bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Painful neuropathy alters the effect of gabapentin on sensory neuron excitability in rats
Authors: Kanai A. , Sarantopoulos C. , McCallum J. B. , Hogan Q. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Pain following peripheral nerve injury is associated with increased excitability of sensory neurons. Gabapentin (GBP), a novel anticonvulsant with an uncertain mechanism of action, is an effective treatment for neuropathic pain. We therefore investigated the effect of GBP on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from normal rats and those with painful peripheral nerve injury.Methods:  Dorsal root ganglions were excised from rats with neuropathic pain behaviour following chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, and from normal rats. Intercellular recordings were made from myelinated sensory neuron somata using a microelectrode technique from DRGs bathed in artificial CSF with or without GBP (100 µM).Results:  Compared with normal neurons, injury decreased the refractory interval (RI) for repeat action potential (AP) generation increased the number of APs during sustained depolariza‐ tion, and shortened the after hyperpolarization following an AP. In normal neurons, GBP decreased the RI and increased the AP number during sustained depolarization. In an opposite fashion, the result of GBP application to injured neurons was a decreased number of APs during depolarization and no change in RI. In injured neurons only, GBP increased the time‐to‐peak for AP depolarization.Conclusions:  Nerve injury by CCI is associated with increased sensory neuron excitability, associated with a decreased AHP. In normal peripheral sensory neurons, GBP has pro‐excitatory effects, whereas GBP decreases excitability in injured neurons, possibly on the basis of altered sodium channel function.
Biochemical markers for brain damage after carbon monoxide poisoning
Authors: Rasmussen L. S. , Poulsen M. G. , Christiansen M. , Jansen E. C. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Carbon monoxide poisoning is associated with high mortality and a substantial risk for brain damage in survivors. Evidence for acute brain dysfunction may be obtained by measuring concentrations of suitable biochemical markers. We hypothesized that increased serum concentrations of Neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) and S‐100β protein could be detected after carbon monoxide poisoning and that the concentration would correlate with the severity of intoxication.Methods:  Prospective non‐interventional study in the university hospital. We included 20 patients admitted for hyperbaric treatment due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Serum levels of NSE and S‐100β protein were measured in all patients on admission and after 12, 24, 36 and 48 h. As a control group, we included 20 patients who underwent elective hyperbaric treatment.Results:  Serum concentrations of NSE and S‐100β protein were not significantly different from the controls, with median values at admission being 10.6 vs. 9.7 µg l−1 and 0.15 vs. 0.13 µg l−1, respectively (P = 0.82 and P = 0.38). The concentrations did not change significantly during the sampling period. We were unable to show any significant relation to level of consciousness.Conclusion:  Blood concentrations of NSE and S‐100β protein were not significantly increased after carbon monoxide poisoning and do not seem to be related to a history of unconsciousness.
Fiber‐type composition and fiber size of the human cricopharyngeal muscle and the pharyngeal constrictor muscle
Authors: Sundman E. , Ansved T. , Margolin G. , Kuylenstierna R. , Eriksson L. I. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Despite a similar density of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, the upper esophageal sphincter is sensitive to partial neuromuscular block, whereas the pharyngeal constrictor muscle is more resistant. In order to postulate possible mechanisms behind this difference in pharmacological response, basic knowledge of morphological and physiological features of these muscles is needed. The aim of this study was to compare the muscle fiber‐type composition, the size and the morphology of the muscle fibers of the cricopharyngeal muscle, the main component of the upper esophageal sphincter, with that of the pharyngeal constrictor muscle.Methods:  Muscle specimens were obtained from five patients undergoing surgery with laryngectomy. Muscle fiber type was determined by myosin heavy chain immunohistochemistry and the muscle fiber cross‐sectional area was measured for each fiber type by planimetry. Morphology of muscle fibers was evaluated by histochemistry.Results:  The muscle fiber cross‐sectional area was generally smaller in the cricopharyngeal muscle compared with the pharyngeal constrictor muscle (P < 0.001). The composition of fiber types showed a large interindividual variability with no distinct difference between the studied muscles. Aberrant histological features were common in both the cricopharyngeal muscle and the pharyngeal constrictor muscle.Conclusion:  The main morphological difference between the neuromuscular blocking agents sensitive cricopharyngeal muscle and the more resistant pharyngeal constrictor muscle is a uniformly smaller size of contributing fiber types in the cricopharyngeal muscle than in the pharyngeal constrictor muscle. The muscle fiber‐type composition does not differ between the two studied muscles.
