bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combination of Ca2+‐activated K+ channel blockers inhibits acetylcholine‐evoked nitric oxide release in rat superior mesenteric artery
Authors: Stankevičius E , Lopez‐Valverde V , Rivera L , Hughes A D , Mulvany M J , Simonsen Ulf 
Published: September 2006

Background and purpose:The present study investigated whether calcium‐activated K+ channels are involved in acetylcholine‐evoked nitric oxide (NO) release and relaxation.Experimental approach:Simultaneous measurements of NO concentration and relaxation were performed in rat superior mesenteric artery and endothelial cell membrane potential and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) were measured.Key results.A combination of apamin plus charybotoxin, which are, respectively, blockers of small‐conductance and of intermediate‐ and large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K channels abolished acetylcholine (10 μM)‐evoked hyperpolarization of endothelial cell membrane potential. Acetylcholine‐evoked NO release was reduced by 68% in high K+ (80 mM) and by 85% in the presence of apamin plus charybdotoxin. In noradrenaline‐contracted arteries, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an inhibitor of NO synthase inhibited acetylcholine‐evoked NO release and relaxation. However, only further addition of oxyhaemoglobin or apamin plus charybdotoxin eliminated the residual acetylcholine‐evoked NO release and relaxation. Removal of extracellular calcium or an inhibitor of calcium influx channels, SKF96365, abolished acetylcholine‐evoked increase in NO concentration and [Ca2+]i. Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, 30 μM), an inhibitor of sarcoplasmic Ca2+‐ATPase, caused a sustained NO release in the presence, but only a transient increase in the absence, of extracellular calcium. Incubation with apamin and charybdotoxin did not change acetylcholine or CPA‐induced increases in [Ca2+]i, but inhibited the sustained NO release induced by CPA.Conclusions and Implications:Acetylcholine increases endothelial cell [Ca2+]i by release of stored calcium and calcium influx resulting in activation of apamin and charybdotoxin‐sensitive K channels, hyperpolarization and release of NO in the rat superior mesenteric artery.British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 149, 560–572. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706886
Mouse Emi2 is required to enter meiosis II by reestablishing cyclin B1 during interkinesis
Authors: Madgwick Suzanne , Hansen David V. , Levasseur Mark , Jackson Peter K. , Jones Keith T. 
Published: September 2006

During interkinesis, a metaphase II (MetII) spindle is built immediately after the completion of meiosis I. Oocytes then remain MetII arrested until fertilization. In mouse, we find that early mitotic inhibitor 2 (Emi2), which is an anaphase-promoting complex inhibitor, is involved in both the establishment and the maintenance of MetII arrest. In MetII oocytes, Emi2 needs to be degraded for oocytes to exit meiosis, and such degradation, as visualized by fluorescent protein tagging, occurred tens of minutes ahead of cyclin B1.
Emi2 antisense morpholino knockdown during oocyte maturation did not affect polar body (PB) extrusion. However, in interkinesis the central spindle microtubules from meiosis I persisted for a short time, and a MetII spindle failed to assemble. The chromatin in the oocyte quickly decondensed and a nucleus formed. All of these effects were caused by the essential role of Emi2 in stabilizing cyclin B1 after the first PB extrusion because in Emi2 knockdown oocytes a MetII spindle was recovered by Emi2 rescue or by expression of nondegradable cyclin B1 after meiosis I.
An observational study of practice during transfer of patients from anaesthetic room to operating theatre*
Authors: Broom M. A. , Slater J. , Ure D. S. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryWe observed practice during transfer of 80 patients from anaesthetic room to operating theatre, to determine the duration of apnoea and the time without monitoring during the transfer process. Median (IQR [range]) time from disconnection of the breathing system in the anaesthetic room to the first breath in theatre was 54 (44–65 [27–196]) s, and from disconnection of the pulse oximetry probe to the first reading in theatre was 90 (74–103 [44–182]) s. In four patients (5%) arterial oxygen saturation fell to 94%, with the greatest desaturation observed 11%. The transfer process may represent a window of opportunity for the occurrence of harm or the first step in a chain of events leading to harm, and is difficult to justify on patient safety grounds.
