bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advances in Biotechnology: New Tools in Future Pig Production for Agriculture and Biomedicine
Authors: Niemann H , Rath D , Wrenzycki C 
Published: December 2004

ContentsBiotechnology in livestock comprises an arsenal of reproductive biotechniques and molecular genetics. While molecular genetics are poorly developed in swine, reproductive techniques are more advanced and applied under field conditions. This review describes three selected examples of our own research to illustrate the implication of biotechnology in future pig reproduction. Sperm sexing technology is now available and can be used to generate piglets of the desired sex by IVF and ICSI. First studies also indicate satisfactory success rates following intrauterine insemination with sexed spermatozoa. Cloning technique and production of transgenic pigs require information about the regulation and time course of gene expression during in vitro production and pre‐implantation development. Information on gene expression is scare in porcine embryos. With the exception of transcripts for the oestrogen receptor gene, no mRNA's from the activated porcine genome have been identified. Recent development of cDNA arrays might help to identify a larger amount of genes in single embryos. Remarkable progress has been made in organ transplantation technology. As the demand for human organs is increasing rapidly, the pig might serve as donor of xenotranplants, provided the transmission of zoonoses from the donor animal to the human recipient is prevented, donor organ anatomy and function are compatible, and immunological rejections (HAR, VAR MAC) can be overcome. The most promising strategy is the synthesis of human complement regulatory proteins in the pig. Transgenic pigs have been generated for hDAF or hCD 46 and their hearts have been transplanted into non human primates for up to 90 days. HCD 59 driven by CMV promotor provides significant protection against HAR at least under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Current studies indicate a temporary use in patients within the next 3–5 years. As the microinjection technology to produce transgenic offspring is time consuming and very expensive, nuclear transfer technology provides a possibility for multiplication without going through the germ line with recombination effects. A functional nuclear transfer system will be crucial for xenotransplantation as it is anticipated that the expression of several transgenes will be required.
Lack of amyloid plaque formation in the central nervous system of a patient with Werner syndrome
Authors: Mori Hiroshi , Tomiyama Takami , Maeda Naoki , Ozawa Kazuharu , Wakasa KenIchi 
Published: December 2004

Werner syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with accelerated aging. It is well documented on systemic aging but it is unclear whether the brain with WS shows accelerated aging. A 55‐year‐old patient with WS was studied and it was found that a deletion mutation of exon 26 of the WRN gene was not associated with CNS pathology, such as amyloid plaques or NFT. Furthermore, additional genetic analysis showed an apolipoprotein E genotype of ɛ3/ɛ3 that did not play either an accelerating or inhibitory action on amyloid deposition. Therefore, based on the genetic and neuropathological analysis, it was observed that the WS‐associated aging seen in many organs did not extend to the CNS.
Case‐control study of giant coronary aneurysms due to Kawasaki disease
Authors: Nakamura Yosikazu , Yashiro Mayumi , Uehara Ritei , Watanabe Makoto , Tajimi Morihiro , Oki Izumi , Ojima Toshiyuki , Yanagawa Hiroshi 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Epidemiologic features of the formation of giant coronary aneurysm due to Kawasaki disease and its risk factors are not still clear.
Methods
: One hundred and five patients with giant coronary aneurysms were selected from the 15th and 16th nationwide surveys of Kawasaki disease in Japan. With all other patients reported from the same hospital as a control group, odds ratios (OR) were calculated for some potential risk factors.
Results
: Some factors affecting the formation of giant coronary aneurysms were revealed. Of these factors, the following were considered to be useful for the treatment of patients with Kawasaki disease: male sex (OR compared with females = 1.99), 0 years old (OR compared with 1−2 years = 1.71), visiting the hospital on 1−3 days of illness (OR compared to 4−6 days = 1.72), leukocyte count (OR with 1000 /mm3 increase = 0.56), neutrophil concentration among leukocyte (OR with 10% increase = 1.11), hemoglobin concentration (OR with 1 mg/dL increase = 0.73), alanine aminotransferase level (ALT; OR with 10 IU/dL increase = 1.02) and serum sodium level (OR with 1 mEq/L increase = 0.80).
Conclusions
: The observation of 105 cases with giant coronary aneurysms due to Kawasaki disease reported in the nationwide survey provides information about some risk factors and other considerations about the aneurysms.
Detection of mitomycin C‐induced testicular toxicity by micronucleus assay in mice
Authors: Nakagawa Soichi , Mori Chisato 
Published: December 2004

