bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration
Authors: Shuchleib Samuel , Chousleb Alberto , Mondragon Alejandro , Torices Eduardo , Licona Antonio , Cervantes Jorge 
Published: February 2006

Abstract.Since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the management of common bile duct (CBD) stones has undergone significant change. Preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy is now routinely done in cases where the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis is suspected preoperatively, with clearance of the bile ducts before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Intraoperative discovery of CBD stones by cholangiography represents a challenge to the surgeon, who must make a decision about when to perform laparoscopic CBD exploration, convert to open surgery, or send the patient for ERCP during the postoperative period. Because ERCP has a definite failure rate, laparoscopic CBD exploration can be a treatment option. Among 2500 laparoscopic cholecystectomies done by our group from January 1991 to June 1997, 50 patients (2%) underwent laparoscopic CBD exploration, 13 by the transcystic technique and 37 by choledocotomy, with a conversion rate of 8% and a hospital stay of 4.3 days. One patient died from complicated pancreatitis following ERCP and unsuccessful extraction of a CBD stone. We obtained our goal of a CBD free of stones in 92% of the cases. We conclude that laparoscopic CBD exploration is an effective method for treating choledocolithiasis that allows management of this pathology in one stage, although it requires advanced laparoscopic skills and adequate equipment.
Behavioral manipulation of host caterpillars by the primary parasitoid waspCotesia glomerata(L.) to construct defensive webs against hyperparasitism
Authors: Tanaka Shingo , Ohsaki Naota 
Published: February 2006

AbstractMany parasitoids control the behavior of their hosts to achieve more preferable conditions. Decreasing predation pressure is a main aim of host manipulation. Some parasitoids control host behavior to escape from their enemies, whereas others manipulate hosts into constructing defensive structures as barriers against hyperparasitism. Larvae of the parasitoid waspCotesia glomerataform cocoon clusters after egression from the parasitized host caterpillar of the butterflyPieris brassicae. After the egression of parasitoids, the perforated host caterpillar lives for a short period and constructs a silk web that covers the cocoon cluster. We examined whether these silk webs protectC. glomeratacocoons against the hyperparasitoid waspTrichomalopsis apanteroctena. In cocoon clusters that were not covered by silk webs (“bare” clusters), only cocoons hidden beneath others avoided hyperparasitism. In covered cocoon clusters, both cocoons hidden beneath others and those with a space between them and the silk web avoided hyperparasitism, whereas cocoons that contacted the silk webs were parasitized. The frequency of cocoons that were hidden beneath others increased with the increasing number of cocoons in a cluster, but the defensive effect of cluster size was thought to be lower than that of silk webs. However, the rate of hyperparasitism did not differ between covered and bare clusters when we allowed the hyperparasitoids to attack the cocoon clusters in an experimental arena. This result was thought to have been caused by low oviposition frequency by these hyperparasitoids. As a result, silk webs did not guard the cocoons from hyperparasitoids in our experiments, but would protect cocoons under high hyperparasitism pressure by forming a space through which the ovipositors could not reach the cocoons.
Measuring nigrescence attitudes in school‐aged adolescents☆
Authors: Gardner‐Kitt Donna L. , Worrell Frank C. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractIn this study, we examined the reliability and validity of Cross Racial Identity Scale (CRIS; Vandiver, B. J., Cross Jr., W. E., Fhagen‐Smith, P. E., Worrell, F. C., Swim, J. K., & Caldwell, L. D. (2000). The Cross Racial Identity Scale. Unpublished scale; Worrell, F. C., Vandiver, B. J., & Cross Jr., W. E., (2004). The Cross Racial Identity Scale: Technical manual (2nd ed.). Berkeley, CA: Author) scores in 143 middle and high school students. Exploratory factor analyses provided support for the six‐factor structure of the CRIS, reliability estimates for the scores were in the moderate to high range, and subscale intercorrelations were low. Multicultural Inclusive scores were significantly correlated with age with high school students reporting significantly higher multicultural attitudes than middle school students. The authors concluded that the CRIS is appropriate for use with adolescent populations.
