bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phosphoinositide 3-kinases and regulation of embryonic stem cell fate
Authors: Welham M.J. , Storm M.P. , Kingham E. , Bone H.K. 
Published: March 2007

ES (embryonic stem) cell lines are derived from the epiblast of pre-implantation embryos and like the inner cell mass cells from which they are derived exhibit the remarkable property of pluripotency, namely the ability to differentiate into all cell lineages comprising the adult organism. ES cells and their differentiated progeny offer tremendous potential to regenerative medicine, particularly as cellular therapies for the treatment of a wide variety of chronic disorders, such as Type 1 diabetes, Parkinson's disease and retinal degeneration. In order for this potential to be realized, a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating the fundamental properties of ES cells, i.e. pluripotency, proliferation and differentiation, is required. In the present paper, we review the evidence that PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)-dependent signalling plays a role in regulation of both ES cell pluripotency and proliferation.
Single-cell time-lapse imaging of the dynamic control of NF-κB signalling
Authors: Sillitoe K. , Horton C. , Spiller D.G. , White M.R.H. 
Published: March 2007

The transcription factor NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) regulates critical cellular processes including the inflammatory response, apoptosis and the cell cycle. Over the past 20 years many of the components of the NF-κB signalling pathway have been elucidated along with their functions. Recent research in this field has focused on the dynamic regulation and network control of this system. With key roles in so many important cellular processes, it is critical that NF-κB signalling is tightly regulated. Recently, single-cell imaging and mathematical modelling have identified that the timing of cellular responses may play an important role in the regulation of this pathway. p65/RelA (RelA) has been shown to translocate between the nucleus and cytoplasm with varying oscillatory patterns in different cell lines leading to differences in transcriptional outputs from NF-κB-regulated genes. Variations in the timing or persistence of these movements may control the maintenance and differential expression of NF-κB-regulated genes.
Mechanisms of polyamine catabolism-induced acute pancreatitis
Authors: Hyvönen M.T. , Merentie M. , Uimari A. , Keinänen T.A. , Jänne J. , Alhonen L. 
Published: March 2007

Acute pancreatitis is an autodigestive disease, in which the pancreatic tissue is damaged by the digestive enzymes produced by the acinar cells. Among the tissues in the mammalian body, pancreas has the highest concentration of the natural polyamine, spermidine. We have found that pancreas is very sensitive to acute decreases in the concentrations of the higher polyamines, spermidine and spermine. Activation of polyamine catabolism in transgenic rats overexpressing SSAT (spermidine/spermine-N1-acetyltransferase) in the pancreas leads to rapid depletion of these polyamines and to acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Replacement of the natural polyamines with methylated polyamine analogues before the induction of acute pancreatitis prevents the development of the disease. As premature trypsinogen activation is a common, early event leading to tissue injury in acute pancreatitis in human and in experimental animal models, we studied its role in polyamine catabolism-induced pancreatitis. Cathepsin B, a lysosomal hydrolase mediating trypsinogen activation, was activated just 2 h after induction of SSAT. Pre-treatment of the rats with bismethylspermine prevented pancreatic cathepsin B activation. Analysis of tissue ultrastructure by transmission electron microscopy revealed early dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, probable disturbance of zymogen packaging, appearance of autophagosomes and later disruption of intracellular membranes and organelles. Based on these results, we suggest that rapid eradication of polyamines from cellular structures leads to premature zymogen activation and autodigestion of acinar cells.
Pathogens in Early-Onset and Late-Onset Intensive Care Unit–Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Verhamme K. M. C. , De Coster W. , De Roo L. , De Beenhouwer H. , Nollet G. , Verbeke J. , Demeyer I. , Jordens P. 
Published: March 2007

