bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhalation Anesthesia Increases V/Q Regional Heterogeneity during Spontaneous Breathing in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Nyrén Sven , Radell Peter , Mure Margareta , Petersson Johan , Jacobsson Hans , Lindahl Sten G. E. , Sánchez-Crespo Alejandro 
Published: November 2010

Background
The underlying mechanism for the increased alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference resulting from almost all forms of general anesthesia is unknown. We hypothesized that inhalation anesthesia influences the intrapulmonary distribution of ventilation (V) and perfusion (Q), leading to less advantageous V/Q matching.

Methods
Ten healthy volunteers were studied in supine position on two separate occasions, once awake and once during mild anesthesia (sevoflurane inhalation) with maintained spontaneous breathing. On both occasions, the distribution of V and Q were simultaneously imaged using single photon emission computed tomography. V was tagged with [Tc]-labeled carbon particle aerosol and Q with [In]-labeled macroaggregates of human albumin. Atelectasis formation during anesthesia was prevented using low concentrations of oxygen in inhaled air.

Results
Mean V and Q distributions in the ventral-to-dorsal direction, measured in 20 equally spaced volumes of interest and in three regions of interest of equal volume, did not differ between conditions. Anesthesia, when compared with the awake state, significantly decreased the total heterogeneity of the Q distribution (P = 0.002, effect size 1.16) but did not alter V (P = 0.37, effect size 0.41). The corresponding V/Q total heterogeneity was higher under anesthesia (P = 0.002, effect size 2.64). Compared to the awake state, the V/Q frequency distribution under anesthesia became wider (P = 0.009, 1.76 effect size) with a tendency toward low V/Q ratios.

Conclusion
Inhalation anesthesia alone affects Q but not V, suggesting that anesthesia has a direct effect on the active regulatory mechanism coordinating Q with V, leading to less favorable V/Q matching.
Lipid Emulsion Reverses Bupivacaine-induced Asystole in Isolated Rat Hearts
Authors: Chen Ying , Xia Yun , Liu Le , Shi Tong , Shi Kejian , Wang Quanguang , Chen Limei , Papadimos Thomas J. , Xu Xuzhong 
Published: November 2010

Background
The concentration-response and time-response relationships of lipid emulsions used to reverse bupivacaine-induced asystole are poorly defined.

Methods
Concentration response across a range of lipid concentrations (0-16%) to reverse bupivacaine-induced asystole were observed using isolated rat heart Langendorff preparation. Cardiac function parameters were recorded during infusion. Concentrations of bupivacaine in myocardial tissue were measured by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry at the end of the experiment.

Results
Although all lipid-treated hearts recovered (cardiac recovery was defined as a rate-pressure product more than 10% baseline), no nonlipid-treated hearts (control group) did so. The ratio of the maximum rate pressure product during recovery to baseline value demonstrated a concentration-dependent relationship among lipid groups, with 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16%. Mean ± SD values for each corresponding group were 22 ± 4, 24 ± 5, 29 ± 6, 52 ± 11, 73 ± 18, 119 ± 22, and 112 ± 10%, respectively (n = 6, P < 0.01). Rate-pressure product in lipid groups with 4-16% concentrations was lower at 15-40 min than at 1 min, showing a decreasing tendency during recovery phase (P < 0.01). The concentration of myocardial bupivacaine in all lipid-treated groups was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.01). It was also lower in lipid groups with 2-16% concentrations than in those with concentrations at 0.25-1% (P < 0.05), with the 16% group lower than groups with 2-8% concentrations (P < 0.001).

Conclusion
Lipid application in bupivacaine-induced asystole displays a concentration-dependent and time-response relationship in isolated rat hearts.
Spinal Cord Stimulation-induced Analgesia
Authors: Guan Yun , Wacnik Paul W. , Yang Fei , Carteret Alene F. , Chung Chih-Yang , Meyer Richard A. , Raja Srinivasa N. 
Published: November 2010

Background
The sites of action and cellular mechanisms by which spinal cord stimulation reduces neuropathic pain remain unclear.

