bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of DARPP‐32 Thr75 phosphorylation by neurotensin in neostriatal neurons: involvement of glutamate signalling
Authors: Matsuyama Seiichiro , Fukui Ryuichi , Higashi Hideho , Nishi Akinori 
Published: September 2003

AbstractNeurotensin is a neuropeptide involved in dopaminergic signalling. We have recently reported that neurotensin stimulates the phosphorylation of DARPP‐32 (dopamine‐ and cAMP‐regulated phosphoprotein of Mr 32 kDa) at Thr34 (PKA‐site) by activating dopamine D1‐type receptors in neostriatal neurons. DARPP‐32 is also phosphorylated by cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 on Thr75, and the phosphorylated form of DARPP‐32 at Thr75 inhibits protein kinase (PKA) activity. In this study, we examined the effect of neurotensin on DARPP‐32 Thr75 phosphorylation using mouse neostriatal slices. Neurotensin decreased the level of phospho‐Thr75 DARPP‐32 at 2 min of incubation, maximally to about 50% of control at a concentration of 1 µm. Pretreatment with a combined neurotensin receptor type 1 (NTR1)/type 2 (NTR2) antagonist, SR142948, reduced the basal level of phospho‐Thr75 DARPP‐32 and abolished the ability of neurotensin to decrease DARPP‐32 Thr75 phosphorylation. However, neither an NTR1 antagonist, SR48692, an NTR2 antagonist, levocabastine, nor the two combined affected the basal level and the neurotensin‐mediated decrease in DARPP‐32 Thr75 phosphorylation. The effect of neurotensin was abolished by tetrodotoxin (TTX) or MK801 plus CNQX, but not by SCH23390 or raclopride. These results indicate that neurotensin stimulates the release of glutamate by activating a hypothesized unidentified neurotensin receptor, resulting in the dephosphorylation of DARPP‐32 at Thr75 by activating NMDA and AMPA receptors expressed at medium spiny neurons. Thus, neurotensin, by removing the inhibition of PKA by phospho‐Thr75 DARPP‐32, potentiates its signalling via the dopamine/D1 receptor/PKA/phospho‐Thr34 DARPP‐32/PP‐1 cascade.
Occlusion of the right subclavian artery after insertion of a transoesophageal echocardiography probe in a neonate
Authors: Koinig Herbert , Schlemmer Michael , Keznickl Franz P. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryWe present a case of occlusion of the right arm's blood supply in a neonate with a lusorian artery, a rare anomaly of the right subclavian artery, after insertion of a transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) probe and discuss the impact of a lusorian artery on intraoperative TOE monitoring.
Anaesthetic consequences for a child with complex multilevel airway obstruction – recommendations for avoiding life‐threatening sequelae
Authors: Dilworth Kelly , Thomas Jenny 
Published: September 2003

SummaryA boy with a suspected lymphoid malignancy presented with gross head and neck lymphadenopathy, a middle mediastinal mass, and rapidly worsening airway obstruction. General anaesthesia was required for definitive histopathological diagnosis. The combination of nasopharyngeal obstruction, malignant infiltration of the tonsils and pharynx, laryngeal displacement, and potential tracheal compression put this patient at extreme risk for perioperative airway complications. Risk assessment, and the impact of anaesthesia on pharyngeal neuromechanical function and mediastinal masses are discussed. Caution with volatile anaesthetic agents is recommended in the patient with an inherently unstable pharynx and/or trachea, in whom airway patency relies on a spontaneously breathing technique and intact airway reflexes.
Nonopioid additives to local anaesthetics for caudal blockade in children: a systematic review
Authors: Ansermino Mark , Basu Rahul , Vandebeek Christine , Montgomery Carolyne 
Published: September 2003

