bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved Clinical Outcome of Patients With Candida Bloodstream Infections Through Direct Consultation by Infectious Diseases Physicians in a Japanese University Hospital
Authors: Takakura Shunji , Fujihara Naoko , Saito Takashi , Kimoto Terumi , Ito Yutaka , Iinuma Yoshitsugu , Ichiyama Satoshi 
Published: August 2006

Objective.To examine whether intervention by infectious diseases physicians (IDPs) in the treatment decisions that emphasize adequate antifungal treatment and early removal of central venous catheter for patients with Candida bloodstream infection (BSI) improves prognosis.Design.Retrospective cohort study of patients with Candida BSI, comparing the prognosis of patients before and after the start of the intervention.Setting.A 1,240-bed, tertiary care university hospital.Patients.Forty patients with Candida BSI during a 2-year period, from January 2001 to December 2002, were included in the study Twenty-three patients in the first year after the start of intervention by IDPs (intervention group) were compared with 17 patients in the first year before the start of the IDP intervention (baseline group).Interventions.In January 2002, a total of 5 IDPs at Kyoto University Hospital gave unsolicited recommendations on antifungal treatment and advised all physicians treating inpatients who had Candida BSI to remove the central venous catheter.Results.No significant difference was seen between the 2 groups in patients' clinical background, species, and fluconazole susceptibility of the causative organisms. The 30-day survival rate was significantly better in the intervention group (18 [78%] of 23 patients) than in the baseline group (7 [44%] of 16 patients; P = .04 by Fisher's exact test). More patients in the intervention group than in the baseline group received appropriate antifungal therapy (81% vs 50%) and had their central venous catheter removed at an appropriate time (95% vs 81%)Conclusion.The introduction of an active system of IDP consultation for every case of Candida BSI in our hospital substantially improved patient outcomes.
Efficiency of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission Through Injections and Other Medical Procedures Evidence, Estimates, and Unfinished Business
Authors: Gisselquist David , Upham Garance , Potterat John J. 
Published: August 2006

Objective.To estimate the transmission efficiency of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through medical injections and other invasive procedures.Design.We searched our own files and Medline (from 1966-2004, using the keywords [“iatrogenic” or “nosocomial” or “injections”] and “HIV”) for reports of iatrogenic outbreaks worldwide, except outbreaks traced to receipt of contaminated blood or blood products. We also analyzed information from a case-control study of percutaneous exposures to healthcare workers.Setting.Worldwide healthcare settings.Events.We identified 8 iatrogenic outbreaks that met our study criteria; published information from 4 outbreaks was sufficient to estimate transmission efficiency.Results.From the 4 documented iatrogenic outbreaks, we estimated that 1 iatrogenic infection occurred after 8-52 procedures involving HIV-infected persons. Although only 0.3% of healthcare workers seroconvert after percutaneous exposure, a case-control study reported that deep injuries and other risk factors collectively increased seroconversion risk by as much as 50 times. Laboratory investigations demonstrate HIV survival through time and various rinsing regimens. We estimate that the transmission efficiency in medical settings with no or grossly insufficient efforts to clean equipment ranges from 0.5% to 3% for lower risk procedures (eg, intramuscular injections) and from 10% to 20% or more for high-risk procedures. Efforts to clean equipment, short of sterilization, may cut the transmission efficiency by 0%-100%. Procedures that contaminate multidose vials may accelerate transmission efficiency.Conclusion.To achieve better estimates of the transmission efficiency for a range of medical procedures and settings, investigations of iatrogenic outbreaks should be accorded high priority.
Exogenous Sources ofPseudomonas aeruginosain Intensive Care Unit Patients Implementation of Infection Control Measures and Follow-Up With Molecular Typing
Authors: Petignat Christiane , Francioli Patrick , Nahimana Immaculée , Wenger Aline , Bille Jacques , Schaller Marie-Denise , Revelly Jean-Pierre , Zanetti Giorgio , Blanc Dominique S. 
