bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metallothionein induction in aquatic oligochaete tubifex tubifex exposed to herbicide isoproturon
Authors: Mosleh Y. Y. , Paris‐Palacios S. , Arnoult F. , Couderchet M. , Biagianti‐Risbourg S. , Vernet G. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractMetallothioneins (MTs) are low‐molecular‐weight proteins mainly involved in metal ion detoxification. Recently it has been demonstrated that MTs participate in several cellular functions such as regulation of growth and antioxidative defenses. Moreover, pesticides can induce their synthesis. The aim of the current work was to determine the effects of isoproturon, either pure or formulated as Matin® (suspension containing an isoproturon concentration of 500 g · L−1), on the metallothionein and total protein contents of the aquatic worm Tubifex tubifex. MT levels in exposed worms increased significantly after 7 and 15 days of exposure to a concentration of the herbicide of 50 mg · L−1. Isoproturon reduced the metal (Cu, Zn, and Cd) content of metallothioneins, and it also increased the total protein content of the worms. These results suggest that MT induction may not be considered a specific biomarker of metal exposure but that it can be used as a nonspecific biomarker of the effect of isoproturon effect in aquatic worms. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 19: 88–93, 2004.
Safety of Topical Minoxidil Solution: A One-Year, Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: Shapiro Jerry 
Published: January 2004

Background: Topical minoxidil solution (TMS) is widely used for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), and this is the first report of a large safety trial. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety profile of TMS by comparing hospitalization and death rates among subjects using TMS with controls. Cardiovascular safety and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated, and usage patterns were described. Methods: All subjects were followed at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Usage patterns, pregnancy status, overnight hospital stays, and cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated. Subjects rated effectiveness of TMS in the treatment of AGA. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine if TMS was associated with an increased risk of death or hospitalization. Results: TMS is a safe and effective treatment for AGA. There were no increases in cardiovascular events and no apparent increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions: This large, prospective study demonstrated the overall safety of TMS in the treatment of AGA.
Regulation of Plasma Substance P and Skin Mast Cells by Odorants
Authors: Hosoi Junichi , Tanida Masahiro , Tsuchiya Toru 
Published: January 2004

Background: Mast cells stimulate inflammation and itch sensation in the skin by releasing various mediators when they are activated. Stress exacerbates some skin diseases. We have reported that inhalation of certain odorants modulates immune reactions in the skin. Objective: The possible usage of odorants in the regulation of skin inflammation and itch sensation was to be examined. Methods: Female volunteers were subjected to interview stress with or without odorant inhalation. Mice were immobilized while inhaling odorants. Toluidene blue-stained sections were analyzed for activated mast cells. Plasma substance P level was determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results: Interview stress induced plasma substance P only in volunteers who did not inhale odorants containing 2% 1,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl benzene (DMMB). Immobilization stress induced mast cell activation in mice and the activation was blocked by exposure to DMMB. Conclusions: Stress causes mast cell activation via an increase in substance P. The effect of stress is suppressed by inhalation of DMMB.
Axillary Granular Parakeratosis
Authors: English Joseph C. , Derdeyn Amalie S. , Wilson Wendy M. , Patterson James W. 
Published: January 2004

Background: Granular parakeratosis is a hyperkeratotic eruption of unknown etiology that occurs in the axilla and other intertriginous areas. The histologic features are unique for the retention of keratohyalin granules in the stratum corneum. Objective: The aim of the article is to review the clinical manifestations and treatment of granular parakeratosis. Methods: A case report and literature review are presented. Results: Twenty-six cases of granular parakeratosis now have been reported and reviewed. Conclusion: Granular parakeratosis occurs predominantly in middle age women and most frequently in the axilla. A number of treatments have been applied to the 26 cases reported to date, without consistent responses. No evidence-based therapy can be suggested at present.
Frequency of manic symptoms during a depressive episode and unipolar ‘depressive mixed state’ as bipolar spectrum
Authors: Sato T. , Bottlender R. , Schröter A. , Möller H.‐J. 
Published: January 2004

