bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emergence of Glutaraldehyde-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Tschudin-Sutter Sarah , Frei Reno , Kampf Günter , Tamm Michael , Pflimlin Eric , Battegay Manuel , Widmer Andreas Franz 
Published: November 2011

Objective.In November 2009, routine sampling of endoscopes performed to monitor the effectiveness of the endoscope-cleaning procedure at our hospital detected Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Herein we report the results of the subsequent investigation.Design and Methods.The investigation included environmental cultures for source investigation, molecular analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to reveal the identity of the strains, and determination of the bactericidal activity of the glutaraldehyde-based disinfectant used for automated endoscope reprocessing. In addition, patient outcome was analyzed by medical chart review, and incidence rates of clinical samples with P. aeruginosa were compared.Setting.The University Hospital of Basel is an 855-bed tertiary care center in Basel, Switzerland. Approximately 1,700 flexible bronchoscopic, 2,500 gastroscopic, 1,400 colonoscopic, 140 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographic, and 140 endosonographic procedures are performed annually.Results.P. aeruginosa was detected in samples obtained from endoscopes in November 2009 for the first time since the initiation of surveillance in 2006. It was found in the rinsing water and in the drain of 1 of the 2 automated endoscope reprocessors. PFGE revealed 2 distinct P. aeruginosa strains, one in each reprocessor. The glutaraldehyde-based disinfectant showed no activity against the 2 pseudo-outbreak strains when used in the recommended concentration under standard conditions. After medical chart review, 6 patients with lower respiratory tract and bloodstream infections were identified as having a possible epidemiological link to the pseudo-outbreak strain.Conclusions.This is the first description of a pseudo-outbreak caused by P. aeruginosa with reduced susceptibility to an aldehyde-based disinfectant routinely used in the automated processing of endoscopes.
Outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Surgical Site Infections after Arthroscopic Procedures: Texas, 2009
Authors: Tosh Pritish K. , Disbot Maureen , Duffy Jonathan M. , Boom Marc L. , Heseltine Gary , Srinivasan Arjun , Gould Carolyn V. , Berríos-Torres Sandra I. 
Published: November 2011

Setting.Seven organ/space surgical site infections (SSIs) that occurred after arthroscopic procedures and were due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa of indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns occurred at hospital X in Texas from April 22, 2009, through May 7, 2009.Objective.To determine the source of the outbreak and prevent future infections.Design.Infection control observations and a case-control study.Methods.Laboratory records were reviewed for case finding. A case-control study was conducted. A case patient was defined as someone who underwent knee or shoulder arthroscopy at hospital X during the outbreak period and subsequently developed organ/space SSI due toP. aeruginosa. Cultures of environmental and surgical equipment samples were performed, and selected isolates were analyzed by PFGE. Surgical instrument reprocessing practices were reviewed, and surgical instrument lumens were inspected with a borescope after reprocessing to assess cleanliness.Results.The case-control study did not identify any significant patient-related or operator-related risk factors. P. aeruginosa grew from 62 of 388 environmental samples. An isolate from the gross decontamination sink had a PFGE pattern that was indistinguishable from that of the case patient isolates. All surgical instrument cultures showed no growth. Endoscopic evaluation of reprocessed arthroscopic equipment revealed retained tissue in the lumen of both the inflow/outflow cannulae and arthroscopic shaver handpiece. No additional cases occurred after changes in instrument reprocessing protocols were implemented. After this outbreak, the US Food and Drug Administration released a safety alert about the concern regarding retained tissue within arthroscopic shavers.Conclusions.These SSIs were likely related to surgical instrument contamination with P. aeruginosa during instrument reprocessing. Retained tissue in inflow/outflow cannulae and shaver handpieces could have allowed bacteria to survive sterilization procedures.
