bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF ORAL THEOPHYLLINE AND SALBUTAMOL BY INHALATION IN ASTHMATIC PATIENTS
Authors: HARTNETT B.J.S. , MARLIN G.E. 
Published: July 2012

The bronchodilator effects of 375 mg theophylline orally and 200 μg salbutamol by pressurized aerosol were compared in a randomized, cross‐over, double‐blind trial in fourteen asthmatic patients.
The mean peak percentage FEV1 increase from control was 43.7% at 60 min after salbutamol and 30.3% at 180 min after theophylline.
Salbutamol produced significantly greater bronchodilatation than theophylline for the initial 30 min (P<0.01).
Theophylline demonstrated a longer duration of action than salbutamol, with a significantly greater FEV1 response at 360 min (P < 0.02).
There was no significant difference between the total effect of each drug for the 360 min period, as calculated by the areas under the respective FEV1 response curves.
CANRENONE—THE PRINCIPAL ACTIVE METABOLITE OF SPIRONOLACTONE?
Authors: RAMSAY L.E. , SHELTON J.R. , WILKINSON D. , TIDD M.J. 
Published: July 2012

The properties of the aldosterone antagonists spironolactone and potassium canrenoate in tablet formulations were examined in two studies in healthy subjects, the first study comparing levels of their common major metabolite, canrenone, in plasma and the second study comparing the pharmacological activity of the two drugs in reversing the renal effects of the synthetic mineralocorticoid fludrocortisone.
At equal dosage by weight potassium canrenoate yielded peak levels and areas under the curve for canrenone in plasma which were significantly lower than those for spironolactone, and the peak level of canrenone was reached significantly later. Comparison with published work suggests that the experimental formulation of potassium canrenoate had low bioavailability.
Spironolactone produced statistically valid log dose‐response curves against fludrocortisone as regards sodium excretion, potassium retention and increased urine sodium to potassium ratio. There was no significant log dose‐reponse after potassium canrenoate, and a statistically valid estimate of relative potency could not be obtained.
The results of the two studies seem inconsistent with the view that canrenone alone is responsible for the pharmacological activity of both drugs, and suggest that a significant part of the activity of spironolactone may be attributable to metabolites other than canrenone.
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ABSORPTION AND DISPOSITION OF MECILLINAM AND PIVMECILLINAM IN MAN
Authors: ANDREWS J. , KENDALL M.J. , MITCHARD M. 
Published: July 2012

In a pharmacokinetic study in six volunteers peak serum mecillinam concentrations were proportional to the oral dose of pivmecillinam at two dose levels of 200 and 400 mg.
Effects of bed rest, probenecid and a 6 day course of treatment with pivmecillinam on serum mecillinam concentrations after an oral dose of pivmecillinam (two 200 mg capsules) have been investigated.
Resting subjects had lower peak serum levels and a decreased rate of clearance than moderately active subjects, changes which are similar to those previously reported for benzylpenicillin.
Pretreatment with probenecid produced significantly higher serum mecillinam levels, a longer serum antibiotic half‐life and a decreased rate of drug clearance which suggests that mecillinam is actively excreted by kidney tubules.
Plasma mecillinam level profiles obtained after the first dose of a 6 day treatment period were not significantly different from corresponding values after the first dose on the seventh day which indicates that each dose of mecillinam is eliminated in healthy young adults before succeeding doses are taken.
PHARMACOKINETICS OF VALPROIC ACID AFTER ORAL AND INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION
Authors: PERUCCA E. , GATTI G. , FRIGO G.M. , CREMA A. 
Published: July 2012

The kinetics of sodium valproate (di‐n‐propyl‐acetate, Depakine®) have been studied in six healthy volunteers after administration of single oral and intravenous doses (800 mg).
Kinetic parameters were similar for both routes of administration. In all subjects absorption was rapid and complete. Half‐lives ranged from 11–15 h. Apparent volumes of distribution were relatively low (0.147 ± 0.0041/kg) and showed little variation amongst individuals.
The factors responsible for the poor correlation between dosage and serum levels during chronic treatment and therapeutic implications are discussed.
DOUBLE‐BLIND EVALUATION OF THE SAFETY AND HYPNOTIC EFFICACY OF TEMAZEPAM IN INSOMNIAC OUTPATIENTS
Authors: HEFFRON W.A. , ROTH P. 
