bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immmunohistochemical Study of the Blood and Lymphatic Vasculature and the Innervation of Mouse Gut and Gut‐Associated Lymphoid Tissue
Authors: Ma B. , Von Wasielewski R. , Lindenmaier W. , Dittmar K. E. J. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe blood and lymphatic vascular system of the gut plays an important role in tissue fluid homeostasis, nutrient absorption and immune surveillance. To obtain a better understanding of the anatomic basis of these functions, the blood and lymphatic vasculature of the lower segment of mouse gut and several constituents of gut‐associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) including Peyer's patch, specialized lymphoid nodules in the caecum, small lymphoid aggregates and lymphoid nodules in the colon were studied by using confocal microscopy. Additionally, the innervation and nerve/immune cell interactions in the gut and Peyer's patch were investigated by using cell surface marker PGP9.5 and Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In the gut and Peyer's patch, the nerves have contact with B cell, T cell and B220CD3 double‐positive cells. Dendritic cells, the most important antigen‐presenting cells, were closely apposed to some nerves. Some dendritic cells formed membrane–membrane contact with nerve terminals and neuron cell body. Many fine nerve fibres, which are indirectly detected by GFAP, have contact with dendritic cells and other immune cells in the Peyer's patch. Furthermore, the expression of Muscarinic Acetylcholine receptor (subtype M2) was characterized on dendritic cells and other cell population. These findings are expected to provide a route to understand the anatomic basis of neuron‐immune regulation/cross‐talk and probably neuroinvasion of prion pathogens in the gut and GALT.
Effect of Sperm Cryopreservation on the European Eel Sperm Viability and Spermatozoa Morphology
Authors: Asturiano JF , Marco‐Jiménez F , Peñaranda DS , Garzón DL , Pérez L , Vicente JS , Jover M 
Published: February 2007

ContentsThe main objective of the present work was to study the effect of cryopreservation of European eel sperm both on the sperm viability and the spermatozoa head morphology. Spermatozoa morphology was evaluated with computer‐assisted morphology analysis after collection in fresh samples, after adding the freezing medium containing dimethyl sulfoxide as cryoprotectant and, finally, after the cryopreservation process and thawing. Cell viability was assessed, in both fresh and thawed samples, by Hoechst 33258 staining. Computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was used to determine the percentage of motile cells and to measure motility parameters in sperm samples. A significant decrease of head perimeter (12.56%) and area (17.90%) was detected from spermatozoa in fresh to thawed samples, indicating that cells do not recover the original size after the cryopreservation process. CASA was used to measure the percentage of motile cells (51.9%) and spermatozoa motility parameters such as curvilinear, straight line and angular path velocities, as well as beating cross frequency. This technique was employed in the fresh sperm samples but proteins present at the freezing medium (L‐α‐phosphatidylcholine) made impossible to use this last technique in thawed samples. When sperm viability was assessed by Hoechst staining, a significant decrease of approximately 15% (73.10 vs 58.26%) of alive spermatozoa was registered from fresh to thawed samples. The percentage of motile cells measured by CASA in fresh samples (51.9%) was lower than the percentage of alive cells determined by Hoechst stainning, suggesting the existence of different batches of spermatozoa in different stages of development, even during the eight to tenth weeks of treatment, when the highest sperm quality was found.
