bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relative Bioavailability of Three Newly Developed Albendazole Formulations: a Randomized Crossover Study with Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Rigter I. M. , Schipper H. G. , Koopmans R. P. , van Kan H. J. M. , Frijlink H. W. , Kager P. A. , Guchelaar H.-J. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACTThis study of healthy volunteers shows that the relative bioavailability of albendazole formulations that use arachis oil-polysorbate 80 or hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin as an excipient was enhanced 4.3- and 9.7-fold compared to the results seen with commercial tablets. Administration of macrogol suppositories did not result in measurable plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide.
Synergistic Activities of Moxifloxacin Combined with Piperacillin-Tazobactam or Cefepime against
Klebsiella pneumoniae
,
Enterobacter cloacae
, and
Acinetobacter baumannii
Clinical Isolates
Authors: Jung Rose , Husain Maroof , Choi Michael K. , Fish Douglas N. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

The bactericidal activity of moxifloxacin alone and in combination with cefepime or piperacillin-tazobactam against clinical isolates of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
,
Enterobacter cloacae
, and
Acinetobacter baumannii
was evaluated by using time-kill methods and antimicrobial concentrations of one-half and one times the MIC. Synergy was observed in 58 to 88% of the strains and resulted in bactericidal activity against 60 to 100% of the strains. Combinations including moxifloxacin demonstrated enhanced bactericidal activity compared with that of either agent tested alone.
Inhibition of β-Lactamase II of
Bacillus cereus
by Penamaldic Derivatives of Penicillins
Authors: Navarro Pilar Gutiérrez , Osso Bartolomé Quintero , Ortiz Raquel García , Martínez de las Parras Pedro J. , Martínez Puentedura María I. , Cabeza González M. Carmen 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

The penamaldic derivatives of amoxicillin, ampicillin, and penicillins G and V, stabilized with Zn
2+
, were obtained from a methanolic medium. The enzymatic kinetic results show that the these derivatives elicit reversible inhibition of the enzyme metallo-β-lactamase from
Bacillus cereus
, with inhibition constant values determined at pH 7.0 and 25°C.
Lymphohaematopoietic cancer risk among chemical workers exposed to benzene
Authors: Bloemen L J , Youk A , Bradley T D , Bodner K M , Marsh G 
Published: February 2004

Aims:To determine cause specific mortality in a cohort of 2266 chemical workers exposed to benzene in various manufacturing processes after 1935.Methods:The cohort has accumulated over 80 000 person-years of observation; about 70% of the workers were followed for more than 30 years since first exposure.Results:Mortality from non-malignant diseases of the blood was increased (SMR 2.17, 95% CI 0.87 to 4.48), and correlated with duration of benzene exposure, although risk had decreased from the previous investigation of this cohort. The risk for leukaemia was slightly above background (SMR 1.14, obs 12, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.99) but has also decreased since the earlier study of this cohort. SMRs for acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia (ANLL), chronic lymphatic leukaemia, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma were 1.11, 0.42, and 1.06 respectively. There was evidence of a weak trend of increasing SMRs for leukaemia and possibly ANLL with increasing low-level cumulative exposure but not with other measures.Conclusion:Leukaemia and ANLL results were consistent with the mildly increased risk estimates from lower exposure subgroups of the Pliofilm cohort.
Der Mensch im Tod nach der Apokalypse des Mose Eine frühjüdische Anthropologie in der Zeit des Paulus
Authors: Schreiber Stefan 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIn the Apocalypse of Moses the themes of the protoplasts' death and of God's mercy with Adam are dominant. The anthropological views, however, are ambivalent: man as a unity, or a dichotomy of body and soul. In the literary setting of the document as a whole, traditio-historical solutions are not satisfying. On the background of the use of the key terms σ μα, πνε μα and ψυχ in the Septuagint, the author of the Apocalypse does not provide a clear anthropological system, but articulates the "self," the "life" of man as owed to God. Avoiding the dualistic picture of man common in Greek philosophy, he is guided by the biblical view of man as a unity in order to strengthen the reader's hope in a life after death in the face of negative earthly conditions. This has consequences, for example, for the theological diversity in Early Judaism, or for the dilemma of the empty tomb of Jesus.