Objective:  To report the frequency of intra‐episode manic symptoms in depressive episodes, and to evaluate unipolar depressive mixed state (DMS) as bipolar spectrum.Method:  A total of 958 (863 unipolar, 25 bipolar II, and 70 bipolar I) depressive in‐patients were assessed in terms of manic symptoms at admission, and several clinical variables using standardized methods.Results:  The frequency of manic symptoms (flight of idea, logorrhea, aggression, excessive social contact, increased drive, irritability, racing thoughts, and distractibility) was significantly higher in bipolar depressives than in unipolar depressives. Unipolar depressives with DMS – defined as having two or more manic symptoms – had more similarities to bipolar depressives than to other unipolar depressives in clinical variables such as onset age, family history of bipolar disorder, and possibly suicidality.Conclusion:  Depressive mixed state is frequent, particular in bipolar depressives. Unipolar depressives with DMS may be better classified into bipolar spectrum.
Erotomania induced by venlafaxine: a case study
Authors: Adamou M. , Hale A. S. 
Published: January 2004

Objective:  To describe a never previously reported case of erotomania induced by venlafaxine and highlight the effect of antidepressants on the dopaminergic system.Method:  A case of erotomania is described.Result:  Erotomania occurring in two separate occasions developed after treatment with high doses of venlafaxine. The episode remitted only after lowering the dose of the venlafaxine.Conclusion:  Erotomania may occur with agents such as antidepressants. The dopamine neurotransmission of mood can provide further evidence for the development of newer classes of antidepressants.
Deep brain stimulation for treatment‐refractory obsessive‐compulsive disorder: psychopathological and neuropsychological outcome in three cases
Authors: Gabriëls L. , Cosyns P. , Nuttin B. , Demeulemeester H. , Gybels J. 
Published: January 2004

Objective:  Investigation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a last‐resort treatment alternative to capsulotomy in treatment‐refractory obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD).Method:  Prospective single‐case based design with evaluation of DBS impact on emotions, behaviour, personality traits and executive function in three patients with OCD.Results:  Two patients experienced sustained improvement of OCD symptoms with DBS. Yale‐Brown Obsessive‐Compulsive Scale (Y‐BOCS) dropped 12 points and 23 points to baseline and Y‐BOCS self‐rating scale (Y‐BOCS‐SRS) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) for depression and tension decreased with increasing stimulation amplitude. Total Maladjustment Score on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale reduced with 44 and 59% to baseline. Reduction in psychopathology was sustained under continuous stimulation. No deleterious impact of DBS on neuropsychological testing or personality traits measured on a self‐rated personality inventory was detected.Conclusion:  These preliminary findings demonstrate that DBS may have important therapeutic benefits on psychopathology in OCD. No harmful side‐effects were detected during follow‐up (33/33/39 months, respectively).
Brain glucose metabolic changes associated with neuropsychological improvements after 4 months of treatment in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Kang D.‐H. , Kwon J. S. , Kim J.‐J. , Youn T. , Park H.‐J. , Kim M. S. , Lee D. S. , Lee M. C. 
Published: January 2004

Objective:  The study was designed to elucidate regional brain metabolic changes according to a treatment and their relationship with neuropsychological performance changes in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).Method:  Cerebral glucose metabolic rates were repeatedly measured before and after treatment in 10 patients with OCD using [18F]‐2‐fluoro‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET). They were compared on a voxel‐basis, and the correlations were counted between the regional metabolic changes and the degree to improvement on the neuropsychological assessments.Results:  After treatment, the patients showed significant (P < 0.005, two‐tailed) regional metabolic changes in multiple brain areas involving frontal–subcortical circuits and parietal–cerebellar networks. Especially, the metabolic changes of the putamen, the cerebellum, and the hippocampus were significantly correlated with the improvement of the immediate‐ and delayed‐recall scores of the Rey‐Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT).Conclusion:  These results suggest a possibility that metabolic changes of frontal–subcortical and parietal–cerebellar circuit changes may underlie cognitive improvements in patients with OCD.
Targeted group antenatal prevention of postnatal depression: a review
Authors: Austin M.‐P. 
Published: January 2004

