bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency of conjugative transfer of plasmid-encoded ISEcp1 - blaCTX-M-15 and aac(6')-lb-cr genes in Enterobacteriaceae at a tertiary care center in Lebanon - role of transferases
Authors: Harajly Mohamad , Khairallah Marie-Therese , Corkill John E , Araj George F , Matar Ghassan M 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
The frequency of transfer of genes encoding resistance to antimicrobial agents was determined by conjugation in ESBL-producing and/or fluoroquinolone or aminoglycoside resistant Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates at a tertiary care center in Lebanon. In addition, the role of tra genes encoding transferases in mediating conjugation was assessed.

Methods
Conjugation experiments were done on 53 ESBL-producing and/or fluoroquinolone resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae and ESBL-producing S. sonnei isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing on parent and transconjugant isolates, and PCR amplifications on plasmid extracts of the resistance-encoding genes: bla
CTX-M-15 with the ISEcp1 insertion sequence, the aac(6')-lb-cr and qnr S genes, as well as tra encoding transferases genes were done. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was performed to demonstrate whether conjugative isolates are clonal and whether they are linked epidemiologically to a particular source.

Results
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing on transconjugants revealed that 26 out of 53 (49%) ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae were able to transfer antimicrobial resistance to the recipients. Transfer of high-level resistance to the transconjugants encoded by the bla
CTX-M-15 gene downstream the ISEcp1 insertion sequence against 3rd generation cephalosporins, and of low-level resistance against ciprofloxacin, and variable levels of resistance against aminoglycosides encoded by aac(6')-lb-cr gene, were observed in transconjugants. tra encoding transferase genes were detected exclusively in conjugative isolates.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the frequency of transfer of antimicrobial resistance in non clonal Enterobacteriaceae at the tertiary care center by conjugation was 49%. Conjugation occurred in isolates expressing the tra encoding transferase genes. Multiple conjugative strains harboring the plasmid encoded antimicrobial resistant genes were circulating in the medical center. Molecular epidemiology analysis showed that conjugative isolates are neither clonal nor linked to a particular site and transfer of antimicrobial resistance is by horizontal transfer of plasmids.
Non-functional paraganglioma of the urinary bladder: a case report
Authors: Xu Dan-Feng , Chen Ming , Liu Yu-Shan , Gao Yi , Cui Xin-Gang 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Introduction
Paragangliomas that originate from the urinary bladder are extremely rare. In most series, bladder paragangliomas often cause micturitional attacks. Treatment modalities include transurethral resection and cystectomy (partial or total). Prognosis of bladder paraganglioma is similar to that of adrenal pheochromocytoma.

Case presentation
A 55-year-old Chinese woman presenting with the sole complaint of lower abdominal pain for one month was admitted to our hospital. Ultrasound and computed tomography revealed a mass on the dome of the bladder measuring 4.0 × 3.0 cm. The tumor was completed removed by laparoscopic partial cystectomy. Histological examination of the tumor indicated paraganglioma of the urinary bladder. The clinical features, diagnosis, management and pathological findings of paraganglioma of the urinary bladder are discussed.

Conclusions
Bladder paraganglioma should be considered as a differential diagnosis to neoplasm in the urinary bladder, although there is no characteristic symptom. Laparoscopic partial cystectomy may be the first choice in treating paraganglioma of the urinary bladder, offering several advantages such as less invasion, rapid recovery and early discharge from the hospital.
Anorexia nervosa and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: a case report
Authors: Saad Laura , Silva Luiz FAL , Banzato Claudio EM , Dantas Clarissa R , Garcia Celso 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Introduction
Wernicke's encephalopathy is an acute, potentially fatal, neuropsychiatric syndrome resulting from thiamine deficiency. The disorder is still greatly under-diagnosed, and failure to promptly identify and adequately treat the condition can lead to death or to the chronic form of the encephalopathy - Korsakoff's syndrome. Wernicke's encephalopathy has traditionally been associated with alcoholism but, in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of clinical settings in which the disorder is observed.

