent Consultation Clinic of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division the next day. In a naturally occurring experiment, the RRM was introduced, withdrawn and restarted. When RRM was withdrawn at one site, it was implemented at another. The RRM reduced nighttime Emergency Consultations and inpatient admissions from A&E, while it increased daytime consultations and daytime admissions. The RRM provided timely, organized emergency psychiatric services. A&E staff expressed satisfaction with the service.
Serum to urinary sodium concentration ratio is an estimate of plasma renin activity in congestive heart failure
Authors: Marenzi GianCarlo , Lauri Gianfranco , Assanelli Emilio , Grazi Marco , Campodonico Jeness , Famoso Gabriella , Agostoni Piergiuseppe 
Published: May 2003

AbstractWe investigated the relationship between plasma renin activity (PRA) and serum ([sNa+]) and urinary ([uNa+]) sodium concentrations in 124 congestive heart failure (CHF) patients (II–IV NYHA class) and 20 healthy subjects. According to PRA (> or <3 ng ml−1 h−1) and [sNa+] (> or <135 mEq l−1), patients were classified as Group A (normal PRA and normal [sNa+], n=39), Group B (increased PRA and normal [sNa+], n=62) and Group C (low [sNa+], n=23). Measurements were performed at rest and, in 26 cases, after extracorporeal ultrafiltration (UF). At rest, [sNa+] and [uNa+], and their difference ([sNa+]−[uNa+]), were linearly correlated with PRA, but the values did not allow differentiation of control subjects from patients or differentiation of patients with from those without renin–angiotensin system (RAS) activation. Conversely, the [sNa+]/[uNa+] ratio showed the best correlation with PRA (r=0.79, P<0.0001). UF‐induced PRA changes were linearly correlated with [sNa+]/[uNa+] ratio changes (r=0.67, P=0.002), but not with those of [sNa+], [uNa+] and [sNa+]−[uNa+]. In CHF, the [sNa+]/[uNa+] ratio best correlates with PRA and reflects the basal activity as well as the rapid changes (as those induced by UF) of the RAS. Therefore, it can be considered a strong and easily available marker of PRA.
Negative social bias against children with strabismus
Authors: Uretmen Onder , Egrilmez Sait , Kose Süheyla , Pamukçu Kemal , Akkin Cezmi , Palamar Melis 
Published: May 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  To determine whether the presence of noticeable strabismus creates a negative social bias against children.Methods:  Photographs of two boys and two girls were digitally altered to create photographs of the same child in orthotropic, esotropic and exotropic states. Elementary school teachers rated their perceptions of the children's personal characteristics (using a 10‐item list of personal characteristics) based on their responses to these whole‐face photographs. The participants were also asked to answer five questions related to the first impressions created by the photographs.Results:  Children with esotropia and exotropia were rated more negatively than orthotropic children on all 10 characteristics. Children with esotropia were rated more negatively than those with exotropia on most of these characteristics.Conclusions:  Children with noticeable strabismus are viewed negatively. Hence, correction of strabismus may provide psychosocial benefits even when there is no hope of improving visual function.
Growth of cultured porcine retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Wiencke Anne Katrine , Kiilgaard Jens Folke , Nicolini Jair , Bundgaard Magnus , Röpke Carsten , La Cour Morten 
Published: May 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  To establish and characterize cultures of porcine retinal pigment epithelial (pRPE) cells in order to produce confluent monolayers of cells for transplantation.Methods:  Primary pRPE cell cultures were established. Cell morphology was assessed by phase contrast and electron microscopy. Growth was determined by the crystal violet dye uptake assay. DNA synthesis and content were measured by incorporation of 3H‐thymidine and flow cytometry.Results:  This primary culture resulted in cells with well‐preserved morphology that could be propagated in up to six passages. The deterioration observed over time in cultures was not due to a constant high rate of cell turnover as postconfluency cell proliferation was limited. However, a large fraction of the cells had a high DNA content despite a lack of active DNA synthesis.Conclusions:  The present method yields pRPE cells of high purity and proliferative capacity with preserved epithelial phenotype. However, aberrant DNA profiles and the deterioration of cell morphology observed over time in this graft material represent serious problems in RPE transplantation.
Maximum acceptable dose of ultraviolet radiation: a safety limit for cataract
Authors: Söderberg Per G. , Michael Ralph , Merriam John C. 
Published: May 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  To develop a method for experimental estimation of toxicity for continuous dose–response relationships. To apply this method to cataract induced by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in young rats.Methods:  After establishing experimentally the frequency distribution of light scattering of normal physiologically clear lenses, the lower limit of pathological light scattering is defined such that a certain fraction, for example 97.5%, of normal lenses scatter less light.Results:  The dose–response function for UVR and cataract is determined experimentally. With this function, the dose corresponding to the lower limit of pathological light scattering may be determined as the maximum acceptable dose (MAD). The MAD0.975 for UVR 300 nm was determined to be 2.2 kJ/m2.Conclusions:  The method can serve as a basis for establishing safety standards for UVR‐induced cataract and probably other continuous dose–response functions.
Effects of topical vitamin E on corneal superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities and polymorphonuclear leucocyte infiltration after photorefractive keratectomy
Authors: Bilgihan Ayse , Bilgihan Kamil , Yis Özgür , Sezer Cem , Akyol Gülen , Hasanreisoglu Berati 
Published: May 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) induces free radical formation and polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell infiltration in the cornea. Vitamin E is a free radical scavenger and protects the cells from reactive oxygen species. We investigated the effects of topical vitamin E on corneal PMN cell infiltration and corneal antioxidant enzyme activities after PRK.Methods:  We studied four groups, each consisting of seven eyes. Group 1 were control eyes. In group 2 the corneal epithelium was removed by a blunt spatula (epithelial scrape). In group 3, corneal photoablation (59 µm, 5 dioptres) was performed after epithelial removal (traditional PRK). In group 4 we tested the effects of topical Vitamin E after traditional PRK. Corneal tissues were removed and studied with enzymatic analysis (measurement of corneal superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities) and histologically.Results:  Stromal PMN leucocyte counts were significantly higher after mechanical epithelial removal and traditional PRK (p < 0.05). Corneal superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities decreased significantly after mechanical epithelial removal and traditional PRK (p < 0.05). In group 4, treated with vitamin E, corneal superoxide dismutase activity did not differ significantly from that in the medically non‐treated groups, nor did corneal PMN cell infiltration after traditional PRK. The reduction of corneal glutathione peroxidase activity after PRK was reduced significantly after topical vitamin E treatment.Conclusions:  Topical vitamin E treatment may be useful for reducing the harmful effects of reactive oxygen radical after epithelial scraping and PRK in that it increases corneal glutathione peroxidase activity.
The effects of latanoprost and brimonidine on blood flow velocity of the retrobulbar vessels: a 3‐month clinical trial
Authors: Inan Ümit Übeyt , Ermis Sitki Samet , Yücel Aylin , Öztürk Faruk 
Published: May 2003