Published: July 2012

Efficacy of temazepam 30 mg at night as an hypnotic was compared with placebo in 55 out‐patients with insomnia. The study was double blind, with two comparable groups of patients established by random allocation. Placebo and medication were taken for 4 consecutive nights and sleep questionnaires were completed the next day.
Patients reported that temazepam was more effective than placebo in reducing the difficulty of falling asleep and improving sleep maintenance. They also indicated that they awoke less and were less disturbed by early morning awakenings and reported as a group that the average duration of sleep was increased by 1 hour.
The patients receiving temazepam reported being more alert in the morning and for the entire day than with placebo.
REGULATION OF α‐ AND β‐ADRENOCEPTOR RESPONSIVENESS. STUDIES IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC AUTONOMIC FAILURE
Authors: VELD A.J. MAN IN ‘T , BOOMSMA F. , SCHALEKAMP M. A.D.H. 
Published: July 2012

Seven patients with severe orthostatic hypotension due to peripheral autonomic neuropathy were studied.
In four patients, heart rate did not change after the β‐adrenoceptor antagonists propranolol or metoprolol. After the partial β‐adrenoceptor agonist pindolol heart rate rose in a dose‐dependent manner. After α‐adrenoceptor antagonists phentolamine and yohimbine heart rate and blood pressure did not change, which confirmed that these patients were indeed sympathetically denervated.
The non‐selective β‐adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline and the β2‐selective β‐adrenoceptor agonist salbutamol increased heart rate and lowered arterial pressure, whereas the β1‐adrenoceptor agonist prenalterol increased both heart rate and arterial pressure. After treatment with pindolol, the patient was desensitized for the chronotropic effects of the β‐adrenoceptor agonists in the order: salbutamol > isoprenaline > prenalterol. The desensitization of the depressor effects of the β‐adrenoceptor agonists was in the order isoprenaline > salbutamol. These data suggest preferential cardiovascular β2‐adrenoceptor sensitization in patients with chronic autonomic failure, which can be reversed by treatment with pindolol. They also provide in vivo evidence for the existence of cardiac chronotropic β2‐adrenoceptors in man.
The α‐adrenoceptor agonists methoxamine, phenylephrine, noradrenaline, clonidine and guanfacine increased arterial pressure. The vascular reactivity for the different α‐adrenoceptor agonists differed markedly, as was shown by the declining steepness of the dose‐response curves in the order methoxamine and phenylephrine > noradrenaline > clonidine > guanfacine. The pressor profiles of these agonists were also different. These data suggest, that different α‐adrenoceptor populations are involved in the contractile responses to these α‐agonists, being methoxamine and phenylephrine a1, noradrenaline α1 > α2 and clonidine and guanfacine α2 > α1.
Two patients were treated with clonidine, slow release, 250 μg daily, which increased supine and standing arterial pressure and relieved orthostatic symptoms. In one patient the pressor‐depressor response to adrenaline was converted to a pure pressor response after clonidine, which contrasted with a pure pressor response to adrenaline after treatment with pindolol. Treatment with clonidine shifted the dose‐response curves of the α‐adrenoceptor agonists in the order clonidine > noradrenaline > phenylephrine, suggesting preferential α2‐adrenoceptor desensitization by clonidine in this patient.
These data provide further evidence for the view that α1‐β1 and α2‐β2‐adrenoceptor sensitivity and/or responsiveness are independently regulated and lend support to the hypothesis that peripheral α2‐β2‐adrenoceptors are not innervated.
