bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased activity and reduced sensitivity of glutamine synthetase in glufosinate‐resistant vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides Nash) cells
Authors: PRASERTSONGSKUN SOMPORN , SANGDUEN NITSRI , SUWANWONG SRISOM , SANTISOPASRI VILAI , MATSUMOTO HIROSHI 
Published: March 2003

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides Nash) cells derived from an inflorescence were cultured in a modified N6 liquid medium supplemented with 10 µm 2,4‐D and 10 mm proline. Exponentially growing cell suspensions were subcultured with a selection medium containing glufosinate (ammonium dl‐homoalanin‐4‐yl(methyl)phosphinate). The glufosinate‐resistant cells which can grow in a medium containing 5 × 10−5 M glufosinate was selected by a stepwise selection, and its I50 value was determined to be 4.2 × 10−5 M. The growth of susceptible cells was inhibited by lower concentrations of glufosinate and its I50 value was 2.5 × 10−7 M. This indicated that the selected cells were 170‐fold resistant compared with the susceptible cells. Glutamine synthetase (GS) activity of the resistant cells was twice as high as that of the susceptible cells. The I50 values of glufosinate were 3.2 × 10−5 M and 9.0 × 10−7 M for GS from the resistant and susceptible cells, respectively. The accumulation of ammonia caused by GS inhibition was higher in the susceptible cells. Absorption of [3,4–14C]glufosinate was not significantly different between the resistant and susceptible cells. Both cell types did not metabolize glufosinate. These results suggest that the resistance of the selected vetiver cell suspension to glufosinate is mainly due to increased GS activity and its decreased sensitivity to the herbicide.
Unintentional paediatric subdural catheter with oculomotor and abducens nerve palsies
Authors: Haughton Andrew John , Chalkiadis George A. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryA 13‐year‐old female with a past history of lumbar laminectomy developed a subdural block 18 h after the commencement of an epidural infusion of bupivacaine 0.125% and fentanyl 2 μg·ml−1. Signs at presentation included bilateral abducens nerve palsies in the absence of headache and a previously unreported unilateral third cranial nerve palsy. An epidurogram displayed subdural placement.
Acute epiglottitis despite vaccination with Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine
Authors: Wagle A. , Jones R.M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryWe present the case of a 20‐month‐old child who required admission to the intensive care with a presumptive diagnosis of acute laryngo–tracheo‐bronchitis, for the management of acute upper airway obstruction. This child had received a complete course of Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine. Subsequent events showed that the diagnosis was not laryngo–tracheo‐bronchitis but acute epiglottitis. We propose that a full course of vaccination is no guarantee against a subsequent illness with Hib and may actually lead to the wrong diagnosis and possibly life‐threatening consequences.
A new modification of anaesthesia mask for fibreoptic intubation in children
Authors: KITAMURA SEIJI , FUKUMITSU KAZUO , KINOUCHI KEIKO , TAKADA KOJI , TANIGUCHI AKIHIRO 
Published: March 2003

SummaryWe made a paediatric anaesthesia mask suitable for fibreoptic intubation by modifying a commercially available disposable mask with a ventilation port (Vent port) on a side. We added a large fibreoptic port (FO port, 22 mm in ID) in the middle of the mask to allow the passage of all sizes of paediatric tracheal tubes. This FO port was covered with an elastic rubber membrane to allow air‐tight fibrescopic manipulation. Fibreoptic intubation was performed safely through the FO port under continuous manual ventilation with anaesthetic gases via a Vent port connected to the breathing circuit. We succeeded in tracheal intubation in several infants and children with difficult airway in less than ten min, mainly via the nasotracheal route. This fibreoptic mask provides a safer technique for fibreoptic intubation in patients with difficult airways, especially in infants and small children.
Management of difficult airways with a laryngeal mask airway under propofol anaesthesia
Authors: BAHK JAE‐HYON , HAN SOUNG‐MOON , KIM SEONG‐DEOK 
Published: March 2003

