bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyaluronan involvement in the changes of mouse interpubic tissue during late pregnancy and post‐partum
Authors: Garcia Eduardo A. , Veridiano Adriano M. , Martins João R.M. , Nader Helena B. , Pinheiro M.C. , Joazeiro Paulo P. , Toledo Olga M.S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe present work quantifies hyaluronan (HA) during the late pregnancy and post‐partum in order to provide a better understanding of the role of HA in the adaptations that occur in the pubic symphysis during this period. HA was quantified in situ (histochemically) and in interpubic tissue extracts by fluorimetric assay. Samples were taken from virgin mice and from pregnant animals at various stages of pregnancy: 12th‐18th days into pregnancy, the day of delivery (D19) and the 3rd and 5th day post‐partum. The quantitative fluorimetric analysis indicated a gradual increase of HA in the interpubic tissue throughout late pregnancy (2.4–14.6 μg/mg dry weight). This was followed by a decrease beginning on D19 (12.4 μg/mg), reaching close to virgin levels (2.2 μg/mg) on the 5th day post‐partum. The same optical density changes could be seen in the HA staining. Furthermore, the histochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of HA both in the extracellular matrix of the tissue and within its cells. Such results indicate that the extracellular presence of HA may contribute to the transformation of the symphysis into a flexible structure. In addition, HA's intracellular presence (until the 18th day of pregnancy) may contribute to cellular proliferation. Finally, during parturition and on the 5th day post‐partum, HA may contribute to the maintenance of the myofibroblastic phenotype of ligament cells, aiding the ligament involution after parturition.
Erythroid expansion and survival in response to acute anemia stress: The role of EPO receptor, GATA‐1, Bcl‐xL and caspase‐3
Authors: Aispuru Gualberto Rodrigo , Aguirre María Victoria , Aquino‐Esperanza José Andrés , Lettieri Carolina Noelia , Juaristi Julián Antonio , Brandan Nora Cristina 
Published: April 2008

AbstractErythropoietic stress occurs under conditions of tissular hypoxia, such as anemia. Functional relationships between erythroid bone marrow (BM) proliferation, differentiation, the expression of survival and apoptotic related proteins, as well as the features of the BM microenvironment upon acute anemic stress, are not fully elucidated. To achieve this aim, CF‐1 Swiss mice were injected with a single dose of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU, 150 mg/kg ip) and a multiparametric analysis was conducted for 20 days.Apoptosis (TUNEL assay), BM architecture organization (scanning electronic microscopy), proliferation (DNA assay), differentiation (clonogenic cultures), expression of survival erythroid related proteins (EPO‐R, GATA‐1, Bcl‐xL) as well as the expression of apoptotic‐ related proteins (Bax, activated Caspase‐3) by Western blotting, were evaluated. Experimental data showed that apoptosis, arrest of cell proliferation and disruptions of BM architecture were maximal within the first period of acute stress (1–3 days). Bax and caspase‐3 overexpressions were also coincident during this acute period. Moreover, from day 5 upon drug challenge BM responds to acute stress through the EPO‐EPO‐R system, prompting expressions of GATA‐1 and Bcl‐xL. Erythroid proliferation rates and red‐cell‐committed progenitors enhanced in a coordinated way to restore the size and function of the red cell compartment. A second overexpression wave of active caspase‐3 was noticed during stress recovery.Together, these results indicate that in response to acute stress a dramatic increase in CFU‐E (erythroid colony forming units) population is concomitant with upregulation of EPO‐R, GATA‐1 and Bcl‐xL in the BM erythroid compartment, and that these concurrent processes are crucial for acquiring proper erythroid cell functionality without delayed response to tissular hypoxia.
