bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly Sensitive and Efficient Computer–Assisted System for Routine Surveillance for Surgical Site Infection
Authors: Chalfine Annie , Cauet Daniel , Lin Wei Chi , Gonot Jacqueline , Calvo-Verjat Nadine , Dazza François-Emile , Billuart Olivier , Kitzis Marie Dominique , Blériot Jean Pierre , Pibarot Marie Laure , Carlet Jean 
Published: August 2006

Objectives.Surveillance of surgical site infections (SSIs) is effective in reducing the rates of these complications, but it is extremely time-consuming and, consequently, underused. We determined the sensitivity and specificity of a computer-assisted surveillance system, compared with a conventional method involving review of medical records, and the time saved with the computer-assisted system.Method.A prospective study was conducted from January 1 to December 31, 2001. With the computer-assisted method, screening for SSIs relied on identification in the laboratory database of positive results of microbiological tests of surgical-site specimens; confirmation was obtained via computer-generated questionnaires completed by the surgeon in charge of the patient. In the conventional method, SSIs were identified by exhaustive chart review. The time spent on surveillance was recorded for both methods.Setting.A 25-bed gastrointestinal surgery unit in a tertiary care hospital.Patients.A total of 766 consecutive patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery.Results.The sensitivity of the computer-assisted method was 84.3% (95% confidence interval, 0.66-0.94); the specificity was 99.9%. For the 807 surgical procedures in the study, 197 had an SSI identified by culture of a surgical-site specimen. After elimination of 63 duplicate cultures with positive results, 134 questionnaires were sent to the surgeons, who confirmed 27 SSIs. The conventional method identified 32 SSIs. The computer-assisted method required 60% less time than the conventional method (90 hours vs 223 hours).Conclusion.Surveillance for SSIs using computer-assisted, laboratory-based screening and case confirmation by surgeons is as efficient as and far less time-consuming than the conventional method of chart review. This method permits routine surveillance for SSIs with reliable accuracy.
Admission-Specific Chronic Disease Scores as Alternative Predictors of Surgical Site Infection for Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Batista Ruth , Kaye Keith , Yokoe Deborah S. 
Published: August 2006

Objective.To evaluate the admission chronic disease score (ACDS) and a variant of the ACDS as predictors of surgical site infection (SSI) for study participants who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.Design.Retrospective case-control study.Setting.A 750-bed academic medical center.Participants.All participants with an SSI that was identified through hospital-based surveillance (defined as case patients) and a random sample of participants without SSI following CABG surgery (defined as control subjects) between July 1, 1999, and June 30, 2001.Results.An ACDS based on medications ordered on the day of hospital admission was determined for 264 study participants admitted prior to the day of the surgical procedure. A preadmission chronic disease score (PACDS) based on outpatient medications was calculated for 281 participants, using the record of preadmission medications in the patient's discharge summary. The ACDS and PACDS were significantly higher for case patients, compared with control subjects (P = .03 and P = .05, respectively). American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and the standard National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance system (NNIS) risk index were not significant predictors of SSI. In logistic regression models, only the ACDS (odds ratio, 1.02 per 100 ACDS points), the PACDS (odds ratio, 1.02 per 100 PACDS points), the highest PACDS quintile (odds ratio, 2.89 [compared with lowest quintile]), and a modified NNIS-PACDS score of 2 (odds ratio, 3.5 [compared with a score of 0]) were significant predictors of SSI.Conclusions.Because preoperative medications are likely to reflect comorbidities that influence the risk of SSI, medication-based scoring systems such as the ACDS and PACDS may allow for better risk stratification than the standard NNIS risk index, particularly for patient populations with relatively homogenous wound classification and ASA score distributions.
