bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Workers in the United States, 1989-2002
Authors: Walker Frances J. , Singleton James A. , Lu Pengjun , Wooten Karen G. , Strikas Raymond A. 
Published: March 2006

Objectives.We sought to estimate influenza vaccination coverage among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the United States during 1989-2002 and to identify factors associated with vaccination in this group. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends annual influenza vaccination for HCWs to reduce transmission of influenza to patients at high risk for serious complications of influenza.Design.Analysis of cross-sectional data from 1989-2002 surveys conducted by the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The outcome measure was self-reported influenza vaccination in the past 12 months. Bivariate and multivariate analysis of 2002 NHIS data.Setting.Household interviews conducted during 1989-2002, weighted to reflect the noninstitutionalized, civilian US population.Participants.Adults aged 18 years or older participated in the study. A total of 2,089 were employed in healthcare occupations or settings in 2002, and 17,160 were employed in nonhealthcare occupations or settings.Results.The influenza vaccination rate among US HCWs increased from 10.0% in 1989 to 38.4% in 2002, with no significant change since 1997. In a multivariate model that included data from the 2002 NHIS, factors associated with a higher rate of influenza vaccination among HCWs aged 18-64 years included age of 50 years or older (odds ratio [OR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.1), hospital employee status (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.9), 1 or more visits to the office of a healthcare professional in the past 12 months (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.2), receipt of employer-provided health insurance (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1), a history of pneumococcal vaccination (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 2.5-6.1), and history of hepatitis B vaccination (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4-2.4). Non-Hispanic black persons were less likely to be vaccinated (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9) than non-Hispanic white persons. There were no significant differences in vaccination levels according to HCW occupation category.Conclusions.Influenza immunization among HCWs reached a plateau during 1997-2002. New strategies are needed to encourage US HCWs to receive influenza vaccination to prevent influenza illness in themselves and transmission of influenza to vulnerable patients.
Is Influenza an Influenza-Like Illness? Clinical Presentation of Influenza in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Babcock Hilary M. , Merz Liana R. , Fraser Victoria J. 
Published: March 2006

Background.Early recognition of influenza virus infection in hospitalized patients can prevent nosocomial transmission.Objective.To determine the clinical presentation of influenza in hospitalized patients.Design.Case series. Data were collected retrospectively from medical records and included demographic information, comorbidities, clinical symptoms and signs, microbiologic test results, and outcomes (including pneumonia and intensive care unit [ICU] admission).Setting.A 1,400-bed teaching hospital.Patients.A total of 207 inpatients who received a diagnosis of influenza virus infection during 3 seasons from 2000 to 2003.Results.Over the course of 3 seasons, 207 patients received a diagnosis of influenza (186 were infected with influenza A virus, and 21 were infected with influenza B virus). The most commonly reported symptoms were cough (186 patients [90%]) and subjective fever (137 patients [66%]); 124 patients (60%) had a documented temperature of 37.8°C or greater before influenza was diagnosed. Sore throat was uncommon (44 patients [21%]). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria for influenza-like illness (ILI)–temperature 37.8°C or greater and either cough or sore throat–were met by 107 patients (51%). There were no differences in the proportion of patients who met ILI criteria with respect to age, sex, season, influenza virus type, or time to diagnosis in the hospital. Most patients (150 [72%]) received acetaminophen. Only 41 patients (20%) had positive results of clinical cultures; 178 patients (86%) received antibiotic therapy. Fifty-six patients (27%) had pneumonia: 36 (17%) required admission to the ICU, and 25 (12%) required ventilatory support. Patients with pulmonary disease were more likely to require ventilatory support (12 [26%] vs 13 [8%]; P = .003).Conclusions.Only half of hospitalized patients with influenza met CDC criteria for ILI. These criteria may be more appropriate in outpatient settings. A high index of suspicion is needed to recognize influenza in hospitalized patients.
