bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nebulization of four commercially available amphotericin B formulations in persistently granulocytopenic rats with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: evidence for long-term biological activity
Authors: Ruijgrok Elisabeth J , Fens Marcel H A , Bakker-Woudenberg Irma A J M , Van Etten Els W M , Ruijgrok Elisabeth J , Vulto Arnold G 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe nebulization of amphotericin B desoxycholate (AMB-DOC), liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB), amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC) and amphotericin B colloidal dispersion (ABCD) has been investigated. Particle sizes of generated aerosol droplets were measured. Pulmonary amphotericin B deposition and amphotericin B concentration in blood directly after nebulization and at six weeks after nebulization was measured in healthy rats. The efficacy of nebulized amphotericin B formulations was evaluated in persistently granulocytopenic rats with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Treatment was given either after or before fungal inoculation. The endpoint was survival of animals. Aerosol particle sizes, expressed as the values for the mass median diameter were 1.38, 2.43, 0.90 and 2.29 μm for AMB-DOC, L-AMB, ABLC and ABCD, respectively. Amphotericin B concentrations in the lungs directly after nebulization exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration of Aspergillus fumigatus and amphotericin B was still detected in lungs of rats at six weeks after nebulization. Treatment, started at 16 h after fungal inoculation, resulted in a significantly prolonged survival as compared with sham-treated rats for all four formulations. Prophylactic treatment at one week before fungal inoculation resulted in a significantly prolonged survival for all four formulations. Aerosol treatment given at two weeks before inoculation was effective only for AMB-DOC and L-AMB, whereas treatment given at six weeks resulted in a significantly prolonged survival for L-AMB only. All commercially available amphotericin B preparations could be nebulized efficiently and may be of value in the prophylactic treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
Antinociceptive action of the extract and the flavonoid quercitrin isolated from Bauhinia microstachya leaves
Authors: Gadotti Vinícius M , Santos Adair R S , Meyre-Silva Christiane , Schmeling Leonardo O , Machado Claúdia , Liz Fernanda H , Filho Valdir Cechinel 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
This study examined the antinociceptive effect of Bauhinia microstachya (Leguminosae), a native plant widely distributed in the South of Brazil, in several chemical and mechanical models of pain. The methanolic extract (ME) from B. microstachya (3–30 mg kg−1, i.p.) and the isolated compound quercitrin (1–10 mg kg−1, i.p.), given 30 min earlier, produced a dose-dependent inhibition of acetic-acid-induced visceral pain in mice, with a mean ID50 value (dose necessary to reduce the nociceptive response by 50% relative to the control value) of 7.9 and 2.4 mg kg−1, respectively. The ME of B. microstachya (3–100 mg kg−1, i.p., 30 min earlier) also caused a dose-dependent inhibition of capsaicin-induced pain, with a mean ID50 value of 18.8 mg kg−1. Moreover, the ME (3–100 mg kg−1, i.p., 30 min earlier) produced marked inhibition of both phases of formalin-induced pain, with mean ID50 values for the neurogenic and the inflammatory phases of 30.3 and 17.2 mg kg−1, respectively. In addition, the ME of B. microstachya (3–300 mg kg −1, i.p., 30 min earlier) inhibited, in a graded manner, the hyperalgesia induced by bradykinin (3.2 μg/paw), substance P (13.5 μg/paw), carrageenan (300 μg/paw), capsaicin (100 μg/paw) and adrenaline (100ng/paw) in the rat paw, with mean ID50 values of 20.5, 17.9, 101.8, 54.2 and 99.7 mg kg−1, respectively. Taken together, these data demonstrate that ME of B. microstachya elicited a pronounced antinociceptive action against several chemical and mechanical models of pain in mice and rats. The precise mechanism responsible for the antinociceptive effect of the extract still remains unclear, but seems to be partly related to modulation of the release or action of pro-inflammatory mediators involved in the models of pain used. Finally, the flavonoid quercitrin isolated from this plant appears to contribute for the antinociceptive property of the methanolic extract.
