bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
KMUP‐1, a xanthine derivative, induces relaxation of guinea‐pig isolated trachea: the role of the epithelium, cyclic nucleotides and K+ channels
Authors: Wu Bin‐Nan , Lin Rong‐Jyh , Lo Yi‐Ching , Shen Kuo‐Pyng , Wang Chao‐Chuan , Lin Young‐Tso , Chen Ing‐Jun 
Published: July 2004

7‐[2‐[4‐(2‐chlorophenyl)piperazinyl]ethyl]‐1,3‐dimethylxanthine (KMUP‐1) produces tracheal relaxation, intracellular accumulation of cyclic nucleotides, inhibition of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and activation of K+ channels.
KMUP‐1 (0.01–100 μM) induced concentration‐dependent relaxation responses in guinea‐pig epithelium‐intact trachea precontracted with carbachol. Relaxation responses were also elicited by the PDE inhibitors theophylline, 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine (IBMX), milrinone, rolipram and zaprinast (100 μM), and a KATP channel opener, levcromakalim.
Tracheal relaxation induced by KMUP‐1 was attenuated by epithelium removal and by pretreatment with inhibitors of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) (1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ), 1 μM), nitric oxide synthase (Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester, 100 μM), K+ channels (tetraethylammonium, 10 mM), KATP channels (glibenclamide, 1 μM), voltage‐dependent K+ channels (4‐aminopyridine, 100 μM) and Ca2+‐dependent K+ channels (charybdotoxin, 0.1 μM or apamin, 1 μM).
Both KMUP‐1 (10 μM) and theophylline nonselectively and slightly inhibited the enzyme activity of PDE3, 4 and 5, suggesting that they are able to inhibit the metabolism of adenosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and guanosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP). Likewise, the effects of IBMX were also measured and its IC50 values for PDE3, 4 and 5 were 6.5±1.2, 26.3±3.9 and 31.7±5.3 μM, respectively.
KMUP‐1 (0.01–10 μM) augmented intracellular cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP levels in guinea‐pig cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells. These increases in cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP were abolished in the presence of an adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ 22536 (100 μM) and an sGC inhibitor ODQ (10 μM), respectively.
KMUP‐1 (10 μM) increased the expression of protein kinase A (PKARI) and protein kinase G (PKG1α1β) in a time‐dependent manner, but this was only significant for PKG after 9 h.
Intratracheal administration of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α, 0.01 mg kg−1) induced bronchoconstriction and exhibited a time‐dependent increase in lung resistance (RL) and decrease in dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn). KMUP‐1 (1.0 mg kg−1), injected intravenously for 10 min before the intratracheal TNF‐α, reversed these changes in RL and Cdyn.
These data indicate that KMUP‐1 activates sGC, produces relaxation that was partly dependent on an intact epithelium, inhibits PDEs and increases intracellular cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, which then increases PKA and PKG, leading to the opening of K+ channels and resulting tracheal relaxation.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 1105–1114. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705791
Voltage‐dependent displacement of the scorpion toxin Ts3 from sodium channels and its implication on the control of inactivation
Authors: Campos Fabiana V , Coronas Fredy I V , Beirão Paulo S L 
Published: July 2004

The voltage‐dependent displacement of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus α‐toxin Ts3 was investigated in native sodium channels of GH3 cells by examining the removal of its effects in toxin‐free solution.
Toxin at saturating concentration was pulsed (∼1 s) directly onto the cell, thus causing an eight‐fold increase of the slow component (τs=6 ms) of fast inactivation, and a three‐fold increase of the time constant of its fast component.
At 0 mV, maximal conductance was achieved in cells before and after treatment with Ts3, and no displacement of the toxin could be detected.
Toxin displacement occurred if stronger depolarising pulses (>100 mV) were applied. The rate of displacement depended on the amplitude and duration of the pulses, and was not related with outward Na+ flux.
We propose a model in which activation does not require complete movement of segment S4 of domain IV (IVS4) and that a more extensive movement of this segment is needed for normal fast inactivation. A kinetic model is presented that can account for the typical effects of site 3 toxins.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 1115–1122. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705793
Requirement for flow in the blockade of endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) by ascorbate in the bovine ciliary artery
Authors: Nelli Silvia , Dowell Fiona J , Wilson William S , Stirrat Alison , Martin William 
Published: July 2004

