bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prolonged Outbreak of Infection Due to TEM-21-Producing Strains ofPseudomonas aeruginosaand Enterobacteria in a Nursing Home
Authors: Dubois Véronique , Arpin Corinne , Noury Patrick , Andre Catherine , Coulange Laure , Quentin Claudine
Published: August 2005

Over a 6-year period, 24 extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates ofPseudomonas aeruginosawere collected from 18 patients living in a nursing home. These isolates had a delayed development of a red pigment and exhibited a similar antibiotype (resistance to all β-lactams except for imipenem and to gentamicin, tobramycin, netilmicin, ciprofloxacin, and rifampin) associated with the production of the TEM-21 β-lactamase and a type II 3′-N-aminoglycoside acetyltransferase [AAC(3)-II] enzyme. Surprisingly, serotyping showed that these isolates belonged to four successive serotypes (P2, P16, P1, and PME), although molecular typing by PCR methods and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis yielded identical or similar profiles. Moreover, in all isolates theblaTEM-21gene was part of a chromosomally located Tn801transposon truncated by an IS6100element inserted within the resolvase gene, and theaac(3)-IIgene was adjacent to this structure. During the same period, 17 ESBL-producing isolates of enterobacteria were also collected from 10 of these patients. These isolates harbored a similar large plasmid that contained theblaTEM-21and theaac(3)-IIgenes and that conferred additional resistance to sulfonamides and chloramphenicol, as well as to kanamycin, tobramycin, netilmicin, and amikacin, conveyed by an AAC(6′)-I enzyme. TheblaTEM-21gene was part of the Tn801transposon disrupted by IS4321. Thus, a single clone ofP. aeruginosathat had undergone a progressive genetic drift associated with a change in serotype appeared to be responsible for an outbreak of nosocomial infections in a nursing home. This strain has probably acquired theblaTEM-21-encoding plasmid that was epidemic among the enterobacteria at the institution, followed by chromosomal integration and genomic reorganization.
Improved Laboratory Safety by Decontamination of Unstained Sputum Smears for Acid-Fast Microscopy
Authors: Giacomelli Luiz Roberto Bigão , Helbel Cesar , Ogassawara Roger Leandro Nunes , Barreto Ângela Maria Werneck , Martins Fátima Moreira , Cardoso Celso Luíz , Leite Clarice Queico Fujimura
Published: August 2005

Tubercle bacilli may survive in unstained heat-fixed sputum smears and may be an infection risk to laboratory staff. We compared the effectiveness of 1% and 5% sodium hypochlorite, 5% phenol, 2% glutaraldehyde, and 3.7% formalin in killing
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
present in smears prepared from 51 sputum samples. The smears were decontaminated by the tube and slide techniques. Phenol at 5%, glutaraldehyde at 2%, and buffered formalin at 3.7% for 1 min (tube technique) or for 10 min (slide technique) were effective in decontaminating sputum smears and preserved cell morphology and quantitative acid-fast microscopy results.
Primers for Clinical Detection of
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Authors: San-Blas Gioconda , Niño-Vega Gustavo , Barreto Laura , Hebeler-Barbosa Flavia , Bagagli Eduardo , Olivero de Briceño Rosa , Mendes Rinaldo Poncio
Published: August 2005

From a 0.72-kb fragment universally generated in
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
strains, primers were designed and tested on genomic DNA of this and other pathogenic fungi. They were specific and highly sensitive for
P. brasiliensis
DNA. Positive results were obtained when these were tested in clinical samples.
Fatal Family Outbreak of
Bacillus cereus
-Associated Food Poisoning
Authors: Dierick Katelijne , Van Coillie Els , Swiecicka Izabela , Meyfroidt Geert , Devlieger Hugo , Meulemans Agnes , Hoedemaekers Guy , Fourie Ludo , Heyndrickx Marc , Mahillon Jacques
Published: August 2005

Bacillus cereus
is a well-known cause of food-borne illness, but infection with this organism is not commonly reported because of its usually mild symptoms. A fatal case due to liver failure after the consumption of pasta salad is described and demonstrates the possible severity of the emetic syndrome.
Infections Due to the Newly Described Species
Mycobacterium parascrofulaceum
Authors: Tortoli Enrico , Chianura Leonardo , Fabbro Lionella , Mariottini Alessandro , Martín-Casabona Nuria , Mazzarelli Gianna , Russo Cristina , Spinelli Mario
Published: August 2005

We report on four cases of infection by the recently described species
Mycobacterium parascrofulaceum
. In two cases the mycobacterium was isolated from AIDS patients, while in the others it was responsible for pulmonary disease in elderly men. Our findings suggest that
M. parascrofulaceum
is an opportunistic pathogen, like many other nontuberculous mycobacterial species.
Peritonitis Due toCurvularia inaequalisin an Elderly Patient Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis and a Review of Six Cases of Peritonitis Associated with OtherCurvulariaspp
Authors: Pimentel Jason D. , Mahadevan Kumar , Woodgyer Alan , Sigler Lynne , Gibas Connie , Harris Owen C. , Lupino Michael , Athan Eugene
Published: August 2005

Fungal peritonitis due toCurvulariaspecies in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis is a very rare problem. We report a case of peritonitis caused byCurvularia inaequalis. This is the first report in the English literature of this species causing human infection. We also review the six previously reported cases of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis peritonitis caused by otherCurvulariaspecies.
Differentials in poisoning rates of young Australian children according to residential location and geographical remoteness
Authors: O’Connor P J
Published: August 2005

Objectives:To assess differentials in the poisoning rates of children aged 0–4 years according to residential location and geographical remoteness.

