bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 reduces the pulsatile component of testosterone secretion in healthy males
Authors: Jeibmann A. , Zahedi S. , Simoni M. , Nieschlag E. , Byrne M. M. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground  Glucagon‐like‐peptide‐1 (7–36) amide (GLP‐1), a potent regulator of glucose homeostasis, has been implicated in the control of hypothalamic‐pituitary function. In vivo it is a relevant neuroendocrine modulator of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone release, suggesting its possible role as a metabolic signal to the reproductive system. The present study was undertaken to establish its effect on luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone secretion in nine healthy male volunteers.Materials and methods  Each subject underwent an oral glucose tolerance test to establish LH, testosterone, and GLP‐1 responses to glucose. Euglycaemic clamp experiments (6 h) were performed on two occasions with saline or with a constant infusion of GLP‐1 (0·4 pmol kg−1 min −1). Blood samples were drawn at 10‐min intervals to measure the pulsatile pattern of LH and testosterone secretion.Results  Ingestion of oral glucose resulted in a reduction in plasma testosterone levels at 30 min compared with baseline (P < 0·004) despite unaltered LH levels (P = 0·5). Constant GLP‐1 infusion resulted in no change in LH (P = 0·83), testosterone (P = 0·96), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (P = 0·86) and leptin levels (P = 0·3). Pulse analysis revealed no significant difference in the number (P = 0·1) or median absolute amplitude (P = 0·3) of the LH pulses. However, there was a significant decrease in the number (3·0 ± 0·6 vs. 1·3 ± 0·4; P < 0·05) and a tendency for increased duration of testosterone pulses (97·4 16·7 vs. 170 27·1 min; P = 0·06).Conclusion  Oral glucose ingestion and intravenous GLP‐1 infusion reduce the pulsatile component of testosterone secretion by a mechanism independent of LH release.
Plasma matrix metalloproteinase‐3 level is an independent prognostic factor in stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Wu T. C. , Leu H. B. , Lin W. T. , Lin C. P. , Lin S. J. , Chen J. W. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground  Recent evidence suggests the important role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the progression of atherosclerosis and development of clinical events. We assessed the prognostic value of different plasma MMPs in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).Materials and methods  A total of 165 consecutive nondiabetic patients with angiographically significant CAD (n = 150) or normal coronary angiograms despite exercise‐induced myocardial ischemia (cardiac syndrome X, n = 15) and 17 normal subjects were evaluated. In each subject, plasma inflammatory markers including high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and MMP‐2, 3 and 9 were measured. In CAD patients, major cardiovascular events including cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unscheduled coronary revascularization and hospitalization as a result of unstable angina were prospectively followed up for more than 6 months.Results  Plasma levels of MMPs were significantly higher in CAD patients than in those with cardiac syndrome X and in normal subjects (MMP‐2: 914·76 ± 13·20 vs. 830·79 ± 31·95 vs. 783·08 ± 28·40 ng mL−1, P = 0·002; MMP‐3: 129·59 ± 4·21 vs. 116·86 ± 8·09 vs. 91·71 ± 9·55 ng mL−1, P = 0·011; MMP‐9: 31·42 ± 2·84 vs. 11·40 ± 5·49 vs. 6·71 ± 2·89 ng mL−1, P = 0·006). In CAD patients, there were 48 major cardiovascular events during a mean follow‐up period of 17·74 ± 0·85 months. The numbers of diseased vessels (HR = 2·19, 95% CI 1·20–1·02, P = 0·011), plasma hsCRP (HR = 2·21, 95% CI 1·18–4·11, P = 0·013) and MMP‐3 level (HR = 2·46, 95% CI = 1·15–5·28, P = 0·021) were associated with the development of cardiovascular events. However, only the plasma MMP‐3 level was an independent predictor of the adverse events in CAD patients (HR = 2·47, 95% CI 1·10–5·54, P = 0·028).Conclusions  Plasma MMP levels were increased in CAD patients. Plasma MMP‐3 level, rather than hsCRP, was an independent prognostic marker for future cardiovascular events, suggesting its potential role in risk stratification and clinical management of stable CAD.