We previously reported that ascorbate inhibits endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)‐mediated vasodilatation in the bovine perfused ciliary circulation and rat perfused mesentery, but not in rings of bovine or porcine coronary artery.
In this study, we have compared the ability of ascorbate to inhibit EDHF‐mediated vasodilatation in a single vessel, the bovine long posterior ciliary artery, when perfused and when mounted as rings in a myograph.
Both in segments perfused at a flow rate of 2.5 ml min−1 and in rings mounted in a myograph, bradykinin and acetylcholine each induced vasodilator responses that were mediated jointly by EDHF and nitric oxide, as revealed by their respective blocking agents, apamin/charybdotoxin, and L‐NAME.
Ascorbate (50 and 150 μM) induced a time (max at 2–3 h)‐dependent inhibition of the EDHF‐mediated component of vasodilatation to bradykinin or acetylcholine in perfused segments, but not in rings.
Ascorbate (50 μM) failed to inhibit bradykinin‐induced vasodilatation at a flow rate of 1.25 ml min−1 or below, but produced graded blockade at the higher flow rates of 2.5 and 5 ml min−1. Furthermore, using a pressure myograph where pressure and flow were independently controlled, it was confirmed that the inhibitory action of ascorbate (150 μM) was directly related to flow per se and not any associated changes in pressure.
Thus, we have shown in the bovine ciliary artery that ascorbate inhibits EDHF‐mediated vasodilatation under conditions of flow but not in a static myograph. The mechanism by which flow renders EDHF susceptible to inhibition by ascorbate remains to be determined.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 1081–1090. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705816
Aminoguanidine prevents age‐related deterioration in left ventricular–arterial coupling in Fisher 344 rats
Authors: Chang Kuo‐Chu , Hsu Kwan‐Lih , Chou Tsai‐Fwu , Lo Huey‐Ming , Tseng Yung‐Zu 
Published: July 2004

In recent studies, aminoguanidine (AG), an inhibitor of advanced glycation endproducts, has been identified as a prominent agent that can prevent the age‐related aortic stiffening and cardiac hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to determine whether AG had effects on the left ventricular (LV)–arterial coupling in aged Fisher 344 rats in terms of the ventricular and arterial chamber properties.
Normotensive rats were treated from 18 to 24 months with AG (1 g l−1 in drinking water) and compared with a control group. LV pressure and ascending aortic flow signals were recorded to construct the ventricular and arterial end‐systolic pressure–stroke volume relationships to calculate LV end‐systolic elastance (Ees) and effective arterial volume elastance (Ea), respectively. The optimal afterload (Qload) determined by the ratio of Ea to Ees was used to measure the efficiency of mechanical energy transferred from the left ventricle to the arterial system.
In comparison with the 6‐month‐old rats, the 24‐month‐old animals had decreased Ees, at 567.4±26.7 vs 639.0±20.7 mmHg ml−1, decreased Ea, at 411.5±18.6 vs 577.9±15.7 mmHg ml−1, and decreased Qload, at 0.9428±0.0024 vs 0.9962±0.0014.
Treatment with AG for 6 months did not significantly affect Ees; however, when normalized to LV weight (i.e., Eesn=Ees/LV weight), Eesn showed a significant rise of 22.8%, suggesting that AG may retard the aging process on the intrinsic contractility of the left ventricle. On the other hand, the decrease in Ea in aging rats was prevented by AG, as reflected in the increase of 19.7% in this variable (P<0.05). The 24‐month‐old treated rats also exhibited a significant rise of 21.6% in Ea/Ees, causing an increase of 5.2% in Qload (P<0.05).
We conclude that in healthy older Fisher 344 rats without diabetes, long‐term treatment with AG may improve both the arterial and ventricular function and optimize the matching condition for the left ventricular–arterial coupling.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 1099–1104. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705831
Surgical Resection of Calvarial Metastases Overlying Dural Sinuses
Authors: Michael Christopher B. , Gokaslan Ziya L. , DeMonte Franco , McCutcheon Ian E. , Sawaya Raymond , Lang Frederick F. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Few reports have addressed the surgical management of cranial metastases that overlie or invade the dural venous sinuses. To examine the role of surgery in the treatment of dural sinus calvarial metastases, we reviewed retrospectively 13 patients who were treated with surgery at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1993 and 1999. We compared them with 14 patients who had calvarial metastases that did not involve a venous sinus.

