bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strengthening the Uganda nurses' and midwives' association for a motivated workforce
Authors: Zuyderduin A. , Obuni J.D. , McQuide P.A. 
Published: September 2010

ZUYDERDUIN A., OBUNI J.D. & MCQUIDE P.A. (2010) Strengthening the Uganda nurses' and midwives' association for a motivated workforce. International Nursing ReviewBackground:  The Ugandan Association of Nurses and Midwives (UNANM) is a dynamic proactive community. This survey of nurses, both members and non‐members of the association, was implemented in April 2007. It was the first phase of a programme‐funded Capacity Project/USAID to strengthen professional associations as part of a strategy to retain nurses.Aim:  To better understand the needs and strengths of the association and to develop policy recommendations on how to strengthen the UNANM to retain nurses in the health sector.Methods:  Three hundred self‐completion questionnaires were distributed, of which 217 (72%) were returned. The participants were 126 non‐members and 91 members of the UNANM.Results:  Just over a third of the 91 members rated the UNANM to be very effective in promoting nursing (35%) and information sharing (36%). Non‐members want to receive nursing information from the UNANM (89%) and were less critical of the UNANM than members. Respondents were interested in counselling training (83%), research capacity building (80%) and sharing best practice (74%). Nurses under 30 years (12%) look to more experienced peers for guidance on coping in a stressful profession.Conclusion:  The nurses lack continuing professional development, mentoring and networking opportunities. Tangible support for communication, nurse education and research is needed and will stimulate the development of nursing in Uganda. Most nurses do not have the means to pay for training, research or travel to attend professional meetings. Motivation to stay in nursing and quality of care can increase through investing in nursing, and this support can be channelled through associations such as the UNANM.
Local and Omnibus Goodness-of-Fit Tests in Classical Measurement Error Models
Authors: Ma Yanyuan , Hart Jeffrey D. , Janicki Ryan , Carroll Raymond J. 
Published: September 2010

Summary
We consider functional measurement error models, i.e. models where covariates are measured with error and yet no distributional assumptions are made about the mismeasured variable. We propose and study a score-type local test and an orthogonal series-based, omnibus goodness-of-fit test in this context, where no likelihood function is available or calculated—i.e. all the tests are proposed in the semiparametric model framework. We demonstrate that our tests have optimality properties and computational advantages that are similar to those of the classical score tests in the parametric model framework. The test procedures are applicable to several semiparametric extensions of measurement error models, including when the measurement error distribution is estimated non-parametrically as well as for generalized partially linear models. The performance of the local score-type and omnibus goodness-of-fit tests is demonstrated through simulation studies and analysis of a nutrition data set.
HIV and the body: a review of multidisciplinary management
Authors: Rockstroh J , Guaraldi G , Deray G 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe increase in the life expectancy achieved following the introduction of more effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) in recent years now means that the HIV‐infected population are for the first time being exposed to the age‐related diseases that affect the general population. Nevertheless, the prevalence of these diseases (which include cardiovascular disease, dyslipidaemia, glucose intolerance and diabetes) is higher, and their onset earlier in the HIV population, probably due to the complex interplay between HIV infection, coinfection with hepatitis B and C, and ART. As a result, HIV physicians are now required to adopt a new approach to the management of HIV, which involves screening and regular monitoring of all HIV‐infected individuals for the presence of comorbidities and prompt referral to other clinical specialties when required. If this challenge to patient management is to be overcome, it is clear that educating physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of age‐associated comorbidities is essential, either through ongoing programmes such as the HIV and the Body initiative, an overarching independent medical education programme established in 2007 and overseen by an independent Steering Committee, organized and funded by Gilead, and/or through internal training. To assist in this process, this article provides an overview of common comorbidities affecting HIV‐infected persons and provides practical guidance on their management.
Mind the gap: national and local partnership in the Irish public sector
Authors: Doherty Michael , Erne Roland 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThis article uses case study data from a major Irish city council to investigate and explain public sector worker attitudes towards social partnership at local and national level. It is argued that the more sceptical attitudes to workplace partnership reflect structural differences between local and national arrangements, which have enabled public sector employers to use ‘social partnership’ as a constraint in the implementation process of a pre‐determined public sector reform agenda.
Do high performance work practices work in South Korea?
Authors: Frenkel Stephen J. , Lee Byoung‐Hoon 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe distribution of so‐called high performance work practices (HPWPs) in South Korean manufacturing is mapped showing their relative scarcity. Contextual and institutional factors associated with the 1997–98 financial crisis are advanced to explain these findings. Nevertheless, anticipating that HPWPs are likely to improve performance, we tested several hypotheses. Employment security, teams, training, job enrichment and information sharing have a positive effect on performance; however there is no evidence of synergy. Most HPWP practices are partially mediated by worker attachment to their workplace. Government workplace reform policy, firms' business and labour utilisation strategy, and the presence of professional management contribute to performance.
Comparative trial of moisturizer containing licochalcone A vs. hydrocortisone lotion in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis: a pilot study
Authors: Udompataikul M , Srisatwaja W 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground  Although moisturizer usage has been considered a mainstay of treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, few clinical studies have been investigated. Recently, moisturizers containing non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory agents, such as licochalcone A (LA) and vitamin B12 are of emerging interest.Objective  To compare the effectiveness of moisturizer containing LA with hydrocortisone (HC) lotion in treatment of childhood AD.Methods  The randomized, controlled, investigator‐blinded 6‐week study was conducted. Patients were administered with twice‐daily application of LA lotion on one side of the body and HC lotion on the opposite side. The clinical outcome was assessed by the scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index. The relapse rate was comparatively analysed by survival analysis.Results  From 30 patients enrolled, 26 patients completed the protocol. The mean age of the children was 5.8 years. The average baseline SCORAD score is about 28 on both sides. The response rates of both agents were equal to 73.33%. There is no statistical significant group difference in reduction of SCORAD score. Although we observed more rapid resolution of oedema and erythema in areas treated with HC lotion, both agents exhibited no significant difference. The relapse rate of HC group was higher than in LA group; however, there was no significant difference. No side‐effect was observed from both agents.Conclusion  The effectiveness of LA lotion is equal to that of HC lotion. It was suggested that moisturizer containing LA could be used both for treatment of acute and maintenance phase in mild‐to‐moderate childhood AD.
Caesarean section surgical techniques: a randomised factorial trial (CAESAR)*
Authors:   The CAESAR study collaborative group
Published: September 2010

