bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalizations of the KPSS‐test for stationarity
Authors: Hobijn Bart , Franses Philip Hans , Ooms Marius
Published: December 2004

We propose automatic generalizations of the KPSS‐test for the null hypothesis of stationarity of a univariate time series. We can use these tests for the null hypotheses of trend stationarity, level stationarity and zero mean stationarity. We introduce the asymptotic null distributions and we determine consistency against relevant nonstationary alternatives. We compare the properties of the tests with those of other proposed tests for stationarity. Monte Carlo simulations support the relevance of the tests when an autoregressive process with large positive autocorrelations is likely under the null hypothesis.
Effect of Hypotension and Carbon Dioxide Changes in an Improved Genuine Closed Cranial Window Rat Model
Authors: Petersen KA , Dyrby L , Williamson D , Edvinsson L , Olesen J
Published: December 2004

The genuine closed cranial window model, in which the thinned parietal bone constitutes the covering of the preparation, has contributed to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms in migraine. In its present form, only measurements of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) are performed. The aim of this study was, in addition, to measure pial artery/arteriole (PA) diameter and cortical cerebral blood flux in the same cranial window. The model was evaluated by studying the effects of hypotension and changes in arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO2), because these parameters might influence the interpretation of pharmacological experiments. Out of 23 successful experiments it was possible to measure all three parameters in 19 animals. In four, PA diameter could not be measured, while MMA diameter and local cortical cerebral blood flux (LCBFFlux) always could. Haemorrhage-induced hypotension (-64 + 0.8 mmHg) caused an increase of MMA diameter of 11.8 + 8.4%, PA diameter of 61.2 + 7.7% and a decrease in LCBFFlux of - 36.4 + 2.5%. The decrease in blood pressure did not significantly change the MMA ( P = 0.38); however, the PA diameter and the LCBF-Flux were affected ( P < 0.001). All three parameters were sensitive to hypo- and hypercapnia. In conclusion, we have shown that not only MMA but also PA diameter and LCBFFlux can be measured in the same cranial window. Tight control of PaCO2 is essential in pharmacological experiments. If test substances possess hypotensive actions, it may be difficult to interpret whether the PA dilation is caused by the induced hypotension per se or is a direct pharmacological action or a combination. In contrast, the MMA does not autoregulate and MMA diameter changes in pharmacological studies may exclusively be due to direct pharmacological effects.
The sociology of identity: social science or social comment?
Authors: MacInnes John
Published: December 2004

Robert W. Connell

2002

Cambridge and Oxford
:

.
184
pp. £

45.00

(hardback) £

12.99

(paperback)

 

Mary Daly and
Katherine Rake

2003

Cambridge and Oxford
:

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212
pp. £

50.00

(hardback) £

17.99

(paperback)

 

Mary, Evans

2003

Buckingham
:

138
pp. £

55.00

(hardback) £

18.99

(paperback)

 

Catherine, Hakim

2003

Aldershot

280
pp. £

45.00

(hardback) £

18.99

(paperback)

 

Chris, Haywood and
Máirtín, Mac An Ghaill

2003

Buckingham
:

190
pp. £

45.00

(hardback) £

18.99

(paperback)

 

Kath, Woodward

2002

London
:

183
pp. £

46.00

(hardback) £

15.01

(paperback)
The globalization of football: a study in the glocalization of the ‘serious life’
Authors: Giulianotti Richard , Robertson Roland
Published: December 2004

Sport, in particular football, constitutes one of the most dynamic, sociologically illuminating domains of globalization. This paper examines the globalization of football with particular reference to Robertson’s theorizations of global processes. We examine football’s cultural globalization through the concept of ‘glocalization’, which highlights the interdependence of local and global processes within the game’s identities and institutions. We address economic globalization in football by considering the world’s leading clubs as ‘glocal’ transnational corporations. We assess the political globalization of football with reference to the possible enhancement of democracy within the game’s international governance. We conclude by affirming the utility of sport in advancing our empirical and theoretical understanding of globalization processes.
Intravascular lasers in the treatment of varicose veins
Authors: Goldman M P
Published: December 2004

Historically, surgical treatments, such as high ligation or complete removal of an incompetent greater saphenous vein, were used to treat varicose veins resulting from saphenofemoral junction reflux. The relative lack of efficacy of these invasive methods, along with potential morbidity and significant patient downtime, has inspired the search for other treatments. Endovenous radiofrequency closure of the greater saphenous vein is effective and safe but its high cost, in terms of non‐reusable catheters, and its slow withdrawal rate impair its practicality.

A new technique for endovenous occlusion using endoluminal laser technology offers a less invasive alternative to ligation and stripping as well as a faster and less expensive method to treat varicose saphenous trunks and junctions. Initial clinical experience in several hundred patients shows a high degree of success with minimal side effects, most of which can be prevented or minimized by minor modifications of the technique.

This paper reviews the use of an intravascular laser to destroy varicose veins.