Objective:  To review the efficacy of antenatal group interventions aimed at reducing postnatal depression (PND) in ‘at risk’ women.Method:  Medline, Psyclit, HEALTHSTAR, EMBASE, Cochrane library, UK National Research Register and CINHAL searches were performed from 1960 to December 2001 focussing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Results:  As statistical synthesis of the studies was not feasible, a qualitative review is provided. All five studies reviewed suffer from substantial limitations including small numbers; unrealistic effect sizes; large attrition rates; lack of a systematic approach in identifying those ‘at risk’ and thus clinically heterogenous samples. Three of the studies used unvalidated interventions that were educational or supportive in approach. While one such study reported a benefit of intervention, the largest study using a structured intervention, reported no effect. A very small study using interpersonal therapy, was promising but needs replication with an adequate sample size.Conclusion:  There is currently little evidence from RCTs to support the implementation of antenatal group interventions to reduce PND in ‘at risk’ women. Further studies addressing the significant methodological limitations are recommended before concluding that antenatal targeted interventions have no place in maternity care.
Bisphenol A affects glucose transport in mouse 3T3‐F442A adipocytes
Authors: Sakurai Kenichi , Kawazuma Michiru , Adachi Tetsuya , Harigaya Toshio , Saito Yasushi , Hashimoto Naotake , Mori Chisato 
Published: January 2004

Recently, environmental chemicals have appeared in daily human life, and these chemicals have been incidentally taken in by humans. The serum concentrations of some of these chemicals have been found to be associated with the onset and incidence rate of diabetes mellitus. It has been suggested that one of the environmental chemicals, bisphenol A (BPA), has hormone‐like activity. It has also been demonstrated that some hormones affect insulin resistance and fat distribution in the body. To study the effects of these environmental chemicals on glucose metabolism, the effect of BPA on glucose transport in mouse 3T3‐F442A adipocytes was investigated. The 3T3‐F442A adipocytes were incubated with various concentrations of BPA in a medium. Deoxyglucose uptake assay was performed with and without insulin. Immunoblot analysis was performed with a glucose transporter (GLUT) 4‐specific antibody and antiphosphotyrosine antibody. The BPA treatment enhanced basal and insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake, and caused an increased amount of GLUT4 protein. Thus, the enhanced glucose uptake resulting from the BPA treatment was at least partially due to the increased amount of GLUT4. Tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate‐1 with insulin stimulation was not significantly affected. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that BPA, one of the chemicals that we intake incidentally, affects the glucose transport in adipocytes, and also that the environmental chemicals may be identified as one of the environmental factors that affect diabetes and obesity.British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 209–214. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705520
Platelet‐activating factor increases pH(i)in bovine neutrophils through the PI3K–ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Hidalgo María A , Ojeda Flavio , Eyre Peter , LaBranche Timothy P , Smith Carlos , Hancke Juan L , Burgos Rafael A 
Published: January 2004

Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) is known to stimulate a variety of neutrophil activities, including chemotaxis, phagocytosis, degranulation, reactive oxygen species production and intracellular pH increase. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PAF on pH(i), specifically if these changes in pH are the result of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation in bovine neutrophils.PAF caused intracellular alkalinization in 2′,7′‐bis‐(2‐carboxyethyl)‐5‐(and‐6)‐carboxyfluorescein acetoxymethyl ester‐loaded bovine neutrophils. This phenomenon seems to be mediated by amiloride‐sensitive Na+/H+exchange, and is inhibited by WEB2086 (a selective PAF receptor antagonist), genistein (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor), wortmannin and LY294002 (PI3K inhibitors), and PD98059 and UO126 (MEK inhibitors).PAF 100 nMinduced an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins 62, 44 and 21 kDa with a maximum response at 2 min of incubation.Unlike human neutrophils, bovine neutrophils are strongly stimulated by PAFviaphosphorylation of ERK1/2 (extracellular‐signal‐regulated protein kinase) with an EC50of 30 and 13 nM, respectively.PAF MAPK activation was also inhibited by WEB2086, pertussis toxin (PTX), genistein, wortmannin, LY294002, PD98059 and UO126 in bovine neutrophils. The ERK1/2 activation is dependent on PI3K pathway, because protein kinase B was phosphorylated by PAF and inhibited by wortmannin and LY294002, but not by U0126.Our results suggest that PAF induces intracellular alkalinizationviaPI3K–MAPK activation. This effect is upstream regulated by PAF receptor, PTX‐sensitive G protein, tyrosine kinase, PI3K and MEK1/2 in bovine neutrophils.British Journal of Pharmacology(2004)141, 311–321. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705590
The endothelin system in Morris hepatoma‐7777: an endothelin receptor antagonist inhibits growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Pfab Thiemo , Stoltenburg‐Didinger Gisela , Trautner Christoph , Godes Michael , Bauer Christian , Hocher Berthold 
Published: January 2004

Plasma concentrations of endothelin are increased in patients with hepatocellular cancer as well as in patients with liver metastasis. However, the impact of these findings remains uncertain.
We thus analyzed the endothelin system in a rat hepatoma model (Morris hepatoma 7777) in vitro and in vivo.
Our study revealed that tissue concentrations of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and big‐ET‐1, the precursor of ET‐1, were significantly elevated in Morris hepatoma 7777 as compared to normal liver. The ETA receptor density was significantly elevated, whereas the density of the ETB receptor was decreased in Morris hepatoma 7777.
We could also demonstrate that hepatoma cells secrete ET‐1.
Exogenously added ET‐1 enhances hepatoma cell growth in a dose‐dependent manner. Endothelin receptor antagonists (ETA and combined ETA/ETB receptor antagonists) inhibit tumor cell growth in vitro. Since the combined ETA/ETB receptor antagonist was more effective in vitro, we used this compound also for in vivo studies and could demonstrate that a combined ETA/ETB receptor antagonist is able to reduce hepatoma growth in vivo.
In conclusion, the endothelin system is activated in Morris hepatoma 7777 and contributes to hepatoma growth. Since endothelin receptor antagonists are well‐tolerated upcoming clinically used drugs without major side effects, our data might provide a new pharmacological approach to reduce hepatoma growth in vivo.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 215–222. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705601
Chronic treatment of male rats with daidzein and 17β‐oestradiol induces the contribution of EDHF to endothelium‐dependent relaxation
Authors: Woodman Owen L , Boujaoude Mirna 
Published: January 2004

We investigated the effect of chronic (7 days) treatment of male rats with the isoflavone daidzein (0.2 mg kg−1 sc per day) or 17β‐oestradiol (0.1 mg kg−1 sc per day) on the contribution of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins and endothelium‐derived hyperpolarising factor (EDHF) to endothelium‐dependent relaxation of isolated aortic rings.
The sensitivity and maximum relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) were significantly greater in aortic rings from rats treated with daidzein or 17β‐oestradiol, in comparison to vehicle‐treated rats. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with N‐nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NOARG) abolished ACh‐induced relaxation in the aortae from vehicle‐treated rats, but only attenuated relaxation in aortae from daidzein or 17β‐oestradiol‐treated rats. The presence of haemoglobin in addition to L‐NOARG did not cause any further inhibition of relaxation.
The cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin had no effect on endothelium‐dependent relaxation in aortae from any treatment group. Charybdotoxin (ChTX), which blocks large‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels (BKCa) and intermediate‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels (IKCa), plus apamin, which blocks small‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels (SKCa), but not iberiotoxin, which only blocks BKCa, attenuated endothelium‐dependent relaxation of aortae from daidzein or 17β‐oestradiol‐treated rats. Blockade of KCa channels had no effect on the responses to ACh in aortae from vehicle‐treated rats. In aortae from daidzein‐ or 17β‐oestradiol‐treated rats, endothelium‐dependent relaxation was also attenuated by inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) epoxygenase with 6‐(2‐propargylloxyphenyl)hexanoic acid (PPOH) or inhibition of KIR channels and Na+/K+‐ATPase with barium and oubain, respectively.
This study demonstrates that endothelium‐dependent relaxation of male rat aorta is normally entirely mediated by NO, whereas treatment with daidzein or 17β‐oestradiol stimulates a contribution from a non‐NO, nonprostaglandin factor acting through the opening of SKCa and IKCa channels, and involving activation of Na/K‐ATPase, KIR and CYP450 epoxygenase. This pattern of sensitivity to the tested inhibitors is consistent with the contribution of EDHF to relaxation. Thus, EDHF contributes to the enhanced endothelium‐dependent relaxation that is observed after chronic treatment with the phytoestrogen daidzein or with 17β‐oestradiol.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 322–328. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705603
Oleamide is a selective endogenous agonist of rat and human CB1 cannabinoid receptors
Authors: Leggett James D , Aspley S , Beckett S R G , D'Antona A M , Kendall D A , Kendall D A 
Published: January 2004

