bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
5‐HT decreases contractile and electrical activities in lymphatic vessels of the guinea‐pig mesentery: role of 5‐HT7‐receptors
Authors: Chan Alice K , von Der Weid Pierre‐Yves 
Published: May 2003

Constriction measurements and intracellular microelectrode recordings were performed in vitro on lymphatic vessels isolated from the guinea‐pig mesentery to investigate whether 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) affected lymphatic pumping and smooth muscle membrane potential.
5‐HT decreased in a concentration‐dependent manner the frequency of constrictions induced by intraluminal vessel perfusion. In nonperfused vessels, 5‐HT hyperpolarized the lymphatic smooth muscle membrane potential and decreased the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous transient depolarizations (STDs).
The actions of 5‐HT were significantly reversed by the 5‐HT7 receptor antagonist (2R)‐1‐[(3‐hydroxyphenyl)sulfonyl]‐2‐[2‐(4‐methyl‐1‐piperidinyl)ethyl]pyrrolidine (SB269970, 0.5 μM) and by the 5‐HT1/2/5/7 receptor antagonists methysergide (0.5 μM), and were mimicked by the 5‐HT1/7‐receptor agonist, 5‐CT.
The 5‐HT4‐receptor antagonists 1‐methyl‐1H‐indole‐3‐carboxylic acid [1‐2‐[(methyl sulfonyl) amino] ethyl‐4‐piperidinyl] methyl ester (GR113808, 1 μM) and (1‐piperidinyl) ethyl 1H‐indole 3‐carboxylate (SB203186, 1 μM) did not significantly affect the 5‐HT‐induced responses. The 5‐HT4‐receptor agonist 1‐(4‐amino‐5‐chloro‐2‐methoxy‐phenyl)‐3‐[1‐(2‐methylsulfonylamino) ethyl‐4‐piperidinyl]‐1‐propanone hydrochloride (RS67506) decreased the constriction frequency, albeit only at 50 μM and without affecting the smooth muscle membrane potential.
Responses to 5‐HT were attenuated by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG‐nitro L‐arginine (100 μM), whereas indomethacin (10 μM) and tetrodotoxin (1 μM) were without effects.
5‐HT‐induced responses were inhibited by the ATP‐sensitive K+ channel blocker, glibenclamide (10 μM) and the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase inhibitor N‐[2‐(p‐bromociannamylamino)‐ethyl]‐5‐isoquinolinesulfonamide‐dichloride (H89, 10 μM) blocked the hyperpolarization.
These results suggest that 5‐HT modulates the rate of lymphatic vessel pumping by eliciting KATP channel‐mediated smooth muscle hyperpolarization and decrease in STD activity, which appear to be mediated by activation of 5‐HT7 receptors coupled to cAMP production.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 243–254. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705264
Role of leukotrienes in the regulation of human granulocyte behaviour: dissociation between agonist‐induced activation and retardation of apoptosis
Authors: Murray Joanna , Ward Carol , O'Flaherty Joseph T , Dransfield Ian , Haslett Christopher , Chilvers Edwin R , Rossi Adriano G 
Published: May 2003

