bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electromyographic analysis of a modified maneuver for quadriceps femoris muscle setting with co‐contraction of the hamstrings
Authors: Nakajima Masaaki , Kawamura Kenji , Takeda Isao 
Published: May 2003

AbstractA „quadriceps femoris muscle setting”︁ is isometric quadriceps femoris exercise which can be widely used in early knee rehabilitation. However this exercise cannot obtain enough co‐contraction of the hamstrings. Isolated quadriceps femoris contraction in knee extension imposes severe strain to anterior cruciate ligament. We succeeded in developing a simple training maneuver that is effective in obtaining co‐contraction of the hamstrings—a modified maneuver for the quadriceps femoris muscle setting with the contralateral lower limb raised (MQS). In this study, we analyzed the effect of this maneuver by EMG quantification. Twenty‐eight healthy young adult men performed sequential trials consisting of normal quadriceps femoris muscle setting (NQS) and MQS. Electromyographic activity was recorded from surface electrodes on the gluteus maximus, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, semitendinosus and biceps femoris (long head), and normalized to values derived from maximal isometric trials. The % maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) of the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis and rectus femoris did not vary in the each maneuver. However, the %MVIC of the hamstrings varied significantly in the MQS. This study suggests that effective co‐contraction of the hamstrings can be obtained in MQS by adjusting the load to the raised lower limb.© 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Variability and repeatability of the flexion axis at the ulnohumeral joint
Authors: Duck Teresa R. , Dunning Cynthia E. , King Graham J. W. , Johnson James A. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractPrevious investigations have implemented screw displacement axes (SDAs) to define the elbow flexion axis for proper positioning of dynamic external fixators and endoprostheses. However, results across studies vary, which may be attributed to forearm position (pronation–supination) during elbow motion, or the mode of loading (active/passive) employed to generate flexion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of the flexion mode employed and forearm position on individual variation and repeatability of SDAs throughout elbow flexion. With the forearm pronated, the location of the average SDA was similar whether elbow flexion was generated actively or passively. In contrast, with the forearm supinated, the average SDA was 2.4° and 1.4° more valgus (p < 0.001) and internally rotated (p < 0.001), respectively, and positioned 1.6 and 0.8 mm further proximally (p < 0.002) and anteriorly (p < 0.005) relative to the capitellum, respectively, during active compared to passive flexion. During active flexion, the location of the average SDA was independent of forearm position. Conversely, during passive flexion, the average SDA angle was 3.4° and 1.0° more valgus (p <0.001) and internally rotated (p < 0.009), respectively, and 1.7 and 0.7 mm more proximal (p < 0.001) and anterior (p < 0.001) relative to the capitellum, respectively, with the forearm held pronated rather than supinated. SDAs calculated throughout flexion deviated from the average SDA in both orientation and position, demonstrating that elbow flexion behaves similar to a loose hinge joint. These factors suggest that to encompass the location of all SDAs throughout flexion, and therefore properly mimic normal elbow joint motion, an endoprosthesis should be modeled similar to a „loose”︁ rather than „pure”︁ hinge joint. This would allow for dependencies of SDA angulation on forearm position and muscle activation, and slight freedom of movement to account for variances in SDA location. These factors should also be considered during soft‐tissue reconstructions.© 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Homeopathic treatment of Japanese patients with intractable atopic dermatitis
Authors: Itamura R , Hosoya R 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of homeopathic treatment of intractable atopic dermatitis (IAD). Seventeen IAD patients were given individualized homeopathic treatment in addition to conventional dermatological therapy from 6 months to 2 years and 7 months. Although all of the patients had previously been treated with conventional medicine and various psychological approaches, they had had severe conditions and shown no significant sign of improvement. The efficacy of homeopathic treatment was measured by objective assessments of the skin condition and the patients’ own assessments, using a 9 point scale similar to the Glasgow Homeopathic Outcome Scale, was used. Over 50% improvement was reported in overall impression and in their skin conditions by all patients, in itchiness by 15 of the patients, in sleep disturbance by 10 out of 13 patients, in satisfaction in daily life by nine out of 12, in fulfillment at work by seven out of 11 and in satisfaction with human relations by 10 out of 14. Two detailed case histories are reported.
Effect of dietary inclusion of goat milk on the bioavailability of zinc and selenium in rats
Authors: Alférez M José M , Aliaga Inmaculada López , Barrionuevo Mercedes , Campos Margarita S 
Published: May 2003

