bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity in roots of Solidago gigantea growing in a polluted soil in Northern Italy
Authors: Vallino Marta , Massa Nadia , Lumini Erica , Bianciotto Valeria , Berta Graziella , Bonfante Paola 
Published: January 2006

SummaryThe arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) status of Solidago gigantea was investigated in a contaminated site of Northern Italy, where the chemical industry ACNA (Associated National Chemical Companies) was active till 1999. To counteract the devastating effects of chemicals and to allow re‐vegetation, soil from an uncontaminated area was used to cover the highly polluted hills of the industrial site about 25 years ago. On the basis of the current floristic features, the hill was divided into four areas. Heavy metal content in soil and in plant shoots and roots was determined by chemical analysis. The AM fungal community colonizing S. gigantea was investigated from a morphological and a molecular point of view. All plants were modestly colonized, but the fungal structures within the roots were normal. By PCR‐RFLP and sequencing of 18S rDNA, 14 AM fungal types were identified: three of them were present in all the considered areas and nine appeared to be specific to certain areas. Glomus was the predominant AM genus. Our analysis demonstrates the presence and the relatively high level of AM species variety and shows how a remediation programme based on cover‐soil has been efficient to restore a community of AM fungi, tolerant enough to proliferate in a still contaminated soil.
Nucleic acid binding agents exert local toxic effects on neurites via a non‐nuclear mechanism
Authors: Pin Sokhon , Chen Huiling , Lein Pamela J. , Wang Michael M. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe mechanism by which drugs that target nucleic acids cause neurotoxicity is not well described. We characterized the neurotoxicity of Hoechst 33342 (bis‐benzimide), a common cell permeable nuclear dye, in primary neuronal cultures. The mechanism of cell death was not apoptotic, as death is rapid, not accompanied by typical nuclear morphological changes, and is insensitive to inhibitors of transcription, translation and caspase activity. In addition, free‐radical scavenging agents failed to attenuate cell death, and damage was not accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction. Neuronal processes of cells exposed to Hoechst 33342 display dramatic fragmentation prior to cell death. When this compound was applied selectively to the distal axons of sympathetic neurons grown in compartmented cultures, the distal axons were destroyed. However, the proximal processes present in the cell body compartment were spared, demonstrating direct axonal toxicity rather than a remote effect of nuclear dysfunction. Other cell‐permeable nucleic acid binding dyes similarly caused rapid dendritic and axonal toxicity. The hypothesis that these nucleic acid binding dyes target RNA localized to dendrites and axons is supported by observations that RNaseV1 induced similar, rapid neurite fragmentation. We conclude that the neurotoxic effects of nucleic acid binding compounds are mediated, at least in part, by direct neurite injury, which does not require involvement of the cell body and nucleus.
Community‐Level Uninsurance and the Unmet Medical Needs of Insured and Uninsured Adults
Authors: Pagán José A. , Pauly Mark V. 
Published: January 2006