Various wavelengths including 810, 940, 980, 1064 and 1320 nm have been used to produce intravascular destruction of varicose veins. The 1320‐nm intravascular laser with a motorized pull‐back system appears to be the most efficient and reproducible system to effectively close and/or destroy an incompetent greater saphenous vein.
Non‐timber Values and the Optimal Forest Rotation: An Application to the Southern Forest of Tasmania*
Authors: CAMPBELL HARRY F. , JENNINGS SARAH M.
Published: December 2004

The present paper examines the optimal use of a site containing standing timber, taking account of both timber and non‐timber values. Using a site in the southern forest of Tasmania for illustrative purposes, it calculates the relationships between age of stand, extent of timber and non‐timber values and optimal cutting age. It finds that, for a stand with moderate potential environmental benefits, there is a period of its life during which it is optimal to log. This segment narrows, and eventually disappears, as potential environmental benefits increase.
Demand for Marijuana, Alcohol and Tobacco: Participation, Levels of Consumption and Cross‐equation Correlations*
Authors: ZHAO XUEYAN , HARRIS MARK N.
Published: December 2004

We investigated marijuana, alcohol and tobacco consumption using micro‐unit data from the Australian National Drug Strategy Household Surveys. We estimated a multivariate probit (MVP) model to allow for correlations across participations of different drugs and a sequential model to study separately the determinants of participation and the levels of consumption. The MVP results indicate significant and positive correlations across all three drugs through unobservable characteristics, with the correlation coefficient between marijuana and tobacco being the highest. The MVP approach allows for better prediction of conditional and joint probabilities, providing valuable information for policy makers in a multidrug framework.
Indigenous and Other Australian Poverty: Revisiting the Importance of Equivalence Scales*
Authors: HUNTER BOYD H. , KENNEDY STEVEN , BIDDLE NICHOLAS
Published: December 2004

Equivalence scales attempt to control for family size and composition, as well as the relative costs of maintaining various family types. The 1995 National Health Survey is used to examine how variations in the assumptions underlying equivalence scales, such as household composition and economies of size, affect poverty measures for Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians. The main finding is that the assumptions about the costs of children can increase Indigenous poverty by a factor of two‐ and‐a‐half. Another finding is that the choice of equivalence scales can induce large threshold effects that influence the composition of poverty.
An Experiment to Investigate the Externalities of Search*
Authors: ALLSOPP LOUISE
Published: December 2004

This paper presents an experiment to investigate the impact of information externalities in a search model. The model implies that information spillovers create an initial delay in action by agents, followed by a flurry of activity once some public information is revealed. Conversely, this experiment reveals a shorter delay prior to the first subject moving than the model suggests. Furthermore, the subsequent increase in activity is greater than predicted. However, as the sessions progress, the subjects exhibit a degree of learning in each treatment. They prolong their search for higher payouts and, hence, their behaviour approaches that of the model's optimal strategy.
Parents' Reflections on Managing Their Children's Diabetes With Insulin Pumps
Authors: Sullivan‐Bolyai Susan , Knafl Kathleen , Tamborlane William , Grey Margaret
Published: December 2004

Purpose

: To describe the experiences of parents managing the type 1 diabetes of their young children using an insulin pump.

Design

: Qualitative description, based on principles of naturalistic inquiry.

Methods

: Open‐ended, in‐depth interviews were conducted with 21 mothers and fathers of 16 children less than 12 years old in the eastern part of the United States. The children had been on pump treatment from 3 to 36 months. Data were managed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings

: Parents reported becoming comfortable with pump management 10 days to 2‐3 months after the child started using it. During this adjustment period, they had to “rethink” how they managed the disease. Although using the pump required vigilance and more frequent glucose checking than did multiple daily injections (MDI), the pump provided better glucose control, easier disease management, fewer variables to manipulate, and more flexible meal times. A few parents were tempted to more tightly control the child's glucose levels, which could potentially increase parental stress. Fathers were actively involved in the day‐to‐day management and benefited from opportunities to participate in the child's care. They emphasized the importance of practicing the tasks associated with diabetes management to improve their confidence when caring for the child alone. Parents reported that everyone in the family experienced more freedom, flexibility, and spontaneity in their daily lives.

Conclusions

: For this sample of parents, the health and management benefits of their children's use of the insulin pump outweighed the adjustment challenges involved in changing from MDI.
An Exploratory Study of Multicomponent Treatment Intervention for Tobacco Dependency
Authors: Buchanan Lynne M. , El‐Banna Majeda , White Alison , Moses Sheila , Siedlik Carri , Wood Marcy
Published: December 2004

Purpose:

To conduct an exploratory study of two interventions to help smokers abstain over a period of 3 months. The specific aims were to describe the outcomes, test feasibility of the study design, and evaluate effect size.

Design and Methods:

A randomized experimental design was used in a sample of 42 patients who received multicomponent treatment intervention (MTI) or standard care (SC) in a midwestern city in the United States. Variables were behavioral (quit rate, self‐efficacy, motivation), psychosocial (depression, partner interaction), and symptom management (use of nicotine replacement therapy [NRT]). Data analysis included descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA.

Results:

The typical participant was Caucasian, middle aged, nicotine dependent, married or partnered, and employed, and had a high school education. Participants in the MTI group were more likely to use NRT and to have higher self‐reported quit rates at follow‐up. Statistically significant differences were found between groups over time for self‐efficacy and positive to negative behavior ratio. Barriers to quitting were relapse, stress, weight gain, lack of support, and depression that were more frequent in the SC group. For effect size (0.25), probability level (.05), and power (.80), a sample size of 140 patients was calculated.

