bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemico‐structure of the organophosphatic shells of siphonotretide brachiopods
Authors: Williams Alwyn , Holmer Lars E. , Cusack Maggie 
Published: September 2004

The organophosphatic shell of siphonotretide brachiopods is stratiform with orthodoxly secreted primary and secondary layers. The dominant apatitic constituents of the secondary layer are prismatic laths and rods arranged in monolayers (occasionally in cross‐bladed successions), normally recrystallized as platy laminae. Sporadically distributed, interlaminar, lenticular chambers, containing apatitic meshes of laths and aggregates of plates and spherulites, probably represent degraded, localized exudations of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) with dispersed apatite.The shells of Helmersenia and Gorchakovia are perforated by canals with external depressions (antechambers) that possibly contained chitinous tubercles in vivo. The immature shell of Siphonotreta and most other siphonotretids is similarly perforated and pitted; but the mature part bears recumbent, rheomorphic, hollow spines that grew forward out of pits. Internally, spines pierce the shell as independent structures to terminate as pillars in GAGs chambers. Spines and pillars were probably secreted by collectives of specialized cells (acanthoblasts) within the mantle.The shell of the oldest siphonotretide, Schizambon, is imperforate but the ventral valve has a pedicle foramen that lies forward of the posterior margin of the juvenile valve. This relationship characterizes all siphonotretides, suggesting that the pedicle, in vivo, originated within the ventral outer epithelium and not from the posterior body wall as in lingulides.
AnoXcel: an Anopheles gambiae protein database
Authors: Ribeiro J. M. C. , Topalis P. , Louis C. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe proteome of the mosquito Anopheles gambiae was organized on a hyperlinked spreadsheet format containing one protein per row and several pieces of information in each column. The information for each protein ranges from the presence or absence of signal peptide indicative of secretion, presence of transmembrane domains, similarities to several databases, chromosomal location, and relatedness to other An. gambiae proteins, etc. Hosted by AnoBase (http://www.anobase.org/), the whole spreadsheet or segments of it can be downloaded or searched from http://www.anobase.org/AnoBase/Genes/Ano‐Xcel by the scientist dealing with the annotation of proteome subsets such as those deriving from transcriptomes, nucleotide microarrays or high throughput mass spectrometry data.
Apis mellifera ultraspiracle: cDNA sequence and rapid up‐regulation by juvenile hormone
Authors: Barchuk A. R. , Maleszka R. , Simões Z. L. P. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractTwo hormones, 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH) are key regulators of insect development including the differentiation of the alternative caste phenotypes of social insects. In addition, JH plays a different role in adult honey bees, acting as a ‘behavioural pacemaker’. The functional receptor for 20E is a heterodimer consisting of the ecdysone receptor and ultraspiracle (USP) whereas the identity of the JH receptor remains unknown. We have cloned and sequenced a cDNA encoding Apis mellifera ultraspiracle (AMUSP) and examined its responses to JH. A rapid, but transient up‐regulation of the AMUSP messenger is observed in the fat bodies of both queens and workers. AMusp appears to be a single copy gene that produces two transcripts (∼4 and ∼5 kb) that are differentially expressed in the animal's body. The predicted AMUSP protein shows greater sequence similarity to its orthologues from the vertebrate–crab–tick–locust group than to the dipteran–lepidopteran group. These characteristics and the rapid up‐regulation by JH suggest that some of the USP functions in the honey bee may depend on ligand binding.
Molecular cloning and immunolocalization of a diuretic hormone receptor in rice brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens)
Authors: Price D. R. G. , Du J. , Dinsmore A. , Gatehouse J. A. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractRNA extracted from guts of rice brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, was used to clone cDNA predicted to encode a diuretic hormone receptor (DHR). The DHR, a member of the calcitonin/secretin/corticotropin‐releasing factor family of G‐protein‐coupled receptors, contains seven transmembrane domains and a large N‐terminal extracellular domain potentially involved in hormone binding. The N‐terminal domain was expressed as a recombinant protein, purified and used to raise antibodies. Anti‐DHR IgG bound specifically to Malpighian tubules in immunolocalization experiments using dissected guts, and to a putative DHR polypeptide from N. lugens gut on Western blots. Anti‐DHR IgG delivered orally to insects was not detected in the haemolymph, and showed no binding to gut or tubules, confirming that DHR N‐terminal hormone‐binding domain is not exposed to the gut lumen.
