bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dose‐response and time‐effect relationships of intrathecal bupivacaine in rats. The influence of epinephrine and pH
Authors: Dirksen R. , Lerou J. , Bakker H. , Luijtelaar E. v. , Nijhuis G. , Gielen M. , Booij L.
Published: December 2008

The present study defined the dose‐response relationship of intrathecally injected bupivacaine in rats. The effect was a quantified drug‐induced and graded reduction in the magnitude of the withdrawal reflexes elicited by transcutaneous electrical stimulation. Intrathecal epinephrine reduced the magnitude of the withdrawal reflexes. The combination of epinephrine and bupivacaine resulted in a dose‐response relationship different from that of bupivacaine alone, and the combination was more effective than bupivacaine alone. The intrathecal combinations of bupivacaine and 25 μg of the α2‐adrenergic antagonist idazoxan had an effect not different from that of bupivacaine alone, but the duration of effect was shorter. The dose‐response relationship of bupivacaine was not different whether the pH of the solution was 4.4 or 6.1. The results concerning the effect as a function of time confirm those of earlier studies: 1) the duration of effect depends on the dose of bupivacaine; 2) epinephrine protracts the duration of effect; 3) the pH is of no relevance. Thermal tests for nociception showed that antinociception outlasted motor symptoms. Epinephrine enhanced this effect of bupivacaine, but did not change the duration of motor impairment.
Atrioventricular dissociation resulting from combined thoracic epidural and general anesthesia
Authors: de Leon‐Casasola O. A. , Lema M. J.
Published: December 2008

In a patient being operated under combined thoracic epidural and general anesthesia, atrial bradycardia resulting in isorhythmic dissociation is reported. The ECG findings are presented and the causes of the dysrhythmia are discussed. The importance of differential diagnosis and treatment in atrioventricular dissociation is emphasized
Potentiated hypnotic action with a combination of fentanyl, a calcium channel blocker and an α2‐agonist in rats
Authors: Horváth Gy. , Szikszay M. , Benedek Gy.
Published: December 2008

An investigation was made of the hypnotic‐anaesthetic effects in rats of subcutaneous coadministration of fentanyl (25–100 μg˙kg‐1), clonidine (100–300 μg˙kg‐1) and verapamil (1–5 mg˙kg‐1). Hypnotic‐anaesthetic efficacy was assessed via loss of the righting reflex. In the doses used, none of the three drugs alone was associated with appreciable hypnotic‐anaesthetic effects. Coadministration of fentanyl and clonidine resulted in a dose‐related enhancement of the anaesthetic potency, without change in the duration of hypnotic action. Verapamil coadministration failed to increase the anaesthetic efficacy of binary combinations of fentanyl and clonidine, but a marked prolongation of the duration of hypnotic action was observed (P<0.001). These results suggest the existence of unreported interactions between these three drugs in the production of hypnotic‐anaesthetic action in rats.
Propofol‐fentanyl anesthesia compared to thiopental‐halothane with special reference to recovery and vomiting after pediatric strabismus surgery*
Authors: Larsson S. , Asgeirsson B. , Magnusson J.
Published: December 2008

Forty‐four children, ASA physical status I or II, aged 1.5–14 years and admitted for strabismus surgery, were studied. The study compared the postoperative condition after two different anesthesia methods. All children were premedicated with midazolam rectally, received glycopyrrolate i.v. and were then randomised to one of two anesthetic methods: 1) induction with thiopental, maintenance with halothane or 2) induction with propofol supplemented with fentanyl, maintenance with propofol infusion. In both groups, tracheal intubation was performed after vecuronium i.v. and the children were ventilated manually. Peroperatively, patients receiving propofol/fentanyl had more episodes of bradycardia (P<0.001). Times to spontaneous breathing and extubation were shorter in the propofol/fentanyl group (P<0.05) and there was also a lesser degree of sedation during the first 2 h postoperatively (P<0.01). Fewer children in the propofol/fentanyl group vomited postoperatively (P<0.05). The apprehension score was higher in the propofol/fentanyl group compared to the thiopental/halothane group (P<0.05). We conclude that children undergoing strabismus surgery anesthetized with propofol/fentanyl had more episodes of peroperative bradycardia, a lower incidence of postoperative vomiting and a shorter recovery time, and were more apprehensive during the initial postoperative period than children anesthetized with thiopental/halothane.
Spinal sufentanil in rats: part I: epidural versus intrathecal sufentanil and morphine
Authors: Boersma F. P. , Meert T. F. , Vercauteren M.
Published: December 2008

Male Wistar rats were injected epidurally or intrathecally with increasing doses of sufentanil or morphine in order to determine differences in potency, onset and duration of analgesia and supra‐spinal side‐effects. For sufentanil, only small differences in the lowest ED50‐values for analgesia and supra‐spinal side‐effects were observed between the two spinal routes. Given intrathecally, sufentanil had a somewhat faster onset but a shorter duration of action than did epidural sufentanil. However, intrathecal morphine when compared to epidural morphine had a faster onset with a greater potency and a longer duration of action. The stronger opioid activity of intrathecal morphine was also reflected in a reduced safety ratio for the blockade of the cornea reflex. These differences between the two opioids, with regard to their optimal route of spinal administration, are discussed in terms of lipophilicity and optimal clinical use.
Anaesthesia for geriatric oesophagoscopy: isoflurane vs. alfentanil‐methohexitone vs. propofol
Authors: Oikkonen M.
Published: December 2008