Platelet-associated autoantibodies as detected by a solid-phase modified antigen capture ELISA test (MACE) are a useful prognostic factor in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Fabris Fabrizio , Scandellari Raffaella , Ruzzon Elisabetta , Randi Maria Luigia , Luzzatto Guido , Girolami Antonio 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
There were 50 consecutive idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) adult patients (platelet count &lt; 100 × 109/L) grouped according to positivity or negativity of a solid-phase modified antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test (MACE) against glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa), Ib/IX, and IIa/IIIa. Observation started on the day of MACE assay and lasted at least 6 months. Clinical worsening was defined as the need for starting or modifying therapy because of thrombocytopenia lower than 20 × 109/L or patient admission due to bleeding symptoms. MACE-positive patients had a higher probability of clinical worsening than MACE-negatives (P &lt; .004). The proportion of patients worsening was 18 (72%) of 25 among MACE-positives and 8 (32%) of 25 among MACE-negatives. The median time to clinical worsening was 2.1 months for MACE-positive patients and 27.7 months for MACE-negatives. The assay of specific platelet autoantibodies may be a useful prognostic tool for the clinical course of ITP. (Blood. 2004;103:4562-4564)
p53, p21, pRB, and p16 Expression Predict Clinical Outcome in Cystectomy With Bladder Cancer
Authors: Shariat Shahrokh F. , Tokunaga Hideo , Zhou JainHua , Kim JaHong , Ayala Gustavo E. , Benedict William F. , Lerner Seth P. 
Published: February 2004

Purpose To determine whether p53, p21, pRB, and/or p16 expression is associated with bladder cancer stage, progression, and prognosis. Patients and Methods Immunohistochemical staining for p53, p21, pRB, and p16 was carried out on serial sections from archival specimens of 80 patients who underwent bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy and radical cystectomy for bladder cancer (median follow-up, 101 months). Results p53, p21, and pRB or p16 expression was altered in 45 (56%), 39 (49%), and 43 (54%) tumors, respectively. Sixty-six patients (83%) had at least one marker altered, and 21 patients (26%) had all three altered. Abnormal expressions of p53, p21, and pRB/p16 expression were associated with muscle-invasive disease (P = .007, P = .003, and P = .003, respectively). The alteration of each marker was independently associated with disease progression (P ≤ .038) and disease-specific survival (P ≤ .039). In multivariable models that included standard pathologic features and p53 with p21 or p53 with pRB/p16, only p53 and lymph node metastases were associated with bladder cancer progression (P ≤ .026) and death (P ≤ .028). In models that included p21 and pRB/p16, only p21 and lymph node metastases were associated with bladder cancer progression (P ≤ .022) and death (P ≤ .028). In a model that included the combined variables p53/p21 and pRB/p16, only p53/p21 and lymph node status were associated with bladder cancer progression (P ≤ .047) and death (P ≤ .036). The incremental number of altered markers was independently associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer progression (P = .005) and mortality (P = .007). Conclusion Although altered expression of each of the four cell cycle regulators is associated with bladder cancer outcome in patients undergoing radical cystectomy, p53 is the strongest predictor, followed by p21, suggesting a more pivotal role of the p53/p21 pathway in bladder cancer progression.