A functional analysis of ACP‐20, an adult‐specific cuticular protein gene from the beetle Tenebrio: role of an intronic sequence in transcriptional activation during the late metamorphic period
Authors: Lemoine A. , Mathelin J. , Braquart‐Varnier C. , Everaerts C. , Delachambre J. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractA gene encoding the adult cuticular protein ACP‐20 was isolated in Tenebrio. It consists of three exons interspersed by two introns, intron 1 interrupting the signal peptide. To understand the regulatory mechanisms of ACP‐20 expression, ACP‐20 promoter–luciferase reporter gene constructs were transfected into cultured pharate adult wing epidermis. Transfection assays needed the presence of 20‐hydroxyecdysone, confirming that ACP‐20 is up‐regulated by ecdysteroids. Analysis of 5′ deletion constructs revealed that three regions are necessary for high levels of transcription. Interaction experiments between intronic fragments and epidermal nuclear proteins confirmed the importance of intron 1 in ACP‐20 transcriptional control, which results from the combined activity of regulatory cis‐acting elements of the promoter and those of intron 1.
Amino acid residues involved in interaction with tyramine in the Bombyx mori tyramine receptor
Authors: Ohta H. , Utsumi T. , Ozoe Y. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractTo identify amino acid residues interacting with tyramine (TA) in the Bombyx mori TA (BmTA) receptor, several mutant receptors were expressed in HEK‐293 cells and examined for their abilities to bind TA and to attenuate forskolin‐stimulated cAMP production in response to TA. The D134A BmTA receptor showed no specific [3H]TA binding and no TA‐attenuation of cAMP levels. Although the S218A and S222A BmTA receptors showed no specific [3H]TA binding, they still had the ability to mediate the attenuation of cAMP levels in response to the high concentration (100 µm) of TA. The double mutation of Ser218 and Ser222 to Ala, however, led to the loss of TA‐attenuation of cAMP levels. The present study thus confirms that at least three amino acid residues play key roles in interaction with TA in the BmTA receptor.
The dMRP/CG6214 gene of Drosophila is evolutionarily and functionally related to the human multidrug resistance‐associated protein family
Authors: Tarnay J. N. , Szeri F. , Iliás A. , Annilo T. , Sung C. , Le Saux O. , Váradi A. , Dean M. , Boyd C. D. , Robinow S. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters are involved in the transport of substrates across biological membranes and are essential for many cellular processes. Of the fifty‐six Drosophila ABC transporter genes only white, brown, scarlet, E23 and Atet have been studied in detail. Phylogenetic analyses identify the Drosophila gene dMRP/CG6214 as an orthologue to the human multidrug‐resistance associated proteins MRP1, MRP2, MRP3 and MRP6. To study evolutionarily conserved roles of MRPs we have initiated a characterization of dMRP. In situ hybridization and Northern analysis indicate that dMRP is expressed throughout development and appears to be head enriched in adults. Functional studies indicate that DMRP is capable of transporting a known MRP1 substrate and establishes DMRP as a high capacity ATP‐dependent, vanadate‐sensitive organic anion transporter.
Two amino acid substitutions in acetylcholinesterase associated with pirimicarb and organophosphorous insecticide resistance in the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Toda S. , Komazaki S. , Tomita T. , Kono Y. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe complete coding sequences of two acetylcholinesterase (AChE) genes, Ace1 (orthologous to Drosophila Ace) and Ace2 (paralogous to Ace), from the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) were identified and sequences from carbamate resistant and susceptible strains compared. No change in the amino acid sequences was found in Ace1, while two amino acid substitutions, Ser431Phe and Ala302Ser, were detected between resistant and susceptible strains in Ace2. The position of Ser431Phe corresponds to one of fourteen aromatic residues lining the active site gorge and is located in the acyl pocket. Ala302Ser is located at one of the three residues which form the oxyanion hole in the active site of AChE. The Ser431Phe and Ala302Ser substitutions may play a role in pirimicarb and organophosphate resistance, respectively.
