bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asthma and allergies in schoolchildren of Maputo
Authors: Mavale‐Manuel S. , Joaquim O. , Macome C. , Almeida L. , Nunes E. , Daniel A. , Malichocho J. , Pedro A. , Bandeira S. , Eduardo E. , Maciel L. , Constance E. , Marques S. , Tembe A. , De Blic J. , Annesi‐Maesano I. 
Published: January 2007

Aim:  The study aimed to determine prevalence and severity of asthma, rhinitis and eczema in Maputo, Mozambique.Methods:  The International Study of Asthma and Allergies (ISAAC) protocol was applied in 27 schools in urban, suburban and semi‐rural areas.Results:  A total of 2630 completed questionnaires were obtained from students aged 13–14 years, and 2383 from schoolchildren aged 6–7 years. The prevalence of current asthma was 13.3% in the two groups, the prevalence of rhinoconjuctivitis and eczema was 23% and 10% in teenagers and 8.8% and 8.5% respectively in children 6–7 years old. Overall, 35% of the adolescents and 23.8% of children were found to have at least one atopic condition or asthma in the last year. In symptomatic adolescents, the conditions were: rhinoconjuctivitis (41.3%), asthma (20%) and eczema (12.4%). In symptomatic children, asthma was the principal condition (36.2%), followed by eczema (20.3%) and rhinoconjunctivitis (19.1%). In adolescents, asthma was more frequently associated with rhinoconjuctivitis (28%). About 4% of all surveyed children had three atopic conditions associated. In adolescents, past year rhinitis was more frequent and severe in the urban area. Hay fever was commoner in the semi‐urban area. Eczema was significantly more recurrent in suburban and semi‐rural area. Exercise‐induced wheeze, nocturnal cough and ever asthma were more reported in children of suburban area.Conclusion:  Asthma and allergic diseases are important public health problems in Maputo and improvement in prevention and management plans are required.
The effects of fresh gas flow on the amount of sevoflurane vaporized during 1 minimum alveolar concentration anaesthesia for day surgery: a clinical study
Authors: Ekbom K. , Assareh H. , Anderson R. E. , Jakobsson J. G. 
Published: January 2007

Background:  Even small costs per case can become economically significant in high volume day surgical units. While general anaesthesia with higher fresh gas flow rates has technical advantages, they result in higher costs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate drug consumption and direct costs related to variations in the fresh gas flow and use of nitrous oxide at a 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) sevoflurane end‐tidal anaesthesia for day surgery.Methods:  Thirty‐two ASA I–II patients undergoing elective day surgery under general anaesthesia [14 (10–21) min] were studied. Induction was with propofol and fentanyl 100 μg. After laryngeal mask airway placement, patients were randomized to one of four different fresh gas flows: 1 or 2 l/min oxygen in air (50% oxygen), 3 l/min (33% oxygen), or 3 l/min oxygen in nitrous oxide (33% oxygen). Anaesthesia was maintained at 1 MAC. The vaporizer was weighed before and after each procedure. The primary study variable was the sevoflurane utilization per minute.Results:  Sevoflurane utilization increased with increasing fresh gas flow for oxygen in air (r2= 0.89). The nitrous oxide in oxygen group had the lowest sevoflurane utilization, even compared with the lowest oxygen in air group (0.36 vs. 0.48 g/min).Conclusion:  Sevoflurane utilization during 1 MAC anaesthesia increases linearly with fresh gas flow and is still higher than when nitrous oxide is used even with very low fresh gas flow rates. Direct inhaled anaesthesia‐related costs are consequently 20% higher than when nitrous oxide is used, even for the lowest oxygen in air fresh gas flows.
Compact genes are highly expressed in the moss Physcomitrella patens
Authors: STENØIEN H. K. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractCompact genes contain short and few introns, and they are highly expressed in different animal genomes. Recently, it has been shown that in Oryza sativa and Arabidopsis thaliana, highly expressed genes tend to be least compact, containing long and many introns. It has been suggested that selection on genome organization may have acted differently in plants compared with animals. Gene expression can be estimated as the number of hits when comparing a gene sequence with publicly available expressed sequence tags. Here it is shown that in the haploid moss Physcomitrella pates, highly expressed genes contain shorter introns than genes with low expression levels. This study therefore supports the hypothesis that selection may strongly favour transcriptional efficiency at least in the haploid phase of plant life cycles. It is concluded that plants do not necessarily respond to other selection pressures than animals regarding genome structuring.
