bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Care on the General Health Status of Healthcare Workers in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Ning-Hung , Wang Pa-Chun , Hsieh Meng-Jer , Huang Chung-Chi , Kao Kuo-Chin , Chen Ya-Hui , Tsai Ying-Huang 
Published: January 2007

Background.The impact of the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was enormous, but few studies have focused on the infectious and general health status of healthcare workers (HCWs) who treated patients with SARS.Design.We prospectively evaluated the general health status of HCWs during the SARS epidemic.The Medical Outcome Study Short-Form 36 Survey was given to all HCWs immediately after caring for patients with SARS and 4 weeks after self-quarantine and off-duty shifts. Tests for detection of SARS Coronavirus antibody were performed for HCWs at these 2 time points and for control subjects during the SARS epidemic.Setting.Tertiary care referral center in Taipei, Taiwan.Subjects.Ninety SARS-care task force members (SARS HCWs) and 82 control subjects.Results.All serum specimens tested negative for SARS antibody. Survey scores for SARS HCWs immediately after care were significantly lower than those for the control group (P < .05 by the t test) in 6 categories. Vitality, social functioning, and mental health immediately after care and vitality and mental health after self-quarantine and off-duty shifts were among the worst subscales. The social functioning, role emotional, and role physical subscales significantly improved after self-quarantine and off-duty shifts (P < .05, by paired t test). The length of contact time (mean number of contact-hours per day) with patients with SARS was associated with some subscales (role emotional, role physical, and mental health) to a mild extent. The total number of contact-hours with symptomatic patients with SARS was a borderline predictor (adjusted R2 = 0.069; P = .038) of mental health score.Conclusions.The impact of the SARS outbreak on SARS HCWs was significant in many dimensions of general health. The vitality and mental health status of SARS HCWs 1 month after self-quarantine and off-duty shifts remained inferior to those of the control group.
Multicenter Intervention Program to Increase Adherence to Hand Hygiene Recommendations and Glove Use and to Reduce the Incidence of Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Trick William E. , Vernon Michael O. , Welbel Sharon F. , DeMarais Patricia , Hayden Mary K. , Weinstein Robert A. ,   Chicago Antimicrobial Resistance Project
Published: January 2007

Objective.To determine whether a multimodal intervention could improve adherence to hand hygiene and glove use recommendations and decrease the incidence of antimicrobial resistance in different types of healthcare facilities.Design.Prospective, observational study performed from October 1, 1999, through December 31, 2002. We monitored adherence to hand hygiene and glove use recommendations and the incidence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria among isolates from clinical cultures. We evaluated trends in and predictors for adherence and preferential use of alcohol-based hand rubs, using multivariable analyses.Setting.Three intervention hospitals (a 660-bed acute and long-term care hospital, a 120-bed community hospital, and a 600-bed public teaching hospital) and a control hospital (a 700-bed university teaching hospital).Intervention.At the intervention hospitals, we introduced or increased the availability of alcohol-based hand rub, initiated an interactive education program, and developed a poster campaign; at the control hospital, we only increased the availability of alcohol-based hand rub.Results.We observed 6,948 hand hygiene opportunities. The frequency of hand hygiene performance or glove use significantly increased during the study period at the intervention hospitals but not at the control hospital; the maximum quarterly frequency of hand hygiene performance or glove use at intervention hospitals (74%, 80%, and 77%) was higher than that at the control hospital (59%). By multivariable analysis, preferential use of alcohol-based hand rubs rather than soap and water for hand hygiene was more likely among workers at intervention hospitals compared with nonintervention hospitals (adjusted odds ratio, 4.6 [95% confidence interval, 3.3-6.4]) and more likely among physicians (adjusted odds ratio, 1.4 [95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.8]) than among nurses at intervention hospitals. A significantly reduced incidence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria among isolates from clinical culture was found at a single intervention hospital, which had the greatest increase in the frequency of hand hygiene performance.Conclusions.During a 3-year period, a multimodal intervention program increased adherence to hand hygiene recommendations, especially to the use of alcohol-based hand rubs. In one hospital, a concomitant reduction was found in the incidence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria among isolates from clinical cultures.