SummaryWe report four cases of difficult airway managed with a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) under propofol anaesthesia; this method was chosen to minimize psychological and physical trauma. Case 1 was a boy with dermatomyositis; Case 2, a girl wearing a base ring of a stereotactic frame; Case 3, a boy with Treacher–Collins syndrome; Case 4, a boy with Goldenhar syndrome. They were anaesthesized with propofol and though spontaneous ventilation became shallower, or apnoea occurred, the stimulus of inserting an LMA awakened the patient and caused more active spontaneous ventilation while a patent airway was established by the LMA. All tracheal intubations were performed smoothly and without delay through the LMA, and we believe that psychological and physical trauma was thus minimized.
Axillary block in children: single or multiple injection?
Authors: Carre P. , Joly A. , Cluzel Field B. , Wodey E. , Lucas M.M. , Ecoffey C. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe goal of this double‐blind prospective study was to compare the effect of a single injection versus multiple fractionated doses on the onset time and quality of motor and sensory block, obtained in 70 children anaesthetized with axillary block alone. The brachial plexus was identified with a peripheral nerve stimulator, and blocked with 0.5 ml·kg−1 of 1.5% lignocaine with adrenaline. In Group S (single injection), the total volume was injected after location of one nerve. In Group M (multiple fractionated doses), two nerves were located, including necessarily one nerve implicated in the surgical territory. Motor and sensory blocks were assessed according to Lanz's scale before surgery by a blinded observer. A block was considered complete if there was no feeling in at least three nerve territories at 30 min. No difference was found between groups for motor and sensory block quality. However the onset time of the block was faster after multiple fractionated doses (Group M, 25±7 min vs Group S, 29±4 min) and was faster in younger children (5–9 years: M=23±7 min vs S=28±5 min, 10–15 years: no difference). There was a significant difference in the quality of the sensory blockade of the musculocutaneous nerve: 18 versus 8 complete blocks, 10 versus 14 incomplete blocks, respectively for Group M versus Group S. No adverse effect was observed and analgesia was prolonged for more than 4 h. We can conclude that, unlike adults, fractionated doses in chilren bring no benefit to the quality of sensory and motor block. Selective block of the musculocutaneous nerve is recommended when a surgical procedure takes place in this territory.
A dual epidural catheter technique to provide analgesia following posterior spinal fusion for scoliosis in children and adolescents
Authors: Tobias Joseph D. , Gaines Robert W. , Lowry Kent J. , Kittle Dian , Bildner Carl 
Published: March 2003

Background: The authors report their experience with the use of a dual epidural catheter technique in controlling pain following long posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation for scoliosis in children and adolescents. Methods: Following completion of the surgical procedure and prior to wound closure, the upper catheter was inserted with the tip directed cephalad to T1–4 while the tip of the lower catheter was positioned at the L1–4 level. As the surgical wound was being closed, the catheters were dosed with fentanyl and hydromorphone followed by a continuous infusion of ropivacaine plus hydromorphone. Postoperative pain was assessed every 2–4 h using a visual analogue score or an observational behavioural score (0=no pain, 10=worst imaginable pain). There were 14 patients ranging in age from 5–17 years (12.7 ± 3.5) and in weight from 19–68 kg (44.3 ± 17.5). The epidural catheters were left in place until the fifth postoperative day. Results: The mean of the median pain score from each patient was 1.5 ± 1.6, 1.6 ± 1.5, 1.4 ± 1.3, 1.1 ± 1.1 and 0.9 ± 0.9, respectively, on postoperative days 1 through 5. The mean of the maximum pain scores was 3.5 ± 2.3 (range 0–7), 4 ± 1.6 (range 2–6), 3.1 ± 1.7 (range 1–6), 2.4 ± 1.5 (range 0–4) and 2.2 ± 1.4 (range 0–4), respectively, on postoperative days 1 through 5. Conclusions: No adverse effects related to epidural analgesia were noted.
SLO angiography: arterio‐venous filling times in monkey and minipig
Authors: Rosolen Serge G. , Saint‐Macary Gérard , Gautier Vincent , Le Gargasson Jean‐François 
Published: March 2003

