bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Positive inotropic and lusitropic effects mediatedviathe low‐affinity state ofβ1‐adrenoceptors in pithed rats
Authors: Zakrzeska Agnieszka , Schlicker Eberhard , Kwolek Grzegorz , Kozłowska Hanna , Malinowska Barbara 
Published: September 2005

Activation by CGP 12177 and cyanopindolol of the human and rat low‐affinity state ofβ1‐adrenoceptors increases frequency and contractile force and hastens relaxation in isolated cardiac tissues, and probably relaxes isolated vessels. In order to identify the positive inotropic, positive lusitropic and vasodilator effects of both agonists alsoin vivo, we have determined their effects on the left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), the rate of intraventricular pressure rise (+dP dt−1max) and decline (−dP dt−1max), the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and the mesenteric blood flow (MBF) in pithed and vagotomized rats.CGP 12177 (0.1–100 nmol kg−1) and cyanopindolol (1–1000 nmol kg−1) dose‐dependently enhanced all cardiac parameters. The nonselectiveβ‐adrenoceptor antagonist bupranolol 10 μmol kg−1diminished the CGP 12177 (100 nmol kg−1)‐stimulated increases in LVSP from 26.3±8.2 to 13.1±1.8 mmHg (P<0.05), +dP dt−1maxfrom 5287±290 to 2439±296 mmHg s−1(P<0.001) and −dP dt−1maxfrom −3836±301 to −2187±443 mmHg s−1(P<0.05), respectively. Theβ1‐adrenoceptor antagonist CGP 20712A 10 μmol kg−1(known to block the low‐affinity state ofβ1‐adrenoceptors at high doses) inhibited increases in ±dP dt−1maxelicited by the highest dose of CGP 12177.The highest doses of CGP 12177 and cyanopindolol increased DBP by about 10 mmHg and MBF by 1.4±0.3 and 0.6±0.3 ml min−1, respectively. The vascular effects of CGP 12177 were not affected by bupranolol and CGP 20712A.In conclusion, activation of the low‐affinity state ofβ1‐adrenoceptors by CGP 12177 and cyanopindolol in pithed rats causes a positive inotropic and lusitropic effect. By contrast, the vascular effects of CGP 12177 and cyanopindolol are not mediated by these receptors and have only marginal influence underin vivoconditions.British Journal of Pharmacology(2005)146, 760–768. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706382
KMUP‐1 activates BKCa channels in basilar artery myocytes via cyclic nucleotide‐dependent protein kinases
Authors: Wu Bin‐Nan , Tu Hsiao‐Fang , Welsh Donald G , Chen Ing‐Jun 
Published: September 2005

This study investigated whether KMUP‐1, a synthetic xanthine‐based derivative, augments the delayed‐rectifier potassium (KDR)‐ or large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium (BKCa) channel activity in rat basilar arteries through protein kinase‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms.
Cerebral smooth muscle cells were enzymatically dissociated from rat basilar arteries. Conventional whole cell, perforated and inside‐out patch‐clamp electrophysiology was used to monitor K+‐ and Ca2+ channel activities.
KMUP‐1 (1 μM) had no effect on the KDR current but dramatically enhanced BKCa channel activity. This increased BKCa current activity was abolished by charybdotoxin (100 nM) and iberiotoxin (100 nM). Like KMUP‐1, the membrane‐permeable analogs of cGMP (8‐Br‐cGMP) and cAMP (8‐Br‐cAMP) enhanced the BKCa current.
BKCa current activation by KMUP‐1 was markedly inhibited by a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (ODQ 10 μM), an adenylate cyclase inhibitor (SQ 22536 10 μM), competitive antagonists of cGMP and cAMP (Rp‐cGMP, 100 μM and Rp‐cAMP, 100 μM), and cGMP‐ and cAMP‐dependent protein kinase inhibitors (KT5823, 300 nM and KT5720, 300 nM).
Voltage‐dependent L‐type Ca2+ current was significantly suppressed by KMUP‐1 (1 μM), and nearly abolished by a calcium channel blocker (nifedipine, 1 μM).