The effects of dietary inclusion of freeze-dried goat and cow milk on the utilization of zinc and selenium, and on the metabolic fate of zinc, were studied in transected (control) and resected rats (resection of 50% of the distal small intestine). Intestinal resection reduced the apparent digestibility coefficient and zinc retention in the cow milk diet, whereas these biological indices were similar in transected (control) and resected rats with standard (without milk) and goat milk diets. The apparent digestibility coefficient and retention of selenium were not affected by intestinal resection in the animals fed with the three diets studied. In transected (control) and resected rats, the apparent digestibility coefficient and retention of zinc and selenium were higher for the goat milk diet than for the other two diets. Zinc deposits in the organs, expressed as μg/g dry weight were in order of decreasing concentrations: femur, testes, sternum, liver, kidney, heart, spleen, longissimus dorsi muscle and brain. Deposits were greatest with the goat milk diet, followed by the standard diet and were lowest for the rats given the cow milk diet, both for transected (control) and resected animals.We conclude that consumption of the goat milk diet produces a greater bioavailability of zinc and selenium and a greater deposit of zinc in key organs, for both the transected (control) and the resected rats, with respect to the standard diet and the cow milk diet.
J. G. Farrell's Indian Works: His Majesty's Subjects?
Authors: Goonetilleke D. C. R. A. 
Published: May 2003

. . . There had always been some corner of the Empire where His Majesty's subjects were causing trouble . . .J. G. Farrell, Troubles (London: Cape, 1990) p. 215.J. G. Farrell has, in common with Paul Scott, an admiration for Joseph Conrad (obvious in their use of symbolism, topographical and otherwise), a fascination with the decline of Empire as a subject for fiction; a reputation that rests on a series of historical novels on this subject. Farrell died at the age of 44 whereas Paul Scott did so at 58; therefore it is not fair to compare their overall achievement. Yet it is necessary to observe that, whereas Scott portrayed one
country during a single short period in his major work, Farrell's view was global and spanned virtually a century,
lighting upon three important crises in three different countries during three different periods: Troubles (1970), set in the context of the Irish disturbances of 1919-21; The Siege of Krishnapur (1973), located during the 1857 ‘Mutiny’ in India; The Singapore Grip (1978), focusing on the period leading up to the surrender of Singapore to the Japanese during the Second World War, the first signal defeat of the might of the British Empire by an Asian power.
The Social Phobia Diagnostic Questionnaire: preliminary validation of a new self-report diagnostic measure of social phobia
Authors: NEWMAN M. G. , KACHIN K. E. , ZUELLIG A. R. , CONSTANTINO M. J. , CASHMAN-McGRATH L. 
Published: May 2003

Background. The development and validation of the Social Phobia Diagnostic Questionnaire (SPDQ), a new self-report diagnostic instrument for social phobia is described in three separate studies.Study 1. The participants were 125 undergraduates seeking help for an anxiety disorder of whom 60 had social phobia. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was conducted comparing SPDQ diagnoses and clinician-based Anxiety Disorder Interview Schedule-IV (ADIS-IV) diagnoses of social phobia. Diagnoses made by the SPDQ showed an 85% specificity, an 82% sensitivity and kappa agreement with the ADIS-IV of 0·66.Study 2. The participants were 462 undergraduates who completed the SPDQ and a battery of additional questionnaires. The SPDQ had good internal consistency (α=0·95), good split-half reliability (r=0·90) and strong convergent and discriminant validity.Study 3. The participants were 145 undergraduates who completed the SPDQ at two time points separated by 2 weeks as well as several additional questionnaires. Scores on the SAD, FNE and SISST of SPDQ categorized undergraduates were also compared to scores on these measures from 35 clinical community participants to determine the clinical validity of the SPDQ. The SPDQ had strong 2-week test–retest reliability and good convergent and discriminant validity. Undergraduates diagnosed with social phobia by the SPDQ were not significantly different on the SAD, FNE and SISST from the socially phobic community sample, but both groups had significantly higher scores than undergraduates identified by the SPDQ as not meeting criteria for social phobia, demonstrating clinical validity of the SPDQ.Conclusions. These three studies provide preliminary evidence of the strong psychometric properties of the SPDQ as a measure to identify socially phobic participants.
Basal cell carcinoma with tricholemmal (at the lower portion) differentiation within seborrheic keratosis
Authors: Misago Noriyuki , Satoh Toshimi , Narisawa Yutaka 
Published: May 2003