SummaryBackground:  Caudal epidural injection with local anaesthetics is a popular regional technique used in infants and children. A disadvantage of caudal blockade is the relatively short duration of postoperative analgesia. Opioids have traditionally been added to increase the duration of analgesia but have been associated with unacceptable side‐effects. A number of nonopioid additives have been suggested to increase the duration of analgesia.Methods:  A systematic review was conducted to identify randomized control trials comparing the use of local anaesthetic to local anaesthetic with nonopioid additives for caudal blockade in children. The increase in duration of analgesia and side‐effects were compared.Results:  The addition of clonidine to the local anaesthetic solution produces an increase in the duration of analgesia following caudal blockade in children (pooled weighted mean difference of 145 min with 95% confidence interval of 132–157 min). Side‐effects include sedation and the potential for neonatal respiratory depression. Ketamine and midazolam further increase the duration of analgesia, however, the potential for neurotoxicity remains a concern.Conclusion:  The evidence examined shows an increased duration of analgesia with clonidine, ketamine and midazolam. However, we are not convinced that the routine use of these adjuvants in the setting of elective outpatient surgery shows improved patient outcome. It is unclear if the potential for neurotoxicity is outweighed by clinical benefits. Further testing, including large clinical trials, is required before recommending routine use of nonopioid additives for caudal blockade in children.
Lingual oedema associated with the prolonged use of an inappropriately large laryngeal mask airway (LMATM) in an infant
Authors: Stillman Philip C. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryA case report is presented of a 12‐month‐old infant who developed lingual oedema after the prolonged use of an inappropriately large laryngeal mask airway (LMATM). A size 2½ LMA was used in a 10.6 kg infant during a 5 h operative procedure. Postoperatively, the patient developed significant tongue oedema, which gradually resolved with time and dexamethasone treatment. This rare complication demonstrates the potential danger of using an overly large LMA in an infant, especially for a significant period of time.
Analgesic efficacy and tolerability of ketoprofen lysine salt vs paracetamol in common paediatric surgery. A randomized, single‐blind, parallel, multicentre trial
Authors: Messeri Andrea , Busoni Paolo , Noccioli Bruno , Murolo Sandro , Ivani Giorgio , Grossetti Roberto , Gallini Carla , Maestri Luciano , Fedele Guido , Novellini Roberto 
Published: September 2003

SummaryBackground: In this study, we compared the analgesic efficacy of ketoprofen lysine salt (OKi® suppositories) vs paracetamol, in children undergoing minor surgery. We also studied the side‐effects of the treatment.Methods: Eighty‐five children of both sexes, aged 6–14 years, were enrolled in a multicentre, randomized, single‐blind, parallel‐group study design. In all patients postsurgical pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) and degree of distress (night‐time awakening, crying, behaviour and defence posture).Results: Ketoprofen lysine was more effective than paracetamol in reducing postoperative pain (P = 0.008) with earlier onset and longer duration (8 h) of the antinociceptive effect. Evaluation of area under the curve, an aggregated measure of VAS, and of distress, confirm the time profile of pain reduction. No adverse effects related to the treatment were observed.Conclusions: Ketoprofen lysine salt can be considered a potent therapeutic approach to control postsurgery pain in children, and an alternative to other established drug regimens.
Assessing behaviour in children emerging from anaesthesia: can we apply psychiatric diagnostic techniques?
Authors: Przybylo H.J. , Martini D.R. , Mazurek A.J. , Bracey E. , Johnsen L. , Coté C.J. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryBackground: No standardized instrument exists for the systematic analysis of emergence behaviour in children after anaesthesia. Our purpose was to evaluate children's behaviour prior to anaesthetic induction and immediately upon emergence to develop an assessment tool using psychiatric terminology and techniques.Methods: This prospective study evaluated 25 children from 2 to 9 years of age for preanaesthetic psychosocial factors that might affect behaviour. Children's behaviour was observed from admission to the surgical unit through the induction of anaesthesia. All children received a standardized premedication and induction of anaesthesia. The maintenance anaesthetic was randomized to intravenous remifentanil or inhaled isoflurane. All children underwent repair of strabismus. We assessed the behaviour of children for 30 min upon emergence from anaesthesia for symptoms of pain, distress and delirium using an assessment tool we developed guided by the principles of psychiatry as described in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐IV).Results: Using our assessment tool, 44% of children demonstrated altered behaviour on emergence; 20% demonstrated complex symptoms with characteristics of delirium. Children anaesthetized with isoflurane had significantly higher postanaesthesia behaviour assessment scores than those anaesthetized with remifentanil (P = 0.04). Age was a significant variable; children <62 months were more prone to altered behaviour than those >62 months (P = 0.02). Scores did not correlate with preanaesthetic risk factors including preexisting psychological or social variables or observed preanaesthetic distress. There was no delay in hospital discharge in children assessed as having altered behaviour.Conclusions: This exploratory study suggests that postanaesthetic behaviour abnormalities with characteristics of distress or delirium can be categorized using known DSM‐IV terminology; in our cohort this behaviour was dependent on age and anaesthetic technique.
Efficacy and safety of continuous intravenous infusion of remifentanil in preterm infants undergoing laser therapy in retinopathy of prematurity: clinical experience
Authors: Sammartino M. , Bocci M.G. , Ferro G. , Mercurio G. , Papacci P. , Conti G. , Lepore D. , Molle F. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryBackground: Preterm infants often require surgery. As experimental evidence suggests that premature infants may experience pain and this could even result in fatal complications, the anaesthesiologist must face problems related to lowbirth weight, high risk of hypothermia, concomitant pulmonary disease and metabolic and receptor immaturity. Recently remifentanil has been considered an optimal analgesic drug in a preterm infant undergoing mechanical ventilation and frequent surgical manoeuvres, but no clinical studies have been reported in the literature. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of a continuous intravenous infusion of remifentanil in premature infants undergoing laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).Methods: Six premature infants with ROP were scheduled for laser therapy. The procedure was performed in the neonatal intensive care unit. Transcutaneous carbon dioxide, pulse oximetry, respiratory rate, ECG and noninvasive blood pressure were continuously monitored. Infusion of remifentanil started with a dose of 0.75–1 μg·kg−1·min−1, 1 h before surgery. A midazolam bolus dose (0.20 mg·kg−1) was administered and the remifentanil infusion was increased to 3–5 μg·kg−1·min−1 taking into account haemodynamic and respiratory changes or spontaneous movements.Results: Increased dosage was necessary only for 10 min during the procedure. No changes in temperature and ventilatory settings were observed and after 2 h from the surgical procedure the preterm infants were back to their preoperative status.Conclusions: A continuous infusion of remifentanil allowed optimal control of surgical stress and a return to preoperative status and ventilatory settings without side‐effects.
The intubation depth marker: the confusion of the black line
Authors: Goel Sunita , Lim Suan‐Ling 
Published: September 2003

