bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined treatment with ranitidine and saline antacids prior to obstetric anaesthesia
Authors: THOMPSON E. M. , LOUGHRAN P. G. , MCAULEY D. M. , WILSON C. M. , MOORE J. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryRanitidine 150 mg was given to 126 patients requiring elective Caesarean section under general anaesthesia: 43 women had ranitidine alone, 43 had this supplemented by a pre‐induction dose of sodium citrate and 40 patients had ranitidine plus sodium bicarbonate. All three sub‐groups provided satisfactory gastric pH and volume. Ranitidine 150 mg was given orally every 6 hours to women in labour, Of 221 patients requiring general anaesthesia during labour, 103 women received 30 ml 0.3 M sodium citrate and 118 women, 20 ml of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate 10 minutes before induction of anaesthesia. In the citrate sub‐group there was one patient with a gastric pH less than 2.5 (mean pH 6.2, SEM 0.13 range 2.1–8.4). In the bicarbonate sub‐group the lowest gastric acidity was 3.8 (mean pH 8.3, SEM 0.11 range 3.8–9.83).
Variable influences of iodine on the T‐cell recognition of a single thyroglobulin epitope
Authors: Jiang Hong Y. , Li Haiyan S. , Carayanniotis Karen , Carayanniotis George 
Published: March 2007

SummaryWe have previously shown that iodotyrosyl formation within certain innocuous thyroglobulin (Tg) peptides confers on them immunopathogenic properties. In this report, we generated a panel of T‐cell hybridoma clones specific for the immunogenic 16 mer Tg peptide p179 (amino acids 179–94) or its iodinated analogue (I‐p179), with a view to examining the effects of a single iodine atom at the Y192 amino acid residue on T‐cell recognition. We found that the peptide p179 was subdominant, and its binding to both Ak and Ek molecules was not significantly influenced by iodine. T‐cell receptor (TCR) engagement was unaffected by the bulky iodine atom in two clones that responded to both analogues but it was sterically hindered in two other clones that recognized only p179. One clone was reactive only to I‐p179, suggesting that the iodine atom is an integral part of its TCR ligand. Truncation analysis localized the determinant seen by all clones within the 11 mer peptide p184 (amino acids 184–194), suggesting that the cross‐reactive clones were not activated by a minimal epitope lacking Y192 and that the negative influence of iodine was not the result of a flanking residue effect. These results demonstrate, at the clonal level, variable influences of a single iodine atom on the recognition of a single Tg peptide. Iodination of tyrosyl‐containing, immunopathogenic Tg peptides may have unpredictable effects at the polyclonal level, depending on the extent of iodination at the particular site, and the relative number or effector function of autoreactive T‐cell clones that are switched on or off by the neoantigenic determinant.
Sperm indexes obtained using computer‐assisted morphometry provide a forecast of the freezability of canine sperm
Authors: Núñez‐Martínez I. , Moran J. M. , Peña F. J. 
Published: March 2007

SummarySperm morphometric indexes obtained after principal component analysis were used to investigate its value as diagnostic tests for freezability. Semen from six dogs was frozen–thawed following a standard protocol. Before freezing, computer‐assisted analysis of sperm morphometry (CASMA) was performed. The principal component analysis (a statistical technique for simplifying a dataset, by reducing multidimensional datasets to lower dimensions for analysis) performed in the data obtained after the CASMA analysis gave four morphometric indexes. After thawing, ejaculates were evaluated for early changes in sperm membranes using the combination of two fluorescent probes, YO‐PRO‐1 and ethidium homodimer and flow cytometry. Significant differences in the percentages of intact membranes post‐thaw were observed among dogs (p < 0.01). Significant non‐parametric correlations were found between index 3 and the percentage of intact membranes after thawing (R = 0.432 p < 0.05). Receiving operating system curves demonstrate a good diagnostic value for indexes 2 and 3 in the prediction of freezability, with areas under the curve of 0.798 and 0.786, respectively.
