bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sources of pre-admission medication information: observational study of accuracy and availability
Authors: Fitzsimons Michelle , Grimes Tamasine , Galvin Mairead 
Published: August 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the accessibility of sources of pre-admission medication (PAM) information, to quantify agreement between the PAM list and the ‘gold-standard’ PAM list (GS-PAML) and to categorise disagreements.MethodsA random selection of patients with chronic illness admitted via accident and emergency to one of two study hospitals in the Republic of Ireland were recruited. For each patient, a GS-PAML was compiled and PAM lists were obtained from each relevant source, including patient own medications, general practitioner (GP) referral letter, past inpatient prescription (Kardex) and discharge summary, nursing home letter and personal communication with GP staff, community pharmacy staff and nursing home staff. Data were collected regarding availability for use of each source and allergy status. The GS-PAML was compared to each PAM, and disagreements were identified and categorised.Key findingsData were collected for 134 patients. Community pharmacy and nursing home staff were most accessible to researchers when undertaking the medication history (&gt;90%), followed by GP staff (66%). Except for nursing home sources, agreement between PAML and GS-PAML was low (2–17% of patients, 44–77% of medications). The community pharmacy PAML most frequently agreed with the GS-PAML (17% of patients, 77% of medications) followed by GP staff (10% of patients, 69% of medications). Previous (within the last 6 months) discharge summaries (3% of patients, 49% of medications) and GP referral letters (2% of patients, 44% medications) agreed least frequently. Nursing home (100%) and GP (91%) staff provided most accurate allergy information. Drug omission (&gt;35%) was the most common disagreement for all sources except nursing home staff. GP staff and community pharmacy PAMLs contained a considerable proportion of commission discrepancies.ConclusionCommunity pharmacy and GP staff were identified as the most available and accurate sources of PAM information and should be prioritised when undertaking admission medication reconciliation in a busy clinical environment.
Clozapine repackaged into dose administration aids: a common practice in Australian hospitals
Authors: Perks Stephen , Robertson Sherryl , Haywood Alison , Glass Beverley 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Objectives
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Due to the patient profile there is a high rate of repackaging of clozapine into dose administration aids (DAAs). Because of reports from hospital pharmacists about discoloration of returned clozapine tablets that have been repackaged into DAAs, the aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical, physical and photostability of these tablets repackaged into a DAA.

Method
Clozapine tablets were repackaged into DAAs and evaluated for physicochemical stability over a 6-week period at a controlled room temperature (25 ± 1°C; 60 ± 1.5% relative humidity (RH)) and accelerated conditions (40 ± 1°C; 75 ± 1.5% RH). In addition, photostability studies were performed according to the International Committee on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines.

Key findings
Chemical stability was confirmed for all storage conditions, including for those photostability (ICH conditions), with the clozapine content occurring within the British Pharmacopoeial (BP) range of 90–110%. Although the physical stability was confirmed for all tests at room temperature (weight uniformity, hardness, friability, disintegration and dissolution), under accelerated conditions the disintegration test did not meet BP requirements. However, the subsequent dissolution test was successful with 85% of clozapine dissolving in 45 min.

Conclusions
This study illustrates that clozapine, when correctly repackaged, maintains its physical and chemical stability for 6 weeks. As no discoloration of the tablets was observed, it is assumed that the reports received were as a result of improper handling by patients. Based on these findings, it is recommended that patients be advised on the correct handling and storage of their DAAs.
A naturalistic study of alexithymia among psychiatric outpatients treated in an integrated group therapy program
Authors: Ogrodniczuk John S. , Sochting Ingrid , Piper William E. , Joyce Anthony S. 
Published: August 2011

