bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CENTRAL EFFECT OF HISTAMINE AND PERIPHERAL EFFECT OF HISTIDINE ON THE FORMALIN‐INDUCED PAIN RESPONSE IN MICE
Authors: Tamaddonfard Esmaeal , Rahimi Saead 
Published: August 2004

SUMMARY1. The present study was designed to investigate the role of brain histamine in modulating pain transmission in mice.2. In conscious mice implanted with an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) cannula, the effects of i.v.c. injections of normal saline (control) and low and high doses histamine (2 and 40 µg/mouse, respectively) were investigated on the duration of paw licking and biting induced by subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of formalin (20 µL; 5%) into the plantar surface of the left hindpaw.3. To clarify the involvement of histidine in the pain response, the effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of low and high doses of histidine (50 and 1000 mg/kg, respectively) alone or before i.c.v. injection of histamine were also examined.4. Intraplantar injection of formalin induced a biphasic pain response (first phase: 0–5 min after injection; second phase: 20–40 min after injection).5. Histamine (2 µg/mouse, i.c.v.) had no effect on the first phase of the pain response, but suppressed the second phase. The higher dose of histamine (40 µg/mouse, i.c.v.) suppressed both phases of the pain response.6. Histidine, at 50 mg/kg, i.p., had no effect on the pain response, but the higher dose (1000 mg/kg, i.p.) suppressed the both phases of the pain response.7. Pretreatment with the low dose of histidine (50 mg/kg, i.p.) prior to administration of 2 µg/mouse, i.c.v., histamine did not change the antinociception induced by low‐dose histamine. However, pretreatment with the high dose of histidine (1000 mg/kg, i.p.) prior to 2 µg/mouse, i.c.v., histamine produced antinociception that resembled that seen following administration of the high dose of either histidine or histamine. Pretreatment with the low dose of histidine (50 mg/kg, i.p.) prior to administration of 40 µg/mouse, i.c.v., histamine has no effect on the pain response following high‐dose histamine. Pretreatment with 1000 mg/kg, i.p., histidine prior to administration of 40 µg/mouse, i.c.v., histamine strongly suppressed both phases of the formalin‐induced pain response, particularly the second phase.8. The results of the present study indicate that: (i) activation of brain histamine produces antinociception in the mouse formalin test; (ii) peripheral loading with a high dose of histidine (1000 mg/kg, i.p.) alone exerts the same effect as that seen following 40 µg/mouse, i.c.v., histamine; and (iii) pretreatment with a high dose of histidine potentiates central histamine‐induced antinociception.
C677T mutation in the MTHFR gene was not found in patients with frontoethmoidal encephalocele in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Sadewa Ahmad Hamim , Sutomo Retno , Istiadjid Mohamad , Nishiyama Kaoru , Shirakawa Taku , Masafumi Matsuo  , Nishio Hisahide 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
: Frontoethmoidal encephalocele (FEE) is a neural tube defect (NTD) characterized by a congenital bone defect in the anterior cranium and herniation of the intracranial mass through the defect. The C677T mutation in the 5,10‐methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) has been reported as a genetic risk factor for spina bifida. However, the role of the MTHFR in the pathogenesis of FEE remains to be clarified.
Methods
: A hospital‐based survey of FEE patients who were referred to the Department of Neurosurgery and Plastic Surgery, Malang General Hospital, East Java, Indonesia was conducted. Genetic screening of MTHFR substitutions in 13 patients and eight mothers from 11 affected families were performed using a combination of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC), and direct sequencing.
Results
: In total, 130 patients with FEE among 138 NTD patients (94.2%) were identified. The ratios of cranial encephalomeningocele to spinal meningocele (32 : 1) and of FEE to occipital encephalomeningocele (32 : 1) were higher than those in other populations. Five substitutions were detected in the MTHFR: C121T, C677T, C1060T, A1298C, and G1793A. No significant differences were found in the frequency of each nucleotide substitution between patients or mothers and controls. In addition, none of the subjects in this study were homozygous for T at nucleotide position 677.