Case presentation
We report the case of a 45-year-old Caucasian woman who arrived at the emergency room presenting signs of marked malnutrition and mental confusion, ataxic gait and ophthalmoplegia. Main laboratory test findings included low serum magnesium and megaloblastic anemia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed increased T2 signal in the supratentorial paraventricular region, the medial regions of the thalamus and the central and periaqueductal midbrain. The diagnosis of Wernicke's encephalopathy was made at once and immediate reposition of thiamine and magnesium was started. The patient had a long history of recurrent thoughts of being overweight, severe self-imposed diet restrictions and self-induced vomiting. She had also been drinking gin on a daily basis for the last eight years. One day after admittance the acute global confusional state resolved, but she presented severe memory deficits and confabulation. After six months of outpatient follow-up, memory deficits remained unaltered.

Conclusion
In this case, self-imposed long-lasting nutritional deprivation is thought to be the main cause of thiamine deficiency and subsequent encephalopathy, but adjunct factors, such as magnesium depletion and chronic alcohol misuse, might have played an important role, especially in the development of Korsakoff's syndrome. The co-morbidity between eating disorders and substance abuse disorders has emerged as a significant health issue for women, and the subgroup of patients with anorexia nervosa who also misuse alcohol is probably at a particular risk of developing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. The present case report highlights this relevant issue.
Vascular relaxation of canine visceral arteries after ischemia by means of supraceliac aortic cross-clamping followed by reperfusion
Authors: Ciscato José G , Capellini Verena K , Celotto Andrea C , Baldo Caroline F , Joviliano Edwaldo E , Evora Paulo RB , Dalio Marcelo B , Piccinato Carlos E 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
The supraceliac aortic cross-clamping can be an option to save patients with hipovolemic shock due to abdominal trauma. However, this maneuver is associated with ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury strongly related to oxidative stress and reduction of nitric oxide bioavailability. Moreover, several studies demonstrated impairment in relaxation after I/R, but the time course of I/R necessary to induce vascular dysfunction is still controversial. We investigated whether 60 minutes of ischemia followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion do not change the relaxation of visceral arteries nor the plasma and renal levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite plus nitrate (NOx).

Methods
Male mongrel dogs (n = 27) were randomly allocated in one of the three groups: sham (no clamping, n = 9), ischemia (supraceliac aortic cross-clamping for 60 minutes, n = 9), and I/R (60 minutes of ischemia followed by reperfusion for 30 minutes, n = 9). Relaxation of visceral arteries (celiac trunk, renal and superior mesenteric arteries) was studied in organ chambers. MDA and NOx concentrations were determined using a commercially available kit and an ozone-based chemiluminescence assay, respectively.

Results
Both acetylcholine and calcium ionophore caused relaxation in endothelium-intact rings and no statistical differences were observed among the three groups. Sodium nitroprusside promoted relaxation in endothelium-denuded rings, and there were no inter-group statistical differences. Both plasma and renal concentrations of MDA and NOx showed no significant difference among the groups.

Conclusion
Supraceliac aortic cross-clamping for 60 minutes alone and followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion did not impair relaxation of canine visceral arteries nor evoke biochemical alterations in plasma or renal tissue.
Linking sexual and reproductive health and HIV interventions: a systematic review
Authors: Kennedy Caitlin E , Spaulding Alicen B , Brickley Deborah Bain , Almers Lucy , Mirjahangir Joy , Packel Laura , Kennedy Gail E , Mbizvo Michael , Collins Lynn , Osborne Kevin 
Published: July 2010

