bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attenuation of contractility in rat epididymal vas deferens by Rho kinase inhibitors
Authors: Amobi N. I. B. , Chung I.‐P. , Smith I. C. H. 
Published: March 2006

Summary 1 The involvement of Ca2+ sensitization mediated through Rho kinase in the contractility of rat epididymal vas deferens was investigated using Rho kinase inhibitors, trans‐4‐[(1R)‐1‐aminoethyl]‐N‐4‐pyridinilcyclohexanecarboxamide dihydrochloride (Y‐27632) and 1‐(5‐isoquinolinesulphonyl)homopiperazine (HA 1077), in comparison with myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) inhibitors, wortmannin and 1‐(5‐chloronaphthalenesulphonyl)homopiperazine (ML‐9) and agents that affect protein kinase C (PKC) and non‐receptor tyrosine kinase intracellular signalling. 2 In Ca2+‐free/ethyleneglycol‐bis‐(β‐aminoethylether)N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid (EGTA) (1 mm) medium, noradrenaline evoked sustained contractions. Y‐27632 and HA 1077 caused a concentration‐dependent inhibition and complete relaxation (IC50, 1.08 and 1.75 μm respectively). The Ca2+‐free contraction was reduced by wortmannin (10 μm) or ML‐9 (10 μm) but not by inhibitors of diacylglycerol metabolism, 3‐[2‐[4[bis(4‐Fluoropheny)methylene]‐1‐piperidinyl]‐2,3‐dihydro‐2‐thioxi‐4(H)‐quinazolinone (R59949) (10 μm) or 1,6‐bis(cyclohexyloximinocarbonylamino)hexane (RHC‐80267) (10 μm) or by the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor, quinacrine (up to 100 μm) or tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein (30 μm). 3 In the presence of Ca2+ (2.5 mm), noradrenaline (100 μm) evoked rhythmic activity and biphasic tonic contractions. Y‐27632 (1–10 μm) or HA 1077 (1–10 μm) reduced the amplitude of rhythmic activity and tonic contractions. ML‐9 (10 μm) attenuated the occurrence of rhythmic activity and modestly reduced the tonic contractions. ML‐9 (10 μm) combined with Y‐27632 (10 μm) significantly reduced the tonic contractions. ML‐9 (30 μm) alone (or combined with Y‐27632 10 μm) suppressed the rhythmic activity and substantially reduced (or abolished) the tonic contractions. 4 Contractions evoked by high [K+]o (120 mm) or α,β‐methylene ATP (10 μm) were reduced significantly by Y‐27632 (1–3 μm) indicating that the Rho kinase signalling pathway is activated by direct tissue depolarization or by stimulation of ligand‐gated P2X purinoceptors. 5 Collectively, these results indicate that Ca2+‐sensitization mediated by Rho kinase is involved in agonist‐ or depolarization‐induced contraction of rat epididymal vas deferens. It is the major contractile mechanism underlying noradrenaline‐induced Ca2+‐free responses. It contributes to Ca2+‐dependent rhythmic contractility and optimizes the development of full contractile tension triggered through calmodulin/MLCK activation by stimulated influx of Ca2+.
Dopamine plasma membrane transporter (DAT) in rat thymus and spleen: an immunochemical and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Mignini F. , Traini E. , Tomassoni D. , Amenta F. 
Published: March 2006

Summary1 The expression of the dopamine plasma membrane transporter (DAT) was investigated in rat thymus and spleen by immunochemical and immunohistochemical techniques.2 Antibodies raised against a peptide mapping near the amino terminus of DAT were bound to a single band of approximately 76 kDa in thymus and spleen membranes as well as in striatal and kidney membranes which were used as dopaminergic reference tissues.3  Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that both thymus and spleen expressed DAT mRNA.4 Immunohistochemistry revealed in rat thymus a DAT immune reaction in the wall of arteries located in septa of connective tissue as well as in the medulla, with a reticular localization and an apparent negative reaction of thymocytes.5 In the spleen, DAT immunoreactivity was located primarily in the red‐white pulp marginal zone, within small cells, likely corresponding to lymphocytes and in the wall of white pulp arteries.6 The presence of a dopamine transporter suggests that dopamine released in the lymphoid microenvironment may contribute to neuroimmune modulation. It cannot be excluded a different activity of dopamine in primary and secondary immune organs, such as maturation and selection of lymphocytes and activation of immune responses in the spleen.
Radioligand binding and functional responses of ligands for human recombinant adenosine A3receptors
Authors: Yates L. , Clark J. H. , Martin T. J. , James S. , Broadley K. J. , Kidd E. J. 
Published: March 2006

