bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic and hormonal effects of tacrolimus (FK506) or cyclosporin immunosuppression following renal transplantation
Authors: Dmitrewski J. , Krentz A. J. , Mayer A. D. , Buckels J. A. C. , Barnes A. D. , Smith J. , Nattrass M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryTwelve renal transplant recipients randomised to receive immunosuppression with either tacrolimus (FK506) or cyclosporin underwent oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) a median of 8 months (range 7–9) after transplantation. Six healthy subjects acted as controls. Compared with the controls, both transplant groups had significantly elevated fasting (p < 0.05 for both groups) and postprandial (p < 0.001 for tacrolimus and p < 0.05 for cyclosporin) blood glucose concentrations. Fasting hyperinsulinaemia was observed in both transplant groups (p < 0.05) relative to the control subjects. Glucose‐stimulated plasma immunoreactive insulin concentrations in the tacrolimus‐treatment group were significantly higher than in the cyclosporin group (p < 0.05) and the controls (p < 0.001). Postprandial blood alanine concentrations were also significantly elevated in the tacrolimus group compared with both the controls (p < 0.001) and cyclosporin‐treated patients (p < 0.001). The raised insulin concentrations with normal or increased blood glucose concentrations after renal transplantation suggests that insulin resistance was more marked in patients receiving tacrolimus‐based immunosuppression.
Minor long‐term changes in weight have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function in obese subjects
Authors: Rosenfalck A. M. , Hendel H. , Rasmussen M. H. , Almdal T. , Andersen T. , Hilsted J. , Madsbad S. 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY Aim  To evaluate the long‐term effect of changes in body composition induced by weight loss on insulin sensitivity (SI), non‐insulin mediated glucose disposal, glucose effectiveness (SG) and β‐cell function.Design  Glucose metabolism was evaluated before and after participation in a two‐year weight loss trial of Orlistat vs. placebo, combined with an energy and fat restricted diet.Subjects  Twelve obese patients (11 women, 1 man), age 45.8 ± 10.5 years, body weight (BW) 99.7 ± 13.3 kg, BMI 35.3 ± 2.8 kg/m2.Measurements  At inclusion and 2 years later an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT) were performed. Body composition was estimated by a dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) whole body scanning.Results  The patients obtained varying changes in BW ranging from a weight loss of 17.8 kg to a weight gain of 6.0 kg. Corresponding changes in fat mass (FM) varied from a 40% reduction to a 19% increase. A significant decrease in both fasting (p = 0.038) and 2 h (p = 0.047) blood glucose at OGTT was found. The improvement in insulin sensitivity (SI) estimated by means of Bergmans Minimal Model, was significantly and linearly correlated to change in total FM (r = − 0.83, p = 0.0026). A multiple regression analysis showed that changes in truncal FM was the strongest predictor of change in SI explaining 67% of the variation. First phase insulin response (AIRg) remained unchanged whereas insulin disposition index increased significantly (p = 0.044). At inclusion five patients had impaired glucose tolerance of which four, who lost weight, were normalized at the retest 2 years later.Conclusion  In obese subjects long‐term minimal or moderate changes in weight were found to be linearly associated with changes in insulin sensitivity. In obese subjects with impaired glucose tolerance even a minor weight loss was able to normalize glucose tolerance.
Obesity is not a confounding factor for performing autonomic function tests in individuals with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Maser R. E. , Lenhard M. J. 
Published: March 2003

Aim: Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus. Previous studies have revealed conflicting results with regard to the role of obesity and its effect on the performance of tests (e.g. RR‐variation during deep breathing) for the determination of the presence of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction. The objective of this study was to determine if obesity affects the performance and the reproducibility of autonomic function tests.Methods: This cross‐sectional study included 159 diabetic individuals. Autonomic function tests included: RR‐variation during deep breathing and the Valsalva ratio. These tests were assessed using the ANS2000 ECG Monitor and Respiration Pacer. RR‐variation was measured by vector analysis (i.e. mean circular resultant, MCR). Reproducibility of the autonomic function tests was assessed by determining the coefficient of variation (CV) on repeat testing.Results: Using cut‐off points to describe normal weight (body mass index (b.m.i.) ≤ 25 kg/m2), overweight (b.m.i. 25.01–30 kg/m2), obese (b.m.i. 30.01–40 kg/m2), and morbidly obese (b.m.i. ≥ 40.1 kg/m2), no difference was found for the MCR, Valsalva ratio, CV of the MCR, or CV of the Valsalva ratio among the various weight levels for individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that obesity is not a confounding factor in the performance of autonomic function tests. Likewise, the reproducibility of autonomic function testing is not affected by obesity. Assessment of autonomic function is important for obese and non‐obese individuals given that reduced RR‐variation is associated with exercise intolerance, intraoperative cardiovascular lability and increased risk of mortality.
