bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of bradykinin, AT2 and angiotensin 1–7 receptors in the EDRF‐dependent vasodilator effect of angiotensin II on the isolated mesenteric vascular bed of the rat
Authors: De Moura R Soares , Resende A C , Emiliano A F , Tano T , Mendes‐Ribeiro A C , Correia M L G , De Carvalho L C R Marins 
Published: March 2004

The mechanisms involved in the vasodilator actions of angiotensin II (Ang II) have not yet been completely elucidated. We investigated the potential mechanisms that seem to be involved in the Ang II vasodilator effect using rat isolated mesenteric vascular bed (MVB).
Under basal conditions, Ang II does not affect the perfusion pressure of MVB. However, in vessels precontracted with norepinephrine, Ang II induces vasodilation followed by vasoconstriction. Vasoconstrictor, but not the vasodilation of Ang II, is inhibited by AT1 antagonist (losartan). The vasodilator effect of Ang II was not inhibited by AT2, angiotensin IV and angiotensin 1–7 receptor antagonists alone (PD 123319, divalinal, A 779, respectively).
The vasodilator effect of Ang II is significantly reduced by endothelial removal (deoxycholic acid), but not by indomethacin. Inhibition of NO‐synthase by NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) and guanylyl cyclase by 1H‐[1,2,3] oxadiazolo [4,4‐a] quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ) reduces the vasodilator effect of Ang II. This effect is also reduced by tetraethylammonium (TEA) or L‐NAME, and a combination of L‐NAME plus TEA increases the inhibitory effect of the antagonists alone. However, indomethacin does not change the residual vasodilator effect observed in vessels pretreated with L‐NAME plus TEA.
In vessels precontracted with norepinephrine and depolarized with KCl 25 mM or treated with Ca2+‐dependent K+ channel blockers (charybdotoxin plus apamin), the effect of Ang II was significantly reduced. However, this effect is not affected by ATP and voltage‐dependent K+ channel blockers (glybenclamide and 4‐aminopyridine).
Inhibition of kininase II with captopril significantly potentiates the vasodilator effect of bradykinin (BK) and Ang II in the rat MVB. The inhibitory effect of the B2 receptor antagonist HOE 140 on the vasodilator effect of Ang II is further enhanced by PD 123319 and/or A 779.
The present findings suggest that BK plays an important role in the endothelium‐dependent vasodilator effect of Ang II. Probably, the link between Ang II and BK release is modulated by receptors that bind PD 123319 and A 779.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 860–866. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705669
Evaluation of a computer-based nutrition education tool
Authors: Kreisel Katrin 
Published: March 2004

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of using a computer-based teaching tool (http://www.coolfoodplanet.org) for nutrition and lifestyle education developed for primary school children.Design:This was a 2-week school-based intervention in third and fourth grades. The study design was multi-factorial with repeated measures of nutrition knowledge, at three points in time, of dependent samples from control and intervention groups. Control schools (n=7) used ‘traditional’ nutrition education materials and intervention schools (n=8) additionally used the computer-based educational tool. Qualitative information was collected in focus group discussions with student teachers and pupils, and by observing the nutrition lessons.Setting/subjects:Pupils aged 8–11 years (n=271) from participating schools in Vienna, Austria.Results:Nutrition knowledge increased significantly in both intervention and control schools, irrespective of the teaching tool used (P<0.001). The significant effect was maintained at 3 months' follow-up. There was no detectable difference in nutrition knowledge post intervention or at follow-up between the two study groups. In intervention schools, younger pupils (8–9 years) had better nutrition knowledge than older pupils (10–11 years) (P=0.011).Conclusion:This computer-based tool increases the possibilities of school-based nutrition education. If the tool's weaknesses identified during the formative evaluation are eliminated, it has the potential to make learning about nutrition more enjoyable, exciting and effective. This is of great importance considering that ‘healthy’ nutrition is not necessarily a topic that easily attracts pupils' attention and in view of the potential long-term health benefits of early and effective nutrition education.