Objectives.To compare the type of pathogens isolated from patients with early-onset intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired pneumonia with those isolated from patients with late-onset ICU-acquired pneumonia and to study risk factors for the isolation of pathogens that are potentially resistant to multiple drugs.Design.Prospective cohort study.Setting.Patients admitted to the ICU of a 677-bed, university-affiliated teaching hospital in Belgium during 1997-2002.Methods.ICU-acquired pneumonia was defined as a case of pneumonia that occurred 2 days or more after admission to the ICU in combination with a positive results of radiologic analysis, clinical signs and symptoms, and a positive culture result. All cases of pneumonia were categorized as either early onset (within 7 days after admission) and late onset (7 days or more after admission), with or without previous antibiotic treatment, and the corresponding pathogens were analyzed. Risk factors for the isolation of pathogens potentially resistant to multiple drugs (ie, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter species, Morganella morganii, methicillin-resistant Stapylococcus aureus, Citrobacter species, Acinetobacter species, Burkholderia species, extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing pathogens, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia) were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.Results.A total of 4,200 patients stayed at the ICU for 2 or more days, 298 of whom developed ICU-acquired pneumonia, for an overall incidence of 13 cases (95% confidence interval [CI], 11-14 cases) per 1,000 ICU-days. Pathogens potentially resistant to multiple drugs were isolated from 52% of patients with early-onset pneumonia. Risk factors for the isolation of these pathogens were greater age and previous receipt of antibiotic prophylaxis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.6 [95% CI, 1.6-13.0]) or antibiotic therapy (aOR, 8.2 [95% CI, 2.8-23.8]). The length of ICU admission and hospital stay were weaker risk factors for the isolation of these pathogens.Conclusions.Pathogens potentially resistant to multiple drugs were isolated in 52% of cases of early-onset ICU-acquired pneumonia. Previous antibiotic use (both prophylactic and therapeutic) is the main risk factor for the isolation of these pathogens.
Nosocomial Bacteremia in Children: A 15-Year Experience at a General Hospital in Mexico
Authors: Pérez-González Luis Fernando , Ruiz-González Juana María , Noyola Daniel E. 
Published: March 2007

Objective.To describe the incidence and etiology of nosocomial bloodstream infections in children at a general hospital.Design.Review of nosocomial bloodstream infections detected in children during 1991-2005. Data were prospectively gathered through active surveillance. Annual rates of infection were compared.Setting.A public general hospital in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.Patients.Children younger than 15 years of age admitted to pediatric wards and subjected to prospective surveillance for nosocomial infection.Interventions.Measures instituted to decrease the incidence of hospital-acquired infection during the 15-year study period included establishing active surveillance for hospital-acquired infection, reinforcing compliance with handwashing recommendations, decreasing the degree of crowding on wards, establishing guidelines for the management of intravenous catheters and solutions, preparing parenteral nutrition and intravenous solutions under a laminar air-flow hood, and increasing nursing personnel.Results.There were 868 nosocomial bloodstream infections detected in 29,273 subjects (overall rate, 2.94 episodes per 100 discharges). Infection rates were greatest among children admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and lowest for those admitted to the school-age ward and the infectious diseases ward. There was a significant decrease in rates of nosocomial bacteremia in all of the wards. The organisms isolated most commonly were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida species, and coagulase-negative staphylococci. Mortality rates were higher for children with a gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infection (45.2%) and lower for children with a gram-positive bacterial infection (19.2%).Conclusions.Rates of nosocomial bloodstream infection decreased over the past 15 years at our hospital but continue to cause significant mortality. Continuing efforts to decrease the frequency of and mortality due to bloodstream infection are warranted.
Resource Consumption in the Infection Control Management of Pertussis Exposure Among Healthcare Workers in Pediatrics
Authors: Daskalaki Irini , Hennessey Patricia , Hubler Robin , Long Sarah S. 
Published: March 2007

