bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histological investigations on the effects of feeding a diet containing red hot pepper on the reproductive organs of the chicken
Authors: Özer Aytekin , Erdost Hatice , Zõk Berrin 
Published: August 2005

AbstractIn the present study the growth and reproductive organ differences in chickens fed a diet containing 1% red hot pepper (10 g/kg diet) from the first day of age were investigated. In birds fed with the experimental diet it was observed that the abdominal fat content decreased. During the experiment the increase in weight gain in the treated group in the first 4 months was reversed in favour of the control group in month 5. Follicular development in the treated group was faster and laying started 11 days before the control group, and the epithelial and muscular development of the oviduct was always greater than that of the control group.The results indicated that red hot pepper consumed in lower concentrations during the development period in the chickens caused faster development of the reproductive system organs. Laying started 11 days earlier in chicks fed with the red hot pepper added diet, an important economic aspect for egg producers, but which may have implications for other animals. A decrease in abdominal fat content and disorders of lipid metabolism are still under investigation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Aralia continentalis on hyperalgesia with peripheral inflammation
Authors: Park Hi‐Joon , Hong Mi‐Sook , Lee Ji Suk , Leem Kang‐Hyun , Kim Chang‐Ju , Kim Jin‐Woo , Lim Sabina 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the antinociceptive effect of Aralia continentalis extract (AC) on Freund's adjuvant‐induced arthritis in rats. Adult Sprague‐Dawley rats received an injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the articular cavity of the ankle joint, and then antinociceptive behaviors and spinal Fos expression were examined. AC was found to suppress significantly nociceptive behaviors caused by CFA injection. In addition, it also decreased adjuvant‐induced Fos expression in the lumbar spinal cord induced by CFA. In conclusion, this study showed that AC produced significant antinociceptive effects on CFA‐induced arthritis in rats, and it is suggested that AC is recommended to alleviate the arthritis‐related symptoms in humans. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic evaluation of organochlorine pesticide residues in Chinese materia medica
Authors: Leung Kelvin Sze‐Yin , Chan Kelvin , Chan Chi‐Leung , Lu Guang‐Hua 
Published: August 2005