The distributions and correlates of serum albumin levels in institutionalised individuals with intellectual and/or motor disabilities
Authors: Ohwada Hiroko , Nakayama Takeo 
Published: April 2008

The serum albumin level is a widely accepted indicator of nutritional status in healthy adults and elderly individuals. However, there are few data regarding the distribution and correlates of serum albumin levels in individuals with intellectual and/or motor disabilities. We conducted a cross-sectional study at a public facility for individuals with intellectual and/or motor disabilities in Ibaraki prefecture, Japan. Health check-up data obtained in 2001 from 477 individuals with intellectual disability (286 males, average age 40·6 (sd 12·3) years; 191 females, average age 45·1 (sd 11·6) years) were retrospectively reviewed. With the exception of men with cerebral palsy, the serum albumin level was nearly normally distributed. The mean was 44 (sd 3·6) g/l for males and 44 (sd 3·6) g/l for females with intellectual disability, 43 (sd 3·2) g/l in males and 44 (sd 2·6) g/l for females with cerebral palsy, 41 (sd 2·7) g/l for males and 42 (sd 3·7) g/l for females with Down's syndrome, and 42 (sd 4·5) g/l for males and 41 (sd 3·2) g/l for females with severe motor and intellectual disabilities. Only six of 474 individuals (1·3 %) had a serum albumin ≤ 35 g/l. Low serum albumin was related to age, use of anticonvulsants and/or major tranquilisers, use of other medications, high C-reactive protein (CRP), high zinc sulfate turbidity test (ZTT), low serum Hb and low serum Fe among men; among women, high CRP and high ZTT were related to low serum albumin. The present study found an unexpectedly low incidence of low serum albumin among institutionalised individuals with intellectual and/or motor disabilities. Low serum albumin was associated with age, medications and inflammation in men, as well as inflammation in women.
Effects of lifelong intervention with an oligofructose-enriched inulin in rats on general health and lifespan
Authors: Rozan Pascale , Nejdi Amine , Hidalgo Sophie , Bisson Jean-François , Desor Didier , Messaoudi Michaël 
Published: April 2008

Ageing is associated with changes in physiology and morphology; nutritional strategies to decrease morbidity and to prolong life are of high interest. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of lifelong supplementation with an oligofructose-enriched inulin on morphological and biological markers and lifespan in male and female rats. Male and female rats, age 3 months, were randomised into two groups to receive either a diet with 10 % of an oligofructose-enriched inulin (Synergy1) or a standard diet (control) for 27 months. The rats were weighed every 2 weeks and their food intake was evaluated on four successive days every 4–6 weeks. Samples were taken at 12, 18 and 24 months of age. During the whole intervention period, male rats receiving Synergy1 (SYN1-M) displayed lower body weight, cholesterol and plasma triacylglycerolaemia compared with the controls (Cont-M). The survival rate at 24 months of age of SYN1-M rats was 35·3 % greater than that of Cont-M rats. In female rats, the Synergy1 supplementation (SYN1-F) group also reduced body weight, cholesterol and triacylglycerolaemia levels, but results were less consistent over the experiment. The survival rate at 24 months of age in SYN1-F rats was 33·3 % greater compared with that of the control (Cont-F) group. To conclude, lifelong intervention with Synergy1 improved biological markers during ageing and survival rate (lifespan) of rats.
Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques for treating large, benign processes of the nose, paranasal sinus, and pterygomaxillary and infratemporal fossae: solitary fibrous tumour
Authors: Jurado-Ramos A , Romero F Ropero , Baños E Cantillo , Molina J Salas 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjectives:We report an extremely rare case of a large solitary fibroma of the paranasal sinus, which we treated by sinonasal endoscopic surgery. We describe its clinical and histopathological features, and we report the endoscopic technique used to deal with such a large sinonasal mass (penetrating the pterygomaxillary and infratemporal fossae); we also offer a brief survey of the literature.Case report:A woman presented with an approximately one-year history of nasal obstruction. Nasal endoscopy revealed an irregularly shaped, friable, reddish mass that occupied the whole of the right nasal fossa. Magnetic resonance imaging of the paranasal sinuses revealed a large mass that occupied the anterior and posterior ethmoids and the maxillary and sphenoid sinuses, displacing the septum and penetrating the pterygomaxillary fossa, having destroyed the lateral wall of the right nasal fossa. The tumour was resected by means of sinonasal endoscopic surgery; an endoscopic medial maxillectomy with extension to the pterygomaxillary and infratemporal regions was performed. Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumour. During follow up, we performed regular nasal endoscopies, as well as computed tomography scans one and six months post-operatively.Conclusions:Endoscopic techniques are currently the approach of choice for the treatment of such tumours of the sinonasal cavity and pterygomaxillary and infratemporal regions. The size of the lesion did not contraindicate endoscopic sinonasal surgery as a curative treatment.
