bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retracted: Evaluation of residual neuromuscular blockade using modified double burst stimulation
Authors: SAITOH Y. , NAKAZAWA K. , MAKITA K. , TANAKA H. , TOYOOKA H. 
Published: December 2008

Background:To assess the degree of residual neuromuscular blockade, double burst stimulation (DBS) is commonly applied in the clinical setting. However, fades in response to DBS3,3 can rarely be identified manually when train‐of‐four (TOF) ratios are ≧0.70, and, in contrast, fades in response to DBS3,2 are felt manually in an undesirably high proportion of cases, even at TOF ratios greater than 0.7. We investigated whether a new monitoring method, modified DBS, would be useful to determine an adequate degree of recovery from neuromuscular blockade. For modified DBS, two burst stimuli were applied at an interval of 750 ms. The first stimulation in the modified DBS consisted of two stimuli of 0.3 ms duration at 50 Hz and the second of two stimuli of 0.2 ms duration at 50 Hz.Methods: Forty‐five adult patients undergoing elective nitrous oxide‐oxygen‐isoflurane anesthesia were randomly divided into one of three groups: DBS3,3 group (n=15), DBS3,2 group (n=15), or modified DBS group (n=15). During recovery from vecuroni‐um‐induced neuromuscular blockade, on both forearms, DBS3, 3, DBS3, 2, and modified DBS were delivered in the DBS3, 3 group, DBS3, 2 group, and modified DBS group, respectively. One hand and forearm (fixed arm) were immobilized to quantify the degree of neuromuscular blockade mechanically, and the contralateral arm (free arm) was unrestrained. An observer deter‐mined tactilely on the free arm the presence or absence of fade in response to the three DBS patterns.Results:Probabilities of detection of fade in response to the DBS3, 3 were 67% (TOF ratio of 0.51–0.60), 40% (0.61–0.70), 19% (0.71–4).80), 5% (0.81–0.90), and 0% (0.91–1.00). Those to the DBS3, 2 were 95% (0.51–0.60), 93% (0.61–0.70), 83% (0.71–0.80), 65% (0.81–0.90), and 38% (0.91–1.00). Those to modified DBS were 90% (0.51–0.60), 86% (0.61–0.70), 65% (0.71–0.80), 25% (0.81–0.90), and 3% (0.91–1.00). The modified DBS was more sensitive in diagnosing residual neuromuscular blockade than DBS3, 3 at the TOF ratio of 0.51–0.90, but was less sensitive than DBS3, 2 at the TOF ratio of 0.81–1.00 (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Our results indicate that the modified DBS may be a useful stimulation pattern to diagnose the adequacy of recovery from neuromuscular blockade.
Relationships between the olive fly and bacteria
Authors: Sacchetti P. , Granchietti A. , Landini S. , Viti C. , Giovannetti L. , Belcari A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe relationship between the olive fly population and epiphytic bacteria of the olive tree was investigated by carrying out a 1‐year survey in the field. The olive fly population affected the number of bacteria present on the olive surface. Scanning electron microscope observations demonstrated that bacteria may be ingested by the fly’s mouth apparatus through the midline of the pseudotracheae. DNA amplification of the oesophageal bulb content using 16S bacteria universal primers and DNA sequencing evidenced that Candidatus Erwinia dacicola was the predominant species present. The role of bacteria in olive fly biology is discussed.
Mating competitiveness of the adult oriental fruit fly reared as larvae in liquid vs. those raised on standard wheat‐based diets
Authors: Chang C. L. , McInnis D. O. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThree strains (standard laboratory, dorsalis translocation white pupae (DTWP) pupal colour sexing strain and wild strain) of adult oriental fruit flies, which were reared as larvae on liquid diet (LD), mill‐feed diet (MF) (Tanaka’s diet) or natural host fruit diet, were evaluated for mating competitiveness in both indoor and outdoor Boller’s mating cages and outdoor field cages. The Relative Sterility Index (RSI) was used as an indicator of mating capability. The RSI between standard strain adults that grew as larvae in LD and those in Tanaka’s MF indicated no statistically significant difference in Boller’s mating cage results after irradiation and dye marking. These results show that irradiation and dye marking had no effect on laboratory mating ability. Adults of the DTWP genetic sexing strain based on pupal colour that were reared as larvae in a LD (DTWP‐LD) or MF (DTWP‐MF) had a lower mating ability than the standard laboratory strain in Boller’s cages, and against the wild strain in both Boller’s and field cages. However, there was no statistically significant difference between irradiated DTWP‐LD strains in competition with non‐irradiated standard laboratory strain or DTWP‐MF strain in Boller’s cages. These findings indicate that (i) the quality of the DTWP sexing strain may be less capable in mating than the standard laboratory and wild strains and (ii) LD reared larvae can produce adults of equal mating ability compared with adults reared on a conventional diet. LD reared fruit flies should therefore be ready for mass scale rearing for Sterile Insect Technique programmes following the completion of other field quality control tests, including those measuring dispersal abilities.
