bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutations M287L and Q266I in the Glycine Receptor α1 Subunit Change Sensitivity to Volatile Anesthetics in Oocytes and Neurons, but Not the Minimal Alveolar Concentration in Knockin Mice
Authors: Borghese Cecilia M. , Xiong Wei , Oh S. Irene , Ho Angel , Mihic S. John , Zhang Li , Lovinger David M. , Homanics Gregg E. , Eger Edmond I. , Harris R. Adron 
Published: August 2012

Background
Volatile anesthetics (VAs) alter the function of key central nervous system proteins but it is not clear which, if any, of these targets mediates the immobility produced by VAs in the face of noxious stimulation. A leading candidate is the glycine receptor, a ligand-gated ion channel important for spinal physiology. VAs variously enhance such function, and blockade of spinal glycine receptors with strychnine affects the minimal alveolar concentration (an anesthetic EC50) in proportion to the degree of enhancement.

Methods
We produced single amino acid mutations into the glycine receptor α1 subunit that increased (M287L, third transmembrane region) or decreased (Q266I, second transmembrane region) sensitivity to isoflurane in recombinant receptors, and introduced such receptors into mice. The resulting knockin mice presented impaired glycinergic transmission, but heterozygous animals survived to adulthood, and we determined the effect of isoflurane on glycine-evoked responses of brainstem neurons from the knockin mice, and the minimal alveolar concentration for isoflurane and other VAs in the immature and mature knockin mice.

Results
Studies of glycine-evoked currents in brainstem neurons from knockin mice confirmed the changes seen with recombinant receptors. No increases in the minimal alveolar concentration were found in knockin mice, but the minimal alveolar concentration for isoflurane and enflurane (but not halothane) decreased in 2-week-old Q266I mice. This change is opposite to the one expected for a mutation that decreases the sensitivity to volatile anesthetics.

Conclusion
Taken together, these results indicate that glycine receptors containing the α1 subunit are not likely to be crucial for the action of isoflurane and other VAs.
Risk of Renal Dysfunction after Less Invasive Multivessel Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Kiani Soroosh , Brown Alex K. , Kurian Dinesh J. , Henkin Stanislav , Flynn Mary M. , Thirumvalavan Nannan , Desai Pranjal H. , Poston Robert S. 
Published: August 2012

Objective Several centers have established that off-pump, multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting performed via a small thoracotomy (MVST) is feasible. However, this procedure can be challenging when posterolateral coronary targets need to be grafted. We hypothesized that use of cardiopulmonary bypass via peripheral access (MVST-PA) would improve outcomes compared with a completely off-pump approach (OP-MVST). Methods This was a prospective observational study of patients undergoing OP-MVST (n = 46) versus MVST-PA (n = 45) using bilateral internal mammary artery grafts onto the left anterior descending coronary artery and circumflex/right coronary artery distribution. Hemostasis was quantified by measuring platelet function (aggregometry), chest tube output, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction bleeding score (%hematocrit change at 24 hours), and transfusion requirements. The rate of mortality and major morbidity at 30 days was defined according to The Society of Thoracic Surgeons criteria. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (normalized to baseline levels) was determined daily until discharge. Results The OP-MVST versus MVST-PA groups had similar risk factors at baseline and risks of composite morbidity/mortality at 30 days. However, renal failure was significantly increased after OP-MVST (10.87 vs 0%, P = 0.05), and MVST-PA affected hemostasis as evidenced by inhibition of platelet function (latency to response on aggregometry, 29.9 vs 17.9 seconds; P = 0.04) and higher transfusion requirement (2.31 vs 0.85 units of red blood cells/patient, P = 0.04; 55.6% vs 34.8% transfused; P = 0.059). However, 24-hour chest tube output was similar (645 vs 750 mL; P = 0.53). Conclusions In comparison with a completely off-pump strategy, use of cardiopulmonary bypass to assist MVST reduced the risk of renal dysfunction with only modest tradeoffs in other morbidities, for example, altered coagulation and higher transfusion requirements. These data justify further study of the effect of MVST-PA on renal complications.
Histological and Morphometric Properties of Skeletonized Gastroepiploic Artery and Risk Factors for Intimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Van Phung Doan , Kinoshita Takeshi , Asai Tohru , Suzuki Tomoaki 
Published: August 2012

