bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FKS1
Mutations Responsible for Selective Resistance of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
to the Novel 1,3-β-Glucan Synthase Inhibitor Arborcandin C
Authors: Ohyama Takao , Miyakoshi Shunichi , Isono Fujio
Published: December 2003

Arborcandin C is a novel antibiotic with potent antifungal activity that inhibits 1,3-β-glucan synthase in fungi. We examined spontaneous
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
mutants which are selectively resistant to arborcandin C and revealed that a single amino acid replacement in Fks1p of Asn
470
with Lys or of Leu
642
with Ser confers selective resistance on Fks1p mutants.
Effect of Parenteral Fluoroquinolone Administration on Persistence of Vancomycin-Resistant
Enterococcus faecium
in the Mouse Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Donskey Curtis J. , Helfand Marion S. , Pultz Nicole J. , Rice Louis B.
Published: December 2003

We examined the effect of subcutaneous fluoroquinolone antibiotic administration on persistence and density of vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
stool colonization in mice. Levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin did not promote colonization in comparison to saline controls, whereas moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin promoted persistent overgrowth in a dose-dependent fashion.
Effect of Heat-Treated Amphotericin B on Renal and Fungal Cytotoxicity
Authors: Bartlett Karen , Yau Edwin , Hartsel Scott C. , Hamer Alison , Tsai Gina , Bizzotto Dan , Wasan Kishor M.
Published: December 2003

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the cytotoxicity of amphotericin B (AMB; trade name Fungizone [FZ]) following the administration of FZ and a heat-treated form of FZ (HFZ) to LLC-PK
1
pig kidney cells and
Cryptococcus neoformans
var.
gattii
cells. HFZ was significantly less toxic to kidney cells than FZ at all concentrations tested. For both FZ and HFZ, the concentration range which resulted in a 50% reduction of the growth of fungal cells was 0.125 to 1 mg/ml. These findings suggest that heat treatment decreases AMB's renal cytotoxicity without modifying its antifungal activity.
In Vitro Evaluation of Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors UC-781 and TMC120-R147681 as Human Immunodeficiency Virus Microbicides
Authors: Van Herrewege Yven , Michiels Jo , Van Roey Jens , Fransen Katrien , Kestens Luc , Balzarini Jan , Lewi Paul , Vanham Guido , Janssen Paul
Published: December 2003

The nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors UC-781 and TMC120-R147681 (Dapivirine) effectively prevented human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in cocultures of monocyte-derived dendritic cells and T cells, representing primary targets in sexual transmission. Both drugs had a favorable therapeutic index. A 24-h treatment with 1,000 nM UC-781 or 100 nM TMC120-R147681 prevented cell-free HIV infection, whereas 10-fold-higher concentrations blocked cell-associated HIV.
In Vitro Postantibiotic Effects of Rifapentine, Isoniazid, and Moxifloxacin against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Chan Chiu-Yeung , Au-Yeang Carrie , Yew Wing-Wai , Leung Chi-Chiu , Cheng Augustine F. B.
Published: December 2003

Postantibiotic effects (PAEs) of rifapentine, isoniazid, and moxifloxacin against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
ATCC 27294 were studied using a radiometric culture system. Rifapentine at 20 mg/liter gave the longest PAE (104 h) among the drugs used alone. The combinations of rifapentine plus isoniazid, rifapentine plus moxifloxacin, and isoniazid plus moxifloxacin gave PAEs of 136.5, 59.0, and 8.3 h, respectively.
Sequencing of
Neisseria meningitidis penA
Gene: the Key to Success in Defining Penicillin G Breakpoints
Authors: Arreaza Luisa , Salcedo Celia , Alcalá Belén , Uría María José , Abad Raquel , Enríquez Rocío , Vázquez Julio A.
Published: December 2003

Testing of susceptibility to penicillin G by E-test and sequencing of an internal fragment of the
penA
gene were done for 43 meningococcal strains. Those strains for which the MIC was ≥0.094 μg/ml showed mosaic alleles, so 0.094 μg/ml is suggested as the penicillin G intermediate breakpoint when E-test is used.
Modeling Antibiotic Tolerance in Biofilms by Accounting for Nutrient Limitation
Authors: Roberts Mark E. , Stewart Philip S.
Published: December 2003

A mathematical model of biofilm dynamics was used to investigate the protection from antibiotic killing that can be afforded to microorganisms in biofilms based on a mechanism of localized nutrient limitation and slow growth. The model assumed that the rate of killing by the antibiotic was directly proportional to the local growth rate. Growth rates in the biofilm were calculated by using the local concentration of a single growth-limiting substrate with Monod kinetics. The concentration profile of this metabolic substrate was calculated by solving a reaction-diffusion problem. The model predicted the following features: stratified patterns of growth with zones of no growth in the biofilm interior, slow killing of biofilm microorganisms that was further retarded as the initial biofilm thickness increased, nonuniform spatial patterns of killing inside the biofilm, biofilm killing rates that decrease in a nonlinear way as the concentration of the growth-limiting substrate feeding the biofilm is decreased, and heightened tolerance when external mass transfer resistance is manifested. This modeling study also provides motivation for further investigation of a hypothetical cell state in which damaged cells score as nonviable but continue to consume substrate. The existence of such a cell state can further retard biofilm killing, according to the simulations. The results support the important contributions of nutrient limitation and slow growth to the antibiotic tolerance of microorganisms in biofilms.
In Vitro Activities of the Novel Cephalosporin LB 11058 against Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococci and Streptococci
Authors: Sader Helio S. , Johnson David M. , Jones Ronald N.
Published: December 2003

