bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of gap junctions by nitric oxide contributes to the anti‐arrhythmic effect of sodium nitroprusside?
Authors: Gönczi Márton , Papp Rita , Kovács Mária , Seprényi György , Végh Ágnes 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Nitric oxide (NO) donors provide a preconditioning‐like anti‐arrhythmic protection in the anaesthetized dog. As NO may modulate gap junction (GJ) function, the present study investigated whether this anti‐arrhythmic effect is due to a modification of GJs by NO, derived from the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP).Experimental approach:  In chloralose‐urethane‐anaesthetized, open‐chest dogs, either saline (controls; n= 11) or SNP (0.2 µg·kg−1·min−1; n= 10) was infused at a rate of 0.5 mL·min−1 by the intracoronary route. The infusions were started 20 min prior to and maintained throughout the entire 60 min occlusion period of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The severity of ischaemia and of arrhythmias, tissue electrical impedance and permeability, as well as the phosphorylation of connexin43, were assessed.Key results:  Compared with the controls, SNP infusion markedly suppressed the total number of ventricular premature beats (666 ± 202 vs. 49 ± 18; P < 0.05), and the number of ventricular tachycardiac episodes (8.1 ± 2.3 vs. 0.2 ± 0.1; P < 0.05) without significantly modifying the incidence of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. The severity of ischaemia (epicardial ST‐segment changes, inhomogeneity of electrical activation) and tissue electrical impedance changes were significantly less in the SNP‐treated dogs. SNP improved GJ permeability and preserved the phosphorylated form of connexin43.Conclusion and implications:  The anti‐arrhythmic protection resulting from SNP infusion in the anaesthethized dog may, in part, be associated with the modulation of gap junctional function by NO.
CHF5074, a novel γ‐secretase modulator, attenuates brain β‐amyloid pathology and learning deficit in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Imbimbo BP , Hutter‐Paier B , Villetti G , Facchinetti F , Cenacchi V , Volta R , Lanzillotta A , Pizzi M , Windisch M 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  We evaluated the effects of 1‐(3′,4′‐dichloro‐2‐fluoro[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐yl)‐cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (CHF5074), a new γ‐secretase modulator, on brain β‐amyloid pathology and spatial memory in transgenic mice expressing the Swedish and London mutations of human amyloid precursor protein (hAPP).Experimental approach:  Sixty 6‐month‐old hAPP mice were treated for 6 months with CHF5074 or ibuprofen (375 ppm in the diet) or standard diet. Twenty‐one wild‐type mice received standard diet.Key results:  Compared with transgenic controls, CHF5074 treatment significantly reduced the area occupied by plaques in cortex (P = 0.003) and hippocampus (P = 0.004). The number of plaques were also reduced by CHF5074 in both cortex (P = 0.022) and hippocampus (P = 0.005). Plaque‐associated microglia in CHF5074‐treated animals was lower than in transgenic controls in cortex (P = 0.008) and hippocampus (P = 0.002). Ibuprofen treatment significantly reduced microglia area in cortex and hippocampus but not β‐amyloid burden. On the last day of the Morris water maze, transgenic controls performed significantly worse than the non‐transgenic animals and the CHF5074‐treated transgenic mice, on the swimming path to reach the hidden platform. Ibuprofen‐treated animals did not perform significantly better than transgenic controls.Conclusions and implications:  Chronic CHF5074 treatment reduced brain β‐amyloid burden, associated microglia inflammation and attenuated spatial memory deficit in hAPP mice. This novel γ‐secretase modulator is a promising therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease.