AbstractA systematic evaluation on the levels of organochlorine pesticide residues (OCP) was conducted on four selected, authentic Chinese materia medica, namely: Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Radix Notoginseng, Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae and Radix Ginseng. Altogether ten representative batches of samples were analysed for each herb. Six batches were collected in the major cultivation areas of the Mainland whilst the remaining four batches were procured in the Hong Kong herbal market. All except Radix Angelicae Sinensis have been identified as containing quintozene and hexachlorocyclohexane in various levels. Hexachlorobenzene and lindane were also reported in samples of Radix Ginseng. The banned pesticide, DDT and its derivatives, was also observed in one of the Radix Notoginseng samples. The investigation will be continued for a target list of common used herbs in Hong Kong. All the results will be gathered and analysed for setting up regulatory permissible limits of OCP residues in Chinese materia medica used in Hong Kong. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavioural and biochemical effects of fractions prepared from Banxia Houpu decoction in depression models in mice
Authors: Wang Yemin , Kong Lingdong , Chen Yumei 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBanxia‐houpu decoction is widely used in therapy for depression in China. The water‐EtOH extract (WE‐1) and chloroform‐soluble fraction (WE‐1‐2) of Banxia‐houpu decoction reduced the duration of immobility in the tail suspension test (TST) and the forced swimming test (FST), the efficacy of the latter was higher than that of the former. The petroleum‐soluble fraction (WE‐1‐1), ethyl acetate‐soluble fraction (WE‐1‐3) and water‐soluble fraction (WE‐1‐4) tended to possess antiimmobility effects in the TST. After a 21‐day treatment, the potency of WE‐1‐2 was almost equivalent to that of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), in the TST, but WE‐1‐2 showed a lower efficiency than fluoxetine in the FST. WE‐1, as well as WE‐1‐3, was found to increase serotonin (5‐HT) and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) levels in mouse hippocampus and striatum, the activities of WE‐1 and WE‐1‐3 were much stronger than that of fluoxetine. Moreover, WE‐1‐1, WE‐1‐2 and WE‐1‐4 significantly elevated 5‐HT and 5‐HIAA levels only in the striatum, the degrees of increase of 5‐HT and 5‐HIAA levels were comparable to that of fluoxetine, which significantly enhanced the levels in all regions of animal brains. Neither fractions or fluoxetine affected norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) levels in the animal brains. It was found that WE‐1, WE‐1‐2 and fluoxetine significantly decreased serum and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the study. These results provide evidence for a potential role of antidepressive activities in the therapeutic effects of the Banxia‐houpu decoction. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treating intermittent allergic rhinitis: a prospective, randomized, placebo and antihistamine‐controlled study of Butterbur extract Ze 339
Authors:   Study Group
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground: Intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) causes patients distress and impairs their work performance and quality of life. A variety of medicines are used by sufferers whose anguish frequently leads to trying new treatments, increasingly from herbal sources.Methods: Prospective, randomized, double‐blind, parallel group comparison study of Butterbur extract (Ze 339; 8 mg total petasine; one tablet thrice‐daily), fexofenadine (Telfast 180®, one tablet once‐daily) and placebo in 330 patients. Protocol and analysis were according to the latest guidelines on new treatments for allergic rhinitis. The primary efficacy variable was a change in symptoms from baseline to endpoint during daytime. The secondary efficacy variables were: (a) as per primary variable (evening/night); (b) Physician's global assessment; (c) Responder rates. Safety was closely monitored.Findings: Both active treatments were individually significantly superior to placebo (p < 0.001) in improving symptoms of IAR, while there were no differences between the two active treatments (p = 0.37). Superiority to placebo was similarly shown during the evening/night (p < 0.001), by physicians' own assessment and by responder rates. Both treatments were well tolerated.Interpretation: Butterbur Ze 339 and Fexofenadine are comparably efficacious relative to placebo. Despite being a herbal drug, Butterbur Ze 339 has now been subject to a series of well controlled trials and should be considered as an alternative treatment for IAR. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional extended imaging: a new display modality for three‐dimensional ultrasound examination
Authors: Leung K. Y. , Ngai C. S. W. , Chan B. C. , Leung W. C. , Lee C. P. , Tang M. H. Y. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo describe Three‐Dimensional eXtended Imaging (3DXI)™ as a new display modality for three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound examination of the fetus.MethodsThe spine, palate, heart and brain were evaluated using 3D ultrasound examination at a mean gestational age of 22 weeks in 35, 31, 32 and 31 fetuses, respectively. The volume data captured were analyzed using the conventional orthogonal display mode (ODM), as well as the 3DXI, which includes the Multi‐Slice View™ (MSV) mode and the Oblique View™ (OBV) mode. The MSV mode allows simultaneous display of multiple sequential parallel planes while the OBV mode allows examination of a non‐standard straight or curved plane.ResultsThe MSV mode allowed a simultaneous display of multiple sequential parallel planes of the fetal structures, but we found some uncertainty if an isolated image in one of the multi‐slice images represented the exact level of a fetal structure. The MSV mode was advantageous in one of the six cases of facial cleft by allowing the simultaneous display of bilateral clefts that were located in two different axial planes. The multi‐slice images were helpful in making the diagnosis in one case of holoprosencephaly. The OBV mode allowed examination of the coronal plane across the curvature of the spine, and the ‘in‐plane’ view of the interventricular septum in a non‐gated study.ConclusionThe 3DXI can display the volume data in a different manner from that which usually results from the use of more conventional ODM, and provide additional information over conventional two‐dimensional sonography. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective reduction of multifetal pregnancy using high‐intensity focused ultrasound in the rabbit model
Authors: Paek B. , Foley J. , Zderic V. , Starr F. , Shields L. E. , Vaezy S. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjectiveHigh‐order multifetal pregnancies carry a significant risk of obstetric complications and poor pregnancy outcome. Selective reduction has traditionally been performed using transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound‐guided intracardiac injection of potassium chloride. We have previously shown that high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can create a coagulative tissue necrosis in the sheep fetus. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of non‐invasive selective fetal reduction using HIFU in a rabbit model.MethodsA protocol for HIFU‐induced tissue coagulation was developed in the rabbit model. The fetal heart was targeted with ultrasound‐guided tissue ablation by a HIFU beam. Five time‐mated does between 20–29 days' gestation underwent transabdominal fetal cardiac ablation in a total of 11 fetuses. The HIFU system consisted of a 7‐MHz high‐power transducer, operated at 2000 W/cm2. The fetal heart rate was observed using real‐time ultrasound with Doppler flow velocimetry. All lesions were assessed macroscopically and by histological analysis.ResultsSevere bradycardia leading to asystole was observed in all targeted fetuses with ultrasound examination. Dissection of fetuses demonstrated a necrotic intrathoracic lesion similar in size to the HIFU focus (approximately 1 × 9 mm). None of the surrounding fetuses was found to have bradycardia during the procedure or a macroscopic lesion on dissection.ConclusionIn this pilot study HIFU seems promising to ablate even highly vascularized tissue in the fetus. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal tele‐echography using a robotic arm and a satellite link
Authors: Arbeille P. , Ruiz J. , Herve P. , Chevillot M. , Poisson G. , Perrotin F. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo design a method for conducting fetal ultrasound examinations in isolated hospital sites using a dedicated remotely controlled robotic arm (tele‐echography).MethodsTele‐echography was performed from our hospital (expert center) on 29 pregnant women in an isolated maternity hospital (patient site) 1700 km away, and findings were compared with those of conventional ultrasound examinations. At the patient site, a robotic arm holding the real ultrasound probe was placed on the patient's abdomen by an assistant with no experience of performing ultrasound. The robotic arm, remotely controlled with a fictive (expert) probe, reproduced the exact movements (tilting and rotating) of the expert hand on the real ultrasound probe.ResultsIn 93.1% of the cases, all biometric parameters, placental location and amniotic fluid volume, were correctly assessed using the teleoperated robotic arm. In two cases, femur length could not be correctly measured. The mean duration of fetal ultrasound examination was 14 min (range, 10–18) and 18 min (range, 13–23) by conventional and tele‐echography methods, respectively. The mean number of times the robotic arm was repositioned on the patient's abdomen was seven (range, 5–9).ConclusionTele‐echography using a robotic arm provides the main information needed to assess fetal growth and the intrauterine environment within a limited period of time. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fundamental role of nitric oxide in neuritogenesis of PC12h cells
Authors: Yamazaki Matsumi , Chiba Kenzo , Mohri Tetsuro 
Published: August 2005

