bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wound infiltration with liposomal bupivacaine prolongs analgesia in rats
Authors: GRANT G. J. , LAX J. , SUSSER L. , ZAKOWSKI M. , WEISSMAN E. 
Published: December 2008

Background:Wound infiltration with local anesthetics does not reliably produce satisfactory postoperative analgesia, and the dose of local anesthetic which may be safely administered is limited by the potential for systemic toxicity. This study evaluated the efficacy of a slow‐release liposomal bupivacaine formulation on duration of wound analgesia.Methods: Multilammelar liposomes containing bupivacaine were assessed using a rat paw wound model. Twenty‐four hours after surgical incision, paw wounds determined to be hyperalgesic to graded force testing with von Frey hairs were infiltrated with 0.3 ml of 2% liposomal bupivacaine, 0.5% plain bupivacaine, saline, or ‘empty’ (normal saline) liposomes (n=6/group). The duration of analgesia was measured. The 0.5% plain concentration was chosen because, in preliminary experiments, larger doses were often fatal. Analgesia duration was compared using Mann‐Whitney U test at P < 0.05. In other rats, plasma bupivacaine levels after wound infiltration with either 2% liposomal formulation or 0.5% plain formulation were assessed (n=8/group).Results: The mean duration of analgesia was 23+/‐3 (SD) min for plain bupivacaine and 180+/‐30 min for liposomal bupivacaine. No wound analgesia was detected in animals given normal saline or ‘empty’ liposomes. Plasma bupivacaine levels tended to be lower after liposomal than plain bupivacaine.Conclusions: The 8‐fold increase in duration of wound analgesia and the lower plasma levels seen with the liposomal formulation are explained by gradual drug release from the liposomal depot. These results may have important implications for achieving safe and effective analgesia with wound infiltration techniques in humans.
Application of bead array technology to simultaneous detection of human leucocyte antigen and human platelet antigen antibodies
Authors: Fujiwara K. , Shimano K. , Tanaka H. , Sekine M. , Kashiwase K. , Uchikawa M. , Satake M. , Nakajima K. 
Published: December 2008

Background Detection of antibodies against human leucocyte antigens (HLA) and human platelet antigens (HPA) is crucial for patients refractory to platelet transfusion therapy. However, a reliable and high‐throughput method for HLA cross‐matching and detecting HPA antibodies has not yet been described.Study Design and Methods Immunocomplex capture fluorescence analysis (ICFA) was developed for high‐throughput, simultaneous detection of HLA and HPA antibodies. Microarray beads were separately coupled with monoclonal antibodies specific for CD36, CD41, CD42b, CD49b, CD61 and HLA class I antigens. Platelets reacting with patient serum were lysed and the lysates were incubated with the bead mixture to specifically capture antigen–antibody complexes via the epitopes on platelet glycoproteins or HLA antigens. The beads capturing immunocomplexes were then subjected to flow cytometric analysis.Results Immunocomplex capture fluorescence analysis was validated using 50 serum samples containing HLA antibodies and 20 serum samples containing HPA antibodies. The method enabled the detection of all the HLA antibodies with a sensitivity comparable to that of the purified HLA antigen‐coated pooled‐bead assay (FlowPRA, One Lambda, Canoga Park, CA, USA). The method also enabled the detection of all the HPA antibodies with a sensitivity higher than that of the mixed passive haemagglutination.Conclusion In this study, we developed a rapid, simple and reliable method for the simultaneous analysis of HLA and HPA antibodies. ICFA can also be used as an alternative to the lymphocyte cytotoxicity test for HLA cross‐matching.
Genetic effects on flight capacity in the beet armyworm,Spodoptera exigua(Lep., Noctuidae)
Authors: Han L. Z. , Gu H. N. , Zhai B. P. , Zhang X. X. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe beet armyworm,Spodoptera exigua, is an important migratory insect pest in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The current study investigated genetic variation in the flight capacity of both female and male moths, using a quantitative genetics approach. The offspring–parent regression showed that parents had a significant influence on the flight duration of offspring, and the heritability estimated as 0.302. The upward selection increased mean flight duration from 123.7 to 284.6 min in females and from 113.9 to 254.0 min in males during 8 h of flight test; by contrast, downward selection decreased it from 123.7 to 65.6 min in females and from 113.9 to 29.8 min in males, while it did not change significantly in either females or males of the control line over eight generations. The mean realized heritability was estimated as 0.432 based on upward selection but 0.130 on downward selection, suggesting the asymmetry of response to selection on flight capacity. Reciprocal crosses between the two selected lines confirmed the dominance of ‘long‐flying genes’ in the inheritance of flight capacity. A positive genetic correlation was found between increased flight duration and pupal weight. The presence of such additive genetic variance and covariance for flight capacity and the fitness trait, pupal weight, in the population ofS. exiguamay have underpinned the evolution of its migratory behaviour.
