bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endotracheal Tubes Coated with Antiseptics Decrease Bacterial Colonization of the Ventilator Circuits, Lungs, and Endotracheal Tube
Authors: Berra Lorenzo , De Marchi Lorenzo , Yu Zu-Xi , Laquerriere Patrice , Baccarelli Andrea , Kolobow Theodor 
Published: May 2004

Background
Formation of a bacterial biofilm within the endotracheal tube (ETT) after tracheal intubation is rapid and represents a ready source of lung bacterial colonization. The authors investigated bacterial colonization of the ventilator circuit, the ETT, and the lungs when the ETT was coated with silver-sulfadiazine and chlorhexidine in polyurethane, using no bacterial/viral filter attached to the ETT.

Methods
Sixteen sheep were randomized into two groups. Eight sheep were intubated with a standard ETT (control group), and eight were intubated with a coated ETT (study group). Animals were mechanically ventilated for 24 h. At autopsy, the authors sampled the trachea, bronchi, lobar parenchyma, and ETT for quantitative bacterial cultures. Qualitative bacterial cultures were obtained from the filter, humidifier, inspiratory and expiratory lines, and water trap. ETTs were analyzed with light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and laser scanning confocal microscopy.

Results
In the control group, all eight ETTs were heavily colonized (10(5)-10(8) colony-forming units [cfu]/g), forming a thick biofilm. The ventilator circuit was always colonized. Pathogenic bacteria colonized the trachea and the lungs in five of eight sheep (up to 10(9) cfu/g). In the study group, seven of eight ETTs and their ventilator circuits showed no growth, with absence of a biofilm; one ETT and the respective ventilator circuit showed low bacterial growth (10(3)-10(4) cfu/g). The trachea was colonized in three sheep, although lungs and bronchi showed no bacterial growth, except for one bronchus in one sheep.

Conclusions
Coated ETTs induced a nonsignificant reduction of the tracheal colonization, eliminated (seven of eight) or reduced (one of eight) bacterial colonization of the ETT and ventilator circuits, and prevented lung bacterial colonization.
Recombinant Human Hemoglobin with Reduced Nitric Oxide–scavenging Capacity Restores Effectively Pancreatic Microcirculatory Disorders in Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: von Dobschuetz Ernst , Hutter Joerg , Hoffmann Tomas , Messmer Konrad 
Published: May 2004

Background
Scavenging of nitric oxide by hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers could aggravate microcirculatory failure in splanchnic organs after hemorrhagic shock as a consequence of vasoconstrictive side effects. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two recombinant human hemoglobin solutions, a second-generation product bearing reduced nitric oxide-scavenging properties (rHb2.0) due to site directed mutagenesis of the heme pocket and a first-generation recombinant hemoglobin (rHb1.1) with scavenging capacity similar to native hemoglobin, on the pancreatic microcirculation after hemorrhagic shock.

Methods
Twenty-eight pentobarbital-anesthetized rats were bled to a mean arterial pressure of 40 mmHg and maintained at this level for 1 h. Using an intravital microscope, the length of erythrocyte-perfused pancreatic capillaries per observation area (functional capillary density) were measured in animals resuscitated by volumes of hydroxyethyl starch, rHb1.1, or rHb2.0 equivalent to the shed blood volume. Animals without shock induction served as control.

Results
As compared with control (438 +/- 10 cm(-1)), animals treated with hydroxyethyl starch (315 +/- 44 cm(-1)) and rHb1.1 (288 +/- 67 cm(-1)) showed a significant reduction of functional capillary density after 2 h of resuscitation. rHb2.0 was able to restore functional capillary density (410 +/- 42 cm(-1)) and mean arterial pressure to baseline values.

