bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissemination of research in clinical nursing journals
Authors: Oermann Marilyn H , Nordstrom Cheryl K , Wilmes Nancy A , Denison Doris , Webb Sue A , Featherston Diane E , Bednarz Hedi , Striz Penelope , Blair Darlene A , Kowalewski Kathleen
Published: August 2010

Aim.  The purposes of the study were to describe the extent of research, clinical and evidence‐based practice articles published in clinical nursing journals and to explore the communication of research and practice knowledge in the clinical nursing literature using citation analysis.

Background.  For nursing research to have an impact on clinical practice and build evidence for practice, findings from research must transfer into the clinical practice literature. By analysing the extent of research published in clinical nursing journals, the citations in those articles, and other characteristics of the nursing literature, we can learn more about the linkages between research and practice in nursing.

Design.  This was a descriptive study of 768 articles and 18901 citations in those articles.

Methods.  Feature articles were classified into four groups – (i) original research reports; (ii) clinical practice articles (non‐data based papers on a clinical topic); (iii) systematic reviews, integrative literature reviews, guidelines and papers describing evidence‐based practice; and (iv) others. Each citation was then examined to determine if it was a reference to a research study or to a document on clinical practice.

Results.  Nearly a third of the articles in clinical nursing journals were reports on research studies; another third addressed clinical practice. Of the 14232 citations analysed in clinical nursing journals, 6142 were to research reports (43·2%) and about the same number of citations were to clinical documents (n = 5844, 41·1%). Medical research articles were cited most frequently – 27·1% of the citations in clinical journal articles. Nursing research articles were only 7·6% of the cited documents in clinical publications.

Conclusions.  Dissemination of research findings in the clinical nursing literature occurred at two levels: through articles that reported studies of potential value to the nurse's practice and citations to research publications within articles.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Disseminating research in journals that are geared to clinicians is essential to increase nurses’ awareness of research findings that might be relevant to their practice. This study documented that articles in clinical nursing journals disseminated not only information about clinical practice, but also informed readers about research of potential value to the nurse's practice.
The relationship between busyness and research utilization: it is about time
Authors: Thompson David S , O'Leary Kathy , Jensen Eva , Scott‐Findlay Shannon , O'Brien‐Pallas Linda , Estabrooks Carole A
Published: August 2010

Aims and objectives.  To explore the concept of busyness in nursing and to understand the relationship between busyness and nurses’ research utilization better.

Background.  Lack of time and busyness are consistently reported as barriers to research utilization. Current literature fails to identify the dimensions of busyness and offers little insight into the relationship between busyness and nurses’ research utilization.

Design/Methods.  We performed a secondary analysis of qualitative data and created a conceptual map of busyness in nursing.

Results.  Our results suggested that busyness consists of physical and psychological dimensions. Interpersonal and environmental factors influenced both dimensions. Cultural and intrapersonal factors contributed to psychological elements. The effects of busyness reported included missed opportunities, compromised safety, emotional and physical strain, sacrifice of personal time, incomplete nursing care and the inability to find or use resources.

Conclusions.  Our beginning description of busyness contributes to a greater understanding of the relationship between busyness and research utilization. Our findings suggest that lack of time as a barrier to research utilization is more complex than depicted in the literature. Instead, the mental time and energy required to navigate complex environments and a culture of busyness more accurately reflect what may be meant by ‘lack of time’ as a barrier to research utilization.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Future interventions aimed at increasing research utilization may be more effective if they focus on factors that contribute to a culture of busyness in nursing and address the mental time and energy required for nurses to use research in practice.
Compression bandaging for venous leg ulcers: the essentialness of a willing patient
Authors: Annells Merilyn , O'Neill Janine , Flowers Charne
Published: August 2010

Aim.  To describe and explore reasons for use or non‐use by district nurses of compression bandaging, a best practice component of venous leg ulcer management.

Background.  Leg ulcers are costly to both individuals and communities. The most prevalent of leg ulcers are venous leg ulcers, which are common wounds treated by district nurses. Compression bandaging is the best practice for the treatment of venous leg ulcers with considerable evidence that this aids healing in an effective and timely manner. It is anecdotally known that compression bandaging is not always used by district nurses when treating venous leg ulcers, yet little is known as to why this is so.

Method.  A qualitative descriptive/exploratory study was used; interview data were collected with constant comparative data analysis applied until data saturation was obtained.

Findings.  As could be anticipated, several basic elements need to be present for a district nurse to use compression bandaging, like knowing that compression bandaging is best practice, knowing how to use compression bandaging and being able to determine that the ulcer is venous in nature. However, the major finding is the essentialness of having a patient willing for compression bandaging to be applied and sustained; the study explored what determines willingness or non‐willingness and strategies that can be used to encourage willingness.

Conclusion.  A prime enabler of the use of compression bandaging is having a patient willing to agree to the commencement of this treatment and for this to be sustained. Consequent recommendations are offered. Evidence‐based nursing requires not only knowledge of cause and effect evidence but also evidence that provides understanding about human responses and choices when there is a health challenge.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The relevance of the findings for clinical practice is that knowledge is provided about what factors may constrain a patient's willingness for compression bandaging to be applied and sustained as treatment for a venous leg ulcer and about what actions can be tried to facilitate willingness.
Investigating factors associate to nurses’ attitudes towards perinatal bereavement care
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Lou Feng‐lan , Arthur David Gordon , Cao Feng‐lin , Wu Lai Har , Li Ping , Sagara‐Rosemeyer Miharu , Chung Loretta Yuet Foon , Lui Li
Published: August 2010

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to explore nurses’ attitudes towards perinatal bereavement care and to identify factors associate with such attitudes.

