bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alfentanil Dosage When Inserting the Classic Laryngeal Mask Airway
Authors: Yu Andrea L. Y. , Critchley Lester A. H. , Lee Anna , Gin Tony 
Published: September 2006

Background
The purpose of this study was to determine an optimum dose of alfentanil, coadministered with 2.5 mg/kg propofol, when inserting a classic laryngeal mask airway.

Methods
Seventy-five adult ethnic Chinese patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physiologic status classification I or II and requiring anesthesia for minor surgery with a laryngeal mask were recruited. They were randomly assigned to five dosage groups: placebo or 5, 10, 15, or 20 microg/kg. The study drug plus propofol were administered, and 90 s later, insertion conditions were assessed using a six-category score. The duration of apnea was recorded. A probit analysis was performed and used to estimate the ED50 and ED95 with 95% confidence intervals for each assessment.

Results
Twenty-five male and 50 female patients, aged 18-59 yr, were studied. The five groups were similar. Laryngeal mask insertion was successful in all but one alfentanil patient. Duration of apnea increased with increasing dosage of alfentanil to over 5 min (P < 0.001). Dose-responses could not be predicted for categories of resistance to mouth opening and to insertion. For the other four categories, swallowing, gagging, movement, and laryngospasm, ED50 and ED95 with confidence intervals for alfentanil could be determined.

Conclusion
The optimum dose for alfentanil, when coadministered with 2.5 mg/kg propofol, was 10 microg/kg.
Different Inhibitory Effects of Sevoflurane on Hyperreactive Airway Smooth Muscle Contractility in Ovalbumin-sensitized and Chronic Cigarette-smoking Guinea Pig Models
Authors: Iwasaki Soshi , Yamakage Michiaki , Satoh Jun-Ichi , Namiki Akiyoshi 
Published: September 2006

Background
The authors hypothesized that sevoflurane had different inhibitory effects on hyperreactive airway smooth muscle contractility in different types of hyperreactive airway models.

Methods
The effects of sevoflurane on hyperreactive airways in ovalbumin-sensitized and chronic cigarette-smoking guinea pig models were investigated by measuring (1) total lung resistance, (2) smooth muscle tension and intracellular concentration of free Ca, (3) voltage-dependent Ca channel activity, and (4) cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels.

Results
Ovalbumin and muscarinic airway hyperreactivity was seen in ovalbumin-sensitized animals. Enlarged alveolar ducts/alveoli and lesser muscarinic hyperreactivity were observed in chronic cigarette-smoke animals. Although sevoflurane inhibited the acetylcholine-induced increase in total lung resistance in the control and ovalbumin-sensitized models, the anesthetic had a smaller effect in the chronic cigarette-smoking model. Similarly, in the chronic cigarette-smoking model, sevoflurane had a smaller inhibitory effect on carbachol-induced muscle contraction and increase in intracellular concentration of free Ca. Sevoflurane also had a smaller inhibitory effect on voltage-dependent Ca channel activity in the chronic cigarette-smoking group than in the other two groups. The sevoflurane-induced increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate that was seen in the control and ovalbumin-sensitized groups was significantly suppressed in the chronic cigarette-smoking group.

Conclusions
Although sevoflurane potently inhibited airway contractility in control and ovalbumin-sensitized models, the anesthetic had a smaller effect in a chronic cigarette-smoking model. The different inhibitory effects of sevoflurane on airway contractility depend, at least in part, on different effects on voltage-dependent Ca channel activity and cyclic adenosine monophosphate level.
Nerve Puncture and Apparent Intraneural Injection during Ultrasound-guided Axillary Block Does Not Invariably Result in Neurologic Injury
Authors: Bigeleisen Paul E. 
Published: September 2006

Background
Nerve puncture by the block needle and intraneural injection of local anesthetic are thought to be major risk factors leading to neurologic injury after peripheral nerve blocks. In this study, the author sought to determine the needle-nerve relation and location of the injectate during ultrasound-guided axillary plexus block.