Design:Cross sectional study based on hospitalizations.

Setting:Australia.

Subjects:Children aged 0–4 years admitted to hospital due to poisoning during the financial year 1996–97.

Main outcome measures:Crude rates of hospitalization.

Results:The rate of hospitalization due to poisoning peaked in the third year and second year of life for medicinal and non-medicinal substances respectively. Rates were significantly higher among children aged 0–4 years residing in rural and remote areas when compared with those residing in metropolitan areas, and rate differentials increased with geographical remoteness.

Conclusions:The observed differentials suggest the need for targeted research and prevention efforts aimed at rural and remote area communities. A detailed empirical study is recommended, involving the assessment of risk factors and an in-home hazard checklist, as a precursor to any intervention program.
Do wrist guards have the potential to protect against wrist injuries in bicycling, micro scooter riding, and monkey bar play?
Authors: Cassell E , Ashby K , Gunatilaka A , Clapperton A
Published: August 2005

Objective:To test the potential of wrist guards to prevent wrist injury in recreational activities that require good grip strength and hand dexterity.

Methods:Forty eight children aged 5–8 years from one Melbourne school volunteered for tests chosen or devised following a review of the literature on the effects of orthoses use and hand function.

Results:Wrist guard wearing significantly degraded grip strength, bicycle steering, and performance on a monkey bar. Micro scooter steering was not significantly affected by their use.

Conclusion:Wrist guards designed for skating are not recommended for bicycle riding and playing on climbing apparatus, and their suitability for scooter riding requires further investigation.
The emergency department approach to violently injured patient care: a regional survey
Authors: Wilkinson D L , Kurtz E M , Lane P , Fein J A
Published: August 2005

Objective:Since the early 1990s public health workers have challenged healthcare practitioners to take an active role in violence prevention with patients aged 10–24 years. Emergency department (ED) clinicians are uniquely positioned to identify, assess, and refer youth involved in violent events. The objective of this study was to describe ED directors’ estimate of the number of violently injured youth seen, the presence of established protocols or guidelines for handling youth violence, and the type of training programs offered to ED physicians regarding this issue.

Methods:The authors conducted a survey of EDs (n = 64) in the Philadelphia metropolitan region to determine the standard of ED care for violently injured youths. Half of the EDs were in urban areas and half in suburban.

Results:A total of 41 out of 64 (64.1%) ED directors completed and returned the written questionnaire. In addition to treating the specific injuries sustained, ED responses to youth violence primarily involved talking with patients about the events surrounding the injury. The estimated number of violently injured youth seen per month varied considerably. Twenty four directors (58.5%) estimated that their institution treated fewer than 10 per month; 10 (24.4%) reported 11–30, and seven (17.1%) mostly large urban hospitals, saw more than 30 per month. Although most hospitals reported that the staff counsels patients about safety concerns, only 17% offered their staff formal training programs on youth violence.

Conclusions:To address the prevention of youth violence, EDs need specific training programs for ED staff, as well as systematic risk assessment and referral resources for structured intervention and follow up.
Should football players wear custom fitted mouthguards? Results from a group randomised controlled trial
Authors: Finch C , Braham R , McIntosh A , McCrory P , Wolfe R
Published: August 2005

Objective:Head/orofacial (H/O) injuries are common in Australian rules football. Mouthguards are widely promoted to prevent these injuries, in spite of the lack of formal evidence for their effectiveness.

Design:The Australian football injury prevention project was a cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of mouthguards for preventing H/O injuries in these players.

Setting and subjects:Twenty three teams (301 players) were recruited from the largest community football league in Australia.

Intervention:Teams were randomly allocated to either the MG: custom made mouthguard or C: control (usual mouthguard behaviours) study arm.

Main outcome measures:All injuries, participation in training and games, and mouthguard use were monitored over the 2001 playing season. Injury rates were calculated as the number of injuries per 1000 person hours of playing time. Adjusted incidence rate ratios were obtained from Poisson regression models.

Results:Players in both study arms wore mouthguards, though it is unlikely that many controls wore custom made ones. Wearing rates were higher during games than training. The overall rate of H/O injury was 2.7 injuries per 1000 exposure hours. The rate of H/O injury was higher during games than training. The adjusted H/O injury incidence rate ratio was 0.56 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.97) for MG versus C during games and training, combined.

Conclusions:There was a significant protective effect of custom made mouthguards, relative to usual mouthguard use, during games. However, the control players still wore mouthguards throughout the majority of games and this could have diluted the effect.
Driver dependent factors and the risk of causing a collision for two wheeled motor vehicles
Authors: Lardelli-Claret P , Jiménez-Moleón J J , de Dios Luna-del-Castillo J , García-Martín M , Bueno-Cavanillas A , Gálvez-Vargas R
Published: August 2005

Objective:To assess the effect of driver dependent factors on the risk of causing a collision for two wheeled motor vehicles (TWMVs).