Convulsions on anaesthetic induction with sevoflurane in young children
Authors: Åkeson J. , Didriksson I. 
Published: December 2004

Increased worldwide use for paediatric anaesthesia of the volatile anaesthetic agent sevoflurane has mainly resulted from its low blood‐gas partition coefficient and low airway irritability, providing smooth conditions for rapid induction of anaesthesia. Nevertheless, there are several clinical and experimental reports suggesting a correlation between exposure to sevoflurane and generalized clonic or tonic seizure activity. We report two clinical episodes of convulsions associated with the induction of sevoflurane anaesthesia in young children.Case 1: during induction of anaesthesia with sevoflurane by facemask in a 3‐year‐old healthy boy, there were symmetrical clonic seizure‐like movements of the upper extremities for 60 s. Case   2: on re‐induction of anaesthesia with sevoflurane because of profuse bleeding following nasal adenoidectomy in a 4‐year‐old healthy girl with a family history of epilepsy, there were symmetrical tonic and clonic seizure‐like movements for 30–40 s in the upper and lower extremities. Both episodes ceased spontaneously.Although no EEG was recorded, it cannot be excluded that both episodes resulted from seizure activity within the CNS. Based on our observations and reports by others we suggest that, until further notice, sevoflurane should be avoided or at least used cautiously in patients where clinical epileptic activity has been verified or is strongly suspected.
Percutaneous tracheostomy: Ciaglia Blue Rhino versus Griggs' Guide Wire Dilating Forceps. A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Añón J. M. , Escuela Ma P. , Gómez V. , Moreno A. , López J. , Díaz R. , Montejo J. C. , Sirgo G. , Hernández G. , Martínez R. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) has gained widespread acceptance to control the airway in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. Since 1985, new techniques for PT have been described. It was the aim of this investigation to compare two different PT techniques: the Ciaglia Blue Rhino (CBR) and the Guide Wire Dilating Forceps (GWDF).Methods:  A prospective randomized trial was performed in four intensive care units. After informed consent, 53 consecutive patients were randomized to undergo CBR or GWDF. Procedural complications were evaluated and specific symptoms of the upper airway tract in survivors were assessed.Results:  Twenty‐seven patients were randomly assigned to CBR and 26 to GWDF. Patients mean ages were 62.7 ± 15.8 years and 62.2 ± 18.3, respectively. Mean APACHE II scores were 20.6 ± 6.8 and 21.2 ± 7.2, respectively. Median duration of the procedure was 7 min (range: 4–17 min) with GWDF and 9 min (range: 5–32 min) with CBR (P = 0.16). Seven patients in the group undergoing GWDF had complications (desaturation: two; mild bleeding: one; infected stoma: one; inability to complete the procedure: three). Two patients had complications in the group undergoing CBR (mild bleeding) (P = 0.07). Survivors were followed up after discharge. Three patients (all of them having undergone GWDF) were symptomatic (two with mild hoarseness and one with a persistent foreign body sensation), but laryngotracheoscopy was negative.Conclusions:  Our results show no differences between both techniques regarding surgical duration or procedural complications. Late symptoms were encountered in three patients undergoing GWDF, however, laryngotracheoscopy failed to document anatomical or functional abnormalities.
