bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Halothane Inhibits an Intermediate Conductance Ca2+-activated K+Channel by Acting at the Extracellular Side of the Ionic Pore
Authors: Hashiguchi-Ikeda Mitsuko , Namba Tsunehisa , Ishii Takahiro M. , Hisano Taizo , Fukuda Kazuhiko 
Published: November 2003

Background
Actions of volatile anesthetics on ligand-gated ion channels, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors, have been studied extensively. However, actions on other types of channels, such as K+ channels, are poorly understood. The authors previously showed that a Ca2+-activated K+ channel, IK, is sensitive to halothane, whereas SK1, another Ca2+-activated K+ channel, is insensitive. To explore how halothane acts on Ca2+-activated K+ channels, chimeras between IK and SK1 were constructed, and halothane sensitivity was analyzed.

Methods
IK, SK1, and chimera channels were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Currents of expressed channels were measured in the presence of 10 microm Ca2+ by excised patch clamp analysis. Time constants of inhibition by halothane were compared between inside-out and outside-out patch configurations.

Results
Currents from chimera channels possessing the pore domain derived from IK were inhibited by halothane, whereas those possessing the SK1 pore domain were insensitive. Time constants of inhibition by halothane were significantly smaller in the outside-out patches than in the inside-out patches of both wild-type IK and a chimera with pore domain of IK.

Conclusions
It is suggested that halothane interacts with the extracellular part of the ionic pore of IK. Whether this type of interaction is involved in the mechanism of anesthetic actions on ligand-gated ion channels warrants further investigation.
Relative Analgesic Potencies of Levobupivacaine and Ropivacaine for Epidural Analgesia in Labor
Authors: Polley Linda S. , Columb Malachy O. , Naughton Norah N. , Wagner Deborah S. , van de Ven Cosmas J. M. , Goralski Kathryn H. 
Published: November 2003

Background
The minimum local analgesic concentration has been defined as the median effective local analgesic concentration (EC50) in a 20-ml volume for epidural analgesia in the first stage of labor. The aim of this study was to assess the relative analgesic potencies of epidural levobupivacaine and ropivacaine by determination of their respective minimum local analgesic concentrations.

Methods
Parturients at 7 cm of cervical dilation or less who requested epidural analgesia were allocated to one of two groups in this double-blind, randomized, prospective study. After lumbar epidural catheter placement, 20 ml of the test solution was given: levobupivacaine (n = 35) or ropivacaine (n = 35). The concentration of local anesthetic was determined by the response of the previous patient in that group to a higher or lower concentration using up-down sequential allocation. Analgesic efficacy was assessed using 100-mm visual analog pain scale scores, with 10 mm or less within 30 min defined as effective. An effective result directed a 0.01% wt/vol decrement for the next patient. An ineffective result directed a 0.01% wt/vol increment.

Results
Of 105 women enrolled, 35 were excluded, leaving 70 for analysis. The minimum local analgesic concentration of levobupivacaine was 0.087% wt/vol (95% CI, 0.081-0.094%), and the minimum local analgesic concentration of ropivacaine was 0.089% wt/vol (95% CI, 0.075-0.103%). Levobupivacaine and ropivacaine were of similar potency with a ropivacaine:levobupivacaine potency ratio of 0.98 (95% CI, 0.80-1.20). No difference in motor effects was observed.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that levobupivacaine and ropivacaine are of similar potency for epidural analgesia in the first stage of labor.
Influence of Age and Sex on the Position of the Conus Medullaris and Tuffier's Line in Adults
Authors: Kim Jin-Tae , Bahk Jae-Hyon , Sung Joohon 
Published: November 2003

Background
The purpose of this study was to analyze the position of the conus medullaris and Tuffier's line in the same patient population, to correlate this position with age and sex, and to determine an objective guide for the selection of a safe intervertebral space during spinal block.

Methods
Magnetic resonance imaging studies of the lumbar spine were reviewed in 690 consecutive patients. The study population consisted of patients older than 20 yr who had been referred for imaging to assess possible causes of low back pain. The position of the conus medullaris was defined as the most distal point of the cord that could be visualized on the sagittal sequence. A line perpendicular to the long axis of the cord was extended to the adjacent vertebra. In the lumbar plain films, the Tuffier's line was defined by drawing a horizontal line across the highest points of the iliac crests. Each vertebral body and intervertebral space was divided into four segments: upper, middle, and lower thirds of a vertebral body, and the intervertebral space. Each segment of a vertebral body or intervertebral space that the lines crossed was identified and recorded. The positions, stratified by decade of age, were compared using analysis of variance. The Tukey test was used for post hoc comparisons. Comparisons between sex were performed with the unpaired t test.