Background.  Caring for and supporting parents whose infant has died is extremely demanding, difficult and stressful. It is likely that the attitude of nursing staff can influence recovery from a pregnancy loss and nurses with positive attitude to bereavement care can help bereaved parents to cope during their grieving period.

Method.  Data were collected through a structured questionnaire; 334 nurses were recruited (63% response rate) from the Obstetrics and Gynaecology unit in five hospitals in Hong Kong during May–August 2006. Outcome measures including attitudes towards perinatal bereavement care, importance on hospital policy and training support for bereavement care.

Results.  Majority of nurses in this study held a positive attitude towards bereavement care. Results showed that only 39·3% (n = 130) of nurses had bereavement related training. By contrast, about 89·8% of nurses (n = 300) showed they need to be equipped with relevant knowledge, skills and understanding in the care and support of bereaved parents and more than 88·0% (n = 296) would share experiences with colleagues and seek support when feeling under stress. Regression model showed that age, past experience in handling grieving parents and nurses’ perceived attitudes to hospital policy and training provided for bereavement cares were factors associate with nurses’ attitudes towards perinatal bereavement care.

Conclusions.  Hong Kong nurses emphasized their need for increased knowledge and experience, improved communication skills and greater support from team members and the hospital for perinatal bereavement care.

Relevance to clinical practice.  These findings may be used for health policy makers and nursing educators to ensure delivery of sensitive bereavement care in perinatal settings and to enhance nursing school curricula respectively.
A review of hand‐washing techniques in primary care and community settings
Authors: Smith Sheree MS
Published: August 2010

Aim.  This review seeks to identify the most effective hand‐washing and hand‐cleansing practice that could be used in primary care.

Background.  Healthcare associated infection is a major problem in the UK causing 5000 deaths every year. Current guidelines indicate expert opinion is the level of evidence for hand washing as an activity to reduce infection.

Design.  Systematic review.

Method.  Publications on hand‐washing, hand‐cleansing studies, policy and practice‐based documents were sought by searching several databases. Terms used included hand washing, hand cleansing, hand hygiene, hand decontamination, infection control and primary care.

Results.  Few articles described the hand‐washing technique in detail and some publications simply referred to either the European and British Standards or the Centre for Disease Control statement on hand washing. Major discrepancies in hand position and water flow direction were found. Several methodological problems were also identified and few studies were undertaken in primary care.

Conclusion.  This review has found a lack of evidence for hand‐washing techniques being undertaken in practice today. Findings from hand‐washing technique studies were inconclusive and methodological issues exist resulting in sparse reliable evidence. There is an urgent need to undertake methodologically sound studies of hand‐washing techniques for use in the ever expanding scope of primary care practice.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Evidence for hand‐washing and hand‐cleansing techniques will inform healthcare professional practice, and contribute to the overall management of infection control in primary care.
Sensitive cooperation: a basis for assisted feeding
Authors: Martinsen Bente , Harder Ingegerd , Biering‐Sorensen Fin
Published: August 2010

Aim.  To describe sensitive cooperation as a basis for assisted feeding through the experiences of people with high cervical spinal cord injury (hcSCI).

Background.  People who contract a complete hcSCI will require lifelong assistance from others with all activities of daily living. Initially, they prefer getting help from people they already know and are reluctant to cooperate with personal assistants. Assisted feeding is a situation where the nature of the cooperation between the two parties involved is crucial.

Design.  Qualitative.

Method.  Sixteen people with hcSCI were interviewed twice within a period of eighteen months. The second interview was combined with an observation. Transcriptions of interviews and notes from the observations were analysed according to Reflective Lifeworld Research as described by Dahlberg and colleagues.

Results.  Sensitive cooperation implies genuine acquaintance and sincere concern for the person receiving help. It takes time to develop and it is not possible for the person who needs help to ask for sensitive cooperation. When a meal has to be based on cooperation with another human being it is no longer adjusted by the inner eating pace and rhythm of the person needing assisted feeding, but has the temporality of the helper as a necessary condition. A particular meal draws on the experiences from all previous meals and is a significant forerunner of future meals.

Conclusions.  Sensitive cooperation implies genuine acquaintance and sincere concern for the person receiving help. It takes time to develop and it is not possible for the person who needs help to ask for sensitive cooperation. When a meal has to be based on cooperation with another human being it is no longer adjusted by the inner eating pace and rhythm of the person needing assisted feeding, but has the temporality of the helper as a necessary condition. A particular meal draws on the experiences from all previous meals and is a significant forerunner of future meals.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses and other health care professionals working within settings where people with hcSCI are admitted right after the injury have a responsibility to be meticulous when cooperating with the patients during assisted feeding. They create the basis for later cooperation with the personal assistants. Professionals working in institutions must assume that people with hcSCI are vulnerable and that assisted feeding should be carefully scheduled and conducted without interruption. Without this foundation, sensitive cooperation might never happen.
The Iranian version of Angina Pectoris characteristics questionnaire: reliability assessment
Authors: Najafi‐Ghezeljeh Tahereh , Kassaye Tessama Mesfin , Yadavar‐Nikravesh Mansoureh , Ekman Inger , Emami Azita
Published: August 2010

Aims.  To evaluate internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the Iranian version of the Angina Pectoris characteristics questionnaire.