Peri‐operative trans‐oesophageal echocardiography and nitric oxide during general anaesthesia in a patient with Eisenmenger's syndrome
Authors: Bouch D. C. , Allsager C. M. , Moore N. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryWe describe the peri‐operative care of a patient with Eisenmenger's syndrome presenting for laparotomy. These patients require techniques to prevent the potential increase in intracardiac shunt caused by anaesthesia, by minimising increases in pulmonary artery pressure and reductions in systemic vascular resistance. The successful use of combined epidural and general anaesthesia with elective use of inhaled nitric oxide as a pulmonary vasodilator, and intra‐operative trans‐oesophageal echocardiography is described.
Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies and anaesthesia: peri‐operative nerve injury
Authors: Wijayasiri L. , Batas D. , Quiney N. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryA 43‐year‐old female with carcinoma of the left breast underwent wide local excision of the tumour and sentinel lymph node biopsy under general anaesthesia. Three lymph nodes were removed uneventfully during the operation. Postoperatively, the patient complained of weakness and decreased sensation of her left arm. A diagnosis of peri‐operative neuropraxia was made. This resolved completely over the following 4 weeks. Genetic testing confirmed a diagnosis of hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies.
Touch sensitivity with sterile standard surgical gloves and single‐use protective gloves
Authors: Tiefenthaler W. , Gimpl S. , Wechselberger G. , Benzer A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate touch sensitivity and static two‐point discrimination of the dominant index and middle finger in 20 anaesthetists wearing no gloves, single‐use protective gloves or sterile standard surgical gloves. Semmes‐Weinstein filaments were used to measure cutaneous pressure thresholds, and a Two‐Point‐Discriminator to estimate static two‐point discrimination. Wearing gloves significantly reduced touch sensitivity (p < 0.01), but not two‐point discrimination. No difference in touch sensitivity or two‐point discrimination was found between different types of gloves. The results of our study suggest that the additional cost of sterile standard surgical gloves can not be justified in terms of touch sensitivity.
A national survey of intensive care follow‐up clinics
Authors: Griffiths J. A. , Barber V. S. , Cuthbertson B. H. , Young J. D. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryIntensive care follow‐up clinics allow extended review of survivors of critical illness. However, the current provision of intensive care follow‐up clinics in the UK is unknown. We performed a survey of intensive care follow‐up clinic practice in the UK. A questionnaire was sent to 298 intensive care units in the UK to determine the number of follow‐up clinics and details of current follow‐up practice. Responses were received from 266 intensive care units, an 89% response rate. Eighty units (30%) ran a follow‐up clinic. Only 47 (59%) of these clinics were funded. Of those intensive care units without a follow‐up clinic, 158 (88%) cited ‘financial constraints’ as the reason. Over half of the follow‐up clinics (44 clinics, 55%) were nurse‐led, and the majority (56 clinics, 77%) only routinely review patients treated on the intensive care unit for 3 or 4 days or longer. Nearly half of the follow‐up clinics (39 clinics, 49%) have pre‐negotiated access to at least one other out‐patient service.
Target ranges and the apparent compliance with tight glycaemic control
Authors: Bone E. G. , Young D. , Chantler J. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryWe performed a retrospective audit of blood glucose control after introducing a new protocol for insulin infusion. The audit showed a sustained reduction in the median blood glucose, which decreased from 7.0 to 6.8 mmol.l−1, primarily because of a reduction in the proportion of values above 6 mmol.l−1. When we examined the proportion of readings with previously published ‘acceptable’ ranges we found that small, probably clinically insignificant, changes in the accepted range have a major effect on apparent compliance with glycaemic control. This is because a large number of results fall within a narrow range of values. As a result there is a nearly 2.5‐fold difference in compliance for a change in the upper limit of the target range of just 2.2 mmol.l−1. Different target ranges have been recommended for tight glycaemic control. When comparing compliance with tight glycaemic control between intensive care units, target ranges should be identical.
