bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemic Clostridium difficile- Associated Diarrhea: Role of Second- and Third-Generation Cephalosporins
Authors: Nelson David E. , Auerbach Steven B. , Baltch Aldona L. , Desjardin Ethel , Beck-Sague Consuelo , Rheal Carol , Smith Raymond P. , Jarvis William R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective:To better define the role of multiple risk factors for cytotoxic Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.Design:Case-control study.Setting:A Veterans Affairs Medical Center.Patients:Thirty-three case patients with C difficile -associated diarrhea. Two control groups were used: one group consisted of 32 patients from the same ward as the case patients, and one group consisted of 34 patients with nosocomial diarrhea and negative C difficile toxin assays.Intervention:None.Results:Multivariate analyses revealed that exposure to second- or third-generation cepha-losporins was the most important independent risk factor, even after controlling for other antimicrobial use (odds ratio [OR]=8.3, 95% confidence interval [CI95] = 1.4 to 48.9 compared to ward controls; OR= 9.6, CI95 = 2.1 to 44.1 compared with diarrhea controls). Persons exposed to two or more antimicrobials simultaneously were at substantially elevated risk (OR= 18.7, CI95 = 4.1 to 85.8 compared with ward controls; OR=21.5, CI95=3.2 to 141.9 compared with diarrhea controls).Conclusion:Physicians should consider carefully the appropriateness of second- and third-generation cephalosporin use and combination antimicrobial therapy, especially during nosocomial C difficile -associated diarrhea outbreaks.
Prevention of Central Venous Catheter-Related Infections by Using Maximal Sterile Barrier Precautions During Insertion
Authors: Raad Issam I. , Hohn David C. , Gilbreath B. Joyce , Suleiman Nabil , Hill Lou Anne , Bruso Patricia A. , Marts Kathy , Mansfield Paul F. , Bodey Gerald P. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective:In many hospitals, the only sterile precautions used during the insertion of a nontunneled central venous catheter are sterile gloves and small sterile drapes. We investigated whether the use of maximal sterile barrier (consisting of mask, cap, sterile gloves, gown, and large drape) would lower the risk of acquiring catheter-related infections.Design:Prospective randomized trial.Setting:A 500-bed cancer referral center.Methods:We randomized patients to have their nontunneled central catheter inserted under maximal sterile barrier precautions or control precautions (sterile gloves and small drape only). All patients were followed for 3 months postinsertion or until the catheter was removed, whichever came first. Catheter-related infections were diagnosed by quantitative catheter cultures and/or simultaneous quantitative blood cultures.Results:The 176 patients whose catheters were inserted by using maximal sterile barrier precautions were comparable to the 167 control patients in underlying disease, degree of immuno-suppression, therapeutic interventions, and catheter risk factors for infections (duration and site of catheterization, number of catheter lumen, catheter insertion difficulty, reason for catheter removal). There were a total of four catheter infections in the test group and 12 in the control group (P=0.03, chi-square test). The catheter-related septicemia rate was 6.3 times higher in the control group (P=0.06, Fisher's exact test). Most (67%) of the catheter infections in the control group occurred during the first 2 months after insertion, whereas 25% of the catheter infections in the maximal sterile precautions group occurred during the same period (P<0.01, Fisher's exact test). Cost-benefit analysis showed the use of such precautions to be highly cost-effective.Conclusion:Maximal sterile barrier precautions during the insertion of nontunneled catheters reduce the risk of catheter infection. This practice is cost-effective and is consistent with the practice of universal precautions during an invasive procedure.
