bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspergillus flavus: the major producer of aflatoxin
Authors: KLICH MAREN A. 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARY Aspergillus flavus is an opportunistic pathogen of crops. It is important because it produces aflatoxin as a secondary metabolite in the seeds of a number of crops both before and after harvest. Aflatoxin is a potent carcinogen that is highly regulated in most countries. In the field, aflatoxin is associated with drought‐stressed oilseed crops including maize, peanut, cottonseed and tree nuts. Under the right conditions, the fungus will grow and produce aflatoxin in almost any stored crop seed. In storage, aflatoxin can be controlled by maintaining available moisture at levels below that which will support growth of A. flavus. A number of field control measures are being utilized or explored, including: modification of cultural practices; development of resistant crops through molecular and proteomic techniques; competitive exclusion using strains that do not produce aflatoxin; and development of field treatments that would block aflatoxin production.Taxonomy:  Aspergillus flavus Link (teleomorph unknown) kingdom Fungi, phyllum Ascomycota, order Eurotiales, class Eurotiomycetes, family Trichocomaceae, genus Aspergillus, species flavus.Host range:  Aspergillus flavus has a broad host range as an opportunistic pathogen/saprobe. It is an extremely common soil fungus. The major concern with this fungus in agriculture is that it produces highly carcinogenic toxins called aflatoxins which are a health hazard to animals. In the field, A. flavus is predominantly a problem in the oilseed crops maize, peanuts, cottonseed and tree nuts. Under improper storage conditions, A. flavus is capable of growing and forming aflatoxin in almost any crop seed. It also is a pathogen of animals and insects. In humans it is predominantly an opportunistic pathogen of immunosuppressed patients.Useful websites:  http://www.aspergillusflavus.org, http://www.aflatoxin.info/health.asp, plantpathology.tamu.edu/aflatoxin, http://www.aspergillus.org.uk
Abscisic acid deficiency leads to rapid activation of tomato defence responses upon infection with Erwinia chrysanthemi
Authors: ASSELBERGH BOB , ACHUO ANDREW ENOW , HÖFTE MONICA , VAN GIJSEGEM FRÉDÉRIQUE 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARYIn addition to the important role of abscisic acid (ABA) in abiotic stress signalling, basal and high ABA levels appear to have a negative effect on disease resistance. Using the ABA‐deficient sitiens tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) mutant and different application methods of exogenous ABA, we demonstrated the influence of this plant hormone on disease progression of Erwinia chrysanthemi. This necrotrophic plant pathogenic bacterium is responsible for soft rot disease on many plant species, causing maceration symptoms mainly due to the production and secretion of pectinolytic enzymes. On wild‐type (WT) tomato cv. Moneymaker E. chrysanthemi leaf inoculation resulted in maceration both within and beyond the infiltrated zone of the leaf, but sitiens showed a very low occurrence of tissue maceration, which never extended the infiltrated zone. A single ABA treatment prior to infection eliminated the effect of pathogen restriction in sitiens, while repeated ABA spraying during plant development rendered both WT and sitiens very susceptible. Quantification of E. chrysanthemi populations inside the leaf did not reveal differences in bacterial growth between sitiens and WT. Sitiens was not more resistant to pectinolytic cell‐wall degradation, but upon infection it showed a faster and stronger activation of defence responses than WT, such as hydrogen peroxide accumulation, peroxidase activation and cell‐wall fortifications. Moreover, the rapid activation of sitiens peroxidases was also observed after application of bacteria‐free culture filtrate containing E. chrysanthemi cell‐wall‐degrading enzymes and was absent during infection with an out E. chrysanthemi mutant impaired in secretion of these extracellular enzymes.