History of the concept of ‘levels of evidence’ and their current status in relation to primary prevention through lifestyle interventions
Authors: Kroke A , Boeing H , Rossnagel K , Willich SN 
Published: March 2004

AbstractPrimary prevention is a major option to reduce the burden of chronic disease in populations. Because lifestyle interventions have proved to be effective, lifestyle recommendations including nutritional advice are made abundantly. However, both their credibility and their effectiveness are often considered not to be high. Therefore, scientific evidence should form the basis of recommendations and, as in clinical medicine, a rational approach should be followed for the evaluation of evidence. In this paper, the development and current concepts of ‘levels of evidence’ as they are applied in clinical medicine are outlined and their impact on evidence-based recommendations is discussed. Next, the question is raised as to how far the existing schemes are applicable to the evaluation of issues pertaining to primary prevention through lifestyle changes. Current schemes were developed mainly for clinical research questions and therefore place major emphasis on randomised controlled trials as the main and most convincing evidence in the evaluation process. These types of study are rarely available for lifestyle-related factors and might even not be feasible to obtain. Arguments are advanced to support the notion that a modification of currently existing ‘levels of evidence’ as developed for clinical research questions might be necessary. Thereby, one might be able to accommodate the specific aspects of evidence-related issues of recommendations for primary prevention through lifestyle changes, like dietary changes.
Hot Cooking Oil Burns: A 20-Year Experience
Authors: Gray Katherine , Cheng Eddie , Pegg Stuart 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
Hot cooking oil burns resulted in 316 admissions to the Burns Unit at The Royal Brisbane Hospital between January 1, 1981, and December 31, 2000. Notable demographics of this group were a male:female ratio 1.74:1 and that 24% of all patients were between the ages of 16 and 20. Workplace burns accounted for 6% of admissions only, but these tended to be of a larger total body surface area involvement. The mean duration of admission was 8.5 days, with 40% of patients undergoing surgical débridement and split-skin grafting. Two hundred thirty-nine patients had 5% or less TBSA burned, most commonly involving the hands, legs, feet, and the forearms. No patients in our study died. The proportion of patients undergoing débridement and grafting increased from zero patients at commencement of this study to a peak of 82.5% in 1998. We believe this reflects changing practice with earlier excision and grafting trying to achieve the best functional and cosmetic results. The lack of predisposing factors and the accidental nature of these burns mean appropriate prevention strategies are paramount to decreasing the number of burns of this type. Suggestions discussed include school-based education programs, warning labels included in product information, and mandatory fire blankets within the home.
Feeding Intolerance as a Result of Small-Intestine Intussusception in a Child With Major Burns
Authors: Kincaid M. Sean , Vavilala Monica S. , Faucher Lee , Zimmerman Jerry , Heimbach David 
Published: March 2004

AbstractFeeding intolerance is common in critically ill children. We present an unusual case of jejunojejunal intussusception causing feeding intolerance in a child with major burns. An 18-month-old female was admitted to the intensive care unit after sustaining a 65% TBSA burn. Following a decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome, nasojejunal feeds were started immediately after surgery, which she did not tolerate. A plain abdominal radiograph revealed a collection of intraluminal air and an abdominal CT revealed a proximal jejunojejunal intussusception. The patient underwent laparotomy and an uncomplicated reduction of the small-bowel intussusception (SBI). Successful enteral feedings were commenced on hospital day 24, and the patient was discharged to home after approximately a 4.5-month hospitalization. The major learning point is that SBI can cause feeding intolerance in the child with major burns. Despite the low incidence of SBI in critically ill children, arriving at a timely diagnosis is essential because the consequences of a missed or delayed diagnosis include intestinal ischemia, necrosis, or perforation. Because SBI defies diagnosis by techniques traditionally used to diagnose intussusception involving the colon, clinical suspicion for intussusception is needed to facilitate the urgent diagnosis and correction of feeding intolerance caused by mechanical obstruction.
