bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying HIV/AIDS primary care development needs
Authors: Foong Andrew L.S. , Ng S.F. , Lee Christopher K.C. 
Published: March 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study aimed at identifying the primary health care experiences of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Malaysia. The rationale behind the study was to enable informed action for developing more responsive and effective primary care.Background.  Reports such as from the World Health Organisation forecast sharp escalations in the incidence of HIV/AIDS in Malaysia and the Asia‐Pacific region within the next few years. With sparse information on the course of infection on the local population and an understanding of health care needs of those afflicted, health services would be ill‐prepared for projected increases.Method.  Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 99 patients attending two major HIV/AIDS clinics in Malaysia.Findings.  Several gaps in care provision were highlighted, such as with treatment/consultation facilities and availability and accessibility of information. What is also evident is that there are a number of good support services available but not well publicized to those in need of them. That includes health professionals who could be making appropriate referrals. The lack of communications and inter‐professional working appears to be part of the problem.Conclusion.  The findings provide baseline data and preliminary insights to government and other service providers towards advancing, optimizing and refining existing policies and infrastructure. Although the availability of a number of primary care facilities have been identified, the study indicates the need for more effective co‐ordinated efforts with clear leadership to pull together scarce resources towards the aim of some degree of seamless primary care provision. It is suggested that nurses would be well placed for such a role in view of the nature of their education and training that helps prepare them for the multi‐faceted role.
Factors affecting the use of nursing information systems in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Ting‐Ting , Lee Tzu‐Ying , Lin Kuan‐Chia , Chang Pi‐Chen 
Published: March 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study to test a proposed model of factors (demographic variables, computer experience and perceived technology characteristics) influencing the efficient use of a computerized nursing care planning system by hospital clinical nurses.Background.  Although nursing information systems have been used in health care institutions, little research has explored the efficiency of computer use in nurses’ daily practice.Method.  A secondary data analysis was applied to focus on clinical nurses’ daily computer use. The original data were collected from a medical centre in Taiwan to establish the reliability and validity of a scale to evaluate computerized nursing care plan systems.Results.  Younger nurses with more education, less computer knowledge and less usage pressure, and who perceived that they had less usage benefit, more education training and usability regarding system use, spent less time on the computerized nursing care plan.Conclusion.  The results can be used for further organization of education programmes and as a reference for training strategies. Further examination and analysis of item content are suggested.
Jaw thrust can deteriorate upper airway patency
Authors: Von Ungern‐Sternberg B. S. , Erb T. O. , Frei F. J. 
Published: March 2005

Upper airway obstruction is a frequent problem in spontaneously breathing children undergoing anesthesia or sedation procedures. Failure to maintain a patent airway can rapidly result in severe hypoxemia, bradycardia, or asystole, as the oxygen demand of children is high and oxygen reserve is low.We present two children with cervical masses in whom upper airway obstruction exaggerated while the jaw thrust maneuver was applied during induction of anesthesia. This deterioration in airway patency was probably caused by medial displacement of the lateral tumorous tissues which narrowed the pharyngeal airway.
Long‐term effects of hypothermia on neuronal cell death and the concentration of apoptotic proteins after incomplete cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rats
Authors: Eberspächer E. , Werner C. , Engelhard K. , Pape M. , Laacke L. , Winner D. , Hollweck R. , Hutzler P. , Kochs E. 
Published: March 2005

