bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a Chinese herbal medicine preparation in the treatment of cough in uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection: a randomised double-blinded placebo-control trial
Authors: WCW Wong , A Lee , AT Lam , KT Li , CYM Leung , PC Leung , ELY Wong , JL Tang 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
Rigorous scientific and well-designed clinical trials to evaluate the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is lacking. We, therefore, designed this study to evaluate the effectiveness of a commonly used TCM preparation in treating acute cough of uncomplicated URTI in adults and to search for a safe, effective and affordable alternative treatment for this common condition.

Methods
A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-control study comparing this TCM preparation with a placebo was conducted in 82 patients who attended the Family Medicine Training Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong between November and December, 2003. The TCM herbal preparation includes nine commonly used TCM herbs for cough such as chuanbei, fangfeng, jiegeng, gancao and baibu (see Table 1) The treatment lasted for 5 days and patients were followed-up for another 6 days. Patients were asked to fill in a cough score and validated Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ).

Results
62 patients (75.6%) had completed the trial and no adverse effects were reported. Both intervened and control groups had improved in cough score and LCQ in the follow-up period, despite no overall statistical significance was observed in the differences of scores between the two groups. Women taking TCM had significantly fewer problems with sputum production (p = 0.03) and older subjects (>35 years of age) reported a significant improvement in hoarseness (p = 0.05) when compared to those using placebo.

Conclusion
TCM was well-tolerated and received among the Hong Kong Chinese population. This TCM preparation appeared to have some benefits in the treatment of cough. Future research on TCM should concentrate more on commonly encountered conditions such as UTRI and cough. Our experience on the sensitivity of assessment tools used in detecting subtle differences in an otherwise self-limiting illness and clinical trial methodology when applying the underlying theory of how TCM works in disease management was invaluable.
Transduction of Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase mediated by an HIV-1 Tat protein basic domain into human chondrocytes
Authors: Kim Hyun Ah , Won Kim Dae , Park Jinseu , Choi Soo Young 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis study was performed to investigate the transduction of a full-length superoxide dismutase (SOD) protein fused to transactivator of transcription (Tat) into human chondrocytes, and to determine the regulatory function of transduced Tat-SOD in the inflammatory cytokine induced catabolic pathway. The pTat-SOD expression vector was constructed to express the basic domain of HIV-1 Tat as a fusion protein with Cu, Zn-SOD. We also purified histidine-tagged SOD without an HIV-1 Tat and Tat-GFP as control proteins. Cartilage samples were obtained from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and chondrocytes were cultured in both a monolayer and an explant. For the transduction of fusion proteins, cells/explants were treated with a variety of concentrations of fusion proteins. The transduced protein was detected by fluorescein labeling, western blotting and SOD activity assay. Effects of transduced Tat-SOD on the regulation of IL-1 induced nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression was assessed by the Griess reaction and reverse transcriptase PCR, respectively. Tat-SOD was successfully delivered into both the monolayer and explant cultured chondrocytes, whereas the control SOD was not. The intracellular transduction of Tat-SOD into cultured chondrocytes was detected after 1 hours, and the amount of transduced protein did not change significantly after further incubation. SOD enzyme activity increased in a dose-dependent manner. NO production and iNOS mRNA expression, in response to IL-1 stimulation, was significantly down-regulated by pretreatment with Tat-SOD fusion proteins. This study shows that protein delivery employing the Tat-protein transduction domain is feasible as a therapeutic modality to regulate catabolic processes in cartilage. Construction of additional Tat-fusion proteins that can regulate cartilage metabolism favorably and application of this technology in in vivo models of arthritis are the subjects of future studies.
Study protocol: Home-based physical rehabilitation for survivors of a critical illness [ACTRN12605000166673]
Authors: Elliott Doug , McKinley Sharon , Alison Jennifer A , Aitken Leanne M , King Madeleine T 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Introduction
Numerous primary studies and several review papers have highlighted delayed physical and psychological recovery for survivors of critical illness, often beyond 6 months after discharge. This randomized controlled trial with blinded assessment aims to test the effects of an 8-week, home-based, individually tailored physical rehabilitation programme on physical and psychological recovery for survivors of a critical illness after discharge from hospital.