Background:  Recent genetic investigations support the idea that basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is trichoblastic carcinoma. However, it is generally thought that clear cell basal cell carcinoma is a result of degeneration rather than tricholemmal differentiation.Methods:  We report a case of BCC, with clear cell components, that developed within seborrheic keratosis, with histopathological and immunohistochemical findings.Results:  The clear cell components in the present case showed the following four characteristics: (i) at the periphery of the aggregations, columnar clear cells were aligned in a palisade along a well‐defined basement membrane; (ii) the nuclei of the columnar clear cells were at the pole opposite the basement membrane; (iii) the clear cells contained glycogen; (iv) in the aggregations with clear cell components, there was diffuse positive staining for cytokeratin 7 (CK7) (OV/TLR/30), but only the inner region stained positive for CK17. These four characteristics are comparable to those of the lower portion of normal outer root sheath. In addition, the BCC in the present case was partly composed of squamous cells that contained glycogen and were selectively positive for CK17 – features similar to those of squamous cells in normal outer root sheath.Conclusions:  Some clear cell BCCs are simply the result of degenerative change, but other clear cell BCCs may be the result of tricholemmal (at the lower portion) differentiation.
Enhancement of α2‐adrenoceptor‐mediated vasoconstriction by the thromboxane‐mimetic U46619 in the porcine isolated ear artery: role of the ERK–MAP kinase signal transduction cascade
Authors: Bhattacharya B , Roberts R E 
Published: May 2003

α2‐Adrenoceptor‐mediated contractions in porcine blood vessels can be enhanced in the presence of the thromboxane‐mimetic U46619, and forskolin. The aim of this study was to determine the role of U46619 in the enhanced contractions, and to determine whether signalling through the ERK–MAP kinase pathway is involved.
Responses to the α2‐adrenoceptor agonist UK14304 (1 μM) were increased from 22±3% of the response to 60 mM KCl to 68±12% (n=8, mean±s.e.m.) in the presence of a low concentration of U46619 (<20% of the 60 mM KCl response).
Both the direct and the U46619‐enhanced UK14304 responses were inhibited by 50 μM PD98059, an inhibitor of the ERK–MAP kinase pathway. UK14304‐induced contractions were associated with an increase in ERK2 phosphorylation, indicating an increased activity. In the presence of U46619, there was an enhanced phosphorylation of ERK2. U46619 on its own had no effect on ERK phosphorylation.
Both the direct and enhanced UK14304 contractions were inhibited in the absence of extracellular calcium. These conditions also prevented the increase in ERK2 phosphorylation. This indicates a role for calcium influx in the enhanced contractions.
In conclusion, this study demonstrates that precontraction with the thromboxane‐mimetic U46619 enhances α2‐adrenoceptor‐mediated vasoconstriction through the enhancement of the ERK–MAP kinase pathway, and influx of extracellular calcium.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 156–162. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705208
Activation of ATP‐dependent potassium channels is a trigger but not a mediator of ischaemic preconditioning in pigs
Authors: Schulz Rainer , Gres Petra , Heusch Gerd 
Published: May 2003

