bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the i‐gel™ with the LMA‐Unique™ in non‐paralysed anaesthetised adult patients
Authors: Francksen H. , Renner J. , Hanss R. , Scholz J. , Doerges V. , Bein B. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThis study assessed two disposable devices; the newly developed supraglottic airway device i‐gel™ and the LMA‐Unique™ in routine clinical practice. Eighty patients (ASA 1–3) undergoing minor routine gynaecologic surgery were randomly allocated to have an i‐gel (n = 40) or LMA‐Unique (n = 40) inserted. Oxygen saturation, end‐tidal carbon dioxide, tidal volume and peak airway pressure were recorded, as well as time of insertion, airway leak pressure, postoperative sore‐throat, dysphonia and dysphagia for each device. Time of insertion was comparable with the i‐gel and LMA‐Unique. There was no failure in the i‐gel group and one failure in the LMA‐Unique group. Ventilation and oxygenation were similar between devices. Mean airway pressure was comparable with both devices, whereas airway leak pressure was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in the i‐gel group (mean 29 cmH2O, range 24–40) compared with the LMA‐Unique group (mean 18 cmH2O, range 6–30). Fibreoptic score of the position of the devices was significantly better in the i‐gel group. Post‐operative sore‐throat and dysphagia were comparable with both devices. Both devices appeared to be simple alternatives to secure the airway. Significantly higher airway leak pressure suggests that the i‐gel may be advantageous in this respect.
Randomised comparison of Pentax AirwayScope and Glidescope for tracheal intubation in patients with normal airway anatomy
Authors: Teoh W. H. L. , Shah M. K. , Sia A. T. H. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryWe compared intubating characteristics of the Pentax AirwayScope and Glidescope in a randomised controlled trial involving 140 patients. We found significantly shorter intubation times with mean (SD) 21.3 (12.3) vs 30.2 (13.2) s, lower intubating difficulty scores 4.4 (10.4) vs 12.8 (16.3) p < 0.001, and better grade 1 laryngeal views with the Pentax AirwayScope (95.7 vs 81.4%, p = 0.015). Significantly more optimisation manoeuvres were needed to successfully intubate with the Glidescope, with significant inability to align the tip of the tracheal tube with the glottic opening with the Glidescope in 9 (13%) vs no patients, p = 0.013. There was more mucosal bleeding (4 (5.7%) vs 1 (1.4%), p = 0.366), more lip bleeding (3 (4.3%) vs 1 (1.4%), p = 0.620) and significantly more postoperative sorethroat, 13 (18.6%) vs 0, p < 0.001 associated with the Glidescope.
Global oximetry: an international anaesthesia quality improvement project
Authors: Walker I. A. , Merry A. F. , Wilson I. H. , McHugh G. A. , O’Sullivan E. , Thoms G. M. , Nuevo F. , Whitaker D. K. ,   on behalf of the GO Project teams
Published: September 2009

SummaryPulse oximetry is mandatory during anaesthesia in many countries, a standard endorsed by the World Health Organization ‘Safe Surgery Saves Lives’ initiative. The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland, the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists and GE Healthcare collaborated in a quality improvement project over a 15‐month period to investigate pulse oximetry in four pilot sites in Uganda, Vietnam, India and the Philippines, using 84 donated pulse oximeters. A substantial gap in oximeter provision was demonstrated at the start of the project. Formal training was essential for oximeter‐naïve practitioners. After introduction of oximeters, logbook data were collected from over 8000 anaesthetics, and responses to desaturation were judged appropriate. Anaesthesia providers believed pulse oximeters were essential for patient safety and defined characteristics of the ideal oximeter for their setting. Robust systems for supply and maintenance of low‐cost oximeters are required for sustained uptake of pulse oximetry in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Depletion of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells enhances natural killer T cell-mediated anti-tumour immunity in a murine mammary breast cancer model
Authors: Hong H , Gu Y , Zhang H , Simon A K , Chen X , Wu C , Xu X-N , Jiang S 
Published: September 2009

SummaryBoth invariant natural killer T (NK T) cells and CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) regulate the immune system to maintain homeostasis. In a tumour setting, NK T cells activated by α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) execute anti-tumour activity by secreting cytokines. By contrast, Tregs intrinsically suppress antigen-specific immune responses and are often found to be elevated in tumour patients. In this study, we have shown that Tregs regulate NK T cell function negatively in vitro, suggesting a direct interaction between these cell types. In a murine mammary tumour model, we demonstrated that administration of either α-GalCer or anti-CD25 antibody alone markedly suppressed tumour formation and pulmonary metastasis, and resulted in an increase in the survival rate up to 44% (from a baseline of 0%). When treatments were combined, depletion of Tregs boosted the anti-tumour effect of α-GalCer, and the survival rate jumped to 85%. Our results imply a potential application of combining Treg cell depletion with α-GalCer to stimulate NK T cells for cancer therapy.