Conclusion
: FEE is the most common form of NTD in East Java, Indonesia. Genetic analysis of 11 affected families suggests that the MTHFR gene is not associated with the development of FEE, although the number of FEE families analyzed in this study was very limited.
Seed mass and seedling establishment after fire in Ku‐ring‐gai Chase National Park, Sydney, Australia
Authors: MOLES ANGELA T. , WESTOBY MARK 
Published: August 2004

Abstract  Relationships between seed mass and several aspects of plant regeneration ecology were investigated in a post‐fire environment in Ku‐ring‐gai Chase National Park near Sydney, Australia. We found a significant positive relationship between seed mass and time to seedling emergence (P < 0.001) and a strong negative relationship between seed mass and time between emergence and production of the first true leaf (P < 0.001). Surprisingly, we found no relationship between seed mass and seedling establishment (P = 0.21). It seems most likely that this lack of relationship is a result of the many stochastic factors affecting seedling establishment during any given recruitment episode at any given site. A cause of mortality was assigned to 56% of the 781 seedlings that died during the present study. There was no relationship between cause of death and seed mass (P = 0.28). Of the seedlings for which the cause of death was known, 57% were killed by herbivory and 21% were killed by drought. Seedling–seedling competition affected only one species.
Seasonal variation in larval host plants and consequences for Heliconius erato (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) adult body size
Authors: RODRIGUES DANIELA , MOREIRA GILSON R. P. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract  Adult body size, a key life history component, varies strongly within and between Heliconius erato phyllis (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) populations. In the present study, we determined whether seasonal variation in adult body size is temperature related and/or determined by seasonal changes of host plants (Passifloraceae) used by the larval stage. A population of H. erato phyllis located in a Eucalyptus plantation (Barba Negra Forest, Barra do Ribeiro County, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil) was sampled every 45 days from March 1997 to October 1998 to quantify seasonal variation in adult body size and use of larval host plants. In the laboratory, the effects of the following factors on adult body size were quantified: (i) host plant species (Passiflora misera or Passiflora suberosa); (ii) food quantity consumed by larvae (experimentally manipulated for each passion vine species); (iii) winter and summer temperatures (15 and 25°C, respectively); and (iv) the interaction between host plant species and temperature. Adults emerging during summer were larger than those emerging in other seasons. Female butterflies oviposited selectively on P. misera even when the dominant passion vine was P. suberosa. They only switched from using P. misera to P. suberosa during later autumn and winter, when P. misera vines were completely defoliated. The laboratory feeding trials with both passion vines showed a strong positive association between food quantity consumed by larvae and adult size. They also confirmed that adults are larger when their larvae are reared on P. misera than on P. suberosa. Temperature during larval development had no effect on H. erato phyllis adult size. Thus, seasonal variation of H. erato phyllis adult size in a given place is primarily determined by the availability and quality of host plant species used by the larval stage.
Microsite requirements, population structure and growth of the cushion plant Azorella compacta in the tropical Chilean Andes
Authors: KLEIER CATHERINE , RUNDEL PHILIP W. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract  In the altiplano of northern Chile, we investigated the microsite habitats, adult population structure and growth rates over 14 months for the giant cushion plant Azorella compacta. The majority of plants (52.0%) were found growing downslope of large (>50 cm diameter) boulders and on north‐facing rocky slopes with a slope angle greater than 10° inclination (44.4%). Size was used as a surrogate for age. The youngest size class was most common; remaining size classes were roughly equal in frequency; but very large cushions were scarce. Growth rates were expressed as height, diameter and perimeter over a 14‐month period. Height increased an average of 1.40 cm, perimeter increased an average of 10.28 cm and diameters actually decreased 2.30 cm, although this was not a significant difference. Using perimeter averages based on mean plant size, we estimated a radial growth rate of 1.70 cm per 14 months. Trenches 4 cm wide were cut over the length of five plants, and these trenches were nearly repaired after 1 year, indicating that growth is overall and not just on the perimeter of the plant. These findings indicate that although Azorella compacta populations may be recovering from past exploitation, future monitoring is still necessary to ensure viable populations.