Metabolic energy reduction by glucose deprivation and low gas exchange preserves platelet function after 48 h storage at 4 °C
Authors: Badlou B. A. , Van Der Meer P. F. , Akkerman J. W. N. , Smid W. M. , Pietersz R. N. I. 
Published: January 2007

Introduction  We showed earlier that metabolically suppressed platelets (MSP) prepared by incubation in glucose‐free, antimycin A medium at 37 °C better sustained storage at 4 °C than untreated controls at 22 °C. However, the use of the mitochondrial inhibitor antimycin A is incompatible with platelet transfusion.Objectives  The aim of this study was to investigate how energy‐reduced (ER) platelets could be prepared in the absence of antimycin A.Study Design and Methods  Platelets in gas‐impermeable bags in glucose‐free medium were kept at 22 °C for 4 h to reduce energy stores and thereafter stored at 4 °C (ER22‐4). Controls were energy‐reduced platelets without prior incubation at 22 °C (ER4), and MSPs in test tubes and untreated platelets in gas‐permeable bags with glucose and stored at 22 °C (C22) and 4 °C (C4).Results  After 48 h storage, ER22‐4 were superior to C22 with respect to pH preservation (6·4 ± 0·4 vs. 5·0 ± 0·4, n= 4), platelet count (800 ± 225 vs. 650 ± 150 × 109), thrombin receptor‐activating peptide‐induced aggregation (50 ± 15 vs. 10 ± 5%) and glycoprotein (GP)Ibα expression (60 ± 15% vs. 28 ± 15). GPIbα expression was higher in ER22‐4 than in ER4, indicating that energy suppression preserved GPIbα during cold storage.Conclusion  Metabolic suppression without the use of antimycin A could be mimicked by storage of platelets in glucose‐free medium in gas‐impermeable bags. Energy suppression preserved GPIbα expression during storage at 4 °C.
Congenital Ocular Dermoid Cyst in a River Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Calf
Authors: Sarrafzadeh‐Rezaei F. , Farshid A. A. , Saifzadeh S. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryClinical and histopathological findings of a congenital ocular dermoid cyst, located at the lower eyelid of a river female buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calf were presented. A soft, fluctuant, non‐tender, hyperaemic cystic mass was detected overlaying the left eye. Fine needle aspirate revealed filamentous debris with no malignant cells. The cyst was treated surgically by orbital exenteration and subsequently subjected to histopathological examination. The histopathological study disclosed a conjunctival dermoid cyst. This report is novel, in that; such ocular cyst has not previously been described in river buffalo calves.
Airway management using the pediatric GlideScope® in a child with Goldenhar syndrome and atypical plasma cholinesterase
Authors: MILNE ANDREW D. , DOWER ANDREA M. , HACKMANN THOMAS 
Published: January 2007

SummaryWe report a case of difficult intubation in a child with Goldenhar syndrome and atypical plasma cholinesterase. Intubation attempts by direct laryngoscopy and the TrachlightTM were unsuccessful. The airway was ultimately secured using the pediatric GlideScope® in conjunction with external laryngeal manipulation.
Sevoflurane increases fade of neuromuscular response to TOF stimulation following rocuronium administration in children. A PK/PD analysis
Authors: WOLOSZCZUK‐GEBICKA BOGUMILA , WYSKA ELŻBIETA , GRABOWSKI TOMASZ 
Published: January 2007

SummaryBackground:  Sevoflurane enhances neuromuscular block produced by rocuronium, affecting not only single twitch response but also the response to high‐frequency stimulation, increasing tetanic [or train‐of‐four (TOF)] fade.Methods:  We compared the degree of fade during spontaneous recovery from rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular block in 24 children (3–11 years old, ASA groups I and II), anesthetized with nitrous oxide–sevoflurane (one MAC, endtidal concentration) or nitrous oxide–fentanyl. Neuromuscular transmission was monitored electromyographically (EMG), stimulating the ulnar nerve at the wrist with TOF, 2 Hz for 2 s, repeated at 20‐s intervals and recording EMG potential from adductor pollicis brevis. Depression of the fourth twitch, T4, was used as a measure of fade.Following an intubating dose of rocuronium, 0.6 mg·kg−1, continuous infusion of rocuronium was given to maintain stable 90–99% T1 depression. Plasma concentration of rocuronium was determined with high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC‐EC) method at the moment of discontinuation of rocuronium infusion and 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 75 min afterwards. A two compartment model was used for pharmacokinetic (PK) calculations. PK parameters were fixed and pharmacodynamic data were fitted to effect compartment model proposed by Sheiner.Results:  Sevoflurane reduced rocuronium concentration in effect compartment producing 50% inhibition of both T1 and T4 response and significantly delayed not only T1, but also T4 recovery.Conclusions:  Potentiating effect of sevoflurane on rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular block influences not only postsynaptic, but also the presynaptic part of the neuromuscular junction, enhancing fade of neuromuscular response to high‐frequency stimulation. The intensity of this latter effect is clinically relevant.