Summary1 The binding and functional properties of adenosine receptor ligands were compared in Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with human adenosine A3receptors. Inhibition of [125I]‐aminobenzyl‐5′‐N‐methylcarboamidoadenosine ([125I]‐AB‐MECA) binding by adenosine receptor ligands was examined in membrane preparations. Inhibition of forskolin‐induced cAMP accumulation by agonists was measured using a cAMP enzyme immunoassay.2 The rank order of agonist potency for both assays wasN6‐(3‐iodobenzyl)‐adenosine‐5′‐N‐methyluronamide (IB‐MECA) > 5′‐N‐ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) > (−)‐N6‐[(R)‐phenylisopropyl] adenosine (R‐PIA) > 4‐aminobenzyl‐5′‐N‐methylcarboxamidoadenosine (AB‐MECA) > N6‐cyclopentyl adenosine (CPA) > adenosine. The radioligand binding rank order of antagonist potency wasN‐[9‐chloro‐2‐(2‐furanyl)[1,2,4]‐triazolo[1,5‐c]quinazolin‐5‐benzeneacetamide (MRS1220) > 1,3‐dipropyl‐8‐cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) > 8‐phenyltheophylline (8‐PT) > 8‐(p‐sulfophenyl)‐theophylline (8‐SPT). MRS1220 competitively inhibited the effect of IB‐MECA on cAMP production, with aKBvalue of 0.35 nm. These data are characteristic of adenosine A3receptors.3 The absence of Mg2+and presence of guanosine 5′‐(γ‐thio)triphosphate (GTPγS) significantly reduced agonist binding inhibition potency, indicating binding to high‐ and low‐affinity states. The IB‐MECA, NECA and R‐PIA IC50values were greater for the cAMP assay than for radioligand binding, suggesting an efficient stimulus–response transduction pathway.
Gender and United States Citizenship in Nation and Empire
Authors: McKenzie Beatrice 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIn the past twenty years, women’s history, ethnic studies, colonial studies, and labor history have so impacted the field of gender and citizenship that most new scholarship successfully incorporates issues of race, gender and, to a lesser extent, class. The study of sexuality and the impact of globalization on citizenship are important new directions for the field. A deep theoretical divide exists between those who believe that American citizenship has become progressively more inclusive over time and those who believe citizenship is based upon the exclusion of some to the detriment of all.
Women, Gender, and Rulership in Medieval Italy
Authors: Hurlburt Holly S. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis article addresses the multifaceted relationship between women and political power on the Italian peninsula during the emergence, flourishing and struggles of local powers, both communes and principalities. Natal and marital ties, widowhood, regency, intercession, patronage, and ritual were some of the devices by which women in this era of political changeability helped to forge political alliances, and ruled, represented, and influenced ruling bodies.
Blood flow to the promontory in cochlear otosclerosis
Authors: Nakashima T. , Sone M. , Fujii H. , Teranishi M. , Yamamoto H. , Otake H. , Sugiura M. , Naganawa S. 
Published: March 2006

Objective:  To investigate Schwartze sign with measurements of blood flow to the promontory in patients with cochlear otosclerosis.Design:  Prospective clinical study.Setting:  Tertiary referral centre.Participants:  Five patients with cochlear otosclerosis and five control subjects. Significant decalcification around the cochlea was observed by computed tomography (CT) in patients with cochlear otosclerosis. However, no recognizable lesion was observed at the oval window in two patients. One patient had mixed hearing loss and four patients had sensorineural hearing loss without an air–bone gap.Main outcome measures:  The relationship between CT findings and the presence or absence of Schwartze sign was investigated. Blood flow to the promontory was measured through the tympanic membrane using laser speckle flowgraphy and laser Doppler flowmetry.Results:  The Schwartze sign correlated significantly with otosclerotic lesions invading the promontory. Patients with otosclerosis exhibited elevated and pulsating blood flow to the promontory with the Schwartze sign.Conclusions:  Computed tomography demonstrated that cochlear otosclerosis can exist without the oval window lesion. Schwartze sign can be used as a sign of the otosclerotic invasion to the promontory. The reddening of the Schwartze sign is likely due to increased blood flow.
How we do it: Technical note: endoscopic removal of cerumen
Authors: Pothier D.D. 
Published: March 2006

