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PubMed2006

Recent applications of microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography.

Compared to MEKC, the presence of a water-immiscible oil phase in the microemulsion droplets of microemulsion EKC (MEEKC) gives rise to some special properties, such as enhanced solubilization capacity and enlarged migration window, which could allow for the improved separation of various hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds, with reduced sample pretreatment steps, unique selectivities and/or higher efficiencies. Typically, stable and optically clear oil-in-water microemulsions containing a surfactant (SDS), oil (octane or heptane), and cosurfactant (1-butanol) in phosphate buffer are employed as separation media in conventional MEEKC. However, in recent years, the applicability of reverse MEEKC (water-in-oil microemulsions) has also been demonstrated, such as for the enhanced separation of highly hydrophobic substances. Also, during the past few years, the development and application of MEEKC for the separation of chiral molecules has been expanded, based on the use of enantioselective microemulsions that contained a chiral surfactant or chiral alcohol. On the other hand, the application of MEEKC for the characterization of the lipophilicity of chemical substances remains an active and important area of research, such as the use of multiplex MEEKC for the high-throughput determination of partition coefficients (log P values) of pharmaceutical compounds. In this review, recent applications of MEEKC (covering the period from 2003 to 2005) are reported. Emphases are placed on the discussion of MEEKC in the separation of chiral molecules and highly hydrophobic substances, as well as in the determination of partition coefficients, followed by a survey of recent applications of MEEKC in the analysis of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and health-care products, biological and environmental compounds, plant materials, and foods.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Application of activity-based costing (ABC) for a Peruvian NGO healthcare provider.

This article describes the application of activity-based costing (ABC) to calculate the unit costs of the services for a health care provider in Peru. While traditional costing allocates overhead and indirect costs in proportion to production volume or to direct costs, ABC assigns costs through activities within an organization. ABC uses personnel interviews to determine principal activities and the distribution of individual's time among these activities. Indirect costs are linked to services through time allocation and other tracing methods, and the result is a more accurate estimate of unit costs. The study concludes that applying ABC in a developing country setting is feasible, yielding results that are directly applicable to pricing and management. ABC determines costs for individual clinics, departments and services according to the activities that originate these costs, showing where an organization spends its money. With this information, it is possible to identify services that are generating extra revenue and those operating at a loss, and to calculate cross subsidies across services. ABC also highlights areas in the health care process where efficiency improvements are possible. Conclusions about the ultimate impact of the methodology are not drawn here, since the study was not repeated and changes in utilization patterns and the addition of new clinics affected applicability of the results. A potential constraint to implementing ABC is the availability and organization of cost information. Applying ABC efficiently requires information to be readily available, by cost category and department, since the greatest benefits of ABC come from frequent, systematic application of the methodology in order to monitor efficiency and provide feedback for management. The article concludes with a discussion of the potential applications of ABC in the health sector in developing countries.

Accounting↗

PubMed1995

Characteristics of Nd:YAG sculptured contact probes after prolonged laser application.

This study analyzed the functional and structural characteristics of cone, hemisphere, and modified sculptured contact fibers (1,000 microns) after 1 hour of continuous Nd:YAG laser application. Continuous laser application was performed on live porcine tissue using 20 watts of power. The fiber's appearance under a microscope as well as the power output was recorded after 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes of continuous laser application. (N = 3 for each fiber). At time 0, all fibers transmitted from 49 to 56% of the initial 20 watts (W); power transmission decreased to less than 9% relative power transmission after 20 minutes and then plateaued. The fibers exhibited severe distortion and carbonization of the surface where laser had been applied with evidence of quartz melting and shattering after only 10 minutes. By 30 minutes of laser application, all three fibers were fractured and essentially indistinguishable from one another; moreover, the fibers exhibited similar power transmission, and cutting and coagulation activity, as determined by a panel of independent, double-blinded surgeons. These data lead us to conclude that 1) Nd:YAG contact laser effects result from thermal heating of the fiber tip with subsequent tissue injury, 2) the unique structural configuration of the fiber's sculptured tip are lost after several minutes of laser application without appreciable change in functional integrity, and 3) fibers may be manually fractured allowing for multiple uses without significant sacrifice of power transmission or surgical utility.

Aluminum↗

PubMed1983

Effects of thermal applications on the abdominal temperature of dogs.