Detection and Localization of Two Constitutive NOS Isoforms in Bull Spermatozoa
Authors: Meiser H. , Schulz R. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBull spermatozoa were examined for the presence and localization of constitutive Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS), as nitric oxide (NO) is involved in calcium‐dependent capacitation. In bull spermatozoa, NO generation is enhanced by l‐arginine (3 μm) and abolished by the NOS‐inhibitor N‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME). In addition, presence of NOS in bull spermatozoa was verified by immunohistochemistry, revealing the existence of both neuronal NOS (nNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) immunoreaction. These findings were confirmed by Western blot technique, showing immunoreactive bands at 161 kDa (nNOS) and 133 kDa (eNOS). Confocal laser microscopy localized nNOS related immunofluorescence at the acrosome cap of sperms and their flagellum‐mainpart. This technique also identified eNOS staining spread over the spermatozoan head. In conclusion, immunohistochemistry, Western blot technique, and NO generation suggest the presence of n‐ and eNOS in bull spermatozoa.
Development of the Areola in the Early Placenta of the One‐humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius): A Light, Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopical Study
Authors: Abd‐Elnaeim M. M. M. , Saber A. , Hassan A. , Abou‐Elmagd A. , Klisch K. , Jones C. J. P. , Leiser R. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThis study aimed to elucidate development of the areola in the early dromedary placenta in comparison with that of the pig and mare. Placental tissues from 25 pregnant camels were obtained from Cairo abattoir and prepared for light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy by routine methods. Vascular casts were made by injection of 4 : 1 liquid plastic mixture of mercox and methylmethacrylate. Areolar formation was first observed at 4.5 cm curved‐crown‐rump CVR length, while by 5–9 cm CVR length, the endometrial surface was uneven and studded with numerous uterine gland openings, where corresponding foetal areolae were barely detectable and the foetal areolar cells were of variable appearance and covered with long microvilli. At 10–13 cm CVR length the uterine gland openings developed irregular folds and the maternal areolar cells showed numerous apical blebs. At 14–29 cm CVR length the foetal areolae showed a great increase in height at the expense of their width. At 30–34 cm (CVR) length the maternal areolae appeared discoid and sharply demarcated from the surrounding inter‐areolar tissues and the foetal areolae were rounded to irregular in shape with well‐developed areolar rims. The vascular casts showed a widely meshed capillary network on the maternal areola, connecting with the pre‐ and post‐capillary vessels, whereas the foetal side showed a relatively dense capillary meshwork. These studies indicate that the areola in the placenta of the one‐humped camel is of the regular type like in the pig, and is poorly vascularized.
Afferent and Efferent Connections of the Nucleus Rotundus Demonstrated by WGA‐HRP in the Chick
Authors: Hu M. , Naito J. , Chen Y. , Ohmori Y. , Fukuta K. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryOrganization of the fibre connections in the chick nucleus rotundus (Rt) was investigated by an axonal tracing method using wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (WGA‐HRP). After an injection of WGA‐HRP into the Rt, labelled neurones were observed in the striatum griseum centrale (SGC) in both sides of the tectum (TO) and in the ipsilateral nucleus subpretectalis/nucleus interstito‐pretecto‐subpretectalis (SP/IPS). Labelled fibres and terminals were also found in the ipsilateral ectostriatum (Ect). These fibre connections were topographically organized rostrocaudally. In the TO‐Rt projection, the rostral and the dorsocaudal parts of the Rt received afferents from the superficial part of the SGC, the middle part of the Rt received afferents from the intermediate part of the SGC, and the ventrocaudal part of the Rt received mainly fibres from the deep part of the SGC. These topographic projections were accompanied by a considerable number of diffuse projections to the thalamic regions surrounding the Rt. In addition, the rostral and middle caudal parts of the Rt received afferents from the lateral and medial parts of the SP/IPS, respectively, and respective parts of the Rt sent efferents to the lateral and medial parts of the Ect.
