bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Open field activity and EtOH activation of ?‐PKC null mutants
Authors: Hix DM , Bowers BJ , Miyamoto JH , Wehner JM 
Published: January 2004

AbstractNull mutants of the neural‐specific γ‐isotype of protein kinase C (γ‐PKC) have demonstrated differential responses to acute administration of ethanol in comparison with wild‐type animals. Previous studies have shown that the mutants are less sensitive to ethanol‐induced loss of righting response. Null mutants also consume more ethanol and exhibit less behavioral inhibition. In order to determine if these sensitivity differences extend to ethanol activation of locomotor activity in an open‐field arena, baseline activity and the effect of two low doses of ethanol were assessed in γ‐PKC null mutants and wild‐type littermates. Null mutants demonstrated higher levels of baseline activity than did their wild‐type counterparts. Further analysis revealed that a 1.0 g/kg dose of ethanol increased locomotor activity in males and females of both genotypes, whereas only null mutant males were activated by a 1.25 g/kg ethanol dose. The current study demonstrates that male γ‐PKC null mutants exhibit increased sensitivity to activating doses of ethanol in contrast to previous findings of decreased sensitivity to higher, depressive doses. This reflects the pleiotropic effects of the γ‐PKC null mutation on the behavioral effects of ethanol.
Craving for cigarettes among low and high dependent smokers: impact of norharman
Authors: van den Eijnden Regina , Spijkerman Renske , Fekkes Durk 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBesides nicotine, other chemicals in tobacco smoke, such as norharman, may contribute to the addictive properties of cigarettes. More specifically, elevated blood plasma levels of norharman may reduce feelings of craving among tobacco‐dependent individuals. To test this hypothesis, plasma concentrations of norharman were measured in 38 male smokers (at least 15 cigarettes per day) at three time‐points on 3 different days spread over a 4‐month period. The first measurement (T0) was conducted in the morning at 8.30 a.m., after 12 hours of smoking abstinence. The T1 and T2 measurements were conducted at 13.00 p.m. and 16.30 p.m., during a period of ad libitum smoking (after the T0 measurement, participants were not restricted in their smoking behaviour). At each of the nine time‐points, craving was assessed by means of a shortened version of the Questionnaire of Smoking Urges. The Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence was used to obtain an indication of nicotine dependence. The results showed that, after a period of smoking abstinence, craving was stronger in those with a high tobacco dependence than in those with a low tobacco dependence. After resumption of smoking, craving declined to a similar low level in both low and high dependent smokers. Measurements during periods of ad libitum smoking indicate that plasma levels of norharman are related negatively to craving among low nicotine‐dependent smokers, but not among high dependent smokers.
P‐glycoprotein modulation by the designer drugs methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methylenedioxyethylamphetamine and paramethoxyamphetamine
Authors: Ketabi‐Kiyanvash Nahal , Weiss Johanna , Haefeli Walter Emil , Mikus Gerd 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThere are increasing numbers of deaths related to taking MDMA, MDE and PMA reported where the deceased typically took several different drugs with these compounds. Hence, mutual modulation of the pharmacokinetics in drug combinations with “ecstasy” might be a risk factor for “ecstasy”‐related morbidity. Regarding potential drug‐drug interactions, there are no data evaluating a possible contribution of the multidrug resistance transporter P‐glycoprotein (Pgp) in contrast to the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. Therefore, individual “ecstasy” compounds have been tested for their ability to interact with Pgp using a fluorometric calcein assay as a model for Pgp inhibition in porcine kidney epithelial cells with overexpression of human Pgp (L‐MDR1). All three compounds increased calcein retention in L‐MDR1 cells in a concentration‐dependent manner, with MDE being the most potent and MDMA the weakest Pgp inhibitor. The effective concentrations were 1–3 orders of magnitude higher than plasma concentrations observed in vivo, suggesting that these compounds are only weak inhibitors of Pgp, which is unlikely to influence the access of other compounds to the brain. However, it cannot be excluded that co‐administration of Pgp inhibitors such as ritonavir or paroxetine could increase MDMA, MDE and PMA bioavailability and also enhance brain entry leading to severe side effects.
