bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flow‐mediated nitric oxide activity in the forearm vasculature of premenopausal women
Authors: Anumba Dilly O. C. , Robson Stephen C. , Ford Gary A. 
Published: March 2003

Aims  Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in acute flow‐mediated vasodilatation in various vascular beds. We determined whether acutely increasing flow in the human forearm of premenopausal women increases vascular NO activity.Methods  Forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography. Responses to brachial artery infusion of noradrenaline (a control vasoconstrictor, 20, 50, and 100 ng min−1, each for 5 min) and NG‐monomethyl l‐arginine (L‐NMMA), an NO synthase inhibitor (200, 400, and 800 µg min−1, each for 5 min), were determined in eight premenopausal women before and following elevation of basal FBF with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) on two separate occasions.Results  Flow elevation with GTN increased responses to L‐NMMA (summary measure 103±12 vs 65±12 arbitrary units, P<0.05), but not to noradrenaline (95±35 vs 74±12, P=0.50).Conclusions  Acute elevation of FBF in nonpregnant women is associated with enhanced responses to NO synthase inhibition, consistent with flow‐mediated increased NO activity.
Pharmacokinetics and gamma scintigraphy evaluation of two enteric coated formulations of didanosine in healthy volunteers
Authors: Damle Bharat , Ullah Ismat , Doll Walter , Wiley Gary , Knupp Catherine 
Published: March 2003

Aims
The aims of the study were to evaluate the bioavailability of didanosine from the encapsulated enteric coated beads (1 × 200 mg; enteric beads) and enteric coated mini‐tablets (4 × 50 mg; enteric tablet) formulations relative to the chewable/dispersible buffered tablets (2 × 100 mg; buffered tablet), and to study their rate of gastrointestinal transit.
Methods
This was a single‐dose, randomized, three‐way crossover study in 18 healthy male volunteers. A 200 mg dose of didanosine was given in each period and each formulation contained a gamma radiation–emitting isotope. Pharmacokinetic parameters determined were Cmax, tmax, AUC(0,∞) and t1/2. Bioequivalence was assessed using the confidence interval (CI) of 0.80, 1.25 for Cmax and AUC(0,∞). Scintigraphic images were recorded and gastrointestinal transit profiles were generated.
Results
The point estimate and 90% CI of the ratio of Cmax for the enteric beads and enteric tablet relative to the buffered tablet was 0.71 (0.59, 0.85) and 0.55 (0.46, 0.66), respectively. The tmax was significantly different for the enteric beads (median, 1.33 h) and the enteric tablet (median, 2.83 h) than for the buffered tablet (median, 0.67 h). The AUC(0,∞) satisfied the bioequivalence criteria, and the point estimate and 90% CI of the ratio were 1.02 (0.91, 1.15) and 0.92 (0.82, 1.04) for the enteric beads and enteric tablet, respectively. The AUC(0,∞) values appeared to be less variable with the enteric beads (% CV = 19%) than with the enteric tablet (% CV = 33%). The t1/2 values were not significantly different between formulations, and the mean values ranged from 1.82 to 1.92 h. Inspection of the individual scintigraphy profiles and concentration‐time curves suggested that didanosine was absorbed throughout the small intestine. Gastrointestinal transit parameters were higher for both enteric formulations than for the buffered tablet, indicating slower transit of the enteric formulations. Between the enteric formulations, gastric emptying was slower for the enteric beads than for the enteric tablet; however, plasma didanosine concentrations were observed sooner for the enteric beads, suggesting that the enteric coat for the beads dissolved more rapidly.
Conclusions
The enteric beads and enteric tablet formulations of didanosine were equivalent to the buffered tablet in their extent of absorption. Although the gastric emptying of the enteric tablet was faster, based on the rapid uncoating and the lower variability in AUC, the enteric beads were chosen for further clinical development.
Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood: No Mutations in the Familial Hemiplegic Migraine CACNA1A Gene
Authors: Haan J , Kors EE , Terwindt GM , Vermeulen FLMG , Vergouwe MN , van den Maagdenberg AMJM , Gill DS , Pascual J , Ophoff RA , Frants RR , Ferrari MD 
Published: March 2003

Introduction Alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) is a rare disorder mainly characterized by attacks of hemiplegia and mental retardation. It has been often associated with migraine. The CACNA1A gene on chromosome 19 is involved in familial hemiplegic migraine and other episodic cerebral disorders, but also with progressive neuronal damage. Methods We performed mutation analysis in this gene in four AHC patients, using single strand conformation polymorphism analysis. Results We found nine polymorphisms, but no mutations in any of the 47 exons. Conclusions Other cerebral ion channel genes remain candidate genes for AHC.
