bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phototesting with a divergent UVB beam in the investigation of anti‐inflammatory effects of topically applied substances
Authors: Falk Magnus , Ilias Michail A. , Wårdell Karin , Anderson Chris
Published: December 2004

Background: Phototesting based on a single exposure to a divergent ultraviolet B (UVB) beam with radially decreasing UVB doses can be used to determine an individual's minimal erythema dose (MED). Laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) data can be combined with dosimetry data to produce objective dose–response plots in addition to the MED. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the divergent beam protocol could be used to demonstrate and quantify the anti‐inflammatory effects of clobetasol diproprionate (Dermovate®), pharmaceutical‐grade acetone and a gel vehicle, applied after skin provocation by UVB.

Method: Sixteen Caucasian subjects were illuminated with the divergent beam on three areas close together on the left side of their upper backs. Two of the provoked areas on each subject were treated with acetone, gel vehicle or Dermovate®, and one area was left untreated as a control. Skin blood perfusion was assessed 6 and 24 h after UVB illumination using LDPI. The reaction diameter, the mean perfusion, and the average dose–response plots for each group and treatment were extracted from the LDPI data.

Results: Application of the topical steroid clobetasol diproprionate after UVB provocation markedly decreased the inflammatory response. Acetone and the gel vehicle also showed mild anti‐inflammmatory effects in two of the parameters but not for the mean perfusion response. The mean diameter differences between controls and treated reactions had predominantly positive 99% confidence intervals. Analysis of the dose–response data at doses higher than the MED showed a linear relationship (0.89≤R2≤0.98) for all reactions but with lower gradients in treated reactions, mostly marked for clobetasol diproprionate.

Conclusions:  The divergent beam protocol can be used to demonstrate and quantify the effects of topical agents on the UVB reaction, in terms of reaction diameter, mean perfusion and changes in dose–response characteristics. The dose–response approach seems to be applicable even in diagnostic testing of an individual patient's response to UVB.
Genetic modification of the fatty acid unsaturation of phosphatidylglycerol in chloroplasts alters the sensitivity of tobacco plants to cold stress
Authors: SAKAMOTO A. , SULPICE R. , HOU C. ‐X. , KINOSHITA M. , HIGASHI S. ‐I. , KANASEKI T. , NONAKA H. , MOON B. Y. , MURATA N.
Published: December 2004

The cis‐unsaturated molecular species of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) in chloroplasts have been implicated in the chilling sensitivity of plants. Homozygous lines of transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) that overexpressed the cDNA for glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase, a key enzyme in the determination of the extent of cis‐unsaturation of PG, were established from a chilling‐sensitive squash (Cucurbita moschata). In transgenic plants, the proportion of saturated plus trans‐monounsaturated molecular species of PG increased from 24 to 65%. However, this change did not affect the architecture of the chloroplasts. Chilling stress decreased the growth and biomass production of young seedlings of transgenic plants more severely than those of wild‐type plants, and this observation suggests that the changes in the proportion of cis‐unsaturated PG affected not only leaves but also developing plants. Chilling stress also damaged inflorescences. In particular, the abscission of flower buds and inflorescence meristems from transgenic plants occurred more frequently than that from wild‐type plants. Thus, it is likely that decreases in the proportion of cis‐unsaturated PG enhanced the sensitivity to chilling of reproductive organs.
Local and differential control of vegetative storage protein expression in response to herbivore damage in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Berger Susanne , Mitchell‐Olds Thomas , Stotz Henrik U.
Published: December 2004

Vegetative storage proteins (VSPs) are thought to fulfil important nutritional roles during plant development and stress adaptation. Plant responses to mechanical wounding and herbivore damage include an activation of VSP expression. It was recently suggested that vsp is part of the systemic response of Arabidopsis to wounding. To test this proposal, we monitored the spatial regulation of vsp mRNAs and VSP proteins. Arabidopsis contains two vsp genes and real‐time quantitative PCR allowed us to characterize their differential expression. The ratio of vsp1 to vsp2 mRNA abundance increased when plants were challenged with diamondback moth larvae or Egyptian cotton worms, but not when they were mechanically wounded. We observed a dramatic increase of vsp1 and vsp2 mRNA as well as VSP protein levels in leaves that experienced herbivore damage. By contrast, there was a relatively minor increase of vsp mRNA and VSP protein levels in undamaged leaves of infested plants. These results clearly demonstrate that VSPs are part of the local plant response to herbivore attack. To obtain additional information on vsp regulation, we analysed a fusion of a soybean vspB promoter fragment to the β‐glucuronidase gene in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. The vspB promoter responded to both jasmonate and herbivore treatments, suggesting that similar signals regulate its expression in both plant species.
Total and allergen‐specific IgE levels in serum reflect blood eosinophilia and fractional exhaled nitric oxide concentrations but not pulmonary functions in allergic asthmatic children sensitized to house dust mites
Authors: Sacco Oliviero , Sale Rosa , Silvestri Michela , Serpero Laura , Sabatini Federica , Raynal Maria E , Biraghi Maurizio , Rossi Giovanni A
Published: December 2004