Objective The aim of the present study was to examine the histological and morphometric properties of skeletonized gastroepiploic artery (GEA) and the risk factors for intimal hyperplasia. Methods We obtained the redundant distal segments of skeletonized GEAs from 33 patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery and microscopically examined the transverse sections just distal to the most distal anastomoses. Intimal hyperplasia was evaluated on the basis of intima-to-media ratio and percentage of luminal narrowing. Risk factors were examined using multivariate linear regression analysis. Results The median (range) of lumen diameter at the most distal anastomosis was 3.8 (2.4–6.4) mm; width of intima, 82 (8–418) μm; width of media, 167 (88–351) μm; wall thickness, 250 (118–554) μm; intima-to-media ratio, 0.59 (0.04–3.88), and percentage of luminal narrowing, 12.3 (1.5–28.9). The number of elastic lamina in the media was 4.2 ± 1.8. Atherosclerosis was found in six patients, and medial calcification, in three patients. The median (range) of graft flow and pulsatile index measured by intraoperative transit-time flow meter was 65 (11–141) mL/min and 3.1 (1.4–5.9), respectively. All GEA grafts were patent at the coronary computed tomography angiography before discharge. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was independently associated with intima-to-media ratio (β coefficient = −0.016, P < 0.01) and percentage of luminal narrowing (β coefficient = −0.012, P < 0.01). Conclusions Skeletonized GEA had sufficient lumen diameter with excellent graft flow and early patency even when used as a sequential graft. Estimated glomerular filtration rate correlates significantly with intimal hyperplasia.
The Swan-Ganz Catheter as a Teaching Tool for the Anesthesiologist Learning Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Pantin Enrique J. , Kraidin Jonathan L. , Ginsberg Steven H. , Denny John T. , Anderson Mark B. , Solina Alann R. 
Published: August 2012

Objective To perform minimally invasive cardiac surgery through the smallest possible wound and with the least number of incisions in the heart or aorta, the necessary cannulations to undergo cardiopulmonary bypass must be done through peripheral vessels. A difficult skill to learn for the cardiac anesthesiologist is how to safely and efficiently position the coronary sinus catheter (Endoplege; Edwards Lifesciences LLC, Irvine, CA USA) required for retrograde cardioplegia administration. Methods In patients in whom a Swan-Ganz catheter was inserted as part of the operative management strategy for non–minimally invasive heart surgery, we have been using it as a training tool to learn how to visualize and manipulate right-sided catheters under transesophageal echocardiography. We developed this teaching technique to help hone some of the necessary skills needed to place the Endoplege catheter for minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Manipulation was done with the goal of visualizing the catheter and guiding it into the coronary sinus. For a 4-month period, anesthesia records were retrospectively reviewed. Results Fifteen patients, for a total of 19 catheter manipulations, were found in whom we had documented the use of the Swan-Ganz catheter and details about the insertion as a training tool. The coronary sinus and the catheter were visualized 100% of the time. The Swan-Ganz catheter was successfully inserted into the coronary sinus in 17 of 19 catheter manipulations. Conclusions The Swan-Ganz catheter can be used as a training tool to develop some of the necessary skills to place catheters into the coronary sinus with transesophageal echocardiography guidance.
High resolution imaging of neuronal connectivity
Authors: LAKADAMYALI M. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryConnectomics is an emerging field that aims to generate and analyse neuronal connectivity data with high‐throughput to gain knowledge about the brain. The realization of this goal largely depends on the development of innovative microscopy techniques that can produce large‐scale three‐dimensional images of brain tissue at nanoscale resolution and automated analysis tools that can extract relevant information from these images. This review surveys the challenges associated with generating the images needed for neuronal connectivity maps and how these challenges may be overcome by novel optical methods that allow sub‐diffraction‐limit imaging.
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 blockade protects against experimental colitis in mice: a new strategy for inflammatory bowel diseases treatment?
Authors: Fichna J. , Mokrowiecka A. , Cygankiewicz A. I. , Zakrzewski P. K. , Małecka‐Panas E. , Janecka A. , Krajewska W. M. , Storr M. A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractRecent reports suggested that the activation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) receptors in the gastrointestinal tract has pro‐inflammatory effects. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that TRPV4 mRNA expression is up‐regulated in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Furthermore, selective blockade of TRPV4 in the 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid animal model alleviates colitis and pain associated with the intestinal inflammation. Our study indicates that TRPV4 may play a role in mechanisms of defense in intestinal inflammation and that TRPV4 may be an attractive target for future systemic or topic anti‐inflammatory treatment in patients with IBD.
Do tsetse flies ‘see’ zebras? A field study of the visual response of tsetse to striped targets
Authors: GIBSON GABRIELLA 
Published: August 2012