Results
The conus medullaris and Tuffier's line (median [range]) were positioned at L1-lower (T12-upper-L3-upper) and L4L5 (L3L4-L5S1), respectively. The distance between the conus medullaris and Tuffier's line (mean +/- SD [range]) was 12.6 +/- 1.9 [7-18] segments, which corresponded to the height of approximately three vertebral bodies and intervertebral spaces. In no case did Tuffier's line overlap with the conus medullaris. The distance in segments between the conus medullaris and Tuffier's line was shorter with increased age (P < 0.001). The position of the conus medullaris and Tuffier's line was lower in female patients than in male patients (P < 0.001) and higher in patients with sacralization than in those with lumbarization or without transitional vertebra (P < 0.001). The in-between distances were not significantly different regardless of sex or presence of transitional vertebra.

Conclusions
During spinal block, there seems to be a safety margin of 2-4 vertebral bodies and intervertebral spaces between the conus medullaris and Tuffier's line, which is consistent regardless of sex or presence of transitional vertebra. However, because the conus medullaris and Tuffier's line become closer with age and the clinical use of Tuffier's line requires palpation through subcutaneous fat, caution must be exercised regarding selection of the intervertebral space, especially in the aged and obese population.
Plastic Change of N-type Ca Channel Expression after Preconditioning Is Responsible for Prostaglandin E2-induced Long-lasting Allodynia
Authors: Yokoyama Kazuaki , Kurihara Takashi , Makita Koshi , Tanabe Tsutomu 
Published: November 2003

Background
Although considerable evidence indicates neuronal Ca channels play significant roles in pain perception, their possible importance in hypersensitization after acute inflammation has not been investigated.

Methods
Using carrageenan for inducing hypersensitization, the authors investigated the analgesic effects of intrathecally administered N- and P/Q-type channel blockers, omega-conotoxin GVIA and omega-agatoxin IVA, respectively, and also examined the level of N-type channel expression.

Results
Acute inflammation, produced by carrageenan injection in a rat hind paw, caused mechanical hypersensitivity that resolved within several days. Injection of prostaglandin E2 into the same hind paw after resolution caused a markedly prolonged mechanical allodynia lasting more than 4 h. Similar but less potent prolonged allodynia was also induced in the contralateral hind paws. Intrathecal administration of omega-conotoxin GVIA (0.03-0.3 microg) produced dose-dependent inhibition of the allodynia in both control and carrageenan-preconditioned rats. However, the potency of omega-conotoxin GVIA was significantly lower in carrageenan-preconditioned paws than in those in the contralateral and saline-preconditioned paws. In contrast, omega-agatoxin IVA (0.01-0.1 microg) did not reduce the allodynia. Significant up-regulation of N-type channel expression was observed in both dorsal root ganglia and the spinal cord ipsilateral to the carrageenan-preconditioned hind paw.

Conclusions
The results suggest an aggravating role of the N-type channel in pain sensation and a selective plastic change of this channel expression that could underlie the mechanism of hypersensitization after acute inflammation.
Tumescent Local Anesthesia for the Surgical Treatment of Burns and Postburn Sequelae in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Bussolin Leonardo , Busoni Paolo , Giorgi Letizia , Crescioli Massimo , Messeri Andrea 
Published: November 2003

Background
Tumescent local anesthesia is a technique for regional anesthesia of the skin and the subcutaneous tissue, using infiltration of large volumes of local anesthetic. The advantages of this technique are (1) simplicity, (2) prolonged postoperative analgesia, (3) low incidence of bleeding, and (4) anesthetization of a large area of the body. There are no reports on the use of tumescent local anesthesia in pediatric patients.

Methods
In 30 consecutive pediatric burn patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class I or II who were 1-120 months old (34 +/- 31.6 months), after induction of anesthesia with nitrous oxide-oxygen-sevoflurane, infiltration with 0.05% (14 ml/kg) or 0.1% (7 ml/kg) lidocaine solution was performed. Anesthesia was maintained with patients spontaneously breathing with 1.5% sevoflurane in nitrous oxide-oxygen (50%). The maximum dose of lidocaine used was 7 mg/kg. Postoperative pain was assessed by using the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (for patients aged up to 5 yr) and by using a visual analog scale (for patients older than 5 yr). A comparison with a historic control group not treated with the tumescent local anesthesia technique was performed.