Since most inflammatory mediators that stimulate granulocyte responsiveness also delay apoptosis, it is often assumed that activation and longevity are causally related. Using isolated human peripheral blood neutrophils and eosinophils, we examined this association by exploiting the proinflammatory lipid mediators, the leukotrienes (LTs), and investigated granulocyte function and apoptosis.
LTB4 induced elevation of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), cell polarisation and retardation of neutrophil apoptosis, although the antiapoptotic effect occurred only at concentrations 300 nM. LTB4‐induced activation was attenuated by CP‐105,696, a BLT1‐specific antagonist suggesting classical LTB4 receptor BLT1 involvement.
Despite demonstrating the presence of the neutrophil intracellular LTB4 receptor peroxisome‐proliferator activator receptor‐α (PPARα) in neutrophils, the selective PPARα agonist WY‐14,643 did not mimic LTB4‐induced prosurvival effects.
LTB4‐induced survival, however, also appeared to be mediated by BLT1 since CP‐105,696 inhibited the LTB4‐mediated antiapoptotic effect. Furthermore, based on studies with CP‐105,696 and 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitors, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐, granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF)‐, dexamethasone‐ and dibutyryl‐cAMP (db‐cAMP)‐induced delay of neutrophil apoptosis did not involve autocrine production of LTB4.
Although LTB4 and LTD4 induced human eosinophil [Ca2+]i elevation and polarization, these LTs did not influence eosinophil apoptosis. Furthermore, LTB4‐ and LTD4‐induced eosinophil activation was attenuated by CP‐105,696 and the Cys‐LT1 receptor antagonist montelukast, respectively, highlighting specific receptor dependency.
Thus, mediator‐triggered granulocyte activation and antiapoptotic pathways are distinct events that can be differentially regulated.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 388–398. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705265
Repeat prenatal corticosteroids: Who still recommends their use and why?
Authors: McLaughlin Kristin J , Crowther Caroline A 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackground: Repeat prenatal corticosteroids have been in common use worldwide, even though the National Institutes of Health recommends that ‘Until data establish a favourable benefit‐to‐risk ratio, repeat courses of antenatal corticosteroids, including rescue therapy, should be reserved for patients enrolled in clinical trials.’Objectives: To describe the current use/recommendations for the use of repeat prenatal corticosteroids by obstetricians and neonatologists and to examine the sources of evidence on which their practice is based.Design: Postal questionnaire.Population: All Trainees, Members and Fellows of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and neonatologists in Australia and New Zealand.Methods: The questionnaire was mailed to obstetricians and neonatologists in August–September 2001.Main outcome measures: Practitioner use/recommendations for the use of repeat prenatal corticosteroids and the sources of evidence on which their practice was based.Results: Use of repeat prenatal corticosteroids was recommended by 332 (44%) obstetricians and 19 (21%) neonatologists. Obstetricians were twice as likely to recommend their use compared with neonatologists (relative risk, 2.04; 95% confidence intervals, 1.36–3.06; P < 0.001). Over half of the respondents (483, 57%) reported they had changed their use/recommendations in the previous 3 years. The sources of evidence behind these practices differed between obstetricians and neonatologists and between those practitioners who recommended the use of repeat prenatal corticosteroids and those who did not.Conclusions: Fewer practitioners recommend repeat prenatal corticosteroids compared with previous surveys. Sources of evidence behind the practice of groups of obstetricians and neonatologists differ.
Effect of inter‐twin delivery time on Apgar scores of the second twin
