bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunologic characterization of isoforms of Car b 1 and Que a 1, the major hornbeam and oak pollen allergens
Authors: Wallner M. , Erler A. , Hauser M. , Klinglmayr E. , Gadermaier G. , Vogel L. , Mari A. , Bohle B. , Briza P. , Ferreira F. 
Published: January 2009

Background:  Birch pollen allergy is one of the most common causes of spring pollinosis often associated with hypersensitivity reactions to pollen of other Fagales species. Yet, only the major disease eliciting allergens of alder and hazel have been fully characterized. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform cloning, expression and immunologic characterization of the Bet v 1 homologues from oak (Que a 1) and hornbeam (Car b 1).Methods:  The isoform pattern of Car b 1 and Que a 1 was analyzed by proteomics using 2D gel electrophoresis and LC ESI‐QTOF MS. Isoallergens showing high IgE‐binding were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. IgE‐binding activity of the recombinant proteins was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and basophil mediator release assays using serum samples from patients mainly exposed either to oak and hornbeam or to birch pollen. Cross‐reactivity of the allergens was further investigated at the T‐cell level.Results:  Dominant isoforms of Car b 1 and Que a 1, identified by mass spectrometry, showed different IgE‐binding properties when testing Fagales pollen‐allergic patients living in birch‐free areas as compared to birch‐sensitized individuals.Conclusion:  Tree pollen‐allergic patients who are primarily exposed to Fagales pollen other than birch reacted stronger with rCar b 1 and rQue a 1 than with rBet v 1, as determined by inhibition ELISA and basophil mediator release assays. Thus, rCar b 1 and rQue a 1 allergens should be considered for improving molecule‐based diagnosis and therapy of tree pollen allergies manifesting in birch‐free areas.
Maternal smoking increases risk of allergic sensitization and wheezing only in children with allergic predisposition: longitudinal analysis from birth to 10 years
Authors: Keil T. , Lau S. , Roll S. , Grüber C. , Nickel R. , Niggemann B. , Wahn U. , Willich S. N. , Kulig M. 
Published: January 2009

Background: The role of passive smoking for allergies and asthma in children above the age of 3 years remains unclear and possible interactive effects with parental allergies have not been formally evaluated in long‐term studies. To examine the interaction of passive smoking and an allergic predisposition regarding allergic sensitization, allergic airway symptoms and respiratory infections during the first 10 years of life.Methods: In a prospective multicenter birth cohort study with 1314 recruited children in Germany, we assessed serum immunoglobulin E against common allergens at seven time points, and parental smoking and respiratory symptoms annually by using questionnaires. Longitudinal analyses were performed using generalized estimating equation models (stratified by parental allergy status).Results: During the first 10 years, 18% of the children were exposed to regular maternal smoking since pregnancy, 43% to irregular maternal or only paternal smoking. Among children with two allergic parents, a mother who smoked regularly significantly increased the odds for allergic sensitization (adjusted OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.3–18.2) and wheezing (adjusted OR 5.7, 95% CI 1.7–19.0) in her child compared with children who were never exposed. For those with only one allergic parent, the odds were doubled and also statistically significant, whereas in children without allergic parents maternal smoking had no effects. There was no association of maternal smoking with allergic rhinitis or respiratory infections.Conclusions: Our results suggest that regular maternal smoking is a strong risk factor for allergic sensitization and asthma symptoms during the first 10 years of life, but only in children with allergic parents.
Cerebral blood flow and oxygen metabolism measured with the Kety–Schmidt method using nitrous oxide
Authors: TAUDORF S. , BERG R. M. G , BAILEY D. M. , MØLLER K. 
