bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health needs of Hong Kong Chinese pregnant adolescents
Authors: Woo Helen , Twinn Sheila 
Published: December 2004

Background.  The outcomes of adolescent pregnancy have been associated with health risks such as obstetric complications and depression, and educational risks such as school dropout and reduced employment opportunities. These outcomes arise from a range of needs including perceived health needs, which are the focus of this paper.Aim.  This paper reports a study to identify the perceived needs of Hong Kong Chinese adolescents following confirmation of an unintended pregnancy.Methods.  An exploratory qualitative approach was used with a purposive sample of 10 Hong Kong Chinese pregnant adolescents. The study was undertaken during their stay in a non‐government organization maternal shelter. Semi‐structured interviews were used to explore adolescents’ perceptions of their psychological, social and health needs and the extent to which each of these needs was met.Findings.  Six major categories were identified within the context of need, of which three were related to health needs: acceptance of the pregnancy; psychological reactions to the pregnancy; and use of contraception and health advice.Conclusions.  The findings contribute to an understanding of the perceived health needs of Chinese adolescents, in particular those that are culturally determined. Implications for nursing practice indicate the significance of comprehensive health assessments and health promotion strategies to help adolescents increase their knowledge about sexual health and contraception.
Lifestyle factors for promoting bone health in older women
Authors: Sandison Rena , Gray Morag , Reid David M. 
Published: December 2004

Background.  It is accepted practice to recommend a calcium‐rich diet, weight‐bearing exercise, cessation of smoking and limited alcohol intake to promote bone health. Although one in three women over 50 years old are at risk of osteoporosis, the lifestyle practices of older women in Scotland are not well documented.Aim.  To investigate the lifestyle practices of a group of older women who had received lifestyle advice a year previously whilst participating in research identifying the individual risk of osteoporosis.Methods.  A mainly quantitative approach was taken from the perspective of the empirical–analytical paradigm. A descriptive survey research design was used and the primary method of data collection was postal questionnaire. Additional qualitative data obtained from a telephone interview of a small number of respondents were content analysed.Findings.  The questionnaire was sent to 320 women. The response rate was 92·5% (n = 296). The majority of women were non‐smokers, had no alcohol problems and were participating in regular weight‐bearing exercise. However, most had not been taking a calcium‐rich diet in the previous year, and only 21·2% (n = 58) had changed their diet following identification of risk of osteoporosis.Conclusion.  The findings in relation to diet, smoking, exercise and alcohol were supported by previous research. We recommend that further research with larger samples in the United Kingdom explores the reasons why older women do not have adequate calcium intake. A statistically significant finding was that women at high risk of osteoporosis were the least likely to have made changes in lifestyles. Further research is required to address the information needs and lifestyle practices of older women who are at high risk of osteoporosis.
Nitric oxide as neuromodulator of sympathetic transmission in rat vas deferens
Authors: Postorino A. , Vetri T. , Leggio L. , Serio R. , Bonvissuto F. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

Electrical field stimulation (EFS) of muscle strips in vitro elicited a tetrodotoxin (TTX)‐sensitive biphasic contractile response consisting of a phasic component followed by a tonic one.
The amplitude of both components of the response was impaired by Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine and potentiated by sodium nitroprusside. Cystamine caused a reduction in amplitude of both phasic and tonic componets of the response to EFS. Neither Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine, sodium nitroprusside, nor cystamine induced changes in the resting muscle tone, or in the contractile response to exogenous agonists ATP and noradrenaline (NA).
The nitric oxide scavenger, 2‐phenyl‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide, induced a reduction in amplitude of both components of the response to EFS.
These results reveal a facilitatory prejunctional modulatory role for nitric oxide in sympathetic neurotransmission in rat vas deferens. Endogenous nitric oxide released in the extracellular space is presumed to potentiate neurotransmission by acting at prejunctional level via cGMP.
Functional evaluation of 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor activity in rat resistance vessels
Authors: Potenza M. A. , Serio M. , Montagnani M. , Mansi G. , Rinaldi R. , Genualdo M. , Mitolo‐Chieppa D. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

