Uridine, uridine monophosphate (UMP) and uridine diphosphate (UDP) increased blood pressure when infused into intact anaesthetized rats and had similar effects on the perfusion pressure in the rat isolated perfused kidney. In an isolated vascular preparation, the everted rat portal vein, uridine was without effect while UMP and UDP caused log dose-related increases in contractile work. Adenosine infused at a dose of 200 nmol/kg per min blocked the response to uridine in the intact rat, converting it to a depressor response at higher doses, and reduced the response to UMP. Uridine may need to be phosphorylated to UMP to act on blood vessels. The two compounds are effective at similar dose ranges and suppress renin secretion in the isolated kidney, while UDP, which is effective at lower doses and stimulates renin secretion, may act by a different mechanism. Adenosine competes for membrane transport with uridine but its inhibition of the effects of UMP is consistent with activity at intracellular sites as well.

Adenosine↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The relationship between standardized psychomotor tests and basic clinical dental hygiene skills.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to help dental hygiene educators identify predictors of early instrumentation achievement among preclinical students. Studies from other disciplines suggest that underlying abilities play a significant role in early skill development and that additional factors contribute to later skill development. Previous studies in the dental professions have not differentiated between early skill development and later skill development. METHODS: Forty-five entering dental hygiene students were subjected to six psychomotor tests. In the first trimester, these same students were given three instrumentation tests (Marquis probe, 3-A explorer, and Gracey curets) by calibrated faculty. Data from the psychomotor and the instrumentation tests were then statistically examined using means, standard deviations, Pearson product-moment correlations, and stepwise regression to determine predictive validity of the ability tests for each instrumentation skill. RESULTS: The Purdue Hand Precision Test was found to contribute significantly to use of the explorer and Gracey curets. Analysis of variance revealed that this test accounted for 17 percent of the variance on the probe examination and 22 percent on the curet examination. None of the other psychomotor tests used were predictive of early clinical skills. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that hand-eye coordination, precision, and aiming, as measured by the Purdue Hand Precision Test are factors in the development of early dental hygiene instrumentation skills. Continued study in this area is indicated since early identification of clinical problems may help educators and students deal with morale and retention issues.

Clinical Competence↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Carpal tunnel syndrome among California dental hygienists.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

California↗