Objective.To examine the relationship between community‐level uninsurance rates and the self‐reported unmet medical needs of insured and uninsured adults in the U.S.Data Sources.2000–2001 Community Tracking Study, which includes data from 60 randomly selected U.S. communities. The sample is representative of the contiguous U.S. states.Study Design.Multilevel logistic regressions were employed to investigate whether the local uninsurance rate was related to having reported unmet medical needs within the last year. The models also included individual and community variables that could be potentially related to both community uninsurance rates and having reported unmet medical needs.Principal Findings.The community uninsurance rate was positively associated with having reported unmet medical needs, but only for insured adults. On average, a five percentage point increment in the local uninsured population is associated with a 10.5 percent increase in the likelihood that an insured adult will report having unmet medical needs during the 12‐month period studied.Conclusion.Local health care delivery systems seem to be negatively affected by high uninsurance rates. These effects could have negative consequences for health care access, even for individuals who are themselves insured.
Müllerian dysgenesis: A review of recent outcomes at Royal Hospital for Women
Authors: MIZIA Karen , BENNETT Michael J. , DUDLEY Jan , MORRISEY Jennifer 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground:  Müllerian dysgenesis occurs in approximately 1 in 5000 live‐born females. There have been many methods described for creation of a functionally useful vagina in cases of Müllerian dysgenesis. Given the number of available methods and the infrequency of the condition, outcome data can be difficult to obtain.Aim:  To perform a retrospective review of presentation, treatment and outcomes in cases of Müllerian dysgenesis seen at the adolescent gynaecology unit at the Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney.Methods:  Thirty women with Müllerian dysgenesis were identified between January 2000 and December 2004. Of these, 23 had Müllerian agenesis and seven had partial vaginal agenesis. As this audit and review conform with the standards established by the National Health and Medical Research Council for ethical quality review, ethics approval was not sought.Results:  Dilator therapy under the guidance of a trained clinical nurse educator was successful in creating a functionally useful vagina and was well tolerated in all cases of Müllerian agenesis. Patients suffering from segmental vaginal agenesis all had surgical creation of a neovagina with the aid of an amnion vaginoplasty. All patients who were referred following surgical drainage of their haematocolpos outside the unit became infected and needed to undergo further surgery prior to creation of a neovagina. Fibrotic vaginal bands developed only in these patients.Conclusion:  The outcomes reinforce the TASPAG guidelines of management for Müllerian dysgenesis, which suggest that dilators are generally effective in creating a functionally useful vagina, and if surgery is required, the primary operation should be definitive and performed by well‐trained experts.
Overview of clinical studies in hemodiafiltration: What do we need now ?
Authors: CANAUD Bernard , MORENA Marion , LERAY‐MORAGUES Hélène , CHALABI Lofti , CRISTOL Jean‐Paul 
Published: January 2006

AbstractDespite several technical advances in dialysis treatment modalities and a better patient care management including correction of anemia, suppression of secondary hyperparathyroidism, lipid and oxidative stress profiles improvement, the morbidity and the mortality of dialysis patients still remain still elevated. Recent prospective interventional trials in hemodialysis (HEMO study and 4D study) were not very conclusive in showing any significant improvement in dialysis patient outcomes. High‐efficiency convective therapies, such as online hemodiafiltration (HDF), are claimed to be superior to conventional diffusive hemodialysis (HD) in improving the dialysis efficacy and in reducing intradialytic morbidity and all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in dialysis patients. The aim of this report was, first, to review the evidence‐based facts tending to prove the superiority of HDF vs. HD in terms of efficacy and tolerance, and, second, to analyze the needs to prove the clinical superiority of HDF in terms of reducing morbidity and all‐cause mortality of dialysis patients. A systematic review of studies comparing HDF and HD has been performed in the microbiological safety of online production, the solute removal capacity of small and medium‐size uremic toxins, and its implication in the reduction of the bioactive dialysis system vs. patient interaction. Major planned randomized international studies comparing HDF and HD in terms of morbidity and mortality have been reviewed. To conclude, it is thought that these long‐term prospective randomized trials will clarify on a scientific evidence‐based level the putative beneficial role of high‐efficiency HDF modalities on dialysis patient outcomes.
Water treatment and monitor disinfection
Authors: CAPPELLI Gianni , RICCARDI Marco , PERRONE Salvatore , BONDI Moreno , LIGABUE Giulia , ALBERTAZZI Alberto 
Published: January 2006

