bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of yolk sac resorption and post‐hatching development of the gastrointestinal tract in chickens, ducks and geese
Authors: Jamroz D. , Wertelecki T. , Wiliczkiewicz A. , Orda J , Skorupińska J. 
Published: May 2004

SummaryUnder similar environmental conditions, 100 male Shaver–Starbro hybrid chickens, 100 male Mulard cross‐line ducklings and 100 male Landaise goslings kept in 30 metabolic cages from the first day of life (10 birds of each species separately per cage) were chosen for the study. The animals were fed semi ad libitum diets with crude protein content and energy density similar to that used for poultry species, avoiding feed residues. During the first 21 days of life they received starter diets and from day 22 to 42 grower diets. Maize accounted for 23‐‐40% and barley constituted 10–18%. Wheat accounted for 20.0% in starter diets and 10–18% in grower diets. Resorption of yolk sac residues, performance, development of the intestinal tract in young chickens, ducklings and goslings were assessed. During the first 5 days of life intensive absorption of yolk sac ingredients was observed. On day 7, residues of the yolk sac were found in more than 30% of chickens compared with approximately 10% in geese. In ducklings residues of the yolk sac were not found. On day 16 unabsorbed yolk sacs were found in approximately 10% of chickens. Liver and pancreas weighed the highest in geese and in ducks; in chickens the weight of these organs was significantly lower (p < 0.01). The relative values calculated to 100 g of metabolic body weight show that the average small intestine in chickens was significantly longer (p < 0.01) than in ducks or geese. The intestinal tract developed earlier in the chicken than in the water fowl.
PROTECTION AGAINST KAINATE NEUROTOXICITY BY PYRROLIDINE DITHIOCARBAMATE
Authors: Shin Eun‐Joo , Jhoo Jin Hyeong , Kim Won‐Ki , Jhoo Wang Kee , Lee Chaeyoung , Jung Bae Dong , Kim Hyoung‐Chun 
Published: May 2004

Summary1. The effect of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) on kainate (KA)‐induced neurotoxicity was examined in Sprague‐Dawley rats.2. At 10 mg/kg, i.p., KA produced seizures accompanied by neuronal loss in the hippocampus and increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl.3. Pretreatment with PDTC (100 or 200 mg/kg, p.o., every 12 h ×5) blocked KA‐induced neurotoxicities (seizures, increases in MDA and protein carbonyl and neuronal losses) in a dose‐dependent manner. These effects were counteracted by the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dimethylxanthine (25 or 50 µg/kg, i.p.), but not by the A2A receptor antagonist 1,3,7‐trimethyl‐8‐(3‐chlorostyryl)xanthine (0.5 or 1 mg/kg, i.p.) or the A2B receptor antagonist alloxazine (1.5 or 3.0 mg/kg, i.p.).4. Our results suggest that the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of PDTC are mediated, at least in part, via adenosine A1 receptor stimulation.
SENSITIVE THYROID‐STIMULATING ANTIBODY ASSAY WITH HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF GRAVES' DISEASE
Authors: Takasu Nobuyuki , Kamijo Keiichi , Sato Ysusi , Yoshimura Hiroshi , Nagata Atsuo , Ochi Yukio 
Published: May 2004