Bioavailability of glycyrrhizin from Shaoyao-Gancao-Tang in laxative-treated rats
Authors: Goto Emi , He Ju-Xiu , Akao Teruaki , Tani Tadato 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
Shaoyao-Gancao-Tang (SGT), a traditional Chinese formulation composed of Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix) and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix), is frequently used in conjunction with laxatives such as sodium picosulfate in colonoscopy to relieve abdominal pains. We have investigated the alterations of the bioavailability of glycyrrhizin when SGT was co-administered with sodium picosulfate and we tried to identify a regimen that might minimize the alterations. Glycyrrhizin is one of the active glycosides in Gancao and SGT and is hydrolysed into the bioactive metabolite, 18β-glycyrrhetic acid (GA) by intestinal bacteria following oral administration. We found that the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and the area under the mean concentration vs time curve from zero to 24 h (AUC0–24 h) of GA from a single dose of SGT administered 5 h after a single pretreatment with sodium picosulfate were significantly reduced to 15% and 20% of the control level in rats, respectively. These reductions were still significant four days after sodium picosulfate pretreatment, but were restored by repetitive administration of SGT following sodium picosulfate pretreatment. Similar reductions and recovery were observed for the glycyrrhizin-metabolizing activity of intestinal bacteria in rat faeces. The results warrant clinical studies for co-administration of laxatives such as sodium picosulfate and SGT.
Look and turn: landmark-based goal navigation in honey bees
Authors: Fry S. N. , Wehner R. 
Published: October 2005

SUMMARYThis report describes the piloting mechanisms employed by honey bees during their final approach to a goal. Conceptually applying a bottom-up approach, we systematically varied the position, number and appearance landmarks associated with a rewarded target location within a large, homogenous flight tent. The flight behavior measured under various conditions is well explained with visuo-motor control loops that link perceived landmarks with appropriate turning responses. This view is consistent with the requirement of prolonged reinforcement learning for efficient goal navigation. A simple model is able to provide a comprehensive explanation for diverse flight patterns that range from convoluted searching behavior to highly idiosyncratic approaches,depending on the experimental context. Our results challenge the prevalent notion that honey bees employ image matching for visual guidance toward a goal site. Basic visuo-motor control loops may better meet the high demands for robust and fast flight control, which could serve as a powerful bio-mimetic design principle for micro-robotic aircraft.
Submerged swimming of the great cormorantPhalacrocorax carbo sinensisis a variant of the burst-and-glide gait
Authors: Ribak Gal , Weihs Daniel , Arad Zeev 
Published: October 2005

SUMMARYCormorants are water birds that forage by submerged swimming in search and pursuit of fish. Underwater they swim by paddling with both feet simultaneously in a gait that includes long glides between consecutive strokes. At shallow swimming depths the birds are highly buoyant as a consequence of their aerial lifestyle. To counter this buoyancy cormorants swim underwater with their body at an angle to the swimming direction. This mechanical solution for foraging at shallow depth is expected to increase the cost of swimming by increasing the drag of the birds. We used kinematic analysis of video sequences of cormorants swimming underwater at shallow depth in a controlled research setup to analyze the swimming gait and estimate the resultant drag of the birds during the entire paddling cycle. The gliding drag of the birds was estimated from swimming speed deceleration during the glide stage while the drag during active paddling was estimated using a mathematical`burst-and-glide' model. The model was originally developed to estimate the energetic saving from combining glides with burst swimming and we used this fact to test whether the paddling gait of cormorants has similar advantages.We found that swimming speed was correlated with paddling frequency(r=0.56, P&lt;0.001, N=95) where the increase in paddling frequency was achieved mainly by shortening the glide stage(r=–0.86, P&lt;0.001, N=95). The drag coefficient of the birds during paddling was higher on average by two- to threefold than during gliding. However, the magnitude of the drag coefficient during the glide was positively correlated with the tilt of the body(r=0.5, P&lt;0.003, N=35) and negatively correlated with swimming speed (r=–0.65, P&lt;0.001, N=35), while the drag coefficient during the stroke was not correlated with tilt of the body (r=–0.11, P&gt;0.5, N=35) and was positively correlated with swimming speed(r=0.41, P&lt;0.015, N=35). Therefore, the difference between the drag coefficient during the glide and during propulsion diminished at lower speeds and larger tilt. The mean drag of the birds for a single paddling cycle at an average swimming speed of 1.5 m s–1 was 5.5±0.68 N. The burst-and-glide model predicts that energy saving from using burst-and-glide in the paddling cycle is limited to relatively fast swimming speeds (&gt;1.5 m s–1), but that as the birds dive deeper (&gt;1 m where buoyancy is reduced), the burst-and-glide gait may become beneficial even at lower speeds.
