bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does esomeprazole prevent post‐operative nausea and vomiting?
Authors: Raeder J. , Dahl V. , Bjoernestad E. , Edlund G. , Modin S. , Naucler E. , Bergheim R. , Kilhamn J. 
Published: November 2006

Background:  Esomeprazole is a potent proton pump inhibitor (PPI), reducing acid production as well as gastric juice volume. This study evaluated the possible beneficial effect of esomeprazole on reducing post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV).Methods:  Patients undergoing laparoscopic or open gynaecological surgery, or laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to receive three peri‐operative doses double blindly of either esomeprazole 40 mg or placebo, given intravenously or orally. All patients were given a standardized anaesthesia regimen including fentanyl and sevoflurane/nitrous oxide.Results:  The study population consisted of 284 patients. Demographic data and known PONV risk factors were similar for the two treatment groups. PONV was observed in 77% of patients on esomeprazole vs. 81% on placebo (NS) and rescue antiemetic medication was needed in 56% vs. 53%, respectively (NS). The proportion of patients that vomited during 0–24 h was lower on esomeprazole than placebo (38% vs. 49%; NS), and the mean amount of vomit was significantly lower (52 vs. 86 g; P < 0.05). The use of neostigmine, use of opioids and type of surgery were significant risk factors for PONV (P < 0.05). The 24‐h incidence of PONV was 63% after laparoscopic gynaecology, 80% after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 88% after open gynaecological laparotomy, whereas laparoscopic cholecystectomy had the lowest risk when corrected for other risk factors of PONV.Conclusion:  Esomeprazole had no clinically relevant effect on the overall 24‐h incidence of PONV. However, esomeprazole significantly reduced the total amount of vomit during 24‐h post‐operatively. This may be of value in patients with an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration.
Cervical epidural analgesia via a thoracic approach using nerve‐stimulation guidance in adult patients undergoing total shoulder replacement surgery
Authors: Tsui B. C. H. , Bury J. , Bouliane M. , Ganapathy S. 
Published: November 2006

Background:  Continuous cervical epidural anesthesia can provide excellent peri‐ and post‐operative analgesia, although several factors prevent its widespread use. Advancing catheters from thoracic levels to the cervical region may circumvent these barriers, provided they are accurately positioned. We hypothesize that guiding catheters from thoracic to cervical regions using low‐current epidural stimulation will have a high success rate and enable excellent analgesia in adults undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty.Methods:  After Institutional Review Board approval, adult patients were studied consecutively. A 17‐G Tuohy needle was inserted into the thoracic epidural space using a right paramedian approach with loss of resistance. A 20‐G styletted epidural catheter, with an attached nerve stimulator, was primed with saline and a 1–10 mA current was applied as it advanced in a cephalad direction towards the cervical spine. Muscle twitch responses were observed and post‐operative X‐ray confirmed final placement. After a test dose, an infusion (2–8 ml/h) of ropivacaine 2 mg/ml and morphine 0.05 mg/ml (or equivalent) was initiated. Verbal analog pain scale scores were collected over 72 h.Results:  Cervical epidural anesthesia was performed on 10 patients. Average current required to elicit a motor response was 4.8 ± 2.0mA. Post‐operative X‐ray of catheter positions confirmed all catheter tips reached the desired region (C4–7). The technical success rate for catheter placement was 100% and excellent pain control was achieved. Catheters were positioned two to the left, four to the right and four to the midline.Conclusion:  This epidural technique provided highly effective post‐operative analgesia in a patient group that traditionally experiences severe post‐operative pain and can benefit from early mobilization.
Identification and geographic distribution of vegetative compatibility types of Cryphonectria parasitica and occurrence of hypovirulence in Greece
Authors: Perlerou C. , Diamandis S. 