A systematic review of educational interventions to change behaviour of prescribers in hospital settings, with a particular emphasis on new prescribers
Authors: Brennan Nicola , Mattick Karen 
Published: July 2012

AimsPrescribing is a complex task and a high risk area of clinical practice. Poor prescribing occurs across staff grades and settings but new prescribers are attributed much of the blame. New prescribers may not be confident or even competent to prescribe and probably have different support and development needs than their more experienced colleagues. Unfortunately, little is known about what interventions are effective in this group. Previous systematic reviews have not distinguished between different grades of staff, have been narrow in scope and are now out of date. Therefore, to inform the design of educational interventions to change prescribing behaviour, particularly that of new prescibers, we conducted a systematic review of existing hospital‐based interventions.MethodsEmbase, Medline, SIGLE, Cinahl and PsychINFO were searched for relevant studies published 1994–2010. Studies describing interventions to change the behaviour of prescribers in hospital settings were included, with an emphasis on new prescibers. The bibliographies of included papers were also searched for relevant studies. Interventions and effectiveness were classified using existing frameworks and the quality of studies was assessed using a validated instrument.ResultsSixty‐four studies were included in the review. Only 13% of interventions specifically targeted new prescribers. Most interventions (72%) were deemed effective in changing behaviour but no particular type stood out as most effective.ConclusionVery few studies have tailored educational interventions to meet needs of new prescribers, or distinguished between new and experienced prescribers. Educational development and research will be required to improve this important aspect of early clinical practice.
Descriptions of fathers’ care by children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) – relative neglect and children's needs
Authors: Cater Åsa , Forssell Anna M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe situation of children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) raises certain issues related to child neglect. Little is known about how children exposed to IPV perceive and describe their living conditions. This paper addresses this lack by analysing aspects of fathers’ care in descriptions given by children whose fathers have subjected the mothers to IPV. The analysis is based on qualitative interviews with 10 children aged 8–12 years. Three themes constitute the results. First, the fathers are not described by the children as engaged and responsible care providers. Second, in their general descriptions of how mothers and fathers fill complementary roles for the child, parenthood seems to mean in practice that the mother is the provider of (almost) everything the child may need. Third, the mere absence of violence seems to be judged ‘good‐enough’ fathering in the children's descriptions. Altogether, this leads to the conclusion that being exposed to IPV and believing that mothers are responsible for their welfare precludes children from viewing their fathers as responsible for their well‐being. The limited utility for child welfare practice of a ‘child‐based’ definition of neglect in cases of IPV is discussed, and alternatives are suggested.
Expression of autophagy 8 (Atg8) and its role in the midgut and other organs of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, during metamorphic remodelling and under starvation
Authors: Khoa D. B. , Takeda M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA 345 base pair cDNA encoding autophagy 8 (Atg8) of Galleria mellonella (GmAtg8) was cloned and sequenced. The deduced protein was estimated to be 118 amino acids long. Structural comparison and phylogenetic analysis showed that GmAtg8 belong to the Atg8 family of ubiquitin‐like proteins. It is predicted to contain four β‐sheets and four α‐helices. It also contains a highly conserved glycine residue at the C‐terminal, as well as highly conserved Phe77 and Ph79 at a recognition cleavage site of Atg4 and Tyr49, and Leu50 at a site for activation of the lipidated form of Atg8 by Atg7 and Atg3. The developmental expression profile demonstrated that GmAtg8 transcript and its protein products are expressed in such organs as the midgut, ovary, Malpighian tubules, fat body and silk gland. In the midgut and silk gland, GmAtg8 transcript and its protein products increased during metamorphosis and under starvation, but decreased after re‐feeding. Expression of autophagy seems to precede apoptosis in the midgut transformation from larva to pupa and pupa to adult during metamorphosis. Some waves overlap with apoptotic waves, particularly at early stages, but others are unique in terms of site and timing.
Chitosan: a new solution for removal of smear layer after root canal instrumentation
Authors: Silva P. V. , Guedes D. F. C. , Nakadi F. V. , Pécora J. D. , Cruz‐Filho A. M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAimTo evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the efficacy of smear layer removal using chitosan compared with different chelating agents, and to quantify, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with flame (AASF), the concentration of calcium ions in these solutions after irrigation.MethodologyThe root canals of twenty‐five canines were prepared using a crown‐down technique and irrigated with 1% sodium hypochlorite. The teeth were randomly divided into groups (n = 5), according to the type of final irrigation: 15% EDTA, 0.2% chitosan, 10% citric acid, 1% acetic acid and control (without final irrigation). The total volume of each chelating solution was collected from the canals and analysed by AASF for quantification of calcium ions in the solutions. Then, the roots were split longitudinally and examined by SEM for evaluation of smear layer removal in the middle and apical thirds. Cleaning scores were attributed and analysed statistically using the Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn tests. The AASF data were analysed by one‐way anova and Tukey–Kramer test. A significant level of α = 0.05 was adopted.Results15% EDTA, 0.2% chitosan and 10% citric acid had similar smear layer removal capacity with a significant difference (P < 0.05) from 1% acetic acid and the control group. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the smear layer remaining in the middle and apical thirds. The highest calcium ion concentration was observed with 15% EDTA (121.80 ± 5.13) and 0.2% chitosan (104.13 ± 19.23), with no significant difference. The lowest calcium ion concentration was obtained with 1% acetic acid (25.62 ± 7.68), whilst 10% citric acid (70.38 ± 11.15) had intermediate results, differing significantly from the other solutions (P < 0.01).Conclusions15% EDTA, 0.2% chitosan and 10% citric acid effectively removed smear layer from the middle and apical thirds of the root canal. 15% EDTA and 0.2% chitosan were associated with the greatest effect on root dentine demineralization, followed by 10% citric acid and 1% acetic acid.
