bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the mechanism for the relaxation of rat duodenum mediated via M1 muscarinic receptors
Authors: Hamrouni A. M. , Gudka N. , Broadley K. J. 
Published: June 2006

Summary 1 Relaxation responses of the rat isolated duodenum to the putative M1 muscarinic receptor agonist, McN‐A‐343, were examined to determine whether the response was due to the release of known non‐adrenergic, non‐cholinergic relaxant neurotransmitters and to establish the involvement of M1 muscarinic receptors. 2 The role of ATP was examined with the P2 receptor antagonist, suramin, which at 30 μm antagonized the relaxant responses to α,β‐methylene ATP. The same dose, however, failed to inhibit the relaxation by McN‐A‐343. 3 The role of nitric oxide (NO) was examined with the NO synthase inhibitor, NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME; 100 μm), which failed to inhibit the responses to McN‐A‐343. As NO mediates relaxation of the duodenum via cGMP generation through guanylyl cyclase, whether the relaxation by McN‐A‐343 was also via cGMP was examined with the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ). The relaxation responses to the NO donor, S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl penicillamine, were inhibited in the presence of ODQ (3 μm), but not those by McN‐A‐343. 4 Release of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) was examined with the GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline (10 μm), which shifted the concentration–response curves for the relaxation of the duodenum by GABA to the right. There was a similar degree of shift in the concentration–response curve for McN‐A‐343 by bicuculline indicating that release of GABA from enteric neurones of the duodenum could explain the relaxation response to McN‐A‐343. 5 To test whether the muscarinic receptors mediating the relaxation of the duodenum were of the M1 subtype, the susceptibility to the selective competitive antagonist, pirenzepine and the selective muscarinic toxin from green mamba, MT7, was examined. Pirenzepine (1 μm) shifted the concentration–response for McN‐A‐343 to the right in a parallel fashion with a dose ratio of 33.3 ± 20.2. This yielded a pA2 value of 7.5, which concords with those for other responses reputed to be mediated via M1 muscarinic receptors. The toxin MT7 was used as an irreversible antagonist and following incubation with the duodenum was washed from the bath. An incubation time of 30 min with 100 nm of MT7 caused a significant parallel shift in the concentration–response to McN‐A‐343 confirming the involvement of M1 muscarinic receptors. 6 This study has confirmed that McN‐A‐343 relaxes the rat duodenum via muscarinic receptors of the M1 subtype and that these receptors are probably located on enteric neurones from which their stimulation releases GABA.
Lung function after acute and repeated exposures to extremely cold air (−110°C) during whole‐body cryotherapy
Authors: Smolander J. , Westerlund T. , Uusitalo A. , Dugué B. , Oksa J. , Mikkelsson M. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryWhole‐body cryotherapy (WBC) is one mode of cold therapy, during which rheumatic patients are exposed to very cold air (−110°C) in minimal clothing. It is also proposed to have a bronchodilatory effect. The aim was to examine the effects of WBC on lung function in healthy humans after acute and repeated exposures. Twenty‐five healthy, non‐smoking subjects participated in the study. They were exposed to WBC for 2 min three times per week for 12 weeks. The peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were measured before and after (at 2 and 30 min) the first WBC, and then similarly at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. At all time points, after 30 min of the WBC the PEF values were slightly lower compared with values before the WBC, and the reductions reached statistical significance at 1 month (5·1 ± 1·2%), and at 3 months (3·2 ± 1·7%). After 30 min of the first WBC, the FEV1 was significantly reduced by 2·3 ± 0·8%, but no other changes were observed during the study. In conclusion, the WBC induced minor bronchoconstriction in healthy humans instead of proposed bronchodilatation. The WBC seems not to be harmful for lung function, but should be used with caution in susceptible individuals.
Further insights into the role of angiotensin II in kidney development
Authors: Lasaitiene Daina , Chen Yun , Adams Michael A. , Friberg Peter 
Published: June 2006