Implications of phenotypic variation of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) for biological control on greenhouse pepper plants
Authors: Gillespie D. R. , Quiring D. J. M. , Foottit R. G. , Foster S. P. , Acheampong S. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractVariation in vulnerability to natural enemies, reproductive rate and insecticide resistance among phenotypes of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) has been shown to have the potential to disrupt biological control and IPM of this species, and movement of particularly troublesome phenotypes in international horticultural trade could be cause for concern. Three important components of fitness, vulnerability to parasitoids, reproduction and insecticide resistance were determined in three clones of M. persicae originating from prevalent phenotype populations on pepper crops in greenhouses in British Columbia, Canada. One of these phenotypes appeared to be consistently involved in outbreaks in commercial operations. These clones were also characterized for their DNA microsatellite genotype and compared with genotypes of M. persicae from Europe. The clone involved in outbreaks in commercial greenhouses showed reduced vulnerability to parasitoids, and a higher reproductive rate compared to the other two clones suggesting that these traits may have been involved in outbreaks. As in M. persicae European clones, a higher reproductive rate was correlated with a lack of esterase‐based resistance (primarily to organophosphates and, to some extent, to carbamates and pyrethroids). However, microsatellite analysis demonstrated that the three clones investigated in British Columbia had unique genotypes, and therefore there was no evidence for their movement in international trade.
A single linkage group confers dominant resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis δ‐endotoxin Cry1Ac in Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Wu Y. , Vassal J.‐M. , Royer M. , Pieretti I. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe BKBT strain of Helicoverpa armigera was derived from a susceptible BK77 strain (collected from Bouake, Cote D’Ivoire in 1977) through 30 generations of selection with activated Bacillus thuringiensis δ‐endotoxin Cry1Ac. Unlike recessive inheritance of Cry1Ac resistance in H. armigera from previous reports, resistance to activated Cry1Ac in the BKBT strain is dominant. A backcross approach was used to map dominant resistance to Cry1Ac in the BKBT strain. One hundred and forty‐seven informative amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) DNA markers covered all 31 linkage groups of H. armigera. Five AFLP markers linked to Cry1Ac resistance in the BKBT strain were on the same autosomal linkage group, which is the only linkage group contributing dominant Cry1Ac resistance in the BKBT strain of H. armigera.
Evaluation of a chemosterilization strategy against Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Mallorca island (Spain)
Authors: Alemany A. , González A. , Juan A. , Tur C. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA pest management programme using the chemosterilant lufenuron against the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata in Mallorca (Spain) is reported. The aim of this field trial was to monitor the reduction on C. capitata population and fruit infestation during the second and third years of an overall pest control programme. The insect growth regulator lufenuron (a phenylbenzoylurea) was placed within a Sevep device baited with the synthetic, female attractants (ammonium acetate, putrescine and amines), as well as the male attractant trimedlure (TML). A total of 7200 devices were placed on 300 ha within the municipalities of the Sóller Valley, at a density of 24 devices/ha. In order to measure the effectiveness of the chemosterilization, the C. capitata population was evaluated by Probodelt traps, baited either with the synthetic food attractants or TML, placed in three citrus orchards located at different altitudes. Fruit infestation was also evaluated. Results showed an average of 20% reduction in adult medfly population (37.2% for males vs. 2.7% for females). However, high differences were observed among the different orchards. In Site 1, where fallen oranges fruits were removed and phytosanitary treatments were applied, female captures decreased by 63.28%. Whereas at Site 2, where fallen fruits were neglected and no insecticide was applied, female captures increased by 19.90%. Ceratitis capitata population increase placed in Site 2 was probably due to the presence of unmanaged or mismanaged surrounding orchards. Summing up, it seems that the method based on lufenuron applied in the Sóller Valley was successful in decreasing medfly population, but the presence of the nearby improperly managed citrus orchards, as well as other hosts fruit trees for C. capitata, decrease the efficacy of the method.
