bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model for the Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade by Sugammadex
Authors: Ploeger Bart A. , Smeets Jean , Strougo Ashley , Drenth Henk-Jan , Ruigt Ge , Houwing Natalie , Danhof Meindert 
Published: December 2008

Background
Sugammadex selectively binds steroidal neuromuscular blocking drugs, leading to reversal of neuromuscular blockade. The authors developed a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model for reversal of neuromuscular blockade by sugammadex, assuming that reversal results from a decrease of free drug in plasma and/or neuromuscular junction. The model was applied for predicting the interaction between sugammadex and rocuronium or vecuronium.

Methods
Noninstantaneous equilibrium of rocuronium-sugammadex complex formation was assumed in the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic interaction model. The pharmacokinetic parameters for the complex and sugammadex alone were assumed to be identical. After development of a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model for rocuronium alone, the interaction model was optimized using rocuronium and sugammadex concentration data after administration of 0.1-8 mg/kg sugammadex 3 min after administration of 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium. Subsequently, the predicted reversal of neuromuscular blockade by sugammadex was compared with data after administration of up to 8 mg/kg sugammadex at reappearance of second twitch of the train-of-four; or 3, 5, or 15 min after administration of 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium. Finally, the model was applied to predict reversal of vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade.

Results
Using the in vitro dissociation constants for the binding of rocuronium and vecuronium to sugammadex, the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic interaction model adequately predicted the increase in total rocuronium and vecuronium plasma concentrations and the time-course of reversal of neuromuscular blockade.

Conclusions
Model-based evaluation supports the hypothesis that reversal of rocuronium- and vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade by sugammadex results from a decrease in the free rocuronium and vecuronium concentration in plasma and neuromuscular junction. The model is useful for prediction of reversal of rocuronium and vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex.
Prevention of the Pulmonary Vasoconstrictor Effects of HBOC-201 in Awake Lambs by Continuously Breathing Nitric Oxide
Authors: Yu Binglan , Volpato Gian Paolo , Chang Keqin , Bloch Kenneth D. , Zapol Warren M. 
Published: December 2008

Background
Hemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying solutions (HBOC) provide emergency alternatives to blood transfusion to carry oxygen to tissues without the risks of disease transmission or transfusion reaction. Two primary concerns hampering the clinical acceptance of acellular HBOC are the occurrence of systemic and pulmonary vasoconstriction and the maintenance of the heme-iron in the reduced state (Fe2+). We recently demonstrated that pretreatment with inhaled nitric oxide prevents the systemic hypertension induced by HBOC-201 (polymerized bovine hemoglobin) infusion in awake mice and sheep without causing methemoglobinemia. However, the impact of HBOC-201 infusion with or without inhaled nitric oxide on pulmonary vascular tone has not yet been examined.

Methods
The pulmonary and systemic hemodynamic effects of breathing nitric oxide both before and after the administration of HBOC-201 were determined in healthy, awake lambs.

Results
Intravenous administration of HBOC-201 (12 ml/kg) induced prolonged systemic and pulmonary vasoconstriction. Pretreatment with inhaled nitric oxide (80 parts per million [ppm] for 1 h) prevented the HBOC-201--induced increase in mean arterial pressure but not the increase of pulmonary arterial pressure, systemic vascular resistance, or pulmonary vascular resistance. Pretreatment with inhaled nitric oxide (80 ppm for 1 h) followed by breathing a lower concentration of nitric oxide (5 ppm) during and after HBOC-201 infusion prevented systemic and pulmonary vasoconstriction without increasing methemoglobin levels.

