bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New concepts in antimicrobial susceptibility testing: the mutant prevention concentration and mutant selection window approach
Authors: Blondeau Joseph M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractCurrent measurements of antimicrobial susceptibility or resistance utilize a standardized bacterial inoculum (105 cfu/mL) exposed to varying drug concentrations in a test tube. Following incubation under ideal conditions, the lowest drug concentration inhibiting growth is the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). When the MIC exceeds the amount of drug that can be safely achieved in the body, we call these microorganisms resistant; established breakpoints for various ‘bug‐drug’ combinations are used to categorize microorganisms as susceptible, intermediate or resistant. MIC testing has been used for decades to guide antimicrobial therapy and remains an important measurement for infectious diseases. More recently, the mutant prevention concentration (MPC) has been described as a novel measurement of in vitro susceptibility or resistance and is based on the testing of larger bacterial inocula, i.e. ≥109 cfu/mL – such as those associated with some infections in humans and animals. MPC defines the lowest drug concentration required to block the growth of the least susceptible cell present in high density bacterial populations. MPC testing applies to microorganisms considered susceptible to the drug by MIC testing. The mutant selection window (MSW) defines the ‘danger zone’ for therapeutic drug concentrations. Minimizing the length of time the drug concentration remains in the MSW may reduce the likelihood for resistance selection during therapy. The MSW is bordered by the MIC and MPC values and the drug concentration range between the measured MIC and MPC values defines the MSW. MPC values, when considered with drug pharmacology, may allow prediction on the probability of resistance selection when bacteria are exposed to antimicrobial agents during therapy for infectious diseases. In today’s environment, resistance prevention should be a goal of antimicrobial therapy.
Expression of estrogen, androgen, and glucocorticoid receptors in recent striae distensae
Authors: Cordeiro Raquel Cristina Tancsik , Zecchin Karina Gotardello , De Moraes Aparecida Machado 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground  Stretch marks or striae distensae (SD) can be considered a common skin disorder, but their physiopathogenic mechanisms have not been totally clarified. Although it is considered an esthetic complaint, it may have serious psychosocial consequences besides the local and systemic alterations of the conjunctive tissue. This study aims at assessing and quantifying the estrogen, androgen and glucocorticoid receptors in skin samples with striae and comparing with normal skin.Methods  Skin samples for biopsy were obtained from eight patients with SD and eight patients without lesions. The samples were frozen at −80 °C and underwent processing to obtain proteic extract to quantify the estrogen, androgen and glucocorticoid receptors with the Western Blot method.Results  When the estrogen receptor in the skin with SD was compared with healthy skin, it was observed to have increased twice as much (P = 0.00001). The androgen and glucocorticoid receptors in the SD skin had also increased (P = 0.00015 and P = 0.00083, respectively).Conclusions  These findings indicate that under certain conditions there is an increase in hormonal receptor expression, suggesting that regions that undergo greater mechanical stretching of the skin may express greater hormonal receptor activity. This activity may influence the metabolism of the extracellular matrix, causing the formation of SD. Alterations in hormone receptors occur within a well‐defined time period during the formation of SD; however, there are differences in the functionality of hormone receptors during different stages in the development of the lesions. The preliminary results appear to be relevant and represent aninitial step towards an understanding of the pathophysiology of SD.
Influence of isotretinoin on nasal mucociliary clearance and lung function in patients with acne vulgaris
Authors: Gorpelioglu Canan , Ozol Duygu , Sarifakioglu Evren 
Published: December 2009

AbstractRetinoids are widely used to treat acne in patients with underlying systemic diseases. We evaluated the effect of 13‐cis‐retinoic acid (isotretinoin) on nasal mucociliary clearance and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in patients with severe acne vulgaris. Each side effect was scored using a 4‐point scale. Mucociliary clearance was evaluated by the saccharin test (ST). ST and PFTs were performed on all patients before and during the third month of treatment. A total of 40 acne patients (88% female, mean age 25 ± 7 years) were included. The most common side effects were dryness, chapped lips, and xerosis. Mild epistaxis occurred in 13 patients; only two patients reported bleeding more than 10cc. There was no difference before and during the third month of treatment in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, forced expiratory flow rate between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF25–75), and their predicted percentage ratios. Mean nasal mucociliary clearance time was 12.6 ± 4.1 min before and 15.9 ± 5.7 after treatment (P < 0.001). We found that nasal clearance was significantly prolonged with treatment, and there was significant correlation between drug dose and mucociliary clearance time. Isotretinoin caused signs and symptoms of dry nose and disturbed mucociliary clearance without affecting PFTs. Nasal complications generally are not serious, especially when isotretinoin is taken in low doses.