SummaryOver the past decade, compelling studies have highlighted the fundamental role of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in renal development and long‐term control of renal function and arterial pressure. The present review provides an update of the understanding of how the RAS controls nephrogenesis and nephrovascular development. In addition, the investigations linking the perinatal development of RAS inhibition‐induced renal dysmorphology and establishment of adult blood pressure are discussed.
Physiological range of peak cardiac power output in healthy adults
Authors: Bromley Paul D. , Hodges Lynette D. , Brodie David A. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryAims  The purpose of this study was to indicate the normal range for peak cardiac power output (CPOpeak) in healthy adults and to explore age‐ and sex‐related variations of this parameter.Methods and results  Using the non‐invasive exponential CO2 rebreathing technique [J.G. Defares, J Appl Physiol13 (1958) 159], cardiac output was measured at an exercise intensity determined to coincide with ≥95% of peak oxygen consumption in 102 healthy adults (mean ± SD, age 43 ± 13 years, body mass 74 ± 13 kg). Peak cardiac power was then computed from measurements of peak cardiac output () and peak mean arterial pressure (MAPpeak) using the equation described by Cooke et al. [Heart79 (1998) 289]. Peak oxygen consumption in the study population was 2·42 (±0·74) l min−1 and subjects achieved 101 ± 7% of this value during the measurement of . was 17·3 (±4) l min−1, and CPOpeak was computed as 4·5 (±1·2) W. CPOpeak ranged from 3·11 to 7·94 W in men and 2·53 to 5·57 W in women. Additionally, ageing appears to be associated with a significant loss of peak cardiac power in men that is not apparent in women.Conclusion  Although the sample size remains moderate, the CPO values attained were normally distributed and these values provide a useful indication of the normal range for CPOpeak in healthy adults.
24‐h Systolic blood pressure and heart rate recordings in lean and obese adolescents
Authors: Framme Jenny , Dangardt Frida , Mårild Staffan , Osika Walter , Währborg Peter , Friberg Peter 
Published: June 2006

SummaryObjective  We assessed the hypothesis that differences in day and night‐time systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) recordings were smaller in obese versus lean children and adolescents, and whether measurements obtained during a school week or during weekends or holidays influenced these nocturnal falls. We also wanted to determine whether the results were influenced by gender.Methods  Ambulatory 24‐h BP and HR measurements were performed in 80 subjects, 51 girls and 29 boys. Lean (n = 25) and obese (n = 55) subjects were classified according to body mass index (BMI)–standard deviation (SD) criteria. Forty‐eight subjects had their 24‐h recordings performed during a school week and 32 during leisure time.Results  The SBP nocturnal dipping response was less pronounced in obese subjects (16·2 ± 6·3 mmHg) compared with lean controls (21·1 ± 5·7 mmHg) (P<0·01) of which the girls constituted most of the difference. HR change between day and night was similar in both groups being approximately 15 b/min. A small but statistical negative correlation was observed between BMI–SD and nocturnal fall in SBP (r = −0·3, P = 0·0065). In all subjects, regardless of BMI–SD, daytime SBP was higher when readings were obtained during a school week (123 ± 7 mmHg) than during weekends or holidays (119 ± 7 mmHg) (P = 0·029).Conclusion  Obese children and adolescents showed smaller nocturnal falls in SBP compared with lean subjects. This pattern may cause increased cardiovascular loading; thus, it may reflect an early sign of high blood pressure development and adds to cardiovascular risk in young obese individuals.
The effect of lung inflation on absolute ventricular volume measurement by conductance
Authors: Haney Michael F. , Steendijk Paul , Johansson Göran , Biber Björn 
Published: June 2006

SummaryBackground  Conductance catheter in vivo ventricular volume measurements during lung ventilation may provide important information on left ventricular (LV) function. Breathing potentially may alter parallel conductance (Vc), complicating interpretation of the conductance‐derived volume signals. The effects of controlled positive pressure lung inflation (PPLI) on measured parallel conductance with dual‐field conductance volumetry were investigated.Methods  Eight anaesthetized pigs were instrumented with an LV dual‐field conductance volumetry catheter. Vc was measured repeatedly, using the hypertonic saline injection method, at three different levels of lung insufflation: continuous positive airway pressure (PPLI) 0, 5, and 10 cmH2O.Results  V
cs measured at PPLI 0, 5 and 10 cmH2O were 70·9 ± 4·8, 70·7 ± 5·5 and 70·5 ± 5·9 ml, respectively. The corresponding uncalibrated end‐diastolic volumes (EDVu) were 115·5 ± 7·1, 117·0 ± 7·5 and 117·5 ± 7·7 ml, respectively. Mean coefficients of variance for Vc and EDVu at all three PPLI levels were 3·8% and 1·25%, respectively.Discussion  Several levels of PPLI demonstrated no systematic change in parallel conductance for LV dual‐field conductance volume signal. We concluded that lung inflation at these levels does not generate changes in Vc.
Effects of Carbamazepine and Oxcarbazepine on the Reproductive Endocrine Function in Women with Epilepsy
Authors: Löfgren Eeva , Tapanainen Juha S. , Koivunen Riitta , Pakarinen Arto , Isojärvi Jouko I. T. 
Published: June 2006