Background, Aims and Methods:  Mitomycin C is a promising cancer agent that has been shown to inhibit DNA synthesis. Our previous study showed that mitomycin C induces spermatogenic cell apoptosis in the mouse testis. By using TdT‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick‐end labeling in the study, we confirmed that apoptotic cell death was most commonly found in the spermatogonia and less frequently found in spermatocytes in mitomycin C‐treated mice. We therefore hypothesized that the spermatogenic cell apoptosis induced by mitomycin C occurred as the result of a mechanism to eliminate male germ cells with DNA damage or chromosomal aberrations. To test our hypothesis, we used a micronucleus assay for the detection of chromosomal damage induced in the spermatogonia or spermatocyte stages.Results and Conclusions:  The frequency of micronuclei was clearly increased in the mitomycin C‐treated animals, and the number of micronuclei was greater at the spermatogonia or early spermatocyte stage than at the secondary spermatocyte stage. These results revealed that apoptosis and chromosomal aberration in the mouse testis after mitomycin C treatment occurred in the same cell types, that is, spermatogonia and spermatocytes. These findings indicate that chromosomal aberration of the spermatogenic cells induced by mitomycin C may have caused the spermatogenic cell apoptosis. (Reprod Med Biol 2003; 2: 69–73)
A comparison between local anaesthetic dorsal nerve block and caudal bupivacaine with ketamine for paediatric circumcision
Authors: Gauntlett Ian 
Published: December 2004

Summary Background: Ketamine has been shown to prolong analgesia produced by caudal local anaesthetic block and is now in common use. This study compares caudal block using bupivacaine/ketamine with dorsal nerve block of the penis. Methods: Sixty boys undergoing elective circumcision were given either 0.5 ml·kg−1 of bupivacaine 0.15% with ketamine 0.5 mg·kg−1 (n = 30) or dorsal nerve block of the penis with bupivacaine 0.5% (n = 30) as a supplement to general anaesthesia. Postoperative pain was assessed by parents using a modified objective pain score, and the time taken to first requirement of analgesia was recorded. Motor weakness, time to first micturition, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), eating habits, sleep disturbance and behaviour were also assessed. Results: There was no difference between the groups in time to first requirement for analgesia or number of doses of paracetamol given in the first 24 h. Almost half the boys in the caudal group had motor weakness, and there was a significant increase in time to first micturition in that group. There was no difference between the groups in PONV, eating, sleeping or behavioural disturbance. Conclusions: Caudal anaesthesia with bupivacaine/ketamine does not confer any advantage over a dorsal nerve block with the doses used in this study. Because of the higher incidence of side‐effects and technique failure in the caudal group, dorsal nerve block is perhaps the preferred technique.
The effectiveness and safety of spinal anaesthesia in the pyloromyotomy procedure
Authors: Somri Mostafa , Gaitini Luis A. , Vaida Sonia J. , Malatzkey Shelton , Sabo Edmond , Yudashkin Marina , Tome Riad 
Published: December 2004

Summary Background: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is a relatively common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract in infancy, causing projectile vomiting and metabolic abnormalities. Surgical management in the form of pyloromyotomy under general anaesthesia has been reported as safe for relieving the obstructed bowel. A number of studies have demonstrated the advantages of spinal anaesthesia over general anaesthesia in high risk infants undergoing minor infraumbilical surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate spinal anaesthesia as an alternative option to general anaesthesia in infants undergoing pyloromyotomy. Methods: Twenty‐five infants undergoing pyloromyotomy under spinal anaesthesia were studied. Haemodynamic and respiratory parameters were noted before performing the spinal block, 5 min after the spinal block, and every 10 min after performing the spinal block; for a total period of 30 min. The spinal block was performed using spinal isobaric bupivacaine 0.5%, 0.8 mg·kg−1. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation values were recorded. Results: The sensory levels achieved ranged between T3–T5 thoracic segments within 6–8 min and were sufficient to perform surgery in 23 cases. There were no statistically significant differences in the oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure and respiratory rate compared with before the spinal block and after 5, 10, 20 and 30 min. Conclusions: This study proposes that spinal anaesthesia is an alternative option to general anaesthesia in infants undergoing pyloromyotomy, and should be considered in infants undergoing pyloromyotomy.
Caudal bupivacaine and s(+)‐ketamine for postoperative analgesia in children
Authors: Weber Frank , Wulf Hinnerk 
Published: December 2004