Summary1. The aim of the present study was to determine the usefulness of a newly developed thyroid‐stimulating antibody (TSAb) assay. We developed a highly sensitive TSAb (sTSAb) assay with 22.5% polyethylene glycol‐precipitated crude IgG. The thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor antibody (TRAb) causes Graves' disease and TRAb has been measured as TSH‐binding inhibitor immunoglobulin (TBII) and thyroid‐stimulating antibody (TSAb). The TSAb stimulates the thyroid glands and causes hyperthyroidism. In addition to investigating the usefulness of the newly developed sTSAb assay, we also investigated the frequencies of positive TRAb in thyrotoxic patients with subacute thyroiditis, painless thyroiditis or a solitary toxic nodule.2. We studied 700 untreated Graves' patients with hyperthyroidism and 923 normal controls. We also studied thyrotoxic patients with subacute thyroiditis, painless thyroiditis or a solitary toxic nodule. Conventional TSAb (cTSAb) and sTSAb were measured as TSAb, whereas porcine TBII (pTBII) and human recombinant TBII (hTBII) were measured as TBII.3. Levels of cTSAb and sTSAb were determined in 923 normal controls and 629 untreated Graves' patients and cTSAb and sTSAb were found to be normally distributed in normal controls, but not in untreated Graves' patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that cTSAb and sTSAb had high sensitivity and specificity for Graves' disease. Of the patients investigated, 96.5% of untreated Graves' patients were positive for sTSAb and/or pTBII. Some untreated Graves' patients who were negative for cTSAb were positive for sTSAb. Paired determinations of cTSAb and sTSAb were performed in 146 untreated Graves' patients. A positive correlation was found between cTSAb and sTSAb. Titres of sTSAb were higher than those of cTSAb and sTSAb had high sensitivity.4. Of the 35 untreated Graves' hyperthyroid patients who were negative for cTSAb, 18 (51%) were positive for sTSAb. Of the 36 untreated Graves' patients who were negative for hTBII, nine (25%) were positive for sTSAb. Some untreated Graves' patients who were negative for cTSAb were positive for sTSAb and some who were negative for hTBII and pTBII were positive for sTSAb.5. Some thyrotoxic patients with subacute thyroiditis or painless thyroiditis were positive for TRAb. However, the frequency of TRAb‐positive patients was low in this group. None of the patients with a solitary toxic nodule was positive for TRAb.6. In conclusion, sTSAb had higher sensitivity than cTSAb. Graves' patients who were cTSAb negative and hTBII negative could be sTSAb positive. The sTSAb indicates TSAb activity, but pTBII and hTBII do not necessarily do so. We recommended that the sTSAb is used in Graves' patients.
AURANOFIN INCREASES APOPTOSIS AND ISCHAEMIA–REPERFUSION INJURY IN THE RAT ISOLATED HEART
Authors: Venardos Kylie , Harrison Glenn , Headrick John , Perkins Anthony 
Published: May 2004

Summary1. Auranofin, an antirheumatic gold compound, is an inhibitor of selenocysteine enzymes, such as thioredoxin reductase and glutathione peroxidase. These enzymes play an important role in protecting cardiac tissue from oxidative stress generated during ischaemia–reperfusion.2. Auranofin (100 mg/kg) was administered to rats and their hearts were subjected to an in vitro model of ischaemia–reperfusion. The activity of thioredoxin reductase and glutathione peroxidase was determined in liver and heart tissues in an attempt to correlate enzymatic activity with heart recovery after ischaemia–reperfusion.3. There was significantly less thioredoxin reductase activity in rat liver extracts, whereas the level of glutathione activity remained unchanged, demonstrating that the dose of auranofin used was able to selectively inhibit one of these enzyme systems. Rats administered auranofin displayed significantly impaired recovery from ischaemic insult. The end diastolic pressure was increased, whereas the rate pressure product was significantly decreased.4. The level of postischaemic apoptosis was also assessed by examining caspase‐3 activity in tissue homogenates. Auranofin significantly increased the degree of postischaemic apoptosis, leading to poor postischaemic recovery.
INHIBITION OF THE DOPAMINE SYSTEM IN RAT AMYGDALA ATTENUATES THE PICROTOXIN‐INDUCED LOCOMOTER HYPERACTIVITY AND HYPERTENSION
Authors: Chang CK , Wang NL , Lin MT 
Published: May 2004

Summary1. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether picrotoxin‐induced locomotor hyperactivity and hypertension can be inhibited by dopaminergic inhibition in rat amygdala.2. Locomotor activity was detected using a modularized infrared light matrix system in freely moving rats. In anaesthetized rats, blood pressure was measured while dopamine release was detected using in vivo voltammetry with carbon fibre electrodes.3. Systemic administration of picrotoxin (1–4 mg/kg) increased both locomotor activity (including horizontal motion, vertical motion and total distance travelled) and the number of turnings (both clockwise and anticlockwise), but inhibited postural freezing. The locomotor hyperactivity induced by systemic administration of picrotoxin was mimicked by direct injection of a small dose (1–3 µg in 1.0 µL) of picrotoxin into the amygdala.4. In vivo voltammetry data revealed that systemic administration of picrotoxin increased the release of dopamine in the amygdala of rat brain accompanied by hypertension.5. Local injection of kainic acid into the paramedian reticular nucleus (PRN) of the medulla oblongata decreased both the spontaneous release of dopamine in the amygdala and spontaneous levels of locomotor activity in rats.6. Furthermore, the picrotoxin‐induced locomotor hyperactivity, hypertension and increased amygdaloid dopamine release were all suppressed following chemical stimulation of the PRN with kainic acid.7. Blockade of dopamine receptors with systemic or intra‐amygdaloid injection of haloperidol (a dopamine receptor antagonist) significantly attenuated the picrotoxin‐induced locomotor hyperactivity and hypertension.8. These results demonstrate that picrotoxin‐induced hyperactivity and hypertension involve an increase in amygdaloid dopamine transmission that can be modulated by ascending projections from the PRN in the medulla oblongata.
HYPERHOMOCYSTEINAEMIA‐INDUCED ATRIAL REMODELLING IN HYPERTENSIVE RATS
Authors: Joseph Jacob , Washington Abeer , Joseph Lija , Kennedy Richard H 
Published: May 2004

