bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assigning individual fish to populations using microsatellite DNA markers
Authors: Hansen Michael M. , Kenchington Ellen , Nielsen Einar E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractNew statistical developments combined with the use of highly polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers enable the determination of the population of origin of single fish, resulting in numerous new research possibilities and applications in practical management of fish populations. We first describe three main categories of methods available, i.e. (i) assignment tests and related methods, (ii) discriminant function analysis and (iii) artificial neural networks. In all these, individuals can be assigned to the population from which their multilocus genotypes are most likely to be derived. Assignment tests are based on calculations of the likelihood of multilocus genotypes in populations, based on allele frequencies. Discriminant function analysis is based on multivariate statistics, whereas artificial neural networks formulate predictions through exposure to correct solutions. Assignment tests are the methods of choice when considering genetic data alone, whereas discriminant function analysis and artificial neural networks may be useful when genetic data are combined with, for instance, morphological and ecological data. Assignment tests can be used to assess the genetic distinctness of populations, for discriminating among closely related species and to directly identify immigrants or individuals of immigrant ancestry, and thereby study patterns of dispersal among populations, including sex‐biased dispersal. In a conservation context, assignment tests can be used to assess the genetic impact of domesticated fish on wild populations and for determining if extant fish populations are in fact indigenous or descendants from stocked fish or strayers, and they can be applied in forensics, for instance to reveal poaching. Assignment tests are at present most useful for studies of freshwater and anadromous fishes owing to stronger genetic differentiation among populations than in marine fishes. However, some genetically divergent populations of marine fishes have been discovered, which could be used as natural laboratories for studying dispersal and gene flow. It is foreseen that ongoing developments in statistical methods, combined with improved techniques for screening large numbers of loci, will permit assignment methods to become standard tools in studies on the biology of fishes.
Stroke following internal carotid artery occlusion — a contra‐indication for intravenous thrombolysis?
Authors: Rudolf Jobst , Neveling Michael , Grond Martin , Schmülling Susanne , Stenzel Christoph , Heiss Wolf‐Dieter 
Published: March 2003

Between March 1996 and December 1997, 15 consecutive patients with carotid artery occlusion diagnosed with duplex sonography were treated with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA), following a protocol similar to that of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) study. On the basis of ultrasound findings, six of the 15 patients had internal carotid artery dissection (ICD), and the remaining nine had atherothrombotic internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. No relevant haemorrhagic complications were observed after rt‐PA treatment of ICA occlusion. Excellent late functional outcome was observed in three of the 15 patients with ICA occlusion, moderate and poor outcome in four patients. Four patients died, and mortality was related to stroke severity upon admission. A good outcome seemed to be more likely in the small group of patients with ICD, than in the patients suffering atherothrombotic ICA occlusion.As the results of rt‐PA treatment in this case series are by no means devastating, our data do not corroborate the hypothesis that patients with acute ischemic stroke following ICA occlusion should a priori be excluded from intravenous thrombolysis. The possible benefit of rt‐PA treatment in stroke following acute or chronic ICA occlusion should be assessed in a larger prospective trial, for which this case series might serve as a pilot study.
Stroke in a scuba diver with patent foramen ovale
Authors: Buttinelli Carla , Beccia Mario , Argentino Corrado 
Published: March 2003

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a frequent condition which carries a significant risk for stroke when associated with deep venous thrombosis and primary or secondary coagulation abnormalities. Here, we describe a patient in which scuba diving is thought to be associated with stroke in a subject with an otherwise clinically silent PFO.During a rapid ascent a 43‐year‐old‐scuba diver reported weakness and paresthesias in the right arm which lasted about 10 min. He presented similar symptoms 2 days later 1 h after diving, and a third time on his flight back home.The MRI showed multiple hyperintense areas on T2‐weighted images in the white matter. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed a PFO, whilst all haematological and haemocoagulation tests were negative.Scuba diving may constitute a patho‐physiological condition in the presence of PFO as breath‐holding promotes right‐to‐left shunt and arterialization of venous bubbles.
