bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intimal thickness of the coronary arteries in low‐birthweight infants
Authors: Pesonen Erkki , Johnsson Jesper , Berg Ansgar 
Published: March 2006

Abstract Background: Intimal thickening is considered to be an early manifestation of developing atherosclerosis in healthy young adults and children. Low birthweight correlates with increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Aim: To test the hypothesis that low birthweight is associated with relatively thickened intima at birth. Methods: The coronary arteries of 175 children were screened from serial cross‐sections for maximal intimal thickening and measured morphometrically. The area of intima and media and the length of internal elastic lamina were measured. The intimal to medial area ratio and calculated thicknesses of intima were used in statistical comparisons. Only children who died within 30 d after birth (n=111) were included. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between intimal thickness and birthweight in low‐birthweight children (p <0.006). Neither the relative thickness of the intima nor the ratio of intimal to medial area increased with increasing growth restriction. The sum of the thicknesses of arterial media and intima had a significant positive correlation with birthweight in these infants. Conclusion: Intimal thickness present at birth in small‐for‐date children does not seem to be an aetiological factor for the increased risk of coronary heart disease later in life.
Effect of indomethacin on closure of ductus arteriosus in very‐low‐birthweight neonates 1
Authors: Godambe Sunit , Newby Brandi , Shah Vibhuti , Shah Prakesh S. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract Aim: To identify factors related to indomethacin non‐responsiveness for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW) neonates. Methods: A chart review of 107 VLBW neonates with a clinical diagnosis of PDA who received indomethacin, admitted to a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in Toronto, Canada, was conducted (study period November 2001 to October 2003). Positive responders were those with no clinical evidence of PDA for 72 h after indomethacin. Results: Response to the first course of indomethacin was 75%, and to the second course 67% among initial responders. Higher CRIB score (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02–1.31) and early surfactant administration (OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.04–13.47) were associated with non‐responsiveness to indomethacin. Conclusion: Indomethacin is effective for PDA closure. The response rate diminished with subsequent courses. Early surfactant and severity of illness at admission were associated with non‐responsiveness to indomethacin.
An Insidious Nosocomial Outbreak Due toSalmonella enteritidis
Authors: Guallar Cristina , Ariza Javier , Dominguez Angeles , Peña Carmen , Grau Imma , Verdaguer R. , Torrens LLum , Gudiol Francisco 
Published: March 2006

