bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using Public Reports of Patient Satisfaction for Hospital Quality Improvement
Authors: Barr Judith K. , Giannotti Tierney E. , Sofaer Shoshanna , Duquette Cathy E. , Waters William J. , Petrillo Marcia K. 
Published: January 2006

Objective. To explore the impact of statewide public reporting of hospital patient satisfaction on hospital quality improvement (QI), using Rhode Island (RI) as a case example.Data Source. Primary data collected through semi‐structured interviews between September 2002 and January 2003.Study Design. The design is a retrospective study of hospital executives at all 11 general and two specialty hospitals in RI. Respondents were asked about hospital QI activities at several points throughout the public reporting process, as well as about hospital structure and processes to accomplish QI. Qualitative analysis of the interview data proceeded through an iterative process to identify themes and categories in the data.Principal Findings. Data from the standardized statewide patient satisfaction survey process were used by hospitals to identify and target new QI initiatives, evaluate performance, and monitor progress. While all hospitals fully participated in the public reporting process, they varied in the stage of development of their QI activities and adoption of the statewide standardized survey for ongoing monitoring of their QI programs. Most hospitals placed responsibility for QI within each department, with results reported to top management, who were perceived as giving strong support for QI. The external environment facilitated QI efforts.Conclusion. Public reporting of comparative data on patient views can enhance and reinforce QI efforts in hospitals. The participation of key stakeholders facilitated successful implementation of statewide public reporting. This experience in RI offers lessons for other states or regions as they move to public reporting of hospital quality data.
DIVERGENCE OF OPINION AND LONG‐TERM PERFORMANCE OF INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS
Authors: Gao Yan , Mao Connie X. , Zhong Rui 
Published: January 2006

AbstractMiller's hypothesis posits that divergence of opinion can lead to asset overvaluation and subsequent long‐term underperformance in markets (such as initial public offerings [IPOs]) with restricted short‐selling. Consistent with this hypothesis, we find that early‐market return volatility, a proxy for divergence of opinion, is negatively related to subsequent IPO long‐term abnormal returns. This relation holds after accounting for other factors that previous studies suggest affect long‐term abnormal returns for IPOs (including another proxy for divergence of opinion). Moreover, we find that this relation is stronger in IPO markets than in non‐IPO markets (where short‐selling restrictions are less stringent), again consistent with Miller's hypothesis.
DAY‐END EFFECT ON THE PARIS BOURSE
Authors: Michayluk David , Sanger Gary C. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractWe study the day‐end effect on the Paris Bourse, a computerized order‐driven market with competing dealers. The day‐end return is approximately double the magnitude found in U.S. data and is nearly four times larger for stocks trading with a registered dealer. However, this is largely explained by the time between trades and the bid‐ask spread. Unlike the U.S. data, the effect does not decline as stock price increases, probably because of a variable tick size in the Paris market. Finally, a change to a closing call auction in May 1996 for a subset of stocks did not reduce the day‐end effect.
Efficacy and tolerance of interferon‐α in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C in end‐stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Rocha Cristina M. , Perez Renata M. , Ferreira Adalgisa P. , Carvalho‐Filho Roberto J. , Pace Fabio H. , Silva Ivonete S. , Pestana José O. M. , Lanzoni Valeria P. , Silva Antonio E. , Ferraz Maria Lucia G. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract: Background: Patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) show a high prevalence of hepatitis C, with a negative impact on the survival on hemodialysis and after renal transplantation. We evaluated the efficacy and tolerance of interferon‐α (IFN‐α) in HCV‐infected ESRD patients on dialysis.Methods: Forty‐six HCV‐RNA‐positive ESRD patients were studied. IFN‐α regimen consisted of 3 million units three times a week for 12 months, and the patients were followed up for 6 months. End‐of‐treatment, and sustained biochemical and virological responses were evaluated and tolerance was assessed monthly.Results: A sustained virological response (SVR) was observed in 10/46 patients (22%) and in 10/29 who completed the treatment (34%). Alanine aminotransferase was elevated in 63% of the patients at the beginning of the study and returned to normal levels within the first month in all patients with SVR. Treatment was discontinued because of side effects in 11/46 patients (24%) and six patients (13%) were lost to follow‐up.Conclusions: IFN‐α monotherapy for hepatitis C in dialysis patients shows a high frequency of adverse effects. However, the SVR is high (34%) in patients who complete treatment, emphasizing the importance of careful selection and close follow‐up in order to minimize and control possible side effects.
Prenatal detection of birth defects in a Malaysian population: Estimation of the influence of termination of pregnancy on birth prevalence in a developing country
Authors: HO Jacqueline J. , THONG Meow Keong , NURANI Noor Khatijah 
Published: January 2006