Morphological and Histochemical Characterization of the Mucosa of the Digestive Tract in Engraulis anchoita (Hubbs and Marini, 1935)
Authors: Díaz A. O. , García A. M. , Devincenti C. V. , Goldemberg A. L. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe histomorphological aspects as well as the histochemical content and distribution of glycoproteins (GPs) in the mucosa of the digestive tract of the anchovy Engraulis anchoita were studied. The buccopharyngeal cavity is lined by a squamous stratified epithelium with mucous superficial cells; the oesophagus shows two zones, cranial with a squamous stratified epithelium with mucous superficial cells and caudal with a columnar secretory epithelium. Finally, the stomach presents both the cranial and pyloric portion lined with a simple columnar epithelium. Tubular branched glands, formed by a single type of glandular cell, located along the stomach, are more numerous in the cranial portion. The GPs were identified with (1) oxidizable vicinal diols; (2) sialic acids and some of their chain variants, C7 or C9; (3) sialic acid residues with O‐acyl substitution at C7 or C8; (4) carboxyl groups and (5) sulphate groups. Histochemical tests showed that the buccopharyngeal cavity presented the largest amount of the different types of mucosubstances. Epithelial secretory cells were found in the oesophagus, which synthesized a large quantity of sialosulphoglycoproteins likely to be related to a protective role. The surface epithelium of the stomach synthesizes and secretes acid and neutral GPs, probably related to the movement of fluids and to the absorption of easily digested substrates, respectively. Although great differences exist between different species, in E. anchoita as in other fish species, the wall of the digestive tract is composed of the four layers classically described for vertebrates. The GPs secreted by the epithelial cells are suggested to be important for the protection and inhibition of microorganisms. In additon, they are involved in enzymatic digestion of food, absorptive functions and lubrication of the alimentary tract.
Morphology and Comparative Anatomy of Circulus Arteriosus Cerebri in Mammals
Authors: Kapoor K. , Kak V. K. , Singh B. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe normal configuration of the arterial pattern at the base of the brain in rhesus monkeys, dogs, sheep, goats and rabbits is described. The length and diameter of all vessels of the circulus arteriosus cerebri are measured. Variations are compared in relation to that of the typical pattern present in humans. In rhesus monkeys, dogs and rabbits, the circle of Willis is almost similar to that in human beings except that in these animals, (i) the anterior cerebral arteries join each other to form a single median vessel; (ii) in dogs, rabbits, goats and sheep the anterior cerebellar artery is a branch of posterior cerebral artery, and (iii) in goats and sheep, a considerable length of the internal carotid artery contributes to the formation of circulus arteriosus while the posterior cerebral artery arises from the posterior communicating artery.
The Zonal Distributions of Alkaline Phosphatase, Adenosine Triphosphatase, Laminin, Fibronectin and Chondroitin 4‐Sulphate in Growing Rat Humerus Proximal Epiphyseal Cartilage: a Histochemical and an Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Üstünel İ. , Şahin Z. , Akkoyunlu G. , Demir R. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryAlthough there are many studies about epiphyseal cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules in bone formation, studies of their distribution and role in the mineralization of these components in growing rat humerus proximal epiphyseal cartilage have not been sufficiently detailed. The aim of this study was to determine the distributions of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), laminin, fibronectin and chondroitin 4‐sulphate in growing rat humerus proximal epiphyseal cartilage. The rats were killed by cervical dislocation, and the humeri were removed, sectioned (6 and 10 μm) on a cryotome or paraffin microtome, and stained using histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. ALP and ATPase were markedly observed in the hypertrophy and calcifying cartilage. In addition, ATPase was found to be very strongly positive in the tangential zone of articular cartilage. Results of immunohistochemical staining for laminin, fibronectin and chondroitin 4‐sulphate showed that the immunostaining was the heaviest in the tangential zone of articular cartilage. In growing epiphyseal plates, there were differences in the density of these macromolecules of chondrocytes as a function of the maturation process. In conclusion, these ECM macromolecules of epiphyseal cartilage may regulate the cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions as well as the matrix calcification during the ossification of epiphyseal cartilage.
Pax‐7 Immunoreactivity in the Post‐natal Chicken Central Nervous System
Authors: Shin D. H. , Lee K.‐S. , Lee E. , Chang Y. P. , Kim J.‐W. , Choi Y. S. , Kwon B.‐S. , Lee H. W. , Cho S. S. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryIn this immunocytochemical study on the constitutive expression of Pax‐7 protein in the postnatal chicken brain, Pax‐7 showed region and cell type specific expression. In the optic tectum, only cells in grey matter showed positive immunoreactivities (IRs), whereas those in the white matters did not show any IRs. In thalamic nuclei and several pontine nuclei, we also localized Pax‐7 positive IRs. On the contrary, in the cerebellum, Pax‐7 was mainly localized within the Bergmann glia, whereas Purkinje cells did not show any IRs. In double immunolabelling studies, most of the Pax‐7 IRs did not originate from neuroglial cells such as oligodendrocytes, microglia or astrocytes, but from neurons, with the exception of Bergmann glia in the cerebellum. The presence of Pax‐7 IRs in the adult chicken brain could suggest that Pax‐7 might play a role in maintaining normal physiological function in some postnatal chicken brain cells.
