bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of kinin release during experimental acute pancreatitis in rats: evidence for pro‐ as well as anti‐inflammatory roles of oedema formation
Authors: Griesbacher Thomas , Rainer Irmgard , Tiran Beate , Fink Edwin , Lembeck Fred , Peskar Bernhard A 
Published: May 2003

Kinin B2 receptor antagonists or tissue kallikrein (t‐KK) inhibitors prevent oedema formation and associated sequelae in caerulein‐induced pancreatitis in the rat. We have now further investigated the mechanism of kinin generation in the pancreas.
Kinins were elevated in the pancreatic tissue already before oedema formation became manifest. Peak values (421±59 pmol g−1 dry wt) were reached at 45 min and remained elevated for at least 2 h; a second increase was observed at 24 h. Pretreatment with the B2 receptor antagonist icatibant abolished kinin formation, while post‐treatment was ineffective.
Total kininogen levels were very low in the pancreas of controls, but increased 75‐fold during acute pancreatitis. This increase was absent in rats that were pretreated with icatibant.
During pancreatitis, t‐KK‐like and plasma kallikrein (p‐KK)‐like activity in the pancreas, as well as trypsinogen activation peptide (TAP) increased significantly. Icatibant pretreatment further augmented t‐KK about 100‐fold, while p‐KK was significantly attenuated; TAP levels remained unaffected.
Endogenous protease inhibitors (α1‐antitrypsin, α2‐macroglobulin) were low in normal tissues, but increased 45‐ and four‐fold, respectively, during pancreatitis. This increase was abolished when oedema formation was prevented by icatibant.
In summary, oedema formation is initiated by t‐KK; the ensuing plasma protein extravasation supplies further kininogen and active p‐KK to the tissue. Concomitantly, endogenous protease inhibitors in the oedema fluid inhibit up to 99% of active t‐KK. Our data thus suggest a complex interaction between kinin action and kinin generation involving positive and negative feedback actions of the inflammatory oedema.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 299–308. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705247
The neuromedin B receptor antagonist, BIM‐23127, is a potent antagonist at human and rat urotensin‐II receptors
Authors: Herold Christopher L , Behm David J , Buckley Peter T , Foley James J , Wixted William E , Sarau Henry M , Douglas Stephen A 
Published: May 2003

The functional activity of the peptidic neuromedin B receptor antagonist BIM‐23127 was investigated at recombinant and native urotensin‐II receptors (UT receptors). Human urotensin‐II (hU‐II) promoted intracellular calcium mobilization in HEK293 cells expressing the human UT (hUT) or rat UT (rUT) receptors with pEC50 values of 9.80±0.34 (n=6) and 9.06±0.32 (n=4), respectively. While BIM‐23127 alone had no effect on calcium responses in either cell line, it was a potent and competitive antagonist at both hUT (pA2=7.54±0.14; n=3) and rUT (pA2=7.70±0.05; n=3) receptors. Furthermore, BIM‐23127 reversed hU‐II‐induced contractile tone in the rat‐isolated aorta with a pIC50 of 6.66±0.04 (n=4). In conclusion, BIM‐ 23127 is the first hUT receptor antagonist identified to date and should not be considered as a selective neuromedin B receptor antagonist.British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 203–207. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705251
Pharmacology and direct visualisation of BODIPY‐TMR‐CGP: a long‐acting fluorescent β2‐adrenoceptor agonist
Authors: Baker Jillian G , Hall Ian P , Hill Stephen J 
Published: May 2003

Fluorescence techniques offer a way to circumvent several problems associated with many radioligand binding and functional assays and the need for large numbers of cells. Fluorescent ligands also offer the advantage of allowing real time direct visualisation of ligand – receptors interactions. A fluorescent analogue of CGP 12177 (BODIPY‐TMR‐CGP) has thus been evaluated as a β2‐adrenoceptor ligand in CHO‐K1 cells expressing the human β2‐adrenoceptor.
