bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The combined effects of midazolam and propofol sedation on muscle power
Authors: Tomita S. , Matsuura N. , Ichinohe T. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryWe performed a randomised, crossover study to investigate the effects of intravenous sedation on grip strength and bite force. Twenty male volunteers received a bolus intravenous injection of midazolam (0.02 mg.kg−1) together with a 30‐min propofol infusion designed to achieve an effect‐site concentration of 1.0 μg.ml−1. Observed variables included bispectral index, observer's assessment of alertness/sedation, correct answer rate of Stroop colour‐word test, grip strength and bite force. Grip strength decreased from a median (IQR [range]) of 483 (443–517 [380–586]) N to 358 (280–405 [108–580]) N (p < 0.001) during sedation and recovered following flumazenil administration, while bite force increased from 818 (593–1026 [405–1406]) N to 1377 (1243–1585 [836–2357]) N (p < 0.001) during sedation. Although bite force gradually returned to baseline following flumazenil administration, it remained increased throughout the experimental period. We conclude that bite force increased during intravenous sedation and that this may have clinical implications.
Lymph node ratio predicts local recurrence for periampullary tumours
Authors: Lee Sung Ryol , Kim Hyung Ook , Park Yong Lai , Shin Jun Ho 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo better define the prognostic role of nodal disease, evaluation of metastatic lymph node ratio (MLR) has been performed, and this method has recently gained prominence in various gastrointestinal cancers. The present study attempts to identify prognostic factors and evaluate the independent prognostic influence of MLR in patients who have undergone curative pancreaticoduodenectomy.MethodsIn our institution within the study period, 111 patients received curative pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary cancers. Clinicopathologic data were collected and MLR was calculated for each of the patients. Patients were then divided into four groups based on MLR value: MLR 1 = 0; MLR 2 = 0.01–0.2; MLR 3 0.21–0.4; and MLR 4 >0.4.ResultsIncreasing MLR correlates with high recurrence rate and lower overall survival (OS) with significance (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). The recurrent group showed significantly lower OS than the non‐recurrent group (P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis for recurrence, MLR was identified as the only independent prognostic factor (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe simple and easily obtainable MLR is well qualified as a prognostic factor in patients who undergo curatively radical resection for periampullary cancer. Furthermore, MLR can overcome the limitations of evaluation of lymph nodes status, allowing it to be used as a potential prognostic factor.
Education in obstetrical ultrasound – an important factor for increasing the prenatal detection of congenital heart disease
Authors: Asplin Nina , Dellgren Annika , Conner Peter 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of postgraduate education in obstetrical ultrasound on the prenatal detection rate of congenital heart disease.SettingTertiary care center.PopulationExperienced and less experienced midwives performing ultrasound scans.MethodsNumber of fetuses and live‐born children with severe congenital heart malformations were extracted from patient records. The detection rates of experienced and less experienced midwives were compared following a postgraduate training program in obstetrical ultrasound.Main outcome measuresThe prenatal detection rate of complex congenital heart malformations.ResultsThe prenatal detection rate for the entire unit increased significantly during the study period (32 vs. 69%, p < 0.05). Following education, we observed a significant increase in detection rates (21 vs. 67%, p < 0.01) among experienced midwives. In the group of less experienced midwives, we found a positive effect of training with considerably higher detection rates compared with results achieved by their more experienced colleagues before the program (40 vs. 21%).ConclusionThere is a clear improvement in the prenatal detection rates of complex heart malformations following a postgraduate education in obstetrical ultrasound. Similar training should be offered to both midwives and doctors performing routine scans to increase the standards of antenatal screening for congenital heart disease.