The results of thermal applications to the abdomens of unrestrained, unanesthetized dogs are reported. A silicone rubber envelope through which water circulated at 0 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, or 50 degrees C was applied. Skin surface, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intestinal, and colonic temperatures were measured after 90 minutes. Pad applications at 0 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, and 30 degrees C significantly lowered skin surface and subcutaneous temperatures, while pad applications at 40 degrees and 50 degrees C significantly increased subcutaneous and skin surface temperatures. None of the pad applications had a significant effect on intraperitoneal, intestinal, or colonic temperatures. The findings indicate that a wide range of thermal applications to the abdominal skin of the dog do not alter deep abdominal temperatures.

Abdomen↗

PubMed2003

Development of a new application apparatus for entomopathogenic nematodes.

This paper describes the assessment of nematode spray application methods and details the redesign of a spinning disc applicator for the improved application of the infective juveniles of entomopathogenic nematodes to foliage. The assessment highlighted fundamental design features that prevent efficient and accurate nematode application and these are dealt with in turn specifically to enable improved nematode application. The redesigned or prototype spinning disc was shown to improve nematode carriage in droplets, leading to greater deposition of nematodes per unit area. There is a trade-off between spray droplet coverage of the target surface and the production of a suitable droplet spectrum for nematode carriage.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Kinlsq: a program for fitting kinetics data with numerically integrated rate equations and its application to the analysis of slow, tight-binding inhibition data.

Kinlsq, a Matlab-based computer program for the least-squares fitting of parameters to kinetics data described by numerically integrated rate equations, is described, and three applications to the analysis of enzyme kinetics data are given. The first application was to the analysis of a simple bimolecular enzyme plus inhibitor binding curve. The kinlsq fit to these data was essentially identical to that obtained with the corresponding analytically integrated rate equation, validating kinlsq. The second application was to the fit of a numerically integrated Michaelis-Menten model to the progress curve for dipeptidyl peptidase IV-catalyzed hydrolysis of Ala-Pro-p-nitroanilide as a demonstration of the analysis of steady-state enzyme kinetics data. The results obtained with kinlsq were compared with the results obtained by fitting this time course with the integrated Michaelis-Menten equation, and with the results obtained by fitting the (S,dP/dt) transform of the data with the Michaelis-Menten equation. The third application was to the analysis of the inhibition of chymotrypsin by the slow, tight-binding inhibitor MeOSuc-Ala-Ala-Pro-boroPhe, data not readily amenable to other methods of analysis. These applications demonstrate how kinlsq can be used to fit rate constants, equilibrium constants, steady-state constants, and the stoichiometric relationships between components.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1997

Toward an Explanation of Applicant Reactions: An Examination of Organizational Justice and Attribution Frameworks.

This study used the organizational justice and attribution theory frameworks to understand the processes by which applicants perceive and react to selection procedures and decisions. Actual applicants were studied at two stages in a selection process (i.e., pre-application and post-offer). Interactions between process and outcome fairness were observed for intentions (recommendation and reapplication) and self-assessed performance. Although the form of the interaction was specific to each measure, in general fair procedures resulted in more favorable perceptions, and this become more pronounced when individuals also perceived fair outcomes. An interaction was also observed for process fairness and the actual selection decision; self-efficacy was lowest for those who were selected and perceived unfair procedures. The causal attributions for the selection decision were related to intentions and self-perceptions, and applicants demonstrated self-serving biases, but only when procedures were perceived as fair. Potential links between the organizational justice and attribution frameworks were also examined. Both frameworks were found to provide insight into the psychological processes that influence applicants' intentions and self-perceptions. Copyright 1997 Academic Press.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1993

A comparative analysis of the time course of cardiac Ca2+ current response to rapid applications of beta-adrenergic and dihydropyridine agonists.

A fast perfusion system was used to analyze the kinetics of the response of L-type calcium current (ICa) to rapid exposures to beta-adrenergic or dihydropyridine agonists in whole-cell patch-clamped frog ventricular myocytes. The perfusion system was based on the lateral motion of an array of plastic capillary tubes from which solutions flowed at a velocity of approximately 5 cm/s. Movement from one capillary to the adjacent one occurred in < 20 ms and complete exchange of extracellular solution was achieved in < 50 ms as demonstrated by the block of ICa by fastflow application of Cd during a depolarizing pulse. Fastflow applications of increasing concentrations of isoprenaline (Iso) led to a dose-dependent stimulation of ICa at [Iso] > 1 nM. The response of ICa to Iso always started after a delay of several seconds. The delay duration decreased as [Iso] increased, and was typically approximately 3 s at 10 microM Iso. The rising phase of ICa increase was monophasic and independent of [Iso] > 100 nM. For short applications of Iso (8.8 s), half maximal and maximal stimulation of ICa occurred approximately 20 s and approximately 40 s after the beginning of Iso application, respectively. When Iso was applied during a depolarizing pulse (with Ba as the charge carrier), IBa never increased during that pulse. The kinetics of the ICa response to Iso were not affected by varying the voltage clamp protocols or the ionic composition of intracellular and extracellular solutions. In comparison with the effects of Iso, the stimulatory effect of the dihydropyridine agonist (-)Bay K 8644 on ICa was approximately 15 times faster: delay, half-time to maximal and time to maximal responses were 15 times shorter with (-)Bay K 8644 than with Iso. It is concluded that frog ventricular myocytes respond slowly to a quick application of beta-adrenergic agonists.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

PubMed1993

Influence of the application site on bioadhesion and slow-release characteristics of a bioadhesive buccal slow-release tablet of miconazole.

