bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aqueous levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 in patients with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Tashimo A. , Mitamura Y. , Nagai S. , Nakamura Y. , Ohtsuka K. , Mizue Y. , Nishihira J. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAims  To investigate the relationship of aqueous macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1) levels with the clinical stage of diabetic retinopathy.Methods  We assayed MIF and MCP‐1 levels in aqueous humour samples obtained from 40 diabetic patients (49 eyes) and 24 non‐diabetic patients (31 eyes) using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. According to the clinical stage of diabetic retinopathy, the diabetic patients were classified into non‐diabetic retinopathy (11 eyes), non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (14 eyes) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (24 eyes).Results  The aqueous levels of MIF (mean ± sd) were 6.34 ± 4.53 ng/ml in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 3.22 ± 1.71 ng/ml in non proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 1.25 ± 0.96 ng/ml in non‐diabetic retinopathy and 1.07 ± 0.94 ng/ml in non‐diabetic patients. Significant differences were found among these four groups (P < 0.0001). Aqueous MCP‐1 levels were 1668.6 ± 1442.3 pg/ml in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 1528.6 ± 1994.6 pg/ml in non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 690.2 ± 402.1 pg/ml in non‐diabetic retinopathy and 622.7 ± 245.3 pg/ml in non‐diabetic patients. Significant differences were also found among these four groups (P < 0.0001). After correcting for total aqueous protein, the ratios of MIF and MCP‐1 to total protein remained significantly correlated with the clinical stage of diabetic retinopathy (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0004, respectively). The ratios of MIF to total protein significantly correlated with the ratios of MCP‐1 to total protein in diabetic patients (r = 0.680, P < 0.0001).Conclusions  Aqueous MIF levels significantly correlated with aqueous MCP‐1 levels and the clinical stage of diabetic retinopathy. The results suggest that MIF has a co‐operative role with MCP‐1 in the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Persistent poor glycaemic control in adult Type 1 diabetes. A closer look at the problem
Authors: DeVries J. H. , Snoek F. J. , Heine R. J. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAround 25% of the adult Type 1 diabetes population is in persistent poor glycaemic control and thus at increased risk of developing microvascular complications. We here discuss correlates of long‐standing poor glycaemic control and review the efficacy of clinical strategies designed to overcome persistent poor control. Only a few studies have identified determinants and correlates of long‐standing poor glycaemic control in Type 1 diabetes. There is some evidence implicating genetic factors, as well as lower economic status, and psychological factors, including lack of motivation, emotional distress, depression and eating disorders. Ways of improving glycaemic control include strategies to enable self‐management, e.g. motivational strategies, coping‐orientated education, psychosocial therapies, and/or intensifying insulin injection therapy plus continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. Long‐standing poor glycaemic control appears to be a heterogeneous and complex phenomenon, for which there is no simple, single solution. Comprehensive psycho‐medical assessment in diabetes care may prove useful in tailoring interventions. Further research is warranted, to increase our understanding how psychosocial and biomedical factors, separately and in interaction, determine poor outcomes in Type 1 diabetes.
Effects of arousal and natural baroreceptor activation on the human muscle stretch reflex
Authors: McIntyre David , Ring Christopher , Carroll Douglas 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe nociceptive flexion reflex is inhibited during systole; this inhibition may be due to increased baroreceptor stimulation. It is yet to be determined whether other spinal reflexes are similarly modulated across the cardiac cycle. There is also evidence that stretch and tendon reflexes are facilitated by increased arousal. This study investigated the effects of phase of the cardiac cycle and arousal on the muscle stretch reflex components M1, M2, and M3. Stretch reflexes were elicited in leg muscles at six intervals across the cardiac cycle during rest, number repetition, and mental arithmetic. Mental arithmetic provoked increased cardiovascular arousal and facilitated both M1 and M2 compared to rest and number repetition. The stretch reflex did not vary with the phase of the cardiac cycle. While the stretch reflex is susceptible to arousal, natural baroreceptor‐mediated modulation across the cardiac cycle may be specific to nociception.
Detection of synchronized oscillations in the electroencephalogram: An evaluation of methods
Authors: Yeung Nick , Bogacz Rafal , Holroyd Clay B. , Cohen Jonathan D. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe signal averaging approach typically used in ERP research assumes that peaks in ERP waveforms reflect neural activity that is uncorrelated with activity in the ongoing EEG. However, this assumption has been challenged by research suggesting that ERP peaks reflect event‐related synchronization of ongoing EEG oscillations. In this study, we investigated the validity of a set of methods that have been used to demonstrate that particular ERP peaks result from synchronized EEG oscillations. We simulated epochs of EEG data by superimposing phasic peaks on noise characterized by the power spectrum of the EEG. When applied to the simulated data, the methods in question produced results that have previously been interpreted as evidence of synchronized oscillations, even though no such synchrony was present. These findings suggest that proposed analysis methods may not effectively disambiguate competing views of ERP generation.
Long‐term exposure to noise impairs cortical sound processing and attention control
Authors: Kujala Teija , Shtyrov Yury , Winkler Istvan , Saher Marieke , Tervaniemi Mari , Sallinen Mikael , Teder‐Sälejärvi Wolfgang , Alho Kimmo , Reinikainen Kalevi , Näätänen Risto 
Published: November 2004

