bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Difference in the Incidence ofClostridium difficileAmong Patients Infected With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Admitted to a Public Hospital and a Private Hospital
Authors: Pulvirenti Joseph J. , Gerding Dale N. , Nathan Catherine , Hafiz Irfan , Mehra Tarun , Marsh Dayle , Kocka Frank , Rice Thomas , Fischer Staci A. , Segreti John , Weinstein Robert A.
Published: February 2006

Objective:

To compare the occurrence ofClostridium difficileamong inpatients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HPV) in two different hospitals.

Design:

Prospective, observational study.

Setting:

Specialized HPV inpatient units.

Patients:

HIV-infected inpatients at Cook County Hospital (CCH) and Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center (RPSLMC).

Interventions:

A clinical and epidemiologic assessment of patient risk factors forC. difficilewas performed.C. difficileisolates found on stool, rectal, and environmental cultures were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.

Results:

Twenty-seven percent of patients admitted to CCH versus 4% of patients admitted to RPSLMC had positive cultures forC. difficile(P= .001). At CCH, 14.7% of environmental cultures were positive versus 2.9% at RPSLMC (P= .002). Risk factors forC. difficileacquisition included hospitalization at CCH, more severe HrV, use of acyclovir and H2-blockers, and longer hospital stay. Patients admitted to CCH were taking more antibiotics, had longer hospital stays, and more frequently had a history ofC. difficileinfection. During the study, two strains (CD1A and CD4) extensively contaminated the CCH environment. However, only CD1A caused an outbreak.

Conclusions:

TheC. difficileacquisition rate at CCH was sevenfold higher than that at RPSLMC, and CCH had a more contaminated environment Differences in patient acquisition rates likely reflect a greater prevalence of traditionalC. difficilerisk factors and a concurrent outbreak at CCH. Although two strains heavily contaminated the environment at CCH, only one caused an outbreak, suggesting that factors other than the environment are important in initiatingC. difficileoutbreak.
Predominance of a Single Restriction Endonuclease Analysis Group with Intrahospital Subgroup Diversity AmongClostridium difficileIsolates at Two Chicago Hospitals
Authors: Mekonen Endale T. , Gerding Dale N. , Sambol Susan P. , Pottinger Jean M. , Pulvirenti Joseph J. , Marsh Dayle , Kocka Frank E. , Johnson Stuart
Published: February 2006

Objective:

To determine the epidemiology and relatedness ofClostridium difficileisolates in two geographically separated hospitals in a large metropolitan area, each with unique patients and personnel.

Design:

Observational descriptive molecular epidemiology of clinicalC. difficileisolates.

Setting:

Two tertiary-care hospitals in Chicago.

Methods:

ConsecutiveC. difficileisolates from the clinical laboratory of a Veterans Affairs hospital during a 13-month period were typed by restriction endonuclease analysis (REA). During an overlapping 3-month period, stool specimens that tested positive forC. difficiletoxin from patients at a nearby county hospital were cultured and the recovered isolates typed by the same method.

Results:

Nineteen (68%) of 28 nosocomial isolates at the smaller, Veterans Affairs hospital belonged to REA group K. Within this group of closely related strains, 9 distinct REA types were recognized. Twenty-one (72%) of 29 nosocomial isolates at the larger, county hospital also belonged to group K. However, the predominant REA types within group K differed markedly at each institution.

Conclusions:

These findings demonstrate a high degree of similarity among nosocomialC. difficilestrains from different hospitals in the same city and suggest the possibility of an extended outbreak of a prototype group K strain with subsequent genetic drift at the two different institutions.
An Outbreak of Diarrhea in a Neonatal Medium Care Unit Caused by a Novel Strain of Rotavirus: Investigation Using Both Epidemiologic and Microbiological Methods
Authors: Widdowson Marc-Alain , van Doornum Gerard J.J. , van der Poel Wim H.M. , Boer Annette S. de , Heide Reina van de , Mahdi Ulrike , Haanen Paul , Kool Jacob L. , Koopmans Marion
Published: February 2006

Objective:

In December 1999, an outbreak of diarrhea was reported in a general hospital neonatal medium care unit (NMCU) caused by a novel strain of rotavirus with genotype P[6], G9. An investigation was conducted to determine risk factors for illness among neonates.

Design:

Rotavirus diagnosis was by latex agglutination and typing by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. A case-control study was performed using data collected from medical records on exposures in a 3-day period before illness (cases) or a random 3-day period (controls). Environmental swabs were tested for rotavirus. Antenatal blood samples from mothers and blood samples provided by hospital staff were analyzed for rotavirus antibodies.

Results:

Fifty-six cases of rotaviral illness were confirmed by latex agglutination. Forty-seven of these were among 118 neonates exposed to the NMCU (attack rate, 40%). There was a 4-week period with no clinical cases in the course of the outbreak. Increased frequency (s≥ 15 times in 3 days) of ungloved nasogastric feeding was a significant risk factor (adjusted odds ratio, 8.79), controlling for birth weight and gestational age. Environmental sampling showed persistence of the virus on ward surfaces despite cleaning. None of 24 NMCU staff members had high levels of antibodies against P[6], G9. Three (8%) of 38 mothers had high antibody levels; 2 had infants who became ill. The outbreak ended with a 7-day ward closure, disinfection, and introduction of gloved nasogastric feeding.