LB 11058 is a novel parenteral cephalosporin with a C-3 pyrimidinyl-substituted vinyl sulfide group and a C-7 2-amino-5-chloro-1,3-thiazole group. This study evaluated the in vitro activity and spectrum of LB 11058 against 1,245 recent clinical isolates, including a subset of gram-positive strains with specific resistant phenotypes. LB 11058 was very active against
Streptococcus pneumoniae
. The novel cephalosporin was 8- to 16-fold more potent than ceftriaxone, cefepime, or amoxicillin-clavulanate against both penicillin-intermediate and -resistant
S. pneumoniae
. LB 11058 was also very active against both β-hemolytic streptococci (MIC at which 90% of isolates were inhibited [MIC
90
], ≤0.008 μg/ml) and viridans group streptococci (MIC
90
, 0.03 to 0.5 μg/ml), including penicillin-resistant strains. Among oxacillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
, LB 11058 MIC results varied from 0.06 to 0.25 μg/ml (MIC
50
, 0.12 μg/ml), while among oxacillin-resistant strains LB 11058 MICs varied from 0.25 to 1 μg/ml (MIC
50
, 1 μg/ml). Coagulase-negative staphylococci showed an LB 11058 susceptibility pattern similar to that of
S. aureus
, with all isolates being inhibited at ≤1 μg/ml. LB 11058 also showed reasonable in vitro activity against
Enterococcus faecalis
, including vancomycin-resistant strains (MIC
50
, 1 μg/ml), and
Bacillus
spp. (MIC
50
, 0.25 μg/ml); however, it was less active against
Enterococcus faecium
(MIC
50
, >64 μg/ml) and
Corynebacterium
spp. (MIC
50
, 32 μg/ml). Against gram-negative pathogens, LB 11058 showed activity against
Haemophilus influenzae
(MIC
90
, 0.25 to 0.5 μg/ml) and
Moraxella catarrhalis
(MIC
90
, 0.25 μg/ml), with MICs not influenced by β-lactamase production. In conclusion, LB 11058 demonstrated a broad antibacterial spectrum and was highly active against gram-positive bacteria, particularly against multidrug-resistant staphylococci and streptococci.
In Vivo Pharmacodynamic Activity of Daptomycin
Authors: Safdar Nasia , Andes David , Craig W. A.
Published: December 2003

Daptomycin is a lipopeptide antibiotic with activity against a wide range of gram-positive bacteria. We used the neutropenic murine thigh model to characterize the pharmacodynamics of daptomycin. ICR/Swiss mice were rendered neutropenic with cyclophosphamide; and the thigh muscles of the mice were infected with strains of
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, and
Enterococcus faecium
. Animals were treated by subcutaneous injection of daptomycin at doses of 0.20 to 400 mg/kg of body weight/day divided into one, two, four, or eight doses over 24 h. Daptomycin exhibited linear pharmacokinetics, with an area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to infinity/dose of 9.4 and a half-life of 0.9 to 1.4 h. The level of protein binding was 90%. Free daptomycin exhibited concentration-dependent killing and produced in vivo postantibiotic effects (PAEs) of 4.8 to 10.8 h. Nonlinear regression analysis was used to determine which pharmacokinetic (PK) or pharmacodynamic (PD) parameter was important for efficacy by using free drug concentrations. The peak concentration/MIC (peak/MIC) ratio and 24-h AUC/MIC ratio were the PK and PD parameters that best correlated with in vivo efficacy (
R
2
= 83 to 87% for peak/MIC and
R
2
= 86% for the AUC/MIC ratio, whereas
R
2
= 47 to 50% for the time that the concentration was greater than the MIC) against standard strains of
S. aureus
and
S. pneumoniae
. The peak/MIC ratios required for a bacteriostatic effect ranged from 12 to 36 for
S. pneumoniae
, 59 to 94 for S.
aureus
, and 0.14 to 0.25 for
E. faecium
. The AUC/MIC ratios needed for a bacteriostatic effect ranged from 75 to 237 for
S. pneumoniae
, 388 to 537 for
S. aureus
, and 0.94 to 1.67 for
E. faecium
. The free daptomycin concentrations needed to average from one to two times the MIC over 24 h to produce a bacteriostatic effect and two to four times the MIC over 24 h to produce greater than 99% killing. The long PAE and potent bactericidal activity make daptomycin an attractive option for the treatment of infections caused by gram-positive bacteria.
Anti-
Trypanosoma cruzi
Activity of Green Tea (
Camellia sinensis
) Catechins
Authors: Paveto Cristina , Güida María C. , Esteva Mónica I. , Martino Virginia , Coussio Jorge , Flawiá Mirtha M. , Torres Héctor N.
Published: December 2003