Published: January 2009

Background: The Kety–Schmidt method is the reference method for measuring global cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral metabolic rates (CMR) and flux, especially where scanners are unavailable or impractical. Our primary objective was to assess the repeatability of the Kety–Schmidt method in a variety of different approaches using inhaled nitrous oxide (N2O) as the tracer, combined with photoacoustic spectrometry. A secondary objective was to assess the impact of this tracer on the systemic vascular concentration of nitrite (NO2−).Methods: Twenty‐nine healthy male volunteers underwent 61 CBF measurements by breathing a normoxic gas mixture containing 5% N2O until tension equilibrium. Paired blood samples were collected from an arterial and a jugular bulb catheter in the saturation or desaturation phase, by continuous or the discontinuous sampling. N2O concentration was measured with photoacoustic spectrometry after equilibration of blood samples with air. CBF was calculated by the Kety–Schmidt equation. CMR of oxygen (CMRO2) was determined by the Fick principle. NO2− in plasma and red blood cells (RBC) was measured by ozone‐based chemiluminescence.Results: The most robust approach for CBF measurement was achieved by discontinuous sampling in the desaturation phase [CBF, 64 (95% confidence interval, 59–71 ml)] 100 g/min; CMRO2 1.8 (1.7–2.0) μmol/g/min). The tracer did not influence plasma or RBC NO2− (P>0.05 vs. baseline).Conclusion: These findings confirm the reliability and robustness of the Kety–Schmidt method using inhaled N2O for the measurement of global CBF and CMR. At the low tracer concentration used, altered NO metabolism is unlikely to have affected cerebral haemodynamic function.
Safety of laryngeal mask airway and short‐stay practice in office‐based adenotonsillectomy
Authors: GRAVNINGSBRÅTEN R. , NICKLASSON B. , RAEDER J. 
Published: January 2009

Background: It is still disputed whether laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is safe and convenient for adenotonsillectomy, and whether these procedures can be safely undertaken in an office‐based short‐stay ambulatory setting. We report the result of this practice in 1126 consecutive children <16 years of age.Methods: The patients received general anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil. For analgesic prophylaxis, they received paracetamol, fentanyl and local anaesthetic administration. NSAIDs were given to patients weighing above 15 kgs. A surgical technique with elevation, scissors and electrocoagulation was used. Post‐operatively, the tonsillectomies were observed in the unit for at least 1.5 h and the adenoidectomies for at least 15–20 min.Results: Conversion from LMA to an endotracheal tube was carried out in six patients (0.5%), mostly due to airway leakage during ventilation. One patient had a pulmonary atelectasis and was re‐intubated. No re‐operation was needed in the clinic after surgery, and all patients, except for the one with atelectasis (0.1%), were discharged home as planned. In 122 patients answering a questionnaire, after discharge, two patients (1.6%) were admitted to hospital and re‐operated due to bleeding; a further six patients (4.9%) were admitted for observation. In 25% of the patients, nausea and vomiting occurred after discharge, including 21% vomiting of swallowed blood during home travel. Only 5.6% reported significant post‐discharge pain.Conclusion: With a well‐trained team, adenotonsillectomy on children can be carried out safely in an office‐based setting with LMA and a short post‐operative stay.
Effect of dexmedetomidine on the characteristics of bupivacaine in a caudal block in pediatrics
Authors: SAADAWY I. , BOKER A. , ELSHAHAWY M. A. , ALMAZROOA A. , MELIBARY S. , ABDELLATIF A. A. , AFIFI W. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a highly selective α2‐adrenoceptor agonist that has been used increasingly in children. However, the effect of caudal DEX has not been evaluated before in children. This prospective randomized double‐blinded study was designed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of caudal DEX with bupivacaine in providing pain relief over a 24‐h period.Methods: Sixty children (ASA status I) aged 1–6 years undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair/orchidopexy were allocated randomly to two groups (n=30 each). Group B received a caudal injection of bupivacaine 2.5 mg/ml, 1 ml/kg; Group BD received the same dose of bupivacaine mixed with DEX 1 μg/kg during sevoflurane anesthesia. Processed electroencephalogram (bispectral index score), heart rate, blood pressure, pulse oximetry and end‐tidal sevoflurane were recorded every 5 min. The characteristics of emergence, objective pain score, sedation score and quality of sleep were recorded post‐operatively. Duration of analgesia and requirement for additional analgesics were noted.Results: The end‐tidal sevoflurane concentration and the incidence of agitation were significantly lower in the BD group (P<0.05). The duration of analgesia was significantly longer (P<0.001) and the total consumption of rescue analgesic was significantly lower in Group BD compared with Group B (P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in hemodynamics between both groups. However, group BD had better quality of sleep and a prolonged duration of sedation (P<0.05).Conclusion: Caudal DEX seems to be a promising adjunct to provide excellent analgesia without side effects over a 24‐h period. It has the advantage of keeping the patients calm for a prolonged time.Implications statement: Caudally administered DEX (1 μg/kg), combined with bupivacaine, was associated with an extended duration of post‐operative pain relief.