Subgross Investigation of Vessels Originating from Arcus Aortae in Guinea‐Pig (Cavia porcellus)
Authors: Kabak M. , Haziroglu R. M. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe vessels that originate from the aortic arch were studied in 16 adult guinea‐pigs. Two major vessels, the left subclavian artery and the brachiocephalic trunk, were easily identified as they were branching off from the aortic arch. The brachiocephalic trunk, at first branched off to the left common carotid artery and continued as a common trunk, which was then divided into the right subclavian artery and the right common carotid artery. The left subclavian artery branched off to the following vessels: the costacervical trunk, the internal thoracic artery, a common trunk from which the dorsal scapular artery and the vertebral artery originated, and the superficial cervical artery. The right subclavian artery branched off to the bronchoesophageal artery (in five cadavers), the caudal thyroid artery (in three cadavers) and the tracheal artery (in three cadavers) in addition to the above vessels. There were two vertebral arteries branching off to the right subclavian artery in all dissected cadavers. However, only 10 cadavers had two vertebral arteries originating from the left subclavian artery. The first vertebral artery originated from the common trunk, whereas the second vertebral artery arose from the dorsal scapular artery. The second vertebral artery entered the foramen transversarium of the seventh cervical vertebrae and anastomosed with the first vertebral artery just before entering the foramen transversarium of the sixth cervical vertebrae.
The Macroanatomical Investigations on the Aortic Arch in Porcupines (Hystrix cristata)
Authors: Atalar Ö. , Yilmaz S. , Burma O. , İlkay E. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe anatomy of aortic arch in porcupine was studied. Angiography was applied to each of the three adult porcupines (two males, one female) following the injection of latex from the abdominal aorta for the examination of aortic arch. The results indicated that three arteries arose from aortic arch in porcupine. These were truncus brachiocephalicus, arteria carotis communis sinistra and arteria subclavia sinistra. The truncus brachiocephalicus in porcupine yielded arteria subclavia dextra and arteria carotis communis dextra. Truncus bicaroticus was absent. The origin of truncus costocervicalis (right) and arteria vertebralis (right) arose from a common root. Left or right axillary arteries seemed to be a continuation of subclavian arteries. The results of this study may contribute to the data in this area of science.
Peculiar Bundles of Filaments in Leydig Cells of the Lesser Mouse Deer (Tragulus javanicus): an Ultrastructural Study
Authors: Andriana B. B. , Mizukami T. , Kanai Y. , Kimura J. , Fukuta K. , Kurohmaru M. , Hayashi Y. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryLeydig cells of lesser mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus) testes were observed using light and transmission electron microscopies. Sexually mature lesser mouse deer were obtained in East Malaysia. The testes were perfused with 5% glutaraldehyde, postfixed with 1% OsO4, dehydrated in ethanol and embedded in Araldite. The semithin sections were cut, stained with toluidine blue and observed under light microscopy. The ultrathin sections were cut, stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate, and examined using a JEM‐1200 transmission electron microscope. As a result, two types of filament bundles were frequently recognized in Leydig cells, but not in other testicular cells. These bundles were clearly seen at even a light microscopic level. One type was bundles of actin filaments (approximately 5 nm in diameter). These structures were found not only in the cytoplasm but also in the nucleus. The other type was bundles of intermediate filaments (approximately 10 nm in diameter). These structures were found only in the cytoplasm. The existence of filament bundles has never been reported in the testicular cells of another mammalian species. Thus, while bundles of actin and intermediate filaments are specifically present in the Leydig cells of the lesser mouse deer, their functions are still unclear.