Background.  To evaluate symptoms in patients with Angina Pectoris, the Iranian version of the Angina Pectoris characteristics questionnaire was created by combining items from Modified Rose Questionnaire, Short Form‐McGill Questionnaire and the Accompanying Symptom Checklist. The Angina Pectoris characteristics questionnaire has been developed and validated recently although it required assessment of its reliability.

Design.  Reliability study using test and retest.

Method.  One hundred and ten coronary heart disease patients with Angina Pectoris were included. The test–retest reliability of the instrument was estimated for measurement after 15 days.

Result.  The analysis of the result indicated that internal consistency was found adequate at both assessments (Cronbach’s alpha = 0·65) for test and retest. There was no significant difference between test and retest. The intra‐class correlation coefficient ranged from 0·76–0·98.

Conclusion.  The Angina Pectoris characteristics questionnaire is a reliable instrument for the assessment of Angina Pectoris characteristics in a Persian population.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The Angina Pectoris characteristics questionnaire can be used with confidence in Iranian coronary heart disease patients for Assessing Angina Pectoris symptom.
A nine‐month intervention programme focusing on empowerment; caregivers’ descriptions of changed behaviour and increased room for acting
Authors: Häggström Elisabeth , Engström Maria , Barbro Barbro Wadensten
Published: August 2010

Aims and objectives.  To describe public nursing home Enrolled Nurses’ and Nurses Aides’ view of their work and their perceptions of themselves in their professional role while they were receiving a serious of role awareness sessions focusing on empowerment for nine months.

Background.  According to several studies, it is typical that women may experience problems and injustices at work. The main focus of the intervention was to help enrolled nurses’ and nurses aides’ in developing their self‐image and professional role.

Design.  This study was descriptive and qualitative in design.

Methods.  The present study comprises semi‐structured interviews conducted with enrolled nurses and nurses aides (n = 14) from public nursing homes at start of the intervention and again nine months following the intervention. The text from the interviews was analysed using latent content analysis.

Results.  The main findings primarily show an improved professional role for the caregivers, as described in the following themes: the move from passivity to activity, the move from complaining to understanding, the move from expectations to frustration and the move from being silent to speaking loud.

Conclusions.  For caregivers working with older people within public nursing home care, it seems to be a good form of clinical supervision to implement a serious of role awareness sessions in order to improve their professional role.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings showed that an intervention providing opportunities with focus on empowerment improved the enrolled nurses’ and nurses aides’ professional role in working with older people. This can be useful information for managers and educators and they may want to adapt it when working in a public nursing home.
Discharge Planning of Stroke Patients: the Relatives’ Perceptions of Participation
Authors: Almborg Ann‐Helene , Ulander Kerstin , Thulin Anders , Berg Stig
Published: August 2010

Aims.  To describe relatives’ perceived participation in discharge planning for patients with stroke and identify correlates to perceived participation.

Background.  Stroke affects both patients and their relatives and previous research shows that relatives were often dissatisfied with their perceived involvement in discharge planning and the information they get.

Design.  Prospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods.  The study comprised 152 consecutively enrolled relatives (mean age = 60·8 years) of acute stroke patients admitted to a stroke unit in southern Sweden during 2003–2005. Data were collected through interviews 2–3 weeks after discharge using ‘Relative’s Questionnaire about Participation in Discharge planning’. This instrument measures perceived participation in three subscales: R–Information–Illness, R–Information–Care/support, and R–Goals and Needs. The Overall Rating of Relative’s Perceived Participation in Discharge Planning was measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS) (1–10 score).

Results.  Among the relatives, 56–68% reported positively according to R–Information–Illness, but 46–53% perceived that they did not receive any information about care/medication/rehabilitation/support. About 80% perceived no participation at all in goals and needs. The mean value of the VAS was 3·89 (SD 3·40) score. Regression analyses revealed that longer stay at hospital, patients with higher education, and relatives of female patients and female relatives were associated with relatives’ perceptions of higher participation in discharge planning.

Conclusions.  Relatives perceived that they needed more information and knowledge about stroke and care/medication/rehabilitation/support. They also needed to be more involved in goal‐setting and in identifying patient needs. Professionals should take into consideration these associated variables to improve relatives’ perceived participation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Clinicians should give more attention to the altered situation of stroke patients’ relatives when planning for continuing care and when setting postdischarge goals for the patients. The professionals need to develop strategies to involve relatives in sharing information, goal‐setting and needs assessment in discharge planning.
Postoperative pain and its impact on quality of life for hip‐fractured older people over 12 months after hospital discharge
Authors: Shyu Yea‐Ing Lotus , Chen Mei‐Ling , Chen Min‐Chi , Wu Chi‐Chuan , Su Juin‐Yih
Published: August 2010

Aims and objectives.  To describe pain severity and pain interference and to explore the impact of pain severity on postoperative health‐related quality of life of older people during their first year after discharge for hip surgery in Taiwan.