Background:  The present study investigates the long‐term effects of postischemic hypothermia on neuronal cell damage and concentration changes of apoptotic proteins after cerebral ischemia.Methods:  Sixty‐four Sprague‐Dawley rats were anesthetized, intubated and ventilated with 2.0 Vol% isoflurane and 70% N2O/O2. After preparation the animals were randomly assigned to the following groups: group 1 (n = 32, fentanyl‐N2O/normothermia 37.5°C), and group 2 (n = 32, fentanyl‐N2O/hypothermia 34.0°C. Ischemia (45 min) was induced by common carotid artery occlusion plus hemorrhagic hypotension (MAP = 40 mmHg). Arterial blood gases and pH were maintained constant. After 1, 3, 7, or 28 days (each n = 8) the brains were removed, frozen and cut. Neuronal damage was assessed by analyzing Bax, Bcl‐2, p53, and Mdm‐2 proteins, activated caspases‐3‐positive and eosinophilic cells. A third group (n = 8) of untreated animals served as naive controls.Results:  In hypothermic animals, Bax concentration was decreased by 50–70% over time compared to normothermia. On days 1 and 3, Bcl‐2 was increased by 50% with hypothermia. The amount of activated caspase‐3‐positive cells in the ischemic hemisphere was 0.5% in the hypothermic and 1–2% in the normothermic animals. Of the hippocampal cells, 10–25% were eosinophilic in both groups over time.Conclusion:  The present data show that hypothermia prevents an ischemia‐induced increase of the pro‐apoptotic protein Bax for as long as 28 days and increases the concentration of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐2 up to 3 days compared to normothermic animals. Therefore, after cerebral ischemia, hypothermia has the sustained neuroprotective potential to shift apoptosis‐related proteins towards neuronal cell survival.
NF‐κB inhibitors stabilize the mRNA of high‐affinity type‐2 cationic amino acid transporter in LPS‐stimulated rat liver
Authors: Yang C.‐H. , Tsai P.‐S. , Lee J.‐J. , Huang C.‐H. , Huang C.‐J. 
Published: March 2005

Background:  Induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) results in nitric oxide (NO) overproduction during endotoxemia. Cellular uptake of l‐arginine, modulated by the isozymes of type‐2 cationic amino acid transporters (CAT), including CAT‐2, CAT‐2A and CAT‐2B, has been reported to be a crucial factor in the regulation of iNOS activity. We sought to elucidate the expression of CAT‐2 isozymes and the role of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) in this expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated rat liver.Methods:  Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly given intravenous (i.v.) injections of normal saline (N/S), LPS, LPS preceded by an NF‐κB inhibitor (PDTC, dexamethasone or salicylate) or an NF‐κB inhibitor alone. After injection, rats were sacrificed at different times and enzyme expression and liver injury were examined. Hepatic and systemic NO production were also measured.Results:  CAT‐2, CAT‐2A and CAT‐2B were constitutively expressed in un‐stimulated rat liver. LPS stimulation not only significantly increased iNOS mRNA and NO concentrations but also decreased the mRNA concentrations of CAT‐2 and CAT‐2B, but not CAT‐2A, in a time‐dependent manner. LPS‐induced hepatic and systemic NO overproduction was associated with hepatocellular injury. Pre‐treatment with NF‐κB inhibitors significantly attenuated LPS‐induced iNOS induction as well as CAT‐2/CAT‐2B mRNA destabilization, which was associated with significant inhibition of NO biosynthesis and less liver injury.Conclusion:  NF‐κB inhibitors stabilize CAT‐2 and CAT‐2B mRNA in LPS‐stimulated rat liver. The hepatic CAT‐2/CAT‐2B pathway may be a constitutive part of cytoprotective mechanisms against sepsis.
Staff exposure to ionizing radiation in a major trauma centre
Authors: Tan Gim A. , Van Every Bruce 
Published: March 2005

Background:  The purpose of the present paper was to determine the safety of staff members with regard to ionizing radiation in a major trauma centre in a 19‐month period.Methods and results:  A group of five doctors, five nurses and a trauma orderly wore personal radiation monitors under lead aprons while at work. The highest individual cumulative result after 586 days was 0.18 mSv for a nurse. If the exposure rate to ionizing radiation was constant, this would be equivalent to 0.114 mSv per year. Therefore the results are well below the recommended occupational dose limit of 20 mSv per year.Conclusion:  Wearing of lead aprons during trauma resuscitation appears to be safe and provides adequate protection.
Breast intraoperative ultrasound: prospective study in 112 patients with impalpable lesions
Authors: Buman Sarah J. , Clark David A. 
Published: March 2005