Surgical Site Infection (SSI) Rates Among Patients Who Underwent Mastectomy After the Introduction of SSI Prevention Policies
Authors: Vilar-Compte Diana , Roldán-Marín Rodrigo , Robles-Vidal Carlos , Volkow Patricia 
Published: August 2006

Objective.To describe the results of an intervention program to reduce the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) in the breast tumor department of a referral teaching hospital for patients with cancer.Methods.Preventive measures introduced in the Breast Tumor Department of the study hospital included the following: starting in July 2000, use of sterile technique for wound care; starting in 2001, use of closed antireflux silicone evacuation systems, use of perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis, provision of feedback to surgeons, and remodeling of the ambulatory wound care clinic. We conducted surveillance of all patients who underwent mastectomy between February 1 and December 31, 2001, and the SSI rate was calculated. A case-control analysis was performed for risk factors known to be associated with SSI. Results were compared with the data from 2000.Results.The study included data on 385 surgeries. SSIs were registered in 52 (13.7%) of these 385, which was a rate 58.6% less than the 2000 infection rate (33.1%). Risk factors associated with SSI included concomitant chemotherapy and radiation therapy (OR, 3.6 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.9-7.1]), surgery performed during an evening shift (OR, 1.9 [95% CI, 1.1-3.6]), and insertion of a second drainage tube during the late postoperative period (OR, 2.8 [95% CI, 1.4-5.7]). The mean number (± SD) of postoperative visits to the outpatient wound care clinic was reduced from 11.6 ± 7.1 in 2000 to 9.2 ± 4.4 in 2001 (P< .001, Student's t test). The mean number of days that the evacuation systems were used was reduced from 19.0 to 16.0 days (P =.001, Student's t test).Conclusions.Continuous wound surveillance, along with feedback to surgeons, use of closed antireflux evacuation systems, and standardized practices in wound and drainage-tube care, decreased by 58.6% the rate of SSI in a breast surgical department with high rates of infection.
Habitat associations of papyrus specialist birds at three papyrus swamps in western Kenya
Authors: Owino Alfred O. , Ryan Peter G. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBirds of papyrus swamps have not been adequately studied in Kenya, and little is known about their ecology and habitat associations. Using fixed‐radius point counts and playbacks, we counted papyrus specialist birds and evaluated papyrus physical characteristics and levels of disturbance at a series of sample stations at three papyrus swamps of Dunga, Koguta and Kusa in the Kenyan sector of Lake Victoria. Papyrus height and density were significantly correlated across all sites but negatively correlated with levels of disturbance. Standardized point counts of swamp birds showed the papyrus gonolek Laniarius mufumbiri and Carruthers's cisticola Cisticola carruthersi to be the most abundant papyrus specialists across sites. Only Carruthers's cisticola numbers differed between sites. Overall, papyrus cover was the best predictor of the presence and abundance of all papyrus specialist birds, and significantly predicted the numbers of papyrus gonolek and white‐winged warbler Bradypterus carpalis.
Activation of the NaCl‐ and drought‐induced RD29A and RD29B promoters by constitutively active Arabidopsis MAPKK or MAPK proteins
Authors: HUA ZHI‐MING , YANG XIANCI , FROMM MICHAEL E. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTMitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases mediate cellular responses to a wide variety of stimuli. Activation of a MAP kinase (MAPK) occurs after phosphorylation by an upstream MAP kinase kinase (MAPKK). The Arabidopsis thaliana genome encodes 10 MKKs, but few of these have been shown directly to activate any of the 20 Arabidopsis MAPKs (AtMPKs) and NaCl‐, drought‐ or abscisic acid (ABA)‐induced genes RD29A or RD29B. We have constructed the constitutively activated form for nine of the 10 AtMKK proteins, and tested their ability to activate the RD29A and RD29B promoters and also checked the ability of the nine activated AtMKK proteins to phosphorylate 11 of the AtMPK proteins in transient assays. The results show that three proteins, AtMKK1, AtMKK2 and AtMKK3, could activate the RD29A promoter, while these three and two additional AtMKK6/8 proteins could activate the RD29B promoter. Four other proteins, AtMKK7/AtMKK9 and AtMKK4/AtMKK5, can cause hypersensitive response (HR) in tobacco leaves using transient analysis. The activation of the RD29A promoter correlated with four uniquely activated AtMPK proteins. A novel method of activating AtMPK proteins by fusion to a cis‐acting mutant of a human MAPK kinase MEK1 was used to confirm that specific members of the AtMPK gene family can activate the RD29A stress pathway.