The Embryonic Pregnancy Signal Oestradiol Influences Gene Expression at the Level of Translational Initiation in Porcine Endometrial Cells
Authors: Wollenhaupt K , Brüssow K‐P , Tiemann U , Tomek W 
Published: February 2007

ContentsIn the pig, conceptus‐derived oestrogens (days 11 and 12 of pregnancy) seem to be a critical component of the signalling mechanism for maternal recognition of pregnancy. Embryonic oestrogens can mediate effects on endometrial function by interactions with epithelial and stromal oestrogen receptors (ER). Recent data demonstrate that cell membrane ER interacts with the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt pathway in several types of cells. The protein kinase Akt is involved in the control of cell growth, survival and proliferation. One distinct function of the Akt signalling cascade is its ability to phosphorylate the eukaryotic initiation factor‐4E (eIF‐4E)‐binding protein 1 (4E‐BP1). This phosphorylation suppresses the inhibitory effect of 4E‐BP1 on the translation initiation factor eIF4E and in such a way potentially stimulates gene expression at the level of translational initiation. The aim of the present study was to examine if embryonic oestradiol (E2) transmits its effect by such a mechanism. Endometrial cells of cyclic gilts (day 13 of the oestrous cycle, n = 4) were cultured and supplemented with vehicle (control), E2(50 and 100 pm/l) or with the selective ER modulator raloxifen (10 and 1000 nm/l), and incubated for 24 h. The cell viability was detected by MTT assay, the abundance and phosphorylation of Akt, 4E‐BP1 and ERαwas analysed by Western blotting. Incubation with E2or raloxifen did not alter endometrial cell viability. The phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473seems to be increased by E2(p < 0.05) and decreased by raloxifen (p > 0.05). Raloxifen (1000 nm/l) induced a band shift in 4E‐BP1 to the highest electrophoretic mobility which reflects a decrease in phosphorylation (p < 0.05), whereas an influence of E2on 4E‐BP1 phosphorylation could not be detected. The decrease (p < 0.05) of the abundance of the 80 kDa ERαform both by E2and raloxifen indicates that the E2‐stimulated Akt phosphorylation and the inhibition of 4E‐BP1 phosphorylation by raloxifen is an E2ER‐transmitted process. Therefore, embryonic oestrogens can potentially transmit their effect by influencing signalling cascades which modulate gene expression at the level of translational initiation.
Lacrimal sac volume measurement during eyelid closure and opening
Authors: Amrith Shantha , Goh Poh Sun , Wang Shih‐Chang 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground:  Jones’ theory of tear drainage suggests that the lacrimal sac fills when the eyelids are closed and empties when the eyelids are opened. This study was undertaken to see if there is any change in the volume of the lacrimal sac during eyelid closure and opening using images obtained from magnetic resonance dacryocystography using a topical magnetic resonance contrast agent.Methods:  This is a prospective non‐randomized comparative study in a tertiary hospital setting. Magnetic resonance dacryocystography scans were performed on five volunteers using 0.5% topical gadolinium‐DTPA (MagneVist, Schering AG, Berlin, Germany) as a contrast agent. A T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging scan with 2‐mm contiguous coronal cuts was performed after localizing the lacrimal sac and instilling the contrast agent. The scans were performed with eyelids closed and opened. Volumes of 10 lacrimal sacs of five volunteers were calculated using pixel calibration and computer graphics.Results:  No statistical difference in size of the lacrimal sacs was demonstrable between when the eyes were opened and when they were shut.Conclusion:  The present study could not demonstrate any volume change in the sac between eyelid closure and opening. Magnetic resonance imaging dacryocystography measures sac volume at two static end‐points, so it cannot show any transient volume change that might occur during blinking. Various factors that may be affecting tear flow through the nasolacrimal system are discussed.
EFFECT OF RE‐STERILIZATION OF SURGICAL SUTURES BY ETHYLENE OXIDE
Authors: Nagaraja Prem Anand , Shetty Devi 
Published: February 2007

Background:  Surgical suture packs are opened (and external packaging removed) on the operating table prior to surgery. Some of these suture packs may not be used in the surgery for reasons of inappropriateness or change in the surgical technique or following accidental contact with a non‐sterile surface. These unused sutures with their foil packs still unopened are sometimes re‐sterilized using ethylene oxide to allow for reuse. This re‐sterilization of unopened suture packs can be contentious, due to legislation and health regulations in developed countries. The purpose of the present paper was to measure the effect of such repeated gas sterilization on sutures.Methods:  The knot tensile strength was measured for new sterile sutures and ethylene oxide re‐sterilized sutures. The tests were conducted on two available brands of sutures, including both absorbable and non‐absorbable synthetic sutures.Results:  No statistically significant difference was observed in the tensile strengths between the two sets of sutures, before and after re‐sterilization. Some foil packs showed slight crimping after re‐sterilization, but remained intact. No humidity was observed inside the foil packs.Conclusions:  Re‐sterilization of unused suture foil packs can be carried out without loss of tensile strength.