Functional ecology of saltglands in shorebirds: flexible responses to variable environmental conditions
Authors: Gutiérrez Jorge S. , Dietz Maurine W. , Masero José A. , Gill Jr Robert E. , Dekinga Anne , Battley Phil F. , Sánchez‐Guzmán Juan M. , Piersma Theunis 
Published: November 2011

Summary1. Birds of marine environments have specialized glands to excrete salt, the saltglands. Located on the skull between the eyes, the size of these organs is expected to reflect their demand, which will vary with water turnover rates as a function of environmental (heat load, salinity of prey and drinking water) and organismal (energy demand, physiological state) factors. On the basis of inter‐ and intraspecific comparisons of saltgland mass (msg) in 29 species of shorebird (suborder Charadrii) from saline, fresh and mixed water habitats, we assessed the relative roles of organism and environment in determining measuredmsgspecies.2. The allometric exponent, scaling drymsgto shorebird total body mass (mb), was significantly higher for coastal marine species (0·88,N = 19) than for nonmarine species (0·43,N = 14). Within the marine species, those ingesting bivalves intact had significantly highermsgthan species eating soft‐bodied invertebrates, indicating that seawater contained within the shells added to the salt load.3. In red knots (Calidris canutus), drymsgvaried with monthly averaged ambient temperature in a U‐shaped way, with the lowest mass at 12·5 °C. This probably reflects increased energy demand for thermoregulation at low temperatures and elevated respiratory water loss at high temperatures. In fuelling bar‐tailed godwits (Limosa lapponica), drymsgwas positively correlated with intestine mass, an indicator of relative food intake rates. These findings suggest once more that saltgland masses vary within species (and presumably individuals) in relation to salt load, that is a function of energy turnover (thermoregulation and fuelling) and evaporative water needs.4. Our results support the notion thatmsgis strongly influenced by habitat salinity, and also by factors influencing salt load and demand for osmotically free water including ambient temperature, prey type and energy intake rates. Saltglands are evidently highly flexible organs. The small size of saltglands when demands are low suggests that any time costs of adjustment are lower than the costs of maintaining a larger size in this small but essential piece of metabolic machinery.
Identifying service needs from the users and service providers’ perspective: a focus group study of Chinese elders, health and social care professionals
Authors: Woo Jean , Mak Benise , Cheng Joanna OY , Choy Edith 
Published: November 2011

Aim.  This is a preliminary study to identify older people service needs in Hong Kong from the users’ and service providers’ perspective.Background.  As the Hong Kong population is ageing rapidly, it is important to identify the needs for care of older people. Although a wide variety of medical and social services have been provided to meet the needs of older people, there has been little evaluation from the users’ or service providers’ perspective regarding what the needs are and how well current service provisions match their needs. In recent years the importance of patient‐centred care has been emphasised, where patient’s expectation of care has been given a central role in guiding and improving the provision of health. However few studies have been carried out with respect to services for older people.Design.  To identify the service needs, a focus group study was conducted. Both service providers and older people were interviewed. This preliminary study used a qualitative research method to identify older people’s service needs, generating rich information which could be used to inform older people care service development.Method.  Data were collected by conducting eight focus group discussions. The focus group interviews were audio‐taped. Interviews were then transcribed and themes were identified.Results.  The study identified several areas for improvement in services for older people, covering adequacy, accessibility and affordability of medical services, coordination of health and social care, quality of long‐term care, negative perceptions and training needs. Some themes such as service adequacy and negative staff attitudes occurred in both older people and health professional focus groups. The themes of fast access, continuity of care and smooth transition, affordability, provision of information of available health and social services appear to be universal as these have also been identified in similar studies in other countries.Conclusion.  In addition to other objective outcomes, such as duration of stay in hospital or re‐admission rates after hospital discharges, changes in service provisions towards improvement should be evaluated from the users as well as professional care providers’ perspectives.Relevance to clinical practice.  Areas of improvement in service delivery include timely access, continuity, affordability, better coordination of health and social care, quality of care particularly in the long‐term residential care setting and healthcare professionals’ communication and caring skills and attitude.
