bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wine polyphenols modulate calcium handling in rat aorta: involvement of nitric oxide pathway
Authors: Diebolt Myriam , Andriantsitohaina Ramaroson 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe effects of short‐term oral administration of red wine polyphenolic compounds (RWPCs) on blood pressure and vascular reactivity were investigated in rats. The consequence of RWPCs treatment on agonist‐induced contractility of rat aorta with respect to Ca2+ handling was assessed, by examining both intracellular Ca2+ store and extracellular Ca2+ influx components of the response.Rats were treated daily for 7 days by intragastric administration of either 5% glucose, or RWPCs (20 mg/kg) [from two different sources, i.e. Provinols (SFD, Vallont Pont d'Arc, France) and RWPC1 (INRA, Montpellier, France)]. Administration of these compounds produced a decrease in systolic blood pressure. The consequence of RWPCs treatment on vascular smooth muscle was investigated in rat aorta without endothelium exposed to noradrenaline. In Ca2+‐free medium, RWPC1 but not Provinols treatment induced an increase in noradrenaline‐induced contraction. After depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores by noradrenaline in Ca2+‐free medium, addition of CaCl2 in the continuous presence of agonist induced an increase in contraction, which was not significantly different between control, Provinols‐ and RWPC‐treated rats. The presence of an inhibitor of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase, thapsigargin, significantly reduced noradrenaline‐induced contraction in Ca2+‐free medium in RWPCs‐treated aorta, as compared to that of control. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect of thapsigargin on the response linked to the release of Ca2+ from internal stores in RWPCs‐treated vessels was completely prevented in the presence of NO‐synthase inhibitor, L‐nitro arginine methyl ester, the inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase, oxadiazoloquinoxaline or the protein kinase G inhibitor, 8‐Bromoguanosine‐3′‐5‐cyclic monophosphorothioate, Rp isomer.These results suggest that short‐term administration of RWPCs in rats induced subtle alteration of thapsigargin‐sensitive component of agonist‐induced contraction in rat aorta linked to Ca2+ release from intracellular store. Calcium release from intracellular stores sensitive to thapsigargin was implicated in this mechanism. The prevention of the inhibitory effect of thapsigargin by the inhibitors of NO/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway after RWPCs treatment highlights the role of NO in this phenomenon.
The internal jugular vein valve may have a significant role in the prevention of venous reflux: evidence from live and cadaveric human subjects
Authors: Silva M. A. , Deen K. I. , Fernando D. J. S. , Sheriffdeen A. H. 
Published: March 2003

Introduction: The internal jugular vein valve (IJVV), which is situated just above the termination of the internal jugular vein, is the only valve between the heart and the brain. This means that it plays a role in the prevention of cephalad flow of venous blood. If the IJVV is damaged or becomes incompetent, increase in intrapleural pressure could result in raised intracranial pressure. Additionally, the jugular venous pulse (JVP) is used clinically to estimate right atrial pressure, a functional IJVV may prevent accurate estimation of the JVP. Objectives: To describe the presence and the competence of the IJVV in post‐mortem and live human subjects. Design – setting and methods: The anatomical appearance of the IJVV from 30 cadavers was studied. Competence was checked by measuring maximum hydrostatic pressure before reflux occurred through the valve. The function of the valve was evaluated in 25 live subjects using colour duplex scanning. Results: The IJVV was present in all cadavers just before its termination (60 IJVVs from 30 subjects). The valve was bicuspid in most cases (93%). The competence of 41 IJVVs was checked of which only three (7%) were found to be incompetent. All IJVVs in live subjects were found to be competent. Conclusion: This study confirms that a functional IJVV is present just above the termination of the internal jugular vein. The IJVV may therefore prevent reflux of venous blood from the right atrium into the internal jugular vein.
Influence of work rate on the determinants of oxygen deficit during short‐term submaximal exercise: implications for clinical research*
Authors: Reybrouck Tony , Defoor Johan , Bijnens Bart , Mertens Luc , Gewillig Marc 
Published: March 2003