Oral rapamycin attenuates inflammation and enhances stability of atherosclerotic plaques in rabbits independent of serum lipid levels
Authors: Chen Wen Qiang , Zhong Lin , Zhang Lei , Ji Xiao Ping , Zhang Mei , Zhao Yu Xia , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Yun 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Atherosclerotic plaque rupture and thrombosis are the main cause of acute coronary syndrome. The study was aimed to test the hypothesis that oral administration of rapamycin may attenuate inflammation, inhibit progression and enhance stability of atherosclerotic plaques.Experimental approach:  Thirty New Zealand rabbits were subjected to balloon‐induced endothelial injury of the abdominal aorta and were fed a diet of 1% cholesterol for 20 weeks. From week 9 to week 20, the animals were treated with oral rapamycin (0.5 mg·kg−1·day−1; group A), oral simvastatin (5 mg·kg−1·day−1; group B) and no drugs (group C). At the end of week 20, all rabbits were challenged with injection of Chinese Russell's viper venom and histamine. Serological, ultrasonographic, pathological, immunohistochemical and gene expression studies were performed.Key results:  Rapamycin significantly increased the thickness of the fibrous caps and decreased plaque vulnerability index in group A rabbits. Serum lipid levels were higher whereas plaque burden was lower in group A than in group B (P < 0.05). The incidence of plaque rupture in group A (0%) and group B (0%) was significantly lower than that in group C (56.0%, P < 0.05).Conclusions and implications:  Oral administration of rapamycin effectively attenuated inflammation, inhibited progression and enhanced stability of atherosclerotic plaques in rabbits, without altering serum lipid levels. Our findings suggest a novel approach to the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Experiences of intensive care unit diaries: ‘touching a tender wound’
Authors: Engström Åsa , Grip Kristin , Hamrén Mikaela 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to describe peoples’ experiences of a personal diary written when they were critically ill and receiving care in an intensive care unit (ICU).Background:  In some ICUs, diaries are written by the ICU staff and close relatives of those who are critically ill and mechanically ventilated, but there is a lack of studies that focus on the experiences of the formerly critically ill of personal diaries written when in an ICU.Methods:  Qualitative personal interviews were conducted with nine people who were formerly critically ill. The interview texts were analysed using qualitative content analysis.Findings:  From the analysis of the data, one theme emerged – touching a tender wound, with four categories: being afraid and being deeply touched, appreciating close relatives’ notes, a feeling of unreality and gaining coherence. The participants were deeply touched when they read the diary for the first time. Parts of it were experienced as unreal, as if they were reading about someone else. The diary provided necessary knowledge about what had happened during the time when the participants were critically ill and from which they had only fragmented or no memories at all. Even though it aroused strong feelings, reading the diary was experienced as an important support for a long time after their stay in the ICU. Experiencing that one was not fully aware of what had happened and then reading about oneself being critically ill and about one’s close relatives’ experiences was interpreted as touching a tender wound.Conclusions and relevance to clinical practice:  It is suggested that a diary may be a tool that can help formerly critically ill people to gain a sense of coherence concerning their critical illness experience, but reading it can be painful and demanding.
Advancing practice in critical care: a model of knowledge integration
Authors: Christensen Martin 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAim: The aim of this paper was to discuss the potential development of a conceptual model of knowledge integration pertinent to critical care nursing practice. A review of the literature identified that reflective practice appeared to be at the forefront of professional development.Background: It could be argued that advancing practice in critical care has been superseded by the advanced practice agenda. Some would suggest that advancing practice is focused on the core attributes of an individual’s practice, which then leads onto advanced practice status. However, advancing practice is more of a process than identifiable skills and as such is often negated when viewing the development of practitioners to the advanced practice level. For example, practice development initiatives can be seen as advancing practice for the masses, which ensures that practitioners are following the same level and practice of care. The question here is, are they developing individually?Relevance to clinical practice: What this paper presents is that reflection may not be best suited to advancing practice if the individual practitioner does not have a sound knowledge base both theoretically and experientially. The knowledge integration model presented in this study uses multiple learning strategies that are focused in practice to develop practice, e.g. the use of work‐based learning and clinical supervision. To demonstrate the models application, an exemplar of an issue from practice shows its relevance from a practical perspective.Conclusions: In conclusion, further knowledge acquisition and its relationship with previously held theory and experience will enable individual practitioners to advance their own practice as well as being a resource for others.
