bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci from Clinical and Surveillance Specimens
Authors: Huh Ji Young , Lee Wee Gyo , Jin Hye Young 
Published: September 2006

Objective:To compare the molecular characteristics of infection-derived (ID) isolates and intestinal colonization–derived (ICD) isolates of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) recovered from hospitalized patients.Design.A 12-month prospective cohort study.Setting.A 1,000-bed teaching facility.Methods.From January through December 2004, a total of 30 pairs ofvanA-containing enterococcal isolates were collected from patients admitted to a teaching hospital in South Korea. Each pair comprised an ID and an ICD VRE isolate from the same patient. All VRE isolates were investigated on the basis ofSmaI-restricted pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern, Tn1546type, and presence of theespgene, including A and C repeat number variation.Results.Members of 19 pairs (63%) of VRE isolates were genetically indistinguishable from each other. The 11 patients for whom the molecular characteristics of the ID isolates differed from those of the ICD isolates had longer durations of hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, compared with the other 19 patients.Conclusions.These findings suggest the longer durations of hospitalization and ICU stay may be possible risk factors for colonization with multiple clones of VRE.
Antimicrobial Use Control Measures to Prevent and Control Antimicrobial Resistance in US Hospitals
Authors: Zillich Alan J. , Sutherland Jason M. , Wilson Stephen J. , Diekema Daniel J. , Ernst Erika J. , Vaughn Thomas E. , Doebbeling Bradley N. 
Published: September 2006

Objective.Clinical practice guidelines and recommended practices to control use of antibiotics have been published, but the effect of these practices on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates in hospitals is unknown. The objective of this study was to examine relationships between antimicrobial use control strategies and AMR rates in a national sample of US hospitals.Design.Cross-sectional, stratified study of a nationally representative sample of US hospitals.Methods.A survey instrument was sent to the person responsible for infection control at a sample of 670 US hospitals. The outcome was current prevalences of 4 epidemiologically important, drug-resistant pathogens, considered concurrently: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci, ceftazidime-resistant Klebsiella species, and quinolone (ciprofloxacin)-resistant Escherichia coli Five independent variables regarding hospital practices were selected from the survey: the extent to which hospitals (1) implement practices recommended in clinical practice guidelines and ensure best practices for antimicrobial use, (2) disseminate information on clinical practice guidelines for antimicrobial use, (3) use antimicrobial-related information technology, (4) use decision support tools, and (5) communicate to prescribers about antimicrobial use. Control variables included the hospitals' number of beds, teaching status, Veterans Affairs status, geographic region, and number of long-term care beds; and the presence of an intensive care unit, a burn unit, or transplant services. A generalized estimating equation modeled all resistance rates simultaneously to identify overall predictors of AMR levels at the facility.Results.Completed survey instruments were returned by 448 hospitals (67%). Four antimicrobial control measures were associated with higher prevalence of AMR. Implementation of recommended practices for antimicrobial use (P< .01) and optimization of the duration of empirical antibiotic prophylaxis (P<.01) were associated with a lower prevalence of AMR. Use of restrictive formularies (P = .05) and dissemination of clinical practice guideline information (P<.01) were associated with higher prevalence of AMR. Number of beds and Veterans Affairs status were also associated with higher AMR rates overall.Conclusions.Implementation of guideline-recommended practices to control antimicrobial use and optimize the duration of empirical therapy appears to help control AMR rates in US hospitals. A longitudinal study would confirm the results of this cross-sectional study. These results highlight the need for systems interventions and reengineering to ensure more-consistent application of guideline-recommended measures for antimicrobial use.
Use of Germicides in the Home and the Healthcare Setting Is There a Relationship Between Germicide Use and Antibiotic Resistance?
Authors: Weber David J. , Rutala William A. 
Published: September 2006