Peribulbar blockade with a short needle for phacoemulsification surgery
Authors: RIAD W. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Peribulbar blockade is still widely used for phacoemulsification surgery. The potential complications of this technique include central spread, globe perforation and retrobulbar hemorrhage. The 25 mm needle is the most common needle used to perform the block. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of a 12.5 mm needle in performing peribulbar blockade for phacoemulsification surgery.Methods: After obtaining the hospital research and the Human Ethics Committees' approval, 200 patients undergoing the phacoemulsification procedure under local anesthesia were enrolled in this descriptive study. Peribulbar blockade was performed with a 27 G, 12.5‐mm‐long needle. The needle was inserted transcutaneously through the lower eyelid into the inferotemporal quadrant. Digital pressure was applied by the thumb and index fingers around the needle hub during injection. After negative aspiration, a local anesthetic solution was injected until total drop of the upper eyelid was achieved. Ocular akinesia was assessed 10 min after the block using the simple akinesia score. A score of 3 or less was accepted to provide adequate analgesia for the surgical procedure to be performed. If the block was inadequate for surgery after 10 min, supplementary anesthesia was provided using the same needle.Results: Adequate analgesia after the first injection was reported in 90.5% of the patients while 9.5% required supplementary anesthesia. There were no major sight or life‐threatening complications.Conclusion: Using a 12.5‐mm‐long needle for peribulbar blockade produced satisfactory results. This technique is effective for phacoemulsification surgery.
Pregabalin and dexamethasone in combination with paracetamol for postoperative pain control after abdominal hysterectomy. A randomized clinical trial
Authors: MATHIESEN O. , RASMUSSEN M. L. , DIERKING G. , LECH K. , HILSTED K. L. , FOMSGAARD J. S. , LOSE G. , DAHL J. B. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Multimodal analgesia may be important for optimal postoperative pain treatment and facilitation of early mobilization and recovery. We investigated the analgesic effect of pregabalin and dexamethasone in combination with paracetamol after abdominal hysterectomy.Methods: One hundred and sixteen patients were randomly assigned to either group A (paracetamol+placebo × 2), group B (paracetamol+pregabalin+placebo) or group C (paracetamol+pregabalin+dexamethasone). According to randomization and preoperatively, patients received paracetamol 1000 mg, pregabalin 300 mg, dexamethasone 8 mg or placebo. General anaesthesia was performed. Postoperative pain treatment was paracetamol 1000 mg × 4 and patient‐controlled intravenous morphine, 2.5 mg bolus. Nausea was treated with ondansetron. Morphine consumption, pain score (visual analogue scale) at rest and during mobilization, nausea, sedation, dizziness, number of vomits and consumption of ondansetron were recorded 2, 4 and 24 h after the operation. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The 24‐h morphine consumption and pain score, both at rest and during mobilization, were not significantly different between treatment groups. The mean nausea score (P=0.002) was reduced in group C vs. A. The number of vomits was significantly reduced in both group B (P=0.041) and C (P=0.001) vs. A. Consumption of ondansetron was reduced in group C vs. A and B (P<0.001). Other side effects were not different between groups.Conclusion: Combinations of paracetamol and pregabalin, or paracetamol, pregabalin and dexamethasone did not reduce morphine consumption and pain score compared with paracetamol alone for patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. Dexamethasone reduced nausea, vomiting and use of ondansetron.
