bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Five‐year survival without major disability of extremely preterm infants born at 22–27 weeks’ gestation admitted to a NICU
Authors: Zlatohlávková B , Kytnarová J , Kuběna AA , Fleischnerová A , Dokoupilová M , Plavka R 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAim:  To compare the 5‐year survival without major disability in infants born at the threshold of viability at 22–25 weeks who were actively treated in the delivery room and admitted to a NICU to that of those born at 26–27 weeks of gestation.Methods:  All infants between 22+0 and 27+6 weeks of gestation admitted to a regional intensive care unit during 1999–2003 were enroled prospectively. The survival and major disability at 5 years of age were analysed by gestational age.Results:  Of 242 treated infants, 202 survived (83.5%). Although the overall survival rate was significantly higher in the 25–27 weeks’ gestation infants than the 22–24 weeks’ gestation infants (p < 0.001), the survival rate among infants 22–24 weeks (63.6%, 63.6%, and 70%) did not significantly differ, likewise infants 25–27 weeks (88.7%, 90.6%, and 92%) had similar results. Overall, 28 children (14.4% of assessed) had major disability. Both survival and survival without major disability were positively influenced by increasing gestational age, increasing birth weight, being born at 25–27 weeks and being female child.Conclusion:  With an active approach in treatment, the outcome of infants born at 25 weeks is comparable to those born at 26–27 weeks. Thus, the ‘grey zone’ in which the risk of adverse outcome is high narrows to 22–24 weeks.
French Maritime Pine Bark (Pinus maritima Lam.) Extract (Flavangenol®) Prevents Chronic UVB Radiation‐induced Skin Damage and Carcinogenesis in Melanin‐possessing Hairless Mice
Authors: Kimura Yoshiyuki , Sumiyoshi Maho 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA French maritime pine bark extract, Flavangenol®, is widely used as a nutritional supplement for protection against atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, etc. Chronic exposure to solar UV radiation damages skin, increasing cutaneous thickness, wrinkling and pigmentation, as well as reducing elasticity, and causes skin cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of flavangenol on skin damage and the incidence of skin tumors caused by long‐term UVB irradiation in melanin‐possessing hairless mice. The oral administration of flavangenol (60, 200 or 600 mg kg−1, twice daily) significantly inhibited increases in skin thickness, and the formation of wrinkles and melanin granules, as well as increases in the diameter and length of skin blood vessels. Furthermore, it prevented increases in numbers of apoptotic, Ki‐67‐positive and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG)‐positive cells, and the expression of skin vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced by chronic UVB irradiation. The effect on these biomarkers was associated with a reduction in the incidence of tumors in mice. The antiphotoaging and anticarcinogenetic activities of flavangenol may be due to inhibition of the expression of Ki‐67, 8‐OHdG and VEGF through a scavenging effect on reactive oxygen species.
Application of econometric models for price impact assessment of antidumping measures and labelling laws on global markets: a case study of Vietnamese striped catfish
Authors: Duc Nguyen M. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractSince obtaining membership to the Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation in 1998, Vietnamese fishery product exports, particularly frozen catfish fillets, to the USA have increased significantly, supported by a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) between the two countries signed in December 2001. With similarities in texture and taste, but of lower price, catfish imports from Vietnam were a concern for US catfish producers. To protect its catfish sector, the US Congress passed a labelling law in November 2002 restricting the use of the word ‘catfish’ to only those fish of the Ictaluridae family, which is farmed popularly in southern states of the USA. Antidumping measures, a trade policy permitted by the World Trade Organization, were also issued by the USA in 2003 leading to tariffs ranging from 44.66% to 63.88% levied on frozen fillet catfish imported from Vietnam. This paper uses selected econometric models to examine the effects of the US laws and policy on prices and trade flows, as a part of a comparative case study of primary production. The models show that the antidumping tariff raised the US domestic price of processed catfish and lowered the Vietnamese export price. The fall in the price of Vietnamese catfish caused by the US tariff raised market demand outside the USA and consequently boosted the Vietnamese export volume of catfish. Empirical models with monthly data from January 1999 to December 2005 examined the effects of the BTA, the US antidumping and the labelling laws on the price and trade flow of frozen catfish fillets. Although the BTA benefited US consumers, the antidumping measures were not favourable to them or to US farmers. The labelling law in reality harmed the US catfish industry.