Twenty‐one geriatric patients (68–86 years) undergoing 30 oesophagoscopic surgical procedures received either isoflurane (mean duration 40 min), alfentanil (‐methohexitone) (30 min), or propofol (30 min) anaesthesia supplemented with nitrous oxide. Each of the three study groups comprised ten patients. The times elapsing from the end of anaesthesia until the patients became irritated by the endotracheal tube, and until their tracheas were extubated, appeared similar for the groups, as did the rapidity of awakening and the ensuing grade of consciousness. During anaesthesia, spontaneous ventilation prevailed in the isoflurane group, but at recovery no inter‐group differences in respiratory rate were found. There were few statistically significant differences between the groups in arterial pressure or heart rate. Only propofol prevented temporary increases in heart rate and arterial pressure.
Monitoring of the neuromuscular transmission by electromyography (I). Stability and temperature dependence of evoked EMG response compared to mechanical twitch recordings in the cat
Authors: Engbæk J. , Skovgaard L. T. , Friis B. , Kann T. , Viby‐Mogensen J.
Published: December 2008

The stability over time and the effect of muscle temperature change were evaluated for the evoked compound EMG and for the mechanomyogram of the tibialis anterior muscle of 7 anaesthetized cats. Both EMG areas and amplitudes were recorded. During stimulation for 3 h with 0.1 Hz (one leg) and train‐of‐four (TOF) (the other leg), the EMG was stable while the mechanomyogram initially increased 35–50% in the first 7–8 min and then decreased 19–22% and 5–8% over the first and second 1.5‐h period, respectively. During subsequent mean muscle temperature reduction to 28.8°C (0.1 Hz) and 29.7°C (TOF) and rewarming, an inverse linear relationship was found between temperature and both the EMG and the mechanomyogram. During temperature reduction EMG increased about 6% (areas) and 2% (amplitudes) per °C. During rewarming, parameters decreased about 4.5% and 2% per °C, respectively (P<0.05 comparing EMG areas during cooling and rewarming). TOF ratio of the EMG was not affected by temperature. A very large interindividual variation was observed for the effect of temperature on the mechanomyogram with changes ranging up to 15% per °C for some cats. TOF ratio of the mechanomyogram was reduced from 1.02 to0.94 at lowest muscle temperature. It is concluded that the evoked EMG may be preferable to the mechanomyogram in cat experiments investigating the neuromuscular transmission.
Prophylactic laryngo‐tracheal aerosolized lidocaine against postoperative sore throat
Authors: Herlevsen P. , Bredahl C. , Hindsholm K. , Kruhøffer P. K.
Published: December 2008

A randomized, double‐blind study was carried out on 193 ASA I–II surgical patients to assess the effect of aerosolized lidocaine on sore throat, hoarseness and cough in connection with tracheal intubation. The study group received aerosolized lidocaine 100 mg 2 min before tracheal intubation, using a spray. The control group received no spray. The patients underwent a standardized general anaesthesia. The patients were interviewed when leaving the recovery room and the next day in the ward. Specific questions were asked regarding sore throat, cough and hoarseness. There were no significant differences between the two groups, which suggests that topical anaesthesia of the mucosa of the upper airway is ineffective as a means of ameliorating airway complaints in connection with tracheal intubation.
A dose‐range study of intrathecal meperidine combined with bupivacaine
Authors: Thi T. V. Nguyen , Orliaguet G. , Liu N. , Delaunay L. , Bonnet F.
Published: December 2008

Twenty‐one patients were included in a randomized study to receive either 10 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine alone or combined with 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or 0.5 mg ˙ kg‐1 meperidine for spinal anaesthesia. Sensory blockade was assessed by pin prick, motor blockade by the Bromage scale, and postoperative analgesia by VAS scores and by the time before the first demand for analgesia. Spinal meperidine did not change the duration of sensory blockade, but induced a dose‐related increase in postoperative efficient analgesia. Spinal meperidine might be considered as a means to obtain postoperative analgesia in the hours immediately following surgery.
Recovery and discharge of patients after long propofol infusion vs isoflurane anaesthesia for ambulatory surgery
Authors: Valanne J.
Published: December 2008

Fifty unpremedicated patients scheduled for outpatient restorative dentistry and/or oral surgery lasting 2 to 4 h were anaesthetized with either propofol infusion or isoflurane inhalation. Before induction of anaesthesia with propofol (2.5 mg ˙ kg‐1), all patients were given 75 mg of diclofenac and 0.01mg ˙ kg‐1 vecuronium intravenously. Intubation was facilitated with suxamethonium (1.5 mg ˙ kg‐1) and anaesthesia was maintained in random order either with propofol infusion (12 mg ˙ kg‐1 ˙ h‐1 for the first 20 min, 9 mg ˙ kg‐1 ˙ h‐1 for the next 20 min, and 6 mg ˙ kg‐1 ˙ h‐1 for the rest of the anaesthesia) or with isoflurane (inspired concentration 1–2.5%), both with nitrous oxide and oxygen (30%). The patients breathed spontaneously using a non‐rebreathing circuit. Patients given propofol infusion became re‐orientated faster (11.0 ± 5.5 min vs. 16.5 ± 7.5 min; P<0.01) and at 30 min walked along a straight line better (P<0.01). At 60 min, none of the propofol patients displayed an unsteady gait, whereas 11 of the 25 isoflurane patients did (P<0.001). None of the patients receiving propofol had emesis at the clinic, compared with 10 of the 25 patients receiving isoflurane (P<0.001). The overall incidence of emesis was 2 of 25 and 14 of 25 in the propofol and isoflurance groups, respectively (P<0.01). Patients receiving propofol were discharged home earlier than patients receiving isoflurane (80 ± 14 min and 102 ± 32 min, respectively; P<0.01). It is concluded that propofol allows early discharge of patients, even after long anaesthesias.
Premedication for outpatient cataract surgery: a comparative study of intramuscular alfentanil, midazolam and placebo
Authors: Virkkilä M. E. J. , Ali‐Melkkilä T. M. , Kanto J. H.
Published: December 2008