Although elevated levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) are considered the hallmark of atopic diseases, their clinical value in evaluating subjects with allergic disorders is under debate. To evaluate possible relationships between serum IgE levels and a variety of clinical parameters, 83 mild asthmatic children [10.98‐year‐old (2.95)], sensitized to house dust mites (HDM) Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) or D. farinae (Df), were enrolled. As compared with normal control reference values detected in our laboratory, children with allergic asthma had higher blood eosinophil counts (expressed both as percentage and as absolute number) and higher fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels but similar values in pulmonary function parameters. In the allergic asthmatic population, serum levels of total, Dp‐specific or Df‐specific IgE correlated positively with eosinophil counts (Rho ≥ 0.30, p < 0.01, each correlation) and FeNO levels (Rho ≥ 0.33, p < 0.01, each correlation) but not with pulmonary function parameters (p > 0.1, each correlation). Finally, significant correlations, although moderate, were found in the allergic asthmatic population between eosinophil counts and FeNO levels (Rho ≥ 0.42, p < 0.001, each correlation). Thus, in atopic children sensitized to HDM with mild intermittent asthma, IgE levels in blood appear to reflect systemic (blood eosinophils) and organ‐specific (FeNO) markers of allergic inflammation but not pulmonary volumes or the degree of airflow limitation.
Determinants of atopic sensitization in Turkish school children: Effects of pre‐ and post‐natal events and maternal atopy
Authors: Kuyucu Semanur , Saraçlar Yıldız , Tuncer Ayfer , Saçkesen Cansın , Adalıoglu Gönül , Sümbüloglu Vildan , Enis Şekerel Bülent
Published: December 2004

Emergence of new environmental risk factors, and/or loss of protective factors of a traditional lifestyle may explain the increase, or variations in prevalence of allergic diseases. The aim of this study was to delineate the prevalence and spectrum of, and to reveal the causal and/or protective factors for atopic sensitization among a heterogenous cohort of Turkish children, for the first time in our country. The study design adhered to International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase II protocol. A self‐administered parental questionnaire about demographic characteristics and detailed risk factors, and skin‐prick test with 13 allergens were employed in a clustered random sample of 8–11‐yr‐old Turkish school children. Atopy was defined as the presence of at least one positive skin reaction to any allergen tested. The association between a total of 78 risk factors and different aspects of atopy were analyzed in 1144 children with multivariate logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalence of atopy was 20.6%. Most common sensitizations were to grass pollens, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Blatella germanica. Day care attendance, high paternal education level, male gender and maternal asthma were significant risk factors for atopy. Breastfeeding more than 6 months (compared with 0–6 months), maternal smoking during pregnancy and a birth weight under 2500 g were inversely related to (or protective factors for) atopic sensitization. Maternal atopic disease had significant effects on risk factors pattern. In children with a maternal atopy history a low birth weight, day care attendance and maternal smoking during the first year of life independently increased the risk of atopic sensitization. Gender, breastfeeding and paternal education did not show any association with atopy in this group of children. A history of measles and low gestational age were significant protective factors for mite sensitization. This study showed that children of atopic mothers showed a different profile of risk factors associated with atopic sensitization, when compared with other children. Prenatal and early childhood events had important associations with atopic sensitization.
Mechanisms and management of gingival overgrowth in paediatric transplant recipients: a review
Authors: Chabria D. , Weintraub R. G. , Kilpatrick N. M.
Published: December 2004

Summary. Increasing numbers of children are receiving solid organ transplants namely kidney, liver, heart and lung. Patient survival rates following such transplants are essentially good with much of the success attributable to the development of Cyclosporine A (CyA), an immunosuppressive drug, that minimizes organ rejection. However the gingival overgrowth (GO) associated with the use of CyA is not only disfiguring but in paediatric recipients, may interfere with normal oral development and function.

Objective. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge concerning the aetiology, pathogenesis and management of gingival overgrowth.

Methods. Literature pertaining to gingival overgrowth is reviewed with particular reference to the paediatric population. Emphasis is placed on summarizing the evidence pertaining to the effectiveness of intervention.

Conclusion. CyA undoubtedly causes gingival overgrowth, the effects and levels of which appears to be more severe in younger patients. There is conflicting evidence as to the effectiveness of oral hygiene regimes, antibiotics and surgery in reducing overgrowth. The introduction of an alternative immunosuppressive agent (Tacrolimus) offers potential as it does not appear to cause overgrowth, although research to date is limited by the small sample size of many of the studies. This is an area in which multicentre studies would be of great value.
Project 2000: perceptions of the philosophy and practice of nursing: shifting perceptions—a new practitioner?
Authors: Macleod Clark Jill , Maben Jill , Jones Karen
Published: December 2004

This is the first of two papers which address aspects of the findings of a large scale study commissioned by the English National Board which set out to examine the impact of Project 2000 on perceptions of the philosophy and practice of nursing. The findings presented here suggest that there have been fundamental shifts in perceptions of the nature and discipline of nursing. Students and diplomates of the course perceive themselves as knowledgeable doers, with their practice well grounded in theory and research. They value the interpersonal skills teaching and place the patient firmly at the centre of care delivery, viewing the patient holistically and being prepared to be fierce patient advocates where necessary. It is difficult to determine the extent to which these shifts can be attributed to the Project 2000 course, although the Project 2000 approach to education appears to be an important factor.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED Acupoints massage in improving the quality of sleep and quality of life in patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Tsay Shiow‐Luan , Rong Jiin‐Ru , Lin Pay‐Fan
Published: December 2004

Background.  Traditional Chinese acupressure is a noninvasive technique that employs pressure and massage to acupoints in order to stimulate the balance of life energy that promotes health and comfort. Sleep disturbance is common in patients with end‐stage renal disease but no intervention studies have addressed this problem.