Background:  Preoperative hookwire localizations have been used for some years to guide excision of subclinical breast lesions. With the availability of ultrasonography in the operating theatre, these localizations can be done intraoperatively.Methods:  One hundred and thirty lesions in 112 consecutive patients with impalpable breast lesions were intraoperatively localized and excised, obviating the need for preoperative localizations.Results:  All 130 lesions were detected intraoperatively and excised. Forty‐four patients elected to have their benign lesions excised and there were 32 cancers removed. Ultrasonography was used to ensure complete local excisions in the majority of the cancers.Conclusion:  Intraoperative breast ultrasound is a reliable, rapid and cost‐effective adjunct in the management of both benign and malignant breast lesions.
Umbilical vein catheterization under electrocardiogram guidance
Authors: TSUI BAN C.H. , RICHARDS GARETH J. , AERDE JOHN VAN 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground:  In the neonate, umbilical venous catheters (UVC) are inserted and advanced blindly to a predetermined length from the umbilicus. The reported rates for UVC misplacement into the liver (and occasionally the spleen) range from 20 to 37%. Radiographs are routinely used to confirm the positioning of UVCs. This involves movement of often critically ill infants, as well as radiation exposure. This pilot study examines the potential value of confirming UVC placement in neonates using ECG.Methods:  In critically ill neonates, a conductive Johans ECG adapter was connected to a UVC. A satisfactory tracing (lead II) was obtained (right arm lead connected to the adapter) when the UVC was filled with saline solution allowing the catheter tip to become a unipolar ECG electrode. The UVC was then advanced from the umbilicus until the tip reached the inferior vena cava (IVC) within the thoracic region, as demonstrated by appearance of normal sized QRS complexes with small P‐waves. A small QRS indicated the catheter was below the diaphragm. The appearance of a tall positive P‐wave indicated the tip was at the right atrium level. The UVC was then withdrawn until the P‐wave size returned to normal. The final UVC position was later confirmed by X‐ray.Results:  Eight neonates were studied. The figure shows typical ECG tracings when the UVC was placed in the liver, IVC, and right atrium, respectively. Three malpositioned catheters were detected (2 into liver and 1 into spleen).Conclusions:  Based on these cases, the insertion of UVCs in neonates can be guided with ECG by observing sequential and characteristic alterations in P‐waves and QRS complexes, thereby reducing the use of X‐rays. In addition, this technique could prove to be beneficial in remote healthcare facilities where X‐ray machines may not be readily available and quick intravenous access is required to transport sick neonates to major centers.
Intrahepatic circulatory time analysis of an ultrasound contrast agent in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Hirota Masashi , Kaneko Tetsuya , Sugimoto Hiroyuki , Kure Shigehiro , Inoue Soichiro , Takeda Shin , Nakao Akimasa 
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy and advantages of intrahepatic circulatory time analysis of an ultrasound contrast agent using pulse‐inversion imaging as compared with recently reported noninvasive diagnostic tests for cirrhosis.Methods: Forty patients divided into noncirrhotic (nonLC) (n=20) and compensated cirrhotic (LC) (n=20) groups were studied prospectively. After intravenous administration of a contrast agent, the arrival times at the hepatic artery (HA), portal vein (PV), and hepatic vein (HV) were measured by pulse‐inversion imaging. Intrahepatic circulatory time was calculated as the difference between the HV and HA arrival times (HV–HA interval time) or the HV and PV arrival times (HV–PV interval time).Results: The HV–HA and HV–PV interval times were significantly shorter in the LC group (7.4±1.7 and 1.9±1.5 s, respectively) compared with those in the nonLC group (normal: 15.6±2.1 and 11.1±1.7 s, respectively; P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively, and hepatitis: 12.8±4.1 and 7.8±4.4 s, respectively; P<0.001 and P<0.002, respectively). Each intrahepatic circulatory time showed the highest accuracy rate for cirrhosis in other noninvasive diagnostic tests.Conclusions: This analysis, which is considered to reflect intrahepatic hemodynamic changes, is a useful noninvasive diagnostic test for compensated cirrhosis.
Bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections in the ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus)
