bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activities of a New Oral Streptogramin, XRP 2868, Compared to Those of Other Agents against
Streptococcus pneumoniae
and
Haemophilus
Species
Authors: Pankuch Glenn A. , Kelly Linda M. , Lin Gengrong , Bryskier Andre , Couturier Catherine , Jacobs Michael R. , Appelbaum Peter C. 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT

MIC methodology was used to test the antibacterial activity of XRP 2868, a new oral combination of two semisynthetic streptogramins, RPR 132552A and RPR 202868, compared to activities of other antibacterial agents against pneumococci,
Haemophilus influenzae
, and
Haemophilus parainfluenzae
. For 261 pneumococci, XRP 2868 and pristinamycin MICs were similar, irrespective of penicillin G and erythromycin A susceptibilities (MIC at which 50% of isolates were inhibited [MIC
50
], 0.25 μg/ml; MIC
90
, 0.5 μg/ml), while quinupristin/dalfopristin had MICs which were 1 to 2 dilutions higher. Single components of both XRP 2868 and quinupristin/dalfopristin had higher MICs. Erythromycin A, azithromycin, clarithromycin, and clindamycin MICs were higher for penicillin G-intermediate and -resistant than -susceptible pneumococci. Against 150
H. influenzae
strains, all compounds tested had unimodal MIC distributions. XRP 2868 had an overall MIC
50
of 0.25 μg/ml and an MIC
90
of 1.0 μg/ml, with no differences between β-lactamase-positive, β-lactamase-negative, and β-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant strains. Of note was the similarly low activity of one of its components, RPR 132552A. Pristinamycin and quinupristin/dalfopristin had MICs of 0.125 to 8.0 μg/ml; quinupristin alone had MICs of 8.0 to >64.0 μg/ml, and dalfopristin had MICs of 1.0 to >64.0 μg/ml. Erythromycin A, azithromycin, and clarithromycin had modal MICs of 4.0, 1.0, and 8.0 μg/ml, respectively. MICs of all compounds against
H. parainfluenzae
were 1 to 2 dilutions higher than against
H. influenzae
. XRP 2868 showed potent activity against pneumococci and
Haemophilus
strains irrespective of their susceptibility to other agents.
'WE' AND EMPEDOCLES' COSMIC LOTTERY: P. STRASB. GR. INV. 1665-1666, ENSEMBLE A
Authors:   Trépanier
Published: September 2003

This paper presents an alternative interpretation and reconstruction of
ensemble
a
from the Strasbourg papyrus of Empedocles,
P. Strasb. gr.
Inv. 1665-1666 , first published by A. Martin and O. Primavesi in 1999. I claim that Martin and Primavesi's working hypothesis for the reconstruction of lines
a (ii) 3-17
, upon which most of their individual supplements rely, is wrong, and that the doctrinal implications they draw from it are unfounded. Against them, I propose an alternate reconstruction of the text. If correct, two consequences follow from my alternative. First, it presents further reasons to reject a controversial variant reading revealed by the papyrus, retained by the editors, and the "we" of my title. Second, it provides new support for the role of chance in Empedocles' cosmic cycle, a theme largely ignored in modern scholarship on Empedocles.
Trauma and Memory: The case of the Great Famine in the People's Republic of China (1959-1961)
Authors: Weigelin-Schwiedrzik Susanne 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
Taking the Great Famine from 1959 to 1961 in the aftermath of the Great Leap Forward as an example, the article presents an inquiry into different aspects of trauma and memory in the context of culture and politics in the PRC. It shows that even in a highly politicized environment like the PRC politics in its capacity to either suppress or instigate public debate about individual or collective memories is not the only, probably not even the most important factor in making individual remembrances about events of traumatic dimensions enter the realm of communicative and possibly cultural memory. Besides psychological factors complicating communication about traumatic experiences cultural particularities have to be taken into account in order to be able to answer the question why the Great Famine could have been the subject of a taboo for such a long time and why it eventually re-emerged at the surface of public debate during the nineteen eighties and nineties. While party historians are still reluctant to discuss the disaster of the Great Famine at length, literature is serving as a forum of debate and remembrance on what peasants went through during the late nineteen fifties. Different novels are discussed in the article to show how the perspective of those who directly participated in the events differs from the next generation trying to answer the question why people in China could have gone through all these sufferings without asking any questions. The explanations they give stress cultural particularities such as ancestor worship compelling people to forget the suffering of the past if only enough people survive to preserve the continuity of the clan (Yu Hua). The repetitiveness of traumatic experiences occurring in 20th century Chinese history is seen as another reason why the Great Famine could be tabooed for more than 30 years (Mo Yan). But besides these factors stressing that trauma is dealt with differently in different cultural settings the fact that the Great Famine as part of the Great Leap Forward had been a topic of inner party debate ever since it took place has to be seen as a political factor of major importance both instrumental in this taboo and in instigating public debate on the estimated 35 million victims of what is called the greatest famine in world history.
Arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Park M. J. , Ahn J. H. , Kang J. S. 
Published: September 2003