Studies of 3H‐cAMP accumulation showed that BODIPY‐TMR‐CGP stimulated an increase in cAMP accumulation and cyclic AMP response element (CRE)‐mediated gene transcription with an EC50 of 21–28 nM. Both of these responses were antagonised by the selective β2‐adrenoceptor antagonist ICI 118551.
Binding studies with 3H‐CGP 12177, and functional studies of CRE‐regulated gene transcription showed that the BODIPY‐TMR‐CGP interaction with the human β2‐adrenoceptor is of very long duration.
Visualisation of the binding of BODIPY‐TMR‐CGP to single living mammalian cells was clearly demonstrated by confocal microscopy and showed that this ligand was able to selectively label cell surface β2‐adrenoceptors in living CHO‐K1 cells transfected with the human β2‐adrenoceptor with an apparent KD of 27 nM. Studies with cells expressing a β2‐adrenoceptor–green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein provided further strong evidence that BODIPY‐TMR‐CGP was binding to the β2‐adrenoceptor.
BODIPY‐TMR‐CGP is therefore a long‐acting fluorescent β2‐adrenoceptor agonist that can be used to label β2‐adrenoceptors in the plasma membrane of living cells.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 232–242. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705287
Vaginal birth after Caesarean section: A survey of practice in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Dodd Jodie , A. Crowther Caroline 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAims: Women with a single prior Caesarean section (CS) in a subsequent pregnancy will be offered either a planned elective repeat CS or vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC). Recent reports of VBAC have highlighted risks of increased morbidity, including uterine rupture, and adverse infant outcome. A survey of practice was sent to fellows and members of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to determine current care for women in a subsequent pregnancy with a single prior CS, and to assess variations by length and type of obstetric practice.Methods: Questions asked about the safety of VBAC, induction of labour with a uterine scar, and requirements to conduct VBAC and elective repeat CS.Results: A total of 1641 surveys were distributed, with 1091 (67%) returned, 844 from practicing obstetricians (51% of college membership). Almost all respondents (96%) agreed or strongly agreed that VBAC should be presented as an option to the woman, varying from 90% where the indication for primary CS was breech, 88% for fetal distress, and 55% for failure to progress. Forty percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that VBAC was the safest option for the woman, and associated with fewer risks than CS. In contrast, 44% of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that VBAC was the safest option for the infant, and opinions varied as to whether risks of VBAC outweighed those of CS for the infant. Almost two‐thirds of practitioners would offer induction of labour to a woman with a prior CS in a subsequent pregnancy, one‐third indicating a willingness to use vaginal prostaglandins, and 77% syntocinon. Most respondents preferred to conduct VBAC in a level two or three hospital (86%); required the availability within 30 min of an anaesthetist (81%), a neonatologist (84%), and operating theatre (97%); recommended continuous electronic fetal heart rate monitoring (86%); intravenous access (90%); and routine group and hold (79%) during labour. For an elective repeat CS, most practitioners request routine blood for group and hold (78%), a neonatologist in theatre (77%), the use of an in‐dwelling urinary catheter (96%), and the use of intraoperative antibiotics (82%).Conclusions: Most obstetricians indicated VBAC to be the safest option for the woman, but were less certain about benefits and risks for the infant. The consensus of practice is to present VBAC as an option and induce labour if needed. Vaginal birth after Caesarean is preferred in a level two or three hospital, with an anaesthetist, neonatologist and operating theatre available within 30 min. The use of continuous electronic fetal heart rate monitoring and intravenous access are recommended. In planned CS, a neonatologist in theatre is preferred, and an in‐dwelling urinary catheter and intraoperative antibiotics will be used.