Fish tank granuloma: misdiagnosed as cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: AlKhodair Rayan , Al‐Khenaizan Sultan 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMycobacterium marinum is an atypical mycobacterium that causes a skin infection known as fish tank granuloma or swimming pool granuloma affecting people who are exposed to aquatic environments. In general, it is managed medically with antimicrobials and variable treatment protocols. Here, we report a Saudi gentleman who acquired this infection in Thailand and was misdiagnosed as cutaneous leishmaniasis. After establishing the correct diagnosis, treatment with minocycline and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole resulted in rapid healing.
Atypical anti‐psychotics in Delusional Parasitosis: a retrospective case series of 20 patients
Authors: Kenchaiah Basanth Kumar , Kumar Sebind , Tharyan Prathap 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground  Delusional Parasitosis (DP) is a relatively uncommon condition wherein there is a fixed belief that one is infested with living organisms despite a lack of medical evidence of such infestation. Pimozide has been mooted as specific for the treatment of this condition. Atypical anti‐psychotics have received attention in recent years.Methods  We describe the clinical features and treatment responses in a retrospective review of 20 cases treated at this department over a 5 year period, and selectively review the literature.Results  The majority were treated with atypical anti‐psychotics and all subjects who followed up showed varying degrees of clinical improvement irrespective of the anti‐psychotic used.Conclusion  The evidence for pimozide as first line drug in DP is limited to one small, non‐randomized placebo‐controlled trial. DP responds well to most anti‐psychotics. Prospective randomized trials are needed to clarify optimal treatment of this relatively rare but debilitating condition.
Improvement of the sterile insect technique for codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera Tortricidae) to facilitate expansion of field application
Authors: Vreysen M. J. B. , Carpenter J. E. , Marec F. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera Tortricidae) is a key pest of pome fruit (apple, pear and quince) and walnut orchards in most temperate regions of the world. Efforts to control the codling moth in the past mostly relied on the use of broad spectrum insecticide sprays, which has resulted in the development of insecticide resistance, and the disruption of the control of secondary pests. In addition, the frequent reliance and use of these insecticides are a constant threat to the environment and human health. Consequently, there have been increased demands from the growers for the development of codling moth control tactics that are not only effective but also friendly to the environment. In that respect, the sterile insect technique (SIT) and its derivative, inherited sterility (IS), are, together with mating disruption and granulosis virus, among the options that offer great potential as cost‐effective additions to available control tactics for integration in area‐wide integrated pest‐management approaches. In support of the further development of the SIT/IS for codling moth control, the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture implemented a 5‐year Coordinated Research Project (CRP) entitled ‘Improvement of codling moth SIT to facilitate expansion of field application’. Research focussed on sterile codling moth quality and management (e.g. mobility and life‐history traits in relation to rearing strategy, dispersal, flight ability, radiosensitivity and mating compatibility) and a better understanding of the basic genetics of codling moth to assist the development of genetic sexing strains (e.g. cytogenetics, the development of dominant conditional lethal mutations, molecular characterization of the sex chromosomes, sex identification in embryos and cytogenetic markers). The results of the CRP are presented in this special issue.
Asking the right question and finding the right answers
Authors: CROSS NICHOLAS B , CRAIG JONATHAN C , WEBSTER ANGELA C 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT:Clinical consultations generate questions that can be informed by published (and unpublished) evidence. This is the basis for evidence‐based practice. Finding answers involves searching available electronic databases. We describe a method for rephrasing or ‘framing’ clinical questions into population, intervention, comparator and outcome terms that helps to determine the best type of study to search for, and aids in the design of search strategies.