AbstractWater treatment system and dialysis monitors are susceptible to microbial contaminations and periodical disinfection procedures are mandatory to obtain results requested from international standards and guidelines. Several chemical germicides or some physical treatments are on the market validated by device manufacturer according to medical device directives. With time, interfering substances from dialysis device or water are able to modify disinfection efficiency. Simulating‐use testing is not a common procedure to validate disinfectants and recent data document as biofilm represents the most important cause of disinfection inefficacy. Some international standards include tests in the presence of various interfering substances but their use is not widespread. When using a disinfectant, residue toxicity, material compatibility and potential risks for the staff also have to be considered. A quality assurance program has to be implemented to obtain adequate performances and to improve results on patients.
Cardiovascular dialysis instability and convective therapies
Authors: SANTORO Antonio 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAcute hypotension is a frequent hemodialysis complication. Intratreatment vascular instability is a multifactorial process in which procedure‐related and patient‐related factors may influence the decrease in plasma volume and induce an impairment of cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms. Identification of the most susceptible patients and of the various risk factors may contribute to significantly improve cardiovascular stability during dialysis. In some high‐risk patients, monitoring and biofeedback of the various hemodynamic variables, together with an extensive use of convection, can prevent the appearance of symptomatic hypotension and help in averting its onset.
Clinical effects of online dialysate and infusion fluids
Authors: TETTA Ciro , DAVID Salvatore , MARCELLI Daniele , COGLIATI Paolo , FORMICA Marco , INGUAGGIATO Paola , PANICHI Vincenzo 
Published: January 2006

AbstractOnline hemodiafiltration appears to be the most effective technique of renal replacement therapy in many respects. Removal of small and high‐molecular weight substances is enhanced. Modern technology ensures a safe, online production of reinfusion fluids. Nonetheless, stringent maintenance rules are required for the production of sterile and nonpyrogenic‐dialysate solutions. In this review, we will critically review the state of the art of the clinical effects derived from the use of ultrapure dialysate and the online production of dialysate fluids in high‐flux hemodiafiltration.
Convection with conviction–online hemodiafiltration for all: Single center clinical observations
Authors: VELASCO Nestor 
Published: January 2006

AbstractOnline hemodiafiltration (HDF) has recently become an alternative to conventional hemodialysis for treatment of end‐stage renal disease with superior results. Clinical experience with HDF in unselected populations has not been widely published and a longitudinal study on such a group of patients is presented here.
Aspergillus fumigatus
C-5 Sterol Desaturases Erg3A and Erg3B: Role in Sterol Biosynthesis and Antifungal Drug Susceptibility
Authors: Alcazar-Fuoli Laura , Mellado Emilia , Garcia-Effron Guillermo , Buitrago Maria J. , Lopez Jordi F. , Grimalt Joan O. , Cuenca-Estrella J. Manuel , Rodriguez-Tudela Juan L. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Two
erg3
genes encoding C-5 sterol desaturase enzymes (Erg3A and Erg3B) in
Aspergillus fumigatus
were characterized with respect to their nucleotide sequences and null mutant phenotypes. Targeted disruption of the
erg3A
and
erg3B
genes and a double gene knockout,
erg3A
−
erg3B
−
, showed that they are not essential for
A. fumigatus
viability. Mutant phenotypes clearly showed that Erg3B is a C-5 sterol desaturase, but no apparent role for Erg3A in
A. fumigatus
ergosterol biosynthesis was found. Susceptibility to amphotericin B, itraconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, and ketoconazole was not altered in isolates in which
erg3A
and
erg3B
were knocked out alone and in combination.
Bloodstream Infections Caused by Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
: Risk Factors, Molecular Epidemiology, and Clinical Outcome
Authors: Tumbarello Mario , Spanu Teresa , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Citton Rita , Montuori Eva , Leone Fiammetta , Fadda Giovanni , Cauda Roberto 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Bloodstream infections caused by extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates are a major concern for clinicians, since they markedly increase the rates of treatment failure and death. One hundred forty-seven patients with
K. pneumoniae
bloodstream infections were identified over a 5-year period (January 1999 to December 2003). The production of ESBLs in bloodstream isolates was evaluated by molecular methods. A retrospective case-case-control study was conducted to identify risk factors for the isolation of ESBL
-
producing
K. pneumoniae
or non-ESBL
-
producing
K. pneumoniae
isolates in blood cultures. Forty-eight cases infected with ESBL
-
producing
K. pneumoniae
isolates and 99 cases infected with non-ESBL
-
producing
K. pneumoniae
isolates were compared to controls. Risk factors for isolation of ESBL
-
producing
K. pneumoniae
isolates were exposure to antibiotic therapy (odds ratio [OR], 11.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.72 to 51.08), age (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.21), and length of hospitalization (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.16). Independent determinants for isolation of non-ESBL
-
producing
K. pneumoniae
were previous urinary tract infection (OR, 8.50; 95% CI, 3.69 to 19.54) and length of hospitalization (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.10). When the initial response was assessed at 72 h after antimicrobial therapy, the treatment failure rate for the ESBL
-
producing
K. pneumoniae
-infected group was almost twice as high as that of the non-ESBL
-
producing
K. pneumoniae
-infected group (31% versus 17%; OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 0.98 to 4.89). The 21-day mortality rate for all patients was 37% (54 of 147); it was 52% (25 of 48) for patients with ESBL
-
producing
K. pneumoniae
bloodstream infections and 29% (29 of 99) for patients with non-ESBL
-
producing
K. pneumoniae
bloodstream infections (OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.28 to 5.35). In summary, this investigation identifies epidemiological characteristics that distinguish ESBL
-
producing
K. pneumoniae
infections from non-ESBL
-
producing
K. pneumoniae
ESBL bloodstream infections.
CMY-16, a Novel Acquired AmpC-Type β-Lactamase of the CMY/LAT Lineage in Multifocal Monophyletic Isolates of
Proteus mirabilis
from Northern Italy
Authors: D'Andrea Marco M. , Nucleo Elisabetta , Luzzaro Francesco , Giani Tommaso , Migliavacca Roberta , Vailati Francesca , Kroumova Vesselina , Pagani Laura , Rossolini Gian Maria 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