Please cite this paper as: The CAESAR study collaborative group. Caesarean section surgical techniques: a randomised factorial trial (CAESAR). BJOG 2010;117:1366–1376.Objective  In women undergoing delivery by caesarean section, do the following alternative surgical techniques affect the risk of adverse outcomes: single‐ versus double‐layer closure of the uterine incision; closure versus nonclosure of the pelvic peritoneum; liberal versus restricted use of a subrectus sheath drain?Design  Pragmatic, 2 × 2 × 2 factorial randomised controlled trial.Setting  Hospitals in the UK and Italy providing intrapartum care.Population  Women undergoing their first caesarean section.Methods  The interventions were alternative approaches to the three aspects of the caesarean section operation. A telephone randomisation service was used. Surgeons could not be masked to allocation, but women were unaware of which allocations had been used. The analysis was by intention‐to‐treat, with a prespecified subgroup analysis for women ‘in labour’ or ‘not in labour’ at the time of caesarean section.Main outcome measures  Maternal infectious morbidity.Results  A total of 3033 women were recruited. Overall, the risk of maternal infectious morbidity was 17%. For each pair of interventions, there were no differences between the arms of the trial for the primary outcome: single‐ versus double‐layer closure of the uterine incision [relative risk (RR) = 1.00, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.85–1.18]; closure versus nonclosure of the pelvic peritoneum (RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.78–1.08); liberal versus restricted use of a subrectus sheath drain (RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.78–1.09). There were no differences in any of the secondary morbidity outcomes and no significant adverse effects of any of the techniques used.Conclusions  These results have implications for clinical practice, particularly in relation to current guidance on the closure of the peritoneum, which suggests that nonclosure is preferable. The potential effects of these different surgical techniques on longer term outcomes, including the functional integrity of the uterine scar during subsequent pregnancies, are now becoming increasingly important for guiding clinical practice.
COMPARATIVE CARDIOVASCULAR RESPONSES TO INTRAVENOUS CAPSAICIN, PHENYLDIGUANIDE, VERATRUM ALKALOIDS AND ENKEPHALINS IN THE CONSCIOUS DOG
Authors: GILES T. D. , SANDER G. E. 
Published: September 2010