Critical in Vivo Roles for Classical Estrogen Receptors in Rapid Estrogen Actions on Intracellular Signaling in Mouse Brain
Authors: Ábrahám István M. , Todman Martin G. , Korach Kenneth S. , Herbison Allan E. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Estrogen exerts classical genomic as well as rapid nongenomic actions on neurons. The mechanisms involved in rapid estrogen signaling are poorly defined, and the roles of the classical estrogen receptors (ERs α and β) are unclear. We examined here the in vivo role of classical ERs in rapid estrogen actions by evaluating the estrogen-induced effects on two major signaling pathways within the brains of αER-, βER-, and double αβER-knockout (ERKO) ovariectomized female mice. Estrogen significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased the numbers of phospho-cAMP response element binding protein (phospho-CREB)-immunoreactive cells in specific brain regions of wild-type mice in a time-dependent manner beginning within 15 min. In brain areas that express predominantly ERβ, this response was absent in βERKO mice, whereas brain regions that express mostly ERα displayed no change in αERKO mice. In the medial preoptic nucleus (MPN), an area that expresses both ERs, the estrogen-induced phosphorylation of CREB was normal in both αERKO and βERKO mice. However, estrogen had no effect on CREB phosphorylation in the MPN, or any other brain region, in double αβERKO animals. Estrogen was also found to increase MAPK phosphorylation levels in a rapid (&lt;15 min) manner within the MPN. In contrast to CREB signaling, this effect was lost in either αERKO or βERKO mice. These data show that ERα and ERβ play region- and pathway-specific roles in rapid estrogen actions throughout the brain. They further indicate an indispensable role for classical ERs in rapid estrogen actions in vivo and highlight the importance of ERs in coordinating both classical and rapid actions of estrogen.
Evaluation of thermal comfort in a vehicle cabin
Authors: Martinho N A G , Silva M C G , Ramos J A E 
Published: February 2004

The objective of the work presented in this article was to study the airflow in a vehicle cabin with the typical dimensions and geometry of a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with a view to evaluating the thermal comfort through the equivalent temperature index. Tests were carried out on a life-size laboratory model of a car cabin, constructed with a simplified geometry, for different conditions: with and without the presence of a thermal mannequin, with different values of air velocity and temperature and with different regulation of the air inlets. The values of equivalent temperature were determined for each one of the various parts of the body, by two distinct forms: from the measurements performed by the thermal mannequin and from the physical parameters of the airflow, i.e. air velocity and temperature. The mapping of these flow parameters inside the cabin was done through a scanning process carried out with a traversing mechanism with eight low-velocity thermal anemometer probes, controlled from the exterior of the car cabin. Thus, using the values measured in plans in the neighbourhood of the different parts of the thermal mannequin, the equivalent temperature profiles were computed during tests carried out without the presence of the thermal mannequin.
Development of a multizone model for direct injection diesel combustion
Authors: Liu Y , Midkiff K. C. , Bell S. R. 
Published: February 2004

Diesel engines have attracted considerable attention in recent years because of the increasingly restrictive ‘engine-out’ emission standards being adopted by regulatory agencies. The cutting-edge technologies of emissions reduction in engines fall into three categories: preprocessing, improved combustion processing and post-processing. An engine cycle simulation was developed to investigate and, thus, find possible avenues of reducing emissions through modifying the combustion process. This simulation includes models for fresh air charging, fuel and air mixing, wall heat transfer, diesel droplet evaporation, ignition delay and mixture combustion with species equilibrium reactions. These models, together with a thermo-dynamic analysis of the cylinder gas, yield instantaneous cylinder conditions, overall indicated engine performance and a prediction of the engine-out NOx and soot emissions. The engine parameters and operating conditions used in the work presented here were chosen to be representative of a Caterpillar 3401 single-cylinder diesel engine. Experimental investigations were also conducted with the engine, and the combustion model has been verified by comparing the experiment results to the simulation results.