Ankylosis and bone destruction of joints in type II collagen‐induced arthritis in different strains of mice
Authors: Ito Jun 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the differences in the clinical and histological findings in various strains of mice with collagen‐induced arthritis.Methods: We induced arthritis in several strains of mice of DBA/1, B10.RIII, and B10.Q with bovine type II collagen. The arthritis was evaluated clinically and histologically.Results: The incidence of arthritis was higher in DBA/1 mice than in B10.RIII and B10.Q mice. Severity in terms of the presence of ankylosis was greater in B10.RIII and B10.Q mice than in DBA/1 mice. Histological findings presented severe bone destruction and bony ankylosis in B10.RIII mice. At 22 weeks after injection of collagen, B10.RIII mice showed bony ankylosis of the ankle joints, in which new bone formations occurred at the corners of the joints.Conclusion: Ankylosis and bone destruction were observed at higher rates in B10.RIII and B10.Q mice than in DBA/1 mice.
Five‐and‐a‐half year study of 107 patients with septic arthritis in a general hospital in Singapore
Authors: Rahman M Matiur , Leong Khai Pang , Edwards Christopher J , Chng Hiok Hee 
Published: May 2003

AbstractIntroduction: Septic arthritis (SA) damages synovial joints and causes considerable morbidity and mortality. We wanted to explore the patterns of presentation, risk factors, causative organisms and outcome of SA in Singapore. In particular, we were interested to see if increasing numbers of drug‐resistant organisms were changing the presentation and outcome of SA.Materials and methods: Patients with SA were identified using the computerized discharge diagnosis records. We retrospectively reviewed the case records of 107 patients with SA admitted from January 1995 to June 2000 to the Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.Results: Amongst the patients studied, 42% were above 60 years of age, 51.4% experienced fever and 47% demonstrated an elevated eythrocyte sedimentation rate. The knee joint was the commonest joint involved (64.5%). Pre‐existent joint disease was present in 27.1% and prosthetic joints in 11.2%. Skin infection preceded SA in 19.6% of individuals and large numbers had coexistent medical diseases (43%) with diabetes (29%) and chronic cardiovascular disease. Staphylococcus aureus was the leading causative organism (51.7% of synovial fluid cultures) and 22.6% of these were methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Seven patients died (6.5%) and 62.3% had incomplete recovery. Using logistic regression, Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia, isolation of Staphylococcus aureus from the synovial fluid and previous history of SA were shown to be independent risk factors for poorer outcome.Conclusion: Septic arthritis remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. We have identified clinical factors that may predict poorer outcomes in patients with SA.
Bone scintigraph of rheumatoid or osteoarthritic knees after total arthroplasty
Authors: Koshino Tomihisa , Saito Tomoyuki 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAim: This investigation was carried out to observe mineral metabolism around the implanted prosthesis in the knee.Method: Follow‐up with technetium‐99m methylene‐di‐phosphate bone scintigraphy was performed on 69 knees of 57 patients (41 rheumatoid and 28 osteoarthritic knees) from 10 days to 91 months after total knee replacement results.Results: Uptake of injected isotope was seen only around the artificial joint in the scintigram, at 10 days’ post‐operatively and became denser with wider distribution thereafter. Maximum uptake was noted at 3 months. Post‐operatively, mineral metabolism began to decrease from 6 months on, and uptake was seen only in the bone near the prostheses, especially at the proximal end of the tibia, in scintigrams performed after more than 2 years. Uptake counts on the medial side of the tibial proximal end were higher than those on the lateral side in nine out of 11 knees in scintimetry performed more than 1 year after surgery. Persistent high uptake was observed in three knees, with subsequent loosening. Local high uptake was seen in the femoral shaft of three knees before the appearance of heterotopic ossification in X‐rays, and in an area of fracture in two knees.Conclusion: Loosing, heterotopic ossification and stress fracture can be detected by bone scintigraphy earlier than by roentgenogram.
Spirituality and Psychosis
Authors: Keks Nicholas , D'Souza Russell 
Published: May 2003

Objective: To examine a few links between spirituality and psychosis through illustrative cases. Conclusions: Psychoses exact a terrible toll on people. In approximately half the patients there is an enduring loss of richness of personality - the so-called deficit syndrome. Many people with psychoses attempt and complete suicide. Spirituality may be critical for dealing with the assault that psychoses effects on identity and personality. It may also help in coping with devastating loss. Religion and spirituality may replace some of the loss, and may also play a key role in psychotherapeutic support and recovery. However, religion can also be a source of pain, guilt and exclusion, and religious themes may also play a negative role in psychopathology.