Published: August 2006

Background.In 1998, a study in the intensive care unit (ICU) of our institution suggested possible transmission of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from faucet to patient and from patient to patient. Infection-control measures were implemented to reduce the degree ofP. aeruginosacolonization in faucets, to reduce the use of faucet water in certain patient care procedures, and to reduce the rate of transmission from patient to patient.Objective.To evaluate the effect of the control measures instituted in 1999 to preventP. aeruginosainfection and colonization in ICU patients.Design.Prospective, molecular, epidemiological investigation.Setting.A 870-bed, university-affiliated, tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods.The investigation was performed in a manner identical to the 1998 investigation. ICU patients with a clinical specimen positive forP. aeruginosawere identified prospectively. Swab specimens from the inner part of the ICU faucets were obtained for the culture on 9 occasions between September 1997 and December 2000. All patients and environmental isolates were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).Results.Compared with the 1998 study, in 2000 we found that the annual incidence of ICU patients colonized or infected withP. aeruginosahad decreased by half (26.6 patients per 1,000 admissions in 2000 vs 59.0 patients per 1,000 admissions in 1998), although the populations of patients were comparable. This decrease was the result of the decreased incidence of cases in which an isolate had a PFGE pattern identical to that of an isolate from a faucet (7.0 cases per 1,000 admissions in 2000, vs 23.6 per 1,000 admissions in 1998) or from another patient (6.5 cases per 1,000 admissions in 2000 vs 16.5 cases per 1,000 admissions in 1998), whereas the incidence of cases in which the isolate had a unique PFGE pattern remained nearly unchanged (13.1 cases per 1,000 admissions in 2000 vs 15.6 cases per 1,000 admissions in 1998).Conclusions.These results suggest that infection control measures were effective in decreasing the rate ofP. aeruginosacolonization and infection in ICU patients, confirming thatP. aeruginosastrains were of exogenous origin in a substantial proportion of patients during the preintervention period.
Compliance With Antiseptic Hand Rub Use in Intensive Care Units The Hawthorne Effect
Authors: Eckmanns Tim , Bessert Jan , Behnke Michael , Gastmeier Petra , Rüden Henning 
Published: August 2006

Objective.To determine the influence the Hawthorne effect has on compliance with antiseptic hand rub (AHR) use among healthcare personnel.Design.Observational study.Setting.Five intensive care units of a university hospital in Berlin, Germany.Participants.Medical personnel were monitored in 2 periods regarding compliance with AHR use when there were indications for AHR use. In the first period, the personnel had no knowledge of being observed. The second observation period was announced to the staff of the intensive care units in advance and information about what the observer would be monitoring was provided. Potential confounders of compliance with AHR use included occupational groups (nurses, physicians, and other healthcare workers), intensive care units, and indications for AHR use before or after any procedure.Results.Data were collected from 2,808 indications for AHR use. The overall rate of compliance was 29% (95% confidence interval, 26%–32%) in the first period and 45% (95% confidence interval, 43%–47%) in the second period. A logistic regression analysis with potential confounders revealed a significant odds ratio for the comparison between period 2 and period 1. The differences in compliance with AHR use were statistically significant (P<.001) between the occupational groups (nurses had the highest compliance and physicians had middle compliance) and between indication for AHR use before procedures and indication for AHR use after procedures.Conclusions.The Hawthorne effect has a marked influence on compliance with AHR use, with a 55% increase of compliance with overt observation. This result is consistent throughout subgroups. The rate of compliance with AHR use may in fact be lower than we thought because of results from studies that did not take the Hawthorne effect into account. The results of this study underline the necessity for infection control teams to be on wards as often as possible.
The clinical spectrum of adult acute myeloid leukaemia associated with core binding factor translocations
Authors: Appelbaum Frederick R. , Kopecky Kenneth J. , Tallman Martin S. , Slovak Marilyn L. , Gundacker Holly M. , Kim Haesook T. , Dewald Gordon W. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Pierce Sherry R. , Estey Elihu H. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryTo better understand the spectrum of adult acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) associated with core binding factor (CBF) translocations, 370 patients with newly diagnosed CBF‐associated AML were analysed. Patients’ age ranged from 16–83 years (median 39 years) with a slight male predominance (55%); 53% had inv(16); 47% had t(8;21). Patients with t(8;21) tended to be younger (P = 0·056), have lower peripheral blood white cell counts (P < 0·0001) and were more likely to have additional cytogenetic abnormalities (P < 0·0001). Loss of sex chromosome, del(9q) and complex abnormalities were more common among patients with t(8;21), while +22 and +21 were more common with inv(16). Overall, 87% [95% confidence interval (CI) 83–90%] of patients achieved complete response (CR) with no difference between t(8;21) and inv(16); however, the CR rate was lower in older patients due to increased resistant disease and early deaths. Ten‐year overall survival (OS) was 44% (95% CI 39–50%) and, in multivariate analysis, was shorter with increasing age (P < 0·0001), increased peripheral blast percentage (P = 0·0006), in patients with complex cytogenetic abnormalities in addition to the CBF translocation (P = 0·021), and in patients with t(8;21) (P = 0·025). OS was superior in patients who received regimens with high‐dose cytarabine, a combination of fludarabine and intermediate‐dose cytarabine, or haematopoietic cell transplantation.