AbstractLong‐term exposure to noise impairs human health, causing pathological changes in the inner ear as well as other anatomical and physiological deficits. Numerous individuals are daily exposed to excessive noise. However, there is a lack of systematic research on the effects of noise on cortical function. Here we report data showing that long‐term exposure to noise has a persistent effect on central auditory processing and leads to concurrent behavioral deficits. We found that speech‐sound discrimination was impaired in noise‐exposed individuals, as indicated by behavioral responses and the mismatch negativity brain response. Furthermore, irrelevant sounds increased the distractibility of the noise‐exposed subjects, which was shown by increased interference in task performance and aberrant brain responses. These results demonstrate that long‐term exposure to noise has long‐lasting detrimental effects on central auditory processing and attention control.
Probing the psychophysiology of the airways: Physical activity, experienced emotion, and facially expressed emotion
Authors: Ritz Thomas 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis article reviews research on airway reactivity in health and asthma within a psychophysiological context, including the effects of physical activity, emotion induction, and manipulation of facial expression of emotion. Skeletal muscle activation leads to airway dilation, with vagal withdrawal being the most likely mechanism. Emotional arousal, in particular negative affect, leads to airway constriction, with evidence for a vagal pathway in depressive states and ventilatory contributions in positive affect. Laboratory‐induced airway responses covary with reports of emotion‐induced asthma and with lung function decline during negative mood in the field. Like physical activity, facial expression of emotion leads to airway dilation. However, these effects are small and less consistent in posed emotional expressions. The mechanisms of emotion‐induced airway responses and potential benefits of emotional expression in asthma deserve further study.
Cognitive performance and cerebral blood flow in essential hypotension
Authors: Duschek Stefan , Schandry Rainer 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIn the present study cerebral blood flow was assessed in 40 subjects with chronically low blood pressure and 40 normotensive controls at resting conditions and during the execution of a cued reaction time task. Blood flow velocities were recorded by means of transcranial Doppler sonography in both middle cerebral arteries. In hypotensives flow velocity at rest was reduced bilaterally. During the anticipation of the stimuli, which the subjects had to respond to, a predominantly right hemispheric increase of flow velocity was observed in both groups. This increase was significantly less pronounced in the hypotensive group. Hypotensives showed longer reaction times, and there was a negative correlation between the extent of the flow velocity increase and the reaction times. This study is the first to demonstrate a reduced cerebral perfusion and maladaption of blood flow to cognitive demands due to essential hypotension.
Utilization of continuous renal replacement therapy in a case of feline acute renal failure
Authors: Landerville Andrew J. , Seshadri Ravi 
Published: November 2004