Cytokines and Wound Healing: The Role of Cytokine and Anticytokine Therapy in the Repair Response
Authors: Efron Philip A. , Moldawer Lyle L. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractWound healing is an integrated and complex process involving a large number of regulatory molecules, including proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors, and an orchestrated tissue response. Dysregulation in cytokine or growth factor expression dramatically alters the normal wound healing process, and blocking the inappropriate production of specific proinflammatory cytokines or supplementing the milieu with increased quantities of growth factors has demonstrated the central role played by these mediators. Both protein-based and DNA-based (gene transfer) therapies are currently under clinical development as tools to improve the healing process. Although there has been some success with these approaches in both experimental models and in patients, only through a better understanding of the complexity and diversity of the wound healing process, as well as an improved comprehension of the time-dependent and concentration-dependent responses to individual proinflammatory cytokines or growth factors, will further development in the therapeutic treatment of healing wounds be attained.
Using Behavioral Science to Improve Fire Escape Behaviors in Response to a Smoke Alarm
Authors: Thompson N. J. , Waterman M. B. , Sleet D. A. 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
Although the likelihood of fire-related death in homes with smoke alarms is about one-half that in homes without alarms, alarm effectiveness is limited by behavior. Only 16% of residents of homes with alarms have developed and practiced plans for escape when the alarm sounds. We reviewed literature to identify behavioral constructs that influence smoke alarm use. We then convened experts in the behavioral aspects of smoke alarms who reviewed the constructs and determined that the appropriate areas for behavioral focus were formulating, practicing, and implementing escape plans should an alarm sound. They subsequently identified important behaviors to be addressed by burn-prevention programs and incorporated the constructs into a behavioral model for use in such programs. Finally, we organized the available literature to support this model and make programmatic recommendations. Many gaps remain in behavioral research to improve fire escape planning and practice. Future research must select the target behavior, apply behavioral theories, and distinguish between initiation and maintenance of behaviors associated with planning, practicing, and implementing home fire escape plans.
Microbicidal Properties of a Silver-Containing Hydrofiber® Dressing Against a Variety of Burn Wound Pathogens
Authors: Bowler P. G. , Jones S. A. , Walker M. , Parsons D. 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
Partial-thickness burns are often characterized by microbial contamination and copious exudate produced during the early postburn period. Consequently, topical wound management often relies on the use of antimicrobial agents and absorbent dressings, and an AQUACEL® Hydrofiber® Dressing containing ionic silver has been designed to meet such needs. To assess the antimicrobial properties of the AQUACEL® Hydrofiber® dressing, samples were challenged with a wide variety of recognized burn wound pathogens in a simulated wound fluid model. Dressing samples were inoculated with the challenge organisms at time zero and then reinoculated on days 4 and 9 to mimic the worst-case clinical scenario. The dressing was shown to be microbicidal against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria (including antibiotic-resistant strains), yeasts, and filamentous fungi during a 14-day test period. Based on our results, the silver-containing dressing is likely to provide a barrier to infection, in addition to providing proven fluid-handling benefits of the AQUACEL® Hydrofiber® dressing, in the management of partial-thickness burns.
Type-A Arabidopsis Response Regulators Are Partially Redundant Negative Regulators of Cytokinin Signaling[W]
Authors: To Jennifer P.C. , Haberer Georg , Ferreira Fernando J. , Deruère Jean , Mason Michael G. , Schaller G. Eric , Alonso Jose M. , Ecker Joseph R. , Kieber Joseph J. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractType-A Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) response regulators (ARRs) are a family of 10 genes that are rapidly induced by cytokinin and are highly similar to bacterial two-component response regulators. We have isolated T-DNA insertions in six of the type-A ARRs and constructed multiple insertional mutants, including the arr3,4,5,6,8,9 hextuple mutant. Single arr mutants were indistinguishable from the wild type in various cytokinin assays; double and higher order arr mutants showed progressively increasing sensitivity to cytokinin, indicating functional overlap among type-A ARRs and that these genes act as negative regulators of cytokinin responses. The induction of cytokinin primary response genes was amplified in arr mutants, indicating that the primary response to cytokinin is affected. Spatial patterns of ARR gene expression were consistent with partially redundant function of these genes in cytokinin signaling. The arr mutants show altered red light sensitivity, suggesting a general involvement of type-A ARRs in light signal transduction. Further, morphological phenotypes of some arr mutants suggest complex regulatory interactions and gene-specific functions among family members.