Summary:  Purpose: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of carbamazepine (CBZ) and oxcarbazepine (OXC) on the reproductive endocrine function in women with epilepsy. OXC is a novel antiepileptic drug (AED), and the occurrence of reproductive dysfunction in women treated with OXC monotherapy for epilepsy has not been studied previously. Methods: Thirty‐five women with epilepsy were examined in the Department of Neurology at Oulu University Hospital. Sixteen patients were treated with CBZ monotherapy, and nineteen patients were treated with OXC monotherapy. The subjects were clinically examined, vaginal ultrasonography was performed, and serum sex hormone concentrations were measured. Results: The women taking CBZ or OXC had lower serum testosterone (T) levels and lower free androgen indexes (FAIs) than the control subjects. CBZ medication was associated with increased concentrations of serum sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG). The patients taking OXC had higher concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstendione (A) than did the women taking CBZ. Moreover, the prevalence of polycystic ovaries (PCOs) was high in the OXC‐treated women. Conclusions: CBZ and OXC have different effects on the reproductive endocrine function. Although both drugs were associated with low serum T concentrations and low FAIs, only OXC was associated with a high frequency of elevated levels of A and DHEAS and with an increased prevalence of PCOs. These findings suggest that OXC may be disadvantageous for women with epilepsy and hyperandrogenism, whereas CBZ may be beneficial for these women.
Hormone Replacement Therapy in Women with Epilepsy: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Harden Cynthia L. , Herzog Andrew G. , Nikolov Blagovest G. , Koppel Barbara S. , Christos Paul J. , Fowler Kristen , Labar Douglas R. , Hauser W. Allen 
Published: June 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Previous reports have suggested that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could increase seizure activity in women with epilepsy. We sought to determine whether adding HRT to the medication regimen of postmenopausal women with epilepsy was associated with an increase in seizure frequency. Methods: This was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of the effect of HRT on seizure frequency in postmenopausal women with epilepsy, taking stable doses of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and within 10 years of their last menses. After a 3‐month prospective baseline, subjects were randomized to placebo, Prempro (0.625 mg of conjugated equine estrogens plus 2.5 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate or CEE/MPA) daily, or double‐dose CEE/MPA daily for a 3‐month treatment period. Results: Twenty‐one subjects were randomized after completing baseline. The subjects' ages ranged from 45 to 62 years (mean, 53 years; SD, ±5), and the number of AEDs used ranged from none to three (median, one). Five (71%) of seven subjects taking double‐dose CEE/MPA had a worsening seizure frequency of at least one seizure type, compared with four (50%) of eight taking single‐dose CEE/MPA and one (17%) of six taking placebo (p = 0.05). An increase in seizure frequency of the subject's most severe seizure type was associated with increasing CEE/MPA dose (p = 0.008). An increase in complex partial seizure frequency also was associated with increasing CEE/MPA dose (p = 0.05). Two subjects taking lamotrigine had a decrease in lamotrigine levels of 25–30% while taking CEE/MPA. Conclusions: CEE/MPA is associated with a dose‐related increase in seizure frequency in postmenopausal women with epilepsy. CEE/MPA may decrease lamotrigine levels.
Characterization of Insulin Secretion in Valproate‐treated Patients with Epilepsy
Authors: Pylvänen Virpi , Pakarinen Arto , Knip Mikael , Isojärvi Jouko 
Published: June 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Valproate (VPA) treatment has been reported to be associated with obesity and high fasting serum insulin concentrations in parallel with an unfavorable serum lipid profile and hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries in women. The pathogenetic mechanism underlying these changes has remained unknown, although several mechanisms have been implicated. Methods: Fifty‐one patients receiving monotherapy (31 male and 20 female patients) were included in this study, with 45 (23 male and 22 female) healthy control subjects. These participants were interviewed, clinically examined, and blood samples for fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin, proinsulin, and C‐peptide concentrations were taken after an overnight fast. Results: The valproate‐treated patients had fasting hyperinsulinemia (11.30 ± 6.23 pM vs. 6.28 ± 4.66 pM in the control subjects; p < 0.001), although the fasting serum proinsulin and C‐peptide concentrations were not significantly higher in the patients than in the control subjects. In addition, proinsulin/insulin (0.30 ± 0.14) and C‐peptide/insulin ratios (35.48 ± 24.09) were lower (p < 0.001) in the VPA‐treated patients when compared with the control subjects (0.53 ± 0.36 and 94.27 ± 61.85, respectively), and they also had lower fasting plasma glucose concentrations (4.72 ± 0.35 mM) than the control subjects (5.12 ± 0.58 mM; p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study suggests that valproate does not induce insulin secretion but might interfere with the insulin metabolism in the liver, resulting in higher insulin concentrations in the peripheral circulation. These changes are seen irrespective of concomitant weight gain, suggesting that increased insulin concentrations induce weight gain and not vice versa.
Total proximal tendon avulsion of the rectus femoris muscle
Authors: Irmola T. , Heikkilä J. T. , Orava S. , Sarimo J. 
Published: June 2006

