bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic Resistance in Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals The Perfect Storm
Authors: Gould Carolyn V. , Rothenberg Richard , Steinberg James P. 
Published: August 2006

Objective.To examine bacterial antibiotic resistance and antibiotic use patterns in long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) and to evaluate effects of antibiotic use and other hospital-level variables on the prevalence of antibiotic resistance.Design.Multihospital ecologic study.Methods.Antibiograms, antibiotic purchasing data, and demographic variables from 2002 and 2003 were obtained from 45 LTACHs. Multivariable regression models were constructed, controlling for other hospital-level variables, to evaluate the effects of antibiotic use on resistance for selected pathogens. Results of active surveillance in 2003 at one LTACH were available.Results.Among LTACHs, median prevalences of resistance for several antimicrobial-organism pairs were greater than the 90th percentile value for National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance system (NNIS) medical intensive care units (ICUs). The median prevalence of methicillin resistance amongStaphylococcus aureusisolates was 84%. More than 60% of patients in one LTACH were infected or colonized with methicillin-resistantS. aureusand/or vancomycin-resistantEnterococcusat the time of admission. Antibiotic consumption in LTACHs was comparable to consumption in NNIS medical ICUs. In multivariable logistic regression modeling, the only significant association between antibiotic use and the prevalence of antibiotic resistance was for carbapenems and imipenem resistance amongPseudomonas aeruginosaisolates (odds ratio, 11.88 [95% confidence interval, 1.42-99.13];P= .02).Conclusions.The prevalence of antibiotic resistance among bacteria recovered from patients in LTACHs is extremely high. Although antibiotic use in LTACHs likely contributes to resistance prevalence for some antimicrobial-organism pairs, for the majority of such pairs, other variables, such as prior colonization with and horizontal transmission of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, may be more important determinants. Further research on antibiotic resistance in LTACHs is needed, particularly with respect to determining optimal infection control practices in this environment.
Short‐term suppression of elevated growth hormone concentrations following insulin‐like growth factor 1 administration in young adults with type 1 diabetes does not alter glomerular filtration or albumin excretion rates
Authors: Williams Rachel M. , Yuen Kevin , White Debbie , Mallard Beth , Dalton R. Neil , Acerini Carlo L. , Dunger David B. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryObjective  Young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which may mediate progressive renal disease and microalbuminuria. This may be secondary to low concentrations of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I and GH hypersecretion. We tested the hypothesis that restoration of circulating IGF‐I concentrations in young adults with T1DM might suppress GH secretion, GFR and urinary albumin excretion.Design  In a randomized double blind crossover study six young adults with T1DM (three men, 19–24 years) received 7 days treatment with rhIGF‐I/insulin‐like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)‐3 complex (SomatoKine®) 0·4 mg/kg/day and placebo. Subjects underwent overnight insulin infusion for euglycaemia, followed by determination of GFR and albumin excretion rate.Results  Following IGF‐I/IGFBP‐3 complex, overnight insulin requirements (0·15 vs placebo 0·21 mU/kg/min, P < 0·04), plasma insulin (77 vs placebo 152 pmol/l, P < 0·01) and mean overnight GH (2·6 vs placebo 4·8 mU/l, P < 0·04) fell. IGF‐I (492 vs placebo 218 ng/ml, P < 0·01) and IGFBP‐3 (4·5 vs placebo 3·9 µg/ml, P < 0·05) increased. GFR did not change (145·5 (23·9) ml/min/1·73 m2 post–IGF‐I/IGFBP‐3 complex vs 152·2 (19·8) post placebo). Albumin excretion rate did not change 9·5 (5·5–16·6)mg/24 h pre‐ vs 11·5 (9·9–20·2) post–IGF‐I/IGFBP‐3 complex and 10·7 (8·1–21·2) pre‐ vs 11·5 (8·7–29·9) post placebo. Plasma creatinine levels were lower following IGF‐I/IGFBP‐3 complex (mean ± SD, 56·2 ± 16·8 µmol/l) vs placebo (61·5, 45·0, P < 0·02).Conclusions  Seven days treatment with IGF‐I/IGFBP‐3 complex enhanced overnight insulin sensitivity and reduced GH levels, but there was no effect on glomerular hyperfiltration or albumin excretion rates.