Complete denture displacement following open‐mouth reline
Authors: Utz K.‐H. , Schneider D. , Feyen J. , Grüner M. , Bayer S. , Fimmers R. , Müller F. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryIn 21 complete denture wearers, six upper and 15 lower denture relines were performed with the open‐mouth technique. The centric relation (CR) was recorded with the Central‐Bearing‐Point (CBP) method three times before and three times after the reline. For each registration, the right and left condylar position was recorded in three dimensions using a custom‐made measuring device. The average denture displacement from an initial reference position (CR) was calculated for each registration. An upper denture reline leads to a mean displacement of 2·5 mm, both in the right and left condylar area. With an average of 2·0 mm, this displacement was smaller following a lower denture reline (right and left mean, 1·6 mm). The precision of the CBP‐registrations proved 0·5 mm before and 0·3 mm after reline; hence, the measured condylar displacement after reline could not attribute to a methodological bias. This clinical‐experimental study demonstrates that relining complete dentures with the open‐mouth technique may lead to a substantial denture shift and thus imply inevitably clinically relevant occlusal discrepancies. It is therefore important to carefully check the occlusion at denture delivery and remount the prostheses if necessary.
Impaired propulsive motility in the distal but not proximal colon of BK channel β1‐subunit knockout mice
Authors: France M. , Bhattarai Y. , Galligan J. J. , Xu H. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground  Large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BK) channels regulate smooth muscle tone. The BK channel β1‐subunit increases Ca2+ sensitivity of the α‐subunit in smooth muscle. We studied β1‐subunit knockout (KO) mice to determine if gastrointestinal (GI) motility was altered.Methods  Colonic and intestinal longitudinal muscle reactivity to bethanechol and colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs) were measured in vitro. Gastric emptying and small intestinal transit were measured in vivo. Colonic motility was assessed in vivo by measuring fecal output and glass bead expulsion time. Myoelectric activity of distal colon smooth muscle was measured in vitro using intracellular microelectrodes.Key Results  Bethanechol‐induced contractions were larger in the distal colon of β1‐subunit KO compared to wild type (WT) mice; there were no differences in bethanechol reactivity in the duodenum, ileum, or proximal colon of WT vsβ1‐subunit KO mice. There were more retrogradely propagated CMMCs in the distal colon of β1‐subunit KO compared to WT mice. Gastrointestinal transit was unaffected by β1‐subunit KO. Fecal output was decreased and glass bead expulsion times were increased in β1‐subunit KO mice. Membrane potential of distal colon smooth muscle cells from β1‐subunit KO mice was depolarized with higher action potential frequency compared to WT mice. Paxilline (BK channel blocker) depolarized smooth muscle cells and increased action potential frequency in WT distal colon.Conclusions & Inferences  BK channels play a prominent role in smooth muscle function only in the distal colon of mice. Defects in smooth muscle BK channel function disrupt colonic motility causing constipation.