We investigated the neuritogenic action of nitric oxide (NO)‐generating agents and their mechanisms of action in a subclone of rat pheochromocytoma, PC12h cells.
NO donors such as sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 0.05–1 μM), NOR1 (5–100 μM), NOR2 (5–20 μM), NOR3 (5–20 μM), NOR4 (5–100 μM), or S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl‐DL‐penicillamine (SNAP, 10–100 μM) significantly induced neurite outgrowth.
NOR4‐induced neurite outgrowth was accompanied by expression of neurofilament 200 kDa subunit (NF200) protein, an axonal marker, and was significantly inhibited by an NO scavenger, a soluble GC inhibitor, and a PKG inhibitor: 2‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazole‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide (carboxy‐PTIO, 20–100 μM), 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a] quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ, 100 μM) and KT5823 (0.2–1 μM), respectively.
The intracellular cGMP concentration of cells was markedly increased by treatment with NOR4 (100 μM).
A mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase inhibitor, PD98059 (10–50 μM), abolished the NOR4‐induced neurite outgrowth. In agreement with this observation, NOR4 did phosphorylate extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2, substrates of MAPK kinase.
A membrane‐permeable cGMP analog, 8‐Br‐cGMP (1 mM) also induced significant neurite outgrowth. The 8‐Br‐cGMP‐induced neurite outgrowth was almost completely inhibited by both KT5823 (0.5 μM) and PD98059 (50 μM). Moreover, sustained ERK phosphorylation was observed in the 8‐Br‐cGMP‐treated PC12h cells.
These results suggest that NO itself has the ability to induce neurite outgrowth and that NO‐induced ERK activation involves the NO‐cGMP‐PKG signaling pathway in PC12h cells.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 662–669. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706370
Subtle Changes in Cutaneous Nerves and Sural Nerve Biopsy in a Patient With Fabry's Disease
Authors: Lim Siew-Na , Huang Chin-Chang , Kuo Hung-Chou , Hsieh Yu-Chen , Chu Chun-Che 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