Functional characterization of calcium sensing receptor polymorphisms and absence of association with indices of calcium homeostasis and bone mineral density
Authors: Harding Brian , Curley Alan J. , Hannan Fadil M. , Christie Paul T. , Bowl Michael R. , Turner Jeremy J. O. , Barber Mathew , Gillham‐Nasenya Irina , Hampson Geeta , Spector Tim D. , Thakker Rajesh V. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryObjectives  Associations between calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) polymorphisms and serum calcium, PTH and bone mineral density (BMD) have been reported by six studies. However, three other studies have failed to detect such associations. We therefore further investigated three CaSR coding region polymorphisms (Ala986Ser, Arg990Gly and Gln1011Glu) for associations with indices of calcium homeostasis and BMD and for alterations in receptor function.Patients and design  One hundred and ten adult, Caucasian, female, dizygotic twin pairs were investigated for associations between the three CaSR polymorphisms and serum calcium, albumin, PTH, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3), 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3], urinary calcium excretion and BMD. Each polymorphic CaSR was also transfected into HEK293 cells and functionally evaluated.Results  There was a lack of association between each of these three CaSR polymorphisms and serum calcium corrected for albumin, PTH, 25OHD3, 1,25(OH)2D3, urinary calcium excretion or BMD at the hip, forearm and lumbar spine. These findings were supported by a lack of functional differences in the dose–response curves of the CaSR variants, with the EC50 values (mean ± SEM) of the wild‐type (Ala986/Arg990/Gln1011), Ser986, Gly990 and Glu1011 CaSR variants being 2·74 ± 0·29 mm, 3·09 ± 0·34 mm (P > 0·4), 2·99 ± 0·23 mm (P > 0·4) and 2·96 ± 0·30 mm (P > 0·5), respectively.Conclusions  Our study, which was sufficiently powered to detect effects that would explain up to 5%, but not less than 1%, of the variance has revealed that the three CaSR polymorphisms of the coding region have no major influence on indices of calcium homeostasis in this female population, and that they do not alter receptor function.
Factors predicting final height in early treated congenital hypothyroid patients
Authors: Delvecchio Maurizio , Salerno Mariacarolina , Acquafredda Angelo , Zecchino Clara , Fico Francesca , Manca Fabio , Faienza Maria Felicia , Cavallo Luciano 
Published: August 2006

SummaryObjective  To evaluate pubertal development and final height (FH) in early treated patients with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and to identify the main factors predicting FH.Design  Retrospective.Patients  Eighty‐five patients with early diagnosed and treated CH.Measurements  Evaluation of length/height at diagnosis (mean age 26·6 days), at onset of puberty, and at the end of linear growth.Results  Mean FH was 161·7 cm in females and 173·8 cm in males, within ± 0·9 cm of the 50th percentile of Italian growth charts, 5 cm higher than the mean target height (TH). Linear growth did not differ according to thyroid imaging findings. In males, height at onset of puberty was 0·16 standard deviation score (SDS), not statistically different from FH (−0·09 SDS). In females, height both at onset of puberty (0·39 SDS) and at menarche (0·57 SDS) was significantly higher (P < 0·001) than FH (−0·10 SDS). Puberty started at a mean chronological age of 10·2 and 11·6 years in females and males, respectively, with a corresponding bone age. FH correlated with TH and height at diagnosis, at onset of puberty, and at menarche. Multiple regression analysis showed that height at onset of puberty and TH are the most important factors explaining FH variability, although height at onset of puberty is slightly more important.Conclusions  Our results, obtained in the largest reported available group of congenital hypothyroid patients, show that final height is higher than target height in both sexes and that height at onset of puberty is the main factor affecting final height.