INTRAOPERATIVE NEUROLOGICAL CHANGES IN 1665 REGIONAL ANAESTHETIC CAROTID ENDARTERECTOMIES PREDICTS POSTOPERATIVE STROKE
Authors: Mayer Raoul C. , Bingley John , Westcott Mark J. , Deshpande Arvind , Davies Micheal J. , Lovelock Mark E. , Vidovich John , Doyle John , Denton Micheal J. , Gurry John F. 
Published: February 2007

Background:  To maximize the benefit of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in stroke prevention its complication rate must be minimized. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of a large series of CEA carried out under regional anaesthesia with selective shunting, with particular emphasis on identifying predictors for perioperative stroke and mortality.Methods:  Between 1987 and 2003 the data for 1665 consecutive regional anaesthetic CEA carried out in 1495 patients were collected prospectively; awake neurological testing facilitated selective shunting. Preoperative data, intraoperative events and postoperative in‐hospital complications were recorded and analysed.Results:  There were 38 non‐fatal strokes (2.3%) and 10 deaths (0.6%), giving a combined stroke and mortality rate of 2.9%. Only patients who needed shunting were found to have significantly higher rate of postoperative stroke and mortality (7.0 vs 1.9%, P < 0.001). Patient characteristics, comorbidities, indication for operation (P = 0.34) and the degree of stenosis of the contralateral carotid artery (P = 0.65) were not found to be predictive of perioperative stroke or mortality, although the latter two were found to be predictive of the need for shunting (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002).Conclusion:  Regional anaesthetic CEA is a safe and effective technique with excellent morbidity and mortality rates. The technique can be undertaken safely regardless of the indication for endarterectomy or the status of the contralateral carotid artery. Patients who developed intraoperative neurological changes requiring shunting are identified as high risk for perioperative stroke or mortality and should therefore be carefully monitored postoperatively.
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AUDIT: DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Authors: Cuncins‐Hearn Astrid , Boult Margaret , Babidge Wendy , Zorbas Helen , Villanueva Elmer , Evans Alison , Oliver David , Kollias James , Reeve Tom , Maddern Guy 
Published: February 2007

Background:  Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a significant issue in Australia and New Zealand with rising incidence because of the implementation of mammographic screening. Current information on its natural history is unable to accurately predict progression to invasive cancer. In 2003, the National Breast Cancer Centre in Australia published recommendations for DCIS. In Australia and New Zealand, the National Breast Cancer Audit collects information on DCIS cases. This article will examine these recommendations and provide information from the audit on current DCIS management.Methods:  Three thousand six hundred and twenty‐nine cases of DCIS were entered by 274 breast surgeons between January 1998 and December 2004. Data items in the National Breast Cancer Audit database that were covered in the National Breast Cancer Centre recommendations were reviewed. Information was available on the following: diagnostic biopsy rates for all cases and mammographically positive cases and rates of breast conserving surgery (BCS), clear margins following BCS, postoperative radiotherapy following BCS for groups at high risk of recurrence as well as axillary procedures and tamoxifen prescription.Results:  Close adherence was found in diagnostic biopsy, BCS and clear margin rates. Some high‐risk groups received radiotherapy, although women with ‘close’ margins did not in 33% of cases. Axillary procedures were conducted in 23% of cases and most (81%) patients were not prescribed tamoxifen.Conclusion:  There was predominantly close adherence to recommendations with three possible areas of improvement: fewer axillary procedures, an appraisal of radiotherapy practice following BCS and more investigation into tamoxifen prescription practices for DCIS.