AbstractObjective: To introduce and investigate the application, efficacy, and potential clinical complications of a continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in a feline acute renal failure (ARF) patient.Case summary: A domestic short‐haired cat presented for continued management of ARF of a presumed toxic etiology. Severe azotemia and uremic complications had been identified on initial presentation to a local urgent care facility, and the cat had been referred for renal replacement therapy following approximately 9 hours of conservative management. Continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration was performed over an approximately 25‐hour period, and a significant resolution of the cat's uremic derangements was obtained. Major complications included significant hypothermia and a single episode of hypocalcemia associated with utilization of citrate anticoagulation. All complications identified were readily managed. Following hospital discharge, long‐term medical support was not required, and no evidence of significant illness was noted 6 months following therapy.New or unique information provided: CRRT represents a collection of extracorporeal blood purification techniques that utilize extended treatment periods for gradual, physiologically balanced correction of uremic toxicity. These therapies demonstrate significant promise in the treatment of ARF cats with actual or potential hemodynamic compromise, and prior advances in therapeutic administration have made these techniques readily accessible within the intensive care unit setting.
Spontaneous resolution of hypothermia‐induced atrial fibrillation in a dog
Authors: Campbell Scott A. , Day Thomas K. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractObjective: To report a case of spontaneous resolution of atrial fibrillation secondary to hypothermia in a dog without detectable heart disease.Case summary: An 8‐year‐old female spayed mixed breed dog presented with a history of prolonged exposure to below freezing environmental temperatures. The dog presented hypothermic (<32°C or <90°F) and minimally responsive to stimuli. The heart rate was 80 beats per minute (bpm) and irregular. Atrial fibrillation was diagnosed. The dog had pale mucous membranes, absent femoral pulses, and no obtainable blood pressure via indirect Doppler technique. Resuscitation fluids were administered and active external warming was instituted. Peripheral edema was observed during the rewarming phase and the irregular heart rate was noted to increase. The atrial fibrillation spontaneously resolved with no specific anti‐arrhythmic therapy. No underlying myocardial disease was found. The recovery of this dog was complete with a subsequent repeat of the echocardiogram and electrocardiogram (ECG) 8‐months later found to be within normal limits.
A Mutation in
Escherichia coli
DNA Gyrase Conferring Quinolone Resistance Results in Sensitivity to Drugs Targeting Eukaryotic Topoisomerase II
Authors: Gruger Thomas , Nitiss John L. , Maxwell Anthony , Zechiedrich E. Lynn , Heisig Peter , Seeber Siegfried , Pommier Yves , Strumberg Dirk 
Published: November 2004

ABSTRACT

Fluoroquinolones are broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents that target type II topoisomerases. Many fluoroquinolones are highly specific for bacterial type II topoisomerases and act against both DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. In
Escherichia coli
, mutations causing quinolone resistance are often found in the gene that encodes the A subunit of DNA gyrase. One common site for resistance-conferring mutations alters Ser
83
, and mutations to Leu or Trp result in high levels of resistance to fluoroquinolones. In the present study we demonstrate that the mutation of Ser
83
to Trp in DNA gyrase (Gyr
S83W
) also results in sensitivity to agents that are potent inhibitors of eukaryotic topoisomerase II but that are normally inactive against prokaryotic enzymes. Epipodophyllotoxins, such as etoposide, teniposide and amino-azatoxin, inhibited the DNA supercoiling activity of Gyr
S83W
, and the enzyme caused elevated levels of DNA cleavage in the presence of these agents. The DNA sequence preference for Gyr
S83W
-induced cleavage sites in the presence of etoposide was similar to that seen with eukaryotic type II topoisomerases. Introduction of the Gyr
S83W
mutation in
E. coli
strain RFM443-242 by site-directed mutagenesis sensitized it to epipodophyllotoxins and amino-azatoxin. Our results demonstrate that sensitivity to agents that target topoisomerase II is conserved between prokaryotic and eukaryotic enzymes, suggesting that drug interaction domains are also well conserved and likely occur in domains important for the biochemical activities of the enzymes.
PnuC and the Utilization of the Nicotinamide Riboside Analog 3-Aminopyridine inHaemophilus influenzae
Authors: Sauer Elizabeta , Merdanovic Melisa , Price Mortimer Anne , Bringmann Gerhard , Reidl Joachim 
Published: November 2004