Methods
We examined the effect of bipolar electrical-conditioning stimulation (50 Hz, 0.2 ms, 5 min) of the dorsal column and lumbar dorsal roots on the response properties of spinal wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons in rats after L5 spinal nerve injury. The conditioning stimulation intensity was set at the lowest current that evoked a peak antidromic sciatic Aα/β-compound action potential without inducing an Aδ- or C-compound action potential.

Results
Within 15 min of the dorsal column or root conditioning stimulation, the spontaneous activity rate of WDR neurons was significantly reduced in nerve-injured rats. Conditioning stimulation also significantly attenuated WDR neuronal responses to mechanical stimuli in nerve-injured rats and inhibited the C-component of the neuronal response to graded intracutaneous electrical stimuli applied to the receptive field in nerve-injured and sham-operated rats. It is noteworthy that dorsal column stimulation blocked windup of WDR neuronal response to repetitive intracutaneous electrical stimulation (0.5 Hz) in nerve-injured and sham-operated rats, whereas dorsal root stimulation inhibited windup only in sham-operated rats. Therefore, stimulation of putative spinal substrates at A-fiber intensities with parameters similar to those used by patients with spinal cord stimulators attenuated established WDR neuronal hyperexcitability in the neuropathic condition and counteracted activity-dependent increase in neuronal excitability (i.e., windup).

Conclusions
These results suggest a potential cellular mechanism underlying spinal cord stimulation-induced pain relief. This in vivo model allows the neurophysiologic basis for spinal cord stimulation-induced analgesia to be studied.
Identification of the Epidural Space with Optical Spectroscopy
Authors: Rathmell James P. , Desjardins Adrien E. , van der Voort Marjolein , Hendriks Benno H. W. , Nachabe Rami , Roggeveen Stefan , Babic Drazenko , Söderman Michael , Brynolf Marcus , Holmström Björn 
Published: November 2010

Background
Accurate identification of the epidural space is critical for safe and effective epidural anesthesia or treatment of acute lumbar radicular pain with epidural steroid injections. The loss-of-resistance technique is commonly used, but it is known to be unreliable. Even when it is performed in conjunction with two-dimensional fluoroscopic guidance, determining when the needle tip enters the epidural space can be challenging. In this swine study, we investigated whether the epidural space can be identified with optical spectroscopy, using a custom needle with optical fibers integrated into the cannula.

Methods
Insertion of the needle tip into the epidural space was performed with midline and paramedian approaches in a swine. In each insertion, optical spectra were acquired at different insertion depths, and anatomical localization of the needle was determined by three-dimensional imaging with rotational C-arm computed tomography. Optical spectra that included both visible and near-infrared wavelength ranges were processed to derive estimates of the blood and lipid volume fractions.

Results
In all insertions, the transition of the needle tip to the epidural space from an adjacent tissue structure (interspinous ligament or the ligamentum flavum) was found to be associated with an increase in the lipid volume fraction. These increases, which ranged from 1.6- to 3.0-fold, were statistically significant (P = 0.0020). Lipid fractions obtained from the epidural space were 1.9- to 20-fold higher than those obtained from muscle (P = 0.0013). Accidental penetration of an epidural vein during one insertion coincided with a high blood volume fraction.