Effect of thyroxine replacement on serum IGF‐I, IGFBP‐3 and the acid‐labile subunit in patients with hypothyroidism and hypopituitarism
Authors: Schmid Christoph , Zwimpfer Cornelia , Brändle Michael , Krayenbühl Pierre‐Alexandre , Zapf Jürgen , Wiesli Peter 
Published: August 2006

SummaryObjective  To describe the effect of T4 replacement in patients with primary and central hypothyroidism on components of the IGF binding protein complex: IGF‐I, the acid‐labile subunit (ALS) and IGFBP‐3.Patients and methods  We determined IGF‐I, ALS and IGFBP‐3 (by 125I‐IGF‐II ligand blots and immunoblots) in serum of 19 patients with primary and 11 patients with central hypothyroidism.Results  Mean (± SD) free T4 (fT4) increased from 4·4 ± 2·4 pmol/l at baseline to 18·6 ± 5·2 pmol/l following T4 therapy. In patients with primary hypothyroidism, IGF‐I concentrations increased from 101 ± 57 to 158 ± 60 µg/l (P < 0·001) and ALS from 12·6 ± 4·7 to 15·6 ± 5·2 mg/l (P = 0·001). IGFBP‐3 levels (in arbitrary units, AU), assessed by 125I‐IGF‐II ligand blot and by Western blot (the intensity of the 45/42‐kDa doublet following T4 replacement defined as 1 AU) increased from 0·74 ± 0·47 to 1 (P = 0·029) and from 0·76 ± 0·42 to 1 (P = 0·018), respectively. In patients with hypopituitarism, IGF‐I and ALS concentrations increased on T4 therapy from 49 ± 23 to 97 ± 36 µg/l (P < 0·001) and from 7·8 ± 4·1 to 11·0 ± 2·7 mg/l (P = 0·010), respectively. IGFBP‐3 remained unchanged during T4 replacement.Conclusions  T4 replacement increases the serum levels of IGF‐I and ALS in patients with primary as well as central hypothyroidism. IGFBP‐3 levels increase in response to T4 replacement in patients with primary hypothyroidism but not in those with central hypothyroidism, suggesting that thyroid hormones increase IGF‐I and ALS but not IGFBP‐3 in patients with GH deficiency.
Determinants of life expectancy in medullary thyroid cancer: age does not matter
Authors: De Groot Jan Willem B. , Plukker John T. M. , Wolffenbuttel Bruce H. R. , Wiggers Theo , Sluiter Willem J. , Links Thera P. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryObjective  In medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) age is considered an important prognostic factor but survival has never been properly adjusted for baseline mortality in the general population. We aimed to identify prognostic factors by analysing patients with MTC regarding life expectancy.Design  We described a retrospective cohort study with a median follow‐up of 8 years (range 1–35 years).Patients  We included 120 consecutive patients of whom 66 (55%) had sporadic MTC. Male/female ratio was 1 : 1; median age was 45 years (range 3–83 years).Measurements  Measurements were overall and disease‐specific survival and life expectancy expressed as survival adjusted for baseline mortality rate in the general population.Results  Overall and disease‐specific 10‐year survival was 65% and 73%, respectively. After 10 years, 29% of patients were biochemically and 63% clinically cured. Median overall life expectancy was 0·58 (95%CI 0·37–0·80). Detectable recurrence occurred in 60 patients after a median of 36 months (range 5–518 months). On multivariate regression analysis only stage of disease and extrathyroidal extension predicted recurrence‐free life expectancy. Extrathyroidal extension was the only independent predictor of overall life expectancy. Persistent biochemical MTC did not independently affect life expectancy but calcitonin doubling time of less than one year indicated worse prognosis. Patients without detectable recurrences after initial treatment had a life expectancy similar to the general population.Conclusions  In MTC patients, extrathyroidal extension and stage at diagnosis are the only independent predictors of (recurrence‐free) life expectancy. Patients diagnosed in an early stage of disease and patients without detectable recurrence have favourable life expectancy independently of biochemical cure.
Sustained cell proliferation of renal epithelial cells in mice with inv mutation
Authors: Sugiyama Noriyuki , Yokoyama Takahiko 
Published: August 2006

A tubule system is an important component of the nephron, which is the structural and functional unit of the kidney. Expansion of renal tubules results in renal cysts. Hereditary forms of renal cystic diseases suggest that tubular size is determined genetically. The inv was discovered as a mutant with renal cysts and situs inversus. Inv/inv, invΔC::GFP (invΔC) mouse was created by the introduction of the inv gene lacking the C‐terminus (invΔC) into inv/inv mice. The mouse develops multiple renal cysts without situs abnormality, giving us an opportunity to study inv function in renal tubular structure maintenance. In the present study, we showed that inv suppresses cyst progression in a dose‐dependent manner and that the invΔC cystic kidneys showed increased cell proliferation and apoptosis. Cell cycle regulators for G1‐S progression were activated in the cystic kidney. Furthermore, cDNA microarray and semiquantitative RT‐PCR analysis showed that growth‐related genes maintained a high level of expression in the cystic kidney at 4 weeks of age whereas they were decreased in control kidneys, suggesting that cells in invΔC kidney are still active in the cell cycle. One of the inv protein functions may provide a stop signal for renal epithelial cell proliferation.
Human gastrointestinal nematode infections: are new control methods required?