Age‐ and sex‐related differences in alcohol and nicotine effects in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Lopez Marcelo , Simpson Damon , White Nancy , Randall Carrie 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe present studies were aimed to identify possible age‐ and/or sex‐related differences in the effects of alcohol and nicotine. Study 1 examined age‐related differences in alcohol and nicotine effects. Adolescent and adult C57BL/6J male mice were injected with alcohol or nicotine. Results indicated that alcohol and nicotine induced hypothermia and reduced locomotor activity in both adolescent and adult mice. In both dependent variables, adults were more affected than adolescents that received the same alcohol or nicotine dose. Study 2 examined possible sex‐related differences in the effects of these drugs. Results replicated the aged‐related differences revealed in Study 1 after alcohol or nicotine administration in male mice. No sex‐related differences were observed in alcohol effects. However, young animals of both sexes and adult females appeared to be more resistant to nicotine effects. In both studies, blood alcohol concentrations and cotinine plasma concentrations were assessed. These results suggest that young C57BL/6J mice are more resistant to both alcohol and nicotine effects. In addition, adult females may be more resistant to acute nicotine effects on temperature and locomotion.
The effect of alcohol consumption on endothelial adhesion molecule expression
Authors: Sacanella E , Estruch R 
Published: January 2004

AbstractEndothelial adhesion molecules (AM) play an important role in the pathogenesis of several diseases namely infections, neoplasms and chronic inflammatory diseases. Because alcoholic hepatitis and even atherosclerosis are considered as inflammatory diseases and ethanol may modulate inflammatory response, several researchers have investigated the link between ethanol consumption, endothelial AM and the development of both processes. In vitro, animal and human studies have analysed the effects of ethanol and non‐alcoholic components of alcoholic beverages on inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerosis such as monocyte and endothelial AM. These studies have shown that both ethanol and non‐alcoholic components of alcoholic beverages, mainly polyphenols, reduce intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) and E‐selectin expression of vascular endothelium, as well as monocyte adhesion to this endothelium. These data suggest that moderate alcohol intake has an anti‐inflammatory effect on the cardiovascular system and reduces early serum markers of atherosclerosis. However, at higher doses ethanol may exert an inflammatory effect. In fact, chronic alcoholics exhibit significantly higher serum levels of endothelial AM than abstainers and moderate drinkers. In addition, an upregulation of E‐selectin, ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 is also detected in liver biopsies obtained from patients with alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. The clinical usefulness of the measurement of serum endothelial AM is discussed.
Malignant Glomus Tumour: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: De Chiara Annarosaria , Apice Gaetano , Mori Stefano , Silvestro Giustino , Losito Simona N. , Botti Gerardo , Ninfo Vito 
Published: January 2004

Purpose: Glomus tumours are characteristically benign solitary tumours. At our knowledge, about 23 reports are present in
literature regarding the malignant counterpart, but only a minority developed metastases. We describe a locally aggressive
glomus tumour with lymphnode metastasis.Patient: The patient was a 40 year‐old man presenting a 1.5‐cm lesion on the right wrist incompletely excised and a recurrent
tumour, 4 × 2 cm in size, removed after 9 months, for which he received radiotherapy. After 2 years he developed an axillary
lymphnode metastasis.Results: Histologically, both tumours (primary and metastasis) were similar. There were sheets and nests of uniform small
cells with scant eosinophilic cytoplasm and round to polygonal nuclei; there was some degree of pleomorphism and the
mitotic index was high (up to 18 m/10 HPF). The tumour cells were positive for vimentin and smooth muscle actin, but
negative for desmin, NSE, Factor VIII, chromogranin, cytokeratin. Remarkably, in the primary, the cells strongly expressed
p53 (70%) and MIB‐1 (35%).Discussions: In many reported malignant cases, the histology of the tumour cells suggested that they were malignant, yet the
clinical course has been benign. Carefully reviewing the literature, it seems that actually we have enough histological criteria
to identify the cases with biological adverse outcome. Those unfortunate cases behave as high grade sarcomas and therefore
may deserve an aggressive therapeutic treatment.