Aim.  The purpose of the present study was to test the effectiveness of acupoints massage for patients with end‐stage renal disease and experiencing sleep disturbances and diminished quality of life.

Methods.  The study was a randomized control trial. A total of 98 end‐stage renal disease patients with sleep disturbances were randomly assigned into an acupressure group, a sham acupressure group, and a control group. Acupressure and sham acupressure group patients received acupoints or no acupoints massage three times a week during haemodialysis treatment for a total of 4 weeks. The measures included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Sleep Log, and the Medical Outcome Study – Short Form 36.

Findings.  The results indicated significant differences between the acupressure group and the control group in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index subscale scores of subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep sufficiency, and global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. Sleep log data revealed that the acupressure group significantly decreased wake time and experienced an improved quality of sleep at night over the control group. Medical Outcome Study – Short Form 36 data also documented that acupressure group patients experienced significantly improved quality of life.

Conclusion.  This study supports the effectiveness of acupoints massage in improving the quality of sleep and life quality of end‐stage renal disease patients, and offers a noninvasive therapy for sleep‐disturbed patients.
Preceptorship and interpersonal conflict: a multidisciplinary study
Authors: Mamchur Cindy , Myrick Florence
Published: December 2004

Background.  The impetus for the study was the concern of teachers about the potentially deleterious effects of conflict in the preceptee–preceptor relationship. Preceptorship, in which students work alongside designated professionals in clinical settings, can provide opportunities to integrate theoretical and practice knowledge, and can play a part in professional development. However, students may experience communications and interpersonal problems with their preceptors and, if the conflict thereby generated is not challenged and resolved, negative outcomes can occur for students, preceptors and teachers.

Aim.  The purpose of the study was to explore the nature of conflict in preceptorship experiences.

Methods.  A modified, simultaneous quantitative/qualitative triangulated method was used, with the quantitative results reported in this paper. A total of 548 questionnaires were mailed to students and preceptors in the final clinical experience of undergraduate programmes in four disciplines. The return rate was 42·7% (234 questionnaires).

Findings.  Data revealed the prevalence of conflict, the degree to which this affected preceptorship relationships, factors occurring in the practicum that may contribute to conflict, the degree to which the conflict was resolved, and the outcomes of conflict.

Conclusions.  It is only through an understanding of the dynamics involved in conflict, and its negative effects on students, that teachers, preceptors and students alike can respond proactively to conflicts and become adept at seeking and implementing effective solutions.
Effect of K+ channel blocking drugs and nitric oxide synthase inhibition on the response to hypoxia in rat pulmonary artery rings
Authors: Karamsetty M. R. , Wadsworth R. M. , Kane K. A.
Published: December 2004

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of potassium (K+) channel blockers and the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, L‐nitroarginine (L‐NOARG), on the response produced by acute hypoxia in rat intrapulmonary artery rings in vitro.

In rat phenylephrine‐precontracted pulmonary artery rings, hypoxia (pO2= 7 mmHg) induced a response which consisted of a rapidly developing initial contraction (phase 1), a transient relaxation (phase 2) and a slowly developing sustained contraction (phase 3) over 30 min. The NOS inhibitor, L‐NOARG (300 μm), attenuated phase 1 and 3, and amplified phase 2 of the response to hypoxia. The voltage‐gated K+ channel blocker 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) (10 mM) also abolished phase 3 and magnified phase 2 of the response to hypoxia.

The hypoxic response was not modified by the calcium‐activated K+ channel (KCa) blockers, tetraethylammonium (TEA) (20 mM) or charybdotoxin (50 or 200 nM), nor by the ATP‐dependent K+ channel (KATP) blocker, glibenclamide (10 μM).

L‐NOARG (300 μM) and 4‐AP (10 mM) also abolished carbachol‐induced endothelium‐dependent NO‐mediated relaxation. Relaxation produced by the NO releasing agent 3‐morpholino sydnonimine (SIN‐1) was reduced by 4‐AP (10 mM) and TEA (20 mM).

The data suggest that NO production is reduced during severe hypoxia in rat intrapulmonary artery rings and that this underlies the sustained phase of the hypoxic contraction. The data also suggests that 4‐AP‐ sensitive K+ channels play an important role in the release andor action of NO, and therefore, in the response to hypoxia.
Uptake of [3H]‐adrenaline by freshly isolated rat hepatocytes: putative involvement of P‐glycoprotein
Authors: Martel F. , Calhau C. , Martins M.J. , Azevedo I.
Published: December 2004

The liver has an important role in the elimination of circulating catecholamines. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are avidly taken up and metabolized by rat hepatocytes, but the nature of the mechanism(s) involved remains partially unknown.

The aim of this work was to further characterize the uptake of catecholamines by isolated rat hepatocytes. For that purpose, the effects of a series of chemically unrelated compounds, including substrates/inhibitors of P‐glycoprotein, on [3H]‐adrenaline removal was investigated.

Freshly isolated rat hepatocytes were incubated in Krebs‐Henseleit solution at 37°C with 50 nM [3H]‐adrenaline for 5 min. Removal of [3H]‐adrenaline was calculated as the sum of [3H]‐adrenaline present in cells, and its [3H]‐metabolites present both in cells and in the incubation medium. Radioactivity was determined by liquid scintillation counting.