Published: November 2006

Summary Castanea sativa, one of the most precious forest trees in Greece, is affected by the spread of chestnut blight all over the country. Identification and mapping of the vegetative compatibility (vc) types of the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica was carried out and the occurrence of hypovirulence was checked. In 11 chestnut populations distributed all over Greece, 627 isolates were obtained and their vc type was determined. Four vc types were identified by means of tester isolates: EU‐12 was found to be the dominant vc type reaching a percentage of 88%, with EU‐2 (6%), EU‐10 (3%) and EU‐1 (2%) following. EU‐12 was found in all 11 populations investigated whereas EU‐2 was isolated from five populations and EU‐10 and EU‐1 were found only in one population each. Natural hypovirulence was also found in five populations of 11 examined. Perithecia were not found in either population, a finding supported by the fact that all Greek isolates examined belonged to a single mating type, MAT‐1. The low diversity in vc types, the absence of the perithecial stage and the occurrence of natural hypovirulence in some areas support the feasibility of successful application of biological control on the national level in Greece.
Endophytic fungi in Siberian larch (Larix sibirica) needles
Authors: Kauhanen M. , Vainio E. J. , Hantula J. , Eyjolfsdottir G. G. , Niemelä P. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryEndophytic fungi were isolated from surface‐sterilized needles of the Siberian larch. Samples were collected from a native growing site of the Siberian larch in north‐western Russia and from sites in Russia, Finland and Iceland where the Siberian larch has been introduced. The isolated fungi were classified to operational taxonomic units (OTUs) using colony morphology and molecular characteristics. Needle colonization rates were 50–99% and in total 79 OTUs were found. There were five common OTUs, which covered 86.2% of all isolates. The most common OTU lacked from the youngest plantations in Finland (Solböle) and in Iceland (Kjarnaskógur). The highest similarity in regard to the frequency of OTUs occurred among the stands established long ago in Finland, and the UPGMA clustering using similarity indices separated the seven stands into two major groups.
Survival and vitality of Gremmeniella abietina on Pinus sylvestris slash in northern Sweden
Authors: Witzell J. , Bernhold A. , Hansson P. 
Published: November 2006

SummarySurvival and vitality of Gremmeniella abietina on Pinus sylvestris slash was studied in northern Sweden during 2003 and 2004. Once a month between September 2003 and April 2004, two to three trees were cut down and debranched. Shoots with pycnidia were sampled at the felling date and then at every consecutive month. The percentage of germinated conidia from each shoot was calculated after 24, 48 and 72 h incubation. The vitality of G. abietina pycnidia in the slash remained high the whole period. Intact pycnidia were found on slash several months after the time of conidial sporulation, which indicates that new pycnidia may be produced on dead pine branches. Sampling of shoots from slash on 13‐ to 18‐month‐old clear‐cuts showed conidial germination capacity as high as in pycnidia collected in fresh slash. Due to survival of G. abietina in slash it is recommended to postpone planting of P. sylvestris seedlings in northern boreal areas to the third vegetation period after sanitary clear‐cuts.
A pilot study of ice‐slurry application for inducing laparoscopic renal hypothermia
Authors: Laven Brett A. , Kasza Kenneth E. , Rapp David E. , Orvieto Marcelo A. , Lyon Mark B. , Oras John J. , Beiser David G. , Vanden Hoek Terry L. , Son Hyunjin , Shalhav Arieh L. 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo assess, in a pilot study, the feasibility of delivering a microparticulate ice slurry (MPS) to provide regional hypothermia, as renal cooling during laparoscopic procedures is cumbersome and inefficient.MATERIALS AND METHODSAn ex vivo preparation was used to simulate the boundary conditions of a kidney. Four pig kidneys were placed onto a thin membrane overlying a constant temperature bath (37 °C) with parenchymal thermocouples. Renal surfaces were coated with MPS and temperatures recorded. In an in vivo pig model we assessed laparoscopic delivery and cooling ability of the MPS under physiological conditions. Kidneys in two pigs were laparoscopically exposed; thermocouple probes were placed throughout the kidney and the hilum was clamped. MPS was delivered through a modified 5‐mm laparoscopic suction/irrigation cannula. Cortical and core body temperatures were measured.RESULTSIn the ex vivo study, the mean (sd) initial temperature was 37.1 (0.4) °C; the mean time to reach 15 °C was 10.3 (2.6) min and the mean nadir temperature was 13.0 (1.5) °C. In vivo, the MPS was delivered with no technical difficulty; the mean renal unit starting temperature and core body temperature were 37.2 °C and 37.0 °C, respectively. The mean (range) time to reach 15 °C was 16.5 (5.5–28.6) min. The mean nadir core body temperature was 34.0 °C.CONCLUSIONThis initial study showed efficient and rapid induction of renal hypothermia using MPS delivered through 5‐mm laparoscopic ports, with no technical difficulty. These exploratory pilot findings support further, larger scale, histopathological and renal functional investigations of topical ice slurries as a means of providing renal hypothermia in laparoscopic procedures.