Phase 2a Randomized Controlled Trial of Short-Term Activity, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics of a Novel Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor, RDEA806, in HIV-1-Positive, Antiretroviral-Naïve Subjects
Authors: Moyle Graeme , Boffito Marta , Stoehr Albrecht , Rieger Armin , Shen Zancong , Manhard Kimberly , Sheedy Beth , Hingorani Vijay , Raney Anneke , Nguyen Mai , Nguyen Tranh , Ong Voon , Yeh Li-Tain , Quart Barry 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

RDEA806 is a novel nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) with potent
in vitro
activity against wild-type and NNRTI-resistant HIV-1. A phase 2a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalating study evaluated the short-term antiviral activity, safety, and pharmacokinetics (PKs) of RDEA806 monotherapy in antiretroviral-naïve, HIV-1-infected subjects. The subjects were randomized to four cohorts comprising four dosage regimens and two formulations of RDEA806 or placebo in a 3:1 ratio within each cohort. The investigators were blinded to the results for each cohort. The subjects received RDEA806 or placebo for 7 days. The primary end point was the change in the HIV RNA load from the baseline to day 9 for each of the four RDEA806 dose regimens compared to that achieved with placebo. The RDEA806 PKs and the immune response to RDEA806 were evaluated along with the safety and tolerability of each dose. Of a total of 48 enrolled subjects, 36 subjects (9 in each cohort) were randomized to RDEA806 study drug, and 12 (3 in each cohort) took placebo. A statistically significant decrease in the viral load from the baseline to day 9 was observed for all RDEA806 treatment groups (
P
< 0.001). On day 9, the mean changes in the HIV RNA load from that at the baseline were −1.95 log
10
copies/ml (400 mg twice a day), −1.39 log
10
copies/ml (600 mg once a day [q.d.]), −1.62 log
10
copies/ml (800 mg q.d.), and −1.70 log
10
copies/ml (1,000 mg q.d.). The pharmacokinetics were linear and dose proportional. Treatment with RDEA806 was well tolerated, and there were no discontinuations due to adverse events. In conclusion, all doses of RDEA806 were safe and well tolerated and exhibited robust antiretroviral activity in this short-term monotherapy study with antiretroviral-naïve HIV-infected subjects. RDEA806 is a potent and promising novel NNRTI.
Identification and Characterization of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Yop Translocation in
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
Authors: Harmon Dana E. , Davis Alison J. , Castillo Cynthia , Mecsas Joan 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Type three secretion systems (TTSSs) are virulence factors found in many pathogenic Gram-negative species, including the family of pathogenic
Yersinia
spp.
Y
ersinia
pseudotuberculosis
requires the translocation of a group of effector molecules, called Yops, to subvert the innate immune response and establish infection. Polarized transfer of Yops from bacteria to immune cells depends on several factors, including the presence of a functional TTSS, the successful attachment of
Yersinia
to the target cell, and translocon insertion into the target cell membrane. Here we employed a high-throughput screen to identify small molecules that block translocation of Yops into mammalian cells. We identified 6 compounds that inhibited translocation of effectors without affecting synthesis of TTSS components and secreted effectors, assembly of the TTSS, or secretion of effectors. One compound, C20, reduced adherence of
Y.
pseudotuberculosis
to target cells. Additionally, the compounds caused leakage of Yops into the supernatant during infection and thus reduced polarized translocation. Furthermore, several molecules, namely, C20, C22, C24, C34, and C38, also inhibited ExoS-mediated cell rounding, suggesting that the compounds target factors that are conserved between
P
seudomonas
aeruginosa
and
Y.
pseudotuberculosis
. In summary, we have identified 6 compounds that specifically inhibit translocation of Yops into mammalian cells but not Yop synthesis or secretion.
Identification of the Novel
dfrK
-Carrying Transposon Tn
559
in a Porcine Methicillin-Susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
ST398 Strain
Authors: Kadlec Kristina , Schwarz Stefan 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

The trimethoprim resistance gene
dfrK
was found to be part of the novel Tn
554
-related transposon Tn
559
integrated in the chromosomal
radC
gene of a porcine methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
ST398 strain. While Tn
559
and Tn
554
had similar arrangements of the transposase genes
tnpA
,
tnpB
, and
tnpC
, the Tn
554
-associated resistance genes
erm
(A) and
spc
were replaced by
dfrK
in Tn
559
. Circular forms of Tn
559
were detected and suggest the functional activity of this transposon.