Total proximal avulsions of the quadriceps femoris muscle group are rare injuries. Between the years 2001 and 2004 five patients with a total proximal avulsion of the tendon of the rectus femoris muscle were treated surgically in Mehiläinen Hospital in Turku, Finland. The median age of the patients was 21 years (range, 19–27) and the patients were all men. There were four soccer players and one hurdler.In all cases an avulsion of the proximal tendon of the rectus femoris muscle was confirmed by MRI. All of the patients were operated on and the delay from the injury to surgery ranged from 18 to 102 days.The result of the surgical treatment was rated good in all cases. All of the patients were able to return to their pre‐injury level of activity 5–10 months after surgery. The median follow‐up time was 20 months (range, 9–38).Surgical treatment of a total proximal avulsion of the tendon of the rectus femoris muscle seems to result in return to the pre‐injury activity level in most cases.
Multifocal penile intraepithelial neoplasia — targeted treatment with imiquimod
Authors: Dirschka Thomas , Krahl Dieter , Oster‐Schmidt Claus 
Published: June 2006

SummaryA 78‐year‐old male sought dermatologic consultation for multifocal persistent red lesions of the glans penis. Various topical treatments had proved unsuccessful. Histologic examination revealed penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed amplification of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV‐16) DNA. Urological consultants recommended amputation of the glans; the patient rejected this, as well as any other surgical procedure.Therefore, he was treated in our dermatologic practice with imiquimod 5 % cream administered daily over 12 weeks. After therapy was completed, no clinical or histologic evidence of residual tumor was found and HPV‐16 DNA was no longer detectable. Local skin reactions such as erosions and edema of the glans accompanied by tingling and itching were well‐tolerated by the patient. Imiquimod 5 % cream may represent an alternative local treatment option for multifocal PIN.
Nocturnal sedation in a child with facial ulceration
Authors: Patel Girish K , Motley Richard J 
Published: June 2006

AbstractMostly, herpes zoster affects adults and therefore childhood presentation can represent a diagnostic challenge. Childhood herpes zoster, when it occurs, can also be associated with peripheral nerve complications, as illustrated by this case. A 3‐year‐old child who had herpes zoster developed a nasolabial scar resulting in a shallow non‐healing ulcer from being repeatedly picked. Healing was only achieved after nocturnal sedation, with chloral hydrate.
The management of wounds following primary lower limb arthroplasty: a prospective, randomised study comparing hydrofibre and central pad dressings
Authors: Abuzakuk Tarek M. , Coward Pamela , Shenava Y , Kumar V Senthil , Skinner John A 
Published: June 2006