Status of black grass (Alopecurus myosuroides) resistance to acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase inhibitors in France
Authors: DÉLYE C , MENCHARI Y , GUILLEMIN J‐P , MATÉJICEK A , MICHEL S , CAMILLERI C , CHAUVEL B 
Published: March 2007

SummaryWe assessed the contributions of target site‐ and non‐target site‐based resistance to herbicides inhibiting acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) in Alopecurus myosuroides (black grass). A total of 243 A. myosuroides populations collected across France were analysed using herbicide sensitivity bioassay (24 300 seedlings analysed) and ACC genotyping (13 188 seedlings analysed). Seedlings resistant to at least one ACC‐inhibiting herbicide were detected in 99.2% of the populations. Mutant, resistant ACC allele(s) were detected in 56.8% of the populations. Among the five resistant ACC alleles known in A. myosuroides, alleles containing an isoleucine‐to‐leucine substitution at codon 1781 were predominant (59.5% of the plants containing resistant ACC alleles). Comparison of the results from herbicide sensitivity bioassays with genotyping indicated that more than 75% of the plants resistant to ACC‐inhibiting herbicides in France would be resistant via increased herbicide metabolism. Analysis of herbicide application records suggested that in 15.9% of the populations studied, metabolism‐based resistance to ACC‐inhibiting herbicides was mostly selected for by herbicides with other modes of action. Our study revealed the importance of non‐target site‐based resistance in A. myosuroides. Using herbicides with alternative modes of action to control populations resistant to ACC‐inhibiting herbicides, the recommended management approach, may thus be jeopardised by the widespread occurrence of metabolism‐based resistance mechanisms conferring broad‐spectrum cross‐resistance.
Survival of ovarian allografts in an experimental animal model
Authors: Gosden Roger G. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract: Transplantation of ovarian tissue is a promising strategy for fertility preservation in young cancer patients with premature ovarian failure if they have cryopreserved their own tissue before undergoing gonadotoxic treatment. However, extension of ovary donation to children and adults seeking treatment for hypogonadism is controversial unless the tissue does not provoke an immune reaction or specific tolerance can be safely and effectively achieved. The survival of heterotopic ovarian allografts was tested in a mouse model. Isografts were placed under the kidney capsule of ovariectomized animals differing at the H‐2 haplotype (H‐2d or H‐2k). Within three wk, and in contrast to isografts, the allografts were rejected, although their survival was extended when donor and host strains shared the same haplotype (H‐2k). Allograft survival was not improved if the tissue was implanted orthotopically. When monoclonal antibodies to CD4 antigens were administered at doses exceeding those effective for long‐term tolerance to cardiac allografts, graft survival was prolonged in one of two strain combinations, but they failed to restore fertility. These results indicate that the ovary is not an immunologically privileged organ, as the older literature suggested, and chronic immunosuppression is likely to be required for ovarian allografts in clinical settings.
Early use of terlipressin in catecholamine‐resistant shock improves cerebral perfusion pressure in severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Salluh J. I. F. , Martins G. A. R. , Santino M. S. , Araújo L. V. , Freitas G. G. , Verdeal J. C. R. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  Maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion pressure is an essential aspect in the treatment of severe acute brain injury. To accomplish this therapeutic goal vasopressors are usually required. Vasopressin is an important endogenous stress hormone and the infusion of low‐dose vasopressin and terlipressin has been used to reverse severe hypotension.Case report:  A 14‐year‐old male patient was admitted to the emergency room after a motorcycle accident. The patient had suffered severe traumatic brain injury, the Glasgow coma score (GCS) was four and there were signs of aspiration of gastric contents. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome and shock refractory to fluid management, norepinephrine and steroid replacement ensued. A terlipressin infusion, as a bolus dose of 1 mg, is associated with the ability to improve cerebral perfusion pressure with concomitant reduction of 80% of norepinephrine doses.Discussion:  The present report illustrates the potential benefits of terlipressin in refractory shock in a patient with severe traumatic brain injury. An increase in cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and a huge decrease in the dose of norepinephrine were observed. In the setting of severe brain injury associated with refractory hypotension, terlipressin may improve mean arterial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure.Conclusion:  In the setting of severe brain injury associated with refractory hypotension, terlipressin may have a role as a rescue therapy.