Conclusions:

Case-control studies can be successful in identifying risk factors for nosocomial outbreaks of diarrhea. High levels of rotavirus antibodies in mothers may not protect infants. The environment may be the most important reservoir of rotavirus during outbreaks.
Nosocomial Infection Among Children With Symptomatic Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Frota Ana Cristina Cisne , Rangel Santos Rosana Maria , Abreu Thalita Fernandes , Silva Enaldo Góes , Pessoa-Silva Carmem Lúcia
Published: February 2006

A prospective cohort study was conducted during a 15-month period to compare nosocomial infections (NIs) among pediatric patients without (n = 989) and with (n = 50) symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Patients with symptomatic HIV infection presented higher overall NI incidence density rates (relative risk, 1.65; P = .0001), and may represent a population at high risk for the acquisition of NI.
Clostridium difficilein Long-Term–Care Facilities for the Elderly
Authors: Simor Andrew E. , Bradley Suzanne F. , Strausbaugh Larry J. , Crossley Kent , Nicolle Lindsay E. ,   SHEA Long-Term–Care Committee
Published: February 2006

Antimicrobial agents are among the most frequently prescribed medications in long-term–care facilities (LTCFs). Therefore, it is not surprising thatClostridium difficilecolonization andC. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) occur commonly in elderly LTCF residents.C. difficilehas been identified as the most common cause of non-epidemic acute diarrheal illness in nursing homes, and outbreaks of CDAD in LTCFs have also been recognized. This position paper reviews the epidemiology and clinical features of CDAD in elderly residents of LTCFs and, using available evidence, provides recommendations for the management ofC. difficilein this setting.
Prospective Surveillance for Primary Bloodstream Infections Occurring in Canadian Hemodialysis Units
Authors: Taylor Geoffrey , Gravel Denise , Johnston Lynn , Embil John , Holton Donna , Paton Shirley ,   Canadian Hospital Epidemiology Committee,   Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program
Published: February 2006

Objective:

Bloodstream infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients receiving long-term hemodialysis. We wanted to determine the incidence of hemodialysis-related bloodstream infections in Canadian centers participating in the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program.

Methods:

Prospective surveillance for hemodialysis-related bloodstream infections was performed in 11 centers during a 6-month period. Bloodstream infections were defined by published criteria. Hemodialysis denominators included the number of dialysis procedures, the number of patient-days on dialysis, and the frequencies of different types of vascular access.

Results:

There were 184 bloodstream infections in 133,158 dialysis procedures (1.4 per 1,000) and 316,953 patient-days (0.6 per 1,000). Hemodialysis access through arteriovenous (AV) fistulae was associated with the lowest risk for bloodstream infection (0.2 per 1,000 dialysis procedures). The relative risk for infection was 2.5 with AV graft access, 15.5 with cuffed and tunneled central venous catheter (CVC) access, and 22.5 with uncuffed CVC access (P< .001). There was marked variation among the 11 centers in the means of vascular access used for hemodialysis. Significant variation in infection rates was observed among the centers when controlling for types of access.

Conclusions:

There was a hierarchy of risk of hemodialysis-related bloodstream infection according to type of vascular access. There was significant variation in the type of vascular access being used among the Canadian hemodialysis centers, and also variation in access-specific infection rates between centers.
Sterilization of Heat-Resistant Instruments With Infrared Radiation
Authors: Mata-Portuguez Victor Hugo , Pérez Leonor Sánchez , Acosta-Gío Enrique
Published: February 2006

Objective:

To evaluate the lethality profile of an infrared radiation (IR) prototype sterilizer.

Method:

Simulated use and D value tests were conducted with Bacillus subtilis spores American Type Culture Collection–9372. A spore suspension (1.06 ± 0.03 × 106) in 5% bovine serum albumin was air dried on stainless steel instruments. IR cycles were completed and the instruments were immersed in tryptic soy broth for 120 hours at 37°C. Direct enumeration of survivors was performed to evaluate IR death. Instrument loads contained carriers laden with spores (1.06 ± 0.3 × 106). The spores were seeded on tryptic soy agar and survivors were counted after 120 hours of incubation at 37°C.

Results:

All instruments exposed to IR (n = 50) were culture negative. In contrast, all unprocessed instruments (n = 30) showed B. subtilis growth. The prototype's D value was 0.56, and the death rate's slope was -1.76 (r = -0.99741; P < .0001). The 10-6 sterility assurance level was reached after 8 minutes and 40 seconds of exposure, from cold start.

Conclusions:

IR destroys B. subtilis spores. Instrument sterilization with IR may provide another technology for infection control.
Using Surveillance Data to Direct Infection Control Efforts to Reduce Surgical-Site Infections Following Clean Abdominal Operations in Japan
Authors: Morikane Keita , Nishioka Midori , Tanimura Hisami , Noguchi Hiroe , Konishi Toshiro , Kobayashi Hiroyoshi
Published: February 2006

We initiated surveillance for surgical-site infections (SSIs) in a Japanese hospital using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions and the approach of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) System. Patients were observed following clean and clean-contaminated abdominal operations. SSI rates were higher than those of the NNIS System, but there was a trend toward decreased SSI rates in the latter half of the study period.
Cost-Effectiveness of Perirectal Surveillance Cultures for Controlling Vancomycin-ResistantEnterococcus
Authors: Muto Carlene A. , Giannetta Eve T. , Durbin Lisa J. , Simonton Barbara M. , Farr Barry M.
Published: February 2006

Background:

Several hospitals opting not to use active surveillance cultures to identify carriers of vancomycin-resistantEnterococcus(VRE) have reported that adoption of other parts of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guideline for controlling VRE has had little to no impact. Because use of surveillance cultures and contact isolation controlled a large outbreak at this hospital, their costs were estimated for comparison with the excess costs of VRE bacteremias occurring at a higher rate at a hospital not employing these measures.