We report multifocal detection (four different cities in northern Italy) of
Proteus mirabilis
isolates resistant to both oxyimino- and 7-α-methoxy-cephalosporins and producing a novel acquired AmpC-like β-lactamase. The enzyme, named CMY-16, is a variant of the CMY/LAT lineage, which differs from the closest homologues, CMY-4 and CMY-12, by a single amino acid substitution (A171S or N363S, respectively) and from CMY-2 by two substitutions (A171S and W221R). Expression of the cloned
bla
CMY-16
gene in
Escherichia coli
decreased susceptibility to penicillins, cephalosporins, and aztreonam. Tazobactam was more effective than clavulanate at antagonizing the enzyme activity. Genotyping, by random amplification of polymorphic DNA and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA digested with SfiI, showed that isolates were clonally related to each other, although not identical. The
bla
CMY-16
gene was not transferable to
E. coli
by conjugation or transformation. In all isolates, it was chromosomally located and inserted in a conserved genetic environment. PCR mapping experiments revealed that the
bla
CMY-16
was flanked by IS
Ecp1
and the
blc
gene, similar to other genes of this lineage from plasmids of
Salmonella enterica
,
Klebsiella
spp., and
E. coli
. Overall, these results revealed multifocal spreading of a CMY-16-producing
P. mirabilis
clone in northern Italy. This finding represents the first report of an acquired AmpC-like β-lactamase in
Proteus mirabilis
from Italy and underscores the emergence of similar resistance determinants in the European setting.
In Vitro Preclinical Testing of Nonoxynol-9 as Potential Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Microbicide: a Retrospective Analysis of Results from Five Laboratories
Authors: Beer Brigitte E. , Doncel Gustavo F. , Krebs Fred C. , Shattock Robin J. , Fletcher Patricia S. , Buckheit Robert W. , Watson Karen , Dezzutti Charlene S. , Cummins James E. , Bromley Ena , Richardson-Harman Nicola , Pallansch Luke A. , Lackman-Smith Carol , Osterling Clay , Mankowski Marie , Miller Shendra R. , Catalone Bradley J. , Welsh Patricia A. , Howett Mary K. , Wigdahl Brian , Turpin Jim A. , Reichelderfer Patricia 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