Relationship between β‐cell responsiveness and fasting plasma glucose in Caucasian subjects with newly presenting Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hovorka R. , Albarrak A. , Chassin L. , Luzio S. D. , Playle R. , Owens D. R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAims  β‐cell responsiveness was related to fasting plasma glucose to gain further understanding of pathophysiology of Type 2 diabetes.Methods  An insulin secretion model gave fasting β‐cell responsiveness M0 (ability of fasting glucose to stimulate β‐cell) and postprandial β‐cell responsiveness MI (ability of postprandial glucose to stimulate β‐cell) by analysing glucose and C‐peptide time‐concentration curves sampled every 10–30 min over 240 min during a meal tolerance test (MTT; 75 g CHO, 500 kcal). Caucasian subjects with newly presenting Type 2 diabetes according to WHO criteria (N = 83, male/female: 65 : 18, age: 54 ± 10 years, body mass index (BMI): 30.9 ± 5.2 kg/m2, fasting plasma glucose (FPG): 11.0 ± 3.2 mmol/L; mean ± SD) and Caucasian healthy subjects (N = 54, m/f: 21 : 33, age: 48 ± 9 years, BMI: 26.1 ± 3.7 kg/m2, FPG: 5.1 ± 0.4 mmol/L) were studied.Results  A continuum inverse relationship between MI and FPG was observed. In the diabetes group, MI was closely related to FPG (rs = −0.74, P < 0.0001) and explained 60% intersubject FPG variability with the use of an exponential regression model.Conclusions  In newly presenting Type 2 diabetes in Caucasian subjects a close inverse association exists between postprandial β‐cell responsiveness and FPG.Diabet. Med. 18, 797–802 (2001)
Associations between apolipoprotein E phenotype, glucose metabolism and cognitive function in men. An explorative study in a population sample
Authors: Helkala E‐L. , Lakka T. , Vanhanen M. , Tuomainen T‐P. , Ehnholm C. , Kaplan G.A. , Salonen J.T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAims  To investigate the associations of the apolipoprotein E phenotype (apoE) and disturbed glucose metabolism with cognitive function in a random population sample.Methods  A cross‐sectional study was conducted, in which 528 men aged 54 or 60 years were recruited randomly from a larger population‐based sample of 1516 men. A subject was defined as having abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT), if he had a clinical diagnosis of diabetes, with either dietary or oral antidiabetic treatment or showed impaired glucose tolerance in an oral glucose tolerance test. The subjects were divided into three groups according to apolipoprotein E phenotypes: (a) E2/4, E3/4 or E4/4 (apoE E4); (b) E 3/3 (apoE E3); and (c) E2/2 or E2/3 (apoE E2). Memory function was examined using a word‐list learning with Buschke's selective reminding method and test. Executive functions were assessed with the Trail Making Test A and B.Results  Those subjects with apoE E2 and abnormal glucose metabolism demonstrated the worst cognitive executive control compared to other groups. Simple cognitive speed did not differ between the groups.Conclusions  The exploratory analyses revealed that subjects with apoE E2 allele and AGT had worse glycaemic control and cognitive executive control compared to other groups. Different apolipoprotein phenotypes together with impaired glucose tolerance may have different cumulative adverse effects on age‐related cognitive performance. Some subgroups of subjects may be especially vulnerable to cognitive impairment.Diabet. Med. 18, 991–997 (2001)
Appalachian basin stratigraphic response to convergent‐margin structural evolution
Authors: Castle J. W. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT From study of Palaeozoic formations in the Appalachian foreland basin, a predictive stratigraphic model is proposed based on facies tract development during convergent‐margin structural evolution. Five major facies tracts are recognized: shallow‐water carbonates that formed during interorogenic quiescence and initial foreland subsidence; deep‐water siliciclastics that accumulated in the proximal foreland basin during early collision; syn‐collisional shallow‐water siliciclastics; syn‐collisional, channellized fluvial sandstones that aggraded in the proximal foreland; and progradational shoreline sandstones that were deposited in response to filling of the proximal foreland. Two other facies tracts that occur are organic‐rich siliciclastics (‘black shales’), which accumulated in oxygen‐deficient areas of low clastic‐sediment influx, and incised valley‐fill deposits, which formed where subsidence rate was low.Because the origin of each facies tract is dependent upon a unique combination of rate of accommodation change and rate of sediment supply, facies tract distribution is predictable from spatial and temporal patterns of subsidence and uplift associated with plate convergence. Alternating phases of thrust loading and quiescence caused fluctuations between underfilled and overfilled conditions during Palaeozoic evolution of the Appalachian basin. Along‐strike variations in stratigraphic thickness, facies tract distribution, and development of unconformities in the Appalachian basin reflect the influence of structural irregularities along the collisional margin. In distal parts of the Appalachian foreland and in areas of structural recesses, eustatic influence on stratigraphic patterns is expressed more clearly than in areas of higher subsidence rate.