REGIONAL DISPARITIES AND INVESTMENT–CASH FLOW SENSITIVITY: EVIDENCE FROM CHINESE LISTED FIRMS
Authors: Sun Jianjun , Yamori Nobuyoshi 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn China, regional disparities are significant. We find that firms in inland regions rely more on their internal funds in terms of their investment activities than those in coastal regions, and that the sensitivity gap between inland and coastal firms widened in the recent contractionary monetary policy period. This suggests that firms in inland regions find it harder to obtain outside funds due to the unfavourable social and economic environments they face. Our findings suggest that capital markets in China respond rationally to the potential impact of regional disparities on a firm's performance.
Efficacy of amorolfine nail lacquer for the prophylaxis of onychomycosis over 3 years
Authors: Sigurgeirsson B , Olafsson JH , Steinsson JT , Kerrouche N , Sidou F 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground  Standard treatment for onychomycosis often results in less than half of subjects achieving disease‐free nails. Onychomycosis is even more challenging to treat as relapses and re‐infections are common.Objective  To determine if a prophylactic effect exists when a treatment with amorolfine nail lacquer (ANL), with half the frequency of the standard regimen, is instituted following successful treatment of dermatophytic toenail onychomycosis with matrix involvement.Methods  Efficacy and safety of a group treated with ANL (once every 2 weeks) were compared with that of an untreated group in a 36‐month (3 years), single‐centre, randomized, open‐label, comparison study. Subjects to be included in the study were required to be cured of confirmed onychomycosis with matrix involvement after an initial treatment with either ANL + oral terbinafine or oral terbinafine alone in a previous study. Prophylaxis of onychomycosis was assessed by global recurrence rate, confirmed onychomycosis, clinical recurrence and mycological recurrence.Results  A total of 52 subjects were enrolled (26 in each group) in the study. Throughout the study, recurrences occurred more quickly in the untreated group compared with that in the ANL group. Statistically significant differences were observed at month 12 (ANL, 8.3%; untreated, 31.8%; P = 0.047). At endpoint, 70.8% of the subjects treated with ANL remained cured compared to 50% in the untreated group (P = 0.153). Recurrence was delayed by nearly 200 days for the ANL group compared with that of the untreated group. Amorolfine was safe and well tolerated during the study, with no treatment‐related adverse events.Conclusion  These results suggest that amorolfine nail lacquer may be effective and is safe for use as a prophylactic treatment for the recurrence of onychomycosis.
Preliminary application of processed electroencephalogram monitoring to differentiate senile dementia from depression
Authors: OSHIMA Norihito , CHINZEI Mieko , KIKUCHI Etsuko , HAYASHIDA Masakazu 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground:  It is difficult, but important, to distinguish between dementia and depression in old age because senile depression has atypical symptoms, including cognitive impairment and memory disorder. Now brain computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, single photon emission computed tomography, and positron emission tomography can be used to differentiate between these two conditions. However, these methods are expensive and not always available. In the present case series, we assessed the potential of monitoring the bispectral index to distinguish between dementia and depression.Methods:  A processed electroencephalogram monitor (bispectral index (BSI) monitor) was used to assess brain activity during relaxed wakefulness in 12 participants (seven with Alzheimer's disease (AD), three with depression, and two healthy volunteers). Each recording lasted 5 min and four variables (i.e. BSI, 95% spectral edge frequency, electromyogram activity, and signal quality index) were monitored.Results:  The BSI was significantly smaller in AD patients than in patients with depression (P < 0.05) and the 95% spectral edge frequency tended to be lower in AD patients than in patients with depression (P = 0.26). Slow waves were found in patients with AD and beta waves were predominant in patients with depression and healthy volunteers.Conclusion:  In conclusion, the BSI and 95% spectral edge frequency were slightly smaller in dementia patients than in patients with depression. Paroxysmal slow waves may account for the low bispectral index. Thus, BSI monitoring may become a useful tool with which to distinguish AD from depression.