Propofol in paediatric anaesthesia
Authors: MORTON N.S. , JOHNSTON G. , WHITE M. , MARSH B.J. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryPropofol has been used in paediatric anaesthesia since 1985 and an increasing body of evidence has shown that it is a safe, effective induction agent which has dose‐related side‐effects comparable with other agents. Pain on injection can be ameliorated by the use of antecubital veins or by pre‐mixing an adequate amount of lignocaine with propofol immediately prior to administration. The pharmacokinetics of propofol are different in children with their larger central compartment volume and clearance reflected in higher dose requirements for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia. This has important implications when propofol is given for sedation or anaesthesia by continuous infusion.
Anaesthesia for primary repair of cleft lip and cleft palate: a review of 244 procedures
Authors: DOYLE E. , HUDSON I. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe peri‐operative course of 194 patients undergoing 244 procedures for primary repair of cleft lip and palate over an 8‐year‐period was studied. A marked increase in the extent of intra‐operative monitoring was noted during this period. The Pierre Robin syndrome was the most common associated abnormality and was found in 17% of patients in this series. There were no deaths. A total of 101 procedures were undertaken in infants with cleft lip of whom 10% received an intra‐operative blood transfusion. Post‐operative opiate analgesics were administered following 97% of these procedures and profound respiratory depression was observed in three children. The use of lignocaine and noradrenaline did not significantly reduce the operative blood loss. A post‐operative pyrexial illness was significantly associated with the presence of a positive pre‐operative nasal and throat swab and this could be significantly reduced by pre‐operative antibiotic treatment. A total of 143 children underwent repair of cleft palate and of these 16.8% received an operative blood transfusion. An elective tracheostomy was required in one patient because of unsuccessful attempts at endotracheal intubation. One patient developed a respiratory arrest after two doses of diamorphine peri‐operatively. The use of lignocaine and noradrenaline significantly reduced the operative blood loss. The presence of a positive bacteriological nose or throat swab did not influence the development of a post‐operative pyrexia which could however be significantly reduced by the use of pre‐operative antibiotics.
Location of the paravertebral space in children and adolescents in relation to surface anatomy assessed by computed tomography
Authors: P. A. LÖNNQVIST MD, DEAA  , U. HESSER MD  
Published: February 2007

SummaryA series of 52 thoracic and/or upper abdominal computer tomography scans were reviewed in order to determine the optimal puncture site and depth for performing paravertebral blocks in the mid‐thoracic region in children and adolescents. Both the lateral distance from the spinous process to the paravertebral space (SP‐PVS distance) and the depth from the skin to the paravertebral space (S‐PVS depth) correlated well (r values 0.86–0.95) to all patient related parameters (age, height, weight and body surface area). Since patient weight is usually readily obtainable and correlates well with both SP‐PVS distances (r= 0.89; SP‐PVS distance (mm) = 0.12 x body weight (kg) + 10.2) and S‐PVS depth (r= 0.95; S‐PVS depth (mm) = 0.48 x body weight (kg) + 18.7) this parameter might provide the best and easiest prediction of the location of the paravertebral space when performing paravertebral blocks in children and adolescents.
Stability of the laryngeal mask airway during marked extension of the head
Authors: GOUDSOUZIAN N.G. , CLEVELAND R. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe position of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was ascertained in a two‐year‐old child by computerized tomographic images during slight flexion and marked extension of the head. No change of the quality of the airway was noted and there was no evidence of obstruction or dislocation of the LMA on the scans.
Continuous rectus sheath block analgesia for an infant with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: CORNISH P. , ANDERSON B. , CHAMBERS C. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryA 12‐month infant with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and gastro‐oesophageal reflux presented for a Nissen fundoplication under general anaesthesia. Post‐operative pain was successfully managed with a continuous rectus sheath infusion of bupivacaine 0.25% 0.1 ml·kg−1·h−1 through an indwelling catheter which facilitated a rapid return to pre‐operative respiratory function.