Method
Participants are survivors of a critical illness discharged from nine intensive care units (ICUs) in Australia, who are aged 18 years or older, in an ICU longer than 48 hours, discharged home to self-care or carer (non-institutional care), able to participate in physical rehabilitation, and within the hospitals' local geographical areas for home visits. The study is based in participants' home environments. Blinded assessments at weeks 1, 8 and 26 after hospital discharge examine physical functioning, exercise capacity, health-related quality of life and psychological well being. The intervention is graded, individualized endurance and strength training prescribed by a pulmonary rehabilitation physiotherapist over an 8-week period, with three home visits, five follow-up phone calls, and a printed exercise manual supporting the training. Initial focus is on lower limb exercises and walking, with warm-up stretches, and progresses to the addition of core stabilization and upper limb exercises.

Results
The burden of a critical illness is well documented. This novel study will determine whether a home-based physical rehabilitation programme improves the recovery trajectory for survivors of critical illness. The projected sample size of 200 patients aims to detect a clinically important 10% improvement in physical functioning. The study will also examine whether other important physical and psychological measures are improved.

Conclusion
This multicentre, randomized controlled trial will examine outcomes that are meaningful to patients, their family and society, namely functional ability and well being. The study will also target a health problem that is likely to increase as the population ages. If the programme is effective, it will provide a model that can be easily adapted and adopted by existing primary care or community services to improve the recovery of individuals following critical illness.
Measurement of alveolar derecruitment in patients with acute lung injury: computerized tomography versus pressure–volume curve
Authors: Lu Qin , Constantin Jean-Michel , Nieszkowska Ania , Elman Marilia , Vieira Silvia , Rouby Jean-Jacques 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Introduction
Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)-induced lung derecruitment can be assessed by a pressure–volume (P–V) curve method or by lung computed tomography (CT). However, only the first method can be used at the bedside. The aim of the study was to compare both methods for assessing alveolar derecruitment after the removal of PEEP in patients with acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Methods
P–V curves (constant-flow method) and spiral CT scans of the whole lung were performed at PEEPs of 15 and 0 cmH2O in 19 patients with acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome. Alveolar derecruitment was defined as the difference in lung volume measured at an airway pressure of 15 cmH2O on P–V curves performed at PEEPs of 15 and 0 cmH2O, and as the difference in the CT volume of gas present in poorly aerated and nonaerated lung regions at PEEPs of 15 and 0 cmH2O.

Results
Alveolar derecruitments measured by the CT and P–V curve methods were 373 ± 250 and 345 ± 208 ml (p = 0.14), respectively. Measurements by both methods were tightly correlated (R = 0.82, p < 0.0001). The derecruited volume measured by the P–V curve method had a bias of -14 ml and limits of agreement of between -158 and +130 ml in comparison with the average derecruited volume of the CT and P–V curve methods.

Conclusion
Alveolar derecruitment measured by the CT and P–V curve methods are tightly correlated. However, the large limits of agreement indicate that the P–V curve and the CT method are not interchangeable.
The Six Spot Step Test: a new measurement for walking ability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Nieuwenhuis M M , Van Tongeren H , Sørensen P S , Ravnborg M 
Published: June 2006

Objective The primary objective of this study was to develop a quantitative test to assess ambulation in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients that is more accurate and sensitive than the Timed 25-foot walk (T25FW). For this purpose, we developed the Six Spot Step Test (SSST), which besides speed includes co-ordination and balance, to be a lower limb counterpart to the 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT). Background The T25FW, which is the ambulation test of the MS Functional Composite (MSFC), reflects only the speed component of walking. The lack of sensitivity to other components of gait adds to the floor effect. Methods and patients In the SSST, the patient is instructed to walk as quickly as possible from one end to the other of a rectangular field measuring 1× 5 m, while kicking five cylinder blocks out of five circles marked on the floor. Some 151 MS patients with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score 0-6.5 and 64 normal controls performed the SSST and the T25FW. In addition, 41 patients performed the tests twice. Results The range of the SSST (4.7-35.1 seconds) was wider than that of the T25FW (3.5-22.6 seconds). Using control mean+ 2 SD as cut off, 107 patients had abnormal SSST, while 100 patients had abnormal T25FW. The T25FW (mean) increased 2.1 seconds over the EDSS range of 0-4.0, while the SSST increased 4.9 seconds. The intra-class correlation between repeated tests (r) was 0.95 for the SSST and 0.96 for the T25FW. The correlation between the SSST and the T25FW was high ( r=0.92). Conclusion The SSST seems to be superior to the T25FW in terms of dynamic range, floor effect and discriminatory power. The SSST is a relevant alternative for the T25FW as the ambulation component of the MSFC.
Fatigue in progressive multiple sclerosis is associated with low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone
Authors: Téllez Nieves , Comabella Manuel , Julià E va , Río Jordi , Tintoré M ar , Brieva Luís , Nos Carlos , Montalban Xavier 
Published: June 2006