Home‐Based Injury Prevention Practices Used by Mothers of Mexican Descent Living in San Antonio, TX
Authors: Gallagher Martina R. , Reifsnider Elizabeth , Gill Sara 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT
Purpose: To describe the home‐based injury prevention practices used by low‐income mothers of Mexican descent with their preschool children.Design and sample: A descriptive qualitative study with convenience sampling of mothers (n=9) who are of Mexican descent and have preschool children.Method: Data collection consisted of ethnographic interviews supplemented by focused home observations.Results: 2 themes emerged from the data: the spectrum of physical proximity and the use of injury prevention technology. The spectrum of physical proximity reflected the degree of physical closeness (i.e., supervising children, watching children closely, and being after children) that the mothers used to manage injury risk in their children. Children who were perceived as curious or restless, or too young were judged by the mothers as being prone to injury and requiring more maternal physical closeness. The participants used the injury prevention technology recommended by the experts despite their limited economic resources. However, this group of mothers used the spectrum of physical proximity as the main tool to prevent child injuries in their home.Conclusion: These findings provide an insight into the attitudes and behaviors of low‐income, Mexican mothers toward injury prevention in the home. Awareness of these attitudes and behaviors will allow for the creation of interventions that take into account this maternal perspective.
Teacher Characteristics and Knowledge of Asthma
Authors: Getch Yvette Q. , Neuharth‐Pritchett Stacey 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT
Objectives: We explored the characteristics of teachers and their knowledge of asthma and its management in elementary and middle‐school classrooms.Design: Teachers completed the Georgia Public School Teachers' Asthma Knowledge and Perception Survey.Sample: The study sample consisted of 593 elementary (n=291) and middle‐school teachers (n=302) from Georgia.Methods: Participants were asked to complete a survey on asthma knowledge. Data were analyzed to examine differences among elementary‐ and middle‐school teachers, teachers' level of educational attainment, teachers' chronic medical condition, and teachers' asthma status.Results: Middle‐school teachers were more knowledgeable about asthma than elementary teachers. No differences were found among teachers based on their level of educational attainment. Most teachers strongly agreed that asthma could not be cured, but managed. Teachers with chronic illnesses were more knowledgeable than those without a chronic illness and teachers who had asthma were the most knowledgeable about asthma and its management.Conclusions: Teacher knowledge of asthma and its management was low among all teachers regardless of educational attainment, health status, or whether teachers taught at elementary or middle‐school levels.
The Relationship Between Children's Locus of Control and Their Anticipatory Anxiety
Authors: Li Ho Cheung William , Chung Oi Kwan Joyce 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT
Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between children's locus of control and their state anxiety scores, and determined whether children's locus of control could predict their state anxiety scores before academic examinations.Design: A test‐retest within subjects design was used.Sample: 519 school children were invited to participate in the study.Measurements: Participants were asked to respond to the Chinese version of the Nowicki‐Strickland locus of control scale and state anxiety scale for children in stressful and nonstressful situations. The data were collected in 2005.Results: There were significant strong positive correlations between the state anxiety and locus of control scores in the period before academic examinations. Multiple regression analysis showed that the Nowicki‐Strickland locus of control score was a good predictor of children's state anxiety in a stressful situation.Conclusions: This study supports the use of the Nowicki‐Strickland locus of control scale as a screening tool to identify school children who are most likely to exhibit high levels of anxiety before academic examinations. Understanding children's locus of control in advance is a necessary step toward designing appropriate interventions to reduce their stress and bolster their coping mechanisms.
Providers' Experiences with Young People's Cognitive Representations and Emotions Related to the Prevention and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Royer Heather R. , Zahner Susan J. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT
Objective: The Common Sense Model (CSM) was used as the organizing framework to examine providers' experiences with young people's cognitive representations and emotions related to the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study was conducted to develop insights into potential avenues for enhancing the effectiveness of STI education and counseling for young people.Design: This was a qualitative investigation using semi‐structured focus group interviews.Sample: The 5 focus groups were comprised of 30 providers of STI education and counseling: public health nurses, peer educators, and nurse practitioners.Measurement: Content of transcribed focus group interviews was coded using a predetermined coding scheme based on the five dimensions of representational beliefs and emotions defined by the CSM.Results: The providers identified that young people hold a number of STI misconceptions within each dimensions of the CSM. Anger and embarrassment about STIs are common emotions experienced by young people.Conclusions: This investigation suggests that providers are able to elicit and identify STI‐related misconceptions held by young people, and that the CSM model is a useful classification method. Identifying misconceptions could be useful in developing tailored STI education and counseling interventions by public health nurses.