SummaryBackground: Estimation of the correct depth of insertion of a tracheal tube (TT) in children is extremely important. Insertion of an excessive length may result in endobronchial intubation while an inadequate length of insertion may lead to accidental extubation.Methods: We reviewed TTs commonly used in paediatric practice and also reviewed recommended guidelines for correct depth of insertion.Results: Amongst the different brands of TTs used, there was a wide discrepancy in the placement of the intubation depth marker. This is important as the intubation depth marker is often used as a guideline for intubation.Conclusions: For optimal placement we can rely on various formulae and manufacturers’ markings on the TTs. Clinical judgement, however, remains the cornerstone of optimal placement.
A French survey of paediatric airway management use in tonsillectomy and appendicectomy
Authors: Ecoffey Claude , Auroy Yves , Pequignot Françoise , Jougla Eric , Clergue François , Laxenaire Marie‐Claire , Lienhart André 
Published: September 2003

SummaryBackground: There are no epidemiological data describing tracheal intubation and laryngeal mask airway (LMATM) use in paediatric anaesthesia. This analysis focused on the factors leading to the indication for an airway management procedure, i.e. tracheal intubation and laryngeal mask airway vs face mask during general anaesthesia for tonsillectomy and appendicectomy.Methods: The data were recorded in the French survey of Practical Anaesthesia performed in 1996. Two main types of surgical procedures were selected: tonsillectomy and appendicectomy because of the number of patients and the need to use an invasive airway management technique.Results: During a 1‐year period, 627 anaesthetics for appendicectomy and 653 anaesthetics for tonsillectomy were recorded in the sample under consideration. Tracheal intubation or laryngeal mask airway was undertaken in 66% of tonsillectomies and 84% of appendicectomies. Univariate analysis showed that tracheal intubation/laryngeal mask were used significantly more often in older children, with long duration of anaesthesia, in nonambulatory procedures and in procedures performed at an academic centre. When these variables were included in a multivariate analysis, the duration of anaesthesia over 30 min was a factor linked to the use of tracheal intubation/laryngeal mask airway for the two types of surgery (P < 0.0001). For tonsillectomy, inpatients were 2.9 times more likely to be intubated (or have an laryngeal mask airway) than were outpatients. For appendicectomy, older children were 3.4 times more likely to be intubated (or have an laryngeal mask airway) than younger children.Conclusions: This large French survey shows that the use of tracheal intubation/laryngeal mask airway in this country is primarily related to a predicted long duration of anaesthesia.
Paediatric intubation in Scottish emergency departments
Authors: Oglesby A.J. , Graham C.A. , Beard D. , McKeown D.W. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryBackground: Intubation of children in the emergency department setting is uncommon. This prospective observational study examines the practice of paediatric intubation in Scottish adult/paediatric urban emergency departments.Methods: A prospective observational study of every intubation attempt was performed in seven urban Scottish emergency departments in 1999 and 2000. Children were defined as those patients who were less than 13 years of age on the day of presentation. Prehospital intubations were only included if they were performed by a mobile medical team doctor from one of the seven hospitals.Results: A total of 1713 patients were identified, 44 of whom (2.6%) were children. The median age was 4 years (range 0–12 years), and 57% (25 of 44) of intubations were performed on patients with traumatic injuries. Emergency physicians attempted intubation in 27% (12 of 44) of cases, anaesthetists in 73% (32 of 44); 18% (eight of 44) of patients were intubated in nontraumatic cardiac arrest, 68% (30 of 44) underwent rapid sequence intubation (RSI), one (2%) had inhalational anaesthesia and 13 (30%) were intubated without drugs. Eighty per cent (35 of 44) of patients were intubated at the first attempt; eight patients required two attempts, and one required three attempts. Three children were intubated prehospital by mobile medical teams. Emergency physicians intubated more patients with ‘physiological compromise’ (100% vs 91%).Conclusions: Paediatric intubation in the emergency department is uncommon. Collaboration and appropriate training for doctors in emergency medicine, anaesthesia and paediatrics is essential.