In conclusion, KMUP‐1 stimulates BKCa currents by enhancing the activity of cGMP‐dependent protein kinase, and in part this is due to increasing cAMP‐dependent protein kinase. Physiologically, this activation would result in the closure of voltage‐dependent calcium channels and the relaxation of cerebral arteries.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 862–871. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706387
The effects of self‐administered alcohol‐induced ‘hangover’ in a naturalistic setting on psychomotor and cognitive performance and subjective state
Authors: Finnigan Frances , Schulze Daniela , Smallwood Jonathan , Helander Anders 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACTAims  To examine in as naturalistic a setting as possible whether having an alcohol‐induced ‘hangover’ impairs psychomotor and cognitive performance.Participants and design  The sample consisted of 71 male and female social drinkers who were tested twice, once at baseline and once after exposure to the study condition. They were randomized into a control group who returned for testing on a prearranged date (n = 33), and a group who were instructed to make arrangements to return the day after a self‐determined heavy drinking session (n = 38). Of the ‘hangover’ group, 13 participants still had a blood alcohol concentration of >1 mg/100 ml at the time of testing and these were analysed separately. All participants were students.Measurements  Psychomotor performance was assessed by means of a battery of psychomotor tasks, rate of information processing was tested by the Speed and Capacity of Language Processing Test (SCOLP) and subjective state was assessed by questionnaire measures.Findings  All participants in the ‘hangover’ group reported subjective and physical symptoms of hangover on the second testing session. Performance was significantly impaired on the hits‐key components of the vigilance task, was less accurate on the primary and secondary reaction time tasks and showed greater dispersion in range of ability for participants in the ‘acute and hangover’ compared to ‘control’. Probe memory revealed no significant group effect. Ratings of subjective state revealed significant group differences for the variables ‘ability to drive’, ‘concentrate’ and ‘react quickly’ as well as ‘tiredness’. There were no group differences for performance on the SCOLP.Conclusion  Hangover had negative effects on self‐reported subjective and physical state and subtle effects on performance.
Is there a case for extended interventions for alcohol and drug use disorders?
Authors: McKay James R. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACTAims  To determine whether there is evidence to support the implementation of extended interventions (i.e. longer than 6 months) for individuals with alcohol or other drug use disorders.Methods  Literature on extended behavioral and pharmacotherapy interventions was reviewed, along with findings from studies of extended monitoring and monitoring paired with adjunctive counseling. Studies were identified through database searches, citations in prior reviews and examinations of recent volumes of relevant journals. Key terms were defined, and a theoretical rationale was presented for extended treatment. Several adaptive treatment studies that made use of stepped care or continuation protocols were also described.Measurements  The primary outcomes that were considered were alcohol and drug use during the intervention and post‐intervention follow‐ups. Other outcomes were examined when they were included in the articles reviewed.Findings  Most of the studies in the review provided support for the effectiveness of extended interventions for alcohol and drug abusers, whether the extended care was delivered through face‐to‐face contact or via the telephone. These findings held across all types of interventions that were examined (e.g. behavioral treatment, pharmacotherapy and monitoring). However, only a few studies directly compared extended and standard length version of the same intervention. New developments in addiction treatment with implications for extended care models were also described and discussed.Conclusions  The findings of the review indicate that maintaining therapeutic contact for extended periods of time with individuals with alcohol and other drug disorders appears to promote better long‐term outcomes than ‘treatment as usual’, although more studies are needed that compare extended and standard versions of interventions. Achieving good compliance and successful disease management with extended interventions will probably require adaptive protocols in which the intensity of treatment can be adjusted up or down in response to changes in symptoms and functioning over time. Future directions in research on extended interventions were discussed.
