bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remifentanil, fentanyl, and alfentanil have no influence on the respiratory burst of human neutrophils in vitro
Authors: Jaeger K. , Scheinichen D. , Heine J. , André M. , Bund M. , Piepenbrock S. , Leuwer M. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Anaesthetic agents inhibit certain functions of human neutrophils. The respiratory burst (RB) enzyme in the plasma membrane of neutrophils leads to the production of superoxide anion. The oxygen radicals are responsible for killing phagocytised micro‐organisms. We investigated the in vitro influence of remifentanil, fentanyl, and alfentanil on the respiratory burst of human neutrophils.Methods: For the flow‐cytometric evaluation, leukocytes were obtained as supernatant following sedimentation and were incubated with the tested drugs. The concentrations in vitro were adjusted to conform to the plasma concentrations reported for anaesthesia and also to 10‐fold higher concentrations. The RB was measured by intracellular oxidation of dihydrorhodamine to fluorescent rhodamine after induction of phorbol‐myristate‐acetate (PMA), Escherichia coli (E. coli) or priming by tumour necrosis factor alpha followed by stimulation of n‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (TNF‐α/FMLP). In order to exclude prestimulation of the neutrophil granulocytes, negative controls were carried out. Propidium iodide (PI) was added for viability discrimination immediately prior to flow cytometry measurement.Results: Regardless of the triggering agents chosen (PMA, E. coli, TNF‐α/FMLP), remifentanil, fentanyl, and alfentanil had no significant effect on the neutrophils' respiratory burst even in concentrations which were higher than those encountered during in vivo conditions.Conclusion: With respect to peri‐ and postoperative risk of infection, anaesthetics and analgetics with no inhibiting effect on neutrophil function should be used. These results show that remifentanil, fentanyl, and alfentanil do not influence the neutrophils' respiratory burst in vitro.
Haemodynamic heterogeneity and treatment with the calcium channel blocker nicardipine during phaeochromocytoma surgery
Authors: Colson P. , Ryckwaert F. , Ribstein J. , Mann C. , Dareau S. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Favourable outcome of phaeochromocytoma surgery requires that paroxysmal hypertension and arrhythmia be controlled, and that hypotension be prevented. Is nicardipine, a calcium channel blocking drug, always adequate?Methods: Nineteen consecutive patients underwent surgery for phaeochromocytoma. Management was standardised with regards to anaesthesia and antihypertensive treatment. Nicardipine was used as a vasodilator and was given in order to maintain systemic vascular resistance lower than 1600 dyn · s · cm−5.Results: Hypertension did not occur at any time during surgery in 6/19 patients. Blood pressure rose acutely in 3/19 patients at the time of tracheal intubation or surgical approach to the tumour, and was controlled by increased depth of anaesthesia. Hypertensive episodes occurred in 11/19 patients during tumour manipulation. Nicardipine always succeeded in maintaining low systemic vascular resistance but its dosage varied widely between patients (0.5 to 70 mg), a fact that may be accounted for by the striking intersubject variability of haemodynamic behaviour during surgery. In 7/11 patients, despite nicardipine treatment, sustained increase in blood pressure persisted with increased cardiac index, but low systemic vascular resistance. Following tumour removal, transient serious hypotension (MAP <60 mmHg) occurred in 4 patients, and was corrected by fluid volume expansion. Perioperative incidence of hypertension or hypotension was not related to preoperative clinical status.Conclusion: Adequate management of patients operated upon for phaeochromocytoma requires invasive monitoring, since the mechanisms underlying hypertensive crises are heterogeneous with regards to systemic vascular resistance and not predictable from preoperative data. Nicardipine provides a good control of vasoconstriction during phaeochromocytoma surgery with limited risk of serious hypotension after tumour removal.