The
32
P-post-labeling method in quantitative DNA adduct dosimetry of 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced mutagenicity in Chinese hamster ovary cells and
Salmonella typhimurium
TA1538
Authors: Arce Gail Theall , Dwain T. Cline , Mead Janet E. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
The usefulness of the 32 P-post-labeling/t.l.c. method for quantitative DNA adduct dosimetry was evaluated. 2-Acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF)-DNA adducts from three systems were characterized qualitatively and quantitatively by the 3 H-radiolabeled technique with subsequent analysis by h.p.l.c. (pre-labeling method) and by the 32 -post-labeling method. Both methods showed N -acetoxyacetylaminofluorene (N-OAc-AAF) reaction products with calf thymus DNA were predominantly N -(deoxyguanosm-8-yl)-2-acetylaminofhiorene (dG-C8-AAF) with some N -(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-amino-fluorene (dG-C8-AF) and N -(deoxyguanosin- N 2 -yl)-2-acetyl-aminofluorene (dG-N2-AAF). In contrast, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells treated with [ 3 H]N-OAc-AAF gave 80 or 90% dG-C8-AF adducts and 20 or 10% dG-C8-AAF adducts with the post- or pre-labeling method, respectively. Likewise in CHO cells treated with 2-AAF in the presence of rat liver homogenate, ˜90% dG-C8-AF and 10% dG-C8-AAF adducts were detected using the 32 P-post-labeling method. In Salmonella typhimurium strain TA1538 treated with 2-AAF or [ 3 H]2-AAF in the presence of a rat liver homogenate, one adduct, dG-C8-AF, was identified. Similar quantitative results were also obtained with the two methods. However, the 32 P-post-labeling method was more sensitive and also eliminated the use of radiolabeled-mutagen treatments. Quantitative DNA adduct dosimetry was applied to AAF-induced mutagenesis in the S. typhimurium and CHO/HPRT mutation assays. A linear and reproducible relationship existed between dG-C8-AF levels and AAF-induced mutants in both systems.
The Eu Legislative Framework Against Money Laundering and Terrorist Finance: A Critical Analysis in the Light of Evolving Global Standards
Authors: Mitsilegas Valsamis , Gilmore Bill 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThis article examines the evolution of the EU anti-money laundering legislative framework (which in recent years has also included measures to counter terrorist finance), by focusing in particular on recent legislation such as the third money laundering Directive and the Regulation on controls of cash entering the EU, both adopted in 2005. The analysis highlights the relationship between these instruments and international initiatives in the field (in particular FATF standards), and addresses the challenges posed to the European Union legislative and constitutional framework when attempting to accommodate global standards.
Locally Advanced Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Treatment Approach Revisited
Authors: Poulsen Michael , Porceddu Sandro V. , Kingsley Pamela Alice , Tripcony Lee , Coman William 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAims: The purpose of this study was to review the treatment policy for locally advanced stage III and IV squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tonsil at the Princess Alexandra Hospital Head and Neck Unit, Brisbane, Australia.Materials and Methods: The records of 148 patients with curable stage III and IV SCC of the tonsil were reviewed from the years 1992 to 2004 inclusive. During this period, patients were treated with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy and only offered definitive radiation if they were medically or surgically inoperable. There were 102 patients treated with surgery ± postoperative radiotherapy (group 1) and 46 patients treated with definitive radiotherapy ± chemotherapy (group 2). The endpoints of locoregional control (LRC), disease specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS) were studied and prognostic factors were investigated with univariate and multivariate analyses.Results: The 5‐year OS, DSS, and LRC were 57%, 69%, and 84%, respectively. Univariate analyses showed that patients in group 1 had a superior OS (69% vs. 41%, P = .007), a trend toward improvement in LRC (88% vs. 73%, P = .08), and a nonsignificant improvement in DSS (75% vs. 56%, P = .14). There was a greater percentage of patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score of 2 or less in group 1, suggesting selection bias toward the surgical group. Multivariate analyses, which adjusted for known prognostic factors, showed that treatment group was significant for OS but not for LRC or DSS.Conclusions: Surgery and postoperative radiotherapy continues to provide a superior outcome in locally advanced tonsil SCC in patients with surgically resectable disease, good ECOG performance status, and medically operable.
