bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Typing and Subtyping of
Clostridium difficile
Isolates by Using Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis
Authors: van den Berg Renate J. , Schaap Inge , Templeton Kate E. , Klaassen Corné H. W. , Kuijper Ed J. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT

Using the genomic sequence of
Clostridium difficile
strain 630, we developed multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) with automated fragment analysis and multicolored capillary electrophoresis as a typing method for
C. difficile
. All reference strains, representing 31 serogroups, 25 toxinotypes, and 7 known subtypes of PCR ribotype 001, could be discriminated from each other. Application of MLVA to 28 isolates from 7 outbreaks due to the emerging hypervirulent PCR ribotype 027-pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type NAP1 resulted in recognition of 13 clusters. Additionally, 29 toxin A-negative, toxin B-positive isolates belonging to PCR ribotype 017 from eight different countries revealed eight country-specific clusters. MLVA is a highly discriminatory genotyping method and a new tool for subtyping of newly emerging variants of
C. difficile.
Comparison of BACTEC PLUS Blood Culture Media to BacT/Alert FA Blood Culture Media for Detection of Bacterial Pathogens in Samples Containing Therapeutic Levels of Antibiotics
Authors: Flayhart Diane , Borek Anita P. , Wakefield Teresa , Dick James , Carroll Karen C. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT

Blood culture bottles with antimicrobial removal systems are recommended for patients who develop fever while on antibiotics. This study compared the ability of Becton Dickinson (Sparks, MD) BACTEC PLUS bottles and bioMerieux (Durham, NC) BacT/Alert FA bottles to effectively remove vancomycin, cefoxitin, ceftriaxone, cefepime, piperacillin-tazobactam, ampicillin, oxacillin, gentamicin, and a combination of gentamicin/penicillin, thus allowing bacterial pathogens to grow. Each bottle was spiked with 10 ml of human blood, antibiotic, and strains of organisms susceptible to the antibiotic evaluated. The organisms used were type strains and clinical isolates of
Staphylococcus aureus
(methicillin susceptible and resistant),
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, a viridans streptococcus,
Enterococcus faecalis
,
Enterococcus faecium
,
Streptococcus agalactiae
,
Escherichia coli
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Testing was completed in triplicate, using 10 to 100 CFU/ml of organisms with various concentrations of each antibiotic. Two rounds of testing were completed per antibiotic/organism combination. Bottles were mixed and loaded onto their respective instruments as per the manufacturer's instructions. Antimicrobial removal was evaluated on the basis of time to detection of organism growth, for up to 5 days of incubation. Overall, the BacT/Alert FA system recovered 25.1% of strains from test bottles and 96.9% of strains from growth control bottles (no antibiotic added), and the BACTEC PLUS system recovered 95.1% of strains from test bottles and 100% of strains from growth control bottles. Both systems performed well in the detection of
Escherichia coli
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
in the presence of gentamicin. In the presence of ceftriaxone, neither system was able to recover
Streptococcus pneumoniae
. The ability to remove vancomycin and cefoxitin was also determined by measuring antibiotic levels remaining in bottles after 1 h of incubation. The results demonstrated remaining levels of 72 to 90% of vancomycin and 71 to 72% of cefoxitin in the BacT/Alert system. For the BACTEC system, remaining levels were 0 to 30% of vancomycin and 0% of cefoxitin. Under these simulated conditions, the BACTEC PLUS system was superior to the BacT/Alert FA system in recovering gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial pathogens in the presence of β-lactam antibiotics, gentamicin/penicillin, and vancomycin.
RNA Binding by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling Protein UL47 Is Mediated by an N-Terminal Arginine-Rich Domain That Also Functions as Its Nuclear Localization Signal
Authors: Donnelly Michelle , Verhagen Janneke , Elliott Gillian 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT
The function of the alphaherpesvirus UL47 tegument protein has not yet been defined. Nonetheless, previous studies with transfected cells have shown that both the herpes simplex virus type 1 homologue (hUL47, or VP13/14) and the bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) homologue (bUL47, or VP8) have the capacity to shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Furthermore, hUL47 packaged into the virion has also been shown to bind several individual virus-specific RNA transcripts. Here, we extend these observations and show that hUL47 binds a wide range of RNA species in vitro. It has a high affinity for polyadenylated transcripts but has no apparent selectivity for virus-encoded RNA over cellular RNA. We also show that the virion population of bUL47 binds RNA in vitro. However, while purified recombinant hUL47 retains its RNA binding activity, recombinant bUL47 does not, suggesting that the BHV-1 homologue may require virus-induced modification for its activity. We identify the minimal RNA binding domain in hUL47 as a 26-residue N-terminal peptide containing an arginine-rich motif that is essential but not sufficient for optimal RNA binding, and we demonstrate that this RNA binding domain incorporates the hUL47 minimal nuclear localization signal. In addition, we show that soon after hUL47 is expressed during infection, it colocalizes in the infected cell nucleus with ICP4, the major virus transcriptional activator. Using RNA immunoprecipitations, we demonstrate that hUL47 is also bound in vivo to at least one viral transcript, the ICP0 mRNA. Taken together, these results suggest that hUL47 may play a role in RNA biogenesis in the infected cell.
Pseudotyped Single-Cycle Simian Immunodeficiency Viruses Expressing Gamma Interferon Augment T-Cell Priming Responses In Vitro
Authors: Peng Yue , Lin Fan-ching , Verardi Paulo H. , Jones Leslie A. , McChesney Michael B. , Yilma Tilahun D. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTTo increase the safety and efficacy of human immunodeficiency virus vaccines, several groups have conducted studies using the macaque model with single-cycle replicating simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs). However, these constructs had poor or diminished efficacy compared to live attenuated vaccines. We previously showed that immunization of macaques with live attenuated SIV with a deletion in thenefgene and expressing gamma interferon (IFN-γ) results in significantly enhanced safety and efficacy. To further enhance safety, we constructed and characterized single-cycle SIVs, pseudotyped with the glycoprotein of vesicular stomatitis virus, expressing different levels of macaque IFN-γ. Expression of IFN-γ did not alter the infectivity or antigenicity of pseudotyped SIV. The transduction of dendritic cells (DCs) by IFN-γ-expressing particles resulted in the up-regulation of costimulatory and major histocompatibility complex molecules. Furthermore, T cells primed with DCs transduced by SIV particles expressing high levels of IFN-γ and then stimulated with SIV induced significantly higher numbers of spot-forming cells in an enzyme-linked immunospot assay than did T cells primed with DCs transduced with SIV particles lacking the cytokine. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the transduction of DCs in vitro with pseudotyped single-cycle SIVs expressing IFN-γ increased DC activation and augmented T-cell priming activity.
The YLDL Sequence within Sendai Virus M Protein Is Critical for Budding of Virus-Like Particles and Interacts with Alix/AIP1 Independently of C Protein
Authors: Irie Takashi , Shimazu Yukie , Yoshida Tetsuya , Sakaguchi Takemasa 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT
For many enveloped viruses, cellular multivesicular body (MVB) sorting machinery has been reported to be utilized for efficient viral budding. Matrix and Gag proteins have been shown to contain one or two L-domain motifs (PPxY, PT/SAP, YPDL, and FPIV), some of which interact specifically with host cellular proteins involved in MVB sorting, which are recruited to the viral budding site. However, for many enveloped viruses, L-domain motifs have not yet been identified and the involvement of MVB sorting machinery in viral budding is still unknown. Here we show that both Sendai virus (SeV) matrix protein M and accessory protein C contribute to virus budding by physically interacting with Alix/AIP1. A YLDL sequence within the M protein showed L-domain activity, and its specific interaction with the N terminus of Alix/AIP1(1-211) was important for the budding of virus-like particles (VLPs) of M protein. In addition, M-VLP budding was inhibited by the overexpression of some deletion mutant forms of Alix/AIP1 and depletion of endogenous Alix/AIP1 with specific small interfering RNAs. The YLDL sequence was not replaceable by other L-domain motifs, such as PPxY and PT/SAP, and even YPxL. C protein was also able to physically interact with the N terminus of Alix/AIP1(212-357) and enhanced M-VLP budding independently of M-Alix/AIP1 interaction, although it was not released from the transfected cells itself. Our results suggest that the interaction of multiple viral proteins with Alix/AIP1 may enhance the efficiency of the utilization of cellular MVB sorting machinery for efficient SeV budding.
Evidence into practice: combining the art and science of injury prevention
Authors: Brussoni M , Towner E , Hayes M 
Published: December 2006

Objectives:To bring together scientific evidence of what works in injury prevention with the knowledge and experience of practitioners, using a case study of smoke alarm installation from England.Design:There is good evidence of strategies to reduce injuries but less is known about the art of translating those strategies to implementation in real-world settings. England’s Health Development Agency developed a structured process applicable to many public health fields, which integrates practitioner knowledge into the evidence base and reflects local contexts. The multistep process includes convening structured field meetings with local practitioners and policy makers, which focus on a mapping exercise of strategies, policies, targets, and funding streams related to childhood injury prevention, and barriers and facilitators relating to implementation of specific interventions.Setting:Meetings were held in six venues across England with 98 participants from a range of professional backgrounds and sectors.Results:The collective knowledge of participants provided many local insights unlikely to emerge in conventional research. Discussion topics covered key partners and sectors to include when planning a program; national policies and programs that could be used to drive the agenda; potential sources of funding; the importance of providing and installing appropriate smoke alarms; targeting of programs; and suggestions for gaining access to hard-to-reach populations.Conclusion:This methodology represents an efficient way of gaining insight necessary for successful implementation of evidence based programs. It may be particularly useful in lower and middle income countries, serving to translate evidence into the local contexts and circumstances within which practitioners operate.
Beliefs and practices to prevent drowning among Vietnamese-American adolescents and parents
Authors: Quan L , Crispin B , Bennett E , Gomez A 
Published: December 2006