Background and objective Fatigue is one of the most limiting symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) and the mechanisms underlying its origin are poorly understood. Our aim was to test whether fatigue in MS is associated with endocrine markers. Methods We longitudinally studied 73 progressive MS patients. Fatigue was assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Given the longitudinal design of our study, patients were labelled as sustained fatigued when FSS scores were ≤5.0 at all time points, and as non-fatigued when FSS scores were ≤5.0 at all time points. Serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), its sulphated conjugate (DHEAS) and cortisol were measured at each time point. Results Twenty-nine patients scored >5.0 in the FSS at all time points, and 9 patients (12.3%) scored ≤5.0 at all time points. Mean baseline levels of DHEAS and DHEA were lower in MS patients with sustained fatigue when compared to patients without fatigue ( P=0.01 and P=0.03 respectively). Analysis of DHEAS and DHEA over time showed significantly lower hormone levels in patients with fatigue [ F(1,31)=6.14, P=0.019 for DHEAS; F(1,32)= 6.63, P=0.015 for DHEA]. Conclusions Fatigue in progressive MS could be related to low serum levels of DHEA and DHEAS. Our results suggest that these hormones should be considered as biological markers of fatigue in MS patients and that hormone replacement may thus be tested as an option to treat fatigue in MS patients.
Supramolecular Self-Assembly of Macrocycles, Catenanes, and Cages through Coordination of Pyridine-Based Ligands to Transition Metals
Authors: Fujita Makoto , Ogura Katsuyuki 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Recent developments in the study of the transition-metal mediated supramolecular self-assembly are reviewed. Focus is on the self-assembly of macrocycles, catenanes, and cages from (en)Pd(NO3)2 (1) and pyridine-based bridging ligands. Coordination of linear 4,4′-bipyridine on the cis coordination site of palladium complex gives a macrocyclic square supramolecule, whereas macrocyclic dinuclear Pd(II) complexes self-assemble from 1 and flexible bridging ligands. Unprecedented formation of catenanes through rapid slippage of two preformed molecular rings can be achieved by exploiting the labile character of a Pd(II)-linked macrocycle: i.e., a macrocycle assembling from 1 and PyCH2C6H4CH2Py exists in rapid equilibrium with its catenated dimer and the equilibrium is strongly pushed toward the catenane (&gt; 99 : 1) in a polar media. The combination of 1 with tridentate ligands gives three-dimensional cagelike hosts. A spherical M3L2 complex organizes from 1 and a flexible tridentate ligand only in the presence of specific guests providing a model for induced fit. On the other hand, a nanometer-sized hollow supramolecule self-assembles from four rigid tridentate ligands held together by six protected Pd complex 1.
Toward Dendritic Two-Dimensional Polycarbenes: Syntheses of ‘Starburst’-Type Nona- and Dodecadiazo Compounds and Magnetic Study of Their Photoproducts
Authors: Matsuda Kenji , Nakamura Nobuo , Inoue Katsuya , Koga Noboru , Iwamura Hiizu 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
‘Starburst’-type nona- and dodecadiazo compounds were designed and synthesized by using the cyclotrimerization of ethynyl ketones as a key step. Construction of the larger dodecadiazo compounds was facilitated by using a trimethylsilyl protecting group for an acetylenic moiety. The diazo compounds were photolyzed in MTHF solid solution at cryogenic temperatures and analyzed by means of Faraday magnetometry and ESR spectroscopy. From the field dependence of the magnetization, the nonacarbene, the photoproduct of nonadiazo compound, was evidenced to have a nonadecet (S = 9) ground state. This spin multiplicity is the highest value ever reported for purely organic materials. On the other hand, the spin multiplicity was low and antiferromagnetic interaction operated in the photoproduct of the dodecadiazo compound. This result was interpreted not in terms of the intermolecular antiferromagnetic interaction but of the intramolecular cross-linking between the carbene centers. In the ‘Starburst’-type polycarbenes with extended branching, the reactive carbene centers can become mutually too close to each other in space and so appear to recombine readily. This study showed one of the limitations of the extension of the carbene network by way of flexible ‘Starburst’-type structures.