Conclusions:

The MTI group had higher quit rates, more NRT, higher self‐efficacy, and more positive behavioral interactions. Limitations of the study included self‐report of tobacco use, small sample, and attrition. The investigators suggest a future study with a larger sample to test whether multicomponent interventions with telephone calls after discharge are more effective than is standard care in helping patients to quit and continue to abstain from smoking.
Work‐Related Disability in Canadian Nurses
Authors: O'Brien‐Pallas Linda , Shamian Judith , Thomson Donna , Alksnis Christine , Koehoorn Mieke , Kerr Michael , Bruce Shirliana
Published: December 2004

Purpose

: To determine factors contributing to high registered nurse (RN) injury claim rates in Canadian hospitals.

Design

: Cross‐sectional study of secondary 1998‐99 data for RNs (N = 8,044) in Ontario, Canada, linked at the hospital level (n = 127).

Methods

: Descriptive statistics, correlations, and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results

: The odds of a high RN lost‐time claim rate increased by 70% for each quartile increase in the percentage of RNs reporting more than 1 hour of overtime per week. The odds of a high RN musculoskeletal lost‐time claim rate decreased by 64% for every one unit increase in the hospital‐level score on the nurse‐physician relationship subscale.

Conclusions

: To retain and optimize scarce hospital nursing resources, strategies to address overtime, sick time, and nurse‐physician relationships might provide fiscal and human benefits.
Creating and Analyzing a Statewide Nursing Quality Measurement Database
Authors: Aydin Carolyn E. , Bolton Linda Burnes , Donaldson Nancy , Brown Diane Storer , Buffum Martha , Elashoff Janet D. , Sandhu Meenu
Published: December 2004

Purpose

: To explicate a replicable methodology for designing and analyzing a large ongoing reliable and valid quality database to examine nurse staffing and patient care outcomes in acute care hospitals.

Design

: Prospective nurse staffing, process of care, and patient outcomes data based on the American Nurses Association's (ANA) nursing quality indicators collected from a voluntary convenience sample at acute care hospitals in California with rolling‐site accrual.

Methods

: The ongoing CalNOC database development and repository project, the largest statewide effort of its kind in the United States (US), currently includes data on hospital nurse staffing, patient days, patient falls, pressure ulcer and restraint prevalence, registered nurse (RN) education, and patients' perceptions of satisfaction with care.

Findings

: As of May 2003, the CalNOC database contained staffing data from 842 units in 134 acute care hospitals over 20 quarters from April 1998 to March 2003. The repository also included clinical outcome information on 34,262 reported patient falls, pressure ulcer prevalence data on 41,982 patient observations, and service outcome data on patient satisfaction from 26,461 patients. Participating hospitals receive quarterly reports allowing them to benchmark their own performance against other participating hospitals. CalNOC methods have been adapted and replicated by both the Military Nursing Outcomes Database and VA Nursing Outcomes Database projects, and CalNOC nursing‐sensitive measures have been endorsed by the National Quality Forum.

Conclusions

: This working model for collecting reliable and valid data was derived from multiple hospitals across California. The data are the basis for studies to contribute to the development of evidence‐based public policy, and for ongoing study of the effects of nurse staffing on clinical and service outcomes.
A New Robust Sliding-Mode Observer Design for Monitoring in Chemical Reactors
Authors: Martı´nez-Guerra Rafael , Aguilar Ricardo , Poznyak Alexander
Published: December 2004

The robust observer design for the online estimation of heat in continuous stirred tank reactors, containing nonstructured uncertainties within its model description as well as noisy temperature measurements, is addressed. The proposed observer contains a sliding-mode term and is designed based on Differential Algebraic technique. The concept of the algebraic observability for a given class of model uncertainty is introduced. It is applied to the uncertainty estimation from noisy temperature measurements providing a simple observer structure which turns out to be robust against output (sensors) noises as well as sustained disturbances. The performance of this observer is shown to be calculated numerically. The obtained results look promising for possible industrial applications.
Reduced Order Model Analysis for Two-Dimensional Molecular Dynamic Chain Structure Attached to an Atomic Force Microscope
Authors: Tang Deman , Dowell Earl H.
Published: December 2004

Dynamic analysis and numerical simulation of a protein-ligand chain structure connected to a moving atomic force microscope (AFM) has been conducted. The elements of the chain are free to extend and rotate relative to each other in a two-dimensional plane. Sinusoidal base excitation of the cantilevered beam of the AFM is considered in some detail. Reduced order (dynamic) models are constructed using global modes for both linear and nonlinear dynamic systems with and without the “nearest neighbor assumption.” The agreement between the original and reduced order models (ROM) is very good even when only one global mode is included in the ROM for either the linear case or for the nonlinear case, provided the excitation frequency is lower than the fundamental natural frequency of the linear system. For higher excitation frequencies, more global modes are required. The computational advantage of the reduced order model is clear from the results presented.
Regularization Embedded Nonlinear Control Designs for Input-Constrained and Ill-Conditioned Thermal System
Authors: Gwak Kwan-Woong , Masada Glenn Y.
Published: December 2004