Objective:To determine the beliefs, attitudes and practices regarding water safety among Vietnamese-Americans through focus group interviews.Participants:15 teenagers (aged 15–19 years) and 20 parents participated, and reported similar attitudes, beliefs and practices regarding water activities. Participants identified a lack of familiarity with water activities and few swimming skills, noting that these activities are not perceived as recreational sports among the Vietnamese. They reported recreating at open water sites because they are free and available, and attributed drowning to fate. Vietnamese youth swim unsupervised, responding to peer pressure despite lack of skills. Participants had negative attitudes toward life jackets using, swimming pools and lessons, because of the costs, but would attend lessons in Vietnamese. They identified schools and Vietnamese media as means of delivering injury-prevention messages.Conclusions:Decreasing drowning among Vietnamese-Americans requires changing the knowledge, attitudes and safety practices with programs and messages in Vietnamese, as well as targeting the dominant culture.
Injury risk from popular childhood physical activities: results from an Australian primary school cohort
Authors: Spinks A B , Macpherson A K , Bain C , McClure R J 
Published: December 2006

Background:Children engage in various physical activities that pose different injury risks. However, the lack of adequate data on exposure has meant that these risks have not been quantified or compared in young children aged 5–12 years.Objectives:To measure exposure to popular activities among Australian primary school children and to quantify the associated injury risks.Method:The Childhood Injury Prevention Study prospectively followed up a cohort of randomly selected Australian primary and preschool children aged 5–12 years. Time (min) engaged in various physical activities was measured using a parent-completed 7-day diary. All injuries over 12 months were reported to the study. All data on exposure and injuries were coded using theInternational classification of external causes of injury. Injury rates per 1000 h of exposure were calculated for the most popular activities.Results:Complete diaries and data on injuries were available for 744 children. Over 12 months, 314 injuries relating to physical activity outside of school were reported. The highest injury risks per exposure time occurred for tackle-style football (2.18/1000 h), wheeled activities (1.72/1000 h) and tennis (1.19/1000 h). Overall, boys were injured more often than girls; however, the differences were non-significant or reversed for some activities including soccer, trampolining and team ball sports.Conclusion:Although the overall injury rate was low in this prospective cohort, the safety of some popular childhood activities can be improved so that the benefits may be enjoyed with fewer negative consequences.
A cohort study of 20 822 young drivers: the DRIVE study methods and population
Authors: Ivers R Q , Blows S J , Stevenson M R , Norton R N , Williamson A , Eisenbruch M , Woodward M , Lam L , Palamara P , Wang J 
Published: December 2006

Background and objective:Research on young drivers directly linking risk factors to serious injury and death outcomes is required. The DRIVE Study was established to facilitate this aim. This paper outlines the study methods and describes the population that has been recruited, in order to demonstrate that the necessary heterogeneity in risk factors has been attained.Design, setting and participants:Drivers aged 17–24 years holding their first-stage provisional driver’s licence from New South Wales, Australia, were recruited into a prospective cohort study. The participants were contacted by mail and asked to complete the study questionnaire at an online site or via a mailed questionnaire. Baseline data collection involved a questionnaire with questions to drivers about their training, risk perception, driver behavior, sensation-seeking behavior and mental health. Participants gave consent for prospective data linkage to their data on licensing, crashes and injuries, held in routinely collected databases.Results:20 822 drivers completed the baseline questionnaire, of whom 45.4% were men, 74.3% resided in capital cities and 25.7% in regional or remote areas. The recruited study population showed a wide variation in the risk factors under examination. For example, almost 40% of drivers reported drinking alcohol at hazardous levels and about 32% of participants seemed to be at a high or very high risk of psychological distress. Participants reported a mean of 67.3 h (median 60 h) of supervised driver training while holding their learner’s permit.Conclusions:The DRIVE Study has a robust study design aimed at minimizing bias in the collection of outcome data. Analyses of baseline data showed substantial heterogeneity of risk factors in the study population. Subsequent prospective linkages comparing relative differences in exposures at baseline with the outcomes of interest have the potential to provide important new information needed to develop targeted interventions aimed at young drivers.
Risk factors for unintentional injuries due to falls in children aged 0–6 years: a systematic review
Authors: Khambalia A , Joshi P , Brussoni M , Raina P , Morrongiello B , Macarthur C 
Published: December 2006