Background.  Few studies have examined the impact of pain on postoperative quality of life for hip‐fractured older persons.

Design.  A descriptive, correlational design was used for this longitudinal study.

Methods.  Pain intensity, pain interference and quality of life were investigated prospectively for 87 elders within 12 months after discharge for hip surgery at a medical centre in Taiwan. Pain intensity and pain interference were measured by items from the Bodily Pain scale of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form‐36, Taiwan version. Quality of life dimensions were measured by all instrument scales, except bodily pain.

Results.  Moderate to severe pain was reported by 41·3% and 24.8% of subjects at one and 12 months following discharge, respectively. Pain interference with life was reported as quite a bit or extreme by 31·1% of subjects at 12 months after discharge. Subjects who reported moderate/severe pain at one month after discharge experienced declines in general health (p = 0·03) and vitality (p = 0·02) from 6–12 months after discharge.

Conclusions.  Around a quarter of hip‐fractured older persons experienced moderate to very severe pain and quite a bit to severe pain interference from six months to one year after discharge. Furthermore, pain experienced during the first month after discharge significantly impacted quality of life throughout the year following discharge, even after controlling for covariates.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses must pay attention and intervene with long‐term postoperative pain in hip‐fractured elders to prevent further declines in physically related outcomes. The findings of this study can be used to develop effective pain‐management strategies for hip‐fractured older patients.
Vagal Influences on the Phasic and Tonic Components of the Motility of the Ovine Stomach and Gastroduodenal Area
Authors: Malbert Charles Henri , Ruckebusch Yves
Published: August 2010

Both the phasic and tonic components of gastric motility including the gastroduodenal junction were recorded after section or cooling blockade of the vagus nerves in conscious sheep. The phasic contractile activity was monitored using electromyography, strain gauges, and intraluminal manometry. The changes in the tone of the stomach (abomasum) were assessed by an electronic barostat. The cyclical contractions of the reticulorumen ceased immediately after bilateral vagotomy, whereas the activity of the antral part of the abomasum was strongly enhanced. Two weeks after vagotomy, the abomasal hypermotility persisted while reticuloruminal movements developed from a local nervous network. Vagal cooling at 5°C of one of the vagus nerves after section of the contralateral vagus similarly inhibited reticuloruminal contractions in contrast to the occurrence of abomasal hypermotility. During vagal cooling, both the abomasal and pyloric tone were lowered. We conclude that vagal cooling impairs excitatory input to the reticulorumen and inhibitory input to the gastroduodenal junction. The decreased smooth muscle tone at the abomasal and pylorus levels during vagal cooling suggests that vagal stimulatory influences are abated.
Response of Smooth Muscle from Proximal and Distal Human Colon
Authors: Snape William J. , Mayer E. A. , Koelbel C. B. , Hyman P. E. , Williams R. , Root D.
Published: August 2010

Regional differences in colonic motility may be responsible for the orderly transit of intraluminal contents through the colon. The aims of this study were to compare the effect of stretch on active and passive stress development in colonic muscle from the proximal and distal colon and to compare the responses of these tissues to KC1 or bethanechol stimulation. Strips of taenia or circular smooth muscle were obtained from the disease‐free segment of the colon removed for adenocarcinoma. Passive, active, and total isometric stress were measured on full‐thickness strips of circular or longitudinal taenial muscle stimulated with bethanechol (10−4 M) as the muscles were stretched to 120% of the length of optimum tension (Lo.) The tissues then were stimulated with increasing concentrations of KCI and bethanechol while being stretched at Lo. The active stress in the proximal circular muscle was greater at all levels of stretch than in distal circular or longitudinal muscle (p <.001). The resting and passive stress were greater in distal circular and longitudinal taenial muscle than in proximal circular muscle (p < .05). There was a dose‐dependent increase in stress development to bethanechol and KCl in each type of muscle. Proximal circular muscle had the greatest response. The EDSO was shifted to the right in distal circular muscle (2.6 ± 0.1 × 10−5 M) compared to proximal circular muscle (1.1 ± 0.1 × 10−5 M) (p < .001). These studies suggest that muscle stress differs in different locations of the colon and the role of active and passive stress development must be considered in models explaining in vivo colonic motility disturbances.
THE EFFECT OF ADRENERGIC AND OPIATE RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS ON THE ILEAL BRAKE MECHANISM IN THE RAT.
Authors: Brown Nicola J. , French S.
Published: August 2010

CHAOS IN GASTRIC OSCILLATORS

ROLE OF PEPTIDE YY IN THE INTESTINAL AND GALLBLADDER MOTILITY IN DOGS.

ALTERATION OF INTRINSIC INNERVATION OF SIGMOID COLON IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC IDIOPATHIC CONSTIPATION.

NEUROKININ A STIMULATES IRREGULAR SPIKING AND HASTENS TRANSIT OF CONTENTS IN THE SMALL INTESTINE OF RATS.

EFFECT OF N‐BUTHYLSCOPOLAMINE ON SPHINCTER ODDI MOTILITY IN PATIENTS DURING ROUTINE ERCP ‐ A MANOMETRIC STUDY

EVALUATION OF TEE REFRACTORY PERIOD OF THE MMC THROUGH PHARMACOLOGICAL PACING OF PHASE III IN HUMANS.