Acute poisoning in children under the age of six: a two‐decade study of hospital admissions and trends
Authors: Hoikka MH , Liisanantti JH , Dunder T 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate the incidence, clinical features and outcome of acute poisoning in children of less than 6 years of age in northern Finland.MethodsChildren hospitalized with acute poisoning at the Oulu University Hospital between 1991 and 2010 were retrospectively evaluated from hospital records.ResultsThere were 334 hospital admissions due to acute poisoning during the study period, with an overall incidence rate of 5.2 per 10 000 per year, decreasing slightly from 6.7 in 1991–1995 to 4.5 in 2006–2010. Mean length of a hospital stay was 1.2 (SD ± 1.26) days. The most common substances ingested were terbutaline (12.3%), benzodiazepines (12.0%) and dishwasher powder (9.3%). Almost half of the patients were admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit, but most only required supportive care. Specific antidotes were administered in 16 cases. Three patients suffered from aspiration pneumonia as a result of ingesting poison, but no children died during the study.ConclusionPoisoning is a fairly common cause of hospital admission in children under the age of six. In most cases, their clinical condition is good, and they can be discharged after a short surveillance period.
Bacteria isolated from field cases of equine amnionitis and fetal loss
Authors: Todhunter KH , Muscatello G , Blishen AJ , Chicken C , Perkins NR , Gilkerson JR , Begg AP 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundA series of unusual abortions occurred in Thoroughbred and Quarterhorse mares in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales from mid‐March toNovember 2004. The initial link between early cases was the microbiological culture of atypical environmental coryneforms from the stomach contents and/or lungs of fetuses aborted on different properties.MethodsThe unique pathologic lesions were described with a case definition and the term ‘equine amnionitis and fetal loss’ (EAFL) was established.ResultsThe causal factor was the ingestion of the processionary caterpillar (Ochrogaster lunifer). Bacteria from theActinomycetalesorder were isolated from 40% of the combined suspect and confirmedEAFLcases and includedMicrobacterium arborescens, Cellulomonassp.,Arthrobacterspp. andCellulosimicrobiumsp. Other bacteria isolated included various Gram‐negative bacilli and Gram‐positive cocci.ConclusionsAlthough the predominant type of bacteria isolated fromEAFLwas environmental coryneforms, it is important to note that a variety of bacteria were associated with the characteristic histopathological changes outlined by the case definition. This highlights the importance of histopathology on both fetal membranes and fetuses, as well as culture to confirmEAFLand to exclude other possible causes of abortion.
Failure of transfer of passive immunity and agammaglobulinaemia in calves in south‐west Victorian dairy herds: prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Vogels Z , Chuck GM , Morton JM 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) and agammaglobulinaemia in calves in south‐west Victorian dairy herds and identify associated risk factors for both outcomes.DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsSerum total protein was measured in 1018 calves from 100 south‐west Victorian dairy herds. The proportions of calves with FTPI and agammaglobulinaemia were determined and logistic regression with random effects used to identify calf‐ and herd‐level variables associated with both conditions.ResultsIn total, 38% of calves had FTPI and 8% of calves had agammaglobulinaemia. Two‐thirds of herds had more than 25% of calves with FTPI. Jersey and Jersey‐cross calves were less likely than Holstein‐Friesian calves to have FTPI (odds ratio (OR) 0.53 and 0.57, respectively). Dairy–beef crossbreed calves were more likely to have agammaglobulinaemia than Holstein‐Friesian calves (OR 3.52) and bull calves were more likely to have agammaglobulinaemia than heifer calves (OR 2.22). Removal of calves from the calving area less than twice a day was associated with increased odds of FTPI (OR 1.61) and agammaglobulinaemia (OR 1.97) relative to more frequent removal.ConclusionThere is considerable potential to improve the transfer of passive immunity in dairy herds in south‐west Victoria. The prevalence of both FTPI and agammaglobulinaemia is likely to be reduced by collecting calves from the calving area twice daily and hand‐feeding them extra colostrum immediately after their removal from the calving area.