Energy restriction enhances therapeutic efficacy of the PPARγ agonist, rosiglitazone, through regulation of visceral fat gene expression
Authors: Moore G. B. T. , Pickavance L. C. , Briscoe C. P. , Clapham J. C. , Buckingham R. E. , Wilding J. P. H. 
Published: January 2007

Aim:  Consumption of a palatable diet can induce hyperphagia, leading to weight gain (dietary obesity) and insulin resistance in rats. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) can also induce hyperphagia in rats but conversely have an insulin‐sensitizing effect. The aim of this study was to investigate whether preventing TZD‐induced hyperphagia (i.e. energy restriction) in dietary obese (DIO) rats would enhance the insulin‐sensitizing effects of treatment at a therapeutic dose; and, within this paradigm, to produce an original survey of candidate TZD‐gene targets in the clinically relevant visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) depot.Methods:  DIO rats that were either freely fed or energy restricted (i.e. pair‐fed to the level of untreated controls) were treated with rosiglitazone maleate (RSG; 3 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks, the restricted group controlling for treatment‐induced hyperphagia and weight gain. The outcome measures were circulating concentrations of various biochemical markers of insulin resistance, and gene expression was measured in epididymal WAT.Results:  In both freely fed and pair‐fed groups, compared to untreated DIO controls, RSG reduced plasma levels of insulin (−29% and −43%; p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively), free fatty acids (FFAs; −45% and −48%; p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively) and triglycerides (TGs; −63% and −72%; both p < 0.001), reflected in improved insulin sensitivity, as measured by homeostasis model assessment (−29% and −43%; p < 0.01 and p < 0.0001). RSG also increased the expression of the fatty acid transport/synthesis genes, fatty acid transport protein (2.4–3.2‐fold), epidermal fatty acid–binding protein (FABP; 1.7–2.0‐fold), heart FABP (25–29‐fold) and fatty acid synthase (2.3–2.9‐fold; all p < 0.05) in both groups. Adipocyte FABP was also increased by RSG treatment, but only in combination with energy restriction (1.52‐fold; p < 0.05) as was hexokinase II expression (p < 0.001). In contrast, the drug had no effect on expression of several genes associated with lipolysis. Although obesity‐induced hyperleptinaemia was normalized only in the energy‐restricted group, leptin messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was reduced in both treated groups (all p < 0.01). Resistin and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha expression was also reduced, though in the latter case, only with energy restriction (p < 0.05). Other adipokines were unaffected by RSG treatment.Conclusion:  Our results clearly show that energy restriction enhances the therapeutic efficacy of TZDs and suggest that this occurs, at least in part, through a modulatory effect on gene expression in visceral WAT. These findings improve our understanding of the underlying mechanistic basis for the clinical usefulness of dietary restriction as an adjunct to TZD therapy in type 2 diabetes.
Regulation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase exon 1f gene expression by nuclear factor‐κB acetylation in human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Li Yinghui , Zhao Yanyan , Li Guangyu , Wang Jun , Li Tingting , Li Wei , Lu Jingyu 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is predominantly expressed in nervous tissues and subject to complex transcriptional controls. To determine the effect of acetylation on nNOS expression, human neuroblastoma SK‐N‐SH cells were treated with trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor. As a consequence, total and exon 1f‐specific nNOS mRNA, nNOS protein and nNOS‐derived nitric oxide production were increased. Immunoprecipitation and western blot showed both nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) subunits p65 and p50 were acetylated in the presence of TSA. The enhancement of the p65 and p50 acetylation was in accordance with their increased binding affinities to the NF‐κB responsive element, which was identified at position −893 to −884 of the nNOS exon 1f promoter. Luciferase assays revealed that TSA up‐regulated the transcriptional activity of the nNOS 1f promoter through NF‐κB‐mediated transactivation. Taken together, we demonstrate that acetylation plays a crucial role in nNOS expression and suggest that acetylation of NF‐κB p65 and p50 subunits by TSA treatment may augment their DNA‐binding affinities, thereby activating the nNOS exon 1f promoter. It may be one of the mechanisms by which acetylation modulates nNOS expression and nitric oxide output in SK‐N‐SH cells and may be the molecular basis for certain neurological disorders.