Expression of neprilysin, somatostatin and the somatostatin sst5 receptor in the hippocampal formation of brains from Alzheimer's disease patients
Authors: SEKIGUCHI Hirotaka , HABUCHI Chikako , IRITANI Shuji , ARAI Tetsuaki , OZAKI Norio 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground:  In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) in the brain is thought to be the primary pathogenic agent in the AD cascade. The following have been proposed as potential therapeutic strategies in AD: (i) protease inhibitors, including β secretase and γ secretase; (ii) Aβ vaccination; and (iii) inhibitors of Aβ agglutination. However, as yet there are no studies demonstrating successful suppression of Aβ accumulation in AD brains. Neprilysin (NEP), a neutral endopeptidase, is a major Aβ‐degrading enzyme that is activated by somatostatin (SST). It is thought that NEP may be a therapeutic agent against AD, but the role of SST in AD brains has not been sufficiently elucidated to date. Thus, in the present study, we compared the expression of SST, the sst5 receptor, and NEP in the hippocampal formation in brains from both AD patients and normal controls using immunohistochemical techniques.Methods:  Twelve human brains (six control brains and six AD brains) were used in the present study. The diagnosis of AD was made according to the Braak stage. Control brains were selected from cases with no cognitive impairment clinically that were classified as being at Braak neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) Stage II. The AD brains were selected from cases classified as greater than Braak NFT Stage IV.Results:  In the present study, SST and sst5 receptor‐like immunoreactivity was significantly reduced in AD brains compared with normal brains. Although NEP‐like immunoreactivity was also significantly reduced in AD brains compared with normal brains, in the CA4 region NEP was preserved in the hippocampal formation of AD brains.Conclusion:  These results suggest that the origin of the Aβ accumulated may be correlated with the reduction of the SST neuronal network in AD brains. Activating intrinsic NEP through the SST neuronal system may contribute to a reduction in the risk of AD. Further investigations into the role SST receptors may provide new pharmacotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of AD.
The role of psychostimulants in psychogeriatrics: a New Zealand survey
Authors: NG Bradley 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground:  Psychostimulants, including dexamphetamine, methylphenidate and modafinil, have been in use to varying degrees in general psychiatry for over 70 years, especially in psychogeriatrics. While there is some evidence for their clinical effectiveness in depression, they are not considered standard treatments in major depression or other affective disorders. This objective of this study was to ascertain the current prescribing practices of psychostimulants by psychogeriatricians in New Zealand.Methods:  An anonymous survey was sent electronically to all psychogeriatricians in New Zealand, covering the following areas: (1) career demographics; (2) frequency of prescription of psychostimulants for depression; (3) types of psychostimulants, dosages and scheduling; (4) target symptoms; (5) the use of psychostimulants as a monotherapy or an augmentation agent; (6) trial duration and clinical response; and (7) side effects.Results:  Thirty‐six surveys were returned, giving an overall response rate of 84%. Two‐thirds of clinicians had prescribed psychostimulants for depression at one point in their practice, dropping to 44% in the past 2 years (44%). Overall, the practice was infrequent and there were no difference in years of practice between those who had prescribed and those who had not prescribed psychostimulants. Methylphenidate was almost exclusively used, either as a monotherapy or as an augmentation agent with standard antidepressants. The length of treatment with a psychostimulant was variable and clinical side effects were infrequent, and included agitation/anxiety, insomnia and confusion.Conclusions:  The prescribing of psychostimulants for depression by New Zealand psychogeriatricians is infrequent and the response rates and side effects observed were both consistent with the published literature. Their use was generally limited to treatment‐resistant depression, when standard antidepressants were intolerable, or in complex clinical situations. While not a prominent biological treatment in psychogeriatrics, this class of medication remains a therapeutic option for the frail, the medically ill or those in palliative care situations.
Disruptions in Functional Network Connectivity During Alcohol Intoxicated Driving
Authors: Rzepecki‐Smith Catherine I. , Meda Shashwath A. , Calhoun Vince D. , Stevens Michael C. , Jafri Madiha J. , Astur Robert S. , Pearlson Godfrey D. 