Results
No patients were excluded from the study, and no significant variations in the monitored intraoperative parameters were observed. Five patients had an increase in heart rate and respiratory rate at the beginning of surgery, and of these, two needed a temporary increase in sevoflurane concentration. After the initial incision, no response to painful stimulus was observed. No complications occurred. Six patients required postoperative acetaminophen administration, and 24 patients did not require analgesic treatment.

Conclusions
Tumescent local anesthesia with maximum dose of 7 mg/kg lidocaine seems to be safe and the sole possible effective locoregional anesthesia technique for the surgical treatment of noncontiguous pediatric burns.
Dural Tissue Trauma and Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak after Epidural Needle Puncture
Authors: Angle Pamela J. , Kronberg Jean E. , Thompson Dorothy E. , Ackerley Cameron , Szalai John Paul , Duffin James , Faure Peter 
Published: November 2003

Background
The effects of epidural needle design, angle, and bevel orientation on cerebrospinal fluid leak after puncture have not been reported. The impact of these factors on leak rate was examined using a dural sac model. Dural trauma was examined using scanning electron microscopy.

Methods
Human cadaveric dura, mounted on a cylindrical model, was punctured with epidural needles using a micromanipulator. Tissue was punctured at 15 cm H2O (left lateral decubitus) system pressure, and leak was measured at 25 cm H2O (semisitting) pressure. Leak rates and trauma were compared for the following: (1) six different epidural needles at 90 degrees, bevel parallel to the dural long axis; (2) 18-gauge Tuohy and 18-gauge Special Sprotte epidural needles, 30 degrees versus 90 degrees; (3) 18-gauge Tuohy, bevel perpendicular versus parallel to the dural long axis.

Results
With the 90 degrees puncture, bevel parallel, the greatest leak occurred with a 17-gauge Hustead (516 +/- 319 ml/15 min), and the smallest leak occurred with a 20-gauge Tuohy (100 +/- 112 ml/15 min; P = 0.0018). A 20-gauge Tuohy puncture led to statistically significant reductions in leak (P value range, 0.0001-0.0024) compared with all needles except the Special Sprotte. With the 30 degrees versus 90 degrees angle, 30 degrees punctures with an 18-gauge Tuohy produced nonstatistically significant leak reductions compared with the 18-gauge Tuohy at 90 degrees. The puncture angle made no difference for the Special Sprotte. Nonsignificant reductions were found for the Special Sprotte compared with the Tuohy. With the 18-gauge Tuohy bevel orientation, perpendicular orientation produced nonstatistically significant reductions in leak compared with parallel orientation.

Conclusions
Cerebrospinal fluid leak after puncture was influenced most by epidural needle gauge. Leak rate was significantly less for the 20-gauge Tuohy needle.
A Randomized Sequential Allocation Study to Determine the Minimum Effective Analgesic Concentration of Levobupivacaine and Ropivacaine in Patients Receiving Epidural Analgesia for Labor
Authors: Benhamou Dan , Ghosh Caroline , Mercier Frédéric J. 
Published: November 2003

Background
This study was designed to determine and compare the minimum local analgesic concentrations of levobupivacaine and ropivacaine when used in epidural obstetric analgesia.

Methods
In a double-blind study, healthy women requiring epidural analgesia for labor pain were randomized to receive either ropivacaine or levobupivacaine. Drugs were administered as a 20-ml epidural bolus. The concentration of each started at 0.11% and increased or decreased at intervals of 0.01%, depending on the response of the previous patient, using the technique of up-down sequential allocation. Minimum local analgesic concentrations were calculated using the formula of Dixon and Massey. Efficacy was assessed using visual analog pain scores and motor and sensory block assessments, and safety was assessed by recording maternal and fetal/neonate vital signs and adverse events.

Results
Forty-seven patients received levobupivacaine, and 47 received ropivacaine. Minimum local analgesic concentrations for levobupivacaine (0.077%; 95% CI, 0.058-0.096%) were lower than those for ropivacaine (0.092%; 95% CI, 0.082-0.102%). The 0.015% difference was not statistically significant. There was no notable difference between treatment groups in the proportion of patients reporting drug-related adverse events.