Summary Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether caudal s‐ketamine would prolong analgesia together with caudal bupivacaine. Methods: Thirty children, ASA I–II, 1 month−9 years, scheduled for minor inguinal or penile surgery, were randomly assigned in a prospective, double‐blind fashion to receive single shot caudal blockade by either bupivacaine 0.125% 1 ml·kg−1 (group B, n = 15) or a mixture of bupivacaine 0.125% 1 ml·kg−1 and preservative‐free s‐ketamine 0.5 mg·kg−1 (group K, n = 15). Postoperative pain was assessed by means of an observational 10‐point scoring system and analgesia was administered if the pain score exceeded a value of 3. Results: Within 24 h after caudal block 10 patients (67%) in group K and three patients in group B (20%) did not require additional analgesic medication (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the groups for incidence of haemodynamic changes. We did not observe any negative side‐effects attributable to the caudal block or s‐ketamine. Conclusions: Addition of preservative‐free s‐ketamine 0.5 mg·kg−1 to caudal bupivacaine 0.125% 1 ml·kg−1 provides significant prolongation of analgesia without producing negative side‐effects.
Dose response study of caudal neostigmine for postoperative analgesia in paediatric patients undergoing genitourinary surgery
Authors: Batra Y.K. , Arya V.K. , Mahajan R. , Chari P. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground: Neostigmine given through the neuraxial route has been found to have analgesic properties. In this clinical trial, we evaluated for the first time the efficacy of a varying dose of caudal neostigmine for postoperative analgesia in children undergoing genitourinary surgery.Method: In this double blind prospective study, we studied 120 children ASA physical status I in age group of 2–8 years scheduled for surgical repair of hypospadias under general anaesthesia. Children were randomly allocated to one of the six groups (n = 20 each) and received either no caudal block (group C) or neostigmine (groups I‐V) in doses of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 μg·kg−1 respectively at the end of the surgery. Postoperatively pain was assessed using an objective pain score for 24 h. Blood pressure, heart rate, SpO2, total amount of analgesic consumed and adverse effects, if any, were also recorded.Result: The duration of postoperative analgesia did not differ significantly between group C and I (P > 0.05). There was significant prolongation in the duration of analgesia in rest of the groups (group II‐3.52 ± 1.37 h; group III‐6.50 ± 1.93 h; group IV‐10.45 ± 3.41 h; group V‐13.70 ± 5.52 h) (P < 0.05). A dose dependent increase in the incidence of nausea and vomiting was also observed with highest incidence in group IV and V (group C‐15%; group I‐20%; group II and III‐30%; group IV‐45% and group V‐60%) (P < 0.05). No significant alteration in vital signs and other adverse effects were noticed.Conclusion: Caudal neostigmine in the dose range of 20–50 μg·kg−1 provides dose dependent analgesia. However, dose exceeding 30 μg·kg−1 is associated with a higher incidence of nausea and vomiting.
Incidence of vomiting in susceptible children under regional analgesia with two different anaesthetic techniques
Authors: Sarti A. , Busoni P. , Dell'Oste C. , Bussolin L. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground:  Postoperative vomiting (POV) is a frequent side‐effect of paediatric surgery and a leading cause of unplanned admission. Many antiemetic drugs have been studied, but less attention has been given to the effects on POV of the anaesthetic technique adopted. The aim of this study was to compare two different anaesthetic techniques in children under regional analgesia at risk for POV.Methods:  We studied 135 children suffering from motion sickness or with a previous history of POV. The patients were randomized to receive inhalation anaesthesia (group S) with sevoflurane by LMATM or intravenous (i.v.) anaesthesia with ketamine and propofol (group P). All the patients were treated with an ilio‐inguinal block after induction of anaesthesia. Postoperatively, the children were followed by the nursing staff and by their parents, none of whom were aware of the anaesthesia technique used.Results:  A significant decrease was observed in the incidence of early (0–6 h) and delayed (6–24 h) POV in those children who received i.v. sedation. There was no difference between the two groups in the level of analgesia either at the end of surgery or 2 h postoperatively.Conclusions:  Anaesthesia based on propofol and ketamine is better than inhalation anaesthesia with sevoflurane by LMA for reducing POV in children at risk under an ilio‐inguinal block. Tailoring the anaesthetic to the specific needs of children susceptible to POV should be considered before resorting to the routine use of expensive antiemetic prophylaxis.
The effect of environmental tobacco smoke on the dose requirements of rocuronium in children
Authors: Reisli Ruhiye , Apilliogullari Seza , Reisli Ismail , Tuncer Sema , Erol Atilla , Okesli Selmin 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground:  Smoking affects the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic behaviour of several drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of environmental tobacco smoke on onset and recovery time after single dose rocuronium in children.Methods:  Forty children between 4 and 10 years were enrolled into the study. Children who have no familial smoking history were included in the first group whereas passive smokers included in the second group. Sevoflurane in 50% O2 and 50% N2O was used for induction of anaesthesia. Evoked adductor pollicis electromyography was used to monitor neuromuscular block. The T95 and T25 values were recorded.Results:  The T95 values (±sd) for rocuronium were 110.1 ± 39.3 s and 79.3 ± 35.6 s for group 1 and group 2, respectively (P < 0.05). The T25 value of group 2 was 40.1 ± 10.6 min and compared with group 1 values (30.85 ± 7.02 min) it was significantly longer (P < 0.01).Conclusion:  This study shows that passive smoking children consume less rocuronium than nonsmokers during similar anaesthesia. We think that a history of passive smoking must also be taken into consideration during preoperative evaluation of paediatric patients.
Anaesthetic implications of LEOPARD syndrome
Authors: Torres Javier , Russo Pierantonio , Tobias Joseph D. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryLEOPARD syndrome is a neuroectodermal disorder presumed to result from an abnormality in neural crest cells. The acronym ‘LEOPARD’ is derived from the clinical features which include multiple lentigines, electrocardiographic abnormalities, ocular hypertelorism, pulmonary stenosis, abnormal genitalia, retarded growth, and deafness. Given the multisystem nature of the disease process, several issues may affect the perioperative care of these patients. Of primary importance are associated conditions of the cardiovascular system including congenital heart disease, conduction disturbances, and progressive hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. The authors present a 4‐year old boy who presented for anaesthetic care for repair of a ventricular septal defect and pulmonary valvotomy for congenital pulmonary stenosis. The potential perioperative implications of LEOPARD syndrome are discussed.
Providing parents with information before anaesthesia: what do they really want to know?
Authors: Wisselo Tirzah L. , Stuart Catherine , Muris Peter 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground : Videotapes presenting information concerning children's anaesthesia are often based on what the makers of the videotape believe the parents want to know rather than what parents actually want to know. They frequently do not take into account the parent's coping style. Two common parental coping styles are information‐seeking (monitoring) and information‐avoiding (blunting).Methods : We wished to take parent needs into account when making our local videotape and accordingly constructed a questionnaire designed to elicit these needs.Results : Of the parents questioned, 55% wanted more extensive preoperative information and 41% of parents wanted a videotape as part of this preparation. Information about premedication, induction of anaesthesia, side‐effects of anaesthesia and postoperative pain management were sought by more than 70% of parents. Parents had concerns about induction of anaesthesia, emergence from anaesthesia and postoperative pain and nausea. When asked a question concerning preference about being present at the induction of anaesthesia, 90% of parents wanted to be present at the induction and 75% of parents thought that their child should receive a premedicant. The number of parents requesting to be present at the induction decreased to 72% after an explanation about the purpose and effects of premedication. There was no correlation between the coping style of the parent and the responses given to the questions. There was no correlation between the level of education and the coping style of the parent.Conclusions : The use of a questionnaire of parental attitudes towards information and anaesthesia provided a useful tool in the production of a video as part of our preoperative preparation. Our videotape has proved a success with staff and parents and children and enhances the quality of our service. Its popularity stems from the fact that it addresses what the parents want to know and also conveys what the staff of this hospital would like the parents to know.
Noncircadian oscillations in amino acid transport have complementary profiles in assimilatory and foraging hyphae of Phanerochaete velutina
Authors: Tlalka M. , Hensman D. , Darrah P. R. , Watkinson S. C. , Fricker M. D. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

