bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phototesting with a divergent UVB beam in the investigation of anti‐inflammatory effects of topically applied substances
Authors: Falk Magnus , Ilias Michail A. , Wårdell Karin , Anderson Chris 
Published: December 2004

Background: Phototesting based on a single exposure to a divergent ultraviolet B (UVB) beam with radially decreasing UVB doses can be used to determine an individual's minimal erythema dose (MED). Laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) data can be combined with dosimetry data to produce objective dose–response plots in addition to the MED. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the divergent beam protocol could be used to demonstrate and quantify the anti‐inflammatory effects of clobetasol diproprionate (Dermovate®), pharmaceutical‐grade acetone and a gel vehicle, applied after skin provocation by UVB.Method: Sixteen Caucasian subjects were illuminated with the divergent beam on three areas close together on the left side of their upper backs. Two of the provoked areas on each subject were treated with acetone, gel vehicle or Dermovate®, and one area was left untreated as a control. Skin blood perfusion was assessed 6 and 24 h after UVB illumination using LDPI. The reaction diameter, the mean perfusion, and the average dose–response plots for each group and treatment were extracted from the LDPI data.Results: Application of the topical steroid clobetasol diproprionate after UVB provocation markedly decreased the inflammatory response. Acetone and the gel vehicle also showed mild anti‐inflammmatory effects in two of the parameters but not for the mean perfusion response. The mean diameter differences between controls and treated reactions had predominantly positive 99% confidence intervals. Analysis of the dose–response data at doses higher than the MED showed a linear relationship (0.89≤R2≤0.98) for all reactions but with lower gradients in treated reactions, mostly marked for clobetasol diproprionate.Conclusions:  The divergent beam protocol can be used to demonstrate and quantify the effects of topical agents on the UVB reaction, in terms of reaction diameter, mean perfusion and changes in dose–response characteristics. The dose–response approach seems to be applicable even in diagnostic testing of an individual patient's response to UVB.
Genetic modification of the fatty acid unsaturation of phosphatidylglycerol in chloroplasts alters the sensitivity of tobacco plants to cold stress
Authors: SAKAMOTO A. , SULPICE R. , HOU C. ‐X. , KINOSHITA M. , HIGASHI S. ‐I. , KANASEKI T. , NONAKA H. , MOON B. Y. , MURATA N. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTThe cis‐unsaturated molecular species of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) in chloroplasts have been implicated in the chilling sensitivity of plants. Homozygous lines of transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) that overexpressed the cDNA for glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase, a key enzyme in the determination of the extent of cis‐unsaturation of PG, were established from a chilling‐sensitive squash (Cucurbita moschata). In transgenic plants, the proportion of saturated plus trans‐monounsaturated molecular species of PG increased from 24 to 65%. However, this change did not affect the architecture of the chloroplasts. Chilling stress decreased the growth and biomass production of young seedlings of transgenic plants more severely than those of wild‐type plants, and this observation suggests that the changes in the proportion of cis‐unsaturated PG affected not only leaves but also developing plants. Chilling stress also damaged inflorescences. In particular, the abscission of flower buds and inflorescence meristems from transgenic plants occurred more frequently than that from wild‐type plants. Thus, it is likely that decreases in the proportion of cis‐unsaturated PG enhanced the sensitivity to chilling of reproductive organs.
Mechanisms and management of gingival overgrowth in paediatric transplant recipients: a review
Authors: Chabria D. , Weintraub R. G. , Kilpatrick N. M. 
Published: December 2004

Summary. Increasing numbers of children are receiving solid organ transplants namely kidney, liver, heart and lung. Patient survival rates following such transplants are essentially good with much of the success attributable to the development of Cyclosporine A (CyA), an immunosuppressive drug, that minimizes organ rejection. However the gingival overgrowth (GO) associated with the use of CyA is not only disfiguring but in paediatric recipients, may interfere with normal oral development and function.Objective. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge concerning the aetiology, pathogenesis and management of gingival overgrowth.Methods. Literature pertaining to gingival overgrowth is reviewed with particular reference to the paediatric population. Emphasis is placed on summarizing the evidence pertaining to the effectiveness of intervention.Conclusion. CyA undoubtedly causes gingival overgrowth, the effects and levels of which appears to be more severe in younger patients. There is conflicting evidence as to the effectiveness of oral hygiene regimes, antibiotics and surgery in reducing overgrowth. The introduction of an alternative immunosuppressive agent (Tacrolimus) offers potential as it does not appear to cause overgrowth, although research to date is limited by the small sample size of many of the studies. This is an area in which multicentre studies would be of great value.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED Acupoints massage in improving the quality of sleep and quality of life in patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Tsay Shiow‐Luan , Rong Jiin‐Ru , Lin Pay‐Fan 
Published: December 2004