Verapamil, quinidine, 1‐methyl 1‐4‐phenylpyridinium, cimetidine, tetraethylammonium, d‐tubocurarine, taurocholate, daunomycin and vinblastine (100 μM), progesterone, bilirubin (200 μM), vecuronium (45 μM), and amiloride (1 nM) significantly reduced [3H]‐adrenaline removal. On the other hand, cyclosporine A (100 μM) apparently had no effect. The O‐methylated metabolite of adrenaline, metanephrine (30 μM), produced a 40% reduction of [3H]‐adrenaline removal.

Vinblastine and corticosterone produced concentration‐dependent decreases of [3H]‐adrenaline removal, with IC50 values of 23.3 and 116.0 μM, respectively.

In the presence of verapamil (100 μM), desipramine (1 μM) was devoid of significant effect on [3H]‐adrenaline removal. Corticosterone (40 μM) produced a further decrease (± 50%) on removal of the [3H]‐amine.

Removal of [3H]‐adrenaline by isolated cells did not show pH‐dependence since an increase or a decrease in the pH of incubation medium (to 8.2 or 6.2, respectively) caused no alteration of that parameter.

In conclusion, [3H]‐adrenaline is efficiently removed and subsequently metabolized by isolated rat hepatocytes. The results are compatible with the involvement of multiple mechanisms in the hepatic uptake of this amine including the type I and the type II hepatic transporters for organic cations, uptake2 and P‐glycoprotein.
Effect of exogenous adenosine and its monophosphate on the contractile response to acetylcholine in the human isolated detrusor muscle strips
Authors: Rubinstein R. , Shalev M. , Nissenkorn I. , Cohen S.
Published: December 2004

Adenosine (0.1–1 mM) or its 5′‐monophosphate (5′‐AMP) induced a concentration‐dependent relaxation of tension caused by acetylcholine (0.2 μM) in human urinary bladder detrusor strips.

This effect was antagonized concentration dependently by theophylline at an apparent pA2 value of about 5.

Maximum relaxation by adenosine or 5′‐AMP never exceeded 50% and 80%, respectively, of acetylcholine‐induced tension. Relaxation by some β2‐adrenoceptor agonists (0.1–0.2 mM) or norepinephrine was limited to about 50% of maximum.

The responses to adenosine and terbutaline were additive, causing full relaxation, and suggesting mobilization of distinct mechanisms underlying muscle relaxation.
Tachykinins in propranolol‐augmented, hyperpnoea‐induced bronchoconstriction in Taida guinea‐pigs: effects of dimethylthiourea
Authors: Lin C.‐W. , Lai Y.‐L.
Published: December 2004

The present authors recently found that a marked hyperpnoea‐induced bronchoconstriction (HIB) only occurred in guinea‐pigs after treatment with propranolol, a non‐selective β‐adrenoceptor antagonist. This study investigated tachykinin‐dependent and antioxidant‐modulated mechanisms for this propranolol‐augmented HIB.

Guinea‐pigs were pre‐treated with an antioxidant, dimethylthiourea (DMTU), or saline for 3 days. On the day of study, each animal was given a dose of propranolol (0.5 mg kg−1), then the airway function was examined in the anaesthetized‐paralysed animal before, during and after hyperpnoea with a dry 95% O2:5% CO2 gas mixture. Tracheal neutral endopeptidase (NEP) activity and plasma substance P (SP) level were measured after functional study.

In the presence of propranolol, HIB was augmented, and was found to be associated with decreased NEP activity and an increased plasma SP level. The augmented HIB was attenuated by DMTU.

Therefore, the present results suggest that propranolol‐augmented HIB is tachykinin‐dependent and is modulated by DMTU.
Cardiovascular responses evoked by carbachol microinjection into the posterior hypothalamus involves ganglionic nicotinic and muscarinic mechanisms
Authors: Methvin J. M. , Martin J. R.
Published: December 2004

Microinjection of the cholinergic agonist carbachol (3.3, 5.5 and 13.2 nmol) into the posterior hypothalamic nucleus of conscious rats evokes a dose‐dependent increase in blood pressure. The pressor response evoked by the lower doses of carbachol was attenuated by pretreatment with the ganglionic nicotinic receptor antagonist pentolinium (10 mg kg−1, i.v.) while blockade of V1‐vasopressin receptors with [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]AVP (20 μg kg−1, iv) reduced the pressor response evoked by the highest dose.

The combination of pentolinium and the muscarinic receptor antagonist methylatropine (2 mg kg−1, i.v.) completely blocked the response evoked by the lower doses while the addition of [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]AVP to these two antagonists was required for further inhibition of the pressor response to the highest dose of carbachol. Bilateral adrenal demedullation did not affect the pressor response evoked by 5.5 or 13.2 nmol of carbachol.

Treatment of intact and adrenal demedullated rats with pentolinium after the pressor response to 13.2 nmol of carbachol was underway reversed the pressor response, but not to the same degree as that provided by the combination of pentolinium and methylatropine, or pentolinium and [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]AVP.

Methylatropine or [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]AVP caused a slight reversal of the carbachol‐induced pressor response once it was underway in intact rats. Methylatropine given before or after pentolinium worked with the pentolinium to completely reverse the response. Methylatropine given alone reversed the bradycardia evoked by carbachol to a tachycardia which itself was antagonized by subsequent treatment with pentolinium.