Inheritance of vector competence by the thrips Ceratothripoides claratris (Shumsher) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Halaweh N. , Poehling H.‐M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe thrips Ceratothripoides claratris is an efficient vector of the Capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV). Transmission studies with a natural population of C. claratris found in a greenhouse ‘GH’ and a ‘colony’ derived from this ‘GH’ population by selection and inbreeding resulted in lowering the percentage of viruliferous individuals within the ‘colony’. After passing through approximately 20 generations, the ‘colony’ lost the ability to transmit the CaCV. When either viruliferous or non‐viruliferous virgin females reproduced parthenogenetically, 81% of F1 arrhenotokous males inherited their viruliferous status from their mothers, whilst, no viruliferous offspring arose from non‐viruliferous virgin mothers. Crosses between viruliferous and non‐viruliferous individuals suggest that the competence of the thrips C. claratris as a vector for this virus is probably a heritable trait controlled by a recessive allele.
Attraction of Mexican fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) to bacteria: effects of culturing medium on odour volatiles
Authors: Robacker D. C. , Lauzon C. R. , Patt J. , Margara F. , Sacchetti P. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractEffects of culturing medium on production and emission of volatiles by Pantoea agglomerans (Beijerinck 1888) Gavini et al. 1989 preparations and on attractiveness of the preparations to the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens Loew, were investigated. Bacterial cultures in each of four biochemically different types of liquid media emitted different volatiles. Cultures in a medium containing uric acid as its primary nitrogen source emitted more ammonia and 2‐nonanone than the other media. We postulate that the high production of ammonia was because of uricase activity by this uricase (+) strain. Regardless of media type, supernatants emitted more volatiles than preparations containing cells that had been removed from whole cultures and put into distilled water. Attractiveness varied little with biochemical make‐up of the culturing medium although the uric acid and carbohydrate preparations were as a group more attractive than preparations made from the other two media. Supernatants and whole cultures generally were more attractive than cell preparations and non‐inoculated media. Bacteria grown in aqueous uric acid‐based media emitted volatiles similar but not identical to those emitted by bacteria grown on gel (agar or solid) uric acid‐based media in Petri plates.
Bactrocera oleae: a single large population in Northern Mediterranean basin
Authors: Segura M. D. , Callejas C. , Ochando M. D. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe tephritid Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) is a harmful pest of olive crops; its larvae are monophagous and feed exclusively on olive fruits. Despite the economic importance of this species, important issues remain to be clarified. In the present study, the genetic variability within and among 21 populations was assessed using random amplified polymorphic DNA–PCR (seven primers). A considerable level of intraspecific diversity was detected (at population level: P = 51–70%, Hpop = 4.61; at species level: P = 63%, Hsp = 5.38) but the genetic differentiation among the populations was low (Shannon’s diversity index 14%, amova 4–8%). However, the dendrogram and principal components analysis reflect some interesting points. The most southerly of the Mediterranean populations (Tunisia) differ significantly from the remaining populations. The general results might be explained by the length of time that has elapsed as B. oleae became established in the Mediterranean region, the large effective sizes expected of its populations and gene flow among these populations. The results strongly suggest the existence of a single, large Northern Mediterranean olive fly population rather than several small, isolated populations and have a significant value in terms of control practices.