AbstractConfocal scanning laser ophthalmosocope (cSLO) is a new technique which enables ocular fundus image recording and dynamic retinal angiography to be performed. The ocular fundus image is acquired sequentially, point by point, and is reconstructed on a video monitor at the rate of 25 images per second. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility of measuring retinal arterio‐venous filling times (AVFT) with a I + Tech cSLO. Three young adult cynomolgus monkeys and three young adult Göttingen minipigs were used as experimental models. All animals were anesthetized using a zolazepam + tiletamine mixture injected intramuscularly; heart rate and rectal temperature were monitored and corneal irrigation was regularly performed. For all subjects, prior to examination, hematocrit and globe axial length were measured. The images were recorded, stabilized and analyzed. The retinal examination consisted of retinal images with 40° field cSLO, retinal fluorescein angiography and arterio‐venous 50% filling time measurements. For each subject all images were easily recorded while keeping the animals in a normally lighted room without having to use any additional optical device. AVFT using an I + Tech cSLO is easily performed in monkeys and minipigs. AVFT measurements in minipigs and monkeys are similar. These results suggest that minipigs can replace monkeys as an experimental species for AVFT investigations.
Subconjunctival filariasis due toOnchocercasp. in dogs: report of 23 cases in Greece
Authors: Komnenou Anastasia , Eberhard Mark L. , Kaldrymidou Eleni , Tsalie Eleftheria , Dessiris Angelos 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn the present study, we describe a series of 23 cases of ocular subconjunctival parasitic granulomas in dogs, admitted to the Clinic of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, between 1997 and 2000. The ophthalmic manifestations in all animals were periorbital swelling, discomfort, photophobia, conjunctival congestion, and discharge. A more detailed examination revealed the presence of periocular masses (nodules) on the subconjunctival bulbar space. Granulomatous or cyst‐like formations were extracted surgically, and were found to contain thread‐like nematode parasites. A histologic and parasitologic examination of tissues and parasites was carried out. Diagnosis of parasitic granulomas was made and the parasite was identified asOnchocercasp. This is the largest series of cases reported of aberrantOnchocercainfections in dogs coming from one geographic location.
The occipital region in the basal Hymenoptera (Insecta): a reappraisal
Authors: Vilhelmsen Lars 
Published: March 2003

The occipital region in representatives of all the ‘symphytan’ families and a few apocritans is investigated. A new character, the occurrence of occipital sulci, is described. The absence of occipital sulci and corresponding internal ridges is a putative synapomorphy for the Xiphydriidae, Orussoidea, and Apocrita. Independent loss has occurred in the cimbicid genus Zaraea.The evolution of sclerotizations between the occipital and oral foramina in basal Hymenoptera is discussed. A postoccipital bridge, an internal structure formed by the fusion of the apodemes for the profurco‐postoccipital muscles, forming a ventral connection between the tentorial arms, is present in Cimbex, Cephoidea, and Syntexis. An external sclerotization, the hypostomal bridge, is present in Corynis, Cephoidea, ‘Siricoidea’, Orussoidea, and Apocrita. In Syntexis, the postoccipital and hypostomal bridges are continuous. It is difficult to decide whether a hypostomal bridge is also present in the Pamphilioidea, or the external sclerotization in this superfamily has evolved independently. In the Siricidae, Orussidae, and some Apocrita, a postgenal bridge largely replaces the hypostomal bridge. The postgenal bridge has evolved at least twice independently in the Hymenoptera.
Nursing shortages and evidence‐based interventions: a case study from Scotland
Authors: Buchan J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn this report, key aspects of change in the labour market for nurses in Scotland are examined, and an integrated policy framework intended to improve nurse recruitment, retention and utilization is outlined. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the dynamics of the nursing labour market in Scotland and to draw some more general messages from the evidence base on the effectiveness of interventions to improve recruitment and retention of nursing staff. The paper has three main elements: it provides a backdrop of key trends in the Scottish nursing labour market; it summarizes issues related to planning and nursing shortages, including an assessment of the utility of current indicators of recruitment and retention difficulties; and it reviews the main potential interventions to address nurse recruitment and retention difficulties, drawing from key research/evidence from UK and other English language sources. Five main interventions are examined: integrating the planning of the healthcare workforce; improving recruitment; incentives to improve retention; improving staff deployment; and improving utilization/skill mix.
Humectancies of d‐tagatose and d‐sorbitol
Authors: Lu Y. 
Published: March 2003