Severe pneumothorax after intercostal nerve blockade: A case report
Authors: Holzer A. , Kapral S. , Hellwagner K. , Eisenmenger‐Pelucha A. , Preis C. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Intercostal nerve blockade is recognized as an efficient and safe regional anesthetic technique. Although an appropriate technique was applied, we report a severe pneumothorax associated with this type of regional anesthesia.Methods: A 57‐year‐old female patient underwent block of intercostal nerves 3 to 8 for interstitial radiotherapy of the left breast in the sitting position. Calcified residual foci in the right upper lobe from a previous primary infection of tuberculosis were diagnosed by preoperative x‐ray. After completion of the blocks in the midline of the axilla, the patient complained of pain between the scapulas, developed severe dyspnea and panic, and felt as if her life was in jeopardy. A severe pneumothorax was diagnosed and a chest tube was placed. After the application of the chest tube, the patient recovered quickly.Conclusion: Extra caution should be used in applying this procedure to patients with underlying chronic lung disease, especially on the opposite side. Our case demonstrates that in all patients undergoing intercostal nerve blockade preference should be given to the approach at the dorsal angulation of the rib in the lateral or prone position due to its lower risk of pneumothorax.
Ultramicrocells form by reductive division in macroscopic Pseudomonas aerial structures
Authors: Lee Kyoung , Veeranagouda Yaligara 
Published: January 2009

SummaryBacterial aerial growth with reductive cellular division and morphological development has not been reported from single‐cell bacteria. Here we show that within 1 month of incubation in vaporized p‐cresol, Pseudomonas sp. KL28 form shiny, highly branched specialized aerial structures of millimetre‐scale diameter. The developmental process displayed spatially and temporally distinct stages; an initial sphere stage was followed by ramification, which led to highly branched tip formation. In this morphogenesis process, the extracellular matrix (ECM) played an important role for maintaining the integrity of sectional populations and the boundaries between adjacent sectors. In addition, cellular division, lysis and migration within the aerial structures were also accompanied. During prolonged incubation, clusters of short‐rod cells covered by an outer layer of thick ECM underwent reductive transformation and then replicative reductive division to form oval ultramicrocells of < 0.4 μm in diameter. In addition, the aerial structures protected these rather fragile cells from desiccation and served as a selection pressure for wrinkly, spreading cell variants. The formation of aerial structures is affected positively and negatively by a GacA regulator and RpoS, respectively, and is linked to other phenotypes. Our results demonstrate that Pseudomonas has an ecological adaptation to form mushroom‐like aerial structures, which can be a tool for studying cell–cell interactions and bacterial development.
Breed predisposition to congenital alacrima in dogs
Authors: Westermeyer Hans D. , Ward Daniel A. , Abrams Kenneth 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective  To evaluate the clinical characteristics and breed predisposition of congenital alacrima in dogs.Animals studied  Dogs with congenital keratoconjunctivitis sicca.Procedures  A search of the medical records of the University of Tennessee Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1974–2005 and the University of California–Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1986–2006 for dogs under 1 year of age with a diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) was performed. These cases were further reviewed for dogs with a Schirmer's tear test I of ≤ 5 mm/min before 6 months of age, with no known causes for KCS, which did not respond to appropriate KCS therapy; these cases were considered to have congenital alacrima. These breeds were compared to all other breeds using the Fisher's exact test with correction for multiple comparisons.Results  Congenital alacrima was identified in 19 dogs representing 11 breeds and mixed breeds. Yorkshire Terriers and Bedlington Terriers were statistically overrepresented compared to reference populations (P < 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively).Conclusions  Yorkshire terriers are significantly at risk for congenital alacrima compared to other breeds. The significance of the increase in congenital alacrima in Bedlington Terriers in this study may not be clinically relevant and may be due to the small total number of dogs of this breed that presented to the both hospitals. Based on the poor response to therapy in humans with congenital alacrima, it may be prudent to offer guarded prognoses for KCS in juvenile Yorkshire terriers.