Background.  Traditional Chinese acupressure is a noninvasive technique that employs pressure and massage to acupoints in order to stimulate the balance of life energy that promotes health and comfort. Sleep disturbance is common in patients with end‐stage renal disease but no intervention studies have addressed this problem. Aim.  The purpose of the present study was to test the effectiveness of acupoints massage for patients with end‐stage renal disease and experiencing sleep disturbances and diminished quality of life. Methods.  The study was a randomized control trial. A total of 98 end‐stage renal disease patients with sleep disturbances were randomly assigned into an acupressure group, a sham acupressure group, and a control group. Acupressure and sham acupressure group patients received acupoints or no acupoints massage three times a week during haemodialysis treatment for a total of 4 weeks. The measures included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Sleep Log, and the Medical Outcome Study – Short Form 36. Findings.  The results indicated significant differences between the acupressure group and the control group in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index subscale scores of subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep sufficiency, and global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. Sleep log data revealed that the acupressure group significantly decreased wake time and experienced an improved quality of sleep at night over the control group. Medical Outcome Study – Short Form 36 data also documented that acupressure group patients experienced significantly improved quality of life. Conclusion.  This study supports the effectiveness of acupoints massage in improving the quality of sleep and life quality of end‐stage renal disease patients, and offers a noninvasive therapy for sleep‐disturbed patients.
Preceptorship and interpersonal conflict: a multidisciplinary study
Authors: Mamchur Cindy , Myrick Florence 
Published: December 2004

Background.  The impetus for the study was the concern of teachers about the potentially deleterious effects of conflict in the preceptee–preceptor relationship. Preceptorship, in which students work alongside designated professionals in clinical settings, can provide opportunities to integrate theoretical and practice knowledge, and can play a part in professional development. However, students may experience communications and interpersonal problems with their preceptors and, if the conflict thereby generated is not challenged and resolved, negative outcomes can occur for students, preceptors and teachers.Aim.  The purpose of the study was to explore the nature of conflict in preceptorship experiences.Methods.  A modified, simultaneous quantitative/qualitative triangulated method was used, with the quantitative results reported in this paper. A total of 548 questionnaires were mailed to students and preceptors in the final clinical experience of undergraduate programmes in four disciplines. The return rate was 42·7% (234 questionnaires).Findings.  Data revealed the prevalence of conflict, the degree to which this affected preceptorship relationships, factors occurring in the practicum that may contribute to conflict, the degree to which the conflict was resolved, and the outcomes of conflict.Conclusions.  It is only through an understanding of the dynamics involved in conflict, and its negative effects on students, that teachers, preceptors and students alike can respond proactively to conflicts and become adept at seeking and implementing effective solutions.
Effect of K+ channel blocking drugs and nitric oxide synthase inhibition on the response to hypoxia in rat pulmonary artery rings
Authors: Karamsetty M. R. , Wadsworth R. M. , Kane K. A. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of potassium (K+) channel blockers and the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, L‐nitroarginine (L‐NOARG), on the response produced by acute hypoxia in rat intrapulmonary artery rings in vitro.
In rat phenylephrine‐precontracted pulmonary artery rings, hypoxia (pO2= 7 mmHg) induced a response which consisted of a rapidly developing initial contraction (phase 1), a transient relaxation (phase 2) and a slowly developing sustained contraction (phase 3) over 30 min. The NOS inhibitor, L‐NOARG (300 μm), attenuated phase 1 and 3, and amplified phase 2 of the response to hypoxia. The voltage‐gated K+ channel blocker 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) (10 mM) also abolished phase 3 and magnified phase 2 of the response to hypoxia.
The hypoxic response was not modified by the calcium‐activated K+ channel (KCa) blockers, tetraethylammonium (TEA) (20 mM) or charybdotoxin (50 or 200 nM), nor by the ATP‐dependent K+ channel (KATP) blocker, glibenclamide (10 μM).
L‐NOARG (300 μM) and 4‐AP (10 mM) also abolished carbachol‐induced endothelium‐dependent NO‐mediated relaxation. Relaxation produced by the NO releasing agent 3‐morpholino sydnonimine (SIN‐1) was reduced by 4‐AP (10 mM) and TEA (20 mM).
The data suggest that NO production is reduced during severe hypoxia in rat intrapulmonary artery rings and that this underlies the sustained phase of the hypoxic contraction. The data also suggests that 4‐AP‐ sensitive K+ channels play an important role in the release andor action of NO, and therefore, in the response to hypoxia.
Uptake of [3H]‐adrenaline by freshly isolated rat hepatocytes: putative involvement of P‐glycoprotein
Authors: Martel F. , Calhau C. , Martins M.J. , Azevedo I. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