Effect of rosuvastatin on insulin sensitivity in patients with familial combined hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Ter Avest E. , Abbink E. J. , De Graaf J. , Tack C. J. , Stalenhoef A. F. H. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground  By influencing the mevalonate pathway, statins may have multiple effects besides lipid lowering. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of rosuvastatin on serum lipids and insulin sensitivity in nondiabetic subjects with familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCH), a population characterized by decreased insulin sensitivity.Methods  In a double‐blind randomized crossover study, 18 subjects with FCH (without evident cardiovascular disease, mean age 54 ± 7 years) were randomized to rosuvastatin 40 mg day−1 or placebo for 12 weeks. Blood samples were taken at baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of both treatment periods. Insulin sensitivity was determined with euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp after 12 weeks of both treatment periods.Results  Serum lipids and lipoproteins improved significantly. Mean total cholesterol after the rosuvastatin treatment period was 44% lower compared to the placebo treatment period (triglycerides −28%; LDL‐c −50%; VLDL‐c −56%, VLDL‐TG −39%) and both parameters of low‐grade inflammation (as measured by hsCRP, −16%) and oxidative stress (as measured by plasma‐oxLDL, −55%) decreased markedly after rosuvastatin therapy as compared to placebo. However, the insulin sensitivity index was unchanged (41·7 ± 17·4 vs. 40·6 ± 11·1 L kg−1 min−1, placebo vs. rosuvastatin, P = 0·71).Conclusion  Despite marked improvements in lipid and lipoprotein values, low‐grade inflammation and oxidative stress, a relatively high dose of rosuvastatin did not change insulin sensitivity in subjects with FCH.
Reduction of postchallenge hyperglycaemia prevents acute endothelial dysfunction in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Wascher T. C. , Schmoelzer I. , Wiegratz A. , Stuehlinger M. , Mueller‐Wieland D. , Kotzka J. , Enderle M. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjectives  To investigate whether selective reduction of postchallenge hyperglycaemia influences acute endothelial dysfunction, a very early manifestation of vascular disease, in patients with impaired glucose tolerance.Methods  In a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study the acute effect of 200‐mg acarbose was investigated in 28 subjects with diagnosed impaired glucose tolerance. Flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery was determined as a measure of endothelial function before and 2 and 3 h after ingestion of 100‐g saccharose. Asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography.Results  A negative correlation was observed between the changes of glucose and FMD (r = 0·416, P = 0·0018) 2 h after ingestion of saccharose. At 3 h, neither blood glucose nor FMD were different from baseline. Changes of both blood glucose (P = 0·0007) and FMD (P = 0·046) were significantly lower after administration of acarbose. Subgroup analysis revealed that the effect of acarbose was restricted to those subjects with an increase of blood glucose above the median increase of glycaemia. No changes of plasma ADMA were observed.Conclusions  Our data clearly demonstrate that the postchallenge alteration of vascular function in patients with impaired glucose tolerance is caused by the acute elevation of glycaemia but not mediated by ADMA.
Morin sulphates/glucuronides enhance macrophage function in microgravity culture system
Authors: Hsieh C.‐L. , Chao P.‐D. L. , Fang S.‐H. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground  The immune system changes significantly in astronauts during and after space flight. Although the mechanism has not been defined, it is reasonable to begin developing effective countermeasures to the physiological consequences of spaceflight, especially immunosuppression. Many studies have been published about the effect of flavonoids on immune modulation. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop whether flavonoids could be the effective countermeasures to the immunosuppression caused by microgravity.Materials and methods  We used a rotating wall vessel 3D (three‐dimensional) culture system which recreates some of the culture conditions that occur during microgravity to study the effects of microgravity on the function of macrophages and assess the modulating effects of flavonoids on microgravity‐induced macrophage dysfunction.Results  We demonstrated 65% and 80% reduction in mitogen‐induced nitric oxide and cytokine production of 3D‐cultured macrophages, compared to conventional two‐dimensional (2D)‐cultured cells. Moreover, the microgravity‐induced macrophage dysfunction was not restored by transferring cells from 3D to 2D culture. However, the addition of morin sulphates/glucuronides in 3D culture compensated for the loss of macrophage function.Conclusion  The result presented here suggests for the first time that an immune‐modulatory strategy using flavonoid supplements such as morin would benefit the health of astronauts.