Authors: Erdemoglu Evrim , Mungan Tamer , Tapisiz Omer L. , Ustunyurt Emin , Çaglar Ebru 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjective: The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of inter‐twin delivery time on the Apgar scores of the second twin.Material: Women attempting vaginal delivery of second twins were studied in 2000. Deliveries before 25 weeks’ gestation, complicated pregnancies, operative deliveries, and deliveries by regional or general anaesthesia were all excluded.Results: A total of 37 out of 126 twin pregnancies had the criteria to be included in the present study. The major factor identified to influence Apgar scores was gestational age (P < 0.01). There was a linear relationship between delivery interval and the Apgar scores of the second twin, and the addition of delivery interval significantly improved the predictivity of gestational age. There was no influence of presentation and delivery mode of the second twin. Interval was found to be the only significant predictive factor of the Apgar scores in second twins of >1900 g and where the second twin is in a breech presentation. Caesarean section did not improve the outcome of the second twins.Conclusion: Gestational age is the most important factor influencing the Apgar scores of second twins. The addition of delivery interval improves the predictivity of second twin Apgar score by gestational age. Inter‐twin delivery time of >15 min is particularly important in the second twin which presents by the breech method and in the second twin of more than 1900 g.
Effect of oestrogen replacement therapy on serum lipid profile
Authors: Nanda Smiti , Gupta Neeta , Mehta Harish C. , Sangwan Krishna 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackground: Oestrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women alters the lipid metabolism unfavourably.Aim: To evaluate the effects of oral and transdermal oestrogen replacement therapy (ORT) on serum lipid profile.Methods: Ninety hysterectomised and oophorectomised women were randomised into three equal groups (no hormones; oral conjugated equine oestrogen, 0.625 mg/day; transdermal oestradiol patches, 50 µg/day). Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides were determined at the baseline and after 3 and 6 months of therapy. Student's t‐test was used for statistical evaluation.Results: Most of the hysterectomised women had abnormal serum lipid profile, especially HDL cholesterol levels (less than 40 mg/dL in 87%). A significant decline in the levels of serum cholesterol (total) as well as LDL and a significant increase in HDL cholesterol levels were observed following ORT by both modes, the response being comparatively rapid with oral route. After 3 and 6 months, the number of cases with HDL cholesterol levels above 40 mg/dL increased from initial 13 to 63% and 87% (oral) and 30 and 60% (transdermal), respectively. Serum triglyceride levels declined significantly with transdermal therapy but increased with oral ORT.Conclusions: Oestrogen replacement therapy either via oral or transdermal route has a beneficial effect on serum lipid profile of menopausal women. Whereas the oral route is more effective in increasing HDL cholesterol levels, the transdermal route is better for reducing the serum triglyceride level; hence, the latter should be the route of choice in women with high serum triglyceride levels.
Calcium channel blockers for inhibiting preterm labour; a systematic review of the evidence and a protocol for administration of nifedipine
Authors: King James F. , Flenady Vicki , Papatsonis Dimitri , Dekker Gustaaf , Carbonne Bruno 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjective: To assess the effects on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes of nifedipine (and other calcium channel blockers) administered as a tocolytic agent to women in preterm labour.Methods: Standard methods of the Cochrane Collaboration and its Pregnancy and Childbirth Review Group were used. All published and unpublished randomised trials in which calcium channel blockers were used for tocolysis for women in preterm labour between 20 and 36 weeks’ gestation, were considered.Main results: The systematic review includes 12 randomised controlled trials with a total of 1029 participating women. No trials were identified in which calcium channel blockers were compared with a placebo or no alternative tocolytic treatment. Calcium channel blockers appear to be more effective than betamimetic agents in prolonging pregnancy for 7 days or longer, are much less likely to cause maternal side‐effects and are associated with reduced neonatal morbidity.Conclusion: Calcium channel blockers (especially nifedipine) can be considered safer and more effective tocolytic agents than betamimetics.
The Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Programme in South Australia
Authors: Cord-Udy Nigel 
Published: May 2003