Pre‐emptive stellate ganglion block increases the patency of radial artery grafts in coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Yildirim V. , Akay H. T. , Bingol H. , Bolcal C. , Iyem H. , Doğanci S. , Demirkilic U. , Tatar H. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  We evaluated the role of pre‐emptive stellate ganglion block (SGB) in preventing radial artery spasm and increasing radial artery graft patency in patients undergoing off‐pump coronary artery bypass surgery.Methods:  In this prospective randomized study, 100 patients were divided into two equal groups (n= 50). In group A, SGB was achieved using 10 ml of ropivacaine and, in group B, SGB was not performed. Radial artery blood flow was measured pre‐ and intra‐operatively. Post‐operative clinical determinants (S–T segment elevation, use of inotropic agents, incidence of atrial fibrillation) were recorded. Early coronary angiography was performed.Results:  According to blood flowmeter measurements, the radial artery blood flow was significantly increased in patients with SGB. The incidence of atrial fibrillation, the need for inotropic agents and S–T segment elevation were all decreased in the SGB group. Angiographic intervention revealed that the incidence of graft spasm was also lower in the SGB group.Conclusion:  Pre‐emptive SGB is an effective method for increasing radial artery blood flow and preventing radial artery spasm. Complications related to radial artery spasm may be decreased and patients may have a more comfortable post‐operative period with this method.
Effects of sternotomy on heart–lung interaction in patients undergoing cardiac surgery receiving pressure‐controlled mechanical ventilation
Authors: De Blasi R. A. , Palmisani S. , Cigognetti L. , Iasenzaniro M. , Arcioni R. , Mercieri M. , Pinto G. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  The key concept underlying the dynamic indexes of preload dependence is the physiological heart–lung interaction. During sternotomy this interaction undergoes various changes, some of which remain unclear. Our primary aim was to investigate how the interaction changes during sternotomy by evaluating pulse pressure variations (PPV) with the chest closed and after sternotomy in patients ventilated using the pressure‐controlled mode.Methods:  We prospectively studied 25 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) receiving pressure‐controlled ventilation. Standard hemodynamic data, PPV and tidal volume delivered were recorded before and after sternotomy, and, with the chest open, before and after positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) was applied and inspiratory pressure was increased.Results:  Sternotomy left all variables statistically unchanged from values before thoracotomy although in the subgroup of patients with a PPV > 8% (56%) sternotomy significantly reduced PPV (from 14.4 ± 5.2% to 8.9 ± 4.5%). With the chest open, when PEEP was applied at 5 cm H2O, tidal volume decreased (from 643 ± 83 to 587 ± 104 ml) and stroke volume decreased (from 77 ± 17 to 72 ± 15 ml) but PPV remained unchanged. When PEEP was discontinued and inspiratory pressure was increased by 5 cm H2O, tidal volume increased (from 643 ± 83 to 814 ± 89 ml) and PPV increased (from 8.2 ± 3.9% to 12.3 ± 6.8%) but stroke volume remained unchanged.Conclusions:  In patients ventilated in the pressure‐controlled mode, except those with a pre‐sternotomy PPV > 8% (fluid responders), sternotomy leaves standard hemodynamic data and PPV unchanged. When the chest wall is open, cyclic changes (tidal volume) but not continuous changes (PEEP) in intrathoracic pressure directly influence PPV.
No impact of a phytogenic feed additive on digestion and unspecific immune reaction in piglets
Authors: Muhl A. , Liebert F. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryTwo 35 day experiments were conducted to examine the influence of a commercial phytogenic feed additive (PFA) on nutrient digestibility and unspecific immune reaction of piglets in the post‐weaning period. The PFA composition was inulin, an essential oil mix (carvacrol and thymol), chestnut meal (tannins), and cellulose powder as carrier substance. In each experiment, immediately after weaning 40 male castrated piglets were divided into four experimental groups (n = 10). Diets were based on wheat, barley, soy bean meal and fishmeal using lysine as the first limiting amino acid. In experiment 1, graded levels of the PFA were supplied (A: control; B: 0.05% PFA; C: 0.1% PFA; D: 0.15% PFA). Experiment 2 utilized equal diets with 0.1% of the PFA, but different lysine supply (A: control; B: 0.1% PFA; C: +0.35% lysine; D: 0.1% PFA + 0.35% lysine). At the end of the experimental period, acute phase proteins (APPs) haptoglobin and C‐reactive protein were examined in individual blood plasma samples. Following each growth study, 16 animals (n = 4) were taken for sampling of ileal chyme and assessing of praecaecal digestibility of protein and amino acids. In addition, digesta samples of the duodenum and the total pancreatic tissue were utilized for determining the enzyme activity ofα‐amylase and trypsin. APP, praecaecal digestibility and enzyme activities did not significantly respond to the PFA supplementaion in diets.