The transcriptional regulator SsuR activates expression of theCorynebacterium glutamicumsulphonate utilization genes in the absence of sulphate
Authors: Koch Daniel J. , Rückert Christian , Albersmeier Andreas , Hüser Andrea T. , Tauch Andreas , Pühler Alfred , Kalinowski Jörn 
Published: September 2005

SummaryIn a recent study, the putative regulatory genecg0012was shown to belong to the regulon of McbR, a global transcriptional regulator of sulphur metabolism inCorynebacterium glutamicumATCC 13032. A deletion ofcg0012, now designatedssuR(sulphonate sulphur utilization regulator), led to the mutant strainC. glutamicumDK100, which was shown to be blocked in the utilization of sulphonates as sulphur sources. According to DNA microarray hybridizations, transcription of thessuandseugenes, encoding the sulphonate utilization system ofC. glutamicum, was considerably decreased inC. glutamicumDK100 when compared with the wild‐type strain. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays with purified SsuR protein demonstrated that the upstream regions ofssuI,seuABC,ssuD2andssuD1CBAcontain SsuR binding sites. A nucleotide sequence alignment of the four DNA fragments containing the SsuR binding sites revealed a common 21 bp motif consisting of T‐, GC‐ and A‐rich domains. Mapping of the transcriptional start sites in front ofssuI,seuABC,ssuD2andssuD1CBAindicated that the SsuR binding sites are located directly upstream of identified promoter sequences and that thessugenes are expressed by leaderless transcripts. Binding of the SsuR protein to its operator was shown to be diminishedin vitroby the effector substance sulphate and its direct assimilation products adenosine 5′‐phosphosulphate, sulphite and sulphide. Real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction experiments verified that the expression of thessuandseugenes was also repressedin vivoby the presence of sulphate or sulphite. Therefore, the regulatory protein SsuR activates the expression of thessuandseugenes inC. glutamicumin the absence of the preferred sulphur source sulphate.
The structural view of bacterial translocation‐specific chaperone SecB: implications for function
Authors: Zhou Jiahai , Xu Zhaohui 
Published: September 2005

SummarySecB is a molecular chaperone that functions in bacterial post‐translational protein translocation pathway. It maintains newly synthesized precursor polypeptide chains in a translocation‐competent state and guides them to the translocon via its high‐affinity binding to the ligand as well as to the membrane‐embedded ATPase SecA. Recent advances in elucidating the structures of SecB have enabled the examination of protein function in the structural context. Structures of SecB from both Haemophilus influenzae and Escherichia coli support the early two‐subsite polypeptide‐binding model. In addition, the detailed molecular interaction between SecB and SecA was revealed by a structure of SecB in complex with the C‐terminal zinc‐containing domain of SecA. These observations explain the dual role of SecB plays in the translocation pathway, as a molecular chaperone and a specific targeting factor. A model of SecB–SecA complex suggests that the binding of SecA to SecB changes the conformation of the polypeptide binding sites in the chaperone, enabling transfer of precursor polypeptides from SecB to SecA. Recent studies also show the presence of a second zinc‐independent SecB binding site in SecA and the new interaction might contribute to the function of SecB.
Ultrastructural Characteristics of Spermiogenesis in the Domestic Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)
Authors: Simões K. , Orsi A. M. , Viegas K. A. S. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryIn this present study was observed that the spermatids underwent morphological differentiation and modifications, which primarily comprised nuclear elongation, during the process of spermiogenesis in the domestic duck. The acrosome was formed and the flagellum developed concomitantly with nuclear modifications. Thus, various modifications could be observed during this process, especially changes in the distribution of cytoplasmic organelles. Long cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum present in the spermatid cytoplasm dissociated into vesicles and the distal centriole initiated the development of the flagellum in the cellular portion opposite to the acrosome. The ultrastructure of the spermatids of the domestic duck did not show the characteristic development of pre‐acrosomal granules, but the acrosomal granule could be directly visualized in this species.