Keypoints• Syringing of ears to remove cerumen is losing favour in primary care owing to the fact that it is carried out ‘blind’ and that the potential exists for serious complications.• Dewaxing under direct vision is difficult without a microscope.• A technique is described where wax is removed under direct vision using a rigid endoscope in conjunction with a Jobson–Horne probe and St Bartholomew's wax hook.• This is a relatively inexpensive technique that could be introduced to primary care practitioners or to ENT surgeons who do not have easy access to an operating microscope in the outpatient department.
Total serum IgE and IgE antibodies specific to house dust mite found in two aged‐matched cohorts of children with and without otitis media with effusion
Authors: Coulson C.J. , Drake‐Lee A.B. , Plant T. , Drayson M.T. 
Published: March 2006

Objectives:  To determine whether otitis media with effusion (OME) is associated with elevated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgE specific for house dust mite.Design:  Forty‐seven children who had evidence of bilateral OME, both otoscopically and on tympanometry, on two separate occasions, 3 months apart were admitted for ventilation tubes. Forty‐eight children admitted for minor eye surgery who had otoscopically normal ears and no history of middle ear problems were used as controls. Bloods samples were taken under anaesthesia. Total IgE and IgE radioallergosorbent test (RAST) to house dust mite was measured by the Pharmacia Unicap 100 system. The results from the two groups were compared.Setting:  Birmingham Children's Hospital.Participants:  Children between the ages of 3 and 10. Children with Down's syndrome, cleft lip and palate, ciliary abnormalities, known immunodeficiencies and cardiac abnormalities were excluded.Main outcome measures:  Total IgE and RAST to house dust mite. A RAST of >0.35 was taken to be positive.Results:  There was no statistical difference between the control and study groups for the total IgE. Six children from both study and control groups had a raised house dust mite RAST. There was no difference in the levels between either group.Conclusions:  Our findings indicate that there is no direct relationship between OME and biochemical evidence of allergy, specifically to house dust mite.
A review of sinonasal outcome scoring systems – which is best?
Authors: Morley A.D. , Sharp H.R. 
Published: March 2006

Keypoints• In patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis, there is a lack of a universally accepted system for the evaluation of outcome.• This makes critical comparison between results less meaningful.• To determine the most suitable sinonasal outcome scoring system for use in our own practice, we reviewed the available literature and known systems in existence.• We analysed 15 known disease‐specific sinonasal outcome indices with emphasis on reliability, validity and responsiveness.• We concluded by choosing one quality of life outcome tool for our departmental use, the Sinonasal Outcome Test‐22, due to its reliability, validity, responsiveness and ease of use.• It has been validated to distinguish between disease‐affected patient groups and those without rhinosinusitis, demonstrate a worse score if the condition gets worse and show an appropriateness of items and scales in the questionnaire. This has been demonstrated in 3128 British patients.
A randomized controlled trial: is water better than a standard lubricant in nasendoscopy?
Authors: Pothier D.D. , Raghava N. , Monteiro P. , Awad Z. 
Published: March 2006