Setting:

Two university hospitals.

Methods:

Inpatients deemed high risk for VRE acquisition at this hospital underwent weekly perirectal surveillance cultures. Estimated costs of cultures and resulting isolation during a 2-year period were compared with the estimated excess costs of more frequent VRE bacteremias at another hospital of similar size and complexity not using surveillance cultures to control spread throughout the hospital.

Results:

Of 54,052 patients admitted, 10,400 had perirectal swabs taken. Cultures and isolation cost an estimated $253,099. VRE culture positivity was limited to 193 (0.38%) and VRE bacteremia to 1 (0.002%) as compared with 29 bacteremias at the comparison hospital. The estimated attributable cost of VRE bacteremia at the comparison hospital of $761,320 exceeded the cost of the control program at this hospital by threefold.

Conclusions:

The excess costs of VRE bacteremia may justify the costs of preventive measures. The costs of VRE infections at other body sites, of deaths from untreatable infections, and of dissemination of genes for vancomycin resistance also help to justify the costs of implementing an effective control program.
Is Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus More Contagious than Methicillin-Susceptible S. Aureus in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit?
Authors: Vriens Menno R. , Fluit Ad C. , Troelstra Annet , Verhoef Jan , Werken Chris van der
Published: February 2006

Background and Objective:

In the Netherlands, the prevalence of methicillin resistance among Staphylococcus aureus isolates has been kept to less than 1% by using active screening programs and isolation. At the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), an active screening program for methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) was implemented in 1986. Between 1992 and 2001, only 6 patients with MRSA were admitted to the surgical ICU. However, 4 of these 6 strains were able to spread to 23 other patients and 15 healthcare workers (HCWs). We were surprised by the epidemic behavior of these strains and wondered whether this was exceptional for S. aureus or whether methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) was also spreading in the ICU.

Design:

A 2-month, prospective, observational study to investigate the incidence and spread of MSSA in the surgical ICU of UMCU and historical data collected during a 10-year period regarding MRSA.

Setting:

A 10-bed surgical ICU in a 1,042-bed teaching hospital.

Results:

Weekly swabs revealed the presence of MSSA in 11 (24%) of 45 patients and 16 (22%) of 72 HCWs. Of all 4,105 patient–HCW contacts, there were only 21 episodes in which both the patient and the HCW were found to carry MSSA. With the use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, no identical strains could be identified.

Conclusion:

In our surgical ICU, MRSA seems to spread more easily than MSSA, probably because of selection under antibiotic pressure or a still unknown intrinsic factor within MRSA.
An Epidemiologic Survey of Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus Aureusby Combined Use ofMec-HVR Genotyping and Toxin Genotyping in a University Hospital in Japan
Authors: Nishi Junichiro , Yoshinaga Masao , Miyanohara Hiroaki , Kawahara Motoshi , Kawabata Masaharu , Motoya Toshiro , Owaki Tetsuhiro , Oiso Shigeru , Kawakami Masayuki , Kamewari Shigeko , Koyama Yumiko , Wakimoto Naoko , Tokuda Koichi , Manago Kunihiro , Maruyama Ikuro
Published: February 2006

Objective:

To evaluate the usefulness of an assay using two polymerase chain reaction-based genotyping methods in the practical surveillance of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA).

Methods:

Nosocomial infection and colonization were surveyed monthly in a university hospital in Japan for 20 months. Genotyping withmec-HVR is based on the size of themec-associated hypervariable region amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Toxin genotyping uses a multiplex polymerase chain reaction method to amplify eight staphylococcal toxin genes.

Results:

Eight hundred nine MRSA isolates were classified into 49 genotypes. We observed differing prevalences of genotypes for different hospital wards, and could rapidly demonstrate the similarity of genotype for outbreak isolates. The incidence of genotype D: SEC/TSST1 was significantly higher in isolates causing nosocomial infections (49.5%; 48 of 97) than in nasal isolates (31.4%; 54 of 172) (P= .004), suggesting that this genotype may represent the nosocomial strains.

Conclusion:

The combined use of these two genotyping methods resulted in improved discriminatory ability and should be further investigated.
Risk Factors for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Carriage in Residents of German Nursing Homes
Authors: Baum H. von , Schmidt C. , Svoboda D. , Bock-Hensley O. , Wendt Constanze
Published: February 2006

Objectives:

To determine the prevalence of and the risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage in nursing home residents in the Rhine-Neckar region of southern Germany.

Design:

Point-prevalence survey.

Setting:

Forty-seven nursing homes in the region.

Participants:

All residents of the approached nursing homes who agreed to participate.

Methods:

After informed consent was obtained, all participants had their nares swabbed, some personal data collected, or both. All swabs were examined for growth of MRSA All S. aureus isolates underwent oxacillin susceptibility testing and polymerase chain reaction for demonstration of the meek gene. All MRSA isolates were typed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis after digestion with SmaI.