Conclusions
These findings demonstrate that pretreatment with inhaled nitric oxide followed by breathing a lower concentration of the gas during and after administration of HBOC-201 may enable administration of an acellular hemoglobin substitute without vasoconstriction while preserving its oxygen-carrying capacity.
Midazolam Inhibits Tumor Necrosis Factor-α–induced Endothelial Activation
Authors: Joo Hee Kyoung , Oh Sae Cheol , Cho Eun Jung , Park Kyoung Sook , Lee Ji Young , Lee Eun Ji , Lee Sang Ki , Kim Hyo Shin , Park Jin Bong , Jeon Byeong Hwa 
Published: December 2008

Background
Midazolam is widely used as an intravenous sedative. However, the role of midazolam on vascular endothelial activation is still unknown. The present study explores the action of midazolam on endothelial activation and its role to peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Methods
Intracellular localization of PBR in human umbilical vein endothelial cells was visualized with immunofluorescent staining. Monocyte adhesion and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression were measured with monocyte adhesion assay and Western blot analysis. Involvement of PBR was assessed by using specific antagonists and small interfering RNA against PBR.

Results
PBR was localized in the mitochondria of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Midazolam significantly inhibited tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte adhesion in a dose-dependent manner (1-30 microM). The midazolam-mediated suppression on the tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression and monocyte adhesion were inhibited by the pretreatment of PK11195 and not inhibited by the flumazenil. Transfection of small interfering RNA for PBR decreased the expression of PBR (18 kDa) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Midazolam-mediated suppression on the tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression was abrogated by the transfection of small interfering RNA for PBR.

Conclusion
These results suggest that midazolam has an inhibitory action on the endothelial activation and that its action is related to the activation of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor localized in mitochondria of the endothelial cells.
Calcium-Dependent Freezing Tolerance in Arabidopsis Involves Membrane Resealing via Synaptotagmin SYT1
Authors: Yamazaki Tomokazu , Kawamura Yukio , Minami Anzu , Uemura Matsuo 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Plant freezing tolerance involves the prevention of lethal freeze-induced damage to the plasma membrane. We hypothesized that plant freezing tolerance involves membrane resealing, which, in animal cells, is accomplished by calcium-dependent exocytosis following mechanical disruption of the plasma membrane. In Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts, extracellular calcium enhanced not only freezing tolerance but also tolerance to electroporation, which typically punctures the plasma membrane. However, calcium did not enhance survival when protoplasts were exposed to osmotic stress that mimicked freeze-induced dehydration. Calcium-dependent freezing tolerance was also detected with leaf sections in which ice crystals intruded into tissues. Interestingly, calcium-dependent freezing tolerance was inhibited by extracellular addition of an antibody against the cytosolic region of SYT1, a homolog of synaptotagmin known to be a calcium sensor that initiates exocytosis. This inhibition indicates that the puncture allowing the antibody to flow into the cytoplasm occurs during freeze/thawing. Thus, we propose that calcium-dependent freezing tolerance results from resealing of the punctured site. Protoplasts or leaf sections isolated from Arabidopsis SYT1-RNA interference (RNAi) plants lost calcium-dependent freezing tolerance, and intact SYT1-RNAi plants had lower freezing tolerance than control plants. Taken together, these findings suggest that calcium-dependent freezing tolerance results from membrane resealing and that this mechanism involves SYT1 function.
Efficacy of a self‐study programme to teach spiritual care
Authors: Taylor Elizabeth Johnston , Mamier Iris , Bahjri Khaled , Anton Triin , Petersen Floyd 
Published: December 2008