Microarray Expression Analyses of Arabidopsis Guard Cells and Isolation of a Recessive Abscisic Acid Hypersensitive Protein Phosphatase 2C Mutant[W]
Authors: Leonhardt Nathalie , Kwak June M. , Robert Nadia , Waner David , Leonhardt Guillaume , Schroeder Julian I. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractOligomer-based DNA Affymetrix GeneChips representing about one-third of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genes were used to profile global gene expression in a single cell type, guard cells, identifying 1309 guard cell–expressed genes. Highly pure preparations of guard cells and mesophyll cells were isolated in the presence of transcription inhibitors that prevented induction of stress-inducible genes during cell isolation procedures. Guard cell expression profiles were compared with those of mesophyll cells, resulting in identification of 64 transcripts expressed preferentially in guard cells. Many large gene families and gene duplications are known to exist in the Arabidopsis genome, giving rise to redundancies that greatly hamper conventional genetic and functional genomic analyses. The presented genomic scale analysis identifies redundant expression of specific isoforms belonging to large gene families at the single cell level, which provides a powerful tool for functional genomic characterization of the many signaling pathways that function in guard cells. Reverse transcription–PCR of 29 genes confirmed the reliability of GeneChip results. Statistical analyses of promoter regions of abscisic acid (ABA)–regulated genes reveal an overrepresented ABA responsive motif, which is the known ABA response element. Interestingly, expression profiling reveals ABA modulation of many known guard cell ABA signaling components at the transcript level. We further identified a highly ABA-induced protein phosphatase 2C transcript, AtP2C-HA, in guard cells. A T-DNA disruption mutation in AtP2C-HA confers ABA-hypersensitive regulation of stomatal closing and seed germination. The presented data provide a basis for cell type–specific genomic scale analyses of gene function.
Plant Respiratory Burst Oxidase Homologs Impinge on Wound Responsiveness and Development inLycopersicon esculentum [W]
Authors: Sagi Moshe , Davydov Olga , Orazova Saltanat , Yesbergenova Zhazira , Ophir Ron , Stratmann Johannes W. , Fluhr Robert 
Published: March 2004

AbstractPlant respiratory burst oxidase homologs (Rboh) are homologs of the human neutrophil pathogen-related gp91phox. Antisense technology was employed to ascertain the biological function of Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) Rboh. Lines with diminished Rboh activity showed a reduced level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the leaf, implying a role for Rboh in establishing the cellular redox milieu. Surprisingly, the antisense plants acquired a highly branched phenotype, switched from indeterminate to determinate growth habit, and had fasciated reproductive organs. Wound-induced systemic expression of proteinase inhibitor II was compromised in the antisense lines, indicating that ROS intermediates supplied by Rboh are required for this wound response. Extending these observations by transcriptome analysis revealed ectopic leaf expression of homeotic MADS box genes that are normally expressed only in reproductive organs. In addition, both Rboh-dependent and -independent wound-induced gene induction was detected as well as transcript changes related to redox maintenance. The results provide novel insights into how the steady state cellular level of ROS is controlled and portrays the role of Rboh as a signal transducer of stress and developmental responses.