Identification of 66 kDa phosphoprotein associated with motility initiation of hamster spermatozoa
Authors: FUJINOKI MASAKATSU , KAWAMURA TAKESHI , TODA TOSHIFUSA , ISHIMODA‐TAKAGI TADASHI , OHTAKE HIDEKI , SHIMIZU NOBUYOSHI , OKUNO MAKOTO 
Published: August 2004

Background and Aims:  Sperm motility is regulated by protein phosphorylation. The 66 kDa protein obtained from hamster sperm flagella was phosphorylated at serine residues associated with the motility initiation. In order to understand the regulatory mechanism of sperm motility, the 66 kDa protein was identified in the present study.Methods:  The 66 kDa protein was purified by 2‐D gel electrophoresis and identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry and peptide sequencer.Results:  The 66 kDa protein was tubulin β chain.Conclusion:  The 66 kDa protein is one of the tubulin β chain isoforms and phosphorylated in relation to the motility initiation. (Reprod Med Biol 2004; 3: 133–139)
Histological analysis of the ‘critical point’ in follicular development in mice
Authors: KAGABU SATOSI , UMEZU MOTOAKI 
Published: August 2004

Aim:  To histologically examine ovarian follicular development in cycling mice.Methods:   Mice were observed at 13:00 h at each stage of the estrous cycle. The ovaries were cut into complete serial sections. All sections were observed, and the size of each follicle was measured by using a micrometer. Follicles with advanced atresia were excluded and non‐atretic healthy follicles were differentiated from atretic follicles.Results:  The measurement of the number of follicles in each stage of the estrous cycle, with reference to their size, showed that in each mouse, the number of small healthy follicles (100–249 µm in average diameter) was approximately 100 for all stages and the number of medium‐sized healthy follicles (250–349 µm) was close to 20 in only the metestrus and diestrus stages. In contrast, large healthy follicles (≥350 µm) showed marked changes throughout the estrous stage. Many healthy large follicles were observed in the proestrus stage, but they disappeared in the estrus stage, which suggests that they have ovulated. This was supported by observations of oocytes resuming meiosis in large healthy follicles.Conclusion:  As follicular atresia was frequently observed in follicles of 250–399 µm diameter, this size range may be a ‘critical point’ for atresia. The results suggest that there is a ‘critical point’ in follicular development, and that only follicles that pass this point will ovulate, while those that do not will become atretic follicles. (Reprod Medical Biol 2004; 3: 141–145)
Effects of orlistat on obesity‐related diseases – a six‐month randomized trial
Authors: Guy‐Grand B. , Drouin P. , Eschwège E. , Gin H. , Joubert J‐M. , Valensi P. 
Published: August 2004

Aim:  To assess the effect of orlistat on body weight and concomitant diseases in patients with body mass index (BMI) of > 28 kg/m2 and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, hypertension or hypercholesterolaemia.Methods:  This trial was a six‐month, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of orlistat 120 mg three times daily plus a mildly reduced‐calorie diet. 1004 obese patients (BMI 28–40 kg/m2) were included by 253 private endocrinologists and received orlistat (n = 499) or placebo (n = 505). Patients were stratified by concomitant disorder (type 2 diabetes, n = 193; hypertension, n = 614; hypercholesterolaemia, n = 197). Body weight, anthropometry, lipid and glycaemic control parameters and blood pressure.Results:  After six months, orlistat produced a significantly greater weight loss than placebo in type 2 diabetes (−4.2% vs. −1.4%), hypertension (−6.2% vs. −1.9%) and hypercholesterolaemia (−5.5% vs. −2.3%) groups (p < 0.0001 for all). There was a greater decrease in HbA1c in the type 2 diabetes group (−0.54 vs. −0.18%; p = 0.002) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol in the hypercholesterolaemia group (−11.7% vs. −4.5%; p = 0.004) with orlistat vs. placebo. Early weight loss (≥ 5% at 12 weeks) was associated with the highest weight loss in each group, and the highest decreases in HbA1c, LDL‐cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension, respectively, at six months. The incidence of adverse events was similar for orlistat and placebo, except for certain generally well‐tolerated gastrointestinal events that were more common with orlistat.Conclusion:  Orlistat plus a mildly reduced‐calorie diet produced clinically meaningful weight loss and improvements in risk factors in overweight and obese patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, hypertension or hypercholesterolaemia.