Tectonic control over large‐scale diffuse degassing in eastern Sicily (Italy)
Authors: De Gregorio S. , Diliberto I. S. , Giammanco S. , Gurrieri S. , Valenza M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractEastern Sicily (southern Italy) is characterised by the presence of many natural gas emissions (mofettes, mud volcanoes). These gases are mostly carbon dioxide and methane, with minor amounts of helium, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. In this study, the extent and orientation of soil gas anomalies (He and CO2) were investigated on a wide area (approximately 110 km2) located just SW of Mt. Etna. From a structural point of view, this area lays on a typical foredeep–foreland system that marks the boundary between the southern part of the Eurasian plate and the northern part of the African plate in the central Mediterranean. No tectonic structure was revealed in this area by surface geological surveys. Very high soil emissions were found, and their spatial pattern reveals the existence of some active faults all directed about N50°E. This direction coincides with that of two major fault systems that cut eastern Sicily and are evident, respectively, NE and SW of the study area. Soil gas data suggest that these fault systems are the expression of a single continuous structural line which is probably responsible for the past and present magma uprise in eastern Sicily. Isotopic values of carbon of CO2 suggest a minor contribution of organic carbon. Moreover, in the highest degassing sites the isotopic values of He found in association with CO2 (He abundance = 11–70 p.p.m.; R/Ra between 6.0 and 6.2) suggest that both gases are mantle derived. The extent of the areas affected by high gas emissions and the amounts of deep CO2 emitted in the investigated area (several hundred tonnes per day) may provide additional supporting evidence of a mantle upwelling taking place beneath this region.
Nutritional information and consumer behaviour – their relationship to nutritional balance. A study conducted in Berlin
Authors: Ulbricht Gottfried J. F. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA sample of 503 randomly selected adults were asked about sources of nutritional information and food habits. In addition, participants were also asked to maintain a food record for three consecutive days. One hundred and forty‐nine participants completed both the questionnaire and 3‐day diary. Results indicate that of the 13 sources of nutritional information, friends and relatives were most frequently quoted, while scientific publications as well as advertising on packaging material were most rarely quoted. However, scientific publications and reports of the ‘Commodity Test Foundation’ (Stiftung Warentest) enjoy the greatest confidence. In addition, people relying on scientific publications show healthier eating habits. Only one of the 18 items in the nutritional behaviour tested (‘I try to keep to the rules of healthy nutrition’) shows a highly significant positive correlation with healthy nutrition. There is a negative correlation between acceptability and healthy nutrition. The main conclusions indicate that nutritional consciousness and dietary habits of both adoles‐cents and adults, as well as the health value of food, must be improved.
Binding of KRH‐594, an antagonist of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, to cloned human and rat angiotensin II receptors
Authors: Inada Y. , Nakane* T. , Chiba S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe studied the binding properties of KRH‐594, a new selective antagonist of angiotensin II (AII) type 1 (AT1) receptors, to rat liver membranes and to recombinant AT1 and AT2 receptors. Preincubation of rat liver membranes with KRH‐594 produced maximal inhibition of [125I]‐AII binding when the preincubation time was 1–2 h. Preincubation with KRH‐594 for 2 h decreased the Bmax value and increased the Kd value. For human AT1, human AT2, rat AT1A and rat AT1B receptors, the Ki values for KRH‐594 were 1.24, 9360, 0.67, and 1.02 nm, respectively. The rank order of Ki values for human AT1 receptors was KRH‐594 >> EXP3174 > candesartan=AII. The order of specificities for human AT1 and AT2 receptors was candesartan > EXP3174 > KRH‐594. Although a 2‐h preincubation of human AT2 receptors with KRH‐594 (30 µm) or CGP 42112 (a selective AT2 receptor antagonist; 0.3 nm) inhibited binding of [125I]‐AII, the suppression by KRH‐594 was not significant. These results indicate that KRH‐594 binds potently to AT1 receptors in an insurmountable manner, and that at a very high dose (30 µm) it may also bind to AT2 receptors, but in a surmountable manner.