The effects of i.m. alfentanil and midazolam on anxiety, sedation, hemodynamics, oxygen saturation and intraocular pressure were studied in 90 patients scheduled for outpatient cataract surgery with regional anesthesia. The study was randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, and performed on outpatients with ASA physical status I–III and mean age 67.7 ± 11.7 years. Alfentanil (12.5 μ/kg) administered into the deltoid muscle had a marked anxiolytic and short sedative effect, and was associated with stable hemodynamics. Midazolam (20 μg/kg) administered similarly had a more prolonged anxiolytic and sedative effect, which impaired co‐operation in some patients during surgery. The regional blockade was associated with a significant reduction of oxygen saturation (Spo2), regardless of the premedication used (P<0.05). A slight reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) was found after premedication, but the change was not statistically significant. We conclude that i.m. alfentanil is well tolerated, and its anxiolytic and short sedative effects make it especially suitable as premedication for day‐case cataract surgery.
Alfentanil inhibits muscle fasciculations caused by suxamethonium in children and in young adults
Authors: Yli‐Hankala A. , Randell T. , Varpula T. , Lindgren L.
Published: December 2008

The effect of alfentanil on suxamethonium‐induced muscle fasciculations was studied in a double‐blind study in 34 children (mean age 6.8 years) and in 30 adults (mean age 20 years). After pretreatment with either alfentanil 50 μg kg‐1 or saline, each patient was anaesthetized with a sleep dose of thiopental followed by suxamethonium 1.5 mg kg‐1 for endotracheal intubation. Compared to the control groups, alfentanil significantly decreased the intensity of visible muscle fasciculations caused by suxamethonium. In children, the duration of muscle fasciculations was shorter in the alfentanil than in the control group. In adults, the intensity rather than the duration of fasciculations was attenuated by alfentanil. The inhibition of fasciculations caused by alfentanil was also demonstrated in children in the surface electromyogram recorded on the biceps. There was no circulatory response to endotracheal intubation in the groups pretreated with alfentanil.
Adenosine infusion during isoflurane‐nitrous oxide anaesthesia: indications of perioperative analgesic effect
Authors: Sollevi A.
Published: December 2008

Adenosine, an endogenous compound with a known antinociceptive effect when administered into the CNS, was applied in nine patients (21–65 years) by the peripheral intravenous route (70–130 μg ˙ kg‐1 ˙ min‐1) as a replacement for peroperative opioids during inhalation anaesthesia for surgical procedures not requiring muscle relaxation. Lorazepam was given as premedication, thiopentone was used for induction, and succinylcholine facilitated intubation of the trachea. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane [initial surgery endtidal concentration (ET) 0.88% (range 0.7–1%)] and nitrous oxide (60–70%) in oxygen. Adenosine infusion was initiated 5–10 min prior to surgery, and stopped close to or when isoflurane was terminated at the end of surgery. The duration of anaesthesia, adenosine infusion, and surgery were 120 min (range 80–165), 90 min (range 70–145), and 90 min (range 60–135), respectively. Spontaneous unassisted ventilation was maintained in all patients. Mean heart rate increased 10 beats ˙ min‐1 (range 0–35) upon induction of surgery, while systolic blood pressure was unaffected at 105 mmHg (range 85–120) (14 kPa (range 11.3–16.0)). Spo2 and ETco2 were in the normal range. The isoflurane concentration was gradually reduced in most cases [mid‐surgery ET 0.63% (range 0.5–0.8) and end‐surgery ET 0.57% (range 0.3–0.8)]. Extubation and verbal communication were rapidly achieved after anaesthesia. The mean postoperative (24 h) opioid requirement was 4 mg (range 0–10 mg). These pilot cases suggest that systemic adenosine infusion may replace opioids during inhalation anaesthesia, and that adequate spontaneous ventilation can be achieved.
Thiopentone or propofol for induction of isoflurane‐based anaesthesia for ambulatory surgery?
Authors: Gupta A. , Larsen L. E. , Sjöberg F. , Lindh M. L. , Lennmarken C.
Published: December 2008

This study compares psychomotor recovery following induction of anaesthesia with either thiopentone or propofol in 30 healthy, unpremedicated patients undergoing outpatient arthroscopic procedures of the knee. A battery of tests including simple reaction time (SRT), choice reaction time (CRT), perceptive accuracy test (PAT) and digit symbol substitution test (DSST) were done before anaesthesia. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 was induced with thiopentone 5–6 mg/kg while Group 2 was induced with propofol 2–3 mg/kg. Anaesthesia was then maintained with isoflurane (0.5–2%) in oxygen and air, and supplements of alfentanil were given for analgesia during spontaneous respiration with a face mask. Psychomotor recovery assessed every 30 min postoperatively for 120 min showed that patients in Group 1 had not returned to baseline values until 120 min after the operation on the PAT, while those in Group 2 had returned to baseline values at 60 min. No patient had any significant side effects. The SRT, CRT and DSST proved to be relatively insensitive in the detection of residual effects of anaesthesia and had a significant learning effect. This study suggests that induction of anaesthesia with propofol followed by maintenance with isoflurane in oxygen and air during spontaneous ventilation is associated with rapid psychomotor recovery and is a suitable method for ambulatory surgery. The PAT is sensitive and not associated with some of the problems found with other commonly used tests.
Influence of plasma cholinesterase activity on recovery from mivacurium‐induced neuromuscular blockade in phenotypically normal patients
Authors: ØTergaard D. , Jensen F. S. , Jensen E. , Skovgaard L. T. , Viby‐Mogensen J.
Published: December 2008