Alpha versus beta: are we on the way to resolve the mystery as to which is the endogenous ligand for natural killer T cells?
Authors: Ilan Y 
Published: September 2009

Summary
Natural killer T (NKT) lymphocytes are a unique subset of cells that play a role in regulating the immune system. For the past decade, studies have focused upon attempts to define these cells and to determine the ligand(s) that are required for their development and peripheral activation. Many research groups have focused upon determining the mechanisms for activating or inhibiting NKT cells in an attempt to control immune-mediated disorders as well as infectious and malignant conditions by using different ligand structures. Alpha-anomeric glycolipids and phospholipids derived from mammalian, bacterial, protozoan and plant species have been suggested as potential ligands for these lymphocytes. Some of these ligands were structured in forms that can bind to CD1d molecules. The lack of alpha-anomeric glycosphingolipids in mammals and the modest effect of these ligands in human studies, along with recent data from animal models and humans on the NKT-dependent immunomodulatory effect of beta-glycosphingolipids, suggest that the beta-anomeric ligands have the potential to be the endogenous NKT ligand.
Presentation and comments on EU legislation related to food industries–environment interactions: organic contaminants (chemicals, pesticides, dioxins, furans, biocides and their waste management)
Authors: Arvanitoyannis Ioannis S. , Tserkezou Persefoni , Choreftaki Stefania 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe first part of this review on European Union (EU) legislation related to food industries–environment interactions deals with chemicals which, in their majority, make their way to food. Such substances are the pesticides and fertilizers the residues of which abound in many agricultural produces (both of plant or animal origin). Another crucial issue is the unintentional release of dioxins and furans through combustion. Detergents or sanitizers in conjunction with compounds considered hazardous or corrosive or flammable stand for other topics falling in the general category of chemicals employed in the food industry. The aim of this review is to cover all the current EU legislation in the field of chemicals (dioxins, furans, pesticides, biocides products, fertilizers, sanitizers) coming directly or indirectly in contact with food and their waste management by providing six comprehensive and easy‐to‐use tables, and a synopsis of the main points of the currently in force EU legislation.
Periodontal and microbiological parameters in children and adolescents with cleft lip and /or palate
Authors: PERDIKOGIANNI HARIKLIA , PAPAIOANNOU WILLIAM , NAKOU MELACHRINI , OULIS CONSTANTINE , PAPAGIANNOULIS LIZA 
Published: September 2009

Objective.  To evaluate the oral hygiene and the periodontal condition of children and adolescents with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP).Methods.  Forty‐one children and adolescents, 4–18 years, with CLP and 41 normal controls participated. Clinical parameters examined were the plaque and gingival index and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs. For teeth in the cleft area, probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and tooth mobility were also evaluated. Samples of subgingival plaque were collected from 21 randomly selected patients of each group.Results.  The CLP group had generally poorer oral hygiene (plaque index significantly higher) compared with the control. Children in both groups presented mild degree of gingivitis. Teeth in the cleft area had significantly higher pocket probing depth and tooth mobility, compared with corresponding teeth in the control group. The microbial analysis did not reveal significant differences in the composition of the subgingival microbiota between groups. Teeth in the cleft presented higher isolation frequencies and mean percentages of periodontopathic bacteria.Conclusion.  Youngsters with CLP showed poor oral hygiene and worse periodontal condition, compared with controls. The above results advocate their participation in an intensive preventive dental programme that should start at an early age, possibly decreasing the risk of future periodontal disease.