Effects of steroidal implantation and ractopamine‐HCl on nitrogen retention, blood metabolites and skeletal muscle gene expression in Holstein steers
Authors: Walker D. K. , Titgemeyer E. C. , Sissom E. K. , Brown K. R. , Higgins J. J. , Andrews G. A. , Johnson B. J. 
Published: March 2007

SummarySix Holstein steers (231 ± 17 kg) housed in metabolism crates were used in a randomized complete block design with three blocks of two steers based on previous serum insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I concentrations. One of the two steers in each block was implanted with 120 mg trenbolone acetate and 24 mg oestradiol‐17β on day 0. None of the steers was fed ractopamine‐HCl in the initial 28 days, and then all steers were fed 200 mg of ractopamine‐HCl per steer daily from day 28 until the end of the trial. Steers were fed a corn‐based diet (62% rolled corn, 20% expeller soya bean meal and 15% alfalfa hay) twice daily with an average dry matter intake of 4.8 kg/day. Blood and M. longissimus biopsy samples were collected prior to implantation and on days 14, 28, 42 and 56. There was an implant × ractopamine interaction for retained nitrogen (p < 0.05); ractopamine feeding led to only small improvements in nitrogen retention for implanted steers (45.9 g/day vs. 44.5 g/day), whereas ractopamine led to larger increases in nitrogen retention for non‐implanted steers (39.0 g/day vs. 30.4 g/day). Implantation increased (p < 0.05) and ractopamine tended to decrease (p = 0.06) serum IGF‐I concentrations. Implantation tended to increase (p = 0.16) and ractopamine decreased (p < 0.05) mRNA expression of IGF‐I in the M. longissimus. Ractopamine decreased mRNA expression of β1‐ and β2‐receptors in M. longissimus (p  0.02). The steroidal implant and the feeding of ractopamine both increased nitrogen retention in steers, but the combination did not yield an additive response. The two growth promotants had opposite effects on serum concentrations of IGF‐I and mRNA expression of IGF‐I in M. longissimus.
Liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome®) efficacy in confirmed invasive aspergillosis and other filamentous fungal infections in immunocompromised hosts: a pooled analysis
Authors: Cordonnier C. , Bresnik M. , Ebrahimi R. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryA pooled efficacy analysis applying current diagnostic standards for case selection was performed on previously published trials of liposomal amphotericin B for invasive filamentous fungal infections (IFFI). Favourable responses were observed in 51% of microbiologically confirmed cases of proven or probable IFFI. Despite the limitations inherent in a retrospective analysis of pooled studies, the response rates observed in this analysis were consistent with previous reports for antifungal therapy with amphotericin B deoxycholate or voriconazole in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis.
Assessment of an empowerment education programme. A randomized study in teenagers with diabetes
Authors: Viklund G. , Örtqvist E. , Wikblad K. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAims  To determine the effects of an empowerment programme on glycaemic control and empowerment, and to study the role of parental involvement.Methods  The wait‐list design is a randomized controlled trial lasting for 6 months, after which the control group participate in the same education programme as the intervention group. After 6 months, data from the two groups are analysed together (pre/post). Thirty‐two teenagers with Type 1 diabetes (12–17 years) completed an empowerment group education programme, meeting weekly for 6 weeks. They were also offered an extra meeting together with their parents, which resulted in three groups: together with parents, only parents and no parent involvement at all. HbA1c was measured before intervention and after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, and empowerment before, and 6 and 12 months after.Results  HbA1c and empowerment were similar in the intervention group and the control group 6 months after intervention. In pre/post analysis, HbA1c was significantly higher 6 and 12 months after intervention in teenagers > 14 years (from 8.4% to 9.3%; P < 0.05 to 9.6%; P < 0.01), but returned to baseline 18 months after the programme. In teenagers ≤ 14 years of age, HbA1c did not change during the study. The teenagers felt more ready for changes after the programme than before (3.9 sd = 0.5 to 4.1 sd = 0.5; P < 0.05). In the teenagers in the group that involved their parents, there was a significant decrease in HbA1c 12 and 24 months after intervention, from 8.9% (sd = 1.1) to 7.6% (sd = 1.3; P < 0.05, confidence interval 0.37, 2.26).Conclusion  This empowerment programme for teenagers with diabetes showed no positive glycaemic or empowerment effects. Empowerment programmes for diabetic teenagers in early and middle adolescence should include parental involvement.