Results:

Swabs from 3,236 nursing home residents yielded 36 MRSA strains, contributing to a prevalence rate of 1.1%. Significant risk factors for MRSA carriage in the multivariate analysis were the presence of wounds or urinary catheters, limited mobility, admission to a hospital during the preceding 3 months, or stay in a medium-size nursing home. One predominant MRSA strain could be detected in 30 of the 36 MRSA carriers.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of MRSA in German nursing homes is still low. These residents seemed to acquire their MRSA in the hospital and transfer it to their nursing home. Apart from well-known risk factors for the acquisition of MRSA we identified the size of the nursing home as an independent risk factor. This might be due to an increased use of antimicrobials in nursing homes of a certain size.
Outbreak of Hemodialysis Vascular Access Site Infections Related to Malfunctioning Permanent Tunneled Catheters: Making the Case for Active Infection Surveillance
Authors: Hannah Elizabeth L. , Stevenson Kurt B. , Lowder Connie A. , Adcox Michael J. , Davidson Robert L. , Mallea Michael C. , Narasimhan Nagraj , Wagnild Jon P.
Published: February 2006

Objective:

To describe an outbreak of infections with permanent cuffed hemodialysis catheters recognized through ongoing surveillance and related to a specific malfunctioning permanent catheter.

Design:

The outbreak was suspected from the results of prospective infection surveillance and confirmed by a retrospective cohort study using medical records for patients receiving dialysis between April 1,1999, and March 31, 2000.

Setting:

Integrated network of six outpatient hemodialysis facilities in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon.

Patients:

Outpatients receiving long-term hemodialysis.

Results:

During the 18 months prior to the outbreak, the overall infection rate was 4.1 infections per 1,000 dialysis sessions with a catheter rate of 8.9 per 1,000 dialysis sessions. During the 7 months of the outbreak, the overall rate increased to 5.8 per 1,000 dialysis sessions, whereas the catheter rate increased to 18.1 per 1,000 dialysis sessions. Reports of malfunctioning “Brand A” catheters prompted discontinuation of their placement. A manufacturer recall occurred in April 2000. During the 14 months after the outbreak, the overall infection rate decreased to 3.3 per 1,000 dialysis sessions and the catheter rate to 10.8 per 1,000 dialysis sessions. A 12-month retrospective cohort study recognized 96 patients with an identifiable catheter brand and 48 infections. Of these, 27 (56%) occurred in patients with Brand A catheters. The relative risk for infection when compared with other catheter brands was 1.96 (95% confidence interval, 1.32 to 2.92; P < .001).

Conclusions:

Ongoing infection surveillance in hemodialysis facilities can identify specific device-related outbreaks of infections and promote interventions to reduce infectious complications and promote patient safety. Surveillance for vascular access site infections is recommended as a routine activity in hemodialysis facilities.
Breakthrough Candidemia in Patients with Cancer Differs from De Novo Candidemia in Host Factors andCandidaSpecies But Not Intensity
Authors: Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Reddy Bhavanandra T. , Hanna Hend , Bodey Gerald P. , Tarrand Jeffrey , Raad Issam I.
Published: February 2006

Objectives:

To evaluate the risk factors associated with breakthrough candidemia in patients with cancer and to compare them with those of de novo candidemia in this patient population. DESIGN: Retrospective case series of 120 episodes of candidemia, 90 de novo and 30 breakthrough candidemias.

Setting:

University-affiliated, tertiary-care cancer center in Houston, Texas.

Patients:

All patients with cancer who acquired candidemia between January 1993 and December 1998 were included if they had non-catheter-related candidemia and information about quantitative blood cultures.

Results:

Although less frequent, breakthrough candidemia was seen more often in neutropenic patients with leukemia. The intensity of breakthrough candidemia was comparable to that of de novo candidemia. Most (70%) of the breakthrough candidemias were due toCandida glabrataorC. krusei.

Conclusions:

In breakthrough candidemia, the same risk factors seen in de novo candidemia were encountered, although more frequently.C. glabrataandC. kruseiare the leading causes of breakthrough candidemia in patients with cancer.
Effectiveness of Bacteria-Controlled Nursing Units in Preventing Cross-Colonization With Resistant Bacteria in Severely Burned Children
Authors: Weber Joan M. , Sheridan Robert L. , Schulz John T. , Tompkins Ronald G. , Ryan Colleen M.
Published: February 2006

Bacteria-controlled nursing units (BCNUs) are laminar air-flow patient isolation units. The rate of cross-colonization with resistant organisms in 66 critically ill pediatric burn patients with massive open wounds and ventilators housed in BCNUs during 5 years was examined and found to be extremely low (3.2 cases per 1,000 patient-days)
Evaluation of Medicinal Plant Hepatotoxicity in Co‐cultures of Hepatocytes and Monocytes
Authors: Saad Bashar , Dakwar Suha , Said Omar , Abu-Hijleh Ghassan , Battah Feras Al , Kmeel Abedelsalam , Aziazeh Hassan
Published: February 2006