Nutritional Intake and Status in Children With Cystic Fibrosis: Does Age Matter?
Authors: White Helen , Wolfe Susan P , Foy Jeanette , Morton Alison , Conway Steven P , Brownlee Keith B 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTObjectives:To determine whether nutritional intake and status vary with age in children with cystic fibrosis (CF).Methods:Case‐control study examining differences in nutritional parameters and intakes in 58 children with CF recruited from a regional centre (2000–2001) and 45 controls. Participants were divided into age groups of 5–8 years, 9–12 years and 13–16 years. Weight, height, body mass index and standard deviation scores were recorded. A 4‐day food diary (51 CF, 31 controls) was calculated for macronutrients and micronutrients.Results:Energy intakes (%EAR) increased with age (112%, 115% and 116%, respectively) and were significantly higher in children with CF than controls. Lower weight and growth trends were observed in children ages 5 to 8 years (NS). Weight gain and growth was normal in children with CF ages 9 to 12 years but declined at 13 to 16 years (weight z score −0.85 vs 0.68 P = 0.003, height z score −0.54 vs 0.53 P = 0.002, body mass index z score −0.72 vs 0.41 P = 0.03). Lung function was the most significant predictor of nutritional status at 9 to 12 years (r2 = 0.37, P = 0.006) and 13 to 16 years (r2 = 0.31, P = 0.01), but was not significant in children ages 5 to 8 years.Conclusion:Energy intakes increased with age in children with CF and exceeded that of healthy peers in all age groups. Weight gain and growth equaled that of healthy peers at 9 to 12 years but was suboptimal at 5 to 8 years and dramatically declines at 13 to 16 years. Energy intakes were unable to meet the clinical demands of children in these age groups. Both remain vulnerable and require greater nutritional targeting.
Comparison of the 13C‐Urea Blood Test to Histology and Rapid Urease Testing in the Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children
Authors: Jolley Christopher D , Wagner David A 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTObjective:Helicobacter pylori infection is commonly investigated in children with abdominal pain. The definitive means of diagnosing infection, histology, requires endoscopy and sedation, making it invasive and expensive. Our objective was to compare histology against a less invasive and safer method, the 13C‐urea blood test.Patients and Methods:Forty children with abdominal pain undergoing upper endoscopy were randomized into either of 2 dosages of 13C‐urea. Several biopsies were taken for histology and rapid urease testing. After endoscopy, each child ingested a randomly assigned dosage of either 75 mg or 125 mg 13C‐urea, and blood was withdrawn 30 min later.Results:Irrespective of the dosage of 13C‐urea, the 13C‐urea blood test performed with high accuracy (89%) when compared against either histology or rapid urease testing. The sensitivity and specificity of the blood test was 83% and 91%, respectively. When the smaller dosage of 13C‐urea was used, the accuracy of the blood test was 100% compared with histology. There were no adverse events related to using either dosage of 13C‐urea.Conclusions:The 13C‐urea blood test may be comparable with histology in diagnosing H pylori infection in children, and the smaller dosage of 13C‐urea does not adversely affect blood test performance. The 13C‐urea blood test is well tolerated in children.
Paediatric Hepatology Dependency Score (PHD Score): An Audit Tool
Authors: Cowley Andrew D , Cummins Carole , Beath Sue V , Lloyd Carla , van Mourik Indra D , McKiernan Patrick J , Kelly Deirdre A 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTBackground:The aim was to develop a tool that measures patient dependency and disease severity in children with mild to severe liver disease.Methods:The initial pilot score was based on known markers of disease severity in acute and chronic liver disease. Between 1997 and 2001, the score was modified 4 times and reduced to comprise 10 key parameters: aspartate transaminase, prothrombin time, albumin, bilirubin, ascites, nutritional support, organ dysfunction, blood product support, sepsis and intravenous access. The score's face validity, internal consistency, interobserver agreement and construct validity were evaluated statistically and by the use of endpoints such as survival and transplant after 6 months.Results:The final 10 variable score was tested on 71 children admitted over two 3‐month periods. The Cronbach's α score (a test for internal consistency) for the total score was 0.72. Serial data paralleled clinical deterioration and response to interventions. A Paediatric Hepatology Dependency score >15 had an odds ratio of 7 (P = 0.0125) for death or transplant at 6 months. The score was also found to agree with the paediatric end‐stage liver disease score for the 12 patients being listed for liver transplantation (r = 0.660, P < 0.05).Conclusion:The Paediatric Hepatology Dependency score is valid and internally consistent and is a convenient measure of dependency and disease severity in a heterogeneous group of patients with liver disease. It also allows admissions to be audited for comparison between eras and for monitoring the progress of patients while on the ward.