SummaryObjective: The effect of increasing work rate was studied on the determinants of the oxygen deficit.Methods: Exercise testing was performed on a treadmill and gas exchange was measured on a breath‐by‐breath basis. Eleven healthy subjects, aged 18–25 years, performed three square wave exercise tests of different intensity. Before exercise, gas exchange was measured at rest in the standing position for 3 min, followed by a 6‐min square wave exercise test, randomly assigned at 4, 8 or 12% inclination. Immediately after exercise the recovery gas exchange was determined for 3 min. To calculate oxygen deficit, the oxygen uptake (O2) values at onset of exercise were subtracted from the steady‐state value, the differences were cumulated and expressed as a percentage of the total oxygen cost for the 6‐min exercise.Results: The oxygen deficit increased significantly (P<0·001) with increasing work rate (6·1 ± 1·4% for 4%, 8·4 ± 2·1% for 8% and 9·4 ± 1·7% at 12% inclination). This resulted from a somewhat slower increase of O2 at the onset of exercise at the highest work rate, reflected by a significantly higher time constant for O2 at 8 and 12% (24·6 ± 7·3 s at 8% and 24·1 ± 6·3 s at 12% versus 20·2 ± 8·1 s at 4%). More importantly a significantly higher steady‐state value for O2 was found at the highest exercise level, compared with the other exercise intensities.Conclusion: The higher oxygen deficit at the highest level of exercise is determined by a slower time constant and a higher asymptote value for O2.
Recent Invasions of the Gulf of Maine: Three Contrasting Ecological Histories
Authors: Berman Jody , Harris Larry , Lambert Walter , Buttrick Melanie , Dufresne Michael 
Published: March 2003

Introduced species are common members of estuarine communities where their role as competitors and predators is of concern, This paper examines the invasion of Gulf of Maine benthic habitats by the ecologically similar alien invertebrates Styela clava, Botrylloides diegensis, and Membranipora membranacea. Styela clava increased slowly in abundance at study sites in Beverly, Massachusetts and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. We found no evidence of competitive dominance by S. clava, even though it is the competitive dominant in similar habitats elsewhere. Botrylloides diegensis rapidly became a dominant species after its arrival in the Great Bay Estuary, but this dominance was short‐lived. B. diegensis persists in the estuary as an early colonist of primary space and as an epibiont on secondary substrates in established communities. Membranipora membranacea became the dominant epiphyte on laminarian kelps within two years. Although M. membranacea overgrew the native epiphytes Obelia geniculata and Electra pilosa in the overwhelming majority of encounters these native species are more common on other algal hosts. Therefore, competitive dominance is not likely a factor in the successful invasion of the Gulf of Maine by M. membranacea.These species provide evidence for opposing views of the role of competition in mediating community invasion. We show that ecological similarity among species is not an accurate criterion to predict either the mechanism of invasion or the means of persistence. In addition, these data indicate that biological invasions must be examined on broad spatial and temporal scales; short‐term or narrowly focused studies can lead to incorrect conclusions.
Reducing Cesarean Section Rates Safely: Lessons from a “Breakthrough Series” Collaborative
Authors: Flamm Bruce L. , Berwick Donald M. , Kabcenell Andrea 
Published: March 2003

Background:Almost one million cesarean operations are performed each year in the United States. The objective of this project was to test the hypothesis that a structured collaborative effort can help participating health care organizations to reduce their cesarean delivery rates safely.Methods:Experts associated with the collaborative helped participant organizations to explore several categories of change concepts and to develop action plans for safely reducing their cesarean delivery rates. Over the course of one year participants attended three two‐day learning sessions. In the interval between these sessions, collaborative participants communicated by weekly conference calls and a dedicated Internet site.Results:Of 28 participating organizations, 15 percent achieved cesarean delivery rate reductions of 30 percent or more during the 12‐month period of active collaborative work. An additional 50 percent achieved reductions between 10 and 30 percent.Conclusions:The Healthy People 2000 goal of a cesarean delivery rate below 15 percent by the year 2000 is attainable. Clinical leadership from doctors and nurses toward the achievement of that goal is timely, ethical, and in the best interests of childbearing women in the United States. (BIRTH 25:2 June 1998)
A Modified McMullen's Staining for Helicobacter pylori: A High‐Contrast, Visibly Prominent Method
Authors: Iwaki Hiroyuki , Sugiyama Toshiro , Asaka Masahiro 
Published: March 2003

Background.Many stains can be used for the histological assessment of Helicobacter pylori, but all have defects from the standpoint of sensitivity, convenience, stability, visible prominence and cost. This paper describes a stain which produces satisfactory results on all the above accounts.Materials and Methods.Paraffin‐embedded sections were dewaxed and treated with 0.2% w/v carbol fuchsin for two min; then 1.0% w/v malachite green was applied for two minutes.Results.This technique stained the bacterial form a deep magenta against a light green background. The characteristic morphology of H. pylori was identified very easily as a stumpy curved rod, and the coccoid forms were also identified. Staining was not specific with mixed samples of bacteria, but it was sufficient to identify H. pylori in the gastric mucosa.Conclusion.We have established an easy, stable, convenient, low‐cost, and easily recognizable staining method for H. pylori in paraffin‐embedded tissue.
High Concentrations of Ammonia, But Not Volatile Amines, in Gastric Juice of Subjects with Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Verdú Elena F. , Armstrong David , Sabovcikova Lionella , Idström Jan‐Peter , Cederberg Christer , Blum André L. , Bercík Premysl 
Published: March 2003