Accuracy and precision of fish-count data from a “dual-frequency identification sonar” (DIDSON) imaging system
Authors: Holmes John A. , Cronkite George M.W. , Enzenhofer Hermann J. , Mulligan Timothy J. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
The reliability of sockeye-salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) count data collected by a dual-frequency, identification sonar (DIDSON) system is evaluated on the basis of comparisons with visual counts of unconstrained migrating salmon and visual counts of salmon constrained to passing through an enumeration fence. Regressions fitted to the DIDSON count data and the visual count data from the enumeration fence were statistically indistinguishable from a line with slope = 1.0 passing through the origin, which we interpret as agreement in both counts. In contrast, the regressions fitted to the DIDSON count data and the unconstrained visual count data had slopes that were significantly <1.0 (p < 0.001) and are consistent with an interpretation of systematic bias in these data. When counts of both unconstrained and constrained fish from the DIDSON system were ≥50 fish event−1, repeated counts of the DIDSON files were observed to produce the same counts 98–99% of the time, respectively, and based on the coefficient of variation, counts of individual passage events varied <3% on average. Therefore, the DIDSON count data exhibit high precision among different observers. As an enumeration fence provides a complete census of all fish passing through it, we conclude that fish-count data produced by the DIDSON imaging system are as accurate as visual counts of fish passing through an enumeration fence when counts range up to 932 fish event−1, the maximum count recorded during our study, regardless of the observer conducting the count. These conclusions should be applicable to typical riverine applications of the DIDSON system in which the bottom and surface boundaries are suitable for acoustic imaging, the migrating fish are adult salmon, and the transducer is carefully aimed so that the beams ensonify the area through which the salmon are migrating.
Evidence of a variable “unsampled” pelagic fish biomass in shallow water (<20 m): the case of the Gulf of Lion
Authors: Brehmer P. , Guillard J. , Guennégan Y. , Bigot J.L. , Liorzou B. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Studies of small pelagic fish biomass are limited by the fact that research vessels and fishing boats are usually restricted to working areas with a bottom depth >20 m. Consequently, “unsampled” areas can represent a large proportion of the continental shelf, and the biomass in those areas can be important and must be taken into account in assessment methods in order to avoid misleading interpretations in population dynamics. A time-series ten years long has been compiled from acoustic-assessment surveys of small pelagic fish stocks, and the results show an overall increase in the acoustic fish density towards the coast, where values were the highest. Additional experiments on transects covering shallow-water areas (5–20 m) were conducted from 2001 to 2003 with small boats and a research vessel to evaluate the acoustic fish density in those areas. The results confirmed that the fish biomass in shallow water is significant, sometimes very large, and should be evaluated to avoid underestimation. Therefore, surveys should be conducted in shallow water, if at all possible, as well as at greater depths when carrying out surveys destined to support assessment exercises.
Fisheries biology of a short-lived tropical species: Gerres longirostris (Lacépède, 1801) in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Grandcourt E.M. , Al Abdessalaam T.Z. , Francis F. , Al Shamsi A.T. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
The population dynamics and reproductive biology of Gerres longirostris were investigated in order to evaluate the impact of fishing on a relatively small, short-lived species with demographic attributes that contrast with other species that have been studied in the region. Well-defined alternating translucent and opaque bands in sagittal otoliths were validated as annuli and used to estimate age. Size-at-age relationships were highly asymptotic, most growth being achieved by the second year. Estimated maximum absolute age was 7.4 years. There were significant differences in the growth trajectories between sexes, females growing faster and to a larger maximum size than males. Spawning was between April and August, and the mean sizes and ages at first sexual maturity were 16.3 cm LF (1.1 years) for males and 20.6 cm LF (1.5 years) for females. The rate of fishing mortality (F = 0.32) approximated the optimum level (Fopt = 0.29), and was within the limit (Flimit = 0.38) biological reference point, indicating that the resource is exploited at an appropriate rate. Nevertheless, given that an independent assessment suggested that annual yields only represented 10% of the total biomass, it appears that even short-lived, fast-growing tropical species should have conservative harvest rates.