Spiritual History of Parents of Children Attending a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
Authors: Mathai John , North Amanda 
Published: May 2003

Objective: To conduct a survey of the importance of spirituality in parents of children referred to a child and adolescent mental health service. Method: A questionnaire consisting of five questions was completed by 70 parents. Results: The vast majority of parents reported spirituality to be of some importance and more than half believed that therapists should consider their spiritual beliefs in the management of their child's problems. Conclusion: Professional Colleges need to actively address this area and educate their members on the importance of including a spiritual history in assessment and treatment protocols.
Summary Australian and New Zealand Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Schizophrenia 2003
Authors: McGorry Patrick , Killackey Eoin , Elkins Kathryn , Lambert Martin , Lambert Tim ,   RANZCP Clinical Practice Guideline Team for the Treatment of Schizophrenia
Published: May 2003

Objective: To provide a summary of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Schizophrenia. Conclusions: Schizophrenia is a complex and misunderstood illness with a poor public image, but it is more treatable than ever before. A new generation of medication and psychosocial therapies, combined with a first generation of service reform, have created an evidence-based climate of realistic optimism. However, the potential for better outcomes and quality of life for people with schizophrenia has not been translated into reality. The gap between efficacy and effectiveness is wider for schizophrenia than for any other serious medical disorder. These guidelines distil the current evidence and make recommendations based on the best available knowledge. They are based on systematic meta-analyses and comprehensive reviews of the evidence, and their validity is supported by their congruence with several recent rigorous and independent guideline statements from the UK and North America.
Nicotine Withdrawal: Pathway to Aggression and Assault in the Locked Psychiatric Ward?
Authors: Lawn Sharon , Pols Rene 
Published: May 2003

Objective: The aims of the present paper are to describe the experiences of patients and staff regarding smoking and violence in locked inpatient settings, and to stimulate debate about the role of nicotine withdrawal in contributing to those experiences. Method: Interviews were performed with 24 patients and 26 staff attached to a stand-alone psychiatric hospital. Participant observation of the inpatient setting was performed over a 6-month period. Data were triangulated and thematically analysed using the grounded theory method, ethnographic method, and descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Staff used cigarettes to clinically manage patients’ symptoms and behaviour. A combative environment existed between patients and staff, fuelled by staff controlling the supply of cigarettes to patients. Physical structures separating staff and patients heightened this problem. Nicotine withdrawal appeared to be misattributed for signs of impending violence or illness relapse. No nicotine replacement therapy was given to patients and no staff acknowledged patients’ nicotine withdrawal other than to ensure the continued supply of cigarettes to patients. Conclusions: In locked psychiatric settings, staff appear to use cigarettes to clinically manage patients and to avoid violence by patients. No clear clinical strategies for addressing nicotine withdrawal within psychiatric locked settings appear to exist.