To characterize 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) receptors in rat perfused mesenteric vascular bed (MVB), the effect of 5‐HT and related compounds was investigated by functional assay.
In quiescent preparations, 5‐HT elicited a concentration‐dependent conctractile response. After addition of ketanserin, a 5‐HT2 receptor antagonist, EC50 values were significantly higher than in controls.
In noradrenaline (NA)‐precontracted preparations, under continuous infusion of ketanserin, 5‐HT, 5‐carboxamidotryptamine (5‐CT) and sumatriptan produced relaxation. Their rank order of relaxant potency and maximum effect were sumatriptan > 5‐HT > 5‐CT. Methysergide (1 μM) and spiperone (20–100 nM) caused a rightward shift of the relaxation curve to sumatriptan. These data suggest that vasodilatation in rat MVB is mediated by an ‘atypical’ subtype of 5‐HT1‐like receptor, which reveals a pharmacological profile similar to that of the 5‐HT1D receptor. The involvement of both 5‐HT3 and 5‐HT4 receptors can be ruled out, since tropisetron (up to 10 μM) was not able to antagonize the relaxant effect by sumatriptan.
Under granisetron infusion (3 μM), the contractile response evoked by perivascular nervous stimulation, but not exogenous NA contraction, was significantly reduced (P < 0.001). These data demonstrate the presence of 5‐HT3 receptors in peripheral neurones, modulating neurotransmitters release.
The L‐arginine inhibition of rat middle cerebral artery contractile responses is mediated by inducible nitric oxide synthase
Authors: Alonso M. J. , Rodríguez‐Martínez M. A. , Martínez‐Orgado J. , Marín J. , Salaices M. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

The effect of L‐arginine (L‐Arg), the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) substrate on the responses to prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α, 10 μM) and K+ (120 mM) in rat middle cerebral artery (MCA) segments was analysed.
PGF2α induced a stable contraction of 0.35 ± 0.06 mN mm−1; the subsequent addition of bradykinin (BK, 1 μM) produced a relaxation of 42 ± 9% of the PGF2α‐induced tone. K+ induced a response consisting of a rapid basal tone increase (1.42 ± 0.16 mN mm−1) followed by a decrease to a stable phase (1.24 ± 0.15 mN mm−1).
L‐Arg (0.1 mM), but not D‐Arg, decreased the basal tone and reduced the contraction to PGF2α in segments with and without endothelium. The contractile response to K+ was also reduced and not maintained in the presence of L‐Arg.
The inhibitory effect of L‐Arg on the PGF2α‐ and K+ ‐induced contractions was completely reversed by the NOS inhibitor, NG‐monomethyl ‐L‐arginine (L‐NMMA, 0.1 mM).
Pre‐incubation of segment with dexamethasome (1 μM), to inhibit inducible NOS (iNOS), or with the antibiotic polymyxin B (10 μg ml−1) reduced the L‐Arg inhibition, whereas it was increased by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 ng ml−1), an inductor of iNOS. L‐NMMA antagonized the effects of dexamethasone and LPS.
The present results suggest that L‐Arg inhibition of the PGF2α‐ and K+ ‐induced contractions in rat MCA is the result of NO synthesis by iNOS stimulation.
Quantitative changes in pharmacodynamic parameters of noradrenaline in different rat aorta preparation: influence of endogenous EDRF
Authors: Zonta F. , Barbieri A. , Reguzzoni M. , Calligaro A. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

The aim of the present study was to assess the role of endothelia cells in the modulation of vasocontractile responses to noradrenaline in rat isolated aorta when cut as standard helical strips or as ring segments.
Noradrenaline‐potency in helical strip preparations evaluated as –logEC50 was greater than that obtained in endothelium‐intact ring preparations (9.45 ± 0.28 versus 8.69 ± 0.09, respectively) (P < 0.05). The maximum contractile response of helical strips was significantly higher than the response of ring preparations (P < 0.05).
Subsequent experiments were performed on helical strips and ring preparations where the endothelium was removed by rubbing the luminal surface of the aorta with filter paper. Removal of the endothelium potentiated the noradrenaline‐induced contraction in ring preparations, but not in the helical strips.
The nitric oxide synthase inhibitors L‐NAME (3 × 10−5−3 × 10−4 M) or L‐NNA (1 × 104–3 × 10−4 M) which were added to the tissue bath potentiated the noradrenaline‐induced contraction in the endothelium‐intact ring preparations, although only L‐NNA induced a statistically significant potentiation. Both L‐NAME and L‐NNA had no effect on the noradrenaline‐contraction induced in rings without endothelium, or in helical strips with or without endothelium.
Vascular acetylcholine‐induced relaxation is dependent on endothelium derived relaxing factor (nitric oxide). Acetylcholine (10−9–10−6 M) induced a concentration‐dependent relaxation in noradrenaline preconstricted intact rings. The relaxant response was strongly reduced by L‐NAME (3 × 10−5–1 × 10−4 M). The relaxant response to acetylcholine was very weak in ring and helical strip preparations without endothelium, but also, surprisingly, in unrubbed standard helical strips.
The present results suggest that the endothelium of standard helical strip preparations may be greatly damaged, a view confirmed by morphological studies. The structural and functional damage of the endothelium induced very important changes in pharmacodynamic parameters such as in the potency and the maximal responses of vascular preparations to noradrenaline. Therefore, caution must be observed when the potency and intrinsic activity of agonists evaluated on different preparations are compared, even if these come from the same vascular segment.
Differential effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline on the hepatic expression of immediate early genes in mice
Authors: Im Y.‐B. , Won J.‐S. , Suh H.‐W. , Huh S. O. , Kim Y.‐H. , Song D.‐K. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