Effects of Serum‐Free In Vitro Maturation of Bovine Oocytes on Subsequent Embryo Development and Cell Allocation in Two Developmental Stages of Day 7 Blastocysts
Authors: Korhonen K , Kananen K , Ketoja E , Matomäki J , Halmekytö M , Peippo J 
Published: December 2008

ContentsMaturation of oocytes and the subsequent outcome of the in vitro production (IVP) are affected by the composition of in vitro maturation (IVM) medium. To determine the use of serum interfering with effects of single molecules, we aimed at developing simplified IVM medium. The experimental IVM media were: (1) M199‐medium supplemented with hormones and serum (control), (2) as 1 but serum was substituted with fatty acid‐free serum albumin (FAFBSA) and (3) M199‐medium without hormonal and serum supplementation (M199). The quality of embryos was assessed on day 7 by morphology and cryotolerance, as well as by Terminal deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Biotin‐dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) and differential staining. Results showed that the nuclear maturation was suppressed in M199 group alone. Embryo cleavage and development rates, and the proportion of quality 1 blastocysts were lower in the FAFBSA and M199 groups compared to the control. Differences in the cell allocation of fresh embryos were observed at the blastocyst stage, but not at the expanded blastocyst stage. The control group blastocysts had larger number of cells allocated to the inner cell mass (ICM), and the FAFBSA group blastocysts larger apoptotic cell proportion compared to the blastocysts derived from other groups. After cryopreservation, the reduction of ICM proportion and increase of apoptotic cell proportion of embryos were equal between the experimental groups. In conclusion, exclusion of serum from the IVM media reduces embryo development and may cause perturbations in blastocyst development. Differences in the cell allocation of blastocysts between IVM media may appear only when the developmental stages are taken into account.
Supplementation with Calcium Salts of Linoleic and trans‐Octadecenoic Acids Improves Fertility of Lactating Dairy Cows
Authors: Juchem SO , Cerri RLA , Villaseñor M , Galvão KN , Bruno RGS , Rutigliano HM , DePeters EJ , Silvestre FT , Thatcher WW , Santos JEP 
Published: December 2008

ContentsObjectives were to evaluate effects of feeding a calcium salt rich in linoleic and trans‐octadecenoic acids (LTFA) on synthesis of prostaglandin F2α based on its metabolite (PGFM), uterine involution and pregnancy rates in lactating dairy cows. Five hundred and eleven Holstein cows were blocked according to parity, body condition score and milk yield in the previous lactation. Primiparous and multiparous cows were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments consisting of calcium salt (2% diet dry matter) of either palm oil (PO) or LTFA from 25 days prepartum to 80 days of lactation. Cows were time‐inseminated at 70 ± 3 days postpartum. Feeding LTFA tended (p = 0.08) to decrease the incidence of puerperal metritis (15.1% vs 8.8%). Primiparous cows supplemented with LTFA showed larger increase in plasma PGFM concentration at day 1 postpartum (17018 vs 6897 pm). Pregnancy rate after first insemination tended (p = 0.07) to be greater at 27 days after insemination (37.9% vs 28.6%), and was greater (p = 0.05) at 41 days after insemination (35.5% vs 25.8%) for cows fed LTFA compared with PO. These results indicate that unsaturated fatty acids fed in a rumen inert form have the potential to modulate reproductive events and improve pregnancy rates in lactating dairy cows.
Survival and late effects on development of patients with infantile brain tumor
Authors: Nomura Yuko , Yasumoto Sawa , Yanai Fumio , Akiyoshi Hidetaka , Inoue Takahito , Nibu Keiko , Tsugu Hitoshi , Fukushima Takeo , Hirose Shinichi 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground:  Most infants with brain tumor may have a poor prognosis. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively analyze the survival and outcome with regard to mental and physical development in 11 subjects with brain tumor; these tumors were diagnosed when the patients were under 1 year of age.Methods:  The histological diagnoses of these tumors were astrocytoma, n > 3; pineocytoma, n > 2; teratoma, n > 1; ependymoma, n > 1; atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor, n > 1; glioblastoma, n > 1; medulloblastoma, n > 1; and choroid plexus papilloma, n > 1. Surgical resection was performed in eight patients, and adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to all except one patient with choroid plexus papilloma. Radiotherapy was additionally performed for four of the 10 chemotherapy patients.Results:  Six patients survived. Among the surviving patients, five were under no treatment for 50–167 months after the diagnosis (median duration, 89 months), while one received chemotherapy for 20 months. Five patients exhibited mental retardation, and one patient experienced normal development after surgical removal of his choroid plexus papilloma. Diencephalic syndrome developed in one patient with pilomyxoid astrocytoma that necessitated hormone replacement therapy, and bodyweight over +2 SD was observed in two patients. The remaining five patients died 11–111 months after diagnosis (median duration, 24 months).Conclusion:  The prognosis of infantile brain tumor with regard to mortality and developmental outcome remains poor. Furthermore, survivors require comprehensive medical and social support for an extended period.