Risk Factors for Fluconazole-Resistant Candidemia
Authors: Garnacho-Montero José , Díaz-Martín Ana , García-Cabrera Emilio , Ruiz Pérez de Pipaón Maite , Hernández-Caballero Clara , Aznar-Martín Javier , Cisneros José M. , Ortiz-Leyba Carlos 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Previous studies have sought to determine the risk factors associated with candidemia caused by non-
albicans Candida
spp. or with potentially fluconazole-resistant
Candida
spp. (
C. glabrata
and
C. krusei
). Non-
albicans Candida
strains are a heterogeneous group that includes species with different levels of virulence, and only a limited number of
C. glabrata
isolates are resistant to fluconazole. We set out to identify the risk factors associated with microbiologically proven fluconazole-resistant candidemia. A prospective study including adult patients with candidemia was performed. Data were collected on patient demographics; underlying diseases; exposure to corticosteroids, antibiotics, or fluconazole; and invasive procedures. Risk factors associated either with non-
albicans Candida
spp. or potentially fluconazole-resistant
Candida
spp. (
C. glabrata
or
C. krusei
) or with
Candida
spp. with microbiologically confirmed fluconazole resistance were assessed using logistic regressions. We included 226 candidemia episodes. Non-
albicans Candida
isolates accounted for 53.1% of the fungal isolates, but only 18.2% of the cases were caused by potentially fluconazole-resistant organisms. Thirty isolates exhibited microbiologically confirmed fluconazole resistance. The multivariate analysis revealed that independent predictors associated with fluconazole-resistant
Candida
spp. were neutropenia (odds ratio [OR] = 4.94; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.50 to 16.20;
P
= 0.008), chronic renal disease (OR = 4.82; 95% CI = 1.47 to 15.88;
P
= 0.01), and previous fluconazole exposure (OR = 5.09; 95% CI = 1.66 to 15.6;
P
= 0.004). Independently significant variables associated with non-
albicans Candida
bloodstream infection or with potentially fluconazole-resistant
Candida
spp. did not include previous fluconazole exposure. We concluded that prior fluconazole treatment is an independent risk factor only for candidemia caused by microbiologically confirmed fluconazole resistant species. Our findings may be of value for selecting empirical antifungal therapy.
Mutational Analysis of VIM-2 Reveals an Essential Determinant for Metallo-β-Lactamase Stability and Folding
Authors: Borgianni Luisa , Vandenameele Julie , Matagne André , Bini Luca , Bonomo Robert A. , Frère Jean-Marie , Rossolini Gian Maria , Docquier Jean-Denis 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT
Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing bacteria are emerging worldwide and represent a formidable threat to the efficacy of relevant β-lactams, including carbapenems, expanded-spectrum cephalosporins, and β-lactamase inactivator/β-lactam combinations. VIM-2 is currently the most widespread MBL and represents a primary target for MBL inhibitor research, the clinical need for which is expected to further increase in the future. Using a saturation mutagenesis approach, we probed the importance of four residues (Phe-61, Ala-64, Tyr-67, and Trp-87) located close to the VIM-2 active site and putatively relevant to the enzyme activity based on structural knowledge of the enzyme and on structure-activity relationships of the subclass B1 MBLs. The ampicillin MIC values shown by the various mutants were affected very differently depending on the randomized amino acid position. Position 64 appeared to be rather tolerant to substitution, and kinetic studies showed that the A64W mutation did not significantly affect substrate hydrolysis or binding, representing an important difference from IMP-type enzymes. Phe-61 and Tyr-67 could be replaced with several amino acids without the ampicillin MIC being significantly affected, but in contrast, Trp-87 was found to be critical for ampicillin resistance. Further kinetic and biochemical analyses of W87A and W87F variants showed that this residue is apparently important for the structure and proper folding of the enzyme but, surprisingly, not for its catalytic activity. These data support the critical role of residue 87 in the stability and folding of VIM-2 and might have strong implications for MBL inhibitor design, as this residue would represent an ideal target for interaction with small molecules.