Modification of the pacemaker activity of vestibular neurons in brainstem slices during vestibular compensation in the guinea pig
Authors: Ris Laurence , Capron Brigitte , Vibert Nicolas , Vidal Pierre‐Paul , Godaux Emile 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn the guinea pig, unilateral labyrinthectomy causes an immediate and severe depression of the spontaneous activity of the ipsilateral central vestibular neurons, which subsequently recovers completely within one week. A possible underlying mechanism could be an increase in the endogenous activity of the neurons deprived of their labyrinthine input. Here, we addressed this hypothesis. The endogenous activity of the neurons was assessed by their spontaneous activity recorded extracellularly in brainstem slices in the presence of a cocktail of neurotransmitter blockers (CNQX, d‐APV, bicuculline and strychnine) which freed them from their main synaptic influences. The left medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) was explored in a very systematic way and strict methodological precautions were taken in order to validate comparisons between the numbers of spontaneously active neurons recorded in the MVN of distinct slices. In the presence of neurotransmitter antagonists, the mean number of spontaneously active neurons detected in a single MVN increased dramatically from 9.5 in slices from control guinea pigs to 26.3 in slices from animals labyrinthectomized on the left side one week beforehand. The mean firing rate of the recorded neurons also increased from 7.5 ± 5.6 spikes/s in slices from control animals to 12.3 ± 7.6 spikes/s in slices from guinea pigs labyrinthectomized one week beforehand. These results show that deprivation of the vestibular neurons of their labyrinthine input caused a change in the deprived neurons themselves. They suggest that an increase in pacemaker activity might be a factor responsible for the restoration of spontaneous activity in the vestibular neurons after labyrinthectomy.
Cultural adaptation is associated with atopy and wheezing among children of Turkish origin living in Germany
Authors: Grüber C. , Illi S. , Plieth A. , Sommerfeld C. , Wahn U. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Turkish children have been found to suffer less from atopic diseases than their German peers. The underlying causes are unknown.Objective To evaluate rates of sensitization and atopic disease among children in Germany with German or Turkish ethnicity and different degrees of cultural adaptation.Methods This was a cross‐sectional study. The setting was screening for school eligibility in an inner‐city district of Berlin/Germany. The participants were preschool children born in Germany with double German or double Turkish parental citizenship. Cultural adaptation of Turkish children was assessed by the language parents used to communicate with their child: only Turkish (n = 60, group A); Turkish and German (n = 269, group B); and only German (n = 103, group C). Group D contained children from German parents (n = 383). The main outcome measures were specific sensitization to common aeroallergens (CAP‐System, Pharmacia Phadiatop ≥ 0.35 kU/L), and lifetime and 1‐year prevalences of allergic disease symptoms (ISAAC questionnaire in German and Turkish, Mantel‐Haenszel test for trend).Results Sensitization rates for groups A, B, C and D were 8.0%, 6.8%, 18.9% and 18.3%, respectively (P = 0.004). The corresponding prevalence rates for wheeze ever were 6.7%, 9.3%, 12.6% and 21.3% (P < 0.001), wheeze in the past year 3.3%, 3.7%, 9.7% and 10.2% (P = 0.001), itchy rash ever 3.3%, 6.3%, 8.7% and 13.7% (P < 0.001), itchy rash in the past year 1.7%, 3.7%, 4.9% and 9.5% (P < 0.001), respectively. No significant differences were found for hay fever symptoms.Conclusions Higher cultural adaptation is correlated with higher rates of allergic sensitization and disease among children of Turkish origin living in Berlin. This correlation suggests that environmental rather than genetic differences are responsible for the differences observed.