Xylometazoline hydrochloride 0.1 per cent versus physiological saline in nasal surgical aftercare: a randomised, single-blinded, comparative clinical trial
Authors: Humphreys M R , Grant D , McKean S A , Eng C Y , Townend J , Evans A S 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjectives:A variety of topical preparations are used for symptomatic relief following nasal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two commonly used products on patient symptom scores following nasal surgery.Design:Randomised, single-blinded, comparative clinical trial.Setting:A single, secondary otorhinolaryngology centre.Participants:One hundred and twenty patients undergoing septoplasty or functional endoscopic sinus surgery as an isolated procedure between November 2003 and January 2006. Patients undergoing additional nasal procedures were excluded, as were those requiring additional post-operative medications other than standardised analgesia.Methods:Following nasal surgery, patients were randomised to receive either xylometazoline hydrochloride 0.1 per cent nasal spray or a sterile physiological saline aerosol.Main outcome measures:Visual analogue scale symptom scores for nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, pain, loss of sense of smell and bleeding were assessed at day 10 post-operatively.Results:Post-operative symptom scores were compared between treatment groups. Overall, median pain scores were significantly higher in the xylometazoline group (p = 0.03, chi-square test). When analysed by procedure, median pain scores were significantly higher in septoplasty patients using xylometazoline (p = 0.019, chi-square test).Conclusion:There is no evidence to support the use of xylometazoline hydrochloride 0.1 per cent nasal spray over aerosolised physiological saline alone, following nasal surgery. Furthermore, there may be more pain associated with the post-operative use of xylometazoline.
POTBELLY SCULPTURE
Authors: Thompson Lauri McInnis , Valdez Fred 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPrehistoric potbelly (boulder) sculpture has been of great interest for many decades. Most such sculptures occur in the highlands and piedmont of the Pacific Coast in Guatemala and El Salvador. The specific function and dating of the monuments has been of particular concern to researchers. This paper presents a summary of data in an attempt to place potbelly sculptures into recognizable stylistic groups that may in turn allow scholars to hypothesize their general function or functions. The excavation of a ceramic potbelly figure in northern Belize may provide hard evidence for the dating of certain potbelly styles and demonstrate the use of this style/manifestation in a mode beyond stone sculpture.
Suggested actions from the Melbourne HVP Information Seminar
Authors: Cotton Richard , Axton Myles , Bankier Agnes , Brais Bernard , Cavedon Lawrence , du Sart Desirée , George Peter , Goldgar David , Harrison Terence , Hibbert Marienne , Hopper John , Macrae Finlay , O’Keefe Christine , Ravine David , Savarirayan Ravi , Sheffield Les , Smith Tim , Stokes Nicola , Sundararajan Vijaya , Thorburn David , Winship Ingrid 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe Human Variome Project (HVP; www.humanvariomeproject.org) was initiated at a meeting in June 2006 and addressed the problems of collecting genetic information and generated 96 recommendations (http://www.nature.com/ng/journal/v39/n4/full/ng0407-423.html) to overcome these, with the focus on Mendelian disease. A considerable number of projects have been added, to those that have been ongoing for a number of years, since that meeting. Also, a planning meeting is to be held May 25-29, 2008 in Spain (http://www.humanvariomeproject.org/HVP2008/).A dramatic boost has been given to the HVP by the preparedness and action of the International Society for Gastrointestinal Hereditary Tumours (InSiGHT; www.insight-group.org), to, in order to improve their own informatics systems for dealing with inherited colon cancer, set up a pilot system for collection and databasing mutation and phenotype information, i.e. to act as pilot for the HVP. This is then intended to be transferred to other genes and countries. Much relevant activity in this project is being led from and is based in Melbourne.This meeting in Melbourne has been conceived to review the current local situation and plans for the future. We are privileged that Myles Axton, Editor of Nature Genetics, a strong supporter of the HVP (see April 2007 Nature Genetics Editorial) and who has some ideas in the area (see August 2007 Nature Genetics Editorial) agreed to be keynote speaker.We proposed that the output of this meeting be published and, with permission, the abstracts and presentations placed on the website (www.humanvariomeproject.org/?p=Melbourne_Meeting). We also hope it will inform the May HVP Planning Meeting.