The MLL partial tandem duplication in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Basecke Jorg , Whelan Jarrett T. , Griesinger Frank , Bertrand Fred E. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryMixed lineage leukaemia gene‐partial tandem duplications (MLL‐PTD) characterise acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with trisomy 11 and AML with a normal karyotype. MLL‐PTD confer a worse prognosis with shortened overall and event free survival in childhood and adult AML. In spite of these clinical observations, the leukaemogenic mechanism has, so far, not been determined. This review summarises clinical studies on MLL‐PTD positive AML and recent experimental findings on the putative leukaemogenic role of MLL‐PTD.
Harsh summer conditions caused structural and specific functional changes of microbial communities in an arable soil
Authors: Levy W. , Radl V. , Ruth B. , Schmid M. , Munch J. C. , Schroll R. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe mineralization of the herbicide 3‐(4‐isopropylphenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea (isoproturon) was reduced after the dry and hot summer 2003 in a soil profile placed in a field lysimeter. A different isoproturon mineralization pattern remained in soil material taken at two different soil depths (0–5 cm and 15–20 cm), although soil material was re‐equilibrated at adequate climatic conditions. Special soil microcosms were designed to determine if the changes in this special soil function ‘isoproturon mineralization’ were related to the climatic scenario of summer 2003. These microcosms were filled with lysimeter soil from the 15–20 cm depth and the temperature and dryness of summer 2003 were simulated. Afterwards, soil samples were taken from the microcosms and re‐equilibrated under controlled conditions for 4 weeks. Subsequently, isoproturon mineralization was investigated. The soil microbial community reduced drastically its original capability of isoproturon mineralization in the course of the model experiments.Analysis of 16S‐rRNA by denaturing gel gradient electrophoresis (DGGE) revealed substantial differences in the band patterns of the bacterial communities from both depths of the field lysimeter soil and from the soil incubated in microcosms. The different soil microbial biomass determined by microcalorimetry reinforced these results. In conclusion, the factors higher temperature and smaller soil moisture content generated important and enduring changes in the microbial community structure and therefore in specific soil functions of the community, as shown here by the function of isoproturon degradation. Results are discussed in connection with environmental conditions and conservation tillage.
Enriched stable isotopes for determining the isotopically exchangeable element content in soils
Authors: Gäbler H.‐E. , Bahr A. , Heidkamp A. , Utermann J. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe proportion of metals in soils in equilibrium with soil solution can be determined using isotopic dilution. For this purpose, an isotope dilution mass spectrometric (IDMS) technique has been applied for the elements Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Tl and Zn. Conventionally, sorbed amounts of heavy metals in soils are analysed by ethylenediamine tetra‐acetic acid (EDTA) extraction. The IDMS technique and EDTA extraction were both applied to 115 soil samples and compared. For Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, the results of the IDMS technique correlated well with the results of EDTA extractions (rs(Cd) = 0.965, rs(Cu) = 0.916, rs(Ni) = 0.878, rs(Pb) = 0.922, rs(Zn) = 0.962; all at P < 0.001). For Cd and Zn, no significant differences between the results of both methods could be observed, which suggests that EDTA and IDMS determined the same pool. EDTA extracted more Cu, Ni and Pb than was determined by IDMS (7, 26 and 13%, respectively). The correlation between EDTA extraction and IDMS for Cr was significant but weak (rs(Cr) = 0.361). For Tl and Mo, EDTA extraction and IDMS did not correlate, and IDMS yielded larger concentrations than EDTA. This can be explained by the fact that Tl and Mo do not form stable EDTA complexes, which are essential for the EDTA technique. Recovery experiments demonstrated that added Cd, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Tl and Zn could be recovered successfully by IDMS analysis (mean recovery = 103 ± 9%). Adsorption isotherms for soil samples were determined for Tl, thereby demonstrating that IDMS gave a better estimation of the native content of sorbed Tl in soils than EDTA extraction.