Impact of an Educational Program for the Prevention of Colonization of Intravascular Catheters
Authors: Parras Francisco , Ena Javier , Bouza Emilio , Carmen Guerrero Maria del , Moreno Santiago , Galvez Teresa , Cercenado Emilia 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the efficacy of an educational program for the prevention of catheter colonization.Design:Two cross-sectional studies were carried out in a 500-bed randomly selected area of the hospital, separated by an educational program on the care of intravenous lines based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for the control of catheter-related infections.Setting:A 2,100-bed urban general hospital affiliated with the University of Madrid (Spain).Methods:Characteristics of patients and catheters and appropriateness of catheter care were evaluated. Cultures were taken from the point of insertion of the vascular catheter, the hubs, and infusion fluids. When catheter-associated infection was suspected, the distal end of the catheter was sent for culture and two blood cultures were taken. We compared the clinical and microbiological data before and after carrying out an educational program based on CDC recommendations for the control of catheter-related infections.Results:Characteristics of patients and catheters did not differ between the two cross-sectional studies. Compared with baseline data, after the educational program we observed a reduction of inappropriate catheter care, from 83% to 38% (45% difference, 95% confidence interval [CI95], 55% to 35%, P<0.0000), and a reduction in the rate of skin colonization, from 34% to 18% (16% difference, CI95, 26% to 5%, P<0.001). The frequency of phlebitis (15% versus 14%), hub colonizations (12% versus 11%), catheter colonizations (2% versus 1%), and catheter-related bacteremias (0% versus 0%) remained unchanged between the two cross-sectional studies.Conclusions:Our educational program improved catheter care and reduced significantly the proportion of skin colonization around the insertion point. However, the educational program did not modify the proportion of hub colonization; because hub colonization has been demonstrated to be a source of line sepsis, our data suggest the need for a specific program directed to the maintenance of catheter hubs.
Use of Infection Control Guidelines by Workers in Healthcare Facilities to Prevent Occupational Transmission of HBV and HIV
Authors: Hersey James C. , Martin Linda S. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective:Develop national estimates of compliance with infection control guidelines by workers in healthcare facilities to prevent occupational transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus.Design:A national survey of 3,094 workers in hospitals.Settings:United States ambulatory care hospitals with emergency rooms.Results:While the sampled hospitals had policies that incorporated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) infection control guidelines, only 55% of patient care staff, 56% of physicians, and 30% of housekeeping staffreported receiving at least one of the shots recommended in the HBV vaccination series. About one half of patient care staff reported that they recapped used needles at least sometimes after giving injections and after drawing blood. Only 43% of patient care staff “always” wore gloves to draw blood. While most patient care staff “always” changed gloves between patients, only 61% reported that they “always” washed their hands after taking off their gloves. One half of patient care staff reported a percutaneous exposure to a patient's blood, and one quarter reported a percutaneous exposure in the past year The most common cause of these exposures was recapping used needles.Conclusions:Efforts to reduce exposures to bloodborne pathogens will involve compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration bloodborne pathogens standard and the CDC's infection control guidelines, continued education and training, and emphasis on engineering controls where applicable.
Airborne Fungal Spore Monitoring in a Protective Environment During Hospital Construction, and Correlation with an Outbreak of Invasive Aspergillosis
Authors: Iwen Peter C. , Davis J. Calvin , Reed Elizabeth C. , Winfield Barbara A. , Hinrichs Steven H. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjectives:Evaluate aerobiological monitoring for fungal spores during hospital construction and correlate results with an outbreak of invasive aspergillosis (IA).Design:Prospective air sampling for molds was done using the gravity air-settling plate (GASP) method.Setting:A university medical center special care unit consisting of single-patient rooms with high-efficiency particulate air filtration under positive pressure.Patients:Five neutropenic patients who subsequently developed IA.Result:Four of the five patients with IA were housed in rooms adjacent to a construction staging area. Aerobiological monitoring detected an increase in the number of airborne fungal spores including Aspergillus species in these rooms; however, increased counts preceded IA diagnosis by 1 to 7 days in only three of the five patients. Swab cultures of the exhaust vents within each room confirmed results from air-settling plates. Follow-up monitoring, using the GASP method, demonstrated that control procedures were effective in reducing air mold contamination.Conclusion:The GASP method, although able to demonstrate that infection control measures reduced mold contamination of the air, was insensitive to detect levels of mold contaminates in time to prevent IA.