Characterization of Mongolian Gerbil Chromatoid Bodies and Their Correlation with Nucleolar Cycle During Spermatogenesis
Authors: Peruquetti RL , Taboga SR , De Azeredo‐Oliveira MTV 
Published: December 2008

ContentsThe aims of the present study were to monitor the nucleolar cycle in Mongolian gerbil spermiogenesis, to verify the relationship between the nucleolar component and chromatoid body (CB) formation and to investigate the function of this cytoplasmic supramolecular structure in spermatogenic cells. Histological sections of adult seminiferous tubules were analysed cytochemically by light microscopy and ultrastructurally by transmission electron microscopy. The results reveal that in early spermatids, the CB was visualized in association with Golgi vesicles indicating that this structure may participate in the acrosome formation process as had been reported in other rodents. In late spermatids, the CB was observed near the axoneme region suggesting that this structure may support spermatozoon tail formation as happens in other species. Chromatoid body was joined with lipid droplets in this same cell type. This observation should be investigated to verify whether CB may be related to steroidal hormone metabolism. In conclusion, our data showed that there is disintegration of primary spermatocyte nucleoli at the beginning of prophase I and a fraction of this nucleolar material migrates to the cytoplasm, where a specific structure is formed, known as the ‘chromatoid body’, which apparently participates in some parts of the gerbil spermiogenesis process.
Superovulatory Response of Zebu Cows Treated with pFSH in a Single Subcutaneous Injection Followed by an Additional Intramuscular Sub‐Dose 48 h Later
Authors: Alvarez RH , Martinez AC , Pires RML 
Published: December 2008

ContentsThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether an additional intramuscular (im) injection of pFSH would increase the embryo production in zebu cows superovulated with a single subcutaneous (sc) pFSH injection. Twenty‐one Nelore cows were treated with a progesterone vaginal implant (Controlled Internal Drug Relased – CIDR B®) and injected im with 2.5 mg estradiol benzoate. Four days later, cows were assigned randomly into three groups and superovulated with pFSH. Groups A and B received single sc injections of 400 and 320 IU, respectively; Group C received multiple im injections of 400 IU in decreasing doses at 12‐h intervals over 4 days. In the morning (07:00 am) of day 3 after starting superovulation, cows received im 150 mcg cloprostenol and Group B was additionally injected im with 80 IU of pFSH. CIDR‐B was withdrawn in the afternoon (07:00 pm). Cows were inseminated 48 and 62 h after the cloprostenol injection. Embryo collection and corpora lutea (CL) estimation were done 7 days after insemination. Alternation of treatments (crossover design) occurred at a 60‐day interval. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) of CL counts among treatments. The total (transferable and no transferable) number of recovered embryos from Group A (6.9 ± 1.5) was not different from Group C (9.8 ± 1.2), whereas Group B (5.7 ± 1.5) was lower than Group C (p < 0.05). The number of transferable embryos from Groups A (2.4 ± 0.7) and B (1.7 ± 0.6) was lower (p < 0.05) than Group C (4.6 ± 1.2). Lesser (p < 0.05) embryo production from Group B was related to lower recovery rate (46.4%), compared with Groups A (65.1%) and C (81.7%). It was concluded that an additional im subdose of pFSH, injected 48 h after a single subcutaneous (sc) dose of pFSH, does not improve the embryo production in zebu cows.