Two new polymorphisms in the human interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) promoter
Authors: Chevillard C. , Henri S. , Stefani F. , Parzy D. , Dessein A. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryTwo new single‐nucleotide polymorphisms are described within the human interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) promoter in a Sudanese population. One is a G to T transition at position −183 from the transcription start. The other is a A to G transition at position −155. Allelic frequency analysis indicated frequencies of 0.927 (G) and 0.073 (T) at position −183 and 0.977 (A) and 0.023 (G) at position −155. These two polymorphisms have not been detected in the Centre d’Etude du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH) reference population. The polymorphism −183(G → T) may alter the AP‐1 binding domain and the regulation of transcription. The polymorphism −155(A → G) is located close to the nuclear factor‐activated T‐cell site (NFAT site) (−168 TAAAGGAAA‐160) and may affect the stability of this region.
Spontaneous splenic rupture in infectious mononucleosis
Authors: Rothwell Sean , McAuley Duncan 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSpontaneous splenic rupture is a rare but life‐threatening complication of infectious mononucleosis. Abdominal pain and tachycardia are unusual in uncomplicated infectious mononucleosis and should alert a doctor to the possibility of spontaneous splenic rupture.
Physical variability in Prince William Sound during the SEA Study (1994–98)
Authors: Vaughan Shari L. , Mooers Christopher N. K. , Gay Shelton M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractFrom 1994 to 1998, a multidisciplinary ecosystem study (the Sound Ecosystem Assessment) examined the primary physical and biological factors that influence the production of pink salmon and Pacific herring in Prince William Sound (PWS), species that experienced population declines after the 1989 Exxon‐Valdez oil spill. Three physical processes are described that influence ecosystem processes: surface layer stratification; upper layer (<100 m) circulation; and exchange between PWS and the northern Gulf of Alaska (NGOA). Stratification formed first in the PWS nearshore regions in March, and subsequently in the northern central basin in April, primarily due to freshening. The northern stratified layer and the associated zonal density front persisted at least through June, but year‐to‐year differences occurred. In spring and summer, circulation in central PWS could be either cyclonic or anticyclonic. Drifter trajectories often linked central PWS to a nearshore bay or fjord, or one bay or fjord to another. September was characterized by a cyclonic circulation and isopycnal doming in central PWS, with little year‐to‐year variability. At Hinchinbrook Entrance, a main connection with the Gulf of Alaska, alternating inflows and outflows occurred in spring over all depths. In summer through early autumn (1995), in the absence of predominantly westward winds, the dominant exchange pattern was outflow above about 150 m and inflow below. In summer through early autumn (1996–98), there was also surface (<20 m) inflow at Montague Strait (the other main entrance). Northward transport at Hinchinbrook Entrance was maximum in late autumn through winter, with inflow above ~150 m and outflow below. Westward wind events over the shelf associated with the weather cycle drove inflow events at both Hinchinbrook Entrance and Montague Strait that may result in transport of zooplankton important to the PWS ecosystem.
Characterization of ammonia‐assimilating bacteria in a lagoon for wastewater from a paddock of dairy cattle
Authors: SASAKI Hiraku , MARUYAMA Gen , SUZUKI Hanatsu , NONAKA Jun , SATO Masaaki , SASAKI Takako , OHTA Minoru , NAKAI Yutaka 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTWe investigated microorganisms that assimilated ammonia in lagoon treatment processes. Ammonia‐assimilating microorganisms were detected by nitrogen‐limited medium that contained ammonia as the sole nitrogen source. Numbers of ammonia‐assimilating aerobes (log CFU/g) were 3.4, 4.8, 5.0, 4.8 and 5.0 (log CFU/mL) on the culture plate incubated at 4°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C and 25°C, respectively. Many isolates used ammonia in high rates when they were purely cultivated in nitrogen‐limited medium added to sterilized lagoon extract. Many of them used ammonia even when they were cultivated in media containing viable microbial flora of the lagoon. Among them, enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas sp. were identified by analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA.