BackgroundThe international community agrees that the Millennium Development Goals will not be achieved without ensuring universal access to both sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support. Recently, there has been increasing awareness and discussion of the possible benefits of linkages between SRH and HIV programmes at the policy, systems and service delivery levels. However, the evidence for the efficacy of these linkages has not been systematically assessed.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of the evidence for interventions linking SRH and HIV. Structured methods were employed for searching, screening and data extraction. Studies from 1990 to 2007 reporting pre‐post or multi‐arm evaluation data from SRH‐HIV linkage interventions were included. Study design rigour was scored on a nine‐point scale. Unpublished programme reports were gathered as “promising practices”.ResultsOf more than 50,000 citations identified, 185 studies were included in the review and 35 were analyzed. These studies had heterogeneous interventions, populations, objectives, study designs, rigour and measured outcomes. SRH‐HIV linkage interventions were generally considered beneficial and feasible. The majority of studies showed improvements in all outcomes measured. While there were some mixed results, there were very few negative findings. Generally, positive effects were shown for key outcomes, including HIV incidence, sexually transmitted infection incidence, condom use, contraceptive use, uptake of HIV testing and quality of services. Promising practices (n = 23) tended to evaluate more recent and more comprehensive programmes. Factors promoting effective linkages included stakeholder involvement, capacity building, positive staff attitudes, non‐stigmatizing services, and engagement of key populations.ConclusionsExisting evidence provides support for linkages, although significant gaps in the literature remain. Policy makers, programme managers and researchers should continue to advocate for, support, implement and rigorously evaluate SRH and HIV linkages at the policy, systems and service levels.
Adiponectin is produced by lymphocytes and is a negative regulator of granulopoiesis
Authors: Crawford Lisa J A , Peake Roy , Price Susan , Morris Treen C M , Irvine Alexandra E 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Transcription, translation, and secretion of adiponectin by lymphocytes is shown with receptors for adiponectin expressed on bone marrow mononuclear cells.
Lymphocytes have long been established to play an important role in the regulation of hematopoiesis and produce many cytokines that act on hematopoietic progenitor cells. Previous studies by our group have shown that normal, unstimulated lymphocytes produce a protein that inhibits normal bone marrow GM colony formation. Adiponectin is an adipokine that has been demonstrated to act as a negative regulator of hematopoiesis and immune function. This study aimed to determine if the inhibitory molecule that we described previously was adiponectin. Here, we show transcription, translation, and secretion of adiponectin from lymphocytes and demonstrate that its receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, are expressed by bone marrow MNCs. We show that although the adiponectin expression is low in lymphocytes, it is sufficient to induce a significant inhibitory effect on GM precursors (CFU-GM) and activate the AMPK pathway in these cells. The regulation of adiponectin production by lymphocytes and its detailed function in suppressing GM colony formation need to be elucidated now. Our findings suggest a functional role for adiponectin as a negative regulator of granulopoiesis.
Breast Cancer Risk by Breast Density, Menopause, and Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy Use
Authors: Kerlikowske Karla , Cook Andrea J. , Buist Diana S.M. , Cummings Steve R. , Vachon Celine , Vacek Pamela , Miglioretti Diana L. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeWe determined whether the association between breast density and breast cancer risk and cancer severity differs according to menopausal status and postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) use.MethodsWe collected data on 587,369 women who underwent 1,349,027 screening mammography examinations; 14,090 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. We calculated 5-year breast cancer risk from a survival model for subgroups of women classified by their Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) breast density, age, menopausal status, and current HT use, assuming a body mass index of 25 kg/m2. Odds of advanced (ie, IIb, III, IV) versus early (ie, I, IIa) stage invasive cancer was calculated according to BIRADS density.ResultsBreast cancer risk was low among women with low density (BIRADS-1): women age 55 to 59 years, 5-year risk was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.6 to 0.9%) for non-HT users and 0.9% (95% CI, 0.7% to 1.1%) for estrogen and estrogen plus progestin users. Breast cancer risk was high among women with very high density (BIRADS-4), particularly estrogen plus progestin users: women age 55 to 59 years, 5-year risk was 2.4% (95% CI, 2.0% to 2.8%) for non-HT users, 3.0% (95% CI, 2.6% to 3.5%) for estrogen users, and 4.2% (95% CI, 3.7% to 4.6%) for estrogen plus progestin users. Advanced-stage breast cancer risk was increased 1.7-fold for postmenopausal HT users who had very high density (BIRADS-4) compared to those with average density (BIRADS-2).ConclusionPostmenopausal women with high breast density are at increased risk of breast cancer and should be aware of the added risk of taking HT, especially estrogen plus progestin.