The liver has an important role in the elimination of circulating catecholamines. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are avidly taken up and metabolized by rat hepatocytes, but the nature of the mechanism(s) involved remains partially unknown.
The aim of this work was to further characterize the uptake of catecholamines by isolated rat hepatocytes. For that purpose, the effects of a series of chemically unrelated compounds, including substrates/inhibitors of P‐glycoprotein, on [3H]‐adrenaline removal was investigated.
Freshly isolated rat hepatocytes were incubated in Krebs‐Henseleit solution at 37°C with 50 nM [3H]‐adrenaline for 5 min. Removal of [3H]‐adrenaline was calculated as the sum of [3H]‐adrenaline present in cells, and its [3H]‐metabolites present both in cells and in the incubation medium. Radioactivity was determined by liquid scintillation counting.
Verapamil, quinidine, 1‐methyl 1‐4‐phenylpyridinium, cimetidine, tetraethylammonium, d‐tubocurarine, taurocholate, daunomycin and vinblastine (100 μM), progesterone, bilirubin (200 μM), vecuronium (45 μM), and amiloride (1 nM) significantly reduced [3H]‐adrenaline removal. On the other hand, cyclosporine A (100 μM) apparently had no effect. The O‐methylated metabolite of adrenaline, metanephrine (30 μM), produced a 40% reduction of [3H]‐adrenaline removal.
Vinblastine and corticosterone produced concentration‐dependent decreases of [3H]‐adrenaline removal, with IC50 values of 23.3 and 116.0 μM, respectively.
In the presence of verapamil (100 μM), desipramine (1 μM) was devoid of significant effect on [3H]‐adrenaline removal. Corticosterone (40 μM) produced a further decrease (± 50%) on removal of the [3H]‐amine.
Removal of [3H]‐adrenaline by isolated cells did not show pH‐dependence since an increase or a decrease in the pH of incubation medium (to 8.2 or 6.2, respectively) caused no alteration of that parameter.
In conclusion, [3H]‐adrenaline is efficiently removed and subsequently metabolized by isolated rat hepatocytes. The results are compatible with the involvement of multiple mechanisms in the hepatic uptake of this amine including the type I and the type II hepatic transporters for organic cations, uptake2 and P‐glycoprotein.
Effect of exogenous adenosine and its monophosphate on the contractile response to acetylcholine in the human isolated detrusor muscle strips
Authors: Rubinstein R. , Shalev M. , Nissenkorn I. , Cohen S. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

Adenosine (0.1–1 mM) or its 5′‐monophosphate (5′‐AMP) induced a concentration‐dependent relaxation of tension caused by acetylcholine (0.2 μM) in human urinary bladder detrusor strips.
This effect was antagonized concentration dependently by theophylline at an apparent pA2 value of about 5.
Maximum relaxation by adenosine or 5′‐AMP never exceeded 50% and 80%, respectively, of acetylcholine‐induced tension. Relaxation by some β2‐adrenoceptor agonists (0.1–0.2 mM) or norepinephrine was limited to about 50% of maximum.
The responses to adenosine and terbutaline were additive, causing full relaxation, and suggesting mobilization of distinct mechanisms underlying muscle relaxation.
Tachykinins in propranolol‐augmented, hyperpnoea‐induced bronchoconstriction in Taida guinea‐pigs: effects of dimethylthiourea
Authors: Lin C.‐W. , Lai Y.‐L. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

