bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social Behavior of Larvae of the Neotropical Processionary Weevil Phelypera distigma (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Hyperinae)
Authors: Costa James T. , Fitzgerald Terrence D. , Pescador‐Rubio Alfonso , Mays Jonathan , Janzen Daniel H. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractSocially gregarious behavior among free‐living leaf‐eating insect larvae occurs mostly among Lepidoptera, Symphyta, and a few Chyrsomelidae (Coleoptera). However, the Neotropical hyperine curculionid Phelypera distigma has also evolved this lifestyle, exhibiting a suite of social behaviors unique among beetles. The larvae are nomadic processionary foragers that punctuate foraging bouts with rosette‐shaped resting formations (cycloalexy). Larvae also vibrate or bob their heads rapidly when moving, especially when in contact with conspecifics, and this suggests acoustic or vibrational communication. In this study we used observational and experimental approaches to investigate the basis of processionary, cycloalexic,and head‐vibration behavior of this species. Larvae used both trail pheromones and thigmotactic signals to organize themselves into head‐to‐tail processionary columns. The trail pheromone, produced from the center of the abdomen, remains active for up to 4 h. Processions are not consistently led by particular individuals, but dynamically change over time and often temporarily break into two or more subprocessions. Subprocessions reunite through use of the trail pheromone. We found no evidence that head‐bobbing generates attraction through substrate‐borne or acoustic signals, but this behavior functions in direct contact to excite group activity. Time‐lapse videography used to analyze cycloalexic group formation showed that larvae transition from feeding in a line along the leaf margin to cycloalexic formations on the upper leaf surface via a coordinated back‐up movement that brings the posterior tip of their abdomens into contact. We identify three phases of cycloalexic formation: line‐up, back‐up, and an adjustment phase. Complete assembly can be achieved in as little as 5 s, but often the two phases establishing the basic rosette lasts 5–10 min, while the adjustment phase slowly tightens the group over a period of up to an hour. Collectively these studies present the first documented case of chemical trail marking in a beetle, and provide insight into a remarkable social‐behavioral repertoire convergent in key respects with the better‐studied social caterpillars and sawflies.
COMPARATIVE BIOAVAILABILITY OF TWO CEFADROXIL PRODUCTS USING SERUM AND URINE DATA IN HEALTHY HUMAN VOLUNTEERS
Authors: Otoom S , Hasan M , Najib N 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARY1. The aim of the present study was to assess the bioequivalence of two cefadroxil products, namely Ultracef (a reference product) in the form of a 500 mg capsule (produced by Bristol‐Myers Squibb Laboratories, Princeton, NJ, USA) and Roxil (a test product) in the form of a 500 mg capsule (produced by Tabuk Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia).2. The study was performed under US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines (http://www.fda.gov/cder) on 24 healthy male subjects. Both products were administered orally as a single dose (1 × 500 mg capsule) separated by a 1 week washout period. Following oral administration, blood and urine samples were obtained and analysed for cefadroxil concentrations using a sensitive and specific HPLC assay.3. There were no statistically significant differences between the two products in either the mean concentration–time profiles or the cumulative urinary excretion of cefadroxil at various times. Similarly, no statistical significance was observed in the pharmacokinetic parameters reflecting rate and extent of drug absorption. The relative extent of drug absorption, assessed by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) ratio for Roxil/Ultracef for 10 h and for infinity was 0.94 with 90% confidence limits (CL) of 0.91–0.98. In agreement with serum data, the average ratio (Roxil/Ultracef) of the cumulative amount of cefadroxil excreted in urine 10 h after the dose was found to be 0.97, with 90% CL of 0.88–1.05. The CL of the AUC and cumulative urinary excretion ratios are within the FDA accepted limits for bioequivalent products (0.80–1.25).4. These findings show that serum and urine data of cefadroxil are in agreement and indicate that Roxil (the test product) and Ultracef (the reference product) are bioequivalent in terms of the rate and extent of drug absorption.