Examining demographic and socio‐economic correlates of accurate knowledge about blood donation among African migrants in Australia
Authors: Renzaho A. M. N. , Polonsky M. J. 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYObjectivesTo develop and test a knowledge questionnaire about blood donation in African migrant communities in Australia, which is applicable to other communities, and to assess the relationship between the demographic and socio‐economic characteristics and knowledge of the African migrant community.MethodsUsing a cross‐sectional survey of 425 African migrants and refugees living in Victoria and South Australia, we assessed the knowledge questionnaire for readability, item difficulty, point‐biserial correlation and reliability. The relationships between demographic and socio‐economic factors and knowledge about blood donation were then evaluated using hierarchical multiple regression.ResultsThe knowledge scale was found to have good psychometric properties and to be reliable: a Flesch reading ease score of 64·7; an average index of item difficulty of 0·42; a point‐biserial correlation of 0·38 and a Kuder–Richardson‐20 coefficient of 0·78 indicating strong internal consistency. A quarter of respondents (26·1%; 95% CI: 21·9, 30·3) had poor knowledge about issues related to blood donation; 51·1% (95% CI: 46·3, 55·8) had moderate knowledge and 22·8% (95% CI: 18·8, 26·8) were highly knowledgeable. Factors associated with blood donation knowledge were religion, pre‐migration area of residence, country of birth, length of stay in Australia, and previous blood donation status. Age, gender, educational attainment, migration and employment status were non‐significant.ConclusionKnowledge and awareness of issues associated with blood donation is important in regard to blood donation decisions, and this article has developed a measure using African migrant communities in Australia that has appropriate psychographic properties. The measure can, therefore, be used by researchers when studying the role of knowledge in relation to blood donation across cultural groups in Australia and other countries. It also identifies that demographic characteristics affect knowledge, which suggests that targeted interventions might be needed, especially when dealing with migrant and refugee communities.
Living kidney donors – a prospective study of quality of life before and after kidney donation
Authors: Garcia Márcia Fátima Faraldo Martinez , Andrade Luis Gustavo M. , Carvalho Maria Fernanda C. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAlthough the safety of living kidney donation has been well established, prospective studies examining the physical and psychosocial aspects of the donor's quality of life are still scarce. Thus, the purpose of this prospective work was to assess the quality of life of 50 consecutive donors before and after kidney transplantation. All donors were asked to respond to both a donor questionnaire and the short‐form 36‐item health survey (SF‐36). Interviews were individually conducted before, three months after, and over one yr after transplantation. Donation was considered a positive experience by all patients and had no impact on any physical or psychosocial aspect of the donor's life. Improved self‐esteem and better quality of life after donation were reported in 52% of the cases. All donors would donate again and encouraged donation. SF‐36 data indicated improvement in post‐donation mental and physical scores among living donors closely related to recipient. Overall, most donors had a positive experience, felt no changes in quality of life, experienced enhanced self‐esteem, would donate again, and recommended donation.
Reduced gut microbial diversity in early life is associated with later development of eczema but not atopy in high‐risk infants
Authors: Ismail Intan H. , Oppedisano Frances , Joseph Shayne J. , Boyle Robert J. , Licciardi Paul V. , Robins‐Browne Roy M. , Tang Mimi L.K. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground:  Alterations in intestinal microflora have been linked to the development of allergic disease. Recent studies suggest that healthy infant immune development may depend on the establishment of a diverse gut microbiota rather than the presence or absence of specific microbial strains.Objectives:  We investigated the relationship between diversity of gut microbiota in the early postnatal period and subsequent development of eczema and atopy in the first year of life.Methods:  Fecal samples were collected 1 wk after birth from 98 infants at high risk of allergic disease, who were followed prospectively to age 12 months. Fecal microbial diversity was assessed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) using restriction enzymes Sau96I and AluI, with a greater number of peaks representing greater diversity of bacterial communities.Results:  Microbial diversity at day 7 was significantly lower in infants with eczema at age 12 months as compared to infants without eczema (AluI mean number of peaks 13.1 vs. 15.5, p = 0.003, 95% CI for difference in means −3.9, −0.8; Sau96I 14.7 vs. 17.2, p = 0.03, 95% CI −4.9, −0.3). No differences were observed for atopic compared to non‐atopic infants, or infants with two allergic parents compared to those with one or no allergic parent.Conclusions:  A more diverse intestinal microbiota in the first week of life is associated with a reduced risk of subsequent eczema in infants at increased risk of allergic disease. Interventions that enhance microbial diversity in early life may provide an effective means for the prevention of eczema in high‐risk infants.