AbstractWe studied 253 women with a pregnancy complicated by a birth defect and 506 controls to determine the frequency and type of prenatal tests and the types of defects detected antenatally. Most women had at least one ultrasound examination, but the frequency of other screening tests was low. Only 38 (15%) of defects were detected antenatally (37 by ultrasound). Birth prevalence is unlikely to be affected by pregnancy termination.
Microinflammation in hemodialysis is related to a preactivated subset of monocytes
Authors: RAMIREZ Rafael , CARRACEDO Julia , BERDUD Isabel , CARRETERO Diana , MERINO Ana , RODRÍGUEZ Mariano , TETTA Ciro , MARTÍN‐MALO Alejandro , ALJAMA Pedro 
Published: January 2006

AbstractIncreased percentage of monocytes with low CD14 expression and that co‐express CD16 (CD14+/CD16+) have been reported in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We sought to determine whether CD14+/CD16+ monocytes in HD therapy are sensibilized cells to a proinflammatory activity. Cells from 32 HD patients, and from 9 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), 9 individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1‐ and 15 healthy controls were studied. Cells were analyzed by means of flow cytometry for CD14/CD16 expression and immune function (cytokine, chemokines, and sialoadhesin expression), and phagocytosis. Increased percentage of CD14+/CD16+ monocytes was observed in HD patients. Compared with CD14++ monocytes, the CD14+/CD16+ monocytes exhibited increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and markers of differentiated cells. In addition, these monocytes showed an increased phagocytic activity. Similarly, CD14+/CD16+ monocytes from SLE and HIV patients showed increased inflammatory activity as compared with CD14++ cells. These results support that CD14+/CD16+ monocytes from HD patients evidence characteristics of primed prestimulated proinflammatory cells, similar to data observed in SLE and HIV.
The relevance of convection in clinical practice: A critical review of the literature
Authors: POZZONI Pietro , Di FILIPPO Salvatore , MANZONI Celestina , LOCATELLI Francesco 
Published: January 2006

AbstractConvective treatments (high‐flux hemodialysis (HD), hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration) are characterized by enhanced removal of middle and large molecular weight solutes compared with conventional low‐flux HD. As these molecules are claimed to play an important role in the genesis of many complications of chronic HD, the availability of these techniques represented an intriguing innovation and a possible means to improve the still poor prognosis of HD patients. Here we will critically review the most important published studies comparing convective treatments with low‐flux HD on chronic morbidity, preservation of residual renal function, and long‐term survival.
Pharmacodynamic Activity of Amphotericin B Deoxycholate Is Associated with Peak Plasma Concentrations in a Neutropenic Murine Model of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Wiederhold Nathan P. , Tam Vincent H. , Chi Jingduan , Prince Randall A. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Lewis Russell E. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