Comparison of capsular opacification and refractive status after placement of three different intraocular lens implants following phacoemulsification and aspiration of cataracts in dogs
Authors: Gift Barrett W. , English Robert V. , Nadelstein Brad , Weigt Anne K. , Gilger Brian C. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective To evaluate the effect of lens design and biomaterial on formation of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and refractive correction.Animals studied Sixty dogs undergoing bilateral phacoemulsification for mature or diabetic cataracts.Procedures One randomly selected eye received a rounded edge 41D polymethyl‐methacrylate (PMMA) intraocular replacement lens (IOL) and the contralateral eye received either a squared edge 41D hydrophilic acrylic IOL (n = 35) or a squared edge 40D hydrophobic acrylic IOL (n = 25). At the (mean = 79 day) reexamination period, PCO was graded using direct slit‐lamp observation and by masked observer evaluation of digital images of the IOLs. Streak retinoscopy and B‐mode ultrasound were performed at this period.Results The PCO score via direct slit‐lamp was significantly lower for the hydrophilic acrylic IOL when compared to the PMMA IOL. Masked observer evaluation of digital images revealed that the acrylic IOLs had lower but generally not statistically significant PCO scores than the PMMA IOLs. Streak retinoscopy showed that the PMMA IOL was significantly closer to emmetropia (+0.44 D) when compared to either the hydrophilic acrylic (+0.96 D) or the hydrophobic acrylic (+1.2 D) IOLs. B‐mode ultrasonography revealed the center of the hydrophilic acrylic IOL is 0.31 mm closer to the retina and the center of the hydrophobic acrylic IOL is 0.63 mm further from the retina when compared to the center of the PMMA to retina distance.Conclusions Square edged foldable acrylic IOLs show a predisposition towards generating slightly less PCO than round edged PMMA IOLs in the early postoperative period, however, both acrylic IOLs had greater persistent hyperopia than the PMMA IOLs.
Anti‐inflammatory effects of topical supernatant from human amniotic membrane cell culture on canine deep corneal ulcer after human amniotic membrane transplantation
Authors: Wichayacoop Tasavarin , Briksawan Pasakorn , Tuntivanich Pranee , Yibchok‐anun Sirintorn 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the effect of topically applied human amniotic epithelial cell (HAEC) culture supernatant on corneal inflammatory reaction in dogs. Twenty‐five dogs were randomly assigned into five groups. The control group consisted of five dogs with normal cornea. Inductions of corneal ulcers were performed using 0.45 cm trephine and human amniotic membrane was transplanted in 20 dogs. These 20 dogs were assigned into four treatment groups: topical antibiotic, topical corticosteroid, topical mock media and topical culture supernatant from HAEC, respectively. Administrations of the testing agents started at 24 h (h) after transplantation four times daily for nine consecutive days. Tears were collected before an operation 24 h after transplantation, but before application of the testing agents on consecutive odd days following transplantation. The concentrations of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and nitric oxide (NO) in tear fluid were measured using canine IL‐1β ELISA kit and Griess assay, respectively. Our analysis indicates that elevations of IL‐1β and NO concentrations are associated with inflammatory conditions in the eyes. Corticosteroid, a reference anti‐inflammatory drug, and the culture supernatant from HAEC significantly decreased IL‐1β and NO concentrations. In addition, the clinical signs such as conjunctivitis and neovascularization were decreased in both topical corticosteroid and supernatant from HAEC treated groups. Mock and antibiotic solutions failed to decrease NO and IL‐1β concentrations. In conclusion, topical application of the culture supernatant from HAEC alleviated inflammation in induced‐corneal ulcer of dogs, possibly via inhibition of IL‐1β and NO production.
