bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in Gene Content among
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhi Isolates
Authors: Boyd E. F. , Porwollik S. , Blackmer F. , McClelland M. 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACT

We used a nonredundant microarray of the
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium LT2 and Typhi CT18 genomes to assess the genomic content of a diverse set of isolates of serovar Typhi. Comparative genomic hybridization revealed 13 regions of absent or divergent gene content in the eight Typhi strains examined compared to Typhi CT18. In particular, two Typhi CT18 prophage regions, STY1048 to STY1077 and STY2038 to STY2077, as well as a five-gene islet (STY3188 to STY3193) were absent or divergent in all other Typhi strains examined. Seven Typhi strains lacked most or all of the IS
1
elements present in strain CT18, and three Typhi strains lacked a P4-like phage (STY4821 to STY4834). One strain was devoid of a 149-gene region (STY4521 to STY4680), which encodes numerous phage genes and the Vi antigen biosynthesis and export gene cluster, a type IV pilus, and numerous phage genes. In Typhi strain 26T25, an amplification of an entire inter-ribosomal region encompassing 31 genes has occurred. Furthermore, a 257-gene region (STY1360 to STY1639) showed an aberrant replication pattern in three Typhi isolates. Overall, these differences in gene content indicate that even within a highly clonal bacterial population the genomic reservoir is unstable.
Evaluation of the Rapid Immunoassay Determine HIV 1/2 for Detection of Antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Types 1 and 2
Authors: van den Berk G. E. L. , Frissen P. H. J. , Regez R. M. , Rietra P. J. G. M. 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACT
We evaluated the reliability of a rapid human immunodeficiency virus type 1 test for quick clinical decision making, such as in needle-stick accidents. The test was evaluated with 1,160 patients. It proved to be a simple and useful test with 99.6% specificity and 99.4% sensitivity. One patient with late-stage AIDS had a false-negative result.
Evaluation of Susceptibility of Human Herpesvirus 8 to Antiviral Drugs by Quantitative Real-Time PCR
Authors: Sergerie Yan , Boivin Guy 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACT

A new in vitro system based on real-time PCR was developed for evaluation of human herpesvirus 8 susceptibility to antiviral agents. Cidofovir had the greatest inhibitory activity against HHV-8 (50% inhibitory concentration [IC
50
], 0.43 μM) followed by ganciclovir (2.61 μM), adefovir (18.00 μM), acyclovir (31.00 μM), and foscarnet (34.15 μM). The potential therapeutic efficacy for HHV-8 (i.e., peak serum drug level/IC
50
) is highest for cidofovir (167) and foscarnet (22).
Analysis of the Ability of Spirochete Species Associated with Relapsing Fever, Avian Borreliosis, and Epizootic Bovine Abortion To Bind Factor H and Cleave C3b
Authors: McDowell John V. , Tran Emily , Hamilton Duncan , Wolfgang Jill , Miller Kelley , Marconi Richard T. 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACT

Some
Borrelia
species associated with Lyme disease bind the complement-regulatory protein factor H (fH), a process that may aid in immune evasion. In this report we demonstrate that some
Borrelia
species associated with relapsing fever bind fH, but not those associated with avian borreliosis and epizootic bovine abortion. Cell-bound fH was also found to mediate cleavage of exogenously supplied human C3b, demonstrating the biological relevance of fH binding and its possible importance in the pathogenesis of the relapsing-fever spirochetes.
Use of Dipsticks for Rapid Diagnosis of Cholera Caused by
Vibrio cholerae
O1 and O139 from Rectal Swabs
Authors: Bhuiyan N. A. , Qadri Firdausi , Faruque A. S. G. , Malek M. A , Salam M. A. , Nato Farida , Fournier J. M. , Chanteau S. , Sack David A. , Balakrish Nair G. 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the recently developed dipsticks for the rapid detection of
Vibrio cholerae
serotypes O1 and O139 from rectal swabs of hospitalized diarrheal patients after enrichment for 4 h in alkaline peptone water. The sensitivity and specificity of the dipsticks were above 92 and 91%, respectively. The dipsticks represent the first rapid test which has been successfully used to diagnose cholera from rectal swabs, and this would immensely improve surveillance for cholera, especially in remote settings.
Cat Scratch Disease Presenting as Orbital Abscess and Osteomyelitis
Authors: Mirakhur Beloo , Shah Samir S. , Ratner Adam J. , Goldstein Scott M. , Bell Louis M. , Kim Jean O. 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTOcular manifestations of cat scratch disease are uncommon. The diagnosis is usually made on the basis of increasingBartonella henselaeserum antibody titers. We report a child presenting with orbital abscess and osteomyelitis who was diagnosed with hepatosplenic cat scratch disease by detection ofB. henselaeDNA in the orbital abscess fluid.
Fatal Acute Cellulitis Due to
Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Cartolano Gian-Luigi , Barbier Christophe , Arnoult Leïla , Simon Didier , Ricome Jean-Louis , Hayon Jan 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACT

We describe the first fatal evolution of cellulitis due to
Neisseria meningitidis
serogroup Y involving an 85-year-old woman. She presented with an extensive cellulitis of the left side of the face, neck, and thorax and septic shock. In spite of active antibiotic therapy, evolution was rapidly fatal.
Vaginal cytology and vulvar swelling as indicators of impending estrus and ovulation in the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Authors: Durrant Barbara S. , Ann Olson Mary , Amodeo Dianne , Anderson Autumn , Russ Kara D. , Campos‐Morales Rogelio , Gual‐Sill Fernando , Ramos Garza Juan 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe giant panda is critically endangered in its native habitat, which is continually depreciated by the pressure of human population growth, and the small captive population is not yet self‐sustaining. Female giant pandas are seasonally monoestrous with spontaneous ovulation. Precise monitoring of the estrous cycle to pinpoint the time of ovulation is critical for the success of both timed mating and artificial insemination. Vaginal cytology is a useful adjunct to endocrinological data in describing the estrous cycle in many species, including domestic carnivores; however, it has not been used effectively in the giant panda. In this study, vaginal swabs were obtained from four nulliparous females ranging in age from 6 to 14 years. Cells were stained with Papanicolaou stain and classified as basophils, intermediate cells, or superficial cells based on traditional criteria. In addition, cell color changes from the basophilic through the acidophilic and keratinized stages were recorded. The size and color of the vulva of a single female was scored daily on a scale of 0–3, with anestrus characterized as 0. The day of ovulation was retrospectively designated as day 0 based on urinary estrogen concentrations, behavior, and morphological indicators. The vulva began to swell between days –11 and –9, with peak tumescence on the day of ovulation. The percentage of superficial cells began to increase by day –8 to –7, and peaked between days –2 and +2. A chromic shift occurred on day –8, when the majority of vaginal cells changed from basophilic to acidophilic without any accompanying nuclear or cytoplasmic changes. A second chromic shift was observed on day –2, when keratinized cells replaced acidophilic cells as the majority of vaginal cells. By day +4, all parameters had returned to baseline except vulvar swelling, which slowly subsided over the next several days. These data show the correlation of trichrome‐stained vaginal cytology with other measured indicators of estrus in the giant panda, and its predictive value in determining the time of ovulation. Zoo Biol 22:313–321, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of adhesive surgical tape with the absorbable continuous subcuticular suture
Authors: Kolt Jeremy D. 
Published: August 2003

Background:  The absorbable continuous subcuticular suture is frequently used to close surgical incisions where the aim is healing by primary intention. A form of adhesive surgical tape is commonly also placed over the wound but this combination closure seems to have its development based on anecdotal, rather than experimental evidence. The present study reviews the scientific literature on the development of sutureless wound closure and presents the current evidence for the use of combination wound closure.Methods:  Review was undertaken of the medical literature using the PubMed Internet database and cross‐referencing major ­articles on the subject. The following combinations of key words were searched: skin closure, wound closure, suture technique, sutureless, adhesive tape, op‐site, staples, subcuticular suture, complication, infection and scars.Results:  Taped closure alone has advantages of lower wound infection rates and greater wound tensile strength, but disadvantages of epidermal reaction, skin edge inversion, doubtful safety and time required for meticulous surgical technique. The use of the continuous absorbable subcuticular suture allows accurate skin edge approximation, which increases the safety margin. The combination closure has a slightly superior cosmetic result to sutureless techniques but no study has been performed to compare the results of combination subcuticular suture and tape, with tape or subcuticular suture alone.Conclusions:  There is no evidence in the scientific literature to justify or support the practice of closing a surgical wound with both subcuticular suture and adhesive surgical tape.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the lip: is there a role for adjuvant radiotherapy in improving local control following incomplete or inadequate excision?
Authors: Babington Scott , Veness Michael J. , Cakir Burcu , Gebski Val J. , Morgan Gary J. 
Published: August 2003