The trypanocidal action of green tea catechins against two different developmental stages of
Trypanosoma cruzi
is reported for the first time. This activity was assayed with the nonproliferative bloodstream trypomastigote and with the intracellular replicative amastigote parasite forms. An ethyl acetate fraction from
Camellia sinensis
green tea leaves, which contains most of the polyphenolic compounds and the maximal trypanocidal activity, was obtained by fractionation of the aqueous extract with organic solvents. The active compounds present in this extract were further purified by LH-20 column chromatography and were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis with a photo diode array detector and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy. The following flavan-3-ols derivatives, known as catechins, were identified: catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate. The purified compounds lysed more than 50% of the parasites present in the blood of infected BALB/c mice at concentrations as low as 0.12 to 85 pM. The most active compounds were gallocatechin gallate and epigallocatechin gallate, with minimal bactericidal concentrations that inhibited 50% of isolates tested of 0.12 and 0.53 pM, respectively. The number of amastigotes in infected Vero cells decreased by 50% in the presence of each of these compounds at 100 nM. The effects of the catechins on the recombinant
T. cruzi
arginine kinase, a key enzyme in the energy metabolism of the parasite, were assayed. The activity of this enzyme was inhibited by about 50% by nanomolar concentrations of catechin gallate or gallocatechin gallate, whereas the other members of the group were less effective. On the basis of these results, we suggest that these compounds could be used to sterilize blood and, eventually, as therapeutic agents for Chagas' disease.
Orally Administered Targeted Recombinant Beta-Lactamase Prevents Ampicillin-Induced Selective Pressure on the Gut Microbiota: a Novel Approach to Reducing Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Harmoinen Jaana , Mentula Silja , Heikkilä Matti , van der Rest Michel , Rajala-Schultz Päivi J. , Donskey Curtis J. , Frias Rafael , Koski Pertti , Wickstrand Nina , Jousimies-Somer Hannele , Westermarck Elias , Lindevall Kai
Published: December 2003

Antibiotics that are excreted into the intestinal tract promote antibiotic resistance by exerting selective pressure on the gut microbiota. Using a beagle dog model, we show that an orally administered targeted recombinant β-lactamase enzyme eliminates the portion of parenteral ampicillin that is excreted into the small intestine, preventing ampicillin-induced changes to the fecal microbiota without affecting ampicillin levels in serum. In dogs receiving ampicillin, significant disruption of the fecal microbiota and the emergence of ampicillin-resistant
Escherichia coli
and TEM genes were observed, whereas in dogs treated with ampicillin in combination with an oral β-lactamase, these did not occur. These results suggest a new strategy for reducing antimicrobial resistance in humans.
Efficacy of Garenoxacin in Treatment of Experimental Endocarditis Due to
Staphylococcus aureus
or Viridans Group Streptococci
Authors: Entenza José M. , Vouillamoz Jacques , Glauser Michel P. , Moreillon Philippe
Published: December 2003

The activity of garenoxacin was investigated in rats with experimental endocarditis due to staphylococci and viridans group streptococci (VGS). The staphylococci tested comprised one ciprofloxacin-susceptible and methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
(MSSA) isolate (isolate 1112), one ciprofloxacin-susceptible but methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) isolate (isolate P8), and one ciprofloxacin-resistant mutant (
grlA
) of P8 (isolate P8-4). The VGS tested comprised one penicillin-susceptible isolate and one penicillin-resistant isolate (
Streptococcus oralis
226 and
Streptococcus mitis
531, respectively). To simulate the kinetics of drugs in humans, rats were infused intravenously with garenoxacin every 24 h (peak and trough levels in serum, 6.1 and 1.0 mg/liter, respectively; area under the concentration-time curve [AUC], 63.4 mg · h/liter) or levofloxacin every 12 h (peak and trough levels in serum, 7.3 and 1.5 mg/liter, respectively; AUC, 55.6 mg · h/liter) for 3 or 5 days. Flucloxacillin, vancomycin, and ceftriaxone were used as control drugs. Garenoxacin, levofloxacin, flucloxacillin, and vancomycin sterilized ≥70% of the vegetations infected with both ciprofloxacin-susceptible staphylococcal isolates (
P
< 0.05 versus the results for the controls). Garenoxacin and vancomycin also sterilized 70% of the vegetations infected with ciprofloxacin-resistant MRSA isolate P8-4, whereas treatment with levofloxacin failed against this organism (cure rate, 0%;
P
< 0.05 versus the results obtained with the comparator drugs). Garenoxacin did not select for resistant derivatives in vivo. In contrast, levofloxacin selected for resistant variants in four of six rats infected with MRSA isolate P8-4. Garenoxacin sterilized 90% of the vegetations infected with both penicillin-susceptible and penicillin-resistant isolates of VGS. Levofloxacin sterilized only 22 and 40% of the vegetations infected with penicillin-susceptible
S. oralis
226 and penicillin-resistant
S. mitis
531, respectively. Ceftriaxone sterilized only 40% of those infected with penicillin-resistant
S. mitis
531 (
P
< 0.05 versus the results obtained with garenoxacin). No quinolone-resistant VGS were detected. In all the experiments successful quinolone treatment was predicted by specific pharmacodynamic criteria (D. R. Andes and W. A. Craig, Clin. Infect. Dis. 27:47-50, 1998). The fact that the activity of garenoxacin was equal or superior to those of the standard comparators against staphylococci and VGS indicates that it is a potential alternative for the treatment of infections caused by such bacteria.
A Review of Problems in Clinical Acupuncture Research
Authors: Ernst E. , White A. R.
Published: December 2003

