bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Inducible Clindamycin Resistance among Community- and Hospital-Associated
Staphylococcus aureus
Isolates
Authors: Patel Mukesh , Waites Ken B. , Moser Stephen A. , Cloud Gretchen A. , Hoesley Craig J. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) infections have become common among both hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients. Optimal outpatient therapy for MRSA infections has yet to be determined, but this matter is complicated by the possibility of inducible macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance (MLSBi). We studied the prevalence of MLSBi in community- and hospital-associated
S. aureus
isolates and the prevalence of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) and identified clinical predictors of CA-MRSA and MLSBi. Among 402
S. aureus
isolates, the overall prevalence of MLSBi was 52%, with 50% of MRSA and 60% of methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
isolates exhibiting MLSBi. CA-MRSA represented 14% of all isolates and had a lower prevalence of MLSBi than hospital-associated MRSA (33% versus 55%). The presence of skin or soft-tissue infection was predictive for CA-MRSA, and the presence of a comorbidity was predictive for MLSBi. Due to the low prevalence of MLSBi among CA-MRSA isolates, clindamycin remains a useful option for outpatient therapy.
Characterization and Comparison of Galactomannan Enzyme Immunoassay and Quantitative Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of
Aspergillus fumigatus
in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid from Experimental Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Francesconi Andrea , Kasai Miki , Petraitiene Ruta , Petraitis Vidmantas , Kelaher Amy M. , Schaufele Robert , Hope William W. , Shea Yvonne R. , Bacher John , Walsh Thomas J. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is widely used for evaluation of patients with suspected invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). However, the diagnostic yield of BAL for detection of IPA by culture and direct examination is limited. Earlier diagnosis may be facilitated by assays that can detect
Aspergillus
galactomannan antigen or DNA in BAL fluid. We therefore characterized and compared the diagnostic yields of a galactomannan enzyme immunoassay (GM EIA), quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and quantitative cultures in experiments using BAL fluid from neutropenic rabbits with experimentally induced IPA defined as microbiologically and histologically evident invasion. The qPCR assay targeted the rRNA gene complex of
Aspergillus fumigatus
. The GM EIA and qPCR assay were characterized by receiver operator curve analysis. With an optimal cutoff of 0.75, the GM EIA had a sensitivity and specificity of 100% in untreated controls. A decline in sensitivity (92%) was observed when antifungal therapy (AFT) was administered. The optimal cutoff for qPCR was a crossover of 36 cycles, with sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 100%, respectively. The sensitivity of qPCR also decreased with AFT to 50%. Quantitative culture of BAL had a sensitivity of 46% and a specificity of 100%. The sensitivity of quantitative culture decreased with AFT to 16%. The GM EIA and qPCR assay had greater sensitivity than culture in detection of
A. fumigatus
in BAL fluid in experimentally induced IPA (
P
± 0.04). Use of the GM EIA and qPCR assay in conjunction with culture-based diagnostic methods applied to BAL fluid could facilitate accurate diagnosis and more-timely initiation of specific therapy.
Molecular Dissection of 17q12 Amplicon in Upper Gastrointestinal Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Maqani Nazif , Belkhiri Abbes , Moskaluk Christopher , Knuutila Sakari , Dar Altaf A. , El-Rifai Wael 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
DNA amplification at 17q is frequently detected in upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas (UGC; stomach and esophagus). In this study, we did fluorescence in situ hybridization on a tissue microarray that contained 304 UGCs and 89 normal stomach samples using a ∼168-kb BAC clone (CTD-2019C10) that maps to 17q12-q21.1. This 168-kb region contains the following genes: PPP1R1B/DARPP-32, STARD3, TCAP, PNMT, PERLD1, ERBB2, C17orf37, and GRB7 as well as the first two exons of ZNFN1A3. DNA amplification (≥5 signals) was detected in 85 of 282 (30%) of UGCs, and high-level amplification (≥10 signals) was seen in 28 of 282 (10%) of all tumors. Adenocarcinomas of gastroesophageal junction and lower esophagus had the highest frequency of amplification (45%) compared with stomach tumors (27%; P = 0.04). On the other hand, 38% of tumors with intestinal-type morphology had amplification compared with 26% of diffuse-type tumors (P = 0.02). We further did quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR on 74 frozen tissue samples from UGCs for 11 genes located within or adjacent to the boundaries of this ∼168-kb genomic region. These genes include all 9 genes that are fully or partially located inside the CTD-2019C10 clone as well as 2 additional adjacent genes (NEUROD and TOP2A). Overexpression of PPP1R1B/DARPP-32, TCAP, and TOP2A was seen in approximately half of the tumors, whereas STARD3 and ZNFN1A3 were rarely overexpressed (12%). Interestingly, there was a statistical correlation between expression of all 8 genes that map between PPP1R1B/DARPP-32 and GRB7, whereas expression of NEUROD, ZNFN1A3, and TOP2A that are partially inside or adjacent to the boundaries of the CTD-2019C10 clone did not correlate with the expression of any of these 8 genes. These data show a transcriptionally active oncogenomic region bounded by PPP1R1B/DARPP-32 and GRB7 in UGCs and provide further insight into expression levels of several critical genes. (Mol Cancer Res 2006;4(7):449–55)
HSPA12B Is Predominantly Expressed in Endothelial Cells and Required for Angiogenesis
Authors: Steagall Rebecca J. , Rusiñol Antonio E. , Truong Quynh A. , Han Zhihua 
Published: July 2006