SLOW WAVE PERIOD PREDICTS SPIKE BURST PATTERNS IN THE DOG SMALL INTESTINE.

ERYTHROMYCIN ACCELERATES GASTRIC EMPTYING BY THE INDUCTION OF POWER CONTRACTIONS IN THE GASTRIC ANTRUM.

ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL INHIBITION OF THE CRURAL DIAPHRAGM DURING TRANSIENT RELAXATION OF THE LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER

SPECIFIC ANTAGONISM OF THE EFFECTS OF CISAPRIDE AND SEROTONIN (5‐HT) ON THE GUINEA‐PIG ILEUM.

MYOELECTRIC ACTIVITY OF THE SPHINCTER OF ODDI (SO) IN PATIENTS WITH POST‐CHOLECISTECTOMY PAIN SYNDROME.

EFFECTS OF SR 58611A AND RITODRINE ON PROXIMAL COLON MYOELECTRICAL ACTIVITY, HEART RATE AND BLOOD PRESSURE OF CONSCIOUS RATS.

CA2+ DEPENDENCE OF MOTILIDE INDUCED CONTRACTIONS IN RABBIT AND HUMAN DUODENAL MUSCLE STRIPS IN VITRO.

THE ERYTHROMYCIN DERIVATIVE EM‐523 IS A POTENT MOTILIN AGONIST.

REGULATION OF MOTILIN RECEPTOR DENSITY IN RABBIT.

DIFFERENT PATTERNS OF RELAXATION BETWEEN FUNDIC AND ANTRAL HUMAN GASTRIC SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS.

MOTOR ACTIVITY OF THE ILEO‐CECAL VALVE (ICV) IN MAN.

EFFECT OF PROLONGED ACIDIFICATION OF THE OESOPHAGEAL BODY ON PRIMARY PERISTALSIS (PP).

CORTICOTROPIN‐RELEASING FACTOR (CRF) TRIGGERS THE RELEASE OF THYROTROPIN‐RELEASING HORMONE (TRH) IN THE STRESS‐INDUCED RESPONSES OF GASTRIC EMPTYING.
Central α2‐Adrenergic Control of Colonic Transit in Rats
Authors: Theodorou V. , Fioramonti J. , Bueno L.
Published: August 2010

The effects of central and peripheral administration of α2‐adrenoceptor agonists on colonic propulsion were examined in conscious rats chronically fitted with a catheter inserted in the lumen of the proximal colon and a cannula placed in a cerebral lateral ventricle. The mean retention time of a marker in the colon was determined by administration of a bolus of [51Cr]sodium chromate into the proximal colon and collection of the feces at hourly intervals. In control studies the colonic mean retention time was 7.5 ± 1.6 hours. Clonidine administered intraperitonedy or intracerebroventricularly produced a dose‐dependent increase in mean retention time but was more potent when given intracerebroventricularly. St‐91, a quaternary derivative of clonidine which poorly crosses the blood‐brain barrier, delayed colonic transit after intracerebroventricular, but not after intraperitoneal, administration at the same dose. The increase in colonic mean retention time induced by intraperitonedy administered clonidine was antagonized by intracerebroventricular administration of yohimhine but not of prazosin, an α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist. Yohimbine intracerebroventricularly or intraperitonedy administered alone at the same dose accelerated the colonic transit. Such data suggest a possible role of central α2‐adrenoceptors in the regulation of colonic motility in rats.
Propulsive Activity of the Isolated Choledochoduodenal Junction of the Guinea Pig
Authors: Vogalis F. , Bywater R. A. R. , Taylor G. S.
Published: August 2010

The isolated choledochoduodenal junction of the guinea pig exhibited unidirectional propulsive activity when perfused with prewarmed Krebs' solution through the upper common bile duct. The mean perfusion pressure that elicited propulsive contractions was 6.1 ± 0.3 cm water (n= 20). The mean frequency of propulsive contractions was 19.1 ± 1.2 per minute (n= 20), and the mean volume of each expelled bolus of perfusate was 17.5 ± 1.6 μl (n= 16) when superfused with normal Krebs' solution. The propulsive activity was abolished by atropine (1.4 μM) and by tetrodotoxin (3.1 μM). The contractions became nonpropulsive when d‐tubocurarine (140 μM) was added to the perfusate. Cholecystokinin octapeptide (10 nM) significantly decreased the propulsive contractile frequency from 19.1 to 14.3 per minute (p < 0.001) and increased the mean ejected bolus volume from 17.5 to 25.1 μl (p < 0.05). These actions of cliolecystokinin octapeptide were markedly depressed by atropine but less so by d‐tubocurarine. The results suggest that the guinea‐pig choledochoduodenal junction acts like a propulsive motor unit under the control of intrinsic motor nerves whose activities may be modulated by hormones such as cholecystokinin octapeptide.
Contractile Frequency Patterns of the Human Colon
Authors: Bassotti Gabrio , Bucaneve Giampaolo , Pelli Maria Antonietta , Morelli Antonio
Published: August 2010