Hospital Administrators' Tolerance of Staff Needlestick Injuries
Authors: Treloar Carla J. , Malcolm John A. , Sutherland David C. , Berenger Sandy , Higginbotham Nick 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjecitve:To survey hospital administrators regarding their opinions of an acceptable frequency of staff needlestick injury and the frequency that would prompt additional preventive action.Design:A simple anonymous questionnaire sent to 960 administrators with one reminder. Data were collected regarding hospital size and community role, whether human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients had ever been treated, presence of an infection control practitioner, estimation of the proportion of staff vaccinated against hepatitis B, and opinions as to the acceptable frequency of needlestick accidents and the accident frequency requiring additional action.Setting:240 public hospitals in New South Wales, Australia.Participants:The executive officers, directors of medical services, directors of nursing, and safety officers of the hospitals surveyed.Results:The response rate was 50%. Administrators' opinions of acceptable accident frequency increased with hospital size and (independently of size) with experience with HIV-infected patients, and with the presence of a full-time infection control practitioner. Accident frequencies judged to require additional preventive action were higher than injury frequencies regarded as acceptable.Conclusions:The hospital administrators surveyed accept staff needlestick injuries as inevitable, the more so in hospitals that have treated known HIV-infected patients and that have full-time infection control practitioners.
Correlation between NGF/TrkA and microvascular density in human pterygium
Authors: Ribatti Domenico , Nico Beatrice , Perra Maria Teresa , Maxia Cristina , Piras Franca , Murtas Daniela , Crivellato Enrico , Sirigu Paola 
Published: September 2009

SummaryPterygium is a surface ocular lesion that is associated with chronic UV exposure. The primary effect is a solar actinic elastosis within the stroma. All the other changes are secondary. Pterygium is characterized by proliferation, inflammatory infiltrates, fibrosis, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix breakdown. The aim of this study was to correlate microvascular density and nerve growth factor (NGF)/NGF‐receptor transmembrane tyrosine kinase (TrkA) expression in endothelial cells in human pterygium. Specimens of human pterygium obtained from 30 patients who had undergone surgical excision and of 10 normal bulbar conjunctiva were investigated immunohistochemically by using anti‐CD31, anti‐NGF and anti‐TrkA antibodies. Results showed that endothelial cells in human pterygium are immunoreactive to both NGF and its receptor TrkA, and that this immunoreactivity is correlated to microvascular density. The results of this study suggest that an autocrine loop between NGF and its receptor TrkA is activated in pterygium and that it is involved in the angiogenic response taking place in this pathological condition. These data are in accord with recent evidences, which have clearly established that NGF plays a role as an angiogenic factor in several pathological conditions. Understanding the mechanism of angiogenesis in pterygium provides a basis for a rational approach to the development of anti‐angiogenic therapy in patients affected by this disease.
Reactive oxygen species promote angiogenesis in the infarcted rat heart
Authors: Zhao Wenyuan , Zhao Tieqiang , Chen Yuanjian , Ahokas Robert A , Sun Yao 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to determine whether reactive oxygen species (ROS) promote cardiac angiogenesis following myocardial infarction (MI) and contribute to cardiac repair. Rats with MI were treated with or without antioxidants, tempol and apocynin. Hearts of these rats were collected at days 2, 4, 7 and 14 post‐MI. We examined the spatial and temporal relationship between oxidative stress and angiogenesis as well as the potential regulation of ROS in cardiac angiogenesis. We found: (i) following MI, gp91phox, a subunit of NADPH oxidase, a key enzyme for ROS production, was significantly increased in the border zone at day 2, followed by the infarcted myocardium at day 4, peaked at day 7 and declined at day 14, while superoxide dismutase was significantly reduced; (ii) malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress, was significantly increased in the infarcted myocardium at day 7; (iii) pre‐existing blood vessels in the infarcted myocardium underwent necrosis post‐MI, whereas newly formed vessels appeared at the border zone at day 4, and then extended into the infarcted myocardium, where microvascular density peaked at day 7 and (iv) antioxidant treatment significantly reduced microvascular density in the infarcted myocardium at day 7. These observations suggest that following MI, angiogenesis is mostly active in the infarcted myocardium in the first week, which is temporally and spatially coincident with enhanced ROS. Suppression of angiogenesis by antioxidants indicates that ROS promote angiogenesis in the infarcted myocardium and contribute to cardiac repair. Further studies are required to determine the mechanisms responsible for ROS‐mediated cardiac angiogenesis.