Conclusions
The spectroscopic information obtained with the optical spinal needle is complementary to fluoroscopic images, and it could potentially allow for reliable identification of the epidural space during needle placement.
The ‘grass ceiling’: limitations in the literature hinder our understanding of cannabis use and its consequences
Authors: Temple Elizabeth C. , Brown Rhonda F. , Hine Donald W. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTAim  To illustrate how limitations in the cannabis literature undermine our ability to understand cannabis‐related harms and problems experienced by users and identify users at increased risk of experiencing adverse outcomes of use.Method and results  Limitations have been organized into three overarching themes. The first relates to the classification systems employed by researchers to categorize cannabis users, their cannabis use and the assumptions on which these systems are based. The second theme encompasses methodological and reporting issues, including differences between studies, inadequate statistical control of potential confounders, the under‐reporting of effect sizes and the lack of consideration of clinical significance. The final theme covers differing approaches to studying cannabis use, including recruitment methods. Limitations related to the nature of the data collected by researchers are discussed throughout, with a focus on how they affect our understanding of cannabis use and users.Conclusions  These limitations must be addressed to facilitate the development of effective and appropriately targeted evidence‐based public health campaigns, treatment programmes and preventative, early intervention and harm minimization strategies, and to inform cannabis‐related policy and legislation.
The cucurbit downy mildew pathogen Pseudoperonospora cubensis
Authors: SAVORY ELIZABETH A. , GRANKE LEAH L. , QUESADA‐OCAMPO LINA M. , VARBANOVA MARINA , HAUSBECK MARY K. , DAY BRAD 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARY Pseudoperonospora cubensis[(Berkeley & M. A. Curtis) Rostovzev], the causal agent of cucurbit downy mildew, is responsible for devastating losses worldwide of cucumber, cantaloupe, pumpkin, watermelon and squash. Although downy mildew has been a major issue in Europe since the mid‐1980s, in the USA, downy mildew on cucumber has been successfully controlled for many years through host resistance. However, since the 2004 growing season, host resistance has been effective no longer and, as a result, the control of downy mildew on cucurbits now requires an intensive fungicide programme. Chemical control is not always feasible because of the high costs associated with fungicides and their application. Moreover, the presence of pathogen populations resistant to commonly used fungicides limits the long‐term viability of chemical control. This review summarizes the current knowledge of taxonomy, disease development, virulence, pathogenicity and control of Ps. cubensis. In addition, topics for future research that aim to develop both short‐ and long‐term control measures of cucurbit downy mildew are discussed.Taxonomy: Kingdom Straminipila; Phylum Oomycota; Class Oomycetes; Order Peronosporales; Family Peronosporaceae; Genus Pseudoperonospora; Species Pseudoperonospora cubensis.Disease symptoms: Angular chlorotic lesions bound by leaf veins on the foliage of cucumber. Symptoms vary on different cucurbit species and varieties, specifically in terms of lesion development, shape and size. Infection of cucurbits by Ps. cubensis impacts fruit yield and overall plant health.Infection process: Sporulation on the underside of leaves results in the production of sporangia that are dispersed by wind. On arrival on a susceptible host, sporangia germinate in free water on the leaf surface, producing biflagellate zoospores that swim to and encyst on stomata, where they form germ tubes. An appressorium is produced and forms a penetration hypha, which enters the leaf tissue through the stomata. Hyphae grow through the mesophyll and establish haustoria, specialized structures for the transfer of nutrients and signals between host and pathogen.Control: Management of downy mildew in Europe requires the use of tolerant cucurbit cultivars in conjunction with fungicide applications. In the USA, an aggressive fungicide programme, with sprays every 5–7 days for cucumber and every 7–10 days for other cucurbits, has been necessary to control outbreaks and to prevent crop loss.Useful websites: http://www.daylab.plp.msu.edu/pseudoperonospora‐cubensis/ (Day Laboratory website with research advances in downy mildew); http://veggies.msu.edu/ (Hausbeck Laboratory website with downy mildew news for growers); http://cdm.ipmpipe.org/ (Cucurbit downy mildew forecasting homepage); http://ipm.msu.edu/downymildew.htm (Downy mildew information for Michigan's vegetable growers).
A polygalacturonase‐inhibiting protein with a role in pea defence against the cyst nematode Heterodera goettingiana
Authors: VERONICO PASQUA , MELILLO M. TERESA , SAPONARO CONCETTA , LEONETTI PAOLA , PICARDI ERNESTO , JONES JOHN T. 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARYA cDNA of 312 bp, similar to polygalacturonase‐inhibiting proteins (PGIPs), was isolated by cDNA‐amplified fragment length polymorphism (cDNA‐AFLP) from pea roots infected with the cyst nematode Heterodera goettingiana. The deduced amino acid sequence obtained from the complete Pspgip1 coding sequence was very similar to PGIPs described from several other plant species, and was identical in both MG103738 and Progress 9 genotypes, resistant and susceptible to H. goettingiana, respectively. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) expression analysis revealed the differential regulation of the Pspgip1 gene in the two genotypes in response to wounding and nematode challenge. Mechanical wounding induced Pspgip1 expression in MG103738 within 8 h, but this response was delayed in Progress 9. In contrast, the response to nematode infection was more complex. The transcription of Pspgip1 was triggered rapidly in both genotypes, but the expression level returned to levels observed in uninfected plants more quickly in susceptible than in resistant roots. In addition, in situ hybridization showed that Pspgip1 was expressed in the cortical cells damaged as a result of nematode invasion in both genotypes. However, it was specifically localized in the cells bordering the nematode‐induced syncytia in resistant roots. This suggests a role for this gene in counteracting nematode establishment inside the root.