Partial Molar Fluctuations in Aqueous 2-Butoxyethanol
Authors: Koga Yoshikata , Westh Peter 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
The normalized fluctuations were reformulated in a unified manner, keeping the number of molecules in each coarse grain fixed. The normalized fluctuations were evaluated for aqueous 2-butoxyethanol using the existing data of κT, Cp, αp, and Vm. The partial molar fluctuations of 2-butoxyethanol were then calculated. These quantities added some more evidences to the mixing schemes in aqueous 2-butoxyethanol conjectured earlier in this laboratory.
Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis with Supported Cobalt Catalyst. Promoting Effects of Lanthanum Oxide for Cobalt/Silica Catalyst
Authors: Adachi Michiaki , Yoshii Kiyotaka , Han Yi Zhuo , Fujimoto Kaoru 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
The promotional effects of metal oxides for a silica-supported cobalt catalyst were investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Temperature Programmed Reaction (TPR), and Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. The La-modified cobalt catalyst with 3% La loading which was prepared by simultaneous impregnation showed higher catalytic activity while keeping slightly higher selectivity of C2+ hydrocarbons. TPR, FT-IR, and TEM studies revealed that CO is adsorbed on the La-modified cobalt catalyst in a more active state compared to the monometallic cobalt catalyst, which was caused by the agglomeration of cobalt.
An Analysis of the CIDEP Mechanisms in the Hydrogen Abstraction Reactions of Excited Quinoxaline and Related Compounds
Authors: Ohara Keishi , Hirota Noboru 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
The Chemically Induced Dynamic Electron Polarization (CIDEP) mechanisms in the hydrogen abstraction reactions of excited azaaromatic compounds; quinoxaline, phenazine, and quinoline are investigated in detail. It is shown that several polarization mechanisms are involved and the observed CIDEP spectra vary strongly depending on various factors such as the concentration, the temperature, the delay time, and the excitation light intensity. The net emissive spin polarization is ascribed mainly to the radical–triplet pair mechanism (RTPM), which is strongly dependent on the concentrations of the radical and triplet molecules. It is shown that the triplet molecules are long-lived and the condition to produce the RTPM polarization is satisfied. The observed time evolutions of the transient EPR signals are qualitatively explained on the basis of the rate equations, which include the RTPM polarization and the relaxation.
X-Ray Diffraction and 35Cl NQR Studies of Bis-2-picolinium Hexachlorostannate
Authors: Horiuchi Keizo , Fukami Takanori 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
The crystal structure of bis-2-picolinium hexachlorostannate (CH3C5H4NH)2SnCl6 was determined at room temperature by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. This crystal forms triclinic with space group and Z = 1. The temperature dependence of the 35Cl NQR spectrum was investigated at between 77 K and around 340 K, at which temperatures the signals faded out. Three signals with an equal intensity were observed with no anomaly in their temperature variation over the entire temperature region investigated. DTA measurements were carried out at between 140 and 430 K, and no heat anomaly was observed.
1D and 2D FT-EPR Studies on the Photoinduced Electron Transfer Reaction from Zn Porphyrin to Duroquinone in CTAC Micellar Solution
Authors: Hanaishi Ryuji , Ohba Yasunori , Yamauchi Seigo , Iwaizumi Masamoto 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
A photoinduced electron transfer reaction in a model system of the photosynthesis was investigated by means of pulsed EPR in one (1D)- and two-dimensions (2D). EPR spectra of a spin correlated radical ion pair(SCRP) and a spin polarized radical anion were observed in the system of tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrinozinc(II) (ZnTPPS)/duroquinone (DQ)/cetyltrimethylammonium chloride micellar solution. In order to investigate the dynamics and structures of the intermediate species, a non-linear least square fitting (NLLSQ), instead of linear prediction (LP), was examined for analyses of free induction decays (FID’s) in a 1D experiment. FID’s were fairly well reproduced with the NLLSQ method as a sum of the signals of the DQ anion and the SCRP. For the DQ anion, the linewidth gradually decreased indicating movement of the anion across the micelle/water interface.