Differential effects of metformin on bile salt absorption from the jejunum and ileum
Authors: Carter D. , Howlett H. C. S. , Wiernsperger N. F. , Bailey C. J. 
Published: March 2003

Aims: The antidiabetic drug metformin is often associated with a small reduction in total circulating cholesterol, but the mechanism responsible is unknown. As bile salts contribute significantly to cholesterol homeostasis, this study has investigated the effect of metformin on the absorption of bile salts by the jejunum and ileum, and their transfer into bile.Methods: Sodium‐[1‐14C]‐glycocholate was administered into the jejunum or ileum of anaesthetized rats with and without metformin (250 mg/kg). Appearance of 14C‐glycocholate in plasma and bile was followed for 150 min.Results: Absorption of 14C‐glycocholate from the ileum, which is a high‐capacity active process, was 10‐fold greater than absorption from the jejunum, which is mainly a passive process. Metformin increased threefold the absorption of 14C‐glycocholate from the jejunum. Metformin similarly increased the appearance of jejunal 14C‐glycocholate in plasma and bile. In contrast to the jejunum, absorption of 14C‐glycocholate from the ileum was suppressed by more than half with metformin. This was associated with corresponding reductions of 14C‐glycocholate in plasma and bile.Discussion: Thus, metformin induced a large suppression of active bile salt absorption from the ileum compared with a small increase in passive absorption from the jejunum. This suggests that the ileal effect of metformin to reduce overall bile salt absorption could contribute to the modest cholesterol‐lowering effect of this drug.
Somatic motoneurones in amphioxus larvae: cell types, cell position and innervation patterns
Authors: Lacalli Thurston C. , Kelly Samantha J. 
Published: March 2003

Serial transmission electron microscopy and 3D reconstruction were used to document cell morphology and position of the motoneurones innervating somites 1 and 2 of a 12.5‐day amphioxus larva, of Branchiostoma floridae, and also those innervating the dorsal compartment of somites 3 through 6 of an 8‐day larva. Motoneurones supplying the ventral and dorsal compartments can be distinguished from one another on a number of morphological criteria. The ventral compartment motoneurones are neither symmetrical nor particularly ordered in arrangement. Their cilia are short and point forward or obliquely across the central canal; their axons run along the basal lamina adjacent to processes from muscle fibres, with which they make extended linear series of synapses containing 45–60 nm synaptic vesicles. The dorsal compartment motoneurones are paired and tend to be positioned at or near the junctions between somites. Their cilia are longer and project caudally; their axons are large, filled with mitochondria and 30–45 nm synaptic vesicles, and make synapses only at specific, segmentally repeated sites. An unusual feature of both cell types is that synaptic input occurs all along the axon, either by direct axo‐axonal synapses or via slender dendritic processes. This allows for redundancy and multiple inputs, and is possible only because amphioxus somatic motor axons lie entirely within the nerve cord, which is itself an unusual feature among chordates. The possible significance of dual somatic innervation is discussed in relation to the dual innervation of the head in vertebrates, which has separate sets of somatic and visceral/branchiomotor nerves.