The significance of plasma cholinesterase (pChe) activity for the duration of action of mivacurium in phenotypically normal patients was evaluated in 35 patients during neurolept anaesthesia. The response to train‐of‐four nerve stimulation was recorded using a Myograph 2000. Ten patients with normal pChe (Group 1) and five patients with decreased pChe activity (Group 2) were given a small test dose of mivacurium 0.03 mg kg‐1. Mivacurium 0.1 mg kg‐1 was administered following spontaneous recovery from the first dose. The mean suppression of the height of the first (T1) of the train‐of‐four responses following mivacurium 0.03 mg kg‐1 patients with normal and decreased enzyme activity was 40% and 56%, respectively, and the mean T1 suppression after mivacurium 0.1 mg kg‐1 was 100% in both groups. The times to different levels of twitch height recovery following the 0.1 mg kg‐1 dose did not differ between the two groups of patients. Another 20 patients with normal or decreased pChe activity (Group 3) were given mivacurium 0.2 mg kg‐1. In this group the time to maximum block was 1.4 min (1.0–4.0) mean (range) and the time to reappearance of the T1 response was 15.0 min (7.4–22.7) (range). An inverse relationship was found between the patients' pChe activity and the time to first response. It is concluded that mivacurium is short‐acting in patients with normal pChe phenotype and normal to low‐normal pChe activity. No patient with very low pChe activity was included in the study. A prolonged response to mivacurium may, however, be expected in these patients.
Lidocaine hydrocarbonate and lidocaine hydrochloride for cesarean section: transplacental passage and neonatal effects
Authors: Guay J. , Gaudreault P. , Boulanger A. , Tang A. , Lortie L. , Dupuis C.
Published: December 2008

Twenty‐six patients, ASA physical status 1, scheduled for elective cesarean section, were divided at random into two groups and received via an epidural catheter 20 ml of 2.2% lidocaine hydrocarbonate (17.3 mg · ml‐1 lidocaine base) with 5 μg · ml‐1 epinephrine freshly added (Group CO2 = 13 patients) or 20 ml of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride (17.3 mg · ml‐1 lidocaine base) also with 5 μg · ml‐1 epinephrine freshly added. Following clampage of the umbilical cord (at 40.1 ± 4.9 min after the injection of lidocaine for the CO2 group and at 41.0 ± 5.4 min for the HCl group), serum concentrations of lidocaine were measured both in the mother and in the umbilical vein. All newborns were examined by the same blinded pediatrician with Apgar scores at 1, 5 and 10 min and with Neurobehavioral Adaptive Capacity Scores (NACS) at 15 min, 2 h and 24 h. The concentrations of lidocaine in the serum were comparable in both groups: in the mothers 8.61 ± 1.48 μmol · l‐1 for the CO2 group vs 8.04 ± 2.36 μmol · l‐1 for the HCl group and in the newborns 3.86 ± 0.84 μmol · l‐1 for the CO2 group vs 3.92 ± 0.95 μmol · l‐1 for the HCl group. The ratio of umbilical vein to maternal vein concentrations of lidocaine was also similar in both groups: 0.45 ± 0.07 for the CO2 group vs 0.54 ± 0.24 for the HCl group. The percentage of newborns with a normal NACS (score ± 35/40) was equal in both groups, i.e. 91% at 15 min and 2 h of life and 100% at 24 h of life. We conclude that both lidocaine solutions are similar with respect to their transplacental passage and their effects on the neonatal neurobehavioral performance, and that both are safe when used for cesarean section in normal term pregnancy since the majority of newborns (91%) had a normal NACS (score ± 35/40), even at the first evaluation at 15 min of life.
Wound infiltration with liposomal bupivacaine prolongs analgesia in rats
Authors: GRANT G. J. , LAX J. , SUSSER L. , ZAKOWSKI M. , WEISSMAN E.
Published: December 2008

Background:Wound infiltration with local anesthetics does not reliably produce satisfactory postoperative analgesia, and the dose of local anesthetic which may be safely administered is limited by the potential for systemic toxicity. This study evaluated the efficacy of a slow‐release liposomal bupivacaine formulation on duration of wound analgesia.

Methods: Multilammelar liposomes containing bupivacaine were assessed using a rat paw wound model. Twenty‐four hours after surgical incision, paw wounds determined to be hyperalgesic to graded force testing with von Frey hairs were infiltrated with 0.3 ml of 2% liposomal bupivacaine, 0.5% plain bupivacaine, saline, or ‘empty’ (normal saline) liposomes (n=6/group). The duration of analgesia was measured. The 0.5% plain concentration was chosen because, in preliminary experiments, larger doses were often fatal. Analgesia duration was compared using Mann‐Whitney U test at P < 0.05. In other rats, plasma bupivacaine levels after wound infiltration with either 2% liposomal formulation or 0.5% plain formulation were assessed (n=8/group).

Results: The mean duration of analgesia was 23+/‐3 (SD) min for plain bupivacaine and 180+/‐30 min for liposomal bupivacaine. No wound analgesia was detected in animals given normal saline or ‘empty’ liposomes. Plasma bupivacaine levels tended to be lower after liposomal than plain bupivacaine.

