bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global stabilization and asymptotic tracking for a class of nonlinear systems by means of time‐varying feedback
Authors: Karafyllis I. , Tsinias J. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractA simple backstepping design scheme is proposed and sufficient conditions for non‐uniform in time global stabilization for parameterized systems by means of time‐varying feedback are established. Our methodology is applicable to a special class of systems that in general cannot be stabilized by static feedback and includes non‐holonomic systems in chained form. For this class of systems the main results on feedback stabilization enable us to derive sufficient conditions for the solvability of the tracking problem. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Size (and competition) among organizations: modeling scale‐based selection among automobile producers in four major countries, 1885–1981
Authors: Dobrev Stanislav D. , Carroll Glenn R. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractBased on previous empirical research, size is perhaps the most powerful explanatory organizational covariate in strategic analysis. We suggest that theoretical arguments about size be examined carefully to specify models with explicit comparison sets and with mechanisms linking size and underlying processes to outcomes. We illustrate the approach here by advancing arguments about scale competition within an organizational population. In this effort, we feature a theoretical model of scale‐based selection, which posits that a firm's chances of survival decrease with its aggregate distance from larger competitors on a transformed size gradient. The model assumes that the appropriate comparison set consists of all contemporaneous similar organizations competing on the basis of scale and operating in a localized geographic setting. We argue that aggregate distance of a focal firm from larger other firms (a specific form of relative position in the size distribution) reflects the extent to which it can capitalize on potential competitive advantages of scale emanating from economic, political, and social processes. Analyzing the mortality rates of large organizations across the entire histories of automobile industries in four major countries provides support for the theory. We discuss the general implications of our findings for strategic and organizational analysis. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Altered fetal circulation in type‐1 diabetic pregnancies
Authors: Lisowski L. A. , Verheijen P. M. , de Smedt M. M. C. , Visser G. H. A. , Meijboom E. J. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractObjectiveType‐I diabetic pregnancies are associated with congenital cardiac malformations, fetal cardiomyopathy, venous thrombosis and altered placental vascularization, even with tight maternal glucose control. The aim of this study was to investigate if, with good glucose control achieved with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, normal blood flow within the fetal heart can be achieved.MethodsSeventeen fetuses of women with well‐controlled type‐I diabetes were studied longitudinally to evaluate effects on the fetal circulation. Doppler frequency shift tracings, valve diameters and intercept angles were measured at right and left atrioventricular valve orifices at 4‐week intervals starting at 15 weeks' gestation. Atrioventricular valve flow was calculated and compared to normal fetal data obtained in previous studies.ResultsMaximum and mean temporal velocities across the atrioventricular valves increased in both groups during gestation but significantly more in fetuses of type‐I diabetic pregnancies. Combined ventricular output, both absolute and per kg estimated fetal weight, were also greater in these fetuses. In the normal group the ratio of the left/right ventricular output decreased significantly during gestation (from 1.34 ± 0.28 to 1.08 ± 0.28 standard deviations), but in type‐I diabetic pregnancies this decrease did not occur (1.2 ± 0.26 to 1.25 ± 0.29 standard deviations).ConclusionsThese data indicate that there are significant differences in the fetal circulation between normal pregnancy and well‐controlled type‐I diabetic pregnancy, suggesting the existence of a compensatory mechanism which increases fetal cardiac output and causes cardiac hypertrophy. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thalidomide and its derivatives: emerging from the wilderness
Authors: Gordon J N , Goggin P M 
Published: April 2003

Abstract
Forty years on from its worldwide withdrawal, thalidomide is currently undergoing a remarkable renaissance as a novel and powerful immunomodulatory agent. Over the last decade it has been found to be active in a wide variety of inflammatory and malignant disorders where conventional therapies have failed. Recently, considerable progress has been made in elucidating its complex mechanisms of action, which include both anticytokine and antiangiogenic properties. However, in addition to its well known teratogenic potential, it has a significant side effect profile that leads to cessation of treatment in up to 30% of subjects. In response to this, two new classes of potentially safer and non-teratogenic derivatives have recently been developed. This review summarises the biological effects, therapeutic applications, safety profile, and future potential of thalidomide and its derivatives.
Urinalysis for interleukin-8 in the non-invasive diagnosis of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases
Authors: Taha A S , Grant V , Kelly R W 
Published: April 2003

Abstract

Background and aims
Given its role in mediating inflammation, the use of urinary interleukin-8 (IL-8) was assessed in the non-invasive diagnosis of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Methods
IL-8 was measured by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in random urine samples (1 ml each) carrying code numbers and taken from 208 patients: 177 adults and 31 children presenting with a range of active or inactive inflammatory conditions.

