bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual nitric oxide mechanisms of cholestasis‐induced bradycardia in the rat
Authors: Mani Ali R , Nahavandi Arezo , Moosavi Maryam , Safarinejad Reza , Dehpour Ahmad R 
Published: March 2003

Summary1. Cholestatic liver disease is associated with nitric oxide (NO) overproduction and bradycardia. Nitric oxide has a dual effect on sinoatrial node and its effects depend on its concentration. Nitric oxide can increase heart rate by activating hyperpolarization‐activated pacemaker current (If) but, at high concentrations, it can potentially decrease heart rate by inhibition of L‐type calcium current. In the present study, the responsiveness of isolated atria to CsCl (an inhibitor of the If current) and acetylcholine (ACh; which decreases L‐type calcium current through a NO‐dependent pathway) were evaluated in bile duct‐ligated and sham‐operated control rats.2. Bile duct ligation induced a significant decrease in the negative chronotropic effect of CsCl (0.2–5 mmol/L), but increased the responsiveness of isolated atria to ACh (10−8 to 10−3 mol/L). These effects were restored after incubation of the atria in the presence of the NO synthase inhibitor NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (0.1 mmol/L).3. Anaesthetized bile duct‐ligated rats showed bradycardia and the plasma levels of NO2–/NO3– were significantly higher in bile duct‐ligated rats compared with sham‐operated animals.4. Different and opposite responses of atria of cholestatic rats to CsCl and ACh can be explained by NO overproduction in bile duct‐ligated animals. A dual role of NO in the regulation of the sinoatrial node may be responsible for this opposite effect and may have a role in the pathophysiology of cholestasis‐induced bradycardia.
Actions of specific adenosine receptor A1 and A2 agonists and antagonists in recovery of phrenic motor output following upper cervical spinal cord injury in adult rats
Authors: Nantwi KD , Goshgarian HG 
Published: March 2003

Summary1. Previous studies from our laboratory have established that a latent respiratory motor pathway can be activated to restore function to a hemidiaphragm paralysed by upper cervical (C2) spinal cord hemisection during a reflex known as the ‘crossed phrenic phenomenon’. In addition, theophylline, a general adenosine A1 and A2 receptor antagonist, can activate the latent pathway by acting centrally through antagonism at adenosine receptors.2. The present study was designed to assess the relative contributions of adenosine A1 and A2 receptors in inducing functional recovery in our model of spinal cord injury. Specific adenosine A1 and A2 agonists and antagonists were used in an electrophysiological study.3. Our results demonstrate that, in hemisected rats, systemic administration of the adenosine A1 receptor‐specific antagonist 1,3‐dipropyl‐8‐cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) restores, in a dose‐dependent manner, phrenic nerve respiratory related output that is lost following hemisection. Furthermore, DPCPX augments respiratory activity in non‐injured animals. The A2 receptor agonist CGS‐21680 mediates its effects by predominantly acting on peripheral rather than central nervous system (CNS) receptors. CGS‐21680 modulates respiratory related phrenic nerve activity in non‐injured animals by enhancing tonic activity, but does not induce recovery of phrenic nerve activity in hemisected animals in the majority of cases. When CGS‐21680 was administered prior to DPCPX in hemisected rats, the magnitude of recovery of respiratory function was significantly greater than that elicited by DPCPX alone. However, when the A2 receptor agonist was administered after DPCPX, the magnitude of recovery was virtually unchanged, whereas activity in the right phrenic nerve was significantly enhanced. The A1 receptor agonist N6‐cyclohexyladenosine depressed respiratory activity in non‐injured, as well as hemisected, rats. The A2 receptor antagonist 3,7‐dimethyl‐1‐propargylxanthine did not affect respiratory activity.4. We conclude that while antagonism at central adenosine A1 receptors mediates functional restitution in hemisected animals, activation of A2 receptors located outside of the CNS subserves the A1 receptor‐mediated respiratory recovery.