Clinical features of neonatal sepsis caused by resistant Gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Khassawneh Mohammad , Khader Yousef , Abuqtaish Nadeen 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground:  Clinical features and outcomes of neonatal sepsis caused by resistant Gram‐negative bacteria are not well described in Jordan. The aim of the present study was therefore to describe microbiology and clinical features, laboratory findings and outcomes of early‐ and late‐onset Gram‐negative neonatal sepsis.Methods:  All patients with Gram‐negative bacteremia between July 2003 and June 2005 were retrospectively included. Resistance profiles, clinical features and outcomes of early and late‐onset neonatal sepsis were compared.Results:  A total of 79 patients (after excluding all nine cases of Gram‐positive bloodstream infection (BSI) were identified as having Gram‐negative BSI (25 had early‐onset and 54 had late‐onset neonatal sepsis). Respiratory distress, metabolic acidosis and requirement of ventilation were found in 74.7%, 40.5%, and 58.2%, respectively. Hypotension was found in 22.9% of patients. Klebsiella pneumoniae was responsible for 43 cases (54.4.2%). Klebsiella pneumoniae resistance rates to ampicillin and ceftazidime were 100% and 50%, respectively. Mortality rate was 30.9%. Forty‐eight percent of deaths occurred within 3 days of sepsis. Meningitis was diagnosed in five cases. Elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP) and thrombocytopenia were seen in 28% and 24% of infants with early‐onset sepsis, respectively, and in 79.6%, 59.3% of infants with late‐onset sepsis respectively.Conclusion:  Both early‐ and late‐onset neonatal sepsis are caused by highly resistant Gram‐negative bacteria. Mortality of sepsis is high. Elevated CRP and thrombocytopenia is seen more commonly in late‐onset neonatal sepsis.
Trans‐vitreal endoresection for vasoproliferative retinal tumours
Authors: Gibran Syed K 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe present an interventional consecutive case series to describe our experience of transvitreal endoresection (TVE) for vasoproliferative retinal tumours (VPRTs). Three patients with VPRTs refractory to conventional treatment modalities of cryotherapy, plaque radiotherapy and anti‐VEGF presented with macular exudative changes and were offered TVE. Complete ophthalmic examination with colour fundal photographs was performed before and during the follow‐up period. All patients were followed up for 6 months following silicone oil removal. At the last follow up, resolution of macular and retinal exudative changes with parallel improvement in vision was observed. No recurrences were detected during the follow‐up period. Two of three patients had simultaneous cataract surgery and developed fibrinous uveitis, requiring management with intensive topical steroids. After 3 months, these patients had a fibrotic pupillary membrane enveloping the intraocular lens (IOL) with posterior synechiae. These two patients underwent SO removal, IOL explantation and artisan IOL (iris clipped) insertion, resulting in visual improvement. We did not observe any PVR complications in our cases. TVE represents an effective and safe option for the treatment of VPRTs refractory to other treatment modalities. Further studies with a larger sample size and long‐term follow up are indicated to evaluate the role of TVE in the management of VPRTs.
Removal of internal limiting membrane for recurrent myopic traction maculopathy
Authors: Futagami Sou , Inoue Makoto , Hirakata Akito 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA 63‐year‐old man presented with a foveal detachment and retinoschisis associated with myopic traction maculopathy of his left eye with a refractive error of −12.0 dioptres. Both the retinoschisis and foveal detachment were initially successfully treated with vitreous surgery that was limited to the induction of a posterior vitreous detachment beyond the areas of retinoschisis over the posterior staphyloma. Three years later, the macula re‐detached and further surgery was performed, which involved peeling the internal limiting membrane (ILM). Following the second vitreous surgery the macula reattached within one month of the surgery and this success has been sustained for 2 years, suggesting that peeling the ILM may be an effective treatment for recurrent myopic traction maculopathy.