Electronic Health Record Decision Support and Quality of Care for Children With ADHD
Authors: Co John Patrick T. , Johnson Sarah A. , Poon Eric G. , Fiskio Julie , Rao Sowmya R. , Cleave Jeanne Van , Perrin James M. , Ferris Timothy G. 
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVES:The objective of this study was to assess the effect of electronic health record (EHR) decision support on physician management and documentation of care for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).METHODS:This study involved 79 general pediatricians in 12 pediatric primary care practices that use the same EHR who were caring for 412 children who were aged 5 to 18 years and had a previous diagnosis of ADHD. We conducted a cluster randomized trial of EHR-based decision support that included (1) clinician reminders to assess ADHD symptoms every 3 to 6 months and (2) an ADHD note template with structured fields for symptoms, treatment effectiveness, and adverse effects. The main outcome measures were (1) proportion of children with visits during the 6-month study period in which ADHD was assessed and (2) quality of documentation of ADHD assessment. Generalized estimating equations were used to control for the clustering by providers.RESULTS:Children at intervention sites were more likely to have had a visit during the study period in which their ADHD was assessed. The ADHD template was used at 32% of visits at which patients were scheduled specifically for ADHD assessment, and its use was associated with improved documentation of symptoms, treatment effectiveness, and treatment adverse effects.CONCLUSIONS:EHR-based decision support improved the likelihood that children with ADHD had visits for as well as care related to managing this condition. Better understanding of how to optimize provider use of the decision support and templates could promote additional improvements in care.
Agricultural Chemicals in Relation to Environmental Quality: Insecticides Today and Tomorrow
Authors: Metcalf Robert L. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractInsecticides are used in agriculture as purposeful environmental contaminants to increase cost/benefit ratio in favor of the farmer and the citizen as consumer of food and fiber. However, their use has become a focal point in public concern for the preservation of environmental quality. Insecticides are widely estimated to have returned an average of about $5 to the farmer for every $1 expended. They have become an essential part of farm technology and their use is the inevitable consequences of the monoculture approach to modern high production agriculture. As ever increasing quantities of a widening variety of organic chemicals are used for pest control, the problems of environmental micropollution became intensified. There is an urgent need to learn much more about the environmental distribution and fate of not only the newer insecticides but also of the older materials still widely used.Pesticides of all kinds will be widely used for the forseeable future. However, newer selective and biodegradable compounds must replace the older highly toxic and persistent chemicals. Pest management programs directed by pest control specialists will make pest control an integral part of crop production and will reduce the extent of environmental pollution by pesticides. Prescription sale and supervision of pesticides use will provide the best way to prevent the misuse and abuse of pesticides.
Interrelationships Between Agricultural Chemicals and Environmental Quality in Perspective
Authors: McNew George L. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractA general discussion is provided on the role of agricultural chemicals in assuring a reasonable supply of food and fiber to the American people. These chemicals were inevitable when intensive agriculture was developed under conditions that favored depletion of the soil and an increase in crop and livestock pests. Every pest‐averting device such as the use of resistant crops, modification of the environment, promotion of antagonism and parasitism by other forms of life, and rotation of crops must be employed as skillfully as possible. The use of chemicals becomes a form of crop insurance that must be applied when changes in the environment upset these biological control devices. Since such chemicals will have to be used in the foreseeable future it becomes necessary to design more specific, safer materials that present little hazard to the environment and nontarget subjects. Some changes in the objectives of chemical research should be less dependence upon the lipid solubility, that leads to magnification to toxicity in a food chain, more specificity of action to reduce adverse side effects, greater susceptibility to degradation by soil microorganisms and oxidation, and use of nontoxic compounds that readily convert to toxicants in the presence of the pest or host metabolic processes so as to avoid heavy deposits of potentially toxic chemicals.