Conclusion
rHb2.0 was effectively able to restore pancreatic microcirculation after hemorrhagic shock. This may be related to the compound's effective lack of nitric oxide-scavenging properties. This hemoglobin solution or ones similar to it might be uniquely valuable for resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock.
Replacement of proline with valine does not remove an apparent proline isomerization‐dependent folding event in CRABP I
Authors: Burns‐Hamuro Lora L. , Dalessio Paula M. , Ropson Ira J. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractSite‐directed mutagenesis has frequently been used to replace proline with other amino acids in order to determine if proline isomerization is responsible for a slow phase during refolding. Replacement of Pro 85 with alanine in cellular retinoic acid binding protein I (CRABP‐I) abolished the slowest refolding phase, suggesting that this phase is due to proline isomerization in the unfolded state. To further test this assumption, we mutated Pro 85 to valine, which is the conservative replacement in the two most closely related proteins in the family (cellular retinoic acid binding protein II and cellular retinol binding protein I). The mutant protein was about 1 kcal/mole more stable than wild type. Retinoic acid bound equally well to wild type and P85V‐CRABP I, confirming the functional integrity of this mutation. The refolding and unfolding kinetics of the wild‐type and mutant proteins were characterized by stopped flow fluorescence and circular dichroism. The mutant P85V protein refolded with three kinetic transitions, the same number as wild‐type protein. This result conflicts with the P85A mutant, which lost the slowest refolding rate. The P85V mutation also lacked a kinetic unfolding intermediate found for wild‐type protein. These data suggest that proline isomerization may not be responsible for the slowest folding phase of CRABP I. As such, the loss of a slow refolding phase upon mutation of a proline residue may not be diagnostic for proline isomerization effects on protein folding.
Some fundamental aspects of building protein structures from fragment libraries
Authors: Holmes J. Bradley , Tsai Jerry 
Published: May 2004

AbstractWe have investigated some of the basic principles that influence generation of protein structures using a fragment‐based, random insertion method. We tested buildup methods and fragment library quality for accuracy in constructing a set of known structures. The parameters most influential in the construction procedure are bond and torsion angles with minor inaccuracies in bond angles alone causing >6 Å CαRMSD for a 150‐residue protein. Idealization to a standard set of values corrects this problem, but changes the torsion angles and does not work for every structure. Alternatively, we found using Cartesian coordinates instead of torsion angles did not reduce performance and can potentially increase speed and accuracy. Under conditions simulating ab initio structure prediction, fragment library quality can be suboptimal and still produce near‐native structures. Using various clustering criteria, we created a number of libraries and used them to predict a set of native structures based on nonnative fragments. Local CαRMSD fit of fragments, library size, and takeoff/landing angle criteria weakly influence the accuracy of the models. Based on a fragment's minimal perturbation upon insertion into a known structure, a seminative fragment library was created that produced more accurate structures with fragments that were less similar to native fragments than the other sets. These results suggest that fragments need only contain native‐like subsections, which when correctly overlapped, can recreate a native‐like model. For fragment‐based, random insertion methods used in protein structure prediction and design, our findings help to define the parameters this method needs to generate near‐native structures.
The ternary complex of Pseudomonas aeruginosa alcohol dehydrogenase with NADH and ethylene glycol
Authors: Levin Inna , Meiri Gal , Peretz Moshe , Burstein Yigal , Frolow Felix 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosa alcohol dehydrogenase (PaADH; ADH, EC 1.1.1.1) catalyzes the reversible oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes and ketones, using NAD as coenzyme. We crystallized the ternary complex of PaADH with its coenzyme and a substrate molecule and determined its structure at a resolution of 2.3 Å, using the molecular replacement method. The PaADH tetramer comprises four identical chains of 342 amino acid residues each and obeys ∼222‐point symmetry. The PaADH monomer is structurally similar to alcohol dehydrogenase monomers from vertebrates, archaea, and bacteria. The stabilization of the ternary complex of PaADH, the coenzyme, and the poor substrate ethylene glycol (kcat = 4.5 sec−1; Km > 200 mM) was due to the blocked exit of the coenzyme in the crystalline state, combined with a high (2.5 M) concentration of the substrate. The structure of the ternary complex presents the precise geometry of the Zn coordination complex, the proton‐shuttling system, and the hydride transfer path. The ternary complex structure also suggests that the low efficiency of ethylene glycol as a substrate results from the presence of a second hydroxyl group in this molecule.
Understanding Successful and Unsuccessful EFL Students in Chinese Universities
Authors: Gan Zhengdong , Humphreys Gillian , Hamp‐Lyons Liz 
Published: May 2004