Effect of an intrathoracic injection of sodium hyaluronic acid on the prevention of pleural thickening in excess fluid of tuberculous thoracic cavity
Authors: Zhou Ailian , Guo Lanping , Tang Liangchun 
Published: March 2003

Summary1. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a hyaluronate‐based gel (HAbg) on the prevention of pleural thickening and adhesion in tuberculous pleural effusions (TPE).2. Fifty‐two patients who had accumulated a medium or large volume of tuberculous thoracic fluid, fluid being bound by fibre tissues and a pleura thickened more than 2 mm were divided randomly into two groups. All patients were all given standard treatments with antituberculous drugs. The HAbg was injected into the thoracic cavity in the treatment group (n = 27 patients), whereas normal saline was introduced into the thoracic cavity in the control group (n = 25 patients). Before and after HAbg injection, routine thoracic fluid examiniations (including qualitative protein analysis, cell counts and classification of cell types) and protein quantification were performed. A chest radiograph and B‐ultrasound were performned and pulmonary function was tested after 2 weeks and 3 months of thoracic fluid absorption.3. The results show that patients who were treated with the HAbg had a significantly thinner pleura, a lower protein concentration and white blood cell count in the thoracic fluid and a higher forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity compared with patients in the control group.4. Intrathoracic HAbg can prevent pleural thickening and improve lung function in patients who have a large amount of TPE.
Ketanserin stabilizes blood pressure in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Miao Chao‐Yu , Xie He‐Hui , Yu Hui , Chu Zheng‐Xu , Su Ding‐Feng 
Published: March 2003

Summary1. It has been demonstrated that blood pressure variability (BPV) is increased in hypertension and related to organ damage. It will be important to lower BPV in the treatment of hypertension. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of ketanserin, a 5‐HT2A receptor antagonist with a weak α1‐adrenoceptor blocking effect, on BPV in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).2. It was found that ketanserin decreased blood pressure (BP) and BPV in SHR when administered intravenously (3 mg/kg, i.v.). Ketanserin decreased BPV, but not the BP level, when administered intracerebroventricularly (50 µg/rat, i.c.v.).3. Prazosin, an α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist, lowered BP but did not affect BPV when given either i.v. (0.5 mg/kg) or i.c.v. (30 ug/rat). Ritanserin (0.625 mg/kg, i.v.; 40 'ug/rat, i.c.v.), a 5‐HT2A receptor antagonist, decreased BPV only when administered i.c.v. and did not modify the BP level.4. Ketanserin enhanced arterial baroreflex function in SHR when given either i.v. or i.c.v.5. The stabilizing effect of ketanserin on BP was persistent when administered intragastrically. This administration route is similar to oral administration clinically.6. It is concluded that ketanserin is an antihypertensive agent with an effect of reducing BPV. This effect is mainly mediated by central 5‐HT2A receptors and is probably attributable to the restoration of arterial baroreflex function.
Resting energy expenditure among Japanese
Authors: Hosoya N , Mitsuhashi F , Sugiyama M 
Published: March 2003

Summary1. Resting energy expenditure (REE) provides appropriate basic data for the calculation of energy requirements.2. The REE of 6498 subjects according to sex and age (1 year stratification), with a minimum of 10 subjects per group, was measured systematically using the easy portable calorimeter (Metavine; Vine, Tokyo, Japan).3. The REE or the REE/kg according to age and sex was observed to obtain the amount of standard deviation (20–25%).4. The REE/kg for male and female subjects was maintained at a steady level after the age of 15 years and was estimated to be around 29 kcal/kg.
Chromosome mapping of Xenopus tropicalis using the G‐ and Ag‐bands: Tandem duplication and polyploidization of larvae heads
Authors: Uehara Mariko , Haramoto Yoshikazu , Sekizaki Hiroyuki , Takahashi Shuji , Asashima Makoto 
Published: March 2003

Developmental cytogenetic analyses of Xenopus tropicalis larvae from two origins were performed on stage 27–34 heads treated with colchicine. Standard G‐band karyotyping using trypsin and chromosome mapping of 184 bands were examined. Although the main karyotype was 2n = 20, polyploidy (3n = 30 or 4n = 40) and aneuploidy were detected in each individual treated with colchicine, even those treated for only 1 h. The percentage of polyploid karyotypes was 10–20% across the total of measured metaphases. The mean mitotic index was 0.10. Chromosomal breaks and exchanges were detected at the secondary constriction of chromosomes 5 or 6. Ag‐band detection showed clearly positive staining at the secondary constriction of chromosome 5, which corresponds to the nucleolar organizer region. Tandem duplication of negative G‐bands at the secondary constriction of chromosome 6 and the short arm of chromosome 10 was suggested by this study. X. tropicalis thus provides a good model to study the mechanism and effects of chromosomal abnormalities, gene mapping and tissue specific gene expression in the developmental process.
