bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Actions of Midazolam on Excitatory Transmission in Dorsal Horn Neurons of Adult Rat Spinal Cord
Authors: Kohno Tatsuro , Wakai Ayako , Ataka Toyofumi , Ikoma Miho , Yamakura Tomohiro , Baba Hiroshi 
Published: January 2006

Background
Although intrathecal administration of midazolam, a water-soluble imidazobenzodiazepine derivative, has been found to produce analgesia, how it exerts this effect at the neuronal level in the spinal cord is not fully understood.

Methods
The effects of midazolam on electrically evoked and spontaneous excitatory transmission were examined in lamina II neurons of adult rat spinal cord slices using the whole cell patch clamp technique.

Results
Bath-applied midazolam (1 microm) diminished Adelta- and C-fiber evoked polysynaptic excitatory postsynaptic currents in both amplitude and integrated area. However, it affected neither Adelta- and C-fiber evoked monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic currents in amplitude nor miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents in amplitude, frequency, and decay time constant. In the presence of a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, flumazenil (5 microm), midazolam (1 microm) did not diminish Adelta-fiber evoked polysynaptic excitatory postsynaptic currents, suggesting that midazolam modulate the gamma-aminobutyric acid interneurons in the dorsal horn.

Conclusions
Midazolam reduced excitatory synaptic transmission by acting on the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A/benzodiazepine receptor in interneurons, leading to a decrease in the excitability of spinal dorsal horn neurons. This may be a possible mechanism for the antinociception by midazolam in the spinal cord.
Perineural Clonidine Reduces Mechanical Hypersensitivity and Cytokine Production in Established Nerve Injury
Authors: Romero-Sandoval Alfonso , Eisenach James C. 
Published: January 2006

Background
Partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) produces axonal damage, a local inflammatory response, and wallerian degeneration. Cytokines secreted near the site of nerve injury are thought to play important roles in development and maintenance of central sensitization and neuropathic pain. Injection of clonidine at the site and time of nerve injury slows the development of PSNL-induced hypersensitivity and reduces local cytokine expression by actions on alpha2 adrenoceptors. The current study tested whether clonidine would have a similar effect in established nerve injury.

Methods
Rats underwent unilateral PSNL, and perineural saline, clonidine, or BRL44408 plus clonidine was injected 2 weeks later. Three days after perineural injection, withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation of the hind paw ipsilateral and contralateral to PSNL was determined, and tissues were removed for cytokine analysis.

Results
PSNL was accompanied by a proinflammatory pattern of cytokine content in neural structures and hypersensitivity ipsilaterally with few changes contralaterally. Perineural clonidine, but not saline, partially reversed the hypersensitivity, accompanied by reduced concentrations of interleukin 6 and interleukin 1beta in the sciatic nerve. The effect of clonidine on hypersensitivity and these cytokines was blocked by the alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, BRL44408.

Conclusions
These data suggest that perineural clonidine acts on alpha2 adrenoceptors to reduce hypersensitivity in established nerve injury, likely by an immunomodulatory mechanism, and may be effective in patients in the weeks after nerve injury.
Local vs regional factors as determinants of the invasibility of indigenous forest fragments by alien plant species
Authors: Ohlemüller Ralf , Walker Susan , Bastow Wilson J. 
Published: January 2006