Self‐concept in young adults with a learning disability from the Jewish community
Authors: Bunning Karen , Steel Gabriela 
Published: November 2006

SummaryA small pilot study was conducted to explore the self‐concept of young people with a learning disability from a Jewish community in an inner city area. Four young people participated in the project. All attended a college dedicated to the further education of people with special needs from the Jewish community. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with the participants. A low‐technology augmentative communication strategy called ‘Talking Mats’ was employed [J. Murphy and L. Cameron (2002b)Talking Mats and learning disability: a low‐tech resource to help people to express their views and feelings. Scotland, University of Stirling] to cater for the participant's varying communication needs. The participant placed relevant symbols on a mat to capture views expressed during interview. Three key themes emerged from the data: ‘being young’, ‘having a learning disability’ and ‘being Jewish’. The narratives associated with each theme were closely intertwined. Membership of the Jewish community was central to the concept of self. The research highlighted the importance of context and cultural belonging to the construction of identity. Use of ‘Talking Mats’ during interview proved an accessible format, both for exploring the views of people with learning disabilities, and providing them with feedback about the research.
An evaluation of research and training resources for the sex education of people with moderate to severe learning disabilities
Authors: Grieve Alan , McLaren Shona , Lindsay William R. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryTo review the literature on issues surrounding the sexuality of people with moderate to severe learning disability (SLD), and evaluate available assessment and training methods. This research arose from an increasing number of referrals for clinical intervention in the training and education of appropriate social and sexual behaviour in people with moderate to SLD. What became apparent was the lack of suitable materials and assessments, which is significant as a large number of persons with SLD have problems with language, and so require tools and programmes which have enhanced levels of pictorial support. This research was necessary as people with SLD are vulnerable and have been open to emotional and sexual abuse [Ment Handicap Res16 (1993) 193]. Also, the present study was also required to help keep clients safe and reduce their vulnerability. It has been proposed that this should be achieved through providing educative input. An extensive review of the literature revealed that the research on sexuality in SLD was limited. Furthermore, where research had been conducted, poor methodology or validation issues were common, and materials appeared overly complicated for clients with moderate to SLD. Further research into the development and validation of assessment tools and training programmes which increase appropriate sexual behaviours is urgently required.
Molecular Epidemiology of Phenylalanine Hydroxylase Deficiency in Southern Italy: a 96% Detection Rate with Ten Novel Mutations
Authors: Daniele A. , Cardillo G. , Pennino C. , Carbone M. T. , Scognamiglio D. , Correra A. , Pignero A. , Castaldo G. , Salvatore F. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryHyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) comprises a group of autosomal recessive disorders mainly caused by phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene mutations. We investigated PAH mutations in 126 HPA patients from Southern Italy who were identified in a neonatal screening program. The promoter, coding and exon‐flanking intronic sequences of the PAH gene were amplified and sequenced. Mutations were identified in 240/249 alleles (detection rate: 96.4%). We found 60 gene variants; the most frequent were p.R261Q (15.7% of alleles), p.A403V (11.6% of alleles) and c.1066‐11G > A (8.8% of alleles). The remaining mutations were rare, and ten are novel. This mutation epidemiology differs from that reported for Northern Italy and other European countries. We also identified several discordant genotype/phenotype correlations. About two‐thirds of all mild phenylketonuria patients showed at least one tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)‐responsive mutation, and are thus candidates for a customized therapeutic approach.
Systemic lupus erythematosus in Asia: is it more common and more severe?