THE USE OF POLYVINYL ALCOHOL AND ITS DERIVATIVES AS MICROSCOPICAL MOUNTING MEDIA. PART I.–WATER MISCIBLE MOUNTING MEDIA
Authors: Gray Peter , WESS GLORIA 
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS.Polyvinyl alcohol has been successfully substituted for natural gums in water‐miscible mounting media of refractive index 1.38. Two gm. of polyvinyl alcohol is dispersed in 7 ml. of 70% acetone into which 5 ml. each of water, glycerine and lactic acid are then stirred. A further 5 ml. of water is added slowly and the whole is heated to transparency. The media dry rapidly to a hard pellicle.
OBSERVATIONS ON MICROSCOPE CONDENSERS, OBJECTIVES, AND EYEPIECES
Authors: Payne B. O. 
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS.The optical characteristics of the microscope objective are considered in relation to the optical tube‐length and total magnification of the instrument and the visual acuity of the human eye. Methods of construction are discussed, and typical achromatic, fluorite, and apochromatic systems are described and illustrated. This is followed by a review of special objectives of various types, including recent designs of ultra‐violet, phase contrast, flat‐field, and reflecting systems.
II.—A VECTOR THEORY OF PHASE CONTRAST AND INTERFERENCE CONTRAST. I. POSITIVE PHASE CONTRAST
Authors: Barer R. 
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS.It is shown that by making certain simplifying assumptions quantitative results can be obtained from a geometrical vector representation of phase contrast. Formulae for the intensity and contrast in the general case, and in a number of special cases, including central dark‐ground illumination, are derived, and are shown to be identical with those obtained by more elaborate mathematical procedures. The present paper is mainly devoted to a detailed discussion of some aspects of positive phase contrast. The appearances of (a) pure phase objects, and (b) mixed phase and amplitude objects are considered for (1) a non‐absorbing 90° phase plate, (2) 90° phase plates of any absorption, and (3) non‐absorbing phase plates in which the phase of the direct light is advanced by any angle Ψ. The bearing of some of the results on the selection of the optimum type of phase plate for a given purpose is discussed.
XVII.—THE STRUCTURE OF HUMAN SPERMATOZOA
Authors: Duijn C. van 
Published: November 2011

SynopsisA description is given of investigations on the structure of human spermatozoa. Both ordinary transmitted light, dark‐ground illumination and phase‐contrast have been used. Special methods have been applied for differential staining.The tail shows a ribbon‐like structure and contains an axial filament, finally emerging to form the tail‐end. The middle‐piece contains mitochondria and centrioles. The head contains a compact nucleus of the karyosome type, surrounded by a plasmatic envelope, and nucleoli. One or more vacuoles may be present. The plasmatic upper part of the head has the ability to make “groping” movements when it touches cells of foreign origin.The lower part of the head is surrounded by a cap, which stains heavily with some basic dyes. Chromosomal structures have been detected by means of the Feulgen technique.While the head, middle‐piece, and tail are very resistant to a number of chemicals, the connection between the head and the middle‐piece consists of a substance which may be decomposed easily by acid hydrolysis.
A SIMPLE FREEZE‐DRYER AND THE CYTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF FROZEN‐DRIED TISSUE WITH THE USE OF VITAL DYES AND THE BAKER INTERFERENCE MICROSCOPE
Authors: Lacy Dennis , Blundell Mary 
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSISA freeze‐dryer is described which can easily be made at relatively low cost. A brief account of its operation is given. The various methods of dealing with frozen‐dried tissue for cytoplasmic studies are also described and a comparison made between the reliability of these methods and those customarily employed by cytologists in morphological (as distinct from chemical) studies of cells.When pancreatic tissue was frozen‐dried, fixedafterembedding, and subsequently stained, the cells and their inclusions were both inadequately preserved and stained. When similar tissue was frozen‐dried and fixed with formalin vapourbeforeembedding, the results were more satisfactory. However, in neither case was the quality as good as that obtained using customary cytological methods.An alternative procedure was therefore adopted. The cells were stained intra‐ and supra‐vitally before freeze‐drying, embedded in paraffin wax, cleared in xylene, and mounted in Canada balsam. When examined with a Baker interference microscope, cells so treated were found to be stained and excellently preserved.