Factors Affecting Synchronization and Conception Rate after the Ovsynch Protocol in Lactating Holstein Cows
Authors: Galvão KN , Santos JEP 
Published: December 2008

ContentsObjectives were to evaluate risk factors affecting ovulatory responses and conception rate to the Ovsynch protocol. Holstein cows, 466, were submitted to the Ovsynch protocol [day 0, GnRH‐1; day 7, prostaglandin (PG) F2α; day 9, GnRH‐2] and 103 cows were inseminated 12 h after GnRH‐2. Information on parity, days in milk at GnRH‐1, body condition, milk yield, exposure to heat stress, pre‐synchronization with PGF2α and the use of progesterone insert from GnRH‐1 to PGF2α was collected. Ovaries were scanned to determine responses to treatments. Overall, 54.7%, 10.6%, 2.2%, 81.1%, 9.0%, 91.5% and 36.9% of the cows ovulated to GnRH‐1, multiple ovulated to GnRH‐1, ovulated before GnRH‐2, ovulated to GnRH‐2, multiple ovulated to GnRH‐2, experienced corpus luteum (CL) regression and conceived, respectively. Ovulation to GnRH‐1 was greater in cows without a CL at GnRH‐1, cows with follicles >19 mm and cows not pre‐synchronized with PGF2α 14 days before GnRH‐1. Multiple ovulations to GnRH‐1 increased in cows without CL at GnRH‐1 and cows with follicles ≤19 mm at GnRH‐1. Ovulation before GnRH‐2 was greater in cows without CL at PGF2α. Ovulation to GnRH‐2 increased in cows that received a progesterone insert, cows with a CL at GnRH‐1, cows with follicles not regressing from the PGF2α to GnRH‐2, cows with larger follicles at GnRH‐2, cows that ovulated to GnRH‐1 and cows not pre‐synchronized. Multiple ovulations after GnRH‐2 increased in cows with no CL at GnRH‐1, multiparous cows and cows that multiple ovulated to GnRH‐1. Conception rate at 42 days after AI increased in cows with body condition score > 2.75 and cows that ovulated to GnRH‐2. Strategies that optimize ovulation to GnRH‐2, such as increased ovulation to GnRH‐1, should improve response to the Ovsynch protocol.
Transcriptional Analysis of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Oocytes During In Vitro Maturation Using Bovine cDNA Microarray
Authors: Kandil OM , Ghanem N , Abdoon ASS , Hölker M , Phatsara C , Schellander K , Tesfaye D 
Published: December 2008

ContentsThe need for improving in vitro production of buffalo embryos necessitates a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating early development including oocyte maturation. Here, we used bovine cDNA microarray platform to investigate mRNA abundance of buffalo oocytes before and after in vitro maturation. For this, a total of six pools each contains 50 immature or in vitro matured buffalo oocytes were used for mRNA isolation and subsequent cDNA synthesis. The BlueChip bovine cDNA microarray (with approximately 2000 clones) was used to analyse gene expression profiles between immature and matured oocytes. Statistical analysis of microarray data revealed a total of 104 transcripts to be differentially expressed between the two oocyte groups. Among these, transcription factors (ZFP91), M‐phase mitotic cell cycle (MPHOSPH9), growth factor (BMP15) and DNA binding (HMGN2) were found to be up‐regulated in immature oocytes. Similarly, matured oocytes were found to be enriched with genes involved in cytoskeleton (ACTB), hydrogen ion transporting (ATP6V1C2) and structural constituent of ribosome (RPS27A). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction validated the expression profile of some selected transcripts during array analysis. In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the first large‐scale expression study to identify candidate genes differentially abundant and with potential role during buffalo oocyte maturation.
Elevated intracellular calcium in neutrophils in patients with Down syndrome
Authors: Yamato Fumiko , Takaya Junji , Yasuhara Akihiro , Teraguchi Masayuki , Ikemoto Yumiko , Kaneko Kazunari 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground:  Neutrophils of patients with Down syndrome (DS) are known to have numerous abnormalities associated with diminished resistance to infection. The intracellular calcium (Ca2+i) acts as a second messenger and regulates diverse functions in many cell types. The purpose of the present study was to compare the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) at baseline and stimulated conditions in DS patients and in normal subjects to investigate [Ca2+]i regulation in neutrophils.Methods:  The study group consisted of 27 subjects with DS (age, 8.6 ± 4.6 years) and 14 healthy subjects (age, 12.0 ± 3.9 years). Using a fluorescent probe, fura‐2, the baseline levels and changes in [Ca2+]i were examined after stimulation of neutrophils with N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP).Results:  At baseline, the [Ca2+]i of neutrophils from DS subjects was significantly higher than that of the controls (70.6  ±  28.0  nmol/L vs 44.4 ± 16.0 nmol/L, P < 0.01). The absolute [Ca2+]i after addition of fMLP in the DS subjects was also significantly higher than that of the control group (250 ± 91 nmol/L vs 167 ± 60 nmol/L, respectively: P < 0.01). The neutrophils from the DS subjects had a consistently and significantly prolonged response to fMLP as compared to the neutrophils of control subjects.Conclusions:  The higher [Ca2+]i and the prolonged response of [Ca2+]i to fMLP appear to be phenotypic traits of neutrophils in subjects with DS. This suggests intrinsic cellular defects in DS.