Community ecology of African reptiles: historical perspective and a meta‐analysis using null models
Authors: Luiselli Luca 
Published: September 2007

AbstractCommunity ecology and resource‐partitioning patterns of African reptiles have been increasingly studied over the past 30 years. In this paper, I review these studies and provide a meta‐analysis based on null models and Monte Carlo simulations (RA2 and RA3 algorithms) to compare patterns of resource partitioning among reptiles in tropical versus nontropical Africa. In general, studies on community ecology of African reptiles have had a strong impact on the global study of resource‐partitioning patterns in ectotherms, with such authors as Robert Barbault and Eric Pianka being among the most famous having ever worked in Africa. Despite previous claims, in this paper I suggest that there is no true evidence that reptile biomass is depressed in tropical Africa in comparison with tropical regions of other continents. My null‐model reanalysis of 32 independent study systems (twenty from tropical Africa and twelve from nontropical Africa) shows that resource‐partitioning patterns are nearly always found in tropical assemblages of reptiles, although this cannot be said for nontropical assemblages of species. Microhabitat (especially for lizards) and food (especially for snakes) are the resource axes typically partitioned by African reptiles.
The Riyadh Intensive Care Program mortality prediction algorithm assessed in 617 intensive care patients in Glasgow
Authors: HOPE A. T. , PLENDERLEITH J. L. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe hospital mortality prediction algorithm from the Riyadh Intensive Care Program was assessed in 617 general intensive care unit patients and the results were compared with APACHE II admission scoring. Of the 119 patients predicted to die by the Riyadh Intensive Care Program, 24 (20.2%) recovered sufficiently to be discharged home. The overall false‐positive rate was 5.2%, the false predictions mostly occurring in the trended component, the admission component having similar performance to admission APACHE II. For equivalent specificity the Riyadh Intensive Care Program was more sensitive than admission APACHE II risk of death figures, but the very high false‐positive rate in those predicted to die precludes the algorithm's use in patient management decisions. In our view, the Riyadh Intensive Care Program does not justify the considerable extra work involved in data collection and processing over current admission scoring systems.
Haemodynamic and plasma catecholamine responses during total intravenous anaesthesia for laryngomicroscopy
Authors: MUSTOLA S. T. , BAER G. A. , METSÄ‐KETELÄ T. , LAIPPALA P. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryWe compared the haemodynamic responses to endolaryngeal procedures during anaesthesia with propofol or thiopentone. Two minutes after administration of glycopyrronium 4μg.kg‐1 and alfentanil 17.5 μg.kg‐1 anaesthesia was induced with either propofol 2.0mg.kg ‐1 (n = 8) or thiopentone 5.0mg.kg ‐1 (n = 8) by random allocation and maintained with a fixed rate infusion of propofol 0.2mg.kg‐1.min‐1 or thiopentone 0.3mg.kg‐1.min‐1, respectively. Muscle relaxation was induced and maintained with suxamethonium. Intratracheal jet‐ventilation (rate: 20 breath.min‐1) was with 100% oxygen. Blood samples for later determination of plasma catecholamines were drawn and haemodynamic responses were recorded at tracheal intubation, after insertion of the operating laryngoscope, during the endolaryngeal procedure and after extubation. With both anaesthetic agents the only statistically significant haemodynamic response to intubation was a rise of heart rate. With propofol, plasma adrenaline concentrations decreased significantly after induction and remained below baseline values throughout the procedure. After insertion of the operating laryngoscope the haemodynamic response was more pronounced with thiopentone than with propofol. Propofol blocks the catecholamine and haemodynamic responses to endolaryngeal procedures more effectively than thiopentone.
Gastric emptying in patients the day after cardiac surgery
Authors: GOLDHILL D. R. , WHELPTON R. , WINYARD J. A. , WILKINSON K. A. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryFourteen adults underwent cardiac surgery with a standard anaesthetic technique. Prior to surgery and the day after surgery, gastric emptying was determined using the paracetamol absorption technique. Results from 13 patients were available for analysis. The mean time to reach the maximum plasma concentration was 14.1 min (SEM 2.1)pre–operatively and 225.4min (SEM 42.3) postoperatively. The mean maximum concentration was 23.7mg l‐1 (SEM 1.9) pre–operatively and 5.1mg.l‐1 (SEM 0.8) postoperatively. The area under the curve (0–60 min) was 892 mg min.I ‐1 (SEM 57) pre –operatively and 131 mg min‐1 (SEM 25) postoperatively. The differences between pre– and postoperative values were highly significant for all these three measurements. We conclude that gastric emptying is markedly delayed the day after elective cardiac surgery.