SynopsisMost toothpastes contain either d‐sorbitol or glycerin, or both, as humectants. Both compounds are about half as sweet as sucrose. This level of sweetness is not as intense as desired by most people when brushing teeth. Therefore, many brands of toothpaste add saccharin, a high‐intensity sweetener, to increase product sweetness to acceptable levels. While this combination provides the required bulk, humectancy and sweetness, the last characteristic suffers from the widely perceived metallic, or bitter, aftertaste of saccharin. d‐tagatose, a full‐bulk, low‐calorie, sucrose‐like sweetener with about twice the sweetness of d‐sorbitol, and which does not promote tooth decay, holds promise as a sole sweetener for toothpastes. The only untested aspect of this use of d‐tagatose was its humectancy, the characteristic that retains the required level of moisture in toothpaste. The current study was made to investigate this important property, to make a direct comparison of the humectancies of d‐tagatose and d‐sorbitol as pure substances, and to determine whether the humectancy of d‐tagatose is sufficient to counter the crystallizing potentiation of the abrasives used in toothpastes.The humectancies of d‐tagatose and d‐sorbitol were tested through measuring their water activity (aw) vs. water content. By comparing their desorption curves, d‐tagatose was seen to have a humectancy equal to that of d‐sorbitol when aw in the d‐tagatose solution was above 0.62. d‐Tagatose was then tested in toothpastes containing typical abrasives to determine whether the abrasives would induce crystallization of the sweetener. The addition of 20–25% wt/wt of d‐tagatose to the Tom of Maine's toothpastes imparted a satisfactory sweetness. It was found that, within that range of concentration, d‐tagatose retained its humectancy, and did not crystallize in the popular brands of commercial toothpastes tested. Thus, d‐tagatose could be used as a humectant sweetener in toothpastes, although further work on a final toothpaste formula will be necessary to check stability and flavour factors.
Paleolithic diets: a sceptical view
Authors: Nestle Marion 
Published: March 2003

SummarySome anthropologists have suggested that humans are genetically determined to eat diets quite different from those of today. Very little human evolution has occurred in the past 15,000 years. However, diets have changed dramatically and in parallel with a shift in disease patterns from infectious diseases and diseases associated with nutrient deficiencies, to chronic degenerative diseases associated with excessive and unbalanced intake of energy and nutrients. This review examines some of the archaeological evidence relating to the diets of early man and other primates, and current hunter‐gatherer societies. Knowledge of the relative proportions of animal and plant foods in the diets of early humans is circumstantial, incomplete, and debatable and there are insufficient data to identify the composition of a genetically‐determined optimal diet. The evidence related to Paleolithic diets is best interpreted as supporting the idea that diets based largely on plant foods promote health and longevity, at least under conditions of food abundance and physical activity.
The human gut flora in nutrition and approaches for its dietary modulation
Authors: Kolida Sofia , Tuohy K. , Gibson Glenn R. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryConcepts about human nutrition have changed significantly during the past few decades, especially in the developed world. There is a shift from the concept of ‘adequate’ to ‘optimal’ nutrition. Thus, diet is not only considered as a means of survival but also as a way of achieving better health and quality of life.The human colonic microbiota has a central role in both health and nutrition. It is unique in complexity and function in the body. More than 500 different bacterial species inhabit the human gut, some considered beneficial, others benign, and others detrimental to host health. There is a delicate balance between the host and the colonic microflora, which not only acts as a protective barrier against infection, but also provides up to 7–10% of the host's daily energy requirements through the fermentation of carbohydrates that escape digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Functional foods targeting the colon focus on the development and prevalence of bacterial species that are considered beneficial to human health, namely, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Three approaches for the modulation of human gut flora are reviewed here: probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics, along with methods for improved characterization and analysis of the intestinal microbiota.
Dermatoscopy in the diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions: a new semiology for the dermatologist
Authors: Carli P , De Giorgi V , Soyer Hp , Stante M , Mannone F , Giannotti B 
Published: March 2003