AbstractObjectives:To investigate an increase in the number ofSalmonella enteritidisisolates detected in a large hospital to ascertain whether it was due to a nosocomial source, to identify the mechanisms of transmission, and to institute effective control measures to prevent future episodes.Design:Observational study, survey of all microbiological samples positive forS. enteritidisdetected in the hospital, outbreak investigation, and review of the literature.Setting:A tertiary-care teaching hospital for adults in Barcelona, Spain.Results:During a 7-month period from May to November 1998, we identified 22 inpatients withS. enteritidisinfection for whom nosocomial acquisition was strongly suspected. The attack rate was 0.138 per 1,000 patient-days. All affected patients were immunosuppressed and overall mortality was 41% (9 of 22). A sample of a meal cooked in the kitchen was culture positive forS. enteritidis.All isolates shared the same antibiotic susceptibility pattern and all except one shared the same pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern, but PFGE could not differentiate between outbreak-related and control strains. After compliance with kitchen hygiene procedures was emphasized and cleansing was intensified, no more cases were detected.Conclusions:Apparently, sporadic cases ofS. enteritidismay be part of an outbreak with a low attack rate. A small but persistent inoculum affecting only individuals with special predisposition forSalmonellainfection might account for this. Suspicion should be raised in hospitals and institutions with a highly susceptible population.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Food Service Staff Regarding Food Hygiene in Shiraz, Iran
Authors: Askarian Mehrdad , Kabir Gholamhosein , Aminbaig Maria , Memish Ziad A. , Jafari Peyman 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground:The practice of safety measures by the food service staff in hospitals is necessary for the prevention of food-borne outbreaks. Hospitalized patients are more vulnerable to potential hazards, and neglecting these principles can lead to increased morbidity and mortality.Methods:We assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food service staff regarding food hygiene in government and private hospitals in Shiraz, Iran. Two questionnaires were designed, one for food service staff and the ofher for supervisors. Thirty-one hospitals were approached, and the response rate was 99.5%. Four models were developed regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices, and a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Comparison among the government and private hospitals was done.Results:This study showed that personnel had little knowledge regarding the pathogens that cause food-borne diseases and the correct temperature for the storage of hot or cold ready-to-eat foods. Older personnel had better attitudes and practices. Females practiced safety measures less often than did males. Personnel working in hospitals with fewer than 300 beds also had better practices. Most of the personnel had positive attitudes, but disparity between attitude and practice was noted.Conclusion:There is a dire need for education and increased awareness among food service staff regarding safe food handling practices.
Does the Architecture of Hospital Facilities Influence Nosocomial Infection Rates? A Systematic Review
Authors: Dettenkofer M. , Seegers S. , Antes G. , Motschall E. , Schumacher M. , Daschner F. D. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractObjective:To review the evidence regarding the effects of interventions to improve hospital design and construction on the occurrence of nosocomial infections.Methods:Systematic review of experimental and non-experimental, architectural intervention studies in intensive care units (ICUs), surgical departments, isolation units, and hospitals in general. The studies dated from 1975, and were in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Regardless of format, the studies were identified through seven medical databases, reference lists, and expert consultation.Results:One hundred seventy-eight scientific articles were identified; however, none of these described a meta-analy-sis, systematic review, or randomized, controlled trial. Most of the articles were categorized at the lowest level of evidence (expert judgment or consensus statements). Only 17 described completed concurrent or historical cohort studies matching the inclusion criteria (ICUs, 9; surgical departments, 4; isolation units, 2; hospitals in generai, 2). The interventions generally included a move to other premises or renovation. However, in many studies, the staff-to-patient ratio was also improved. Some studies showed lower infection rates after intervention, but this finding cannot be generalized because of confounding and fre-quently small study populations.Conclusions:The lack of stringent evidence linking hospital design and construction with the prevention of nosocomial infection is partly attributable to the multifactorial nature of these infections, and some improvement will be seen if basic conditions such as the availability of sufficient space, isolation capac-ity, and facilities for handwashing are met. However, to our knowledge, other factors, especially the improper hand hygiene of medical staff, have greater impact.
Infection Control Programs in Italian Hospitals
Authors: Moro Maria Luisa , Petrosillo Nicola , Gandin Claudia , Bella Antonino 
Published: March 2006

AbstractObjective:To quantify the frequency and features of infection control programs implemented in Italian public hospitals.Methods:In 2000, a questionnaire was mailed targeting all teaching and research hospitals and those with more than 300 beds, and a random sample of 50% of the district hospitals with fewer than 300 beds.Results:The overall response rate was 80%. Fifty percent of the 428 respondent hospitals claimed to have an infection control committee, 43% an infection control physician (average, 1 infection control physician per 2,963 beds), and 33% an infection control nurse (average, I infection control nurse per 572 beds). Having an infection control committee, nurse, and physician occurred significantly more frequently in Northern and Central Italy, where the Regional Authority had implemented a regional infection control policy, and in larger hospitals. Thirty-nine percent of the hospitals claimed to have ongoing surveillance in place, mostly based on laboratory results. Eighty percent of the hospitals had defined at least one written protocol related to infection control policies, mostly for housekeeping, cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing patient equipment, or standard precautions; on the contrary, policies aimed at preventing specifie infections were less frequent.Conclusion:This national representative survey showed that the infrastructure for infection control is suboptimal when compared with the guidelines and surveys published in other countries.
Effect of Education and Performance Feedback on Rates of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection in Intensive Care Units in Argentina
Authors: Rosenthal Victor Daniel , Guzman Sandra , Safdar Nasia 
Published: March 2006