Unlike myoelectrical frequency patterns, the regular contractile activity of the human colon in vivo is poorly understood, especially with regard to the proximal portions of the viscus. For this reason, we looked for contractile patterns (defined as a regular sequence of waves occurring consecutively for at least 2 minutes, at various frequencies) in prolonged (24‐hour) manometric recordings obtained in 20 healthy volunteers of both sexes. Manometric investigations were done by means of a colonoscopically positioned multilumen poly‐vinylcloride (PVC) probe and low‐compliance infusion system. Systematic analysis of the tracings showed that regular contractile activity is scarce in the human colon, in that it accounts for only about 6% of total contractile activity; contractile patterns vary in frequency from two to eight cycles per minute, with three cycles per minute (which represents 80% of regular activity) predominating; regular contractile activity is chiefly encountered in the distal (descending and sigmoid) colon, where it represents about 50% of motility; and unlike the human upper gut and anorectal area, and the dog colon, the regular activity of the human colon is not organized in a cyclic fashion.
Gastric Myoelectric Activity in Patients with Chronic Idiopathic Gastroparesis
Authors: Bortolotti M. , Sarti P. , Barbara L. , Brunelli F.
Published: August 2010

Gastric myoelectric and manometric activities were studied by means of a peroral probe in six patients with chronic idiopathic gastroparesis characterized by a marked delay in gastric emptying at scintigraphy and by interdigestive gastric hypokinesia at manometry. Six normal subjects were examined as controls. The study was carried out by means of a probe with Ag‐AgCl suction‐needle electrodes and an open‐tip manometric catheter. In normal subjects this method was able to record in the distal gastric antrum a regular occurrence of pacesetter potentials at a frequency of about three per minute associated with bursts of spikes or secondary waves in correspondence with the pressure waves. In patients with chronic idiopathic gastroparesis a large variety of electric arrhythmias ranging from premature control potentials to tachygastria, tachyarrhythmia, bradygastria, and bradyarrhythmia and to a complete disorganization of electric control activity were recorded. As no pressure waves were recorded during these myoelectric disturbances, the antral motor impairment that characterizes chronic idiopathic gastroparesis may be considered pathogenetically related to the absence of a regular occurrence of gastric control potentials.
Effects of Agonists and Antagonists of Cholecystokinin on Contractile and Myoelectric Activity of Isolated Muscle of Colon and Ileum in the Dog and Guinea Pig
Authors: Niederau Claus , Karaus Michael
Published: August 2010

This study evaluates the effects of agonists and antagonists of cholecystokinin (CCK) on contractile and myoelectrical activity in isolated longitudinal muscle strips from colon or ileum of guinea pigs or beagle dogs. Caerulein and CCK‐8 caused a dose‐dependent increase of contractile and myoelectrical spike activity in both species with maximal effects seen between 10−8and 3 × 10−8M. The dose responses were identical for both CCK agonists and species. The dose‐related effects of CCK compounds on colonic muscle were slightly shifted to the right when compared to ileum in both species. All antagonists, the proglumide‐derivatives CR1409, CR1392, and CR1505, as well as the nonpeptide substances asperlicin and L‐364,718, caused a parallel rightward shift of CCK's dose‐dependent motor activity response, indicating the competitive nature of inhibition. The antagonists displayed a rank order of potency in antagonizing CCK's action on intestinal motility similar to their ability to antagonize CCK's action on pancreas and gallbladder. L‐364,718 was the most potent antagonist, followed by CR1409, CR1505, CR1392, asperlicin, and proglumide. The antagonists did not affect contractile or myoelectrical responses to acetylcholine, histamine, motilin, or substance P. Thus compounds that have been described as CCK antagonists for pancreas and gallbladder also act as specific and competitive antagonists of CCK's action on contractile and myoelectrical activity of Heal and colonie muscle.
Ambulatory Esophageal Manometry: Comparison of Expert and Computer‐Aided Analyses
Authors: Bumm Rudolf , Emde Carsten , Armstrong David , Bauerfeind Peter , Blum André L.
Published: August 2010

This study describes the validation of a computer program for automated analysis of ambulatory 24‐hour two‐channel esophageal manometry. The program's ability to characterize contractions and to calculate their duration and amplitude was validated against manual evaluation. An independent reference standard for the identification and classification of contractions was established by submitting representative recordings to a group of 14 experts in upper gastrointestinal motility; the program's ability to identify and classify contractions was then validated against the majority verdict of the experts. The results show an excellent correlation between the manual and computer evaluations of both contraction amplitude (p = 0.9957) and duration (p = 0.8241). The concordance between the experts was also excellent: 97 (72%) of 135 pressure events were classified identically by 12 or more experts. Computer‐aided manometry analysis (CAMA) had a sensitivity of 98.9% and a specificity of 93.5% for the detection of contractions, with sensitivities of 94.7% and 84.4% and specificities of 94.9% and 94.2% for the classification of propagated and nonpropagated contractions, respectively.
Functional Role of the Equine Ileocecal Sphincter
Authors: Roger Thierry , Malbert Charles H. , Ruckebusch Yves
Published: August 2010