Although laboratory studies indicate that acupuncture can have physiological effects, clinical studies of acupuncture are frequently inconclusive. Randomized controlled trials are the best way to test for the specific effectiveness of a therapy. Problems in clinical acupuncture research include the diversity of forms of therapy, individualised treatments, blinding, choosing a credible control procedure, selecting suitable endpoints and traditional diagnosis. The enthusiasm of proponents of acupuncture may bias the research they are performing. None of these difficulties is insurmountable. Examples of rigorous trials are listed and some suggestions are offered on ways of improving research.
A Clinical Study on Physiological Response in Electroacupuncture Analgesia and Meperidine Analgesia for Colonoscopy
Authors: Wang Hwang-Huei , Chan Yung-Hsien , Liu Ding-Ming , Ho Yu-Jen
Published: December 2003

Fifty-nine patients underwent consecutive colonoscopic examination with premedication of electroacupuncture analgesia (EA) were compared with conventional meperidine analgesia (MA) in pain relief and changes of neurotransmitters in serum. The results showed that analgesic efficacy of both groups were the same but with less side effects in the EA group (P < 0.01) especially in regard to dizziness. Serum concentration of β-endorphin in both groups has a similar curve change at 4 different phases during colonoscopy. Serum concentration of epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and cortisol showed no significant difference between these two groups. The analgesic effect of EA and MA during colonoscopic examination may be closely related to β-endorphin production in serum.
Effects of Moxibustion on Blood Pressure and Renal Function in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Lee Ho Sub , Yu Yun Cho , Kim Seong Tae , Kim Kyung Sik
Published: December 2003

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of moxibustion at the meridian points BL-15 (Xin-shu) and BL-27 (Xiao-chang-shu) on renal function, systolic blood pressure, plasma levels of renin activity, aldosterone and atrial natriuretic peptide in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The results showed that urine volume increased significantly after moxibustion at the meridian points BL-15, but decreased at BL-27. Urinary excretion of Na + decreased after moxibustion at the meridian points BL-15 and BL-27. Systolic blood pressure decreased after moxibustion at the meridian point BL-15. No effect was observed at BL-27. Plasma levels of aldosterone and renin activity increased significantly, but the levels of atrial natriuretic peptide decreased significantly after moxibustion at BL-15. Plasma levels of aldosterone and atrial natriuretic peptide increased significantly after moxibustion at the meridian points BL-27. These results suggest that the meridian points BL-15 and BL-27 are related to the regulation of renal function and the secretion of hormone with body fluid metabolism.
Effect of Niuche-Shen-Qi-Wan on Painful Muscle Cramps in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Motoo Yoshiharu , Taga Hiromi , Yamaguchi Yasushi , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Okai Takashi , Sawabu Norio
Published: December 2003

Twelve patients with liver cirrhosis complaining of painful muscle cramps were treated with Niuche-Shen-Qi-Wan (TJ-107). Three patients were at the decompensated state. Muscle cramps disappeared in 4 weeks on the average after oral administration of TJ-107 in all 12 patients. During the period of TJ-107 administration, there was no significant improvement of hepatic function. One patient complained of mild epigastric discomfort after taking TJ-107, but there were no other adverse effects. Our results indicate that TJ-107 is useful for treatment of painful muscle cramps in cirrhotic patients.
Herbal Teas and Populace Health Care in Tropical China
Authors: Hu Shiu Ying
Published: December 2003

Commercial Chinese herbal tea is the development of the populace in tropical and subtropical China consequential to their fight against infectious diseases and in their struggle to explore local plants to relieve fever, to alleviate pain, to restore strength and to modulate immunity against viral epidemics. From these ethnomedical experiences, two types of herbal teas were commercialized, namely, liangcha and medicated teas. Liangcha refers to a ready-made decoction infused from wild plants served in simple stores in cities and towns. Medicated teas are parcelled material prepared from crude drugs with or without tea (Camellia sinensis [L.] O. Ktze,), sold in colorful boxes and bags to people for use at home. Investigations of liangcha were made in Hong Kong and Macao, and studies of medicated teas were done from samples obtained in Chinese stores at Boston. A total of 127 source species of these herbal teas were identified and arranged in two alphabetical lists by the botanical names, each followed by an English common name in parenthesis, part used, frequency in samples, and family. External recognizing characters of medicated teas, discussions of problems encountered in identifying source species, relevant toxicities, and potential new vegetal pharmaceutical resources are given.
Effect of Indirect Moxibustion on Mouse Skin
Authors: Chiba Atsushi , Nakanishi Hiromoto , Chichibu Shiko
Published: December 2003

Effect of indirect moxibustion stimulation on mouse skin was studied by thermal qualitative, biochemical, and histological methods. The maximum temperature change by indirect moxibustion was about 65 °C on the skin, and 45 °C in the subcutaneous layer. The treatment of indirect moxibustion was found to be associated with the decrease of lipid peroxidation and increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the skin. Histological findings after indirect moxibustion showed an increase in the number of hair mother cells and hypertropy of the cells.
Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activity of Terminalia catappa
Authors: Lin Chun-Ching , Chen Yea-Ling , Lin Jer Min , Ujiie Takashi
Published: December 2003

The free radical scavenging and antihepatotoxic activity from Terminalia catappa was studied. Treatment with T. catappa water extracts showed antihepatotoxic activity against CCl 4-induced toxicity in the rat liver that was tested. The crude drug also exhibited anti-oxidant effects in FeCl 2-Ascorbic acid induced lipid peroxidation in the rat liver homogenate. Moreover, the superoxide radical scavenger effect of T. catappa was demonstrated using electron spin resonance (ESR) and spin-trapping technique. The results indicate that T. catappa possesses good antihepatotoxic activity and superoxide radical scavenger activity.
Hypoglycemic Action of Embelia madagascariensis in Normal and Diabetic Mice
Authors: Miura Toshihiro , Kato Atsushi
Published: December 2003