The present authors recently found that a marked hyperpnoea‐induced bronchoconstriction (HIB) only occurred in guinea‐pigs after treatment with propranolol, a non‐selective β‐adrenoceptor antagonist. This study investigated tachykinin‐dependent and antioxidant‐modulated mechanisms for this propranolol‐augmented HIB.
Guinea‐pigs were pre‐treated with an antioxidant, dimethylthiourea (DMTU), or saline for 3 days. On the day of study, each animal was given a dose of propranolol (0.5 mg kg−1), then the airway function was examined in the anaesthetized‐paralysed animal before, during and after hyperpnoea with a dry 95% O2:5% CO2 gas mixture. Tracheal neutral endopeptidase (NEP) activity and plasma substance P (SP) level were measured after functional study.
In the presence of propranolol, HIB was augmented, and was found to be associated with decreased NEP activity and an increased plasma SP level. The augmented HIB was attenuated by DMTU.
Therefore, the present results suggest that propranolol‐augmented HIB is tachykinin‐dependent and is modulated by DMTU.
Cardiovascular responses evoked by carbachol microinjection into the posterior hypothalamus involves ganglionic nicotinic and muscarinic mechanisms
Authors: Methvin J. M. , Martin J. R. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

Microinjection of the cholinergic agonist carbachol (3.3, 5.5 and 13.2 nmol) into the posterior hypothalamic nucleus of conscious rats evokes a dose‐dependent increase in blood pressure. The pressor response evoked by the lower doses of carbachol was attenuated by pretreatment with the ganglionic nicotinic receptor antagonist pentolinium (10 mg kg−1, i.v.) while blockade of V1‐vasopressin receptors with [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]AVP (20 μg kg−1, iv) reduced the pressor response evoked by the highest dose.
The combination of pentolinium and the muscarinic receptor antagonist methylatropine (2 mg kg−1, i.v.) completely blocked the response evoked by the lower doses while the addition of [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]AVP to these two antagonists was required for further inhibition of the pressor response to the highest dose of carbachol. Bilateral adrenal demedullation did not affect the pressor response evoked by 5.5 or 13.2 nmol of carbachol.
Treatment of intact and adrenal demedullated rats with pentolinium after the pressor response to 13.2 nmol of carbachol was underway reversed the pressor response, but not to the same degree as that provided by the combination of pentolinium and methylatropine, or pentolinium and [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]AVP.
Methylatropine or [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]AVP caused a slight reversal of the carbachol‐induced pressor response once it was underway in intact rats. Methylatropine given before or after pentolinium worked with the pentolinium to completely reverse the response. Methylatropine given alone reversed the bradycardia evoked by carbachol to a tachycardia which itself was antagonized by subsequent treatment with pentolinium.
These results suggest that the pressor response evoked by carbachol microinjection into the posterior hypothalamic nucleus of conscious rats involves sympathoexcitation and vasopressin release. The sympathoexcitation involves nicotinic and muscarinic receptors in autonomic ganglia.
Pharmacological analysis of the double peaked vasoconstrictor responses to periarterial electric stimulation
Authors: Yang X.‐P. , Chiba S. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

Vasoconstrictor responses to periarterial nerve stimulation were studied with the use of prazosin (an α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist) and α,β‐methylene ATP (a P2X receptor desensitizer) in canine isolated, perfused splenic arterial preparations.
Double peaked responses (two phases of the constriction) were readily induced with the conditions of 30 s trains of pulses at 10 V amplitude, 1 ms duration in a frequency‐related manner.
At low frequencies (1–3 Hz), the 1st phase might contain only a purinergic component which was mostly inhibited by treatment with α,β‐methylene ATP. At high frequencies (4–10 Hz), the 1st phase was in part inhibited by prazosin and the remaining component of this phase was abolished by α,β‐methylene ATP.
The 2nd phase response was markedly inhibited by prazosin, and remaining component of this phase was abolished by α,β‐methylene ATP at all frequencies used.
It is concluded that (1) the 1st phase is probably induced via an activation of P2X receptors at low frequencies, and at high frequencies via both P2X and α1‐adrenoceptors, and (2) the 2nd phase probably involves mostly α1‐adrenoceptors and partially P2X receptors.
Effects of U‐50,488H on isolated atria from rats chronically treated with the κ‐opioid agonist, U‐50,488H
Authors: Milanés M. V. , Rabadan J. V. , Marin M. T. , Laorden M. L. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