Reduction of Allodynia by Intrathecal Transplantation of Microencapsulated Porcine Chromaffin Cells
Authors: Kim Yu Mi , Kwak Kyung Hwa , Lim Jeong Ok , Baek Woon Yi 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBovine chromaffin cells (BCCs) are well known to have analgesic effect to reduce acute or chronic pain when transplanted in the subarachnoid space and have been considered as an alternative therapy for pain management. However, due to recent concerns over risks associated with prion transmission, porcine tissue is considered to be an alternate xenogeneic source for clinical use. In the present study, we investigated whether microencapsulated porcine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells (PCCs) also have analgesic effect to reduce allodynia caused by neuropathic pain in chronic constriction injury model of rat. PCCs were isolated from a porcine adrenal medulla and then microencapsulated with alginate and poly. In in vitro tests, the microencapsulated PCCs were investigated whether they have an ability to release catecholamines responding to nicotine stimulation. The levels of catecholamines released from the microencapsulated PCCs were significantly higher than from microencapsulated BCCs. In addition, the microencapsulated PCCs released catecholamines and met‐enkephalin responding to cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) retrieved from a neuropathic pain model. In in vivo tests, implantation of microencapsulated PCCs reduced both mechanical and cold allodynia in chronic constriction injury model of a rat whereas the microencapsulated BCCs reduced only cold allodynia under the same conditions. The injection of antagonist of opioid peptides reversed the reduction of cold allodynia in microencapsulated PCC‐received animal. The levels of catecholamines in the CSF of rats after implantation of microencapsulated PCCs were significantly higher than in the control group. These data suggest that microencapsulated PCCs may be another effective source for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
A Passive Magnetically and Hydrodynamically Suspended Rotary Blood Pump
Authors: Stoiber Martin , Grasl Christian , Pirker Stefan , Raderer Franz , Schistek Roland , Huber Leopold , Gittler Philipp , Schima Heinrich 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA combined hydrodynamic–magnetic bearing allows the design of rotary blood pumps that are not encumbered with mechanical bearings and magnets requiring sensors or electrical power. However, such pumps have so far needed very small and accurately manufactured gaps between rotor and housing to assure effective hydromagnetic bearing behavior. In order to use this concept in disposable pump heads, a design that allows larger rotor‐housing gaps, and thus larger manufacturing tolerances, is needed. A pump with passive magnetic bearings and a gap between rotor and housing in the range of 0.5 mm was designed. Numerical simulations were performed to optimize the rotor geometry at low levels of shear stress. An experimental test stand was used to find a range of speeds and gap settings that resulted in low levels of vibration and useful pressure–flow relationships. Three different rotor geometries were tested using a viscosity‐adjusted test fluid. Blood damage tests were conducted within the desirable range of speeds and gap settings. In this study stable pump performance was demonstrated at total gap widths between 0.3 and 0.7 mm at flows of 0–10 L/min, with afterloads up to 230 mm Hg. Best performance was achieved with rotors sliding on a fluid pillow between the rotor and the outer housing at a gap distance of 50 to 250 µm. The inner gap distance, between the rotor and the inner housing, could be as great as 500 µm. Hemolysis tests on the prototype within the chosen operating range showed lower values (NIH = 0.0029 ± 0.0012 g/100 L) than the Biomedicus BP‐80 pump (NIH = 0.0033 ± 0.0011 g/100 L). In conclusion, it is possible to build rotary blood pumps with passive hydromagnetic bearings that have large gaps between their rotors and housings. Rotor behavior is sensitive to the position of the permanent magnetic drive unit. To minimize vibration and blood damage, the fluid gaps and the rotational speed have to be adjusted according to the desired operating point of the pump. Further study is needed to optimize the magnetic drive unit and to ascertain its ability to withstand inertial loads imposed by sudden movements and external shock.
