bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health and wellbeing of older people in Anglo‐Australian and Italian‐Australian communities: A rural–urban comparison
Authors: Lau Rosalind , Morse Carol A. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractObjective:  The health and wellbeing of urban and rural Anglo‐ and Italian‐Australian residents was compared using five domains which are deemed to influence the outcome ‘ageing well’. The five domains included physical and functional status, social supports, material resources, activity and leisure, and mental efficacy. Design:  A cross‐sectional survey carried out in a two‐stage data collection process included a brief telephone interview and face‐to‐face interview using semistructured schedules with several psychometric measures. Settings:  Eastern and Western Melbourne and Mildura, Victoria, Australia. Main outcome measures:  Health and wellbeing of urban and rural community‐dwelling Anglo‐ and Italian‐Australian men and women aged 50–89 years. Participants:  Urban and rural community‐dwelling Anglo‐ and Italian‐Australian men and women aged 50–89 years. There were 364 urban Anglo‐Australians, 149 rural Anglo‐Australians, 190 urban Italian‐Australians, and 77 rural Italian‐Australians. Results:  Urban Anglo‐Australian residents reported significantly higher general and emotional health but also reported significantly higher stress levels than their rural counterparts. The rural Italian‐Australian residents reported higher resilience and personal control but poorer general and emotional health than the urban residents. Conclusion:  If health disparities between urban and rural residents are to be successfully addressed, the link between place of residence, health status and wellbeing must be explored.
Effect of climate change on Australian rural and remote regions: What do we know and what do we need to know?
Authors: Bi Peng , Parton Kevin A. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract This paper addresses a very important issue in Australian rural and remote regions: the effects of climate change on various aspects including natural resources, agricultural activity, population health, and social and economic development. The objective is to briefly characterise the consequences of climate change in rural Australia and what we can do to prevent further impact in our rural communities.
EFFECTS OF HYPOXIA/REPERFUSION INJURY ON DRUG DISPOSITION IN THE RAT ISOLATED PERFUSED LIVER
Authors: Arab HA , Cheung K , Hickman PE , Potter JM , Kadkhodaee M , Roberts MS 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY

Ischaemia–reperfusion injury is known to be associated with a range of functional and structural alterations in the liver. However, the effect of this injury on drug disposition is not well understood. The present study was designed to examine the effects of hypoxia/reperfusion on the disposition of glutamate and propranolol in the rat isolated perfused liver. Both glutamate and propranolol are mainly metabolised in the pericentral region of the liver.
Hypoxia/reperfusion was established using the slow flow–reflow method of perfusion in both anterograde and retrograde perfusion. Glutamate metabolism was measured by the recovery of [14C]‐glutamic acid and [14C]‐labelled metabolites in a single pass in both anterograde and retrograde perfusion in the presence of a steady state concentration of unlabelled glutamic acid. Propranolol disposition, mean transit time and normalized variance were assessed from the outflow concentration–time profile of unchanged [3H]‐propranolol determined after a bolus injection of [3H]‐propranolol using HPLC and liquid scintillation counting.
Hypoxia/reperfusion of livers did not affect oxygen consumption, but caused significant changes in enzyme release, lignocaine hepatic availability and bile flow.
Hypoxia/reperfusion did not affect the hepatic metabolism of glutamate to carbon dioxide or the hepatic extraction of propranolol. Small but significant changes were evident in the distribution parameters of mean transit time and vascular disposition for the hypoxic–ischaemic liver.
It is concluded that reperfusion injury induced by slow flow–reflow perfusion did not influence the extraction of glutamate or propranolol, but may have affected pericentral morphology and solute distribution.