The first product to be clinically evaluated as a microbicide contained the nonionic surfactant nonoxynol-9 (nonylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol; N-9). Many laboratories have used N-9 as a control compound for microbicide assays. However, no published comparisons of the results among laboratories or attempts to establish standardized protocols for preclinical testing of microbicides have been performed. In this study, we compared results from 127 N-9 toxicity and 72 efficacy assays that were generated in five different laboratories over the last six years and were performed with 14 different cell lines or tissues. Intra-assay reproducibility was measured at two-, three-, and fivefold differences using standard deviations. Interassay reproducibility was assessed using general linear models, and interaction between variables was studied using step-wise regression. The intra-assay reproducibility within the same N-9 concentration, cell type, assay duration, and laboratory was consistent at the twofold level of standard deviations. For interassay reproducibility, cell line, duration of assay, and N-9 concentration were all significant sources of variability (
P
< 0.01). Half-maximal toxicity concentrations for N-9 were similar between laboratories for assays of similar exposure durations, but these similarities decreased with lower test concentrations of N-9. Results for both long (>24 h) and short (<2 h) exposures of cells to N-9 showed variability, while assays with 4 to 8 h of N-9 exposure gave results that were not significantly different. This is the first analysis to compare preclinical N-9 toxicity levels that were obtained by different laboratories using various protocols. This comparative work can be used to develop standardized microbicide testing protocols that will help advance potential microbicides to clinical trials.
Effect of Ribavirin and Glucocorticoid Treatment in a Mouse Model of Human Metapneumovirus Infection
Authors: Hamelin Marie-Ève , Prince Gregory A. , Boivin Guy 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV)-infected BALB/c mice were treated with ribavirin (40 mg/kg of body weight twice a day intraperitoneally), corticosterone (0.2 mg/ml in water), or both modalities. Ribavirin significantly decreased both hMPV replication in lungs (by 5 log
10
) and global pulmonary inflammation on day 5 postinfection, whereas glucocorticoids reduced only alveolar and interstitial inflammation, compared to controls.
Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of
Campylobacter jejuni
Isolates from Poultry from Alberta, Canada
Authors: Kos Veronica N. , Keelan Monika , Taylor Diane E. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

One hundred four isolates of
Campylobacter jejuni
from poultry in Alberta, Canada, collected during 2001 were tested for resistance to 10 antimicrobial agents using agar dilution. This study provides a baseline of resistance profiles and the mechanisms of resistance observed in
C. jejuni
in poultry from Alberta, Canada.
Piperine, a Phytochemical Potentiator of Ciprofloxacin against
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Khan Inshad Ali , Mirza Zahid Mehmood , Kumar Ashwani , Verma Vijeshwar , Qazi Ghulam Nabi 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Piperine, a trans-trans isomer of 1-piperoyl-piperidine, in combination with ciprofloxacin markedly reduced the MICs and mutation prevention concentration of ciprofloxacin for
Staphylococcus aureus
, including methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
. The enhanced accumulation and decreased efflux of ethidium bromide in the wild-type and mutant (CIP
r
-1) strains in the presence of piperine suggest its involvement in the inhibition of bacterial efflux pumps.
Role of Buprenorphine in the Management of Heroin Addiction
Authors: Sung Soojin , Conry John M 
Published: January 2006

Objective: To review buprenorphine and explore its role in the treatment of heroin dependence. Data Sources: Articles were identified through a search of MEDLINE (1966–February 2005) using the key terms buprenorphine, heroin, opioid, addiction, and methadone. Data Synthesis: Buprenorphine appears to provide potential advantages over methadone. Two Cochrane meta-analyses were evaluated on the use of buprenorphine in opioid dependence—one in the management of opioid dependence and the other in the management of opioid withdrawal. Conclusions: Buprenorphine offers several advantages for the treatment of heroin addiction. As maintenance treatment, buprenorphine is effective, but not more effective than methadone. In the management of opioid withdrawal, buprenorphine may be better tolerated than clonidine or methadone.