We analysed the results of arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist in 18 patients (19 wrists) with rheumatoid arthritis who had not responded to conservative treatment. The patients’ symptoms were assessed using visual analogue scales for pain and satisfaction. Standard posteroanterior radiographs which were taken pre-operatively and at final follow-up were analysed using a modified Larsen scoring system (normal, 0; total destruction, 40). The mean follow-up period was 29.2 months (24 to 45). The mean pre-operative pain score was 8.58 which decreased to 3.58 one year after surgery and increased again to 4.42 at final follow-up. This suggested a gradual increase in pain with time. The mean satisfaction score was 6.26. The mean modified Larsen’s score was 9.8 pre-operatively and 13.9 at final follow-up, which demonstrated the slow progression of degenerative changes. Arthroscopic synovectomy for rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist allows effective pain relief and high patient satisfaction, although any prolonged benefits will require long-term follow-up.
Production of polymer particles with ethyleneurea groups by emulsifier‐free emulsion polymerization and the wet adhesion property of the emulsion film
Authors: Okubo M. , Matsuda M. , Terada A. , Kagawa Y. , Kondo S. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractA film was prepared from an n‐butyl methacrylate/methacrylamide ethylethyleneurea (EU) copolymer [P(BMA–EU)] emulsion produced by an emulsifier‐free emulsion copolymerization. The wet adhesion of the emulsion film on an alkyd resin was significantly improved by copolymerization with a small amount of EU (0.5–1.0 mol %). A sodium dodecyl sulfate emulsifier, postadded to the emulsifier‐free emulsion, reduced the wet adhesion. The wet adhesion of a film prepared from a poly(n‐butyl methacrylate) (PBMA)/P(BMA–EU) composite emulsion produced by an emulsifier‐free seeded emulsion copolymerization with PBMA seed particles was higher than that of a P(BMA–EU) film with the same EU content. The localization of EU and the cleanliness at the particle surface were also key factors in the improvement of the wet adhesion of the polymer emulsion film. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 1825–1829, 2003
Experimental model of continent colostomy using rectus abdominis neosphincteroplasty
Authors: Hetzer F H , Schwizer W , Kuenzi W , Demartines N 
Published: September 2003

Abstract

Background
Use of dynamic myoplasty to create a continent stoma has produced promising results, but long-term stoma continence has not been achieved. The aim of the study was to establish and test a new model.

Methods
Three types of dynamic rectus abdominis sphincteroplasty around a colostomy and two conditioning protocols were tested in ten domestic pigs. Continence was assessed by means of conventional defaecography and neosphincter manometry after 8 and 12 weeks. The neosphincter muscle was studied histologically to assess the transformation of muscle type.

Results
Use of a distal rectus muscle sling surrounding the stoma by 270° with a low-frequency conditioning protocol achieved a continent colostomy for more than 12 h on each of 5 consecutive days. The neosphincter had a 40-mm high-pressure segment with mean pressure of 74 (range 67–82) mmHg. The proportion of type I muscle fibres increased from 38 (range 32–42) to 74 (range 66–78) per cent after 12 weeks of conditioning.