Ion‐mediated increase in the hydraulic conductivity of Laurel stems: role of pits and consequences for the impact of cavitation on water transport
Authors: GASCÓ ANTONIO , NARDINI ANDREA , GORTAN EMMANUELLE , SALLEO SEBASTIANO 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTChanges in hydraulic conductivity (Kh) were measured in stems of Laurus nobilis L. during perfusion with KCl, NaCl or sucrose solutions. Ionic solutes induced marked increase of Kh with respect to deionized water but sucrose had no effect. The kinetics of KCl‐induced Kh increase was measured together with changes in [K+] of the perfused solution. Kh increases were paralleled by increases in the [K+]out/[K+]in ratio. Samples of different lengths or with increasing percentage loss of conductivity (PLC) due to xylem cavitation were tested, with the aim of increasing radial flow through intervessel pits. KCl solutions enhanced the Kh of 12‐cm‐long samples with a concentration‐dependent effect up to 100 mm KCl. ΔKh increased from 3 to 30% in 1.5‐ and 12‐cm‐long samples, respectively and remained constant for longer samples. Increasing PLC induced an exponential increase in ΔKh. PLC measured with KCl solutions was significantly less than that measured with deionized water, suggesting that measurements of PLC can be affected by the composition of the perfused solution. Experiments support the hypothesis that the ‘ionic effect’ is mediated by physico‐chemical changes of pectins of the pit membranes and raise the possibility that plants might alter the ionic composition of the xylem sap to alleviate the hydraulic impact of cavitation.
Effects of cytoplasmic genes on sperm viability and sperm morphology in a seed beetle: implications for sperm competition theory?
Authors: DOWLING D. K. , NOWOSTAWSKI A. LARKESON , ARNQVIST G. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractSperm competition theory predicts that sperm traits influencing male fertilizing ability will evolve adaptively. However, it has been suggested that some sperm traits may be at least partly encoded by mitochondrial genes. If true, this may constrain the adaptive evolution of such traits because mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is maternally inherited and there is thus no selection on mtDNA in males. Phenotypic variation in such traits may nevertheless be high because mutations in mtDNA that have deleterious effects on male traits, but neutral or beneficial effects in females, may be maintained by random processes or selection in females. We used backcrossing to create introgression lines of seed beetles (Callosobruchus maculatus), carrying orthogonal combinations of distinct lineages of cytoplasmic and nuclear genes, and then assayed sperm viability and sperm length in all lines. We found sizeable cytoplasmic effects on both sperm traits and our analyses also suggested that the cytoplasmic effects varied across nuclear genetic backgrounds. We discuss some potential implications of these findings for sperm competition theory.
Recent invasion of the mountain birch Betula pubescens ssp. tortuosa above the treeline due to climate change: genetic and ecological study in northern Sweden
Authors: TRUONG C. , PALMÉ A. E. , FELBER F. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractMountain birch, Betula pubescens ssp. tortuosa, forms the treeline in northern Sweden. A recent shift in the range of the species associated with an elevation of the treeline is commonly attributed to climate warming. Using microsatellite markers, we explored the genetic structure of populations along an altitudinal gradient close to the treeline. Low genetic differentiation was found between populations, whereas high genetic diversity was maintained within populations. High level of gene flow compensated for possible losses of genetic diversity at higher elevations and dissipated the founding effect of newly established populations above the treeline. Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed low spatial genetic structure within populations because of extensive gene flow. At the treeline, significant genetic structure within the juvenile age class at small distances did not persist in the adult age class, indicating recent expansion of young recruits due to the warming of the climate. Finally, seedling performance above the treeline was positively correlated with parameters related to temperature. These data confirm the high migration potential of the species in response to fluctuating environmental conditions and indicate that it is now invading higher altitudes due to the recent warming of the climate.