METHODS
Clinical charts, radiological studies, pathological findings, and operative reports were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS
The median age of patients with dural sinus calvarial metastases was 54 years. Nine patients were men and four were women. Renal cell carcinoma and sarcoma were the most common primary tumors. Similar features were noted in the 14 patients with nonsinus calvarial metastases. Of the 13 dural sinus calvarial metastases, 11 involved the superior sagittal sinus, and 2 involved the transverse sinus. In nine patients, the involved sinus was resected, and in four patients, the sinus was reconstituted after tumor removal. Nine patients in the dural sinus calvarial metastases group received en bloc resection, and four received piecemeal resection. No operative deaths occurred. The overall median actuarial survival was 16.5 months. The survival times of the two groups were comparable. In the group with dural sinus calvarial metastases, transient postoperative neurological deficits occurred in two patients (15%), and a permanent deficit occurred in one patient (8%). No patients in the group with nonsinus calvarial metastases experienced deficits after resection. Compared with piecemeal resection, en bloc resection was associated with significantly less blood loss.

CONCLUSION
Complete extirpation of calvarial metastases that overlie or invade a dural sinus can be achieved with only slightly more morbidity than complete removal of calvarial metastases that are located away from the sinuses. En bloc resection is as safe as piecemeal resection and is more effective in limiting operative blood loss. The overall recurrence and survival rates of patients with dural sinus calvarial metastases are similar to those of patients with calvarial metastases that do not involve the sinuses. Therefore, involvement of a dural venous sinus should not discourage resection of calvarial metastases. In carefully selected cancer patients, surgery provides effective palliation of symptomatic calvarial metastases that overlie or invade the venous sinuses.
Ictal SPECT in Nonlesional Extratemporal Epilepsy
Authors: Cascino Gregory D. , Buchhalter Jeffrey R. , Mullan Brian P. , So Elson L. 
Published: July 2004