Background:  The treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the lip with surgery is usually curative but incomplete/inadequate excision may be associated with recurrence and poor outcome. There is no consensus in the literature on the definition of an adequate excision margin.Methods:  Patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the lip at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, between 1980 and 2000 were eligible for inclusion. Polytomous logistic regression analysis was undertaken to assess for predictors of recurrence. Recurrence‐free and overall survival were calculated using Kaplan−Meier survival curves.Results:  A total of 130 patients was identified. Median age at diagnosis was 64 years (23−97 years). Most lesions (90%) were located on the lower lip in 96 (74%) male patients. Median follow‐up duration was 54 months (0−189 months). Most patients ­presented with T1 lesions (75%). Initial treatment was surgery (39%), radiotherapy (48%) or both (13%). Twenty‐seven per cent of  excised lesions had a close (≤2 mm) or positive margin. A total of 40 patients (31%) had recurrence (18% lymph nodes, 11% lip and 2% both). In the surgery group recurrence was significantly more likely with close or positive margins (P = 0.05). The 2 year ­recurrence‐free survival was 82% and 54% for radiotherapy and surgery, respectively (P < 0.001). The 2 year overall survival was similar (90% radiotherapy vs 100% surgery; P = 0.58).Conclusion:  Incomplete or inadequate excision of some lip cancers results in local recurrence. If re‐excision is not feasible ­surgeons should consider the role of adjuvant radiotherapy in improving local control.
Likelihood and Non‐parametric Bayesian MCMC Inference for Spatial Point Processes Based on Perfect Simulation and Path Sampling
Authors: Berthelsen Kasper K. , Møller Jesper 
Published: August 2003

AbstractWe consider the combination of path sampling and perfect simulation in the context of both likelihood inference and non‐parametric Bayesian inference for pairwise interaction point processes. Several empirical results based on simulations and analysis of a data set are presented, and the merits of using perfect simulation are discussed.
Fair Valuation of a Guaranteed Life Insurance Participating Contract Embedding a Surrender Option
Authors: Bacinello Anna Rita 
Published: August 2003

AbstractIn this article we deal with the problem of pricing a guaranteed life insurance participating policy, sold in the Italian market, which embeds a surrender option. This feature is an American‐style put option that enables the policyholder to sell back the contract to the insurer at the cash surrender value. Employing a recursive binomial formula patterned after the Cox, Ross, and Rubinstein (1979) discrete option pricing model we compute, first of all, the total price of the contract, which also includes a compensation for the participation feature (“participation option,” henceforth). Then this price is split into the value of three components: the basic contract, the participation option, and the surrender option. The numerical implementation of the model allows us to catch some comparative statics properties and to tackle the problem of suitably fixing the contractual parameters in order to obtain the premium computed by insurance companies according to standard actuarial practice.
Equal Employment Policy in France: Symbolic Support and a Mixed Record
Authors: LAUFER JACQUELINE 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThis article analyzes the policy framework for and the implementation of equal employment policy in France. After presenting the equal employment policy framework and the role of state feminist women's policy offices in its development, the author discusses the limited support for positive action strategies among French firms and unions. The implementation of equal employment policy has had a mixed record, often limited to symbolic gestures rather than concrete change. Contributing to this symbolic dynamic are the effects of reconciliation policy and the impact of the development of part‐time work on women employment. The analysis argues that reconciliation policy has not for its part always privileged an egalitarian set of measures that facilitates the sharing of family and domestic work between men and women. The article asserts that the development of part‐time work has contradicted equal employment policy efforts and has effectively contributed to maintaining women's positions in low‐paying and marginal jobs. The article concludes that despite an apparently comprehensive policy framework for equal employment policy in France, the situation of women workers appears to be followin two tracks: a top‐tier track of qualified, relatively well‐paid women who are able to have a career and to reconcile family and work, and a lower‐tier track of less‐skilled, lower‐paid women workers who continue to be marginalized on the labor market.
Site‐specific methylene blue delivery to pilosebaceous structures using highly porous nylon microspheres: An experimental evaluation
Authors: Mordon Serge , Sumian Chryslain , Devoisselle Jean Marie 
Published: August 2003