Autogenous transplantation of teeth with complete root formation: two case reports
Authors: Teixeira C. S. , Pasternak B. , Vansan L. P. , Sousa‐Neto M. D. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAim  Autotransplantation is an alternative treatment for replacing lost teeth when suitable donor teeth are available. This paper presents two cases of successful autogenous tooth transplantation.Summary  Two third molars with complete root development were autogenously transplanted from their original sockets into new recipient sites on the same side of the mouth, one in the maxilla and one in the mandible. In both cases, the third molars were transplanted immediately after the first molar extractions. To provide better adaptation of the donor teeth, the recipient alveolar sites were remodelled using surgical burs. Semi‐rigid splints were maintained for 45 and 15 days, respectively. Root canal treatment commenced one a week after transplantation and the canals were medicated with a calcium hydroxide paste before they were filled. Clinical and radiographic findings after 5 and 3 years of follow‐up, respectively, are discussed in relation to the literature.Key learning points• Autogenous transplantation of teeth with complete root formation may be considered as a viable treatment option to conventional prosthetic and implant rehabilitation for both therapeutic and economic reasons.• Careful surgical and endodontic procedure, together with careful case selection may lead to satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Effect of bonded restorations on the fracture resistance of root filled teeth
Authors: Sagsen B. , Aslan B. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAim  To evaluate the fracture resistance of root filled maxillary premolars restored with different techniques.Methodology  One hundred and twenty single‐rooted maxillary premolar teeth were divided randomly into six groups of 20 teeth and subjected to the following procedures: group 1: intact teeth. Group 2: endodontic access cavities prepared. Group 3: MOD cavities were prepared, root canals were filled and no restoration was placed. Group 4: teeth were prepared as group 3 and restored conventionally with amalgam. Group 5: teeth were prepared as group 3 and restored with amalgam using a bonding material. Group 6: teeth were prepared as group 3 and restored with composite resin using the same bonding material. Teeth were embedded in acrylic resin and the loads for fracture strength were applied vertically with a constant speed of 1 mm min−1. Data were evaluated statistically with anova and Tukey's tests.Results  The mean force of fracture values were 1191.41, 599.86, 233.03, 494.72, 962.81 and 856.48 N for groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, respectively. The fracture resistance of group 5 was similar to group 1 (P > 0.05). The mean force at fracture of group 5 and group 6 was not significantly different. The fracture resistance of groups 5 and 6 was significantly higher than group 4 (P < 0.001).Conclusions  The group, restored with conventional amalgam, had the weakest resistance to fracture when compared with the bonded restorations. No statistically significant differences were found between the bonded amalgam and composite resin groups.
A probability‐based analysis of temporal and spatial co‐occurrence in grassland birds
Authors: Veech Joseph A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAim  To test for non‐random co‐occurrence in 36 species of grassland birds using a new metric and the C‐score. The analysis used presence–absence data of birds distributed among 305 sites (or landscapes) over a period of 35 years. This analysis departs from traditional analyses of species co‐occurrence in its use of temporal data and of individual species’ probabilities of occurrence to derive analytically the expected co‐occurrence between paired species.Location  Great Plains region, USA.Methods  Presence–absence data for the bird species were obtained from the North American Breeding Bird Survey. The analysis was restricted to species pairs whose geographic ranges overlapped. Each of 541 species pairs was classified as a positive, negative, or non‐significant association depending on the mean difference between the observed and expected frequencies of co‐occurrence over the 35‐year time‐span.Results  Of the 541 species pairs that were examined, 202 to 293 (37–54%) were positively associated, depending on which of two null models was used. However, only a few species pairs (<5%) were negatively associated. An additional 89 species pairs did not have overlapping ranges and hence represented de facto negative associations. The results from analyses based on C‐scores generally agreed with the analyses based on the difference between observed and expected co‐occurrence, although the latter analyses were slightly more powerful.Main conclusions  Grassland birds within the Great Plains region are primarily distributed among landscapes either independently or in conjunction with one another. Only a few species pairs exhibited repulsed or segregated distributions. This indicates that the shared preference for grassland habitat may be more important in producing coexistence than are negative species interactions in preventing it. The large number of non‐significant associations may represent random associations and thereby indicate that the presence/absence of other grassland bird species may have little effect on whether a given focal species is also found within the landscape. In a broader context, the probability‐based approach used in this study may be useful in future studies of species co‐occurrence.