Association of the BTNL2 rs2076530 single nucleotide polymorphism with Graves’ disease appears to be secondary to DRB1 exon 2 position β74
Authors: Simmonds M. J. , Heward J. M. , Barrett J. C. , Franklyn J. A. , Gough S. C. L. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryObjective  The HLA region encodes numerous immune response genes, with the DR/DQ molecules consistently associated with autoimmune disease (AID). Recent studies in sarcoidosis have identified association of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2076530 within BTNL2, a potential T‐cell inhibitor, independent of the known DRB1 association. The aim of this study was to investigate the association rs2076530 with disease in a large UK Caucasian Graves’ disease (GD) dataset.Design  A case control association study of the rs2076530 polymorphism.Patients  Eight hundred sixty‐four Graves’ disease patients and 864 controls.Measurements  Tests for association with disease.Results  We detected association of rs2076530 within a large GD dataset [OR = 1·32 (95% CI = 1·14–1·52)], however, linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis revealed association of rs2076530 to be secondary to the previously established DRB1 exon 2 encoded position β74 effect although a rare haplotype effect, including both loci, cannot be excluded.Conclusions  BTNL2 may be a sarcoidosis‐specific susceptibility loci, although only extensive examination of the whole HLA region in different inflammatory/AIDs will enable DR/DQ independent HLA effects to be determined.
Plasma phospholipid transfer protein activity, a determinant of HDL kinetics in vivo
Authors: Ooi Esther M. M. , Watts Gerald F. , Ji Juying , Rye Kerry‐Anne , Johnson Anthony G. , Chan Dick C. , Barrett P. Hugh R. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryObjective  Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) is an important regulator in the transport of surface components of triglyceride‐rich lipoprotein (TRL) to high density lipoprotein (HDL) during lipolysis and may therefore play an important role in regulating HDL transport. In this study we investigated the relationship of plasma PLTP activity with HDL metabolism in men.Design and methods  The kinetics of HDL LpA‐I and LpA‐I:A‐II were measured using intravenous administration of [d3]‐leucine, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS) and a new multicompartmental model for HDL subpopulation kinetics (SAAM II) in 31 men with wide‐ranging body mass index (BMI 18–46 kg/m2). Plasma PLTP activity was determined as the transfer of radiolabelled phosphatidylcholine from small unilamellar phosphatidylcholine vesicles to ultracentrifugally isolated HDL.Results  PLTP activity was inversely associated with LpA‐I concentration and production rate (PR) after adjusting for insulin resistance (P < 0·05). No significant associations were observed between plasma PLTP activity and LpA‐I fractional catabolic rate (FCR). In multivariate analysis, including homeostasis model assessment score (HOMA), triglyceride, cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity and PLTP activity, PLTP activity was the only significant determinant of LpA‐I concentration and PR (P = 0·020 and P = 0·016, respectively).Conclusions  Plasma PLTP activity may be a significant, independent determinant of LpA‐I kinetics in men, and may contribute to the maintenance of the plasma concentration of these lipoprotein particles in setting of hypercatabolism of HDL.