Recordings of intraluminal pressure at the equine ileocecal junction indicate the presence of a high‐pressure zone of about 6 mm Hg over a distance of 5 cm. Both cecal distention by air and acidification of cecal contents by short‐chain fatty acids elicited bursts of phasic pressure waves at the ileocecal junction. Phasic contractions contributed to the concomitant increase of tone at the ileocecal junction. Reflux of acidic cecal contents into the ileum was immediately counteracted by propagated phasic contractions. It appears that contractions propagated toward the cecum, rather than stationary contractions, contribute to the sphincteric properties at the ileocecal junction. The patterns of motor activity of the ileocecal region in species with a well‐developed cecum suggest the additional presence of numerous propagated contractions of cecal origin.
Plasma Motilin Variation During the Interdigestive and Digestive States in Man
Authors: Boivin M. , Raymond M. C. , Riberdy M. , Trudel L. , St‐Pierre S. , Poitras P.
Published: August 2010

To evaluate the role of motilin in human physiology, we measured plasma motilin during the inter digestive and digestive states while recording antroduodenal contractile activity. In 24 healthy fasting subjects, 51 migrating periods of phase III activity were recognized, 42 of them started from the antral region and nine from the duodenum. A definite association was noted between circulating motilin and the gastric migrating motor complex. Significant peak elevations in plasma motilin were associated with phase Ills initiated from the antrum, but not with those originating from the duodenum. Exogenous synthetic motilin, when administered in supraphysiologic amounts, induced premature periods of front activity in fasting subjects. A test meal administered 30 minutes after a front of antral activity induced a significant release of motilin. Elevated plasma motilin levels were detected postprandially for a period of 30 minutes. Postprandial motilin increases were comparable in amplitude to the cyclic peak increases observed during the fasting period. Our study brings support for the argument that the contractile activity of the fasting stomach is regulated by circulating motilin in man, as it is in animals. The documented postprandial release of motilin is, however, unique to man and suggests that motilin could also be active during the digestive period in this species.
Stimulation of Canine Gastric Motility by BRL 24924, a New Gastric Prokinetic Agent
Authors: Bermudez J. , Dunbar A. , Sanger G. J. , Turner D. H.
Published: August 2010

We describe the actions and pharmacology of BRL 24924, a new gastric prokinetic agent, in conscious dogs. In Heidenhain pouch preparations, BRL 24924 (0.01–0.16 mg/kg i.v.) is a potent stimulant of interdigestive phasic motility (increases in intraluminal pressure), approximately 50 times more potent than metoclopramide. The stimulatory effect of BRL 24924 (0.025 mg/kg i.v.) was prevented by atropine (0.1 mg/kg s.c.). It was initially unaffected by hexamethonium (5 mg/kg i.v.), but hexamethonium prevented BRL 24924 from causing sustained stimulation of motility. The stimulatory activity of BRL 24924 (0.025 mg/kg i.v.) was unaffected by propranolol (3 mg/kg i.v.) or by phentolamine (1 mg/kg i.v.). The selective 5‐hydroxytryptamine3 receptor antagonist granisetron (BRL 43694; 0.1 or 1.0 mg/kg i.v.) neither mimicked nor prevented the stimulatory actions of BRL 24924. In dogs with a gastric fistula, the gastric emptying of a liquid test meal was accelerated following BRL 24924 (0.1 mg/kg i.v.) but was unaffected by granisetron (0.1 and 1 mg/kg i.v.). We conclude that BRL 24924 is a potent, long‐lasting, and effective stimulant of canine gastric motility, which accelerates gastric emptying. The pharmacology of BRL 24924 is discussed in terms of its relationship with myenteric 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptors.
Propagation of Electrical Activity in Gastrointestinal Smooth Muscle: The Case for Propagation by Local Circuit Current Flow
Authors: Bortoff Alex
Published: August 2010

There is considerable evidence in support of the concept that propagation of electrical activity in gastrointestinal smooth muscle occurs by way of local circuit current flow through intercellular low‐resistance pathways. In what follows, a general description of propagation by local circuit current flow is presented, after which some of this evidence, in the form of five sets of experimental data, is reviewed.
Esophageal Manometry in Patients with Unilateral Hemispheric Cerebrovascular Accidents or Idiopathic Parkinsonism
Authors: Weber J. , Roman C. , Hannequin D. , Onnient Y. , Beuret‐Blanquart F. , Mihout B. , Denis P.
Published: August 2010

The relative importance of cortical and infracortical neural control of deglutition was investigated in nine patients with unilateral cortical or internal capsule stroke, six patients with idiopathic parkinsonism, and seven healthy volunteers. Ten dry then 10 wet swallows were requested, during a right and left electromyographic recording of the mylohyoideus muscles, coupled to a manometric recording of the pharynx, upper esophageal sphincter, esophageal body, and lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Six hemiplegic patients, but no patient with Parkinson's disease, had asynchronous contractions of the mylohyoideus muscle at the onset of swallowing. Four hemiplegic patients and one with Parkinson's disease were unable to trigger dry swallows, but wet swallows were always initiated in all subjects. Four hemiplegic patients and one with Parkinson's disease had nonperistaltic esophageal contractions with either dry or wet swallows. LES relaxation was complete after dry swallows in none of the hemiplegic patients and in two with Parkinsons disease, and after wet swallows in six hemiplegic patients and four with Parkinson's disease. We conclude that a unilateral stroke may abolish the synchronism of mylohyoideus muscle contractions during swallowing, and that both pharyngeal and esophageal stages of deglutition are impaired in either cortical or striatonigral lesions.
Intraluminal Multiple Electric Impedance Procedure for Measurement of Gastrointestinal Motility
Authors: Silny Jiri
Published: August 2010