PHARMACOKINETICS AND PHARMACODYNAMICS OF A NITRIC OXIDE‐RELEASING DERIVATIVE OF ENALAPRIL IN MALE BEAGLES
Authors: Okuyama Cristina E , Mendes Gustavo Duarte , Faro Renato , Rezende Vinicius M , Lagos Rodolfo Monaco , Astigarraga Rafael E B , Antunes Edson , De Nucci Gilberto 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYPharmacological compounds that release nitric oxide (NO) have been useful tools in the evaluation of the broad role of NO in physiopathology and therapeutics. The present study compared the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of enalapril and an NO‐releasing enalapril molecule (NCX899) in conscious male beagles. The effects of both enalapril and NCX899 in the arterial hypertension and bradycardia induced by acute NO inhibition in anaesthetized dogs were also investigated.Dogs received either NCX899 (4 µmol/kg, i.v.) or enalapril (4 µmol/kg, i.v.), after which plasma concentrations of the analytes and metabolites were quantified by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS).In the NCX899 group, the area under the time‐course curve (AUC0−24h) was 29.18 ± 4.72, 229.37 ± 51.32 and 5159.23 ± 514.88 µg·h/L for the analytes nitro‐enalapril, enalapril and enalaprilat, respectively. In the enalapril group, the AUC0−24hwas 704.53 ± 158.86 and 4149.27 ± 847.30 µg·h/L for the analytes enalapril and enalaprilat, respectively. Statistical analysis of data from both groups showed a significant difference for the analyte enalapril, but not for enalaprilat. Moreover, NCX899 and enalapril were equally effective in inhibiting the activity of serum angiotensin‐converting enzyme.In anaesthetized dogs, i.v. administration of the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitorNG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME; 0.1–10 mg/kg) significantly elevated arterial blood pressure, with concomitant bradycardia. The compound NCX899 significantly attenuated both arterial hypertension and bradycardia, whereas enalapril had no significant effect.In conclusion, the present results showed that the NO‐releasing derivative of enalapril NCX899 presents a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship similar to its parent compound enalapril. Moreover, NCX899 (but not enalapril) was effective in protecting against the cardiovascular changes induced by acute NOS inhibition.
INVOLVEMENT OF THE ENDOTHELIN ETBRECEPTOR IN GENDER DIFFERENCES IN DEOXYCORTICOSTERONE ACETATE‐SALT‐INDUCED HYPERTENSION
Authors: Kawanishi Hideaki , Hasegawa Youichi , Nakano Daisuke , Ohkita Mamoru , Takaoka Masanori , Ohno Yukihiro , Matsumura Yasuo 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYIn the present study, we investigated the role of endothelin ETBreceptors in gender differences in the development of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)‐salt‐induced hypertension by using the spotting‐lethal (sl) rat, which carries a naturally occurring deletion in the ETBreceptor gene.In wild‐type rats, the elevation of systolic blood pressure (SBP) by DOCA‐salt treatment for 4 weeks was extremely lower in females than in males, but this gender difference was partially attenuated in ovariectomized (OVX) animals. These alterations of SBP corresponded with vascular superoxide () production.In homozygous (sl/sl) group, the SBP of male, intact female and OVX rats was markedly elevated by DOCA‐salt treatment to the same extent, indicating that the gender difference in DOCA‐salt‐induced hypertension was abolished by the genetic ETBreceptor deficiency. There were similar increases in the vascular endothelin (ET)‐1 content in the three DOCA‐salt‐treated animal groups, but vascularproduction in male and OVX rats was much higher than that in intact females.Daily oral administration of ABT‐627, an ETAreceptor antagonist, tosl/slrats for 2 weeks suppressed the DOCA‐salt‐induced hypertension more efficiently in intact female rats than in male animals.Thus, vascular oxidative stress is related, at least in part, to differences in the development of DOCA‐salt‐induced hypertension between male and female rats, but this gender difference is abolished by the genetic ETBreceptor deficiency, suggesting that ETBreceptor‐mediated vasoprotective actions contribute to the gender differences seen. In addition, in both sexes, vascular ET‐1 overproduction and the ETAreceptor‐mediated action seem to be responsible for the enhanced susceptibility to DOCA‐salt hypertension in genetic ETBreceptor deficiency.