Abstract.Objective:  To investigate the effects of topical latanoprost 0.005% and topical brimonidine tartrate 0.2% on retrobulbar blood flow in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT).Methods:  Forty‐one consecutive patients with POAG and OHT were enrolled in this prospective, open‐label, randomized, parallel study. Patients received either latanoprost 0.005% or brimonidine 0.2% for 3 months. Baseline retrobulbar blood flow measurements of the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery and temporal short posterior ciliary artery were taken using colour Doppler imaging ultrasound, concurrently with systemic blood pressure, heart rate, ocular perfusion pressure and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements. These measurements were repeated after 3 months.Results:  Both latanoprost and brimonidine significantly reduced IOP (p < 0.05). While there was a statistically significant increase in peak systolic velocity of the ophthalmic artery, no significant change was observed in the other vessels with latanoprost treatment (p < 0.05). Topical brimonidine did not significantly alter flow velocities or resistive indices in the retrobulbar vessels after 3 months.Conclusion:  Topical latanoprost and brimonidine significantly reduced IOP in patients with POAG and OHT without causing significant haemodynamic alterations in the retrobulbar vessels.
Prenatal exposure to influenza as a risk factor for adult schizophrenia
Authors: Limosin F. , Rouillon F. , Payan C. , Cohen J‐M. , Strub N. 
Published: May 2003

Objective:  Several, but not all epidemiological studies, have demonstrated a positive correlation between exposure to the virus during the second trimester of pregnancy and an increased risk to the infants for subsequently developing schizophrenia. The present study is the first be designed in France to examine the risk of gestational exposure to the influenza virus and subsequent development of schizophrenia.Method:  A total of 974 adults with schizophrenia born between 1949 and 1981 were compared for risk of exposure to influenza with their non‐schizophrenic siblings and with matched control patients.Results:  Significantly more schizophrenic subjects than controls (both groups) had been exposed to the influenza virus during the fifth month of pregnancy (OR=2.24, CI: 1.49–3.35, and OR=1.61, CI: 1.04–2.49).Conclusion:  These results suggest that influenza infection during pregnancy is a neurodevelopmental risk factor for schizophrenia in adult life.
Olanzapine in the treatment‐resistant, combat‐related PTSD – a series of case reports
Authors: Jakovljević M. , Šagud M. , Mihaljević‐Peleš A. 
Published: May 2003

Objective:  Nightmares and insomnia in combat‐related post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might be resistant to treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines.Method:  We describe five case reports of patients suffering from long‐lasting and intractable nightmares and insomnia. They were given different psychotropic agents in past few years, with no improvement in their sleep disturbance. Olanzapine was added to the current treatment regimen.Results:  Both nightmares and insomnia improved rapidly after olanzapine institution in all of five patients. No adverse events of olanzapine were reported.Conclusion:  Olanzapine augmentation might be useful in alleviating treatment‐resistant nightmares and insomnia in patients with combat‐related PTSD.
A longitudinal analysis of the impact of social and clinical characteristics on the costs of schizophrenia treatment
Authors: Kilian R. , Matschinger H. , Becker T. , Angermeyer M. C. 
Published: May 2003

Objective:  The aim of the study was the longitudinal analysis of the influence of social and clinical factors on the mid‐term costs of schizophrenia treatment.Method:  Treatment costs as well as clinical and social characteristics of 307 patients with the ICD‐10 diagnosis of schizophrenia were assessed at five follow‐ups over 2.5 years. Between and within effects of clinical and social characteristics on treatment costs were estimated by error component regression models.Results:  Effects caused by differences between individuals were found for age, partnership, in‐patient history, objective and subjective role functioning, life‐events and psychotic relapse. Effects of idiosyncratic transitory changes of social and clinical characteristics were found for symptoms, psychotic relapse, and for social role‐functioning.Conclusion:  Treatment costs can be reduced to a limited extent not only by the prevention of psychotic symptoms and relapse but also by the improvement of role‐functioning capacities.