These results suggest that the pressor response evoked by carbachol microinjection into the posterior hypothalamic nucleus of conscious rats involves sympathoexcitation and vasopressin release. The sympathoexcitation involves nicotinic and muscarinic receptors in autonomic ganglia.
Pharmacological analysis of the double peaked vasoconstrictor responses to periarterial electric stimulation
Authors: Yang X.‐P. , Chiba S.
Published: December 2004

Vasoconstrictor responses to periarterial nerve stimulation were studied with the use of prazosin (an α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist) and α,β‐methylene ATP (a P2X receptor desensitizer) in canine isolated, perfused splenic arterial preparations.

Double peaked responses (two phases of the constriction) were readily induced with the conditions of 30 s trains of pulses at 10 V amplitude, 1 ms duration in a frequency‐related manner.

At low frequencies (1–3 Hz), the 1st phase might contain only a purinergic component which was mostly inhibited by treatment with α,β‐methylene ATP. At high frequencies (4–10 Hz), the 1st phase was in part inhibited by prazosin and the remaining component of this phase was abolished by α,β‐methylene ATP.

The 2nd phase response was markedly inhibited by prazosin, and remaining component of this phase was abolished by α,β‐methylene ATP at all frequencies used.

It is concluded that (1) the 1st phase is probably induced via an activation of P2X receptors at low frequencies, and at high frequencies via both P2X and α1‐adrenoceptors, and (2) the 2nd phase probably involves mostly α1‐adrenoceptors and partially P2X receptors.
Effects of U‐50,488H on isolated atria from rats chronically treated with the κ‐opioid agonist, U‐50,488H
Authors: Milanés M. V. , Rabadan J. V. , Marin M. T. , Laorden M. L.
Published: December 2004

The present investigation was aimed at determining if chronic activation of κ‐ or μ‐opioid receptors induce development of tolerance and dependence to κ‐opioid agonists on the isolated left atria of the rat.

Tolerance to a κ‐agonist (specific tolerance) was induced by chronic administration of U‐50,488H, a selective κ‐agonist (15 mg kg−1 i.p. twice a day for 4 days). The animals were rendered tolerant to morphine by subcutaneous implantation of morphine pellets (75 mg per pellet) for 7 days.

Tolerance to U‐50, 488H was observed after its chronic administration and was revealed as a rightward shift of the concentration‐response curve, it was accompanied by a decrease in the maximum response and in the slope. Preparations from morphine‐treated rats were not tolerant to the selective κ‐agonist, that is, there was no cross‐tolerance between μ‐ and κ‐agonists.

Dependence to the κ‐agonist was tested by administration in the organ bath of Mr‐2266 (preferential κ‐antagonist) or nor‐binaltorphimine (nor‐BNI; selective κ‐antagonist). The administration in the organ bath of the κ‐antagonists Mr‐2266 or nor‐BNI to preparations from U‐50, 488H treated rats induced an increase in atrial force of contraction. In contrast, the administration of the κ‐antagonists to preparations from control rats induced a decrease in atrial force of contraction.

These findings demonstrate that left atria from chronically U‐50488H‐treated rats exhibit tolerance to the negative inotropic effects of U‐50, 488H as well as opioid withdrawal after nor‐BNI.
Time distribution of selected care activities in home care in Germany
Authors: Bartholomeyczik Sabine , Hunstein Dirk
Published: December 2004

Aims and objectives.  To investigate the time required by family caregivers to carry out selected care activities. The project was initiated by the responsible ministry for German Long Term Care Insurance. The Long Term Care Insurance provides recommendations for specific time ranges for care activities as a basis for assessment.

Methods.  Cross‐sectional descriptive study, convenience sample of 200 households. Time was measured during direct observation using a stopwatch (time‐and‐motion method).

Results.  The time taken for care activities had large standard deviations. For many activities, <50% of the cases fell in the recommended time range. No significant influences on the different durations were found.

Conclusions.  The results give no support for the assumption that recommended time ranges can enhance assessment comparability and adequacy.

Relevance to clinical practice.  In order to predict the amount of work in nursing it is more important to assess the patient's situation and history, and the goal to be reached by nursing care than to know the title of the required nursing intervention.
Antigenic relationships between adult and larval Anopheles tessellatus midgut glycoproteins and the midguts of other vector mosquitoes
Authors: Moorthy S. A. V. , Ramasamy R. , Ramasamy M. S.
Published: December 2004

Glycoproteins expressed on the surface of midgut (MG) epithelium and the peritrophic matrix (PM) of vector mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are candidate molecules for interacting with pathogens. Antisera produced against Anopheles tessellatus Theobald female MG lectin‐binding proteins (concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin) were used in Western blots to investigate MG/PM antigenic relationships between adult and larval An. tessellatus and with the MG glycoproteins of other vector mosquitoes: Anopheles culicifacies Giles, An. subpictus Grassi, An. varuna Iyengar, Aedes aegypti (L.) and Culex quinquefasciatus Say. Within An. tessellatus, strong antigenic cross‐reactions were observed between adult and larval MG proteins, and between adult MG and PM proteins. Anopheles tessellatus adult MG antisera reacted with MG antigens from adult females of the other five mosquito species, with interspecific contrasts of relative molecular mass (Mr) of nearly all reacting antigens, except the strong 36 kDa band shared by An. tessellatus and Cx. quinquefasciatus. Cross‐reactivity within female An. tessellatus may be due to the MG containing precursors to the PM glycoproteins and/or some common fully processed proteins, or perhaps carbohydrate epitopes that are shared between related or unrelated MG and PM glycoproteins. Cross‐reactions between adult MG proteins from different mosquito species, mostly with differential Mr, reflect the presence of homologous proteins that may be relevant to specific vector competence.
New species of the fleas Farhangia and Nestivalius, from endemic rodents in Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Mardon D. K. , Durden L. A.
Published: December 2004