Electrical properties and fusion dynamics ofin vitromembrane vesicles derived from separate parts of the contractile vacuole complex ofParamecium multimicronucleatum
Authors: Sugino Kazuyuki , Tominaga Takashi , Allen Richard D. , Naitoh Yutaka 
Published: October 2005

SUMMARYThe contractile vacuole complex of Paramecium multimicronucleatumtransforms into membrane-bound vesicles on excision from the cell. The I–V relationship was linear in a voltage range of–80 to +80 mV in all vesicles, despite being derived from different parts of the contractile vacuole complex. No voltage-gated unit currents were observed in membrane patches from the vesicles. Vesicles derived from the radial arm showed a membrane potential of &gt;10 mV, positive with reference to the cytosol, while those derived from the contractile vacuole showed a residual (&lt;5 mV) membrane potential. The electrogenic V-ATPases in the decorated spongiome are responsible for the positive potential, and Cl– leakage channels are responsible for the residual potential. The specific resistance of the vesicle membrane (∼6 kΩcm2) increased, while the membrane potential shifted in a negative direction when the vesicle rounded. An increase in the membrane tension (to∼5×10–3 N m–1) is assumed to reduce the Cl– leakage conductance. It is concluded that neither voltage- nor mechano-sensitive ion channels are involved in the control of the fluid segregation and membrane dynamics that govern fluid discharge cycles in the contractile vacuole complex.The membrane vesicles shrank when the external osmolarity was increased,and swelled when the osmolarity was decreased, implying that the contractile vacuole complex membrane is water permeable. The water permeability of the membrane was 4–20×10–7 μm s–1Pa–1. The vesicles containing radial arm membrane swelled after initially shrinking when exposed to higher external osmolarity, implying that the V-ATPases energize osmolyte transport mechanisms that remain functional in the vesicle membrane. The vesicles showed an abrupt (&lt;30 ms),slight, slackening after rounding to the maximum extent. Similar slackening was also observed in the contractile vacuoles in situ before the opening of the contractile vacuole pore. A slight membrane slackening seems to be an indispensable requirement for the contractile vacuole membrane to fuse with the plasma membrane at the pore. The contractile vacuole complex-derived membrane vesicle is a useful tool for understanding not only the biological significance of the contractile vacuole complex but also the molecular mechanisms of V-ATPase activity.
Characterizing the thermal sensitivity of a gasoline homogeneous charge compression ignition engine with measurements of instantaneous wall temperature and heat flux
Authors: Chang J , Filipi Z , Assanis D , Kuo T-W , Najt P , Rask R 
Published: October 2005

An experimental study was performed to provide qualitative and quantitative insight into the thermal effects on a gasoline-fuelled homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine combustion. The single-cylinder engine utilized exhaust gas rebreathing to obtain large amounts of hot residual gas needed to promote ignition. In-cylinder pressure, heat release analysis, and exhaust emission measurement were employed for combustion diagnostics. Fast response thermocouples were embedded in the piston top and cylinder head surface to measure instantaneous wall temperature and heat flux, thus providing critical information about the thermal boundary conditions and a thorough understanding of the heat transfer process. Two parameters determining thermal conditions in the cylinder, i.e. intake charge temperature and wall temperature, were considered and their effect on ignition and burning rate in an HCCI engine was investigated through systematic experimentation. The approach allowed quantitative analysis, and separating qualitatively different effects on the core gas temperature from the effects of near-wall temperature stratification. The results show great sensitivity to changes in wall temperature and such like, but a somewhat weaker effect of intake charge temperature on HCCI combustion. Variations of combustion phasing and peak burn rates due to wall temperature changes can be compensated if the intake charge temperature is varied in the opposite direction and with a factor of 1.11. The combustion stability limit of the HCCI engine depends more on wall temperature than on intake charge temperature. Analysis of a large number of individual cycles indicates that decreasing intake temperature retards timing, and the burn rates change primarily as a function of ignition timing. In contrast, lowering the wall temperature led to greater reduction in the bulk burn rate and greater increase in cyclic variability than expected simply as a result of retarded ignition, thus indicating significance of the thermal stratification in the near-wall boundary layer.