PANCREATIC SECRETION
Authors: Lacy D. 
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSISPancreatic secretion has been studied in cells which have not been stimulated by artificial means. Under natural conditions it has been shown that there exists a secretion cycle which consists of three main phases: 1. Recovery phase, during which zymogen synthesis is maximal; 2. Resting phase during which zymogen synthesis is minimal; and 3. Discharge phase, in which zymogen is lost from the cells. Zymogen synthesis is brought about by certain lipoidal prozymogen bodies which originate from mitochondria in the form of small granules. These pass towards the Golgi apparatus, probably receive some contribution from it, and become vacuolated. Bach vacuolated prozymogen body consists of an outer lipoidal coat enveloping an immature zymogen granule. Eventually the lipoidal coat is shed and a mature zymogen granule is produced. The loss of zymogen from the cells is brought about in a similar way. Amongst the zymogen granules there appear small secretion bodies which gradually increase in size. Each secretion body consists of an outer lipoidal coat and an inner substance which is probably formed by the liquifaction and absorption of zymogen granules. Eventually the secretion bodies are extruded into either intercellular secretion canaliculi or lumina along which they may pass intact into the duct system. With the possibility of rare exceptions, it is secretion bodies which are actually extruded or discharged from the cells and not the zymogen granules. Finally it appears that both the synthesis of zymogen granules and their absorption is brought about by the activity of an intracellular lipoidal cycle.
OPTICS OF THE OBJECT SPACE IN MICROSCOPY*
Authors: Spinell B. M. , Loveland R. P. 
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSISChange of the tube length or of the separation of the elements of the objective can be used to eliminate the image degradation caused by incorrect refractive index or thickness in the object space. These can be in either the cover‐slip or the immersion oil. The quantitative relations were studied. The method of compensation is effective even over an extreme range.A simple formulation was found to express the toleration of an observer to image degradation due to variation of the aforementioned factors from the designed optimum. This tolerance, expressed as*** + T(Δx) is affected only by the numerical aperture of the objective; T(Δx) = k(N.A.)−v. The two parameters, v and k, are significant, the latter being a measure of the strictness of the quality criterion. Graphs are presented from which these tolerances can be read.
A note on the presence of glandular acini and tubules in the bladder and ureter of a donkey
Authors: SHEHATA R. 
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSISThe presence of mucous glands at the lower end of the ureter of a donkey is reported. Tubular acini are also present in the musculature of the bladder trigone. These latter may represent aberrant mesonephric tubules or aberrant Home's glands.
A fluorescent‐antibody technique for the rapid detection of Salmonellae in foodstuffs
Authors: LOVELOCK D. W. , DAVIES ANNE 
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSISThe development of a rapid, indirect fluorescent‐antibody technique for the detection of Salmonella; in dried egg powder, frozen chicken meat, and frozen chicken stock is described. Experiments using the technique in parallel with a conventional cultural technique have shown the results to be comparable and it is concluded that, provided the fluorescent‐antibody technique is used in conjunction with such a cultural technique, the small incidence of false positive results encountered does not constitute a great disadvantage in routine work.
The structure and assembly of collagen fibrils*: II. An electron‐microscope study of cross‐linked collagen
Authors: GRANT R. A. , COX R. W. , HORNE R. W. 
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSISAn electron‐microscope study has been made of collagen fibrils before and after treatment with various cross‐linking reagents.In general it was found that cross‐linking resulted in an increase in the size of the light‐staining bands (as visualized by negative staining) and it was concluded that the light bands in native collagen correspond to regions where the tropocollagen macromolecules are bonded together.Treatment of the fibrous‐long‐spacing form of collagen resulted in the long period of 2300 Å being converted to a native‐type 640 Å periodicity.
Precision ultramicrotomy of narrow specimen embedments for electron microscopy—theory and practice
Authors: GRIMLEY PHILIP M. 