The codA transgene for glycinebetaine synthesis increases the size of flowers and fruits in tomato
Authors: Park Eung‐Jun , Jeknić Zoran , Chen Tony H. H. , Murata Norio 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe tolerance of various species of plant to abiotic stress has been enhanced by genetic engineering with certain genes. However, the use of such transgenes is often associated with negative effects on growth and productivity under non‐stress conditions. The codA gene from Arthrobacter globiformis is of particular interest with respect to the engineering of desirable productive traits in crop plants. The expression of this gene in tomato plants resulted in significantly enlarged flowers and fruits under non‐stress conditions. The enlargement of flowers and fruits was associated with high levels of glycinebetaine that accumulated in reproductive organs, such as flower buds and fruits. The enlargement of flowers was related to an increase in the size and number of cells, and reflected the pleiotropic effect of the codA transgene on the expression of genes involved in the regulation of cell division.
Effect of Disinfection Treatments on the Hardness of Soft Denture Liner Materials
Authors: Pavan Sabrina , Arioli Filho João Neudenir , Dos Santos Paulo Henrique , Nogueira Sérgio Sualdini , Batista André Ulisses Dantas 
Published: March 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of disinfection treatments with chemical solutions (2% glutaraldehyde, 5% sodium hypochlorite, and 5% chlorhexidine) and microwave energy on the hardness of four long‐term soft denture liners.
Materials and Methods:
Forty rectangular specimens of four soft lining materials (Molloplast‐B, Ufi Gel P, Eversoft, and Mucopren soft) were made for each material. Ten samples of each material were immersed in different disinfectant solutions for 10 minutes or placed in a microwave oven for 3 minutes at 500 W. The hardness values were obtained with a Shore A durometer, before the first disinfection cycle (control), and also after two cycles of disinfection. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey's test (p < 0.01).
Results: The highest value of hardness was obtained for Molloplast‐B, independent of the disinfection technique. Mucopren soft demonstrated intermediate values and Ufi Gel P and Eversoft the lowest values of Shore A hardness. For Molloplast‐B, the disinfection using glutaraldehyde demonstrated the highest value of hardness. The number of disinfections had no effect on the hardness values for all the materials studied and disinfection techniques.
Conclusions

:

The application of two disinfection cycles did not change the Shore A hardness values for all the materials. The glutaraldehyde solution demonstrated the highest values of Shore A hardness for the Molloplast‐B, Mucopren soft, and Ufi Gel P materials, while Eversoft did not present any differences in hardness when submitted to different disinfection treatments.
Prognostic value of serum angiogenic activity in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Gonzalez Francisco‐Jesus , Quesada Ana‐Rodriguez , Sevilla Isabel , Baca Juan‐Javier , Medina Miguel‐Angel , Amores Jose , Diaz Juan Miguel , Rius‐Diaz Francisca , Marques Eduardo , Alba Emilio 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAngiogenesis, resulting from an imbalance between angiogenic activator factors and inhibitors, is required for tumour growth and metastasis. The determination of the circulating concentration of all angiogenic factors (activators and inhibitors) is not feasible at present. We have evaluated diagnostic and prognostic values of the measurement of serum angiogenic activity in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) patients. Serum proliferative activity (PA) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro, and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were determined by ELISA in 53 patients with primary CRC, 16 subjects with non‐neoplastic gastrointestinal disease (SC) and 34 healthy individuals. Data were compared with clinical outcome of the patients. Although serum from CRC patients significantly increased the PA of HUVEC, compared to culture control (HUVEC in medium + 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS); P < 0.001); our results indicate that serum PA in CRC patients was similar to that of SC or healthy individuals. There was no correlation between serum PA and circulating VEGF concentrations. Surgery produced a decrease of PA at 8 hrs after tumour resection in CRC patients compared to pre‐surgery values (186 ± 47 versus 213 ± 41, P < 0.001). However, an increase in serum VEGF values was observed after surgery (280 [176–450] versus 251 [160–357] pg/ml, P = 0.004). Patients with lower PA values after surgery showed a worse outcome that those with higher PA values. Therefore, this study does not support a diagnostic value for serum angiogenic activity measured by proliferative activity on HUVEC but suggests it could have a prognostic value in CRC patients.