Assessment of a New Experimental Model of Isolated Right Ventricular Failure
Authors: Thomaz Petronio G. , Assad Renato S. , Abduch Maria C.D. , Marques Euclides , Aiello Vera D. , Stolf Noedir A.G. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe assessed a new experimental model of isolated right ventricular (RV) failure, achieved by means of intramyocardial injection of ethanol. RV dysfunction was induced in 13 mongrel dogs via multiple injections of 96% ethanol (total dose 1 mL/kg), all over the inlet and trabecular RV free walls. Hemodynamic and metabolic parameters were evaluated at baseline, after ethanol injection, and on the 14th postoperative day (POD). Echocardiographic parameters were evaluated at baseline, on the sixth POD, and on the 13th POD. The animals were then euthanized for histopathological analysis of the hearts. There was a 15.4% mortality rate. We noticed a decrease in pulmonary blood flow right after RV failure (P = 0.0018), as well as during reoperation on the 14th POD (P = 0.002). The induced RV dysfunction caused an increase in venous lactate levels immediately after ethanol injection and on the 14th POD (P < 0.0003). The echocardiogram revealed a decrease in the RV ejection fraction on the sixth and 13th PODs (P = 0.0001). There was an increased RV end‐diastolic volume on the sixth (P = 0.0001) and 13th PODs (P = 0.0084). The right ventricle showed a 74% ± 0.06% transmural infarction area, with necrotic lesions aged 14 days. Intramyocardial ethanol injection has allowed the creation of a reproducible and inexpensive model of RV failure. The hemodynamic, metabolic, and echocardiographic parameters assessed at different protocol times are compatible with severe RV failure. This model may be useful in understanding the pathophysiology of isolated right‐sided heart failure, as well as in the assessment of ventricular assist devices.
Efficacy and safety of eslicarbazepine acetate as adjunctive treatment in adults with refractory partial‐onset seizures: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group phase III study
Authors: Elger Christian , Halász Peter , Maia Joana , Almeida Luis , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício ,   on behalf of the BIA‐2093‐301 Investigators Study Group
Published: February 2009

SummaryPurpose:  To study the efficacy and safety of eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) as adjunctive therapy for refractory partial seizures in adults with ≥4 partial‐onset seizures (simple or complex, with or without secondary generalization) per 4 weeks despite treatment with 1–2 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).Methods:  This multicenter, parallel‐group study had an 8‐week, single‐blind, placebo baseline phase, after which patients were randomized to placebo (n = 102) or once‐daily ESL 400 mg (n = 100), 800 mg (n = 98), or 1,200 mg (n = 102) in the double‐blind treatment phase. ESL starting dose was 400 mg; thereafter, ESL was titrated at weekly 400‐mg steps to the full maintenance dose (12 weeks).Results:  Seizure frequency adjusted per 4 weeks over the maintenance period (primary endpoint) was significantly lower than placebo in the ESL 1,200‐mg (p = 0.0003) and 800‐mg (p = 0.0028) groups [analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) of log‐transformed seizure frequency]. Responder rate was 20% (placebo), 23% (400 mg), 34% (800 mg), and 43% (1,200 mg). Median relative reduction in seizure frequency was 16% (placebo), 26% (400 mg), 36% (800 mg), and 45% (1,200 mg). The most frequent concomitant AEDs were carbamazepine (56–62% of patients), lamotrigine (25–27%), and valproic acid (22–28%). Similar efficacy results were obtained in patients administered ESL with or without carbamazepine as concomitant AED. Discontinuation rates caused by adverse events (AEs) were 3.9% (placebo), 4% (400 mg), 8.2% (800 mg), and 19.6% (1,200 mg). AEs in >10% of any group were dizziness, headache, and diplopia. Most AEs were mild or moderate.Discussion:  ESL, 800 and 1,200 mg once‐daily, was well tolerated and more effective than placebo in patients who were refractory to treatment with one or two concomitant AEDs.