Validation of a paternally imprinted QTL affecting pH24h distinct fromPRKAG3on SSC15
Authors: Qiao R. M. , Ma J. W. , Guo Y. M. , Duan Y. Y. , Zhou L. H. , Huang L. S. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryWe previously performed a genome scan in a White Duroc × Erhualian F2population and identified a QTL on SSC15 with strong effect on pH24h in M. Longissimus dorsi and M. Semimembranous muscle tissue. At that time, the mode of inheritance of this QTL was not clarified, and it was also unclear whether the observed QTL effect was completely or partially caused by mutations in thePRKAG3gene, which is the only major gene on SSC15 so far known to influence pH24h. In this study, effects of thePRKAG3gene on meat quality traits were estimated by association analyses. Two substitutions inPRKAG3, p.Ile199Val (p.I199V) and p.Thr30Asn (p.T30N), were found to be segregating in the F2population and to significantly affect pH24h and total glycogen in meat, respectively. However, we excludedPRKAG3as a causative gene for the detected QTL based on the following reasons: (i) the gene was located outside of the QTL confidence interval; (ii) when thePRKAG3substitution was included as a fixed effect in the QTL model, theF‐ratio for the QTL increased rather than decreased; (iii) favourable alleles for pH24h at the QTL and at thePRKAG3p.I199V locus originated from Erhualian and White Duroc founders, respectively; (iv) more importantly, this QTL showed exclusive maternal expression, differing from the Mendelian expression ofPRKAG3. In conclusion, this study is the first to report a maternally‐expressed QTL for pH24h on SSC15, which is distinct fromPRKAG3.
End‐of‐life care policies in Flemish residential care facilities accommodating persons with intellectual disabilities
Authors: D'Haene I. , Pasman H. R. W. , Deliens L. , Bilsen J. , Mortier F. , Vander Stichele R. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjective  This article aims to describe the presence, content and implementation strategies of written policies on end‐of‐life decisions in Flemish residential care facilities (RCFs) accommodating persons with intellectual disabilities (ID), and to describe training, education and quality assessments of end‐of‐life care.Methods  A cross‐sectional mail survey was conducted among general directors of all RCFs accommodating persons with ID (n = 140) in Flanders, Belgium. Institutions were asked to provide us with a copy of their end‐of‐life care policy documents for content analysis.Results  Of the 140 institutions, 84 (60%) completed the questionnaire and 25 institutions provided 45 policy documents. Presence of policies on specific end‐of‐life decisions with a possible life‐shortening effect lay between 18% (palliative sedation) and 26% (withdrawing or withholding of life‐prolonging treatment). The content analysis showed that the focus in the majority of these policy documents is on palliative care, while end‐of‐life decisions with a possible life‐shortening effect are mentioned but rarely elaborated on. Furthermore, few documents incorporate the distinctive features and needs of persons with ID regarding end‐of‐life care. On the other hand, half of the institutions trained and educated their professional care providers in some aspects of end‐of‐life care while one‐third assessed the satisfaction of residents and families on several of these aspects. However, more than half reported explicitly that they have no plans for such assessments.Conclusions  The presence of end‐of‐life care policies is low in Flemish RCFs and their content is not very specific for persons with ID.
Microbiological quality and antibiotic residues in informally marketed raw cow milk within the coastal savannah zone of Ghana
Authors: Addo K. K. , Mensah G. I. , Aning K. G. , Nartey N. , Nipah G. K. , Bonsu C. , Akyeh M. L. , Smits H. L. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryObjectives  To investigate the microbiological quality and the presence of antibiotic residues in raw cow milk and in some indigenous milk products produced and marketed by the informal sector in the coastal savannah zone of Ghana.Methods  Milk samples were aseptically collected from 224 kraals and samples of 26 indigenous milk products were purchased from processors and retailers. Total plate counts, total coliform counts and the presence of Escherichia coli and E. coli O157:H7 were determined in all 250 samples. Milk samples were also tested for antibiotic residues.Results  Total plate counts exceeded 105 CFU/ml in 45.2% of the samples while coliforms exceeded 103 CFU/ml in 66.0% and E. coli was detected in 11.2%. E. coli was present in raw cow milk but not in the indigenous products and all E. coli isolates were negative for E. coli O157:H7. Antibiotic residues were detected in 3.1% of the raw cow milk samples.Conclusion  Bulk milk contains unacceptable levels of hygiene indicators and antibiotic residues and is a potential source of milk‐borne infections. The detection of E. coli and antibiotic residues raises public health concerns about the safety of fresh unpasteurized cow milk in the coastal savannah zone of Ghana and calls for improved farm hygiene, the need for milk pasteurization and the sensible use of antibiotics in the milk industry.
Costs and outcomes of VCT delivery models in the context of scaling up services in Indonesia
Authors: Siregar Adiatma Y. M. , Komarudin Dindin , Wisaksana Rudi , van Crevel Reinout , Baltussen Rob 
Published: November 2010