The hypoglycemic effect of Embelia madagascariensis (Myrsinaceae) was investigated in both normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. The methanol extract of leaves of Embelia madagascariensis (EL)(500 mg/kg) reduced the blood glucose of normal mice from 206 ± 9 to 137 ± 10 mg/100 ml 4 hours after intraperitoneal administration (P<0.001), and also significantly lowered the blood glucose of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice from 570 ± 29 to 401 ± 59 mg/100 ml under similar conditions (P<0.05). EL also suppressed epinephrine-induced hyperglycemia in mice (control vs EL, P<0.01).
Ameliorative Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescriptions on α-Naphthylisothiocyanate and Carbon-tetrachloride Induced Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Tsai Chin-Chuan , Kao Shung-Te , Hsu Chao-Tien , Lin Chun-Ching , Lai Jim-Shoung , Lin Jaung-Geng
Published: December 2003

Syh-Mo-Yin (SMY), Guizhi-Fuling-Wan (GFW), Shieh-Qing-Wan (SQW) and Syh-Nih-San (SNS) are prescriptions of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for liver disease. The effects of these four prescriptions against experimental liver injury induced by α-Naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) and carbon tetrachloride ( CCl 4) were studied. Rats treated with ANIT (100 mg/kg) exhibited elevations of serum total bilirubin (TBI), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate-oxalatetransaminase (sGOT) and glutamate-pyruvate-transaminase (sGPT) as well as cholestasis and parenchymanecrosis. In rats receiving SMY, SQW and SNS treatment after ANIT challenged, the biochemical and morphological parameters of liver injury were significantly reduce. Elevated lipid peroxidation (LPO) level in liver tissue, associated with an increase in serum GOT and GPT level, was observed in CCl 4-treated rats. Treatment with these four prescriptions on CCl 4-induced liver injury rats showed a remarkable hepatoprotective effect. A significant decrease in peroxidative level suggested that these prescriptions have anti free radical properties.
Service Quality of Chinese Traditional Medicine in Taiwan: A Comparative Study
Authors: Chen Wen-Hsien
Published: December 2003

A consensus is growing that measuring service quality level based on patients' perceptions is crucial for continuous improvement. This work involved a questionnaire survey to evaluate the gap of perceived service quality level between Chinese traditional medicine and Western medicine in Taiwan. The ten dimensions of service quality proposed by Parasuraman et al. (1985) were adopted as a framework to design an instrument. The results of data analyses indicated that significant differences arise in perceived quality level between the two systems in four dimensions: competency, tangibles, courtesy, and communication. Managerial implications of the results were discussed. We recommend that the two systems learn from each other to enhance patient satisfaction.
Electroacupuncture and Laser Stimulation Treatment: Evaluated by Somatosensory Evoked Potential in Conscious Rabbits
Authors: Sing Troy , Yang Mabel M.
Published: December 2003

Tooth pulp generated somatosensory evoked potential (TPSEP) recordings were used to evaluate analgesic responses to Electroacupuncture (EA) and laser stimulation (Ls) treatments in Dutch-hybrid male rabbits. TPSEP recorded 100 trials at 30 minute intervals for 120 minutes. Three groups, EA, Ls and control were analyzed. The EA group received intermittent 4 Hz, intensity 2-10 volts electro-stimulation for twenty minutes. In the Ls group, a gallium aluminium arsenide (GaAlAs) laser diode with wavelength 780 nm, switched pulse frequency 9720 Hz, energy density 0.6 J/point was employed. Both EA and Ls groups received stimulation of the points Ho-ku (LI-4) and Tzu-San-Li (ST-36). Results showed tooth pulp generated noxious stimulation produced a consistent late near-field SEP waveform, which is similar to those recorded in humans and correlated to the sensation of pains, thus confirming that tooth pulp stimulation is a reliable dolormetric index. EA and Ls TPSEP recordings showed decreased peak-wave amplitude in late near-field components. These decreases correlate to analgesia. This technique provides an objective and reliable dolormetric index.
Changes in Alpha Wave and State Anxiety during ChunDoSunBup Qi-Training in Trainees with Open Eyes
Authors: Lee Myeong Soo , Bae Byuong Hoon , Ryu Hoon , Sohn Jin-Hun , Kim Soo Yong , Chung Hun-Taeg
Published: December 2003

We investigated the effects of ChunDoSunBup (CDSB) Qi-training, one of the Korean popular Qi-training systems, on EEG patterns, activation coefficients and state anxiety in 13 trainees with open eyes. CDSB Qi-training procedure consists of 3 stages: sound exercise, reciting Chunmoon, which is similar to a mantra; haeng-gong, a kind of body motion; and meditation. Compared to the control state (resting state before Qi-training), subjects reported less state anxiety, their activation coefficients decreased significantly during sound exercise and meditation in the occipital regions. Mean relative power and changes of mean absolute power of alpha wave increased significantly during sound exercise and meditation in the occipital regions. These results suggest that sound exercise and meditation in ChunDoSunBup Qi-training may reduce activation of the visual cortex and influence the thalamus and other functions of the brain. These could reduce anxiety levels and modulate the psychological, neurological, and physiological functions in man.
Superoxide Anion Scavenge Effect of Quercs glauca Thunb. in Whole Blood of Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Sheu Shiow-Yunn , Tsuang Yang-Hwei , Hsu Feng-Lin , Lu Fung-Jou , Chiang Hsüch-Ching
Published: December 2003