Design:Case control study.

Setting:Spain, from 1993 to 2002.

Subjects:All drivers of TWMVs involved in the 181 551 collisions between two vehicles recorded in the Spanish registry which did not involve pedestrians, and in which at least one of the vehicles was a TWMV and only one driver had committed a driving infraction. The infractor and non-infractor drivers constituted the case and control groups, respectively.

Main outcome measures:Logistic regression analyses were used to obtain crude and adjusted odds ratio estimates for each of the driver related factors recorded in the registry (age, sex, nationality, psychophysical factors, and speeding infractions, among others).

Results:Inappropriate speed was the variable with the greatest influence on the risk of causing a collision, followed by excessive speed and driving under the influence of alcohol. Younger and older drivers, foreign drivers, and driving without a valid license were also associated with a higher risk of causing a collision. In contrast, helmet use, female sex, and longer time in possession of a driving license were associated with a lower risk.

Conclusions:Although the main driver dependent factors related to the risk of causing a collision for a TWMV were similar to those documented for four wheeled vehicles, several differences in the pattern of associations support the need to study moped and motorcycle crashes separately from crashes involving other types of vehicles.
Cross national study of injury and social determinants in adolescents
Authors: Pickett W , Molcho M , Simpson K , Janssen I , Kuntsche E , Mazur J , Harel Y , Boyce W F
Published: August 2005

Objectives:To compare estimates of the prevalence of injury among adolescents in 35 countries, and to examine the consistency of associations cross nationally between socioeconomic status then drunkenness and the occurrence of adolescent injury.

Design:Cross sectional surveys were obtained from national samples of students in 35 countries. Eight countries asked supplemental questions about injury.

Setting:Surveys administered in classrooms.

Subjects:Consenting students (n = 146 440; average ages 11–15 years) in sampled classrooms. 37 878 students (eight countries) provided supplemental injury data.

Exposure measures:Socioeconomic status (material wealth, poverty) and social risk taking (drunkenness).

Outcome measures:Specific types and locations of medically treated injury.

Results:By country, reports of medically treated injuries ranged from 33% (1060/3173) to 64% (1811/2833) of boys and 23% (740/3172) to 51% (1485/2929) of girls, annually. Sports and recreation were the most common activities associated with injury. High material wealth was positively (OR>1.0; p<0.05) and consistently (6/8 countries) associated with medically treated and sports related injuries. Poverty was positively associated with fighting injuries (6/8 countries). Drunkenness (social risk taking) was positively (p<0.01) and consistently (8/8 countries) associated with medically treated, street, and fighting injuries, but not school and sports related injuries.

Conclusion:The high prevalence of adolescent injury confirms its importance as a health problem. Social gradients in risk for adolescent injury were illustrated cross nationally for some but not all types of adolescent injury. These gradients were most evident when the etiologies of specific types of adolescent injury were examined. Prevention initiatives should focus upon the etiologies of specific injury types, as well as risk oriented social contexts.
Gaps in injury statistics: multiple injury profiles reveal them and provide a comprehensive account
Authors: Aharonson-Daniel L , Giveon A , Peleg K
Published: August 2005

Objective:To demonstrate the benefit of using multiple injury profiles (MIP) as an alternative to “primary diagnosis,” for the presentation and analysis of multiple injuries in populations.

Methods:Retrospective analysis of national trauma registry data in Israel between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2002. Multiple diagnoses per patient were recorded. A primary diagnosis was selected for each patient and data were presented twice: first by selecting a primary diagnosis and then using multiple injury profiles.

Results:23 909 transport casualties were included. Findings show that MIP enable the identification of all patients with a specific injury, even where secondary. The proportion of additional injuries recorded when using MIP ranged from 12% in head injuries to 270% for facial injuries.

Based on the primary diagnosis patients with head, chest, and abdominal injuries had a 5–6% inpatient death rate each. Multiple injury profiles of the same population reveal that an isolated head injury has a 3% inpatient death rate, isolated chest and isolated abdomen have a 1% inpatient death rate, while combined head and chest casualties have a 21% inpatient death rate.

Conclusions:Multiple injury profiles are a new approach that enables presenting an improved picture of injury in a population.
Role of TNF-α signaling in regeneration of cardiotoxin-injured muscle
Authors: Chen Shuen-Ei , Gerken Eric , Zhang Yingmin , Zhan Mei , Mohan Raja K. , Li Andrew S. , Reid Michael B. , Li Yi-Ping
Published: August 2005