Methods
Using ultrasound-guided axillary plexus block (10-MHz linear transducer, SonoSite, Bothel, WA; 22-gauge B-bevel needle, Becton Dickinson, Franklin Parks, NJ), the incidence of apparent nerve puncture and intraneural injection of local anesthetic was prospectively studied in 26 patients. To determine the onset, success rate, and any residual neurologic deficit, qualitative sensory and quantitative motor testing were performed before and 5 and 20 min after block placement. At a follow-up 6 months after the blocks, the patients were examined for any neurologic deficit.

Results
Twenty-two of 26 patients had nerve puncture of at least one nerve, and 21 of 26 patients had intraneural injection of at least one nerve. In the entire cohort, 72 of a total of 104 nerves had intraneural injection. Sensory and motor testing before and 6 months after the nerve injections were unchanged.

Conclusions
Under the conditions of this study, puncturing of the peripheral nerves and apparent intraneural injection during axillary plexus block did not lead to a neurologic injury.
Postoperative Analgesia after Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy
Authors: Gupta Anil , Fant Federica , Axelsson Kjell , Sandblom Dag , Rykowski Jan , Johansson Jan-Erik , Andersson Swen-Olof 
Published: September 2006

Background
Postoperative pain after radical retropubic prostatectomy can be severe unless adequately treated. Low thoracic epidural analgesia and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia were compared in this double-blind, randomized study.

Methods
Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive either low thoracic epidural analgesia (group E) or patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (group P) for postoperative pain relief. All patients had general anesthesia combined with thoracic epidural analgesia during the operation. Postoperatively, patients in group E received an infusion of 1 mg/ml ropivacaine, 2 microg/ml fentanyl, and 2 microg/ml adrenaline, 10 ml/h during 48 h epidurally, and a placebo patient-controlled intravenous analgesia pump intravenously. Patients in group P received a patient-controlled intravenous analgesia pump with morphine intravenously and 10 ml/h placebo epidurally. Pain, the primary outcome variable, was measured using the numeric rating scale at rest (incision pain and "deep" visceral pain) and on coughing. Secondary outcome variables included gastrointestinal function, respiratory function, mobilization, and full recovery. Health-related quality of life was measured using the Short Form-36 questionnaire, and plasma concentration of fentanyl was measured in five patients to exclude a systemic effect of fentanyl.

Results
Incisional pain and pain on coughing were lower in group E compared with group P at 2-24 h, as was deep pain between 3 and 24 h postoperatively (P < 0.05). Maximum expiratory pressure was greater in group E at 4 and 24 h (P < 0.05) compared with group P. No difference in time to home discharge was found between the groups. The mean plasma fentanyl concentration varied from 0.2 to 0.3 ng/ml during 0-48 h postoperatively. At 1 month, the scores on emotional role, physical functioning, and general health of the Short Form-36 were higher in group E compared with group P. However, no group x time interaction was found in the Short Form-36.

Conclusions
The authors found evidence for better pain relief and improved expiratory muscle function in patients receiving low thoracic epidural analgesia compared with patient-controlled analgesia for radical retropubic prostatectomy. Low thoracic epidural analgesia can be recommended as a good method for postoperative analgesia after abdominal surgery.
Niche breadth and geographical range: ecological compensation for geographical rarity in rainforest frogs
Authors: Williams Yvette M , Williams Stephen E , Alford Ross A , Waycott Michelle , Johnson Christopher N 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe investigated the relationship between diet specialization and geographical range inCophixalus, a genus of microhylid frogs from the Wet Tropics of northern Queensland, Australia. The geographical ranges of these species vary from a few square kilometres in species restricted to a single mountain top to the entire region for the widespread species. Although macroecological theory predicts that species with broad niches should have the largest geographical ranges, we found the opposite: geographically rare species were diet generalists and widespread species were diet specialists. We argue that this pattern is a product of extinction filtering, whereby geographically rare and therefore extinction-prone species are more likely to persist if they are diet generalists.
Anatomical basis for camouflaged polarized light communication in squid
Authors: Mäthger Lydia M , Hanlon Roger T 
Published: September 2006