Results
In the appropriate controls and in patients with inactive inflammation, the median urinary IL-8 levels ranged from 7–12 pg/ml, compared with 104 pg/ml in active ulcerative colitis (p = 0.002), 54 in active Crohn’s disease (p = 0.025), 93 in active rheumatoid arthritis (p = 0.001), 107 in acute cholecystitis (p&lt;0.0001), 127 in acute appendicitis (p = 0.0001), and 548 pg/ml in urinary tract infection (p&lt;0.0001). Children with non-viral inflammation/infection also had higher IL-8 values (median, 199 pg/ml; p = 0.0001) than those with viral infection (median, 7 pg/ml) or non-specific conditions (median, 10 pg/ml). In the study group as a whole urinary IL-8 values correlated positively with peripheral blood white cell count (r = 0.32; p &lt; 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.41; p&lt;0.001), and C-reactive protein (r = 0.33; p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion
Taking the appropriate clinical situation into account, urinary IL-8 measurement helps in the non-invasive assessment of active inflammation in at least a number of common acute and chronic conditions.
Lack of Evidence for a Pathogenic Role of <i>Chlamydia pneumoniae</i> and Cytomegalovirus Infection in Coronary Atheroma Formation
Authors: Daus Heiner , Özbek Cem , Saage Dagmar , Scheller Bruno , Schieffer Hermann , Pfreundschuh Michael , Gause Angela 
Published: April 2003

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is generally accepted to be the result of metabolic disturbances. However, recent studies have suggested an infectious agent, especially <i>Chlamydia pneumoniae</i> or cytomegalovirus, to be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic plaque specimens obtained from patients with coronary disease either by balloon dilatation catheter (13 cases) or atherectomy (16 patients) were examined for the presence of <i>C. pneumoniae</i> and cytomegalovirus. Using two primer pairs for <i>C. pneumoniae</i>, two primer pairs for the identification of unknown bacteria and primer pairs for the detection of immediate early gene E2 and the late genomic region of cytomegalovirus, we were unable to detect the suspected agents. The absence of <i>C. pneumoniae</i>, other bacteria and CMV in coronary atheromas is against the hypothesis of a pathogenetic role of these agents in coronary atheroma formation in the patients studied.
Increasing Prevalence of Ampicillin- Resistant, Non-Beta-Lactamase-Producing Strains of <i>Haemophilus influenzae</i> in Children in Japan
Authors: Seki Hidetoshi , Kasahara Yoshihito , Ohta Kunio , Ohta Kazuhide , Saikawa Yutaka , Sumita Ryou , Yachie Akihiro , Fujita Shin-ichi , Koizumi Shoichi 
Published: April 2003

Among Haemophilus influenzae isolated from children with respiratory tract infections, the evolution of ampicillin resistance was investigated during 1996 and 1997 in Japan. β-Lactamase production was assessed and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of eight antimicrobial agents were determined using a broth microdilution method in Mueller-Hinton-lysed horse blood medium. Of 74 H. influenzae, 11 strains (14.9%) produce β-lactamase and were thus highly resistant to ampicillin (MIC of >4.0 µg/ ml). In addition, moderate resistance to ampicillin, defined as an MIC of ≧1.0 µg/ml, was noted in 44.4% of all β-lactamase-negative isolates. These β-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant (BLNAR) organisms were resistant to other cephalosporins such as cefpodoxime and cefdinir, while β-lactamase-producing strains were susceptible to them. Cefditoren, cefteram, and minocycline were active against all strains studied, whereas cefaclor and clarithromycin were inactive against all H. influenzae isolates in this study. Results indicate that BLNAR strains have emerged among children with respiratory tract infections in Japan.
A Comparative Study of Cefepime versus Ceftazidime as Empiric Therapy of Febrile Episodes in Neutropenic Patients
Authors: Wang Fu-Der , Liu Cheng-Yi , Hsu Hui-Chi , Gau Jyh-Pyng , Chau Wing-Keung , Haung Ming-Lih , Ho Chao-Hung 
Published: April 2003