Published: December 2009

Background: Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a major public health problem whose neural basis is not well understood. In a recently published functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study (Meda et al., 2009), our group identified 5, independent critical driving‐associated brain circuits whose inter‐regional connectivity was disrupted by alcohol intoxication. However, the functional connectivity between these circuits has not yet been explored in order to determine how these networks communicate with each other during sober and alcohol‐intoxicated states.Methods: In the current study, we explored such differences in connections between the above brain circuits and driving behavior, under the influence of alcohol versus placebo. Forty social drinkers who drove regularly underwent fMRI scans during virtual reality driving simulations following 2 alcohol doses, placebo and an individualized dose producing blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of 0.10%.Results: At the active dose, we found specific disruptions of functional network connectivity between the frontal‐temporal‐basal ganglia and the cerebellar circuits. The temporal connectivity between these 2 circuits was found to be less correlated (p < 0.05) when driving under the influence of alcohol. This disconnection was also associated with an abnormal driving behavior (unstable motor vehicle steering).Conclusions: Connections between frontal‐temporal‐basal ganglia and cerebellum have recently been explored; these may be responsible in part for maintaining normal motor behavior by integrating their overlapping motor control functions. These connections appear to be disrupted by alcohol intoxication, in turn associated with an explicit type of impaired driving behavior.
Differential Effects of Ethanol on Serum GABAergic 3α,5α/3α,5β Neuroactive Steroids in Mice, Rats, Cynomolgus Monkeys, and Humans
Authors: Porcu Patrizia , O’Buckley Todd K. , Alward Sarah E. , Song Soomin C. , Grant Kathleen A. , De Wit Harriet , Leslie Morrow A. 
Published: December 2009

Background: Acute ethanol administration increases plasma and brain levels of progesterone and deoxycorticosterone‐derived neuroactive steroids (3α,5α)‐3‐hydroxypregnan‐20‐one (3α,5α‐THP) and (3α,5α)‐3,21‐dihydroxypregnan‐20‐one (3α,5α‐THDOC) in rats. However, little is known about ethanol effects on GABAergic neuroactive steroids in mice, nonhuman primates, or humans. We investigated the effects of ethanol on plasma levels of 3α,5α‐ and 3α,5β‐reduced GABAergic neuroactive steroids derived from progesterone, deoxycorticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and testosterone using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry.Methods: Serum levels of GABAergic neuroactive steroids and pregnenolone were measured in male rats, C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice, cynomolgus monkeys, and humans following ethanol administration. Rats and mice were injected with ethanol (0.8 to 2.0 g/kg), cynomolgus monkeys received ethanol (1.5 g/kg) intragastrically, and healthy men consumed a beverage containing 0.8 g/kg ethanol. Steroids were measured after 60 minutes in all species and also after 120 minutes in monkeys and humans.Results: Ethanol administration to rats increased levels of 3α,5α‐THP, 3α,5α‐THDOC, and pregnenolone at the doses of 1.5 g/kg (+228, +134, and +860%, respectively,p < 0.001) and 2.0 g/kg (+399, +174, and +1125%, respectively,p < 0.001), but not at the dose of 0.8 g/kg. Ethanol did not alter levels of the other neuroactive steroids. In contrast, C57BL/6J mice exhibited a 27% decrease in serum 3α,5α‐THP levels (p < 0.01), while DBA/2J mice showed no significant effect of ethanol, although both mouse strains exhibited substantial increases in precursor steroids. Ethanol did not alter any of the neuroactive steroids in cynomolgus monkeys at doses comparable to those studied in rats. Finally, no effect of ethanol (0.8 g/kg) was observed in men.Conclusions: These studies show clear species differences among rats, mice, and cynomolgus monkeys in the effects of ethanol administration on circulating neuroactive steroids. Rats are unique in their pronounced elevation of GABAergic neuroactive steroids, while this effect was not observed in mice or cynomolgus monkeys at comparable ethanol doses.