Nine phenolic compounds, catechin (I), epicatechin (2), gallocatechin (3), epigallocatechin (4), procyanidin B-4 (5), catechin-3-O-rhamnoside (6), rutin (7), querglanin (8) and isoquerglanin (9) were isolated from oak leaves (Quercus glauca Thunb. Fagaceae), and the latter two (8, 9) were identified as new compounds. Several Quercus species have been used in folk medicine as an astringent for hemorrhoids and for treatment of inflammation, jaundice, and tumor. In this study, these compounds were tested for scavenging effects of the superoxide anion in the whole blood of patients with ankylosing spondylitis by means of an ultra-sensitive chemoluminescence (CL) analyzer and lucigenin amplification. The results showed that at a concentration of 2.3 × 10-5 M, isoquerglanin (9) displayed the strongest inhibition activity (73.55%), followed by querglanin (8) (68.81%) and then gallocatechin (3) and epigallocatechin (4) (66.97 and 60.17% inhibition, respectively). In addition, the blood chemoluminescence (CL) level of patients with ankylosing spondylitis was inhibited by superoxide dismutase (SOD) but not by catalase, suggesting that superoxide anion is the major component of reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in this assay system.
Effect of Gegen-Tang on Painful Gynecomastia in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Brief Report
Authors: Motoo Yoshiharu , Taga Hiromi , Su Shi-Bing , Sawabu Norio
Published: December 2003

Four patients with liver cirrhosis and complaining of painful gynecomastia were treated with oral administration of Gegen-Tang (TJ-1). Pain disappeared in 3 patients in one week, and in one patient in 4 weeks. The size of gynecomastia did not change significantly on mammography, but palpable induration diminished or disappeared. The patients had been treated with Chaihu (saiko) group drugs for liver diseases, and TJ-1 was used in combination with these drugs. Serum levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other sex hormones did not change significantly after TJ-1 treatment. These results suggest that TJ-1 could be used for the painful gynecomastia that is occasionally seen in cirrhotic patients.
Comparative Study of Oral and Parenteral Administration of Sho-saiko-to (Xiao-Chaihu-Tang) Extract on D-galactosamine-induced Liver Injury in Rats
Authors: Ohta Yoshiji , Nishida Keiji , Sasaki Emi , Kongo Mutsumi , Hayashi Takahiro , Nagata Minoru , Ishiguro Isao
Published: December 2003

The preventive effect of Sho-saiko-to (Xiao-Chaihu-Tang) extract (TJ-9) on the progression of D-galactosamine (GalN)-induced liver injury was examined in five week-old male Wistar rats with oral (p.o.) or intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of the same dose of TJ-9. Rats treated once with GaIN (500 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) received TJ-9 at a dose of 1.0 g/kg body weight (p.o. or i.p.) 2 hours after GaIN treatment at which time an apparent liver injury occurred. Both p.o. and i.p administration of TJ-9 showed similar significant prevention against the progression of liver injury 24 hours after GaIN injection. Although total protein and albumin concentrations in serum and protein concentration in the liver decreased with the progression of GaIN-induced liver injury, oral or i.p. administration of TJ-9 prevented these decreases in similar degree. However, decreases in serum and liver triglyceride concentration with the progresseion of liver injury were not attenuated after p.o. or i.p. administration of TJ-9. The activities of liver 5'-nucleotidase and glucose-6-phosphatase, marker enzymes of liver plasma and microsomal membranes, respectively, decreased during the progression of liver injury. A similar preventive effect on the decrease of both enzyme activities was found after p.o. or i.p. administration of TJ-9 .These results indicate that the preventive effect on progression of GaIN-induced liver injury by oral or i.p. administration is approximately equal, and that the effect may be through improving the impaired liver protein synthesis and disrupted liver plasma and microsomal membranes in a similar degree.
SETS OF ANALYTICAL SOLUTIONS OF THE DIRAC EQUATION WITH CONFINING POTENTIALS
Authors: MICU L.
Published: December 2003

In the framework of a relativistic constituent quark model we propose some confining potentials behaving like r and r2 at large distances which allow for analytical solutions of the Dirac equation. The solutions are given in explicit form.
FINAL-STATE INTERACTIONS IN COUPLED CHANNELS OF PHYSICAL HADRONS RESULTING IN A SIZABLE, DIRECT CP-VIOLATION IN $B^0(\bar B^0)\to\pi^+\pi^-$
Authors: BARSHAY SAUL , KREYERHOFF GEORG
Published: December 2003

We show that the large, direct CP-violation parameter Aππ=-Cππ, reported by the BELLE collaboration in the decays [Formula: see text], implies an unusual situation in which the presence of a very large difference between two strong-interaction phases (~ -110°) plays an essential role. We make the demonstration within a model of strong, two-body quasi-elastic interactions between physical hadrons. The model can accommodate a large difference between two strong-interaction phases, for which it provides a natural enhancement.
A TOOL FOR ANALYZING MAGNETOENCEPHALOGRAPHY-DATA BASED ON DIFFERENT ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: BORSCHBACH M. , LIPPE W.-M. , NIENDIEK S.
Published: December 2003