Are scratchcards addictive? The prevalence of pathological scratchcard gambling among adult scratchcard buyers in the Netherlands
Authors: DeFuentes‐Merillas Laura , Koeter Maarten W. J. , Bethlehem Jelke , Schippers Gerard M. , VanDenBrink Wim 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAims  To determine the prevalence of regular, potential problematic and pathological scratchcard gambling (PSG) 5 years after the introduction of scratchcards in the Netherlands.Design and participants  A non‐proportional stratified random sample of 12 222 scratchcard buyers was approached. Regular scratchcard buyers (n = 3342) were asked to fill out the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS). Those with a SOGS score of 3 or more (n = 340) were interviewed with the gambling section of the DSM‐IV Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS‐T). Weighted data were used to obtain unbiased prevalence estimates.Findings  The estimated prevalence of regular and potential problematic scratchcard gambling were 28.4% and 2.68%, respectively. Only 0.24% met DSM‐IV criteria for PSG. Of those, only 0.09% were addicted uniquely to scratchcards. The remaining 0.15% were also addicted to other games of chance. Demographic and gambling characteristics of these ‘combined’ PSG (young men, mainly slot‐machine players) resembled characteristics of pathological gamblers in general. In contrast to these ‘combined’ PSG, ‘unique’ PSG were mainly women between 25 and 34 years who spent relatively small amounts of money on scratchcards (equivalent to one scratchcard a day).Conclusion  Scratchcards have a very low addiction potential among adults in the Netherlands. Given the specific characteristics of the unique PSG and the relatively small amount of money they spent, the appropriateness of DSM criteria for this particular form of gambling can be questioned.
Opiates, cocaine and alcohol combinations in accidental drug overdose deaths in New York City, 1990–98
Authors: Coffin Phillip O. , Galea Sandro , Ahern Jennifer , Leon Andrew C. , Vlahov David , Tardiff Kenneth 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAims  Accidental drug overdose contributes substantially to mortality among drug users. Multi‐drug use has been documented as a key risk factor in overdose and overdose mortality in several studies. This study investigated the contribution of multiple drug combinations to overdose mortality trends.Design  We collected data on all overdose deaths in New York City between 1990 and 1998 using records from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). We standardized yearly overdose death rates by age, sex and race to the 1990 census population for NYC to enable comparability between years relevant to this analysis.Findings  Opiates, cocaine and alcohol were the three drugs most commonly attributed as the cause of accidental overdose death by the OCME, accounting for 97.6% of all deaths; 57.8% of those deaths were attributed to two or more of these three drugs in combination. Accidental overdose deaths increased in 1990–93 and subsequently declined slightly in 1993–98. Changes in the rate of multi‐drug combination deaths accounted for most of the change in overdose death rates, whereas single drug overdose death rates remained relatively stable. Trends in accidental overdose death rates within gender and racial/ethnic strata varied by drug combination suggesting different patterns of multi‐drug use among different subpopulations.Conclusions  These data suggest that interventions to prevent accidental overdose mortality should address the use of drugs such as heroin, cocaine and alcohol in combination.
Probabilities of alcohol high‐risk drinking, abuse or dependence estimated on grounds of tobacco smoking and nicotine dependence
Authors: John Ulrich , Meyer Christian , Rumpf Hans‐Jürgen , Hapke Ulfert 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACTAims To estimate probabilities of alcohol high‐risk drinking, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence on grounds of smoking‐behaviour related variables and single nicotine dependence criteria.Design Cross‐sectional population‐based study.Setting Adult population of a region in north Germany.Participants Cigarette smokers (n = 2437) among a random sample of 4075 females and males aged 18–64, drawn in 1996.Measurement Smoking, nicotine dependence according to theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders(DSM‐IV) and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND); increasing alcohol‐related harm (ARH): high‐risk drinking, DSM‐IV alcohol abuse, remitted and current alcohol dependence diagnosed by the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI).Findings Having smoked 30 cigarettes or more per day, onset of smoking at the age of 17 or younger, nicotine dependence and single nicotine dependence criteria revealed odds ratios higher than 4.0 for alcohol dependence. For alcohol dependence, a logistic regression model showed an increased odds ratios for male gender, smoking for 25 years or more, no attempt to quit or cut down, continuation of smoking despite problems, craving for nicotine, withdrawal experience 1 day or longer, smoking first cigarette in the morning 5 minutes or less after waking. The probability of increasing ARH was more likely in males, smokers for 25 years or more, no attempt to quit or cut down, continuation of smoking despite problems and smoking first cigarette in the morning 5 minutes or less after waking.Conclusions Gender and single nicotine dependence criteria show particularly high probabilities of alcohol dependence and increasing ARH. Interventions need to take these connections into account.