Sedation of hyperthyroid cats with subcutaneous administration of a combination of alfaxalone and butorphanol
Authors: Ramoo S , Bradbury LA , Anderson GA , Abraham LA 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate the sedative, respiratory and cardiovascular effects of subcutaneously administered alfaxalone and butorphanol in a group of hyperthyroid cats.DesignA prospective, single‐centre observational study.MethodsClient‐owned hyperthyroid cats (n = 20) were examined and sedated with alfaxalone (3 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg) administered subcutaneously. Sedation scores, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure were measured at 15‐min intervals during the 45‐min observation period and compared with pre‐sedation values. At the end of 45 min, cats were assessed to be adequately sedated for oral administration of iodine‐131 if there was minimal resistance and an intact gag reflex.ResultsThe maximum median sedation score was reached 45 min after injection. The lowest mean heart and respiratory rates and blood pressure values occurred 30 min after injection. Significant decreases were noted in respiratory rates at all three time points (P < 0.001). Systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure measurements were also significantly decreased at 15 and 30 min after injection (P < 0.05).ConclusionSubcutaneously administered alfaxalone and butorphanol can be used for sedation in cats undergoing procedures of short duration. Blood pressure should be monitored because of transient decreases observed in some cats. Further studies are required to determine whether the sedative, respiratory and cardiovascular effects are similar in euthyroid cats.
Spinal RhoA/Rho Kinase Signalling Pathway may Participate in the Development of Bone Cancer Pain
Authors: Hang Li‐Hua , Shao Dong‐Hua , Chen Zheng , Sun Wen‐Jin 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIt has been shown that activation of spinal RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) signalling pathway facilitates nociception in neuropathic and inflammatory pain, but its effects on bone cancer pain (BCP) have not previously been studied. This study was designed to examine the potential role of the spinal RhoA/ROCK signalling pathway in the development of BCP. A model for bone cancer was induced by injecting Walker 256 cells into the tibia of rats. On days 6, 9 and 15 after inoculation, the expression of spinal RhoA and ROCK2 protein levels was higher in the Walker 256 cells injected rats compared to the sham rats. On day 9, intrathecal injection of C3 exoenzyme (a RhoA inhibitor, 10 pg) significantly attenuated BCP behaviour as well as up‐regulation of spinal RhoA and ROCK2 protein levels. These effects were completely abolished by intrathecal pretreatment with U‐46619 (a RhoA agonist, 1.5 pg). These results suggest that the spinal RhoA/ROCK signalling pathway may be involved in the development of BCP. The findings of this study may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for prevention and/or treatment of BCP.
Inflammatory environment induces gingival tissue‐specific mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate towards a pro‐fibrotic phenotype
Authors: Li Nan , Liu Na , Zhou Jun , Tang Liang , Ding Bofu , Duan Yinzhong , Jin Yan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground InformationHuman gingival tissues are prone to hyperplasia under inflammatory stimuli. We have identified gingival tissue‐specific mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) and found their functional change being correlated with drug‐induced gingival hyperplasia. However, whether these cells exhibit characteristics of pro‐fibrotic phenotype under inflammatory condition remains unknown.ResultsGMSCs isolated from human normal gingival tissues (N‐GMSC) and inflammatory gingival tissues (I‐GMSC) were cultured in vitro, representative cytokines were added to simulate the in vivo inflammatory environment. Under the influence of the inflammatory cytokines, GMSCs exhibited higher rate of proliferation than those under normal condition, while their potential for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation was suppressed. The expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐1, MMP‐2, IL‐1, IL‐6, TNF‐α and type 1 collagen was significantly higher in I‐GMSCs than in N‐GMSCs. Furthermore, compared with dental pulp stem cells, GMSCs showed different pattern of gene expression and extracellular matrix formation in inflammatory environment.ConclusionsInflammatory microenvironment induces GMSCs to differentiate towards a pro‐fibrotic phenotype, which could underlie the hyperplastic appearance of inflammatory gingiva.
First identification of Ewing's sarcoma‐derived extracellular vesicles and exploration of their biological and potential diagnostic implications
Authors: Miller Isabella V. , Raposo Graca , Welsch Ulrich , Prazeres da Costa Olivia , Thiel Uwe , Lebar Maria , Maurer Martina , Bender Hans‐Ulrich , von Luettichau Irene , Richter Günther H. S. , Burdach Stefan , Grunewald Thomas G. P. 