Platelet concentrates transfusion in cardiac surgery and platelet function assessment by multiple electrode aggregometry
Authors: RAHE‐MEYER N. , WINTERHALTER M. , BODEN A. , FROEMKE C. , PIEPENBROCK S. , CALATZIS A. , SOLOMON C. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Platelet dysfunction contributes to the pathophysiology of bleeding complications during and after cardiac surgery. In most surgical institutions, no peri‐operative point‐of‐care monitoring of platelet function is used. We evaluated the usefulness of the Multiplate® platelet function analyser based on impedance aggregometry for identifying groups of patients at a high risk of transfusion of platelet concentrates (PC).Methods: Platelet function parameters were determined in 60 patients before and after routine cardiac surgery. Impedance aggregometry measurements were performed on Multiplate® using ADP (ADPtest), collagen (COLtest) and thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAPtest) as platelet activators. The correlations between the aggregometry results and the transfusion of PC were calculated. The results of the aggregation tests were also divided into tertiles and the differences in PC transfusion between the low and the high tertile were assessed.Results: Low aggregometry delimited groups of patients with significantly higher PC transfusion. In the receiver operating characteristic curve, low pre‐operative aggregation in the ADPtest identified patients with high total transfusion of PC (area under the curve 0.74, P=0.001), while the ADPtest performed at the end of the operation identified patients with high PC transfusion on the intensive care unit (ICU) (area under the curve 0.76, P=0.002).Conclusions: Near‐patient platelet aggregation may allow the identification of patients with enhanced risk of PC transfusion, both pre‐operatively and upon arrival on the ICU.
Monitoring pulmonary perfusion by electrical impedance tomography: an evaluation in a pig model
Authors: FAGERBERG A. , STENQVIST O. , ÅNEMAN A. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a non‐invasive technique that generates images of impedance distribution. Changes in the pulmonary content of air and blood are major determinants of thoracic impedance. This study was designed to evaluate EIT in monitoring pulmonary perfusion in a wide range of cardiac output.Methods: Eight anaesthetised, mechanically ventilated pigs were fitted with a 16‐electrode belt at the mid‐thoracic level to generate EIT images that were analysed to determine pulse‐synchronous systolic changes in impedance (ΔZsys). Stroke volume (SV) was derived using a pulmonary artery catheter. Reductions in cardiac pre‐load, and thus pulmonary perfusion, were induced either by inflating the balloon of a Fogarty catheter positioned in the inferior caval vein or by increasing the positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP). All measurements were performed in a steady state during a short apnoea.Results: Pulse‐synchronous changes in ΔZsys were easily discernable during apnoea. Balloon inflation reduced SV to 36% of the baseline, with a corresponding decrease in ΔZsys to 45% of baseline. PEEP reduced SV and ΔZsys to 52% and 44% of the baseline, respectively. Significant correlations between SV and ΔZsys were demonstrated during all measurements (ρ=0.62) as well as during balloon inflation (ρ=0.73) and increased PEEP (ρ=0.40). A Bland–Altman comparison of relative changes in SV and ΔZsys demonstrated a bias of −7%, with 95% limits of agreement at −51% and 36%.Conclusions: EIT provided beat‐to‐beat approximations of pulmonary perfusion that significantly correlated to a wide range of SV values achieved during both extra and intrapulmonary interventions to change cardiac output.
INVOLVEMENT OF PROTEIN KINASE C IN THE REGULATION OF Na+/Ca2+EXCHANGER IN BOVINE ADRENAL CHROMAFFIN CELLS
Authors: Soma Shin , Kuwashima Haruhiro , Matsumura Chiaki , Kimura Tomohiko 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARYThe Na+/Ca2+exchanger (NCX) exchanges Na+ and Ca2+bidirectionally through the forward mode (Ca2+extrusion) or the reverse mode (Ca2+influx). The present study was undertaken to clarify the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the regulation of NCX in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. The Na+‐loaded cells were prepared by treatment with 100 µmol/L ouabain and 50 µmol/L veratridine. Incubation of Na+‐loaded cells with Na+‐free solution in the presence of the Ca2+channel blockers nicardipine (3 µmol/L) and ω‐conotoxin MVIIC (0.3 µmol/L) caused Ca2+uptake and catecholamine release.The Na+‐dependent Ca2+uptake and catecholamine release were inhibited by 2‐[4‐[(2,5‐difluorophenyl)methoxy]phenoxy]‐5‐ethoxyaniline (SEA0400; 1 µmol/L) and 2‐[2‐[4‐(4‐nitrobenzyloxy)phenyl]isothiourea (KB‐R7943; 10 µmol/L), both NCX inhibitors. These results indicate that the Na+‐dependent responses are mostly due to activation of the NCX working in the reverse mode.In addition, we examined the effects of PKC inhibitors and an activator on the NCX‐mediated Ca2+uptake and catecholamine release. Bisindolylmaleimide I (0.3–10 µmol/L) and chelerythrine (3–100 µmol/L), both PKC inhibitors, inhibited NCX‐mediated responses. In contrast, phorbol 12,13‐dibutyrate (0.1–10 µmol/L), a PKC activator, enhanced the responses. Bisindolylmaleimide I and chelerythrine, at effective concentrations for inhibition of Na+‐dependent catecholamine release, had a little or no effect on high K+‐induced catecholamine release in intact cells or on Ca2+‐induced catecholamine release in β‐escin‐permeabilized cells.These results suggest that PKC is involved in the activation of NCX in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.