Authors: Stepek Gillian , Buttle David J. , Duce Ian R. , Behnke Jerzy M. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryGastrointestinal (GI) nematode infections affect 50% of the human population worldwide, and cause great morbidity as well as hundreds of thousands of deaths. Despite modern medical practices, the proportion of the population infected with GI nematodes is not falling. This is due to a number of factors, the most important being the lack of good healthcare, sanitation and health education in many developing countries. A relatively new problem is the development of resistance to the small number of drugs available to treat GI nematode infections. Here we review the most important parasitic GI nematodes and the methods available to control them. In addition, we discuss the current status of new anthelmintic treatments, particularly the plant cysteine proteinases from various sources of latex‐bearing plants and fruits.
FUNGISTATIC PROPERTIES OF THE FATTY ACIDS AND POSSIBLE BIOCHEMICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Authors: HOFFMAN CHARLES , SCHWEITZER T. ROBERT , DALBY GASTON 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYThe fungistatic properties of the normal saturated fatty acids containing from one to 14 carbon atoms have been studied over a pH range of from pH 2 to pH 8. Many of these acids exhibit remarkable effectiveness in the inhibition of mold growth. This effectiveness varies according to the chain length, the concentration of the acid, and the pH of the media. A branched chain acid, in general, is less effective fungistatically than the corresponding straight chain acid. Unsaturation tends to increase the fungistatic effectiveness of an acid.At neutrality, the acids containing eight to 12 carbon atoms are the most effective for the inhibition of mold growth. This biochemical fact suggested that the nutritional value of these fatty acids be studied in relationship to certain types of disease. The hypothesis has been advanced that the shorter chain fatty acids may be important in the human dietary.
CLOSTRIDIUM PASTEURIANUM ASSOCIATED WITH SPOILAGE OF AN ACID CANNED FRUIT 1
Authors: SPIEGELBERG C. H. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYMorphological and physiological characteristics are presented for saccharolytic butyric anaerobes isolated from bursting swells of canned pineapple. The two types studied are regarded as smooth and rough strains of one species, Clostridium pasteurianum Winogradsky.The writer is greatly indebted to Dr. Elizabeth McCoy for kindly advice on all phases of the problem and especially for help in interpretation of results on serological reactions. Acknowledgment is gratefully made to Dr. Newell O. Sjolander for results on nitrogen fixation and for much of the work on products of fermentation.
Changes in Amino Nitrogen, Total Soluble Nitrogen and TCA‐ Soluble Nitrogen Content of Beef as Influenced by Pre‐irradiation Heating, Irradiation Level and Storage at 34° Fa,b
Authors: BAUTISTA FLORDELIZA R. , THOMPSON ROBERT H. , CAIN R. F. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYSlices of beef were heated to 130°, 150° and 195° F, irradiated at 0.1 and 5.0 megarads and stored at 34° F. The effect of these variables on free amino nitrogen, total soluble nitrogen and TCA‐soluble nitrogen was determined at 15‐day intervals during the 60‐day storage period. Increases in heating temperature reduced the rate of release of TSN and TCA‐soluble fractions. Amino nitrogen was reduced only at highest temperature employed. Irradiation increased the rate of release of these fractions. The release of amino nitrogen began immediately upon storage of raw beef. Major amounts of TSN were not released until after 15 days storage and TCA‐soluble nitrogen not until after 45 days storage. This suggests successive fragmentation of the initially bound protein.
Proximate Composition of Nine Species of Rockfisha
Authors: THURSTON CLAUDE E. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYThe many species of rockfish found in Pacific Coast waters represent an abundant source of seafood, which is available during all seasons of the year. The edible portion is processed as fillets either fresh or frozen. Composition of these fillets for the more important commercial species have been found to be high in protein and low in both oil and sodium. The values remain quite uniform for the different species regardless of the size of the fish, the season of its capture, or the manner in which it is stored and processed. The nonedible parts provide a valuable source of animal food since they are high in protein, oil, and ash. Thus the entire fish can be utilized in an economical manner.
Determination of the Relative Concentrations of the Major Aldehydes in Lemon, Orange and Grapefruit Oils by Gas Chromatography a,b
Authors: STANLEY WILLIAM L. , IKEDA ROBERT M. , VANNIER SADIE H. , ROLLE LAURENCE A. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYThe Girard‐T reagent was used to recover the aldehydes from cold‐pressed lemon, orange and grapefruit oils for subsequent quantitative gas chromatographic analysis. Optimum conditions for analysis were worked out with a known mixture of citral and the saturated aliphatic aldehydes which occur in major concentration in lemon oil. Isopropanol was used in the preparative step to eliminate acetal formation and isopentane in the final extractions to reduce losses of the lower‐molecular‐weight aldehydes during vacuum concentration of the sample for gas chromatographic analysis. Typical analyses are given for samples of domestic cold‐pressed citrus oils.