Importance of Serum Concentration of Adefovir for Lamivudine-Adefovir Combination Therapy in Patients with Lamivudine-Resistant Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Mitsui Fukiko , Tsuge Masataka , Kimura Takashi , Kitamura Shosuke , Abe Hiromi , Saneto Hiromi , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Miki Daiki , Hatakeyama Tsuyoshi , Hiraga Nobuhiko , Imamura Michio , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Aikata Hiroshi , Takahashi Shoichi , Hayes C. Nelson , Igarashi Harue , Morimoto Kentaro , Shimizu Masao , Chayama Kazuaki 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Lamivudine (LMV)-adefovir pivoxil (ADV) combination therapy suppresses the replication of LMV-resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV), although its efficacy in suppressing HBV varies among patients. This study analyzed the clinical, virological, and pharmaceutical factors that influence the effect of the combination therapy. Patients negative for hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg) and with low HBV DNA titers immediately prior to the combination therapy effectively cleared serum HBV DNA (
P =
0.0348 and
P =
0.0310, respectively). The maximum concentration of ADV in serum (ADV
C
max
) was higher in patients who showed HBV DNA clearance (
P =
0.0392), and the cumulative clearance rates of HBV DNA were significantly higher in patients with ADV
C
max
equal to or greater than 24 ng/ml (
P =
0.0284). HBeAg negativity and lower HBV DNA at the start of the combination therapy and higher ADV
C
max
were found to be independent factors for serum HBV DNA clearance. Serum creatinine increased significantly during the combination therapy, and the ADV
C
max
was higher in patients with low creatinine clearance rates. In conclusion, higher serum concentrations of ADV are associated with a good response to therapy based on clearance of HBV DNA in serum. However, care should be taken to prevent worsening of renal function due to high ADV serum concentrations.
In Vitro
Activity of Azithromycin against Nontyphoidal
Salmonella enterica
Authors: Gunell Marianne , Kotilainen Pirkko , Jalava Jari , Huovinen Pentti , Siitonen Anja , Hakanen Antti J. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

The
in vitro
activity of azithromycin against 1,237 nontyphoidal
Salmonella enterica
isolates collected from Finnish patients between 2003 and 2008 was investigated. Only 24 (1.9%) of the isolates tested and 15 (5.1%) of the 294 isolates with reduced fluoroquinolone susceptibility had azithromycin MICs of ≥32 μg/ml. These data show that azithromycin has good
in vitro
activity against nontyphoidal
S. enterica
, and thus, it may be a good candidate for clinical treatment studies of salmonellosis.
The BpeAB-OprB Efflux Pump of
Burkholderia pseudomallei
1026b Does Not Play a Role in Quorum Sensing, Virulence Factor Production, or Extrusion of Aminoglycosides but Is a Broad-Spectrum Drug Efflux System
Authors: Mima Takehiko , Schweizer Herbert P. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Most
Burkholderia pseudomallei
strains are intrinsically aminoglycoside resistant, mainly due to AmrAB-OprA-mediated efflux. Rare naturally occurring or genetically engineered mutants lacking this pump are aminoglycoside susceptible despite the fact that they also encode and express BpeAB-OprB, which was reported to mediate efflux of aminoglycosides in the Singapore strain KHW. To reassess the role of BpeAB-OprB in
B. pseudomallei
aminoglycoside resistance, we used mutants overexpressing or lacking this pump in either AmrAB-OprA-proficient or -deficient strain 1026b backgrounds. Our data show that BpeAB-OprB does not mediate efflux of aminoglycosides but is a multidrug efflux system which extrudes macrolides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, acriflavine, and, to a lesser extent, chloramphenicol. Phylogenetically, BpeAB-OprB is closely related to
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
MexAB-OprM, which has a similar substrate spectrum. AmrAB-OprA is most closely related to MexXY, the only
P. aeruginosa
efflux pump known to extrude aminoglycosides. Since BpeAB-OprB in strain KHW was also implicated in playing a major role in export of acylated homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum-sensing molecules and in expression of diverse virulence factors, we explored whether this was also true in the strain 1026b background. The results showed that BpeAB-OprB was not required for AHL export, and mutants lacking this efflux system exhibited normal swimming motility and siderophore production, which were severely impaired in KHW
bpeAB-oprB
mutants. Biofilm formation was impaired in 1026b Δ(
amrRAB-oprA
) and Δ(
amrRAB-oprA
) Δ(
bpeAB-oprB
) mutants. At present, we do not know why our BpeAB-OprB susceptibility and virulence factor expression results with 1026b and its derivatives are different from those previously published for Singapore strain KHW.