Expression of FTZ‐F1α in transgenic Xenopus embryos and oocytes
Authors: Asahi Hirotaka , Takase Minoru , Yuge Masahiro , Matsui Kumi , Mori Mitsuaki , Fujita Takashi , Nakamura Masahisa 
Published: March 2003

Fushi tarazu transcription factor‐1 (FTZ‐F1) was originally found as a regulator of fushi tarazu gene expression in Drosophila. The frog homologue (FTZ‐F1α) and the 3.5 kb 5′‐flanking region of the FTZ‐F1α gene have been cloned, and it has been shown by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction that FTZ‐F1α expression begins in embryos at stage 11 and becomes stronger after that. By in situ hybridization analysis, the FTZ‐F1α mRNA was also found in immature frog oocytes. In this study, immunohistology revealed that the product of FTZ‐F1α was localized in the cytoplasm of the immature oocyte. To analyze the promoter activity of the Rana rugosa FTZ‐F1α gene, transgenic Xenopus were produced carrying the fusion construct, consisting of truncated 5′‐flanking regions (3.0, 1.8 and 0.3 kb) of the FTZ‐F1α gene and the green fluorescent protein (GFP) open reading frame. The 0.3 kb 5′‐flanking region could drive GFP expression in Xenopus embryos at stage 20 and in immature oocytes in the ovary 2 months after metamorphosis. Gel mobility shift assay was used to test whether proteins in extracts from Xenopus embryos and ovaries bound to the 0.3 kb DNA. The extract from embryos at stage 11 formed one retarded band. The extract from ovaries formed a different retarded band. The results, taken together, indicate that production of transgenic Xenopus is very useful for the analysis of the promoter activity of genes in amphibians. The results also suggest that at least two proteins (one in the embryo and the other in the ovary of 2‐month‐old postmetamorphosing Xenopus) bind the 0.3 kb 5′‐flanking region of the FTZ‐F1α gene. These proteins may be involved in the regulation of FTZ‐F1α gene expression in amphibians.
First record of lily thrips, Liothrips vaneeckei Priesner, in Australia (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)
Authors: Malipatil MB , Mound LA , Finlay KJ , Semeraro L 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe first Australian record of the lily thrips, Liothrips vaneeckei Priesner, is reported from a bulb farm in Warragul South, Victoria. It is an occasional pest of Lilium bulbs, both in the field and in storage, particularly in the USA and several European countries, and is also infrequently found in considerable numbers on the corms of orchids.
Calculating food consumption in the laboratory: A formula to adjust for natural weight loss
Authors: Candy Steven G , Baker Susan C 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe derive a formula for correcting the weight of food eaten by an animal for natural weight loss (or gain) of the food, such as through moisture loss and food respiration. The formula is derived using a differential equation to model the loss in fresh weight based on a constant consumption rate and assumptions about the form of the function for weight loss over time of the aliquot. The standard formula is shown to over‐estimate the weight of eaten food compared to our theoretically derived formula. This over‐estimation is negligible (< 0.2%) for moisture loss below about 10% but increases sharply to 8% when moisture loss is 50%. We illustrate the application of these two formulae using a laboratory study of consumption rate by larvae of a phytophagous insect: the Tasmanian eucalyptus leaf beetle, Chrysophtharta bimaculata (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).