Both local and regional filters can determine the invasion of alien species into native plant communities. However, their relative importance is essentially unknown. We used plot data from fragments of indigenous forests in southeastern New Zealand to infer which factors are important in explaining invasibility, measured as alien species richness. Twenty‐eight predictor variables comprising both local factors (stand structure and soil) and regional ones (climate and land cover) were assessed. Reduction or increase in deviance in linear models was assessed, both individually and with a forward and backward stepwise variable selection procedure using the Akaike information criterion (AIC).We found that higher alien species richness was mainly associated with forest fragments of small area in warm and dry climates and where there were only small areas of surrounding indigenous forest. Local soil and stand structure variables had considerably smaller effects on alien species richness than the regional land cover and climate variables. Alien species richness showed no relationship with native species richness. We conclude that in the forest fragments investigated here, of the variables included in the analyses, regional land cover and climate variables are potentially important drivers for alien species richness at plot level. This has implications for projections of alien species spread in the future under different climate change and land use scenarios.
Further development of a model of chronic bone marrow aplasia in the busulphan‐treated mouse
Authors: Turton John A. , Sones William R. , Andrews Charles M. , Pilling Andrew M. , Williams Thomas C. , Molyneux Gemma , Rizzo Sian , Gordon‐Smith Edward C. , Gibson Frances M. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryAplastic anaemia (AA) in man is an often fatal disease characterized by pancytopenia of the peripheral blood and aplasia of the bone marrow. AA is a toxic effect of many drugs and chemicals (e.g. chloramphenicol, azathioprine, phenylbutazone, gold salts, penicillamine and benzene). However, there are no widely used or convenient animal models of drug‐induced AA. Recently, we reported a new model of chronic bone marrow aplasia (CBMA = AA) in the busulphan (BU)‐treated mouse: eight doses of BU (10.50 mg/kg) were administered to female BALB/c mice over a period of 23 days; CBMA was evident at day 91/112 post‐dosing with significantly reduced erythrocytes, platelets, leucocytes and nucleated bone marrow cell counts. However, mortality was high (49.3%). We have now carried out a study to modify the BU‐dosing regime to induce CBMA without high mortality, and investigated the patterns of cellular responses in the blood and marrow in the post‐dosing period. Mice (n = 64/65) were dosed 10 times with BU at 0 (vehicle control), 8.25, 9.0 and 9.75 mg/kg over 21 days and autopsied at day 1, 23, 42, 71, 84, 106 and 127 post‐dosing (n = 7–15); blood and marrow samples were examined. BU induced a predictable bone marrow depression at day 1 post‐dosing; at day 23/42 post‐dosing, parameters were returning towards normal during a period of recovery. At day 71, 84, 106 and 127 post‐dosing, a stabilized, late‐stage, nondose‐related CBMA was evident in BU‐treated mice, with decreased erythrocytes, platelets and marrow cell counts, and increased MCV. At day 127 post‐dosing, five BU‐treated mice showed evidence of lymphoma. In this study, mortality was low, ranging from 3.1% (8.25 mg/kg BU) to 12.3% (9.75 mg/kg BU). It is concluded that BU at 9.0 mg/kg (or 9.25 mg/kg) is an appropriate dose level to administer (10 times over 21 days) to induce CBMA at approximately day 50–120 post‐dosing.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 expression and effect of celecoxib in flurothyl‐induced neonatal seizure
Authors: Kim Doo Kwun , Jang Tae Jung 
Published: January 2006