We conducted a dose fractionation study of neutropenic, corticosteroid-immunosuppressed mice to characterize the pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic (PK/PD) parameter most closely associated with amphotericin B (AMB) efficacy in the treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Pharmacokinetic parameter estimates were determined by a nonparametric population pharmacokinetic analysis of plasma drug concentrations following single intraperitoneal doses (0.25, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/kg of body weight) of amphotericin B deoxycholate. Three dosage groups (0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 mg/kg) fractionated into three dosing intervals (every 8 h [q8h], q24h, or q72h) were tested to discriminate between the PK/PD parameters (the ratio of maximum concentration of drug in serum [
C
max
]/MIC, the ratio of area under the concentration-time curve/MIC, and percentage of time above MIC) most closely associated with AMB efficacy over a range of clinically achievable exposures in humans. The efficacy of each regimen was determined by quantitative PCR and survival. Reductions in pulmonary fungal burden and improvements in survival were maximized at the highest peak plasma concentrations in each of the dosage groups. Reductions in pulmonary fungal burden and increased survival were most closely associated with
C
max
/MIC, with maximal activity occurring as the
C
max
/MIC approached 2.4. In our model,
C
max
/MIC is the PK/PD parameter most closely associated with efficacy in the treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. These data predict that less frequently administered, higher dosages of AMB would optimize efficacy.
Antibacterial Properties of Dermaseptin S4 Derivatives under Extreme Incubation Conditions
Authors: Rydlo Tali , Rotem Shahar , Mor Amram 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Antibacterial properties of the frog-derived peptide dermaseptin S4 and a series of synthetic derivatives against the food pathogen
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 were investigated under extreme incubation conditions. The 28-mer analog K
4
K
20
S4 (P
28
) displayed an MIC of 8 μM and rapid bactericidal kinetics under standard culture conditions. Potent bactericidal properties were maintained at high salt concentrations, under acidic or basic conditions, and at extreme temperatures. The N-terminal 14-mer sequence (P
14
) displayed higher potency (MIC, 4 μM) but only within a narrow range of incubation conditions, pointing to the importance of the C-terminal domain of P
28
. The potency range was reextended upon conjugation of aminododecanoic acid to P
14
. The resulting lipopeptide was even more potent (MIC, 2 μM) and affected bacterial viability under most of the conditions tested, including in commercial apple juice. The mechanistic implications of peptides' hydrophobicity, charge, structure, and binding to an idealized membrane were probed and are discussed here. Collectively, the data indicate interest in simple peptide-based compounds for design of antimicrobials that affect pathogens under a variable range of incubation conditions.
Human Immunoglobulin G Recognizing Fibrinogen-Binding Surface Proteins Is Protective against both
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Infections In Vivo
Authors: Vernachio John H. , Bayer Arnold S. , Ames Brenda , Bryant Dawn , Prater Bradley D. , Syribeys Peter J. , Gorovits Elena L. , Patti Joseph M. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

A human donor-selected immunoglobulin G for intravenous injection (IGIV) product with elevated titers against the staphylococcal fibrinogen-binding MSCRAMM proteins ClfA and SdrG (INH-A21) was tested in vitro and in vivo. INH-A21 contained a significantly increased ability to inhibit the fibrinogen-binding activity of recombinant forms of both ClfA and SdrG. Evaluation of the opsonizing potential of INH-A21 was evaluated using fluorescently labeled bacteria; this assay indicated an increase in phagocytic activity compared to normal IGIV. The prophylactic efficacy of INH-A21 against an intraperitoneal challenge of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus epidermidis
(MRSE) was evaluated in a neonatal rat model. INH-A21 was also evaluated for prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy in a rabbit model of catheter-induced aortic valve infective endocarditis caused by either MRSE or methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). Results from the in vivo models demonstrated potent prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against both MRSE and MRSA. These data suggest that INH-A21 may be an important tool for the prevention and treatment of staphylococcal infections, especially in high-risk populations.
Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication in Latently Infected Cells by a Novel IκB Kinase Inhibitor
Authors: Victoriano Ann Florence B. , Asamitsu Kaori , Hibi Yurina , Imai Kenichi , Barzaga Nina G. , Okamoto Takashi 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT
In human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) latently infected cells, NF-κB plays a major role in the transcriptional induction of HIV-1 replication. Hence, downregulation of NF-κB activation has long been sought for effective anti-HIV therapy. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) stimulates IκB kinase (IKK) complex, a critical regulator in the NF-κB signaling pathway. A novel IKK inhibitor, ACHP {2-amino-6-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-6-hydroxyphenyl]-4-piperidin-4-yl-nicotinonitrile}, was developed and evaluated as a potent and specific inhibitor for IKK-α and IKK-β. In this study, we examined the ability of this compound to inhibit HIV-1 replication in OM10.1 cells latently infected with HIV. When these cells were pretreated with ACHP, TNF-α-induced HIV-1 replication was dramatically inhibited, as measured by the HIV p24 antigen levels in the culture supernatants. Its 50% effective concentration was approximately 0.56 μM, whereas its 50% cytotoxic concentration was about 15 μM. Western blot analysis revealed inhibition of IκBα phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, p65 nuclear translocation, and p65 phosphorylation. ACHP was also found to suppress HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR)-driven gene expression through the inhibition of NF-κB activation. Furthermore, ACHP inhibited TNF-α-induced NF-κB (p65) recruitment to the HIV-1 LTR, as assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. These findings suggest that ACHP acts as a potent suppressor of TNF-α-induced HIV replication in latently infected cells and that this inhibition is mediated through suppression of IKK activity.
3,5-Dioxopyrazolidines, Novel Inhibitors of UDP-
N
- Acetylenolpyruvylglucosamine Reductase (MurB) with Activity against Gram-Positive Bacteria
Authors: Yang Youjun , Severin Anatoly , Chopra Rajiv , Krishnamurthy Girija , Singh Guy , Hu William , Keeney David , Svenson Kristine , Petersen Peter J. , Labthavikul Pornpen , Shlaes David M. , Rasmussen Beth A. , Failli Amedeo A. , Shumsky Jay S. , Kutterer Kristina M. K. , Gilbert Adam , Mansour Tarek S. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

