bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of recombinant interleukin‐8 on eosinophils’ and neutrophils’ migration in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Bocheńska‐Marciniak M. , Kupczyk M. , Górski P. , Kuna P. 
Published: July 2003

Background:  Interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) is a chemokine that causes chemotaxis of neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes in vitro; however, its role as a chemoattractant in allergic inflammation is unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of nasal instillation of IL‐8 on the influx of inflammatory cells.Methods:  Twelve patients suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis hypersensitive to grass pollens, with average age 30.1 ± 2.67 years were challenged both with diluent for IL‐8 and IL‐8 on a subsequent day, in two phases: before the pollen season (unprimed mucosa) and during the season (primed mucosa). The number of neutrophils, eosinophils and myeloperoxydase (MPO) levels in the nasal fluid collected after IL‐8 or placebo challenge were determined.Results:  Challenge with IL‐8 of primed nasal mucosa induced a significant influx of neutrophils (29 × 104 cells/ml at 0.5 h, 251 × 104 at 2 h and 334 × 104 at 3 h). Number of eosinophils in comparison with diluent challenge was not significant. There was no difference in MPO levels in the nasal lavage between IL‐8 and diluent challenge of unprimed and primed mucosa. We did not find the relationship between MPO levels and the neutrophils number in the lavage (rank Spearman factor, RS = 0.258, P = 0.42).Conclusion:  We have demonstrated that IL‐8 causes influx of neutrophils but not eosinophils into nasal mucosa in vivo. MPO level seems to be of little value as a marker of neutrophil influx into nasal mucosa.
Four methods of sampling for dust mite allergen: differences in ‘dust’
Authors: Tovey E. R. , Mitakakis T. Z. , Sercombe J. K. , Vanlaar C. H. , Marks G. B. 
Published: July 2003

Background: Measurement of exposure to the dust mite allergen Der p 1 is important in asthma research and is potentially useful in managing asthma. As no single measure can capture all characteristics of an exposure, it is important to recognize differences in the available methods of measuring exposure to Der p 1.Methods: Fourteen bedrooms and living rooms were sampled using four methods for 1 week. Airborne allergen was sampled by static Institute of Occupational Medicine samplers. Settling dust was collected on Petri dishes and an adhesive–membrane system (A‐book). Vacuumed reservoir dust samples were collected from floors at the end of 1 week. Der p 1 was measured in all samples by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, except A‐books, in which it was measured by Halogen immunoassay.Results: All four methods intercorrelated moderately (r range = 0.40–0.64, P = 0.04), except between allergen in reservoir dust (as μg/m2 and μg/g dust) and settling dust by Petri dishes (P = 0.2). Reservoir allergen, expressed as μg/m2, did not correlate with any measure, except reservoir allergen expressed as μg/g (r = 0.39, P = 0.04). No differences in these associations occurred between bedrooms and living rooms.Conclusions: While the four methods examined correlated moderately, all have practical advantages and difficulties. No method can be considered as ideal for measuring individual exposure. For practicality, use of vacuum cleaner and Petri dish methods are recommended.
Professional artist, good Samaritan, servant and co‐ordinator: four ways of understanding the anaesthetist's work
Authors: Larsson J. , Holmström I. , Rosenqvist U. 
Published: July 2003

Background:  Evaluating clinical competence among anaesthetists has so far focused mostly on theoretical knowledge and practical skills. According to theory, however, the way anaesthetists understand their own work has also greatly influenced the development of professional competence. The aim of this study was to investigate how anaesthetists understand their work.Methods:  Nineteen Swedish anaesthetists were interviewed. The interviews were open and sought answers to three questions 1) When do you feel you have been successful in your work?; 2) What is difficult or what hinders you in your work?; and 3) What is the core of your professional anaesthesia work? Phenomenographic analysis was performed.Results:  Four ways of understanding the anesthesiologists' professional work were found: 1) Give anaesthesia and control the patient's vital functions; 2) Help the patient, alleviate his/her pain and anxiety; 3) Give service to the whole hospital to facilitate the work of other doctors and nurses, caring for severely ill patients; and 4) Organize and direct the operation ward to make the operations list run smoothly.Conclusions:  This study shows that anaesthetists understand their work in qualitatively different ways, which can be assumed to affect their work actions and also the way their competence develops. This has implications for the education of anaesthetists; it is important to find ways of making anaesthetists in training consciously aware of the different ways their work can be understood, as this will give them better prerequisites for future competence development.
Absence of explicit and implicit memory in unconscious patients using a TCI of propofol
Authors: Lequeux P. Y. , Cantraine F. , Levarlet M. , Barvais L. 
Published: July 2003