Summary:  Purpose: Ictal single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) may be a reliable indicator of the ictal onset zone in patients with intractable partial epilepsy who are being considered for epilepsy surgery. The rationale for the illustrated case report is to evaluate the use of an innovation in SPECT imaging in a patient with nonlesional extratemporal epilepsy. Methods: We investigated the presurgical evaluation and operative outcome in a patient with intractable partial epilepsy. The ictal semiology indicated a “hypermotor” seizure with bipedal automatism. The electroclinical correlation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) did not suggest the appropriate localization of the epileptogenic zone. A subtraction periictal SPECT coregistered to MRI (SISCOM) was peformed. Results: SISCOM revealed a region of localized hyperperfusion in the right supplementary sensorimotor area. Chronic intracranial EEG monitoring confirmed the relationship between the localized SISCOM alteration and the ictal onset zone. The patient was rendered seizure free after surgical treatment. Conclusions: SISCOM may be used to identify potential candidates for surgical treatment of nonlesional extratemporal epilepsy. Periictal imaging may also alter the strategy for intracranial EEG recordings and focal cortical resection.
Personal Characteristics, Unemployment, and Anxiety among Highly Educated Immigrants
Authors: Lev‐Wiesel Rachel , Kaufman Roni 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACTThis exploratory study examines the relationship between personal resources (sense of potency, marital quality, social support from family and friends), the duration of unemployment, and the level of state anxiety experienced by highly educated, unemployed, middle‐aged immigrants. Studying the anxiety levels among populations at‐risk such as unemployed immigrants is particularly important in the context of situations of military conflict. In such situations, when formal support systems are in the process of erosion, the unemployed must increasingly rely on social and familial support. The following measures were examined in an anonymous, self‐report questionnaire: potency (defined as a person's enduring confidence in his/her own capacities and confidence in, and commitment to, his/her social environment which is perceived as being characterized by a basically meaningful order and just distribution of rewards), social support from friends and family, marital quality, and state anxiety. Results indicate that personal resources – particularly potency and social support from family – predicted the level of state anxiety among immigrants. Duration of unemployment was also positively correlated with state anxiety. A major recommendation that emerges is the need to foster the development of social support groups consisting of both veterans and new immigrants in order to broaden the social ties of the immigrants. This may assist newcomers not only in finding jobs, but also in coping with political and economic uncertainties in a new cultural context.
Irregular and Illegal Migration through Ukraine
Authors: Uehling Greta 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACTWith the expansion of Europe's borders, Ukraine has entered the spotlight of attention as a source and transit country for irregular migrants. Irregular migration has risen on the international security and political agendas because it is perceived as a threat to security, and has been linked to problems such as crime and drugs. In the debate about how to manage this migration, the voices of the migrants themselves are often lost.Drawing on a review of the literature and migrants' testimonies, this paper argues that assumptions about irregular migrants in policy and position papers can be revised in light of migrants' experiences. For example, whereas officials and workers in non‐governmental organizations often picture irregular migration in terms of an inexorable striving, what migrants emphasize most is the undesirable nature of their movement. And, whereas many sources view irregular migration as symptomatic of globalization and the transnational “flows” of people, capital, and ideas, asylum seekers who become irregular in the absence of a strong asylum system in Ukraine describe highly constrained lives that include detention and isolation.Before more efforts are directed toward combating irregular migration, migrants' descriptions of a traumatic and transformative experience of being “turned into illegals”, and “broken” can be taken into account. While there is a tendency to view the migrants as the problem, this paper suggests it is international migration regimes and not migrants that need amendment and improvement.
War and Forced Migration in the Indian Ocean: The US Military Base at Diego Garcia
Authors: Vine David 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACTBetween 1967 and 1973, the indigenous people of the Indian Ocean's Chagos Archipelago were forcibly displaced from their homelands so the US Government could construct a strategic military base on the island of Diego Garcia. The people of Diego Garcia and the rest of the Chagos Archipelago now live in poverty in the island nations of Mauritius and Seychelles, nearly 2,000 kilometres from their homes. Analysing formerly classified government documents, this paper demonstrates how between the end of World War II and the final removals in 1973, the US Government planned, ordered, financed, helped orchestrate, and participated in the expulsion of the exiled people, known as Chagossians or Ilois. While some have detailed the role the British Government played in the removals, this paper clarifies how the US Government bears primary responsibility for the expulsion. Ultimately the creation of the base at Diego Garcia and the expulsion of the Chagossians reveal much about how the United States has exercised its political, economic, and military will on the world since World War II. The paper explains the significance of Diego Garcia and the expulsion of the Chagossians to post‐war US foreign relations, incorporating comparative analyses of other forced migrations caused by the construction of US military facilities, including those in the Marshall Islands; Thule, Greenland; Okinawa, Japan; and Vieques, Puerto Rico.
Structuring health needs assessments: the medicalisation of health visiting
Authors: Cowley Sarah , Mitcheson Jan , Houston Anna M. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract  This paper draws on Foucault to understand the changing discourse and impact of structured ‘health needs assessments’ on health visiting practice. Literature about this activity makes little mention of the long‐standing social purposes of health visiting, which include surveillance of vulnerable and invisible populations, providing them, where needed, with help and support to access protective and supportive services. Instead, the discourse has been concerned primarily with an epidemiological focus and public health, which is associated with risk factors and assessments.The use of pre‐defined needs assessment schedules suggests that health visiting activity can be sanctioned and clients’ needs serviced only if they reach the threshold of pre‐determined, epidemiologically‐defined risk. Their effect on practice is examined through a conversation analysis of ten health visitor/client interactions using two different structured needs assessment tools. The study indicates that the health visitors, like their clients, were controlled by institutional expectations of their role; analysis of their conversations shows how they achieved the requirements of the organisational agenda. Structuring client needs and health visiting practice through the use of formal needs assessment tools emphasises the epidemiological focus of the health service above the need to arrange support for vulnerable individuals. In this respect, it serves as a marker in the continued medicalisation of health visiting.
‘Don't ask, don't tell’– the undesirable consequences of incidental test results in gastroenterology
Authors: Sonnenberg A. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryA gastroenterologist is frequently approached to perform an endoscopic procedure after an incidental test has resulted in an unexpected positive finding. Should the incidental test result be ignored or automatically followed by an endoscopic procedure? The present analysis strives to characterize the common pattern of such scenarios and resolve their underlying dilemma. A model of game theory is used as a mathematical tool to develop general management strategies. Three clinical scenarios are used as examples to demonstrate this approach. The model is based on how doctors rank the various outcomes with which they are confronted by the incidental test results. The ranks of different outcomes are listed in a decision matrix that is converted into a two‐by‐two, non‐zero, ordinal game. All scenarios of incidental test results emerge as a similar type of game that is best played by both parties adhering to the same set of strategies: ‘Don't do the test’ and ‘don't respond to whatever test result it yields’. These two strategies lead to a Nash equilibrium for a non‐zero game, where neither party can improve its payoff any further by choosing a different strategy. Although the equilibrium does not provide the individual players with their best possible payoff, it yields the best overall outcome available to both parties given the economic and medical constraints of the situation.
Functional properties of biscuits with whey protein concentrate and honey
Authors: Conforti Paula Andrea , Lupano Cecilia Elena 
Published: July 2004