Published: March 2013

Background InformationExosomes are small RNA‐ and protein‐containing extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are thought to mediate hetero‐ and homotypic intercellular communication between normal and malignant cells. Tumour‐derived exosomes are believed to promote re‐programming of the tumour‐associated stroma to favour tumour growth and metastasis. Currently, exosomes have been intensively studied in carcinomas. However, little is known about their existence and possible role in sarcomas.ResultsHere, we report on the identification of vesicles with exosomal features derived from Ewing's sarcoma (ES), the second most common soft‐tissue or bone cancer in children and adolescents. ES cell line‐derived EVs have been isolated by ultracentrifugation and analysed by flow‐cytometric assessment of the exosome‐associated proteins CD63 and CD81 as well as by electron microscopy. They proved to contain ES‐specific transcripts including EWS‐FLI1, which were suitable for the sensitive detection of ES cell line‐derived exosomes by qRT‐PCR in a pre‐clinical model for patient plasma. Microarray analysis of ES cell line‐derived exosomes revealed that they share a common transcriptional signature potentially involved in G‐protein‐coupled signalling, neurotransmitter signalling and stemness.ConclusionsIn summary, our results imply that ES‐derived exosomes could eventually serve as biomarkers for minimal residual disease diagnostics in peripheral blood and prompt further investigation of their potential biological role in modification of the ES‐associated microenvironment.
Clusterin Associates Specifically with Aβ40 in Alzheimer's Disease Brain Tissue
Authors: Howlett David R. , Hortobágyi Tibor , Francis Paul T. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractGenome‐wide association studies have pointed to clusterin (apolipoprotein J) as being linked to the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease (AD); studies have identified the protein as a possible biomarker. The association between clusterin and senile plaques in AD brain is well known, and clusterin levels in AD brain are 40% higher than that in control subjects. The present study investigates, immunohistochemically, the association between clusterin and Aβ peptides in AD and control cortex. A unique and specific association between clusterin and Aβ40 was observed in plaques in the cerebral cortex from AD subjects in that only plaques that contained Aβ40 showed clusterin immunoreactivity, while the many plaques with Aβ42 alone lacked clusterin labeling. Cerebrovascular Aβ in AD brain generally lacked Aβ42 but was positively labeled by both the Aβ40 and the clusterin antibodies. In control subjects, however, Aβ40 was absent from plaques, although very occasional plaques were found to be labeled by both the Aβ42 and the clusterin antibodies. Overall, in AD, but not aged control brain, clusterin was associated specifically with the Aβ40 form of Aβ in the brain. The lack of clusterin in association with Aβ42 may be a significant feature in neuronal loss and neurodegeneration in the disease state.
Microbial‐dominated carbonate platforms during the Ladinian rifting: sequence stratigraphy and evolution of accommodation in a fault‐controlled setting (Catalan Coastal Ranges, NE Spain)
Authors: Mercedes‐Martín R. , Salas R. , Arenas C. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe Upper Muschelkalk sedimentary record constitutes a major transgressive pulse of north‐eastern Iberia during the Ladinian. This record is arranged in two transgressive–regressive (T–R) sequences formed by two stepped microbial‐dominated carbonate ramp systems where accommodation was mainly controlled by extensional faults. This study seeks to gain new insights into how the evolution of syn‐rift subsidence controls the creation of accommodation space, the depositional styles and, especially, the palaeogeographical domains where specific microbialites developed (thrombolites and stromatolites). Thrombolite bodies (at least 40 m thick) display two types of architecture, biostromal and mud‐mounded and stromatolite bodies (at least 7 m thick) consist of tabular and domed, head‐shaped morphologies. Domed and mounded forms are usually developed during stages of increasing accommodation rates, low‐to flat‐nelief forms tend to grow in association with periods of low accommodation rates. A sea‐level fall of at least 50 m occurred at the end of the Early Ladinian leaving the platform subaerially exposed. As a result, a prominent karst with significant erosional incisions and profuse collapse breccia fillings was formed in the inner and middle ramp settings. The resultant subaerial unconformity bounds T–R sequences 1 and 2. Subsidence curves display two stages of rapid/decelerated total subsidence, constituting two discrete rift/post‐rift pulses in the large Triassic rifting period: (i) Buntsandstein – Middle Muschelkalk, and (ii) Late Muschelkalk – Imon Formation (Rhaetian). The second pulse is characterized by a rapid syn‐rift subsidence during the Late Muschelkalk, and a decelerated post‐rift subsidence throughout the deposition of Keuper facies and Imon Formation. The Late Muschelkalk rapid syn‐rift pulse of total subsidence produces gains in accommodation, which controls the development of the stromatolites and thrombolites (biostromes and mud‐mounds).