Objective—HSPA12B is the newest member of HSP70 family of proteins and is enriched in atherosclerotic lesions. This study focused on HSPA12B expression in mice and its involvement in angiogenesis.Methods and Results—The expression of HSPA12B in mice and cultured cells was studied by: (1) Northern blot; (2) in situ hybridization; (3) immunostaining with HSPA12B-specific antibodies; and (4) expressing Enhanced-Green-Fluorescent-Protein under the control of the HSPA12B promoter in mice. The function of HSPA12B was probed by an in vitro angiogenesis assay (Matrigel) and a migration assay. Interacting proteins were identified through a yeast two-hybrid screening. HSPA12B is predominantly expressed in vascular endothelium and induced during angiogenesis. In vitro angiogenesis and migration are inhibited in human umbilical vein endothelial cells in the presence of HSPA12B-neutralizing antibodies. HSPA12B interacts with multiple proteins in yeast 2-hybrid system.Conclusions—We provide the first evidence to our knowledge that the HSPA12B is predominantly expressed in endothelial cells, required for angiogenesis, and interacts with known angiogenesis regulators. We postulate that HSPA12B provides a new mode of angiogenesis regulation and a novel therapeutic target for angiogenesis-related diseases.
Playing with Hyenas:Renovating Environmental Product Policy Strategy
Authors: de Vries Jan L. , te Riele Harry R. M. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe 1990s policy trend of intervening at the specification level over a broad range of products has ended. Today's environmental product policies focus, rather, on a few arbitrary product groups. Selectiveness should serve absolute environmental impact reduction, which asks for a rational product‐selection and target framework. The authors propose “life‐cycle impact per consumer expenditure” as a key criterion. This criterion helps to connect macro environmental impact reduction aims with product innovation targets, even under continuous economic growth, consumption pattern shifts, and rebound threats. The authors analyze the Dutch economy as an exercise. This results in 44 product groups, labeled “Hyenas” by the authors, that need to improve their ratio score drastically between now and 2040. Some magnitudes of desired change are given. Finally, intervention processes at the Hyena group level along the lines of sustainable transition management are proposed. Joint visioning, experimental portfolios, interaction between micro, meso, and macro change levels, and gradual pressure building are crucial elements in this concept of complex change management.
Environmental Impacts of Consumption in the European Union:High‐Resolution Input‐Output Tables with Detailed Environmental Extensions
Authors: Huppes Gjalt , de Koning Arjan , Suh Sangwon , Heijungs Reinout , van Oers Lauran , Nielsen Per , Guinée Jeroen B. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryFor developing product policy, insight into the environmental effects of products is required. But available life‐cycle assessment studies (LCAs) are hardly comparable between different products and do not cover total consumption. Input‐output analysis with environmental extensions (EEIOA) of full consumption is not available for the European Union. Available country studies have a low sector resolution and a limited number of environmental extensions. This study fills the gap between detailed LCA and low‐resolution EEIOA, specifying the environmental effects of household consumption in the European Union, discerning nearly 500 sectors, while specifying a large number of environmental extensions. Added to the production sectors are a number of consumption activities with direct emissions, such as automobile driving, cooking and heating, and a number of postconsumer waste management sectors. The data for Europe have been constructed by using the sparse available and coarse economic and environmental data on European countries and adding technological detail mainly based on data from the United States.A small number of products score high on environmental impact per Euro and also have a substantial share of overall consumer expenditure. Several meat and dairy products, household heating, and car driving thus have a large share of the total environmental impact. Due to their sales volume, however, products with a medium or low environmental score per Euro may also have a substantial impact. This is the case with bars and restaurants, clothing, residential construction, and even a service such as telecommunications. The limitations in real European data made heroic assumptions necessary to operationalize the model. One conclusion, therefore, is that provision of data in Europe urgently needs to be improved, at least to the level of sector detail currently available for the United States and Japan.
Toward an Information Tool for Integrated Product Policy: Requirements for Data and Computation
Authors: Heijungs Reinout , de Koning Arjan , Suh Sangwon , Huppes Gjalt 
Published: July 2006