Recent data suggest a physiological role for the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α in skeletal muscle regeneration. However, the underlying mechanism is not understood. In the present study, we analyzed TNF-α-activated signaling pathways involved in myogenesis in soleus muscle injured by cardiotoxin (CTX) in TNF-α receptor double-knockout mice (p55−/−p75−/−). We found that activation of p38MAPK, which is critical for myogenesis, was blocked in CTX-injured p55−/−p75−/− soleus on day 3 postinjury when myogenic differentiation was being initiated, while activation of ERK1/2 and JNK MAPK, as well as transcription factor NF-κB, was not reduced. Consequently, the phosphorylation of transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor-2C, which is catalyzed by p38 and crucial for the expression of muscle-specific genes, was blunted. Meanwhile, expression of p38-dependent differentiation marker myogenin and p21 were suppressed. In addition, expression of cyclin D1 was fivefold that in wild-type (WT) soleus. These results suggest that myogenic differentiation is blocked or delayed in the absence of TNF-α signaling. Histological studies revealed abnormalities in regenerating p55−/−p75−/− soleus. On day 5 postinjury, new myofiber formation was clearly observed in WT soleus but not in p55−/−p75−/− soleus. To the contrary, p55−/−p75−/− soleus displayed renewed inflammation and dystrophic calcification. On day 12 postinjury, the muscle architecture of WT soleus was largely restored. Yet, in p55−/−p75−/− soleus, multifocal areas of inflammation, myofiber death, and myofibers with smaller cross-sectional area were observed. Functional studies demonstrated an attenuated recovery of contractile force in injured p55−/−p75−/− soleus. These data suggest that TNF-α signaling plays a critical regulatory role in muscle regeneration.
The postnatal rat aorta contains pericyte progenitor cells that form spheroidal colonies in suspension culture
Authors: Howson K. M. , Aplin A. C. , Gelati M. , Alessandri G. , Parati E. A. , Nicosia R. F.
Published: August 2005

Pericytes play an important role in modulating angiogenesis, but the origin of these cells is poorly understood. To evaluate whether the mature vessel wall contains pericyte progenitor cells, nonendothelial mesenchymal cells isolated from the rat aorta were cultured in a serum-free medium optimized for stem cells. This method led to the isolation of anchorage-independent cells that proliferated slowly in suspension, forming spheroidal colonies. This process required basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the culture medium, because bFGF withdrawal caused the cells to attach to the culture dish and irreversibly lose their capacity to grow in suspension. Immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR analysis revealed the expression of the precursor cell markers CD34 and Tie-2 and the absence of endothelial cell markers (CD31 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase, eNOS) and smooth muscle cell markers (α-smooth muscle actin, α-SMA). In addition, spheroid-forming cells were positive for NG2, nestin, PDGF receptor (PDGFR)-α, and PDGFR-β. Upon exposure to serum, these cells lost CD34 expression, acquired α-SMA, and attached to the culture dish. Returning these cells to serum-free medium failed to restore their original spheroid phenotype, suggesting terminal differentiation. When embedded in collagen gels, spheroid-forming cells rapidly migrated in response to PDGF-BB and became dendritic. Spheroid-forming cells cocultured in collagen with angiogenic outgrowths of rat aorta or isolated endothelial cells transformed into pericytes. These results demonstrate that the rat aorta contains primitive mesenchymal cells capable of pericyte differentiation. These immature cells may represent an important source of pericytes during angiogenesis in physiological and pathological processes. They may also provide a convenient supply of mural cells for vascular bioengineering applications.
Comparative effects of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate on ventricular diastolic function with young and aged female mice
Authors: Alwardt Cory M. , Yu Qianli , Brooks Heddwen L. , McReynolds Matthew R. , Vazquez Randy , Watson Ronald Ross , Larson Douglas F.
Published: August 2005

The adrenal steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated derivative [DHEA(S)] have been extensively studied for their potential anti-aging effects. Associated with aging, DHEA levels decline in humans, whereas other adrenal hormones remain unchanged, suggesting that DHEA may be important in the aging process. However, the effect of DHEA(S) supplementation on cardiac function in the aged has not been investigated. Therefore, we administered to young and old female mice a 60-day treatment with exogenous DHEA(S) at a dose of 0.1 mg/ml in the drinking water and compared the effects on left ventricular diastolic function and the myocardial extracellular matrix composition. The left ventricular stiffness (β) was 0.30 ± 0.06 mmHg/μl in the older control mice compared with 0.17 ± 0.02 mmHg/μl in young control mice. Treatment with DHEA(S) decreased left ventricular stiffness to 0.12 ± 0.03 mmHg/μl in the older mice and increased left ventricular stiffness to 0.27 ± 0.04 mmHg/μl in young mice. The mechanism for the DHEA(S)-induced changes in diastolic function appeared to be associated with altered matrix metalloproteinase activity and the percentage of collagen cross-linking. We conclude that exogenous DHEA(S) supplementation is capable of reversing the left ventricular stiffness and fibrosis that accompanies aging, with a paradoxical increased ventricular stiffness in young mice.
Effect of Nonlinear Summation of Synaptic Currents on the Input–Output Properties of Spinal Motoneurons
Authors: Cushing S. , Bui T. , Rose P. K.
Published: August 2005