Abstract. The fleas (Siphonaptera: Pygiopsyllidae) Farhangia quattuordecimdentata sp. n. and Farhangia sedecimdentata sp. n. are described from pygmy squirrels (Prosciurillus spp.), and Nestivalius sulawesiensis sp. n. from murine rodents, all from Sulawesi, Indonesia. Both new species of Farhangia were collected in Central Sulawesi (Sulawesi Tengah); F. quattuordecimdentata sp. n. was recovered mainly from P. murinus, whereas F. sedecimdentata sp. n. was recovered mainly from P. leucomus. These new species are compared with the two previously described species of Farhangia: F. celebensis (Ewing) from P. murinus in North Sulawesi (Sulawesi Utara) and F. sciuri (Ewing) from the tree squirrel Callosciurus prevosti in Sabah (Borneo). Nestivalius sulawesiensis sp. n. was collected from six species of endemic murine rodents in both North and Central Sulawesi. It is compared to the morphologically similar N. pomerantzi (Traub) from Mindanao, which parasitizes murine hosts that are endemic to the Philippines.
Breast feeding, pacifier use and infant development at 12 months of age: a birth cohort study in Brazil
Authors: Barros Fernando C. , Victora Cesar G. , Morris Saul S. , Halpern Ricardo , Horta Bernardo L. , Tomasi Elaine
Published: December 2004

Many studies suggest that breast feeding confers developmental and intellectual advantages on children. In a recent study, however, no association was found between breast feeding and intelligence in adult life after adjustment for other variables, and the use of pacifier in infancy was the most important predictor of intelligence. We analysed the associations between breast‐feeding duration, pacifier use and suspected developmental delay at 12 months of age in a birth cohort in Pelotas, southern Brazil. All 5304 hospital births occurring during 1993 were studied and a sample was followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of age. Breast‐feeding practices and use of pacifiers were assessed at each visit, as well as suspected developmental delay, measured by the Denver II test. The prevalence of developmental delay was analysed, through logistic regression, according to breast‐feeding status and pacifier use, accounting for the possible confounding effect of other variables. The prevalence of suspected developmental delay at 12 months was 34.1%, being slightly higher among children who used pacifiers at 6 months than among non‐users (35.3% and 28.7% respectively). There was a marked negative association between breast‐feeding duration and developmental delay, with children breast fed for 9 months or more presenting significantly less suspected developmental delay (25.5%) than those breast fed for less than 1 month (42.4%). The effects of multiple variables were tested, and only high parity, smoking during pregnancy, birthweight, gestational age, pacifier use and breast‐feeding duration remained significantly associated with suspected developmental delay. The effect of pacifier use, however, disappeared after adjusting for breast‐feeding duration, suggesting that breast feeding, and not pacifiers, affects child development.
Epidemiology of intestinal malrotation, Hawaii, 1986–99
Authors: Forrester Mathias B. , Merz Ruth D.
Published: December 2004

Malrotation of the intestines occurs as a result of failure of normal intestinal rotation and fixation during early pregnancy. This study examined the epidemiology of malrotation in Hawaii during 1986–99, using data from a population‐based birth defects registry. There were 81 cases of malrotation, resulting in a rate of 2.86 per 10 000 live births and fetal deaths. The first‐year mortality rate was 15.8%. Other major birth defects were reported for 93.8% of the cases. The malrotation rate during 1993–99 was significantly higher than the rate during 1986–92 (rate ratio [RR] 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04, 1.90). The malrotation rate was inversely proportional to maternal age (P = 0.028). Compared with whites, the malrotation rate was significantly higher among Far East Asians (RR 1.95, 95% CI 1.12, 3.17), Pacific Islanders (RR 2.41, 95% CI 1.63, 3.44) and Filipinos (RR 1.82, 95% CI 1.02, 3.01). Malrotation rates did not differ significantly by sex (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.70, 1.34) or plurality (RR 1.86, 95% CI 0.38, 5.44) but were significantly higher among livebirths with birthweight < 3000 g (RR 3.90, 95% CI 2.83, 5.24). With no other population‐based studies of malrotation found in the literature, this study adds to the knowledge of the epidemiology of malrotation.
Birthweight and risk of overall and cause‐specific childhood mortality
Authors: Li Christopher I. , Daling Janet R. , Emanuel Irvin
Published: December 2004