Objectives:  Previous studies have shown that nasendoscopy is made easier with the use of lubrication at the expense of the quality of the view obtained, but had no effect on the discomfort or pain experienced by the patient. We set out to determine whether the advantages of lubrication with a standard lubricant (KY Jelly) could be achieved by using water, without incurring the same disadvantages.Design:  Single blind randomized controlled trial.Setting:  Outpatient Departments at two District General Hospitals.Participants:  One hundred and fifty participants selected sequentially from patients requiring a nasendoscopy where the endoscope would be passed far enough to view the larynx. Patients requiring topical anaesthetic were excluded.Methods:  Patients were randomly assigned to have either water or standard lubricant applied to the nasendosope prior to nasendoscopy. Levels of pain experienced by the patient were recorded on a visual analogue score as well as visual analogue scores from the clinician for the levels of difficulty in passing the endoscope. All participants who were entered the study completed the study. Endoscopy was performed by all grades of medical staff.Main outcome measures:  Levels of pain experienced by the participants were assessed by a visual analogue scale. Difficulty of passing the scope was indicated by the endoscopist using a visual analogue scale, as was the quality of image obtained.Results:  Endoscopists found the insertion of the endoscope was easier and the image better when water was used rather than KY Jelly. There was no significant difference in reported in levels of pain experienced by the patient.Conclusion:  Although the use of water as a lubricant during nasendoscopy confers no additional benefit in term of the levels of pain suffered by patients during the procedure, it makes the insertion of the endoscope easier and provides a better quality image than standard lubrication.
Randomized‐controlled study comparing post‐operative pain between coblation palatoplasty and laser palatoplasty1
Authors: A. Belloso , P. Morar , J. Tahery , K. Saravanan , A. Nigam , M.S. Timms 
Published: March 2006

Objectives:  This study aimed to evaluate differences in post‐operative pain comparing KTP laser‐assisted uvulopalatoplasty without tonsillectomy (LAUP) with a new described surgical method: coblation uvulopalatoplasty with tonsillectomy (CP). We also evaluate the impact of each surgical technique in reduction of snoring loudness.Material and methods:  Single blind randomized‐controlled trial. From a population of 41 consecutive patients on the waiting list for uvulopalatoplasty for simple snoring, the study group was reduced to 17 CP and 13 LAUP. Post‐operative pain and reduction of snoring loudness were recorded using visual analogue scales (VAS) during the first 15 post‐operative days. Post‐operative snoring loudness was documented for 1‐year period.Results:  Both groups had similar post‐operative pain during the first seven post‐operative days. A statistically significant reduction in post‐operative pain was observed in the CP group after day 8, and maintained until the end of the study. Reduction of snoring loudness was significant in both groups, but no differences were observed between them.Discussion:  Coblation uvulopalatoplasty compared with LAUP demonstrates a reduction in post‐operative pain, significant after the first post‐operative week. The collateral thermal injury caused by laser is responsible for the slow‐healing rate and maintained post‐operative pain. Coblation dissociates tissue at lower temperatures with minimal collateral thermal injury and consequently faster and less painful recovery. Both surgical procedures have significant and similar reduction in snoring loudness.Conclusions:  Both methods are adequate treatment options for snoring. The less painful recovery in CP promotes this surgical technique as our preferred choice for palate surgery.
A Unit Cube-Based Model for Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow in Porous
Carbon Foam
Authors: Yu Qijun , Thompson Brian E. , Straatman Anthony G. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
A unit-cube geometry model is proposed to characterize the internal structure of porous carbon foam. The unit-cube model is based on interconnected sphere-centered cubes, where the interconnected spheres represent the fluid or void phase. The unit-cube model is used to derive all of the geometric parameters required to calculate the heat transfer and flow through the porous foam. An expression for the effective thermal conductivity is derived based on the unit-cube geometry. Validations show that the conductivity model gives excellent predictions of the effective conductivity as a function of porosity. When combined with existing expressions for the pore-level Nusselt number, the proposed model also yields reasonable predictions of the internal convective heat transfer, but estimates could be improved if a Nusselt number expression for a spherical void phase material were available. Estimates of the fluid pressure drop are shown to be well-described using the Darcy-Forchhiemer law, however, further exploration is required to understand how the permeability and Forchhiemer coefficients vary as a function of porosity and pore diameter.
Sports and recreational injuries: regional rural injury study-II: impact on agricultural households and operations
Authors: Kurszewski L S , Gerberich S G , Serfass R C , Ryan A D , Renier C M , Alexander B H , Carlson K Ferguson , Masten A S 
Published: March 2006