Background:   Episodes of implicit memory have been described during propofol anaesthesia. It remains unclear whether implicit memory is caused by short periods of awareness or occurs in an unconscious subject.Methods:  Sixty patients were randomized in an experimental group (EG), a control group (CG) and a reference group (RG). Loss of consciousness (LOC) was obtained by progressive stepwise increases of propofol using a target‐controlled infusion device (Diprifusor, Alaris Medical Systems, San Diego, CA). A tape containing 20 words was played to the patients in the CG before the start of anaesthesia and to the patients in the EG at a constant calculated concentration of propofol associated with LOC. The tape was not played to the patients in the RG. Three memory tests were performed postoperatively.Results:  Explicit and implicit memories were evidenced in the CG but not in the EG.Conclusion:  In our group of young ASA I/II patients, in the absence of any noxious stimulus, no implicit or explicit memory was found when the calculated concentration of propofol using a Diprifusor was maintained at the level associated with LOC.
Continuous spinal anesthesia/analgesia vs. single‐shot spinal anesthesia with patient‐controlled analgesia for elective hip arthroplasty
Authors: Maurer K. , Bonvini J. M. , Ekatodramis G. , Serena S. , Borgeat A. 
Published: July 2003

Background:  In total hip replacement surgery several anesthesiological techniques can be used. In this study we compared continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) and postoperative analgesia vs. single‐shot spinal anesthesia (SPA) and postoperative patient‐controlled intravenous analgesia with morphine (SPA).Methods:  In a prospective randomized study, 68 patients, ASA I–III, between 50 and 85 years of age were allocated to these two groups. Quality of analgesia, hemodynamic stability and technical difficulties, as well as incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and post dural puncture headache (PDPH), were recorded during a 24‐h period.Results:  Visual analog scale (VAS) scores were significantly lower in the CSA group from 3 h post operation (P < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure dropped by 21 ± 11 mmHg in the CSA group and 29 ± 14 in the SPA group during induction (P < 0.05). Technical difficulties and incidence of PDPH were similar in both groups. Postoperative nausea and vomiting was lower in the CSA group (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  Continuous spinal anesthesia/analgesia is a very practicable method providing better postoperative analgesia and better hemodynamic stability during anesthesia induction than SPA followed by morphine PCA analgesia after total hip replacement surgery.
Use of the laryngeal tube in 100 patients
Authors: Asai T. , Shingu K. , Cook T. 
Published: July 2003

Background:  The laryngeal tube has a potential role during anaesthesia, but there have been only a few studies assessing its efficacy during the entire course of anaesthesia, and all previous studies used prototypes. We studied 100 patients to assess the efficacy of a new laryngeal tube during the entire course of anaesthesia.Methods:  After induction of anaesthesia, the laryngeal tube was inserted (up to two times) and adequacy of ventilation was assessed. The airway pressure at which gas leaked around the device was measured. The device was used during anaesthesia, while ventilation was controlled. The device was removed after the patient had opened the mouth to verbal command. Any complications during and after anaesthesia were recorded.Results:  Ventilation was possible at the first attempt in 90 patients, at the second attempt in another seven patients, and adequate ventilation failed after two attempts in three patients. Median (interquartile range) leak pressure was 28 (22–30) cmH2O. In all 97 patients, the laryngeal tube was used until the end of surgery. However, in two of the 97 patients the airway was partially obstructed during anaesthesia and it was necessary to reposition the device. The laryngeal tube was tolerated well during emergence from anaesthesia. No hypoxia, regurgitation, vomiting or laryngospasm occurred in any patient. On removal of the laryngeal tube, no blood was detected on the device and no apparent ischaemic changes to the tongue were observed in any patient. Post‐operatively, six patients complained of a mild sore throat, and no patient complained of difficulty in swallowing or numbness of the oropharynx.Conclusion:  The laryngeal tube can be useful for maintaining a patent airway during anaesthesia.
The effectiveness of intravenous ketamine and lidocaine on peripheral neuropathic pain
Authors: Kvarnström A. , Karlsten R. , Quiding H. , Emanuelsson B.‐M. , Gordh T. 
Published: July 2003