Early life events have important short‐ and long‐term consequences. It is clear from previous studies that birthweight is associated with infant mortality and with childhood and adult morbidities. However, few studies have focused on the relationship between birthweight and childhood mortality. To assess this relationship, we conducted a population‐based case–control study of children born during 1968–96 in Washington state. Cases consisted of 6247 children who died at 1–19 years of age. A total of 31 074 controls were matched five to one to cases by birth year. Compared with children with a birthweight of 3000–3499 g, children with lower birthweights had a greater risk of childhood mortality. These lower birthweight children had increased risks of childhood deaths from infectious diseases, congenital anomalies, central nervous system diseases and heart disease, but not of deaths resulting from accidents, cancer, suicide or homicide. The magnitude of these risks differed somewhat by age. Our results suggest that birthweight exerts important influences on children's risk of age‐specific and cause‐specific mortalities, particularly those with a strong biological component.
Atopic manifestations, breast‐feeding protection and the adverse effect of DDE
Authors: Karmaus Wilfried , Davis Susan , Chen Qin , Kuehr Joachim , Kruse Hermann
Published: December 2004

Despite the numerous studies on the possible protective effect of breast feeding against the onset of atopic manifestations during childhood, this issue remains controversial. As part of an environmental epidemiological study, we investigated whether different blood concentrations of dichlorodiphenyl‐dichloroethylene (DDE) modified the protective effect of breast feeding against atopic manifestations in 338 children. DDE concentration, duration of breast feeding and manifestation of atopic disorders were measured in 1994–95 at age 7–8 years. Information gathered on asthma, atopic eczema and hay fever was based on questionnaire data. We measured the total serum concentration of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE levels against inhalant allergens. In 1997, we also determined bronchial hyper‐reactivity with a hypertonic saline challenge test. To estimate odds ratios from our cross‐sectional analysis, we applied logistic regressions, controlling for confounders.

Breast feeding had a protective effect on the two asthma variables (e.g.> 12 weeks breast feeding for doctor‐diagnosed asthma, OR = 0.32 [95% CI 0.11, 0.87]; for ‘ever’ asthma, OR = 0.13 [95% CI 0.02, 0.68]), but not on bronchial hyper‐reactivity, hay fever, atopic eczema or the two IgE variables. The protective effect became stronger in children with DDE blood levels below the median of 0.29 µg/L (e.g. doctor‐diagnosed asthma,> 12 weeks breast feeding, OR = 0.24 [95% CI 0.06, 0.95]). Also, for specific IgE against inhalant allergens, the association gained statistical significance. For children with a DDE concentration of 0.29 µg/L and higher, breast feeding did not show a significant protective effect. Our results suggest that contaminants such as DDE may modify the protective effect and may have contributed to inconsistent findings on the protective effect of breast feeding in previous studies. We recommend determining levels of breast milk contaminants in children when assessing the impact of breast feeding on atopic manifestations.
Using commercial telephone directories to obtain a population‐based sample for mail survey of women of reproductive age
Authors: Lobdell Danelle T. , Buck Germaine M. , Weiner John M. , Mendola Pauline
Published: December 2004

In the United States, sampling women of reproductive age from the general population for research purposes is a challenge. Even more difficult is conducting a population‐based study of couples attempting pregnancy to assess fecundity and fertility or related impairments. To address the problem of obtaining representative samples from the population in order to study such health‐related issues, a commercially and readily available CD‐ROM telephone directory was used and tested as a sampling framework for studies aimed at enrolling gravid women aged 18–44 years. A self‐administered questionnaire (SAQ) was mailed to a stratified random sample of 10 005 (3%) households in Erie County, NY, USA.

Overall, 17% of the questionnaires were undeliverable despite updating all addresses with residential software before mailing. Thirteen per cent (n = 1089) of the households returned completed questionnaires, of which 35% (n = 377) were completed by women aged 18–44 years. Using 1990 census information for zip code, respondents were more likely to be white and to have higher median household incomes than non‐respondents. Of the 377 women who completed the questionnaire, 79% had been pregnant at least once, 5% reported being unable to become pregnant, and 16% reporting never trying to become pregnant. Despite the overall low response to the SAQ, the sampling framework captured a diverse group of women of reproductive age who reported various fecundity and fertility outcomes. The use of low‐cost commercially available software linked to census data for selecting samples of women or couples for reproductive and perinatal research may be possible; however, oversampling of households, use of incentives and follow‐up of non‐respondents is needed to ensure adequate sample sizes.
Differential production in vitro of antigen specific IgG1, IgG3 and IgA: a study in Schistosoma haematobium infected individuals
Authors: Béniguel Lydie , Diallo Tamsir O. , Remoué Franck , Williams David L. , Cognasse Fabrice , Charrier‐Mze Nicole , N’Diaye Abdoulaye A. , Perraut Ronald , Capron Monique , Riveau Gilles , Garraud Olivier
Published: December 2004

This study has evaluated the individual control of isotype production and the influence of external signals that can be experimentally provided in vitro, in antibody responses to two different recombinant Schistosoma antigens (Sh28GST and TPx‐1). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells or enriched B cell fractions obtained from S. haematobium infected Senegalese adults were induced to terminal differentiation in vitro. The production of antibody to either antigen was donor‐dependent and for each donor it was antigen‐dependent. Differentiation to IgG1 and IgG3 production, and possibly IgA, specific to these conserved parasite antigens could be regulated differentially in vitro. Exogenous IL‐2 and IL‐10 or IL‐10 and TGF‐β led to the production of specific IgG3 or IgG1 and/or IgA, respectively. This is the first report on such experimentally induced differential regulation of antigen‐specific IgG1 and IgG3. This may have implications in designing protocols for protein based‐vaccinations aiming at eliciting antibody responses of certain protective‐type isotypes.
The effects of 20‐hydroxyecdysone on breaking diapause ofDiprion piniL. (Hym., Diprionidae)
Authors: Hamel Martine , Géri Claude , Auger‐Rozenberg Marie‐Anne
Published: December 2004