Acanthamoeba keratitis: a comprehensive photographic reference of common and uncommon signs
Authors: Patel Dipika V , McGhee Charles NJ 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThere has been a significant increase in the number of reported cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis reported internationally over the last 24 months. Diagnosing Acanthamoeba keratitis is often difficult and part of the difficulty is attributed to the variability of presentation. This article provides a comprehensive photographic reference of common and uncommon clinical signs of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Expression of genes encoding kinin receptors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Dabek J. , Kulach A. , Smolka G. , Wilczok T. , Scieszka J. , Gasior Z. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground:  Inflammation plays a critical role in all stages of atherogenesis, including plaque destabilization leading to the rupture and local thrombosis, clinically manifested as unstable angina (UA) or myocardial infarction (MI). Recent data report enhanced expression of numerous pro‐inflammatory genes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) both in plaque and in inflammatory cells. Kinins are peptides involved in vasodilation, vascular permeability, pain and inflammation. Their effects are mediated by two receptors, B1 and B2. As the role of kinins in ACS is not clear, the aim of the study was to assess the expression of the genes encoding kinin receptors in patients with ACS.Methods:  The study was carried out on 40 patients with ACS and 10 age‐matched healthy subjects (control (C)). To evaluate gene expression of B1 and B2 kinin receptors, total mRNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the number of mRNA copies was assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction.Results:  In patients with MI and UA, the B1 receptor (B1R)/B2 receptor (B2R) ratio was inversed compared with healthy subjects (C group) (MI vs C: 1.54 ± 0.39 vs 0.36 ± 0.04; P < 0.01; UA vs C: 2.13 ± 0.98 vs 0.36 ± 0.04; P < 0.05 respectively). B2R gene mRNA level was markedly lower in MI group versus C group (24 216 ± 5409 copies/μg vs 39 908 ± 5309 copies/μg; P < 0.05). The difference in B1R gene expression between MI and C group was negligible. We have not observed differences in studied genes expression between UA and C groups.Conclusion:  Patients with ACS show inverted B1R/B2R ratio. Such disturbance in kinin signalling may reflect increased activation of circulating mononuclears, which are important participants of atherosclerotic plaque development and eventually rupture.
Retinal vein occlusion: an approach to diagnosis, systemic risk factors and management
Authors: Yau J. W. Y. , Lee P. , Wong T. Y. , Best J. , Jenkins A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractRetinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common retinal vascular disease after diabetic retinopathy and is a common cause of visual morbidity and blindness in the elderly. A large proportion of patients with RVO have a history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or open‐angle glaucoma. Although RVO is sometimes associated with thrombophilias and coagulation abnormalities, the role of coagulation factors in the development of RVO remains unclear. This review did not find strong evidence to support an extensive work‐up for thrombophilic and coagulation diseases for the vast majority of patients. However, when tests for common cardiovascular risk factors for RVO are negative, evaluation for potential coagulation disorders may be indicated, particularly in young patients and in patients with bilateral RVO, a history of previous thromboses or a family history of thrombosis.
Decreasing mortality from non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in Australia
Authors: Coory M. , Gill D. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBased on the number of new cases (incidence), non‐Hodgkin lymphoma is an increasingly common cancer in Australia and many developed countries. Until recently, mortality trends have been stable or slightly increasing. However, since the year 2000, mortality has decreased every year by an average of 5.1% per year (95% confidence interval (CI) −7.1 to −3.1%), whereas incidence has continued to increase at 0.9% per year (95%CI 0.6 to 1.2%). It was not possible with the population‐based registry data available to us to untangle the causes of the decrease in mortality. The stable mortality rates during the 1990s (in the face of increasing incidence) might have been because of introduction of novel therapies such as autologous stem cell transplant for relapsed diffuse large cell lymphoma or the purine analogue‐based therapy for indolent lymphomas. A plausible explanation for the large decrease in mortality since 2000 is the introduction of the monoclonal antibody rituximab.