Authors: COOPER Ross G. 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTThe ostrich is susceptible to microorganisms of bacterial, fungal and parasitic origin. Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is dangerous to other livestock and humans. Salmonella is transmitted from rodents or wild bird reservoirs. Pausterellosis caused by Pasteurella multocida results in air sac infections in ostriches. Colibacillosis is caused by Escherichia coli. Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium avium, is very rare in ostriches. Aspergillosis principally afflicts chicks. Zygomycosis, a secondary fungal infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract, is caused by Basidia, Mucor and Rhizopus. Leucocytozoon struthionis and Plasmodium spp. are harmless protozoa transmitted from flying arthropods. The tapeworm, Houttuynia struthionis, is dangerous in young ostriches. The adult ratite fluke (Philophthalmus gralli) is transmitted to ostriches following ingestion of infected freshwater crustaceans. Tick infestations of ostrich skin in Africa include Amblyomma spp., Haemaphysalis punctata, Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus turanicus and Argus spp. The ostrich quillmite (Pterolichus bicaudatus) and louse (Struthioliperus struthionus) may lower skin and leather quality via pruritis and/or excessive preening and feather loss. Nemododa infections are rare.
In vitro formation of holes on the inner perivitelline layer of quail ovum by chicken spermatozoa
Authors: WIN Mar Mar , MIYAGI Yuki , ASHIZAWA Koji , TATEMOTO Hideki , NAKADA Tadashi 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present study was to examine whether chicken semen can be substituted for quail semen to conduct in vitro experiments on fertilization. Chicken spermatozoa was incubated with the inner perivitelline layer (IPL) isolated from the largest follicle in the quail ovary under in vitro conditions. The perforation of chicken and quail spermatozoa were assessed by counting the number of all visible holes in the pieces of IPL. No difference was found in the number of holes formed by the chicken sperm and quail IPL interaction compared with that between intraspecies. In addition, the number of holes in the IPL was significantly increased with the increase in sperm concentration from 1 × 106 to 8 × 106 sperm/mL (P < 0.05). Interestingly, after treatment of chicken spermatozoa with 2.5 mg/mL of the solubilized quail IPL followed by incubation with the intact chicken IPL, the number of holes in the intact chicken IPL was significantly decreased as compared with that of spermatozoa treated without the solubilized IPL (P < 0.05). This indicates that sperm receptors in the solubilized quail IPL and binding ligands on the chicken spermatozoa would find each other and bind, forming complexes and these complexes blocked the interaction between chicken spermatozoa and intact chicken IPL. These results show that: (i) chicken spermatozoa possess the penetrability into quail IPL; and (ii) a high degree of affinity via the receptor interactions exists between chicken spermatozoa and quail IPL. Therefore, it appears that the substitution of chicken semen for quail semen is possible to use as an in vitro technique to examine the sperm‐IPL interaction during fertilization in quail.
Effects of feeding and animal performance on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium excretion by Holstein cows
Authors: KOJIMA Hideki , KUME Shin‐ichi , NONAKA Kazuhisa , OSHITA Tomoko , KOZAKAI Takaharu , HIROOKA Hiroyuki 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTThirty‐four Holstein dry cows and 16 lactating cows were used in balance trials to identify the effects of feeding and animal performance on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) excretion by dairy cows, and to develop prediction models for these excreta. Orchard grass silage, corn silage, alfalfa silage or timothy hay were offered to dry cows. Orchard grass silage or alfalfa silage, and concentrates were offered to lactating cows. In the statistical analysis, the independent variables were bodyweight (kg), dry matter (DM) intake (kg/day), milk yield (for lactating cows only, kg/day), water intake (free water plus water in feed, kg/day), intake (g/day) of N, P and K and dietary contents (% of DM) of crude protein, P and K. The dependent variables were N, P and K excretion (g/day) in feces and urine. In both dry and lactating cows, intake of N, P and K had large effects on corresponding excretion. The results indicated that a decrease in the intake of N, P and K could decrease the corresponding excretion. Further research by path analysis showed that K intake positively affected urinary N excretion in dry cows indirectly, through water intake and urine volume.
Weight monitoring of breastfed babies in the UK – centile charts, scales and weighing frequency
Authors: Sachs Magda , Dykes Fiona , Carter Bernie 
Published: March 2005