The ability of the endogenous fatty acid amide, cis‐oleamide (ODA), to bind to and activate cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors was investigated.
ODA competitively inhibited binding of the nonselective cannabinoid agonist [3H]CP55,940 and the selective CB1 antagonist [3H]SR141716A to rat whole‐brain membranes with Ki values of 1.14 μM (0.52–2.53 μM, Hill slope=0.80, n=6) and 2.63 μM (0.62–11.20 μM, Hill slope=0.92, n=4), respectively. AEA inhibited [3H]CP55,940 binding in rat whole‐brain membranes with a Ki of 428 nM (346–510 nM, Hill slope=−1.33, n=3).
ODA competitively inhibited [3H]CP55,940 binding in human CB1 (hCB1) cell membranes with a Ki value of 8.13 μM (4.97–13.32 μM, n=2). In human CB2 transfected (hCB2) HEK‐293T cell membranes, 100 μM ODA produced only a partial (42.5±7%) inhibition of [3H]CP55,940 binding.
ODA stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in a concentration‐dependent manner (EC50=1.64 μM (0.29–9.32 μM), R2=0.99, n=4–9), with maximal stimulation of 188±9% of basal at 100 μM. AEA stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding with an EC50 of 10.43 μM (4.45–24.42 μM, R2=1.00, n=3, 195±4% of basal at 300 μM). Trans‐oleamide (trans‐ODA) failed to significantly stimulate [35S]GTPγS binding at concentrations up to 100 μM.
ODA (10 μM)‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding was reversed by the selective CB1 antagonist SR141716A (IC50=2.11 nM (0.32–13.77 nM), R2=1.00, n=6).
The anatomical distribution of ODA‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in rat brain sections was indistinguishable from that of HU210. Increases of similar magnitude were observed due to both agonists in the striatum, cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum.
ODA (10 μM) significantly inhibited forskolin‐stimulated cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation in mouse neuroblastoma N1E 115 cells (P=0.02, n=11). ODA‐mediated inhibition was completely reversed by 1 μM SR141716A (P<0.001, n=11) and was also reversed by pretreatment with 300 ng ml−1 pertussis toxin (P<0.001, n=6).
These data demonstrate that ODA is a full cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist. Therefore, in addition to allosteric modulation of other receptors and possible entourage effects due to fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibition, the effects of ODA may be mediated directly via the CB1 receptor.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 253–262. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705607
Oleamide: a member of the endocannabinoid family?
Authors: Fowler Christopher J 
Published: January 2004

The fatty acid amide class of compounds, which include the endocannabinoid anandamide and the sleep‐inducing compound oleamide, have been shown in vitro to have a multiplicity of actions upon different neurochemical systems. In the present issue of this journal, Leggett et al present data indicating that oleamide functionally activates CB1 cannabinoid receptors in vitro. The significance of their finding is discussed in this commentary.British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 195–196. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705608