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSISUltramicrotomy of narrow specimen layers (< 15 μ) requires special attention to the mechanics of block alignment. A systematic approach to levelling of the block face can increase the percentage of full face (“isometric”) sections and minimize specimen loss. The method proposed has been derived from geometric equations and provides a rational basis for the instruction of technical personnel. The significance of an initial angular displacement with respect to the ideal cutting plane is gauged from the percentage of block face obtained with the first ultratome stroke, and the maximum thickness of the first section. The latter is determined from reflection colours. The magnitude of angular displacement may be directly calculated or estimated graphically. Present means of microtome chuck or knife stage control permit approximate mechanical correction of alignment errors, but chief reliance must remain upon technical expertise. Experiments indicate that visual training can result in a relatively consistent alignment of the block face in the horizontal (knife edge) plane (< 0.2° error), but that preliminary vertical alignment is usually less accurate. For a given percentage of isometric sections, the tolerable degree of alignment error is inversely proportional to the length of the block face.
A collagen‐like sheath in the arenaceous foraminifer Haliphysema (Protozoa)
Authors: HEDLEY R. H. , WAKEFIELD J. ST. J. 
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSISThe 1–2 μ protein fibres forming an internal lining to the fragile arenaceous shell of Haliphysema are made of 0.2 μ diameter, cross‐striated fibres, which have an axial period of approximately 670 A and six distinct intraperiod bands. It is suggested that the fibres may be collagen, a fibrous protein generally considered to occur in all animal phyla except the Protozoa. The flexibility of the shell imparted by such a collagenous sheath could account for the survival of this bizarre protozoan in the agitated conditions of the inter‐tidal zone.
A method for mounting 4μ resin sections routinely for ultra‐thin sectioning
Authors: WOODCOCK C. L. F. , BELL P. R. 
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSISA method for re‐mounting 4 μ thick epoxy resin sections of botanical material after optical inspection is described. The sections are cemented with resin monomer to the tips of pre‐cast resin blocks in a specially made apparatus which can deal with eight sections in one operation.
Transrectal ultrasonography‐guided biopsy does not reliably identify dominant cancer location in men with low‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Washington Samuel L. , Bonham Michael , Whitson Jared M. , Cowan Janet E. , Carroll Peter R. 
Published: November 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?The widespread use of serum PSA testing followed by TRUS‐guided biopsy have resulted in profound prostate cancer stage migration with many patients presenting with focal rather than multifocal disease. There is increasing interest in the use of focal rather than whole‐gland treatment. However, current biopsy schemes may still miss cancer or, even when cancer is identified, its extent or grade might not be accurately characterized. In order for focal therapy to be effective, the area of highest tumour volume and/or grade needs to localized accurately. The aim of this study was to assess how well biopsy, as currently performed, locates the focus of highest prostate cancer volume and/or grade.OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the ability of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided extended core biopsy to identify the dominant tumour accurately in men with early stage prostate cancer.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Patients with early stage, low‐risk prostate cancer who subsequently underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) and had complete surgical specimens were identified.
Re‐review was performed by a single uropathologist using ImageJ software to identify tumour location, dominant grade (DG) and dominant volume (DV).
Pathology findings were then compared with biopsy results.
RESULTS
A total of 51 men with early stage, low‐risk prostate cancer, who had undergone RP, had complete specimens for review and a median of 15 biopsy cores taken for diagnosis and grading.
Sixteen men had a single diagnostic biopsy, 21 had one repeat biopsy, and 14 had two or more repeat biopsies.
Compared with surgical findings, biopsy correctly identified the sextant with the largest tumour volume in 55% (95% CI 0.5–0.6) of specimens and the highest grade in 37% (95 CI 0.3–0.5).
No demographic or clinical factors were significantly associated with identification of DG. Interval between last biopsy and RP, total tissue length taken and total length of tumour identified were significantly associated with correct identification of DV.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show that TRUS‐guided biopsy detects and localizes DV better than it does DG.
Even with an extended scheme, TRUS‐guided biopsy does not reliably identify dominant cancer location in this low‐risk cohort of men with early stage prostate cancer.
TRUS‐guided biopsy may perform better in similar men with low stage, but higher volume disease.