Background.~ Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) produces large amounts of ammonia. Based on higher readings obtained with an ammonia‐sensitive electrode when compared to a specific enzymatic assay, it has been claimed that H. pylori also produces potentially toxic volatile amines.Method.We measured ammonia concentrations (NH3) in gastric aspirates from 11 H. pylori positive subjects (22–40 y, 6~
m), using an ammonia electrode sensitive to ammonia and amines, and an enzymatic assay specific for ammonia. Continuous aspiration was performed overnight and 220 aspirates were analyzed before and 6~weeks after cure of H. pylori. Gastric samples were diluted 1:3 (before cure) and 1:1 (after cure) according to dilution curves constructed prior to the assays.Results.Median (95% CI) NH3 detected by the elec‐trode/enzymatic assay were 4.34~m
m[4.12–4.61]/4.50~m
m [4.28–4.68] (p~>~.05) before cure and 0.54~m
m[0.42–0.60]/0.73~m
m[0.71–0.81] after cure (p~>~.05). Intra‐class correlation coefficient between the two methods was 0.91 before cure and 0.90 after cure (p~<~.001). Without dilution, the enzymatic assay was linear for NH3 from 0.01 to 1~m
m and saturated at 2.5~m
m; the electrode was linear for NH3 from 0.01 to 20~m
m. When appropriate dilutions were performed, the enzymatic assay was accurate for NH3 greater than 2.5~m
m.Conclusion.In subjects with H. pylori infection there is a high NH3 in gastric juice; production of volatile amines appears to be negligible in vivo. An ammonia‐sensitive electrode and a specific enzymatic assay are both suitable methods for determining NH3 in the gastric juice of subjects with H. pylori infection.
Helicobacter pylori Culture from a Positive, Liquid‐Based Urease Test for Routine Clinical Use: A Cost‐Effective Approach
Authors: Jaup Bernhard H. , Stenquist Bo , Brandberg Åke 
Published: March 2003

Background. The aim of our study was to test the feasibility of culturing Helicobacter pylori directly from biopsies aimed for rapid urease test in routine clinical practice.Materials and Methods. In 260 consecutive patients referred for gastroscopy because of dyspepsia one antral biopsy was routinely used for our “in house” rapid urease test (RUT). Positive biopsies were placed in a transport medium and sent to the laboratory. The biopsies were cultured and incubated at 37°C for 5–7 days. H. pylori was identified and routinely tested for antimicrobial resistance by using the E‐test.Results. In 118 out of 260 patients (45%) the urease test turned positive and the growth of H. pylori was sufficient to allow testing of antimicrobial resistance.Conclusion. H. pylori could be cultured from almost all positive RUT specimens. A liquid RUT is thus more suitable for culture, saving additional biopsies.
Long‐Term Helicobacter pylori Infection in Japanese Monkeys Induces Atrophic Gastritis and Accumulation of Mutations in the p53 Tumor Suppressor Gene
Authors: Oda Touta , Murakami Kazunari , Nishizono Akira , Kodama Masaaki , Nasu Masaru , Fujioka Toshio 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground. Helicobacter pylori is accepted as a definite human gastric carcinogen from an epidemiological point of view despite insufficient experimental data. Although we previously showed that the number of p53 immunopositive cells in the atrophic gastric mucosa of H. pylori‐infected Japanese monkeys gradually increased over time, data on p53 gene mutations were not obtained in that study. To obtain direct evidence of carcinogenesis associated with H. pylori infection, we investigated whether p53 gene mutations are present in the gastric mucosa of a nonhuman primate model susceptible to H. pylori.Materials and Methods. Using the DNA from gastric tissues obtained from six H. pylori‐uninfected monkeys of different ages, nucleotide sequence of the wild‐type p53 gene was determined by amplification of exons (Ex) 5, 6, 7 and 8 and sequencing. Gastric specimens obtained from eight Japanese monkeys that had been infected with H. pylori for different lengths of time (1.5–7.5 years), were analyzed for mutations in exons 5–8 of p53.Results. In the six H. pylori‐uninfected monkeys, nucleotide sequences of p53 Ex 5–8 were completely common and no mutations were noted. However, among the monkeys that were infected with H. pylori over various periods of time, there was an accumulation of p53 nucleotide (amino acid) substitutions as the gastric atrophy score increased.Conclusions. We conclude that the appearance of p53 gene mutation may be closely associated with the degree of gastric mucosal atrophy, which depends on the duration of H. pylori infection. Searching for p53 gene mutations may be useful for studying the progression of gastric carcinogenesis associated with H. pylori.
Helicobacter pylori infection in geriatrics
Authors: Pilotto Alberto , Salles Nathalie 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection increases with age worldwide. However, the percentage of H. pylori‐positive elderly patients who are tested and treated for their infection remains very low. We now have data that demonstrate the benefit of curing H. pylori infection in elderly patients with H. pylori‐associated peptic ulcer disease and severe chronic gastritis. Furthermore, the cure of H. pylori may prevent progression of intestinal metaplasia and gastric atrophy. Studies are needed to clarify the role of eradication for elderly patients who have nonulcer dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease and who use nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. H. pylori infection may be easily diagnosed by histological evaluation, rapid urease test or culture performed on gastric biopsies taken during endoscopy. However, the biopsy site must be carefully selected in elderly patients. For noninvasive monitoring of H. pylori infection after treatment, the 13C‐urea breath test has significantly higher accuracy than serology in the elderly. The role of the H. pylori stool antigen test in old age still needs to be clarified. One‐week PPI‐based triple therapy regimens including clarithromycin, amoxycillin and/or nitroimidazoles are highly effective and well tolerated in elderly patients. Low doses of both PPIs and clarithromycin (in combination with standard doses of amoxycillin or nitroimidazoles) are sufficient. Antibiotic resistance and low compliance are the main factors related to treatment failure at any age.
Recent Advances in Pharmacotherapy for Cancer Pain Management
Authors: Lucas Lise K. , Lipman Arthur G. 
Published: March 2003