Authors: THUMBOO Julian , WEE Hwee‐Lin 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAim:  We summarized published data on prevalence and comparative disease manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to determine if SLE is more common or more severe in Asians compared with Caucasians.Methods:  A PubMed search was used to identify studies reporting prevalence or clinical manifestations (limited to comparative studies in multi‐ethnic Asian populations or between Asians and Caucasians) of SLE among Asians.Results:  We identified 18 studies of prevalence and six studies of comparative disease manifestations and/or prevalence (from 1725 retrieved abstracts). Prevalence (per 100,000) of SLE in community‐based studies ranged from 3.2 to 70.4 in Asian studies and 46.7–161.0 in Asian migrant studies compared with 20.6–78.5 in North America and 24.6–91.0 in Europe. Studies in Asian migrants showed double the prevalence of SLE among Indians (2/2 studies) and Chinese (1/2 studies) as compared with Caucasians. Two studies found differences in clinical manifestations of SLE among Chinese, Malays and Indians living in the same country. Four comparative studies variously found more renal, central nervous system or other major organ involvement among Asians and Asian migrants than Caucasians with SLE over the disease course.Conclusions:  SLE is generally not more prevalent in Asian than Caucasian populations, although it is more prevalent among Asian migrants. SLE has more severe clinical manifestations among Asians compared with Caucasians.
An 18‐year follow‐up study of a lupus cohort in Shanghai
Authors: CHEN Sheng , GU Yue‐Ying , BAO Chun‐De , CHEN Shun‐Le 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAim:  To investigate the long‐term prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its risk factors.Methods:  An 18‐year (1980–1998) clustering follow‐up study of 50 patients with SLE was performed.Results:  The overall survival rate at 1, 5, 10, 15 and 18 years after the onset of illness was 98%, 98%, 84%, 76%, and 70%, respectively. The two major causes of death were infection and renal failure. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that the presence of ≥ 7 of the American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE at diagnosis and vasculitis were associated with worse survival. Thirteen (26%) patients were in remission with complete discontinuation of drugs, with the mean remission duration being 12 years (range: 2–17 years).Conclusion:  It is possible for patients with SLE to get long‐term remission through timely and effective treatment. Prevention of infection and renal failure and reducing dosage of corticosteroids by combined treatment with immunosuppressive drugs may enhance prognosis and survival in SLE.
Molecular abnormalities of T‐cells in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: TAKEUCHI Tsutomu , TSUZAKA Kensei , KAMEDA Hideto , AMANO Kouichi 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSubstantial evidence supports that T‐cells play a central role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To explore the molecular basis of the defective function of SLE T‐cells, we focused on the signal transduction system via T‐cell antigen receptor (TCR) in peripheral blood T‐cells from SLE patients. Comprehensive analysis to identify the molecules responsible for the defects showed the expression of the TCR ζ chain was attenuated, or absent in more than half of SLE patients. Moreover, the aberrant transcripts of the TCR ζ chain, including spliced variants lacking exon 7 and with a short 3′‐UTR, were detected in SLE T‐cells. Although attenuated expression of the TCR ζ chain is also observed in patients with cancers, infections, and other autoimmune diseases, sustained attenuation of TCR ζ expression and aberrant transcripts are only observed in SLE. In this review we discuss the unique features of the TCR ζ defects in SLE.
Management of systemic lupus erythematosus in the coming decade: potentials and challenges
Authors: CHNG Hiok Hee 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has improved in the past 50 years, but there is still a 3–5‐fold increased mortality compared to the general population, with major organ failure due to active disease, infection and cardiovascular disease as the major challenges for the coming decade. Research advances at cellular, molecular and genetic levels enhance our understanding of the immunopathogenic mechanisms of SLE, leading to the development of drugs targeting specific sites of immune dysregulation – with therapies directed at cytokines, B‐ and T‐cells, and their interactions showing promise. Advances are expected in the field of haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) as a therapeutic option for a subset of patients. Furthermore, some non‐traditional immunomodulating therapies like statins, leflunomide and tacrolimus may prove useful as alternative or adjunct treatment in some patients. A better understanding of how current immunosuppressants act at the cellular and molecular level should guide the re‐evaluation of the indications, doses and duration of therapy in clinical trials using these agents, many of which have not been subjected to proper double‐blinded placebo‐controlled studies. Research on triggers of SLE onset and flare of activity continues to yield information helpful in prevention. The evidence on the impact of psychosocial and economic factors on the outcome of SLE is overwhelming and the rheumatology community should enlist the assistance of other healthcare professionals, patient advocates and local health authorities to address these issues pertinent to good patient care and outcome.