Experiences with a reference directory for the perioperative care of children with rare diseases
Authors: ABEL M. , DIEFENBACH C. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryA computerized reference data bank for the anaesthetic management and postoperative care of children with syndromes and rare disorders was established two years ago. It contains data on some 2000 syndromes and rare diseases. Updating of the directory is done by regular review of the literature and dialogue with the users. Between January 1991 and January 1993 this interdisciplinary service received 169 telephone, fax or postal calls for advisory service from physicians of all specialities connected with the field of operative paediatrics. The consultations concerned 79 patients with dysmorphias, 58 infants with metabolic disorders and 32 patients with complex or unclassified syndromes. About 58% of the patients were aged under three years. Although the structure of the data bank allows for an advisory service tailored to the individual needs, only 63% of the consultations could be given based upon published anaesthetic experiences of similiar cases. In the absence of anaesthetic case reports, advice for the other cases had to derived from the principles of general paediatric anaesthesia practice. In only 48 of the consultations (28%) was the user's experience reported and could then be stored in the directory.
Post‐operative analgesia with caudal epidural sufentanil
Authors: SEIXAS BAPTISTA JOSÉ , CELESTE DIAS M. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe effectiveness of post‐operative analgesia and the frequency of side effects of caudal epidural sufentanil with bupivacaine plus adrenaline was compared with bupivacaine plus adrenaline alone and morphine with bupivacaine plus adrenaline. One hundred and four children scheduled for subdiaphragmatic surgery were studied and divided in three groups. The results showed that epidural sufentanil with bupivacaine provided better analgesia than bupivacaine alone with fewer side effects compared with the group who received morphine and bupivacaine.
Is adenoidectomy in children safer with laryngeal mask airway or with tracheal intubation?
Authors: DUBREUIL MARC , CROS ANNE MARIE , BOUDEY CHRISTIAN , ESTEBEN DOMINIQUE , MILACIC MARTINE 
Published: February 2007

SummaryAdenoidectomy in paediatric outpatient surgery is assumed to require tracheal intubation (TT). The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) commonly used for general paediatric surgery has never been previously studied for adenoidectomy. We therefore prospectively compared in a randomized manner, the incidence of complications with TT and LMA in 56 children undergoing adenoidectomy. Preoperative, intraoperative and the lowest SPO2 values after removal of either TT or LMA were recorded. The respiratory complications, cough, stridor and/or laryngospasm, were recorded intraoperatively and after removal of the airway device. The oxygen saturation levels were significantly higher in the laryngeal mask airway group both intraoperatively and after removal of the respiratory device (P<0.05). The incidence of respiratory complications was lower in the LMA group. In conclusion we have shown that the laryngeal mask airway with a flexometallic tube is a satisfactory alternative to tracheal intubation for outpatient paediatric adenoidectomy.
Recovery times following induction of anaesthesia with propofol, methohexitone, enflurane or thiopentone in children
Authors: SHARPLES A. , SHAW E.A. , MEAKIN G. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryWe have measured the times to early recovery in forty children aged 3‐14 years in whom anaesthesia was induced by intravenous propofol, methohexitone, thiopentone or inhalation of enflurane. Maintenance anaesthesia consisted of inhalation of nitrous oxide, oxygen and enflurane via a face mask. Early recovery, assessed by the Steward recovery score, was significantly faster after propofol, methohexitone or inhalation of enflurane compared with thiopentone (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in recovery times between propofol, methohexitone or enflurane. We conclude that the use of propofol to induce anaesthesia does not hasten recovery in children undergoing short day‐case procedures compared with methohexitone or inhalation of enflurane.
Transport for paediatric intensive care. Measuring the performance of a specialist transport service
Authors: CRAY S.H. , HEARD C.M.B. 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARYFifty children were referred for transport to a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Two scoring systems were used for the transfer process. A physiology score derived from the paediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) score was performed at referral, before transfer and on arrival on PICU. An interventions score based on the therapeutic intervention scoring system (TISS) was performed for interventions by the referring staff and by the transport team before and during transfer. Critical events during transport were recorded. Three children died at the referring hospital. Forty‐seven were transported by the PICU team. No child died or suffered a major physiological deterioration or equipment related problem in transit. Physiology scores did not deteriorate during transfer. Referral physiology scores did not reliably predict the need for major therapeutic interventions by the transport team before transfer. Critically ill children may be transported safely by a specialist team.