Outbreak of Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome Following Cataract Surgery Associated With Impurities in Autoclave Steam Moisture
Authors: Hellinger Walter C. , Hasan Saiyid A. , Bacalis Laura P. , Thornblom Deborah M. , Beckmann Susan C. , Blackmore Carina , Forster Terri S. , Tirey Jason F. , Ross Mary J. , Nilson Christian D. , Mamalis Nick , Crook Julia E. , Bendel Rick E. , Shetty Rajesh , Stewart Michael W. , Bolling James P. , Edelhauser Henry F. 
Published: March 2006

Background.Toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS), a complication of cataract surgery, is a sterile inflammation of the anterior chamber of the eye. An outbreak of TASS was recognized at an outpatient surgical center and its affiliated hospital in December 2002.Methods.Medical records of patients who underwent cataract surgery during the outbreak were reviewed, and surgical team members who participated in the operations were interviewed. Potential causes of TASS were identified and eliminated. Feedwater from autoclave steam generators and steam condensates were analyzed by use of spectroscopy and ion chromatography.Results.During the outbreak, 8 (38%) of 21 cataract operations were complicated by TASS, compared with 2 (0.07%) of 2,713 operations performed from January 1996 through November 2002. Results of an initial investigation suggested that cataract surgical equipment may have been contaminated by suboptimal equipment reprocessing or as a result of personnel changes. The frequency of TASS decreased (1 of 44 cataract operations) after reassignment of personnel and revision of equipment reprocessing procedures. Further investigation identified the presence of impurities (eg, sulfates, copper, zinc, nickel, and silica) in autoclave steam moisture, which was attributed to improper maintenance of the autoclave steam generator in the outpatient surgical center. When impurities in autoclave steam moisture were eliminated, no cases of TASS were observed after more than 1,000 cataract operations.Conclusion.Suboptimal reprocessing of cataract surgical equipment may evolve over time in busy, multidisciplinary surgical centers. Clinically significant contamination of surgical equipment may result from inappropriate maintenance of steam sterilization systems. Standardization of protocols for reprocessing of cataract surgical equipment may prevent outbreaks of TASS and may be of assistance during outbreak investigations.
Limiting the Emergence of Extended-Spectrumβ–Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae: Influence of Patient Population Characteristics on the Response to Antimicrobial Formulary Interventions
Authors: Lipworth Adam D. , Hyle Emily P. , Fishman Neil O. , Nachamkin Irving , Bilker Warren B. , Marr Ann Marie , Larosa Lori A. , Kasbekar Nishaminy , Lautenbach Ebbing 
Published: March 2006

Background.Effective methods to control the emergence of extended-spectrumβ-lactamase-producingEscherichia coliandKlebsiellaspecies (ESBL-EK) remain unclear. Variations in the patient populations at different hospitals may influence the effect of antimicrobial formulary interventions.Methods.To examine variations across hospitals in the response to antimicrobial interventions (ie, restriction of ceftazidime and ceftriaxone) designed to curb the spread of ESBL-EK, we conducted a 5-year quasi-experimental study. This study was conducted at 2 hospitals within the same health system: Hospital A is a 625-bed academic medical center, and Hospital B is a 344-bed urban community hospital. All adult patients with a healthcare-acquired clinical culture of ESBL-EK from July 1, 1997 through December 31, 2002 were included.Results.After the interventions, the use of ceftriaxone decreased by 86% at Hospital A and by 95% at Hospital B, whereas the use of ceftazidime decreased by 95% at Hospital A and by 97% at Hospital B. The prevalence of ESBL-EK at Hospital A decreased by 45% (P< .001), compared with a 22% decrease at Hospital B (P= .36). The following variables were significantly more common among ESBL-EK-infected patients at Hospital B: residence in a long-term care facility (adjusted odds ratio, 3.77 [95% confidence interval, 1.70-8.37]), advanced age (adjusted odds ratio, 1.04 [95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.06]), and presence of a decubitus ulcer (adjusted odds ratio, 4.13 [95% confidence interval, 1.97-8.65]).Conclusions.The effect of antimicrobial formulary interventions intended to curb emergence of ESBL-EK may differ substantially across institutions, perhaps as a result of differences in patient populations. Variability in the epidemiological profiles of ESBL-EK isolates at different hospitals must be considered when designing interventions to respond to these pathogens.