A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE‐BLIND, PLACEBO‐CONTROLLED TRIAL OF PSEUDOEPHEDRINE IN CORYZA
Authors: Latte Jenny , Taverner David , Slobodian Peter , Shakib Sepehr 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARY1. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of pseudoephedrine in coryza.2. In a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled design, 48 adults with acute coryza received a single oral dose of 60 mg pseudoephedrine (Sudafed™; Pfizer Consumer HealthCare Group, Caringbah, NSW, Australia) or matching placebo. Before and after dosing, nasal airway resistance (NAR), nasal volume, the minimum intranasal cross‐sectional area (MCA) and the symptom of nasal congestion were measured.3. Pseudoephedrine produced a significant decrease in NAR (P = 0.005; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.073, 0.383). Nasal volume increased, but this did not reach significance (P = 0.07; 95% CI −0.842, 0.034). There was no change in MCA and symptoms.4. In conclusion, pseudoephedrine has a moderate effect in decreasing objective measures of nasal congestion in coryza.
5′‐AMINOIMIDAZOLE‐4‐CARBOXYAMIDE‐RIBONUCLEOSIDE‐ACTIVATED GLUCOSE TRANSPORT IS NOT PREVENTED BY NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE INHIBITION IN RAT ISOLATED SKELETAL MUSCLE
Authors: Stephens TJ , Canny BJ , Snow RJ , McConell GK 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARY1. The nucleoside intermediate 5′‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxyamide‐ribonucleoside (AICAR) activates skeletal muscle AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and increases glucose uptake. The AMPK phosphorylates neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)µ in skeletal muscle fibres. There is evidence that both AMPK and nNOSµ may be involved in the regulation of contraction‐stimulated glucose uptake.2. We examined whether both AICAR‐ and contraction‐stimulated glucose uptake were mediated by NOS in rat skeletal muscle.3. Rat isolated epitrochlearis muscles were subjected in vitro to electrically stimulated contractions for 10 min and/or incubated in the presence or absence of AICAR (2 mmol/L) or the NOS inhibitor NG‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine (l‐NMMA; 100 µmol/L).4. Muscle contraction significantly (P < 0.05) altered the metabolic profile of the muscle. In contrast, AICAR and l‐NMMA had no effect on the metabolic profile of the muscle, except that AICAR increased muscle 5′‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxyamide‐ribonucleotide (ZMP) and AICAR content. Nitric oxide synthase inhibition caused a small but significant (P < 0.05) reduction in basal 3‐O‐methylglucose transport, which was observed in all treatments. 5′‐Aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxyamide‐ribonucleoside significantly increased (P < 0.05) glucose transport above basal, with NOS inhibition decreasing this slightly (increased by 209% above basal compared with 184% above basal with NOS inhibition). Contraction significantly increased glucose transport above basal, with NOS inhibition substantially reducing this (107% increase vs 31% increase). 5′‐Aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxyamide‐ribonucleoside plus contraction in combination were not additive on glucose transport.5. These results suggest that NO plays a role in basal glucose uptake and may regulate contraction‐stimulated glucose uptake. However, NOS/nitric oxide do not appear to be signalling intermediates in AICAR‐stimulated skeletal muscle glucose uptake.
REGULATION OF ION TRANSPORT BY 5‐HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE IN RAT COLON
Authors: Ning Yang , Zhu Jin Xia , Chan Hsiao Chang 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARY1. 5‐Hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) modulates the motility and secretion of the gastrointestinal tract. To examine the direct effect of 5‐HT on the secretions of colonic epithelial cells, a short‐circuit current was used to measure electrolyte transport in the rat stripped distal colon. A neuronal Na+ channel blocker and a cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor were routinely added in experiments to abolish the effects of the enteric nervous system and endogenous prostaglandin, respectively.2. Basolateral application of 5‐HT (10 µmol/L) induced an increase in the short circuit current (ISC). Removal of extracellular Cl–, HCO3– or both resulted in a 59.6, 76.4 and 90% reduction of 5‐HT‐elicited responses, respectively. The Ca2+‐dependent Cl– channel blocker 4,4′‐diisothiocyanatostilbene‐2,2′‐disulphonic acid (DIDS) had no effect on the 5‐HT‐induced increase in ISC, but the selective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel blocker glibenclamide (1 mmol/L) inhibited 5‐HT‐induced increases in ISC by approximately 92.9%. Removal of apical Na+ reduced the 5‐HT‐induced increase in ISC by 33.3%.3. Basolateral pretreatment with 100 µmol/L bumetanide (an inhibitor of the Na+–K+−2Cl– cotransporter), 200 µmol/L DIDS (an inhibitor of the Na+–HCO3– transporter or the Cl–/HCO3– exchanger) or both decreased the ΔISC induced by 5‐HT by approximately 75.5, 59.0 and 86.3%, respectively. Removal of basolateral Na+ also reduced the current evoked by 5‐HT.4. The selective 5‐HT4 antagonist GR113808 (1 µmol/L) totally abolished the 5‐HT‐induced increase in ISC, whereas 2‐methyl‐5‐HT (100 µmol/L) induced a weak ISC response.5. In conclusion, the present study has demonstrated that 5‐HT can elicit Cl–‐ and HCO3– anion secretion and Na+ absorption by acting directly on colonic epithelial cells via 5‐HT4 receptors.