Abstract A field study in Zimbabwe of Glossina pallidipes Austen and G. morsitans morsitans Westwood supported Waage's (1981) hypothesis that the striped pattern of zebras may protect them from being bitten by blood‐sucking flies. In addition, the results suggest that the orientation of the stripes may be crucially important for the unattractiveness of zebras.The relative attractiveness of five different stationary targets (black, white, grey, vertically‐striped and horizontally‐striped; stripe width = 5 cm) were each tested on their own and in pairs of all combinations, with artificial host odour (CO2 plus acetone) always present. Electric nets were used to catch flies as they attempted to land on or circle the targets. The results were similar for the two species of tsetse. When tested on their own, grey and vertically‐striped targets caught similar numbers of flies and both caught significantly fewer than black or white targets (c. 36% as many). Horizontally‐striped targets caught <10% as many flies as any other single target.Although there was no significant difference between the attractiveness of grey and vertically striped targets when they were presented together, when paired with the other targets, grey was as attractive as black or white, but the vertically‐striped target was significantly less attractive than black or white (P < 0.001). In other words, a difference between grey and vertical stripes was found only in their attractiveness in relation to other targets. The horizontally‐striped target, however, always caught the fewest flies, regardless of whether it was presented alone or alongside another target.
Governance mechanisms in the physician–patient relationship: a literature review and conceptual framework
Authors: Tofan Gabriela , Bodolica Virginia , Spraggon Martin 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe physician–patient relationship is a critical component of the integrated approach to excellence in health‐care delivery. Although commonly modelled within the boundaries of the agency theory and regarded as synonymous to an agent–principal interaction, there exists only a sparse understanding about the most effective ways of governing it.ObjectiveThis article undertakes a selective review of the growing body of research on the governance of the physician–patient relationship to discuss the current state of the knowledge in the field and suggest promising avenues for further exploration.FindingsOn the basis of an extensive analysis of the relevant literature, we identify two emerging streams of inquiry on the trust‐based (i.e. trust and ethical oversight) and distrust‐based (i.e. patient information‐empowerment and decision‐making authority) governance mechanisms of the physician–patient relationship and discuss the key findings within each stream.DiscussionTo conciliate the on‐going scholarly debate concerning the efficacy of trust‐ and distrust‐based mechanisms, we draw the foundations of a conceptual framework which might serve as a guide for more integrative research endeavours on the governance of the physician–patient relationship.
Peripheral stem cell harvest using regular chemotherapy schedules in childhood cancer
Authors: Gooskens Saskia L. , Braakman Eric , van den Boom Anne Loes , So‐Osman Cynthia , de Winter Ferdinand , Pieters Rob , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. 
Published: August 2012

Gooskens SL, Braakman E, van den Boom AL, So‐Osman C, de Winter F, Pieters R, van den Heuvel‐Eibrink MM. Peripheral stem cell harvest using regular chemotherapy schedules in childhood cancer.Abstract:  Prediction of the best moment for the harvest of PBSCs after standard chemotherapy followed by filgrastim in children with cancer is difficult. We retrospectively analyzed the moment of harvesting of 152 procedures in 94 patients. The start of apheresis was guided by WBC count and CD34+ cell measurement in peripheral blood. We defined the first day of filgrastim administration, after completion of mobilizing chemotherapy, as day 1. Median time to harvest in different subgroups is as follows: neuroblastoma 11 days (range, 6–29 days), Ewing’s sarcoma nine days (range, 7–15 days), brain tumor 10 days (range, 7–15 days), relapsed Wilms’ tumor 16 days (range, 9–20 days), and extracranial GCT seven days (range, 6–14 days). Patients harvested after cyclophosphamide priming (time to harvest within a range of 8–9 days) were analyzed as a separate group. The optimal moment for harvesting in different types of tumors was highly variable, although most consistent in patients diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma or brain tumors and after cyclophosphamide priming.
Renal function and histology in children after small bowel transplantation
Authors: Boyer Olivia , Noto Cristian , De Serre Natacha Patey‐Mariaud , Gubler Marie‐Claire , Dechaux Michèle , Goulet Olivier , Niaudet Patrick , Lacaille Florence 
Published: August 2012