We report the clinical manifestations, and sural nerve and skin biopsy findings in a patient with Fabry's disease who had normal renal function. The patient had a typically painful neuropathy with an increase of sensory thresholds in quantitative sensory tests and a low level of serum α-galactosidase. Although the sural nerve biopsy revealed electron-dense bodies in the perineurial cells, normal axon and myelin structures and even the fiber density of large and small myelinated fibers were noted. However, the cutaneous nerve biopsy study showed early changes in the small-fiber neuropathy. The data indicate that a cutaneous nerve biopsy study can be an adjuvant diagnostic tool in some patients with Fabry's disease and a normal renal function.
Increased Susceptibility of Low-Density Lipoprotein to Ex Vivo Oxidation in Mice Transgenic for Human Apolipoprotein B Treated with 1 Melatonin-Related Compound Is Not Associated with Atherosclerosis Progression
Authors: Tailleux Anne , Gozzo Andrea , Torpier Gérard , Martin-Nizard Françoise , Bonnefont-Rousselot Dominique , Lemdani Mohamed , Furman Christophe , Foricher Rachel , Chevé Gwenaël , Yous Saïd , Micard Florence , Bordet Régis , Gardes-Albert Monique , Lesieur Daniel , Teissier Elisabeth , Fruchart Jean-Charles , Fiévet Catherine , Duriez Patrick 
Published: August 2005

Abstract:

Considerable evidence supports the hypothesis that LDL oxidation has an important role in atherosclerosis. It has been demonstrated that the feeding of hypercholesterolemic mice on an atherogenic diet supplemented with melatonin highly increases the surface of atherosclerotic lesions in aorta and the sensitivity of atherogenic lipoprotein to ex vivo oxidation even though high melatonin doses inhibit lipoprotein oxidation in vitro. A melatonin-related compound (DTBHB: N-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzamide) has been reported to strongly inhibit lipid peroxidation in vitro. In the present study, DTBHB treatment considerably increased the sensitivity of atherogenic lipoproteins to ex vivo oxidation but did not modify atherosclerotic lesion development in mice. Moreover, DTBHB treatment did not induce detectable lipidic alteration. These data confirm that the capacity of molecules to inhibit atherogenic lipoprotein oxidation in vitro offers no prediction of their capacity to inhibit in vivo atherosclerosis development.
Dissociation Between Improvement in Left Ventricular Performance and Functional Class in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Ennezat Pierre V , Ennezat Caroline A , Vijayaraman Pugazhendhi , Lachmann Justine , Asseman Philippe , Cohen-Solal Alain , Sonnenblick Edmund H , LeJemtel Thierry H 
Published: August 2005

Abstract:

Resting left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and functional capacity do not correlate in chronic heart failure patients treated with digitalis, diuretics, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. We sought to determine whether substantial improvement in LVEF, as may occur during long-term β-blockade or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, leads consistently to improvement in functional class. Doppler echocardiogram and assessment of functional class were obtained at baseline and 12 months after initiation of β-blockade (87 patients) or CABG surgery (51 patients). At 12 months the effects of β-blockade were variable: LVEF increased greatly by ≥11% (median value) in 45 patients (52%) and by <11% in 19 (22%), but it decreased or remained unchanged in 23 patients (26%). In contrast, functional class was unchanged or worsened in 59 patients (68%) and improved in only 28 (32%). Similarly, surgery had variable effects on LVEF. LVEF increased by ≥12% (median) in 28 patients (55%) and by <12% in 14 (27%), whereas it decreased or remained unchanged in 9 patients (18%). Functional class was unchanged or worsened in 41 patients (80%) and improved in only 10 (20%). Changes in functional class and LVEF were unrelated for both interventions. Both β-blockade and CABG surgery improve LVEF in the majority of patients. However, significant improvement in LVEF does not enhance functional capacity consistently in chronic heart failure.
The Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilator Effect of the Nonpeptide Ang(1-7) Mimic AVE 0991 Is Abolished in the Aorta of Mas-Knockout Mice
Authors: Lemos Virginia S , Silva Denise M. R , Walther Thomas , Alenina Natalia , Bader Michael , Santos Robson A. S 
Published: August 2005