Contribution of inflammatory processes to Alzheimer's disease: molecular mechanisms
Authors: Sastre Magdalena , Klockgether Thomas , Heneka Michael T. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThere is compelling evidence that Alzheimer's disease (AD) amyloid‐β (Aβ) deposition is associated with a local inflammatory response, which is initiated by the activation of microglia and the recruitment of astrocytes. These cells secrete a number of cytokines and neurotoxic products that may contribute to neuronal degeneration and cell death. It has been documented that long‐term intake of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) decrease the risk for developing AD and delay the onset of the disease. The mechanism behind these NSAIDs is still controversial and several hypotheses have been raised, including changes in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolism, in Aβ aggregation and a decrease in inflammatory mediators. Recently, it was proposed that some NSAIDs might activate the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ). PPAR‐γ belongs to a family of nuclear receptors that are able to regulate the transcription of pro‐inflammatory molecules, such as iNOS. The activation of PPAR‐γ has been recently reported to reduce Aβ levels in cell culture and AD animal models. The implication of PPAR‐γ in the control of Aβ‐induced inflammation suggests a new target for AD therapy and emphasize the contribution of neuroinflammatory mechanisms to the pathogenesis of AD.
Faecal elastase‐1 concentration in cystic fibrosis patients with CFTR I1234V mutation
Authors: Rahman H. Abdel , Wahab A. Abdul , Rahman M. O. Abdel , Mostafa Ossama Abdel Rahman 
Published: February 2006

Abstract Aim: To assess the exocrine pancreatic function among cystic fibrosis patients with cystic fibrosis trans‐membrane conductance regulator (CFTR) I1234V mutation. Methods: Cross‐sectional study of 40 cystic fibrosis patients with homozygous CFTR I1234V mutation belonging to a large Arab kindred family and 25 healthy subjects as a control group over a period of 12 mo. Assessment of their exocrine pancreatic function was performed by measuring faecal elastase‐1 (FE1) concentration with a commercial ELISA kit using polyclonal antibodies (BioServ Diagnostics) in CF patients compared to healthy subjects. The results were compared with those obtained from a second laboratory using another commercial ELISA (ScheBo; Biotech, Germany) that uses two monoclonal antibodies against different specific epitopes of human pancreatic elastase. Results: All CF patients with CFTR I1234V mutation had normal levels of faecal elastase 1. No significant difference was found between the two methods for the CF groups or between the CF patients with and without pancreatic enzyme replacement. Conclusion: Cystic fibrosis with homozygous CFTR I1234V mutation is associated with pancreatic sufficiency. Assessment of exocrine function using polyclonal antibodies does not significantly differ from that using two monoclonal antibodies against different specific epitopes of human pancreatic elastase.
Molecular Epidemiology of an Outbreak ofSerratia marcescensin a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Villari Paolo , Crispino Margherita , Salvadori Alessandra , Scarcella Alda 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective:To investigate and control a biphasic outbreak ofSerratia marcescensin a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Design:Epidemiological and laboratory investigation of the outbreak.Setting:The NICU of the 1,470-bed teaching hospital of the University “Federico II,” Naples, Italy.Patients:The outbreak involved 56 cases of colonization by Smarcescensover a 15-month period, with two epidemic peaks of 6 and 3 months, respectively. Fourteen (25%) of the 56 colonized infants developed clinical infections, 50% of which were major (sepsis, meningitis, or pneumonia).Methods:Epidemiological and microbiological investigations, analysis of macrorestriction pattern of genomic DNA through pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of clinical and environmental isolates, and institution of infection control measures.Results:Analysis of macrorestriction patterns of genomic DNA by PFGE demonstrated that the vast majority of Smarcescensisolates, including three environmental strains isolated from two handwashing disinfectants and the hands of a nurse, were of the same clonal type. The successful control of the outbreak was achieved through cohorting of noncolonized infants, isolation of Smarcescens-infectedand -colonized infants, and an intense educational program that emphasized the need for adherence to glove use and handwashing policies. The NICU remained open to new admissions.Conclusions:Outbreaks caused by Smarcescensare very difficult to eradicate. An infection control program that includes molecular typing of microorganisms and the proper dissemination among staff members of the typing results is likely to be very effective in reducing NICU-acquired infections and in controlling outbreaks caused by Smarcescens,as well as other multiresistant bacteria.