Changes in intra–ocular pressure during general anaesthesia
Authors: MYINT Y. , SINGH A. K. , PEACOCK J. E. , PADFIELD A. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryChanges in intra–ocular pressure during spontaneous ventilation with a laryngeal mask were compared with controlled ventilation using a tracheal tube in 40 patients undergoing intra–ocular surgery under general anaesthesia. Intra–ocular pressure was measured before induction, after establishing the airway, at the end of the operation and after removal of the airway device. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with enflurane and nitrous oxide in oxygen. Mean end–tidal carbon dioxide tension was significantly higher during spontaneous ventilation than during controlled ventilation 5min after establishing the airway (5.7 versus 4.5) and at the end of surgery (6.1 versus 4.2) (p < 0.001). Despite this, intra–ocular pressures were lower than baseline and similar in the two groups throughout anaesthesia. At the end of surgery, intra–ocular pressure (mmHg) was 11.2 and 8.6 during spontaneous or controlled ventilation respectively. One min after removal of the device, mean intra–ocular pressure (mmHg) in the tracheal tube group (16.0) was slightly higher than baseline (15.3) and was significantly higher than the laryngeal mask group (10.9) (p < 0.01). Spontaneous ventilation with a laryngeal mask is an acceptable alternative to controlled ventilation with tracheal intubation in elective intra–ocular surgery.
A new device for measuring and recording the forces applied during laryngoscopy
Authors: McCOY É. P. , AUSTIN B. A. , MIRAKHUR R. K. , WONG K. C. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryIn characterising the forces exerted during laryngoscopy it is accepted that the significant force component is that which is parallel to the axis of the laryngoscope handle. This paper describes a new method of evaluating the forces exerted at laryngoscopy. A laryngoscope handle has been redesigned, incorporating a force‐displacement transducer on the handle at the end opposite to where the blade is attached. The device is designed specifically to sense the axial component of force. The blade attachment block has been detached from the sleeve and connected to a steel shaft which forms the new battery compartment. This allows the axial force exerted at the blade during laryngoscopy to be transmitted along this shaft to the sensing transducer. Linear ball bearings have been introduced between the new shaft and the handle sleeve (outer casing). The rolling friction has been reduced to less than 0.1 % by diamond‐lapping the precision ground surface ‐hardened rod to produce a mirror finish. Thus, the force transmitted to the transducer is essentially constant regardless of where the load is applied along the blade. The output from the system is directly downloaded to a laptop computer and the data analysed almost instantaneously to determine the duration of laryngoscopy, the peak forces applied, the mean force with its standard deviation and graphic display of the data. Provision has been made for data entry checks, recording patient details and study data, and creating a data base for the storage and retrieval of the study details.
Use of a modified occlusal bite guard to prevent self‐induced injury in intensive care patients
Authors: ROBERTS G. J. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe use of a simple bite raiser is usually effective in preventing self‐inflicted tongue and lip trauma. In some patients with very severe uncontrolled muscular activity, this is insufficient. To overcome these problems it is necessary to use a modified bite raiser which prevents the jaws occluding. Such a modified bite raiser is described.
High frequency jet ventilation for severe haemoptysis during extracorporeal circulation
Authors: Jongh R. De , Vundelinckx G. , Schroë H. , Heylen R. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryTwo patients are described in whom fulminant haemoptysis occurred during extracorporeal circulation. The use of high frequency jet ventilation resulted in a dramatic decrease of blood loss from the tracheal tube, avoiding the need for more aggressive management.
Management of life threatening adult postpneumonectomy syndrome
Authors: Evans G.H. , Clark R.J. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryA case of life threatening airway obstruction secondary to bronchial compression following right pneumonectomy is reported. The aetiology of postpneumonectomy syndrome and the anaesthetic dilemmas faced are discussed with reference to the adaptation and use of a chest drain tube as an improvised airway to bypass the bronchial obstruction.
Peri‐operative outcome for day‐case laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair
Authors: RUDKIN G. E. , MADDERN G. J. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThis study documents the results obtained in 30 day patients undergoing open hernia repair under local infiltration block with patient‐controlled sedation (group A) and 29 day patients undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair under general anaesthesia (group B). The mean operating time was less in group A (44.8min) compared with group B (66.6min) (p < 0.0001). Similarly, stage 1 recovery room times were longer in group B (98.1 min) than group A (45.1 min) (p < 0.0001). Time to discharge for group A (139.1 min) was significantly shorter than group B (224.2 min) (p < 0.002), with more peri‐operative complications occurring in group B and greater analgesic requirements. An open inguinal hernia repair under local infiltration block is the optimal approach for unilateral non‐recurrent herniae as a day surgical procedure. These results have important cost and efficiency implications.