SummaryIntegrated product policy, according to the European Union, requires reliable data on the impact of consumer products along their life cycles. We argue that this necessarily requires the development of an information tool for hybrid analysis, combining aspects of life‐cycle assessment and input‐output analysis. A number of requirements in the development of such a hybrid information tool are identified, mainly concerning data and computational structure. For the former, some important points of attention are discussed, whereas for the latter, operational formulas are developed.
Setting Priorities within Product‐Oriented Environmental Policy
Authors: Weidema Bo P. , Suh Sangwon , Notten Philippa 
Published: July 2006

SummaryTo focus Danish product‐oriented environmental policy, a study applying extended input‐output analysis has been performed, identifying the most important product groups from an environmental perspective. The environmental impacts are analyzed from three different perspectives—the supply perspective, the consumption perspective, and the process perspective—differing primarily in their system delimitation. The top ten environmentally most important product groups (out of 138 industry products and 98 final consumption groups) are listed for each of the three perspectives, using both total environmental impact and environmental impact intensity as ranking principles. The study covers all substances that contribute significantly to the environmental impact categories of global warming, ozone depletion, acidification, nutrient enrichment, photochemical ozone formation, ecotoxicity, human toxicity, and nature occupation. The differences in results between the three perspectives are elaborated and their policy relevance discussed. The top ten product groups account for a surprisingly large share of the total environmental impact of Danish production and consumption (up to 45%, depending upon the perspective). This implies that product‐oriented environmental policy may achieve large improvements by focusing on a rather small number of product groups. Both imported products and products produced for export in general cause more environmental impact than products produced in Denmark for the Danish market. Especially noticeable are the export of meat and ship transport. This leads to the recommendation to include specific policy measures targeting both foreign producers and foreign markets. Because of its relatively large input of labor, public consumption is found to have a much smaller environmental impact intensity than private consumption. The results confirm results of other similar studies, but are more detailed and have lower uncertainty, due to a number of improvements in data and methodology. A short presentation of the methodology is provided as background information, although this is not the main focus of this article.
The Environmental Impacts of Consumption at a Subnational Level
Authors: Collins Andrea , Flynn Andrew , Wiedmann Thomas , Barrett John 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThis article analyzes the environmental effects of resource consumption at a subnational level (by Cardiff, the capital city of Wales), using the Ecological Footprint as a measure of impact assessment. The article begins by providing a short critique of the Footprint methodology and the limitations of methods traditionally used to calculate national Footprint accounts. We then describe the Footprint methodology developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute to overcome some of these problems and used as the basis of the Reducing Wales' Ecological Footprint project, of which the Cardiff study has been a part. The main portion of this article focuses on presenting and discussing the Footprint results for Cardiff. The Ecological Footprint of household consumption in Cardiff will be presented using the international Classification of Individual Consumption According to Purpose (COICOP). Based on the results, we found that the areas of consumption that are a priority for Cardiff in terms of reducing resource use are food and drink, passenger transport (car and aviation), domestic fuel consumption, waste, and tourism. We also discuss how these findings have been presented to the Cardiff Council. We report on the initial reactions of policy officers to the Footprint results and how the Council plans to use them to influence policy decisions relating to sustainability. Finally, in the Conclusions section, we briefly explain the value of applying the Ecological Footprint at a subnational level and its value as an evidence‐based tool for sustainability decision making.