Non‐parenchymal cells might play an important role in the modulation of xenobiotic metabolism in liver and its pharmacological and toxicological consequences. Therefore, the role of cell‐to‐cell interactions in herbal induced liver toxicity was investigated in monocultures of cells from the human hepatocyte cell line (HepG2) and in co‐cultures of cells from the HepG2 cell line and cells from the human monocyte cell line (THP1). Cells were treated with various concentrations (1–500 µg ml−1) of extracts of Pistacia palaestina, Juglans regia and Quercus ithaburensis for 24 h. Extracts from Cleome droserifolia, a known toxic plant, were taken as positive control. In the co‐culture system, toxic effects were observed after exposure to extracts of Pistacia palestina and C. droserifolia. These two extracts significantly reduced by cell viability as measured the MTT test and the LDH assay. Whereas in hepatocyte cultures, only extracts of C. droserifolia were found to affect the cell viability. The production levels of albumin from hepatocytes were not affected by treatment with plant extracts in both culture systems. It seems that the observed reduction in cell viability after exposure to extracts of P. palestina in co‐cultures but not in monocultures is a result of monocyte‐derived factors. The use of liver cell co‐cultures is therefore a useful approach to investigate the influence of intercellular communication on xenobiotic metabolism in liver.
A field and experimental evaluation of the effect of data storage tags on the growth of cod
Authors: Righton D. , Kjesbu O. S. , Metcalfe J.
Published: February 2006

The effect of electronic data storage tags (DSTs) on the growth of cod Gadus morhua was evaluated in laboratory and field experiments. In the first laboratory experiment, large DSTs (60 × 18 mm, 3 g in water ) attached externally for 3 months did not have any effect (anova, P > 0·05) on the growth of adult cod (mean ± s.d. 65 ± 4·5 cm total length) relative to untagged adult cod. In a second experiment, small DSTs (34 × 11 mm, 1·5 g in water) implanted into young cod (48·1 ± 4·4 cm) for an 8 month period did not have any effect upon the growth relative to untagged controls (anova, P > 0·05). Length data returned from tagging experiments conducted on adult cod (57·3 ± 7·5 cm) in the North Sea showed that the growth of fish tagged either externally or internally with large DSTs was not different (t‐test, P > 0·05). Attachment wounds, however, provided evidence that external attachment of DSTs should be avoided unless sensor configuration requires access to the external environment, and that internal implantation should be preferred whenever possible.
‘Hedgehog’: a novel defensive posture in juvenile Amblyraja radiata
Authors: Martin R. A. , Rekdal E.
Published: February 2006

Three cases of a novel defensive posture in the starry skate Amblyraja radiata are reported. The posture, termed ‘hedgehog’, is a graded response to contact by a diver and features a head‐up attitude with the belly oriented toward the diver, apposed pectoral disc margin, and presentation of the thorny, electrogenic organ‐equipped tail. This is the first description of defensive posture in any Rajiformes under natural conditions.
Assessment and control of non‐indigenous brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus populations using fyke nets in shallow ponds
Authors: Louette G. , Declerck S.
Published: February 2006

In order to evaluate fyke nets as a tool for population assessment and mass removal of brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus populations, small, shallow ponds were sampled during late summer in 1999 and 2000. Catch efficiency, species and size selectivity of fyke nets were investigated with the mark‐recapture method. Two different strategies were applied: (1) on six occasions, the mark‐recapture method was applied to entire populations, and (2) in six other cases, sampling was done in two replicated enclosed areas (625 m2). When applied to entire populations, fyke nets were found to be size selective, and capture efficiency significantly increased with standard length. Conversely, no size selectivity of fyke nets was found in enclosed areas. Sampling in replicated enclosures yielded reproducible estimates of population density and biomass. The results suggest that double fyke nets, when combined with the mark‐recapture technique, are a very useful tool for the efficient and reliable assessment of brown bullhead populations. The results of the study also suggest that double fyke nets may potentially be a cost‐effective tool for the mass removal of non‐indigenous brown bullhead populations.
Turbidity affects association behaviour in male Poecilia latipinna
Authors: Heubel K. U. , Schlupp I.
Published: February 2006

Male association preferences in a bisexual‐unisexual species complex were studied in clear and turbid environments. In south and central Texas, where the gynogenetic sexual‐parasite Poecilia formosa lives syntopically with Poecilia latipinna as its sexual host species, association times of P. latipinna males with conspecific sexual and heterospecific asexual females in clear and turbid water were measured sequentially. Turbidity had an influence on male mate association behaviour. Males spent less time with any kind of female stimulus in turbid water. There was no preference for conspecific sexual females, either in turbid water or under clear conditions. Also, origin of males and acclimatization to turbid water had no effect. How turbidity as a source of visual noise might affect communication among individuals and how this environmental factor might contribute to the stability of this sexual‐asexual mating complex in nature are discussed.
Seasonal change in the spatial utilization of host mussels in relation to ovipositor length by female rosy bitterling Rhodeus ocellatus kurumeus
Authors: Kitamura J.
Published: February 2006

The seasonal changes in ovipositor length and utilization patterns of mussels for oviposition in the rosy bitterling Rhodeus ocellatus kurumeus(Cyprinidae) were investigated in a field experiment and field surveys during the breeding period (April to August). The mean length of ovipositors at oviposition was short at the start (early April) and end (July) of the breeding period. Females with long ovipositor at oviposition were collected between mid‐April and June. Mark‐and‐recapture data showed that ovipositor length at oviposition changed rhythmically throughout the breeding period, shortening and lengthening as the female entered the spawning and resting phase. The density of rosy bitterling embryos in mussels increased between April and June, peaking in May, but decreasing in July. The position of eggs on mussel gills varied from close to the exhalant siphon to deeper inside the gill during April, and periodically thereafter. There was a positive correlation between ovipositor length at oviposition and the distance from exhalant siphon of mussels to eggs deposited by females, suggesting that ovipositor length at oviposition determined the position of eggs deposited on a mussel gill. Because dissolved oxygen in mussel gills decreased with the density of bitterling embryos, suitable positions for embryo survival in gills changed with embryo density. By changing ovipositor length at oviposition, females might be able to spawn their eggs in a position that maximizes embryo survival. Thus, plasticity in ovipositor length at oviposition may play an important role as an adaptation of rosy bitterling in utilizing mussels when their quality as a spawning substratum fluctuates seasonally.
Photopatch testing – a retrospective review using the 1 day and 2 day irradiation protocols
Authors: Batchelor R. J. , Wilkinson S. M.
Published: February 2006