ISOLIQUIRITIGENIN INHIBITS THE PROLIFERATION AND INDUCES THE APOPTOSIS OF HUMAN NON‐SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER A549 CELLS
Authors: Hsu Ya‐Ling , Kuo Po‐Lin , Chiang Lien‐Chai , Lin Chun‐Ching 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARY1. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a natural pigment with the simple chalcone structure 4,2′,4′‐trihydroxychalcone. In the present study, we report, for the first time, ISL‐induced inhibition of the proliferation of the human non‐small cell lung cancer A549 cell line.2. The results showed that ISL not only inhibited A549 cell proliferation, but also induced apoptosis and blocked cell cycle progression in the G1 phase. An ELISA assay demonstrated that ISL significantly increased the expression of p53 and p21/WAF1 protein, which caused cell cycle arrest.3. An enhancement in Fas and its two ligands, namely membrane‐bound Fas ligand (mFasL) and soluble Fas ligand (sFasL), may be responsible for the apoptotic effect induced by ISL.4. Taken together, the results indicate that the p53 and Fas/FasL apoptotic system may participate in the antiproliferative activity of ISL in A549 cells.
DOSE–RESPONSE OF ROPIVACAINE ADMINISTERED CAUDALLY TO CHILDREN UNDERGOING SURGICAL PROCEDURES UNDER SEDATION WITH MIDAZOLAM
Authors: Aguirre‐Garay F Tonatiu , García Rosario , Nava‐Ocampo Alejandro A 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARY1. In a double‐blind randomized controlled design, 50 children were allocated to receive bupivacaine 0.25% or ropivacaine 0.25%, 0.32%, 0.40% or 0.50% by caudal block.2. Caudal block was performed after induction of anaesthesia with 2–5% sevoflurane, atropine 10 µg/kg and midazolam 100–300 µg/kg. During the surgical procedure, patients were maintained under spontaneous ventilation and no intravenous or inhalatory anaesthetic agent was administered. For transoperative sedation, midazolam 100–300 µg/kg was administered every 0.5–1.0 h. Transoperative cardiovascular response, postoperative analgesia and local and systemic complications were evaluated.3. Groups were similar (P > 0.05) in sex, age, weight and in the time elapsed from caudal block to the beginning of the surgical procedure. The surgical time was significantly lower in the ropivacaine 0.25% group. The duration of analgesia was 24 h with ropivacaine 0.25% and approximately 10 h in the other four groups (P < 0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between the postoperative analgesic period produced by ropivacaine and the surgical time (r = − 0.48, two‐sided P = 0.002). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures remained in the physiologically normal range for the duration of the transoperative period. Vomiting was present in only one patient receiving ropivacaine 0.50%.4. In children, the duration of analgesia produced by caudal block with ropivacaine may be affected by surgical time. At surgical times of 0.5–1 h, ropivacaine 0.25% produced at least 24 h postoperative analgesia. At similar surgical times, ropivacaine 0.32%, 0.40% and 0.50% produced similar analgesic times to bupivacaine 0.25%.
EFFECT OF GLYCINE ON TISSUE FATTY ACID COMPOSITION IN AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF ALCOHOL‐INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY
Authors: Senthilkumar Rajagopal , Nalini Namasivayam 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARY1. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the administration of glycine, a non‐essential amino acid, on blood alcohol levels and tissue fatty acid composition in experimental rats.2. Liver cell damage was induced by the administration of ethanol (7.9 g/kg bodyweight) for 30 days by intragastric intubation. Control rats were given isocaloric glucose solution. Glycine was subsequently administered at a dose of 0.6 g/kg bodyweight every day by intragastric intubation for the next 30 days.3. Feeding alcohol significantly elevated the activities of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatases (ALP) and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and altered the liver and brain fatty acid composition compared with control rats. Subsequently, glycine supplementation to alcohol‐fed rats significantly lowered the activities of serum AST, ALT, ALP, GGT and normalized the liver and brain fatty acid composition compared with untreated alcohol‐fed rats.4. Thus, the present study demonstrates that oral administration of glycine confers a significant protective effect against alcohol‐induced hepatotoxicity by virtue of its ability to optimize the activities of serum AST, ALT, ALP and GGT, as well as the tissue fatty acid composition.