Conclusion
This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of a continent stoma in an animal model with a dynamic rectus neosphincter. Long-term results should be confirmed in a larger series before use in humans can be considered.
Activation of src‐family tyrosine kinases by LPS regulates cytokine production in dendritic cells by controlling AP‐1 formation
Authors: Napolitani Giorgio , Bortoletto Nicola , Racioppi Luigi , Lanzavecchia Antonio , D'Oro Ugo 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe role of src‐family tyrosine kinases in LPS‐induced DC maturation has not been fully addressed. We show that LPS induces activation of c‐Src and Lyn in human DC. Inhibition of these kinasesby PP1 uncoupled LPS‐induced cytokine production from the up‐regulation of costimulatory molecules, resulting in DC still capable of stimulating T cell proliferation but much less efficient in inducing Th1 differentiation. This is the first example of a pharmacological inhibitor able to modulate the capacity of DC to induce a particular type of immune response. Inhibition of src‐family kinases impaired phosphorylation and accumulation of c‐Jun, leading to reduced formation of AP‐1 complexes upon LPS stimulation. Thus, src‐kinases control cytokine production in LPS‐induced DC maturation through a timely formation of AP‐1.
Chemical composition and antibacterial activities of lupin seeds extracts
Authors: Lampart‐Szczapa Eleonora , Siger Aleksander , Trojanowska Krystyna , Nogala‐Kalucka Małgorzata , Malecka Maria , Pacholek Bogdan 
Published: September 2003

AbstractDetermination of influence of lupin natural phenolic compounds on antibacterial properties of its seeds was carried out. Raw material were seeds of Lupinus albus, L. luteus, and L. angustifolius. The methods included the determination of the content of proteins, total phenolic compounds, free phenolic acids, and tannins as well as antibacterial properties with ethanol extracts. The content of total phenolic compounds was smaller in testas than in cotyledons and the highest levels are observed in bitter cultivars of Lupinus albus cv. Bac andL. angustifolius cv. Mirela. Lupin tannins mainly occurred in cotyledons of the white lupin, predominantly in the bitter cultivar Bac. Free phenolic acids were mainly found in testas. Only extracts from the testas displayed antibacterial properties, which excludes the possibility of alkaloid influence on the results. The results suggest that inhibition of test bacteria growth depended mainly upon the content of the total phenolic compounds.
The relationship between performance appraisal criterion specificity and statistical evidence of discrimination
Authors: Hennessey H. W. , Bernardin H. John 
Published: September 2003

AbstractPlaintiffs' expert witnesses in EEO cases involving performance appraisals often claim that adverse
impact is a result of the type of rating format used. Their theory is that more specific rating criteria will
lead to lessened adverse impact. We tested that theory by comparing data from a simple category‐based
rating system against data from a standards‐based Work Planning and Review appraisal system with over
248,000 performance appraisals of state employees. Using logistic regression and statistical definitions of
prima facie discrimination, we found no support for the hypothesis that adverse impact is materially affected by
criterion specificity. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early environment contributes to developmental disruption of MPFC after neonatal ventral hippocampal lesions in rats
Authors: Wood Graham K. , Quirion Rémi , Srivastava Lalit K. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractUsing a putative animal model of schizophrenia, neonatal rat ventral hippocampal (VH) lesions, combined with cross‐fostering Lewis and Fisher rats, we previously demonstrated that the postpubertal expression of amphetamine‐induced hyperlocomotion after lesioning depends on the early environment of the pups. However, an important question that emerged from our studies was whether the early environment leads to sparing of function within the VH or to the disruption of another structure, such as the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). To answer this question, we took advantage of the natural variation in maternal care of Sprague‐Dawley rat dams and separated them into high and low arched back nursing (ABN) groups. Then, on postnatal day 7 (PD7) the pups from the two groups of dams were lesioned in the VH. As a measure of VH function, the rats were tested in a reference memory paradigm, which demonstrated that nVH‐lesioned rats raised by high or low ABN dams had pronounced deficits, suggesting that VH functions are not fully spared. Next, the integrity of the MPFC was tested in a number of paradigms in which MPFC function has been implicated. In all three paradigms a similar result was found, that only lesioned rats raised by high ABN dams displayed deficits, such as a lack of MPFC control of amphetamine‐induced locomotion, decreased working memory, and decreased anxiety. These results suggest that the early environment does not affect the recovery of the VH to nVH lesion. Rather, the early environment interacts with nVH lesions in such a way that disrupts the development and function of MPFC. Synapse 50:223–232, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complexities in Cancer Risk Counseling: Presentation of Three Cases
Authors: Schneider Katherine A. , Stopfer Jill E. , Peters June A. , Knell Ellen , Rosenthal Gladys 
Published: September 2003