IDENTIFICATION OF BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL MECHANISMS BY POWER SPECTRAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Stauss Harald M 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYBlood pressure and organ perfusion are controlled by a variety of cardiovascular control systems, such as the baroreceptor reflex and the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), and by local vascular mechanisms, such as shear stress‐induced release of nitric oxide (NO) from the endothelium and the myogenic vascular response. Deviations in arterial blood pressure from its set point activate these mechanisms in an attempt to restore blood pressure and/or secure organ perfusion. However, the response times at which different cardiovascular mechanisms operate differ considerably (e.g. blood pressure control by the RAS is slower than blood pressure control via the baroreceptor reflex).Owing to these different response times, some cardiovascular control systems affect blood pressure more rapidly and others more slowly. Thus, identifying the frequency components of blood pressure variability (BPV) by power spectral analysis can potentially provide important information on individual blood pressure control mechanisms.Evidence is presented that the RAS, catecholamines, endothelial‐derived NO and myogenic vascular function affect BPV at very low frequencies (0.02–0.2 Hz) and that low‐frequency (LF) BPV (0.2–0.6 Hz) is affected by sympathetic modulation of vascular tone and endothelial‐derived NO in rats. In humans, LF BPV (0.075–0.15 Hz) is affected by sympathetic modulation of vascular tone and myogenic vascular function. The impact of the RAS and endothelial‐derived NO on BPV in humans requires further investigation.In conclusion, power spectral analysis is a powerful diagnostic tool that allows identification of pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, heart failure and stroke, because it can separate slow from fast cardiovascular control mechanisms. The limitation that some cardiovascular control mechanisms affect the same frequency components of BPV requires the combination of blood pressure spectral analysis with other techniques.
GENOTYPE AND ALLELE FREQUENCIES OF N‐ACETYLTRANSFERASE 2 AND GLUTATHIONE S‐TRANSFERASE IN THE IRANIAN POPULATION
Authors: Torkaman‐Boutorabi Anahita , Hoormand Mahmood , Naghdi Naser , Bakhshayesh Masoomeh , Milanian Iraj 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY

1. Xenobiotic‐metabolizing enzymes constitute an important line of defence against a variety of carcinogens. Many are polymorphic, constituting the basis for the wide interindividual variation in metabolic capacity and possibly a source of variation in the susceptibility to chemical‐induced carcinogenesis. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequencies of important allelic variants in the N‐acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) genes in the Iranian population and compare them with frequencies in other ethnic populations.
Genotyping was performed in a total of 229 unrelated healthy subjects (119 men, 110 women) for NAT2 and 170 unrelated healthy subjects (89 men, 81 women) for GST from the general Tehran population. A combination of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was applied for typing of NAT2 polymorphisms. Detection of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null alleles was performed simultaneously using a multiplex PCR assay.
The frequencies of specific NAT2 alleles were 0.299, 0.314, 0.380, 0.007 and 0.000 for *4 (wild‐type), *5 (C481T, M1), *6 (G590A, M2), *7 (G857A, M3) and *14 (G191A, M4), respectively. The most prevalent genotypes were NAT2 *5/*6 (29.70%) and *4/*6 (21.40%). The GSTM1‐ and GSTT1‐null alleles were detected in 44.7 and 21.2% of subjects, respectively.
We found that Iranians resemble Indians with regard to allelic frequencies of the tested variants of NAT2. The predominance of slow (49.36%) and intermediate (41.47%) acetylation status compared with wild‐type rapid acetylation status (9.17%) in the study group suggests the significant prevalence of the slow acetylator (SA) phenotypes in the Iranian population. Our data confirmed that Iranians are similar to other Caucasian populations in the frequency of both GSTM1‐ and GSTT1‐null alleles.
Satellite cell activity in muscle regeneration after contusion in rats
Authors: Srikuea Ratchakrit , Pholpramool Chumpol , Kitiyanant Yindee , Yimlamai Tossaporn 
Published: August 2010

Summary1. The role of satellite cells in muscle growth during development is well documented, but the involvement of these cells in muscle repair after contusion is less well known. In the present study, we investigated the time‐course of satellite cell activity (from 3 h to 7 days) after contusion of rat gastrocnemius muscle using specific molecular markers for immunofluorescence and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).2. Inflammation of the injured muscle occurred within 6 h, followed by disintegration of the damaged myofibres within 12 h. Newly formed myofibres appeared by Day 7.3. The number of MyoD‐positive nuclei (activated satellite cells) in the injured muscle was significantly increased by 6 h, reaching a maximum by 12 h after contusion. However, the number of MyoD‐positive nuclei decreased towards control levels by Day 7. Changes in the number of bromodeoxyuridine‐labelled nuclei (proliferating satellite cells) paralleled the changes seen in the number of MyoD‐positive nuclei. Conversely, expression of myogenin protein was not apparent until Day 3 and increased further by Day 7. Colabelling of MyoD and myogenin was seen in only a few cells.4. The time‐course of MyoD mRNA expression corresponded with MyoD protein expression. However, there were two peaks in myogenin mRNA expression: 6 h and Day 7 after contusion. The second peak coincided with upregulation of myostatin mRNA levels.5. The results of the present study suggest that contusion activates a homogeneous population of satellite cells to proliferate within 3 days, followed by differentiation to form new myofibres. The latter may be regulated, in part, by myostatin.