Background.The spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens represents an increasing threat in healthcare facilities. Concern has been expressed that the use of surface disinfectants and antiseptics may select for antibiotic-resistant pathogens.Objective.To review the scientific literature on whether there is a link between use of germicides (ie, disinfectants and antiseptics) and bacterial resistance to antibiotics. In addition, we will review whether antibiotic-resistant bacteria exhibit altered susceptibility to germicides that are recommended for use as disinfectants or antiseptics.Design.A review of the appropriate scientific literature.Results.In the laboratory, it has been possible to develop bacterial mutants with reduced susceptibility to disinfectants and antiseptics that also demonstrate decreased susceptibility to antibiotics. However, the antibiotic resistance described was not clinically relevant because the test organism was rarely a human pathogen, the altered level of antimicrobial susceptibility was within achievable serum levels for the antibiotic, or the antibiotic tested was not clinically used to treat the study pathogen. Similarly, wild-type strains with reduced susceptibility to disinfectants (principally, quaternary ammonium compounds) and antiseptics (principally, triclosan) have been reported. However, because the concentration of disinfectants used in the healthcare setting greatly exceeds the concentration required to kill strains with reduced susceptibility to disinfectants, the clinical relevance of these observations is questionable.Conclusion.To date, there is no evidence that using recommended antiseptics or disinfectants selects for antibiotic-resistant organisms in nature. Disinfectants and antiseptics should be used when there are scientific studies demonstrating benefit or when there is a strong theoretical rationale for using germicides.
A new, simple method for quantifying gemcitabine triphosphate in cancer cells using isocratic high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Nishi Rie , Yamauchi Takahiro , Ueda Takanori 
Published: September 2006

A deoxycytidine analog, gemcitabine (dFdC), is effective for treating solid tumors and hematological malignancies. After being transported into cancer cells, dFdC is phosphorylated to dFdC triphosphate (dFdCTP), which is subsequently incorporated into the DNA strand, thereby inhibiting DNA synthesis. Intracellular dFdCTP is the critical determinant for dFdC cytotoxicity, so therapeutic drug monitoring or in vitro testing of the capability of cancer cells to accumulate dFdCTP may be informative for optimizing dFdC administration. We have developed a new isocratic‐elution high‐performance liquid chromatography method for quantifying dFdCTP in cancer cells. Samples (500 µL) were eluted isocratically using 0.06 M Na2HPO4 (pH 6.9) containing 20% acetonitrile, at a constant flow rate of 0.7 mL/min and at ambient temperature. Separation was carried out using an anion‐exchange column (TSK gel DEAE‐2SW; 250 mm × 4.6 mm inside diameter, particle size 5 µL) and monitored at 254 nm. The standard curve was linear with low within‐day and interday variability. The lower detection limit (20 pmol) was as sensitive as that of the previous gradient‐elution method. dFdCTP was well separated from other nucleoside triphosphates. The method could measure dFdCTP in cultured or primary leukemic cells treated in vitro with dFdC. The method was also applicable to simultaneous determination of dFdCTP and cytarabine triphosphate, the results of which demonstrated ara‐CTP production augmented by dFdC pretreatment. Thus, our isocratic high‐performance liquid chromatography assay method will be of great use because of its sensitivity and simplicity as well as its applicability to biological materials. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1274–1278)
Actin‐binding protein filamin A is displayed on the surface of human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Bachmann André S. , Howard James P. , Vogel Carl‐Wilhelm 
Published: September 2006

We previously reported the identification of natural human IgM antibodies, which recognize a Mr 260 000 surface protein (NB‐p260) and induce both complement‐mediated cytotoxicity and apoptosis of human neuroblastoma cells. NB‐p260 was shown to belong to the family of filamin proteins. Filamin A is a high molecular weight actin‐binding protein, previously thought to be only located intracellularly. Here we show that NB cells as well as three NB‐unrelated human cell lines express filamin A also on the cell surface. Our findings suggest new biological functions for filamins, including a role as mediators in anti‐NB IgM‐induced apoptosis, and they add to the growing body of evidence of the interaction of cytoskeletal proteins with the extracellular matrix. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1359–1365)
Antivascular effects of TZT‐1027 (Soblidotin) on murine Colon26 adenocarcinoma
Authors: Watanabe Junichi , Natsume Tsugitaka , Kobayashi Motohiro 
Published: September 2006