Health care quality from the perspective of health care providers and patients during and shortly after acute care restructuring in Newfoundland and Labrador
Authors: Gregory Deborah , Way Christine , Barrett Brendan , Parfrey Patrick 
Published: October 2005

Objectives To monitor changes in providers' perceptions of health care quality and the importance of health reform, and in patients' satisfaction with services during and two years after restructuring, comparing the region of the province that was restructured (StJohn's) with those regions in which hospitals were not aggregated. Methods The Employee Attitude Survey questionnaire was sent to acute care providers (n=5353) to assess personal characteristics and perceptions of the impact of reform on workplace conditions, work-related attitudes and turnover intentions. The response rate for 2000 and 2002 was 42% (n=1222 and1034, respectively). Only respondents in both surveys (n=589) were used in the analysis because study results were the same for both the repeat sample and total samples. A Patient Satisfaction Survey questionnaire was administered to patients discharged from acute care facilities in 2000 (n=1741) and 2002 (n=704). Response rates were 82.5% and 90.2%, respectively. Results Most providers felt, at both time periods, that restructuring of the health care system was a positive step, but felt that health care quality was low. In the StJohn's region, perceptions of quality and standards of care improved over time. Patients were extremely satisfied with the admission process and hospital stay at both time periods in StJohn's. However, satisfaction declined in 2002 in regions outside StJohn's. Conclusions Aggregation of acute care hospitals is possible without adverse effects on providers' perceptions of health care quality or on patient satisfaction.
Acute care restructuring in Newfoundland and Labrador: the history and impact on expenditure
Authors: Twells Laurie , Doyle Michael , Gregory Deborah , Barrett Brendan , Parfrey Patrick 
Published: October 2005

Objectives To document the history of regionalization and its effects on the Newfoundland and Labrador acute care health system, and to describe changes in acute care expenditure in the St John's region where hospital redesign, closure and aggregation occurred in relation to other regions not exposed to aggregation. Methods Interviews were conducted with senior health officials. Transcripts and other reports were reviewed. Financial data were abstracted from audited general ledger statements received from the Ministry of Health. Results Regionalization achieved its objectives of hospital aggregation in St John's. The average number of full-time equivalent employees increased slightly by 2% (5304–5416). In some regions, integration of services was delayed because of conflict and resistance to change. There was some disparity between the Provincial Government's objectives for cost control and the CEOs’ perceptions of economies of scale. Between 1995/96 and 2002/03, total expenditures for the St John's region and the other five regional hospitals increased by 46% and 54%, respectively; total personal income of the population and government revenues increased by only 18% and 16%, respectively. Conclusions Regionalization in Newfoundland and Labrador facilitated aggregation of hospitals, but did not control the number of front-line workers and, consequently, total acute care expenditure. Expenditure increased significantly between1995 and 2002, at a rate which exceeded the increase in government revenues. The government's ability to pay for acute care will not be achieved unless employee costs are controlled or provincial income increases.
Monitoring Temporary Immunodepression by Flow Cytometric Measurement of Monocytic HLA-DR Expression: A Multicenter Standardized Study
Authors: Döcke Wolf-Dietrich , Höflich Conny , Davis Kenneth A , Röttgers Karsten , Meisel Christian , Kiefer Paul , Weber Stefan U , Hedwig-Geissing Monika , Kreuzfelder Ernst , Tschentscher Peter , Nebe Thomas , Engel Andrea , Monneret Guillaume , Spittler Andreas , Schmolke Kathrin , Reinke Petra , Volk Hans-Dieter , Kunz Dagmar 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
Background: Single-center trials have shown that monocytic HLA-DR is a good marker for monitoring the severity of temporary immunodepression after trauma, major surgery, or sepsis. A new test for measuring monocytic HLA-DR is now available.
Methods: We evaluated a new test reagent set for monocytic HLA-DR expression (BD Quantibrite™ HLA-DR/Monocyte reagent; Becton Dickinson) in single-laboratory and interlaboratory experiments, assessing preanalytical handling, lyse-no-wash (LNW) vs lyse-wash (LW) values, reference values, and the effect of use of different flow cytometers and different instrument settings on test variance.