The AeAct‐4 gene is expressed in the developing flight muscles of female Aedes aegypti
Authors: Muñoz D. , Jimenez A. , Marinotti O. , James A. A. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractPopulation reduction of mosquitoes is an effective method for controlling dengue fever and malaria transmission. Recent developments in control techniques include proposals to construct transgenic strains of mosquitoes carrying dominant, conditional‐lethal genes under the control of sex‐ and stage‐specific promoters. In order to identify such promoters, subtractive cDNA libraries derived from male and female pupal mRNA of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, were constructed and screened. A cDNA clone, F49, corresponds to a gene expressed specifically in female pupae. Sequence analyses revealed that this gene belongs to the actin gene family, and therefore was designated Aedes Actin‐4 (AeAct‐4). Transcription analyses demonstrated that this gene is expressed predominantly in the indirect flight muscles and, to a lesser extent, the legs of developing female mosquitoes. The promoter of this gene may be a useful tool for developing conditional lethal strains of mosquitoes.
Non‐invasive ventilation in surgical patients in a district general hospital
Authors: Badiger R. , Green M. , Hackwood H. , Palin C. , Shee C. D. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryWe have retrospectively audited the use of non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) in surgical patients. We analysed the case notes of 38 surgical patients who received NIV over a 9‐month period. Twenty‐three patients received NIV following emergency surgery, eight after elective surgery, and seven did not have an operation. Co‐morbidity was common. The commonest reasons for starting NIV were chest infection, acute respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary oedema. NIV was often only one aspect of treatment in surgical patients with complex medical problems. With intensive support from the critical care outreach team, NIV can be safely delivered on a surgical ward, and may sometimes prevent intensive care unit admission. Use of NIV on the intensive care unit may obviate the need for tracheal intubation in some patients. In very ill surgical patients with a poor prognosis, NIV was frequently used as the ceiling of respiratory support.
Left ventricular mechanical performance in elderly patients after induction of anaesthesia. A comparison of inhalational induction with sevoflurane and intravenous induction with fentanyl and propofol
Authors: Nishikawa K. , Kanaya N. , Kawamata M. , Namiki A. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryWe investigated changes in left ventricular mechanical performance in 40 patients aged > 70 years in whom anaesthesia had been induced with sevoflurane or with fentanyl and propofol. The ratio of ventricular contractility to arterial properties, which reflects left ventricular performance, was estimated from the ratio of ventricular end‐systolic elastance to effective arterial elastance. This ratio decreased after induction in both groups, the magnitude of the decrease being significantly greater in the fentanyl/propofol group than in the sevoflurane group. Decreases in mean arterial pressure after induction of anaesthesia in the two groups were similar, whereas the magnitude of the decrease in heart rate in the sevoflurane group was greater than that in the fentanyl/propofol group. Sevoflurane may therefore be preferable to fentanyl and propofol for induction of anaesthesia in elderly patients because of its lesser effect on left ventricular performance.
Stability of an epidural analgesic admixture containing epinephrine, fentanyl and bupivacaine
Authors: Priston M. J. , Hughes J. M. , Santillo M. , Christie I. W. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryThe addition of epinephrine to solutions containing fentanyl and bupivacaine for epidural infusion has been shown to improve the quality of analgesia. However, this admixture is not available commercially in the United Kingdom. Moreover, stability data applicable to UK practice for this admixture are limited. This study investigated the stability of fentanyl 2 μg.ml−1 plus bupivacaine 1 mg.ml−1 in PVC bags with and without epinephrine 2 μg.ml−1 over a period of 184 days both at room temperature and at 4 °C. All infusions were found to be stable over the study period (> 90% remaining) using stability‐indicating High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) methods, with no changes in physical appearance or pH (range 4.5–4.2). The infusions were prepared using standard pharmaceutical products, so facilitating the batch preparation of epinephrine, fentanyl and bupivacaine epidural solutions by hospital pharmacy departments.
A pharmacokinetic study of piroxicam in children*
Authors: Dix P. , Prosser D. P. , Streete P. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryFeldene MeltTM (piroxicam) is commonly used for analgesia following day case surgery. The manufacturer's recommended paediatric dose is 0.4 mg.kg−1 once daily. In children, plasma piroxicam levels of 3–5 μg.ml−1 are associated with effective analgesia. However, in adults a single dose of 20 mg piroxicam (0.4 mg.kg−1 for a 50‐kg adult) produces plasma levels of only 1.5–2.2 μg.ml−1. We therefore studied plasma levels achieved by 0.4 mg.kg−1 or 1.0 mg.kg−1 piroxicam in 22 children aged between 3 and 16 years, undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery, in order to investigate the adequacy of single dosing. The first 12 patients received 0.4 mg.kg−1 Feldene MeltTM pre‐operatively. Following assay of plasma piroxicam levels, a further 10 patients received 1.0 mg.kg−1 Feldene MeltTM. In both groups, five blood samples were taken at 2‐hourly intervals. The mean (95% CI) piroxicam level following 0.4 mg.kg−1 was 2.90 (2.33–3.54) μg.ml−1, compared to 5.87 (4.58–7.16) μg.ml−1 following 1.0 mg.kg−1 (p = 0.0003).