AbstractComplexities abound in the identification and management of families at increased risk for inherited forms of cancer. One of the ways to learn as a profession how best to provide cancer risk counseling (CRC) is to share counseling experiences. Such cases can provide insight into the issues raised by families and ways in which genetic counselors have handled complex situations. Here we describe three CRC cases initially presented at the 1995 American College of Medical Genetics meeting. The first case involves balancing the importance of informing a family of the presence of an inherited cancer syndrome with the family's right “not to know.” The second case illustrates the difficulties in assisting an individual to make medical management decisions in the face of uncertain risk information. The third case describes the complex interactions with a woman before and after her decision to have prophylactic surgery.
Acanthamoeba polyphaga
Strain Age and Method of Cyst Production Influence the Observed Efficacy of Therapeutic Agents and Contact Lens Disinfectants
Authors: Hughes Reanne , Heaselgrave Wayne , Kilvington Simon 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT

The effects of age in culture and the type of medium used for induction of
Acanthamoeba polyphaga
(Ros) cysts on susceptibilities to polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB; 3 μg/ml), chlorhexidine digluconate (30 μg/ml), myristamidopropyl dimethylamine (20 μg/ml), H
2
O
2
(3%), and two multipurpose contact lens solutions (MPS-1 and MPS-2, based on 1 μg of PHMB per ml) were examined. Strain Ros-02 was cryopreserved on isolation in 1991, while strain Ros-91 had been in continuous axenic culture. Significant differences in susceptibilities to the disinfectants were found depending on the medium used for cyst preparation and the age of the test strain, with Ros-02 generally being more resistant. For example, the killing of Ros-91 cysts produced from an axenic culture of trophozoites in the presence of 50 mM MgCl
2
by MPS-2 was 4 logs, but the killing of Ros-02 by MPS-2 was only 2 logs (
P
< 0.05) and killing of both strains with cysts obtained from monoxenic cultures with
Escherichia coli
was only 1 log (
P
< 0.001). Assays repeated with different batches of the various cyst types gave consistent results. A batch of Ros-91 cysts stored at 4°C and tested over an 8-week period with MPS-1 showed progressively increasing susceptibility to disinfection, although there was no loss of viability during storage (
P
< 0.01). These observations have important implications for the standardization and interpretation of
Acanthamoeba
disinfectant and therapeutic agent testing.
A participatory approach to the study of lifting demands and musculoskeletal symptoms among Hong Kong workers
Authors: Yeung S , Genaidy A , Deddens J , Shoaf C , Leung P C 
Published: September 2003

Aims:To investigate the use of a worker based methodology to assess the physical stresses of lifting tasks on effort expended, and to associate this loading with musculoskeletal outcomes (MO).Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted on 217 male manual handling workers from the Hong Kong area. The effects of four lifting variables (weight of load, horizontal distance, twisting angle, and vertical travel distance) on effort were examined using a linguistic approach (that is, characterising variables in descriptors such as “heavy” for weight of load). The numerical interpretations of linguistic descriptors were established. In addition, the associations between on the job effort and MO were investigated for 10 body regions including the spine, and both upper and lower extremities.Results:MO were prevalent in multiple body regions (range 12–58%); effort was significantly associated with MO in 8 of 10 body regions (odds ratios with age adjusted ranged from 1.31 for low back to 1.71 for elbows and forearm). The lifting task variables had significant effects on effort, with the weight of load having twice the effect of other variables; each linguistic descriptor was better described by a range of numerical values rather than a single numerical value.Conclusions:The participatory worker based approach on musculoskeletal outcomes is a promising methodology. Further testing of this approach is recommended.
Prospective clinical study of autologous chondrocyte implantation and correlation with MRI at three and 12 months
Authors: Henderson I. J. P. , Tuy B. , Connell D. , Oakes B. , Hettwer W. H. 
Published: September 2003