AbstractWeighing infants during their first 6 months is an important focus of growth monitoring and a common activity of child health care services worldwide. In these same months, health workers provide support for breastfeeding and promote continued exclusive breastfeeding. The literature on the practice of weighing breastfed babies is reviewed, as it applies to the United Kingdom. The shape of the growth curves for breastfed babies differs from that of formula‐fed infants and also from centile charts previously in use. The World Health Organization commitment to the production of a new growth reference has generated discussion of the implications of charts in use. The country‐specific charts in use in the UK are examined and the data used to construct them discussed with reference to clinical use for breastfed infants. Recent UK discussions on charts, as well as on the frequency of routine weighing for babies in the community are considered, and the available evidence on the accuracy of weighing in practice is noted. The choices made in constructing different charts; the physical condition of scales and their use in practice have implications for plotted growth. This paper aims to present a wide range of evidence available in this area in order to encourage debate on practice. A companion paper will discuss issues of interpretation, conveying information to parents, and interventions.
Investigation of the First Events Leading to Loss of Culturability during
Escherichia coli
Starvation: Future Nonculturable Bacteria Form a Subpopulation
Authors: Cuny Caroline , Dukan Laure , Fraysse Laetitia , Ballesteros Manuel , Dukan Sam 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACT

In previous experiments we were able to separate, using a nondestructive separation technique, culturable and nonculturable bacteria, from a Luria-Bertani (LB) medium culture of
Escherichia coli
incubated for 48 h. We observed in the nonculturable bacterial population an increase in oxidative damage and up-induction of most defenses against reactive oxygen species (ROS), along with a decrease in cytoplasmic superoxide dismutases. In this study, using the same separation technique, we separated into two subpopulations a 10-h LB medium culture containing only culturable bacteria. For the first time, we succeeded in associating physical separation with physiological differences. Although the levels of defense against ROS (RpoS, RpoH, OxyR, and SoxRS regulons) and oxidative damage (carbonyl contents) were apparently the same, we found that bacteria in one subpopulation were more sensitive to LB medium starvation and to various stresses, such as phosphate buffer starvation, heat shock, and hydrogen peroxide exposure. Based on these results, we suggest that these physiological differences reflect uncharacterized bacterial modifications which do not directly involve defenses against ROS.
Role of the Extracytoplasmic Function Protein Family Sigma Factor RpoE in Metal Resistance of
Escherichia coli
Authors: Egler Monique , Grosse Cornelia , Grass Gregor , Nies Dietrich H. 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACT

RpoE of
Escherichia coli
is a sigma factor of the extracytoplasmic function protein family and is required for the expression of proteins involved in maintaining the integrity of periplasmic and outer membrane components. RpoE of
E. coli
was needed for full resistance to Zn(II), Cd(II), and Cu(II). Promoter gene fusion and quantitative real time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR (qRT-PCR) assays demonstrated that expression of RpoE was induced by metals. Global gene expression profiles upon metal treatment of a Δ
rpoE
mutant strain and its wild-type strain were analyzed with microarrays, and selected genes were confirmed by qRT-PCR. The absolute number of genes that were changed in their expression upon metal stress was similar in both strains, but the increase or decrease in transcript levels upon metal treatment was smaller in the Δ
rpoE
mutant strain than in the wild type. Genes showing increased expression in the Δ
rpoE
mutant strain encoded proteins that belong to general defense systems against protein-denaturing agents. Genes showing decreased expression were part of the RpoE modulon itself plus the
ompC
gene, encoding a major outer membrane protein. A Δ
ompC
deletion strain was as sensitive to Cu(II) and Cd(II) as the Δ
rpoE
mutant or a Δ
rpoE
Δ
ompC
double mutant strain. In the case of Zn(II), the double mutant was more sensitive than either single mutant. This indicates that increased expression of OmpC contributes to the RpoE modulon-mediated response to metals.
High-Frequency Phase Variation of
Vibrio vulnificus
1003: Isolation and Characterization of a Rugose Phenotypic Variant
Authors: Grau Brenda L. , Henk Margaret C. , Pettis Gregg S. 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACT

The marine bacterium
Vibrio vulnificus
is a human pathogen that can spontaneously switch between virulent opaque and avirulent translucent phenotypes. Here, we document an additional form, the rugose variant, which produces copious biofilms and which may contribute both to pathogenicity of
V. vulnificus
and to its survival under adverse environmental conditions.
Identification of Cohesive Ends and Genes Encoding the Terminase of Phage16-3
Authors: Ganyu Anita , Csiszovszki Zsolt , Ponyi Tamás , Kern András , Buzás Zsuzsanna , Orosz László , Papp Péter P. 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTCohesive ends of16-3, a temperate phage ofRhizobium meliloti41, have been identified as 10-base-long, 3′-protruding complementary G/C-rich sequences.terSandterLencode the two subunits of16-3terminase. Significant homologies were detected among the terminase subunits of phage16-3and other phages from various ecosystems.