Summary1. Studies from our laboratory and others indicate that, in addition to its purported atherothrombotic effects, hyperhomocysteinaemia (Hhe) is a powerful stimulus for ventricular remodelling, dysfunction and clinical heart failure. Because changes in atrial structure and function can impact on cardiac function in progressive ventricular remodelling and dysfunction, we conducted experiments to examine structural and functional remodelling of the atria in the hyperhomocysteinaemic hypertensive rat, a previously described model of ventricular diastolic dysfunction.2. Atrial muscle preparations were isolated from hearts of spontaneously hypertensive rats that were fed control, intermediate Hhe‐inducing or severe Hhe‐inducing diet for 10 weeks.3. Atrial developed tension, +dT/dtmax and –dT/dtmax were found to increase in parallel with levels of Hhe and ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Post‐rest developed tension and the maximum developed tension observed in the presence of isoproterenol were also increased significantly in both Hhe groups compared with control. These results indicate that Hhe increases both basal and maximal contractile function in atrial muscle. Atrial structural remodelling was characterized by increased interstitial fibrosis in both Hhe groups.4. These data suggest that Hhe‐associated changes in atrial structure and function may act to maintain ventricular filling in Hhe‐induced diastolic dysfunction.
MOLECULAR CHANGES IN PROXIMAL TUBULE FUNCTION IN DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Hryciw Deanne H , Lee Erwin M , Pollock Carol A , Poronnik Philip 
Published: May 2004

Summary1. Diabetic kidney disease is initially associated with hypertension and increased urinary albumin excretion. The hypertension is mediated by enhanced volume expansion due to enhanced salt and water retention by the kidney. The increased urinary albumin is not only due to increased glomerular leak, but also to a decrease in albumin reabsorption by the proximal tubule. The precise molecular mechanisms underlying these two phenomena and whether there is any link between the increase in Na+ retention and proteinuria remain unresolved.2. There is significant evidence to suggest that increased Na+ retention by the proximal tubule Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3) can play a role in some forms of hypertension. Increased NHE3 activity in models of diabetes mellitus may explain, in part, the enhanced salt retention observed in patients with diabetic kidney disease.3. The NHE3 also plays a role in receptor‐mediated albumin uptake in the proximal tubule. The uptake of albumin requires the assembly of a macromolecular complex that is thought to include the megalin/cubulin receptor, NHE3, the vacuolar type H+‐ATPase (v‐H+‐ATPase), the Cl– channel ClC‐5 and interactions with the actin cytoskeleton. The NHE3 seems to exist in two functionally distinct membrane domains, one involved with Na+ reabsorption and the other involved in albumin uptake.4. The present review focuses on the evidence derived from in vivo studies, as well as complementary studies in cell culture models, for a dual role of NHE3 in both Na+ retention and albumin uptake. We suggest a possible mechanism by which disruption of the proximal tubule albumin uptake mechanism in diabetes mellitus may lead to both increased Na+ retention and proteinuria.
DIFFERENTIAL NEURAL CONTROL OF GLOMERULAR ULTRAFILTRATION
Authors: Denton Kate M , Luff Susan E , Shweta Amany , Anderson Warwick P 
Published: May 2004

Summary1. The renal nerves constrict the renal vasculature, causing decreases in renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Whether renal haemodynamics are influenced by changes in renal nerve activity within the physiological range is a matter of debate.2. We have identified two morphologically distinct populations of nerves within the kidney, which are differentially distributed to the renal afferent and efferent arterioles. Type I nerves almost exclusively innervate the afferent arteriole whereas type II nerves are distributed equally on the afferent and efferent arterioles. We have also demonstrated that type II nerves are immunoreactive for neuropeptide Y, whereas type I nerves are not.3. This led us to hypothesize that, in the kidney, distinct populations of nerves innervate specific effector tissues and that these nerves may be selectively activated, setting the basis for the differential neural control of GFR. In physiological studies, we demonstrated that differential changes in glomerular capillary pressure occurred in response to graded reflex activation of the renal nerves, compatible with our hypothesis.4. Thus, sympathetic outflow may be capable of selectively increasing or decreasing glomerular capillary pressure and, hence, GFR by differentially activating separate populations of renal nerves. This has important implications for our understanding of the neural control of body fluid balance in health and disease.
DOSE‐DEPENDENT EFFECT OF CAPTOPRIL ON AORTIC REACTIVITY OF STREPTOZOTOCIN‐DIABETIC RATS
Authors: Baluchnejadmojarad Tourandokht , Roghani Mehrdad , Imani Alireza 
Published: May 2004