Distinct patterns of intracerebral hemorrhage‐induced alterations in NF‐κB subunit, iNOS, and COX‐2 expression
Authors: Zhao Xiurong , Zhang Yujian , Strong Roger , Zhang Jie , Grotta James C. , Aronowski Jaroslaw 
Published: January 2007

AbstractTranscription factor nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), plays a key role in regulating inflammation in brain pathologies. The goal of this study was to characterize temporal changes in NF‐κB activation, NF‐κB subunit expression, and expression of selected NF‐κB‐regulated gene products [inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2], at the transcriptional and translational level in the brain after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Employing the intrastriatal injection of autologous blood in rats to model ICH, we demonstrated, using NF‐κB–DNA binding assay, a robust and prolonged NF‐κB activation, starting as early as 15 min after the onset of ICH. Consequently, we demonstrated that the mRNA and protein for p50, p52, p65, c‐Rel, and RelB NF‐κB subunits, as well as IκBα were all up‐regulated, with a time course ranging from minutes to days following ICH, depending on the subunit. Using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction to analyze mRNA and immunoblotting to analyze protein in ICH‐affected tissue, we found robust induction of iNOS at both mRNA and protein levels that followed a time‐course similar to changes in p65, p52, and RelB mRNA. Oddly, in contrast to iNOS, cyclooxygenase‐2 mRNA and protein following an early transient increase demonstrated significant reduction in response to ICH. In summary, NF‐κB activation occurs within minutes and persists for at least a week in response to ICH. This reaction utilizes different NF‐κB regulatory subunits and is associated with the expression of selected target genes.
Isolation of microsatellite markers for the endangered Knysna seahorse Hippocampus capensis and their use in the detection of a genetic bottleneck
Authors: GALBUSERA PETER H. A. , GILLEMOT SARAH , JOUK PHILLIPPE , TESKE PETER R. , HELLEMANS BART , VOLCKAERT FILIP A. M. J. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractWe report the isolation and characterization of 15 (12 di‐, 1 tri‐ and 2 tetranucleotide) microsatellite markers from Hippocampus capensis, the Knysna seahorse. This marker set allows the detection of a genetic bottleneck as shown in a captive population. Furthermore, we test their genotyping potential in eight other seahorse taxa.
Components of the sex pheromone of the currant pug moth, Eupithecia assimilata, a re‐emergent hop pest in UK
Authors: Campbell C. A. M. , Tregidga E. L. , Hall D. R. , Ando T. , Yamamoto M. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAfter an absence of 50 years, the currant pug moth, Eupithecia assimilata Doubleday (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), has reappeared as an important pest of hops, Humulus lupulus L. (Cannabaceae), in the UK. Pheromone gland extracts from virgin female E. assimilata moths were shown to contain (3Z,6Z)‐cis‐9,10‐epoxyheneicosadiene (3Z,6Z‐cis‐9,10‐epoxy‐21:H) by gas chromatography linked to mass spectrometry. (3Z,6Z,9Z)‐heneicosatriene (3Z,6Z,9Z‐21:H) was also found as a minor component in one of two extracts. In field experiments, significant numbers of male E. assimilata moths were caught in traps baited with the (9S,10R)‐enantiomer of 3Z,6Z‐cis‐9,10‐epoxy‐21:H but not in those baited with the (9R,10S)‐enantiomer or racemic mixture. Addition of 3Z,6Z,9Z‐21:H at the ratio present in gland extracts greatly reduced the attractiveness of the epoxydiene.
Clinical epidemiologic first‐episode psychosis: 1‐year outcome and predictors
Authors: Simonsen E. , Friis S. , Haahr U. , Johannessen J. O. , Larsen T. K. , Melle I. , Opjordsmoen S. , Rund B. R. , Vaglum P. , McGlashan T. 