Unlike success in first language acquisition, success in learning a second or foreign language is considerably more variable. Recently, second language acquisition researchers have called for more integrative research on individual difference factors. With this goal in mind, this study followed a larger, quantitative study of the links between self‐directedness for language learning and English language learning attainment among university students on the Chinese mainland and in Hong Kong. Drawing on the findings of that study (Gan, 2003), this 1‐semester study looked closely at 2 small groups of tertiary‐level English as a foreign language (EFL) learners in China in order to document how they carried out their out‐of‐class (self‐directed) English learning, as well as to elaborate issues that may be critical to understanding the variability that had already been observed in their English learning outcomes.The data were gathered through interviews, diaries, and follow‐up email correspondence with 9 successful and 9 unsuccessful second‐year EFL students at 2 Chinese mainland universities. Using grounded theory methodology (Strauss & Corbin, 1994, 1998), 6 categories of qualitative data were constructed: conceptualizing English language learning; perceptions of the College English Course; learning and practising strategies; self‐management; internal drive; and English proficiency tests. The study findings suggest that different levels of success may be explained by a complex and dynamic interplay of internal cognition and emotion, external incentives, and social context. The findings imply the need to take a holistic view of variation in language learning outcomes and to broaden the scope of the current practice in learner strategy training.
Big Windows and Little Windows: Implementation in the ‘Congested State’
Authors: Exworthy Mark , Powell Martin 
Published: May 2004

This paper argues for the need to re‐assess models of policy implementation in the ‘congested state’. This re‐appraisal focuses on two main directions. The first involves locating implementation in the context of wider models of the policy process. We fuse three models, those of Kingdon, Wolman, and Challis et al., to form a new ‘policy streams’ approach. The second examines implementation in multi‐level governance. In the UK and elsewhere, much of the focus of traditional implementation studies has been on the link between one central government department and a local agency. However, this vertical (central‐local) dimension fails to give sufficient stress to the other horizontal dimensions of ‘central‐central’ and ‘local‐local’. Paraphrasing Kingdon's terms, implementation models also need to incorporate the ‘little windows’ at local level as well as the ‘big’ windows at national level. Using evidence relating to the implementation of UK policy towards health inequalities, this paper argues successful implementation is more likely when the three policy streams are linked across the three dimensions. The model is thought to be applicable to other areas of the public sectors and complex issues facing all governments.
Differential expression of p53, p63 and p73 protein and mRNA for DMBA‐induced hamster buccal‐pouch squamous‐cell carcinomas
Authors: Chen Yuk‐Kwan , Huse Shue‐Sang , Lin Li‐Min 
Published: May 2004