Cardiovascular responses to intravenous bolus doses of certain exogenous substances (capsaicin, phenyldiguanide, cryptenamine, veratrine sulphate) which act on chemoreceptors in the pulmonary or proximal arterial circulation were compared to the naturally occurring chemoreceptor agonist, leucine‐enkephalin (Leu5‐ENK) in the conscious dog.Capsaicin (40 μg/kg) and phenyldiguanide (40 μg/kg) produced hypotension and bradycardia 5 to 12 sec after injection (P<0.05) followed by hypertension (P<0.05).Cryptenamine (5 μg/kg) produced only hypotension and bradycardia (P<0.05) whereas Leu5‐ENK (35 μg/kg) produced only hypertension and tachycardia (P<0.05).The hypotension and bradycardia produced by capsaicin and phenyldiguanide occurred earlier than the pressor response to Leu5‐ENK, capsaicin, and phenyldiguanide and the depressor response to veratrine (P<0.05).Cryptenamine (5 μg/kg) and Leu5‐ENK (35 μg/kg) when given together had additive effects on heart rate but interacted significantly in influencing blood pressure (P<0.05).It is concluded that the early response to capsaicin and phenyldiguanide are compatible with stimulation of known pulmonary chemoreceptors (including J receptors) whereas the pressor effect of phenyldiguanide and Leu5‐ENK and the depressor response to veratrum alkaloids are due to activation of receptors in the proximal arterial circulation. The influence of Leu5‐ENK on the haemodynamic response to veratrine suggests that ENK may modulate the Bezold‐Jarisch reflex.
BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MUSCARINIC CHOLINORECEPTORS IN SWINE TRACHEAL SMOOTH MUSCLE
Authors: YANG CHUEN MAO , FARLEY J. M. , DWYER T. M. 
Published: September 2010

The tritiated muscarinic cholinoreceptor antagonist quinuclidinyl benzilate, [3H]QNB, was used to characterize the muscarinic receptors associated with homogenized membrane of the smooth muscle from swine trachea. Based on receptor binding assays, the homogenate had specific, saturable, high‐affinity receptors for [3H]QNB.Specific binding was time‐ and temperature‐dependent. The association of [3H]QNB with the muscarinic receptor reached equilibrium much sooner at 37°C than 25°C at a [3H]QNB concentration of 180 pM (30 min and 2 h, respectively). Equilibrium at both temperatures was attained within 5 min at a [3H]QNB concentration of 1800 pM. All remaining experiments were performed at 37°C.Binding was saturable with respect to [3H]QNB and tissue concentrations. Analysis of binding isotherms yielded an apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 51±20 pM and a maximum receptor density (Bmax) of 2.17±0.27 pmole/mg protein. The Hill coefficient for [3H]QNB binding was 1.07±0.16. The association (K1) and dissociation (K‐1) rate constants were determined to be (5.51±0.16) × 108M−1min−1and (1.41±0.18) × 10−2min−1, respectively. KDcalculated from the ratio of K1and K‐1was 26.3±3.8 pM; this value is close to the value of KDcalculated from Scatchard plots of binding isotherms.The density of muscarinic receptor binding sites was 10‐fold greater in tracheal smooth muscle than in tracheal epithelium (0.20±0.03 pmole/mg protein). There is no difference between weanling and young adult swine in the density of muscarinic receptors in tracheal smooth muscle.The nonselective muscarinic antagonists atropine, scopolamine and quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) competitively inhibited [3H]QNB binding to the homogenate with Hill coefficients of 0.9‐1.0 and inhibition constants (Ki) of nanomolar range.Competition with selective muscarinic antagonists pirenzepine and 3‐quinuclidinyl xanthene‐9‐carboxylate (QNX) gave Kivalues, 0.26 M and 0.78 nM, respectively, and Hill coefficients of approximately 1. There was a single population of [3H]QNB binding sites of the M2subtype for all tested muscarinic antagonists.Competition with selective muscarinic agonists pilocarpine and carbachol yielded Kivalues of micromolar range, Hill coefficients of less than 1, and revealed the existence of two binding sites (P < 0.01).
THE EFFECTS OF KF‐4317, A NOVEL COMBINED α‐ and β1‐ADRENORECEPTOR ANTAGONIST, ON THE RAT ISOLATED RIGHT VENTRICLE AND AORTA
Authors: DOGGRELL S. A. , HUGHES E. W. 
Published: September 2010