Positive interactions can increase size inequality in plant populations
Authors: Chu Cheng‐Jin , Weiner Jacob , Maestre Fernando T. , Xiao Sa , Wang You‐Shi , Li Qi , Yuan Jian‐Li , Zhao Lu‐Qiang , Ren Zheng‐Wei , Wang Gang 
Published: September 2009

Summary1. Large variation in the size of individuals is a ubiquitous feature of natural plant populations. While the role of competition in generating this variation has been studied extensively, the potential effects of positive interactions among plants, which are common in high‐stress environments, have not been investigated.2. Using an individual‐based ‘zone‐of‐influence’ model, we investigate the effects of competition, abiotic stress and facilitation on size inequality in plant monocultures. In the model, stress reduces the growth rate of plants, and facilitation ameliorates the effects of stress. Both facilitation and competition occur in overlapping zones of influence. We tested some of the model’s predictions with a field experiment using the clonal grass Elymus nutans in an alpine meadow.3. Facilitation increased the size inequality of model populations when there was no density‐dependent mortality. This effect decreased with density as competition overwhelmed facilitation. The lowest size inequality was found at intermediate densities both with the model and in the field.4. When density‐dependent mortality was included in the model, stress delayed its onset and reduced its rate by reducing growth rates, so the number of survivors at any point in time was higher under harsh than under more benign conditions. Facilitation increased size inequality during self‐thinning.5. Synthesis. Our results demonstrate that facilitation interacts with abiotic stress and competition to influence the degree of size inequality in plant populations. Facilitation increased size inequality at low to intermediate densities and during self‐thinning.
Regulation of putative methyl‐sulphide methyltransferases in Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A
Authors: Bose Arpita , Kulkarni Gargi , Metcalf William W. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe regulation of the Methanosarcina acetivorans mtsD, mtsF and mtsH genes, which encode putative corrinoid/methyltransferase isozymes involved in methylsulphide metabolism, was examined by a variety of methods, suggesting that their expression is regulated at both the transcriptional and post‐transcriptional levels. Transcripts of all three genes, measured by quantitative reverse transcription PCR, were shown to be most abundant during growth on methanol with dimethylsulphide (DMS). Transcript levels were also high in media with CO or methylamines, but much lower with methanol. In contrast, translational fusions to mtsD showed high expression levels on CO or methanol with DMS, while the mtsF translational fusion showed highest reporter gene activity on methylamines with much lower expression on CO or methanol with DMS. The activity of mtsD and mtsF fusions was very low when the strains were grown in methanol or acetate. Expression of the mtsH fusion was not detected on any substrate, despite the presence of an mRNA transcript. The transcription start sites of all three genes were determined by 5′‐RACE revealing large leader sequences for each transcript. Characterization of deletion mutants lacking putative regulatory genes suggests that MA0862 (msrF), MA4383 (msrC) and MA4560 (msrG) act as transcriptional activators of mtsD, mtsF and mtsH respectively.
N‐ and C‐terminal regions of the quorum‐sensing activator TraR cooperate in interactions with the alpha and sigma‐70 components of RNA polymerase
Authors: Qin Yinping , Keenan Carrie , Farrand Stephen K. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryPositive control (PC) mutants defining 20 residues of the quorum‐sensing activator TraR were isolated that bind DNA but show defects in activating transcription from class I, class II or both types of promoters. These PC residues, located in both the N‐ and C‐terminal regions, combine to form three patches, one on the top (II) and two near the DNA binding domain on both lateral faces of the dimer (I and III). Patches I and II, but not patch III, involve residues from both protomers and are essential for activation. TraR‐mediated activation in Escherichia coli requires expression of the α‐subunit of Agrobacterium (αAt). We report that TraR also activates a class II promoter in E. coli when coexpressed with σ70At. Analyses in E. coli expressing αAt, σ70At or both subunits indicate that most of the PC residues are important for interactions with αAt and that these interactions are predominant for activation of class II promoters. Using the E. coli system we identified nine residues in the C‐terminal domain of αAt that are required for stimulating TraR‐mediated activation. We conclude that N‐ and C‐terminal residues of TraR from both protomers cooperate to define regions of the protein important for interactions with RNAP.