The present investigation was aimed at determining if chronic activation of κ‐ or μ‐opioid receptors induce development of tolerance and dependence to κ‐opioid agonists on the isolated left atria of the rat.
Tolerance to a κ‐agonist (specific tolerance) was induced by chronic administration of U‐50,488H, a selective κ‐agonist (15 mg kg−1 i.p. twice a day for 4 days). The animals were rendered tolerant to morphine by subcutaneous implantation of morphine pellets (75 mg per pellet) for 7 days.
Tolerance to U‐50, 488H was observed after its chronic administration and was revealed as a rightward shift of the concentration‐response curve, it was accompanied by a decrease in the maximum response and in the slope. Preparations from morphine‐treated rats were not tolerant to the selective κ‐agonist, that is, there was no cross‐tolerance between μ‐ and κ‐agonists.
Dependence to the κ‐agonist was tested by administration in the organ bath of Mr‐2266 (preferential κ‐antagonist) or nor‐binaltorphimine (nor‐BNI; selective κ‐antagonist). The administration in the organ bath of the κ‐antagonists Mr‐2266 or nor‐BNI to preparations from U‐50, 488H treated rats induced an increase in atrial force of contraction. In contrast, the administration of the κ‐antagonists to preparations from control rats induced a decrease in atrial force of contraction.
These findings demonstrate that left atria from chronically U‐50488H‐treated rats exhibit tolerance to the negative inotropic effects of U‐50, 488H as well as opioid withdrawal after nor‐BNI.
Time distribution of selected care activities in home care in Germany
Authors: Bartholomeyczik Sabine , Hunstein Dirk 
Published: December 2004

Aims and objectives.  To investigate the time required by family caregivers to carry out selected care activities. The project was initiated by the responsible ministry for German Long Term Care Insurance. The Long Term Care Insurance provides recommendations for specific time ranges for care activities as a basis for assessment.Methods.  Cross‐sectional descriptive study, convenience sample of 200 households. Time was measured during direct observation using a stopwatch (time‐and‐motion method).Results.  The time taken for care activities had large standard deviations. For many activities, <50% of the cases fell in the recommended time range. No significant influences on the different durations were found.Conclusions.  The results give no support for the assumption that recommended time ranges can enhance assessment comparability and adequacy.Relevance to clinical practice.  In order to predict the amount of work in nursing it is more important to assess the patient's situation and history, and the goal to be reached by nursing care than to know the title of the required nursing intervention.
Antigenic relationships between adult and larval Anopheles tessellatus midgut glycoproteins and the midguts of other vector mosquitoes
Authors: Moorthy S. A. V. , Ramasamy R. , Ramasamy M. S. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Glycoproteins expressed on the surface of midgut (MG) epithelium and the peritrophic matrix (PM) of vector mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are candidate molecules for interacting with pathogens. Antisera produced against Anopheles tessellatus Theobald female MG lectin‐binding proteins (concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin) were used in Western blots to investigate MG/PM antigenic relationships between adult and larval An. tessellatus and with the MG glycoproteins of other vector mosquitoes: Anopheles culicifacies Giles, An. subpictus Grassi, An. varuna Iyengar, Aedes aegypti (L.) and Culex quinquefasciatus Say. Within An. tessellatus, strong antigenic cross‐reactions were observed between adult and larval MG proteins, and between adult MG and PM proteins. Anopheles tessellatus adult MG antisera reacted with MG antigens from adult females of the other five mosquito species, with interspecific contrasts of relative molecular mass (Mr) of nearly all reacting antigens, except the strong 36 kDa band shared by An. tessellatus and Cx. quinquefasciatus. Cross‐reactivity within female An. tessellatus may be due to the MG containing precursors to the PM glycoproteins and/or some common fully processed proteins, or perhaps carbohydrate epitopes that are shared between related or unrelated MG and PM glycoproteins. Cross‐reactions between adult MG proteins from different mosquito species, mostly with differential Mr, reflect the presence of homologous proteins that may be relevant to specific vector competence.