A role for BLyS in the activation of innate immune cells
Authors: Chang Sook Kyung , Arendt Bonnie K. , Darce Jaime R. , Wu Xiaosheng , Jelinek Diane F. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractB-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand superfamily. Although BLyS costimulates adaptive immune cells, the ability of BLyS to stimulate innate immune cells has not been described. Here, we show that BLyS strongly induces human monocyte survival, and activation as measured by proinflammatory cytokine secretion and up-regulation of costimulatory molecule expression. In addition, monocytes cultured with BLyS differentiated into macrophage-like cells. Regarding BLyS receptor(s) expression, freshly isolated monocytes bound low levels of exogenous BLyS and expressed primarily intracellular TACI, and cell surface TACI levels increased following monocyte activation. Of interest, bone marrow monocytes from some multiple myeloma patients expressed significant levels of cell surface TACI at isolation. Our findings indicate that BLyS plays a role in activating innate immune cells. Moreover, this study may explain more clearly why high BLyS production is often correlated with certain inflammatory autoimmune diseases and B-lymphocyte malignancies.
High numbers of tumor-infiltrating FOXP3-positive regulatory T cells are associated with improved overall survival in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Carreras Joaquim , Lopez-Guillermo Armando , Fox Bridget C. , Colomo Lluis , Martinez Antonio , Roncador Giovanna , Montserrat Emili , Campo Elias , Banham Alison H. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the biologic behavior of follicular lymphoma (FL), but the specific cell subsets involved in this regulation are unknown. To determine the impact of FOXP3-positive regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the progression and outcome of FL patients, we examined samples from 97 patients at diagnosis and 37 at first relapse with an anti-FOXP3 monoclonal antibody. Tregs were quantified using computerized image analysis. The median overall survival (OS) of the series was 9.9 years, and the FL International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) was prognostically significant. The median Treg percentage at diagnosis was 10.5%. Overall, 49 patients had more than 10% Tregs, 30 between 5% to 10%, and 19 less than 5%, with a 5-year OS of 80%, 74%, and 50%, respectively (P = .001). Patients with very low numbers of Tregs (< 5%) presented more frequently with refractory disease (P = .007). The prognostic significance of Treg numbers was independent of the FLIPI. Seven transformed diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) had lower Treg percentages (mean: 3.3%) than FL grades 1,2 (mean: 12.1%) or 3 (mean: 9%) (P < .02). In conclusion, high Treg numbers predict improved survival of FL patients, while a marked reduction in Tregs is observed on transformation to DLBCL.
Sentinel surveillance for human enterovirus 71 in Sarawak, Malaysia: lessons from the first 7 years
Authors: Podin Yuwana , Gias Edna LM , Ong Flora , Leong Yee-Wei , Yee Siew-Fung , Yusof Mohd Apandi , Perera David , Teo Bibiana , Wee Thian-Yew , Yao Sik-Chi , Yao Sik-King , Kiyu Andrew , Arif Mohd Taha , Cardosa Mary Jane 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background
A major outbreak of human enterovirus 71-associated hand, foot and mouth disease in Sarawak in 1997 marked the beginning of a series of outbreaks in the Asia Pacific region. Some of these outbreaks had unusually high numbers of fatalities and this generated much fear and anxiety in the region.