Risk of Environmental and Healthcare Worker Contamination With Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci During Outpatient Procedures and Hemodialysis
Authors: Grabsch Elizabeth A. , Burrell Laurelle J. , Padiglione Alexander , O'Keeffe Jason M. , Ballard Susan , Grayson M. Lindsay 
Published: March 2006

Objective.To assess the risk of environmental and healthcare worker (HCW) contamination with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) during outpatient procedures performed on fecally continent patients currently colonized with VRE (cVRE) or previously colonized with VRE (pVRE).Design.Observational study.Setting.Outpatient consultation and radiology rooms and the hemodialysis unit in a university teaching hospital.Patients.Fecally continent cVRE and pVRE patients.Interventions.Both cVRE and pVRE patients attended standardized mock outpatient consultations and routine hemodialysis sessions in an area that had been thoroughly cleaned and microbiologically confirmed to be free of VRE contamination. After each session, the patient, environment, and participating HCW were tested for VRE contamination.Results.Fourteen cVRE patients participated in 49 mock outpatient consultation sessions and radiology sessions or 26 actual hemodialysis sessions, and 7 pVRE patients participated in 28 outpatient consultation sessions. Sessions with cVRE patients had higher rates of contamination of the environment (chair cultures were positive for VRE in 36% of outpatient consultation sessions, 58% of hemodialysis sessions; couch cultures were positive in 48% of outpatient consultation sessions, 42% of radiology sessions, and 45% of hemodialysis sessions), contamination of HCW gowns (gown cultures were positive in 20% of outpatient consultation sessions, 4% of radiology sessions, and 30% of hemodialysis sessions), and contamination of patients' own hands (hand cultures were positive in 36% of outpatient consultation sessions, 25% of radiology sessions, and 54% of hemodialysis sessions). Overall, contamination rates associated with pVRE patients attendance at outpatient consultations were 12% of those noted for cVRE patients (odds ratio, 0.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.42;P= .001).Conclusions.Given the nature of the contamination risk posed by fecally continent cVRE patients undergoing outpatient procedures, infection control measures should focus on effective HCW and patient hand hygiene and chair and couch cleaning, to minimize transmission of VRE.
Burying beetleNicrophorus investigatorreproduction on Pacific salmon carcasses
Authors: Hocking M. D. , Ring R. A. , Reimchen T. E. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract. 1. In many undisturbed watersheds along the Pacific Rim, anadromous salmon (Oncorhynchusspp.) provide a predictable source of carrion to the riparian zone, largely due to horizontal transfer of salmon carcasses by bears (Ursusspp.) and other vertebrates.2. Burying beetles are important members of the north‐temperate carrion fauna, and may utilise salmon carcasses and remnants for breeding. In this study, isotopic and observational data are reported that demonstrate previously unrecognisedNicrophorus investigator(Zetterstedt) reproduction on large salmon carcasses from five watersheds in coastal British Columbia.3. Stable isotope signatures (δ15N and δ13C) of adult beetles collected in autumn indicate a diet of salmon origin in all but one individual from all watersheds, suggesting that this beetle–salmon association is widespread. Comparison of autumn isotope signatures to individuals collected randomly in summer suggests that isotope signatures represent the larval carrion source from the previous autumn rather than immediate adult diet.4. In a survey ofN. investigatoruse of salmon carcasses from two watersheds, 35 broods were observed on chum and pink salmon carcasses, including 16 natural brood complexes containing over 100 larvae, and five ranging from 250 to 750 larvae.5. Overall, north‐coastal populations ofN. investigatorbreed on the rich and reliable salmon resource and may exhibit a system of communal breeding on these carcasses. This is most relevant when the dramatic reduction in salmon spawning biomass over the last century is considered.