Boyer O, Noto C, Patey‐Mariaud De Serre N, Gubler M‐C, Dechaux M, Goulet O, Niaudet P, Lacaille F. Renal function and histology in children after small bowel transplantation.Abstract:  CKD is a frequent long‐term complication after SBTx. CNIs are a well‐known factor, but probably not the only cause. We assessed the incidence, risk factors, and severity of CKD in 27 children with SBTx (15 combined liver/SBTx) and prednisone/TAC‐based maintenance immunosuppression. Median follow‐up was seven yr (3–21). A renal biopsy was performed in 14 patients, 1–18 yr post‐SBTx. A reduced GFR was observed in 17 children (63%) during the follow‐up with none requiring dialysis. CNI toxicity was observed in 11/14 biopsies, as early as two yr post‐transplant, and could occur with a normal mGFR. The dose of TAC was reduced by 50% in 13 patients with CKD and/or significant kidney histological lesions, and six were also given MMF. This led to a significant improvement in renal function: mGFR normalized in eight patients and improved or stabilized in five. No rejection occurred. At last follow‐up, 37% had CKD stage 2 and 15% had CKD stage 3. In conclusion, CKD is frequent in children after SBTx and probably multifactorial. Less nephrotoxic immunosuppressive protocols may improve mGFR and should be further considered. The kidney histology helps in designing personalized immunosuppression strategies for patients.
Possible effects of mobilisation on acute post‐operative pain and nociceptive function after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: LUNN T. H. , KRISTENSEN B. B. , GAARN‐LARSEN L. , KEHLET H. 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundExperimental studies in animals, healthy volunteers, and patients with chronic pain suggest exercise to provide analgesia in several types of pain conditions and after various nociceptive stimuli. To our knowledge, there is no data on the effects of exercise on pain and nociceptive function in surgical patients despite early mobilisation being an important factor to enhance recovery. We therefore investigated possible effects of mobilisation on post‐operative pain and nociceptive function after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsThirty patients undergoing TKA under standardised anaesthesia and analgesia underwent an exercise (mobilisation) strategy on the first post‐operative morning consisting of 25‐m walking twice, with a 20‐min interval. Pain was assessed at rest and during passive hip and knee flexion before, and 5 and 20 min after walk, as well as during walk. Nociceptive function (pain threshold and tolerance) was assessed with pressure algometry and an electrical stimulus.ResultsPain at rest (supine) and during hip and knee flexion was significantly reduced 5 min (P < 0.03) and 20 min (P < 0.003) after walk compared with before walk, and pain was reduced during the second walk compared with the first walk (P < 0.034). Knee pain pressure threshold (P = 0.002) but not tolerance (P = 0.27) was increased following walk compared with before walk.ConclusionThis first exploratory hypothesis‐generating pilot study suggests mobilisation to promote analgesic effects after TKA calling for future studies with a randomised, controlled design on exercise dose–response effects in post‐surgical patients.
Diabetes mellitus abrogates the cardioprotection of sufentanil against ischaemia/reperfusion injury by altering glycogen synthase kinase‐3β
Authors: CHEN Q. L. , GU E. W. , ZHANG L. , CAO Y. Y. , ZHU Y. , FANG W. P. 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundSufentanil is widely used in clinical anaesthesia because of its protective effects against ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Diabetes mellitus elevates the activity of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β), thereby increasing the permeability of mitochondrial transition pore. This study investigated the role of GSK‐3β in ameliorating the cardioprotective effect of sufentanil post‐conditioning in diabetic rats.MethodsStreptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats and age‐matched non‐diabetic rats were subjected to 30 min of ischaemia and 120 min of reperfusion. Five minutes before reperfusion, rats were administered one of the following: a vehicle, sufentanil (1 μg/kg), or a GSK‐3β inhibitor SB216763 (0.6 mg/kg). Myocardial infarct size, cardiac troponin I, and the activity of GSK‐3β were then assessed.ResultsSufentanil post‐conditioning significantly reduced myocardial infarct size in the non‐diabetic, but not in diabetic rats. SB216763 reduced infarct size in both diabetic and non‐diabetic animals. Sufentanil‐induced phospho‐GSK‐3β was reduced 5 min after reperfusion in diabetic rats, but not in non‐diabetic rats.ConclusionsSufentanil treatment was ineffective in preventing against ischaemia/reperfusion in diabetic rats, which is associated with the activation of GSK‐3β. Our results also suggest that direct inhibition of GSK‐3β may provide a strategy to protect diabetic hearts against ischaemia/reperfusion injury.