Carotenoid Pigments of Pineapple Fruit. II. Influence of Fruit Ripeness, Handling and Processing on Pigment Isomerizationa
Authors: GORTNER WILLIS A. , SINGLETON V. L. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYThe acid‐catalyzed isomerization of pineapple fruit carotenoid pigments is influenced by any condition leading to loss of integrity of the cells of the fruit tissue. The swollen lower half of fully ripe, yellow, translucent fruit often will contain an appreciable fraction of isomerized pigment. Any post‐harvest handling of the fruit that causes bruising of the tissue will lead to pigment isomerization in the damaged areas. Canning completely isomerizes the carotenoid pigments. Frozen fruit contains a high proportion of isomerized carotenoids; after thawing, further change takes place until the spectrum is that of the isomerized or “canned” type pigment.
Composition of Honey. VI. The Effect of Storage on Carbohydrates, Acidity and Diastase Content
Authors: WHITE JONATHAN W. , RIETHOF MARY L. , KUSHNIR IRENE 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYQuantitative examinations have been made of the changes that occur in honey while stored at room temperature. Though honey is a relatively stable commodity, it has been found to change in composition and biochemical activity even when stored at 26±3° C. During two years of such storage about 9% of the monosaccharides are converted per year into more complex disaccharides and higher sugars. The ratio of fructose to glucose increases markedly as the free glucose content declines more rapidly than the free fructose content. All samples examined showed such changes. Significant increases were noted in acidity during storage, but some samples showed no change. Evidence for the enzymic nature of the change is given. Diastase values of unheated honey decline in storage at room temperature (23–28° C), with diastase showing a half‐life of 17 months under these conditions of storage. Cool or cold storage and expeditious handling are recommended for preservation of diastase in honey for export to Europe.
The Complementary Effects of Thermal Energy and Ionizing Energy on Peroxidase Activity in Green Beansa,b
Authors: BAKER ROGER W. , GOLDBLITH SAMUEL A. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYThe work herein presented demonstrates clearly that ionizing energy, in relatively large amounts, has a measurable effect on peroxidase “in situ.” However, even a relatively small amount of heat can accomplish the same degree of destruction. There appears to be no advantage to be gained in the order of application of the two types of energy. Thus, for any practical purposes, insofar as enzymes are concerned, there appears to be no practical advantage to be gained by the application of ionizing energy to plant materials which are to be heat‐blanched. Conversely, if plant materials are to be sterilized by radiation treatment, a heat blanch is still required, the degree of which is not markedly affected by sterilizing doses of ionizing radiations.
Effect of Storage Conditions on Some Physicochemical Properties in Experimental Sausage Prepared from Fibrilsa
Authors: FUKAZAWA TOSHIYUKI , HASHIMOTO YOSHIO , YASUI TSUTOMU 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYIntact fibrils (a), actin‐ and tropomyosin‐poor fibrils (b), and synthetic fibrils (c) were prepared from beef M. semitendinosus within 2 hr. of slaughter. Myosin A was prepared from rabbit muscle. The three kinds of fibrils were incubated at 35°C with a trace of toluene. Then the binding quality of sausage prepared from these materials at regular intervals was examined by estimation of elasticity in connection with other physicochemical properties. In (a) and (b), the changes in the binding were in fair agreement with those characteristic of whole muscle sausage made immediately after death. On the other hand, the changes in binding in (c) resembled in many ways those of whole muscle used after storage at 4°C for 7 days after death. Hence, actin and tropomyosin do not greatly influence the binding quality of sausage. It could not be shown that the amount nitrogen soluble in Weber‐Edsall solution of 0.6M NaCl, or that pH value or water‐holding capacity directly influenced the binding quality of the finished products. The course of inactivation of ATPase observed when fibrils were incubated was very similar to that of typical myosin R (in which denaturation takes place in two fairly distinct stages), resembling especially the first stage of the denaturation reaction. From the observation that the first stage of the denaturation of myosin B‐ATPase was due to the denaturation of myosin A contained in the preparation, it was concluded that the myosin A present in fibrils is an important substance exerting great influence on the binding quality of sausage.