Cord‐forming woodland basidiomycete fungi form extensive, interconnected mycelial networks that scavenge nitrogen (N) efficiently. We have developed techniques to study N dynamics in such complex mycelial systems in vivo.
Uptake and distribution of the nonmetabolised, 14C‐labelled amino‐acid analogue, α‐aminoisobutyrate (14C‐AIB) was continuously imaged in Phanerochaete velutina growing across scintillation screens using an enhanced photon‐counting camera.
Oscillations in the 14C‐AIB signal were observed for both the assimilatory hyphae in the inoculum and the foraging hyphae, but with complementary profiles. Pulses were asymmetric, with an abrupt switch between each exponential decay phase and the next rising phase. The period of the oscillations was 16 h at 21°C, but showed a strong temperature dependence with a temperature coefficient of 2.1. Oscillations occurred in the absence of obvious pulses in growth.
Some, but not all, of the features of the oscillations were simulated using a model of amino acid accumulation and transport that included both vacuolar uptake, and release once an intravacuolar concentration threshold was exceeded. The combination of imaging and modelling provides a useful framework to understand N fluxes in vivo.
Components of leaf elongation rate and their relationship to specific leaf area in contrasting grasses
Authors: Arredondo J. Tulio , Schnyder Hans 
Published: December 2004