Regulatory RNAs in prokaryotes: here, there and everywhere
Authors: Narberhaus Franz , Vogel Jörg 
Published: September 2009

SummaryA recent meeting on ‘Regulatory RNAs in prokaryotes’ reflected the growing interest in this research topic. Almost 200 scientists met to discuss the identification, structure, function and mechanistic details of regulatory RNAs in bacteria and archaea. The topics included small regulatory RNAs, riboswitches, RNA thermosensors and CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) elements.
Interaction of FliK with the bacterial flagellar hook is required for efficient export specificity switching
Authors: Minamino Tohru , Moriya Nao , Hirano Takanori , Hughes Kelly T. , Namba Keiichi 
Published: September 2009

SummaryFliK–FlhB interaction switches export specificity of the bacterial flagellar protein export apparatus to stop hook protein export at an appropriate timing for hook length control. The hook structure is required for the productive FliK–FlhB interaction to flip the switch but it remains unknown how it works. Here, we characterize the role of FliK in the switching probability in the absence of the hook. When RflH/Flk was missing in the hook mutants, the switching occurred at a low probability. Overproduction of FliK significantly increased the switching probability although not at the wild‐type level. An in‐frame deletion of residues 129 through 159 of FliK weakened the interaction with the hook protein but not with the hook‐capping protein, producing polyhooks with filaments attached. We suggest that temporary association of FliK with the inner surface of the hook during FliK secretion results in a pause in the secretion process to allow the C‐terminal switch domain of FliK to be positioned and appropriately oriented near FlhB for catalysing the switch and that RflH/Flk interferes with premature switch by preventing access of cytoplasmic FliK to FlhB and even that of FliK during its secretion until hook length reaches 55 nm; only then FliKC passes the RflH/Flk block.
Mutual influence of forests and pastures on the seedbanks in the Eastern Amazon
Authors: MIRANDA I S , MITJA D , SILVA T S 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe objective of this study was to compare the floristic composition and species diversity existing in the seedbanks of forests and pastures. The seedbanks were sampled in three forest and three pastures areas in a community of smallholder farmers, in Pará state, Brazil. Seedling emergence in a glasshouse was used to quantify and identify the seeds. The total densities and diversity of the seedbanks were not significantly different among the pastures and forests, but the floristic composition was different. The herbaceous species predominated in both the pastures and the forests, but in the forest the abundance of shrub and tree was higher than herb. The seed density of several pioneer woody species was higher in the forests and the density of several herbaceous species was greater in the pastures. The influence of the forest species on the pastures and of the pastures species on the forests is a result of the initial process of human occupation and illustrates a dynamic that can lead to both the conservation of forest species and the spread of weed species. Actions should be carried out to avoid disturbance in the forests and improve biodiversity preservation in rural areas.
Weed vegetation and its conservation value in three management systems of Hungarian winter cereals on base‐rich soils
Authors: PINKE G , PÁL R , BOTTA‐DUKÁT Z , CHYTRÝ M 
Published: September 2009

SummaryFloristic composition and conservation value of the weed vegetation of winter cereal fields on base‐rich soils in western Hungary was compared among three management systems: (i) small, extensively managed fields; (ii) small, intensively managed fields and (iii) large, intensively managed fields. Data were analysed by principal components analysis (PCA) and redundancy analysis (RDA). Most variation in species composition was explained by the differences between the three field types, particularly by the difference between the extensively managed fields and the two types of intensively managed fields and by crop cover. There were several species positively associated with small extensively managed fields, but no species associated with either of the two types of intensively managed fields. Logistic regression was made of the occurrence of species groups important for nature conservation on the first RDA axis, representing the distinction between the extensively and intensively managed fields. This showed that Red List and insect‐pollinated plant species occurred more frequently in small extensively managed fields, but there was no difference between fields in the frequency of bird seed‐food species.