A series of 3,5-dioxopyrazolidines was identified as novel inhibitors of UDP-
N
-acetylenolpyruvylglucosamine reductase (MurB). Compounds 1 to 3, which are 1,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,5-dioxopyrazolidine-4-carboxamides, inhibited
Escherichia coli
MurB,
Staphyloccocus aureus
MurB, and
E. coli
MurA with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s) in the range of 4.1 to 6.8 μM, 4.3 to 10.3 μM, and 6.8 to 29.4 μM, respectively. Compound 4, a C-4-unsubstituted 1,2-bis(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3,5-dioxopyrazolidine, showed moderate inhibitory activity against
E. coli
MurB,
S. aureus
MurB, and
E. coli
MurC (IC
50
s, 24.5 to 35 μM). A fluorescence-binding assay indicated tight binding of compound 3 with
E. coli
MurB, giving a dissociation constant of 260 nM. Structural characterization of
E. coli
MurB was undertaken, and the crystal structure of a complex with compound 4 was obtained at 2.4 Å resolution. The crystal structure indicated the binding of a compound at the active site of MurB and specific interactions with active-site residues and the bound flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor. Peptidoglycan biosynthesis studies using a strain of
Staphylococcus epidermidis
revealed reduced peptidoglycan biosynthesis upon incubation with 3,5-dioxopyrazolidines, with IC
50
s of 0.39 to 11.1 μM. Antibacterial activity was observed for compounds 1 to 3 (MICs, 0.25 to 16 μg/ml) and 4 (MICs, 4 to 8 μg/ml) against gram-positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
, vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecalis
, and penicillin-resistant
Streptococcus pneumoniae
.
Loss of the Homotypic Fusion and Vacuole Protein Sorting or Golgi-Associated Retrograde Protein Vesicle Tethering Complexes Results in Gentamicin Sensitivity in the Yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wagner Mark C. , Molnar Elizabeth E. , Molitoris Bruce A. , Goebl Mark G. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Gentamicin continues to be a primary antibiotic against gram-negative infections. Unfortunately, associated nephro- and ototoxicity limit its use. Our previous mammalian studies showed that gentamicin is trafficked to the endoplasmic reticulum in a retrograde manner and subsequently released into the cytosol. To better dissect the mechanism through which gentamicin induces toxicity, we have chosen to study its toxicity using the simple eukaryote
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. A recent screen of the yeast deletion library identified multiple gentamicin-sensitive strains, many of which participate in intracellular trafficking. Our approach was to evaluate gentamicin sensitivity under logarithmic growth conditions. By quantifying growth inhibition in the presence of gentamicin, we determined that several of the sensitive strains were part of the Golgi-associated retrograde protein (GARP) and homotypic fusion and vacuole protein sorting (HOPS) complexes. Further evaluation of their other components showed that the deletion of any GARP member resulted in gentamicin-hypersensitive strains, while the deletion of other HOPS members resulted in less gentamicin sensitivity. Other genes whose deletion resulted in gentamicin hypersensitivity included
ZUO1
,
SAC1
, and
NHX1
. Finally, we utilized a Texas Red gentamicin conjugate to characterize gentamicin uptake and localization in both gentamicin-sensitive and -insensitive strains. These studies were consistent with our mammalian studies, suggesting that gentamicin toxicity in yeast results from alterations to intracellular trafficking pathways. The identification of genes whose absence results in gentamicin toxicity will help target specific pathways and mechanisms that contribute to gentamicin toxicity.
In Vivo Transfer of the
vanA
Resistance Gene from an
Enterococcus faecium
Isolate of Animal Origin to an
E. faecium
Isolate of Human Origin in the Intestines of Human Volunteers
Authors: Lester Camilla H. , Frimodt-Møller Niels , Sørensen Thomas Lund , Monnet Dominique L. , Hammerum Anette M. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Transient colonization by vancomycin-resistant enterococci of animal origin has been documented in the intestines of humans. However, little is known about whether transfer of the
vanA
gene occurs in the human intestine. Six volunteers ingested a vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
isolate of chicken origin, together with a vancomycin-susceptible
E. faecium
recipient of human origin. Transconjugants were recovered in three of six volunteers. In one volunteer, not only was vancomycin resistance transferred, but also quinupristin-dalfopristin resistance. This study shows that transfer of the
vanA
gene from an
E. faecium
isolate of animal origin to an
E. faecium
isolate of human origin can occur in the intestines of humans. It suggests that transient intestinal colonization by enterococci carrying mobile elements with resistance genes represents a risk for spread of resistance genes to other enterococci that are part of the human indigenous flora, which can be responsible for infections in certain groups of patients, e.g., immunocompromised patients.
Occurrence of OXA-58-Like Carbapenemases in
Acinetobacter
spp. Collected over 10 Years in Three Continents
Authors: Coelho Juliana , Woodford Neil , Afzal-Shah Mariya , Livermore David 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