purpose: This review provides an outline of several recent advances in drug treatment options and strategies for managing cancer pain.overview: The development of cyclooxygenase‐2‐selective nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and transmucosal fentanyl citrate provide new pharmacologic options for the treatment of cancer pain. Combinations of opioid agonists and antagonists have provided data on new strategies to balance effective analgesia with analgesic‐related adverse effects. In addition, the spectrum of adjuvant agents for the treatment of neuropathic pain has been extended to various antidepressants and topical analgesics. There is continued research on the role of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor and, specifically, on NMDA receptor antagonists that may augment analgesia and combat opioid resistance. Finally, a more potent generation of bisphosphonates may lead to improved pain relief for patients with bone metastases.clinical implications: With a combination of emerging new clinical research and professional practice experience of the cancer care team, new strategies will continue to be developed and implemented, resulting in the continued improved care of patients with cancer.
Pain Management Issues for Cancer Survivors
Authors: Lyne Marjorie E. , Coyne Patrick J. , Watson Ashby C. 
Published: March 2003

purpose: The authors review issues that cancer survivors face daily related to pain management, the etiologies of pain in survivors, and ways to achieve successful pain management for cancer survivors.overview: The review includes a discussion of pain issues in the 6‐month period after diagnosis and pain issues that may arise throughout survivorship. The authors describe a successful pain management program as including thorough and ongoing assessment, communication among the healthcare team members, interdisciplinary interventions, and reassessment of the whole management process. Various barriers to effective pain management are described.clinical implications: It is hoped that this review may give members of the multidisciplinary cancer care team new insights into the issues encountered by survivors regarding pain and potential therapeutic techniques.
Spirituality and Quality of Life in Gynecologic Oncology Patients
Authors: Gioiella Marie Elena , Berkman Barbara , Robinson Mark 
Published: March 2003

PURPOSE
: The inclusion of spiritual well‐being in healthcare assessments can provide insight into patients' needs and coping resources. This study explored the relationship between spiritual well‐being and quality of life (QOL) in gynecologic oncology patients in an attempt to clarify the significance of spiritual well‐being in the assessment process.
DESCRIPTION OF STUDY
: Eighteen women with gynecologic cancer completed a self‐administered questionnaire that obtained sociodemographic, medical, spiritual, and functional information. The Spiritual Well‐being Scale was used to assess spiritual well‐being, and the Functional Living Index: Cancer (FLIC) measured QOL. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, comparison of means, and analysis of variance.
RESULTS
: Patients with gynecologic cancers other than ovarian reported a better QOL and a higher degree of spiritual, existential, and religious well‐being. Older patients consistently reported higher degrees of spiritual well‐being and QOL than did younger patients. Married patients consistently reported higher degrees of spiritual well‐being than patients who were not married (never married or separated). Catholic patients scored higher in degrees of religious and spiritual well‐being as well as in FLIC scores than other patients.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
: Health professionals do not generally assess spiritual well‐being in their evaluations of patients' needs. The findings from this study support the inclusion of spirituality as part of routine patient assessment and intervention. Clinical intervention that would increase a patient's level of spiritual awareness and his or her level of comfort associated with a personal perspective on death could help decrease the patient's level of psychosocial distress. Despite the medical establishment's bias to the contrary, religion and spirituality are positively associated with both physical and mental health and may be particularly significant to terminally ill patients. The curricula of medical, nursing, and other health schools should be redesigned appropriately.