ABSTRACTThe utilization pathway for the uptake of NAD and nicotinamide riboside was previously characterized forHaemophilus influenzae. We now report on the cellular location, topology, and substrate specificity of PnuC.pnuCofH. influenzaeis only distantly related topnuCofEscherichia coliandSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium. WhenE. coliPnuC was expressed in anH. influenzae pnuCmutant, it was able to take up only nicotinamide riboside and not nicotinamide mononucleotide. Therefore, we postulated that PnuC transporters in general possess specificity for nicotinamide riboside. Earlier studies showed that 3-aminopyridine derivatives (e.g., 3-aminopyridine adenine dinucleotide) are inhibitory forH. influenzaegrowth. By testing characterized strains with mutations in the NAD utilization pathway, we show that 3-aminopyridine riboside is inhibitory toH. influenzaeand is taken up by the NAD-processing and nicotinamide riboside route. 3-Aminopyridine riboside is utilized effectively in apnuC+background. In addition, we demonstrate that 3-aminopyridine adenine dinucleotide resynthesis is produced by NadR. 3-Aminopyridine riboside-resistantH. influenzaeisolates were characterized, and mutations innadRcould be detected. We also tested other species of the familyPasteurellaceae,Pasteurella multocidaandActinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, and found that 3-aminopyridine riboside does not act as a growth inhibitor; hence, 3-aminopyridine riboside represents an anti-infective agent with a very narrow host range.
Detection of CTX-M-Type β-Lactamase Genes in Fecal
Escherichia coli
Isolates from Healthy Children in Bolivia and Peru
Authors: Pallecchi Lucia , Malossi Monica , Mantella Antonia , Gotuzzo Eduardo , Trigoso Christian , Bartoloni Alessandro , Paradisi Franco , Kronvall Göran , Rossolini Gian Maria 
Published: November 2004

ABSTRACT

A survey was carried out from August to November 2002 to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibilities of fecal
Escherichia coli
isolates from 3,208 healthy children from four different urban areas of Latin America, two in Bolivia (Camiri and Villa Montes) and two in Peru (Yurimaguas and Moyobamba). Ceftriaxone-resistant
E. coli
isolates were detected in four children, one from each of the areas sampled. The isolates exhibited a multidrug-resistant phenotype, including resistance to oxyimino-cephalosporins and aztreonam, and the MICs of ceftazidime for the isolates were lower than those of cefotaxime. By PCR and sequencing, the
bla
CTX-M-2
determinant was detected in three isolates and the
bla
CTX-M-15
determinant was detected in one isolate (from Peru). The CTX-M-2-producing isolates belonged to three different phylogenetic groups (groups A, B2, and D), while the CTX-M-15-producing isolate belonged to phylogenetic group D. The
bla
CTX-M-2
determinants were transferable to
E. coli
by conjugation, while conjugative transfer of the
bla
CTX-M-15
determinant was not detectable. Plasmids harboring the
bla
CTX-M-2
determinant exhibited similar restriction profiles, and in all of them the gene was located on a 2.2-kb PstI fragment, suggesting a genetic environment similar to that present in In35 and InS21. The findings of the present study confirm the widespread distribution of CTX-M-type β-lactamases and underscore the role that commensal
E. coli
isolates could play as a potential reservoir of these clinically relevant resistance determinants. This is the first report of CTX-M-type enzymes in Bolivia and Peru and also the first report of the detection of CTX-M-15 in Latin America.
Comparative In Vitro Activities of Linezolid, Telithromycin, Clarithromycin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, and Four Conventional Antimycobacterial Drugs against
Mycobacterium kansasii
Authors: Alcaide Fernando , Calatayud Laura , Santín Miguel , Martín Rogelio 
Published: November 2004