SummaryAbnormalities in the p53 gene are regarded as the most consistent of the genetic abnormalities associated with oral squamous‐cell carcinoma. Two related members of the p53 gene family, p73 and p63, have shown remarkable structural similarity to p53, suggesting possible functional and biological interactions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differential expression of p73, p63 and p53 genes for DMBA‐induced hamster buccal‐pouch squamous‐cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis for protein expression and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for mRNA expression were performed for 40 samples of hamster buccal pouches, the total being separated into one experimental group (15‐week DMBA‐treated; 20 animals) and two control groups (untreated and mineral oil‐treated; 10 animals each). Using immunohistochemical techniques, nuclear staining of p53 and p73 proteins was detected in a subset of hamster buccal‐pouch tissue specimens treated with DMBA for a period of 15 weeks, whereas p63 proteins were noted for all of the 20 hamster buccal‐pouch tissue specimens treated with DMBA for 15 weeks as well as for all of the untreated and mineral oil‐treated hamster buccal‐pouch tissue specimens. Differential expression of p63, p73 and p53 protein for the experimental group was as follows: p63+/p73+/p53+ (n = 14; 70%); p63+/p73+/p53– (n = 2; 10%); p63+/p73–/p53– (n = 4; 20%) and p63+/p73–/p53– (untreated [n = 10] and mineral oil‐treated mucosa [n = 10]; 100% each). Upon RT‐PCR, ΔNp63mRNA was detected within all of the 20 hamster buccal‐pouch tissue specimens treated with DMBA for 15 weeks, whereas expression of TAp63 was not detected. Furthermore, p73 mRNA was identified for 16 of the hamster buccal‐pouch tissue specimens treated with DMBA for 15 weeks, whereas p53 mRNA was noted for 14 15‐week DMBA‐treated pouches. The proportional (percentage) expression of ΔNp63, p73 and p53 mRNA for the hamster buccal‐pouch tissue specimens treated with DMBA for 15 weeks was noted to be consistent with the findings using immunohistochemical techniques. A significant correlation between p53, p63 and p73 expression (protein and mRNA) was demonstrated for the hamster buccal‐pouch carcinoma samples. Our results indicate that both p73 and p63 may be involved in the development of chemically induced hamster buccal‐pouch carcinomas, perhaps in concert with p53.
Deoxyribonucleic acid‐based diagnostic techniques to detect Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Ruzsovics A. , Molnar B. , Tulassay Z. 
Published: May 2004

Summary Helicobacter pylori is an important cause of many gastrointestinal disorders, ranging from chronic gastritis to gastric lymphoma and adenocarcinoma.The deoxyribonucleic acid‐based assays have the potential to be a powerful diagnostic tool given its ability to specifically identify H. pylori deoxyribonucleic acid. Markers used to include general H. pylori structures and pathogenetic factors like ureaseA, cagA, vacA, iceA.Deoxyribonucleic acid or bacterial ribonucleic acid for polymerase chain reaction assays can be collected from gastric biopsy, gastric juice, stool, buccal specimens. Polymerase chain reaction can yield quantitative and genotyping results with sensitivity and specificity that approaches 100%. A clear trend in the direction of the determination of quantitative H. pylori infection by real‐time polymerase chain reaction can be observed. Fluorescent in situ hybridization is suggested for routine antibiotic resistance determination. To identify the organism, deoxyribonucleic acid structure and its virulence factors may be feasible by using oligonucleotide microarray specifically recognizing and discriminating bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid and various virulence factors.Deoxyribonucleic acid‐based H. pylori diagnosis yields higher sensitivity, however, specificity requires sophisticated labour environment and associated with higher costs.
Cholesterol lowering effect of dietary weight loss and orlistat treatment – efficacy and limitations
Authors: Erdmann J. , Lippl F. , Klose G. , Schusdziarra V. 
Published: May 2004

SummaryBackground : Orlistat reduces energy uptake by the impairment of fat digestion and some evidence indicates it also lowers plasma cholesterol.Aim : To examine total, low‐density lipoprotein‐ and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol during a weight reducing regimen, and assess the effect of orlistat in lowering cholesterol levels independent of its weight reducing efficacy.Methods : A total of 448 patients with elevated cholesterol according to cardiovascular risk factors entered a 2 week single‐blind run‐in period on a hypocaloric diet. Of 384 patients were subsequently assigned double‐blind treatment with orlistat (3 × 120 mg/day) or placebo for 6 months in conjunction with the hypocaloric diet.Results : Weight loss in the orlistat group was 7.4 kg vs. 4.9 kg with placebo. Total and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased by 25–30 mg/dL vs. 10–15 mg/dL with placebo. Reduction of cholesterol with orlistat was significantly greater than anticipated from weight loss alone. In patients with cardiovascular risk factors entering the study with lower cholesterol values orlistat was also superior to placebo. On the contrary, reduction of cholesterol concentrations never exceeded 20%.Conclusion : Orlistat has a cholesterol lowering efficacy independent of its weight reducing effect. Because of the limited therapeutic effectiveness, patients at high cardiovascular risk should receive rather early additional cholesterol lowering medication during weight loss programmes.
Abuse‐related post‐traumatic stress during the childbearing year
Authors: Seng Julia S. , Low Lisa Kane , Sparbel Kathleen J. H. , Killion Cheryl 
Published: May 2004