Background:  Neuropathic pain is often severe and resistant to pharmacological treatment. The aims of the present study were to assess the analgesic effect of ketamine and lidocaine and to investigate if measurement of different variables of sensibility could be used to identify responders. We also wanted to study if treatment resulted in changes of sensibility.Methods:  Twelve patients with long‐lasting peripheral neuropathic pain of traumatic origin were included. The effects of ketamine hydrochloride (Ketalar®, Parke Davis) 0.4 mg/kg and lidocaine hydrochloride (Xylocain®, Astra) 2.5 mg/kg were investigated. Saline was used as placebo. The intensity of continuous pain was measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS). Warm and cold perception as well as heat and cold pain thresholds were assessed. Sensibility to touch was also tested. Systemic plasma concentrations of lidocaine and ketamine were assessed.Results:  The mean reduction in VAS‐scores was 55%, 34% and 22% for ketamine, lidocaine and placebo, respectively. A significant difference was registered between ketamine and placebo (P = 0.009). Response to treatment (50% reduction in VAS‐score during infusion) was recorded in 7/12 in the ketamine, 4/12 in the lidocaine and 2/12 in the placebo group. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) of thermal sensitivity and sensory tests for mechanical stimuli could not separate responders from non‐responders and neither were the results from these assessments changed by the infusion of the drugs. Lidocaine and particularly ketamine were associated with frequent side‐effects, the most common being somnolence and dizziness.Conclusion:  Ketamine showed a significant analgesic effect. The clinical usefulness is, however, limited by disturbing side‐effects.
Caesarean for breech: A paradigm shift?
Authors: Kaushik Vasundhara , Gudgeon Clive 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe year 2001 became ‘the year of Caesarean for the breech’ after the results of the Term Breech Trial were published in October 2000. The purpose of the current paper is a retrospective observational study identifying the increase in Caesarean section rates that occurred in Fairfield Hospital after the Term Breech Trial. Fairfield Hospital is a level 2 hospital in the south‐western Sydney health area with 1800 deliveries per year.
Prenatal screening and diagnosis: A survey of health care providers’ knowledge and attitudes
Authors: Rostant Kristie , Steed Lyndall , O'Leary Peter 
Published: July 2003

AbstractAim:  To survey the knowledge and attitudes of health care providers in Western Australia, Australia towards prenatal screening and diagnostic procedures for fetal anomalies.Design:  A self‐administered mail survey.Sample:  30 obstetricians and 313 general practitioners (GPs).Results:  Overall, relative to GPs, obstetricians expressed more positive attitudes towards prenatal tests. Moreover, GPs felt they had a greater need for additional information. Further group differences were found in attitudes towards the value of the tests and confidence in the availability and ease of coordination of follow‐up services according to geographical area. Female health care providers were significantly more confident about the availability of follow‐up services and had higher knowledge scores. They were also more likely to practice in the metropolitan area. Further group differences were found in attitudes according to participation in professional development.Conclusion:  Overall, health care providers felt antenatal screening and diagnostic tests were valuable and they felt they could benefit from further information. Knowledge was high, however, it is unclear whether this knowledge is being communicated to women. Given that antenatal practices are rapidly evolving, continuing education and ongoing professional development is critical.
Genomics in obstetrics and gynaecology
Authors: Weston Gareth C , Ponnampalam Anna , Vollenhoven Beverley J , Healy David L , Aw Rogers Peter 
Published: July 2003