Objective.To assess consumption of resources in the infection control management of healthcare workers (HCWs) exposed to pertussis and to assess avoidability of exposure.Setting.Tertiary care children's medical center.Methods.Analysis of the extent of and reasons for HCW exposure to pertussis during contact with children with the disease, whether exposures were avoidable (because of the failure to recognize a case or to order or adhere to isolation precautions) or unavoidable (because the case was not recognizable or because another diagnosis was confirmed), and the cost of implementing exposure management.Interventions.Interventions consisted of an investigation of every HCW encounter with any patient who was confirmed later to have pertussis from the time of hospital admission of the patient, use of azithromycin as postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for exposed HCWs, performance of 21-day surveillance for cough illness, testing of symptomatic exposed HCWs for Bordetella pertussis, and enhanced preexposure education of HCWs.Results.From September 2003 through April 2005, pertussis was confirmed in 28 patients (median age, 62 days); 24 patients were admitted. For 11 patients, pertussis was suspected, appropriate precautions were taken, and no HCW was exposed. Inadequate precautions for 17 patients led to 355 HCW exposures. The median number of HCWs exposed per exposing patient was 9 (range, 1-86 HCWs; first quartile mean, 2; fourth quartile mean, 61). Exposure was definitely avoidable for only 61 (17%) of 355 HCWs and was probably unavoidable for 294 HCWs (83%). The cost of 20-month infection control management of HCWs exposed to pertussis was $69,770. The entire cohort of HCWs involved in direct patient care at the facility could be immunized for approximately $60,000.Conclusions.Exposure of HCWs to pertussis during contact with children who have the disease is largely unavoidable, and management of this exposure is resource intensive. Universal preexposure vaccination of HCWs is a better utilization of resources than is case-based postexposure management.
Risk Factors for Neonatal Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusInfection in a Well-Infant Nursery
Authors: Nguyen Dao M. , Bancroft Elizabeth , Mascola Laurene , Guevara Ramon , Yasuda Lori 
Published: March 2007

Objective.To determine risk factors for neonatal methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) skin and soft-tissue infection in a well-infant nursery.Design.Case-control studies.Setting.A well-infant nursery in a nonteaching, community hospital.Methods.Case infants were newborns in the nursery who were born in the period November 2003 through June 2004 and had onset of MRSA skin and soft-tissue infection within 21 days after discharge from the nursery. Site inspections were conducted. Control infants were randomly selected male infants in the nursery during the outbreak periods. MRSA isolates were characterized with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.Results.Eleven case infants were identified in 2 outbreaks: outbreak 1 occurred from November 18 through December 24, 2003, and outbreak 2 occurred from May 26 through June 5, 2004. All were full-term male infants with pustular-vesicular lesions in the groin. Inspection revealed uncovered circumcision equipment, multiple-dose lidocaine vials, and inadequate hand hygiene practices. In outbreak 1, case infants (n= 6) had a significantly higher mean length of stay than control infants (3.7 vs 2.5 days;P= .01). In outbreak 2, case infants (n= 5) were more likely to have been circumcised in the nursery (OR, undefined [95% CI, 1.7 to undefined]) and to have received lidocaine injections (OR, undefined [95% CI, 2.6 to undefined]). Controlling for length of stay, case infants were more likely to have been circumcised in the nursery (OR, 12.2 [95% CI, 1.5 to undefined]). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed that 7 available isolates were indistinguishable from a community-associated MRSA strain (USA300-0114).Conclusions.Newborns in well-infant nurseries are at risk for nosocomial infection with community-associated MRSA strains. Reducing length of stay, improving circumcision and hand hygiene practices, and eliminating use of multiple-dose lidocaine vials should decrease transmission of community-associated MRSA strains in nurseries.
Development of a Surveillance System for Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusin German Hospitals
Authors: Chaberny Iris F. , Sohr Dorit , Rüden Henning , Gastmeier Petra 
Published: March 2007