Chemical and Thermal Aspects of Pesticide Disposal
Authors: Kennedy M. V. , Stojanovic B. J. , Shuman F. L. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPesticides, when treated with sodium biphenyl reagent, were decomposed to the extent of 80 to 99%. However, when these compounds were treated with a mixture of metallic sodium and liquid ammonia, 15 of the 19 compounds were completely degraded. When metallic lithium was substituted for metallic sodium, the mixture was less effective but still completely degraded 8 of 19 compounds. The decomposition products resulting from these reactions were not tested for toxicity.The pesticide formulations were incinerated, either singly or mixed, at 900C. Analyses of the volatile products revealed that at least four hazardous gases (chlorine, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen sulfide, and nitric acid) were produced.
Engineering Aspects of the Disposal of Unused Pesticides, Pesticide Wastes, and Pesticide Containers
Authors: Shuman Fred L. , Stojanovic B. J. , Kennedy M. V. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractFrom preliminary research on various methods of disposal of pesticides and containers it appears that incineration offers the greatest potential for rapid reduction of these materials. Work has been done in the laboratory, on model incinerators, and on the design of a pilot plant and a full‐scale plant for incineration and disposal of pesticides and containers. The primary over‐all objective of this work is to provide a safe method for disposal of hazardous materials generated in the future (without pollution of the air, soil, and water), and to provide a means for removing existing potentially hazardous materials from the environment.
Waste Management in the Food Processing Industry
Authors: Soderquist Michael R. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPublic awareness of the current environmental crisis has prompted the food processing industry to initiate action on several fronts. This activity has been aimed at reducing the impact of waste products on the environment. Although the quantities of food processing wastes generated annually are massive, and production takes place mainly during the summer months when assimilative capacities of receiving waters are minimal, significant progress in the areas of waste reduction, wastewater recycling, by‐product development, and waste treatment has been made. Examples of such successful efforts include production of animal feed from vegetable wastes, development of fish hatchery rations from seafood scrap, design of a less wasteful potato peeling method, development of cheese whey concentration techniques, culturing of single‐cell protein on solid wastes, treatment of maraschino cherry brine for reuse, and others. Further advances will be made by the food processing industry in the 1970's through the utilization of the unified systems approach, which considers individual operations, from harvest through waste disposal, as integrated sub‐units of the total process. Through the utilization of this concept, maximum benefit can be derived from given inputs of time and effort, yielding a complete system which has been optimized to produce a practicable minimum of waste materials.
An Argument for the Open Ocean Siting of Coastal Thermal Electric Plants
Authors: Tarzwell Clarence M. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractA great deal of research is yet to be done before we will definitely know all the effects of thermal electric generating plants. It is evident, however, that the chlorination of the intake water is definitely lethal to a high percentage of planktonic and other organisms; that thermal shock is detrimental to some of the more sensitive forms; that the continued exposure to high temperatures after thermal shock is lethal to many forms, especially the zooplankton; that the screening and turbulence in such plants is lethal to larval fishes and several invertebrates, and that immense amounts of waters are put through the plant and such transfer can be detrimental.In view of these findings, I believe that in most instances bays and estuaries are not suitable for the location of a number of thermal electric plants. Discharges to the open ocean should be encouraged or required because acre for acre our bays and estuarine waters are more important and valuable for the production of marine life than is the open ocean. It is certain that we must have electricity; that the demand for electricity will increase, and that these plants must be built. It is recommended, however, that each situation be examined as to all possible adverse effects, and that these plants be so located or corrective measures built in so that they cause the least amount of damage to the aquatic environment and the various water uses. If damage cannot be prevented, it is best to damage the least valuable area.