High Susceptibility of Obese Hypertensive SHRSP.Z‐Leprfa/IzmDmcr Rats to Lipid Deposition in the Mesenteric Artery
Authors: Kunimasa Kazuhiro , Miura Chitose , Mori Hideki , Tsuchikura Satoru , Ikeda Katsumi , Gao Ming , Yamori Yukio , Mori Mari 
Published: August 2010

Summary1. Atherosclerosis is commonly observed in obesity. Obese atherosclerosis‐prone animals may be a promising tool for understanding the pathophysiology of obesity‐associated atherosclerosis. However, most rat strains are resistant to atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to assess the susceptibility of two obese hypertensive rat models, namely SHRSP.Z‐Leprfa/IzmDmcr rats (SHRSP‐fatty) and SHR.Cg‐Leprcp/NDmcr rats (SHR‐cp), to arterial lipid deposition, an initial stage of atherosclerosis, by comparing these strains with non‐obese stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP).2. Eight‐week‐old male SHRSP, SHRSP‐fatty and SHR‐cp were fed a high‐fat and high‐cholesterol diet containing 20% palm oil, 5% cholesterol and 2% cholic acid for 5 weeks. Bodyweight, blood pressure and fasting serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides were measured in 12‐week‐old rats. Oil red O staining was used to visualize lipid deposition in the mesenteric artery.3. The bodyweight of 12‐week‐old SHRSP‐fatty and SHR‐cp was higher than that of SHRSP (P < 0.005). Systolic blood pressure in SHRSP and SHRSP‐fatty was higher than in SHR‐cp (P < 0.005). Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were elevated in SHRSP‐fatty (P < 0.005) and SHR‐cp (P < 0.05) compared with levels in SHRSP. Lipid deposition in the mesenteric artery was significantly greater in SHRSP‐fatty than in SHRSP (37.7 ± 4.9 vs 13.1 ± 2.8%, respectively; P < 0.005), but markedly reduced in SHR‐cp (1.8 ± 0.4%; P < 0.05).4. The results of the present study indicate that SHRSP‐fatty are highly susceptible to arterial lipid deposition, whereas SHR‐cp are resistant. Thus, SHRSP‐fatty may be a useful obese rat model in which to investigate atherosclerotic processes.
Distribution of boulders at Miyara Bay of Ishigaki Island, Japan: A flow characteristic indicator of tsunami and storm waves
Authors: Goto Kazuhisa , Shinozaki Tetsuya , Minoura Koji , Okada Kiyohiro , Sugawara Daisuke , Imamura Fumihiko 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis study investigates the distribution of boulders at Miyara Bay of Ishigaki Island, Japan. These boulders were deposited on a reef flat extending approximately 400–1300 m in width. Most boulders were rectangular to ellipsoidal, without sharp broken edges. They are reef and coral rock fragments estimated as <335 m3 (<633 t). Locally in the bay, the relationship between the boulder weight and position shows that boulders of a given weight have a clear limit on seaward distribution on the reef flat. For example, more than 1, 10, and 100 tons of boulders were deposited, respectively, more than 500, 300, and 100 m from the reef edge. The line is consistent with the possible landward transport limit by maximum storm waves at the Ryukyu Islands, suggesting that the line was formed by the reworking of some boulders by maximally strong storm waves, although we can not exclude the possibility that the line was formed by tsunamis. Furthermore, 68% of boulders at the bay are deposited beyond this line. Therefore, the presence of these boulders at their present positions is difficult to explain solely by storm waves, implying the possible tsunami origin of these boulders. The boulders are characteristically concentrated along the high‐tide line, suggesting the drastic reduction of the tsunami hydraulic force along the line. Previous studies using radiocarbon age dating, as well as our study, imply that at least 69 boulders at Miyara Bay were probably deposited at their present positions by the 1771 Meiwa tsunami, although some of these boulders might have been emplaced and displaced on the reef flat by prior tsunami or storm surges.