The impact of pancreas and kidney transplant on cardiovascular risk factors (analyzed by mode of immunosuppression and exocrine drainage)
Authors: Davenport Colin , Hamid Nadira , O'Sullivan Eoin P. , Daly Padraig , Mohan Ponnusamy , Little Dilly , Thompson Christopher J. , Agha Amar , Hickey David , Smith Diarmuid 
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  Introduction:  The aim of this study was to determine the cardiovascular (CV) risk factor response in Irish patients with type 1 diabetes following simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK), analyzing response based on mode of immunosuppression and surgical drainage in a uniquely homogenous population.Methods:  A retrospective review of SPKs carried out between 1993 and 2005 in the National Renal and Pancreatic Centre of Ireland was performed. Weight, glycated hemoglobin (HBA1c), lipid profile, and blood pressure (BP) were measured pre‐ and post‐operatively.Results:  Fifty‐eight SPK patients with functioning grafts were analyzed. Thirty‐two were male. Following transplantation, mean HbA1c fell from 8.1 (±1.5) to 5.2 (±0.5)% (p < 0.0001), total cholesterol from 5.2 (±1.2) to 4.5 (±1.0) mmol/L (p = 0.0004), serum triglycerides from 1.5 (±0.6) to 1.1 (±0.6) mmol/L (p < 0.0001), and serum creatinine from 699.3 (±273.4) to 162.5 (±135.8) mmol/L (p < 0.0001). Systolic and diastolic BP fell from 148.5 (±23.3) to 136.9 (±22.4) mmHg (p = 0.02), and 84.8 (±11.7) to 77.8 (±10.4) mmHg (p = 0.003), respectively. Cholesterol reduction was significantly greater in the group that received cyclosporine (n = 29) compared with a tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid mofetil (MMF) combination (1.3 ± 0.3 vs. 0.2 ± 0.2 mmol/L, p = 0.003). Choice of exocrine vs. endocrine graft drainage did not affect risk factor response.Conclusion:  SPK resulted in significant improvements both in glucose control and other measured CV risk factors.
Patterns of Inheritance of Mating Signals in Sailfin and Shortfin Mollies (Poeciliidae: Poecilia: Mollienesia)
Authors: Loveless Stephanie A. , Kittell Michele M. , Ptacek Margaret B. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDivergence in mating signals is a primary factor leading to reproductive isolation, and thus, speciation. However, the genetic changes underlying such divergence are poorly understood, especially in vertebrates. We used two species of poeciliid fishes, Poecilia velifera and P. mexicana, to explore the link between genes and mating behaviors that has resulted in pre‐mating reproductive isolation between these species. Using backcross hybrids created from the F1 male offspring of reciprocal interspecific crosses between a sailfin molly (P. velifera) and a shortfin molly (P. mexicana), we examined the effects of Y‐linkage and autosomal contributions on the expression of two male mating behaviors: courtship displays and gonopodial thrusts. The F1 hybrid males displayed a strong influence of sire on courtship display rates, with F1 males sired by the sailfin species showing courtship display rates that were up to three times higher than the rates of displays performed by F1 males sired by the shortfin species. These results suggest a Y‐linked genetic effect on the expression of courtship display behavior. Comparisons between backcross hybrid males with sailfin Y‐chromosomes or shortfin Y‐chromosomes suggested that the interaction of autosomal genes also influences the inheritance of courtship display rates. Sailfin autosomal genes significantly increased the probability of performing courtship displays for hybrid males, and increased display rate for males from the sailfin Y‐chromosome line. Autosomal genes had less of an impact on gonopodial thrusting behavior, however, thrust rates did significantly decrease with an increasing proportion of sailfin autosomes in males from the shortfin Y‐chromosome line. These results suggest that the inheritance of species differences in mating signals between shortfin and sailfin mollies involves both genes found on the Y‐chromosome and autosomal gene influences on their expression.