Influence of dietary phosphorus level on growth performance in chicks given corn‐soybean diet supplemented with amylase and acid protease
Authors: KOBAYASHI Tetsuya , MURAI Atsushi , OKADA Toru , OKUMURA Jun‐ichi 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTTwo experiments were conducted to determine if dietary amylase and acid protease supplementation improves the nutritive value of corn‐soybean diet, and whether the dietary inorganic phosphorus (P) level affects the growth‐promoting effect induced by the enzyme supplementation in chicks. In the first experiment, 4‐day‐old Single Comb White Leghorn male chicks were given a corn‐soybean diet supplemented with amylase and acid protease for 10 days. Dietary amylase addition produced a significant improvement in growth and food efficiency, whereas acid protease had no effect on these parameters. Although there was no significant interaction between amylase and acid protease, the combination of the two enzymes produced the greatest improvement in growth performance. In contrast, neither enzyme influenced the metabolizable energy value or nitrogen balance. In the second experiment, chicks were given corn‐soybean diets having low, medium and high levels of inorganic P (3.5, 4.3 and 5.1 g/kg, respectively), supplemented with both enzymes. There were significant interactions between the dietary inorganic P level and enzyme supplementation on final bodyweight, bodyweight gain and food intake. Enzyme supplementation significantly improved chick growth at the medium inorganic P level, but not at the low or high levels. Although the thigh bone ash content and serum P concentration were improved as the dietary inorganic P level increased, enzyme supplementation had no influence on these parameters. In conclusion, the present results indicate that dietary amylase and acid protease have beneficial effects on growth performance in chicks given corn‐soybean diet. The dietary inorganic P level affects the growth response to dietary amylase and acid protease supplementation.
Electron paramagnetic resonance analysis of liver and serum in Sprague–Dawley rats exposed subchronically to coplanar pentachlorobiphenyl‐congener 3,3′,4,4′,5
Authors: YOSHIKAWA Hiroshi , MORITA Hidetoshi , TAKIZAWA Tatsuya , SHIRAI Mistuyuki , AKAHORI Fumikae , IMANO Noboru , NAKAAKI Kenji , SAKATA Roichi , YOSHIMURA Tetsuhiko 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTA unique electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal was found at g = 2.49 at 77 K in the liver tissues or microsomes of Sprague–Dawley rats that were exposed to 3,3′,4,4′,5‐pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126) or 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) by the oral route. This unique EPR signal was not detected in the liver excised from rats treated with carbon tetrachloride or 3‐methyl‐cholanthrene. The EPR signal intensity increased in proportion to the dose; no gender‐specific difference was noted and the EPR signal at g = 2.49 may have originated from heme‐iron in cytochrome P450. Although, several serum parameters of the PCB126‐treated rats were slightly higher than those of the control, PCB126 does not induce hepatic dysfunction at the dose range used in this study. 3,3′,4,4′,5‐Pentachlorobiphenyl was given daily via the oral route to pregnant rats. The rats were reared until Day 22 of pregnancy, after which they were killed and EPR signals were obtained from the fetal livers. A signal at g = 2.49 was observed for each fetal liver. These results indicate that the EPR signal at g = 2.49 could be appropriate as a biomarker of exposure to PCB126 or TCDD in the situation where hepatic dysfunction is not detected.
Similarities and differences in meat consumption patterns in Asia and Pacific‐Rim countries
Authors: KOIZUMI Seiichi , KOBAYASHI Shinichi , PAN In‐Jen , TAKAKU Shinichi , BABA Masao , JUSSAUME Raymond A. , RIETHMULLER Paul , MORISON Julian , RYOO J. C. , LIN C. W. , LIN I. H. , ZHOU H. , RATANAWARAHA Apichai , NAGANO Minoru 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThis study investigated consumer behavior towards meat across Asia and Pacific‐Rim countries. Mail surveys were undertaken in 1994 and 1995. Data was obtained from 6197 households in Japan, the USA (mainland and Japanese–Americans in Hawaii), Australia, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan and China. The data were mainly analyzed using cluster analysis to determine the distance between each country and to classify countries into groups. Japanese respondents purchased beef more frequently than respondents from other countries. The average amount purchased on each occasion was far more for Australian respondents than for respondents from other countries, while Japanese purchased far less. Respondents in Japan, Korea, China and Australia thought beef was the most expensive meat, whereas lamb was thought to be the most expensive in the remaining countries. Chinese respondents indicated the highest consciousness of price indexes. The level of uneasiness about eating meat indicated by Asian respondents was relatively strong compared with respondents in Hawaii, the USA and Australia. Average ratings (semantic differential scale) on plans for future meat consumption were higher for beef than for other meats in Korea and China, whereas chicken was rated higher in the other countries. From the dendrogram, surveyed countries were classified into three groups: Japan, Taiwan and Korea; Thailand and China; and the USA, Japanese–Americans and Australia. Among them, the first and second clusters merged into a larger cluster, the ‘Asian’ group.