Objective:To identify risk factors for unintentional injuries due to falls in children aged 0–6 years.Design:A systematic review of the literature.Methods:Electronic databases from 1966 to March 2005 were comprehensively searched to identify empirical research that evaluated risk factors for unintentional injuries due to falls in children aged 0–6 years and included a comparison group.Results:14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies varied by the type of fall injury that was considered (ie, bunk bed, stairway, playground or infant walker) and with respect to the quality of evidence. In general, major risk factors for the incidence or severity of injuries due to falls in children included age of the child, sex, height of the fall, type of surface, mechanism (dropped, stairway or using a walker), setting (day carevhome care) and socioeconomic status.Conclusion:Despite a high burden, few controlled studies have examined the risk and protective factors for injuries due to falls in children aged 0–6 years. The only study to examine falls from a population health perspective suggests that age, sex and poverty are independent risk factors for injuries due to falls in children.
From surveillance to action: early gains from the National Violent Death Reporting System
Authors: Campbell R , Weis M A , Millet L , Powell V , Hull-Jilly D , Hackman H 
Published: December 2006

Objectives:Drawing from the experiences of individual state programs that currently participate in the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), this article reviews some of the practical benefits that may accrue from the introduction of violent death surveillance systems.Design:As a state-based surveillance system that uses multiple data sources and relies upon multiple stakeholders, the NVDRS program has fostered an array of initiatives within and among individual state programs. State-based initiatives highlighted in this article were selected on the basis of a purposive sampling strategy intended to illustrate key aspects of program development.Setting:The NVDRS state programs are in Alaska, California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.Results:The NVDRS has helped to build alliances and collaborative efforts between key stakeholders, facilitated the recognition of violent death as a public health problem through outreach and media attention, acted as a catalyst for new projects, enhanced surveillance of special populations and utility for evaluation, and identified key circumstances that will target interventions in state prevention planning.Conclusions:The NVDRS has implemented data collection efforts and is beginning to produce and analyze findings. In the process of implementing the data collection system and publicizing findings, state NVDRS programs are realizing other gains that strengthen their surveillance efforts. The use of data for prevention purposes will be the ultimate indicator of program success.
Manner of death and circumstances in fatal poisonings: evidence from New Jersey
Authors: Hempstead K 
Published: December 2006

Objective:The objective of this study is to use a new data set to compare the circumstances of fatal poisoning in deaths ruled as suicides to those ruled as unintentional, particularly with regard to the prevalence of mental health, substance abuse, and other risk factors.Design:The design is an analysis of all fatal poisonings using data from the New Jersey Violent Death Reporting System.Patients or subjects:Decedents in New Jersey in 2003 whose cause of death was fatal poisoning, and whose manner of death was unintentional, intentional, or undetermined.Main outcome measures:The relation between risk factors, circumstances of death, and coded manner of death, particularly for those with both mental health and substance abuse related risk factors.Results:The prevalence of mental health risk factors was considerably higher among intentional poisonings (59.4%v24.4%, p<0.0001), while that of substance abuse was higher among unintentional poisonings (90.0%v24.5%, p<0.0001). Approximately 20% of unintentional poisonings and 25% of suicides had a physical health problem. Differences in circumstances by manner were smaller among those with a physical health problem.Conclusions:Substance abuse, mental health, and physical health problems were the most frequently cited risk factors for unintentional and intentional poisoning fatalities. There were many differences in characteristics and risk factors by manner of death. Those with physical health problems were more similar in terms of demographic characteristics and presence of other risk factors.
Variability of undetermined manner of death classification in the US
Authors: Breiding M J , Wiersema B 
Published: December 2006

Objectives:To better understand variations in classification of deaths of undetermined intent among states in the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS).Design:Data from the NVDRS and the National Vital Statistics System were used to compare differences among states.Main outcome measures:Percentages of deaths assigned undetermined intent, rates of deaths of undetermined intent, rates of fatal poisonings broken down by cause of death, composition of poison types within the undetermined-intent classification.Results:Three states within NVDRS (Maryland, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island) evidenced increased numbers of deaths of undetermined intent. These same states exhibited high rates of undetermined death and, more specifically, high rates of undetermined poisoning deaths. Further, these three states evidenced correspondingly lower rates of unintentional poisonings. The types of undetermined poisonings present in these states, but not present in other states, are typically the result of a combination of recreational drugs, alcohol, or prescription drugs.Conclusions:The differing classification among states of many poisoning deaths has implications for the analysis of undetermined deaths within the NVDRS and for the examination of possible/probable suicides contained within the undetermined- or accidental-intent classifications. The NVDRS does not collect information on unintentional poisonings, so in most states data are not collected on these possible/probable suicides. The authors believe this is an opportunity missed to understand the full range of self-harm deaths in the greater detail provided by the NVDRS system. They advocate a broader interpretation of suicide to include the full continuum of deaths resulting from self-harm.