A National Survey of ICU consultant working practices at weekends*
Authors: Thomas E. O. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryA questionnaire was sent to all Intensive Care Society linkmen to investigate weekend working arrangements on Intensive Care Units (ICU) in the United Kingdom. In all, 87 responses revealed that the average consultant covering ICU at weekends works a 1 in 6 rota, is responsible for 10 beds, works 8–9 h a day and receives two calls at night. Of consultants, 54% cover anaesthesia as well as ICU, 55% work a 48 h or 72 h weekend and only one in five consultants currently have fixed sessional allocation for weekend working. 83% felt that they should not cover anaesthesia as well as ICU and there was no support for consultants to be resident at night. Applying the terms and conditions of the new consultant contract for England to this average consultant would result in 6.6 Programmed Activities for the weekend and 2 days of compensatory rest.
Effect of propofol and isoflurane anaesthesia on the immune response to surgery*
Authors: Inada T. , Yamanouchi Y. , Jomura S. , Sakamoto S. , Takahashi M. , Kambara T. , Shingu K. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryThere are two major subpopulations of peripheral helper T lymphocytes: T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) cells. Surgical stress increases the number of Th2 cells, and decreases that of Th1 cells, resulting in a decrease in the Th1/Th2 ratio, and, consequently, in suppressed cell‐mediated immunity. Since anaesthesia can suppress the stress response to surgery, it may inhibit the decrease in the Th1/Th2 ratio. Using flow cytometry, we studied whether propofol anaesthesia (n = 9) or isoflurane anaesthesia (n = 9) had more effect on the decrease in the Th1/Th2 ratio after surgery in patients undergoing craniotomy. The Th1/Th2 ratio decreased significantly after isoflurane anaesthesia (p = 0.011), while it did not change after propofol anaesthesia. The ratio was significantly lower with isoflurane than propofol (p = 0.009). Propofol anaesthesia attenuated the surgical stress‐induced adverse immune response better than isoflurane anaesthesia.
Thyroid storm prior to induction of anaesthesia
Authors: Hirvonen E. A. , Niskanen L. K. , Niskanen M. M. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryA 53‐ year‐old woman without a previous history of thyroid disease was scheduled for mastectomy. On arrival in the operating theatre unpremedicated she appeared restless and tachycardic. Midazolam and fentanyl was administered intravenously. Concomitantly, sinus tachycardia developed and a flush reaction was observed in the skin of the thoracic region and neck. The blood pressure increased to 265/160 mmHg and the patient lost consciousness and became apnoeic. Unconsciousness and apnoea lasted for approximately 25 min and the operation was postponed. Further investigations revealed an elevated serum free thyroxine level and suppressed serum thyrotropin diagnostic of hyperthyroidism. The serum TSH receptor antibody concentration was elevated, indicating that the patient was suffering from Graves' disease. We present a case of a previously unknown hyperthyroid patient, with breast cancer, presenting as a thyroid crisis on induction of anaesthesia. Although being quite a rare occurrence, unsuspected thyroid disease should be borne in mind when an agitated patient enters the operating theatre.
The Cardiff paediatric laryngoscope blade: a comparison with the Miller size 1 and Macintosh size 2 laryngoscope blades*
Authors: Jones R. M. , Jones P. L. , Gildersleve C. D. , Hall J. E. , Harding L. J. E. , Chawathe M. S. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryThe Cardiff paediatric laryngoscope blade is a single blade that has been designed for use in children from birth to adolescence. This open, randomised, crossover study compared the Cardiff blade with the straight, size 1, Miller laryngoscope blade in 39 infants under 1 years of age and the curved, size 2, Macintosh blade in 39 children aged 1–16 years. The same laryngoscopic view was obtained with the Cardiff and Miller blades in 26 patients; the view was better with the Cardiff blade in seven patients and better with the Miller blade in six (median (IQR [range]) grade of laryngoscopy 1 (1–2 [1–3]) vs. 1 (1–2 [1–3]), respectively; p = 0.405). The Cardiff blade was faster at gaining a view than the Miller blade (mean (SD) time 8.5 (2.9) s vs. 10.2 (3.5) s, respectively; 95% CI for difference −2.8 to −0.4; p = 0.009). The Cardiff and Macintosh blades produced the same view in 32 patients; the view was better with the Cardiff blade in seven patients (median (IQR [range]) grade of laryngoscopy 1 (1–1 [1–3]) vs. 1 (1–2 [1–3]), respectively; p = 0.008). There was no difference in time to gain these views: mean (SD) 8.7 (3.0) s vs. 9.3 (2.7) s, respectively (95% CI for difference −1.58 to 0.40; p = 0.237). The Cardiff paediatric laryngoscope blade compares favourably with these two established laryngoscope blades in children.