AbstractWith the Human Genome Project complete, and microarray technology progressing rapidly, the study of whole genomes has become a reality. The emerging field of genomics is full of promise, has become a cornerstone of commercial drug development, and looks certain to make a major contribution to clinical practice in the future. There is an increasing number of genomic studies concerned with obstetric and gynaecological conditions. Despite this, clinicians in their busy practices often lack a basic understanding of genomics and the tools involved in generating genome‐based information. In the present review, we aim to provide the clinician with a basic overview of genomics – what it is, what tools it uses, and how it may benefit our patients. The existing published reports on genomic studies in the reproductive field is reviewed.
Identification of yeasts in public hospital primary care patients with or without clinical vaginitis
Authors: Erdem Hakan , Cetin Meral , Timuroglu Timucin , Cetin Ali , Yanar Orhan , Pahsa Alaaddin 
Published: July 2003

AbstractObjective:  Vaginal yeast infections are one of the most common female genital tract infections. Candida albicans is the most common infectious cause. Candida species other than C. albicans are being diagnosed with increasing frequency. The aim of the present study was to determine species of yeasts obtained from the vaginal fluid among public hospital primary care patients with or without clinical vaginitis and to evaluate the correlation of vaginal yeast colonisation with epidemiological and clinical features of applicants.Methods:  Vaginal swabs from 622 women who underwent vaginal examination in a women's hospital were obtained. After isolation, identification tests were carried out on 106 yeast species. Epidemiological and clinical features of women with respect to these species were evaluated.Results:  Of 106 yeasts isolated, 67 C. albicans, 10 C. glabrata, seven C. kefyr (pseudotropicalis), six C. tropicalis, five C. parapsilosis, five C. krusei, three Saccharomyces boulardii, one C. guillermondii, one S. cerevisiae and one Trichosporon species were identified as yeast subtypes. Of the women with C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. kefyr, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, 60, three, one, one, and one, respectively, had symptoms of vaginitis. Of women with C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. kefyr, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, and the other species, 27, four, three, two, one, one, and one, respectively, had clinical findings of vaginitis.Conclusion:  Despite the heterogeneity of the present study group, the results support the use of vaginal culture as the most sensitive test for final diagnosis. However, a positive culture does not mean that the C. albicans is pathogenic, as it may be the normal commensal pathogen. Correlation of clinical and laboratory findings is important as it enables the administration of appropriate treatment without delay.
Preterm birth a long distance from home and its significant social and financial stress
Authors: Fry Mary Jane , Cartwright David W. , Huang Rae Chi , Davies Mark W. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe present paper reports a retrospective cohort of preterm infants admitted to our hospital who delivered outside the normal geographical catchment area of the mother's local level three neonatal nursery. Nineteen mothers had 21 preterm infants (23.1–34.9 weeks, 500–2330 g born) where 14 infants required ventilation (median 57 h, range 3–428). Eighteen survivors had a median length of stay of 41 days (range 3–91). Twelve of 19 mothers were interviewed: all described isolation, loneliness, poor social support and significant financial hardship related to getting their infants back to a local hospital or home. To avoid these problems, we recommend confining travel to within a short distance from home or local maternity unit after 22 weeks.
The role of proteolysis in R gene mediated defence in plants
Authors: Tör Mahmut , Yemm Antony , Holub Eric 
Published: July 2003

SUMMARYWithin the last 10 years, numerous R genes have been cloned from natural genetic variation in model as well as crop plants, and these have been classified according to their motifs. Some of the downstream signalling components have also been identified by artificial mutagenesis. Recently, cloning of three of these signalling genes (COI1, RAR1 and SGT1b) from Arabidopsis, barley and tobacco have helped uncover the physiological link between defence signalling and ubiquitin‐mediated protein degradation. The physical association of COI1 and SGT1b with the components of ubiquitin–ligase complexes has been shown. In addition, post‐transcriptional silencing of some of the subunits of the ubiquitin‐ligase complex has led to a loss of resistance, indicating that protein degradation may also act as a regulatory mechanism in plant defence. Over the next few years, we should expect to see more examples of the interplay between the defence response and protein degradation in plants.
Analysis of pea HMG‐I/Y expression suggests a role in defence gene regulation
Authors: Klosterman Steven J. , Choi Jane J. , Hadwiger Lee A. 
Published: July 2003