A single spinal motoneuron receives tens of thousands of synapses. The neurotransmitters released by many of these synapses act on iontotropic receptors and alter the driving potential of neighboring synapses. This interaction introduces an intrinsic nonlinearity in motoneuron input–output properties where the response to two simultaneous inputs is less than the linear sum of the responses to each input alone. Our goal was to determine the impact of this nonlinearity on the current delivered to the soma during activation of predetermined numbers and distributions of excitatory and inhibitory synapses. To accomplish this goal we constructed compartmental models constrained by detailed measurements of the geometry of the dendritic trees of three feline motoneurons. The current “lost” as a result of local changes in driving potential was substantial and resulted in a highly nonlinear relationship between the number of active synapses and the current reaching the soma. Background synaptic activity consisting of a balanced activation of excitatory and inhibitory synapses further decreased the current delivered to the soma, but reduced the nonlinearity with respect to the total number of active excitatory synapses. Unexpectedly, simulations that mimicked experimental measures of nonlinear summation, activation of two sets of excitatory synapses, resulted in nearly linear summation. This result suggests that nonlinear summation can be difficult to detect, despite the substantial “loss” of current arising from nonlinear summation. The magnitude of this “loss” appears to limit motoneuron activity, based solely on activation of iontotropic receptors, to levels that are inadequate to generate functionally meaningful muscle forces.
Prevalence of Stereotypical Responses to Mistuned Complex Tones in the Inferior Colliculus
Authors: Sinex Donal G. , Li Hongzhe , Velenovsky David S.
Published: August 2005

The human auditory system has an exceptional ability to separate competing sounds, but the neural mechanisms that underlie this ability are not understood. Responses of inferior colliculus (IC) neurons to “mistuned” complex tones were measured to investigate possible neural mechanisms for spectral segregation. A mistuned tone is a harmonic complex tone in which the frequency of one component has been changed; that component may be heard as a separate sound source, suggesting that the mistuned tone engages the same mechanisms that contribute to the segregation of natural sounds. In this study, the harmonic tone consisted of eight harmonics of 250 Hz; in the mistuned tone, the frequency of the fourth harmonic was increased by 12% (120 Hz). The mistuned tone elicited a stereotypical discharge pattern, consisting of peaks separated by about 8 ms and a response envelope modulated with a period of 100 ms, which bore little resemblance to the discharge pattern elicited by the harmonic tone or to the stimulus waveform. Similar discharge patterns were elicited from many neurons with a range of characteristic frequencies, especially from neurons that exhibited short-latency sustained responses to pure tones. In contrast, transient and long-latency neurons usually did not exhibit the stereotypical discharge pattern. The discharge pattern was generally stable when the stimulus level or component phase was varied; the major effect of these manipulations was to shift the phase of the response envelope. Simulation of IC responses with a computational model suggested that off-frequency inhibition could produce discharge patterns with these characteristics.
The YedZ Family: Possible Heme Binding Proteins That Can Be Fused to Transporters and Electron Carriers
Authors: von Rozycki Torsten , Yen Ming-Ren , Lende Erik E. , Saier Jr. Milton H.
Published: August 2005

YedZ of Escherichia coli is an integral 6 transmembrane spanning (TMS) protein of unknown function. We have identified homologues of YedZ in bacteria and animals but could not find homologues in Archaea or the other eukaryotic kingdoms. YedZ homologues exhibit conserved histidyl residues in their transmembrane domains that may function in heme binding. Some of the homologues encoded in the genomes of magnetotactic bacteria and cyanobacteria have YedZ domains fused to transport and electron transfer proteins, respectively. One of the animal homologues is the 6 TMS epithelial plasma membrane antigen of the prostate (STAMP1) that is overexpressed in prostate cancer. Animal homologues have YedZ domains fused C-terminal to homologues of coenzyme F420-dependent NADP oxidoreductases. YedZ homologues are shown to have arisen by intragenic triplication of a 2 TMS-encoding element. They exhibit slight but statistically significant sequence similarity to two families of putative heme export systems and one family of cytochrome-containing electron carriers. We propose that YedZ homologues function as heme-binding proteins that can facilitate or regulate oxidoreduction, transmembrane electron flow and transport.
Biofilm-Defective Mutants of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Chagneau Claudia , Saier Jr. Milton H.
Published: August 2005

Many bacteria can adopt organized, sessile, communal lifestyles. The gram-positive bacterium, Bacillus subtilis,forms biofilms on solid surfaces and at air-liquid interfaces, and biofilm development is dependent on environmental conditions. We demonstrate that biofilm formation by B. subtilis strain JH642 can be either activated or repressed by glucose, depending on the growth medium used, and that these glucose effects are at least in part mediated by the catabolite control protein, CcpA. Starting with a chromosomal Tn917-LTV3 insertional library, we isolated mutants that are defective for biofilm formation. The biofilm defects of these mutants were observable in both rich and minimal media, and both on polyvinylchloride abiotic surfaces and in borosilicate tubes. Two mutants were defective in flagellar synthesis. Chemotaxis was shown to be less important for biofilm formation than was flagellar-driven motility. Although motility is known to be required for biofilm formation in other bacteria, this had not previously been demonstrated for B. subtilis. In addition, our study suggests roles for glutamate synthase, GltAB, and an aminopeptidase, AmpS. The loss of these enzymes did not decrease growth or cellular motility but had dramatic effects on biofilm formation under all conditions assayed. The effect of the gltAB defect on biofilm formation could not be due to a decrease in poly-γ-glutamate synthesis since this polymer proved to be nonessential for robust biofilm formation. High exogenous concentrations of glutamate, aspartate, glutamine or proline did not override the glutamate synthase requirement. This is the first report showing that glutamate synthase and a cytoplasmic aminopeptidase play roles in bacterial biofilm formation. Possible mechanistic implications and potential roles of biofilm formation in other developmental processes are discussed.
Commercial Fibrin Sealants Are Not Equivalent in a Rabbit Liver-Resection Model Which Quantitatively Evaluates Hemostasis and Formation of Adhesions
Authors: Nur I. , Lyahovetsky Y. , Bar L. , Schon M.
Published: August 2005