The influence of the application site on bioadhesion and release characteristics of a bioadhesive buccal slow-release tablet of miconazole has been evaluated. The adhesion time and salivary miconazole levels were measured after application of the tablet to the gingiva, the cheek and the palate in 10 healthy volunteers. The longest adhesion time noted was for the gingiva (565 min), compared to the palate and cheek with adhesion times of 210 and 243 min, respectively. Tablets adherent to the palate showed the highest initial salivary drug levels, followed by those adherent to the cheek and gingiva, respectively. The clearance rate from the oral cavity was similar when the tablet was applied to the palate and the cheek, but it was markedly decreased when applied to the gingiva. It is concluded that the gingiva is the best site for application of a bioadhesive buccal system for local therapy. A study in 8 comatose intubated patients showed that the application site had to be adapted to the state of the patients treated, as salivary miconazole concentrations comparable to those observed with the gingival tablet in healthy volunteers, were obtained after application to the cheek.

Adhesiveness↗

PubMed1982

Exposure of professional pesticide applicators to carbaryl.

Dermal and respiratory exposure, and erythrocyte and serum acetylcholinesterase activity were monitored on two groups of professional pesticide applicators spraying trees with carbaryl. The mean dermal exposure to the first group was 128 mg hr-1 of carbaryl and the mean respiratory exposure was 0.1 mg hr-1. The maximum percent (%) toxic dose received by the applicators was 0.12% hr-1. The mean exposure to the second group of applicators was 59.4 mg hr-1 dermal and 0.1 mg hr-1 respiratory, for a total of 0.02% toxic dose per hr. It was estimated that 86.9% of the dermal exposure was to the forearms and hands. The rate of exposure to pads placed under the applicators clothing was approximately 1/20 that of pads on the outside of the clothing. Of the body areas monitored, the back received the least rate of exposure. It was determined, in vitro, that 10(-3) M carbaryl would inhibit human serum (pseudocholinesterase) and erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase for at least 72 hr. There was no overall inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in the applicators.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

PubMed1996

Are adult transcranial Doppler systems suitable for application in neonates?

UNLABELLED: Transcranial Doppler systems have not been available for monitoring of cerebral blood flow velocities in neonates because of potential hazardous effects of energy output from standard instruments developed for adult application. Aim of the study was to test commercially available transcranial Doppler instruments for their applicability in neonates and to develop guidelines for adaptation for safe neonatal use. Energy output of five commercially available transcranial Doppler instruments was measured with a hydrophone system and a radiation force balance. At the highest setting and at the nominal 10% attenuation level, five out of five and two out of five instruments, respectively, had an energy output above the recommended limits. Power reduction was not linear in one instrument. Evaluation of safety devices (alarm, freeze mode, energy reduction facilities, display of energy values) showed that none of the tested instruments had an optimal setting for safe neonatal application. CONCLUSION: Commercially available transcranial Doppler instruments should be evaluated critically for their energy output prior to their application in neonates. Special software for neonatal application of transcranial Doppler systems should be developed in order to provide extremely low energy output levels and devices for indication of duration of Doppler insonation and energy output.

Humans↗

PubMed1996

In vivo microautoradiography of [3H]1,24(OH)2D3 (tacalcitol) following topical application to normal rats and in vitro metabolism in human keratinocytes.