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the effect of education and performance feedback regarding compliance with catheter care and handwashing on rates of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (UTI) in intensive care units (ICUs).Setting:Two level III adult ICUs in a private healthcare facility in Argentina.Patients:All adult patients admitted to the study units who had a urinary catheter in place for at least 24 hours.Methods:A prospective, open trial in which rates of catheter-associated UTI determined during a baseline period of active surveillance without education and performance feedback were compared with rates of catheter-associated UTI after imple-menting education and performance feedback.Results:There were 1,779 catheter-days during the baseline period and 5,568 catheter-days during the intervention period. Compliance regarding prevention of compression of the tubing by a leg improved (from 83% to 96%; relative risk [RR], 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI95], 1.03 to 1.28; P = .01) and so did compliance with handwashing (from 23.1% to 65.2%; RR, 2.82; CI95, 2.49 to 3.20; P<.0001). Catheter-associated UTI rates decreased significantly from 21.3 to 12.39 per 1,000 catheter-days (RR, 0.58; CI95, 0.39 to 0.86; P = .006).Conclusion:Implementing education and performance feedback regarding catheter care measures and handwashing compliance was associated with a significant reduction in catheter-associated UTI rates. Similar programs may help reduce catheter-associated UTI rates in other Latin American hospitals.
Genetic Analysis ofPseudomonas aeruginosaby Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Arbitrarily Primed PCR: Gel Analysis Compared with Microchip Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Jamasbi Roudabeh J. , Kennel Stephen J. , Waters Larry C. , Foote Linda J. , Ramsey J. Michael 
Published: March 2006

AbstractObjectives:To assess the applicability of a newly emerging microchip gel electrophoresis for rapid strain differentiation among clinical isolates ofPseudomonas aeruginosa,and to compare this technique with the traditional gel method for DNA separation.Methods:One hundred clinical strains ofP. aeruginosaobtained from a hospital in northwestern Ohio were tested for reactivity to 3 serotype-specific monoclonal antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Twelve strains (4 from each serogroup) were selected for DNA analysis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based, single primer DNA fingerprinting methods with 3 different primers: 1 enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR and 2 arbitrarily primed PCRs. The PCR products were analyzed by agarose slab gel and microchip gel electrophoresis.Results:Of the 100 clinical isolates tested, 39% (4%, 14%, and 21%) were found to be serotypes 0:3, 0:6, and 0:11, respectively. Twelve strains were chosen for DNA analysis by PCR. The PCR products were analyzed by agarose slab gel electrophoresis and on microchips to determine interspecies diversity. Both methods demonstrated that different serotypes exhibited different electrophoretic patterns. Two strains (clinical strains 6 and 7, serotype 0:6) showed identical patterns, indicating a high degree of relatedness.Conclusion:In all cases, there was concordance between the electrophoretic patterns detected by the two methods. The capability of conducting both PCR and microchip gel electrophoresis offers an opportunity for an automated and rapid method for genetic analysis and differentiation among strains ofP. aeruginosaand other microorganisms.
Clinical and Microbiological Profile of Urinary Tract Infection at a Tertiary-Care Center in Lebanon
Authors: Fadel Roula , Dakdouki Ghenwa K. , Kanafani Zeina A. , Araj George F. , Kanj Souha S. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWe compared community-acquired urinary tract infection (UTI) with hospital-acquired UTI at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated organism. Hospital-acquired E. coli isolates were often rnultidrug resistant. These results can be used to improve empiric treatment of UTI.
Negotiorum Gestio: A Civilian Concept in the Common Law?
Authors: Sheehan Duncan 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis paper assesses whether English law recognizes a concept of negotiorum gestio. Claimants intervening in other' affairs and seeking restitution or reimbursement of expenses are often labeled ‘officious’, and disallowed relief. That, however, gives a misleading impression of English law. English law does recognize a concept of negotiorum gestio, which while very different to that found in German law, has parallels to versions found in other Civilian systems. It provides a cause of action to recover the intervenor's expenses, and any loss suffered during the intervention. It also provides a defence to the intervenor's intentional torts, although negligent intervenors will remain liable for their negligence
Inhibition of intestinal carcinogenesis by a new flavone derivative, chafuroside, in oolong tea
Authors: Niho Naoko , Mutoh Michihiro , Sakano Katsuhisa , Takahashi Mami , Hirano Sachiko , Nukaya Haruo , Sugimura Takashi , Wakabayashi Keiji 
Published: March 2006