Photopatch testing is indicated in the investigation of patients with eczematous eruptions, affecting mainly light‐exposed sites and in those who give a history of worsening of their condition with sun exposure. 3 different protocols are described by the British Photodermatology Group (Br J Dermatol 1997:136:371–376), 1 of which includes irradiation of allergens 1 day after application and 2 using irradiation of allergens 2 days after application. There is no evidence for superiority of any of these protocols. We reviewed the records of all patients who underwent photopatch testing in Leeds over a 50‐month period, who had had the allergens applied in triplicate with 1 set irradiated after 1 day occlusion and another after 2 days. The control was occluded for 2 days. Readings were performed at 2 days and 4 days. 15 of 74 patients photopatch tested during this period had 49 positive results between them. 43 of these were felt to be of current relevance to their clinical problem. 34 of the positive results were indicative of photoallergy. Additional photoallergic reactions were detected following 2 days occlusion and irradiation compared with 1 day occlusion (16 versus 5). In conclusion, our case series suggests that 2 days occlusion before irradiation of allergens is more sensitive at detecting photoallergy.
Cutaneous hypersensitivity to Malassezia sympodialis and dust mite in adult atopic dermatitis with a textile pattern
Authors: Ramirez De Knott Haydee M. , Mccormick Thomas S. , Kalka Katrin , Skandamis George , Ghannoum Mahmoud A. , Schluchter Mark , Cooper Kevin D. , Nedorost Susan T.
Published: February 2006

Atopic dermatitis (AD) patients with predominantly head and neck involvement react to patch tests of the yeast Malassezia sympodialis (Ms). Protein patch testing methods and interpretation are controversial, but subgroups of AD patients may have unique triggers for disease activity. The aim of the study was to identify clinical characteristics of patients who are patch test‐positive to Dermatophagoides farinae/pteronyssinus (Df) and Ms and characterize cutaneous cytokine profiles of the atopy patch tests (APTs). 25 AD patients and 27 control dermatitis patients were patch tested with Ms and Df. Qualitative analysis of Th‐1 and Th‐2 cytokines by RT‐PCR mRNA was obtained from positive APTs. Atopic dermatitis patients with a textile pattern or head and neck involvement demonstrated more positive APTs to Ms than control patients. Early positive APTs (<6 hr) did not exhibit a Th‐1 type cytokine profile. The subgroup of adult AD patients with head, neck and upper torso pattern of dermatitis seems most likely to react to Ms (and Df). The immune mechanism of protein patch tests includes a Th‐1 cell‐mediated component after 6 hr or more.
Quality of life and depression in a population of occupational hand eczema patients
Authors: Cvetkovski Rikke Skoet , Zachariae Robert , Jensen Henrik , Olsen Jørn , Johansen Jeanne Duus , Agner Tove
Published: February 2006

Occupational hand eczema (OHE) is the most frequently recognized occupational disease in Denmark, and despite governmental attempts to reduce exposure to harmful occupational allergens, the number of new cases has remained almost unchanged since the mid‐1990s. Some studies have indicated that OHE has considerable impact on quality of life (QoL) and may lead to depression. The aims of the study were to determine risk factors for low QoL, the frequency and severity of depression among OHE patients and changes in QoL and depression after 12 months of follow up. The study population, 758 patients, comprised all new recognized cases from the Danish National Board of Industrial Injuries Registry between October 2001 and November 2002. All patients received a questionnaire to determine impairment of QoL and depressive symptoms. A similar follow‐up questionnaire was posted after 1 year. The response rate was 82% at baseline and 91% at follow up.

The mean Dermatology Life Quality Index total score was 5.5 for all patients and 7.8 for severe OHE cases. Severe OHE cases and lower socioeconomic status were independently associated with low QoL. The prevalence of moderate‐to‐severe depression was 9%. Only minor changes in QoL and depressive symptoms were found after 12 months of follow up.
Lack of expression of the chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan neuron‐glial antigen 2 on candidate stem cell populations in paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia/abn(11q23) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia/t(4;11)
Authors: Neudenberger J. , Hotfilder M. , Rosemann A. , Langebrake C. , Reinhardt D. , Pieters R. , Schrauder A. , Schrappe M. , Röttgers S. , Harbott J. , Vormoor J.
Published: February 2006