Vasopressin and terlipressin: pharmacology and its clinical relevance
Authors: Kam P. C. A. , Williams S. , Yoong F. F. Y. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryVasopressin and its analogue, terlipressin, are potent vasopressors that may be useful therapeutic agents in the treatment of cardiac arrest, septic and catecholamine‐resistant shock and oesophageal variceal haemorrhage. The aim of this article is to review the physiology and pharmacology of vasopressin and summarise its efficacy and safety in clinical trials and its subsequent therapeutic use. Recent studies indicate that the use of vasopressin during cardiopulmonary resuscitation may improve the survival of patients with asystolic cardiac arrest. Vasopressin deficiency can contribute to refractory shock states associated with sepsis, cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest. Low doses of vasopressin and terlipressin can restore vasomotor tone in conditions that are resistant to catecholamines, with preservation of renal blood flow and urine output. They are also useful in reducing bleeding and mortality associated with oesophageal variceal haemorrhage. The long‐term outcome of the use of these drugs is not known.
A high‐resolution radiation hybrid map of porcine chromosome 6
Authors: Cao H. , Robinson J. A. B. , Jiang Z. , Melville J. S. , Golovan S. P. , Jones M. W. , Verrinder Gibbins A. M. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryA high‐resolution comprehensive map was constructed for porcine chromosome (SSC) 6, where quantitative trait loci (QTL) for reproduction and meat quality traits have been reported to exist. A radiation hybrid (RH) map containing 105 gene‐based markers and 15 microsatellite markers was constructed for this chromosome using a 3000‐rad porcine/hamster RH panel. In total, 40 genes from human chromosome (HSA) 1p36.3‐p22, 29 from HSA16q12‐q24, 17 from HSA18p11.3‐q12 and 19 from HSA19q13.1‐q13.4 were assigned to SSC6. All primers for these gene markers were designed based on porcine gene or EST sequences, and the orthologous status of the gene markers was confirmed by direct sequencing of PCR products amplified from separate Meishan and Large White genomic DNA pools. The RH map spans SSC6 and consists of six linkage groups created by using a LOD score threshold of 4. The boundaries of the conserved segments between SSC6 and HSA1, 16, 18 and 19 were defined more precisely than previously reported. This represents the most comprehensive RH map of SSC6 reported to date. Polymorphisms were detected for 38 of 105 gene‐based markers placed on the RH map and these are being exploited in ongoing chromosome wide scans for QTL and eventual fine mapping of genes associated with prolificacy in a Meishan × Large White multigenerational commercial population.
Fine mapping of the muscular dystrophy (AM) gene on chicken chromosome 2q
Authors: Yoshizawa K. , Inaba K. , Mannen H. , Kikuchi T. , Mizutani M. , Tsuji S. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryOur previous studies revealed that the genetic locus for chicken muscular dystrophy of abnormal muscle (AM) mapped to chromosome 2q, and that the region showed conserved synteny with human chromosome 8q11‐24.3. In the current study, we mapped the chicken orthologues of genes from human chromosome 8q11‐24 in order to identify the responsible gene. Polymorphisms in the chicken orthologues were identified in the parents of the resource family. Twenty‐three genes and expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were mapped to chicken chromosome 2 by linkage analysis. The detailed comparative map shows a high conservation of synteny between chicken chromosome 2q and human chromosome 8q. The AM locus was mapped between [inositol(myo)‐1(or4)‐monophosphatase 1] (IMPA1) gene and [core‐binding factor, runt domain, α‐subunit 2; translocated to 1; cyclin D‐related] (CBFA2T1) gene. The genes located between IMPA1 and CBFA2T1 are the most likely candidates for chicken muscular dystrophy.