A rabbit partial liver resection model was used to determine the hemostatic effectiveness of a new fibrin sealant. Persistent bleeding, with a mean bleeding time of 372 s and blood loss of 18 ml, from a resected lobe of the liver was achieved after rabbits in the untreated control group had been infused continuously with unfractionated heparin over 20 min with 0.2 IU/ml at a rate of 1 ml/min. Spraying the resected surface with the new fibrin sealant, Quixil, reduced bleeding to <1 ml and the post-resection bleeding times was 25 s. Bleeding time, blood loss and the volume of sealant used in the rabbit model were inversely correlated with the thrombin concentration in the sealant. In direct comparisons with Tissucol and Beriplast, Quixil was associated with the shortest bleeding times, the lowest volume of sealant used and the lowest score of abdominal adhesions.
Effects of N-Acetylcysteine on Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis in Rats
Authors: Mumcu S. , Alhan E. , Türkyilmaz S. , Kural B.V. , Erçin C. , Kalyoncu N.I.
Published: August 2005

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) induced by glycodeoxycholic acid in rats. The induction of ANP resulted in significant increase in mortality rate, pancreatic necrosis and serum activity of amylase, alanine aspartate transferase (ALT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, serum concentration of urea, tissue activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the pancreas and lung, and significant decrease of concentrations of calcium, blood pressure, urine output and pO2. The use of NAC inhibited the changes in urine output, pO2, tissue activity of MPO and MDA in pancreas and lungs, and the serum activity of IL-6, ALT, and serum concentrations of urea and calcium. NAC reduced the mortality and pancreatic damage. The use of NAC has a beneficial effect on the course of ANP in rats. It may be used in the treatment of acute pancreatitis.
Parity in Relation to Risk of Axillary Lymph Node Involvement in Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Manjer J. , Balldin G. , Zackrisson S. , Garne J.P.
Published: August 2005

Objective: To investigate the association between parity and axillary lymph node involvement (ALNI) at breast cancer diagnosis. Methods: One surgeon has reviewed all breast cancer cases in Malmö, Sweden, diagnosed 1961–1991. This study includes the 3,472 women who had a first-time diagnosis of unilateral invasive breast cancer, and who had undergone axillary dissection. Information was collected regarding date of birth, date of diagnosis, age at diagnosis, menopausal status, tumour size, histological type, tumour location, type of surgery, stage (ALNI), and parity. Parity was investigated in relation to ALNI using logistic regression analysis, adjusted for potential confounders, yielding odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The analyses were repeated in different strata with regard to birth-years cohort, age at diagnosis, and period of diagnosis. Results: High parity was associated with ALNI, the adjusted OR for ALNI among women with 4 or more children was 1.56 (1.13–2.15). This association was stronger in comparatively old women (≧67.45 years), OR 1.78 (1.10–2.88). Considering parity a continuous variable, the OR for ALNI among all women was 1.06 (1.01–1.12). Conclusions: We conclude that women with 4 or more children had an increased risk of ALNI at breast cancer diagnosis.
Zoledronic-Acid-Induced Circulating Level Modifications of Angiogenic Factors, Metalloproteinases and Proinflammatory Cytokines in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Ferretti Gianluigi , Fabi Alessandra , Carlini Paolo , Papaldo Paola , Cordiali Fei Paola , Di Cosimo Serena , Salesi Nello , Giannarelli Diana , Alimonti Andrea , Di Cocco Barbara , D’Agosto Giovanna , Bordignon Valentina , Trento Elisabetta , Cognetti Francesco
Published: August 2005