Objective.To determine the appropriate method to calculate the rate of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) infection and colonization (hereafter, MRSA rates) for interhospital comparisons, such that the large number of patients who are already MRSA positive on admission is taken into account.Design.A prospective, multicenter, hospital-based surveillance of MRSA-positive case patients from January through December 2004.Setting.Data from 31 hospitals participating in the German national nosocomial infections surveillance system (KISS) were recorded during routine surveillance by the infection control team at each hospital.Results.Data for 4,215 MRSA-positive case patients were evaluated. From this data, the following values were calculated. The median incidence density was 0.71 MRSA-positive case patients per 1,000 patient-days, and the median nosocomial incidence density was 0.27 patients with nosocomial MRSA infection or colonization per 1,000 patient-days (95% CI, 0.18-0.34). The median average daily MRSA burden was 1.13 MRSA patient-days per 100 patient-days (95% CI, 0.86-1.51), with the average daily MRSA burden defined as the total number of MRSA patient-days divided by the total number of patient-days times 100. The median MRSA-days–associated nosocomial MRSA infection and colonization rate, which describes the MRSA infection risk for other patients in hospitals housing large numbers of MRSA-positive patients and/or many patients who were MRSA positive on admission, was 23.1 cases of nosocomial MRSA infection and colonization per 1,000 MRSA patient-days (95% CI, 17.4-28.6). The values were also calculated for various MRSA screening levels.Conclusions.The MRSA-days–associated nosocomial MRSA rate allows investigators to assess the extent of MRSA colonization and infection at each hospital, taking into account cases that have been imported from other hospitals, as well as from the community. This information provides an appropriate incentive for hospitals to introduce further infection control measures.
Phylogenetic analysis of the corbiculate Apinae based on morphology of the sting apparatus (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Cardinal Sophie , Packer Laurence 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis study aimed to test the various competing hypotheses regarding the relationships among the four tribes of corbiculate apine bees (Euglossini “orchid bees”, Bombini “bumble bees”, Meliponini “stingless bees”, and Apini “honey bees”) with a completely new set of previously unstudied morphological characters derived from the sting apparatus. The result was one most parsimonious tree of 49 steps, CI = 89, RI = 93 that is perfectly congruent with most studies based on morphological and combined morphological/molecular data, i.e., Euglossini + (Bombini + (Meliponini + Apini)), supporting a well accepted scenario of social evolution for these bees. This data matrix was then combined with other published matrices for this group in order to perform simultaneous analyses. The problem of how to best combine the multiple matrices that did not use the same exemplars was investigated.© The Willi Hennig Society 2007.
Phylogeny, diagnostic characters and generic limitation of Australasian Chrysophylloideae (Sapotaceae, Ericales): evidence from ITS sequence data and morphology
Authors: Swenson Ulf , Bartish Igor V. , Munzinger Jérôme 
Published: March 2007