Holmium:YAG laser vaporization of recurrent papillary tumours of the bladder under local anaesthesia
Authors: Jønler Morten , Lund Lars , Bisballe Søren 
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate holmium:YAG laser vaporization of papillary tumours of the bladder, focusing on surgical technique, patients’ satisfaction, complications and cost‐effectiveness when using the technique under local anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 52 consecutive patients with recurrent papillary tumours of the bladder were scheduled for holmium:YAG laser vaporization under local anaesthesia using a flexible cystoscope. The number of papillomas and total operative duration was recorded. Patients and surgeons were asked to complete a questionnaire about the procedure.RESULTSIn all, 197 papillomas were successfully vaporized in 88 operations, with a median operative duration of 15 min (5 min per papilloma) and no patient needed treatment under general anaesthesia. Most patients (86%) had no pain (as reported during standard cystoscopy) and none of the procedures was stopped because of pain. All patients would undergo the treatment again, compared with a standard transurethral resection of bladder tumour. The five surgeons rated the procedure as easy in most patients (78%) and difficult in a few (6%). The total cost for the outpatient procedure was less than that for standard treatment.CONCLUSIONThis study clearly indicates that holmium:YAG laser vaporization of superficial bladder tumours is feasible, easy and fast, with a high degree of patient satisfaction, and it seems to be an attractive alternative to standard treatment. The procedure has some clear positive socio‐economic perspectives in both the short‐ and long‐term.
Early and large‐dose intravesical instillation of epirubicin to prevent superficial bladder carcinoma recurrence after transurethral resection
Authors: Mitsumori Kenji , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Habuchi Tomonori , Li Zhenhua , Akao Toshiya , Ohyama Chikara , Sato Kazunari , Kato Tetsuro 
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVETo prospectively compare the prevention of tumour recurrence by four intravesical adjuvant administration protocols, and thus elucidate the efficacy of early and high total dose instillations of epirubicin to prevent superficial bladder tumour recurrence after transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT).PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 69 patients with Ta/T1 bladder cancer were randomly assigned to four intravesical administration protocols: A, delayed instillation (first instillation 7 days after TURBT) and low‐dose (30 mg once every 2 weeks, six times): B, early instillation (three instillations before 7 days after TURBT) and low‐dose; C, delayed and high‐dose (30 mg once weekly 12 times) instillation; D, early and high‐dose. The influence of the instillation protocols and tumour characteristics on the probability of recurrence‐free survival was examined using Kaplan‐Meier analysis and a Cox regression hazard model.RESULTSThe early‐instillation and high‐dose groups had relatively lower recurrence rates after 6 months (A, 30%; B, 25%; C, one of 12; and D, none) and 1 year (50%, 35%, four of nine and one of eight, respectively). Patients who received 360 mg epirubicin (C and D) had a significantly better recurrence‐free survival than those receiving 180 mg (A and B; P = 0.012). Preoperative urine cytology and tumour multiplicity were significantly associated with recurrence. However, multivariate analysis of the risk of recurrence using a Cox proportional hazard model showed that urine cytology (hazard ratio 3.11, 95% confidence interval 1.08–8.94, P = 0.04) and total dose (0.32, 0.11–0.92, P = 0.03) were independent prognostic factors for recurrence.CONCLUSIONPatients who received a high‐dose epirubicin instillation had a significantly lower recurrence rate but the benefit of early instillation was not confirmed, as the study group was too small.
Modified ureterosigmoidostomy (Mainz Pouch II) in different age groups and with different techniques of ureteric implantation
Authors: Bastian Patrick J. , Albers Peter , Haferkamp Axel , Schumacher Stefan , Müller Stefan C. 