AbstractCamouflage is a means to defeat visual detection by predators, whereas visual communication involves a signal that is conspicuous to a receiver (usually a conspecific). However, most intraspecific visual signals are also conspicuous to predators, so that signalling can lead to the serious consequence of predation. Could an animal achieve visual camouflage and simultaneously send a hidden visual message to a conspecific? Here, we present evidence that the polarized aspect of iridescent colour in squid skin is maintained after it passes through the overlying pigmented chromatophores, which produce the highly evolved—and dynamically changeable—camouflaged patterns in cephalopods. Since cephalopods are polarization sensitive, and can regulate polarization via skin iridescence, it is conceivable that they could send polarized signals to conspecifics while staying camouflaged to fish or mammalian predators, most of which are not polarization sensitive.
Low intensity, mixed livestock grazing improves the breeding abundance of a common insectivorous passerine
Authors: Evans Darren M , Redpath Stephen M , Evans Sharon A , Elston David A , Gardner Charles J , Dennis Peter , Pakeman Robin J 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Livestock grazing is a major driver of ecosystem change and has been associated with significant declines in various bird species in Britain and worldwide. However, there is little experimental evidence to show how grazing affects bird populations. We manipulated livestock densities in a replicated field experiment and found that mixed sheep and cattle grazing, at low intensity, improved the breeding abundance of a common upland passerine, the meadow pipit
Anthus pratensis
, after two years. Plots stocked with sheep alone (at high or low density) or not stocked at all held fewer pipit territories. Despite a year-on-year decline in pairs of meadow pipits in intensively grazed plots, we found no effect of sheep number on breeding abundance. Our results support the hypothesis that mixed species of herbivores generate greater heterogeneity in vegetation structure, which modifies prey availability, resulting in a greater abundance of birds. The results of our study should inform the management of grassland areas and enhance the abundance of some bird species, particularly in areas that have seen significant shifts from mixed livestock grazing to grazing dominated by single species of animals.
Electron-impact rotational excitation of : relevance for thermalization and dissociation dynamics
Authors: Faure Alexandre , Wiesenfeld Laurent , Valiron Pierre , Tennyson Jonathan 
Published: September 2006

Electrons are known to be efficient in rotationally exciting molecular ions in low-density astrophysical plasmas. Rotational excitation of molecular ions has also been shown to affect the measured values of dissociative recombination (DR) rate coefficients. Thus, electron collisions with

are expected to play a significant role in thermalization and dissociation dynamics of this ion, both in the laboratory and in space. Using the molecular

R

-matrix method combined with the adiabatic-nuclei-rotation approximation, we have computed new rate coefficients for the rotational excitation of

by electrons at temperatures from 10 to 10 000 K. De-excitation rates are found to amount to a few 10
−7
cm
3
s
−1
below 1000 K, i.e. comparable in magnitude to that of DR. In astrophysical environments where the electron fraction exceeds 10
−4
, electron collisions are thus expected to contribute to the non-thermal rotational distribution of

. The competition between electron and neutral collisions is discussed in the context of recent observations of

towards Galactic centre sources.
in the diffuse interstellar medium
Authors: Liszt Harvey S 
Published: September 2006

Three forms of solely hydrogen-bearing molecules—H
2
, HD and

—are observed in diffuse or optically transparent interstellar clouds. Although no comprehensive theory exists for the diffuse interstellar medium or its chemistry, the abundances of these species can generally be accommodated locally within the existing static equilibrium frameworks for heating/cooling, H
2
-formation on large grains, etc. with one modification demanded equally by observations of HD and

, i.e. a pervasive low-level source of H and H
2
ionization
ca
10 times faster than the usual cosmic ray ionization rate
ζ
H
≈10
−17
s
−1
per free H-atom.