For a definitive assignment of the SCRP, a 2D nutation experiment was performed. Different flip angle dependences were observed for the SCRP and the free anion. Under an assumption of an average exchange interaction (J), the 2D spectra of the SCRP were simulated, including an off-resonance effect on the basis of density matrix formalism. Comparison of the calculated and observed spectra indicated that the upper limit of the average |J| was 0.3 MHz (J &lt; 0).
Metal Complexes of Peptides. VI. Di-μ-hydroxo–Dicobalt(III) Complexes Containing Peptides
Authors: Ama Tomoharu , Yonemura Toshiaki , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Yasui Takaji 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Two isomers of the dinuclear complex with β-alanyl-l-aspartate (β-ad), glycinate (gly), and ethylenediamine (en), [Co(β-ad)Co(gly)(en)(μ-OH)2]+, were prepared by treating an aqueous solution containing [Co(β-ad)(OH2)2] and [Co(gly)(en)(OH2)2]2+ under basic conditions. The geometrical structures and absolute configurations of these isomers were assigned on the basis of the NMR, UV, and CD spectral data; the assignments were confirmed on the basis of the spectral data of the mononuclear species that were obtained by the acid hydrolysis of the isomers. The faster eluted isomer (eluted with H2O on an SP-Sephadex (K+ form) column) consists of [Co(β-ad)(μ-OH)2] (β-ad coordinates to cobalt(III) as a tetradentate) and Δ-fac(O)-[Co(gly)(en)(μ-OH)2] moieties, and the later consists of [Co(β-ad)(μ-OH)2] and Λ-fac(O)-[Co(gly)(en)(μ-OH)2]. Another di-μ-hydroxo–dicobalt(III) complex containing β-alanyl-l-histidinate (car), [Co2(car)2(μ-OH)2], was also prepared by treating an aqueous solution containing [Co(car)(OH2)2]+ under basic conditions. The dinuclear structures of these complexes are stable for several days in the neutral aqueous solutions.
Colorimetric Determination of Ascorbic Acid in Pharmaceuticals and Fruits Using a Chromium(VI)–Diphenylcarbazide Complex
Authors: Arya Satya Prakash , Mahajan Meenakshi 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
A simple and rapid method is presented for the determination of ascorbic acid. This method is based on the reducing action of ascorbic acid, which proportionately decreases the color intensity of the Cr(VI)–diphenylcarbazide complex. The absorbance of the complex was measured at 540 nm. A linear relationship between the absorbance and concentration of ascorbic acid was found to hold well up to 3.2 μg ml−1. Most of the common ingredients present in pharmaceutical preparations were found to be tolerated. The method has been successfully applied to the determination of vitamin C in the pure state, dosage forms and citrus fruits.
Reduction of Manganese(III) in Tris(benzoyltrifluoroacetonato)Mn(III) in Carbon Tetrachloride in the Presence of Trioctylphosphine Oxide
Authors: Sekine Tatsuya , Osada Kazuhiro , Hokura Akiko 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
An addition of trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) enhanced the rate of back extraction of manganese in tris(benzoyltrifluoroacetonato)Mn(III) from carbon tetrachloride containing benzoyltrifluoroacetone (4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione, Hbfa) into acid aqueous solutions due to reduction of manganese(III) in this complex in the organic phase. It was found by spectrometry that manganese(III) in this complex in water- and air-saturated carbon tetrachloride was stable for a long time in the absence of TOPO but its reduction occurred in the presence of TOPO. The rate of reduction was first order with respect to the TOPO concentration and inverse first order with respect to the Hbfa concentration. This was explained as follows: An addition of TOPO to the metal ion in the complex promoted the dissociation of one of the bfa− ions in the complex and the leaving bfa− ion gave an electron to the manganese(III). On the other hand, a bfa− ion from the coexisting Hbfa in the solution should exchange with the bfa− in the MnIII(bfa)3 complex but it does not cause reduction of manganese(III) and this was assumed to compete with the addition of TOPO and to cause the inverse first order dependence of the rate of reduction on the Hbfa concentration.