The male postabdomen of Stolotermes inopinus: a termite with unusually well‐developed external genitalia (Dictyoptera: Isoptera: Stolotermitinae)
Authors: Klass Klaus‐Dieter , Thorne Barbara L. , Lenz Michael 
Published: March 2003

AbstractKlass, K.‐D., Thorne, B. L. and Lenz, M. 2000. The male postabdomen of Stolotermes inopinus: a termite with unusually well‐developed external genitalia (Dictyoptera: Isoptera: Stolotermitinae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 81: 121–130Stolotermes inopinus has large external male genitalia (phallic lobe), which contrast with the small genital papillae or lack of external genitalia of other Isoptera. As in the genital papilla of Mastotermesdarwiniensis, a ventral sclerite pair is present, the gonopore is located ventroterminally on the phallic lobe, and the genital area is entirely symmetrical – suggesting that this may be the groundplan condition of Isoptera. The relations of the phallic lobe to surrounding components like the subgenital plate, paraprocts, and certain muscles and nerves indicate that the lobe of S. inopinus is homologous with the phallomeres of other Dictyoptera. The bilateral symmetry and simple structure, however, are in strong contrast to the asymmetry and high complexity found in male genitalia of Blattaria and Mantodea. The postabdominal nervous system of S. inopinus resembles that of the cockroach Periplaneta americana. Indications are given that the Stolotermitinae are related to the Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae, and Termitidae rather than to the Termopsinae.
Structure and chemistry of the Dufour gland in Pristomyrmex ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Authors: Billen Johan , Ito Fuminori , Tsuji Kazuki , Schoeters Eric , Maile Roland , Morgan E. David 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBillen, J., Ito, F., Tsuji, K., Schoeters, E., Maile, R. and Morgan, E. D. 2000. Structure and chemistry of the Dufour gland in Pristomyrmex ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 81: 159–166All individuals of the three species of Pristomyrmex studied have a Dufour gland with a conspicuous hammer‐shaped distal part, that is connected to a thin‐walled proximal reservoir through a very narrow stalk. The secretory distal part is formed by high columnar cells that are characterized by a highly folded apical wall. The lateral cell junctions apically correspond with the crenel tops, which gives individual cells a peculiar shape with a deep apical depression. The cytoplasm of the secretory cells contains a very well developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, numerous mitochondria and lysosomes. Histochemical analysis indicates a positive reaction for the presence of a lipid secretion in the hammer‐like part. Gas chromatographic analysis of glands of P. pungens workers reveals the secretion to be formed of a mixture of simple volatile monoterpene hydrocarbons; α–pinene, β–pinene, limonene and camphene. Similar, but species characteristic mixtures of four monoterpenes were found in Pristomyrmex brevispinosus and Pristomyrmex sp.1. Behavioural experiments did not allow a conclusive determination of the function of the gland.
On the anatomy of the central nervous system and the morphological value of the anterior end appendages of Ampharetidae, Pectinariidae and Terebellidae (Polychaeta)
Authors: Orrhage Lars 
Published: March 2003

AbstractEarlier papers dealing with the anatomy of the central nervous system of ampharetids, pectinariids and terebellids were studied. On this basis a re‐investigation appeared necessary: statements in the literature about the structure of the brain and the innervation of the appendages of the anterior end were incomplete and contradictory. In the present paper, the brain, the circum‐oesophageal connectives and the innervation of, inter alia, the tentacular membrane (including the dorsal ridge), the buccal tentacles, the alimentary canal, the nuchal organs and the branchiae (when present) of Amphicteis gunneri, Anobothrus gracilis, Melinna cf. cristata, Pectinaria auricoma, P. belgica, P. koreni, Petta pusilla, Pista cristata, Eupolymnia nebulosa, Thelepus cincinnatus and Polycirrus medusa are described. The results are summarized in schematic diagrams and compared with each other and with the central nervous system of other polychaetes. It is concluded that the ampharetids, the pectinariids and the terebellids bear no antennae and no palps and that their buccal tentacles belong to the alimentary canal. It is emphasized that all attempts to range their cephalic nervous system into previously proposed common and general schemes of ‘the polychaete nervous system’ seem totally fruitless.