PROPOSAL OF THE GRACILARIALES ORD. NOV. (RHODOPHYTA) BASED ON AN ANALYSIS OF THE REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT OF GRACILARIA VERRUCOSA1
Authors: Fredericq Suzanne , Hommersand Max H. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThe mode of division of vegetative cells, formation of spermatangial parent cells, initiation of the carpogonial branch apparatus, and formation of tetrasporangial initials are homologous developmental processes that are documented for the first time in the type species of the economically important family Gracilariaceae, Gracilaria verrucosa (Hudson) Papenfuss from the British Isles. G. verrucosa is characterized by a supporting cell of intercalary origin that bears a 2‐celled carpogonial branch flanked by two sterile branches, direct fusion of cells of sterile branches onto the carpogonium, formation of an extensive carpogonial fusion cell through the incorporation of additional gametophytic cells prior to gonimoblast initiation, gonimoblast initials produced from fusion cell lobes, schizogenous development of the cytocarp cavity, inner gonimoblast cells producing tubular nutritive cells that fuse with cells of the pericarp or floor of the cystocarp, absence of cytologically modified tissue in the floor of the cystocarp, and carposporangial initials produced in clusters or irregular chains. Spermatangial parent cells are generated in flaments from intercalary cortical cells that line an intercellular space forming a ‘pit’ or ‘conceptacle’. Tetrasporangial initials are transformed from terminal cells derived through division of an outer cortical cell. Tetrasporangia are cruciately divided.The Gracilariaceae is removed from Gigartinales and transferred to the new order Gracilariales. Their closest living relatives appear to be agarophytes belonging to the Gelidiales and Ahnfeltiales.
VEGETATIVE REPRODUCTION OF THE FRESHWATER DINOFLAGELLATE GLOEODINIUM MONTANUM1
Authors: Kelley Ingrid , Pfiester Lois A. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThe vegetative life cycle of Gloeodinium montanum Klebs was examined. In unialgal cultures G. montanum divided predominantly by binary fission once every 2‐3 weeks. Nuclear division was followed by a delayed cytokinesis producing non‐motile G. montanum cells. When placed in fresh media 2‐4 biflagellated swarmers were formed. The swarmers, although similar in appearance to those of Hemidinium ochraceum Levander (1900), differ from that species in their dimensions. During vegetative reproduction swarmers developed directly into non‐motile vegetative cells.
EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL VARIATION ON SINKING RATES OF MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON1
Authors: Culver Mary E. , Smith Walker O. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThe effects of environmental variables, particularly irradiance, on the sinking rates of phytoplankton were investigated using cultures of Chaetoceros gracilis Schütt and C. flexuosum Mangin in laboratory experiments; these data were compared with results from assemblages in the open ocean and marginal ice zone of the Greenland Sea. In culture experiments both the irradiance under which the diatom was grown and culture growth rate were positively correlated with sinking rates. Sinking rates (ψ) in the Greenland Sea were smallest when determined from chlorophyll (mean ψchl= 0.14 m · d−1) and biogenic silica (ψsi= 0.14 m · d−1) and greatest when determined from particulate carbon (ψc= 0.55 m · d−1) and nitrogen (ψN= 0.64 m · d−1). Field measurements indicated that variations in sinking may be associated with changes in irradiance and nitrate concentrations. Because these factors do not directly affect water density, they must be inducing physiological changes in the cell which affect buoyancy. Although a direct response to a single environmental variable was not always evident, sinking rates were positively correlated with growth rates in the marginal ice zone, further indicating a connection to physiological processes. Estimats of carbon flux at stations with vertically mixed euphotic zones indicated that approximately 30% of the daily primary production sank from the euphotic zone in the form of small particulates. Calculated carbon flux tended to increase with primary productivity.