The localization of intracerebral dipole sources in order to detect pathological events is one purpose of magnetoencephalography (MEG). Another aspect is the analysis of brain processes and brain structures. A system consisting of two different types of Artificial Neural Networks is presented. The structure of a feed forward neural network with two layers and a learning rule designed for the task of Blind Signal Separation (BSS) is used to separate temporarily overlapping neuron activities in the brain. Based on the separated signals, the task of the second type of neural network is to determine the position and strength of the different, underlying magnetic dipoles. Several concepts of neural networks, their limits and potentials concerning both tasks of mining medical data are discussed briefly.
DATA MINING FOR GENE EXPRESSION PROFILES FROM DNA MICROARRAY
Authors: CHO SUNG-BAE , WON HONG-HEE
Published: December 2003

Microarray technology has supplied a large volume of data, which changes many problems in biology into the problems of computing. As a result techniques for extracting useful information from the data are developed. In particular, microarray technology has been applied to prediction and diagnosis of cancer, so that it expectedly helps us to exactly predict and diagnose cancer. To precisely classify cancer we have to select genes related to cancer because the genes extracted from microarray have many noises. In this paper, we attempt to explore seven feature selection methods and four classifiers and propose ensemble classifiers in three benchmark datasets to systematically evaluate the performances of the feature selection methods and machine learning classifiers. Three benchmark datasets are leukemia cancer dataset, colon cancer dataset and lymphoma cancer data set. The methods to combine the classifiers are majority voting, weighted voting, and Bayesian approach to improve the performance of classification. Experimental results show that the ensemble with several basis classifiers produces the best recognition rate on the benchmark datasets.
MODEL-BASED CLUSTERING IN GENE EXPRESSION MICROARRAYS: AN APPLICATION TO BREAST CANCER DATA
Authors: MAR J. C. , MCLACHLAN G. J.
Published: December 2003

In microarray studies, the application of clustering techniques is often used to derive meaningful insights into the data. In the past, hierarchical methods have been the primary clustering tool employed to perform this task. The hierarchical algorithms have been mainly applied heuristically to these cluster analysis problems. Further, a major limitation of these methods is their inability to determine the number of clusters. Thus there is a need for a model-based approach to these clustering problems. To this end, McLachlan et al. [7] developed a mixture model-based algorithm (EMMIX-GENE) for the clustering of tissue samples. To further investigate the EMMIX-GENE procedure as a model-based approach, we present a case study involving the application of EMMIX-GENE to the breast cancer data as studied recently in van 't Veer et al. [10]. Our analysis considers the problem of clustering the tissue samples on the basis of the genes which is a non-standard problem because the number of genes greatly exceed the number of tissue samples. We demonstrate how EMMIX-GENE can be useful in reducing the initial set of genes down to a more computationally manageable size. The results from this analysis also emphasise the difficulty associated with the task of separating two tissue groups on the basis of a particular subset of genes. These results also shed light on why supervised methods have such a high misallocation error rate for the breast cancer data.
A PROCEDURE TO TRANSLATE PARADIGM SPECIFICATIONS TO PROPOSITIONAL LINEAR TEMPORAL LOGIC AND ITS APPLICATION TO VERIFICATION
Authors: AUGUSTO JUAN CARLOS , GOMEZ RODOLFO SABAS
Published: December 2003

Software systems have evolved from monolithic programs to systems constructed from parallel, cooperative components, as can be currently found in object-oriented applications. Although powerful, these cooperative systems are also more difficult to verify.

We show that it is possible to automatically translate a PARADIGM specification to a Propositional Linear Temporal Logic based program. This has several interesting consequences: a) on one hand we allow a more declarative view of PARADIGM specifications, b) the resulting translation is an executable specification and c) as we show in this work it can also be used to verify correctness properties by automatic means. We think this will contribute to enhance the understanding, usability and further development of PARADIGM, and related methods like SOCCA, within both the Software Engineering and the Knowledge Engineering communities.
TOWARDS THE ALGEBRAIC ANALYSIS OF HYPERLINK STRUCTURES
Authors: FRONK ALEXANDER
Published: December 2003

Structuring media objects such as text or graphics by means of XML is a broadly discussed issue in hypermedia modelling. Thereby, an entire hypermedia document is not only arranged in such a way that different developers may interchange data and have easy access to the inner structure of media objects. Moreover, utilizing a given document structure to find new possibilities of linking documents is a major concern. Formal approaches, however, rarely appear in this context. In this paper, we contribute to formally structuring media objects and their linkage, thereby aiming at analyzing hyperlink structures. That is, properties of hyperlink structures such as reachability, existence of certain paths through a hyperdocument, or dangling links may be verified mathematically in advance of implementing the hyperdocument. Algebraic specifications serve as a formal model which allows to obtain algebras reflecting hyperlink structures and which is open to analyze their static properties.
Video Streaming in Southeast Asia: Blockbuster at the Edge
Authors: Raven Peter , Patrick Fleenor C. , Kucur Kristie
Published: December 2003

Blockbuster was a world leader in video rentals and sales, DVDs and video game retail outlets. Their international expansion strategy called for developing the video streaming market. Determining the ideal location for their first initiative is the subject of this case. A decision must be made between Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. The choice was not obvious, as all three had both positive and some less attractive features. Broadband was a requirement for video streaming and is already in use in the region, at least to some extent. However, several marketing issues arose. Realizing that success in the initial market would have a strong influence on the likelihood of success in South-East Asia and perhaps in the larger Asia-Pacific region, the decision as to which country to select and how to approach the market with video streaming was critical.
Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited: Strategic Renewal
Authors: Maheshwari Sunil Kumar , Ravichandran N.
Published: December 2003

This case provides a comprehensive account of the origin, foundation, growth, managerial and operational problems, labor relationship, decline in performance, change of ownership, and the initiatives taken by the new management team to revive the company.