A new flavone derivative, chafuroside, has been isolated as a strong anti‐inflammatory compound from oolong tea leaves, and its structure determined to be (2R,3S,4S,4aS,11bS)‐3,4,11‐trihydroxy‐2‐(hydroxymethyl)‐8‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐3,4,4a,11b‐tetrahydro‐2H,10H‐pyrano[2′,3′:4,5]furo[3,2‐g]chromen‐10‐one. To assess its potential to inhibit intestinal carcinogenesis, 2.5, 5 and 10 p.p.m. chafuroside was given in the diet to Apc‐deficient Min mice for 14 weeks from 6 weeks of age. Total numbers of polyps were reduced to 83, 73 and 56% of the control value, respectively. Moreover, dietary administration at 10 and 20 p.p.m. reduced azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced colon aberrant crypt foci (ACF) development in rats to 69% of the AOM‐treated control value with the higher dose. Chafuroside‐associated toxicity was not observed at 2.5–10 p.p.m. in Min mice and 10–20 p.p.m. in AOM‐treated rats. These results suggest that chafuroside might be a good chemopreventive agent for colon cancer. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 248–251)
Expression patterns of polo‐like kinase 1 in human gastric cancer
Authors: Weichert Wilko , Ullrich Andrea , Schmidt Mathias , Gekeler Volker , Noske Aurelia , Niesporek Silvia , Buckendahl Ann‐Christin , Dietel Manfred , Denkert Carsten 
Published: March 2006

Polo‐like kinase 1 (PLK1) is centrally involved in the regulation of mitosis in normal and malignant cells. It is known that inhibition of PLK1 expression in vitro and in vivo leads to mitotic arrest, induction of apoptosis and suppression of tumor growth. In the present study, expression of PLK1 was investigated in paraffin tissue of 135 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma and in 46 corresponding lymph node metastases by immunohistochemistry. Expression data were correlated with clinicopathological parameters and patient survival. Seventy‐three (54.1%) of 135 carcinomas showed an overexpression of PLK1 compared to normal gastric mucosa. Overexpression of PLK1 correlated positively with tumor stage, nodal status and diffuse growth pattern. PLK1 expression in the primary tumor did not differ from PLK1 expression in the corresponding lymph node metastases. PLK1 expression was a significant prognostic factor in univariate but not in multivariate survival analysis. As a conclusion, upregulated PLK1 expression in gastric cancer correlates with a malignant tumor phenotype and has impact on patient prognosis. These data underscore the importance of PLK1 in gastric carcinogenesis and present a translational link for functional data into potential clinical use by defining PLK1 as an attractive protein for novel targeted chemotherapeutic approaches in gastric cancer. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 271 –276)
Randomized phase II study of concurrent and sequential rituximab and CHOP chemotherapy in untreated indolent B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Ogura Michinori , Morishima Yasuo , Kagami Yoshitoyo , Watanabe Takashi , Itoh Kuniaki , Igarashi Tadahiko , Hotta Tomomitsu , Kinoshita Tomohiro , Ohashi Yasuo , Mori Shigeo , Terauchi Takashi , Tobinai Kensei 
Published: March 2006