The effects of intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered noradrenaline and adrenaline on the hepatic expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) were studied in mice.
Intraperitoneal injections of various doses (0.2–2 mg kg−1) of noradrenaline and adrenaline dose‐dependently induced hepatic c‐fos and c‐jun mRNA levels. The time‐course study showed that there was an increase in c‐fos and c‐jun mRNA levels within 15 min, which reached a peak at 30 min, and returned to the basal levels 1–2 h after noradrenaline or adrenaline injection (2 mg kg−1, i.p.). A Western blot assay revealed that c‐Jun protein levels were maximally increased at 30 min and 1–2 h in noradrenaline‐ and adrenaline‐treated mice, respectively. There was a slight increase in c‐Fos protein, while 46‐kDa Fra protein was prominently increased. Noradrenaline (2 mg kg−1, i.p.) induced 46‐kDa Fra within 15 min, which reached a maximum at 30 min and returned to the basal levels by 1 h. Adrenaline (2 mg kg−1, i.p.) induced 46‐kDa Fra at 30 min, which returned to the basal levels at 4 h.
Noradrenaline (2 mg kg−1, i.p.)‐induced increases in c‐fos and c‐jun mRNA expressions were inhibited by the pre‐treatment with prazosin (α1‐adrenergic antagonist; 0.5 mg kg−1, i.p.), but not with yohimbine (α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist; 1 mg kg−1, i.p.) nor with propranolol (β‐adrenoceptor antagonist; 10 mg kg−1, i.p.). Adrenaline (2 mg kg−1, i.p.)‐induced increases in c‐fos and c‐jun mRNA expressions were inhibited by the pre‐treatment with prazosin or with propranolol, but not with yohimbine. Administration of ICI‐118,551 (β2‐adrenoceptor antagonist; 2 mg kg−1, i.p.), but not betaxolol (β1‐adrenoceptor antagonist; 2 mg kg−1, i.p.), blocked adrenaline (2 mg kg−1, i.p.)‐induced increases in c‐fos and c‐jun mRNA expressions.
The results suggest that noradrenaline elicits the hepatic c‐fos and c‐jun mRNA responses by stimulating α1‐adrenergic receptors, whereas in the case of adrenaline, this is elicited by stimulating both α1‐ and β2‐adrenergic receptors in mice. These catecholamine‐induced hepatic IEG responses may be responsible for mediating some of the catecholamine actions in the liver.
Effects of suramin on electrical and mechanical activities in antrum smooth muscle of the guinea‐pig stomach
Authors: Xue L. , Imaeda K. , Yamamoto Y. , Suzuki H. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