Changes in distribution of an archaic moth, Micropterix calthella, in St Petersburg, Russia, between 1989 and 2005
Authors: Kozlov Mikhail V. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAim  This work aimed to assess changes in the number of suitable habitats and habitat occupancy by Micropterix calthella (L.) moths (Lepidoptera, Micropterigidae) in the city of St Petersburg between 1989 and 2005.Location  The city of St Petersburg, Russia.Methods  The study compares results of the survey conducted on 9–12 June 2005 with data collected in 1989 and is based on the assessment of the quality and occupancy of 103 habitats that were found potentially suitable for M. calthella in 1989. If habitats contained wet microsites with undisturbed litter and dense field layer vegetation with a high abundance of flowering Ranunculus sp., they were considered potentially suitable for M. calthella; in these habitats, moths were searched for on flowers of Ranunculus– visually and/or by extensive sweep‐netting.Results  Both the number of habitats suitable for M. calthella and the number of habitats occupied by this species decreased since 1986 from 103 to 72 and from 58 to 34, respectively. The disappearance of habitats was primarily due to the building of residential blocks within the city (16 sites) and railway renovation (10 sites), while changes in habitat management, primarily in parks and recreation zones (five sites), were less important. The average distance from the city centre to the nearest population of M. calthella increased from 8.7 ± 1.5 to 12.9 ± 3.0 km (mean ± SE).Main conclusion  The data for 2005 fit the prediction that M. calthella moths, which are unable to re‐colonize potentially suitable habitats due to their low migratory ability, will disappear from the city. At the present rate of extinction, this process may take some 20–30 years to complete (or nearly complete).
Tree distribution on a steep environmental gradient in an arid savanna
Authors: February Edmund C. , Higgins Steven I. , Newton Rosemary , West Adam G. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAim  The structure of savannas ranges from scrub to woodland over broad geographical gradients. Here we examine the hypothesis that water availability is a major determinant of these structural differences by ascertaining the relationship between water availability and tree growth across a steep moisture gradient.Location  The study site is a sub‐tropical savanna, with a mean annual precipitation of 400 mm, located in the Phugwane river basin, Kruger National Park, Limpopo Province, South Africa.Methods  We determined plant moisture stress using xylem pressure potentials, stem growth using dendrometer bands, and estimated the water sources available to plants using stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios. The primary objective was to understand tree growth relative to available water along an environmental gradient.Results  We found that Philenoptera violacea trees growing close to the stream have lower water stress (least negative xylem pressure potentials) and higher cumulative growth than those growing away from the stream. The stem growth of P. violacea was characterized by steady incremental growth and could not be related to antecedent rainfall. Colophospermum mopane trees experienced higher water stress, yet trees growing adjacent to the stream achieved the highest cumulative growth rates over the study period. The growth of C. mopane could be clearly linked to antecedent rainfall, and most growth was achieved during short growth pulses that followed rainfall events. δ18O values become progressively more enriched in the heavier isotope with distance from the stream, suggesting that access to groundwater decreases with distance from the stream side. The isotopic data suggest that P. violacea has access to groundwater, but that C. mopane does not.Main conclusions  Our results show that water stress increases with distance from the stream side as a result of reduced access to groundwater. Trees without access to deep water adopt an opportunistic growth strategy.