Anaesthetic implications of the child with Robinow syndrome
Authors: Sleesman Jay B. , Tobias Joseph D. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryRobinow syndrome, originally described in 1969, consists of mesomelic brachymelia, short stature, genital hypoplasia and characteristic facies. Associated organ system involvement may include developmental delay, congenital heart disease, obstructive disorders of the urinary tract and renal cysts. As there is a potential for airway problems related to the facial features, such as midface hypoplasia and micrognathia, perioperative management of these patients is important. The authors present an 8‐year‐old boy, previously diagnosed with Robinow syndrome, who was admitted for an emergency surgical procedure. The perioperative implications of this disorder are reviewed.
Enhanced fungal resistance in transgenic cotton expressing an endochitinase gene from Trichoderma virens
Authors: Emani Chandrakanth , Garcia Juan Manuel , Lopata‐Finch Emily , Pozo Maria Jose , Uribe Pedro , Kim Dong‐Jin , Sunilkumar Ganesan , Cook Douglas R. , Kenerley Charles M. , Rathore Keerti S. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryMycoparasitic fungi are proving to be rich sources of antifungal genes that can be utilized to genetically engineer important crops for resistance against fungal pathogens. We have transformed cotton and tobacco plants with a cDNA clone encoding a 42 kDa endochitinase from the mycoparasitic fungus, Trichoderma virens. Plants from 82 independently transformed callus lines of cotton were regenerated and analysed for transgene expression. Several primary transformants were identified with endochitinase activities that were significantly higher than the control values. Transgene integration and expression was confirmed by Southern and Northern blot analyses, respectively. The transgenic endochitinase activities were examined in the leaves of transgenic tobacco as well as in the leaves, roots, hypocotyls and seeds of transgenic cotton. Transgenic plants with elevated endochitinase activities also showed the expected 42 kDa endochitinase band in fluorescence, gel‐based assays performed with the leaf extracts in both species. Homozygous T2 plants of the high endochitinase‐expressing cotton lines were tested for disease resistance against a soil‐borne pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani and a foliar pathogen, Alternaria alternata. Transgenic cotton plants showed significant resistance to both pathogens.
Flexible control of plant architecture and yield via switchable expression of Arabidopsis gai
Authors: Ait‐ali Tahar , Rands Carley , Harberd Nicholas P. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryThe growth of plants is repressed by DELLA proteins, nuclear regulators whose activities are opposed by the growth‐promoting phytohormone gibberellin (GA). Mutations affecting DELLA protein function were previously used by plant breeders to create the high‐yielding semidwarf wheat varieties of the green revolution. gai is an Arabidopsis mutant DELLA protein‐encoding orthologue of the wheat semidwarfing genes. Here we describe the development of a transgene that confers ethanol‐inducible gai expression. Transient induction of gai causes transient growth repression: growth prior to and after treatment is unaffected. Appropriate ethanol treatments result in dwarf plants that produce the same numbers of seeds as untreated controls. This new technology represents a substantial advance in the applicability of genes encoding mutant DELLA proteins to agricultural and horticultural improvement, enhancing the flexibity with which these genes can be used for the sustainable achievement of increased crop plant yields.
Identification of putative plant cold responsive regulatory elements by gene expression profiling and a pattern enumeration algorithm
Authors: Kreps Joel , Budworth Paul , Goff Steve , Wang Ronglin 
Published: September 2003