AbstractCurrent generic limits in Chrysophylloideae (Sapotaceae) from Australia, New Caledonia and the Pacific islands have been shown not to correspond to monophyletic groups. In particular, revisions of generic boundaries are necessary forPouteriaandNiemeyera. We present the first cladistic study of a large representative sample from these areas based on (i) nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) sequence data, and (ii) combined data of nrDNA and morphology. The data were analyzed with parsimony jackknifing using equal weights and gaps coded as binary characters. Our results from the two data sets are highly congruent and morphological data often increase support as well as tree resolution. A basal polytomy prevents hypotheses of intergeneric relationships, but several groups receive strong support, and hence, four segregates ofPouteria(Beccariella,Planchonella,SersalisiaandVan‐royena) are resurrected. Four others,Albertisiella,Bureavella,IteilumaandPyrilumaare rejected.Niemeyerais redefined as a small genus confined to Australia. Generic limits within the sister group toNiemeyeraare still unclear, a group that includesLeptostylisandPycnandra. Furthermore,Van‐royenamay have originated from an intergeneric hybridization event. Traditionally used and newly identified morphological characters are scrutinized for their diagnostic value. For instance, the position of stamen insertion within the corolla tube is a strong indication of generic relationship. Unique synapomorphies are rare and genera must be distinguished on character state combinations. Following the results, several taxonomic combinations are necessary (Beccariella brownlessiana,B. macrocarpa,B. singuliflora,B. vieillardii,Pichonia daenikeri,Planchonella asterocarpon,P. dothioense,P. myrsinifolia,P. myrsinodendronandP. xylocarpa).© The Willi Hennig Society 2007.
EchoComTEE – a simulator for transoesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Weidenbach M. , Drachsler H. , Wild F. , Kreutter S. , Razek V. , Grunst G. , Ender J. , Berlage T. , Janousek J. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryTransoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) requires extensive hands‐on training, and it is for this purpose we have designed EchoComTEE, a simulator for TOE. It consists of a manikin and dummy probe; according to the position of the dummy probe (tracked by an electromagnetic sensor), two‐dimensional (2D) images are calculated from three‐dimensional (3D) data sets. Echocardiographic images are presented side‐by‐side with a virtual scene consisting of a 3D heart, probe tip and image plane. In this way the trainee is provided with visual feed‐back of the relationship between echocardiogram and image plane position. We evaluated the simulator using a standardised questionnaire. Twenty‐five experts and 31 novice users participated in the study. Most experts graded the simulator as realistic and all recommended its use for training. Most novice users felt the simulator supported spatial orientation during TOE and, as anaesthetists often do not have training in transthoracic echocardiography, in this group the TOE simulator might be particularly useful.
Comparison of the single use and reusable intubating laryngeal mask airway
Authors: Teoh W. H. L. , Lim Y. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryWe compared the times to intubate the trachea using the single use (Group S) and reusable (Group C) intubating laryngeal mask (ILMATM), in 84 healthy patients with normal airways undergoing elective gynaecological surgery. There was no significant difference in the ease of insertion of the ILMA or the tracheal tube, or time to successful insertion (Group S, 101.4 s (SD 63.2) vs Group C, 90.4 s (SD 46.1), p = 0.366). The ILMA was successfully inserted on first attempt in 63% of Group S patients and in 68% of Group C patients. After one or two attempts the overall success rate for both groups was 93%. There was a failure to insert the ILMA in two patients in each group. There was no difference in side‐effects (desaturation Spo2 < 95%, bleeding, oesophageal intubation, lip, dental or mucosal injury, or sore throat postoperatively). We conclude that the disposable ILMA is an acceptable alternative to the reusable ILMA.
Comparison of work of breathing using drawover and continuous flow anaesthetic breathing systems in children*
Authors: Bell G. T. , McEwen J. P. J. , Beaton S. J. , Young D. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryWe compared the work of breathing under general anaesthesia in children using drawover and continuous flow anaesthetic systems. A pilot study was conducted in four children weighing > 20 kg in whom it would usually be considered appropriate to use breathing systems designed for adult anaesthesia. The pilot study compared work of breathing using the Mapleson D breathing system and the Triservice Anaesthetic Apparatus (TSAA). Work of breathing was calculated using the modified Campbell technique that calculates work using a pressure volume loop derived from oesophageal pressure and airway gas volume measurements. We found no difference in the work of breathing when comparing the Mapleson D and the TSAA in children > 20 kg. Following completion of the pilot study, we conducted a study on 10 children weighing between 10 and 20 kg comparing work of breathing using the Mapleson F breathing system and the TSAA. We found no significant difference in the work of breathing between the Mapleson F and the TSAA for these children. The TSAA can therefore be recommended for use down to a lower weight limit of 10 kg.
Evaluation of four airway training manikins as patient simulators for the insertion of eight types of supraglottic airway devices*
Authors: Jackson K. M. , Cook T. M. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryWe evaluated the performance of four currently available manikins: Airway Management TrainerTM (Ambu, UK), Airway TrainerTM (Laerdal, Norway), Airsim™ (Trucorp, Ireland), ‘Bill 1’™ (VBM, Germany), with eight supraglottic airway devices: Airway Management Device™, Cobra Perilaryngeal Airway, Combitube™, i‐Gel, Laryngeal Tube®, Laryngeal Tube Disposable, Laryngeal Tube Suction II and Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway. Ten anaesthetists inserted each supraglottic airway device twice into each manikin. Each insertion was scored and ranked. Manikin score and rank data showed statistically significant overall performance differences. Post hoc analysis showed the Trucorp manikin performed best, followed by the Laerdal manikin. No one manikin performed best for all individual supraglottic airway devices. The Trucorp manikin performed adequately for all supraglottic airway devices. Comparing supraglottic airway devices, i‐Gel insertion was significantly the easiest. Our results show that manikin performance for supraglottic airway device insertion is unequal, which has implications for selecting manikins for supraglottic airway device training and for manikin studies assessing performance of supraglottic airway devices.