Body size determination in insects: a review and synthesis of size‐ and brain‐dependent and independent mechanisms
Authors: Callier Viviane , Nijhout H. Frederik 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTBody size determination requires a mechanism for sensing size and a mechanism for linking size information to the termination of growth. Although the hormonal mechanisms that terminate growth are well elucidated, the mechanisms by which a body senses its own size are only partially understood; most of this understanding has come from the study of the mechanisms that control insect moulting and metamorphosis. We first review and discuss advances in our understanding of the physiological mechanisms by which insect larvae sense their size. Second, we present new findings on how larvae in which the size‐sensing mechanism has been disrupted eventually terminate growth (in a size‐independent manner). We synthesize recent insights into the genetic and molecular mechanisms of ecdysteroid regulation in Drosophila melanogaster with developmental physiology findings in Manduca sexta, paving the way for an integrated understanding of the mechanisms of body size regulation.
The bonds of institutional language: A discursive institutionalist approach to the Clerk of the Privy Council's annual report
Authors: Dutil Patrice A. , Ryan Peter Malachy 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe Clerk of the Privy Council's annual report is seen as an important documentation of the public sector's priorities, but has never been examined. Using a combination of traditional content analysis and digital humanities techniques, this study analyses the first sixteen reports written under the aegis of six clerks, and concludes that they reflect competing priorities and emphases. Yet while the reports are each distinct, they collectively are highly repetitive and remarkably unaffected by either the context in which they were written or the policies pursued by governments. The consistency of the texts over sixteen years of transformation in government indicates that such institutional discourse is slow to change, demonstrating a strong “bond” to what had been reported previously. This article also shows how a mix of methods in dissecting the use of language can contribute to the budding field of discursive institutionalism.
Accountability in a collectivized environment: From Glassco to digital public administration
Authors: Brown David C.G. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBuilding on the 1962 Glassco Commission report, this article argues that the duality of collective and individual ministerial responsibility in the Canadian Westminster model is under‐recognized and remains highly relevant. While reforms since the 1960s favoured individual responsibility, the growing impact of information and communications technologies (ICTs) gives renewed significance to collective responsibility. This article reviews accountability challenges arising from ICT‐influenced changes in the federal government's organization and relationships, including the shift from a traditional vertical departmental model towards an increasingly horizontal one. Accountability for this re‐collectivized environment risks ineffectiveness for two reasons: the prime minister's view of his own role, and Parliament's difficulty in dealing with horizontal issues. If the risks are not recognized, Canadian democracy will be diminished.SommaireEn se fondant sur le rapport Glassco de 1962, le présent article soutient que la dualité de la responsabilité ministérielle collective et individuelle dans le modèle de Westminster au Canada n'est pas suffisamment reconnue et demeure hautement pertinente. Alors que, depuis les années 1970, les réformes ont encouragé la responsabilité individuelle, l'incidence croissante des technologies de l'information et des communications (TIC) donne une importance renouvelée à la responsabilité collective. Cet article passe en revue les défis de la responsabilité découlant des changements influencés par les TIC dans l'organisation et les relations du gouvernement fédéral, y compris le glissement d'un modèle ministériel vertical traditionnel vers un modèle de plus en plus horizontal. L'imputabilité pour cet environnement re‐collectivisé risque d'entraîner l'inefficacité pour deux raisons : la perception qu'a le Premier ministre de son propre rôle, et la difficulté qu'a le Parlement à traiter les questions horizontales. Faute de reconnaître les risques, c'est la démocratie canadienne qui sera perdante.