The effects of KF‐4317 on the accumulation of radioactivity from [3H]‐noradrenaline, and on the subsequent spontaneous and noradrenergic nerve‐evoked outflow of radioactivity have been investigated in the rat isolated right ventricle. In addition the effects of KF‐4317 on the contractions of the electrically‐driven directly muscle stimulated rat right ventricle to isoprenaline and of the rat isolated aorta to phenylephrine and 5‐hydroxytryptamine are reported.KF‐4317 at 1μM had no effect on the ability of the rat right ventricle to accumulate radioactivity from [3H]‐noradrenaline.The spontaneous outflow of radioactivity, following loading of the ventricle with [3H]‐noradrenaline, was increased by KF‐4317 at 1μM by a cocaine‐insensitive mechanism.KF‐4317 at 1μM had no effect on the noradrenergic nerve‐evoked outflow or radioactivity, and therefore is not an α2‐adrenoreceptor antagonist, but reduced the associated contractile response probably mainly by acting as an antagonist at postjunctional β1‐adrenoreceptors.KF‐4317 caused a parallel rightward shift of the concentration‐response curve of the electrically‐driven directly muscle stimulated rat right ventricle to isoprenaline. However the inhibitory effect, × 9.0 and × 237.2 in the presence of 0.1 and 1μM KF‐4317, was not closely concentration‐related. At 1μM, KF‐4317 also depressed the maximum responses to isoprenaline. This suggests that in addition to β1‐adrenoreceptor antagonism, KF‐4317 probably exerts membrane stabilizing activity.The responses of the rat isolated aorta to phenylephrine were inhibited in a non‐concentration related manner by KF‐4317. Thus the responses were inhibited × 1.8, × 2.7 and × 4.7 in the presence of KF‐4317 at 0.1, 1 and 1μM, respectively. The responses of the aorta to 5‐hydroxytryptamine were inhibited to a small extent by KF‐4317 at 1μM but potentiated to a small degree by KF‐4317 at 10μM. We suggest that KF‐4317 is an antagonist at α1‐adrenoreceptors and 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptors but that it also has an additional postjunctional action, in the rat aorta, to increase the sensitivity to both phenylephrine and 5‐hydroxytryptamine.
SELECTIVITIES OF SOME AGONISTS ACTING AT α1‐ AND α2‐ADRENORECEPTORS IN THE RAT VAS DEFERENS
Authors: Leedham Judith A. , Pennefather Jocelyn N. 
Published: September 2010

In this paper, estimates of the selectivities of a series of twelve sympathomimetic agents acting at postjunctional α1‐ and prejunctional α2‐adrenoreceptors were investigated, using epididymal and prostatic segments of the rat vas deferens.The relative order of potency for the twelve agonists at prejunctional α2‐adrenoreceptors mediating inhibition of field‐stimulation‐induced contractions in the prostatic segment of the vas deferens was: clonidine > (−)‐adrenaline > xylazine > (−)‐noradrenaline > (+)‐adrenaline > dopamine phenylephrine ≥ metaraminol ≥ (+)‐noradrenaline > (−)‐isoprenaline > methoxamine > (+)‐isoprenaline.The relative order of potency for the agonists at postjunctional α1‐adrenoreceptors mediating contraction of smooth muscle in epididymal segments of the vas deferens was: (−)‐adrenaline ≥ (−)‐noradrenaline > phenylephrine > clonidine ≥ (+)‐adrenaline ≥ methoxamine ≥ (+)‐noradrenaline ≥ metaraminol ≥ dopamine ≥ (−)‐isoprenaline ≥ xylazine; (+)‐isoprenaline was inactive.(+)‐Noradrenaline, the stereoisomers of adrenaline and isoprenaline, dopamine, clonidine, xylazine and metaraminol displayed α2‐selectivity whereas phenylephrine and methoxamine displayed α1‐adrenoreceptor selectivity. (−)‐Noradrenaline possessed a similar potency at both α1‐ and α1‐adrenoreceptors thus making it non‐selective by the criteria used in this study.Estimates of the potencies of optical isomers of catecholamines and of dopamine on epididymal and prostatic segments of the vas deferens indicated the steric orientation of the β‐hydroxyl substituent is equally important at both subtypes in this tissue.
GABA‐RELATED ACTIVITIES OF AMINO PHOSPHONIC ACIDS ON GUINEA‐PIG ILEUM LONGITUDINAL MUSCLE
Authors: LUZZI S. , FRANCHI‐MICHELI S. , CIUFFI M. , PAJANI A. , ZILLETTI LUCILLA 
Published: September 2010