Economic Evaluation of Standing Order Programs for Pneumococcal Vaccination of Hospitalized Elderly Patients
Authors: Middleton Donald B. , Lin Chyongchiou J. , Smith Kenneth J. , Zimmerman Richard K. , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Roberts Mark S. , Fox Dwight E. 
Published: April 2008

Background.Standing order programs (SOPs), which allow for vaccination without an individual physician order, are the most effective mechanism to achieve high vaccination rates. Among the suggested settings for the utilization of SOPs are hospital inpatient units, because they provide care for those most likely to benefit from vaccination. The cost-effectiveness of this approach for elderly hospitalized persons is unknown. The purpose of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of SOPs for pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) vaccination for patients 65 years of age or older in 2 types of hospital.Methods.In 2004, a 1,094-bed tertiary care hospital implemented a pharmacy-based SOP for PPV, and a 225-bed community hospital implemented a nursing-based SOP for PPV. Newly admitted patients 65 years of age or older were screened for PPV eligibility and then offered PPV. Vaccination rates before and after initiation of SOPs in the United States, incidence rates of invasive pneumococcal disease in the United States, and US economic data were the bases of the cost-effectiveness analyses. One-way and multivariate sensitivity analyses were conducted.Results.PPV vaccination rates increased 30.5% in the tertiary care hospital and 15.3% in the community hospital. In the base-case cost-effectiveness analysis, using a societal perspective, we found that both pharmacy-based and nursing-based SOPs cost less than $10,000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained, with program costs (pharmacy-based SOPs cost $4.16 per patient screened, and nursing-based SOPs cost $4.60 per patient screened) and vaccine costs ($18.33 per dose) partially offset by potential savings from cases of invasive pneumococcal disease avoided ($12,436 per case). Sensitivity analyses showed SOPs for PPV vaccination to be cost-effective, compared with PPV vaccination without SOPs, unless the improvement in vaccination rate was less than 8%.Conclusion.SOPs do increase PPV vaccination rates in hospitalized elderly patients and are economically favorable, compared with PPV vaccination rates without SOPs.
Lethal Activity of Nonthermal Plasma Sterilization Against Microorganisms
Authors: Venezia Richard A. , Orrico Michael , Houston Edward , Yin Shu-Min , Naumova Yelena Y. 
Published: April 2008

Objective.To determine the range and the mode of germicidal activity of sterilants generated by a nonthermal plasma sterilization system for microorganisms.Methods.Representative bacteria, spores, viruses, bacteriophages, and fungi were exposed to the plasma cycle and the residual viability was measured in vitro. To assess the mode of lethal injury,Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus atrophaeus,and bacteriophages were exposed to the plasma cycle, and the effects of the plasma-generated sterilants on the biological parameters were determined.Results.There were at least 4-6 log reductions in viability for all microorganisms after 10 minutes of exposure to the plasma cycle. Electron micrographs and studies of the inhibition of bacteriophage infectivity suggested that the primary injury is to the organisms' cell envelopes. The plasma cycle also denatured isolated bacterial proteins and inactivated bacteriophages, but it had no effect on isolated DNA and bacterial proteins within exposed bacteria.Conclusion.Nonthermal plasma, which is produced at atmospheric temperature and pressure, generates sterilants that kill high concentrations of microorganisms and inactivate viruses during a 10-minute exposure. The primary injury appears to be at the surface structures of the organisms. This suggests that nonthermal plasma has utility for sterilization of heat-sensitive medical materials and devices.