Background: To evaluate the modifications of circulating angiogenic factors, metalloproteinases and acute-phase cytokines after the first single zoledronic acid (ZA) intravenous infusion. Experimental Design:Eighteen consecutive breast cancer patients with bone metastases were evaluated for circulating levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), interleukins 1β, 6 and 8 (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8), interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor β1 just before and 2 and 7 days after ZA infusion. Results: The MMP-2 basal value showed a statisticallysignificant decrease 48 h after ZA (p = 0.01), being at 7 days higher than the day 2 value (p = 0.03). The VEGF basal value showed a statisticallysignificant decrease 48 h after ZA infusion (p = 0.03), increasing above the basal level at 7 days (p = 0.07). The bFGF basal level almost significantly decreased 2 days after infusion (p = 0.06), being at 7 days higher than the basal value (p = 0.09). Comparing the day 2 values with basal ones, the linear regression model showed a significantpositive correlation between IL-8 and bFGF (p = 0.02), IL-8 and TNF-α (p < 0.0001), bFGF and TNF-α (p = 0.01), MMP-1 and TNF-α (p = 0.02). Conclusions: ZA could exert an antiangiogenic activity and inhibition of tumor cell bone invasiveness by a transient reduction of VEGF, bFGF and MMP-2 circulating levels after infusion.
Combination of Low-Dose Gemcitabine and Recombinant Quail Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 as a Vaccine Induces Synergistic Antitumor Activities
Authors: Hou Jian-mei , Liu Ji-yan , Yang Li , Zhao Xia , Tian Ling , Ding Zhen-yu , Wen Yan-jun , Niu Ting , Xiao Fei , Lou Yan-yan , Tan Guang-hong , Deng Hong-xin , Li Jiong , Yang Jin-liang , Mao Yong-qiu , Kan Bing , Wu Yang , Li Qiu , Wei Yu-quan
Published: August 2005

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) has been shown to play a major role in inducing the full spectrum of VEGF biological response which is essential for tumor angiogenesis. We have demonstrated that immunotherapy of tumors with a vaccine based on quail homologous VEGFR-2 (qVEGFR) was effective in providing both protective and therapeutic antitumor immunity in several tumor models in mice. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the combination therapy of low-dose gemcitabine with qVEGFR as a vaccine could inhibit tumor growth to a greater extent. To test this concept, H22 hepatoma and Lewis lung carcinoma models were established in BALB/c mice and C57BL/6 mice, respectively. Mice were treated with either qVEGFR as a protein vaccine, gemcitabine, or both agents together. qVEGFR or low-dose chemotherapy treatment individuallyresulted in tumor inhibition to a certain extent.Remarkably, the combination therapy resulted in synergistic antitumor activity. Histological examination revealed that there was endothelial deposition of immunoglobulins within tumor tissues from mice treated with vaccine or combination therapy, especially intratumor angiogenesis was suppressed more significantly for the combination group. Also, ELISPOT analysis showed that mice treated with either qVEGFR alone or in combination with low-dose chemotherapy produced similar amount of anti-VEGFR antibody-producing B cells, which suggested that low-dose gemcitabine did not suppress the host’s immune response, but potentiated the antitumor activity of the qVEGFR vaccine. Furthermore, TUNEL staining demonstrated a significant increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the combination group compared with those of other groups. The observations may provide a new bio-chemotherapeutic approach for cancer.
Does the Model Matter? The Relationship Between Science-Practice Emphasis and Outcomes in Academic Training Programs in Counseling Psychology
Authors: Neimeyer Greg J. , Saferstein Jocelyn , Rice Kenneth G.
Published: August 2005

The emphasis on the commitment to science and practice varies among counseling psychology training programs, and this article reports two studies that examine whether these different emphases are linked to distinctive outcomes. Study 1 examined outcomes related to students and faculty within science-oriented, balanced science-practice, and practice-oriented counseling psychology programs. Study 2 examined the differential success and placement of doctoral students in matching to predoctoral internships. Against a backdrop of substantial similarity, differential commitments to science and practice within programs were related to selected differences in faculty and student outcomes in conceptually coherent ways. Scholarly productivity and internship placements, for example, varied according the science-practice emphasis of the training program, providing qualified support for future work that might further address the relationship between training models and outcomes in counseling psychology.
Diversity in the Ivory White Tower
Authors: Moradi Bonnie , Neimeyer Greg J.
Published: August 2005

Scholars have highlighted the importance of recruitment, retention, and promotion of racial-ethnic minority faculty for the field of counseling psychology. This study examines the specialty’s progress by chronicling the racial-ethnic composition of faculty in counseling psychology programs across time. The findings summarized begin to reveal the level of progress made toward increasing faculty racial-ethnic diversity within the field. Data generally support the collective success of counseling psychology programs in increasing racial-ethnic diversity of faculty but also highlight some of the challenges that remain to be addressed. Several possible interpretations, implications, and limitations of these findings are discussed in relation to counseling psychology’s continuing support of multiculturalism as a distinctive feature of its identity and its objectives as a specialty.
Setting the Counseling Psychology Agenda
Authors: Bingham Rosie Phillips
Published: August 2005

This reaction to the Major Contribution in the September 2005 issue of The Counseling Psychologist highlights the implied threats to the survival of academic training programs in counseling psychology. Counseling psychologists are urged to analyze the historical roots of the profession and current market realities and to make principled commitments to determine where, when, and how training programs will fit into the culture of any given college or department.
Reflections on Reflections
Authors: Stoltenberg Cal D.
Published: August 2005