SummaryEndogenous PGE2 dynamically regulates membrane excitability, synaptic transmission and plasticity. Neonatal seizures are associated with a number of activity‐dependent changes in brain development including altered synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity as well as reduction in neurogenesis. Thus, it is reasonable to hypothesize that alteration of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression induced by neonatal seizure may influence brain development. We evaluated the expression of COX‐2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES) by Western blot analysis and immnohistochemistry in flurothyl‐induced neonatal seizure and also studied the effect of celecoxib on seizure induction. Seven to 10 days old Sprague–Dawley rats were used for control (n = 18) and experimental group (n = 30). Recurrent seizure group showed more increased level of COX‐2 expression than control group. However, the level of mPGES‐2 expression was similar in both groups, and mPGES‐1 was not detected. Hippocampus of control rats showed endogenous COX‐2 expression, which was localized mainly in CA3 region. This localization pattern was similar in recurrent seizure rats, but intensity of COX‐2 expression was more increased than in control rats. Celecoxib treatment significantly delayed the seizure attack and also reduced COX‐2 expression. In conclusion, this study suggests that COX‐2 expression is related to epileptogenesis in flurothyl‐induced neonatal seizure model and shows the possibility that its inhibition lessens functional impairments that occurred in neonatal seizure.
The determinants of compliance with an early intervention programme for high‐risk babies in India
Authors: De Souza N. , Sardessai V. , Joshi K. , Joshi V. , Hughes M. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground Early intervention is known to improve outcomes for babies at risk for growth and developmental problems. Such programmes usually have a prolonged course and require frequent contacts with the service providers. As a consequence of poverty, illiteracy and lack of communication facilities in developing countries, treatment adherence can suffer.Methods The present study is an analysis of a clinic‐based early intervention programme for high‐risk babies in a developing society in Goa, India. A sample of 152 neonates and their parents were offered an early intervention programme and followed up until their first birthday. The primary outcome under study was the uptake of the programme. Various socio‐demographic, programmatic and infant‐related variables that could affect compliance were examined.Results Compliance with the intervention programme was only moderate, with 59.2% of infants brought for three or more sessions. Higher maternal educational levels and proximity of the place of residence of the family to the early intervention clinic were significantly associated with better compliance.Conclusions Early intervention programmes that go into homes have a greater chance of reaching high‐risk infants, compared with those provided at a distant centre. Better‐educated mothers are more likely to be convinced about the benefits of such inputs. The authors conclude with recommendations for future practice and research.
The psychosocial well‐being of children with chronic disease, their parents and siblings: an overview of the research evidence base
Authors: Barlow J. H. , Ellard D. R. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground Chronic disease of childhood may have implications for the psychosocial well‐being of children and their families. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current literature regarding the psychosocial well‐being of children with chronic disease, their parents and siblings.Methods Electronic searches were conducted using AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Database, DARE, HTA, MEDLINE, NHS EED, PsycLIT, PsycINFO and PubMED (1990 to week 24, 2004). Inclusion criteria were systematic reviews, meta‐analyses and overviews based on traditional reviews of published literature. The titles of papers were reviewed, abstracts were obtained and reviewed, and full copies of selected papers were obtained.Results Six reviews of the psychosocial well‐being of children were identified: three on chronic disease in general, one on asthma, one on juvenile idiopathic arthritis and one on sickle cell disease. Two reviews of psychosocial well‐being among parents and two reviews of sibling psychosocial well‐being were identified. Evidence from meta‐analyses shows that children were at slightly elevated risk of psychosocial distress, although only a minority experience clinical symptomatology. The proportion that experience distress remains to be clarified, as do contributory risk factors. Few conclusions can be drawn from the two reviews of parents. However, a meta‐analysis of siblings showed that they are at risk from a number of negative effects.Conclusion This overview has highlighted the need to extend the evidence base for psychosocial well‐being of children, parents and siblings.
Nurses’, midwives’ and health visitors’ involvement in cross‐boundary working within child health services
Authors: While A. , Murgatroyd B. , Ullman R. , Forbes A. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground Cross‐boundary working is a key policy objective. Cross‐boundary working provides the foundation for high quality provision across child health services and is imperative for an effective child protection system and the support of children and young people with health needs.Methods Two participative conferences were attended by 113 stakeholders utilizing the World Café focus group method. Most (87%) of the sample were nurses, midwives or health visitors.Results Many examples of cross‐boundary working were identified across the different areas of practice. Remarkably few transdisciplinary examples were identified in contrast to the number of inter‐agency examples. Intra‐organizational boundaries across the health service were also noted.Conclusions Considerable cross‐boundary working was reported but transdisciplinary working is not yet well established across all areas of child health provision.
Comparison of hospital and home intravenous antibiotic therapy in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Esmond Glenda , Butler Mark , McCormack Anne Marie 
Published: January 2006

Aim and objective.  This study aimed to compare home and hospital treatment for clinical outcome and quality of life in adult cystic fibrosis patients receiving i.v. antibiotics for acute respiratory exacerbations.Background.  Cystic fibrosis patients require intravenous (i.v.) antibiotic therapy to treat acute respiratory exacerbations. Traditionally, patients would be admitted to hospital to complete a 14‐day course of i.v. antibiotics. The option of home i.v. antibiotic therapy for acute respiratory exacerbations has become an expectation of cystic fibrosis patients.Design and method.  Comparison of hospital and home i.v. antibiotic therapy in adults with cystic fibrosis for clinical outcomes and quality of life was studied using a quasi‐experimental design. A pre‐ and post‐test was used to measure clinical outcomes of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), oxygen saturations (SaO2), body mass index (BMI) and quality of life using the Cystic Fibrosis Quality of Life (CFQoL) questionnaire.Results.  Thirty adult cystic fibrosis patients (15 hospital and 15 home) were recruited to the study once they had chosen where they undertook their treatment. When the groups were compared for clinical outcomes, the hospital group showed greater improvement in FVC. There were no differences in quality of life when the hospital and home groups were compared, although changes achieved with treatment showed differences. In the home group, there were improvements in all nine quality of life domains, with statistically significant improvement in five domains, whereas in the hospital group there were improvements in eight out of nine quality of life domains, with only two showing statistically significant improvement.Relevance to clinical practice.  Lung function improved more in the hospital group, suggesting that acute respiratory exacerbations were not as effectively treated at home, although there appeared to be greater quality of life when undertaking home treatment. The CFQoL questionnaire was able to detect transient changes in health status during the course of i.v. antibiotics.Conclusion.  If the patient's right to choose where they receive treatment is to be supported, taking into account quality of life further research is required to determine the reasons for home care being less clinically effective in treating acute respiratory exacerbations in cystic fibrosis patients.
Mothers’ experiences of feeding situations – an interview study
Authors: Bramhagen Ann‐Cathrine , Axelsson Irene , Hallström Inger 
Published: January 2006