Dermatological signs in Wilson’s disease
Authors: Seyhan Muammer , Erdem Teoman , Selimoğlu Mukadder A. , Ertekin Vildan 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground:  Because no data on skin and mucosal findings of patients with Wilson’s disease have been published so far, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of mucosal and skin findings in childhood Wilson’s disease and to determine its specific dermatological findings, if any exist.Methods:  Thirty‐seven 4–17‐year‐old children with Wilson’s disease were included. A complete skin, scalp skin, mucous membrane and nail examination was performed.Results:  Of the children, 26 (70.3%) had at least one dermatological finding. Twenty‐five (67.6%), five (13.5%), nine (24.3%) had at least one skin, mucosal and nail finding, respectively. The most prevalent dermatological diagnosis of the Wilson’s disease patients was xerosis (45.7%). The presence of dermatological findings was not related to drug usage, severity of the disease, or malnutrition. The duration of the disease was not different in patients with or without dermatological findings. The frequency of skin findings alone, however, was high in relatively newly diagnosed patients (<2 years).Conclusion:  Dermatologist should be aware of the various dermatological manifestations of Wilson’s disease, because a careful and objective skin, mucosa, nail and hair examination may be indicative of a diagnosis of Wilson’s disease, particularly in early cases.
Computed tomography angiogram: Accuracy in renal surgery
Authors: Rabah Danny M , Al‐hathal Naif , Al‐fuhaid Turki , Raza Sayed , Al‐yami Fahad , Al‐taweel Waleed , Alomar Mohamed , Al‐nagshabandi Nizar 
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  To determine the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomography angiogram (CTA) in detecting number and location of renal arteries and veins as well as crossing vessels causing uretero‐pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), and to determine if this can be used in decision‐making algorithms for treatment of UPJO.Methods:  A prospective study was carried out in patients undergoing open, laparoscopic and robotic renal surgery from April 2005 until October 2006. All patients were imaged using CTA with 1.25 collimation of arterial and venous phases. Each multi‐detector CTA was then read by one radiologist and his results were compared prospectively with the actual intra‐operative findings.Results:  Overall, 118 patients were included. CTA had 93% sensitivity, 77% specificity and 90% overall accuracy for detecting a single renal artery, and 76% sensitivity, 92% specificity and 90% overall accuracy for detecting two or more renal arteries (Pearson χ2 = 0.001). There was 95% sensitivity, 84% specificity and 85% overall accuracy for detecting the number of renal veins. CTA had 100% overall accuracy in detecting early dividing renal artery (defined as less than 1.5 cm branching from origin), and 83.3% sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy in detecting crossing vessels at UPJ. The percentage of surgeons stating CTA to be helpful as pre‐operative diagnostic tool was 85%.Conclusion:  Computed tomography angiogram is simple, quick and can provide an accurate pre‐operative renal vascular anatomy in terms of number and location of renal vessels, early dividing renal arteries and crossing vessels at UPJ.
Technical acquisition and dosimetric assessment of iodine‐125 permanent brachytherapy in localized prostate cancer: Our first series of 100 patients
Authors: Tanaka Nobumichi , Asakawa Isao , Kondo Hideaki , Tanaka Motoyoshi , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Hasegawa Masatoshi , Konishi Noboru , Hirao Yoshihiko 
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  To assess our initial experience in the treatment of localized prostate cancer using low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (LDR‐brachytherapy) with iodine‐125.Methods:  One‐hundred consecutive patients received LDR‐brachytherapy between July 2004 and October 2006. Seventy‐six patients were treated with seed implantation alone, whereas 24 patients were treated with a combination of brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy. The minimal percentage of the dose received by 90% of the prostate gland (%D90), the percentage prostate volume receiving 100% of the prescribed minimal peripheral dose (V100), and the operation time were compared among every 10 consecutive patients.Results:  The means of %D90 and V100 were 109.6% and 93.4%, respectively. When compared with the first 10 patients, both D90 and V100 showed significant improvement in the following 10 consecutive patients. Similarly, the mean operation time decreased significantly according to the accumulated number of patients.Conclusions:  Our initial experience with the first 100 cases suggests that LDR‐brachytherapy needs accumulation of many more patients to obtain high‐quality post‐implant dosimetric outcomes.