OXIDIZED LOW‐DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN INDUCES ENDOTHELIAL PROGENITOR CELL SENESCENCE, LEADING TO CELLULAR DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Imanishi Toshio , Hano Takuzo , Sawamura Tatsuya , Nishio Ichiro 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARY1. Recent studies have revealed an association between coronary risk factors and both the number and function of bone marrow‐derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC). We investigated the effect of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) on the senescence of EPC, leading to cellular dysfunction.2. Endothelial progenitor cells were isolated from human peripheral blood and characterized. The exposure of cultured EPC to ox‐LDL (10 µg/mL) significantly accelerated the rate of senescence compared with control during 20 days in culture as determined by acidic β‐galactosidase staining. Oxidized LDL‐induced EPC senescence was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with either lectin‐like ox‐LDL receptor‐1 (LOX‐1) antibody (Ab) or atorvastatin (P < 0.01).3. Because cellular senescence is critically influenced by telomerase, which elongates telomeres, we measured telomerase activity using a polymerase chain reaction–ELISA‐based assay. Oxidized LDL significantly diminished telomerase activity to approximately 50%, an effect that was significantly abolished by pretreatment with either LOX‐1 Ab or atorvastatin (P < 0.01).4. We examined whether ox‐LDL‐induced EPC senescence translates into EPC dysfunction. An MTS assay disclosed an inhibitory effect of ox‐LDL on EPC proliferation. In a Matrigel assay, EPC treated with ox‐LDL were less likely to participate in network fomation compared with controls.5. In conclusions, ox‐LDL accelerates the onset of EPC senescence, which may be related to telomerase inactivation. Oxidized LDL‐induced EPC senescence leads to the impairment of proliferative capacity and network formation.
GREATER HYPERTROPHY IN RIGHT THAN LEFT VENTRICLES IS ASSOCIATED WITH PULMONARY VASCULOPATHY IN SINOAORTIC‐DENERVATED WISTAR‐KYOTO RATS
Authors: Miao Chao‐Yu , Cai Guo‐Jun , Tao Xia , Xie He‐Hui , Su Ding‐Feng 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARY1. Biventricular hypertrophy has been described in a high blood pressure variability (BPV) model of sinoaortic‐denervated (SAD) rats without systemic hypertension. To explore the possible involvement of the lung in SAD‐induced right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), we examined lung morphology, in addition to systemic haemodynamics and ventricle morphology, in Wistar‐Kyoto rats 32 weeks after SAD.2. In Wistar‐Kyoto rats 32 weeks after SAD, there existed a substantial elevation in BPV, with no change in the average level of arterial pressure. Biventricular hypertrophy following SAD was characterized by a greater hypertrophy in right than left ventricles; both absolute and normalized right ventricular weights were significantly increased by 22 and 27%, respectively, and only normalized left ventricular weight was significantly increased by 12%. No infarcts were found in any ventricles examined.3. In the lung, the most prominent change following SAD was pulmonary vasculopathy, including wall thickening, perivascular fibrosis and cell infiltration. In pulmonary arteries with an internal diameter of 70–130 µm, the external diameter, wall thickness and wall thickness to internal diameter ratio were increased in SAD compared with control rats.4. There was no correlation between right and left ventricular weights. In contrast with BPV‐correlated left ventricular weight, right ventricular weight was correlated with the wall thickness of the pulmonary artery, but not with BPV.5. These findings suggest that greater RVH following SAD is associated with pulmonary vasculopathy, but is not secondary to the left ventricular problems or high BPV.