Aim and objectives.  This study investigated the efficacy of a self study programme designed to teach nurses about how to talk with patients about spirituality, and to identify factors predicting this learning. Furthermore, the study investigated whether there were differences in learning between students and practicing clinicians, and between those in a religious or non‐religious institution.Background.  Although USA and UK accrediting bodies mandate nurses learn how to assess and support patient spiritual health, there is a paucity of evidence to guide educators regarding how to teach spiritual care to nurses. Indeed, it is unknown if aspects of spiritual care can be taught using formal approaches.Design.  A pretest‐posttest pre‐experimental design was used to study how attitude toward spiritual care, ability to create empathic verbal responses to expressed spiritual pain, personal spiritual experience, and knowledge about communication for spiritual caregiving changed from before to after programme completion.Methods.  Study participants, 201 nursing students and RNs, independently completed the mailed self‐study programme (i.e. workbook with supplemental DVD) and self‐report study instruments (i.e. Daily Spiritual Experience Scale, Spiritual Care Perspective Scale‐Revised, Response Empathy Scale, Communicating for Spiritual Care Test, and Information about You form).Results.  Significant differences were seen between the before and after scores measuring attitude, ability, spiritual experience, and knowledge. An interaction effect of time between students and registered nurses for both spiritual care attitude and personal spiritual experience was observed.Conclusions.  Findings suggest learning occurred for both students and RNs, regardless of whether they were at a religious institution or not.Relevance to clinical practice.  These data indicate that this self‐study programme was an effective approach to teach nurses about how to converse with patients about spirituality.
Effectiveness of magnetic resonance angiography in the evaluation of lung perfusion in constrictive bronchiolitis obliterans
Authors: YILMAZ ÖZge , SAVAŞ Recep , SOGUT Ayhan , ÖZKOL Mine , YÜKSEL Hasan 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTChildhood constrictive bronchiolitis obliterans (CBO) is characterized clinically by the persistence of obstructive respiratory symptoms following a prolonged episode of lower respiratory viral infection. The diagnosis depends on the clinical, radiological and laboratory findings. Perfusion defects on scintigraphy may predict the severity. This report describes a 2‐year‐old girl who presented with a 15‐day history of respiratory distress despite treatment. Auscultation of the lungs revealed prolonged expiration and bilateral crepitant rales. CXR revealed bilateral paracardiac infiltration. She improved with a treatment regimen of bronchodilators, systemic steroids and antibiotherapy; however, rales were detected again 10 days after discharge. HRCT of the lung revealed an oligaemic‐mosaic pattern, more prominent in the left lung. The diagnosis of CBO was made on the basis of these clinical and radiological findings. Perfusion was normal in the right lung but diffusely decreased in the left lung on perfusion scintigraphy by Tc99m‐MAA. Magnetic resonance (MR) angiography source images of the lungs revealed significant but not diffuse perfusion defects in the left lung, in contrast to radionuclide scintigraphy. There were areas of low perfusion in the right lung, which were not evident in radionuclide scintigraphy. The use of source images of MRI angiography of the lungs may be more sensitive and specific for the detection of perfusion defects in patients with CBO and may assist in determining the prognosis.
Platinum Group Metal Flows of Europe, Part 1
Authors: Saurat Mathieu , Bringezu Stefan 
Published: December 2008

SummaryIn this article, we analyze flows of the platinum group metals (PGMs) platinum, palladium, and rhodium and the environmental impacts associated with their supply in Europe. A model of the use of PGMs in Europe has been developed, and this is combined with a model of environmental pressures related to PGM production.Seven industrial sectors and product groups form the main users of PGMs in Europe, comprising the chemical, petroleum, and glass industries; jewelry, dentistry, electronic equipment, and car catalysts. Most relevant environmental impacts of secondary production in Europe and primary PGM production in South Africa, Russia, and Canada are taken into account, including emissions of sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide and total material requirement.The article quantifies the PGM flows to, from, and within Europe in 2004. The automotive industry is the single largest user of primary PGMs, and catalytic converters represent the major PGM end use. The chemical and glass industries also require large amounts of PGM but rely mostly on secondary metals. The environmental impacts of primary production exceed those of secondary production by far. An analysis of the use of car catalytic converters shows that as a result of efforts to reduce air pollutant emissions in Europe, other negative environmental impacts, such as point‐source pollution and mining waste, are occurring elsewhere—for example, at extraction and refining sites in Siberia and South Africa.
The New Public Management theory and European health‐care reforms
Authors: Simonet Daniel 
Published: December 2008