New regularization embedded nonlinear control designs are proposed for the temperature control of an input-constrained and ill-conditioned thermal process. A classic nonlinear controller applied to such a process is shown to provide good temperature tracking but generates physically unreasonable actuator solutions, i.e. input-constraint-violation. The reason of input-constraint-violating control solutions—ill-conditionedness—is shown by applying singular value decomposition (SVD) on the linear algebraic equivalence of the nonlinear controllers (LAENC). Based on the analogy of LAENC and regularization method for the linear algebraic equations, Tikhonov, truncated singular value decomposition (TSVD) and modified TSVD (MTSVD) methods are embedded in the design of feedback linearizing controllers (FBL) and sliding mode controllers (SMC). These regularization embedded nonlinear controllers (RENLC) provide good temperature tracking and generate physically reasonable and actuator-constraint-satisfying solutions for the ill-conditioned system, in spite of the modeling errors inherent in applying regularization. The optimal Tikhonov parameter is found using an L-curve. Quantitative comparisons of the residuals and standard deviations of the control inputs are used as criteria to select the optimal truncated singular value decomposition (TSVD) parameter.
Fast Pointing Control for Systems With Stick-Slip Friction
Authors: Wu Ruh-Hua , Tung Pi-Cheng
Published: December 2004

A controller consisting of three schemes, one proportional gain, one pulse, and one ramp, is proposed to achieve precise and fast pointing control under the presence of stick-slip friction. Design of the controller is based on two distinctive features of friction, the varying sticking force and presliding displacement of contacts under static friction. The latter is the main idea behind the ramp scheme to accomplish the fast pointing task. Implementation of this multistage control strategy requires position measurement only. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller for the desired performance.
Loop Shaping for Transparency and Stability Robustness in Time-Delayed Bilateral Telemanipulation
Authors: Fite and Kevin B. , Goldfarb Michael , Rubio Angel
Published: December 2004

This paper presents a control methodology that provides transparency and stability robustness in bilateral telemanipulation systems that include a significant time delay in the communication channels. The method utilizes an adaptive Smith predictor to compensate for the time delay, and incorporates a previously published loop shaping approach to design a compensator for transparency and stability robustness of the loop. The method is experimentally demonstrated on a single degree-of-freedom telemanipulation system, and is shown to effectively provide stability and performance robustness.
Use of State Feedback to Achieve a Nonovershooting Step Response for a Class of Nonminimum Phase Systems
Authors: Bement Matt , Jayasuriya Suhada
Published: December 2004

The problem of tracking a known reference without overshooting is of great practical importance in a number of applications. However, nonminimum phase systems have received little attention in connection with obtaining a nonovershooting response. Using state feedback, this paper develops an eigenvector placement technique to construct an invariant set which guarantees a nonovershooting step response for a class of nonminimum phase SISO systems.
Using Controller Reduction Techniques for Efficient PID Controller Synthesis
Authors: Ukpai Ukpai I. , Jayasuriya Suhada
Published: December 2004

Balanced reduction relies on the internal balancing of the controllability and observability grammians to eliminate weakly observable and controllable modes. Weighting functions are often used to improve this procedure. Several benefits exist in implementing low-order rather than high-order controllers. It is, therefore, imperative to reduce any errors that result from using the infinite grammians in the controller reduction process. By fixing the structure of the high-order controller and choosing an appropriate frequency interval for the balanced reduction a system that assumes a second-order controller is obtained, forming the basis for an efficient approximation/optimization towards obtaining a robust PID controller. This paper establishes a procedure for choosing the weighting functions.
Antigenic Divergence Suggested by Correlation between Antigenic Variation and Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Profiles of
Bordetella pertussis
Isolates in Japan
Authors: Kodama Atsuko , Kamachi Kazunari , Horiuchi Yoshinobu , Konda Toshifumi , Arakawa Yoshichika
Published: December 2004

Antigenic divergence has been found between
Bordetella pertussis
vaccine strains and circulating strains in several countries. In the present study, we analyzed
B. pertussis
isolates collected in Japan from 1988 to 2001 using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and sequencing of two virulence-associated proteins. The 107 isolates were classified into three major groups by PFGE analysis; 87 (81%) were type A, 19 (18%) were type B, and 1 (1%) was type C. Sequence analysis of the S1 subunit of pertussis toxin (
ptxS1
) and adhesion pertactin (
prn
) genes revealed the presence of two (
ptxS1A
and
ptxS1B
) and three (
prn1
,
prn2
, and
prn3
) variants, respectively, in the isolates. Among those isolates, 82 (95%) of the 87 type A strains and the type C strain had the same combination of
ptxS1B
and
prn1
alleles (
ptxS1B/prn1
) as the Japanese vaccine strain. On the other hand, 17 (90%) of 19 type B strains had an allele (
ptxS1A/prn2
) distinct from that of the vaccine strain. A correlation was found between the antigenic variation and the PFGE profile in the isolates. In addition, the frequency of the type B strain was 0, 27, 0, 42, and 37% of the isolates in the periods 1988 to 1993, 1994 to 1995, 1996 to 1997, 1998 to 1999, and 2000 to 2001, respectively. In contrast, the number of reported pertussis-like and pertussis cases decreased gradually from 1991 on, suggesting that the antigenic divergence did not affect the efficacy of pertussis vaccination in Japan.
Analysis of
Trichosporon
Isolates Obtained from the Houses of Patients with Summer-Type Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Authors: Sugita Takashi , Ikeda Reiko , Nishikawa Akemi
Published: December 2004

Summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis (SHP) is type III or IV allergies developed by repeated inhalation of arthroconidia of
Trichosporon
species. We identified 105 strains obtained from the homes of 36 SHP patients by analysis of the intergenic spacer (IGS) 1 region, which is located between the 26S and 5S rRNA genes; in addition, we analyzed the IGS genotypes of the strains. Serologically,
Trichosporon
species are classified as serotype I, II, III, or I-III. Of the 105 strains, 43 (41.1%), 53 (50.5%), and 9 (8.6%) strains were isolated as serotypes I, II, and III, respectively. Serotype I, II, and III strains were recovered from 19 (52.8%), 29 (80.6%), and 4 (11.1%) of the 36 houses of SHP patients, respectively. No serotype I-III strains were isolated from the houses. Of 43 serotype I strains, 42 (97.7%) were identified as
Trichosporon dermatis
, and the remaining one was
T. terricola
. Of 53 serotype II strains, 37 (69.8%) were identified as
T. asahii
, and the remaining serotype II isolates were
T. aquatile
(1.9%),
T. coremiiforme
(7.5%),
T. faecale
(1.9%),
T. japonicum
(15.1%), and
T. ovoides
(3.8%). There were nine serotype III strains comprised of
T. montevideense
(77.8%) and
T. domesticum
(22.2%). Intraspecies diversity was found only in
T. asahii
. This microorganism also causes opportunistic infections (trichosporonosis); seven genotypes of its IGS 1 region have been identified. While the strains of
T. asahii
obtained from Japanese patients with trichosporonosis were genotype I, the strains from the houses of SHP patients were genotype III. Based on our analysis, we conclude that the strains that play the most significant roles in the development of SHP are
T. dermatis
,
T. asahii
genotype 3, and
T. montevideense
, representing serotypes I, II, and III, respectively.
Amoebal Coculture of “Mycobacterium massiliense” sp. nov. from the Sputum of a Patient with Hemoptoic Pneumonia
Authors: Adékambi Toïdi , Reynaud-Gaubert Martine , Greub Gilbert , Gevaudan Marie-José , La Scola Bernard , Raoult Didier , Drancourt Michel
Published: December 2004

A nonphotochromogenic, rapidly growingMycobacteriumstrain was isolated in pure culture from the sputum and the bronchoalveolar fluid of a patient with hemoptoic pneumonia by using axenic media and an amoebal coculture system. Both isolates grew in less than 7 days at 24 to 37°C with an optimal growth temperature of 30°C. The isolates exhibited biochemical and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles overlapping those ofMycobacterium abscessus,Mycobacterium chelonae, andMycobacterium immunogenum, indicating that they belonged toM. chelonae-M. abscessusgroup. They differed fromM. abscessusin β-galactosidase, β-N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, and β-glucuronidase activities and by the lack of nitrate reductase and indole production activities, as well as in their in vitro susceptibilities to minocycline and doxycycline. These isolates andM. abscessusdiffered fromM. chelonaeandM. immunogenumby exhibiting gelatinase and tryptophane desaminase activities. Their 16S rRNA genes had complete sequence identity with that ofM. abscessusand >99.6% similarity with those ofM. chelonaeandM. immunogenum. Further molecular investigations showed that partialhsp65andsodAgene sequences differed from that ofM. abscessusby five and three positions over 441 bp, respectively. PartialrpoBandrecAgene sequence analyses showed 96 and 98% similarities withM. abscessus, respectively. Similarly, 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer sequence of the isolates differed from that ofM. abscessusby a A→G substitution at position 60 and a C insertion at position 102. Phenotypic and genotypic features of these two isolates indicated that they were representative of a new mycobacterial species within theM. chelonae-M. abscessusgroup. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that these isolates were perhaps recently derived fromM. abscessus. We propose the name of “Mycobacterium massiliense” for this new species. The type strain has been deposited in the Collection Institut Pasteur as CIP 108297Tand in Culture Collection of the University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden, as CCUG 48898T.
Rapid Detection of Rifampin Resistance in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Isolates from India and Mexico by a Molecular Beacon Assay
Authors: Varma-Basil Mandira , El-Hajj Hiyam , Colangeli Roberto , Hazbón Manzour Hernando , Kumar Sujeet , Bose Mridula , Bobadilla-del-Valle Miriam , García Lourdes García , Hernández Araceli , Kramer Fred Russell , Osornio Jose Sifuentes , Ponce-de-León Alfredo , Alland David
Published: December 2004