Respiratory syncytial virus infection and immunoprophylaxis for selected high‐risk children in Central Australia
Authors: Bolisetty Srinivas , Wheaton Gavin , Chang Anne B. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground:  There are limited data on the epidemiology and viral aetiology of bronchiolitis in Central Australia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunoprophylaxis in an Australian population. Objective:  To (i) determine the incidence and the viral aetiology of bronchiolitis hospitalisations and (ii) report on the usage of RSV immunoprophylaxis in selected high‐risk infants and children in Central Australia. Methodology:  A retrospective review was performed of all hospital separations for bronchiolitis for a three‐year period, 1998–2000. Respiratory viruses in the nasopharyngeal aspirates were identified from the cases in the year 2000. A combined retrospective chart review and prospective follow up study was undertaken of all the infants and children who received RSV immunoprophylaxis at the Alice Springs Hospital, Central Australia. Results:  Incidence of bronchiolitis hospitalisation in infants for 1998, 1999 and 2000 were 176, 200 and 180 per 1000, respectively. Nine high‐risk children had RSV immunoprophylaxis on a total of 46 occasions and there were two mild RSV‐related illnesses in them. None had severe lower respiratory tract illness. Conclusion:  The incidence of bronchiolitis in Central Australia is extremely high. The usage of RSV immunoprophylaxis may be justified in selected high‐risk children living in high endemic areas.
Medical students’ reported barriers to training at a Rural Clinical School
Authors: Jones Graeme I. , DeWitt Dawn E. , Elliott Susan L. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjective:  To understand and address students’ concerns about attending one of the new Commonwealth‐funded Rural Clinical Schools. Design:  Analysis of students’ reported reasons for clinical school selection from 2003 to 2004. Setting:  The School of Medicine and the Rural Clinical School, University of Melbourne. Participants:  Data were obtained from de‐identified preference documents submitted by the medical student cohort assigned to the University of Melbourne clinical schools to begin in July, 2004. Results:  Thirteen categories of student concerns (social) were identified from written student preference documents. Conclusions:  Evaluation of the students’ concerns about social dislocation if they were assigned to a rural clinical school has provided important information about perceived barriers to rural training. These issues must be systematically addressed at the school, university and community level.
Interhospital transfers of patients with surgical emergencies: Areas for improvement
Authors: Wong Kenneth , Levy Richard D. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjective:  To review mortality associated with interhospital transfers of patients with surgical emergencies from rural and peripheral metropolitan areas. Design:  A retrospective case note review. Setting:  All hospitals within an area health service including metropolitan and rural hospitals. Subjects:  All patients with a surgical emergency who died in hospital after interhospital transfer within an area health service. Main outcome measures:  Factors associated with death and interhospital transfer. Results:  In total, 22 patients were identified. The mean age was 77 years. Thirty‐six per cent of patients were assessed by a surgeon prior to transfer. The mean time taken for transfer was five hours. Ten patients were physiologically unstable prior to transfer. No medical escort accompanied these patients. Four patients deteriorated during the transport process. Seventy‐three per cent of patients arrived out of normal working hours. Fifty per cent of patients required an operation within 24 hours of arrival. All of these patients had significant medical co‐morbidities. Seventy‐two per cent of these operations were performed out of hours as an emergency case. Twenty‐three per cent did not receive any operative intervention or intensive care admission at the tertiary referral centre. Forty‐one per cent of deaths were related to peritonitis and intra‐abdominal soiling. Conclusions:  Hospital systemic issues associated with mortality included extensive time delays in transfers, an inadequate transport process and frequent out‐of‐hours emergency operations. Patient features related to mortality included advanced age, significant medical co‐morbidity and surgical pathology with a poor prognosis. Improvements concerning interhospital transfers of patients should address both systemic and patient issues.
Evaluation of an ultrasound program (intermediate obstetric and emergency medicine) for Australian rural and remote doctors
Authors: Glazebrook Roz , Manahan Dan , Chater Alan B. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractIntroduction:  This paper describes the evaluation of an intermediate obstetric ultrasound and emergency medicine ultrasound education workshop for rural and remote Australian doctors, which was developed in response to an educational needs assessment that showed an unmet need in this area. The workshop was held in four Australian states. The participants were 61 rural and remote doctors. Methods:  Data from pre‐ and post‐workshop knowledge tests and general workshop evaluation were analysed. Results:  Sixty‐one doctors attended an ultrasound workshop and self‐reported increases in knowledge, confidence and expertise in ultrasound. The mean pretest score for 56 doctors who completed both the pre‐ and post‐workshop knowledge tests was 31.6 and the post‐test score mean was 33.3 out of a possible score of 44, which demonstrated a statistically significant increase in knowledge (P = 0.003).Discussion and implications for practice:  The evaluation of the workshop demonstrated that it was an effective way of increasing knowledge and confidence in intermediate obstetric ultrasound and emergency medicine ultrasound. The workshop was popular and received very positive feedback from the attendees.