SUMMARYHMG‐I/Y proteins are characterized by the presence of AT‐hook motifs, DNA binding domains that recognize AT‐rich tracts of DNA. By facilitating protein:protein and protein:DNA interactions in the vicinity of these AT‐rich binding sites, HMG‐I/Y positively or negatively regulates gene expression. Several pea defence gene promoters have AT‐rich tracts of DNA that are potential targets for modulation via HMG‐I/Y. In this study, a comparison of the expression of a pea defence gene (DRR206) mRNA relative to the expression of HMG‐I/Y mRNA was monitored by Northern analysis following the inoculation of a fungal pathogen, Fusarium solani or treatment with chitosan and a F. solani DNase (Fsph DNase). In pea pod endocarp tissue, HMG‐I/Y expression was observed at high levels in untreated tissue and at lower levels 6 h following inoculation or wounding of the tissue. Western blots with an antipea HMG‐I/Y polyclonal antibody also revealed that pea HMG‐I/Y is expressed at decreased levels 6 h following inoculation or elicitor treatment. HMG‐I/Y extracted from pea caused alterations in the gel migration of radio‐labelled AT‐rich sequences from the pea DRR206 promoter, suggesting that similar interactions could exist in vivo. Agroinfiltration was utilized to express the pea HMG‐I/Y gene in tobacco containing a chimeric gene fusion of a promoter from the PR gene, DRR206, and the β‐glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene. Transient expression of pea HMG‐I/Y led to a decrease in GUS reporter gene activity in the heterologous tobacco system. These data implicate pea HMG‐I/Y abundance in the down‐regulation of DRR206 gene expression, and possibly HMG‐I/Y depletion in the expression of defence genes in pea.
Plant pathogenic Verticillium species: how many of them are there?
Authors: Barbara Dez J. , Clewes Emily 
Published: July 2003

SUMMARYTwo of the currently widely accepted species in the section Nigrescentia of the genus Verticillium are major plant pathogens inducing wilt diseases in a wide range of mainly dicotyledonous hosts. Three species closely related to these two are less important wilt pathogens and soil saprophytes. A sixth species, V. theobromae, causes the cigar end of banana. Molecular and genetic studies have shown that these species represent a complex pool of discrete lineages of varying degrees of relatedness with unknown levels of gene flow between them. Most isolates are haploid, but some are thought to be amphihaploid interspecific hybrids. Until our understanding of this complex is much improved, it seems most appropriate to add only one new species, for wilt isolates primarily associated with potato and producing dark‐resting‐mycelium in bundles (currently known as V. albo‐atrum Grp2). It is suggested that the following be retained: (i) V. dahliae to include all isolates which produce only microsclerotia, (ii) V. albo‐atrum to cover the majority of isolates producing only dark‐resting‐mycelium (and not in bundles), and (iii) V. nigrescens, V. nubilum, V. tricorpus and V. theobromae for the minor wilt pathogens/saprophytes and the non‐wilt pathogen.
Transformation of Xylella fastidiosa with broad host range RSF1010 derivative plasmids
Authors: Guilhabert Magalie R. , Kirkpatrick Bruce C. 
Published: July 2003

SUMMARYThe Gram‐negative, fastidious bacterium Xylella fastidiosa was successfully transformed with two RSF1010 derivative plasmids belonging to the incompatibility group IncQ, using electroporation. These two derivative plasmids, pXF004 and pXF005, were found to be present as autonomous, structurally unchanged DNA molecules when propagated in X. fastidiosa. However, neither pXF004 nor pXF005 were stably maintained in X. fastidiosa without antibiotic selection. When plasmid DNAs were isolated from X. fastidiosa, or plasmid DNAs isolated from E. coli were supplemented with a TypeOne™ inhibitor, TRI, the frequency of transformation was increased by 13‐ or 5‐fold, respectively. Plasmid pXF005 was also used to transform one additional grapevine strain of X. fastidiosa.