Conclusions: The 8‐fold increase in duration of wound analgesia and the lower plasma levels seen with the liposomal formulation are explained by gradual drug release from the liposomal depot. These results may have important implications for achieving safe and effective analgesia with wound infiltration techniques in humans.
Application of bead array technology to simultaneous detection of human leucocyte antigen and human platelet antigen antibodies
Authors: Fujiwara K. , Shimano K. , Tanaka H. , Sekine M. , Kashiwase K. , Uchikawa M. , Satake M. , Nakajima K.
Published: December 2008

Background Detection of antibodies against human leucocyte antigens (HLA) and human platelet antigens (HPA) is crucial for patients refractory to platelet transfusion therapy. However, a reliable and high‐throughput method for HLA cross‐matching and detecting HPA antibodies has not yet been described.

Study Design and Methods Immunocomplex capture fluorescence analysis (ICFA) was developed for high‐throughput, simultaneous detection of HLA and HPA antibodies. Microarray beads were separately coupled with monoclonal antibodies specific for CD36, CD41, CD42b, CD49b, CD61 and HLA class I antigens. Platelets reacting with patient serum were lysed and the lysates were incubated with the bead mixture to specifically capture antigen–antibody complexes via the epitopes on platelet glycoproteins or HLA antigens. The beads capturing immunocomplexes were then subjected to flow cytometric analysis.

Results Immunocomplex capture fluorescence analysis was validated using 50 serum samples containing HLA antibodies and 20 serum samples containing HPA antibodies. The method enabled the detection of all the HLA antibodies with a sensitivity comparable to that of the purified HLA antigen‐coated pooled‐bead assay (FlowPRA, One Lambda, Canoga Park, CA, USA). The method also enabled the detection of all the HPA antibodies with a sensitivity higher than that of the mixed passive haemagglutination.

Conclusion In this study, we developed a rapid, simple and reliable method for the simultaneous analysis of HLA and HPA antibodies. ICFA can also be used as an alternative to the lymphocyte cytotoxicity test for HLA cross‐matching.
Genetic effects on flight capacity in the beet armyworm,Spodoptera exigua(Lep., Noctuidae)
Authors: Han L. Z. , Gu H. N. , Zhai B. P. , Zhang X. X.
Published: December 2008

The beet armyworm,Spodoptera exigua, is an important migratory insect pest in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The current study investigated genetic variation in the flight capacity of both female and male moths, using a quantitative genetics approach. The offspring–parent regression showed that parents had a significant influence on the flight duration of offspring, and the heritability estimated as 0.302. The upward selection increased mean flight duration from 123.7 to 284.6 min in females and from 113.9 to 254.0 min in males during 8 h of flight test; by contrast, downward selection decreased it from 123.7 to 65.6 min in females and from 113.9 to 29.8 min in males, while it did not change significantly in either females or males of the control line over eight generations. The mean realized heritability was estimated as 0.432 based on upward selection but 0.130 on downward selection, suggesting the asymmetry of response to selection on flight capacity. Reciprocal crosses between the two selected lines confirmed the dominance of ‘long‐flying genes’ in the inheritance of flight capacity. A positive genetic correlation was found between increased flight duration and pupal weight. The presence of such additive genetic variance and covariance for flight capacity and the fitness trait, pupal weight, in the population ofS. exiguamay have underpinned the evolution of its migratory behaviour.
Implications of phenotypic variation of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) for biological control on greenhouse pepper plants
Authors: Gillespie D. R. , Quiring D. J. M. , Foottit R. G. , Foster S. P. , Acheampong S.
Published: December 2008

Variation in vulnerability to natural enemies, reproductive rate and insecticide resistance among phenotypes of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) has been shown to have the potential to disrupt biological control and IPM of this species, and movement of particularly troublesome phenotypes in international horticultural trade could be cause for concern. Three important components of fitness, vulnerability to parasitoids, reproduction and insecticide resistance were determined in three clones of M. persicae originating from prevalent phenotype populations on pepper crops in greenhouses in British Columbia, Canada. One of these phenotypes appeared to be consistently involved in outbreaks in commercial operations. These clones were also characterized for their DNA microsatellite genotype and compared with genotypes of M. persicae from Europe. The clone involved in outbreaks in commercial greenhouses showed reduced vulnerability to parasitoids, and a higher reproductive rate compared to the other two clones suggesting that these traits may have been involved in outbreaks. As in M. persicae European clones, a higher reproductive rate was correlated with a lack of esterase‐based resistance (primarily to organophosphates and, to some extent, to carbamates and pyrethroids). However, microsatellite analysis demonstrated that the three clones investigated in British Columbia had unique genotypes, and therefore there was no evidence for their movement in international trade.
A single linkage group confers dominant resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis δ‐endotoxin Cry1Ac in Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Wu Y. , Vassal J.‐M. , Royer M. , Pieretti I.
Published: December 2008

The BKBT strain of Helicoverpa armigera was derived from a susceptible BK77 strain (collected from Bouake, Cote D’Ivoire in 1977) through 30 generations of selection with activated Bacillus thuringiensis δ‐endotoxin Cry1Ac. Unlike recessive inheritance of Cry1Ac resistance in H. armigera from previous reports, resistance to activated Cry1Ac in the BKBT strain is dominant. A backcross approach was used to map dominant resistance to Cry1Ac in the BKBT strain. One hundred and forty‐seven informative amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) DNA markers covered all 31 linkage groups of H. armigera. Five AFLP markers linked to Cry1Ac resistance in the BKBT strain were on the same autosomal linkage group, which is the only linkage group contributing dominant Cry1Ac resistance in the BKBT strain of H. armigera.
Evaluation of a chemosterilization strategy against Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Mallorca island (Spain)
Authors: Alemany A. , González A. , Juan A. , Tur C.
Published: December 2008