Methyl anthranilate content in Italian citrus honeys determined by HS‐SPME‐GC
Authors: Papotti Giulia , Bertelli Davide , Lolli Massimo , Sabatini Anna Gloria , Plessi Maria 
Published: September 2009

SummaryAn headspace solid phase microextraction‐gas chromatography (HS‐SPME‐GC) method, previously developed and validated, was applied to the determination of the methyl anthranilate (MA) content of 75 Italian citrus honeys (11 of lemon, 44 of orange and 20 of Citrus spp.). Twenty‐four samples were purchased on the local market and 51 were provided by CRA‐API (Consiglio Nazionale per la Ricerca e Sperimentazione in Agricoltura‐Istituto Nazionale di Apicoltura e Bachicoltura) (Bologna, Italy). All the samples had a MA content above the limit of detection (LOD) (0.149 μg g−1) of the analytical method. The concentration range was between 0.46 and 2.52 μg g−1 and the overall average MA content was 1.19 μg g−1. The honeys with the highest mean MA content were the orange honeys followed by Citrus spp. and lemon (1.29 ± 0.461, 1.12 ± 0.511 and 0.92 ± 0.39 μg g−1, respectively). No significant differences were measured between commercial and authenticated samples.
Sugars and organic acids in Japanese plums (Prunus salicinaLindell) as influenced by maturation, harvest date, storage temperature and period
Authors: Singh Sukhvinder Pal , Singh Zora , Swinny Ewald E. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe effects of fruit maturation, harvest date, storage temperature, storage period and shelf life, on the concentrations of individual sugars and organic acids in Japanese plums were investigated. During fruit maturation in ‘Amber Jewel’ plums, sucrose concentration increased significantly from 101 days after full bloom (DAFB) to 1 week after commercial maturity (136 DAFB) with a non‐significant change in the concentration of total organic acids and malic acid, the major organic acid. The changes in concentrations of sugars and organic acids during cold storage of ‘Amber Jewel’ plums harvested on 129 and 136 DAFB appeared to be independent of harvest date. Storage of ‘Amber Jewel’ plums at 5 °C accelerated the loss of sucrose and increased the concentrations of fructose and glucose from the 4th week of storage compared with those stored at 0 °C. ‘Blackamber’ plums did not undergo any significant increase in the total and individual sugars during 5 weeks storage and subsequent shelf‐life of 8 days at 20 °C. Malic acid concentrations declined during storage from 3 weeks onwards with a further substantial loss during ripening at 20 °C. Maturation, harvest date, storage temperature, storage period and shelf‐life affect the concentrations of sugars and organic acids in Japanese plums.
A LightCycler TaqMan PCR assay for quantitative detection of chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and pyrenean ibex (Capra pyrenaica) in experimental meat mixtures
Authors: Fajardo Violeta , González Isabel , Martín Irene , Rojas María , Hernández Pablo E. , García Teresa , Martín Rosario 
Published: September 2009

SummaryAccurate quantitative assays are required for enforcing food labelling procedures and preventing food ingredient contamination, misdescription and fraud. Two species‐specific TaqMan systems and a eukaryotic endogenous TaqMan system were combined in a real time PCR approach to achieve quantification of chamois and pyrenean ibex meats in meat mixtures. The caprinae‐specific systems were based on the amplification of a 133 bp fragment of the 12S rRNA gene from chamois DNA, whereas an 88 bp fragment from the D‐loop region was amplified from pyrenean ibex DNA. Universal primers amplified a 141 bp fragment on the nuclear 18S rRNA gene from eukaryotic DNA. Analysis of experimental raw and heat treated binary mixtures of chamois and pyrenean ibex meat in a swine meat matrix demonstrated the suitability of the assay for the detection and quantification of the target DNAs in the range of 0.1–25%, depending on the species and treatment of the meat samples.