A simple method – based on the carrot fly – for studying the movement of pest insects
Authors: Finch Stan , Collier Rosemary H. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThis paper describes a method for studying the neighbourhood (dispersal) movement of pest insects that overcomes the major problems associated with release/recapture experiments. The method has been developed using the carrot fly, Psila rosae (Fab.) (Diptera: Psilidae), as the experimental insect. It involves building up a large population of insects in an area free of other host plants, and then, as the insects disperse in the spring, monitoring the fall‐off in numbers of insects with increasing distance. Estimates of the fall‐off in numbers of the carrot fly were obtained by using sticky traps to monitor changes in fly numbers in 11 small plots of carrots drilled 130–1300 m away from the site at which the flies emerged (emergence site) in the spring. A strong linear relationship (r2 = 0.96) was obtained between the log10 numbers of flies caught in each plot and the log10 distance the plot was from the emergence site. Few flies were caught more than 1 km from the emergence site. A linear relationship (r2 = 0.86) was also obtained between the date when 50% of the flies were caught in each plot and the distance the plot was from the emergence site. The date of 50% capture was delayed by 1 day for each 100 m the given plot was away from the emergence site. This suggests that when carrot flies move to find new crops, the population moves about 100 m day−1. About one million flies would have to be released in conventional release/recapture experiments to obtain data as robust as those collected using the current method. The major breakthrough of this method is that dispersal can be estimated for an insect species that, although a major pest of field crops of carrots and parsnips, is exceptionally difficult to rear, even in relatively small numbers, under controlled‐environment conditions.
A comparative study of interspecies mating of Phratora vulgatissima and P. vitellinae using behavioural tests and molecular markers
Authors: Peacock Lori , Batley Jacqueline , Dungait Jennifer , Barker Jacqueline H.A. , Powers Stephen , Karp Angela 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe leaf beetle genus Phratora L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) has been used to study the ecology of host plant chemicals in herbivore preference, and the evolution of host use in chemical defence. Phratora vulgatissima and P. vitellinae are sympatric species distributed widely across Europe. Their trophic niches are largely separate due to strong differences in their host feeding preference, but they have occasionally been recorded together, feeding on Salix burjatica‘Germany’ and, only in early spring, on Populus trichocarpa (Torr & A. Gray) ‘Trichobel’. Using behavioural tests and recently developed species‐specific microsatellite markers, the intra‐ and interspecific mating of both beetle species were investigated. The microsatellite markers provided evidence that interspecific mating occurred under field conditions. Interspecific mating also took place under laboratory conditions, but less frequently than mating within species. Females of both species laid fewer eggs, and fewer eggs per clutch, when isolated with an interspecific male than with a conspecific male. Female P. vulgatissima were polyandrous, as microsatellite markers showed that their larvae were the progeny of both P. vulgatissima males that had been isolated with a single female. While only 0.55% of eggs laid in interspecific pair combinations hatched, microsatellite markers provided evidence of hybridisation between beetle species; however, these larvae died within a week when reared in a Petri dish containing ‘Germany’ and P. trichocarpa leaves. It can therefore be inferred that reproductive isolation is complete. The results are discussed in relation to species integrity and the implications for diverse mixtures of short‐rotation coppice willow plantations.
Prey feeding increases water stress in the omnivorous predator Dicyphus hesperus
Authors: Sinia Alice , Roitberg Bernard , McGregor R.R. , Gillespie D.R. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe effects of water stress (produced by water deprivation and prey feeding) on plant feeding were investigated in the omnivorous predator Dicyphus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae). The objective was to determine if prey feeding aggravated water deficits and thus increased plant feeding. We measured plant feeding in a factorial experiment where female D. hesperus were prepared for experiments by providing or withholding water and/or prey for 24 h. We then evaluated the amount of plant feeding on Nicotiana tabacum seedlings by the direct observation of insects at three different densities of the prey, Ephestia kuehniella eggs. The amount of plant feeding, as measured by frequency of plant feeding bouts and time spent plant feeding during observation, was significantly greater for water‐deprived individuals than for those that had been provided with water. Individuals that had been provided with prey fed on plants at a significantly higher frequency than prey‐deprived individuals at two of the prey densities used in the experiment. These results support the hypothesis that plant feeding in zoophytophagous Hemiptera facilitates prey feeding by providing water that is essential for predation.