Effects of human presence on two social wasp species
Authors: Curtis Tracy R. , Stamp Nancy E. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract.  1. The effects of human presence on the behavioural response and productivity of a native wasp species of North America (Polistes fuscatus) and an invasive wasp species (Polistes dominulus) were examined in a field experiment. Over a 3‐month period, colonies of each species were exposed to human presence at either low (biweekly) or high (daily) levels. At 2‐week intervals, wasp response to human presence was recorded for all colonies via an index, ranging from no response (0) to an attack (4).2. The levels of human presence had no effect on wasp response or colony productivity but foundresses of both species increased their response level the closer a human was to the nest. In addition, foundresses of P. fuscatus became more aggressive over time, corresponding to after adult offspring emerged, whereas foundresses of P. dominulus did not change their response level after the emergence of offspring.3. The adult offspring of P. dominulus responded to human presence at a level similar to that of the foundress, whereas adult offspring of P. fuscatus exhibited a lower response to human presence than that of the foundress. The more distinctive aposematic coloration of P. dominulus may play a role in the behavioural differences between species; it may be more effective in deterring predators, and with the result that leaving the nest to defend it is less often necessary. Accordingly, the less aggressive response to human presence by P. dominulus may contribute to its success as an introduced species in North America.
Optimal number of matings in two aphidophagous ladybirds
Authors: Omkar  , Mishra Geetanjali , Singh Satyendra K. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract.  1. The present study was designed to identify the optimal number of matings required for maximum fecundity and egg viability in two aphidophagous ladybirds, Cheilomenes sexmaculata and Propylea dissecta.2. For this purpose, ladybirds were subjected to different numbers of matings and the reproductive responses were recorded thereafter.3. The Gompertz model was used to draw asymptotic graphs for fecundity and per cent egg viability in both ladybird species. Ninety‐five per cent and 50% of maximum theoretical fecundity and per cent egg viability were predicted from the model.4. Ninety‐five per cent maximum theoretical fecundity was obtained after 13.25 and 12.95 matings in C. sexmaculata and P. dissecta, respectively; and 8.95 and 11.25 matings were required for 95% maximum theoretical per cent egg viability in C. sexmaculata and P. dissecta, respectively.5. The results of these experiments clearly support the existence of an optimal number of matings in these two ladybird species leading to maximum adult fitness.
Does low nutritional quality act as a plant defence? An experimental test of the slow‐growth, high‐mortality hypothesis
Authors: Cornelissen Tatiana , Stiling Peter 
Published: March 2006

Abstract.  1. The slow‐growth, high‐mortality hypothesis was experimentally tested in this study by investigating the effects of plant quality and natural enemies on leaf‐miner growth, performance, and survivorship. Two leaf miners (Acrocercops albinatella and Brachys tesselatus) occurring on the turkey oak Quercus laevis were studied using a factorial design that manipulated predation/parasitism pressure and plant nutritional quality.2. Forty trees were randomly divided into four treatments: (1) control plants (nutrients and natural enemies unaltered); (2) nutrients added, natural enemies unaltered; (3) nutrients unaltered, natural enemies reduced; and (4) nutrients added and natural enemies reduced. Water content, leaf toughness, tannin concentration, and foliar nitrogen were quantified monthly for each plant, and mine growth and survivorship were assessed by tracing mines on a 2–3‐day interval and by following the fates of 50 mines per species per treatment combination.3. Fertilised plants exhibited significantly higher amounts of nitrogen, but no significant differences among treatments were observed for water content, leaf toughness, and tannin concentration. These results only partially support the slow‐growth, high‐mortality hypothesis, as mines were significantly smaller and developed faster on fertilised plants, but neither fertilisation nor natural enemy exclusion significantly affected mine survivorship or mortality caused by natural enemies.