AbstractWound care following lower limb arthroplasty has not been subject to in‐depth clinical research, primarily because such wounds usually heal without complication. However, when prosthetic implants are used, serious wound problems can be disastrous (Whitehouse et al. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2002;23:183–9; Lindwell OM. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1986;211:91–103). We report the results of a prospective, randomised, controlled trial comparing a hydrofibre (Aquacel®) and central pad (Mepore®) dressing in the management of acute wounds following primary total hip or knee arthroplasty left to heal by primary intention. Dressing performance was measured in 61 patients receiving total hip or knee replacements. There was a significant reduction in the requirement for dressing changes before five postoperative days in the hydrofibre group (43% compared with 77% in the central pad group), and there were fewer blisters amongst patients in the hydrofibre group (13% compared with 26% in the central pad group). We conclude that there is a potential role for hydrofibre dressing in the management of arthroplasty wounds.
Meta-analysis in the assessment of treatment outcome
Authors: Geddes John 
Published: June 2006

Randomized clinical trials provide the most reliable estimates of the benefits and harms of treatments. Limited sample sizes restrict their power to allow informative analyses of secondary outcomes, or patient subgroups. The overall results of trials only apply to the average patient and clinical application ignores the individual patient differences. Meta-analysis in the context of a systematic review can produce more precise estimates of effect by combining the results of primary studies. This is particularly valuable for investigating rare, but important outcomes such as suicide. Variations between the trial-specific results can be investigated by meta-regression. Individual patient data meta-analyses (IPDMAs) are potentially much more powerful designs because they allow analysis of patient-level variables. As more genetic factors are identified that might account for treatment variability between individuals, IPDMAs offer a powerful strategy that can be used on existing trial data sets. Despite practical difficulties, IPDMAs are increasingly being conducted.
Synthesis of New Monoporphyrinato Lanthanide Complexes for Potential Use in Optical Limiting
Authors: Fu Shitao , Zhou Guijiang , Zhu Xunjin , Ye Cheng , Wong Wai-Kwok , Li Zaoying 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Three monoporphyrinato lanthanide complexes based on 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(p-diphenylaminophenyl)-21H,23H-porphine (H2TDPAPP) were synthesized, and experimental investigations of the nonlinear optical transmittance characteristics at 532 nm show that they are excellent optical limiters with performance comparable or superior to those of the reverse saturable absorption dyes such as fullerene C60 and metal phthalocyanine complexes.
Synthesis of Water-soluble Tris(cyclophane) Hosts and Surface Plasmon Resonance Study on Guest-binding Interaction with Immobilized Guests
Authors: Hayashida Osamu , Kitaura Atsushi 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Tris(cyclophane) derivatives were prepared as water-soluble hosts by connecting three macrocyclic skeletons. The present hosts showed enhanced guest-binding affinity relative to that by simple cyclophane, as confirmed by surface plasmon resonance measurements.
Analyses of Synteny Between Arabidopsis thaliana and Species in the Asteraceae Reveal a Complex Network of Small Syntenic Segments and Major Chromosomal Rearrangements
Authors: Timms Lee , Jimenez Rosmery , Chase Mike , Lavelle Dean , McHale Leah , Kozik Alexander , Lai Zhao , Heesacker Adam , Knapp Steven , Rieseberg Loren , Michelmore Richard , Kesseli Rick 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Comparative genomic studies among highly divergent species have been problematic because reduced gene similarities make orthologous gene pairs difficult to identify and because colinearity is expected to be low with greater time since divergence from the last common ancestor. Nevertheless, synteny between divergent taxa in several lineages has been detected over short chromosomal segments. We have examined the level of synteny between the model species Arabidopsis thaliana and species in the Compositae, one of the largest and most diverse plant families. While macrosyntenic patterns covering large segments of the chromosomes are not evident, significant levels of local synteny are detected at a fine scale covering segments of 1-Mb regions of A. thaliana and regions of &lt;5 cM in lettuce and sunflower. These syntenic patches are often not colinear, however, and form a network of regions that have likely evolved by duplications followed by differential gene loss.
Parallel Genetic Architecture of Parallel Adaptive Radiations in Mimetic Heliconius Butterflies
Authors: Kronforst Marcus R , Kapan Durrell D , Gilbert Lawrence E 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
It is unknown whether homologous loci underlie the independent and parallel wing pattern radiations of Heliconius butterflies. By comparing the locations of color patterning genes on linkage maps we show that three loci that act similarly in the two radiations are in similar positions on homologous chromosomes.