We investigated the ability of TZT‐1027 (Soblidotin), a novel antimicrotubule agent, to induce antivascular effects, because most vascular targeting agents that selectively disrupt tumor vasculature also inhibit tubulin polymerization. Treatment with 10−7 g/mL TZT‐1027 rapidly disrupted the microtubule cytoskeleton in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC), and significantly enhanced vascular permeability in HUVEC monolayers. In addition, single intravenous administration of 2 mg/kg TZT‐1027 to mice bearing Colon26 tumors significantly reduced tumor perfusion and caused extravascular leakage of erythrocytes 1 h after administration. Subsequently, thrombus formation with deposition of fibrin and tumor necrosis was observed 3 and 24 h after administration, respectively. These results strongly suggest that TZT‐1027 possesses antivascular effects. TZT‐1027 induced apoptosis not only in HUVEC but also in C26 cancer cells (cell line of Colon26 solid tumor) in vitro, suggesting it exerts direct cytotoxicity against tumor cells in addition to its antivascular effects. A single intravenous administration of 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg TZT‐1027 significantly prolonged the survival of mice with advanced‐stage Colon26 tumors in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, TZT‐1027 itself less markedly enhanced the permeability of normal vessels, but was additive with vascular endothelial growth factor, indicating the possibility that TZT‐1027 selectively exerts its activity on tumor vessels. In summary, these results suggest that TZT‐1027 exerts both an indirect antivascular effect and a direct cytotoxic effect, resulting in strong antitumor activity against advanced‐stage tumors, and that TZT‐1027 may be useful clinically for treating solid tumors. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1410–1416)
Downregulation of circadian clock genes in chronic myeloid leukemia: Alternative methylation pattern of hPER3
Authors: Yang Ming‐Yu , Chang Jan‐Gowth , Lin Pai‐Mei , Tang Kai‐Ping , Chen Yen‐Hsu , Lin Hugo You‐Hsien , Liu Ta‐Chih , Hsiao Hui‐Hua , Liu Yi‐Chang , Lin Sheng‐Fung 
Published: September 2006

Disruption of circadian rhythm is believed to play a critical role in cancer development. To gain further insights into the roles of circadian genes in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), we analyzed peripheral blood from 53 healthy individuals and 35 CML patients for the expression of the nine circadian genes. The expression levels of hPER1, hPER2, hPER3, hCRY1, hCRY2 and hBMAL1 were significantly impaired in both chronic phase and blastic crisis of CML cases compared with those in healthy individuals (P < 0.001). Methylation studies in the promoter areas of these six genes revealed that only the CpG sites of the hPER3 gene were methylated in all of the CML patients, and the methylated CpG frequencies differed significantly in patients at blastic crisis (8.24 ± 0.73) or at chronic phase (4.48 ± 0.48). The CpG sites of the hPER2 gene were also methylated in 40% of the CML patients. No mutation was found within the coding region of hPER3 in CML cases. Our results suggest that the downregulated hPER3 expression in CML is correlated with the inactivation of hPER3 by methylation. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1298–1307)
Progesterone receptor isoforms as a prognostic marker in human endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Saito Sumika , Ito Kiyoshi , Nagase Satoru , Suzuki Takashi , Akahira Jun‐Ichi , Okamura Kunihiro , Yaegashi Nobuo , Sasano Hironobu 
Published: September 2006