Anterior neural centres in echinoderm bipinnaria and auricularia larvae: cell types and organization
Authors: Lacalli Thurston C. , Kelly Samantha J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSerial and interval electron micrograph series were used to examine the anterior part of the ciliary band system in the bipinnaria larva of Pisaster ochraceus and the auricularia larva of Stichopus californicus for evidence of ganglion‐like organization. The bipinnaria has paired concentrations of Multipolar with Apical Processes (MAP) cells in this region that correspond in position with previously identified clusters of serotonergic and peptidergic neurones. MAP cells located in the centre of the band have well‐developed apical processes, but no cilium. Those at the sides of the band have fewer processes, but some have recumbent cilia that extend under the glycocalyx, suggesting a sensory function. Comparable cell types are not found elsewhere in the band, a clear indication that the apical parts of the ciliary band system are organized in a distinctive fashion. Two neuronal cell types were identified in the apical region of the auricularia larva, a conventional bipolar neurone that corresponds with previously described serotonergic apical cells, and more numerous MAP cells for which there is no previous record and hence, no known transmitter. Previous immunocytochemical studies are summarized and re‐examined in the light of these results. Relevant evolutionary issues are also discussed, but the data fail to provide strong evidence either for or against Garstang’s hypothesis that the chordate brain and spinal cord derive from larval ciliary bands resembling those of modern echinoderms.
Evolution of the middle leg basal articulations in flies (Diptera)
Authors: Frantsevich Leonid , Gladun Dmitri 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe morphology of the coxa and trochanter was studied in 205 species from 68 fly families to compare these structures with respect to ability to fly in a streamlined posture, with the middle legs pointing forward and pressed to the thorax. Only Brachycera are able to attain this posture. The forward turn of the coxa at this position is hindered by the junction of the coxa with the pleuron. Recovery of mobility is gained in two ways. (1) By reduction of the contact zone between coxa and pleurite, as in Asiloidea, Bombyloidea, and Empidoidea. Within these flies, the streamlined posture was recorded in Bombyliidae and in a robber‐fly, Laphria flava. Others fly with their middle legs straddled laterally or trailing backwards. (2) Longitudinal splitting of the coxa into three coxites provides intracoxal mobility in most Tabanoidea and Cyclorrhapha. The hind and medial coxites rotate about the front coxite and change the coxo‐trochanteral axis, thus compensating for restricted protraction. Separation of the hind coxite appears in primitive Tabanoidea, and a separate middle coxite was found in several families among the Nematocera. The streamlined posture was recorded in horse‐flies, stratiomyids, and in many Cyclorrhapha except Micropezidae and Hippoboscidae. There is morphological evidence for a possible secondary fusion of coxites at least in Dolichopodidae and Opetidae as well as for the origin of Cyclorrhapha from a miniature ancestor.
Flies and concealed nectar sources: morphological innovations in the proboscis of Bombyliidae (Diptera)
Authors: Szucsich N. U. , Krenn H. W. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBee‐flies (Bombyliidae) have morphological adaptations of the mouthparts to particular floral traits. To investigate this the short, plesiomorphic proboscis of Hemipenthes morio was compared with the long, apomorphic proboscis of Bombylius major. A novel feeding position enables B. major to use flowers that open to the side as additional nectar sources. The new horizontal feeding position is enabled by the prolonged ventral base of the proboscis. Bombylius major exploits deep corolla tubes with an elongate proboscis, and an increased efficiency in both the suction pumps and the sealing mechanisms of the proboscis. The exploitation of narrow corolla tubes is made possible by the shift from a sponging feeding mode, exhibited by H. morio, to the exclusively sucking mode in B. major. Besides quantitative changes in the proportions of the different proboscis components, labellar movements as well as the structures of saliva distribution are changed along with this shift. The labial musculature of B. major does not significantly differ from the plesiomorphic state, since both examined species do not only feed on nectar, but also on pollen.
The circulatory system in Chilopoda: functional morphology and phylogenetic aspects
Authors: Wirkner Christian S. , Pass Günther 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe circulatory organs of nine representative species of all five chilopod orders were examined by light microscopy and byin vivoobservations of haemolymph flow. InScutigera coleoptrata, the heart ultrastructure was studied. The circulatory system in Craterostigmomorpha is described for the first time. Further focus is placed on the Geophilomorpha since previous descriptions in this group have been only superficial. In all investigated species, the circulatory system consists of two longitudinal central vessels which are connected in the first body segment by the maxilliped arch. The posterior part of these vessels is contractile and thus haemolymph is pumped anteriorly in the heart, while it is pumped posteriorly in the supraneural vessel. From these central vessels numerous peripheral vessels branch off. Differences among the chilopod orders lie mainly in the distribution of the peripheral vessels. The circulatory system in Scutigeromorpha shows some striking morphological adaptations with regard to the functional coupling of circulatory and respiratory tasks. The most peculiar structures are the aortic diverticles which act as accessory pumps in the head. Phylogenetic analysis of the circulatory organ traits within Chilopoda supports the Pleurostigmophora hypothesis. Synapomorphies supporting the Myriapoda hypothesis or the Tracheata concept were not found.