Seasonal response of nutrients to reduced phosphorus loading in 12 Danish lakes
Authors: SØNDERGAARD MARTIN , JENSEN JENS PEDER , JEPPESEN ERIK 
Published: August 2005

Summary1. Concentrations of phosphorus, nitrogen and silica and alkalinity were monitored in eight shallow and four deep Danish lakes for 13 years following a phosphorus loading reduction. The aim was to elucidate the seasonal changes in nutrient concentrations during recovery. Samples were taken biweekly during summer and monthly during winter.2. Overall, the most substantive changes in lake water concentrations were seen in the early phase of recovery. However, phosphorus continued to decline during summer as long as 10 years after the loading reduction, indicating a significant, albeit slow, decline in internal loading.3. Shallow and deep lakes responded differently to reduced loading. In shallow lakes the internal phosphorus release declined significantly in spring, early summer and autumn, and only non‐significantly so in July and August. In contrast, in deep lakes the largest reduction occurred from May to August. This difference may reflect the much stronger benthic pelagic‐coupling and the lack of stratification in shallow lakes.4. Nitrogen only showed minor changes during the recovery period, while alkalinity increased in late summer, probably conditioned by the reduced primary production, as also indicated by the lower pH. Silica tended to decline in winter and spring during the study period, probably reflecting a reduced release of silica from the sediment because of enhanced uptake by benthic diatoms following the improved water transparency.5. These results clearly indicate that internal loading of phosphorus can delay lake recovery for many years after phosphorus loading reduction, and that lake morphometry (i.e. deep versus shallow basins) influences the patterns of change in nutrient concentrations on both a seasonal and interannual basis.
Heterologous rRNA gene expression: internal fragmentation of Sciara coprophila 28S rRNA within microinjected Xenopus laevis oocytes
Authors: Basile‐Borgia A. E. , Dunbar D. A. , Ware V. C. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSpecies‐specific pre‐rRNA processing variations may result in fragmented 18S, 5.8S and 28S rRNAs. Some insect 5.8S and 28S rRNAs are further cleaved, creating within a ‘hidden break’ or ‘gap’. We investigated the specificity of the processing mechanism by microinjecting Sciara coprophila (fungus fly) rDNA into Xenopus laevis oocytes to examine insect rRNA maturation within a cell where endogenous rRNAs are not cleaved at homologous sites. Results confirm insect rDNA transcription and pre‐28S rRNA fragmentation, demonstrating that fly‐specific processing machinery is not required. Instead, oocytes may provide required accessory factors, suggesting that the insect gap processing mechanism is served by an evolutionarily conserved apparatus. Alternatively, these results may suggest that processing in some lineages is an autocatalytic property of the rRNA.
Orthodontic management of orofacial problems in young people with impairments: review of the literature and case reports
Authors: HOBSON R. S. , NUNN J. H. , COZMA I. 
Published: August 2005

Summary.  Objective. The aim of this paper is to present a series of cases illustrating possible options for the management of malocclusions in a group of young people with impairments.Design. The study took the form of a case series.Methods. A review of the literature is presented and a series of illustrative cases are shown to indicate that orthodontic treatment is possible in patients with a range of impairmentsResults. Five children with varying intellectual and/or physical impairments, and a malocclusion that resulted in trauma or increased disability, are presentedConclusion. The risks and benefits of the procedures, and the anticipated oral health outcomes, need to be considered carefully in this group of children.
Epidermolysis bullosa and dental developmental age
Authors: LIVERSIDGE H. M. , KOSMIDOU A. , HECTOR M. P. , ROBERTS G. J. 