We assessed the performance of a rapid, single-well, real-time PCR assay for the detection of rifampin-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
by using clinical isolates from north India and Mexico, regions with a high incidence of tuberculosis. The assay uses five differently colored molecular beacons to determine if a short region of the
M. tuberculosis rpoB
gene contains mutations that predict rifampin resistance in most isolates. Until now, the assay had not been sufficiently tested on samples from countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis. In the present study, the assay detected mutations in 16 out of 16 rifampin-resistant isolates from north India (100%) and in 55 of 64 rifampin-resistant isolates from Mexico (86%) compared to results with standard susceptibility testing. The assay did not detect mutations (a finding predictive of rifampin susceptibility) in 37 out of 37 rifampin-susceptible isolates from India (100%) and 125 out of 126 rifampin-susceptible isolates from Mexico (99%). DNA sequencing revealed that none of the nine rifampin-resistant isolates from Mexico, which were misidentified as rifampin susceptible by the molecular beacon assay, contained a mutation in the region targeted by the molecular beacons. The one rifampin-susceptible isolate from Mexico that appeared to be rifampin resistant by the molecular beacon assay contained an S531W mutation, which is usually associated with rifampin resistance. Of the rifampin-resistant isolates that were correctly identified in the molecular beacon assay, one contained a novel L530A mutation and another contained a novel deletion between codons 511 and 514. Overall, the molecular beacon assay appears to have sufficient sensitivity (89%) and specificity (99%) for use in countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis.
Trends in Antimicrobial Resistance in 1,968 Invasive
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Strains Isolated in Spanish Hospitals (2001 to 2003): Decreasing Penicillin Resistance in Children's Isolates
Authors: Oteo Jesús , Lázaro Edurne , de Abajo Francisco J. , Baquero Fernando , Campos José
Published: December 2004

To address the public health problem of antibiotic resistance, the European Union (EU) founded the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System. A network of 40 hospitals that serve approximately 30% of the Spanish population (about 12 million) participated. Each laboratory reported data on antimicrobial susceptibility testing using standard laboratory procedures that were evaluated by an external quality control program. The antibiotic consumption data were obtained from the National Health System. We compared the antibiotic susceptibility of Spanish isolates of invasive
Streptococcus pneumoniae
(2001 to 2003) with antibiotic consumption. Invasive
S. pneumoniae
was isolated from 1,968 patients, 20% of whom were children at or below the age of 14 years. Of non-penicillin-susceptible strains (35.6%; 95% confidence interval, 34 to 37.2), 26.4% were considered intermediate and 9.2% were considered resistant. Between 2001 and 2003, penicillin resistance decreased from 39.5 to 33% overall and from 60.4 to 41.2% in children at or below the age of 14 years (
P
= 0.002). Resistance to erythromycin was at 26.6%, and coresistance with penicillin was at 19.1%. Of total isolates, the ciprofloxacin MIC was >2 μg/ml for 2.1%, with numbers increasing from 0.4% (2001) to 3.9% (2003). Total antibiotic use decreased from 21.66 to 19.71 defined daily doses/1,000 inhabitants/day between 1998 and 2002. While consumption of broad-spectrum penicillins, cephalosporins, and erythromycin declined, use of amoxicillin-clavulanate and quinolones increased by 17.5 and 27%, respectively. The frequency of antibiotic resistance in invasive
S. pneumoniae
in Spain was among the highest in the EU. However, a significant decrease in penicillin resistance was observed in children. This decrease coincided with the introduction of a heptavalent conjugate pneumoccocal vaccine (June 2001) and with a global reduction in antibiotic consumption levels.
Phylogeny and Evolution of Medical Species of
Candida
and Related Taxa: a Multigenic Analysis
Authors: Diezmann Stephanie , Cox Cymon J. , Schönian Gabriele , Vilgalys Rytas J. , Mitchell Thomas G.
Published: December 2004

Hemiascomycetes are species of yeasts within the order Saccharomycetales. The order encompasses disparate genera with a variety of life styles, including opportunistic human pathogens (e.g.,
Candida albicans
), plant pathogens (e.g.,
Eremothecium gossypii
), and cosmopolitan yeasts associated with water and decaying vegetation. To analyze the phylogeny of medically important species of yeasts, we selected 38 human pathogenic and related strains in the order Saccharomycetales. The DNA sequences of six nuclear genes were analyzed by maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic methods. The maximum likelihood analysis of the combined data for all six genes resolved three major lineages with significant support according to Bayesian posterior probability. One clade was mostly comprised of pathogenic species of
Candida
. Another major group contained members of the family Metschnikowiaceae as a monophyletic group, three species of
Debaryomyces
, and strains of
Candida guilliermondii
. The third clade consisted exclusively of species of the family Saccharomycetaceae. Analysis of the evolution of key characters indicated that both codon reassignment and coenzyme Q
9
likely had single origins with multiple losses. Tests of correlated character evolution revealed that these two traits evolved independently.
Genetic Analysis of Diverse Disease-Causing Pneumococci Indicates High Levels of Diversity within Serotypes and Capsule Switching
Authors: Jefferies Johanna M. C. , Smith Andrew , Clarke Stuart C. , Dowson Chris , Mitchell Timothy J.
Published: December 2004