SummaryA pattern enumeration algorithm named GBSSR has been developed to analyse co‐expressed gene groups identified through gene chip expression profiling to search for putative cis‐regulatory elements, an important step toward understanding transcriptional factors, quantitative trait loci and gene regulatory networks. Without making any statistical assumptions, this algorithm establishes the frequency distribution of all eligible 6–15 bp strings by extensive bootstrap sampling from an entire genome worth of promoters, enabling those over‐represented in a co‐expressed gene group to be identified. Using a well‐studied plant cold responsive gene system as a positive control, several known cold responsive elements were identified as top ranking candidates, along with some potentially novel ones. A typical analysis of 40 co‐expressed genes takes a relatively inexpensive Linux cluster with 32 × 1.4 GHz Intel CPUs about 7 days to process.
Engineering the root–soil interface via targeted expression of a synthetic phytase gene in trichoblasts
Authors: Zimmermann Philip , Zardi Gerardo , Lehmann Martin , Zeder Christophe , Amrhein Nikolaus , Frossard Emmanuel , Bucher Marcel 
Published: September 2003

SummaryFor biochemical modification of the root–soil interface, the engineered secretion of stable enzymes from trichoblasts (= root hair bearing rhizodermal cells) is proposed. As a reporter activity, we chose to express a synthetic gene encoding a secretory phytase (PHY) directed by a trichoblast‐specific promoter in root hair cells of the crop plant potato. Transgenic plants produced and secreted phytase in sufficient amounts to release phosphate from phytate in liquid medium. When grown in an unsterile substrate containing phytate, transgenic plants accumulated 40% more P in leaves than wild‐type plants. The improved P nutrition driven by trichoblast‐targeted expression and subsequent secretion of PHY illustrates the potential of using trichoblast‐targeted expression of suitable enzymes for future applications in plant nutrition, phytoremediation and molecular farming.
Reciprocal control of flowering time by OsSOC1 in transgenic Arabidopsis and by FLC in transgenic rice
Authors: Tadege Million , Sheldon Candice C. , Helliwell Chris A. , Upadhyaya Narayana M. , Dennis Elizabeth S. , Peacock W. James 
Published: September 2003

SummaryIn a screen for MADS box genes which activate and/or repress flowering in rice, we identified a gene encoding a MADS domain protein (OsSOC1) related to the Arabidopsis gene AtSOC1. AtSOC1 and OsSOC1 show a 97% amino acid similarity in their MADS domain. The rice gene contains a large first intron of 27.6 kb compared to the 1 kb intron in Arabidopsis. OsSOC1 is located on top of the short arm of chromosome 3, tightly linked to the heading date locus, Hd9. OsSOC1 is expressed in vegetative tissues, and expression is elevated at the time of floral initiation, 40–50 days after sowing, and remains uniformly high thereafter, similar to the expression pattern of AtSOC1. The constitutive expression of OsSOC1 in Arabidopsis results in early flowering, suggesting that the rice gene is a functional equivalent of AtSOC1. We were not able to identify FLC‐like sequences in the rice genome; however, we show that ectopic expression of the Arabidopsis FLC delays flowering in rice, and the up‐regulation of OsSOC1 at the onset of flowering initiation is delayed in the AtFLC transgenic lines. The reciprocal recognition and flowering time effects of genes introduced into either Arabidopsis or rice suggest that some components of the flowering pathways may be shared. This points to a potential application in the manipulation of flowering time in cereals using well characterized Arabidopsis genes.