Biosafety Level 2 Model of Pneumonic Plague and Protection Studies with F1 and Psa
Authors: Galván Estela M. , Nair Manoj Kumar Mohan , Chen Huaiqing , Del Piero Fabio , Schifferli Dieter M. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Attenuated
Yersinia pestis pgm
strains, such as KIM5, lack the siderophore yersiniabactin. Strain KIM5 does not induce significant pneumonia when delivered intranasally. In this study, mice were found to develop pneumonia after intranasal challenge with strain KIM5 when they were injected intraperitoneally with iron dextran, though not with iron sulfate. KIM5-infected mice treated daily with 4 mg iron dextran died in 3 days with severe pneumonia. Pneumonia was less severe if 4 mg iron dextran was administered only once before infection. The best-studied experimental vaccine against plague currently consists of the
Yersinia pestis
capsular antigen F1 and the type 3 secreted protein LcrV. The F1 antigen was shown to be protective against KIM5 infections in mice administered iron dextran doses leading to light or severe pneumonia, supporting the use of an iron dextran-treated model of pneumonic plague. Since F1 has been reported to be incompletely protective in some primates, and bacterial isolates lacking F1 are still virulent, there has been considerable interest in identifying additional protective subunit immunogens. Here we showed that the highly conserved Psa fimbriae of
Y. pestis
(also called pH 6 antigen) are expressed in murine organs after infection through the respiratory tract. Studies with iron dextran-treated mice showed that vaccination with the Psa fimbrial protein together with an adjuvant afforded incomplete but significant protection in the mouse model described. Therefore, further investigations to fully characterize the protective properties of the Psa fimbriae are warranted.
Parental smoking and pretend smoking in young children
Authors: de Leeuw Rebecca N H , Engels Rutger C M E , Scholte Ron H J 
Published: May 2010

ObjectiveTo investigate whether parental smoking was associated with smoking-related play behaviour in young children.DesignChildren were asked to pretend that they were grown-ups having dinner. They were invited to act out this situation in a play corner with a toy kitchen and a child-sized dining area, including a package of fake cigarettes on the table.SettingChildren were tested individually at their school during regular school hours.ParticipantsThe sample consisted of 100 children between 4 and 8 years of age (mean=5.28, SD=0.94) of which 57% were boys. The majority of the children were born in The Netherlands (99%).MeasurementsThe main outcome measure was whether or not a child pretended to be smoking a cigarette. Child and parent reports were used to assess parental smoking.FindingsFindings revealed that 37% of the children had at least one ‘puff’ during their play. Children were more likely to pretend to smoke if they reported having smoking parents (OR=3.16, p=0.02; 95% CI=1.22 to 8.18). Analyses for the model with parent reports on parental smoking did not yield any direct association. Children's explicit attitudes were unrelated to their smoking-related play behaviour.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that young children, who reported having parents who smoke, already associate having dinner with a (after-dinner) cigarette.
Bar and restaurant workers' attitudes towards Norway's comprehensive smoking ban: a growth curve analysis
Authors: Braverman Marc T , Aarø Leif Edvard , Bontempo Daniel E , Hetland Jørn 
Published: May 2010

BackgroundNorway passed legislation banning smoking in restaurants, bars and other public spaces in 2004. This study tracks changes in hospitality workers' attitudes towards Norway's ban over three time points, using growth modelling analysis to examine predictors of attitude change.MethodsParticipants were a national sample of 1525 bar and restaurant workers. Surveys were conducted, by phone or internet, one month before the ban's implementation and at 4 and 12 months thereafter. Exploratory principal components analysis of nine survey items revealed one primary attitude component. A latent growth model was fitted to the data to examine trajectories of attitude change and individual differences in rate of change.ResultsRespondents supported the ban before implementation and increased support at 4 months (p=0.021) and again at 12 months (p=0.001). Concern for one's job followed a quadratic trend, increasing at 4 months and decreasing at 12 months (p<0.001). All demographic categories were associated with attitude increase; rate of increase was greater for females than males. Two within-person variables—change in smoking status and change in job concern—strongly predicted (p<0.001) respondents' deviations from their predicted group trajectories, explaining over 70% of residual between-person slope variance.ConclusionsNorway's hospitality workers increased their support of the ban over its first year. The strong influence of the within-person variables leads to two primary policy recommendations. First, support should be provided to assist cessation efforts and prevent relapse. Second, informational campaigns should inform hospitality workers about evidence that smoking bans are not economic threats to the industry.