An open-label, randomized comparative study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cefepime (2.0 g q. 8 h) and ceftazidime (2.0 g q. 8 h) in the empiric therapy of febrile neutropenic patients. A total of 45 eligible febrile episodes were randomized (1:1) to be treated with the study regimen. Nineteen febrile episodes treated with cefepime and 22 febrile episodes treated with ceftazidime were evaluable for efficacy. The two groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, height, weight, underlying neoplasm, number of pretherapy neutrophil, duration of neutropenia and types of infections. The overall therapeutic success rate of the cefepime group (53%) was comparable to the ceftazidime group (50%). It did not differ significantly (95% confidence interval: –0.28 to 0.34, p = 0.85). Eighty-eight percent of pathogens in each group were bacteriologically eradicated. The safety profile was similar in both groups. No patients in either group discontinued the therapy because of adverse events. None (0%) of the cefepime patients and 2 (9%) of the ceftazidime patients died of infection. The results of this study suggest that cefepime is an effective and safe agent in the empiric therapy of febrile episodes in neutropenic patients.
A Prospective, Randomised Comparison of Single- vs. Multiple-Dose Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Penetrating Trauma
Authors: Schmidt-Matthiesen Andreas , Röding Hans , Windolf Joachim , Sommerfeldt Dirk , Gutt Carsten , Pannike Alfred , Encke Albrecht 
Published: April 2003

This study was designed to compare the clinical efficacy of a single dose of ceftriaxone with cefoxitin given 3 times a day for 3 days. <i>Methods:</i> Patients had to have a penetrating injury to only one part of the body, reach the hospital within 2 h and be operated on within 16 h after the trauma. Patients were excluded if it appeared likely that they would require mechanical ventilation for more than 24 h. The same applies to open or grade II/III craniocerebral trauma. The end point was the occurrence of infections within 10 days. The costs of antibiotic treatment were also calculated. <i>Results:</i> 96% of the ceftriaxone patients (n = 97) and 95% of the cefoxitin group (n = 98) remained infection-free. In neither treatment group was deep infection, abscess, phlegmon or sepsis seen. No additional surgery or intensive care due to infection was required. At $41.83 vs. $172.16, the average total cost of delivering antibiotic treatment was significantly lower in the ceftriaxone group (p < 0.001). <i>Conclusion:</i> Prophylaxis in penetrating trauma with a single dose of ceftriaxone is safe and has considerable practical and economic advantages.
Yuehchukene, a Bis-Indole Alkaloid, and Cyclophosphamide Are Active in Breast Cancer in vitro
Authors: Leung T.W.T. , Cheng G. , Chui C.H. , Ho S.K.W. , Lau F.Y. , Tjong J.K.J. , Poon T.C.C. , Tang J.C.O. , Tse W.C.P. , Cheng K.F. , Kong Y.C. 
Published: April 2003

Yuehchukene (YCK) is a novel bis-indole alkaloid with weak estrogenic activity. Biochemical studies showed that YCK could attenuate estrogenic action. In this study, the response of MCF-7, an estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer cell line, under different combinations of estradiol, cyclophosphamide and YCK, was tested. From the dose-response curve, we discovered that 10<sup>–2</sup> <i>M</i> cyclophosphamide, even in its so-called ‘bio-inert’ form, could inhibit MCF-7 cell growth. However, the cytotoxic effect of cyclophosphamide was lost by reducing its concentration to ∼1 × 10<sup>–3</sup> <i>M</i>. On the other hand, a low concentration (∼10<sup>–8</sup>–10<sup>–9</sup> <i>M</i>) of YCK was found to potentiate the cytotoxic effect of cyclophosphamide on the MCF-7 cell line. Such an effect was absent in the estrogen-receptor-negative cell line MDA-MB-231. These findings, together with the dual role of a mixed estrogen and anti-estrogen effect, suggested that YCK and cyclophosphamide can be a potential combination in chemo-hormonal therapy for breast cancer.
Effect of Navelbine on Inhibition of Tumor Growth, Cellular Differentiation and Estrogen Receptor Status on Lewis Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Papageorgiou A. , Stravoravdi P. , Sahpazidou D. , Natsis K. , Chrysogelou E. , Toliou T. 
Published: April 2003