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the penetration of methylene blue (MB)‐loaded microspheres into pilosebaceous structures of rats.Materials and MethodsMB was incorporated into 5 µm highly porous nylon microspheres. The microspheres were dispersed into fluid silicone. Male hairless rats were used to evaluate the penetration of MB into hair follicles. After formulation application, MB diffusion was induced and skin biopsies were realized immediately, 2 and 26 hours after MB loaded microspheres application. MB fluorescence was observed with a microscope expanded for fluorescence microscopy.ResultsPosition of microspheres and MB diffusion was dependent on delay between microspheres application and harvest. Inside the skin, MB was seen exclusively in the hair follicle and the sebaceous glands. MB diffusion varied from 160 ± 50 µm (2 hours after application) to 410 ± 70 µm (26 hours after application). MB was also found in the sebaceous glands.DiscussionThis study confirms that 5 µm microspheres are optimally deposited deep within the pilosebaceous structure. In agreement with the literature, when microspheres are topically applied on the skin, they penetrate via a “lipid‐rich channel” coating the hair follicles. MB is exclusively distributed in the hair follicles and their accessories.ConclusionThis report presents evidence of MB pilosebaceous delivery through the use of microsphere formulation. This is obtained thanks to topical enhancement via the follicular route. This drug delivery system aims to transport MB into the pilosebaceous unit specifically and deeply. Various other applications could derive from this work. For example, such a method might be used to increase the therapeutic index of drugs directed at hair sebaceous gland disorders. Laser treatment of acne or laser hair removal could also benefit of this technique. Lasers Surg. Med. 33:119–125, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An experimental and theoretical study of the preferred hydrogen bonding site of methyl isothiocyanate
Authors: Illien Bertrand , Evain Karine , Berthelot Michel , Laurence Christian 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe hydrogen‐bond acceptor properties of MeNCS were investigated in vacuo with theoretical (MP2 and DFT) calculations, in CCl4 and (CF3)2CHOH solutions by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and in the solid state through the Cambridge Structural Database. These methods show that MeNCS is a sulfur base in hydrogen bonding. The electrostatic potential at the molecular surface is more negative by 36 kJ mol−1 around S than around N. The hydrogen bonding of HF is more favorable to sulfur than to nitrogen by ca 5, 4 and 7 kJ mol−1, respectively, on the dissociation energy, enthalpy and Gibbs energy scales (B3LYP calculations). The selectivity of hydrogen bonding sites appears to be governed by a push–pull mechanism (electrons going from N to S) rather than by hardness. Towards a phenol, the order of sulfur basicity is . Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The dependence receptors DCC and UNC5H as a link between neuronal guidance and survival
Authors: Mehlen Patrick , Mazelin Laetitia 
Published: August 2003

AbstractNetrins are secreted proteins that play a crucial role in neuronal migration and in axon guidance during the development of the nervous system. Netrin‐1 has been shown to interact with the transmembrane receptors DCC and UNC5H and these receptors appeared of key importance in mediating the chemotropic activity of netrin‐1. Before the discovery of DCC as a netrin‐1 receptor, the gene encoding DCC was proposed as a putative tumor suppressor gene because one DCC allele was deleted in roughly 70% of colorectal cancers and its expression was often reduced or absent in colorectal cancer tissues. A putative explanation for such dual roles has recently emerged with the observation that DCC belongs to the growing family of dependence receptors. Such receptors share the property of inducing apoptosis in the absence of ligand, hence creating a cellular state of dependence on the ligand. The other netrin‐1 receptors UNC5H were also subsequently proposed to be dependence receptors, suggesting that netrin‐1 may not only be a chemotropic factor for neurons but also a survival factor. We describe here netrin‐1 and its receptors, together with the molecular signaling pathways initiated upon netrin‐1 binding or upon netrin‐1 withdrawal leading respectively to axonal/neuronal guidance or cell death induction. We then conclude to the possible roles of DCC and UNC5H pro‐apoptotic activities in both nervous system development and tumorigenesis.
Alternative sites of injection for sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer
Authors: Celliers Liesl , Mann G. Bruce 
Published: August 2003