We have used multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and serotyping to build a phylogenetic framework for pneumococcal disease isolates in Scotland that provides a snapshot of the relationships between capsular type and genotype. The results show that while the MLST type correlates with the serotype, isolates within a serotype can belong to a number of individual clonal complexes or sequence types (STs). We also show that isolates of the same ST can express different capsular polysaccharides, i.e., display capsular switching, and that this phenomenon is observed both for capsular types commonly isolated from patients with invasive disease and for serogroups less commonly isolated from patients with invasive disease but which may commonly be carried asymptomatically in the human nasopharynx.
Comparison of Antifungal Susceptibilities to Fluconazole and Voriconazole of Oral
Candida glabrata
Isolates from Head and Neck Radiation Patients
Authors: Burn A. K. , Fothergill A. W. , Kirkpatrick W. R. , Coco B. J. , Patterson T. F. , McCarthy D. I. , Rinaldi M. G. , Redding S. W.
Published: December 2004

The antifungal susceptibilities of 79 oral
Candida glabrata
isolates to fluconazole and voriconazole were compared. The MICs at which 90% of the isolates tested were inhibited were 1 μg of voriconazole/ml and 32 μg of fluconazole/ml. Oral
C. glabrata
isolates for which the fluconazole MICs are elevated are commonly those for which the voriconazole MICs are elevated, but these increases may be transient for voriconazole, as they are for fluconazole.
High Permissivity of Human HepG2 Hepatoma Cells for Influenza Viruses
Authors: Ollier Laurence , Caramella Anne , Giordanengo Valérie , Lefebvre Jean-Claude
Published: December 2004

Human HepG2 hepatoma cells are highly permissive for influenza virus type A and type B, even without the addition of trypsin, and they exhibit a marked cytopathic effect. This property greatly facilitates the primary isolation of influenza viruses. Virus replication was significantly reduced by the plasmin(ogen)-specific inhibitor tranexamic acid, and this suggests a potential role played by the plasminogen/tissue plasminogen activator complex at the surface of HepG2 cells. This might represent a new approach for study of the interrelations of this complex with influenza viruses.
False-Positive Results in a Recombinant Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Associated Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) Nucleocapsid Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Due to HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E Rectified by Western Blotting with Recombinant SARS-CoV Spike Polypeptide
Authors: Woo Patrick C. Y. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Wong Beatrice H. L. , Chan Kwok-Hung , Hui Wai-Ting , Kwan Grace S. W. , Peiris J. S. Malik , Couch Robert B. , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: December 2004

Using paired serum samples obtained from patients with illness associated with increases in anti-human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) or anti-HCoV-229E antibodies, we examined the possibility of false-positive results detected in a recombinant severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) nucleocapsid protein immunoglobulin G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Three of the 21 and 1 of the 7 convalescent-phase serum samples from persons with increases in antibodies against HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E, respectively, tested positive by the recombinant SARS-CoV nucleocapsid protein-based ELISA. None of these samples were found to contain a specific antibody in the recombinant SARS-CoV spike polypeptide-based Western blot assay.
Use of Species-Directed 16S rRNA Gene PCR Primers for Detection of
Atopobium vaginae
in Patients with Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Ferris Michael J. , Masztal Alicia , Martin David H.
Published: December 2004

Recent studies suggest that the association between a metronidazole-resistant anaerobe,
Atopobium vaginae
, and bacterial vaginosis (BV) warrants further investigation. In the present study, specific primers enhanced detection of
A. vaginae
and provided additional evidence that this bacterium is prevalent among patients with BV but absent among patients with normal vaginal flora.
Molecular Epidemiological Analysis of
Escherichia coli
Isolates Producing Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases for Identification of Nosocomial Outbreaks in Stockholm, Sweden
Authors: Fang Hong , Lundberg Christina , Olsson-Liljequist Barbro , Hedin Göran , Lindbäck Emma , Rosenberg Åsa , Struwe Johan
Published: December 2004

From June to October of 2002, a cluster of
Escherichia coli
isolates producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) was detected in Stockholm. The isolates were grouped into two clones, one of which had already circulated in the same area before the outbreak. CTX-M-type ESBLs and coresistance to ciprofloxacin were identified in the strains.
Conventional and Molecular Epidemiology of Tuberculosis in Homeless Patients in Budapest, Hungary
Authors: Lukács Judit , Tubak Vilmos , Mester Judit , Dávid Sándor , Bártfai Zoltán , Kubica Tanja , Niemann Stefan , Somoskövi Ákos
Published: December 2004

In Hungary the incidence of tuberculosis among the homeless population was 676 per 100,000 in 2002. Sixty-nine percent (140 patients) of all homeless tuberculosis patients were notified in Budapest (the capital). Therefore, a retrospective study that included 66 homeless tuberculosis patients notified in Budapest in 2002 was conducted to determine the rate of recent transmission of the disease and medical risk factors and to identify transmission pathways by means of conventional and molecular epidemiologic methods. IS
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DNA fingerprinting revealed that 71.2% of the isolates could be clustered. Thirty-four (51.5%) patients belonged to five major clusters (size, from 4 to 11 individuals), and 13 (19.7%) belonged to six smaller clusters. Additional analysis of patient records found that 2 (18%) of the 11 patients in cluster A, 3 (37.5%) of the 8 patients in cluster B, and 2 (33%) of the 6 patients in cluster C were residents of the same three homeless shelters during the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Review of the database of the National Tuberculosis Surveillance Center (NTSC) revealed that 21.2% of the cases have not been reported to the NTSC. These findings indicate that the screening and treatment of tuberculosis among the homeless need to be strengthened and also warrant the review of environmental control steps in public shelters. Improvement of adherence of clinicians to surveillance reporting regulations is also necessary.
Peripartum Bacteremias Due to
Leptotrichia amnionii
and
Sneathia sanguinegens
, Rare Causes of Fever during and after Delivery
Authors: De Martino S. J. , Mahoudeau I. , Brettes J. P. , Piemont Y. , Monteil H. , Jaulhac B.
Published: December 2004