A pest management programme using the chemosterilant lufenuron against the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata in Mallorca (Spain) is reported. The aim of this field trial was to monitor the reduction on C. capitata population and fruit infestation during the second and third years of an overall pest control programme. The insect growth regulator lufenuron (a phenylbenzoylurea) was placed within a Sevep device baited with the synthetic, female attractants (ammonium acetate, putrescine and amines), as well as the male attractant trimedlure (TML). A total of 7200 devices were placed on 300 ha within the municipalities of the Sóller Valley, at a density of 24 devices/ha. In order to measure the effectiveness of the chemosterilization, the C. capitata population was evaluated by Probodelt traps, baited either with the synthetic food attractants or TML, placed in three citrus orchards located at different altitudes. Fruit infestation was also evaluated. Results showed an average of 20% reduction in adult medfly population (37.2% for males vs. 2.7% for females). However, high differences were observed among the different orchards. In Site 1, where fallen oranges fruits were removed and phytosanitary treatments were applied, female captures decreased by 63.28%. Whereas at Site 2, where fallen fruits were neglected and no insecticide was applied, female captures increased by 19.90%. Ceratitis capitata population increase placed in Site 2 was probably due to the presence of unmanaged or mismanaged surrounding orchards. Summing up, it seems that the method based on lufenuron applied in the Sóller Valley was successful in decreasing medfly population, but the presence of the nearby improperly managed citrus orchards, as well as other hosts fruit trees for C. capitata, decrease the efficacy of the method.
Characterization of Mongolian Gerbil Chromatoid Bodies and Their Correlation with Nucleolar Cycle During Spermatogenesis
Authors: Peruquetti RL , Taboga SR , De Azeredo‐Oliveira MTV
Published: December 2008

Contents

The aims of the present study were to monitor the nucleolar cycle in Mongolian gerbil spermiogenesis, to verify the relationship between the nucleolar component and chromatoid body (CB) formation and to investigate the function of this cytoplasmic supramolecular structure in spermatogenic cells. Histological sections of adult seminiferous tubules were analysed cytochemically by light microscopy and ultrastructurally by transmission electron microscopy. The results reveal that in early spermatids, the CB was visualized in association with Golgi vesicles indicating that this structure may participate in the acrosome formation process as had been reported in other rodents. In late spermatids, the CB was observed near the axoneme region suggesting that this structure may support spermatozoon tail formation as happens in other species. Chromatoid body was joined with lipid droplets in this same cell type. This observation should be investigated to verify whether CB may be related to steroidal hormone metabolism. In conclusion, our data showed that there is disintegration of primary spermatocyte nucleoli at the beginning of prophase I and a fraction of this nucleolar material migrates to the cytoplasm, where a specific structure is formed, known as the ‘chromatoid body’, which apparently participates in some parts of the gerbil spermiogenesis process.
Superovulatory Response of Zebu Cows Treated with pFSH in a Single Subcutaneous Injection Followed by an Additional Intramuscular Sub‐Dose 48 h Later
Authors: Alvarez RH , Martinez AC , Pires RML
Published: December 2008

Contents

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an additional intramuscular (im) injection of pFSH would increase the embryo production in zebu cows superovulated with a single subcutaneous (sc) pFSH injection. Twenty‐one Nelore cows were treated with a progesterone vaginal implant (Controlled Internal Drug Relased – CIDR B®) and injected im with 2.5 mg estradiol benzoate. Four days later, cows were assigned randomly into three groups and superovulated with pFSH. Groups A and B received single sc injections of 400 and 320 IU, respectively; Group C received multiple im injections of 400 IU in decreasing doses at 12‐h intervals over 4 days. In the morning (07:00 am) of day 3 after starting superovulation, cows received im 150 mcg cloprostenol and Group B was additionally injected im with 80 IU of pFSH. CIDR‐B was withdrawn in the afternoon (07:00 pm). Cows were inseminated 48 and 62 h after the cloprostenol injection. Embryo collection and corpora lutea (CL) estimation were done 7 days after insemination. Alternation of treatments (crossover design) occurred at a 60‐day interval. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) of CL counts among treatments. The total (transferable and no transferable) number of recovered embryos from Group A (6.9 ± 1.5) was not different from Group C (9.8 ± 1.2), whereas Group B (5.7 ± 1.5) was lower than Group C (p < 0.05). The number of transferable embryos from Groups A (2.4 ± 0.7) and B (1.7 ± 0.6) was lower (p < 0.05) than Group C (4.6 ± 1.2). Lesser (p < 0.05) embryo production from Group B was related to lower recovery rate (46.4%), compared with Groups A (65.1%) and C (81.7%). It was concluded that an additional im subdose of pFSH, injected 48 h after a single subcutaneous (sc) dose of pFSH, does not improve the embryo production in zebu cows.
Factors Affecting Synchronization and Conception Rate after the Ovsynch Protocol in Lactating Holstein Cows
Authors: Galvão KN , Santos JEP
Published: December 2008