Mangalore was an initiative by Karnataka State Government in India. Originally, MCFL was conceived as a private sector organization. Eventually it was converted to a state-owned public sector undertaking. There was no accountability for the senior managers in managing the plant. Often, they had to make a trade off between their loyalty to the elected representatives and the prosperity of MCFL. Invariably, the operating officers who were usually drawn from Indian Administrative Services chose to neglect the commercial prospects of MCFL. Erratic power supply and hostile labor situation (as a consequence of inappropriate labor policies) led to frequent shut down of the plant. Consequently, the financial health of the plant deteriorated. The precarious financial position made MCFL a candidate for either closure or for sale. The Indian Government, in an attempt to revive the plant, put MCFL through two rehabilitation packages supported by its Board and its financial institutions. Eventually, MCFL was sold to UB Group in 1990. The Chairman Mr. Mallya nominated a team from UB group to manage and revive MCFL. As of 2002, MCFL is a profit-generating organization. The management has to decide, how MCFL should grow from now onwards.
Gentran Machinery, Inc. (A)
Authors: Carl Pegels C.
Published: December 2003

The two cases describe the problems associated with the implementation of an international manufacturing joint venture in China between an American construction machinery firm and its Chinese counterpart. Case (A) presents the major hurdles the partners had to deal with: cultural, language and management problems. The conflicts between the two sides were exasperated by the lack of Western exposure to Chinese managers and the strict hierarchical management system in the Chinese side of the joint venture. Case (A) does not propose solutions but certainly raises many issues that need resolution.

Case (B) proposes solutions to the problems extensively described in the "A" case. General recommendations were proposed to address the following issues: (a) the general manager's position, power and authority in the joint venture, (b) the organizational design of the joint venture, (c) clarification of the responsibility of both parties, (d) reward system and appraisal system, (e) how to deal with both the Chinese and American incompetent managers, (f) how to deal with the communication problems, both language and cultural, and (g) final comprehensive and position outline of the potential of the joint venture.
WORK-RELATED CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: CURRENT CONCEPTS
Authors: Fagarasanu Mircea , Kumar Shrawan
Published: December 2003

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) has been the subject of a growing number of studies, most of them leading to contradictory outcomes. The dual aim of this paper is to provide the foundation for a thorough understanding of CTS history, and to emphasize the strong relationship between upper extremity activities and occupational CTS. Evidence of work relatedness, as well as contradictory opinions regarding the role of job-related risk factors on CTS development are addressed. It is proposed that a thorough understanding of the factors that intervene in the task-CTS causal relationship, as well as the assessment of workers' adaptation capacity will lead to ergonomic interventions that will ensure a reduction in the number of work-related CTS cases.
DETERMINATION OF LOAD TRANSMISSION AND CONTACT FORCE AT FACET JOINTS OF L2–L3 MOTION SEGMENT USING FE METHOD
Authors: Teo E. C. , Lee K. K. , Ng H. W. , Qiu T. X. , Yang K.
Published: December 2003

In the human spine, it is well known that facet joints play a significant role in load transmission and providing stability. It has also been hypothesized to be one of most probable sources of low back pain. Experimental determination of the load-bearing role of lumbar intervertebral joints, such as the facets joints, under axial compression has not been a straightforward task. In this study, the role of the facets in load transmission through a L2–L3 motion segment under axial compression is investigated using a L2–L3 finite element (FE) model, incorporated with an accurate three-dimensional geometry of facet joints with the inclusion of surface-to-surface continuum contact representation. The effects of osteoarthritis on facet force and biomechanical behaviors are also investigated by assuming friction at the facet joints. The study shows that the facet joints resisted 8% more in load for joints with osteoarthritics as compared with the normal joints. High percentage increase in contact facet force was also predicted for joint with osteoarthritics deformity. The use of the analytical FE model provided yet another efficient alternative for predicting the load transmission and contact force for degenerative joints, so as to provide a better understanding of the biomechanics of the spine as well as the pathophysiology of the various spinal disorders and degenerative conditions.
PERIOPERATIVE EXERCISE IMPROVES FUNCTION FOLLOWING TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Gilbey Helen J. , Ackland Timothy R. , Tapper Jeff , Wang Allan W.
Published: December 2003

Until recently, limited evidence existed to support the efficacy of exercise programs for patients scheduled for total hip arthroplasty (THA), and no evidence-based guidelines were available regarding the length or intensity of exercise programs and their effect on patient recovery. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the impact of an eight-week pre-surgery and 20 week post-surgery customized exercise program on the strength and function of subjects scheduled for THA. A series of physical tests and quality of life questionnaires were completed by patients (n = 57) pre-surgery and on three occasions post-surgery. In the week prior to surgery, the exercise group exhibited significant improvements (p < 0.05) in composite hip strength score and WOMAC total score in comparison to control subjects. By week 24, post-surgery scores for WOMAC total score, Harris Hip score, composite strength score, hip flexion range of motion of the operated hip and the distance walked in 6 minutes were significantly (p < 0.05) better in exercise group patients. A detailed description of the exercise intervention is presented in this paper.