Aim.  The aim of the study was to describe parents’ experiences concerning feeding situations and their contact with the nurse at the Child Health Service (CHS).Background.  Some of the most important tasks for the nurse at the CHS are to monitor growth, detect feeding difficulties and give advice concerning food intake and feeding practices.Method.  Eighteen mothers differing in age, education, ethnicity and number of children and recruited from different CHS were interviewed. The narratives were transcribed verbatim and analysed by content analysis at manifest and latent levels.Result.  All mothers’ described that food and feeding were essential parts of their lives requiring a great deal of time and involvement. Two major categories of mothers’ attitudes in feeding situations were identified – a flexible attitude and a controlling attitude. Mothers with a flexible attitude were sensitive to the child's signals and responded to them in order to obtain good communication. Mothers who expressed a need for control established rules and routines regarding the feeding situations. Mothers with a controlling attitude expressed receiving inadequate support from the nurse at the CHS.Conclusion and clinical implication.  This study shows that some mothers experience inadequate support from the nurse at the CHS. Knowledge about mothers’ experiences of feeding situations and their different attitudes towards the child during feeding might improve the CHS nurses’ knowledge and help them understand and more adequately support mothers who experience feeding difficulties.
Evaluating the clinical effectiveness of neonatal nurse practitioners: an exploratory study
Authors: Woods Leslie 
Published: January 2006

Aim and objectives.  The aim of the investigation was to establish if there was any preliminary evidence to indicate if the quality of care and clinical outcomes for premature birth babies are affected by the type of practitioner (i.e. nurse practitioner vs. medical practitioner) responsible for the initial assessment, treatment and management of neonates during the first 6–12 hours following admission to a neonatal intensive care unit.Background.  The United Kingdom (UK) has seen a proliferation in the number of nurse practitioners in the past decade. While there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that nurse practitioners in primary care settings are able to provide a high quality and effective level of clinical service comparable with many of their medical counterparts, there has been relatively little evaluation of the nurse practitioner role in acute or high dependency hospital settings.Design and methods.  The study design used a mixed method approach combining a retrospective examination and quality assessment of nursing and medical records. A random sample of 61 sets of medical records, relating specifically to the initial management and treatment of neonates were criterion assessed by an experienced consultant neonatologist and a variety of patient outcome data collated and analysed.Results.  The analysis of the patient outcome data and quality assessment of nursing and medical records revealed that there was no statistical difference in the standard and quality of care provided between nurse practitioners and medical staff in the vast majority of areas evaluated. However, trends in the data suggest that Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (ANNPs) did not perform as well as their medical counterparts in terms of the overall completeness or comprehensiveness of the standard care provided in a number of areas.Conclusion.  Neonatal nurse practitioners provide an alternative model of service delivery in the initial admission and management of premature birth babies. While the results of the study suggest that ANNPs do not perform as well as medical staff, in the majority of cases, they still performed to an acceptable standard. Nonetheless, some deficits in the standard of care provided by both groups of practitioners were identified which in turn have implications for ongoing training and skills development.Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings suggest that ANNPs are capable of taking on an advanced role in the assessment and management of neonates.
Boundaries around the ‘well‐informed’ patient: the contribution of Schutz to inform nurses’ interactions
Authors: Henderson Amanda 
Published: January 2006

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to explore the operation of two different types of knowledge in health care and the position of the nurse to assist in the confluence of knowledge to develop the well‐informed patient.Background.  If patients are to be active participants in their care they require useful information. Interactions in contemporary health care mostly involve ‘medico‐scientific’ knowledge, that refers to the ‘science’ of patients’ conditions, as opposed to ‘everyday’ knowledge, which refers to information that can assist patients in lifestyle matters relating to their condition.Theoretical perspective.  This paper draws on the work of the ‘well‐informed citizen’ as proposed by Schutz in the analysis of two patient case studies of practices in the acute care setting of the hospital.Method.  Data collection was undertaken through fieldwork, incorporating participant observation and discussions with patients in general medical/surgical areas.Results.  Two patient case studies representative of the findings are analysed. Analysis identifies the predominant use of ‘medico‐scientific’ knowledge to the detriment of ‘everyday’ knowledge during interactions between patients and all health professionals.Conclusions.  There is predisposition in the acute context to interact in ‘medico‐scientific’ knowledge as opposed to ‘everyday’ knowledge that does not facilitate a comprehensive understanding by patients of how they can best manage their lifestyle.Relevance to clinical practice.  Using the notion of Schutz's ‘well‐informed’ citizen this study identifies strategies for nursing staff to capture and explore the development of ‘everyday’ knowledge that can assist patients to become more informed and improve their health management.