Leukotriene B4 as a marker of cerebral dysfunction
Authors: KENDALL A. P. , LIN E. S. , OH T. E. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryIt has been postulated that leukotriene B4 is involved in the pathogenesis of postisehaemie cerebral oedema. We set out to determine if a relationship exists between jugular bulb leukotriene B4 and other indicators of cerebral ischaemia. No association could be demonstrated for either intracranial pressure, jugular bulb blood oxygen saturation or lactate oxygen index. Our results provide insufficient evidence to suggest that measurement of leukotriene B4 has any place in the management of head‐injured patients.
No effect of circulating drug upon isolated forearm block
Authors: HOOD J. R. , CAMPKIN N. T. A. , FELDMAN S. A. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryControversy exists as to whether the recovery of isolated arm blockade is primarily determined by resultant plasma drug concentrations, or by the affinity of the drug for the biophase. We have investigated the effect of the circulating drug produced by the isolated forearm experiment upon its recovery profile. Paralysis from retrograde spread of drug after the intravenous injection of 20 ml saline containing vecuronium 0.3 mg into a forearm isolated from the circulation was achieved in three groups of five experiments. Group 1 were used as controls, the tourniquet being released after 3–4 min and the recovery of block observed. In group 2 the tourniquet was similarly released but a repeat dose of vecuronium 0.3 mg was administered into the systemic circulation at 10% recovery. In group 3 the tourniquet was released at 50% twitch depression and the repeat dose of vecuronium 0.3 mg given when the twitch height had recovered to that level. The mean (SD) 25% to 75% recovery indices of groups 1, 2 and 3 were: 9.2 (2.4), 8.7 (1.2) and 9.9 (1.9) min. There was no noticeable effect on the recovery slope of any of the traces when the second dose of myoneural blocker was given systemically in groups 2 and 3. The findings indicate that the main determinant of recovery of the isolated forearm experiment is not its plasma drug concentration but a mechanism which maintains the drug in the effect compartment.
The Hayek Oscillator
Authors: PETROS A. J. , FERNANDO S. S. D. , SHENOY V. S. , AL‐SAADY N. M. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe Hayek Oscillator is a recent development in external high frequency ventilation and is a useful mode of ventilatory support during anaesthesia, in chronic respiratory failure and weaning in intensive care. The Hayek Oscillator is new and its application is growing, as are the number of patients who have benefited from its use. However, there are no clear guidelines on how best to adjust the oscillator to achieve optimum ventilation. A simple method of predicting changes in tidal volume and minute ventilation following adjustment would make the oscillator more useful. We present nomograms for tidal volume, minute ventilation and effective alveolar ventilation when the three variables, oscillator frequency, mean chamber pressure and peak‐to‐trough pressure span were adjusted. The frequency‐tidal volume relationship was unaffected by a mean chamber pressure of0, – 5, –10 cmH20, but altered with changes in peak‐to‐trough pressure span. We have also determined the effect of increasing negative extrathoracic pressure on functional residual capacity. The relationship between tidal volume and frequency was non‐linear and related to the peak‐to‐trough pressure span. Mean functional residual capacity significantly increased from 2.251 (SEM 0.10) without the cuirass at rest to 2.611 (SEM 0.14) at ‐ 10 cmH20 (p < 0.05; n = 5) and 2.47 (SEM 0.12) at ‐ 20 cmH20 of mean chamber pressure. Vital capacity was unchanged by increasing extrathoracic pressure as was total lung capacity.
The use of a portable refractometer to measure desflurane
Authors: CHEAM E. W. S. , LOCKWOOD G. G. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe measurement of volatile anaesthetic agents by infrared absorption is liable to interference by other gases which absorb infrared light. In particular, nitrous oxide may, in principle, interfere with the measurement of desflurane. On the other hand, the refractometer shouldbe immune to such effects. We demonstrated that interactions may occur between desflurane and nitrous oxide with some gas analysers and that the refractometer remains a useful instrument.