We discuss this situation with reference to observation and time-dependent modelling of H
2
and

formation. While not wishing to appear ungrateful for the success of what are very simplistic notions of the interstellar medium, we point out several reasons not to feel smug. The equilibrium conditions which foster high H
2
and

abundances are very slow to appear and these same simple ideas of static equilibrium cannot explain any, but a few, of the simplest of the trace species, which are ubiquitously embedded in H
2
-bearing diffuse gases.
A family with hereditary thrombocythaemia and normal genes for thrombopoietin and c‐Mpl
Authors: Tecuceanu N. , Dardik R. , Rabizadeh E. , Raanani P. , Inbal A. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryHereditary thrombocythaemia (HT) is an inherited autosomal dominant disorder. Recent studies reported six different mutations, four within the thrombopoietin (TPO) gene and two within c‐Mpl (TPO receptor) gene in six unrelated families with HT. This study investigated the molecular basis of hereditary thrombocythaemia in an Israeli‐Jewish family. We screened the genes for TPO and c‐Mpl by amplification and sequencing of all the corresponding exons including exon/intron boundaries and promoters. In addition, plasma levels of TPO and erythropoietin (EPO) were measured. No abnormality in the TPO/c‐Mpl genes has been identified in affected HT family members. Plasma TPO and EPO levels were found to be normal/low or normal respectively in the individuals affected. In conclusion, lack of a molecular lesion within either TPO or cMpl genes indicate that HT may be caused by factors other than TPO‐cMpl axis in this family.
Severe mucositis is associated with reduced survival after autologous stem cell transplantation for lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Fanning S. R. , Rybicki L. , Kalaycio M. , Andresen S. , Kuczkowski E. , Pohlman B. , Sobecks R. , Sweetenham J. , Bolwell B. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryMucositis is a known complication of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). This study retrospectively reviewed 191 patients with lymphoid malignancies undergoing ASCT following a uniform mobilising regimen of etoposide (VP‐16)/granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor and a uniform high‐dose preparative regimen of busulfan/cyclophosphamide/VP‐16. Eighty‐seven patients experienced severe mucositis (modified Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale ≥1). Patient characteristics compared between mucositis groups were balanced according to disease status, prior exposure to radiation therapy, time from radiation therapy and actual body weight. Log‐rank analysis revealed that severe mucositis was associated with inferior overall survival (P = 0·002). A 12‐month landmark analysis showed this difference in survival occurred within 1 year post‐transplant. Multivariate analysis of all‐cause mortality showed lower pretransplant albumin and severe mucositis to be significant risk factors. Multivariate analysis for relapse mortality revealed severe mucositis to be a risk factor (P = 0·047), while lower pretransplant albumin was significant for non‐relapse mortality (NRM; P = 0·009). Kaplan–Meier estimates of survival based on relapse and NRM were significantly worse for patients with severe mucositis. Reduced pretransplant forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and carbon monoxide (CO) diffusing capacity (DLCO) were also associated with severe mucositis. Our data suggest that studies of new treatment strategies for mucositis should include relapse and survival endpoints and that pretransplant factors, such as FEV1 and DLCO may be useful to risk‐stratify patients entered onto such trials.
Reconstitution of the T‐cell repertoire following treatment with alemtuzumab (anti‐CD52 monoclonal antibody) in patients with B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Rezvany Mohammad Reza , Tehrani Mahmood Jeddi , Karlsson Claes , Lundin Jeanette , Rabbani Hodjattallah , Österborg Anders , Mellstedt Håkan 
Published: September 2006