EFFECTS OF COMBINATION THERAPY WITH PERINDOPRIL AND LOSARTAN ON LEFT VENTRICULAR REMODELLING IN PATIENTS WITH MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
Authors: Li Ling , Liu Rui‐Yun , Zhao Xiao‐Yan , Zhang Jin‐Ying , Jia Min , Lu Pei‐Qi 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARY

Inhibiting the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system prevents left ventricular (LV) remodelling after myocardial infarction (MI).
The present study was designed to assess the effects of a combination of perindopril and losartan on LV remodelling, cardiac function and serum procollagen type III amino terminal peptide (PIIINP) levels in patients with acute MI.
Patients with anterior MI were divided into three groups: (i) MI + perindopril; (ii) MI + losartan; and (iii) MI + perindopril + losartan. After successful intervention therapy, perindopril (2–4 mg daily), losartan potassium (25–50 mg daily) or their combination were administered. All patients received aspirin, clopidogrel and statins, and some patients were given beta‐blockers, nitrate and a platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist. Three months later, LV dimensions and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured by ultrasonography. Plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP), serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) and PIIINP levels were evaluated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay or radioimmunoassay.
The baseline characteristics of the three groups were the same. Three months after the initiation of therapy, all patients showed decreased CRP, increased BNP and PIIINP levels and LV dilation and dysfunction. Compared with the two monotherapy groups, patients in the combination group showed significantly lower CRP, BNP and PIIINP levels, less LV dilation and higher LVEF. Serum PIIINP levels were positively correlated with CRP levels (r = 0.597; P < 0.01) and LV end‐diastolic volume index (r = 0.543; P < 0.01) and were negatively correlated with LVEF (r = –0.565; P < 0.01).
For patients with acute MI, combination treatment with perindopril and losartan significantly inhibited LV remodelling and improved LV function. Inhibition of myocardial interstitial fibrosis may be part of the underlying mechanism.
EFFECT OF EXERCISE ON GLUTAMINE SYNTHESIS AND TRANSPORT IN SKELETAL MUSCLE FROM RATS
Authors: Dos Santos Ronaldo VT , Caperuto Érico C , De Mello Marco T , Batista Jr Miguel L , Rosa Luis FBPC 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARY

Reductions in plasma glutamine are observed after prolonged exercise. Three hypotheses can explain such a decrease: (i) high demand by the liver and kidney; (ii) impaired release from muscles; and (iii) decreased synthesis in skeletal muscle. The present study investigated the effects of exercise on glutamine synthesis and transport in rat skeletal muscle.
Rats were divided into three groups: (i) sedentary (SED; n = 12); (ii) rats killed 1 h after the last exercise bout (EX‐1; n = 15); and (iii) rats killed 24 h after the last exercise bout (EX‐24; n = 15). Rats in the trained groups swam 1 h/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks with a load equivalent to 5.5% of their bodyweight.
Plasma glutamine and insulin were lower and corticosterone was higher in EX‐1 compared with SED rats (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Twenty‐four hours after exercise (EX‐24), plasma glutamine was restored to levels seen in SED rats, whereas insulin levels were higher (P < 0.001) and costicosterone levels were lower (P < 0.01) than in EX‐1. In the soleus, ammonia levels were lower in EX‐1 than in SED rats (P < 0.001). After 24 h, glutamine, glutamate and ammonia levels were lower in EX‐24 than in SED and EX‐1 rats (P < 0.001). Soleus glutamine synthetase (GS) activity was increased in EX‐1 and was decreased in EX‐24 compared with SED rats (both P < 0.001).
The decrease in plasma glutamine concentration in EX‐1 is not mediated by GS or glutamine transport in skeletal muscle. However, 24 h after exercise, lower GS may contribute to the decrease in glutamine concentration in muscle.