CHOP combined with rituximab (R‐CHOP) is regarded as one of the most effective treatments for indolent B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL), however, its optimal combination schedule remains unknown. We performed a randomized phase II study to explore a more promising schedule in untreated, advanced indolent B‐NHL. Patients were randomized to receive either six courses of CHOP concurrently with rituximab (Arm C), or six courses of CHOP followed by six courses of weekly rituximab (Arm S). A total of 69 patients received the concurrent (n = 34) or sequential (n = 35) regimen. Overall response rate (ORR) in Arm C was 94% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79 to 99), including a 66% complete response (CR) compared with 97% (95% CI, 85–100), including a 68% CR in Arm S. Patients in Arm C experienced more grade 4 neutropenia (85%versus 70%) and experienced more grade 3 or greater non‐hematological toxicities (21%versus 12%). Both arms were tolerated well. With a median follow‐up of 28.2 months, the median progression‐free survival (PFS) time was 34.2 months in Arm C, and was not reached in Arm S. R‐CHOP is highly effective in untreated indolent B‐NHL, either concurrent or in a sequential combination. Both combination schedules deserve further investigation. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 305 – 312)
Cationized gelatin delivery of a plasmid DNA expressing small interference RNA for VEGF inhibits murine squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Matsumoto Goichi , Kushibiki Toshihiro , Kinoshita Yukihiko , Lee Ushaku , Omi Yasushi , Kubota Eiro , Tabata Yasuhiko 
Published: March 2006

Double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) plays a major role in RNA interference (RNAi), a process in which segments of dsRNA are initially cleaved by the Dicer into shorter segments (21–23 nt) called small interfering RNA (siRNA). These siRNA then specifically target homologous mRNA molecules causing them to be degraded by cellular ribonucleases. RNAi downregulates endogenous gene expression in mammalian cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key molecule in vasculogenesis as well as in angiogenesis. Tumor growth is an angiogenesis‐dependent process, and therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibiting angiogenesis are theoretically attractive. To investigate the feasibility of using siRNA for VEGF in the specific knockdown of VEGF mRNA, thereby inhibiting angiogenesis, we have performed experiments with a DNA vector based on a siRNA system that targets VEGF (siVEGF). It almost completely inhibited the expression of three different isoforms (VEGF120, VEGF164 and VEGF188) of VEGF mRNA and the secretion of VEGF protein in mouse squamous cell carcinoma NRS‐1 cells. The siVEGF released from cationized gelatin microspheres suppressed tumor growth in vivo. A marked reduction in vascularity accompanied the inhibition of a siVEGF‐transfected tumor. Fluorescent microscopic study showed that the complex of siVEGF with cationized gelatin microspheres was still present around the tumor 10 days after injection, while free siVEGF had vanished by that time. siVEGF gene therapy increased the fraction of vessels covered by pericytes and induced expression of angiopoietin‐1 by pericytes. These data suggest that cationized‐gelatin microspheres containing siVEGF can be used to normalize tumor vasculature and inhibit tumor growth in a NRS‐1 squamous cell carcinoma xenograft model. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 313 – 321)
Review article: hepatitis B and liver transplantation
Authors: MUTIMER D. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryLiver transplantation is an excellent treatment for hepatitis B virus infected patients who have acute or chronic liver failure and/or primary liver cancer. Advances in antiviral prophylaxis prevent clinically significant graft re‐infection for the majority of patients. Graft and patient survival has improved significantly during the past decade, and results of transplantation for hepatitis B virus are now superior to those achieved for most other indications. In particular, the availability of lamivudine and adefovir have transformed outcome.The addition of lamivudine to passive immunoprophylaxis with hepatitis B virus immunoglobulin prevents re‐infection in most cases. Adefovir should be added to this combination when the patient develops lamivudine resistance before transplantation. The significance of serum hepatitis B virus DNA positivity in the absence of circulating hepatitis B surface antigen is uncertain. Hepatitis B virus infection of the graft can be observed when prophylaxis is inadequate, when the donor liver contains latent hepatitis B virus infection (so‐called de novo infection from the hepatitis B virus core antibody positive donor), and when the donor is exposed to third party infection (sexual or nosocomial transmission).Established hepatitis B virus graft infection is a good indication for combination nucleoside analogue therapy. Combination therapy can achieve sustained suppression of viral replication, and hepatitis B e antigen and hepatitis B surface antigen clearance can also be observed.