The Guide to Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement Approach for Estimating Uncertainty
Authors: Kristiansen Jesper 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBackground: The aim of the Guide to Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) is to harmonize the different practices for estimating and reporting uncertainty of measurement. Although there are clear advantages in having a common approach for evaluating uncertainty, application of the GUM approach to chemistry measurements is not straightforward. In the above commentary, Krouwer suggests that the GUM approach should not be applied to diagnostic assays, because (a) the quality of diagnostic assays is to low, and (b) the GUM uncertainty intervals are too narrow to predict the outliers that occasionally trouble these methods.Methods: Some of the examples presented by Krouwer are reviewed. Sodium measurements are modeled mathematically to illustrate the GUM approach to uncertainty. A standardized uncertainty evaluation process is presented.Results: Modeling of sodium measurements demonstrates how the GUM uncertainty interval reflects the treatment of a bias: The width of the uncertainty interval varied depending on whether a correction for a calibrator lot bias was applied, but in both cases it was consistent with the distribution of measurement results. Expanding the uncertainty interval to include outliers runs counter to the definition of uncertainty. Used appropriately, the GUM uncertainty can be helpful in detecting outliers. In standardizing the uncertainty evaluation, the importance of the analytical imprecision and traceability was emphasized. It is problematic that manufacturers of commercial assays rarely inform about the uncertainty of the values assigned to the calibrators. As demonstrated by an example, external quality-assurance data may be used to estimate this uncertainty.Conclusions: The GUM uncertainty should be applied to measurements in laboratory medicine because it may actually support the forces that drive the work on improving the quality of measurement procedures. However, it is important that the GUM approach is made more manageable by standardizing the uncertainty evaluation procedure as much as possible. It is essential to focus on the traceability and uncertainty of calibrators and reagents supplied by manufacturers of assays. Information about uncertainty is necessary in the evaluation of the uncertainty associated with manufacturers’ measurement procedures, and in general it may force manufacturers to increase their efforts in improving the metrologic and analytical quality of their products.
Turbidimetric D-Dimer Test in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism: A Metaanalysis
Authors: Brown Michael D , Lau Joseph , Nelson R Darrell , Kline Jeffery A 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBackground: Clinicians in outpatient clinics and emergency departments desire an accurate quantitative D-dimer assay. The study objective was to evaluate the diagnostic performance characteristics of the latex turbidimetric D-dimer test in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the emergency department population.Methods: We conducted a search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and bibliographies of previous systematic reviews with no language restriction. Experts in the field of PE research were contacted to identify unpublished studies. Prospective investigations involving predominately outpatient populations with suspected PE that used a turbidimetric D-dimer test were included. Two authors extracted data independently and assessed study quality based on the composition of the patient spectrum and the reference standard used. Consensus was reached by conference. The analysis was based on a summary ROC curve and combining sensitivity and specificity independently across studies using a random-effects model.Results: The search yielded 264 publications and 2 unpublished studies. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and provided a sample of 1901 individuals. Eight of the nine studies were homogeneous in terms of both sensitivity and specificity. One study had similar sensitivity but higher specificity. Combining the studies yielded an overall sensitivity of 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.89–0.96) and an overall specificity of 0.51 (95% confidence interval, 0.42–0.59).Conclusions: The turbidimetric D-dimer test is sensitive but nonspecific for the detection of PE in the emergency department setting. D-Dimer tests using latex turbidimetric methods appear to have test characteristics comparable to those for ELISA methods.
Self-Rated Health and Semen Quality in Men Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology
Authors: Liu Xiao-Ying , Deng Yan-Ling , Chen Pan-Pan , Liu Chong , Miao Yu , Zhang Min , Cui Fei-Peng , Zeng Jia-Yue , Wu Yang , Li Cheng-Ru , Liu Chang-Jiang , Zeng Qiang 
Published: January 2024

ImportanceNumerous studies have documented the association of self-rated health (SRH) with chronic diseases. However, few studies have investigated its association with semen quality.ObjectiveTo examine the association of SRH with semen quality among men undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) in China.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cross-sectional study recruited male partners in couples undergoing ART treatment at the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China. A total of 1262 men underwent 2 semen examinations and completed a questionnaire on SRH between December 2018 and January 2020. Data analysis was performed from November 20, 2022, to March 24, 2023.ExposureSRH, including overall physical and mental health, as well as reproductive-related physical and mental health specifically, were reported at baseline recruitment.Main Outcomes and MeasuresSperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, sperm motility, and sperm count as semen quality parameters.ResultsThe study included 1262 men with a mean (SD) age of 32.79 (5.25) years and body mass index of 24.37 (3.68). Men with poorer SRH had lower semen quality (eg, sperm concentration among poor vs very good overall physical health: percentage variation, −14.67%; 95% CI, −23.62% to −4.66%). Among 4 components of SRH, a greater reduction in semen quality was estimated for reproductive-related SRH compared with overall SRH, whereas the greatest reduction was observed for reproductive-related physical SRH. In comparison with men with very good reproductive-related physical SRH, men with poor reproductive-related physical SRH had differences of −24.78% (95% CI, −32.71% to −15.93%) and −25.61% (95% CI, −33.95% to −16.22%) in sperm count and concentration, respectively, and regression coefficients of −9.38 (95% CI, −12.01 to −6.76) and −9.24 (95% CI, −11.82 to −6.66) for sperm motility and sperm progressive motility, respectively.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cross-sectional study of Chinese men, poorer SRH was associated with lower semen quality, and reproductive-related physical SRH was the most pronounced indicator. Our findings suggest that SRH, especially reproductive-related physical SRH, was a good indicator of semen quality, which should inform public and clinical regulatory decisions.