Conclusions
Levobupivacaine was 19% more potent than ropivacaine and provided similar safety results.
Cervical and High Thoracic Ligamentum Flavum Frequently Fails to Fuse in the Midline
Authors: Lirk Philipp , Kolbitsch Christian , Putz Guenther , Colvin Joshua , Colvin Hans Peter , Lorenz Ingo , Keller Christian , Kirchmair Lukas , Rieder Josef , Moriggl Bernhard 
Published: November 2003

Background
Cervical and high thoracic epidural anesthesia and analgesia have gained increasing importance in the treatment of painful conditions and as components of anesthetics for cardiac and breast surgery. In contrast to the hanging-drop technique, the loss-of-resistance technique is thought to rely on the penetration of the ligamentum flavum. However, the exact morphology of the ligamentum flavum at different vertebral levels remains controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and morphology of cervical and high thoracic ligamentum flavum mid-line gaps in embalmed cadavers.

Methods
Vertebral column specimens were obtained from 52 human cadavers. On each dissected level, ligamentum flavum mid-line gaps were recorded and evaluated with respect to shape and size.

Results
The following variations were encountered: complete fusion in the mid-line, mid-line fusion with a gap in the caudal part, mid-line gap, and mid-line gap with widened caudal end. The incidence of mid-line gaps at the following levels was: C3-C4: 66%, C4-C5: 58%, C5-C6: 74%, C6-C7: 64%, C7-T1: 51%, Th1-Th2: 21%, Th2-Th3: 11%, Th3-Th4: 4%, Th4-Th5: 2%, and Th5-Th6: 2%. The mean width of mid-line gaps was 1.0 +/- 0.3 mm.

Conclusions
In conclusion, the present study shows that gaps in the ligamenta flava are frequent at cervical and high thoracic levels but become rare at the T3/T4 level and below, such that one cannot always rely on the ligamentum flavum as a perceptible barrier to epidural needle placement at these levels.
Head-to-head Z Dimerization of Terminal Alkynes Catalyzed by Thiolate-bridged Diruthenium Complexes
Authors: Qü Jing-Ping , Masui Dai , Ishii Youichi , Hidai Masanobu 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The thiolate-bridged diruthenium complexes [Cp*RuCl(μ-SR)2RuCp*Cl] (R = Me, Et, nPr) were found to be effective and highly selective catalysts for the head-to-head Z dimerization of various terminal alkynes including straight-chain aliphatic alkynes and those with functional groups.
A Novel Discrete d-f Heterobinuclear Complex Designed from Tetrahedrally Distorted [Cu(salabza)](H2salabza: N,N′-Bis(salicylidene)-2-aminobenzylamine) and [Gd(hfac)3]
Authors: Sasaki Miwa , Horiuchi Hiroaki , Kumagai Motoko , Sakamoto Masatomi , Sakiyama Hiroshi , Nishida Yuzo , Sadaoka Yoshihiko , Ohba Masaaki , Okawa Hisashi 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Binuclear Cu(II)-Gd(III) complex, [Cu(salabza)Gd(hfac)3], was synthesized by the combination of a tetrahedrally distorted Cu(II) complex, [Cu(salabza)] with [Gd(hfac)3]·2H2O, where H2salabza and Hhfac denote N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-2-aminobenzylamine and 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone, respectively. Structural analysis revealed that the complex has the long intermolecular metal-metal distances enough to be regarded as a discrete one.
Supramolecular Inclusion Complexes of Fullerenes Using Cyclotriveratrylene Derivatives with Aromatic Pendants
Authors: Matsubara Hiroshi , Hasegawa Akio , Shiwaku Kaoru , Asano Kaori , Uno Mitsunari , Takahashi Shigetoshi , Yamamoto Koji 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
CTV derivatives with aromatic pendants were synthesized and their inclusion abilities for C60 and C70 were examined by UV spectroscopy. CTV derivative with three N-methylpyrrole pendants showed the highest association constant for C60 (48000 dm3mol−1 in benzene). The structure of inclusion complex for C60 with CTV derivative which has six benzoyl pendants has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Stereoselective Electron-Transfer Reaction between Metmyoglobin and Chiral Viologen-Radical Cation through Pre-Complexation
Authors: Tsukahara Keiichi , Goda Mariko 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Metmyoglobin was reduced by chiral viologen-radical cations containing ((1-phenyl- or ((1-cyclohexylethyl)carbamoyl)-methyl group through pre-complexation followed by intracomplex electron transfer; (S,S)-isomers of chiral viologens showed slightly higher association constants as well as larger intracomplex electron-transfer rates.
Palladium-Catalyzed Arylation of 2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol with Aryl Bromides to Produce 1,1′-Biphenyl-4-ol Derivatives
Authors: Kawamura Yoshiki , Satoh Tetsuya , Miura Masahiro , Nomura Masakatsu 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
A sterically hindered phenol, 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, efficiently reacts with various bromobenzenes in the presence of a palladium catalyst and a base to selectively afford the corresponding 1,1′-biphenyl-4-ol derivatives.
Vertical Standing of Amphiphilic Helical Peptides at the Hexane-Water Interface
Authors: Kishihara Kiyonobu , Kinoshita Takatoshi , Mori Toshiaki , Okahata Yoshio 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Amphiphilic poly(L-leucine) (n=20) helixes having a trimethylammonium head group at the terminal end were stood vertical with a tilt at the hexane-water interface, although they usually laid down to the air-water interface. Structures of the transferred monolayer on a substrate were confirmed by FT-IR spectra and atomic force microscopy(AFM).
Immunogenicity of 2-Dose HPV Vaccine Series for Postpartum Women
Authors: Moss Chailee F. , Wang Runzhi , Sao Saumya , Chou Betty , Perin Jamie , Lander Megan E. , Thaker Sejal M. , Mann Melindia , Coleman Jenell S. 
Published: January 2024