Objectives. Alexithymia is common among psychiatric outpatients and can complicate treatment. There has been little research into whether alexithymia can be modified by psychological intervention, and whether change in alexithymia is related to other areas of improvement. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether participation in an integrated group therapy program could effect change in alexithymia, and whether such change is related to improvement in interpersonal functioning.Design and methods. Sixty‐eight consecutively admitted psychiatric outpatients to a comprehensive group therapy program were evaluated at baseline, post‐therapy, and 3‐month follow‐up using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale 20, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems‐28. Associations among variables were evaluated with correlations and among group comparisons with t test, ANOVA, chi‐square tests, and logistic regression. Change in alexithymia was examined using repeated measures ANOVA, controlling for change in depressive symptoms.Results. Alexithymia, particularly difficulty identifying feelings, decreased significantly during the treatment period. Post‐therapy levels of alexithymia were maintained during the 3 months following treatment completion. Changes in alexithymia were significantly associated with changes in interpersonal problems, both during therapy and during the follow‐up period.Conclusions. The results of our study suggest that a comprehensive, integrated group therapy program can affect change in alexithymia, and that such change can be maintained once therapy is completed. Also, modifying alexithymia may contribute to improvement in interpersonal functioning.
CsgA Production by Escherichia coli O157:H7 Alters Attachment to Abiotic Surfaces in Some Growth Environments
Authors: Goulter-Thorsen R. M. , Taran E. , Gentle I. R. , Gobius K. S. , Dykes G. A. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT

The role of curli expression in attachment of
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 to glass, Teflon, and stainless steel (SS) was investigated through the creation of
csgA
knockout mutants in two isolates of
E. coli
O157:H7. Attachment assays using epifluorescence microscopy and measurements of the force of adhesion of bacterial cells to the substrates using atomic force microscopy (AFM) force mapping were used to determine differences in attachment between wild-type (wt) and
csgA
-negative (Δ
csgA
) strains following growth in four different media. The hydrophobicity of the cells was determined using contact angle measurements (CAM) and bacterial adhesion to hydrocarbons (BATH). The attachment assay results indicated that Δ
csgA
strains attached to glass, Teflon, and SS surfaces in significantly different numbers than their wt counterparts in a growth medium-dependent fashion (
P
< 0.05). However, no clear correlation was seen between attachment numbers, surface type, or growth medium. No correlation was seen between BATH and CAM results (
R
2
< 0.70). Hydrophobicity differed between the wt and Δ
csgA
in some cases in a growth medium- and method-dependent fashion (
P
< 0.05). AFM force mapping revealed no significant difference in the forces of adhesion to glass and SS surfaces between wt and Δ
csgA
strains (
P
> 0.05) but a significantly greater force of adhesion to Teflon for one of the two wt strains than for its Δ
csgA
counterpart (
P
< 0.05). This study shows that CsgA production by
E. coli
O157:H7 may alter attachment behavior in some environments; however, further investigation is required in order to determine the exact relationship between CsgA production and attachment to abiotic surfaces.
Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates from Animals Presenting at a University Veterinary Hospital
Authors: Karczmarczyk Maria , Abbott Yvonne , Walsh Ciara , Leonard Nola , Fanning Séamus 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTIn this study, we examined molecular mechanisms associated with multidrug resistance (MDR) in a collection ofEscherichia coliisolates recovered from hospitalized animals in Ireland. PCR and DNA sequencing were used to identify genes associated with resistance. Class 1 integrons were prevalent (94.6%) and contained gene cassettes recognized previously and implicated mainly in resistance to aminoglycosides, β-lactams, and trimethoprim (aadA1,dfrA1-aadA1,dfrA17-aadA5,dfrA12-orfF-aadA2,blaOXA-30-aadA1,aacC1-orf1-orf2-aadA1,dfr7). Class 2 integrons (13.5%) contained thedfrA1-sat1-aadA1gene array. The most frequently occurring phenotypes included resistance to ampicillin (97.3%), chloramphenicol (75.4%), florfenicol (40.5%), gentamicin (54%), neomycin (43.2%), streptomycin (97.3%), sulfonamide (98.6%), and tetracycline (100%). The associated resistance determinants detected includedblaTEM,cat,floR,aadB,aphA1,strA-strB,sul2, andtet(B), respectively. TheblaCTX-M-2gene, encoding an extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESβL), andblaCMY-2, encoding an AmpC-like enzyme, were identified in 8 and 18 isolates, respectively. The mobility of the resistance genes was demonstrated using conjugation assays with a representative selection of isolates. High-molecular-weight plasmids were found to be responsible for resistance to multiple antimicrobial compounds. The study demonstrated that animal-associated commensalE. coliisolates possess a diverse repertoire of transferable genetic determinants. Emergence of ESβLs and AmpC-like enzymes is particularly significant. To our knowledge, theblaCTX-M-2gene has not previously been reported in Ireland.
Mechanisms of Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolates from Food-Producing Animals
Authors: Karczmarczyk Maria , Martins Marta , Quinn Teresa , Leonard Nola , Fanning Séamus 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT

Eleven multidrug-resistant
Escherichia coli
isolates (comprising 6 porcine and 5 bovine field isolates) displaying fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance were selected from a collection obtained from the University Veterinary Hospital (Dublin, Ireland). MICs of nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin were determined by Etest. All showed MICs of nalidixic acid of >256 μg/ml and MICs of ciprofloxacin ranging from 4 to >32 μg/ml. DNA sequencing was used to identify mutations within the quinolone resistance-determining regions of target genes, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to evaluate the expression of the major porin, OmpF, and component genes of the AcrAB-TolC efflux pump and its associated regulatory loci. Decreased MIC values to nalidixic acid and/or ciprofloxacin were observed in the presence of the efflux pump inhibitor phenylalanine-arginine-β-naphthylamide (PAβN) in some but not all isolates. Several mutations were identified in genes coding for quinolone target enzymes (3 to 5 mutations per strain). All isolates harbored GyrA amino acid substitutions at positions 83 and 87. Novel GyrA (Asp87 → Ala), ParC (Ser80 → Trp), and ParE (Glu460 → Val) substitutions were observed. The efflux activity of these isolates was evaluated using a semiautomated ethidium bromide (EB) uptake assay. Compared to wild-type
E. coli
K-12 AG100, isolates accumulated less EB, and in the presence of PAβN the accumulation of EB increased. Upregulation of the
acrB
gene, encoding the pump component of the AcrAB-TolC efflux pump, was observed in 5 of 11 isolates, while 10 isolates showed decreased expression of OmpF. This study identified multiple mechanisms that likely contribute to resistance to quinolone-based drugs in the field isolates studied.
Pathways Involved in Reductant Distribution during Photobiological H
2
Production by Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Kontur Wayne S. , Ziegelhoffer Eva C. , Spero Melanie A. , Imam Saheed , Noguera Daniel R. , Donohue Timothy J. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT

We used global transcript analyses and mutant studies to investigate the pathways that impact H
2
production in the photosynthetic bacterium
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
. We found that H
2
production capacity is related to the levels of expression of the nitrogenase and hydrogenase enzymes and the enzymes of the Calvin-Benson-Bassham pathway.
Sponge-Associated Bacteria Are Strictly Maintained in Two Closely Related but Geographically Distant Sponge Hosts
Authors: Montalvo Naomi F. , Hill Russell T. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTThe giant barrel spongesXestospongiamutaandXestospongiatestudinariaare ubiquitous in tropical reefs of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, respectively. They are key species in their respective environments and are hosts to diverse assemblages of bacteria. These two closely related sponges from different oceans provide a unique opportunity to examine the evolution of sponge-associated bacterial communities. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene sequences fromX.mutaandX.testudinariashowed little divergence between the two species. A detailed analysis of the bacterial communities associated with these sponges, comprising over 900 full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences, revealed remarkable similarity in the bacterial communities of the two species. Both sponge-associated communities include sequences found only in the twoXestospongiaspecies, as well as sequences found also in other sponge species and are dominated by three bacterial groups,Chloroflexi,Acidobacteria, andActinobacteria. While these groups consistently dominate the bacterial communities revealed by 16S rRNA gene-based analysis of sponge-associated bacteria, the depth of sequencing undertaken in this study revealed clades of bacteria specifically associated with each of the twoXestospongiaspecies, and also with the genusXestospongia, that have not been found associated with other sponge species or other ecosystems. This study, comparing the bacterial communities associated with closely related but geographically distant sponge hosts, gives new insight into the intimate relationships between marine sponges and some of their bacterial symbionts.
Role of Mrx Fimbriae of Xenorhabdus nematophila in Competitive Colonization of the Nematode Host
Authors: Snyder Holly , He Hongjun , Owen Heather , Hanna Chris , Forst Steven 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTXenorhabdus nematophilaengages in mutualistic associations with the infective juvenile (IJ) stage of specific entomopathogenic nematodes. Mannose-resistant (Mrx) chaperone-usher-type fimbriae are produced when the bacteria are grown on nutrient broth agar (NB agar). The role of Mrx fimbriae in the colonization of the nematode host has remained unresolved. We show thatX. nematophilagrown on LB agar produced flagella rather than fimbriae. IJs propagated onX. nematophilagrown on LB agar were colonized to the same extent as those propagated on NB agar. Further, progeny IJs were normally colonized bymrxmutant strains that lacked fimbriae both when bacteria were grown on NB agar and when coinjected into the insect host with aposymbiotic nematodes. Themrxstrains were not competitively defective for colonization when grown in the presence of wild-type cells on NB agar. In addition, a phenotypic variant strain that lacked fimbriae colonized as well as the wild-type strain. In contrast, themrxstrains displayed a competitive colonization defectin vivo. IJ progeny obtained from insects injected with comixtures of nematodes carrying either the wild-type or themrxstrain were colonized almost exclusively with the wild-type strain. Likewise, when insects were coinjected with aposymbiotic IJs together with a comixture of the wild-type andmrxstrains, the resulting IJ progeny were predominantly colonized with the wild-type strain. These results revealed that Mrx fimbriae confer a competitive advantage during colonizationin vivoand provide new insights into the role of chaperone-usher fimbriae in the life cycle ofX. nematophila.
Ability of Bifidobacterium breve To Grow on Different Types of Milk: Exploring the Metabolism of Milk through Genome Analysis
Authors: Turroni Francesca , Foroni Elena , Serafini Fausta , Viappiani Alice , Montanini Barbara , Bottacini Francesca , Ferrarini Alberto , Bacchini Pier Luigi , Rota Claudio , Delledonne Massimo , Ottonello Simone , van Sinderen Douwe , Ventura Marco 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTWe have investigated the occurrence of bifidobacteria in human milk samples, and we provide evidence regarding the predominance of members of theBifidobacterium brevespecies in this environment. Moreover, evaluation of the growth capabilities and transcriptomic analyses of one representative isolate of this species, i.e.,B. breve4L, on different milk types were performed.
Application of the Modular Approach to an In-House Validation Study of Real-Time PCR Methods for the Detection and Serogroup Determination of Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Kagkli Dafni-Maria , Weber Thomas P. , Van den Bulcke Marc , Folloni Silvia , Tozzoli Rosangela , Morabito Stefano , Ermolli Monica , Gribaldo Laura , Van den Eede Guy 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT

European Commission regulation 2073/2005 on the microbiological criteria for food requires that
Escherichia coli
is monitored as an indicator of hygienic conditions. Since verocytotoxigenic
E. coli
(VTEC) strains often cause food-borne infections by the consumption of raw food, the Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended their monitoring in food as well. In particular, VTEC strains belonging to serogroups such as O26, O103, O111, O145, and O157 are known causative agents of several human outbreaks. Eight real-time PCR methods for the detection of
E. coli
toxin genes and their variants (
stx
1
,
stx
2
), the intimin gene (
eae
), and five serogroup-specific genes have been proposed by the European Reference Laboratory for VTEC (EURL-VTEC) as a technical specification to the European Normalization Committee (CEN TC275/WG6). Here we applied a “modular approach” to the in-house validation of these PCR methods. The modular approach subdivides an analytical process into separate parts called “modules,” which are independently validated based on method performance criteria for a limited set of critical parameters. For the VTEC real-time PCR module, the following parameters are being assessed: specificity, dynamic range, PCR efficiency, and limit of detection (LOD). This study describes the modular approach for the validation of PCR methods to be used in food microbiology, using single-target plasmids as positive controls and showing their applicability with food matrices.
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Biosynthesis GenepqqC, a Novel Molecular Marker for Studying the Phylogeny and Diversity of Phosphate-Solubilizing Pseudomonads
Authors: Meyer Joana Beatrice , Frapolli Michele , Keel Christoph , Maurhofer Monika 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTMany root-colonizing pseudomonads are able to promote plant growth by increasing phosphate availability in soil through solubilization of poorly soluble rock phosphates. The major mechanism of phosphate solubilization by pseudomonads is the secretion of gluconic acid, which requires the enzyme glucose dehydrogenase and its cofactor pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ). The main aim of this study was to evaluate whether a PQQ biosynthetic gene is suitable to study the phylogeny of phosphate-solubilizing pseudomonads. To this end, two new primers, which specifically amplify thepqqCgene of thePseudomonasgenus, were designed.pqqCfragments were amplified and sequenced from aPseudomonasstrain collection and from a natural wheat rhizosphere population using cultivation-dependent and cultivation-independent approaches. Phylogenetic trees based onpqqCsequences were compared to trees obtained with the two concatenated housekeeping genesrpoDandgyrB. For bothpqqCandrpoD-gyrB, similar main phylogenetic clusters were found. However, in thepqqCbut not in therpoD-gyrBtree, the group of fluorescent pseudomonads producing the antifungal compounds 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol and pyoluteorin was located outside thePseudomonas fluorescensgroup.pqqCsequences from isolated pseudomonads were differently distributed among the identified phylogenetic groups thanpqqCsequences derived from the cultivation-independent approach. ComparingpqqCphylogeny and phosphate solubilization activity, we identified one phylogenetic group with high solubilization activity. In summary, we demonstrate that the genepqqCis a novel molecular marker that can be used complementary to housekeeping genes for studying the diversity and evolution of plant-beneficial pseudomonads.
Comparing the Chlorine Disinfection of Detached Biofilm Clusters with Those of Sessile Biofilms and Planktonic Cells in Single- and Dual-Species Cultures
Authors: Behnke Sabrina , Parker Albert E. , Woodall Dawn , Camper Anne K. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT

Although the detachment of cells from biofilms is of fundamental importance to the dissemination of organisms in both public health and clinical settings, the disinfection efficacies of commonly used biocides on detached biofilm particles have not been investigated. Therefore, the question arises whether cells in detached aggregates can be killed with disinfectant concentrations sufficient to inactivate planktonic cells.
Burkholderia cepacia
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
were grown in standardized laboratory reactors as single species and in coculture. Cluster size distributions in chemostats and biofilm reactor effluent were measured. Chlorine susceptibility was assessed for planktonic cultures, attached biofilm, and particles and cells detached from the biofilm. Disinfection tolerance generally increased with a higher percentage of larger cell clusters in the chemostat and detached biofilm. Samples with a lower percentage of large clusters were more easily disinfected. Thus, disinfection tolerance depended on the cluster size distribution rather than sample type for chemostat and detached biofilm. Intact biofilms were more tolerant to chlorine independent of species. Homogenization of samples led to significantly increased susceptibility in all biofilm samples as well as detached clusters for single-species
B. cepacia
,
B. cepacia
in coculture, and
P. aeruginosa
in coculture. The disinfection efficacy was also dependent on species composition; coculture was advantageous to the survival of both species when grown as a biofilm or as clusters detached from biofilm but, surprisingly, resulted in a lower disinfection tolerance when they were grown as a mixed planktonic culture.