EFFECT OF THE ANTIDEPRESSANT MAPROTILINE ON CA2+ MOVEMENT AND PROLIFERATION IN HUMAN PROSTATE CANCER CELLS
Authors: Hsu Shu‐Shong , Chen Wei‐Chuan , Lo Yuk‐Keung , Cheng Jin‐Shiung , Yeh Jeng‐Hsien , Cheng He‐Hsing , Chen Jin‐Shyr , Chang Hong‐Tai , Jiann Bang‐Ping , Huang Jong‐Khing , Jan Chung‐Ren 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARY1. The effect of maprotiline, an antidepressant, on human prostate cells is unclear. In the present study, the effect of maprotiline on [Ca2+]i and growth in PC3 human prostate cancer cells was measured using the fluorescent dyes fura‐2 and tetrazolium, respectively.2. Maprotiline caused a rapid, concentration‐dependent increase in [Ca2+]i (EC50 = 200 µmol/L). The maprotiline‐induced [Ca2+]i increase was reduced by removal of extracellular Ca2+ or pretreatment with nicardipine.3. The maprotiline–induced Mn2+ influx‐associated fura‐2 fluorescence quench directly suggests that maprotiline caused Ca2+ influx.4. In Ca2+‐free medium, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase, caused a monophasic [Ca2+]i increase, after which the effects of maprotiline of increasing [Ca2+]i were abolished. In addition, pretreatment with maprotiline reduced a major portion of the thapsigargin‐induced increase in [Ca2+]i.5. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, abolished the ATP (but not maprotiline)‐induced increase in [Ca2+]i.6. Overnight incubation with 1–10 µmol/L maprotiline did not alter cell proliferation, although incubation with 30–50 µmol/L maprotiline decreased cell proliferation.7, These findings suggest that maprotiline rapidly increases [Ca2+]i in human prostate cancer cells by stimulating both extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release and that it may modulate cell proliferation in a concentration‐dependent manner.
Study of psychosocial factors in Japanese patients suffering from menopausal disorders
Authors: Takamatsu Kiyoshi , Makita Kazuya , Nozawa Shiro 
Published: July 2004

AbstractAim:  Psychosocial elements are often found in the background of patients with menopausal disorders, and counseling based on these elements is essential for effective treatment. In the study presented here an attempt was made to extract psychosocial factors from Japanese cases of menopausal disorders in which the patients exhibited the impact of psychiatric elements and required counseling.Methods:  A total of 97 cases in which the patients received counseling for the treatment of undefined complaints at our menopause clinic were analyzed. During counseling the patients were interviewed in regard to psychosocial factors and underwent psychological tests.Results:  About half of them were found to have experienced various interpersonal problems as well as health‐related problems. The frequency of problems such as empty nest syndrome and loss of relatives or friends was relatively low. Work‐related anxiety or hardships of life were frequent among the premenopausal patients, while concern about aging was often noted in their postmenopausal counterparts. The incidence of empty nest syndrome was high among the ovariectomized women, but worry about aging was frequently reported by those undergoing natural menopause.Conclusion:  This preliminary study revealed that problems related to families and the patient's health account for a large part of the psychosocial factors affecting the development of menopausal disorders in Japan. Incorporating these findings into counseling will make outpatient clinics services more acceptable to such patients.
Dental fear in adults: a meta‐analysis of behavioral interventions
Authors: Kvale Gerd , Berggren Ulf , Milgrom Peter 
Published: July 2004

Abstract – Objectives: The aim of this meta‐analytic and systematic quantitative approach is to examine the effects of behavioral interventions for dental anxiety and dental phobia.Methods: Eighty studies were identified where dental fear treatment with behavioral methods was evaluated. Thirty‐eight of 80 met entry criteria and were included in a meta‐analysis.Results: The calculated effect sizes (ESs) for self‐reported anxiety after intervention indicate positive changes in 36 of the 38 studies and no changes in two. The overall ES = 1.8 (95% CI: 1.6, 1.8). The percent of subjects with post‐treatment dental visits in the first 6 months post‐treatment varied between 50 and 100%. The overall ES for attendance at dental visits, weighted by sample size, is 1.4 (95% CI: 1.3, 1.6). The homogeneity analysis indicates that the studies cannot be adequately described in one ES. The reported percentage of subjects with a dental visit between 6 months and 4 years post‐treatment varied from 48 to 100%. The overall weighted ES for visiting the dentist, adjusted for drop‐outs in the studies, is 1.2 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.4).Conclusions: Despite extensive heterogeneity, changes in self‐reported anxiety represent medium to large ESs. Patients signing up for a behavioral intervention for dental fear can be expected to report a significant reduction in their fear, and this effect generally seems to be lasting. Mean long‐term attendance (>4 years after treatment) is 77%.