We studied the antitumor activity of Navelbine (NVB) together with its ability to induce cellular differentiation and to influence estrogen receptor status of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC). A total of 32 C<sub>57</sub>B1 mice divided into 5 groups were used for transplantation of LLC. Four groups of mice were treated with 5.0, 2.5 and 1.25 mg/kg/day from day 1 to 9 and 1.25 mg/kg on days 1, 7 and 13. Eight mice were controls. The dose of 1.25 mg/kg/day was the most effective and produced 72.7% inhibition of tumor growth. Ultrastructurally, on day 1 the cells showed poor differentiation. On day 14, in the case of 72.7% inhibition of tumor growth the study revealed a significant restoration of the morphology of the cells. Estrogen receptors gave a positive value in contrast to the initial measurement which was negative. The present study demonstrated good antitumor activity of NVB on LLC. NVB may also induce cellular differentiation and influence the estrogen receptor status.
Current Status and Fluconazole Treatment of Pelvic Fungal Gynecological Infections
Authors: Mikamo Hiroshige , Sato Yasumasa , Hayasaki Yoh , Tamaya Teruhiko 
Published: April 2003

The incidence of opportunistic fungal infections has recently been increasing in many clinical fields. Fluconazole is commonly used against systemic fungal infections. The present study was undertaken to investigate the current status and the efficacy of fluconazole in pelvic fungal gynecological infections. Thirty-eight patients aged 36–72 years old diagnosed with pelvic peritonitis with positive fungal culture in pelvic ascites were enrolled in this study and given fluconazole treatment. Forty-two pathogens were isolated from the 38 assessable patients. The predominant pathogen was <i>Candida albicans</i> with an incidence of 61.9% (26/42). Others included non-<i>albicans Candida</i> species amounting to 38.1% (16/42): 19.0% (8/42) <i>Candida glabrata</i>, 7.1% (3/42) <i>Candida tropicalis</i>, 7.1% (3/42) <i>Candida parapsilosis</i> and 4.8% (2/42) <i>Candida krusei</i>. The clinical cure rate at the end of fluconazole treatment was assessed as 30/38 (78.9%), and the fungal eradication rate as 26/42 (61.9%). Each rate was 29/38 (76.3%) and 26/42 (61.9%), respectively, at 1 week after the treatment, while the eradication rate of <i>C. albicans</i> and non-<i>albicans</i> species was 20/26 (76.9%) and 6/16 (37.5%), respectively. There was no adverse effect exept for slight elevations of GOT, GPT and LDH observed in 1 patient (2.6%), which returned to normal after the treatment. It seems there may be an increasing trend of non-<i>albicans</i> species in pelvic fungal gynecological infection, against which fluconazole appears to be rather effective.
Time-Kill Studies of Antimicrobial Combinations Including Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone, Vancomycin and Meropenem against Cephalosporin-Resistant <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i>
Authors: Kim Baek-Nam , Woo Jun-Hee , Kim Yang-Su , Ryu Jiso , Kim Mi-Na , Pai Chik Hyun 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Resistance of <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i> to penicillin is now widespread and rapidly increasing all over the world. This has led to the critical need for alternative antimicrobial therapy. <i>Methods:</i> To assess the activities of antimicrobial combinations, including cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, vancomycin and meropenem, time-kill studies were conducted against five strains of penicillin- and cephalosporin-resistant <i>S. pneumoniae</i> at clinically achievable antimicrobial concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid. <i>Results:</i> Combinations of an extended-spectrum cephalosporin with vancomycin were not synergistic. Meropenem had a comparable bactericidal activity to those combinations, and its killing activity was not affected by the addition of cefotaxime, ceftriaxone or vancomycin. <i>Conclusions:</i> It is suggested that meropenem could be an effective alternative for the treatment of penicillin- and cephalosporin-resistant pneumococcal meningitis. However, more clinical data are required before it can be recommended as an effective antimicrobial agent for such cases.
Comparison of the Bactericidal Activity of Trovafloxacin and Ciprofloxacin, Alone and in Combination with Cefepime, against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>