Results: For preanalytical handling, EDTA anticoagulation, storage on ice as soon as possible, and staining within 4 h after blood collection gave results comparable to values obtained for samples analyzed immediately after collection (mean increase of ∼4% in monocytic HLA-DR). Comparison of LNW and LW revealed slightly higher results for LNW (∼18% higher for LNW compared with LW; r = 0.982). Comparison of different flow cytometers and instrument settings gave CVs &lt;4%, demonstrating the independence of the test from these variables and suggesting that this method qualifies as a standardized test. CV values from the interlaboratory comparison ranged from 15% (blood sample unprocessed before transport) to 25% (stained and fixed before transport).
Conclusions: For the BD Quantibrite HLA-DR/Monocyte test, preanalytical handling is standardized. Single-laboratory results demonstrated the independence of this test from flow cytometer and instrument settings. Interlaboratory results showed greater variance than single-laboratory values. This interlaboratory variance was partly attributable to the influence of transport and can be reduced by optimization of transport conditions.
Erythrocyte Folate Extraction and Quantitative Determination by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Comparison of Results with Microbiologic Assay
Authors: Fazili Zia , Pfeiffer Christine M , Zhang Ming , Jain Ram 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
Background: Erythrocyte folate analysis is an important diagnostic tool to establish folate status or screen for folate deficiency.
Methods: We evaluated conditions that influence the complete hemolysis and deconjugation of folate polyglutamates to folate monoglutamates (FMGs) from whole blood (WB). WB samples were hemolyzed in 10 g/L ascorbic acid at various temperatures (room temperature, 30 °C, and 37 °C; n = 15) or hemolysate pH values (pH 4.0, 4.7, 5.2; n = 11) and incubated up to 6 h. FMGs and folate diglutamates (FDGs) were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and total folate (TF) by microbiologic assay. We investigated delaying hemolysis by freezing WB for 10 days (n = 20).
Results: Hemolysates frozen immediately after preparation contained 22%–27% FDGs, depending on hemolysate pH. The proportion of FDGs decreased to &lt;3% after incubation at pH 4.7/37 °C for 3 h and did not significantly change on extended incubation up to 5 h. Short-term delayed hemolysis of WB produced results indistinguishable from those of immediate hemolysis. TF results obtained by the microbiologic assay were not different across incubation conditions and agreed with the sum of FMGs and FDGs by LC/MS/MS. The difference between the 2 methods was an insignificant 3% for pH 4.7/37 °C for 3 h.
Conclusions: Hemolysate incubation up to 2 h at 37 °C is not adequate for full polyglutamate deconjugation. We obtained the highest yield of FMGs with lowest FDG concentrations at pH 4.7/37 °C for 3 h. Delaying hemolysis of WB for several days had no negative effect on measurable folate for presumed MTHFR C/C genotype samples.
Evaluation of a Brief Child-focused Group-based Intervention for Anxiety-disordered Children
Authors: Cobham Vanessa E. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThis paper presents a pilot study of a brief, group-based, cognitive-behavioural intervention for anxiety-disordered children. Five children (aged 7 to 13 years) diagnosed with a clinically significant anxiety disorder were treated with a recently developed 6-session, child-focused, cognitive-behavioural intervention that was evaluated using multiple measures (including structured diagnostic interview, self-report questionnaires and behaviour rating scales completed by parents) over four follow-up occasions (post-treatment, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up and 12-month follow-up). This trial aimed to (a) evaluate the conclusion suggested by the research of Cobham, Dadds, and Spence (1998) that anxious children with non-anxious parents require a child-focused intervention only in order to demonstrate sustained clinical gains; and (b) to evaluate a new and more cost-effective child-focused cognitive-behavioural intervention. Unfortunately, the return rate of the questionnaires was poor, rendering this data source of questionable value. However, diagnostic interviews (traditionally the gold standard in terms of outcome in this research area) were completed for all children at all follow-up points. Changes in diagnostic status indicated that meaningful treatment-related gains had been achieved and were maintained over the full follow-up period. The results would thus seem to support the principle of participant-intervention matching proposed by Cobham et al. (1998), as well as the utility of the more brief intervention evaluated.