Framing a set of non‐academic selection criteria for occupational therapy students: An Australian study
Authors: Lyons Michael , Mackenzie Lynette , Bore Miles , Powis David 
Published: August 2006

Background/Aim:  Demand for places in occupational therapy programs at Australian universities may place undue emphasis on academic attainment when selecting students … but how else might students be selected? This study investigated those attributes judged by occupational therapy practitioners to be most important. Methods:  From a focus group of occupational therapy academics, a list of occupational therapy practice attributes was generated and used to develop a questionnaire completed by 175 Australian occupational therapy practitioners. Results:  The most highly rated abilities were communication and problem‐solving skills; the most highly rated qualities were respecting others, self‐responsibility and ethical orientation.Conclusions:  This research has identified abilities and personal qualities that could be added to current selection criteria to assist in identifying suitable candidates for entry into occupational therapy education.
Australian normative data for the Occupational Therapy Adult Perceptual Screening Test
Authors: Cooke Deirdre M. , McKenna Kryss , Fleming Jennifer , Darnell Ross 
Published: August 2006

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine variables impacting on the performance of healthy adults on the Occupational Therapy Adult Perceptual Screening Test (OT‐APST), and present the Australian normative data for this standardised assessment tool.Method: The OT‐APST was administered to a sample of healthy adults aged 16–97 (n = 356).Results: Neither gender nor highest level of education significantly impacted on OT‐APST performance in the healthy normative group. Increasing age significantly correlated with reduced performance on all OT‐APST subscales except for body scheme. Australian normative data for the OT‐APST are presented in two age intervals: 16–74 years (n = 232) and 75–97 years (n = 124).Conclusion: Presentation of a large, age‐stratified Australian normative data set including cut‐off scores for intact/impaired perceptual performance for each of the OT‐APST subscales will enable occupational therapists to make a norm‐referenced interpretation of scores for individual clients when using this screening tool.
Social Insurance and Redistribution with Moral Hazard and Adverse Selection*
Authors: Boadway Robin , Leite‐Monteiro Manuel , Marchand Maurice , Pestieau Pierre 
Published: August 2006

AbstractRochet (1991)showed that with distortionary income taxes, social insurance is a desirable redistributive device when risk and ability are negatively correlated. This finding is re‐examined whenex postmoral hazard and adverse selection are included, and under different informational assumptions. Individuals can take actions influencing the size of the loss in the event of accident (or ill health). Social insurance can be supplemented by private insurance, but private insurance markets are affected by both adverse selection and moral hazard. We study how equity and efficiency considerations should be traded off in choosing the optimal coverage of social insurance when those features are introduced. The case for social insurance is strongest when the government is well informed about household productivity.
Reducing Start‐up Costs for New Firms: The Double Dividend on the Labor Market*
Authors: Dulleck Uwe , Frijters Paul , Winter‐Ebmer Rudolf 
Published: August 2006

AbstractStarting a firm with expansive potential is an option for educated and high‐skilled workers. If there are labor market frictions, this additional option can be seen as reducing the chances of ending up in a low‐wage job and hence as increasing the incentives for education. In a matching model, we show that reducing the start‐up costs for new firms results in higher take‐up rates of education. It also gives rise—through a thick‐market externality—to higher rates of job creation for high‐skilled labor as well as average match productivity. We provide empirical evidence to support our argument.
KCl stimulation increases norepinephrine transporter function in PC12 cells
Authors: Mandela Prashant , Ordway Gregory A. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe norepinephrine transporter (NET) plays a pivotal role in terminating noradrenergic signaling and conserving norepinephrine (NE) through the process of re‐uptake. Recent evidence suggests a close association between NE release and regulation of NET function. The present study evaluated the relationship between release and uptake, and the cellular mechanisms that govern these processes. KCl stimulation of PC12 cells robustly increased [3H]NE uptake via the NET and simultaneously increased [3H]NE release. KCl‐stimulated increases in uptake and release were dependent on Ca2+. Treatment of cells with phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA) or okadaic acid decreased [3H]NE uptake but did not block KCl‐stimulated increases in [3H]NE uptake. In contrast, PMA increased [3H]NE release and augmented KCl‐stimulated release, while okadaic acid had no effects on release. Inhibition of Ca2+‐activated signaling cascades with KN93 (a Ca2+calmodulin‐dependent kinase inhibitor), or ML7 and ML9 (myosin light chain kinase inhibitors), reduced [3H]NE uptake and blocked KCl‐stimulated increases in uptake. In contrast, KN93, ML7 and ML9 had no effect on KCl‐stimulated [3H]NE release. KCl‐stimulated increases in [3H]NE uptake were independent of transporter trafficking to the plasma membrane. While increases in both NE release and uptake mediated by KCl stimulation require Ca2+, different intracellular mechanisms mediate these two events.