Activation of ATP‐dependent potassium channels (KATP) is involved in ischaemic preconditioning (IP). In isolated buffer‐perfused rabbit hearts, activation of mitochondrial KATP – through a generation of free radicals – acted as a trigger rather than a mediator of IP; the isolated buffer‐perfused heart preparation, however, favours free radical generation. In contrast, in vivo studies in rats and dogs suggested that activation of KATP acts as a mediator of IP's protection. A detailed analysis on the role of KATP in IP's protection in vivo by varying the time and dose of KATP blocker administration is, however, lacking.
In 54 enflurane‐anaesthetized pigs, the left anterior descending coronary artery was perfused by an extracorporeal circuit. Infarct size (IS, %, TTC) following 90 min sustained low‐flow ischaemia and 120 min reperfusion was 26.6±3.5 (s.e.m.) (n=8). IP with one cycle of 10 min ischaemia and 15 min reperfusion reduced IS to 6.5±2.1 (n=7, P<0.05). Blockade of KATP with glibenclamide (0.5 mg kg−1 i.v., 50 μg min−1 continuous infusion) starting 10 min before or immediately following the preconditioning ischaemia abolished IS reduction by IP (20.7±2.7, n=7 and 21.9±6.6, n=6, respectively) while having no effect on IS per se (22.2±5.2, n=7), supporting a trigger role of KATP in IP. In contrast, starting glibenclamide following the preconditioning ischaemia 10 min prior to the sustained ischaemia did not prevent IS reduction by IP (3.7±2.3, n=6), even when its bolus dose was increased to 1.5 mg kg−1 (26.6±3.8 with IP vs 37.5±2.9 without IP; n=7 and 6 respectively, P<0.05), thereby refuting a mediator role of KATP in IP.
In conclusion, activation of KATP in the immediate reperfusion following the preconditioning ischaemia is pivotal for triggering IP.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 65–72. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705225
Different molecular sites of action for the KATP channel inhibitors, PNU‐99963 and PNU‐37883A
Authors: Cui Yi , Tinker Andrew , Clapp Lucie H 
Published: May 2003

We investigated the mechanism of action of two novel nonsulphonylurea ATP‐sensitive potassium channel (KATP) inhibitors, PNU‐99963 and PNU‐37883A, on four types of cloned KATP channels.
Whole‐cell currents were recorded in a symmetrical potassium (140 mM) gradient in HEK‐293 cells stably expressing Kir6.2/SUR1, Kir6.2/SUR2A, Kir6.2/SUR2B or Kir6.1/SUR2B.
PNU‐99963 potently inhibited the four KATP channel clones. The concentration at which half‐maximum current was inhibited (IC50) was 66, 41, 43 and 11 nM for Kir6.2/SUR1, Kir6.2/SUR2A, Kir6.2/SUR2B and Kir6.1/SUR2B, respectively. In contrast, PNU‐99963 up to a concentration of 3 μM had no significant effect on current generated in HEK‐293 cells by transiently expressing Kir6.2Δ26, a C‐terminal truncated pore‐forming subunit of Kir6.2.
PNU‐37883A inhibited four types of KATP channels, but to different extents. Inhibition of the putative smooth muscle KATP channel types, Kir6.2/SUR2B (IC50; 15 μM) and Kir6.1/SUR2B (IC50; 6 μM), was significantly greater than inhibition of either the pancreatic β cell or cardiac KATP channel clones. Moreover, PNU‐37883A significantly inhibited currents generated by expressing Kir6.2Δ26 alone, with an IC50 of 5 μM, which was significantly increased to 38 μM when Kir6.2Δ26 was expressed with SUR2B.
In conclusion, two structurally different nonsulphonylurea compounds, PNU‐99963 and PNU‐37883A, inhibit KATP channels via different mechanisms, namely through the sulphonylurea receptor (SUR) and the pore‐forming subunits, respectively, although SUR2B reduced the inhibitory effect of PNU‐37883A. While PNU‐99963 potently inhibits all the four cloned KATP channels, PNU‐37883A has a degree of selectivity towards both smooth muscle KATP channels, but could not discriminate between them.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 122–128. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705228
Emergency contraception: Knowledge, attitude, and practices among health care providers in North India
Authors: Tripathi Reva , Rathore Asmita Muthal , Sachdeva Jyoti 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAims:  The present study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of emergency contraception in health care providers and users in North India.Methods:  A survey was carried out with the help of a predesigned questionnaire comprising of two groups of clients (abortion seekers at Family Welfare center, and non‐medical college students (prospective clients)); and 4 groups of health care providers (gynecologists, general practitioners, paramedical workers, and medical students).Results:  Practically none of the clients were familiar with the concept of emergency contraception and so the rest of the information could not be obtained from them and hence this was excluded from further analysis. Many providers (84.8% gynecologists, 41.0% general practitioners, 2.7% paramedical workers, and 64.4% medical students) were vaguely familiar with the concept of emergency contraception, very few knew accurately about timing and doses. The majority of these thought it to be an essential component of contraceptive services but preferred distribution through health care providers only. The practice of emergency contraception as reported in the present survey was inconsistent. Yuzpe regimen was the most commonly used method and nausea/vomiting were the commonest side‐effects. The question of efficacy of emergency contraception was not answered reliably by the health care providers.Conclusions:  Awareness about emergency contraception among the general population and paramedical workers studied is practically nonexistent. Precise knowledge about emergency contraception among doctors (both gynecologists and general practitioners) is also inadequate. Prescription practices can improve by generating demand and training of health care providers.
Six hourly vaginal misoprostol versus intracervical dinoprostone for cervical ripening and labor induction
Authors: Agarwal Nutan , Gupta Anjali , Kriplani Alka , Bhatla Neerja , Parul  
Published: May 2003