Effect of bovine freeze‐dried amniotic membrane (Amnisite‐BA™) on uncomplicated canine corneal erosion
Authors: Kim Joon Young , Choi Young Min , Jeong Soon Wuk , Williams David L 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective   To evaluate the effectiveness of bovine freeze‐dried amniotic membrane (FD‐AM) (Amnisite‐BA™) in the surgical treatment of corneal ulceration in dogs.Animals studied   Eight normal Shih‐tzu dogs.Procedures   The corneas of 16 eyes were scored with an 8.0‐mm trephine under general anesthetic and 100% ethanol was applied to remove a standardized button of corneal epithelium. The eyes were treated as described below and the corneas were evaluated 48 h later. The dogs were divided into four treatment groups: (i) control, (ii) amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT), (iii) nictitating membrane flap and (iv) contact lens. The proportion of the corneal wound that healed was calculated and all eyes were enucleated. Histological sections of cornea were assessed with the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) assay.Results   The proportion of corneas healed in the different treatment groups was (i) 38.02%, (ii) 89.15%, (iii) 52.31%, and (iv) 60.56%. Epithelial healing was significantly increased in the AMT group (ii) (P = 0.001) while groups (iii) and (iv) were not significantly different from the control group (P = 0.537 and P = 0.198, respectively). The number of PCNA positive cells was (i) 275.00, (ii) 740.50, (iii) 285.75 and (iv) 420.59, these varying compared with the control group with statistical significance of (ii) P = 0.002, (iii) P = 0.999, and (iv) P = 0.467. The greatest healing rate and epithelial cell proliferation was achieved with AMT compared to the other treatment regimes.Conclusions  The results of this study show that FD‐AM transplantation is an effective treatment for enhancing canine corneal wound healing and suggest that the approach will provide superior results compared to conventional treatments for the condition.
Aspergillus flavuskeratomycosis in a cat treated with topical 1% voriconazole solution
Authors: Labelle Amber L. , Hamor Ralph E. , Barger Anne M. , Maddox Carol W. , Breaux Carrie B. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAn 8‐year‐old male castrated Domestic Short‐haired cat was examined for a 1‐week history of blepharospasm and mucoid ocular discharge OS. Examination revealed ulcerative keratitis with stromal loss, stromal infiltrate, corneal edema, perilimbal vascularization and miosis. Cytology of the cornea revealed multiple dichotomously branching, septate fungal hyphae and severe, predominantly neutrophilic inflammation. PCR of the cytology samples confirmed the presence ofAspergillus flavuswhile fungal and bacterial cultures were negative. Treatment with topical 1% voriconazole solution was successful in resolving the keratomycosis.
Conjunctival xanthoma in a blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna)
Authors: Souza Marcy J. , Johnstone‐McLean Nancy S. , Ward Daniel , Newkirk Kimberly 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA 17‐year‐old female blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna) presented for evaluation of a discreet, conjunctival mass of the OD. No other abnormalities were found on ophthalmic or physical examination. A heterophilic leukocytosis was present on the complete blood count, and elevated aspartate aminotransferase activity, creatinine kinase activity and cholesterol were present on the plasma biochemistry panel. Surgical removal of the mass was complete and no recurrence has occurred by six months after excision. Reduction of dietary fats was recommended to reduce serum cholesterol levels and reduce the likelihood of future occurrence of xanthomas in this bird.
Keratoconjunctivitis associated withToxoplasma gondiiin a dog
Authors: Swinger Robert L. , Schmidt, Jr. Karl A. , Dubielzig Richard R. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA 12‐year‐old Pug presented with a 3‐mm corneal mass OD. The dog was currently being treated for keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and pigmentary keratitis OU. A superficial keratectomy followed by cryotherapy was performed OD. A histopathologic diagnosis of epithelial dysplasia and suppurative keratitis was made and the lesion resolved. Two months later, a yellow/tan conjunctival mass, diffuse chemosis and conjunctival thickening was discovered OD. Necrotizing conjunctivitis with protozoal parasites was diagnosed with histopathology. Complete blood count and a serum biochemistry panel were normal.Neospora caninumandToxoplasma gondiititers were negative. The conjunctivitis resolved after a 6‐week course of oral clindamycin. Two months later, the patient presented with a similar conjunctival mass OS.Toxoplasma gondiiwas confirmed as the etiologic agent with immunohistochemical staining. RepeatT. gondiititers were negative. Oral clindamycin was re‐instituted. The corneal biopsy was re‐reviewed and protozoal organisms were discovered. Three months later, a recurrence was suspected and oral ponazuril was initiated for 28 days. There has been no evidence of recurrence since this treatment. Ocular toxoplasmosis is rare in the dog but reports have included episcleritis, scleritis, retinitis, anterior uveitis, ciliary epithelium hyperplasia, optic neuritis and polymyositis. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed report of toxoplasmosis causing only corneal and conjunctival disease in the dog. We hypothesize that these localized lesions may be associated with topical immunomodulating therapy for KCS. Toxoplasmosis should be considered as a differential for canine conjunctivitis and corneal disease and has the potential to manifest in one or both eyes.