Objective: The present paper aims to provide an overview of the Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Programme (MSOAP) and its implementation in South Australia with particular reference to the expansion of visiting psychiatric services to rural and remote areas. Included is a discussion of a number of the practical issues and challenges experienced by the author in the development of a visiting psychiatric service to the remote community of Coober Pedy in northern South Australia. Conclusions: There has been much success to date with the expansion of visiting psychiatric services to rural and remote areas within South Australia under MSOAP. MSOAP appears to have considerable merit, particularly for psychiatrists working in private practice. There are several practical issues to be considered in taking on this type of work. The professional rewards are substantial.
Integrative Neuroscience in Psychiatry: The Role of a Standardized Database
Authors: Gordon Evian 
Published: May 2003

Objective: Databases bring together diverse information in neuroimaging and psychiatry. They usually aim for both size and diversity of measures. The present article outlines the potential insights from the first entirely standardized and centralized International Brain Database. Method: The database consists of data from over 1000 normal subjects (age range 6-70 years) and a growing number of age-matched patients with a psychiatric illness, acquired from seven laboratories (New York, Rhode Island, London, Holland, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney). It is an ‘integrative’ neuroimaging (electroencephalography (EEG), event-related potentials (ERP), structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI, fMRI)), psychometric, demographic and genomic database. Results: The most notable relationships in normal controls thus far include (i) an association between grey matter volume and EEG alpha frequency in frontal regions; (ii) a systematic reduction with age in cortical arousal (EEG power), speed of processing (ERP components) and most aspects of cognitive function, particularly for >50 years; (iii) a greater cortical arousal in female versus male subjects, but slower speed of processing; and (iv) a dissociation between speed (greater in male subjects) and accuracy/verbal processing (greater in female subjects) for psychological tasks. There is potential to explore the specificity of findings in psychiatric disorders in this international standardized database. Conclusions: The size of this database has allowed for statistical tests of greater power than normal. The combination of size and diversity of measure has broader significance in providing a normative framework for evidence-based psychiatric research. It enables control for widespread individual differences, enhancing investigations of the sensitivity and specificity of brain findings, and the efficacy of medication in psychiatric disorders.
Summary Australian and New Zealand Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Anorexia Nervosa(2003)
Authors: Beumont Pierre , Hay Phillipa , Beumont Rochelle ,   RANZCP Multidisciplinary Clinical Practice Guideline Team for the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa
Published: May 2003

Objective: To provide a summary of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Conclusions: Anorexia nervosa affects only a small proportion of the Australian and New Zealand population but it is important because it is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness. Sufferers often struggle with AN for many years, if not for life, and the damage done to their minds and bodies may be irreversible. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a deliberate loss of weight and refusal to eat. Overactivity is common. Approximately 50% of patients also use unhealthy purging and vomiting behaviours to lose weight. There are two main areas of physical interest: the undernutrition and mal-nutrition of the illness and the various detrimental weight-losing behaviours themselves. Basic psychopathology ranges from an over-valued idea of high salience concerning body shape through to total preoccupation and eventually to firmly held ideas that resemble delusions. Comorbid features are frequent, especially depression and obsessionality. It is inadvisable in clinical practice to apply too strict a definition of AN because to do so excludes patients in the early stage of the illness in whom prompt intervention is most likely to be effective. The best treatment appears to be multidimensional/multidisciplinary care, using a range of settings as required. Obviously, the medical manifestations of the illness need to be addressed and any physical harm halted and reversed. It is difficult to draw conclusions about the efficacy of further treatments. There is a paucity of clinical trials, and their quality is poor. Furthermore, the stimuli for developing AN are varied, and the psychotherapy options to address these problems need to be tailored to suit the individual patient. Because there is no known ‘chemical imbalance’ that causes the illness, no one drug offers relief. There is a high rate of relapse, and some patients are unable to recover fully. Because AN is a psychiatric illness, a psychiatrist should always be involved in its treatment. All psychiatrists should be capable of assuming this responsibility. Because cognitive behavioural methods are generally accepted as the best mode of therapy, a clinical psychologist should also be involved in treatment. Because medical manifestations are important, someone competent in general medicine should always be consulted. The optimal approach is multidisciplinary or at least multiskilled, with important contributions from psychologists, general practitioners, psychiatric nurses, paediatricians, dietitians and social workers.
Consumer and Carer Participation in Mental Health Services
Authors: Lloyd Chris , King Robert 
Published: May 2003

Objective: To clarify the meaning of consumer and carer participation in mental health services, to identify reasons why consumer participation is important both to consumers and to services, and to discuss barriers to participation and ways of overcoming these barriers. Conclusions: Consumer and carer participation has been promoted as part of the National Mental Health Strategy and has the potential to empower consumers and their carers and to improve mental health services. Barriers to consumer participation include professional staff attitudes and resource allocation. Guidelines are provided to assist services to address these barriers and increase the level of consumer and carer participation in both clinical decision-making and service development.
Abolishing Waiting Lists in an Aged Psychiatry Service
Authors: George Kuruvilla 
Published: May 2003