Pseudo-Outbreak ofMycobacterium scrofulaceumLinked to Cross-Contamination With a Laboratory Reference Strain
Authors: Oda Gina V. , DeVries Michelle M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractMycobacterium scrofulaceumwas isolated from three clinical specimens over a period of 2 months. In the preceding 10 years, the institution had not reported any cases of this unusual mycobacterium. Investigation and confirmatory molecular testing indicated a laboratory control strain to be the source of contamination.
Physician Preferences for Continuing Medical Education With a Focus on the Topic of Antimicrobial Resistance: Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America
Authors: Brown Torrance T. , Proctor Suzanne E. , Sinkowitz-Cochran Ronda L. , Smith Theresa L. , Jarvis William R. ,   Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, Inc
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective:To determine the type of media preferred for continuing medical education (CME) and to assess the factors that affect physician preferences for CME in general and on the special topic of antimicrobial resistance.Design:A voluntary survey of the membership of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, Inc. (SHEA).Methods:SHEA in collaboration with other medical societies and with technical assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, designed and mailed the survey to its membership. The survey included questions about media used, preferred, and of interest to try for CME delivery in general and on the topic of antimicrobial resistance in specific. The survey also included demographic and general questions, such as work environment, percentage of time in direct patient care, and experience treating patients with antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.Results:225 SHEA members completed the survey. The majority of physicians were in clinical practice (59%) and worked in a hospital (57%). The median year of graduation from medical school was 1979 (range, 1951-1999). CME subject matter (46%) was ranked as the most important factor affecting media preference. Journal articles (52%) were the most frequently used educational medium; local grand rounds (53%) and regional meetings (53%) were the most preferred media. CD-ROM (56%) and the Internet (46%) were selected as media of greatest interest to try. On the topic of antimicrobial resistance, the most frequently used and the preferred medium was journal articles (67% and 87%, respectively). Most (94%) had received an educational update on current antimicrobial resistance issues within the past year. Stratification of the data by graduation date revealed no significant differences in the medical education media used most (F=0.59, degrees of freedom [df]=4, P=.6715) or preferred by SHEA members in general or on the topic of antimicrobial resistance (F=1.99, df=4, P=.0982).Conclusions:This study provides an understanding of how physicians learn, prefer to learn, and implement best practices for optimal patient outcomes in decreasing the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Changing Pattern of Antibiotic Resistance in Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusFrom German Hospitals
Authors: Witte Wolfgang , Braulke Christine , Cuny Christa , Heuck Dagmar , Kresken Michael 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective:To investigate the background of changes of resistance phenotypes in methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) from nosocomial infections in German hospitals by molecular typing and identification of particular resistance genes.Methods:Isolates from the network for monitoring the spread of MRSA in Germany were subjected to quantitative susceptibility testing, to molecular typing, and to polymerase chain reaction identification of resistance genes.Participants:The network consists of 175 German clinical microbiological laboratories collaborating with the German Reference Center for Staphylococci, which performs typing of staphylococcal isolates from nosocomial infections and data analysis.Results:During the past 5 years, MRSA susceptible to other antibiotics such as oxytetracycline, erythromycin, and gentamicin became more frequent. The proportion of epidemic MRSA clones that had been disseminated in the past and that exhibited broad resistance phenotypes decreased, whereas the proportion of recently emerging MRSA carrying only a few other resistance determinants has increased (1994, 11.5%; 1998, 39%).Conclusions:The changing pattern of resistance phenotypes of MRSA from nosocomial infections in Germany is mainly due to the spread of recently emerging epidemic strains that are less frequently resistant to antibacterials other than oxacillin. The observed changes cannot simply be attributed to overall antibiotic consumption.