Immunohistochemistry Evaluation of the Effect in Vivo of Tumor Necrosis Factor(TNF)‐α on Blood VesselDensity in Murine Fibrosarcoma
Authors: Eisenthal Avi , Schwartz Ignat , Issakov Josephine , Klausner Yossef , Misonzhnik Faina , Lifschitz-Mercer Beatriz 
Published: January 2004

Purpose: Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and metastases, thus bestowing obvious importance upon methodologies
which could enable its inhibition.Materials: C57BL/6 female mice bearing a subcutaneous (s.c.) MCA205 fibrosarcoma were used.Methods: Ten mice were divided equally into two groups. One group was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 10 μg tumor
necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α and the other (controls) with Hanks balanced salt solution (HBSS). Tumor growth was monitored
at least twice weekly. The number of endothelial cells in the blood microvessels was assessed by immunohistostaining on
paraffin‐embedded tumor tissue sections using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Factor 8 antibodies.
Expression of the p53 gene was similarly assessed by immunohistostaining.Results: Injection of 10 μg TNF‐α into the tumor‐bearing mice reduced the number of endothelial cells in the blood
microvessels by 46% on day 3 post‐injection which was accompanied by an increase (by 37%) in the expression of p53 in
these cells. It also inhibited tumor growth compared to the HBSS‐injected group starting at 17 days post‐cytokine injection.Discussion: The antitumor in vivo effect exerted by TNF‐α on established murine sarcoma s.c. tumors may be due to an
earlier effect of the cytokine on the tumor′s blood microvessels, probably through an apoptotic mechanism involving the
p53 gene.
Analysis of Lung Metastases in Patients with Primary Extremity Sarcoma
Authors: Songür N. , Dinç M. , Özdilekcan C. , Eke S. , Ok U. , Oz M. 
Published: January 2004

Purpose: To investigate the incidence, radiographic findings, and the time course for the appearence of lung metastases from
primary extremity sarcoma.Patients and methods: Four‐hundred patients with extremity sarcoma were evaluated retrospectively for lung metastases.
Multiple clinical factors were analyzed for possible influence on the metastases‐free interval and subsequent metastases
development. Radiographic findings of metastases were also reviewed.Results: Ninety of 400 patients (23%) developed lung metastases. Median time from presentation to detection of metastasis
was 8.0 ± 1.1 months (95% CI: 6.02–9.98). More than 75% of patients developed metastases within 1 year after presentation
of the primary sarcoma. As disease grade increased, the metastases‐free intervals shortened significantly. Histologically,
synoviosarcoma and osteogenic sarcoma were more often associated with the development of lung metastases. In this
subgroup, 54 patients (60%), the presence of solitary (11) or multiple (43) nodular metastases was the only radiological
finding. In 36 of 90 patients (40%), parenchymal mass, pleural effusion, hilar lymphadenopathy and pneumothorax were
found.Conclusions: Twenty‐three percent of patients in our study developed lung metastases. As the grade of the disease increased,
metastases‐free intervals are shortened. Although it has been reported that lung metastases in patients with extremity
sarcomas may present as solitary or multiple nodules in earlier trials with radiographic screening methods, the current review
of 400 patients found that a substantial number of patients may present radiological appearances other than nodular
formations.
Synovial Chondromatosis and Chondrosarcoma: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Sperling Brita L. , Angel Steven , Stoneham Grant , Chow Vance , McFadden Andrew , Chibbar Rajni 
Published: January 2004

Purpose: The progression of synovial chondromatosis to chondrosarcoma is very rare. Distinction between these two entities
may be difficult on histology alone, and should be based on clinical, radiographic and microscopic evidence.
Immunohistochemical markers that would facilitate differentiation between synovial chondromatosis and chondrosarcoma
are currently being investigated.Patients: We describe the cases of two patients who presented with synovial chondromatosis and progression to synovial
chondrosarcoma during periods of 7 and 11 years. Several biopsies and resected specimens demonstrated synovial
chondromatosis before a diagnosis of chondrosarcoma was made.Method: We have examined five markers (Bcl2, Ki67, p27, p16, and p53) in all specimens from these cases, as well as known
cases of chondromatosis and chondrosarcoma for control purposes.Results: We found increased expression of Bcl2 in benign chondromatosis compared to synovial or central chondrosarcomas.Discussion: Distinction between chondromatosis and its progression to low grade chondrosarcoma is difficult at histological
level, and must involve incorporation of clinical and radiographical data. Although preliminary, our study suggests that
reduced or absent expression of Bcl2 is associated withmalignant transformation of chondromatosis.