Summary

In grasses the leaf growth zone is the main site of shoot growth where anatomical and chemical characteristics of leaves originate. Yet, there is insufficient information to generalize as to whether the leaf growth zone reflects habitat characteristics, whether leaf growth traits are regularly interrelated, and whether they coincide with characteristics of mature leaves.
Here the contribution of both length of the leaf growth zone (region where cell division and expansion occurs) and relative elemental growth rate to the variability in leaf elongation rate (LER) were examined in eight grass species from habitats with different soil fertility. Further, we examined the relationship of the above traits with specific leaf area (SLA) and its components.
Growth zone length differed significantly among species (P < 0.05) and it was the trait contributing the most to LER. Using LER and derived components it was possible to classify seven out of eight species into two groups related to soil fertility. Leaf elongation rate exhibited a positive correlation to SLA and a negative correlation to leaf dry matter content. A significant relationship existed between size of the growth zone and leaf dry matter content.
The results suggest that the leaf growth zone is a critically important leaf trait that explains inherent differences in LER and other plant characteristics of grass species.
Signalling through cyclic nucleotide monophosphates in cyanobacteria
Authors: Cann Martin J. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe cyanobacteria are a diverse group of photosynthetic prokaryotes, of which many species synthesize cyclic nucleotide monophosphates. The role of cyclic nucleotide monophosphates in cyanobacterial biology has been studied through phenotypic, molecular, genetic, and computer‐based analyses and here I review the history of the field. The study of cyclic nucleotide monophosphates in cyanobacteria has been informed by experiments performed in unrelated organisms but recent investigations have, however, demonstrated that scientific principles, applicable to a wide range of species, can be derived from the study of cyclic nucleotide biology in cyanobacteria and I detail some of this work.

Contents

Summary
23

I.
Introduction
23

II.
Cyclic nucleotide monophosphates
24

III.
cNMPs and their roles in cyanobacteria
26

IV.
Molecular identification of components of the cNMP signalling pathway in cyanobacteria
27

V.
Lessons from cAMP signalling in cyanobacteria for other organisms
30

Acknowledgements
31

References
32