This study was conducted to investigate the mechanism of topical absorption of [3H]1,24(OH)2D3 (1,24-dihydroxyvitamin D3; tacalcitol) by applying an ointment containing 4 micrograms2/g [3H]1,24(OH)2D3 to the skin of rats using an occlusion method. Microautoradiography of the skin at the application site 1 h after topical treatment showed a high concentration of radiolabel in the stratum corneum, the epidermis and around the hair follicles. Radiolabel was also seen in the epidermis and hair follicle areas 8 h and 24 h after application. The radiolabel was distributed to a minor extent to the subcutaneous fat layer. Microautoradiography showed two routes of purcutaneous absorption of 1,24(OH)2D3: through the stratum corneum and epidermis into the microvessels, and through hair follicle areas into the bloodstream. After topical application of an ointment containing 4 micrograms/g or 40 micrograms/g [3H]1,24(OH)2D3 to the shaved neck skin of rats, the absorption rate, estimated by excretion in the urine and faeces, was about 30% of the total applied radioactivity. The main excretion route after topical application was in the faeces. Furthermore, 1,24(OH)2D3 added to human adult keratinocytes was not metabolized into other compounds, and only the unchanged compound was detected. These findings strongly suggest that 1,24(OH)2D3 distributed into the epidermis acts on epidermal keratinocytes. Topical application of 1,24(OH)2D3 appears to be a possible approach to the treatment of psoriasis and other skin diseases through its action on the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor, which reportedly plays a very important role in the regulation of proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes.

Absorption↗

PubMed2005

Enhanced central organ oxygenation after application of bovine cell-free hemoglobin HBOC-201.

PURPOSE: While the effects of dilutional anemia or isovolemic hemodilution (IHD) on the oxygen extraction and tissue oxygenation in peripheral organs after application of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers like HBOC-201 have been studied intensively, little is known about tissue oxygenation properties of hemoglobin solutions in central organs like the liver. METHODS: Twelve Foxhounds were anesthetized and then randomized to either a control group without hemodilution (Group 1) or underwent first step isovolemic hemodilution (pulmonary artery occlusion pressure constant) with Ringer's solution (Group 2) to a hematocrit of 25% with second step infusion of HBOC-201 until a hemoglobin concentration of +0.6 g.dL(-1) was reached. Tissue oxygen tensions (tpO2) were measured in the gastrocnemius muscle using a polarographic needle probe, and in the liver using a flexible polarographic electrode. RESULTS: While arterial oxygen content and oxygen delivery decreased with hemodilution in Group 2, global liver and muscle oxygen extraction ratio increased after hemodilution and additional application of HBOC-201. Hemodilution and application of HBOC-201 provided augmentation of the mean liver tpO2 (baseline: 48 +/- 9, 20 min: 53 +/- 10, 60 min: 67 +/- 11*, 100 min: 68 +/- 7*; *P < 0.05 vs baseline and Group 1), while oxygen tensions in Group 1 remained unchanged. Oxygen tension in the skeletal muscle increased after hemodilution and additionally after application of HBOC-201 in comparison to baseline and to the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the present animal model, IHD with Ringer's solution and additional application of HBOC-201 increased oxygen extraction and tpO(2) in the liver and skeletal muscle, in parallel and in comparison with baseline values and a control group.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

A "building block" approach to application development for education and decision support in radiology: implications for integrated clinical information systems environments.

Education and decision-support resources useful to radiologists are proliferating for the personal computer/workstation user or are potentially accessible via high-speed networks. These resources are typically made available through a set of application programs that tend to be developed in isolation and operate independently. Nonetheless, there is a growing need for an integrated environment for access to these resources in the context of professional work, during clinical problem-solving and decision-making activities, and for use in conjunction with other information resources. New application development environments are required to provide these capabilities. One such architecture for applications, which we have implemented in a prototype environment called DeSyGNER, is based on separately delineating the component information resources required for an application, termed entities, and the user interface and organizational paradigms, or composition methods, by which the entities are used to provide particular kinds of capability. Examples include composition methods to support query, book browsing, hyperlinking, tutorials, simulations, or question/answer testing. Future steps must address true integration of such applications with existing clinical information systems. We believe that the most viable approach for evolving this capability is based on the use of new software engineering methodologies, open systems, client-server communication, and delineation of standard message protocols.

Computer Systems↗

PubMed2005

Topical application of plasmid DNA to mouse and human skin.

Gene expression following direct injection of naked plasmid DNA into the skin has been demonstrated in the past. Topical application of plasmid DNA represents an attractive route of gene delivery. If successful, it would have great prospects in skin gene therapy since it is painless and easy to apply. In this study, we analyzed the expression of plasmid DNA in vivo and in vitro following topical application of plasmid DNA in various liposomal spray formulations. Therefore, different concentrations of plasmid DNA expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (pEGFP-N1) were sprayed onto mouse or human skin once daily for three consecutive days and compared with direct injection. Gene expression was assessed 24 h after the final topical application of various liposomal DNA formulations. The results showed that EGFP mRNA and protein were detectable by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. However, epicutaneously applied EGFP plasmid DNA did not lead to microscopically detectable EGFP protein, when assessed by confocal laser microscopy or fluorescence-activated cell sorting in contrast to about 4% of fluorescent keratinocytes following intradermal injection. In an in vivo mouse model, the application of pEGFP-N1 DNA led to the generation of GFP-specific antibodies. These results indicate that topical spray application of pEGFP-N1 liposomal DNA formulations is a suitable method for plasmid DNA delivery to the skin, yielding limited gene expression. This spray method may thus be useful for DNA vaccination. To increase its attractiveness for skin gene therapy, the improvement of topical formulations with enhanced DNA absorption is desirable.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2004

["Shrinkage of cruciate ligaments"--a biomechanical study. Shrinkage of elongated cruciate ligaments using an application of radiofrequency energy].