Reduced competitive ability due toWolbachiainfection in the parasitoid waspTrichogramma kaykai
Authors: Huigens M. E. , Hohmann C. L. , Luck R. F. , Gort G. , Stouthamer R. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractSeveral hymenopteran parasitoids are infected with parthenogenesis‐inducing (PI)Wolbachia. Infected wasps produce daughters instead of sons from unfertilized eggs. Thus far, little is known about the direct effects of PIWolbachiaon their host's fitness. Here, we report reduced competitive ability due toWolbachiainfection in a minute parasitoid wasp,Trichogramma kaykaiPinto and Stouthamer (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Immature survival of infected individuals in a host parasitized by a single infected female, laying a normal clutch of eggs, was lower than those parasitized by a single uninfected individual. When the offspring of infected and uninfected females shared the same host, the infected immatures had significantly lower survival rates than their uninfected counterparts. The survival rate of infected immatures was higher when they competed with other infected immatures from a different infected parent than in competition with uninfected immatures of conspecific wasps. Thus, the hostTrichogrammacan suffer a substantial reduction in fitness when it is infected with the PIWolbachia. We discuss why such a reduction is to be expected when populations of infected and uninfected individuals co‐occur, and how the reduced competitive ability of PIWolbachiainfluences the spread of the bacteria in the field.
Developing pheromone traps and lures for Maruca vitrata in Benin, West Africa
Authors: Downham M. C. A. , Tamò M. , Hall D. R. , Datinon B. , Adetonah S. , Farman D. I. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractIn previous work successful trapping of the legume podborer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), was accomplished using a synthetic pheromone blend consisting of (E,E)‐10,12‐hexadecadienal, (E,E)‐10,12‐hexadecadienol, and (E)‐10‐hexadecenal in a 100 : 5 : 5 ratio. In the present work, experiments were conducted in cowpea fields in Benin to compare different trap designs, and other aspects of the lures. A water‐trap made from a plastic jerry‐can was found to be superior to commercial funnel‐ and sticky‐trap designs, and 120 cm was the optimum height for captures. Generally, lures consisted of polyethylene vials containing 0.1 mg of pheromone. Results showed that shielding the lures from the adverse effects of sunlight with aluminium foil did not increase trap catches of M. vitrata. The degree of isomeric purity of the (E,E)‐10,12‐hexadecadienal and (E,E)‐10,12‐hexadecadienol blend components, in the range 73–99%, had no significant effect on captures, while lures of 80% isomeric purity showed no loss of effectiveness for up to 4 weeks. Similar results were observed with lures from a commercial source containing 0.46 mg of pheromone in the blend ratio 100 : 11 : 6 and 95% isomeric purity. Residue analysis showed that vial lures exposed for 2 weeks in the field still contained 73% of the initial amount of (E,E)‐10,12‐hexadecadienal, compared to rubber septa dispensers, which only retained 22%. Females comprised 11–50% of total catches, confirming earlier, unexpected results for synthetic lures. The observations that effective traps can be made from locally available plastic containers, and that pheromone blend composition and purity are not critical, should reduce costs and improve the feasibility of traps as practical monitoring tools for M. vitrata.
Influence of handling and conditioning protocol on learning and memory of Microplitis croceipes
Authors: Tertuliano M. , Olson D.M. , Rains G.C. , Lewis W.J. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract Microplitis croceipes (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) learns odors in association with both hosts and food. The food‐associated ‘seeking’ behavior of M. croceipes was investigated under various training protocols utilizing the conditioning odor, 3‐octanone. We investigated the effects of odor training, or its lack, training duration, training frequency, time elapsed after training, wasp hunger state, and training reinforcement, on the food‐seeking responses of M. croceipes females. We found that odor‐trained females show strong food seeking responses, whereas non‐odor‐trained females do not respond to the odor, and that a single 10 s association with the odor whilst feeding on sugar water subsequently conditioned the wasps to exhibiting significant responses to it. Increases in training time to more than 10 s did not improve their responses. Repetition of the food–odor associations increased a wasp's recall, as well as its response over time, compared to a single exposure. Repeated exposure to the learned odor in the absence of a food reward decreased the responses of less hungry individuals. However, the level of response increased significantly following a single reinforcement with the food–odor association. Understanding the factors that influence learning in parasitoids can enhance our ability to predict their foraging behavior, and opens up avenues for the development of effective biological detectors.