Background.  Women with abuse‐related post‐traumatic stress who are pregnant experience symptoms that nurses and midwives may not recognize or know how to respond to.Aim.  The purpose of this article is to increase familiarity with the post‐traumatic stress disorder diagnostic framework by illustrating the symptom categories and associated features with women's descriptions of the symptoms from qualitative interviews.Methods.  A secondary analysis was performed with data from a qualitative interview study of the maternity care experiences of 15 American women who had abuse‐related post‐traumatic stress during pregnancy. Content analysis was used to extract all participant statements describing how post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms and associated features manifested in pregnancy. These were then juxtaposed with the post‐traumatic stress disorder diagnostic framework.Results.  Participants’ interviews included a range of descriptions of the intrusive re‐experiencing, avoidance and numbing, and hyperarousal core symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder, as well as associated psychological features such as somatization, dissociation and interpersonal sensitivity, and associated behavioural features such as substance abuse, disordered eating, high‐risk sexual behaviours, suicidality, and revictimization.Conclusions.  Limitations of this study include that it is a secondary analysis, using a small North American sample, and focusing only on abuse‐related post‐traumatic stress disorder. Descriptive information from this qualitative study may bridge the gaps between psychiatric technical language, women's subjective experiences, and clinicians’ perceptions of a woman's post‐traumatic stress reactions.
High rate of complications associated with peripherally inserted central venous catheters in patients with solid tumours
Authors: Cheong K. , Perry D. , Karapetis C. , Koczwara B. 
Published: May 2004

Abstract Background : Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) have been used extensively as a cost‐effective and safe form of medium‐term intravascular access. There are only limited data about complications of PICC lines in oncology patients despite theoretical concerns about the higher risks of complications in these patients as a result of cancer itself and cancer therapy.Aims : To document the frequency and type of PICC complications in patients with solid tumours.Methods : All patients with solid tumours who were treated at Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia between January 2000 and March 2001 were included in a retrospective review of PICC complications.Results : Twenty‐seven PICC lines were inserted in 17 patients; 40.7% (11/27) of PICC lines developed complications requiring early removal of the PICC. Complications encountered were sepsis (systemic and cellulitis), thrombosis, blockage and leakage. Septic complications were found at a rate of 8/1000 PICC days or 25.7% (7/27) of PICC inserted. The median dwell time was 20 days. The mean time for a complication to occur was 27.5 days.Conclusions : The present study demonstrates a high rate of complications, which is higher than the complication rates reported in studies of non‐oncology patients. PICC lines should be used with caution in patients with solid tumours. Prospective studies of the factors influencing the incidence of complications might be warranted. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 234−238)
Evaluation of a local optometric diabetic retinopathy screening service
Authors: Warburton T. J. , Hale P. J. , Dewhurst J. A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractAims  To determine the sensitivity and specificity for sight‐threatening eye disease (STED) of the diabetic retinopathy screening scheme for Stockport during the period 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001.Methods  A random sample of screen‐negative patients was recalled for further assessment by consultant ophthalmologists. Screen‐positive patients, who were referred, were tracked through the hospital system to determine the outcome.Results  In a 12‐month period, 3510 individuals with diabetes were screened, which is 1.2% of the district population. Sensitivity for STED was 75.8%[95% confidence interval (CI) 49.3, 99.99] and specificity for STED was 99.0% (95% CI 98.6, 99.3).Conclusions  The current screening arrangements in Stockport are satisfactory in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Population coverage was 1.2% over 12 months and 1.5% over 15 months and needs to be improved. An integrated computerized register requires further development.