SummaryObjective To evaluate costs and outcomes of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) service delivery models in urban Indonesia.Methods We collected primary data on utilization, costs and outcomes of VCT services in a hospital clinic (568 clients), HIV community clinic (28 clients), sexually transmitted infection (STI) community clinic (784 clients) and prison clinic (574 clients) in Bandung, Indonesia, in the period January 2008–April 2009.Results The hospital clinic diagnosed the highest proportion and absolute number of HIV infections, but with the lowest average CD4 cell count and with the highest associated travelling and waiting time. The prison clinic detected fewer cases, but at an earlier stage, and all enrolled in HIV care. The community clinics detected the smallest number of cases, and only 0–8% enrolled in HIV care. The unit cost per VCT was highest in the hospital clinic (US$74), followed by the STI community clinic (US$65), the HIV community clinic (US$39) and the prison (US$23).Conclusion We propose a reorientation of the delivery models for VCT and related HIV/AIDS treatment in this setting. We call for the scaling up of community clinics for VCT to improve access, promote earlier detection and to perform (early) treatment activities. This would reduce the burden of the hospital clinic to orient itself towards the treatment of AIDS patients. This is one of very few studies addressing this issue in Asia and the first of its kind in Indonesia, which has a rapidly growing HIV epidemic. The conceptual framework and overall conclusions may be relevant to other low‐income settings.
ERK1/2 protein and mRNA levels in human blood are linked to smoking behavior
Authors: Lenz Bernd , Klafki Hans‐Wolfgang , Hillemacher Thomas , Frieling Helge , Clepce Marion , Gossler Andrea , Thuerauf Norbert , Winterer Georg , Kornhuber Johannes , Bleich Stefan 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTFrom studies in cultured cells and animal models, nicotine and alcohol are known to regulate extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Alterations of ERK1/2 are thought to contribute to the drugs' rewarding effects. Accumulating evidence supports the importance of ERK1/2 in the molecular pathophysiology of depression and affective regulation in the hippocampus. We recently showed that the expression and phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element (CRE)‐binding protein (CREB) in human buffy coat were associated with smoking behavior. Because ERK1/2 is known to effect phosphorylation of CREB, the aim of the present study was to further elucidate whether cigarette smoking leads to alterations in terms of ERK1/2 in human buffy coat as well. In a comparison of 53 smokers with 146 non‐smoking controls, we found significantly higher levels of ERK1/2 protein (P = 0.004). In contrast, phospho‐ERK1/2, phospho‐/total‐ERK1/2 ratio, mRNA‐ERK1 and mRNA‐ERK2 were not significantly different. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant relation among the number of cigarettes smoked daily (R2 = 0.266, P = 0.003), the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence score (R2 = 0.149, P = 0.032) and the mRNA expression of ERK1. Moreover, our analysis suggests that the mRNA expression of ERK2 might be linked to mood (model summary: R2 = 0.087, P = 0.019; mRNA‐ERK2: P = 0.026). Given that the ERK1/2 signaling pathway plays an important role in the physiology and pathophysiology of affective and addictive behavior, our findings provide a rationale basis for additional mechanistic studies that may lead to the development of novel signaling pathway selective therapeutics in humans.