Marine renewable energy: potential benefits to biodiversity? An urgent call for research
Authors: Inger Richard , Attrill Martin J. , Bearhop Stuart , Broderick Annette C. , James Grecian W. , Hodgson David J. , Mills Cheryl , Sheehan Emma , Votier Stephen C. , Witt Matthew J. , Godley Brendan J. 
Published: September 2009

Summary1. The evidence for anthropogenically induced climate change is overwhelming with the production of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels being a key driver. In response, many governments have initiated programmes of energy production from renewable sources.2. The marine environment presents a relatively untapped energy source and offshore installations are likely to produce a significant proportion of future energy production. Wind power is the most advanced, with development of wave and tidal energy conversion devices expected to increase worldwide in the near future.3. Concerns over the potential impacts on biodiversity of marine renewable energy installations (MREI) include: habitat loss, collision risks, noise and electromagnetic fields. These factors have been posited as having potentially important negative environmental impacts.4. Conversely, we suggest that if appropriately managed and designed, MREI may increase local biodiversity and potentially benefit the wider marine environment. Installations have the capacity to act as both artificial reefs and fish aggregation devices, which have been used previously to facilitate restoration of damaged ecosystems, andde factomarine‐protected areas, which have proven successful in enhancing both biodiversity and fisheries.5. The deployment of MREI has the potential to cause conflict among interest groups including energy companies, the fishing sector and environmental groups. Conflicts should be minimized by integrating key stakeholders into the design, siting, construction and operational phases of the installations, and by providing clear evidence of their potential environmental benefits.6. Synthesis and applications.MREI have the potential to be both detrimental and beneficial to the environment but the evidence base remains limited. To allow for full biodiversity impacts to be assessed, there exists an urgent need for additional multi and inter‐disciplinary research in this area ranging from engineering to policy. Whilst there are a number of factors to be considered, one of the key decisions facing current policy makers is where installations should be sited, and, dependent upon site, whether they should be designed to either minimize negative environmental impacts or as facilitators of ecosystem restoration.
Human hepatocyte transplantation: state of the art
Authors: Fitzpatrick E. , Mitry R. R. , Dhawan A. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract.Hepatocyte transplantation is making its transition from bench to bedside for liver‐based metabolic disorders and acute liver failure. Over eighty patients have now been transplanted world wide and the safety of the procedure together with medium‐term success has been established. A major limiting factor in the field is the availability of good quality cells as hepatocytes are derived from grafts that are deemed unsuitable for transplantation. Alternative sources of cell, including stem cells may provide a sustainable equivalent to primary hepatocytes. There is also a need to develop techniques that will improve the engraftment, survival and function of transplanted hepatocytes. Such developments may allow hepatocyte transplantation to become an accepted and practical alternative to liver transplantation in the near future.
New light on the biology and developmental potential of haematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells
Authors: Sigvardsson M. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract.Even though stem cells have been identified in several tissues, one of the best understood somatic stem cells is the bone marrow residing haematopoietic stem cell (HSC). These cells are able to generate all types of blood cells found in the periphery over the lifetime of an animal, making them one of the most profound examples of tissue‐restricted stem cells. HSC therapy also represents one of the absolutely most successful cell‐based therapies applied both in the treatment of haematological disorders and cancer. However, to fully explore the clinical potential of HSCs we need to understand the molecular regulation of cell maturation and lineage commitment. The extensive research effort invested in this area has resulted in a rapid development of the understanding of the relationship between different blood cell lineages and increased understanding for how a balanced composition of blood cells can be generated. In this review, several of the basic features of HSCs, as well as their multipotent and lineage‐restricted offspring, are addressed, providing a current view of the haematopoietic development tree. Some of the basic mechanisms believed to be involved in lineage restriction events including activities of permissive and instructive external signals are also discussed, besides transcription factor networks and epigenetic alterations to provide an up‐to‐date view of early haematopoiesis.