Published: August 2005

Summary. Objectives. The dental development of permanent mandibular teeth in a small group of children with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) was assessed from radiographs and compared to a healthy, age‐and‐sex‐matched control group.Methods. This was a retrospective radiographic cross‐sectional study. The sample consisted of a group of 44 children aged between 4 and 15 years with DEB and healthy, age‐and‐sex‐matched controls. Two quantitative methods of assessing tooth formation were used: (1) a combination of information about tooth length and apex width; and (2) the use of tooth length to predict age. Panoramic radiographs were digitized in order to determine tooth length and apex width. Dental age was calculated, and the difference with real age was tested with Student's t‐test.Results. The dentition of both the DEB and control groups was slightly delayed. Using the first method, the delay was 0·34 ± 0·87 years for the DEB group and 0·29 ± 0·97 years for the control group. Using the second method, the delay was 0·49 ± 1·18 years for the DEB group and 0·23 ± 0·62 years for the control group. This delay was not statistically significant for either method.Conclusions. The dental formation of permanent mandibular teeth in the group of children with DEB was not significantly different to that found in the control group.
External cervical resorption of a primary canine
Authors: RODD H. D. , NAIK S. , CRAIG G. T. 
Published: August 2005

Summary. The authors describe the case of a 3‐year‐old boy who presented with a mobile right maxillary primary canine. Clinical examination revealed this tooth to have an abnormally large crown, which appeared to have sustained a crown–root fracture. Periodontal probing depths of 5 mm were detected around the tooth. Radiographically, there was a marked constriction at the cementoenamel junction with associated alveolar rarefaction. Both upper primary canines were subsequently removed under general anaesthetic and the right canine was subject to histopathological investigation. A diagnosis of external cervical resorption was made. A review of the literature confirmed this to be a very unusual case presentation.
Injuries to the head, face, mouth and neck in physically abused children in a community setting
Authors: CAIRNS A. M. , MOK J. Y. Q. , WELBURY R. R. 
Published: August 2005

Summary. Objectives. The aims of the present study were to identify the incidence of orofacial injuries found within a cohort of physically abused children, and examine demographic data surrounding the alleged perpetrator, the location in which the alleged assault occurred, the mechanism of injury and the actual orofacial injury incurred.Methods. The research took the form of a retrospective study of clinical case records of children with suspected physical abuse from 1 June 1998 to 31 May 2003. Seven hundred and fifty case records were identified and 390 (46·7%) were available for data extraction.Results. Fifty‐nine per cent (n = 230) of children had signs of abuse on the head, face or neck. The alleged perpetrator was the mother in 104 cases (26·7%), the father in 100 (25·6%) and mother's partner in 49 other cases (12·6%). More than half (53·3%) of the alleged abuse occurred in the child's home; in 32·3% of cases, the location was not recorded. Other locations included outside in a public place, school and at the home of the alleged abuser. Some 23·4% (n = 54) had been punched or slapped around the head, neck or face, 17·4% (n = 40) had been struck by an object, and 15·2% (n = 35) had allegedly sustained multiple modes of injury. Bruising to the head, neck or face was seen in 95·2% (n = 219) of children, and 32·6% (n = 75) had abrasions; 65·2% (n = 150) of the bruises and 22·9% (n = 53) of the abrasions were on the face.Conclusions. Fifty‐nine per cent of physically abused children in the present cohort had orofacial signs of abuse which would be easily visible to a dental practitioner. The commonest injuries were bruises and abrasions. This concurs with previous reports in the literature and highlights the important role of dental practitioners in the recognition of children who have been abused.