It has increasingly been acknowledged that only a few leukaemic cells possess the capability to renew themselves and that only these self‐renewing leukaemic stem cells are able to initiate relapses. Therefore, these leukaemic stem cells should be the target cells for therapy and for minimal residual disease (MRD) detection. Because of its presence on blasts of 11q23‐rearranged high‐risk leukaemic patients, neuron‐glial antigen 2 (NG2) is thought to be a valuable marker for detecting leukaemic stem cells. Six acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)/abn(11q23) and three acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)/t(4;11) samples were analysed by four‐colour flow cytometry for NG2 expression on primitive cell populations. Candidate leukaemic cell populations were defined by the antigen profiles CD34+CD38− in AML and CD34+CD19−CD117+ in ALL. Surprisingly, in all patients these candidate stem cell populations were shown to lack expression of NG2. Instead, a correlation between the expression of the myeloid differentiation marker CD33 and increasing levels of NG2 on maturing cells could be demonstrated. Similarly, in ALL patients CD34+CD19+ cells showed a higher expression of NG2 mRNA compared with CD34+CD19−. Thus, NG2 appears to be upregulated with differentiation and not to be expressed on primitive disease‐maintaining cells. This hampers the clinical use of NG2 as a therapeutic target and as a sensitive marker for MRD detection.
In vitro fermentation patterns and methane production as influenced by cultivar and season of harvest of Lolium perenne L.
Authors: Lovett D. K. , McGilloway D. , Bortolozzo A. , Hawkins M. , Callan J. , Flynn B. , O'Mara F. P.
Published: February 2006

In some European countries, the majority of annual enteric methane (CH4) emissions by ruminants occur at pasture – a direct result of the predominance of grazing within ruminant production systems. However, there are only limited data available as to the effect of perennial ryegrass cultivar and season of harvest on CH4 production. Using the in vitro gas production technique, the effect of perennial ryegrass cultivar on fermentation characteristics and CH4 production was determined (Experiment 1) and the persistence of these traits throughout the growing season for two cultivars, identified from Experiment 1 as having either a high or low methanogenic potential, was examined (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, organic matter (OM) digestibility and cumulative total gas production profiles were unaffected by cultivar but, with regard to the kinetics of CH4 production, the asymptote value (A), cumulative CH4 yield at 72 h, and the fractional rate (μ) of CH4 production at both time of 0·5A(T)(μCH4T) and at 48 h (μCH448h) were significantly (P < 0·05) different. The amount of digested OM, as a proportion of cumulative CH4 production (DigOM/CH4) at 24 and 72 h after commencement of inoculation, revealed that the amount of substrate required to produce 1 ml of CH4 also differed significantly between cultivars (P < 0·01). In Experiment 2, regrowth number significantly modified the majority of measured samples (P < 0·01); cultivar effects were limited to the lag phase of the cumulative CH4 production curve and DigOM/CH4 at 8 h only (P < 0·05). These results suggest that differences exist between cultivars in how OM is partitioned following microbial fermentation and that these differences demonstrate persistency throughout the growing season. In the course of time it may be possible to exploit these differences through cultivar selection and plant breeding programmes, and thereby reduce enteric CH4 emissions within pastoral production systems.
Impact of shading and cutting on the demography and composition of Mimosa pudica L., a ligneous weed species of tropical grasslands
Authors: Magda D. , Duru M. , Huguenin J. , Gleizes B.
Published: February 2006

The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential impact of grazing on the control of Mimosa pudica, a ligneous weed species that invades grasslands in French Guiana. Three experiments were conducted in a glasshouse to test the potential impact of: (i) shading by testing different Photsynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) fluxes on seedlings and (ii) cutting of juveniles, at three stages of development, on their survival, flowering rate and nutritive value as measured by the mass:length ratio of stems and by branching processes. A significant mortality rate (0·20) was obtained only for seedlings at the cotyledon stage when the PAR flux was reduced proportionately by 0·83. Shading reduced both flowering rate and mass:length ratio of stems. For seedlings at the cotyledon stage, the flowering rate decreased from 0·85 for the control to zero for the low light treatment (0·13 of PAR flux of the control treatment). The mass:length ratio of stems of seedlings in the low light treatment was reduced to 0·20 of that of control seedlings, at the fifth‐leaf stage. Cutting treatment had no effect on mortality of juvenile plants whatever the size of the juvenile plant. The proportion of juvenile plants flowering was high for all cutting treatments. It is suggested that regular, but not continuous grazing, could maintain a dense sward to limit recruitment by seedling establishment and seed production, and maintain branched and juvenile plants with a high‐nutritive value at the seedling stage.
Systemic effects of oral tolerance on inflammation: mobilization of lymphocytes and bone marrow eosinopoiesis
Authors: Rodrigues Claudiney M. , Martins‐Filho Olindo A. , Vaz Nelson M. , Carvalho Cláudia R.
Published: February 2006

Oral tolerance is a T‐cell mediated phenomenon defined by inhibition of immune responsiveness to a protein previously contacted by the oral route. Oral tolerance may prevent autoimmune and allergic diseases that involve the recruitment and/or activation of different cell types including mast cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. The mechanisms by which oral tolerance avoids these immunological disorders are still controversial. Herein we used a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced peritonitis to investigate the effect of oral tolerance on allergic inflammation. Frequency of leucocyte subpopulations was evaluated by global and differential cell counts in peritoneal lavage fluid, peripheral blood, and bone marrow. Changes on lymphocyte subsets and adhesion molecules expression by these cells were analysed by flow cytometry. As compared with OVA‐immune mice, intraperitoneal challenge of tolerant animals with OVA resulted in a significantly milder peritonitis, mostly affecting neutrophils and eosinophils; a concomitant reduction in total white blood cell counts was also observed, mainly because of lower neutrophil and eosinophil counts. Eosinophils, but not neutrophils, were also reduced in the bone‐marrow of OVA‐challenged tolerant mice. No changes occurred in total peritoneal lymphocyte counts in OVA‐tolerant mice, however, there was a significant decrease in CD3+ CD8+ T cells and an increase in B cells (CD45R+) in these animals as compared to immune OVA‐challenged animals. Altered expression of CD18 and CD54, respectively, in blood and peritoneal lymphocytes was also noted. These results suggest that, in addition to local specific effects, oral tolerance has systemic effects on the mobilization of leucocytes and bone‐marrow eosinopoiesis.
Identification of a major histocompatibility complex class I‐restricted T‐cell epitope in the tumour‐associated antigen, 5T4
Authors: Redchenko Irina , Harrop Richard , Ryan Matthew G. , Hawkins Robert E. , Carroll Miles W.
Published: February 2006