A new catheter‐related procedure for high‐resolution measurements of gastrointestinal motility is presented. The method is based on simultaneous acquisition of the electric impedance in the surrounding body volume conductor from a number of annular electrodes, successively arranged on the catheter. The impedance of a volume conductor around the catheter, consisting of a bolus, the organ wall, body fluids, and so forth, has a characteristic value for each segment and phase of contraction wave, as theoretical and experimental investigations revealed. A calculation on the basis of a simplified model reveals that the impedance changes as a logarithmic function of the bolus thickness, in which the highest sensitivity is advantageously obtained at a small lumen size and utilizing unipolar or bipolar electrode setups. The high resolution in time, space, and amplitude of the changes in the bolus shape allow us to use this impedance method for evaluation of functional stages in each measuring segment and of the beginning, end, and type of contraction wave, as well as their characteristics. The unique mechanical properties of the catheter (thinner than 3 mm, several meters long, flexible, closed surface) and the ability to distribute more than 32 measuring segments of different lengths on the catheter make this procedure suitable even for long‐term physiologic and pathologic studies of gastrointestinal motility.
Effect of Cold Stress on Esophageal Peristalsis in Healthy Humans During the Postprandial Period
Authors: Penagini R. , Bartesaghi B. , Picone A. , Bianchi P. A.
Published: August 2010

The effect of cold stress on esophageal peristalsis was assessed in nine healthy subjects after ingestion of a 700‐kcal meal. All subjects underwent a control stimulus (immersion of the nondominant hand in water at 37° C) and a stressful stimulus (immersion in water at 4°C) on separate days and in randomized order. When compared to the control stimulus, stress increased blood pressure (p < 0.01) and pulse rate (p < 0.05). It also determined an increase of 9 ± 3 mm Hg (mean ± SEM) in amplitude (p < 0.05), of 0.2 ± 0.1 seconds in duration (p < 0.1), and of 0.3 ± 0.1 cm per second in propagation velocity (p < 0.05) of peristalsis, as assessed after water swallows. Percentage of failed peristalsis was unaffected by stress. We conclude that cold stress exerts only minor effects on variables of the peristaltic wave and does not induce dysmotility in the esophagus of healthy subjects during the postprandial period.
Effects of Cold Stress on Gastric Myoelectric Activity
Authors: Stern Robert M. , Vasey Michael W. , Hu Senqi , Koch Kenneth L.
Published: August 2010

Cold stress inhibits gastric motor activity. The purpose of this study was to use the surface‐recorded electrogastrogram (EGG) to determine what characteristics of the gastric myoelectric activity accompany this decrease in gastric motor activity. Thirty fasted healthy male volunteers participated in the study. Twelve remained fasted and placed their hands in 4°C ice water (cold stress), 12 ate a meal and then underwent cold stress, and 6 control subjects ate and then put their hands in 30°C water. EGGs were recorded continuously during the 65‐minute session: 15 minutes of baseline, 20 minutes of cold stress, and 30 minutes of recovery. Cold stress significantly decreased the power of normal 3 cpm EGG activity in the fed subjects, whereas fasted subjects showed great variability in their responses including paradoxical increases in power. Control subjects showed no EGG responses to putting their hands in room‐temperature water. No subjects showed gastric tachyarrhythmia during cold stress. In conclusion, cold stress, a painful stimulus, but one not usually accompanied by nausea, attenuates the amplitude of normal 3 cpm gastric myoelectric activity in fed subjects, but does not provoke tachyarrhythmia.
A Double‐Blind Controlled Trial on the Effect of Cisapride in the Treatment of Constipation in Paraplegic Patients
Authors: Badiali D. , Corazziari E. , Habib F. I. , Bausano G. , Viscardi A. , Anzini F. , Torsoli A.
Published: August 2010

The present double‐blind controlled study compared with a crossover design, the efficacy of cisapride with that of placebo in the treatment of constipation in 10 paraplegic patients. The trial consisted of a 5‐week run‐in period and two 12‐week test periods, separated by a 4‐week washout period. Total and segmental large‐bowel transit times were assessed by means of radiopaque markers during the last week of the run‐in and of the two test periods. Bowel frequency during run‐in, placebo, and cisapride periods was, respectively, 2.9 · 2, 4.1 · 3, and 3.6 · 2.7 evacuations per week (NS). Neither the use of laxatives nor the modality of evacuation changed among the study periods. Oro‐anal transit time during run‐in, placebo, and cisapride periods was, respectively, 146 · 45, 93 · 49 (p < 0.01 vs. run‐in), and 103 · 53 h (p < 0.02 vs. run‐in; NS vs. placebo). The measurement of the large‐bowel segmental transit times showed that transit through the right colon, left colon, and rectum did not differ during the three study periods. In conclusion, cisapride at the dosage of 10 mg four times a day was no more effective than placebo in improving bowel frequency and oro‐anal or segmental large‐bowel transit times in paraplegic patients.