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium kansasii
is one of the most pathogenic and frequent nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from humans. Patients with adverse drug reactions, resistant isolates, or suboptimal response require alternative treatment regimens. One hundred forty-eight consecutive clinical isolates of
M. kansasii
were tested for antimicrobial susceptibilities by the BACTEC 460 system (NCCLS) with two different inoculation protocols, one conventional and one alternative. In the alternative protocol, the inoculum 12B vial was incubated until the growth index was between 250 and 500. Four conventional antimycobacterial drugs (isoniazid, rifampin, streptomycin, and ethambutol) were studied with standard critical concentrations. The in vitro activities of linezolid, telithromycin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin were determined by measuring radiometric MICs. All isolates tested were identified as
M. kansasii
genotype I and were resistant to isoniazid at a concentration of 0.4 μg/ml. One hundred twenty isolates (81.1%) were inhibited by 1 μg of isoniazid per ml. A high level of resistance to isoniazid (>10 μg/ml) was observed in six isolates (4.1%). Only five strains (3.4%) were resistant to rifampin (>1 μg/ml). All isolates studied were susceptible to streptomycin and ethambutol. The MICs at which 90% of the isolates were inhibited (in micrograms per milliliter) were as follows: linezolid, 1 (range, ≤0.25 to 2); telithromycin, >16 (range, 4 to >16); clarithromycin, 0.5 (range, ≤0.03 to 1); levofloxacin, 0.12 (range, 0.12 to 0.25); and moxifloxacin, 0.06 (range, ≤0.06 to 0.12). The susceptibility testing results with both inoculation protocols showed perfect correlation. In conclusion, all
M. kansasii
isolates showed decreased susceptibility to isoniazid, but resistance to rifampin was infrequent. Quinolones, especially moxifloxacin, were the most active antimicrobial agents tested, followed by clarithromycin. Linezolid also showed good activity against these microorganisms, but telithromycin's in vitro activity was poor.
Bloodstream Infections Due to Extended-Spectrum β
-
Lactamase-Producing
Escherichia coli
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
: Risk Factors for Mortality and Treatment Outcome, with Special Emphasis on Antimicrobial Therapy
Authors: Kang Cheol-In , Kim Sung-Han , Park Wan Beom , Lee Ki-Deok , Kim Hong-Bin , Kim Eui-Chong , Oh Myoung-Don , Choe Kang-Won 
Published: November 2004

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to evaluate risk factors for mortality and treatment outcome of bloodstream infections due to extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Escherichia coli
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(ESBL-EK). ESBL production in stored
K. pneumoniae
and
E. coli
blood isolates from Jan 1998 to Dec 2002 was phenotypically determined according to NCCLS guidelines and/or the double-disk synergy test. A total of 133 patients with ESBL-EK bacteremia, including 66 patients with ESBL-producing
K. pneumoniae
and 67 with ESBL-producing
E. coli
, were enrolled. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 25.6% (34 of 133). Independent risk factors for mortality were severe sepsis, peritonitis, neutropenia, increasing Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and administration of broad-spectrum cephalosporin as definitive antimicrobial therapy (
P
< 0.05 for each of these risk factors). In 117 of the 133 patients, excluding 16 patients who died within 3 days after blood culture sample acquisition, the 30-day mortality rates according to definitive antibiotics were as follows: carbapenem, 12.9% (8 of 62); ciprofloxacin, 10.3% (3 of 29); and others, such as cephalosporin or an aminoglycoside, 26.9% (7 of 26). When patients who received appropriate definitive antibiotics, such as carbapenem or ciprofloxacin, were evaluated, mortality in patients receiving inappropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy was found not to be significantly higher than mortality in those receiving appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy (18.9 versus 15.5%;
P
= 0.666). Carbapenem and ciprofloxacin were the most effective antibiotics in antimicrobial therapy for ESBL-EK bacteremia. A delay in appropriate definitive antimicrobial therapy was not associated with higher mortality if antimicrobial therapy was adjusted appropriately according to the susceptibility results. Our data suggest that more prudent use of carbapenem as empirical antibiotic may be reasonable.