The possible role of specific progesterone receptor (PR) isoforms (PRA and PRB) as predictive factors in endometrial carcinoma is unclear. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical significance of intratumoral PR isoform status in patients with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. We studied 103 cases of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma using immunohistochemistry. We correlated the findings with various clinicopathological parameters of the patients. PRA and PRB immunoreactivity was detected in 51/103 (48.5%) and 79/103 (76.7%) of carcinoma cases, respectively. A significant positive correlation was detected between the status of PRB immunoreactivity and the amount of PRB mRNA by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (P = 0.012). PR isoform expression was significantly lower in the cases with higher histological grade (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.002, for PRA and PRB, respectively). Cases that were negative for either one or both PR isoforms were significantly associated with shorter disease‐free and overall survival of the patients. The absence of either one or both of these two PR isoforms was detected in all nine patients who died (100.0%), whereas the absence of these immunoreactivities was detected only in 43 of 94 (45.7%) patients who had lived during the same period. In addition, multivariate analysis demonstrated that an absence of PRA immunoreactivity was an independent risk factor in disease‐free survival of the patients (P = 0.0258). The results of our study demonstrated that loss or absence of PR isoform expression determined by immunohistochemistry could become an important prognostic indicator in patients with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1308–1314)
Lake depth rather than fish planktivory determines cladoceran community structure in Faroese lakes – evidence from contemporary data and sediments
Authors: AMSINCK SUSANNE LILDAL , STRZELCZAK AGNIESZKA , BJERRING RIKKE , LANDKILDEHUS FRANK , LAURIDSEN TORBEN L. , CHRISTOFFERSEN KIRSTEN , JEPPESEN ERIK 
Published: September 2006

Summary1. This study describes the environmental conditions and cladoceran community structure of 29 Faroese lakes with special focus on elucidating the impact of fish planktivory. In addition, long‐term changes in biological structure of the Faroese Lake Heygsvatn are investigated.2. Present‐day species richness and community structure of cladocerans were identified from pelagial snapshot samples and from samples of surface sediment (0–1 cm). Multivariate statistical methods were applied to explore cladoceran species distribution relative to measured environmental variables. For Lake Heygsvatn, lake development was inferred by cladoceran‐based paleolimnological investigations of a14C‐dated sediment core covering the last ca 5700 years.3. The 29 study lakes were overall shallow, small‐sized, oligotrophic and dominated by brown trout (Salmo trutta). Cladoceran species richness was overall higher in the surface sediment samples than in the snapshot samples.4. Fish abundance was found to be of only minor importance in shaping cladoceran community and body size structure, presumably because of predominance of the less efficient zooplanktivore brown trout.5. Canonical correspondence analysis showed maximum lake depth (Zmax) to be the only significant variable in explaining the sedimentary cladoceran species (18 cladoceran taxa, two pelagic, 16 benthic) distribution. Multivariate regression trees revealed benthic taxa to dominate in lakes withZmax < 4.8 m and pelagic taxa to dominate whenZmaxwas > 4.8 m.6. Predictive models to inferZmaxwere developed using variance weighted‐averaging procedures. These were subsequently applied to subfossil cladoceran assemblages identified from a14C‐dated sediment core from Lake Heygsvatn and showed inferredZmaxto correspond well to the present‐day lake depth. A recent increase in inferredZmaxmay, however, be an artefact induced by, for instance, eutrophication.
Effects of a new antibacterial adhesive on the repair capacity of the pulp‐dentine complex in infected teeth
Authors: Tziafas D. , Koliniotou‐Koumpia E. , Tziafa C. , Papadimitriou S. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAim  To evaluate the effects of a self‐etching/priming adhesive system, containing the antibacterial monomer 12‐methacryloyloxy‐dodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB), on the repair capacity of the pulp‐dentine complex in infected cavities in dog's teeth.Methodology  Class V cavities with a residual dentine thickness ranging from 0.3–0.8 mm were prepared on the buccal surface of permanent teeth in four dogs. Pulpal exposures were performed in half of the cavities. Millipore filters that had been incubated for 3 h in a 105 milky suspension of a‐streptococci were placed in the cavities, which were then filled temporarily. After 24 h, the filters were removed and both the exposed and non‐exposed cavities were washed with sterile saline and assigned to four groups which were treated with either the experimental antibacterial adhesive system, or Clearfil SE bond, Dycal and Teflon discs. Stereotype connective tissue reactions (inflammatory cell response and/or tissue necrosis) and pulp‐specific reparative tissue responses (reduction of odontoblasts and tertiary dentine formation) were assessed at post‐operative periods of 4 and 8 weeks.Results  Neither severe inflammation nor tissue necrosis was observed, either in the dentinal cavities or pulpal exposures treated with the self‐etch adhesive containing MDPB. Rates of tertiary dentine formation in infected dentinal cavities treated with this system were comparable with those observed after dentine treatment with the Ca(OH)2‐based material. Dentinal bridging was not seen in pulpal exposures treated with the experimental adhesive.Conclusions  The new antibacterial adhesive system maintained pulp vitality and primary odontoblastic function in infected nonexposed and exposed cavities but interfered with reparative dentine formation in infected pulpal exposures.
Interactions between non‐native plant species and the floristic composition of common habitats
Authors: MASKELL L. C. , FIRBANK L. G. , THOMPSON K. , BULLOCK J. M. , SMART S. M. 
Published: September 2006