OXA-58 is a recently described carbapenemase from
Acinetobacter
spp. in Europe. We examined earlier worldwide
Acinetobacter
collections and found
bla
OXA-58
in 30 carbapenem-nonsusceptible isolates, including several isolates collected in Argentina and Kuwait in 1995 and 1996 and in a British outbreak strain from 2000. Most isolates (28 of 30) also had
bla
OXA-51.
We conclude that
bla
OXA-58
is geographically widespread and has occurred in
Acinetobacter
spp. for over 10 years.
Efficacy of Telavancin against Penicillin-Resistant Pneumococci and
Staphylococcus aureus
in a Rabbit Meningitis Model and Determination of Kinetic Parameters
Authors: Stucki Armin , Gerber Peter , Acosta Fernando , Cottagnoud Marianne , Cottagnoud Philippe 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT
The penetration of telavancin was 2% into inflamed meninges and ca. 1‰ into noninflamed meninges after two intravenous injections (30 mg/kg of body weight). In experimental meningitis, telavancin was significantly superior to vancomycin combined with ceftriaxone against a penicillin-resistant pneumococcal strain. Against a methicillin-sensitive staphylococcal strain, telavancin was slightly but not significantly superior to vancomycin.
Emergence of
Enterobacteriaceae
Isolates Producing CTX-M Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase in Austria
Authors: Eisner Alexandra , Fagan Elizabeth J. , Feierl Gebhard , Kessler Harald H. , Marth Egon , Livermore David M. , Woodford Neil 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Among 149 extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates collected from patients in southeast Austria from 1998 to 2004, 38
Escherichia coli
isolates and 11
Klebsiella
spp. were CTX-M producers. The proportion of CTX-M-producers among all ESBL producers rose from 0% in 1998 to 58% in 2004. In general, CTX-M-producers had heterogeneous pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns, but one
E. coli
isolate was identical to a United Kingdom epidemic CTX-M-15-producing strain, although no epidemiological link with the United Kingdom was apparent.
In Vitro Activity of Doripenem against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Burkholderia cepacia
Isolates from both Cystic Fibrosis and Non-Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Traczewski M. M. , Brown S. D. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

The in vitro activities of doripenem, imipenem, levofloxacin, piperacillin, ceftazidime, aztreonam, tobramycin, and cefepime were determined for 160 isolates of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(82 from cystic fibrosis [CF] patients) and 34 isolates of
Burkholderia cepacia
. Doripenem MIC
90
s were lower than those of all other comparative agents against all isolates combined and against all
P. aeruginosa
isolates. Doripenem was as active as levofloxacin and 2- to 32-fold more active than the other comparative agents against
B. cepacia
.