The Cottage Project: Caring for the unwell homeless person
Authors: Neate Sandra L , Dent Andrew W 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Objectives: The present study aims to describe the functioning of the Cottage, to describe the demographics of the patients using the Cottage, to examine benefits conveyed to patients relating to improvements in health and accommodation circumstances and to examine cost benefits of the Cottage. Setting: The Cottage is a six‐bed, low‐dependency residential facility adjacent to St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, a 450‐bed inner city adult tertiary teaching hospital. Methods: Retrospective chart analysis of 50 consecutive admissions from 1 June to 1 September 1996. Results: Seventy‐eight per cent of patients were discharged in improved health. Eight per cent gained no health improvement. Four per cent required hospital admission and 2% required Cottage readmission. Forty‐four per cent of patients were discharged to improved accommodation circumstances and 56% were discharged to the same circumstances. The cost of a Cottage bed was $82 /day. Conclusions: The Cottage fulfils an important, cost‐effective role in caring for the unwell homeless person.
Australian gun controls: Should more be done?
Authors: Christie Louis E 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Objectives: To examine the basic premises of gun control and the relationship linking legal firearm ownership to homicide and suicide in Australia. Data sources/ Available data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics regarding firearms ownership, study selection: suicide and homicide in Australia were reviewed. Medline database searches using key words of ‘firearms’, ‘homicide, statistics, trends’, ‘suicide, statistics, trends’ and ‘violence, prevention and control, statistics’ identified English language publications relating to violence prevention and/or firearms from 1966 to 1996. These papers were manually searched to identify additional references. Internet home pages of The Coalition for Gun Control, The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, Handgun Control Inc. and The National Rifle Association were reviewed and information that could be independently validated was considered. Results: Few papers approach the subject of violence with the same focus, limiting the ability to perform meta‐analysis or direct comparisons of data. Conclusions: Current knowledge is inconclusive, but does not provide strong support for some existing Australian firearm control measures. Evidence suggests that further reducing the levels of firearm ownership in Australia will not cause an overall reduction in rates of homicide or suicide.
Facsimile to general practitioners advising of patient admission from the emergency department: Why do some patients refuse consent for transmission?
Authors: Taylor David McD , Walker Stephen T 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Objective: To determine why some patients refuse consent for their general practitioner to be notified, by facsimile, of their admission to hospital from the emergency department. Methods: Descriptive, questionnaire‐based study of patients refusing consent for general practitioner notification, over a 7 month period was performed. Results: Forty‐eight patients (1.5%) refused consent and 47 patients completed the questionnaire. Thirty‐five patients (74.5%) did not think it was necessary for their general practitioner to know of their admission and seven patients (14.9%) did not want their general practitioner to know. No refusal was related to the mode of notification (facsimile). The patients who refused consent had no defining characteristics related to gender, general practitioner or diagnosis but tended to be young, with 31 patients (64.6%) aged under 38 years. Conclusions: It is likely that most refusals were related to a lack of understanding of the importance of general practitioner notification, although some refusals may have reflected the patient–general practitioner relationship. Patients appeared to have confidence that their faxed information would not be misdirected or accessed by unauthorized personnel. Medico‐legal action is conceivable if non‐urgent information is faxed without patient consent. We recommend the use of facsimile notification of patient admission from the emergency department, provided that informed, signed consent is obtained.
Foreign body aspiration presenting as croup
Authors: Inglis Sandy , Studholme Tom 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe differential diagnosis of airway obstruction in the paediatric population is large and in the toddler age group it includes viral croup, bacterial tracheitis, spasmodic croup, laryngeal papillomatosis, retropharyngeal abscess and foreign body aspiration. A case of airway obstruction is presented in which a diagnosis of viral croup was made and in which respiratory deterioration, nearly a week later, necessitated intubation and ventilatory support. Laryngotracheoscopy revealed foreign black material in the subglottis which was initially thought to be an inhaled foreign body but subsequently was identified histologically as stratified squamous epithelium of unknown origin. Aspiration of a foreign body is a great mimicker of viral croup.
Human immunodeficiency virus seroconversion illness in the emergency department: A review
Authors: Cannon Marianne E , McCarthy James S 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAdvances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, in diagnostic testing, and in antiretroviral therapy have refocused attention on the HIV seroconversion illness. Preliminary studies suggest that early institution of combination therapy may significantly alter the long‐term outcome of infection. As a significant proportion of cases of acute HIV infection occur in populations frequenting emergency departments, the importance of recognition and appropriate management of patients with this syndrome is reviewed.