The effects of suramin on electrical and mechanical responses produced by adenosine triphosphate (ATP), acetylcholine and transmural nerve stimulation were observed in antrum smooth muscle isolated from the guinea‐pig stomach.
Suramin (>10−6 M) inhibited the non‐adrenergic non‐cholinergic inhibitory junction potential, with no alteration of the resting membrane potential, slow wave and the ATP‐induced responses (hyperpolarization and inhibition of slow waves).
The amplitude, but not the frequency, of spontaneous rhythmic contraction was inhibited by suramin (>10−5 M), with no alteration of electrical responses of the membrane.
Transmural nerve stimulation elicited cholinergic excitatory and non‐adrenergic non‐cholinergic inhibitory responses on the spontaneous contraction, and suramin inhibited only the latter.
Suramin did not alter the ATP‐induced inhibition of spontaneous contraction. The contractions produced by low concentrations (<10−7 M), but not high concentrations (10−6–10−5 M), of acetylcholine were inhibited by suramin.
It is concluded that in smooth muscle of the guinea‐pig antrum, suramin inhibits contractions produced spontaneously and by low concentrations of acetylcholine, with no relation to the electrical responses of the membrane. Parallel inhibition by suramin of the electrical and mechanical responses elicited by excitation of non‐adrenergic non‐cholinergic inhibitory nerves may not be causally related to the inhibition of ATP‐receptors.
Cardiovascular actions of nitric oxide synthase inhibition in the portal hypertensive rat
Authors: McDaid J. , McCormick P. A. , Docherty J. R. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

We have investigated the actions of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L‐NMMA in the portal hypertensive Wistar rat in vivo. Resting blood pressure in the anaesthetised portal hypertensive rat was 107.8 ± 11.0/79.2 ± 11.7 mmHg (n= 12), which was significantly lower than in shamoperated animals (143.0 ± 3.8/114.0 ± 4.0 mmHg, n= 19; P <0.01). Cardiac output was significantly higher in portal hypertensive (30.2 ± 1.0 ml min−1 per 100 g, n= 12) than shamoperated animals (23.7 ± 2.2 ml min−1 per 100 g, n= 13; P < 0.01).
Intravenous injection of L‐NMMA (10 mg kg−1) significantly increased systemic blood pressure in both portal hypertensive and sham‐operated animals to 123.0 ± 15.0/93.4 ± 14.0 mmHg and 162.1 ± 5.7/131.6 ± 6.0 mmHg, respectively. The magnitude of the changes were similar in both groups. This increase in blood pressure was accompanied by a decrease in cardiac output to 88.5 ± 2.8% and 91.5 ± 2.4% of control in portal hypertensive and sham‐operated animals, respectively (no significant difference).
L‐NMMA (10 mg kg−1) had similar effects on small mesenteric arterial conductance in both portal hypertensive and sham operated animals, reducing conductance to 84.4 ± 3.6% (n= 6) and 82.7 ± 1.2% (n= 4) of control, respectively.
It is concluded that L‐NMMA has similar effects in vivo in portal hypertensive as compared with sham‐operated rats. Hence, an enhancement of endothelium‐derived nitric oxide is not involved in the hyperdynamic state following portal hypertension in the rat.
Epidural analgesia for pain relief in labour and childbirth – a review with a systematic approach
Authors: Nystedt Astrid , Edvardsson David , Willman Ania 
Published: December 2004

Background.  Clinical ambiguity concerning effects of epidural analgesia for pain relief in labour seems to reflect a need for evidence‐based knowledge for midwives.Aims.  This study aimed to review, with a systematic approach, the literature about effects and risks associated with the use of epidural analgesia for pain relief in labour and childbirth.Design.  A structured question was formulated and used for deriving search terms, establishing the inclusion of certain criteria and retrieving articles, i.e. what are the effects of epidural analgesia for pain relief in labour and childbirth? References were obtained through searches using MeSH‐terms in Medline and Subheadings (SH) in CINAHL (e.g. Obstetrical Analgesia combined either with psychology or adverse effects and together with, Dystocia, Caesarean Section, Infant Newborn and Breastfeeding). The articles were divided into prospective randomized trials (C), non‐randomized prospective studies (P) and retrospective studies (R). Scientific quality of the studies was assessed on a three‐grade scale: high scientific quality (I), moderate scientific quality (II) or low scientific quality (III).Results.  Twenty‐four articles were retrieved and systematically assessed. Seven studies were judged as high quality, 15 as moderate quality and two as low quality. The majority of studies appraised in this review failed to obtain or establish a cause and effect relationship. According to the data, it seems clear that the use of epidural analgesia is considered to be an effective method of pain relief during labour and childbirth from the perspective of women giving birth.Relevance to clinical practice.  Midwives and doctors can recommend this form of pain relief. However, information about possible associations with adverse effects in mothers and infants must be provided to expectant couples.
Nephrology nursing: blurring the boundaries: the reality of expert practice
Authors: Bonner Ann , Walker Annette 
Published: December 2004