Contents

Objectives were to evaluate risk factors affecting ovulatory responses and conception rate to the Ovsynch protocol. Holstein cows, 466, were submitted to the Ovsynch protocol [day 0, GnRH‐1; day 7, prostaglandin (PG) F2α; day 9, GnRH‐2] and 103 cows were inseminated 12 h after GnRH‐2. Information on parity, days in milk at GnRH‐1, body condition, milk yield, exposure to heat stress, pre‐synchronization with PGF2α and the use of progesterone insert from GnRH‐1 to PGF2α was collected. Ovaries were scanned to determine responses to treatments. Overall, 54.7%, 10.6%, 2.2%, 81.1%, 9.0%, 91.5% and 36.9% of the cows ovulated to GnRH‐1, multiple ovulated to GnRH‐1, ovulated before GnRH‐2, ovulated to GnRH‐2, multiple ovulated to GnRH‐2, experienced corpus luteum (CL) regression and conceived, respectively. Ovulation to GnRH‐1 was greater in cows without a CL at GnRH‐1, cows with follicles >19 mm and cows not pre‐synchronized with PGF2α 14 days before GnRH‐1. Multiple ovulations to GnRH‐1 increased in cows without CL at GnRH‐1 and cows with follicles ≤19 mm at GnRH‐1. Ovulation before GnRH‐2 was greater in cows without CL at PGF2α. Ovulation to GnRH‐2 increased in cows that received a progesterone insert, cows with a CL at GnRH‐1, cows with follicles not regressing from the PGF2α to GnRH‐2, cows with larger follicles at GnRH‐2, cows that ovulated to GnRH‐1 and cows not pre‐synchronized. Multiple ovulations after GnRH‐2 increased in cows with no CL at GnRH‐1, multiparous cows and cows that multiple ovulated to GnRH‐1. Conception rate at 42 days after AI increased in cows with body condition score > 2.75 and cows that ovulated to GnRH‐2. Strategies that optimize ovulation to GnRH‐2, such as increased ovulation to GnRH‐1, should improve response to the Ovsynch protocol.
Transcriptional Analysis of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Oocytes During In Vitro Maturation Using Bovine cDNA Microarray
Authors: Kandil OM , Ghanem N , Abdoon ASS , Hölker M , Phatsara C , Schellander K , Tesfaye D
Published: December 2008

Contents

The need for improving in vitro production of buffalo embryos necessitates a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating early development including oocyte maturation. Here, we used bovine cDNA microarray platform to investigate mRNA abundance of buffalo oocytes before and after in vitro maturation. For this, a total of six pools each contains 50 immature or in vitro matured buffalo oocytes were used for mRNA isolation and subsequent cDNA synthesis. The BlueChip bovine cDNA microarray (with approximately 2000 clones) was used to analyse gene expression profiles between immature and matured oocytes. Statistical analysis of microarray data revealed a total of 104 transcripts to be differentially expressed between the two oocyte groups. Among these, transcription factors (ZFP91), M‐phase mitotic cell cycle (MPHOSPH9), growth factor (BMP15) and DNA binding (HMGN2) were found to be up‐regulated in immature oocytes. Similarly, matured oocytes were found to be enriched with genes involved in cytoskeleton (ACTB), hydrogen ion transporting (ATP6V1C2) and structural constituent of ribosome (RPS27A). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction validated the expression profile of some selected transcripts during array analysis. In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the first large‐scale expression study to identify candidate genes differentially abundant and with potential role during buffalo oocyte maturation.
Granzyme‐b mediated cell death in the spinal cord‐injured rat model
Authors: Chaitanya Ganta Vijay , Kolli Mayuri , Babu Phanithi Prakash
Published: December 2008

Spinal cord injury initiates a complex series of inflammatory and immune responses including the influx of monocytes, macrophages, T‐cells, NK cells and so on, into the injured area. In the present study, we found a significant increase in the levels of granzyme‐b (gra‐b) from the first day after the transection until the third day, with decrease in intensity thereafter. The chemokine IP‐10/CXCL10 was also found to be elevated along with gra‐b correlating with the infiltration of CD‐8+cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) into the injured spinal cord. We observed an increase in the levels of the 64 kDa poly ADP ribose polymerase fragment, known to be a signature fragment produced by gra‐b. Localization of gra‐b in TUNEL positive neurons indicates that gra‐b might play a crucial role in neuronal death and contributes to the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury.
Elevated intracellular calcium in neutrophils in patients with Down syndrome
Authors: Yamato Fumiko , Takaya Junji , Yasuhara Akihiro , Teraguchi Masayuki , Ikemoto Yumiko , Kaneko Kazunari
Published: December 2008

Background:  Neutrophils of patients with Down syndrome (DS) are known to have numerous abnormalities associated with diminished resistance to infection. The intracellular calcium (Ca2+i) acts as a second messenger and regulates diverse functions in many cell types. The purpose of the present study was to compare the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) at baseline and stimulated conditions in DS patients and in normal subjects to investigate [Ca2+]i regulation in neutrophils.

Methods:  The study group consisted of 27 subjects with DS (age, 8.6 ± 4.6 years) and 14 healthy subjects (age, 12.0 ± 3.9 years). Using a fluorescent probe, fura‐2, the baseline levels and changes in [Ca2+]i were examined after stimulation of neutrophils with N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP).

Results:  At baseline, the [Ca2+]i of neutrophils from DS subjects was significantly higher than that of the controls (70.6  ±  28.0  nmol/L vs 44.4 ± 16.0 nmol/L, P < 0.01). The absolute [Ca2+]i after addition of fMLP in the DS subjects was also significantly higher than that of the control group (250 ± 91 nmol/L vs 167 ± 60 nmol/L, respectively: P < 0.01). The neutrophils from the DS subjects had a consistently and significantly prolonged response to fMLP as compared to the neutrophils of control subjects.