Summary1. Diabetes mellitus is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. Strategies that interrupt the renin–angiotensin system have been known to reduce cardiovascular disease. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of sub‐chronic administration of captopril on the aortic reactivity of streptozotocin‐diabetic rats.2. Streptozotocin‐diabetic rats received captopril (30 and 50 mg/kg per day) for 2 months. Contractile responses to phenylephrine (PE) and relaxation responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and isosorbide dinitrate (ISD) were obtained from aortic rings.3. Concentration–response curves from captopril‐treated diabetic rats to PE were attenuated compared with vehicle (Saline)‐treated diabetic rats, especially at a dose of 50 mg/kg captopril. In addition, endothelium‐dependent relaxation responses induced by ACh were significantly higher in captopril‐treated diabetic rats compared with diabetic rats. The endothelium‐independent relaxation responses for ISD were found not to be significantly different among the groups.4. Therefore, sub‐chronic treatment of diabetic rats with captopril in a dose‐dependent manner could prevent the functional changes in vascular reactivity in diabetic rats.
A NOVEL INEXPENSIVE MURINE MODEL OF ORAL CHRONIC DIGITALIZATION
Authors: Helber Izo , Kanashiro Rosemeire M , Alarcon Ernesto A , Antonio Ednei L , Tucci Paulo JF 
Published: May 2004

Summary1. A novel inexpensive murine model of oral administration of digitoxin (100 µg/kg per day) added to routine chow is described.2. Serum digitoxin levels achieved after oral (n = 5; 116 ± 14 ng/mL) and subcutaneous (n = 5; 124 ± 11 ng/mL) administration were similar.3. A significant increase in the maximal left ventricular pressure rise of treated (n = 9) compared with control (n = 6) rats (dP/dt: 8956 ± 233 vs 7980 ± 234 mmHg/s, respectively; P = 0.01) characterized the positive inotropic action of digitoxin. In addition, no differences were observed in treated compared with control rats with regard to the electrocardiogram and systolic and diastolic left ventricular pressures.
EFFECTS OF FLUVASTATIN ON ENDOTHELIUM‐DERIVED HYPERPOLARIZING FACTOR‐ AND NITRIC OXIDE‐MEDIATED RELAXATIONS IN ARTERIES OF HYPERTENSIVE RATS
Authors: Kansui Yasuo , Fujii Koji , Goto Kenichi , Abe Isao , Iida Mitsuo 
Published: May 2004