Background:  Sentinel node biopsy is rapidly gaining popularity as a less invasive approach to nodal staging in breast cancer. The optimal route of injection of radiocolloids and dye is controversial. The purpose of the present paper was to review and assess the literature.Methods:  A MEDLINE search for reports of studies involving different injection sites of colloid and/or dye was performed.Results:  Although controversial, current evidence suggests that subareolar (SA) or intradermal/subdermal (ID/SD) injection will map the same axillary sentinel nodes (SN) as peritumoral (PT) injection in the vast majority of cases, is at least as successful, and is better logistically. Peritumoral, but not alternative routes, identify extra‐axillary sentinel nodes, which are important in a minority of patients.Conclusions:  It is recommended that at least some of the radiocolloid be injected peritumorally to avoid missing those SN not located in the ipsilateral axilla. Injection of the dye and a portion of radiocolloid in an ID/SA location is reasonable to take advantage of the general ease and accuracy of ID/SA injections in identifying axillary SN.
Simple technique for identifying the linea alba in lower abdominal incisions
Authors: Bariol Simon V. , Lambrakis Paul , Cozzi Paul J. 
Published: August 2003

Background:  Identification of the true midline in infra‐umbilical longitudinal incisions is often difficult. Traditional methods of identification can be unreliable.Methods:  An alternative technique for identifying the linea alba, based on the attachments of the median umbilical ligament, is presented.Results:  The technique is both reliable and reproducible in identifying the midline.Conclusion:  This technique is recommended as a means of avoiding muscle incision and facilitating wound closure.
A Note on a Specification Test for Time Series Models Based on Spectral Density Estimation
Authors: Dette Holger , Spreckelsen Ingrid 
Published: August 2003

AbstractIn a recent paper, Paparoditis [Scand. J. Statist. 27 (2000) 143] proposed a new goodness‐of‐fit test for time series models based on spectral density estimation. The test statistic is based on the distance between a kernel estimator of the ratio of the true and the hypothesized spectral density and the expected value of the estimator under the null and provides a quantification of how well the parametric density fits the sample spectral density. In this paper, we give a detailed asymptotic analysis of the corresponding procedure under fixed alternatives.
The Value of a Life: New Evidence of the Relationship Between Changes in Occupational Fatalities and Wages of Hourly Workers, 1992 to 1999
Authors: Jennings William P. , Kinderman Albert 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe Environmental Protection Agency and other government agencies use the willingness‐to‐pay concept in labor market studies to estimate the value of a life for evaluating regulatory policies and projects. This study uses new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the period 1992–1999 on industry injury and illness rates and fatality rates to examine the relationship between changes in occupational mortality rates and in hourly wages. The analysis finds that there is no statistically significant evidence that changes in occupational mortality are associated with changes in wages and, thus, there is no empirical basis for using the willingness‐to‐pay concept as a reliable method for valuing a life or evaluating regulatory policies.
Parity Reform in France: Promises and Pitfalls
Authors: BAUDINO CLAUDIE 
Published: August 2003

AbstractIn the 1990s, a new social movement emerged in France to address the underrepresentation of women in elected bodies and to promote womens's and men's equal representation, in French called parité. On the eve of the twenty‐first century, the movement achieved its main goal—a constitutional reform. The purpose of this article is to present both the promises of the parity movement and the limits of the reform. During the 1990s, parity reform appeared as a tool to achieve sex‐based political equality, but it was also seen as an indicator of feminist movement renewal and of improving French democracy. The legal texts adopted in 1999 and 2000 did not keep the promises of the movement. While the legal obligations and financial incentives in the reforms established new mechanisms for achieving parity between the sexes in elected office, they have not yet translated into actual parity in electoral outcomes.