The aim of this study was to evaluate structural properties of native and elongated bovine anterior cruciate ligaments after the application of bipolar radiofrequency. Using a material testing machine typical load-elongation curves were used to determine the initial strength of untreated (group 1, n = 20) and elongated cruciate ligaments (group 2, n = 20) after treatment with bipolar radiofrequency (ArthroCare). After the application of a cyclic loading protocol (1000 x 400 N) elongation, yield load, maximal load, and stiffness were determined. Native ligaments served as a control group (group 3, n = 20). In both groups 4 mm reduction in length was caused by the application of radiofrequency. Elongation was significantly higher; yield load, maximal load, and stiffness of cruciate ligaments treated with radiofrequency (groups 1 and 2) were significantly reduced after the application of a cyclic loading protocol in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). Group 2 ligaments showed the lowest values. The application of radiofrequency weakens the biomechanical properties of native and elongated cruciate ligaments significantly. When radiofrequency energy is used to shrink elongated cruciate ligaments, a nonaggressive rehabilitation protocol should be applied.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Pesticide deposition on coveralls during vineyard applications.

Deposition of pesticide on the clothing of the applicator was studied in a commercial vineyard using two different application technologies. A typical air-assisted sprayer with centrifugal fans delivered a concentrated spray. A tunnel or hooded sprayer was used at two carrier rates-high volume, low concentration versus low volume, high concentration-to apply Dithane M-45, an agricultural fungicide, at 3,375 g/ha on a light to medium density canopy. Deposition of pesticide was on the coveralls worn by the operator for all applications with a deposition range of 0.43 to 0.63 ng/cm2. The deposition on the clothing was higher for the air-assist sprayer than for the hooded sprayer. However, reducing the volume of water in the non-air assist hooded sprayer offered no advantage in terms of decreasing operator exposure. While the deposition of pesticide on the coveralls of the applicator was fairly uniformly distributed on the garment surface, the neck, shoulder, and upper right arm of our right-handed operator had the highest amount of pesticide deposit and the lower left quadrant of the garment had the lowest deposition. Results of this study indicate that vineyard applicator exposure can be reduced by use of the hooded non-air assisted sprayer and that extra protection is needed in the region of the neck, shoulder, and arm, and attention to the habits of the tractor driver is required.http://link.springer-ny. com/link/service/journals/00244/bibs/37n2p273.html

Agriculture↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Use of semiflexible applicators for radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and potential advantages of the radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors using new MRI-compatible semiflexible applicators in a closed-bore high-field MRI scanner. METHODS: We treated 8 patients with 12 malignant liver tumors of different origin (5 colorectal carcinoma, 2 cholangiocellular carcinoma, 1 breast cancer) under MRI guidance. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was performed using 5 cm Rita Starburst Semi-Flex applicators (Rita Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI, USA) which are suitable for MR- and CT-guided interventions and a 150 W RF generator. All interventions were performed in a closed-bore 1.5 T high-field MRI scanner for MRI-guided RFA using fast T1-weighted gradient echo sequences and T2-weighted ultra-turbo spin echo sequences. Control and follow-up MRI examinations were performed on the next day, at 6 weeks, and every 3 months after RFA. Control MRI were performed as double-contrast MRI examinations (enhancement with iron oxide and gadopentetate dimeglumine). All interventions were performed with the patient under local anesthesia and analgo-sedation. RESULTS: The mean diameter of the treated hepatic tumors was 2.4 cm (+/-0.6 cm, range 1.0-3.2 cm). The mean diameter of induced necrosis was 3.1 cm (+/-0.4 cm). We achieved complete ablation in all patients. Follow-up examinations over a duration of 7 months (+/-1.3 months, range 4-9 month) showed a local control rate of 100% in this group of patients. All interventions were performed without major complications; only 2 subcapsular hematomas were documented. CONCLUSION: RFA of liver tumors using semiflexible applicators in closed-bore 1.5 T scanner systems is feasible. These applicators might simplify the RFA of liver tumors under MRI control. The stiff distal part of the applicator facilitates its repositioning.

Aged↗