Abstract:This article analyses the dynamics of health‐care reforms in Germany, the U.K., Switzerland, France and Italy. In light of the “New Public Management” (NPM) theory, the author discusses governments' attempts at providing better health‐care services for less. Health‐care reforms inspired by NPM meant opening up to competition and revamping service provision to improve organizational performance. These reforms also put the emphasis on outcomes measurements to improve insurers and providers' accountability, demanded greater decentralization of the decision‐making process (e.g., planning, investment and financing of health‐care services), and encouraged contracting‐out of public services and partnerships between the public and the private sector. While most features of the NPM theory were applicable to EU health‐care reforms, NPM was not a panacea: it advanced at different paces across nations, with some aspects of NPM being more appropriate in some countries but less so in others. It led to greater inequity and more bureaucracy in some, but not all, countries. Competition, a major characteristic of the NPM, did not necessarily lead to better health outcomes, and, unlike in other sectors, the application of NPM in health care meant larger providers (e.g., insurers, hospitals) and regulations have remained strong.Sommaire:Le présent article analyse la dynamique des réformes des soins de santé en Allemagne, au Royaume‐Uni, en Suisse, en France et en Italie. À la lumière de la théorie de la « Nouvelle administration publique » (NAP), l'auteur discute des tentatives menées par les gouvernements pour fournir de meilleurs services de soins de santéà un moindre coût. Les réformes des soins de santé inspirées par la NAP ont signifié l'ouverture à la concurrence et la réorganisation de la prestation des services pour améliorer la performance organisationnelle. Ces réformes ont également mis l'accent sur les mesures des résultats afin d'améliorer l'imputabilité des assureurs et des fournisseurs, ont exigé une plus grande décentralisation du processus de prise de décision (p. ex., planification, investissement, et financement des services de soins de santé), et ont encouragé la sous‐traitance des services publics et la formation de partenariats entre les secteurs public et privé. Alors que la plupart des éléments de la théorie de la NAP étaient applicables aux réformes des soins de santé de l'UE, la NAP n'a pas été la panacée : elle a progresséà des rythmes différents suivant les pays, certains aspects de la NAP étant plus appropriés dans certains pays que dans d'autres. Cela a entraîné une plus grande iniquité et plus de bureaucratie dans certains pays. La concurrence, une caractéristique importante de la NAP, n'a pas nécessairement entraîné de meilleurs résultats pour la santé et, à la différence d'autres secteurs, l'application de la NAP aux soins de santé a signifié de plus importants fournisseurs (p. ex., assureurs, hôpitaux) et le maintien de règlements solides.
Towards community‐based monitoring in Manitoba's hog industry
Authors: Moyer Joanne , Fitzpatrick Patricia , Diduck Alan , Froese Beverly 
Published: December 2008

Abstract: Rapid changes in the hog industry in Manitoba have resulted in a gap in the province's resource and environmental policy regime. Concerns about potential, uncertain environmental impacts and an outdated regulatory framework led to a moratorium on new hog industry operations and a provincial hearing. Based on extensive literature, documentary and legislative reviews, this article explores the role of monitoring, and the potential for community‐based monitoring specifically, to address these policy issues. Given the non‐point nature of the pollution in question, the social and economic conditions in southern Manitoba and the strengths of community‐based monitoring initiatives, this approach is a promising solution. Furthermore, the existing legal framework provides an existing grounding through which the program could be vested with authority.Sommaire: Des changements rapides dans l'industrie porcine au Manitoba ont entraîné un fossé entre la politique des ressources et celle de l'environnement de la province. Les inquiétudes au sujet d'éventuelles conséquences environnementales et d'un cadre de réglementation dépassé ont conduit à un moratoire sur les nouvelles opérations dans l'industrie porcine et à une audience provinciale. En s'appuyant sur une importante documentation et sur des études documentaires et législatives, cet article approfondit le rôle de la surveillance, et plus particulièrement le rôle possible de la surveillance communautaire, pour s'attaquer à ces questions de politiques. Étant donné la nature non ponctuelle de la pollution en question, les conditions sociales et économiques dans le sud du Manitoba et la force des initiatives communautaires, cette approche est une solution prometteuse. En outre, le cadre juridique actuel fournit une base existante qui permettrait au programme d'être investi d'une certaine autorité.
Linking Sequence to Function in Soil Bacteria: Sequence-Directed Isolation of Novel Bacteria Contributing to Soilborne Plant Disease Suppression
Authors: Benítez María-Soledad , McSpadden Gardener Brian B. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT

Microbial community profiling of samples differing in a specific ecological function, i.e., soilborne plant disease suppression, can be used to mark, recover, and ultimately identify the bacteria responsible for that specific function. Previously, several terminal restriction fragments (TRF) of 16S rRNA genes were statistically associated with damping-off disease suppression. This work presents the development of sequence-based TRF length polymorphism (T-RFLP)-derived molecular markers to direct the identification and isolation of novel bacteria involved in damping-off pathogen suppression. Multiple sequences matching TRF M139 and M141 were cloned and displayed identity to multiple database entries in the genera incertae sedis of the
Burkholderiales
. Sequences matching TRF M148, in contrast, displayed greater sequence diversity. A sequence-directed culturing strategy was developed using M139- and M141-derived markers and media reported to be selective for the genera identified within this group. Using this approach, we isolated and identified novel
Mitsuaria
and
Burkholderia
species with high levels of sequence similarity to the targeted M139 and M141 TRF, respectively. As predicted, these
Mitsuaria
and
Burkholderia
isolates displayed the targeted function by reducing fungal and oomycete plant pathogen growth in vitro and reducing disease severity in infected tomato and soybean seedlings. This work represents the first successful example of the use of T-RFLP-derived markers to direct the isolation of microbes with pathogen-suppressing activities, and it establishes the power of low-cost molecular screening to identify and direct the recovery of functionally important microbes, such as these novel biocontrol strains.
A Chromosomally LocatedtraHIJKCLMNOperon Encoding a Putative Type IV Secretion System Is Involved in the Virulence ofYersinia ruckeri
Authors: Méndez J. , Fernández L. , Menéndez A. , Reimundo P. , Pérez-Pascual D. , Navais R. , Guijarro J. A. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTNucleotide sequence analysis of the region surrounding the pIVET8 insertion site inYersinia ruckeri150RiviXII, previously selected by in vivo expression technology (IVET), revealed the presence of eight genes (traHIJKCLMN[hereafter referred to collectively as thetraoperon ortracluster]), which are similar both in sequence and organization to thetraoperon cluster found in the virulence-related plasmid pADAP fromSerratia entomophila. Interestingly, thetracluster ofY. ruckeriis chromosomally encoded, and no similartracluster has been identified yet in the genomic analysis of human pathogenic yersiniae. AtraIinsertional mutant was obtained by homologous recombination. Coinfection experiments with the mutant and the parental strain, as well as 50% lethal dose determinations, indicate that this operon is involved in the virulence of this bacterium. All of these results suggest the implication of thetracluster in a virulence-related type IV secretion/transfer system. Reverse transcriptase PCR studies showed that this cluster is transcribed as an operon from a putative promoter located upstream oftraHand that the mutation oftraIhad a polar effect. AtraI::lacZYtranscriptional fusion displayed higher expression levels at 18°C, the temperature of occurrence of the disease, and under nutrient-limiting conditions. PCR detection analysis indicated that thetracluster is present in 15Y. ruckeristrains from different origins and with different plasmid profiles. The results obtained in the present study support the conclusion, already suggested by different authors, thatY. ruckeriis a very homogeneous species that is quite different from the other members of the genusYersinia.