Acute renal failure following sodium oxalate ingestion
Authors: Hamilton Susan E , Pielage Paul J , Fassett Robert G 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTSodium oxalate, once a common cause of suicide or accidental death, is now rarely encountered in clinical practice. This case report emphasises the toxicity of this readily available chemical and plant toxin and discusses the management to prevent death or renal failure.
‘The needle and the damage done’: Intra‐arterial temazepam
Authors: Eddey David P , Westcott Mark J 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIntra‐arterial temazepam injection by intravenous drug abusers may be associated with vascular and metabolic complications. Patients generally present with severe pain, mottling and swelling of the limb. This can progress to tissue loss. The pathophysiology is not clearly defined, but may include direct vascular injury, as well as rhabdomyolysis. This is illustrated by two cases that presented to The Geelong and St Vincent's Hospitals, Victoria, Australia, resulting in compartment syndromes, limb ischaemia and rhabdomyolysis. Treatment consists of reducing intracompartmental pressure, attempts to re‐establish blood flow by either pharmacological or surgical methods and supportive care. Compartment syndromes and ischaemia may take hours to develop, so that prolonged observation is indicated. Evidence of raised intracompartmental pressure or limb ischaemia warrants early and aggressive intervention in order to prevent or minimize the limb‐ and life‐threatening consequences of intra‐arterial injection of temazepam.
Exercise‐associated hyponatremia: A review
Authors: Speedy Dale B , Noakes Timothy D , Schneider Claudia 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis paper reviews the extensive literature on hyponatremia, a common and potentially serious complication of ultra‐distance exercise. Fluid overload is the likely aetiology. Fluid intakes are typically high in athletes who develop hyponatremia, although hyponatremia can occur with relatively modest fluid intakes. The development of fluid overload and hyponatremia in the presence of a modest fluid intake raises the possibility that athletes with this condition may have an impaired renal capacity to excrete a fluid load. The bulk of evidence favours fluid retention in the extracellular space (dilutional hyponatremia) rather than fluid remaining unabsorbed in the intestine. Female gender is an important risk factor for the development of hyponatremia. Management and prevention of exercise‐associated hyponatremia are discussed. See Commentary, page 5.
Pulse rate over pressure evaluation (ROPE) is useful in the assessment of compensated haemorrhagic shock
Authors: Ardagh Michael W , Hodgson Timothy , Shaw Leanne , Turner Duncan 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective: To evaluate a calculation of pulse rate over pulse pressure as a method of predicting decompensation in patients with compensated haemorrhagic shock.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was undertaken enrolling 184 adult victims of major road trauma who were not shocked on presentation to the emergency department. A pulse rate over pressure evaluation was calculated at presentation and vital signs were observed during the first 2 h of emergency department management.Results:Thirty‐one patients became shocked during their first 2 h. A ROPE value of greater than 3.0 had a positive predictive value of 53% and a value less than 3.0 had a negative predictive value of 86% for the development of decompensated shock.Conclusions:ROPE is an easily applied and useful clinical tool with a ROPE of less than 3.0 being predictive of a patient remaining well and a ROPE of above 3.0 being predictive of the patient developing decompensated shock.
Evidence, expertise and the emergency physician: Doctors should anticipate legal reform in their expert evidence
Authors: Hitchcock Thomas 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe court system is particularly dependent on expertise in science and medicine. Medical experts should be aware that their legal evidence has the potential to work against justice as there are partisan selection, financial, and adversarial pressures; and laws of evidence which allow legal evidence to be admissible without definition of its medical‐evidence base. Currently the main checks on an expert’s legal evidence are the professional integrity of the expert, and cross‐examination. However, there is good reason to expect reform of the laws of legal evidence to define objective criteria for the admissibility of scientific legal evidence. In anticipation of these reforms, emergency physicians appearing in court should address the medical‐evidence base of their legal evidence.