Interactions between introduced and native predatory ladybirds (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae): factors influencing the success of species introductions
Authors: Kajita Yukie , Takano Fumiyo , Yasuda Hironori , Evans Edward W. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract.  1. Why some exotic species invade successfully while others do not is poorly understood. This study focuses on the inability of the exotic predatory ladybird Adalia bipunctata (L.) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) to establish and spread in Japan. In particular, this study considers the interactions between A. bipunctata and three native Japanese ladybird species, Harmonia axyridis Pallas, Coccinella septempunctata Linn., and Propylea japonica Mulsant.2. The number of aphids occurring on the host plants declined dramatically over the course of larval development in the presence of H. axyridis or C. septempunctata. In contrast, many aphids remained at the end of the experiment when only A. bipunctata or P. japonica was present.3. The survivorship of A. bipunctata from second instar to adult was significantly reduced in the presence of H. axyridis, but not in the presence of C. septempunctata or P. japonica. Most deaths were the result of intra‐guild predation when H. axyridis or C. septempunctata larvae were present. Larvae of H. axyridis and C. septempunctata suffered very high mortality in this experiment, but survived better when co‐occurring with A. bipunctata than when occurring only with conspecifics. In contrast, P. japonica survived better when occurring with conspecifics than with A. bipunctata.4. The finding that larvae of the exotic species A. bipunctata died at high rates from intra‐guild predation by the native Japanese ladybirds H. axyridis and C. septempunctata may bear on the question of why A. bipunctata has not established more successfully in Japan whereas H. axyridis and C. septempunctata have been very successful in establishing themselves in North America.
The role of silk threads as lifelines for caterpillars: pattern and significance of lifeline‐climbing behaviour
Authors: Sugiura Shinji , Yamazaki Kazuo 
Published: March 2006

Abstract.  1. Most lepidopteran larvae use all of their legs (thoracic legs and abdominal prolegs) when walking on solid substrates. When caterpillars involuntarily or intentionally drop from the tree canopy, they can regain their original position by climbing silk lifelines spun out from the head spinnerets. However, the taxonomic distribution of this climbing behaviour in the Lepidoptera is unknown.2. Here, lifeline‐climbing behaviour is reported in 13 lepidopteran species belonging to different taxa (five superfamilies and six families: Zygaenidae, Drepanidae, Geometridae, Lymantriidae, Noctuidae, and Nymphalidae). Caterpillars usually used only the three pairs of thoracic legs to climb lifelines, although they use different methods to walk on solid substrates, according to their taxonomic grouping and number of prolegs.3. Results suggest that lifeline‐climbing behaviour using only the thoracic legs is common among various lepidopteran taxa. The majority of species (12 of 13) climbed lifelines by alternating movement of the left and right set of thoracic legs, aided by side‐to‐side body movements. Only one of the 13 species, the geometrid Naxa seriaria (Motschulsky), climbed lifelines by drawing them down with its thoracic legs, aided by abdominal looping movements. While side‐to‐side movement of the abdomen was previously reported in lifeline climbing, this is the first report of the use of looping movements.
Changes in needle quality and larch bud moth performance in response to CO2 enrichment and defoliation of treeline larches
Authors: Asshoff Roman , Hättenschwiler Stephan 
Published: March 2006

Abstract.  1. It is hypothesised that the larch bud moth cycle is controlled by host‐tree foliage quality. In a Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiment at the Swiss alpine treeline (2180 m a.s.l.), the effects of elevated CO2 and previous year defoliation on needle quality of larch and the performance of the larch bud moth were investigated.2. Starch and lignin concentrations increased and water content decreased in elevated CO2‐grown needles compared with ambient CO2 concentration. Defoliation resulted in reduced N, water, starch, and sugar concentrations in needles of the next year generation. No interactions between elevated CO2 and defoliation on needle quality were observed.3. Needle quality changes due to needle maturation over the course of the experiment, however, were much larger than the effects of elevated CO2 and defoliation. For example, N concentration was on average 38% lower and lignin concentration 55% higher at the end of the experiment (early July 2003) than at the beginning (mid June 2003).4. On non‐defoliated trees, larch bud moth larvae grew somewhat more slowly under elevated CO2 compared with ambient CO2 concentration. If, however, trees had been defoliated, this response was reversed, with a faster growth of larch bud moth on high CO2‐exposed trees than on control trees. Pupal weight was not affected by either CO2 treatment or defoliation.5. These results suggest that the larch bud moth has to cope with large changes in food quality due to needle maturation during its development, and that additional CO2‐ and defoliation‐induced alterations in needle chemistry have comparatively minor influences on larch bud moth performance at the treeline.