Contention and Ambiguity: Mining and the Possibilities of Development
Authors: Bebbington Anthony , Hinojosa Leonith , Bebbington Denise Humphreys , Burneo Maria Luisa , Warnaars Ximena 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe last decade and a half has witnessed a dramatic growth in mining activity in many developing countries. This article reviews these recent trends and describes the debates and conflicts they have triggered. The authors review evidence regarding debates on the resource curse and the possibility of an extraction‐led pathway to development. They then describe the different types of resistance and social mobilization that have greeted mineral expansion at a range of geographical scales, and consider how far these protests have changed the relationships between mining and political economic change. The conclusions address how far such protests might contribute to an ‘escape’ from the resource curse, and consider implications for research and policy agendas.
Reflections on Latin American Rural Studies in the Neoliberal Globalization Period: A New Rurality?
Authors: Kay Cristóbal 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThis article explores the emergence over the last decade of a new approach to rural development studies in Latin America known as the ‘new rurality’. The various interpretations and ambiguities of this approach as well as the ensuing debates are discussed. Analysis focuses on four major transformations in the rural economy and society which are usually highlighted by the ‘new ruralists’. These changes are interpreted as arising from the region's neoliberal shift and its closer insertion into the global system. A novel distinction is made between reformist and communitarian proposals for a new rurality. The merits as well as the limitations of this new approach to rural studies are examined.
Transnational Labour Campaigns: Can the Logic of the Market Be Turned Against Itself?
Authors: Seidman Gay 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTMany discussions of how to improve working conditions around the world — especially in poor and developing regions — suggest that transnational activists could ‘name and shame’ employers, using independent monitors and the threat of consumer boycotts to push international brands to monitor conditions in their suppliers around the world. Drawing on a comparative study of independent monitoring in South Africa, India and Guatemala, this article suggests that ‘voluntary’ monitoring systems may have limited impact, as non‐governmental groups involved in monitoring discover they are dependent on employers for access to worksites and for funding. Further, in focusing on issues that will attract international consumer attention, independent monitoring schemes may weaken local workers' ability to bargain on their own behalf.
The Global Expansion of SRI: Facing Challenges, Meeting Potential
Authors: Umlas Elizabeth 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTSocially responsible investment (SRI) has long been a strategy for aligning values with investing, through the incorporation of environmental, social and corporate governance factors into investment decision making. Until recently, it has been considered a niche market, and is well developed in only a few countries. Yet SRI seems poised to expand greatly, as mainstream investors look to it with increasing interest, and investors in both the global north and south begin to apply SRI concepts in developing country markets. SRI is under significant pressure from these developments, which could dilute its strengths and hamper its ability to harness investment for social change. This article argues that there are several sources of relatively untapped potential that SRI can and must exploit, not only to survive these challenges and address its own weaknesses, but to succeed in changing corporate behaviour. Given growing concern about the impact of corporations on society in a globalizing world, and given SRI's potential role in influencing this impact, developing countries should be particularly interested in how SRI fares in the coming years.
Root Metaphor in the Old and New Industrial Relations
Authors: Dunn Stephen 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTWhy have academic concerns and priorities within the old industrial relations paradigm seemingly wilted before the ideas of a new, more business oriented paradigm? I suggest that the answer lies partly in the relative appeal of their respective root metaphors. The metaphor of the old tends to be closed, static and pessimistic — industrial relations as trench war. The new offers a more hopeful, essentially American pioneering metaphor that conveys challenge and progress and makes a fetish of change. However, while I accept the inevitability of metaphorical devices in disseminating and even generating ideas in social science, the article warns against being seduced by the attractiveness of the metaphor rather than the robustness of the idea.