Association Between Hospital-Acquired Infections and Patients' Transfers
Authors: Eveillard Matthieu , Quenon Jean-Luc , Rufat Pierre , Mangeol Alain , Fauvelle Francis 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective:To assess the risk of nosocomial infection in transferred patients and to determine whether transfer is only a risk marker or is independently associated with nosocomial infection.Design:Retrospective analysis.Setting:A 400-bed general hospital in the Paris area.Patients:All the patients hospitalized on the days of the surveys were included.Methods:Epidemiological analysis of data collected in four annual nosocomial infection prevalence surveys conducted between 1993 and 1996.Results:Of the 1,326 patients included in the four surveys, 70 (5.3%) had been transferred from another hospital and 199 (15.0%) from another ward of our hospital. Transferred patients more frequently had known risk factors of nosocomial infection: age >65 years (P<10-5), a length of hospital stay >7 days on the day of the survey (P<10-6), at least one invasive procedure (34.2% vs 27.2%;P<.05), a recent surgical intervention (P<.05), and an immunosuppression (P<.01). The prevalence rate of infected patients was 6.7% (95% confidence interval, 5.3-8.1). The risk of being infected on a given day was more than 4 times higher in transferred patients (P<10-6); however, the risk was similar between patients transferred from another hospital (20.0%) and patients transferred within the hospital (17.1%). The multivariate analysis performed by logistic regression showed that intrahospi-tal transfer, a length of hospital stay >7 days, and having had at least one invasive procedure were independent risk factors of infection.Conclusion:According to this study, patient transfer is both a risk marker (associated with several known risk factors) and independently associated with nosocomial infection. The origin of a transferred patient is readily known at admission. It would be useful to adopt specific measures for such patients, particularly if they have other risk factors of nosocomial infection, both to protect them and to prevent transmission of the infection to other hospitalized patients.
Hepatitis C in a Ward for Cystic Fibrosis and Diabetic Patients Possible Transmission by Spring-Loaded Finger-Stick Devices for Self-Monitoring of Capillary Blood Glucose
Authors: Desenclos Jean-Claude , Bourdiol-Razès Martine , Rolin Bernard , Garandeau Patrick , Ducos Jacques , Bréchot Christian , Thiers Valérie 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective:To identify the routes of transmission in a nosocomial outbreak of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.Design:Epidemiological investigation, including screening for HCV of hospitalized patients, and a retrospective cohort study, review of hygiene and medical practices, and molecular comparison of HCV isolates.Setting:A specialized care unit for cystic fibrosis (CF) and diabetic patients at an acute-care facility in the south of France.Results:Of the 57 CF patients (age in 1995: 2-28 years), 38 (66.7%) were tested and 22 (57.9%) were anti-HCV positive. Eight (50%) of 16 patients with anti-HCV antibody tested by polymerase chain reaction were viremic. No patients had received blood products or had any history of intravenous drug use. All 18 (100%) patients with CF who had ever undergone self-monitoring of capillary blood glucose in the unit were anti-HCV positive, compared to 4 (20%) of 20 who had not (relative risk, 5.0; 95% confidence interval, 2.1-12.0). Seventy (39.5%) of the patients with diabetes were screened for anti-HCV; 12 (18.8%) tested positive, with 3 (25%) positive for HCV-RNA. Patients with diabetes had routine capillary blood glucose monitoring while hospitalized and shared with CF patients the same spring-triggered devices for capillary blood glucose monitoring. The disposable platform of the devices was not changed between patient use. All HCV isolates belonged to the type 1, subtype b, and phylogenetic analysis showed a close homology by sequencing of NS5b and E2/HVR regions.Conclusion:As reported earlier for the hepatitis B virus, shared spring-triggered devices for capillary blood glucose monitoring by finger puncture may transmit HCV. Strict application of Standard Precautions procedures is warranted in any healthcare setting.