Abstract:

Recently, we demonstrated that the endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect of angiotensin(1-7) in the mouse aorta is abolished by genetic deletion of the G protein-coupled receptor encoded by the Mas protooncogene. To circumvent the limitations posed by the possible metabolism of Ang(1-7) in this vessel, in this work we studied the mechanism underlying the vasorelaxant effect of AVE 0991, a nonpeptide mimic of the effects of Ang(1-7), using wild-type and Mas-deficient mice. Ang(1-7) and AVE 0991 induced an equipotent concentration-dependent vasodilator effect in aortic rings from wild-type mice that was dependent on the presence of endothelium. The vasodilator effect of Ang(1-7) and AVE 0991 was completely blocked by 2 specific Ang(1-7) receptor antagonists, A-779 and D-Pro7-Ang(1-7), and by inhibition of NO synthase with L-NAME. Moreover, in aortic rings from Mas-deficient mice, the vasodilator effect of both Ang(1-7) and AVE 0991 was abolished. In contrast, the vasodilator effect of acetylcholine and substance P were preserved in Mas-null mice. In addition, the vasoconstriction effect induced by Ang II was slightly increased, and the vasodilation induced by the AT2 agonist CGP 42112A was not altered in Mas-deficient mice. Our results show that Ang(1-7) and AVE 0991 produced an NO-dependent vasodilator effect in the mouse aorta that is mediated by the G protein-coupled receptor Mas.
Coronary Vasodilator Effects of Endogenous Cannabinoids in Vasopressin-Preconstricted Unpaced Rat Isolated Hearts
Authors: Wagner Jens A , Abesser Marco , Karcher Jan , Laser Martin , Kunos George 
Published: August 2005

Abstract:

The mechanisms by which cannabinoids alter coronary vascular tone and cardiac performance are controversial. We investigated the effects of various cannabinoids in spontaneously beating Langendorff-perfused rat hearts. Bolus injections of anandamide (0.1-1 μmol) caused no change in coronary flow (CF) or left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP). In hearts preperfused with vasopressin to induce vasoconstrictor tone, anandamide or the selective CB1 receptor agonist ACEA (1-100 nmol) dose-dependently increased CF by up to 267% and LVSP by 20 mm Hg. The metabolically stable endocannabinoid derivatives, R-methanandamide and noladin ether, displayed similar effects. In contrast, Δ9-THC (10-100 nmol), the major psychoactive ingredient of cannabis, strongly decreased CF and LVSP. The CB2 receptor agonist JWH-133 (10-100 nmol) elicited vasodilator and positive inotropic effects only at higher doses. The CB1 antagonists SR141716A and AM-251 as well as the potassium channel inhibitors tetraethylammonium and iberiotoxin blocked the anandamide-induced increases in CF and LVSP, whereas the CB2 antagonist SR144528 and the putative “CB3 antagonist” O-1918 did not have an inhibitory effect. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of cardiac CB1 but no CB2 receptors. Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol were detected in heart tissue. However, combined application of fatty acid amidohydrolase inhibitors and the transport inhibitor AM-404 to augment tissue levels of endocannabinoids was without effect on CF or LVSP. We conclude that in the rat isolated heart with reestablished vasoconstrictor tone, cannabinoids including anandamide elicit coronary vasodilation and a secondary increase in contractility via CB1 receptors and potassium channels.