Authors: McNabb JoCarol , Quintiliani Richard , Nightingale Charles H. , Nicolau David P. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Although ciprofloxacin exhibits more intense microbiological activity against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> than does trovafloxacin, the clinical relevance of this observation remains questionable, particularly when the agents are combined with another antipseudomonal agent. <i>Methods:</i> To evaluate this further, we conducted a four-way crossover trial to compare the bactericidal activities of ciprofloxacin and trovafloxacin, alone and in combination with cefepime, against three clinical isolates of <i>P. aeruginosa</i>. Healthy subjects received the following regimens, dosed to steady state: trovafloxacin 300 mg/24 h; ciprofloxacin 400 mg/12 h; trovafloxacin 300 mg/24 h plus cefepime 2 g/12 h, and ciprofloxacin 400 mg/12 h plus cefepime 2 g/12 h. Serum bactericidal titers were performed with each regimen. <i>Results:</i> As monotherapy, the area under the bactericidal curve for ciprofloxacin exceeded that of trovafloxacin for all isolates. No significant difference in the overall degree of bactericidal activity was noted for two of three <i>P. aeruginosa</i> isolates for the combination regimens. Additionally, both combination regimens provided bactericidal activity for 100% of the dosing interval for all isolates. <i>Conclusion:</i> These results indicate that, while in vitro differences exist among these quinolones for <i>P. aeruginosa</i>, when a fluoroquinolone is combined with a β-lactam, this is likely to be of little clinical significance.
Endoluminal Instillation of Bisacodyl inPatients with Severe (Slow Transit Type)Constipation Is Useful to Test Residual ColonicPropulsive Activity
Authors: Bassotti Gabrio , Chiarioni Giuseppe , Germani Ugo , Battaglia Edda , Vantini Italo , Morelli Antonio 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Chronic constipation is a frequent symptom among the general population, and a minority of cases do not respond to any therapeutic measures, except surgery. The purpose of this study was to test the residual colonic motor propulsive activity with a pharmacologic stimulus in a series of patients referred for severe constipation. <i>Patients:</i> Twenty-five chronically constipated patients, slow transit type, age range 16–71 years, unresponsive to conventional medical treatment and referred for functional evaluation, entered the study. <i>Methods:</i> Colonic manometry by means of an endoscopically positioned probe was carried out in all patients. Following a basal recording period, a placebo solution followed by 10 mg bisacodyl solution was infused into the colon through the more proximal recording port. <i>Results:</i> After bisacodyl infusion, about 90% of patients showed a motor response characterized by the appearance (within on average 13 ± 3 min) of one or more high-amplitude propagated contractions, the manometric equivalent of mass movements, and about 75% of these were followed (mean 18.5 ± 4 min) by defecation. <i>Conclusions:</i> Physiological and pharmacological testing of colonic motor activity may be important in severely constipated patients, especially in those labeled as ‘intractable’, in whom more in depth investigation planning may encourage further therapeutic efforts.
<i>Helicobacter pylori</i> in the Oral Cavity Reflects Handling of Contaminants but Not Gastric Infection
Authors: Doré-Davin C. , Heitz M. , Yang H. , Herranz M. , Blum A.L. , Corthésy-Theulaz I. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Helicobacter pylori</i> colonises the gastric mucosa, but can also be found within the oral cavity. The presence of <i>H. pylori</i> was monitored in the oral cavity of 22 patients with duodenal ulcer, before and after antibiotic treatment and of 24 hospital employees who were or were not professionally exposed to <i>H. pylori.</i> Gastric infection was determined by breath test. Bacteria in the oral cavity were detected by nested PCR of samples containing saliva and dental plaque, using primers specific for <i>16S rRNA</i> and <i>ureC</i> genes. Before treatment, 9 out of 22 infected ulcer patients harbored <i>H. pylori</i> in their oral cavity. Bacteria disappeared from the oral cavity of 3 of 7 cured patients. Twelve of 17 exposed subjects harbored <i>H. pylori</i> in their oral cavity, while no bacteria could be detected in the mouths of the 7 nonexposed subjects. Presence of bacteria in the oral cavity reflects handling of contaminants; it does not correlate with gastric infection and does not seem to promote it.