Summary1. Endothelial cells release endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), as well as nitric oxide (NO). It has recently been suggested that 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) improve NO‐mediated endothelial function, partially independently of their cholesterol‐lowering effects. It is, however, unclear whether statins improve EDHF‐mediated responses.2. Eight‐month‐old stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) were treated with fluvastatin (10 mg/kg per day) for 1 month. Age‐matched, normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats served as controls. Both EDHF‐ and NO‐mediated relaxations were impaired in SHRSP compared with WKY rats.3. Fluvastatin treatment did not affect blood pressure and serum total cholesterol. The acetylcholine (ACh)‐induced, EDHF‐mediated hyperpolarization in mesenteric arteries did not significantly differ between fluvastatin‐treated SHRSP and untreated SHRSP and the responses in both groups were significantly smaller compared with those of WKY rats. Endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor‐mediated relaxations, as assessed by the relaxation to ACh in mesenteric arteries contracted with noradrenaline in the presence of NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine and indomethacin, were virtually absent and similar in both SHRSP groups. In contrast, NO‐mediated relaxation, as assessed by the relaxation in response to ACh in rings contracted with 77 mmol/L KCl, was improved in fluvastatin‐treated SHRSP compared with untreated SHRSP (maximum relaxation in control and fluvastatin groups 42.0 ± 5.2 and 61.2 ± 3.8%, respectively; P < 0.05).4. Hyperpolarization and relaxation in response to levcromakalim, an ATP‐sensitive K+ channel opener, were similar between the two SHRSP groups.5. These findings suggest that fluvastatin improves NO‐mediated relaxation, but not EDHF‐mediated hyperpolarization and relaxation, in SHRSP. Thus, the beneficial effects of the statin on endothelial function may be mainly ascribed to an improvement in the NO pathway, but not EDHF.
The Endless Construction of Charity: On Milbank's Critique of Political Economy
Authors: Herdt Jennifer A. 
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACTIn Theology and Social Theory, John Milbank critiques Scottish Enlightenment political economy and its attendant descriptive moral philosophy for “de‐ethicizing” human action. A closer look at the development of theoretical understandings of sympathy, however, shows that instinct did not ultimately displace virtue. Moreover, a survey of practical responses to poverty calls into question the claim that political economy obliterated the Christian sphere of public charity. Many of the innovations Milbank criticizes as de‐ethicizing in fact reflect serious efforts to absorb into ethical reflection and practice deep social and economic changes, which Christian theology could ignore only at its own peril. Moreover, it was sometimes non‐ or even anti‐religious thinkers like David Hume and William Hazlitt who were soonest to see the dangers involved in appealing to instinctual behavior and providential coordination of social action. Returning to the roots of social theory allows theologians to recover lost possibilities for productive collaboration with “the secular.”
Re‐Reading the Post‐Kantian Tradition with Milbank
Authors: Michalson Gordon E. 
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACTThe essay explores the meaning and implications of Milbank's claim that the post‐Kantian presuppositions of modern theology must be eradicated. After defining and locating the post‐Kantian element in the context of Milbank's broader concerns, the essay employs a comparison between Milbank and Barth to draw out the differences between radical orthodoxy and neo‐orthodoxy with respect to the Kantian ideal of “mediation” between theology and culture. The essay concludes with comparisons of Milbank's metanarrative concerning “modern” thought with those offered by Hans Blumenberg and James Edwards. The effect is not only to suggest the apparent arbitrariness of Milbank's account, but also to indicate the evident futility of arguing with Milbank's theological position on the basis of alternative accounts of the post‐Kantian tradition.
A Jewish Modified Divine Command Theory
Authors: Kavka Martin , Rashkover Randi 
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACTWe claim that divine command metaethicists have not thought through the nature of the expression of divine love with sufficient rigor. We argue, against prior divine command theories, that the radical difference between God and the natural world means that grounding divine command in divine love can only ground a formal claim of the divine on the human; recipients of revelation must construct particular commands out of this formal claim. While some metaethicists might respond to us by claiming that this account leads to an inability to judge between better and worse constructions of the commanded life, we propose that an analysis of the human response to divine love—theological eros—can be the basis for an articulation of a philosophical theology (in our case, negative theology) that can guide the religious believer toward generating particular principles for ethical action that are grounded in an account of divine action. By linking divine command to imitatio Dei, the believer can have confidence that her imitative acts of God are not inaccurate constructions of the commanded life.
Prostitution and other cofactors in preinvasive and invasive lesions of the cervix
Authors: T. NÚÑEZ José , DELGADO Mariela , GIRÓN Hugo , PINO Gloria 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjective:  To examine risk factors for preinvasive and invasive lesions of the cervix in Venezuelan female sex workers (FSW).Methods:  A total of 438 FSW were analysed. Each FSW had their clinical history recorded, a gynaecological examination, a Pap smear and a colposcopic examination of the cervix. A cervical biopsy was taken under colposcopic guidance when there was an abnormal epithelium. The statistical methods used were Student's t‐test, χ2 test and logistic regression.Results:  The sex workers’ mean age was 32.1 ± 7.9 years old (mean ± standard deviation). The age of the first sexual intercourse activity for the FSW was 15.9 ± 2.1 years. Sixty‐four of the 84 women (76.2%) who had cervical biopsies had preinvasive and invasive lesions; 41 (9.4%) had cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, 12 (2.7%) had CIN 2, eight (1.8%) had CIN 3, two (0.5%) had microinvasive carcinoma, and one (0.2%) had invasive carcinoma. Forty of these 64 women (62.5%) with preinvasive or invasive lesions had a concurrent histological diagnosis of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection (P < 0.0001). The FSW with cervical pathology were younger (P < 0.05) and had their first sexual intercourse earlier (P < 0.02) than FSW with no pathology. Two hundred and seventy‐six (63%) of the FSW were current smokers, and 47 of these women (17.6%) had cervical pathology (P < 0.03).Conclusions:  First sexual experience before 20 years of age, cigarette smoking and HPV infection were high‐risk factors for preinvasive and invasive lesions of the cervix in Venezuelan FSW.