Reinterpretations of clypeus and maxilla in Psocoptera, and their significance in phylogeny of Paraneoptera (Insecta: Neoptera)
Authors: Yoshizawa Kazunori , Saigusa Toyohei 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMorphology of the head and mouthparts in Psocoptera was investigated, and revised interpretations for clypeus and maxilla were proposed. The convex plate in the frontal region of the head capsule is the postclypeus, rather than the frons; the galea is clearly differentiated from the stipes and the origin of the stipito‐lacinial muscle is partly shifted from the stipes to the base of the galea; the cardo is completely fused with the stipes without any suture or sulcus. Brief discussions on the evolution of piercing and sucking mouthparts and on the phylogeny of Paraneoptera were provided, based on these revised interpretations.
Spermiogenesis and spermatozoa in Acanthodasys aculeatus (Gastrotricha, Macrodasyida): an ultrastructural study
Authors: Guidi Loretta , Ferraguti Marco , Pierboni Lara , Balsamo Maria 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe spermatogenesis, the spermiogenetic process and the structure of the mature spermatozoon of Acanthodasys aculeatus (Gastrotricha, Macrodasyida) are described from an ultrastructural point of view. Several spermatogonia in mitotic divisions were seen, proving that euthely of gastrotrichs does not concern gonads. Spermiogenesis is characterized by the early formation of both the acrosome and the axoneme, by the subsequent appearances of a perinuclear helix and of a complex axial tubular structure in the acrosome and by the late development of the peraxonemal striated cylinder. The mature spermatozoon is filiform, and composed of a spiralized acrosome, a helical nuclear–mitochondrial complex and a long flagellum. The acrosome contains an axial tubular structure and the spring‐shaped nucleus delimits a single, long mitochondrion. A perinuclear helix formed by the pro‐acrosome surrounds the nuclear–mitochondrial complex extending for its whole length. A monolayered, obliquely striated cylinder encloses the 9 × 2 + 2 axoneme; its terminal part is empty because of the shortness of the axoneme.
Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy: technical considerations and long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Gaur D.D. , Trivedi S. , Prabhudesai M.R. , Madhusudhana H.R. , Gopichand M. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To analyse the technical details and the long‐term results of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy. Patients and methods Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy was undertaken in 101 patients between 1991 and 2001; in only one patient with retroperitoneal fibrous adhesions was the procedure transperitoneal, being retroperitoneal in all the others, using Gaur's balloon retroperitoneoscopy. The mean (range) stone size was 16 (10–47) mm, and the stones were in the upper ureter in 75, mid‐ureter in 11 and lower ureter in 15 patients. Nine patients had more than one stone, the maximum being six, in a megaureter. Most were impacted for > 2 months, the maximum being 240 months. Results Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy was successful in 93 patients, with the eight failures being mostly early in the series. The mean operative duration was 79 min (66 min when the ureter was left open and 92 min when it was sutured). The overall mean duration of urinary leakage was 5.5 days, which was reduced to 3.2 days by stenting and suturing the ureter. The mean (range) blood loss was 25 (5–100) mL. The overall complication rate was high (31%) because of prolonged urinary leakage in 20 patients. No patient required morphine for pain relief and the mean for oral analgesic use was 2.5 days. The mean hospital stay was 3.5 days and that for resuming work 14 (7–28) days. Conclusions Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy by the retroperitoneal approach is a safe and reliable minimally invasive procedure. Although its role as a salvage procedure for failed extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and ureteroscopy is undisputed, in selected patients with large chronically impacted ureteric stones and particularly with solitary kidneys, it may be considered the first‐line treatment.