Effect on cancer cell proliferation of palmitoylethanolamide, a fatty acid amide interacting with both the cannabinoid and vanilloid signalling systems
Authors: De Petrocellis Luciano , Bisogno Tiziana , Ligresti Alessia , Bifulco Maurizio , Melck Dominique , Di Marzo Vincenzo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPalmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a bioactive fatty acid amide belonging to the class of N‐acyl‐ethanolamines (NAEs). This compound has been known since the 1950s for its anti‐inflammatory effects, but was re‐discovered only after the finding that another NAE, arachidonoyl‐ethanolamide (anandamide, AEA), could act as an endogenous ligand of cannabinoid receptors. Although a similar function for PEA has also been proposed, this compound does not activate the two cannabinoid receptor subtypes described to date. PEA and AEA are co‐synthesized by cells, and PEA might act as an ‘entourage’ compound for AEA, i.e. as an endogenous enhancer of AEA biological actions. Indeed, long‐term treatment of human breast cancer cells (HBCCs) with PEA downregulates the expression of the enzyme responsible for AEA degradation, the fatty acid amide hydrolase, thereby leading to an enhancement of AEA‐induced, and cannabinoid CB1 receptor‐mediated, cytostatic effect on HBCCs. AEA is also a full agonist for the receptors of another class of bioactive fatty acid amides, the N‐acyl‐vanillyl‐amines (e.g. capsaicin and olvanil). These sites of action are known as vanilloid receptors of type 1 (VR1). PEA enhances the VR1‐mediated effects of AEA and capsaicin on calcium influx into cells. These ‘entourage’ effects of PEA might be attributable to modulation of VR1 activity, and could underlie the enhancement by PEA, described here for the first time, of the antiproliferative effects of VR1 receptor agonists.
Influence of administration vehicles and drug formulations on the pharmacokinetic profile of lamotrigine in rats
Authors: Castel‐Branco M. M. , Figueiredo I. V. , Falcão A. C. , Macedo T. R. A. , Caramona M. M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractGiven that administration vehicles and drug formulations can affect drug bioavailability, their influence on the pharmacokinetic profile of lamotrigine (LTG), a new‐generation anti‐epileptic drug, was studied in rats. Three different formulations administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 10 mg/kg were used: (1) LTG suspended in a 0.25% methylcelulose solution, (2) LTG dissolved in a 50% propylene glycol solution, and (3) LTG isethionate dissolved in distilled water. Plasma and brain homogenate levels were determined in order to evaluate vehicle‐dependent drug absorption. The results demonstrated rapid absorption of LTG when it was administered as an aqueous solution, in contrast to a slower and more erratic absorption after the injection of either the lipophilic solution or the suspension. A plasma peak was achieved 15 min post‐dose with the aqueous solution, with a brain peak being achieved 15 min later, while with the other formulations both plasma and brain homogenate peaks were reached 2 h after LTG administration. This study suggests that LTG isethionate dissolved in distilled water is the most suitable formulation for successful LTG pharmacokinetic studies in rats.
Assessment of fluid balance by measurement of skin tissue thickness during clinical anaesthesia
Authors: Klaus Stephan , Eichler Wolfgang , Heringlake Matthias , Schmucker Peter , Bahlmann Ludger 
Published: March 2003

Study objective: To determine if measuring skin tissue thickness by a recently developed 10 MHz ultrasound scan may be used as a valuable parameter to guide fluid therapy and detect fluid shifts to the extravascular space during surgical procedures in addition to central venous pressure (CVP). Study design: Prospective, clinical and observational study. Setting: An operation theatre of the Ear Nose Throat (ENT) department of an university hospital. Patients: Following approval by the local ethics committee 12 otherwise healthy male patients undergoing ENT surgery for oropharyngeal carcinoma were involved in this study. The patients stayed nil per os for 10 h before induction of anaesthesia. Interventions/measurements: Crystalline fluids (Ringer's solution) were supplied at a constant rate of 10 ml kg–1 bw h–1. Patients were kept in the supine position during surgery, no further interventions were performed. Additional to routine monitoring, tissue thickness (TT) of proximal pre‐tibial skin and CVP were measured every 30 min, haematocrit was determined hourly for 5 h starting at t0. Main results: Haematocrit constantly declined during the observation period, showing a significant difference in t0 after 120 min. The increase in TT was strongly correlated with intraoperative positive fluid balance (r=0·96), while the course of CVP did not reflect the amount of fluid application comparably. Conclusions: Non‐invasive determinations of skin tissue thickness by the presented ultrasonic device appears to give additional information on fluid intake and distribution during clinical anaesthesia.