Distribution of Urocortin 2 in Various Tissues of the Rat
Authors: Yamauchi N. , Otagiri A. , Nemoto T. , Sekino A. , Oono H. , Kato I. , Yanaihara C. , Shibasaki T. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractUrocortin (Ucn) 2 is a new member of the corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (CRH) neuropeptide family that is expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. However, the expression levels of Ucn 2 in various tissues of the rat remains unclear. Thus, the aim of the present study was to characterise the expression of Ucn 2 in the various tissues of the rat. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that Ucn 2 mRNA is expressed in the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal, stomach, skin, ovary, uterus and skeletal muscle. Histologically, Ucn 2 mRNA and Ucn 2‐like immunoreactivity (LI) were demonstrated in both the anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary, but not detected in the posterior lobe. Furthermore, all Ucn 2‐positive cells in the anterior and intermediate lobes were also positive for β‐endorphin. Ucn 2 mRNA was detected in the adrenal cortex and medulla although Ucn 2‐LI was only found in the adrenal medulla. High‐performance liquid chromatography analysis of hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal extracts showed that the main Ucn 2‐LI peak occurred at the same molecular size as that of synthetic Ucn 2. These results suggest that Ucn 2 is synthesised in various tissues, including the anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary and the adrenal.
Resident–Intruder Trait Aggression is Associated with Differences in Lysine Vasopressin and Serotonin Receptor 1A (5‐HT1A) mRNA Expression in the Brain of Pre‐Pubertal Female Domestic Pigs (Sus scrofa)
Authors: D'Eath R. B. , Ormandy E. , Lawrence A. B. , Sumner B. E. H. , Meddle S. L. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractAggressive behaviour exhibited by domestic pigs following encounters with unfamiliar individuals is a serious welfare and economical problem. Aggression resulting in skin lesions is similarly prevalent in prepubertal pigs of either sex. Little is known about the neural circuits and neuropeptides that control aggression in the pig. Because there is evidence for the involvement of the vasopressin and serotonergic systems in the regulation of aggressive behaviour in male mammals, we sought differences using quantitative in situ hybridisation of vasopressin and serotonin 1A receptor (5‐HT1A) mRNA expression within specific brain regions of aggressive and nonaggressive prepubertal female pigs. The number of cells expressing vasopressin mRNA was significantly higher in aggressive pigs in the medial amygdala, lateral septum (LS) and showed a similar trend in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BnST) but not the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) or supraoptic nucleus. The 5‐HT1A receptor was widely expressed through the porcine brain and a significantly lower intensity (silver grain density) of 5‐HT1A mRNA expression was observed in the BnST. In the medial amygdala and LS fewer cells expressed 5‐HT1A mRNA in aggressive pigs but no differences were found in the PVN. In the absence of inbred strains or selection lines, these findings have shown that prior identification of phenotypic behavioural extremes in a population in advance of neural studies is a useful technique. Moreover, these findings support a central role for vasopressin and serotonin in the mediation of high trait aggression in prepubertal female pigs.
Phenotypic variation in Galerida larks in Morocco: the role of history and natural selection
Authors: GUILLAUMET A. , CROCHET P.‐A. , GODELLE B. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe relative influences of history, natural selection and hybridization in shaping phenotypic variation in closely related taxa is a crucial issue in current evolutionary biology. In this study, we used as a model two sibling but paradoxically highly variable species of larks (Galerida theklae and Galerida cristata) of Morocco to separate the impacts of these evolutionary forces. In the former species, variation is manifested mainly in colouration, while in the latter, variation also encompasses bill size and shape. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequencing were used to identify the historical relationships among the subspecies and species. According to our analyses, G. cristata and G. theklae diverged about 3.7 million years ago (Ma), and we found no evidence for a role of hybridization in maintaining their similarity. In G. theklae, there was no further subdivision, while in G. cristata two major mtDNA groups were identified (divergence ∼1.1 Ma). These two lineages are parapatric and regroup, respectively, the three short‐billed subspecies [G. (cristata) cristata] and the two long‐billed subspecies [G. (cristata) randonii]. Patterns of morphological variation were then contrasted to this pattern of neutral relationships: we found that G. (c.) cristata was morphologically more similar to G. theklae than to G. (c.) randonii. Overall, these results point towards the prominent role of (i) natural selection and/or phenotypic plasticity in adapting the plumage to local conditions and (ii) natural selection in combination with historical isolation in driving the divergence in size and bill morphology in the crested larks.