Published: August 2004

In this section there are papers on three types of urinary diversion which are in common use. Authors from Germany, Greece and Turkey describe their experience with the Mainz pouch II, S‐pouch neobladder and modified Hautmann bladder, respectively.OBJECTIVETo examine the outcome of Mainz Pouch II urinary diversion in different age groups and with different techniques of ureteric implantation.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween March 1995 and August 2002 a Mainz Pouch II was created in 41 patients (27 male and 14 female, median age 56.3 years, range 2–75) with 81 renal units (RU). For analysis, the patients were divided into 29 (70%) aged <65 years and 12 (30%) aged >65 years. Ureteric implantation with the Goodwin‐Hohenfellner (GH) technique was used in 55 RU, with the Abol‐Enein (AE) modification in 23 and Le‐Duc procedure in three. The median (range) follow‐up (available for 36 patients, 88%) was 19 (1–80) months. An unvalidated questionnaire was used to determine specific urinary diversion items.RESULTSEarly complications occurred in 7% of patients, none requiring surgical intervention. Pyelonephritis occurred in five of 36 patients and seven of 71 RU (14% of the patients, 10% of the RU); all patients were <65 years old. In five of seven RU pyelonephritis was caused by the development of upper urinary tract dilatation; none required surgical revision. Ureteric stenosis requiring reimplantation occurred in two RU (2%, one GH, one AE). All patients were continent in the daytime; all but one patient had to wake to urinate at night, with 36% having to do so more than six times. Of the patients, 63% were able to distinguish between stool and urine. Initially, alkalinizing drugs to prevent metabolic acidosis were taken by 30% of the patients. Of previously medicated patients with a follow‐up of >1 year, 8% required oral alkalinizing medication.CONCLUSIONThe Mainz Pouch II is a safe and reproducible urinary diversion, and serves as a satisfying alternative to other forms of continent urinary diversion in all age groups. The follow‐up shows a low complication rate with good results in terms of continence. There were no significant differences in complication rates for the different ureteric implantation techniques. The long‐term results remain to be evaluated.
Expression of transforming growth factor‐β1 in penile tissue from rats with bilateral cavernosal nerve ablation
Authors: Hu Wan‐Li , Hu Li‐Quan , Li Shi‐Wen , Zheng Xin‐Ming , Tian Bing‐Chun 
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVETo explore the expression of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) in penile tissue from rats after bilateral cavernosal nerve (CN) ablation, mimicking patients who have had no nerve‐sparing during prostatectomy.MATERIALS AND METHODSTen adult male rats (neurectomy group) had a bilateral CN resection aseptically under an operating microscope, with six sham‐operated rats as controls. Fifteen weeks after surgery an apomorphine test was used in all rats to assess penile erection. The penile specimens were then collected and prepared for detecting the expression of TGF‐β1 by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), western blot and immunohistochemistry, and for quantitative analysis of the ratio of smooth muscle to collagen fibres in the corpus cavernosum with confocal microscopy.RESULTSAll rats in the sham‐operated group but none after neurectomy had an erectile response after subcutaneous injection with apomorphine (100 µg/kg). Immunohistochemistry, RT‐PCR and western blot analyses showed a significantly higher expression of TGF‐β1 in the penile tissues after neurectomy than after sham surgery. Smooth muscle cells (fluorescing red) and collagen fibres (green autofluorescence) after paraformaldehyde fixation, were clearly identified by confocal microscopy. The fluorescence intensity expressed as the mean (sem) ratio of smooth muscle to collagen fibres in the corpus cavernosum after neurectomy was 0.265 (0.125), significantly lower than that in the sham‐operated group, at 0.760 (0.196) (P < 0.01).CONCLUSIONAn increased expression of TGF‐β1 in penile tissue which promotes the synthesis of collagen may be one of the important factors for the erectile dysfunction caused by bilateral CN ablation. Similar pathophysiological processes may occur in the corpus cavernosum of patients after radical prostatectomy.