SummaryIn this pilot study, T‐cell receptor B‐variable (TCR‐BV) gene usage in CD4 and CD8 T cells was assessed, by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, as well as complementarity‐determining region 3 (CDR3)‐length polymorphism, before and after therapy in five patients with B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia who received alemtuzumab (anti‐CD52 monoclonal antibody) as first‐line therapy. A decline in expression of most BV family genes in both CD4 and CD8 T cells was observed after alemtuzumab treatment, which was followed by a gradual increase in most BV families during long‐term follow‐up. After treatment, CDR3‐length polymorphism showed an even more restricted pattern in CD4 T cells compared with pretreatment, with a shift towards a monoclonal/oligoclonal pattern. The clonally restricted pattern was significantly reduced in CD4 (P < 0·01) but not in CD8 T cells. This was followed by a gradual increase in the number of peaks within the CDR3 region of the different TCR‐BV families, i.e. a polyclonal repertoire, during long‐term follow‐up. A restricted CDR3 pattern became even more restricted after treatment, but normalised during unmaintained follow‐up. These results indicate that perturbations in the T‐cell alterations following alemtuzumab are complex and include not only changes in CD4/CD8 T‐cell numbers but also a highly restricted T‐cell repertoire especially in CD4 T cells.
Multiple myeloma patients with CKS1B gene amplification have a shorter progression‐free survival post‐autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Chang Hong , Qi Xiaoying , Trieu Young , Xu Wei , Reader Jocelyn C. , Ning Yi , Reece Donna 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe prevalence and prognostic relevance of recurrent gains of CKS1B (cyclin kinase subunit 1B) gene at chromosome 1q21 region was investigated by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridisation in a cohort of 99 multiple myeloma (MM) patients treated with intensive chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. CKS1B amplification (3–8 CKS1B signals) was detected in 31of 99 (31%) patients and was associated with deletions of p53 (P = 0·003) and 13q (P = 0·039) but not with translocation t(11;14) or t(4;14). CKS1B amplification was associated with bone marrow plasmacytosis (P = 0·02), but there was no correlation with patient age, gender, disease stage, lytic bone lesions, albumin, creatinine, C‐reactive protein or beta‐2 microglobulin levels. Patients with CKS1B amplification had a significantly shorter progression‐free survival than those without such amplification (18·5 vs. 25·7 months, P = 0·035). Likewise, a shorter overall survival (44·8 months vs. not reached) was observed; however, the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0·20). Seven patients had paired bone marrows obtained at diagnosis and at relapse, the percentage of cells with CKS1B amplification and the level of amplification were significantly increased in the relapse marrows. In this cohort of patients, CKS1B was frequently amplified in MM and may represent genetic instability associated with disease progression.
The role of nitrogen in promoting the toxic cyanophyte Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii in a subtropical water reservoir
Authors: BURFORD MICHELE A. , MCNEALE KAREN L. , MCKENZIE‐SMITH FIONA J. 
Published: September 2006

Summary1. The relative contribution of dissolved and atmospheric nitrogen to promoting dominance of the toxic nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii was examined in a subtropical water reservoir, North Pine Reservoir.2. A combination of process studies in situ and analysis of historical water quality data suggests that nitrogen fixation was not the principal mechanism for acquiring nitrogen and unlikely to be the mechanism whereby C. raciborskii gains a competitive advantage. Ammonium was the preferred nitrogen source, followed by nitrate then nitrogen fixation.3. Ammonium uptake rates in the euphotic zone were higher in the summer and autumn months compared with winter and spring coinciding with lower ammonium concentrations. Nitrate uptake rates did not appear to vary seasonally and were lower than those for ammonium in the summer, but similar in winter. Nitrate concentrations were higher in winter than summer and generally higher than ammonium concentrations.4. Ammonium and nitrate uptake rates were similar at light intensities between 10% and 100% of surface light, contrasting with primary productivity which peaked between about 10 to 20% of surface light. Thus the phytoplankton population was adapted to low light conditions but remained able to utilise dissolved inorganic nitrogen over a wide range of light conditions.5. The ammonium pool in the surface waters was relatively small compared with the phytoplankton uptake rates, and ammonium must therefore be rapidly recycled through the food web over periods of less than 1 h. Short‐term depletion may result, during which time the higher concentrations of nitrate are likely to provide a supplementary supply of nitrogen.6. The dominance of C. raciborskii in this reservoir is more likely to be due to a superior ability to scavenge and store the low concentrations of phosphate, and a superior adaptation to the low light conditions exacerbated by artificial mixing.