Inherent Tumor Microenvironment‐Reversing Hydrogels: Potentiating Molecular Therapy Efficacy Against Drug‐Resistant Tumors
Authors: Liang Xiaoyu , Li Yachao , Guo Beiling , Zeng Zenan , Deng Kefurong , Zou Dongzhe , Xie Yuxin , Xu Yini , Shen Cheng , Xu Xianghui 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe tumor microenvironment is a pivotal driver of tumor progression, highlighting the potential of microenvironment reversal as a promising breakthrough in cancer therapy. However, the current tumor microenvironment reversing capacity through targeted drug delivery remains limited, posing a significant challenge in the biomedical field. In this study, a materials science strategy to achieve an inherently efficient reversal of the solid tumor microenvironment while potentiating molecular therapy efficacy against drug‐resistant tumors is proposed. To construct bioactive hydrogel materials, biocompatible and acid‐reversible nanoclays are utilized as building blocks, and peptide polydendrons are designed as supramolecular cross‐linkers. To drive hydrogel network formation, bioactive hydrogels are capable of reversing tumor acidotic microenvironment, integrating superior mechanical properties, injectability, self‐healing capability, and drug‐loading capacity. Through a drug‐resistant cell line in vitro and a tumor‐bearing mouse model in vivo, the hydrogel materials successfully modulate acidic accumulation resulting from tumor metabolic abnormalities and reverse the acidic microenvironment within the tumor tissue. Remarkably, the tumor microenvironment‐reversing hydrogels effectively suppress tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while significantly amplifying the antitumor drug efficacy. The bioactive hydrogel materials offer an innovative avenue for reversing the tumor microenvironment, displaying promising prospects for clinical translation and applications.
High Entropy‐Driven Role of Oxygen Vacancies for Water Oxidation
Authors: Liu Yifan , Ye Caichao , Chen Long , Fan Jinbo , Liu Chao , Xue Liang , Sun Jingwen , Zhang Wenqing , Wang Xin , Xiong Pan , Zhu Junwu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOxygen vacancy engineering is a promising strategy to enhance the electrocatalytic activities in conventional metal oxide electrocatalysts. However, the utilization of oxygen vacancies in high‐entropy oxides remains unknown, primarily due to the challenges associated with facile introduction of the oxygen vacancies and explanation of their roles in complex high‐entropy systems. Herein, the facile introduction of oxygen vacancies into high‐entropy oxides is realized and the unique high entropy‐driven role of oxygen vacancies for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) process is revealed. A low‐temperature surface carbonization–decarbonization approach is developed to introduce and regulate the oxygen vacancies in high‐entropy spinel oxides (HEOs). The oxygen vacancies in HEOs can both facilitate pre‐oxidation process for faster OH− adsorption and induce the unique bridge site pathway for easier deprotonation, distinctive in conventional oxides where oxygen vacancies favor *OH adsorption yet hinder the deprotonation. Consequently, the as‐prepared high‐entropy spinel oxides with oxygen vacancies (HEOs‐Ov) exhibit superior OER activities, outperforming the HEOs and most reported oxide‐based electrocatalysts. Besides, this universal method can be extended to other spinel oxides with different configuration entropies and can be scaled up. The work paves the way for the exploration of oxygen vacancies in high‐entropy oxides toward electrocatalysis fields.