The quality of spirometric examinations in Finland: results from a national questionnaire survey
Authors: Piirilä Päivi , Pietinalho Anne , Loponen Minna , Naumanen Helga , Nurminen Markku , Siukola Aino , Korhonen Olli , Koskela Kaj , Sovijärvi Anssi 
Published: March 2003

National treatment programmes for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have in the past few years increased the need for spirometry in Finland. The purpose of this study was to determine, by means of a national questionnaire survey, the quality and number of spirometric examinations performed in Finland in 1998, the year when the national COPD programme was initiated.We estimated that 395 000–425 000 spirometric examinations were performed in Finland in 1998. The mean quality of spirometry was evaluated as moderate, and the quality index developed for this study indicated an average of scores of 67 (max 100), ranging between 43 and 88 in the whole country. The most common qualitative insufficiencies in spirometric examinations were found in preparation of the subject for the examination, performance of the examination, recognition of a successful spirometric curve and evaluation of reproducibility of the examination. Furthermore, the time reserved in the reports for performing the examination was often very short. However, in comparison with the previous questionnaire survey in Finland (in 1990), the quality of spirometry had markedly improved.
The validity of the Computer Science and Applications activity monitor for use in coronary artery disease patients during level walking
Authors: Ekelund Ulf , Tingström Pia , Kamwendo Kitty , Krantz Monica , Nylander Eva , Sjöström Michael , Bergdahl Björn 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe principal aim of the present study was to examine the validity of the Computer Science and Applications (CSA) activity monitor during level walking in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. As a secondary aim, we evaluated the usefulness of two previously published energy expenditure (EE) prediction equations. Thirty‐four subjects (29 men and five women), all with diagnosed CAD, volunteered to participate. Oxygen uptake (VO2) was measured by indirect calorimetry during walking on a motorized treadmill at three different speeds (3·2, 4·8 and 6·4 km h−1). Physical activity was measured simultaneously using the CSA activity monitor, secured directly to the skin on the lower back (i.e. lumbar vertebrae 4–5) with an elastic belt. The mean (±SD) activity counts were 1208 ± 429, 3258 ± 753 and 5351 ± 876 counts min−1, at the three speeds, respectively (P<0·001). Activity counts were significantly correlated to speed (r=0·92; P<0·001), VO2 (ml kg−1 min−1; r=0·87; P<0·001) and EE (kcal min−1; r=0·85, P<0·001). A stepwise linear regression analysis showed that activity counts and body weight together explained 75% of the variation in EE. Predicted EE from previously published equations differed significantly when used in this group of CAD patients. In conclusion, the CSA activity monitor is a valid instrument for assessing the intensity of physical activity during treadmill walking in CAD patients. Energy expenditure can be predicted from body weight and activity counts.
Ventilatory efficiency and rate of perceived exertion in obese and non‐obese children performing standardized exercise
Authors: Marinov B. , Kostianev S. , Turnovska T. 