Controlled non‐heart beating organ donation: neither the whole solution nor a step too far
Authors: Murphy P. , Manara A. , Bell D. , Smith M. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryWhile many intensive care clinicians in the UK continue to express significant concerns regarding controlled non‐heart beating organ donation, others are involved in established programmes that make an increasingly significant contribution to the total number of cadaveric donations each year. The successful introduction of a controlled non‐heart beating organ donation programme requires local resolution of any apparent ethicolegal obstacles to the process, with specific attention needing to be given to three areas: the potential conflict of interest between decision making over futility and any subsequent approach regarding organ donation; a belief that it may be unlawful to adjust in any way an end of life care pathway in order to allow donation to take place, and, finally, an uncertainty over how soon after cardiac death organ retrieval can begin. It is proposed that recent changes in legislation provide, through an emphasis on patient autonomy and best interests, a solid ethicolegal foundation for donation after cardiac death.
A national survey of safe practice with epidural analgesia in obstetric units
Authors: Jones R. , Swales H. A. , Lyons G. R. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) identified practice improvements with regard to epidural injections and infusions and released a patient safety alert on 28th March 2007. Prior to this, the Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association had considered the draft document and wished to assess current compliance in UK obstetric units. A postal survey of consultant‐led obstetric anaesthetic units in the UK was performed in September 2006 to look at practice prior to the release of the safety alert. The response rate was 89%. Many units are already following the guidance from the NPSA but nearly one in four units have experience of wrong route drug errors related to confusion between systems for intravenous and regional drug administration.
The influence of changes in end‐tidal carbon dioxide upon the Bispectral Index*
Authors: Turnbull D. , Furlonger A. , Andrzejowski J. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryCarbon dioxide is known to affect consciousness in animals and humans. We surmised that changes in end‐tidal carbon dioxide during anaesthesia might affect the Bispectral Index. Twenty‐four patients due to undergo surgery were anaesthetised with fentanyl and a propofol infusion. The Bispectral Index, pulse rate and blood pressure were recorded while end‐tidal carbon dioxide levels were changed. The patients acted as their own controls as they were subjected to high, normal and low levels of end‐tidal carbon dioxide (3–12 kPa) according to a randomised sequence. There were no changes in the Bispectral Index or haemodynamic variables resulting from manipulation of the end‐tidal carbon dioxide. At the level of hypnosis involved in this study, changes in end‐tidal carbon dioxide, within the range tested, do not result in changes in the Bispectral Index.
Techniques for emergency ventilation through a needle cricothyroidotomy
Authors: Bould M. D. , Bearfield P. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryWe examined the pressures produced by a construction intended for emergency ventilation through a needle cricothyroidotomy. This construction consisted of a standard hospital wall oxygen supply, flowmeter, oxygen tubing and a three‐way tap. We measured the flow achieved through a transtracheal catheter and compared the construction to a Manujet jet ventilator and to a Sanders injector. The construction performed similarly to the Manujet set at low pressures (0–100 kPa). To achieve similar pressures and flow to the Manujet set at pressures higher than 100 kPa required opening of the flowmeter beyond its calibrated range. The flow through the transtracheal catheter was almost three times higher when the flowmeters were fully opened than when they were opened to the 15 l.min−1 mark (44.5 vs 15.8 l.min−1, respectively; p < 0.0001). When the flowmeters were fully opened the pressure measured before the catheter was over four times higher than when they were only opened to the 15 l.min−1 mark (285.3 vs 66.4 kPa, respectively; p < 0.0001). This system of ventilation is inferior to a Manujet in terms of robustness and calibration throughout its range of pressures and flows, but seems appropriate for emergency use in the absence of a purpose‐made jet ventilator.
Caesarean section in a complicated case of central core disease
Authors: Foster R. N. , Boothroyd K. P. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryWe describe the anaesthetic management of a 21‐year‐old lady with central core disease for elective Caesarean section. Central core disease is characterised by muscle weakness, skeletal deformities and susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia. Total intravenous anaesthesia was used because of the combination of potential malignant hyperthermia, severe kyphoscoliosis and extensive spinal scarring. The authors believe there is no previous report of propofol and remifentanil being used in these circumstances. A short review of central core disease and its anaesthetic implications is provided.