AbstractAim:  Prospective clinical trials were conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of 6‐hourly vaginal misoprostol versus intracervical dinoprostone for induction of labor.Methods:  A total of 120 pregnant women requiring induction of labor were recruited. Cases were randomized to receive either 50 µg vaginal misoprostol 6 hourly (group I, n = 60) or 0.5 mg intracervical dinoprostone 6 hourly (group II, n = 60). Outcome measures, such as change in Bishop's score, need of oxytocin, induction delivery interval; complications like tachysystoly, hyperstimulation, abnormal fetal heart rate, and meconium passage were compared between two groups. Statistical analysis was performed by Wilcoxan's Rank sum and Student's t‐test.Results:  Bishop score rise, after 6 h of initiation of therapy was significantly higher in the misoprostol group than dinoprostone, 2.98 ± 2.57 versus 2.05 ± 1.83 (P = 0.04). The need of oxytocin augmentation was reduced in misoprostol versus dinoprostone group, 16.6% versus 78.3% (P = <0.001). Induction delivery interval was shorter in misoprostol; 12.8 ± 6.4 h versus 18.53 ± 8.5 h in dinoprostone group (P = <0.01).One case (1.6%) in misoprostol group, but none in dinoprostone had tachystole (P = 1.00). Abnormal heart rate pattern was found more in misoprostol than dinoprostone 16.6% versus 4.9% (P = 0.14) and so was the incidence of cesarean section, 26.6 versus 15%, respectively (P = 0.47). Meconium passage was the same in both groups, 10% in each group.Conclusion:  Vaginal misoprostol 50 µg 6‐hourly is safe and effective for induction of labor with lesser need of oxytocin augmentation and shorter induction delivery interval.
Do immunoassays differentially detect different acidity glycoforms of FSH?
Authors: Oliver Robert L. , Kane John W. , Waite Annelise , Mulders John W. M. , Robertson William R. 
Published: May 2003

OBJECTIVEThe possibility of the carbohydrate residues of glycoproteins affecting their recognition in immunoassays is an important and unresolved issue. This study looked for evidence of differential recognition of FSH glycoform preparations, of variable isoelectric point (pI) and known molarity, using three routine assays employing different antibody configurations.DESIGNSeven glycoform preparations with differing pI bands (between 3.8 and 5.5) were produced by isoelectric focusing of recombinant human FSH and the molecular weights determined by mass spectroscopy. Three concentrations of each glycoform were assayed and the results expressed relative to unfractionated material. From the relative responses, recognition differences between the assay methods and between the glycoform preparations were investigated.MEASUREMENTSThree routine assays were employed: the commercially available Amerlite® enzyme immunoassay and Delfia® immunofluorometric assay, together with an in‐house competitive two‐site radioimmunoassay (RIA).RESULTSOverall, the three assays gave the same relative responses for equivalent glycoforms, with the only exceptions involving small differences between some assay pairs for the fractions at the extremes of the pI range investigated. Within each assay type, differences (P < 0.05) of up to 33% existed between glycoforms of different pI, however, these differences showed no patterns or trends across the entire acidity range examined.CONCLUSIONSBetween the assay methods investigated in this study, few differences exist in the recognition of individual pI bands of FSH when expressed relative to a common unfractionated standard. Differences were apparent in the recognition of the different acidity glycoforms within each assay method, however, these were small and unlikely to be of clinical significance.