Drowning deaths of zero‐ to five‐year‐old children in Victorian dams, 1989–2001
Authors: Bugeja Lyndal , Franklin Richard 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjective:  To examine drowning deaths of young children in Victorian dams to identify common contributing factors in order to develop strategies for future prevention. Design:  Case records of children aged zero to five years from the State Coroner's Office Victoria were reviewed for the 13‐year period 1989–2001. Cases where the child drowned in a dam were extracted for analysis. Results:  During the 13‐year period there were 27 deaths; 11 occurred on farms, five on hobby farms and 11 on properties where it was not specified whether the property was a farm. Almost three quarters of the children were male and the majority were aged between one year and three years. Half of the incidents occurred on the weekend and nearly half occurred during the summer months. Five major factors were common among incidents: stage of the child's development; absence of carer supervision; child playing outside the house; dam within 300 metres of where the child was playing; and lack of effective barriers between the dam and the child. Conclusion:  The coronial information examined identified patterns of behaviour by both carers and young children that contributed to these deaths. The results support the implementation of strategies such as the promotion of child safe play areas and targeted public awareness campaigns for rural and regional aquatic environments.
Gascoyne Growers Market: A sustainable health promotion activity developed in partnership with the community
Authors: Payet Jennifer , Gilles Marisa , Howat Peter 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjective:  To explore the social, health and economic impact of a farmers’ market on a small rural community in the north of Western Australia. Design:  Qualitative and quantitative research using a random structured intercept survey, and focus group interviews around four domains of social capital: economic impact, governance and capacity building, healthy public places and social and civic participation. Setting:  The Gascoyne Growers Markets in Carnarvon. Subjects:  One hundred consumers and 28 market stallholders. Results:  Consumers demonstrated community pride and an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption since they commenced shopping at the markets. The stallholders appear to have gained economically, professionally and socially from the market experience. Conclusions:  The Gascoyne Growers Markets demonstrate a sustainable health promotion activity developed in partnership with the community. It has contributed to the local economy, providing local quality fruit and vegetables directly to the community while also increasing social capital and creating a healthy public space.
Wisdom from the drought: Recommendations from a consultative conference
Authors: Sartore Gina , Hoolahan Bryan , Tonna Anne , Kelly Brian , Stain Helen 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjective:  Drought is a serious and recurring problem for rural and remote Australia. This paper reports the proceedings of a consultative conference concerning the mental health effects of drought held at the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, Orange, in December 2003. The conference objective was to record the collective experience of government and non‐government agencies dealing with the effects of drought in rural areas and to collate information for the development of a mental health strategy for future drought. Design:  Participants were recruited in consultation with rural mental health organisations. Questions about mental health service strategies to minimise and respond to the mental health impact of the drought were posed to participants. Qualitative data were collected using a Nominal Group Technique. Setting:  The Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, Bloomfield Hospital, Orange, New South Wales. Participants:  Twenty‐three professionals participated, including representatives from New South Wales Health, Mental Health, and Agriculture; the Department of Community Services, and Rural Financial Counsellors. Main outcome measure:  Qualitative analysis of participant responses. Results:  Three general strategies emerged as the most beneficial in minimising adverse mental health outcomes in times of drought: community‐building and education about the physical, financial and mental health effects of drought; co‐operation between and co‐ordination of agencies in delivering mental health and other drought support; and continuity and planning of improved mental health services. Conclusions:  Drought has a serious effect on the mental health of communities. It is important to plan a response beyond the end of the drought, bringing together different government and non‐government agencies to build community capacity to address common mental health needs.