A combined high frequency oscillator and intermittent positive pressure ventilator
Authors: RAPHAEL J. H. , ATKINSON I. , BEXTON M. D. R. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryA high frequency oscillator and its interface with the Siemens 900C ventilator form a combined high frequency oscillator and intermittent positive pressure ventilator. This combined high frequency ventilator is designed for use in selected cases of refractory hypoxaemia.
Anaesthesia and cystic fibrosis
Authors: WALSH T. S. , YOUNG C. H. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryCystic fibrosis occurs in I in 2000 children and the majority now reach adulthood. The disease is a complex multisystem disorder which is likely to challenge anaesthetists with increasing frequency. In this review the presentation and genetics of the disease are briefly described, followed by a detailed account of the pathophysiology relevant to anaesthesia. The pre‐operative assessment and conduct of anaesthesia are discussed and some suggestions made regarding management.
Continuous axillary brachial plexus blockade for reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Authors: Murray P. , Floor K. , Atkinson R. E. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryReflex sympathetic dystrophy is one of the commoner neurogenic pain syndromes; the typical onset follows peripheral trauma and is characterised by diffuse burning pain and hyperalgesia, accompanied by variable vasomotor and dystrophic changes. Successful treatment of an established reflex sympathetic dystrophy may be difficult. A case is reported describing the successful use of a series of continuous axillary brachial plexus blocks for the treatment of this syndrome.
Use of the laryngeal mask airway for respiratory distress in the intensive care unit
Authors: Arosio E. M. , Conci F. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryTwo patients with respiratory distress are described in which the laryngeal mask airway and continuous positive airway pressure were used with good effect. The laryngeal mask airway may be useful in some cases of respiratory distress occurring in the intensive care unit when a patient is unable to tolerate a tracheal tube.
Fatal subclavian artery haemorrhage
Authors: Mercer‐Jones M. A. , Wenstone R. , Hershman M. J. 
Published: September 2007

SummarySubclavian artery puncture occurred during attempted subclavian vein catheterisation. Although initially stable, the patient became shocked one day later and died from massive local haemorrhage. This case emphasises the need for continued vigilance following accidental arterial puncture.
Unexpected brainstem compression following routine surgery in a child with oto‐palato‐digital syndrome
Authors: Clark J. R. , Smith L. J. , Kendall B. E. , Tasker R. C. , Wilkinson K. A. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryOto‐palato‐digital syndrome type 1 is a rare condition with several features of concern to the anaesthetist. We report a patient who developed respiratory depression 5 h after general anaesthesia. This was subsequently found to be due to brainstem compression secondary to congenital deformities of the skull base and cervical vertebrae.
Comparison of propofol and fentanyl anaesthesia in coronary artery versus valve surgery
Authors: Bell J. , Sartain J. , Wilkinson G. A. L. , Sherry K. M. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryTotal intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and fentanyl was used in 23 patients undergoing coronary artery and 16 patients undergoing valve surgery and the haemodynamic effects in the two groups were compared. Baseline values showed that the valve surgery group had a higher mean heart rate, pulmonary artery wedge pressure and pulmonary artery pressure and smaller mean stroke volume than the coronary artery surgery group. In both groups, heart rate, arterial pressure, pulmonary artery wedge pressure, pulmonary artery pressure and cardiac index decreased during surgery. In the valve surgery group there were greater percentage decreases in heart rate, mean arterial pressure and diastolic arterial pressure. Overall, propofol and moderate‐dose fentanyl anaesthesia was no more detrimental to the haemodynamics in patients undergoing valve surgery when compared to those undergoing coronary artery surgery.
Attitudes to the Association of Anaesthetists recommendations for standards of monitoring during anaesthesia and recovery
Authors: Pearsall F.J. , Davidson J.A. , Asbury A.J. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryA questionnaire was sent to 293 anaesthetists in the West of Scotland to assess their attitudes to the recommendations for standards of monitoring during anaesthesia and recovery published by the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland. Such standards are considered achievable and affordable in terms of costs and allow the early detection of events occurring during anaesthesia, which might lead to injury to the patient. The survey shows that there is wide acceptance of the recommendations by anaesthetists of all grades, with resultant improvements in the quality of patients care.