AbstractDermatoscopy or epiluminescence microscopy (ELM), is a noninvasive method that enables clinicians to evaluate fully – by means of a magnified oil immersion diascopy – numerous morphological features, not visible with the naked eye, which enhance the diagnosis of nearly all pigmented skin lesions. In recent years, a burst of research activity in this topic has been carried out, dealing with different aspects, and new frontiers, of this technique. First, a continuous refinement of dermatoscopic terminology is undertaken, paying particular attention to the diagnostic performance of dermatoscopy at peculiar anatomical sites and to the building of different dermatoscopic algorithms aimed at a simplified diagnosis of melanoma, even for less experienced observers. Another point of interest concerns the possible role of dermatoscopy in the pre‐operative assessment of melanoma thickness. Finally, promising data about the role of digital equipment in the follow up of melanocytic skin lesions as well as in the automated diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions have been recently reported. This paper should enable readers to become familiar with the procedure and terminology of ELM in the diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions encouraging a greater understanding of different methods (pattern analysis, algorithms) in the diagnosis of melanoma using ELM.
Cheilitis granulomatosa
Authors: Van Der Waal RIF , Schulten EAJM , Van De Scheur MR , Wauters IMPMJ , Starink TM , Van Der Waal I 
Published: March 2003

AbstractCheilitis granulomatosa is a rare inflammatory disorder with unclear aetiology. It is a disorder characterized by recurrent or persistent swelling of one or both lips that may be part of the Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome or may be a manifestation of Crohn’s disease. An overview of the clinical features, histopathology, differential diagnosis, management strategies and prognosis of cheilitis granulomatosa is presented and discussed with regard to the literature.
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections in dermatological patients in west Sicily: a seroepidemiological study
Authors: Bongiorno MR , Pistone G , Aricò G 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectives To evaluate the relative frequencies and molecular epidemiological features of viral hepatitis types B and C in dermatological patients in our geographical area.Methods We determined the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies and the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) in a cohort of 677 dermatological patients admitted to the Department of Dermatology of Palermo. An 8‐mL blood sample was taken from all subjects. The following assays were used: HBsAg, anti‐HB core (antigen) (anti‐HBc), anti‐HB surface (antigen) (anti‐HBs), anti‐HB early (antigen) (anti‐Hbe) and anti‐HCV antibodies using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results One hundred and eighty‐nine (27.91%) of the 677 dermatological patients were positive for anti‐HBc, anti‐HBs, anti‐HBe and/or anti‐HCV antibodies. In particular 22% (149 patients) were anti‐HBc, anti‐HBs or anti‐HBe positive, reflecting exposure to HBV, and six patients (0.88%) were chronic carriers of HBsAg; 2.36% of the dermatological patients (16 persons) were anti‐HCV positive. Tests showed that 24 subjects (3.52%) were infected with hepatitis B or C. The peaks in the age bands were in the 55–80‐year‐old age groups.Conclusions This study confirms a high rate of HBV and HCV exposure with chronic carriers in our dermatological patients. We assume that the high prevalence of HCV and HBV in dermatological patients is more likely to be age related than to represent a true and direct association with dermatological diseases in general. Definite conclusions will only be available after large epidemiological studies that can establish or refute an aetiological and pathogenetic role of HBV and HCV in certain skin diseases associated with liver infection.
Development of oesophageal involvement in a subject with pemphigus vulgaris: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Palleschi GM , Cipollini EM , Lotti T 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe present the case of a 50‐year‐old‐man with pemphigus vulgaris involving the oropharyngolaryngeal mucosa and oesophagus. Oesophageal involvement of pemphigus vulgaris is relatively uncommon, especially in subjects in clinical remission, and has been rarely described in the literature. Endoscopic examination should be performed to avoid inappropriate therapy due to misdiagnosis of steroid‐induced oesophagitis and peptic ulcers.