Natural course of benign thyroid nodules in a moderately iodine‐deficient area
Authors: Erdogan Murat Faik , Gursoy Alptekin , Erdogan Gurbuz 
Published: August 2006

SummaryObjective  Few studies using ultrasonographic evaluation have addressed the natural course of benign thyroid nodules. In this study, we present the long‐term analysis of benign, untreated thyroid nodules in a moderately iodine‐deficient area.Design  We collected the retrospective data for 531 nodules in 420 patients followed by ultrasonography for a mean time period of 39·7 ± 27·8 months (range 12–168 months).Results  When we considered significant nodule size decrease criteria as decreases in nodule volume of at least 15% and 30%, we found that 33·1% and 20·7% of thyroid nodules decreased in size, respectively. Using the criteria of a greater than 15% and 30% increase in volume showed that 32% and 24·1% increased in size, respectively. A logistic regression analysis using mixed models to predict thyroid nodule growth (volume change ≥ 15%), including age, TSH, sex and time between evaluations, failed to predict nodule growth. Only hypoechoic echo pattern remained as a statistically significant predictor of growth.Conclusion  In 40 months’ follow‐up, we found that benign thyroid nodules exhibited a mostly favourable clinical natural course. One‐third of benign thyroid nodules showed continuous growth, one‐third remained unchanged, and the other third decreased in size.
MINERAL CONSTITUENTS OF HONEY
Authors: SCHUETTE H. A. , TRILLER RALPH E. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYAs a result of the analysis of 23 honeys deemed to include representatives of most of the honeys produced commercially in the United States, it appears that there apparently exists a qualitative relationship between degree of pigmentation as measured by the current practice of color‐grading this food and the quantity of sulfur and chlorine which it contains. All available data on this phase of honey composition have been collected and collated. Although some measure of similarity in sulfur content exists between the honeys in question and those produced in the foreign countries included in this survey, such has not been found to hold true for chlorine. Honeys of European origins probably do not contain notably greater amounts of this element than do those grown in continental United States, but no such large chlorine content has been found as that reported by others for the honeys characteristic of the product of the Hawaiian Islands nor yet those from the West Indies, South America, and Australia. There is need, however, for more data on the honeys from the latter group of geographical units, except perhaps the Hawaiian Islands, because the number of samples here involved is small.
VITAMIN B1 AND VITAMIN B2 (G) CONTENT OF VEGETABLES AS INFLUENCED BY QUICK‐FREEZING AND CANNING1, 2
Authors: FELLERS C. E. , ESSELEN W. B. , FITZGERALD G. A. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYControlled samples from the same lots of asparagus, peas, lima beans, and spinach were quick‐frozen and canned by commercial methods and their vitamin B1 and vitamin B2 (G) content was compared with that of the raw vegetables. Fresh asparagus, peas, lima beans, and spinach were found to contain 65, 133, 67, and 36 International Units of vitamin B1, and 53, 70, 122, and 145 Bourquin‐Sherman units of vitamin B2 (G) per 100 grams, respectively. Asparagus, peas, lima beans, and spinach retained 78, 97, 46, and 94 per cent of their vitamin Bt and 95, 100, 84, and 91 per cent of their vitamin B2 (G), respectively, when quick‐frozen; and 72, 60, 28, and 71 per cent of their vitamin B1 and 98, 100, 70, and 45 per cent of their vitamin B2 (G) content, respectively, when canned.The length of the blanching period may influence the vitamin B1 and B2 (G) content of quick‐frozen and canned vegetables. Because of the solubility of these vitamins in water, minimum blanching periods consistent with the requirements are recommended.In conclusion, it may be stated that both quick‐frozen and canned vegetables retain nutritionally significant percentages of vitamins B1 and B2 (G) and both types of preserved foods are good sources of these two water‐soluble vitamins.
A SIMPLIFIED MEDIUM FOR COUNTING CLOSTRIDIUM SPORESab
Authors: WYNNE E. STATEN , SCHMIEDING WILLIAM E. , DAYE GEORGE T. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYA simple, easily prepared medium for counting Clostridium spores is described. With yeast extract starch bicarbonate (YESB) agar, counts of mildly heated (75°C. for 60 minutes) spores of 5 Clostridium strains were consistently comparable to those secured in a modification of Yesair's pork infusion medium, with or without added bicarbonate. Omission of bicarbonate from YESB agar resulted consistently in a small but significant decrease in counts with Cl. Botulinum 62A. Addition of bicarbonate to the Yesair medium resulted in increased counts and earlier colony development with Cl. botulinum 62A.With spores of 6 Clostridium strains heated at 100°C. for a period sufficient to insure at least 99.95% destruction, recovery counts in YESB were comparable to those in modified Yesair's medium, with no evidence of dormancy.