Published: January 2007

Objective:  To describe 1‐year outcome in a large clinical epidemiologic sample of first‐episode psychosis and its predictors.Method:  A total of 301 patients with first‐episode psychosis from four healthcare sectors in Norway and Denmark receiving common assessments and standardized treatment were evaluated at baseline, at 3 months, and at 1 year.Results:  Substantial clinical and social improvements occurred within the first 3 months. At 1‐year 66% were in remission, 11% in relapse, and 23% continuously psychotic. Female gender and better premorbid functioning were predictive of less severe negative symptoms. Shorter DUP was predictive for shorter time to remission, stable remission, less severe positive symptoms, and better social functioning. Female gender, better premorbid social functioning and more education also contributed to a better social functioning.Conclusion:  This first‐episode sample, being well treated, may be typical of the early course of schizophrenia in contemporary centers.
Chromosomal abnormalities of young multiple myeloma patients (<45 yr) are not different from those of other age groups and are independent of stage according to the International Staging System
Authors: Sagaster V. , Kaufmann H. , Odelga V. , Ackermann J. , Gisslinger H. , Rabitsch W. , Zojer N. , Ludwig H. , Nösslinger T. , Zielinski C. , Drach J. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractLittle is known about tumor‐related prognostic factors, in particular specific chromosomal abnormalities, in young patients with multiple myeloma (MM). We therefore investigated the chromosomal pattern by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (chromosomes 13q14, 14q32‐translocations, chromosomes associated with hyperdiploidy) in 38 young patients with MM (age <45 yr) and compared the results with those observed in 69 patients with intermediate age (45–70 yr) and 64 elderly patients (age >70 yr). All chromosomal patterns were not significantly different between the three age cohorts. Similarly, standard MM parameters were equally distributed between these MM patient populations. However, survival by the International Staging System (ISS) for MM revealed marked differences between stage I/II (median survival not yet reached) and stage III (23.4 months; P < 0.0003) among young MM patients. A significant survival difference between ISS‐stage I/II and ISS‐stage III patients was also noted in the intermediate age group (median 65.4 months vs. 24.6 months; P = 0.0009). However, this difference disappeared among elderly MM patients (39.6 months in ISS‐stage I/II vs. 32 months in ISS‐stage III patients; P = 0.94), but it was unrelated to the cytogenetic pattern. Our results indicate that MM in young patients does not represent a distinct biologic entity, and that short survival of younger MM patients at ISS‐stage III is independent of the molecular cytogenetic pattern.
Microtensile Bond Strengths to Cavity Floor Dentin in Indirect Composite Restorations using Resin Coating
Authors: Okuda Makoto , Nikaido Toru , Maruoka Rena , Foxton Richard M. , Tagami Junji 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTPurpose:  The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the effect of a resin coating on the microtensile bond strengths (μ‐TBSs) of indirect composite restorations bonded to dentin with resin cement and (2) to compare the μ‐TBSs with that of a directly placed composite.Materials and Methods:  Class I cavities were prepared in extracted human molars. The specimens were divided into five groups: For the indirect restorations, the cavity surfaces of the control group were left uncoated (group 1), while the surfaces of the experimental groups were resin coated with a dentin bonding system, Clearfil Protect Bond (PB; groups 2 and 3), or with a combination of PB and a flowable resin composite, Protect Liner F (PLF; group 4). The cavities were temporized for 1 day. Indirect composite restorations (Estenia) were cemented with a resin cement (Panavia F). Pretreatment with ED Primer II was performed in the groups 1, 3, and 4. For the direct restorations, the cavities were restored with PB and a direct composite (Clearfil AP‐X; group 5). After 24 hours of water storage, μ‐TBSs were measured at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The data were analyzed with one‐way analysis of variance and Sheffe’s test (p < 0.05). In addition, fracture modes were determined visually and by scanning electron microscopy.Results:  A combination of PB and PLF showed significantly higher bond strengths compared with the original bond strength of Panavia F and the single use of PB (p < 0.05). However, the highest bond strengths were obtained when PB was used for direct composite restorations (p < 0.05).Conclusion:  The application of a resin coating consisting of a self‐etching primer dentin bonding system and a flowable resin composite significantly improved the μ‐TBS of indirect restorations bonded to dentin using resin cement.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEA resin coating should be required to improve dentin bonding performance of Panavia F in indirect restorations. However, direct composite restorations still provide higher bond strength compared to indirect restorations.