Rampant host‐ and defensive phenotype‐associated diversification in a goldenrod gall midge
Authors: Stireman J. O. , Devlin H. , Abbot P. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractNatural selection can play an important role in the genetic divergence of populations and their subsequent speciation. Such adaptive diversification, or ecological speciation, might underlie the enormous diversity of plant‐feeding insects that frequently experience strong selection pressures associated with host plant use as well as from natural enemies. This view is supported by increasing documentation of host‐associated (genetic) differentiation in populations of plant‐feeding insects using alternate hosts. Here, we examine evolutionary diversification in a single nominal taxon, the gall midge Asteromyia carbonifera (O.S.), with respect to host plant use and gall phenotype. Because galls can be viewed as extended defensive phenotypes of the midges, gall morphology is likely to be a reflection of selective pressures by enemies. Using phylogenetic and comparative analyses of mtDNA and nuclear sequence data, we find evidence that A. carbonifera populations are rapidly diversifying along host plant and gall morphological lines. At a broad scale, geography explains surprisingly little genetic variation, and there is little evidence of strict co‐cladogenesis with their Solidago hosts. Gall morphology is relatively labile, distinct gall morphs have evolved repeatedly and colonized multiple hosts, and multiple genetically and morphologically distinct morphs frequently coexist on a single host plant species. These results suggest that Asteromyia carbonifera is in the midst of an adaptive radiation driven by multitrophic selective pressures. Similar complex community pressures are likely to play a role in the diversification of other herbivorous insect groups.
The consequences of lifetime and evolutionary exposure to toxic prey: changes in avoidance behaviour through ontogeny
Authors: Robbins T. R. , Langkilde T. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractResponses to novel threats (e.g. invasive species) can involve genetic changes or plastic shifts in phenotype. There is controversy over the relative importance of these processes for species survival of such perturbations, but we are realizing they are not mutually exclusive. Native eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) have adapted to top‐down predation pressure imposed by the invasive red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) via changes in adult (but not juvenile) lizard antipredator behaviour. Here, we examine the largely ignored, but potentially equally important, bottom‐up effect of fire ants as toxic prey for lizards. We test how fire ant consumption (or avoidance) is affected by lifetime (via plasticity) and evolutionary (via natural selection) exposure to fire ants by comparing field‐caught and laboratory‐reared lizards, respectively, from fire ant‐invaded and uninvaded populations. More naive juveniles from invaded populations ate fire ants than did adults, reflecting a natural ontogenetic dietary shift away from ants. Laboratory‐reared lizards from the invaded site were less likely to eat fire ants than were those from the uninvaded site, suggesting a potential evolutionary shift in feeding behaviour. Lifetime and evolutionary exposure interacted across ontogeny, however, and field‐caught lizards from the invaded site exhibited opposite ontogenetic trends; adults were more likely to eat fire ants than were juveniles. Our results suggest that plastic and evolutionary processes may both play important roles in permitting species survival of novel threats. We further reveal how complex interactions can shape adaptive responses to multimodal impacts imposed by invaders: in our system, fire ants impose stronger bottom‐up selection than top‐down selection, with each selection regime changing differently across lizard ontogeny.