Objective: Waiting lists are a problem for most aged psychiatry services. The present paper describes how an aged psychiatry service managed to abolish the waiting list for admission to their acute inpatient unit. Method: The process of developing and implementing a new set of principles and practice for the unit is described. Results: There was a clear and almost immediate difference noted in that the number of admissions and discharges increased and the length of stay and occupancy rates decreased. Conclusions: It is possible to abolish waiting lists without increasing the bed numbers in an aged psychiatry service.
Summary Australian and New Zealand Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Adult Deliberate Self-Harm (2003)
Authors: Boyce Philip , Carter Greg , Penrose-Wall Jonine , Wilhelm Kay , Goldney Robert 
Published: May 2003

Objective: To provide a summary of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Deliberate Self-Harm. Conclusions: This guideline covers self-harm regardless of intent. It is an evidence-based guideline developed from a systematic review of epidemiological, treatment and medico-legal literature. All patients presenting to hospital after deliberate self-harm should be comprehensively assessed to detect and treat the high rates of mental disorders, alcohol and other drug problems and personality disorders in this group. General hospital management aims to ensure safety from further self-harm, assess and treat injuries; prevent disablement and death as a result of injuries or poisoning and manage suicide risk by ensuring prompt psychiatric referral and mobilizing social supports. Psychological management aims to detect and treat underlying mental disorders, reduce distress and enhance coping skills and thereby, reduce repeat episodes and habituation of self-harm. Managing suicide risk is a continuous responsibility and suicide vulnerability may persist long-term in some patients. There is little firm guidance from the literature on treatment efficacy to guide ongoing psychiatric management. Studies are often compromised because between 41 and 70% of patients do not attend follow up. The mainstay of psychological care remains the treatment of underlying Axis I and Axis II disorders. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and problem-orientated approaches appear promising for reducing repeated self-harm for most patient groups but no single treatment has confirmed superiority. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) appears to confer most benefit. Self-harm may follow some forms of in-depth therapy in some vulnerable individuals. There is no one recommended pharmacological treatment specifically to reduce self-harming behaviours. Lithium may have antiself-harm properties for some groups with bipolar disorder. There is emerging evidence for selfharm reduction using clozapine for patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
Improving the Safety of Mental Health Services
Authors: Tobin Margaret , Wilson Andrew , Graham Rebecca , Richardson Madeline 
Published: May 2003

Objective: To examine national and international initiatives for the provision of safer health care and their applicability to mental health services. Conclusions: There is a need for an integrated, uniform approach to the development and implementation of safety standards in mental health services. A partnership approach involving key stakeholders and the consideration of an initial set of safety indicators requires consideration.
Scope for Psychosocial Treatments in Psychosis: An Overview of Collaborative Therapy
Authors: Gilbert Monica , Miller Kathryn , Berk Lesley , Ho Velma , Castle David 
Published: May 2003

Objectives: The psychosocial needs of people with psychotic disorders are not being addressed adequately. The present paper outlines a proposed framework that will help to meet some of this deficit and deliver psychosocial treatments for these individuals, as part of routine clinical practice. Conclusions: The recent Australian study on low prevalence (psychotic) disorders found that, although most Australians (91%) with a psychotic illness were taking medication, few were receiving adequate psychosocial support from mental health services; fully 47% of these saw the need for a particular type of service that was not able to be accessed by them, either because of it simply not being available or not being affordable. The programme described herein will develop, evaluate and disseminate comprehensive modular treatment packages addressing the psychosocial needs of people with psychotic disorders. It is novel in terms of the comprehensiveness of the approach, the rigour of the evaluation (using a controlled experimental design), and the extent of intersectoral and multidisciplinary involvement in mapping needs, developing the interventions, and dissemination. The potential impact for mental health consumers with psychosis is enormous because currently there is no coherent and consistent approach to addressing their psychosocial needs. The impact for the scientific community will be great because there is currently very little by way of controlled trial data in this important area of activity.