STUDIES OP CERTAIN RED PIGMENTS FORMED FROM 2‐THIOBARBITURIC ACIDa
Authors: JENNINGS W. G. , DUNKLEY W. L. , REIBEB H. G. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYMethods for the preparation of pigments from thiobarbituric acid and oxidized milk fat, malonaldehyde, and 2‐sulfanilamidopyrimidine are presented, and the general characteristics of the pigment preparations are described. Various oxidized vegetable oils were found to react with thiobarbituric acid to produce the characteristic red color. The chromatographic adsorption techniques investigated did not prove satisfactory for isolation and purification of the pigment preparations. Attempts to form chemical derivatives were unsuccessful, and the solubility characteristics of the pigments prevented the determination of molecular weights by colligative properties. Elemental analyses of pigment preparations were not sufficiently consistent to justify definite conclusions.A spectrophotometric technique permitting calculation of the stoichiometry of the malonaldehyde‐thiobarbiturie acid pigment is presented. Results suggest an equimolar reaction without loss of water. Other spectral data indicate the pigment is degraded to yield equal quantities of malonaldehyde and thiobarbituric acid. A second malonaldehyde‐thiobarbiturie acid pigment with an absorption maximum of 507 mμ was isolated. The spectral techniques indicated a combining ratio of 3 aldehyde molecules to 1 thiobarbituric acid molecule for this pigment.
THE EFFECT OF BRAISING AND PRESSURE SAUCEPAN COOKERY ON THE COOKING LOSSES, PALATABILITY, AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF THE PROTEINS OF ROUND STEAKSab
Authors: CLARK HELEN E. , WILMETH MARIE C. , HARRISON DOROTHY L. , VAIL GLADYS E. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYPaired top and bottom round steaks cut from 3 carcasses, graded U. S. Commercial, were cooked by the following methods: (a) under 10 p.s.i.g. pressure to an internal temperature of 176°F. (80°C), (b) under 15 p.s.i.g. pressure to an internal temperature of 176°F. (80°C), (c) under 15 p.s.i.g. pressure to an internal temperature of 234°F. (112.2°C.), and (d) braised to an internal temperature of 176°F. (80°C.) in a rotary gas oven maintained at 300°F. (148.9°C).The internal temperature to which the meat was cooked, rather than the method of cooking, was important in determining the cooking losses and palatability of the steaks. Those cooked to 176°F. (80°C.) lost less weight during cooking, and were less tender, but more desirable in aroma, flavor, and juiciness than steaks cooked to 234°F. (112.2°C.).None of the cooking methods lowered the nutritive value of the meat when measured in terms of growth and nitrogen retention in the growing rat. Under the conditions of the experiment, a diet supplying 1.6% of nitrogen from beef was as useful as a diet providing 2.0% of nitrogen for comparing the nutritive value of beef prepared by different methods.
Loss of Ascorbic Acid During Estimation by the Roe‐Kuether Method
Authors: TEWARI C. P. , KRISHNAN P.S. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYApplication of the 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine method of Roe and co‐workers to plant extracts, wherein ascorbic acid was present largely or completely in the form of DHA and DKA, resulted in abnormal data, in the sense that the value of AA + DHA+ DKA was significantly lower than that of DHA + DKA. Such a discrepancy, though not to the same degree, was observed also when the analyses were carried out on solutions of DHA. The loss is believed to take place during H2S treatment, there being a correlation between the extent of loss and the duration of H2S treatment, in the majority of the experiments.
Carotenoid Pigments of Pineapple Fruit. I. Acid‐Catalyzed Isomerization of the Pigmentsa
Authors: SINGLETON L. , GORTNER WILLIS A. , YOUNG H. Y. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYThe total carotenoid pigments of pineapple fruit contain a high proportion of epoxide groups which are readily isomerized to furanoid forms in an acid but not an alkaline environment. This isomerization causes a characteristic hypsochromic shift in the absorption maxima of the pigment extract. The absorbance at 425 mμ remains relatively unchanged as isomerization proceeds, and thus can serve as a measure of the total carotenoid pigment regardless of its isomeric form. The sharp maximum at 466 mμ is lost as isomerization progresses. Thus, the ratio of absorbances at 466 and 425 mμ can serve as a measure of the extent of isomerization of the pigments.