Role development and career stages in addiction nursing: an exploratory study
Authors: Clancy Carmel , Oyefeso Adenekan , Ghodse Hamid 
Published: January 2007

Abstract Title. Role development and career stages in addiction nursing: an exploratory study Aim.  This paper reports a study to explore factors influencing recruitment and retention in addiction nursing, and the stages and features of role acquisition and personal qualities important to that role.Background.  Specialist addiction nurses engage in a number of roles in the care of individuals with problematic use of psychoactive substances. These include assessment, outreach, prescribing, counselling, and harm reduction. In a climate of increasing demand for specialist substance misuse workers, and a trend to identify key occupational competencies, there is a need for a framework in which career progression can be supported. Studies exploring the roles of addiction nurses are minimal, and there is less comment on how these roles are developed in the context of career stages.Method.  A qualitative study using focus groups was undertaken with specialist addiction nurses between March and June 2004. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Burnard's six content analysis stages.Findings.  Positive factors identified as influencing recruitment and retention included: prior knowledge of the working environment (as a nursing student), opportunities for autonomous practice, the client profile, and associated treatment philosophy and care approach. There was consensus that nurses choosing to work in the field of addiction needed, in addition to being non‐judgmental, personal qualities including hardiness, patience and tolerance. Five role development stages, with a set of descriptors, were identified: encounter, engagement, stabilization, competency and mastery.Conclusion.  Identification of these five role development stages for addiction nurses offers employers, nurse managers, educators and addiction nurses a starting point from which specific occupational competencies can be further explored. In addition, continuing professional development needs can be mapped to specific role development stages. Employers and nurse managers may wish to offer increased learning opportunities to student nurses to gain work experience within specialist addiction units.
Glomerular filtration rate as measured by serum cystatin C is an important determinant of plasma homocysteine and serum methylmalonic acid in the elderly
Authors: Lewerin C. , Ljungman S. , Nilsson‐Ehle H. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract.Objectives.  To explore the dependence of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) on plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and serum methylmalonic acid (MMA), as well as the consequences for the diagnosis of cobalamin and/or folic acid deficiency in an elderly community‐dwelling population.Design and setting.  Population‐based study of 209 community‐dwelling subjects, mean age 76 years.Interventions.  Four months’ treatment study with oral vitamin B12, folic acid and B6 or placebo.Main outcome measures.  Determinants of tHcy and MMA: cystatin C as a marker of GFR and serum/plasma concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate, age and sex.Results.  Elevated cystatin C (>1.55 mg L−1) was found in 31.3% (men) and 13.0% (women). Elevated tHcy (≥16 μmol L−1) occurred in 53% and elevated MMA (≥0.34 μmol L−1) in 11% of all subjects. When GFR was taken into consideration, the proportion of elevated tHcy was reduced to 10% (20/209), whilst the proportion of elevated MMA was unchanged. Cystatin C was correlated with tHcy (r = 0.45, P < 0.001) and with MMA (r =0.28, P < 0.001), independently of vitamin B12‐ and folate status. According to multiple regression, independent predictors for tHcy were plasma folate (15%), cystatin C (11%) and vitamin B12 (4%), and for MMA, cystatin C (8%) and vitamin B12 (2%).Conclusions.  The prevalence of elevated tHcy may be overestimated in elderly populations unless GFR is taken into account. Nomograms for evaluation of tHcy and MMA in relation to both cystatin C and serum creatinine are presented.
