bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tuberculin Skin Test Reaction and Body Mass Index in Old Age Home Residents in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan‐Yeung Moira , Dai David L. K. , Cheung Amy H. K. , Chan Felix H. W. , Kam Kai‐Man , Tam Cheuk‐Ming , Leung Chi‐Chiu 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVES: To study the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and tuberculin skin test (TST) reaction in predicting the development of active tuberculosis (TB).DESIGN: A follow‐up study.SETTING: Old age homes.PARTICIPANTS: Three thousand six hundred five residents who took part in a screening program for TB and had two‐step TST using two units of the tuberculin PPD‐RT23.MEASUREMENTS: Rate of development of active TB in these residents over an average follow‐up period of 2.5±1.25 years.RESULTS: After one‐step and two‐step testing, 46.3% and 69.6% of residents, respectively, had positive TST reactions (≥10 mm). Thirty‐four residents developed active TB (323 per 100,000 person‐years) during follow‐up. The only significant risk factors associated with development of active TB were positive TST according to one‐step testing (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=2.91, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.26–6.74) and a BMI less than 18.5 (adjusted OR=3.15, 95% CI=1.45–6.86). Residents with a BMI less than 18.5 and a negative TST also had greater risk of active TB than residents with a BMI greater than 18.5 and negative TST (adjusted OR=4.36, 95% CI=1.04–18.3), whereas those with a positive TST had the highest risk (adjusted OR=10.2, 95% CI=2.63–39.4). Two‐step testing increased the sensitivity but reduced the specificity of TST in identifying active TB on follow‐up.CONCLUSION: In the elderly population, interpretation of TST should take into consideration the BMI of the individual. A positive TST according to one‐step but not two‐step testing was useful in predicting the development of active TB on follow‐up.
Increasing Access and Quality in Department of Veterans Affairs Care at the End of Life: A Lesson in Change
Authors: Edes Thomas , Shreve Scott , Casarett David 
Published: August 2007

The pursuit of a “good death” remains out of reach for many despite numerous piecemeal solutions to address the growing need for access to quality care at the end of life. In 2002, U.S. veteran deaths were at an all‐time high, few Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals had inpatient palliative care services, and there was no reliable approach to meet home hospice needs. The VA embarked on a course of major change to improve veterans' care at the end of life.A coordinated plan to increase access to hospice and palliative care services was established, addressing policy development, program and staff development, collaboration with community hospices, outcomes measurement, and proving value to the organization. To determine progress and monitor resource allocation, workload and outcome measures were established in all settings.Within 3 years, the number of veterans receiving VA‐paid home hospice had tripled, all VA hospitals had a palliative care team, 42% of all veterans who died as VA inpatients received a palliative care consultation, and a nationwide network of VA partnerships with community hospice agencies was established. Through a multifaceted strategic plan and a mission of honoring veterans' preferences for care at the end of life, the VA has made rapid progress in improved access to palliative care services for inpatients and outpatients. The VA's experience serves as a powerful example of the magnitude of change possible in a complex health system and a model for improving access and quality of palliative care services in other health systems.
The Private Practice of Prosthodontists: Current and Future Conditions of Practice in the United States (Part 2)
Authors: Nash Kent D. , Pfeifer David L. 
Published: August 2007

Purpose:
Data are used to examine current and future conditions important to the private practice of prosthodontics. A concern is raised as to whether the future supply of prosthodontists is in sync with the dynamics of the US population and patient population.
Materials and Methods:
Four trends are examined using data from various sources. The trends include: (1) growth in the number of private practicing prosthodontists, (2) projections of the future number of private practicing prosthodontists, (3) first year enrollment in dental schools, and (4) enrollments and graduates in residency programs.
Results:
The number of private practicing prosthodontists has increased modestly over the past 21 years, growing 1.33% per year. The number of private practitioners is projected to reach 4,125 in 2025. A key variable in this projection is the growing number of elderly adults. While dental school enrollments have been increasing, concern is raised about the amount of exposure by students to an undergraduate curriculum in prosthodontics. There has been a general decline in enrollment in the nation's prosthodontics residency programs at the rate of −2.9% per year. An average of 181 program graduates are needed to achieve the 4125 projected number of private practitioners.
Conclusion:
Increasing demand for services from prosthodontists is supported by an increasing US population size and a growing population of elderly. Efforts to grow the number of private practicing prosthodontists will have to consider several concerns including residency program enrollments, undergraduate exposure to prosthodontics, and the overall economic returns expected from engaging in the private practice of prosthodontics. Choosing a career as a private practicing prosthodontist is a timely consideration and complimented by expected increases in demand for care and favorable financial returns to practice.
Lower incidence of sesquiterpene lactone sensitivity in a population in Asia versus a population in Europe: an effect of chrysanthemum tea?
Authors: Mak Rose K. H. , White Ian R. , White Jonathan M. L. , McFadden John P. , Goon Anthony J. T. 
Published: August 2007

Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) (Fig. 1) are an important cause of allergic plant contact dermatitis but are uncommon in the Far East. They belong to the Compositae family of plants. Sensitivity to SL may be airborne or via the topical route [topical herbal remedies, cosmetic products (1), and in many occupations such as gardeners and florists].The molecular structure of sesquiterpene lactone.image
The bone‐regenerative properties of Emdogain adsorbed onto poly(d,l‐lactic‐coglycolic acid)/calcium phosphate composites in an ectopic and an orthotopic rat model
Authors: Plachokova A. S. , Van Den Dolder J. , Jansen J. A. 
Published: August 2007

Background and Objective:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone‐regenerative properties of Emdogain® in osseous and nonosseous sites.Material and Methods:  For the orthotopic study, unloaded poly(d,l‐lactic‐coglycolic acid)/calcium phosphate implants, and poly(d,l‐lactic‐coglycolic acid)/calcium phosphate implants loaded with different concentrations (0.25, 0.50 or 0.80 mg per implant) of enamel matrix derivative (EMD), were inserted into cranial defects of 24 rats. The implantation time was 4 wk. For the ectopic study, 32 implants were placed subcutaneously. The same study period and groups as in the orthotopic study were used. Methods of evaluation consisted of descriptive histology, histomorphometry and an in vitro EMD‐release study.Results:  In the orthotopic study, new bone formation was most abundant in unloaded implants followed by 0.50‐mg EMD composites. Histomorphometric measurements showed 54 ± 15.0% bone ingrowth for unloaded implants, 19 ± 22.5% bone ingrowth for 0.25‐mg EMD composites, 40 ± 23.6% bone ingrowth for 0.50‐mg EMD composites and 26 ± 17.6% bone ingrowth for 0.80‐mg EMD composites. Light microscopic analysis of the subcutaneous sections from the ectopic study revealed no bone formation in any group after 4 wk. The in vitro release study showed 60% cumulative EMD release after 4 wk.Conclusion:  Emdogain® is not osteoinductive and is not able to enhance bone healing in combination with an osteoconductive material, such as poly(d,l‐lactic‐coglycolic acid)/calcium phosphate cement.
Building Bridges Between School‐Based Health Clinics and Schools
Authors: Richardson Jeanita W. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTBackground:  The 2 institutions that hold great promise in mitigating the negative cyclical relationship between poor health and educational readiness are schools and school‐based health care facilities (SBHCs). In partnership with schools, SBHCs could have a profound effect on learning outcomes, which include, but are not limited to, poor concentration in school, attendance, and disturbances of normal sequential development. This article provides an overview of the role of federal, state, and local governmental agencies in the development and implementation of public educational policy and funding in an effort to provide SBHCs the foundation for building a bridge between the health and the educational lexicon.Methods:  This article reviews literature from a wide variety of sources to develop a better understanding of the complexities associated with public K‐12 education and provides suggestions for initiating meaningful interactions between SBHC supporters and educational decision makers.Results:  Strategic reasoning between supporters of SBHCs and educational policy makers is critical because of the limitations of time and money for those delivering educational services. Additional projects (eg, SBHCs) no matter how well conceived will be difficult to promote unless officials can be convinced that collaboration in school‐based health care actually enhances compliance with the No Child Left Behind Act.Conclusions:  Though SBHCs and schools are both committed to enhancing the lives of children, these institutions speak different languages and are accountable to very different types of public and private bodies.
Use of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey to Monitor Trends for Nutrition and Physical Activity in a Midwest City School District*
Authors: Edwards Jane U. , Magel Rhonda 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTBackground:  The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) was used by a city school district (∼11,000 students) in the upper Midwest to monitor trends for nutrition and physical activity (PA) behaviors both within and between years and to compare with national 2003 data.Methods:  Independent random samples were obtained in 1999 (387 middle school [MS] and 931 high school [HS]), in 2001 (322 MS and 367 HS), and in 2003 (658 MS and 1026 HS). A two‐sample test of proportions was used.Results:  Within each survey year, a higher proportion of MS compared to HS reported positive behaviors with some exceptions: (1) an increased proportion of HS having daily physical education (PE) and (2) a reduced proportion of HS reporting media time. Within 2003, a lower proportion of district females compared to males (MS and HS) reported participation in many measured behaviors. District trends overtime indicated a reduced proportion: (1) drinking milk (MS and HS), (2) eating breakfast (HS), and (3) watching television (MS). Trends overtime indicated an increased proportion: (1) using computers for fun (MS and HS), (2) participating in moderate PA (MS), and (3) daily PE (HS). District HS compared to national (2003) indicated a higher proportion: (1) drinking milk, (2) getting moderate PA, and (3) taking daily PE. District HS compared to national indicated a lower proportion: (1) at risk of overweight, (2) overweight, and (3) watching television.Conclusions:  Analysis of district YRBS trends provides both a database for informed decisions by the school district and an assessment model for other districts.
Cervicovaginal Levels of Lactoferrin, Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor, and RANTES and the Effects of Coexisting Vaginoses in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Seronegative Women with a High Risk of Heterosexual Acquisition of HIV Infection
Authors: Novak Richard M. , Donoval Betty A. , Graham Parrie J. , Boksa Lucy A. , Spear Gregory , Hershow Ronald C. , Chen Hua Yun , Landay Alan 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT

Innate immune factors in mucosal secretions may influence human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission. This study examined the levels of three such factors, genital tract lactoferrin [Lf], secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor [SLPI], and RANTES, in women at risk for acquiring HIV infection, as well as cofactors that may be associated with their presence. Women at high risk for HIV infection meeting established criteria (
n
= 62) and low-risk controls (
n
= 33) underwent cervicovaginal lavage (CVL), and the CVL fluid samples were assayed for Lf and SLPI. Subsets of 26 and 10 samples, respectively, were assayed for RANTES. Coexisting sexually transmitted infections and vaginoses were also assessed, and detailed behavioral information was collected. Lf levels were higher in high-risk (mean, 204 ng/ml) versus low-risk (mean, 160 ng/ml,
P
= 0.007) women, but SLPI levels did not differ, and RANTES levels were higher in only the highest-risk subset. Lf was positively associated only with the presence of leukocytes in the CVL fluid (
P
< 0.0001). SLPI levels were lower in women with bacterial vaginosis [BV] than in those without BV (
P
= 0.04). Treatment of BV reduced RANTES levels (
P
= 0.05). The influence, if any, of these three cofactors on HIV transmission in women cannot be determined from this study. The higher Lf concentrations observed in high-risk women were strongly associated with the presence of leukocytes, suggesting a leukocyte source and consistent with greater genital tract inflammation in the high-risk group. Reduced SLPI levels during BV infection are consistent with an increased risk of HIV infection, which has been associated with BV. However, the increased RANTES levels in a higher-risk subset of high-risk women were reduced after BV treatment.
Typical Enteroaggregative and Atypical Enteropathogenic Types of
Escherichia coli
Are the Most Prevalent Diarrhea-Associated Pathotypes among Brazilian Children
Authors: Araujo Joel M. , Tabarelli Graciela F. , Aranda Katia R. S. , Fabbricotti Sandra H. , Fagundes-Neto Ulysses , Mendes Caio M. F. , Scaletsky Isabel C. A. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT

A 1-year prospective study was carried out in two large urban centers of São Paulo State, Brazil, to determine the prevalences and roles of the different
Escherichia coli
pathotypes in children less than 5 years of age with diarrhea presenting to the emergency rooms of public hospitals or visiting private pediatricians' offices. Of the pathotypes sought, typical enteroaggregative and atypical enteropathogenic types of
E. coli
were isolated for 8.9% and 5.4% of 774 diarrhea cases, respectively, and were found to be dominant and significantly associated with diarrhea.
Feasibility of Detecting Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Drug Resistance in DNA Extracted from Whole Blood or Dried Blood Spots
Authors: Steegen Kim , Luchters Stanley , Demecheleer Els , Dauwe Kenny , Mandaliya Kishor , Jaoko Walter , Plum Jean , Temmerman Marleen , Verhofstede Chris 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTDue to high cost, availability of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) drug resistance testing in resource-poor settings is still limited. We therefore evaluated the usefulness of viral DNA extracted from either whole blood or dried blood spots (DBS). Samples were collected from 50 patients receiving therapy and 10 therapy-naïve patients. Amplification and sequencing of RNA and DNA was performed using an in-house assay. Protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT) sequences of plasma viral RNA were obtained for 96.6% and 89.7%, respectively, of the 29 patients with a detectable viral load. For cellular viral DNA, useful PR and RT sequences were obtained for 96.6% and 93.1% of the whole-blood-cell samples and for 93.1% and 93.1% of the DBS samples, respectively. For the 31 patients with an undetectable viral load, PR and RT sequences were obtained for 67.7% and 61.3% of the whole-blood-cell DNA preparations and for 54.8% and 58.1% of the DBS DNA preparations, respectively. A good correlation between RNA and DNA sequences was found; most discordances were caused by the detection of mixed amino acids. Of the RT drug-resistant mutations, 13 (38.2%) were seen in RNA only, 6 (17.6%) in DNA only, and 15 (44.1%) in both. Repeated amplification and sequencing of DNA extracts revealed a lack of reproducibility for the detection of drug resistance mutations in a number of samples, indicating a possible founder effect. In conclusion, this study shows the feasibility of genotypic drug resistance testing on whole blood cells or DBS and its possible usefulness for HIV-1 subtyping or examining the overall distribution of drug resistance in a population. For individual patients, RNA sequencing was shown to be superior to DNA sequencing, especially for patients who experienced early treatment failure. The use of DNA extracted from whole blood or DBS for the detection of archived drug resistance mutations deserves further study.
Potential of a Simplified p24 Assay for Early Diagnosis of Infant Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection in Haiti
Authors: George Erik , Beauharnais Carole Anne , Brignoli Emilio , Noel Francine , Bois Gyrlande , De Matteis Rouzier Patricia , Altenor Martine , Lauture Daniel , Hosty Marlène , Mehta Sapna , Wright Peter F. , Pape Jean W. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT
With global efforts to scale up the prevention of mother-to-child transmission services and pediatric antiretroviral therapy, there is an urgent need to introduce a simple, low-cost infant human immunodeficiency virus test in the field. We postulated that the p24 antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay could be simplified by eliminating signal amplification without compromising diagnostic accuracy.
The Cytoplasmic Tails of Uukuniemi Virus (
Bunyaviridae
) G
N
and G
C
Glycoproteins Are Important for Intracellular Targeting and the Budding of Virus-Like Particles
Authors: Överby Anna K. , Popov Vsevolod L. , Pettersson Ralf F. , Neve Etienne P. A. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT

Functional motifs within the cytoplasmic tails of the two glycoproteins G
N
and G
C
of Uukuniemi virus (UUK) (
Bunyaviridae
family) were identified with the help of our recently developed virus-like particle (VLP) system for UUK virus (A. K. Overby, V. Popov, E. P. Neve, and R. F. Pettersson, J. Virol.
80
:10428-10435, 2006). We previously reported that information necessary for the packaging of ribonucleoproteins into VLPs is located within the G
N
cytoplasmic tail (A. K. Overby, R. F. Pettersson, and E. P. Neve, J. Virol.
81:
3198-3205, 2007). The G
N
glycoprotein cytoplasmic tail specifically interacts with the ribonucleoproteins and is critical for genome packaging. In addition, two other regions in the G
N
cytoplasmic tail, encompassing residues 21 to 25 and 46 to 50, were shown to be important for particle generation and release. By the introduction of point mutations within these two regions, we demonstrate that leucines at positions 23 and 24 are crucial for the initiation of VLP budding, while leucine 46, glutamate 47, and leucine 50 are important for efficient exit from the endoplasmic reticulum and subsequent transport to the Golgi complex. We found that budding and particle generation are highly dependent on the intracellular localization of both glycoproteins. The short cytoplasmic tail of UUK G
C
contains a lysine at position −3 from the C terminus that is highly conserved among members of the
Phlebovirus
,
Hantavirus
, and
Orthobunyavirus
genera. Mutating this single amino acid residue in G
C
resulted in the mislocalization of not only G
C
but also G
N
to the plasma membrane, and VLP generation was compromised in cells expressing this mutant. Together, these results demonstrate that the cytoplasmic tails of both G
N
and G
C
contain specific information necessary for efficient virus particle generation.
Antiretroviral Drug Therapy Alters the Profile of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Specific T-Cell Responses and Shifts the Immunodominant Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Response from Gag to Pol
Authors: Karlsson A. C. , Chapman J. M. , Heiken B. D. , Hoh R. , Kallas E. G. , Martin J. N. , Hecht F. M. , Deeks S. G. , Nixon D. F. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTAntiretroviral drug therapy and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) both exert selective pressures on human immunodeficiency virus type 1, which influence viral evolution. Compared to chronically infected, antiretroviral-untreated patients, most chronically infected, treated patients with detectable viremia lack a cellular immune response against the Gag 77-85(SL9) epitope but show a new immunodominant response against an epitope in protease PR 76-84. Hence, mutations induced by antiretroviral therapy likely alter the profile of epitopes presented to T cells and thus the direction of the response. The consequences of dual pressures from treatment and CTL need to be considered in monitoring of drug therapy.
Allometric relationships and dendroecology of the dwarf shrubDryas integrifolianear Churchill, subarctic Manitoba
Authors: Au R. , Tardif J.C. 
Published: August 2007

Shrubs have generally been overlooked in dendrochronology, and little information exists on allometric relationships in dwarf shrubs. Dryas integrifolia M. Vahl. has been recognized as an important species in revegetation of disturbed gravel pits in northern areas. In this study, the dimensions (mat, stem, and root) of D. integrifolia shrubs were measured in four populations having recolonized disturbed areas, and anatomical slides containing growth rings were prepared for each individual. The first objective was to compare allometric relationships among descriptors of shrub dimension and between these descriptors and shrub age. Secondary objectives included documenting maximum age and evaluation of the potential for cross-dating among shrubs. Strong, consistent allometric relationships between aboveground dimensions were observed among individuals from all sites, although growth rates varied within and between sites. This indicated that even though aboveground shrub dimensions grow proportionally to one another, these measurements cannot be used to infer age, because of differences in growth rates among D. integrifolia shrubs. However, numerous cross-sections from D. integrifolia shrubs could be successfully cross-dated, and a short chronology was developed. The radial growth – climate association was found to be similar to that of dominant tree species of the region regarding the impact of October conditions. Increased snowfall in October prior to and warm May temperature during the year of ring formation appear to restrict growth of these shrubs by altering the onset of the growing season. This study has demonstrated that it is possible to accurately date D. integrifolia shrubs, and this ability may be applied to future studies involving population dynamics and remediation of open gravel sites. Growth rings also have the potential to be used in other Arctic shrubs.
Fabrication and Characterisation of Diamond Ultramicroelectrodes of Diameter < 25 Microns for use in Electroanalysis, Sensing and Imaging Applications
Authors: Holt Katherine B. , Caruana Daren , Foord John , Hu Jingping 
Published: August 2007

Boron-doped diamond (BDD) ultramicroelectrodes (UMEs) were fabricated by three methods: (1) CVD deposition of microcrystalline BDD onto sharpened tungsten wires; (2) CVD deposition of nanocrystalline BDD by bias-enhanced growth onto sharpened tungsten wires and (3) selective insulation of BDD 'splinters' formed by breaking a larger BDD electrode. The first two methods produced very sharp, coated wires that could be insulated using a variety of techniques, including nail varnish, electrophoretic paint and epoxy. Good control over exposed electrode size and geometry were achieved and UME electrochemical behavior was observed.	The 'splinter' electrodes formed were also of microelectrode dimensions and although there was less control over electrode geometry they were more robust and performed better in the presence of certain redox mediators