Conclusions:  The higher [Ca2+]i and the prolonged response of [Ca2+]i to fMLP appear to be phenotypic traits of neutrophils in subjects with DS. This suggests intrinsic cellular defects in DS.
Dermatological signs in Wilson’s disease
Authors: Seyhan Muammer , Erdem Teoman , Selimoğlu Mukadder A. , Ertekin Vildan
Published: December 2008

Background:  Because no data on skin and mucosal findings of patients with Wilson’s disease have been published so far, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of mucosal and skin findings in childhood Wilson’s disease and to determine its specific dermatological findings, if any exist.

Methods:  Thirty‐seven 4–17‐year‐old children with Wilson’s disease were included. A complete skin, scalp skin, mucous membrane and nail examination was performed.

Results:  Of the children, 26 (70.3%) had at least one dermatological finding. Twenty‐five (67.6%), five (13.5%), nine (24.3%) had at least one skin, mucosal and nail finding, respectively. The most prevalent dermatological diagnosis of the Wilson’s disease patients was xerosis (45.7%). The presence of dermatological findings was not related to drug usage, severity of the disease, or malnutrition. The duration of the disease was not different in patients with or without dermatological findings. The frequency of skin findings alone, however, was high in relatively newly diagnosed patients (<2 years).

Conclusion:  Dermatologist should be aware of the various dermatological manifestations of Wilson’s disease, because a careful and objective skin, mucosa, nail and hair examination may be indicative of a diagnosis of Wilson’s disease, particularly in early cases.
Computed tomography angiogram: Accuracy in renal surgery
Authors: Rabah Danny M , Al‐hathal Naif , Al‐fuhaid Turki , Raza Sayed , Al‐yami Fahad , Al‐taweel Waleed , Alomar Mohamed , Al‐nagshabandi Nizar
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  To determine the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomography angiogram (CTA) in detecting number and location of renal arteries and veins as well as crossing vessels causing uretero‐pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), and to determine if this can be used in decision‐making algorithms for treatment of UPJO.

Methods:  A prospective study was carried out in patients undergoing open, laparoscopic and robotic renal surgery from April 2005 until October 2006. All patients were imaged using CTA with 1.25 collimation of arterial and venous phases. Each multi‐detector CTA was then read by one radiologist and his results were compared prospectively with the actual intra‐operative findings.

Results:  Overall, 118 patients were included. CTA had 93% sensitivity, 77% specificity and 90% overall accuracy for detecting a single renal artery, and 76% sensitivity, 92% specificity and 90% overall accuracy for detecting two or more renal arteries (Pearson χ2 = 0.001). There was 95% sensitivity, 84% specificity and 85% overall accuracy for detecting the number of renal veins. CTA had 100% overall accuracy in detecting early dividing renal artery (defined as less than 1.5 cm branching from origin), and 83.3% sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy in detecting crossing vessels at UPJ. The percentage of surgeons stating CTA to be helpful as pre‐operative diagnostic tool was 85%.

Conclusion:  Computed tomography angiogram is simple, quick and can provide an accurate pre‐operative renal vascular anatomy in terms of number and location of renal vessels, early dividing renal arteries and crossing vessels at UPJ.
Technical acquisition and dosimetric assessment of iodine‐125 permanent brachytherapy in localized prostate cancer: Our first series of 100 patients
Authors: Tanaka Nobumichi , Asakawa Isao , Kondo Hideaki , Tanaka Motoyoshi , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Hasegawa Masatoshi , Konishi Noboru , Hirao Yoshihiko
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  To assess our initial experience in the treatment of localized prostate cancer using low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (LDR‐brachytherapy) with iodine‐125.

Methods:  One‐hundred consecutive patients received LDR‐brachytherapy between July 2004 and October 2006. Seventy‐six patients were treated with seed implantation alone, whereas 24 patients were treated with a combination of brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy. The minimal percentage of the dose received by 90% of the prostate gland (%D90), the percentage prostate volume receiving 100% of the prescribed minimal peripheral dose (V100), and the operation time were compared among every 10 consecutive patients.

Results:  The means of %D90 and V100 were 109.6% and 93.4%, respectively. When compared with the first 10 patients, both D90 and V100 showed significant improvement in the following 10 consecutive patients. Similarly, the mean operation time decreased significantly according to the accumulated number of patients.

Conclusions:  Our initial experience with the first 100 cases suggests that LDR‐brachytherapy needs accumulation of many more patients to obtain high‐quality post‐implant dosimetric outcomes.
Bladder cancer biomarkers and their role in surveillance and screening
Authors: Van Tilborg Angela AG , Bangma Chris H , Zwarthoff Ellen C
Published: December 2008

Early detection of bladder cancer and its recurrences is essential for improved prognosis and long‐term survival. The detection and follow‐up of these patients is currently based on cystoscopy, which is expensive and invasive, and, in most cases, cytology, which is non‐invasive but not very sensitive. During recent years, many urine‐based tests have been developed and tested in different patient populations. In this review we discuss new developments for biomarkers in bladder cancer that have potential use in surveillance and screening. In almost all publications authors compare sensitivity of the test with a concomitantly executed cystoscopy, for example, determine cross‐sectional sensitivity. However, it has also been shown that false positive test results may be followed by a positive cystoscopy in the near future, showing that cystoscopy itself does not provide 100% sensitivity. This suggests that for a proper evaluation of urine‐based tests, longitudinal studies should be carried out and the results communicated to the urologist.