New roles for an old enzyme: Na,K‐ATPase emerges as an interesting drug target
Authors: Aperia A. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract.Na,K‐ATPase (NKA) is well known for its role as a maintainer of electrolyte and fluid balance in cells, organs and whole body. Exciting new findings have revealed additional fundamental roles for NKA as a signal transducer and modulator of growth, apoptosis, cell adhesion and motility. The signal transduction function can be triggered by the binding of ouabain, the mammalian analogue of digitalis to NKA. The catalytic subunit of NKA exists in different forms and mutations in two of the forms that are expressed in brain can give rise to migraine, epilepsy and Parkinsonism – like symptoms. This review will present these new aspects of NKA and their clinical implications.
Contained metabolic engineering in tomatoes by expression of carotenoid biosynthesis genes from the plastid genome
Authors: Wurbs David , Ruf Stephanie , Bock Ralph 
Published: January 2007

SummaryApplications of chloroplast engineering in agriculture and biotechnology will depend critically on success in extending the crop range of chloroplast transformation, and on the feasibility of expressing transgenes in edible organs (such as tubers and fruits), which often are not green and thus are much less active in chloroplast gene expression. We have improved a recently developed chloroplast‐transformation system for tomato plants and applied it to engineering one of the central metabolic pathways in fruits: carotenoid biosynthesis. We report that plastid expression of a bacterial lycopene β‐cyclase gene results in herbicide resistance and triggers conversion of lycopene, the main storage carotenoid of tomatoes, to β‐carotene, resulting in fourfold enhanced pro‐vitamin A content of the fruits. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of engineering nutritionally important biochemical pathways in non‐green plastids by transformation of the chloroplast genome.
Upregulation of c‐Myc may contribute to the pathogenesis of canine pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Williamson Lina , Suter Maja M. , Olivry Thierry , Wyder Marianne , Müller Eliane J. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe pathomechanism in human pemphigus vulgaris (PV) has recently been described to rely on generalized c‐Myc upregulation in skin and oral mucosa followed by hyperproliferation. Here we assessed whether dogs suffering from PV present the same pathological changes as described for human patients with PV. Using immunofluorescence analysis on patients’ biopsy samples, we observed marked nuclear c‐Myc accumulation in all layers of the epidermis and oral mucosa in all (3/3) dogs analysed. In addition, c‐Myc upregulation was accompanied by an increased number of proliferating Ki67‐positive cells. These molecular changes were further paralleled by deregulated expression of wound healing and terminal differentiation markers as observed in human PV. Together these findings suggest a common pathomechanism for both species which is of particular relevance in the light of the recently discussed novel therapeutic strategies aiming at targeting PV antibody‐induced signalling cascades.
Age‐dependent Expression and Localization of the Progesterone Receptor in the Boar Testis
Authors: Kohler C , Riesenbeck A , Hoffmann B 
Published: January 2007

ContentsExpression of the progesterone receptor (PR) was monitored in testes of groups of five boars aged 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 days. The primary monoclonal antibody used for immunohistochemistry (IHC) was raised against a peptide mapping the amino acids 922–933 of the carboxy‐terminus of the human PR, negative controls were set up using an irrelevant monoclonal isotype‐specific antibody, porcine endometrium served as positive control tissue. In parallel, qualitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was applied. Based on the developmental status of spermatogenesis the 50‐ and 100‐day‐old boars were considered as immature, the boars aged 200 and 250 days as mature. Positive and negative controls confirmed specificity of IHC. In the 50‐day‐old boars 85.1% of the prespermatogonia that had reached the basal lamina and 18.2% of the centrally located prespermatogonia stained positive, while it was 92.1% respectively 2.1% in the 100‐day‐old boars. The effect of time and location was highly significant (p < 0.005 resp. 0.0001). In mature boars between 77 and 80% of the A and B spermatogonia stained positive, there was no effect of boar age and stage of spermatogenesis. In both groups also few peritubular myoid cells stained positive. It is hypothesized that Leydig cell‐derived progesterone plays a functional role in spermatogoniogenesis in a synergistic manner with Leydig cell‐derived oestrogens.