Methods
We established a sentinel surveillance programme for hand, foot and mouth disease in Sarawak, Malaysia, in March 1998, and the observations of the first 7 years are described here. Virus isolation, serotyping and genotyping were performed on throat, rectal, vesicle and other swabs.

Results
During this period Sarawak had two outbreaks of human enterovirus 71, in 2000 and 2003. The predominant strains circulating in the outbreaks of 1997, 2000 and 2003 were all from genogroup B, but the strains isolated during each outbreak were genetically distinct from each other. Human enterovirus 71 outbreaks occurred in a cyclical pattern every three years and Coxsackievirus A16 co-circulated with human enterovirus 71. Although vesicles were most likely to yield an isolate, this sample was not generally available from most cases and obtaining throat swabs was thus found to be the most efficient way to obtain virological information.

Conclusion
Knowledge of the epidemiology of human enterovirus 71 transmission will allow public health personnel to predict when outbreaks might occur and to plan interventions in an effective manner in order to reduce the burden of disease.
A rational model for assessing and evaluating complex interventions in health care
Authors: May Carl 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding how new clinical techniques, technologies and other complex interventions become normalized in practice is important to researchers, clinicians, health service managers and policy-makers. This paper presents a model of the normalization of complex interventions.MethodsBetween 1995 and 2005 multiple qualitative studies were undertaken. These examined: professional-patient relationships; changing patterns of care; the development, evaluation and implementation of telemedicine and related informatics systems; and the production and utilization of evidence for practice. Data from these studies were subjected to (i) formative re-analysis, leading to sets of analytic propositions; and to (ii) a summative analysis that aimed to build a robust conceptual model of the normalization of complex interventions in health care.ResultsA normalization process model that enables analysis of the conditions necessary to support the introduction of complex interventions is presented. The model is defined by four constructs: interactional workability; relational integration; skill set workability and contextual integration. This model can be used to understand the normalization potential of new techniques and technologies in healthcare settingsConclusionThe normalization process model has face validity in (i) assessing the potential for complex interventions to become routinely embedded in everyday clinical work, and (ii) evaluating the factors that promote or inhibit their success and failure in practice.
Genetic context determines susceptibility to intraocular pressure elevation in a mouse pigmentary glaucoma
Authors: Anderson Michael G , Libby Richard T , Mao Mao , Cosma Ioan M , Wilson Larry A , Smith Richard S , John Simon WM 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background

DBA/2J (D2) mice develop an age-related form of glaucoma. Their eyes progressively develop iris pigment dispersion and iris atrophy followed by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Mutant alleles of the Gpnmb and Tyrp1 genes are necessary for the iris disease, but it is unknown whether alleles of other D2 gene(s) are necessary for the distinct later stages of disease. We initiated a study of congenic strains to further define the genetic requirements and disease mechanisms of the D2 glaucoma.

Results

To further understand D2 glaucoma, we created congenic strains of mice on the C57BL/6J (B6) genetic background. B6 double-congenic mice carrying D2-derived Gpnmb and Tyrp1 mutations develop a D2-like iris disease. B6 single-congenics with only the Gpnmb and Tyrp1 mutations develop milder forms of iris disease. Genetic epistasis experiments introducing a B6 tyrosinase mutation into the congenic strains demonstrated that both the single and double-congenic iris diseases are rescued by interruption of melanin synthesis. Importantly, our experiments analyzing mice at ages up to 27 months indicate that the B6 double-congenic mice are much less prone to IOP elevation and glaucoma than are D2 mice.

Conclusion

As demonstrated here, the Gpnmb and Tyrp1 iris phenotypes are both individually dependent on tyrosinase function. These results support involvement of abnormal melanosomal events in the diseases caused by each gene. In the context of the inbred D2 mouse strain, the glaucoma phenotype is clearly influenced by more genes than just Gpnmb and Tyrp1. Despite the outward similarity of pigment-dispersing iris disease between D2 and the B6 double-congenic mice, the congenic mice are much less susceptible to developing high IOP and glaucoma. These new congenic strains provide a valuable new resource for further studying the genetic and mechanistic complexity of this form of glaucoma.