Summary

We investigated the role of non‐native species (neophytes) in common British plant communities using botanical data from two stratified random surveys carried out in 1990 and 1998.
We found that from 16 851 plots surveyed in 1998 there were 123 non‐native species found mostly in arable, tall grass/herb and fertile grassland habitats. Invasive non‐native species, e.g. Fallopia japonica, Impatiens glandulifera and Rhododendron ponticum, were uncommon in this survey.
Between 1990 and 1998 the total number of non‐native species increased but the mean number of species per sample plot decreased. The mean cover of non‐natives increased from 1.2% to 1.9%.
There were positive spatial and temporal relationships between non‐native and native species diversity. However, there was a weak negative relationship between changes in non‐native cover and native diversity.
The species composition and ecological traits of communities containing non‐natives were very different from those that did not contain them.
In the British countryside non‐native species were mainly found in habitats with anthropogenic associations, high fertility, high number of ruderal species and high diversity. There is also an indication that successional shifts where competitive invasive species dominate involve non‐native species.
National‐scale changes in plant community composition are likely to be closely correlated with external land‐use impacts. Changes such as eutrophication, nitrogen deposition and increased fertility in infertile habitats are likely to benefit both native and non‐native invasive species; however, currently these trends benefit native species much more often than non‐natives.
Non‐native species are known to have significant effects on native species at local scales in many countries; however, at the landscape scale in Great Britain they are best considered as symptoms of disturbance and land‐use change rather than a direct threat to biodiversity.
Do social information‐processing models explain aggressive behaviour by children with mild intellectual disabilities in residential care?
Authors: Van Nieuwenhuijzen M. , De Castro B. O. , Van Der Valk I. , Wijnroks L. , Vermeer A. , Matthys W. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground  This study aimed to examine whether the social information‐processing model (SIP model) applies to aggressive behaviour by children with mild intellectual disabilities (MID). The response‐decision element of SIP was expected to be unnecessary to explain aggressive behaviour in these children, and SIP was expected to mediate the relation between social schemata and aggressive behaviour.Method  SIP and aggressive behaviour of 130 10‐ to 14‐year‐old children with MID in residential care were assessed. The fit of various SIP models was tested with structural equation modelling.Results  The response‐decision process was found not to be necessary to explain aggressive behaviour. Social schemata were indirectly related to aggressive behaviour with aggressive response generation as mediating variable.Conclusions  Implications for SIP theory and intervention are discussed.
A review of the reliability and validity of Likert‐type scales for people with intellectual disability
Authors: Hartley S. L. , MacLean W. E. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground  Likert‐type scales are increasingly being used among people with intellectual disability (ID). These scales offer an efficient method for capturing a wide range of variance in self‐reported attitudes and behaviours. This review is an attempt to evaluate the reliability and validity of Likert‐type scales in people with ID.Methods  Fifty‐one studies reporting response rates, response bias, reliability and validity of Likert‐type scales among adolescents and adults with ID were reviewed.Results  Low response rates were found among adolescents and adults with moderate to profound ID, when pictorial representations of response alternatives were not employed, and for Likert‐type scales with self‐descriptive statements. Response bias was evident, particularly among adolescents and adults with moderate to profound ID. Likert‐type scales have better reliability and validity among adolescents and adults with borderline IQ or mild ID. Pretests and clarifying questions increase reliability and validity.Conclusions  Likert‐type scales should include pictorial representations of response alternatives, a single set of one or two word response descriptors, clarifying questions, and pretests, and are best used with adolescents and adults with borderline IQ to mild ID.