Experience with methyl salicylate affects behavioural responses of a predatory mite to blends of herbivore‐induced plant volatiles
Authors: De Boer Jetske G. , Dicke Marcel 
Published: January 2004

AbstractMany natural enemies of herbivorous arthropods use herbivore‐induced plant volatiles to locate their prey. These foraging cues consist of mixtures of compounds that show a considerable variation within and among plant–herbivore combinations, a situation that favours a flexible approach in the foraging behaviour of the natural enemies. In this paper, we address the flexibility in behavioural responses of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to herbivore‐induced plant volatiles. In particular, we investigated the effect of experience with one component of a herbivore‐induced volatile blend: methyl salicylate (MeSA). We compared the responses of three groups of predatory mites: (1) those reared from egg to adult on Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) on lima bean plants (Phaseolus lunatus L. that produces MeSA), (2) those reared on T. urticae on cucumber (Cucumus sativus L. that does not produce MeSA), and (3) those reared on T. urticae on cucumber in the presence of synthetic MeSA. Exposure to MeSA during the rearing period (groups 1 and 3) resulted in an attraction to the single compound MeSA in a Y‐tube olfactometer. Moreover, exposure to MeSA affected the choice of predatory mites between two volatile blends that were similar, except for the presence of MeSA. Predators reared on lima bean plants preferred the volatile blend from T. urticae‐induced lima bean (including MeSA) to the volatile blend from jasmonic‐acid induced lima bean (lacking MeSA), but predators reared on cucumber preferred the volatile blend from the latter. Predatory mites reared on cucumber in the presence of synthetic MeSA did not discriminate between these two blends. Exposure to MeSA for 3 days in the adult phase, after rearing on cucumber, also resulted in attraction to the single compound MeSA. We conclude that a minor difference in the composition of the volatile blend to which a predatory mite is exposed can explain its preferences between two odour sources.
Generalized Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus (GEFS+): Clinical Spectrum in Seven Italian Families Unrelated to SCN1A, SCN1B, and GABRG2 Gene Mutations
Authors: Bonanni Paolo , Malcarne Michela , Moro Francesca , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Buti Daniela , Ferrari Anna Rita , Parrini Elena , Mei Davide , Volzone Anna , Zara Federico , Heron Sarah E. , Bordo Laura , Marini Carla , Guerrini Renzo 
Published: January 2004

Summary:  Purpose: We describe seven Italian families with generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+), in which mutations of SCN1A, SCN1B, and GABRG2 genes were excluded and compare their clinical spectrum with that of previously reported GEFS+ with known mutations. Methods: We performed a clinical study of seven families (167 individuals). The molecular study included analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fragments of SCN1A and SCN1B exons by denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) and direct sequencing of GABRG2 in all families. We excluded SCN1A, SCN1B, and GABRG2 genes with linkage analysis in a large pedigree and directly sequenced SCN2A in a family with neonatal–infantile seizures onset. We compared the epilepsy phenotypes observed in our families with those of GEFS+ families harboring mutations of SCN1A, SCN1B, and GABRG2 and estimated the percentage of mutations of these genes among GEFS+ cases by reviewing all published studies. Results: Inheritance was autosomal dominant with 69% penetrance. Forty‐one individuals had epilepsy: 29 had a phenotype consistent with GEFS+; seven had idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE); in three, the epilepsy type could not be classified; and two were considered phenocopies. Clinical phenotypes included FS+ (29.2%), FS (29.2%), IGE (18.2%), FS+ with focal seizures (13%) or absence seizures (2.6%), and FS with absence seizures (2.6%). Molecular study of SCN1A, SCN2A, SCN1B, and GABRG2 did not reveal any mutation. Results of our study and literature review indicate that mutations of SCN1A, SCN2A, SCN1B, and GABRG2 in patients with GEFS+ are rare. Conclusions: The most frequently observed phenotypes matched those reported in families with mutations of the SCN1A, SCN1B, and GABRG2 genes. IGE and GEFS+ may overlap in some families, suggesting a shared genetic mechanism. The observation that 13% of affected individuals had focal epilepsy confirms previously reported rates and should prompt a reformulation of the “GEFS+” concept to include focal epileptogenesis.