Published: March 2003

SummarySixty children, in the age span 6–17 years originally divided into two groups, matched by age, sex and height – 30 obese subjects [15 girls/15 boys; body mass index (BMI)=27·4 ± 4·5 m kg−2; ideal body weight (IBW) range=122–185%] and 30 controls (BMI=18·8 ± 2·7 m kg−2) performed incremental treadmill exercise test. Perceived exertion was assessed by means of Category‐Ratio Borg scale. The duration of the exercise for the children in the obesity group was significantly shorter than controls (P=0·010) but obese children have greater absolute values for oxygen uptake (VO2peak ml min−1=1907 ± 671 versus 1495 ± 562; P=0·013) and ventilatory variables (VE, VT), which adjusted for body mass decrease significantly (VO2/kg ml min−1 kg−1=29·2 ± 3·8 versus 33·6 ± 3·5; P<0·001). Among the various methods for ‘normalizing’ absolute values of VO2peak for body size, dividing it by body surface area (BSA) yielded the best results (VO2/BSA ml min−1 m−2=43·5 ± 4·6 versus 44·7 ± 5·6; P=0·335). The ventilatory efficiency determined either as a slope of VE versus VCO2 or as a simple ratio at anaerobic threshold did not differ between obese and non‐obese children in the incremental and recovery periods of exercise. There was a negative correlation of VE/VCO2 slope with age and anthropometric parameters. Obese children rated perceived exertion significantly higher than controls despite the standard workload (Borg score=6·2 ± 1·2 versus 5·2 ± 1·1; P=0·001). In conclusion, the absolute metabolic cost of exercise is higher in the obesity group compared with the control subjects. Both groups have similar ventilatory efficiency but an increased awareness of fatigue that furthermore limits their physical capacity.
Cardiovascular effects of ophthalmic 0·5% timolol aqueous solution and 0·1% timolol hydrogel
Authors: Niño J. , Tahvanainen K. , Uusitalo H. , Turjanmaa V. , Hutri‐Kähönen N. , Kaila T. , Ropo A. , Kuusela T. , Kähönen M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe objective of this randomized, double‐masked, cross‐over study was to compare the cardiovascular effects of two glaucoma formulations, ophthalmic 0·5% timolol aqueous solution and 0·1% timolol hydrogel. Twenty‐four young healthy subjects received for 2 weeks either twice daily 0·5% timolol solution or once daily 0·1% timolol hydrogel. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure, atrio‐ventricular conduction (PR interval), corrected QT time (QTc) and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured in supine position and during head‐up tilted position. The mean peak concentrations of timolol in plasma were significantly higher after administration of 0·5% aqueous solution than after 0·1% hydrogel. A 0·5% timolol aqueous solution decreased HR on average by 3 bpm in supine position and by 7 bpm in head‐up tilted position while no significant effects were observed with 0·1% timolol hydrogel. During tilt test HR was significantly lower after administration of timolol aqueous solution than after timolol hydrogel (mean ± SD, 77 ± 11 bpm versus 86 ± 13 bpm, P < 0·05). Timolol aqueous solution slightly decreased QTc during tilt (5·9 ± 5·6 ms, P < 0·01). During tilt tests, timolol aqueous solution slightly increased atrio‐ventricular conduction (7·2 ms, P = 0·02). No significant differences were found in HRV. These results indicate that in healthy volunteers, ophthalmic 0·5% timolol aqueous solution produces more pronounced cardiac beta‐blocking effects than 0·1% timolol hydrogel.
The effect of equicaloric medium‐chain and long‐chain triglycerides on pancreas enzyme secretion
Authors: Symersky T. , Vu M. K. , Frölich M. , Biemond I. , Masclee A. A. M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryIt has been shown previously that medium chain triglycerides (MCT) do not affect gallbladder emptying and cholecystokinin (CCK) release. The effect of MCT on exocrine pancreas secretion in humans is unknown. We have compared the effect of enteral administration of MCT versus long chain triglycerides (LCT) on exocrine pancreatic secretion. Eight healthy subjects (three female, five male; mean age 22 ± 1·9 years) participated in two experiments, performed in random order. Duodenal contents, obtained by aspiration, were used to calculated the output of pancreatic enzymes and bilirubin. An equicaloric amount of either MCT or LCT (2 kcal min−1) oil was continuously administered in the proximal jejunum for 2 h. Gallbladder volume was measured by ultrasonography and blood samples were drawn for determination of CCK. The experiments consisted of 1 h basal secretion, 2 h of continuous oil administration and 1 h poststimulation. During the LCT feeding the pancreatic enzyme secretion, bilirubin output, gallbladder emptying and CCK release increased significantly (P<0·05) over basal levels. MCT had no effect on pancreatic enzyme secretion nor gallbladder emptying or CCK release. We conclude that enteral administration of MCT in the proximal jejunum does not stimulate exocrine pancreatic secretion nor gallbladder contraction or CCK release, in contrast to an equicaloric amount of LCT.