A simple, safe technique for the drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts
Authors: Thomasset Sarah C. , Berry David P. , Garcea Giuseppe , Ong Seok L. , Hall Thomas , Rees Yvonne , Sutton Christopher D. , Dennison Ashley R. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground:  A number of methods are available for the drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts, including percutaneous, endoscopic and open approaches. In Leicester, we developed a combined radiological and endoscopic technique (predating the use of endoscopic/ultrasound) to allow drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts into the stomach. The aim of the study was to evaluate the long‐term results of this approach.Methods:  This is a retrospective study of patients undergoing combined endoscopic/ultrasound‐guided percutaneous stenting between 1994 and 2007. Data were extracted from case records and our computerised radiology database.Results:  Thirty‐seven combined endoscopic/ultrasound‐guided procedures were undertaken. Median patient age was 52 years (range 26–84 years). Nineteen pseudocysts were secondary to acute pancreatitis and 18 were in patients with chronic pancreatitis. The diameter of pseudocysts on pre‐procedure imaging ranged from 4 to 21 cm (median 11 cm). Median duration of hospital stay was 7 days (range 1–44 days) and 30‐day mortality was 0%. Stents were inserted in 70.3% of patients (n= 26). Of those patients stented during the combined procedure, three developed infection of the pseudocyst, necessitating open cystgastrostomy within the first month. During a mean follow‐up period of 41 months, two patients developed recurrent pseudocysts which were successfully drained with a further combined procedure (16 and 43 months). Repeat imaging in the remainder of patients failed to show any evidence of a persistent or recurrent pseudocyst beyond 2 months.Conclusion:  Combined radiological and endoscopic drainage is safe, cost‐effective and highly efficient in preventing recurrent pseudocyst formation.
The impact of volume on outcomes after oesophageal cancer surgery
Authors: Rouvelas Ioannis , Lagergren Jesper 
Published: August 2010

AbstractOesophageal cancer is an aggressive disease with a poor prognosis. Oesophagectomy is an established, potentially curative treatment, for patients with resectable oesophageal cancer. The anatomical location of the oesophagus explains why this type of operation is one of the most demanding and traumatic surgical procedures undertaken in general surgery. Unfortunately, the risk for severe post‐operative complications is high and the chance for cure remains low. It is, however, encouraging that the post‐operative morbidity has been decreasing and the survival has been improving during recent years. Several factors might have contributed to this improvement, including the centralization of oesophageal cancer surgery to high volume centres. This review focuses on the impact of hospital and surgeon volume on various outcomes after oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer. Most available research indicates that, as far as post‐operative complications, early post‐operative mortality and health economics after oesophagectomy are concerned, high surgery volume is to be recommended, while the few studies evaluating long‐term survival and health‐related quality of life adjusted for tumour stage found no evidence of a role for volume. In conclusion, the available literature supports the centralization of oesophagectomy for cancer to dedicated centres with a multidisciplinary approach and a good track record of valid clinical research.
The role of fibrin glue in decreasing chronic pain in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair: a Single surgeon's experience
Authors: Khaleal Fadil , Berney Christophe 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground:  Chronic pain is a disturbing severe complication of mesh inguinal hernia repair. Its risk, incidence, severity and its aetiologies vary widely in the literatures. It is well established that laparoscopic repair has decreased the incidence of chronic pain, but only to a certain degree. The main source of pain with this approach is staple fixation. Different ways of fixation were sought to avoid this problem.Methods:  A review of the data collected prospectively, the cohort included 233 consecutive patients who underwent totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair by a single surgeon who used fibrin glue (Tisseel) to fix the mesh in all cases. Patients were reviewed by the original surgeon at 2 weeks and 6–12 weeks post‐operatively, but also at 6 months in the first year of the study, and selectively then after if pain was reported by the patient. Data was reviewed and analysed by the researcher as part of quality assurance.Results:  During the period from February 2005 to September 2008, 233 consecutive patients underwent 309 TEP inguinal hernia repairs. The mean age was 44.9 years. There was no conversion to open surgery. There was no mortality and only one major morbidity. In total, eight patients were complaining of mild intermittent discomfort (2 in the groins and 6 in the testicles) on their second post‐operative review, but had no complaint at 6 months following their surgery. Chronic groin pain occurred in only one patient (0.43%).Conclusions:  The use of fibrin glue is a safe and reliable way of mesh fixation in inguinal hernia repair, with very limited risk of developing chronic pain.