ImportancePostpartum human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a promising strategy to increase HPV vaccination uptake in the US, particularly for reaching vaccine-naive women and those who lack health insurance beyond the pregnancy period. However, completion of the 3-dose vaccine regimen is challenging.ObjectiveTo evaluate the immunogenicity of a 2-dose postpartum HPV vaccination regimen (0 and 6 months) and assess whether it is noninferior to a 3-dose postpartum HPV vaccination regimen (0, 1-2, and 6 months) administered to historical controls.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA noninferiority, open-label, nonrandomized immunogenicity trial was conducted from August 4, 2020, to June 23, 2022, of postpartum patients aged 15 to 45 years who delivered at 2 hospitals in Baltimore, Maryland. Historical controls were adolescents and young women aged 16 to 26 years.InterventionTwo doses of the nonavalent HPV vaccine administered 6 months apart.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was noninferiority (90% CI, lower bound &amp;gt;0.67) of the geometric mean titer (GMT) ratio for HPV-16 among postpartum women compared with historical controls. Secondary outcomes were noninferiority of GMT ratios for the other 8 HPV types and percentage seroconversion for each HPV type. As a noninferiority trial, the primary analysis used the per-protocol analysis.ResultsOf 225 enrolled participants, the mean (SD) age at baseline was 29.9 (6.8) years, and 171 (76.0%) were HPV-16 seronegative at baseline. Of these 171 participants, 129 (75.4%) received a second vaccine dose and completed the subsequent 4-week serologic measurements. Relative to historical controls, the HPV-16 GMT ratio was 2.29 (90% CI, 2.03-2.58). At month 7, HPV-16 GMT was higher after the 2-dose regimen (7213.1 mMU/mL [90% CI, 6245.0-8331.4 mMU/mL]) than among historic controls after the 3-dose regimen (3154.0 mMU/mL [90% CI, 2860.2-3478.0 mMU/mL]). Similarly, the lower bound of the 90% CI of the GMT ratio was above 1 for the 8 HPV types 6, 11, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. A total of 118 of 134 women (88.1%) seroconverted for HPV-16 after the first dose; 4 weeks after the second dose, the seroconversion rate was 99% or greater for all HPV types.Conclusions and RelevanceThis study suggests that immunogenicity of a 2-dose HPV vaccination regimen given 6 months apart among postpartum women was noninferior to a 3-dose regimen among young historical controls. Most women seroconverted after the first dose of the 2-dose regimen. These results demonstrate that postpartum vaccination using a reduced schedule may be a promising strategy to increase HPV vaccine series completion.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04274153
Time to reflect on voice parades: The influence of reflection and retention interval duration on earwitness performance
Authors: Pautz Nikolas , McDougall Kirsty , Mueller‐Johnson Katrin , Nolan Francis , Paver Alice , Smith Harriet M. J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractExperiment‐based voice parades often result in low hit‐rates and high false‐alarm rates. One contributing factor may be that the experimental procedures omit elements that might naturally occur in the memory formation process, such as the process of reflection. In Experiment 1 (N = 180, F = 92) we explored if a post‐encoding reflection manipulation, compared to a simple attention control task, prior to a five‐minute retention interval would improve identification performance. In Experiment 2 (N = 180, F = 93), we explored how the effects of this manipulation might change when the retention interval was 24‐h. The results show that the inclusion of a reflection manipulation did not meaningfully improve performance in either experiment. Importantly, we found no meaningful difference in performance when directly comparing the two retention interval durations. We consider theoretical explanations for these results and discuss implications for the design and validity of earwitness voice parade studies.