5T4 is a surface glycoprotein expressed on placental trophoblasts and also on a wide range of human carcinomas. Its highly restricted expression on normal tissues and broad distribution on many carcinomas make 5T4 a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. In the current study, we set out to investigate whether a 5T4‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) repertoire exists in healthy individuals. CD4‐depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from blood donors were screened using an ex vivo interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay. A panel of overlapping peptides, spanning the full length of the 5T4 protein, was used as a source of antigen. In the process of screening, one out of 30 blood donors demonstrated a positive ex vivo IFN‐γ ELISPOT response to a single 5T4 peptide. A polyclonal T‐cell line was derived from this donor by culturing PBMCs with autologous peptide‐pulsed dendritic cells (DCs). The resulting polyclonal T‐cell line and clones were tested in a 51Cr‐release assay and by ELISPOT and were shown to be peptide specific. Furthermore, antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), infected with a viral vector expressing 5T4, were able to stimulate IFN‐γ production by the peptide‐specific T‐cell clones. A minimal CD8 epitope, PLADLSPFA, has been identified and found to be restricted through human leucocyte antigen (HLA) Cw7. Subsequently, we have demonstrated that HLA‐Cw7‐positive colorectal cancer patients vaccinated with a recombinant vaccinia viral vector encoding 5T4 (TroVax) are capable of mounting a strong IFN‐γ ELISPOT response to this novel CTL epitope. These findings have potential application in cancer immunotherapy in terms of subunit vaccine design and the monitoring of immune responses induced in patients by 5T4‐based therapies.
Significant impact of 5α‐reductase type 2 polymorphisms on sperm concentration and motility
Authors: Elzanaty S. , Giwercman Y. L. , Giwercman A.
Published: February 2006

Androgens, including 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are known to play a role for spermatogenesis and accessory sex gland function. The enzyme 5α‐reductase (SRD5A) catalyses the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Our objective was to investigate whether polymorphisms in the SRD5A2 gene influence semen parameters in the general population. DNA from 182 Swedish military conscripts was examined for the A49T, V89L, and R227Q polymorphisms in the SRD5A type 2 gene. Ejaculates were analysed according to WHO guidelines. In addition, sperm motility was assessed using computer‐aided sperm analysis (CASA). Seminal markers of epididymal (neutral α‐glucosidase), prostatic (prostate specific‐antigen and zinc), and seminal vesicles function (fructose) were measured. The A49TT‐allele was associated with significantly higher sperm concentration compared with the wild type A‐allele (mean: 102 × 106/mL vs. 57 × 106/mL, p = 0.02). The V89LV‐genotype was correlated with significantly higher proportion progressive motile spermatozoa compared with the L‐variant (mean: 55% vs. 48%, p = 0.04). The same trend was found regarding the CASA motile spermatozoa (mean: 52% vs. 41%, p = 0.02). No association between any of the polymorphisms and biochemical markers was found. SRD5A2 gene variants were associated with sperm concentration and motility, but not with epididymal and accessory sex gland markers. This effect on sperm parameters might therefore be exerted via a direct effect of DHT on spermatogenesis.
Chronic partial sleep loss increases the facilitatory role of a masked prime in a word recognition task
Authors: SWANN CLAIRE E. , YELLAND GREG W. , REDMAN JENNIFER R. , RAJARATNAM SHANTHA M. W.
Published: February 2006

Neurobehavioural performance deficits associated with sleep loss have been extensively studied, in particular, the effects on psychomotor performance. However, there is no consensus as to which, if any, cognitive functions are impaired by sleep loss. To examine how sleep loss might affect cognition, the automatic processes supporting word recognition were examined using the masked priming paradigm in participants who had been exposed to two consecutive days of sleep restriction. Twelve healthy volunteers (mean age 24.5 years) were recruited. Nocturnal sleep duration was restricted to 60% of each participant's habitual sleep duration for two consecutive nights by delaying scheduled time of sleep onset and advancing time of awakening. In controlled laboratory conditions, participants completed the Psychomotor Vigilance Task and Karolinska Sleepiness Scale and a masked priming word recognition task. As expected, significant increases in subjective sleepiness and impaired psychomotor performance were observed after sleep loss. In contrast, response times and error rate on the masked priming task were not significantly affected. However, the magnitude of the masked priming effect, which can be taken as an index of automaticity of lexical processing, increased following sleep loss. These findings suggest that while no evidence of impairment to lexical access was observed after sleep loss, an increase in automatic processing may occur as a consequence of compensatory mechanisms.