SummaryThe effects of honey, lemon juice, and two different whey protein concentrates (WPC) on the structural and functional properties of biscuits, were analysed. Firmness, elasticity, relaxation time, adhesiveness, consistency and cohesiveness of dough and colour, fracture stress and fracture strain of biscuits were also determined. The presence of WPC with a high protein content produced a decrease in the firmness and consistency and an increase in the cohesiveness of dough. Honey increased the adhesiveness of dough, mainly in samples with the WPC of lower protein content and lemon juice, and tended to decrease dough relaxation time. The fracture stress of biscuits decreased with the incorporation of WPC. Also, honey increased the red undertone and yellowness of biscuits and decreased their lightness; however, the addition of lemon juice reduced these effects.
A review of theoretical and practical aspects of solid‐phase microextraction in food analysis
Authors: Wardencki Waldemar , Michulec Magdalena , Curyło Janusz 
Published: July 2004

SummarySolid‐phase microextraction (SPME) is a modern, solvent‐free sample preparation technique, commonly used in trace analysis. This technique has been developed to combine sampling and sample preparation in one step. This paper reviews selected theoretical and practical aspects of the SPME method used for the isolation and preconcentration of impurities, food constituents, additives and flavour compounds in food samples. The main parameters affecting the extraction effectiveness are discussed and exemplified by selected chromatograms. The review is intended for readers who are either new to the field of SPME or its use in food analysis and many examples of its application for different food matrices are listed.
Hot air dehydration of figs (Ficus carica L.): drying kinetics and quality loss
Authors: Piga Antonio , Pinna Ivo , Özer Kamer B. , Agabbio Mario , Aksoy Uygun 
Published: July 2004

SummaryThe dehydration of fruit from fig trees is normally achieved by sun drying. There is concern about the safety of the end product, mainly because there is a risk of the development of aflatoxins. These concerns can be overcome by artificial drying (oven dehydration). Fig fruits of a local cultivar, which were either pre‐treated by blanching or blanching plus sulphuring or not treated at all, underwent hot air dehydration under mild processing conditions in a pilot airflow cabinet dryer. Sampling was carried out at regular intervals to calculate the rate of dehydration and assess quality changes. Microbiological counts and nonenzymatic browning were also monitored. Pretreatments resulted in a shorter processing time, compared with control fruits. In general, a falling dehydration rate period was observed. A dramatic loss of ascorbic acid was recorded, while an informal sensorial assay of the dried fruits gave a positive assessment.