The effects of phosphonic analogues of GABA, β‐alanine and glycine on guinea‐pig ileum longitudinal muscle were measured.
Aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPh) and 2‐aminoethylphosphonic acid (2‐AEPh) were devoid of any effect both in non‐stimulated preparations and in electrically‐stimulated preparations.
The phosphonic analogue of GABA, 3‐aminopropylphosphonic acid (3‐APPh) possessed a GABAB agonistic effect (relaxation and inhibition of twitch response) at doses of 10−3 M. No agonistic effect on GABAa receptors was observed.
3‐APPh at doses tested (2 × 10−4 M and 10−3 M) also displayed antagonistic action on the effects of GABAB agonists producing a parallel shift of the log dose‐effect curves of GABA‐ and (‐)‐baclofeninhibition of twitch responses. In contrast 3‐APPh did not antagonize the inhibitory effect of morphine and noradrenaline.
The contractile effect of GABA, mediated via GABAA receptors, was unaffected by 3‐APPh (10−3 M).
It is concluded that 3‐APPh is a partial agonist at the GABAB site in guinea‐pig ileum.
DIRECT CARDIAC ACTIONS OF PHENYLEPHRINE WHEN USED IN ASSESSMENT OF BAROREFLEX FUNCTION IN THE RAT
Authors: SAWYER R. , DOCHERTY J. R. 
Published: September 2010

In pentobarbitone‐anaesthetised wistar rats, the baroreflex bradycardia in response to the vasopressor agent phenylephrine was converted to a tachycardia by propranolol.In pithed wistar rats, phenylephrine produced a marked tachycardia which was mediated largely by β‐adrenoreceptors since propranolol markedly antagonised the response. A component of the tachycardia was mediated by α1‐adrenoreceptors since the tachycardia to phenylephrine in the presence of propranolol was antagonised by prazosin and mimicked by the α1adrenoreceptor agonist amidephrine.It is concluded that phenylephrine is not a useful agent for assessment of baroreflex funtion in the rat due to its marked cardiac stimulant actions.
PICRIC ACID FUNCTIONS AS A RELEASER OF [14C]ACETYLCHOLINE IN ISOLATED ILEAL SYNAPTOSOMAL PREPARATIONS OF GUINEA‐PIG
Authors: CHENG J. T. , SHINOZUKA K. 
Published: September 2010

The effect of picric acid on the release of [14C]acetylcholine has been investigated in isolated ileal synaptosomes of guinea‐pig. Nicotine, high K‐depolarization (50 mM KCl) and electrical field stimulation were employed to characterize the specificity of picric acid.Picric acid induced the release of labelled acetylcholine in a dose‐dependent manner and this action was negated by the removal of calcium ions from the bathing medium.Tetrodotoxin (0.1 μM) abolished the actions of picric acid, nicotine or electrical field stimulation (0.1 Hz). It reduced but did not totally suppress the effect of high K‐depolarization.Agents capable of affecting the content of cyclic AMP, such as forskolin and alloxan, modified the effects of picric acid or nicotine but did not influence the effects of high K‐depolarization or electrical field stimulation.Indomethacin, at a concentration (1 μM) effective in inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, reduced the release of acetylcholine evoked by picric acid or nicotine, but did not affect the responses to high K‐depolarization or electrical field stimulation.[3H] 5‐hydroxytxyptamine was also released by high K‐depolarization at a concentration sufficient to induce the release of acetylcholine. Similar results were obtained when the frequency of electrical field stimulation was raised to 10 Hz. However, picric acid did not initiate the release of 5‐hydroxytrypUmine.These results suggest that picric acid functions as a releaser of acetylcholine through a mechanism different from that of other stimulants.
POSITIVE CHRONOTROPIC REPONSES TO CARDIAC α1‐ADRENORECEPTOR ACTIVATION IN THE PITHED RAT
Authors: TUNG L.‐H. , RAND M. J. , LOUIS W. J. 
Published: September 2010

Adrenaline (0.1–10 μg/kg), noradrenaline (0.1–10 μg/kg) and phenylephrine (1–100 μg/kg) acted on both cardiac α1‐ and β‐adrenoreceptors to induce positive chronotropic responses in the pithed rat.
When β‐adrenoreceptors were blocked by propranolol (1 mg/kg), the residual chronotropic responses were due to activation of α1‐adrenoreceptors since they were significantly reduced by prazosin (10–100 μg/kg).
Methoxamine (10–300 μg/kg) acted solely on cardiac α1‐adrenoreceptors to induce positive chronotropic responses which were abolished by prazosin (10–100 μg/kg) alone, as has been demonstrated previously for amidephrine.
The rank order of potency for eliciting the positive chronotropic response to α1‐adrenoreceptor activation was adrenaline > noradrenaline > phenylephrine > methoxamine.
The positive chronotropic responses to adrenaline (3–10 μg/kg), noradrenaline (3–10 μg/kg) and phenylephrine (30–100 μg/kg) produced by activating α1‐adrenoceptors had a slower time course than did the chronotropic responses produced by activation of β‐adrenoreceptors.