Background. Expertise in nursing has been widely studied; there have been no previous studies into what constitute expertise in nephrology (renal) nursing. This paper describes a ‘real‐world’ characteristic of expert nephrology nursing practice.Aims and objectives. This paper, which is abstracted from a larger study into the acquisition and exercise of nephrology nursing expertise, aims to explore the concept blurring the boundaries.Design. The study utilized grounded theory methodology and symbolic interactionism.Methods. The study took place in one renal unit in New South Wales. Sampling was purposive then theoretical; the sample consisting of six non‐expert and eleven expert nurses. Simultaneous data collection and analysis using participant observation, review of nursing documentation and semi‐structured interviews was undertaken.Results. The study revealed that only expert nephrology nurses ‘blurred the boundaries’ of professional nursing practice. They did this by moving intermittently and purposefully, for the benefit of particular patients, into medical domains in the areas of prescribing, dispensing and ordering of pathology tests. Non‐expert nurses did not cross these professional boundaries.Conclusions. Blurring the boundaries was a significant feature of expert nursing practice, and this study was the first to describe explicitly nursing boundaries as two distinct entities; that is, formal and informal.Relevance to clinical practice. There are some nephrology nurses who have sufficient knowledge and experience to prescribe some medications and to order certain investigations.
Falls prevention revisited: a call for a new approach
Authors: Dempsey Jennifer 
Published: December 2004

Background. Patient falls constitute a major threat to health services’ ability to provide care. Previous studies confirm that nurses can identify patients at risk and that a preventative programme can reduce the rate of falls but few studies have been evaluated over time.Aims and objectives. A study was undertaken to test a Falls Prevention Programme in an acute medical area that was re‐evaluated 5 years later to determine if the effects were sustainable.Design. The design included two groups of patients admitted before and after the programme. Variables such as staffing, equipment, environment and routines were controlled. However, because of ethical approval constraints, some variables such as age, mental status, mobility and gender were not.Methods. The programme included a risk assessment tool, a choice of interventions, a graphic that alerted others to ‘at risk patients’ and simple patient and staff education. Data were collected using incident forms and a formula was used to calculate a rate of falls. A non‐pairedt‐test compared rates andanovaexamined the relationship of age, gender, mobility and mental status on the incidence of falls. Control graphs determined the stability of the process.Results. The falls rate was significantly reduced. Control graphs demonstrate that the process achieved greater control with less variation. In the next 5 years the falls rate increased to preprogramme levels and control graphs demonstrated that the process was no longer controlled. Compliance with the programme had deteriorated.Conclusions. The practice review considered skill mix, patient activity and acuity but provided no definitive answers to explain non‐compliance. The implications to nursing are discussed.Relevance to clinical practice. Clinicians are called to conduct more rigorous research into falls prevention but it may be more useful to direct research towards examining nursing work and increasing nurse autonomy in falls prevention.
Haematological cancer patients: achieving a sense of empowerment by use of strategies to control illness
Authors: Bulsara Caroline , Ward Alison , Joske David 
Published: December 2004

Background.  The role that empowerment plays through involving haematological cancer patients and their families in their treatment and care is undeniable. It encompasses the implementation of various strategies to achieve a sense of empowerment.Aims and objectives.  This phenomenological study sought to identify core strategies used by cancer patients regardless of their illness stage and prognosis who exhibited a strong sense of empowerment in coping with their condition.Design.  A phenomenological approach using an in depth interviewing technique was used to identify the common factors which patients and spouses believed could enable them to achieve a measure of control in managing their illness. These measures were referred to as coping strategies.Methods.  It was decided to conduct a purposive study and re‐interview seven of 12 patients who had previously participated in a pilot Haematology Shared Care project and who had developed a high level of ability in coping with their illness. At the patient's discretion, spouses were invited to participate and to contribute to the interview. Three spouses participated in the interviewing process.Results.  Common strategies emerged regardless of the patient's stage of illness and prognosis. Informants identified the determination to remain in control of the illness and treatment side effects, having the support of family and significant others, illness acceptance and maintaining hope as crucial to their sense of empowerment.Relevance to clinical practice.  It is hoped that clinicians will gain a deeper understanding of the varied and numerous strategies used by cancer patients in coping with their illness. This understanding will ensure that by encouraging these strategies, patients and their families will be supported by health professionals to achieve a greater sense of empowerment. As this and other studies have shown, working alongside health professionals contributes to empowerment for both the cancer patient and significant others in their lives.