The Major Contribution in the September issue of The Counseling Psychologist provides several points to consider as the field defines the profession and training models for the 21st century. Calls for returning, in part, to our roots in career and vocational issues as well as our presence in the schools and recommendations for increased focus on children and adolescents should enable the retention of, and perhaps the increase in, our relevance in colleges of education. This reaction adds to this list a continued focus on personal adjustment and crucial attention to marriage and family issues, areas that can augment our institutional fit. Interpretations of survey data on outcomes of training models and racial-ethnic representation in our programs are offered. Little evidence exists to indicate advantages in moving counseling psychology away from its exclusive adherence to a scientist-professional training model. Our contributions to broad educational goals can positively impact our movement toward diverse and representative program faculty.
How Healthy were the Suburbs?
Authors: Harris Richard , Mercier Michael E.
Published: August 2005

In North America almost everyone has assumed that, from the 1860s to the 1960s, suburbs were healthier than cities, but this has not been established as fact by urban or demographic historians. Contemporary evidence is scattered but, especially for the interwar years, significant. The most useful data pertain to infant mortality rates. They indicate that, in terms of population health, suburbs were diverse and so were city neighborhoods. On the average, suburbs were healthier than cities but, partly because of poor sanitation, many unincorporated fringe areas were as unhealthy as the worst city slums. As mortality rates declined, so did the relative advantage of suburbs; in the early postwar period the widespread use of septic tanks caused problems. Future research should utilize neglected, published data and, where possible, supplement these with the analysis of vital records.
“To Show Who was in Charge”
Authors: Sacks Marcy S.
Published: August 2005

This article argues that beginning in the late nineteenth century, New York City’s black population experienced targeted harassment and abuse from the city’s police officers. Antiblack prejudice proved to be fundamentally different from the Progressive Era attitudes about other ethnic groups who often faced scorn but who were still considered to be capable of reform. Blacks were perceived to be innately immoral and therefore irredeemable. Consequently, white reformers and policemen alike sought to limit the impact of black people on the (white) city, while permitting vice and crime to flourish in black neighborhoods.
Race and Tourism in America's First City
Authors: Grant Elizabeth
Published: August 2005

In 1988, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau established its Multicultural Affairs Congress (MAC) to attract and monitor minority tourism in one of America's most historic cities. Four years later, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce acknowledgedMAC's efforts and ranked Philadelphia the nation's top destination for African American tourists. Coinciding with the fulfillment of several key civil rights projects, particularly the election of Philadelphia's first black mayor, African American tourism ties Philadelphia's existing political and economic growth to the city's racial past. Placing changes in city policies and landscape that accompanied the emergence of this industry in context with overall economic, political, and spatial shifts marking Philadelphia's entrance into a service-driven economy, this article explores the possibility that African American tourism in Philadelphia represents a fusion of politics and racial formation within urban development that opens the door to investigating a new plane of urban racial politics.
The Compact City Fallacy
Authors: Neuman Michael
Published: August 2005

The problems of urban sprawl have long been recognized. The classic response to sprawl has been compact settlements of one form or another. Yet the profession’s modern origins stem from responses to overcrowding. Relieving crowding by letting in more light and air led to less compact urban form. This paradox remains unresolved despite recent compact city, smart growth, healthy community, and new urbanist efforts. This article reviews empirical data of whether compact cities are sustainable. Then, after reviewing current debates on sprawl and the compact city, it outlines the intellectual origins of sustainability and analyzes whether its theory supports the compact city hypothesis: compact is more sustainable than sprawl. It concludes that conceiving the city in terms of form is neither necessary nor sufficient to achieve the goals ascribed to the compact city. Instead, conceiving the city in terms of process holds more promise in attaining the elusive goal of a sustainable city.
Do Term Limits Make a Difference?
Authors: Herrick Rebekah , Thomas Sue
Published: August 2005

Arguments for term limits often focus on the need for politicianswhoare less motivated by career goals and more motivated by public policy goals. Yet little is known about whether term limits result in officeholders who are different from others. In this article, the authors examine whether the political motivations and ambitions of term-limited legislators differ from those of nontermlimited legislators. A survey of legislators in 15 states serves as the basis for analysis. The findings indicate that, as predicted by advocates, term-limited legislators are more likely to be motivated by issues. However, they are also more likely to possess progressive ambition, thereby countering arguments that limits attract fewer careerists. Policy goals and progressive ambition are not necessarily inconsistent. Legislators whose policy agendas have not been completed by the time their terms end maywant to pursue other offices to achieve their goals. The implications of these findings are explored in this article.
Horizontal Diffusion, Vertical Diffusion, and Internal Pressure in State Environmental Policymaking, 1989-1998
Authors: Daley Dorothy M. , Garand James C.
Published: August 2005

Throughout the 1980s, states developed policies to address the growing problem of abandoned and uncontrolled hazardouswaste sites. Not surprisingly, some states have adopted stringent policies that are similar to the federal Superfund program, whereas others have developed different approaches. In this article, we develop and test empirically a model of the strength of state hazardouswaste programs, which we depict as a function of both internal determinants and external diffusion. For internal determinant explanations we consider the effects of problem severity, internal political factors, interest group pressure, and socioeconomic and demographic variables. We also include variables representing regional and top-down (national) diffusion. Our results indicate the importance of both internal determinants and external diffusion. Strong state hazardous waste programs are a function of state wealth and the severity of internal hazardous waste problems, as well as external determinants, with regional diffusion as a particularly influential factor.