In order to determine the usefulness of MRI in assessing autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) the first 57 patients (81 chondral lesions) with a 12-month review were evaluated clinically and with specialised MRI at three and 12 months. Improvement 12 months after operation was found subjectively (37.6 to 51.9) and in knee function levels (from 85% International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) III/IV to 61% I/II). The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores showed an initial deterioration at three months (56% IKDC A/B) but marked improvement at 12 months (88% A/B). The MRI at three months showed 82% of patients with at least 50% defect fill, 59% with a normal or nearly normal signal at repair sites, 71% with a mild or no effusion and 80% with a mild or no underlying bone-marrow oedema. These improved at 12 months to 93%, 93%, 94% and 91%, respectively. The overall MR score at 12 months suggested production of normal or nearly normal cartilage in 82%, corresponding to a subjective improvement in 81% of patients and 88% IKDC A/B scores. Second-look surgery and biopsies in 15 patients (22 lesions) showed a moderate correlation of MRI with visual scoring; 70% of biopsies showed hyaline and hyaline-like cartilage. Thus, MRI at 12 months is a reasonable non-invasive means of assessment of ACI.
Influence of heat impact in reconstituted skim milk on the properties of yoghurt fermented by ropy or non‐ropy starter cultures
Authors: Lorenzen Peter Chr. , Ebert Yvonne , Clawin‐Rädecker Ingrid , Schlimme Eckhard 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe paper describes studies on the influence of heat impact in reconstituted skim milk on chemical and functional properties of yoghurt products. Reconstituted skim milk was heated for 20 min at 85°C, 90°C, or 95°C. Ropy (producing exopolysaccharides, EPS) or non‐ropy strains of S. thermophilus and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus were used as starter culture for yoghurt manufacture. The studies have shown that the fermentation times decreased with increasing heat impact when the ropy starter culture was used, while they remained to a far extent unchanged if the non‐ropy starter culture was applied. The lactic acid contents of the yoghurt products were in the same range when the milk was heated at 85°C or 90°C, while they were different when milk was heated at 95°C. There was a tendency visible that an increase in preheating leads to increased L(+)‐ and decreased D(–)‐lactic acid contents if the non‐ropy culture was applied. Using the ropy culture, it was vice versa. A slightly decrease in proteolysis with increasing heat impact was to be noted with both starter cultures. Concerning the relation of proteolysis to acidification, the fermentation process could be subdivided into three sections with different slopes if the non‐ropy starter culture was used, while a linear relation was found if the ropy starter culture was applied. Regarding final product characteristics it was found that the functional properties of yoghurt decreased with increasing heat impact when the ropy starter culture was applied, while they remained to a far extent unchanged when the non‐ropy starter culture was used. It can be concluded from these studies that a preheating of milk at a temperature of 85°C (20 min) is optimal in regard to final yoghurt product characteristics.
Inelastic neutron scattering, Raman, infrared and DFT theoretical studies on chloranilic acid
Authors: Pawlukojć A. , Bator G. , Sobczyk L. , Grech E. , Nowicka‐Scheibe J. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe vibrational spectra of chloranilic acid (2,5‐dihydroxy‐3,6‐dichloro‐[1,4]‐benzoquinone) in the solid state were studied by using inelastic neutron scattering (INS), infrared (IR) and Raman (R) spectroscopy. The spectra were compared with simulated spectra using the Gaussian and Climax programs. Sufficiently good agreement between the experimental and theoretical (DFT) spectra is observed although the calculations show that in the crystalline state a bifurcation of hydrogen bonds takes place. Relatively strong intermolecular interactions are noticeable when the experimental (x‐ray) and calculated bond lengths and angles with participation of OH groups are compared. The studies of the deuterium isotope effect in the IR and R spectra enabled us to analyse the low‐frequency out‐of‐plane vibrations and particularly the ν(OH) and ν(OD) modes. In the case of the ν(OH) and ν(OD) vibrations, one observes a strong asymmetry of the bands (low‐frequency wings), which can be interpreted in terms of a coupling of the ν(OH) mode with low‐frequency ones damped by the lattice phonons and no fine structure of the ν(OH) and ν(OD) bands is observed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.