Highly purified lipoteichoic acid induced pro‐inflammatory signalling in primary culture of rat microglia through Toll‐like receptor 2: selective potentiation of nitric oxide production by muramyl dipeptide
Authors: Kinsner Agnieszka , Boveri Monica , Hareng Lars , Brown Guy C. , Coecke Sandra , Hartung Thomas , Bal‐Price Anna 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIn contrast to the role of lipopolysaccharide from Gram‐negative bacteria, the role of Gram‐positive bacterial components in inducing inflammation in the CNS remains controversial. We studied the potency of highly purified lipoteichoic acid and muramyl dipeptide isolated fromStaphylococcus aureusto activate primary cultures of rat microglia. Exposure of pure microglial cultures to lipoteichoic acid triggered a significant time‐ and dose‐dependent production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (tumour‐necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6) and nitric oxide. Muramyl dipeptide strongly and selectively potentiated lipoteichoic acid‐induced inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide production. However, it did not have any significant influence on the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. As bacterial components are recognised by the innate immunity through Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) we showed that lipoteichoic acid was recognised in microglia by the TLR2 and lipopolysaccharide by the TLR4, as cells isolated from mice lacking TLR2 or TLR4 did not produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide upon lipoteichoic acid or lipopolysaccharide stimulation, respectively. Lipoteichoic acid‐induced glia activation was mediated by p38 and ERK1/2 MAP kinases, as pretreatment with inhibitor of p38 or ERK1/2 decreased lipoteichoic acid‐induced cytokine release, iNOS mRNA expression and nitric oxide production. The observed pro‐inflammatory response induced by lipoteichoic acid‐activated microglia could play a major role in the inflammatory response of CNS induced by Gram‐positive bacteria.
Response of extracelluar zinc in the ventral hippocampus against novelty stress
Authors: Takeda Atsushi , Sakurada Naomi , Kanno Shingo , Minami Akira , Oku Naoto 
Published: August 2006

AbstractAn extensive neuronal activity takes place in the hippocampus during exploratory behavior. However, the role of hippocampal zinc in exploratory behavior is poorly understood. To analyze the response of extracellular zinc in the hippocampus against novelty stress, rats were placed for 50 min in a novel environment once a day for 8 days. Extracellular glutamate in the hippocampus was increased during exploratory behavior on day 1, whereas extracellular zinc was decreased. The same phenomenon was observed during exploratory behavior on day 2 and extracellular zinc had returned to the basal level during exploratory behavior on day 8. To examine the significance of the decrease in extracellular zinc in exploratory activity, exploratory behavior was observed during perfusion with 1 mm CaEDTA, a membrane‐impermeable zinc chelator. Locomotor activity in the novel environment was decreased by perfusion with CaEDTA. The decrease in extracellular zinc and the increase in extracellular glutamate in exploratory period were abolished by perfusion with CaEDTA. These results suggest that zinc uptake by hippocampal cells is linked to exploratory activity and is required for the activation of the glutamatergic neurotransmitter system. The zinc uptake may be involved in the response to painless psychological stress or in the cognitive processes.
Polymorphic microsatellite loci for the zebra shark Stegostoma fasciatum
Authors: DUDGEON CHRISTINE L. , FELDHEIM KEVIN , SCHICK MARK , OVENDEN JENNIFER R. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractWe report on the development and characterization of 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum). Five tetranucleotide and nine dinucleotide loci were polymorphic with heterozygosities ranging from 0.400 to 0.967 and from three to 22 alleles per locus. Cross‐species amplification of these zebra shark primers on four other species of orectolobid sharks was not successful.