We report three cases of delivery and postpartum bacteremia due to unusual anaerobic bacteria in healthy young women.
Leptotrichia amnionii
bacteremia occurred during delivery in two mothers and was associated with fetal distress during labor. Conversely,
Sneathia sanguinegens
bacteremia occurred postpartum, 2 days after delivery, without consequence for the neonate.
Bacteremia Due toClostridium hathewayiin a Patient with Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Woo Patrick C. Y. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Woo Gibson K. S. , Fung Ami M. Y. , Yiu Viola P. Y. , Yuen Kwok-yung
Published: December 2004

Clostridium hathewayiis a newly describedClostridiumspecies isolated from the feces of healthy human individuals, but its clinical significance is not known. We describe a case of human infection associated withC. hathewayi. The bacterium (strain HKU18) was isolated from the blood culture of a 39-year-old patient with acute gangrenous appendicitis complicated by septic shock. The cells were strictly anaerobic, nonmotile rods that stained gram negative. Conventional phenotypic tests and commercial identification systems failed to identify HKU18 to the species level. 16S rRNA gene analysis showed 1.4% nucleotide difference between the sequence of HKU18 and that ofC. hathewayi, indicating that HKU18 was a strain ofC. hathewayi. The patient responded to appendectomy and antibiotic treatment. 16S rRNA gene sequencing would be useful in further characterizing the clinical disease spectrum ofC. hathewayi.
Compliance with external hip protectors in nursing homes in Norway
Authors: Forsén L , Sandvig S , Schuller A , Søgaard A J
Published: December 2004

Objectives:To investigate compliance with hip protector use.

Design:Observational prospective study.

Setting:19 nursing homes (1040 beds).

Subjects:All residents during an 18 month period were included in this study.

Intervention:Hip protectors were introduced as a regular part of health care service for all residents. Residents at high risk were encouraged to use hip protectors regularly. Each nursing home had a contact person.

Main outcome measures:The percentage of residents accepting the hip protector offer, probability of continued use, reasons for terminating use, and percentage of falls with hip protector were evaluated.

Results:Fifty five percent of the residents accepted the hip protector offer. The percentage increased by age, but showed no significant dependence on gender, profession of the contact person, or size of nursing home. The probability of continued use showed no significant dependence on age and gender. Nursing homes with a nurse as contact person showed 51% higher risk of residents terminating regular hip protector use than nursing homes with a physiotherapist as contact person (relative risk (RR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11 to 2.05, p = 0.008). The corresponding result for large (75–92 beds) compared with small (24–68 beds) nursing homes was RR = 1.44 (95% CI 1.02 to 2.02, p = 0.036). Seventy six percent of 2323 falls occurred while using hip protectors.

Conclusion:The contact person and size of the nursing home seemed to be important factors for continued use of hip protectors while age and gender seemed to be less important.
Evaluation of the North American Guidelines for Children’s Agricultural Tasks using a case series of injuries
Authors: Marlenga B , Brison R J , Berg R L , Zentner J , Linneman J , Pickett W
Published: December 2004

Objective:To evaluate the potential for the North American Guidelines for Children’s Agricultural Tasks (NAGCAT) to prevent the occurrence of pediatric farm injuries. This evaluation focuses upon farm injuries experienced when children were engaged in farm work.

Design:Novel outcome evaluation involving primary review of three retrospective case series.

Setting:Fatal, hospitalized, and restricted activity injuries from the United States and Canada.

Subjects:Nine hundred and thirty four pediatric farm injury cases.

Methods:The applicability of NAGCAT to each case was rated. For injuries where NAGCAT were applicable, recurrent injury patterns were described and the potential for NAGCAT to prevent their occurrence was assessed.

Results:A total of 283 (30.3%) cases involved children engaged in farm work. There was an applicable NAGCAT guideline in 64.9% of the work related cases. Leading individual guidelines applicable to the injury events were: (1) working with large animals; (2) driving a farm tractor; and (3) farm work with an all-terrain vehicle. In the judgment of the research team, 59.6% of these injuries were totally preventable if the principles espoused by NAGCAT had been applied.

Conclusions:NAGCAT are a set of consensus guidelines aimed at the prevention of pediatric farm injuries. The findings suggest that NAGCAT, if applied, would be efficacious in preventing many of the most serious injuries experienced by children engaged in farm work. However, work related injuries represent only a modest portion of pediatric farm injuries. This new information assists in the refinement of NAGCAT as an injury control resource and puts its potential efficacy into context.