Objectives:To identify the incidence, severity, and potential risk factors for sports/recreational injuries incurred by children and adults in a five state, rural, Midwest, agricultural household population.Methods:Computer assisted telephone interviews that included questions about all injuries were completed for eligible, participating households for 1999; 16 538 people participated, including 8488 children less than 20 years of age. Rates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and causal models guided multivariate models.Results:Of a total of 2586 injuries, 1301 (50%) were not related to agricultural activity. Among these, 733 (28%) were associated with sports/recreational activities including multiple person sports (64%), general play activities (19%), and single person sports (14%). The overall rate was 46.4 injury events per 1000 persons per year. Rates for children were 99.4 for boys and 64.3 for girls. For adults (aged 20 and above), rates were 11.9 for men and 4.8 for women. For children, 93% received health care, 44% were restricted for seven or more days, and 18% lost agricultural work time of seven or more days; the respective proportions for adults were 88%, 45%, and 17%. Multivariate analysis for children showed increased risks for Nebraska residents, males, and those 10–14 or 15–19 years. For adults, increased risks were identified for males and those 20–24 years; decreased risks were observed for Nebraska residents and those 45–54 years.Conclusions:Sports/recreational activities are an important source of injury with relevant consequences for this population, including significant restricted daily activity and lost agricultural work time. Key findings provide a basis for further study to address these burdens.
Preload maintenance protects against a depression in left ventricular systolic, but not diastolic, function immediately after ultraendurance exercise
Authors: Hassan M Y , Noakes T D , Berlyn P , Shave R , George K 
Published: March 2006

Objective:To investigate indices of left ventricular (LV) function before and after a 224 km Ironman triathlon, specifically in the presence of unaltered haemodynamic loading.Method:LV loading and function were assessed before and after the race using M mode and Doppler echocardiography in 39 (mean (SD) age 33 (8) years, body mass 77.6 (8.6) kg; 36 male) triathletes in the Trendelenburg position. Specifically left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV) was assessed to estimate preload, and systolic blood pressure to estimate afterload as well as heart rate (HR). Systolic functional indices included ejection fraction (EF) and the end systolic pressure/volume ratio (ESPV), and diastolic functional indices included peak mitral flow velocity in early (E) and atrial (A) filling as well as the ratio E/A. Data obtained before and after the race were compared byttests, and delta LV functional indices were correlated with delta heart rate.Results:Preload (LVEDV: 143 (34) ml beforev147 (34) ml after) and afterload (systolic blood pressure 121 (13)v115 (20) mm Hg) were not significantly altered after the race (p>0.05), nor were EF (61 (8)%v58 (10)%) and ESPV (2.4 (0.9)v2.1 (0.8) mm Hg/cm3). The diastolic filling ratio E/A was significantly reduced after the race (1.73 (0.25)v1.54 (0.23); p<0.05) due primarily to a reduction in E. HR was significantly higher after the race (57 (9)v75 (8) beats/min; p<0.05), but delta HR was not related to delta E/A (p>0.05).Conclusion:When preload and afterload are unaltered after the race, because of the adoption of a unique assessment posture, LV systolic function is not depressed. A depression in LV diastolic function persists which is not explained by an increase in heart rate after the race.
Clinical utility of blood tests in elite athletes with short term fatigue
Authors: Fallon K E 
Published: March 2006

Objective:To determine, in a population of elite athletes at their initial presentation with tiredness or fatigue, whether a set of haematological and biochemical investigations enhances the diagnostic process over and above the information gained from clinical history and examination.Methods:A sequential series of 50 elite athletes were studied at the initial consultation for a primary complaint of fatigue, tiredness, or a synonym thereof. A standardised clinical history, physical examination, and series of haematological and biochemical test were performed. The effects of the results of the blood tests on the diagnosis made after the clinical history and examination were examined.Results:In only one case did the test results lead to an alteration in diagnosis. Physical examination did not provide any findings that would not have been suspected from the history, except for a number of incidental findings not relevant to the presenting symptom.Discussion:In cases of short term fatigue in elite athletes, a thorough clinical history is mandatory. Physical examination is unlikely to reveal any findings not suspected from the history. Routine ordering of a panel of blood tests at the initial consultation should be discouraged. Unless specifically indicated by the history and examination, investigations are not required at the initial consultation.