Abstract.The pine sawfly, Diprion pini L, like almost all Diprionidae, has complex diapause phenomena which affect the prepupal stages (eonymph and pronymph) in the cocoon. Experiments using 20‐hydroxyecdysone to break diapause of different populations of D. pini, were conducted. Doses of 2 and 10 μg/g of the hormone were injected into the insects in diapause, previously removed from their cocoons and placed in transparent capsules to observe their development. The experiments showed that 20‐hydroxyecdysone may cause D. pini to resume development and may even totally break the diapause. However, this reactivation seemed to require large doses of 20‐hydroxyecdysone. Moreover, the effects of applying this hormone varied according to the insect's origin, duration of the diapause maintenance and conditions of photoperiod and temperature present before and after the treatment. According to the cases, this resumption of development can affect a variable fraction of individuals and be more or less complete. It is suggested that the reaction to 20‐hydroxyecdysone in standard conditions could be used to measure the intensity of the diapause of natural D. pini populations.
Characterization of genotypic variation in stress gene expression and photosynthetic parameters in potato
Authors: SEPPÄNEN M. M. , COLEMAN G. D.
Published: December 2004

Frost injury in potato can involve the interaction of both freezing temperatures and high light. Thus frosts can result in accumulation of activated oxygen species that change the redox potential of cells. Activated oxygen species can either act as signals that induce protection mechanisms or accelerate injury. In comparison with Solanum tuberosum L., Solanum commersonii Dun., is better adapted to low temperature. In this study the freezing tolerance was studied by isolating the cold‐regulated genes glutathione S‐transferase (ScgstF1), heat shock cognate 70 kDa (Schsc70) and dehydrin2 (Scdnh2) from S. commersonii and characterizing gene expression in potato genotypes that differ in freezing tolerance. Fluorescence measurements (Fv/Fm, 1 − qP) showed that photosynthesis of a freezing‐tolerant genotype was transiently reduced during frost whereas in S. tuberosum the reduction was higher and irreversible damage occurred. In a freezing‐tolerant genotype the transient reduction of photosynthesis occurred coincident with accumulation of ScgstF1 and Scdhn2 transcripts. In cold‐acclimated and H2O2‐treated plants, ScgstF1 and Scdhn2 accumulated in freezing‐tolerant genotypes whereas Schsc70 transcript was more abundant in S. tuberosum. Pre‐treatment with H2O2 also improved the freezing tolerance of S. commersonii suggesting that signal pathways associated with low temperature cold acclimation or H2O2 may overlap.
Transcription factor genes with expression correlated to nitrate‐related root plasticity of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: TRANBARGER T. J. , AL‐GHAZI Y. , MULLER B. , TEYSSENDIER DE LA SERVE B. , DOUMAS P. , TOURAINE B.
Published: December 2004

The root response to changes in nitrogen availability was examined in Arabidopsis thaliana. Plants grown on vertically oriented Petri plates with nutrient media containing either 10 or 0.5 mm KNO3 supplemented with 5 mm glutamine were analysed for changes in root architecture, morphology and nitrogen status compared to plants grown on 0.5 mm KNO3. Fourteen‐day‐old 10 mm KNO3‐grown plants displayed a decrease in number, length and density of lateral roots, had the highest tissue NO3– content, but no change in amino acid composition. Lateral root development was arrested at a stage after the initiation of primordia but prior to emergence. In contrast, plants grown on 0.5 mm KNO3 supplemented with glutamine had a slightly higher number and density of lateral root primordia and lateral roots, lower root NO3– content, and higher tissue glutamine content. A macro‐array containing 126 putative A. thaliana transcriptional factor expressed sequence tags was used to screen for regulatory genes with expression correlated to the root plasticity response. Genes for a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) and a LIM transcription factor were identified and via Northern analysis it was confirmed that their expression is preferentially observed in the roots and correlated to the root response to nitrate availability.
Detoxification function of aldose/aldehyde reductase during drought and ultraviolet‐B (280–320 nm) stresses
Authors: HIDEG É. , NAGY T. , OBERSCHALL A. , DUDITS D. , VASS I.
Published: December 2004

Plants may activate similar defence systems to reduce cellular damages caused by different stress conditions. In the present experiments, the formation of lipid peroxidation products [thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS)] was significant during both drought and ultraviolet (UV)‐B stresses, whereas the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was a more delayed response to UV‐B than to drought. H2O2 was detected during both stresses, whereas ·OH radical production was a more characteristic response to drought. The present characterization of transgenic tobacco plants revealed a common role for aldose/aldehyde reductase (ALR) in the detoxification of lipid peroxidation products under water depletion and UV‐B irradiation. As the result of the increased synthesis of ALR enzyme, the transformed plants were more tolerant to both stress conditions, exhibiting reduced loss of photosynthetic function and decreased accumulation of TBARS and H2O2 as compared to control (SR1) plants. When plants had been exposed to mild, non‐lethal drought and were then watered again to recover, they were more tolerant to a subsequent stress by UV‐B. This was characteristic to both transgenic and wild‐type plants. However, this drought‐induced cross‐tolerance to UV‐B stress of SR1 tobacco did not reach the enhancement achieved by the overexpression of ALR.