bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Broth Microdilution Susceptibility Testing of
Francisella tularensis
: Quality Control Limits for Nine Antimicrobial Agents and Three Standard Quality Control Strains
Authors: Brown Steven D. , Krisher Karen , Traczewski Maria M. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACT

For broth microdilution susceptibility tests of
Francisella tularensis
, Mueller-Hinton broth with 2% Isovitalex is recommended. Using that medium, we studied three standard control strains tested with nine antimicrobial agents potentially efficacious for treating tularemia. An eight-laboratory collaborative study generated the data needed to propose appropriate MIC control limits.
Clinical Isolates ofStaphylococcus intermediusMasquerading as Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Pottumarthy Sudha , Schapiro Jeffrey M. , Prentice Jennifer L. , Houze Yolanda B. , Swanzy Susan R. , Fang Ferric C. , Cookson Brad T. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTStaphylococcus intermediusis a zoonotic organism that can be associated with human disease. We report two separate cases ofS. intermediusinfection in which a false-positive rapid penicillin binding protein 2a latex test in conjunction with the phenotypic properties of β-hemolysis and coagulase positivity allowed the clinical isolates to masquerade as methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the absence ofmecArevealed the strains to be methicillin-susceptibleS. intermedius.
Comparison of PCR- and HinfI Restriction Endonuclease-Based Methods for Typing of
Candida krusei
Isolates
Authors: Sancak Banu , Rex John H. , Chen Enuo , Marr Kieren 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACT

We compared HinfI restriction endonuclease-based analysis of genomic DNA with a PCR-based method for molecular typing of 90
Candida krusei
isolates from 17 geographically related patients. Strain groupings by these methods were the same for 89 of 90 isolates. Ten of 17 patients were infected with related strains of
C. krusei
.
Characterization of Hemolytic
Escherichia coli
Strains in Ferrets: Recognition of Candidate Virulence Factor CNF1
Authors: Marini Robert P. , Taylor Nancy S. , Liang Alvin Y. , Knox Kimberly A. , Peña Jeremy Andrew , Schauer David B. , Fox James G. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACT

Diseases associated with
Escherichia coli
infection are the subject of renewed interest due to emerging conditions such as hemolytic uremia syndrome. A collection of 15 strains of beta-hemolytic
E. coli
was isolated from diarrheic feces and diseased tissues of ferrets. All 15 strains were positive in specific PCR assays for the presence of
hlyA
,
pap1
, and
cnf1
. Seven of the
cnf1
-positive isolates were tested and shown to have a cytopathic effect on HeLa cell monolayers. The pathogenesis of these strains warrants future study.
Detection of Resistance to Gatifloxacin and Moxifloxacin in
Streptococcus pneumoniae
with the VITEK 2 Instrument
Authors: Jorgensen J. H. , Crawford S. A. , McElmeel L. M. , Whitney C. G. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACT
A group of 72 pneumococcal isolates resistant or intermediate to levofloxacin and 124 pneumococcal isolates susceptible to fluoroquinolones were tested by the VITEK 2 instrument using investigational test cards and by a broth microdilution reference method. The VITEK 2 instrument performed well, detecting 52 of 60 (86.7%) gatifloxacin-resistant isolates and 22 of 23 moxifloxacin-resistant isolates, and did not falsely classify any susceptible isolates as resistant.
Refractory Candidal Meningitis in an Immunocompromised Patient Cured by Caspofungin
Authors: Liu Kung-Hung , Wu Chi-Jung , Chou Chen-Hsi , Lee Hsin-Chun , Lee Nan-Yao , Hung Shao-Tsung , Ko Wen-Chien 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACT

Candidal meningitis is a rare infectious disease that usually leads to substantial morbidity and mortality. We present a case of candidal meningitis refractory to systemic antifungal therapy (amphotericin B and fluconazole). A 63-year-old female with lymphoblastic lymphoma and myelodysplasia with leukemia transformation developed prolonged fever and headache on the seventh day following intrathecal prophylactic chemotherapy. A lumbar puncture showed neutrophilic pleocytosis, and a cerebrospinal fluid culture yielded
Candida albicans
. The clinical course was complicated by brain edema, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and hydrocephalus. Parenteral therapy with amphotericin B alone or amphotericin B in combination with fluconazole or intrathecal administration of amphotericin B failed to eradicate
C. albicans
in the cerebrospinal fluid. After 7 days of caspofungin therapy, however, the cerebrospinal fluid became sterile and the patient gradually regained consciousness. She was discharged 1 month after completing 4 weeks of caspofungin therapy. There were two critical issues we thought to be relevant to the favorable outcome of this case. First, isolation of
C. albicans
was achieved by inoculating enriched liquid medium with cerebrospinal fluid. Second, there is a potential therapeutic benefit of caspofungin in treating a fungal infection of the central nervous system.
Usefulness of PCR Analysis for Diagnosis of Alveolar Echinococcosis with Unusual Localizations: Two Case Studies
Authors: Georges Sophie , Villard Odile , Filisetti Denis , Mathis Alexander , Marcellin Luc , Hansmann Yves , Candolfi Ermanno 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACT

The report presents two cases where diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis was confirmed by
Echinococcus multilocularis
and
Echinococcus granulosus
PCR. The extrahepatic osseous involvement and the absence of initial hepatic involvement are unusual in both cases. Due to limitations of serological interpretation, PCR was useful to diagnose atypical echinococcosis.
Streptomyces albus
Isolated from a Human Actinomycetoma and Characterized by Molecular Techniques
Authors: Martín Maria Cruz , Manteca Angel , Castillo María Luisa , Vázquez Fernando , Méndez Francisco Javier 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACT

A
Streptomyces albus
forearm actinomycetoma that could not be identified by culture was properly identified at the species level by study of an internal fragment of the heat shock protein gene, comparative sequence analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA), and the hypervariable γ-region of the 16S rDNA.
Engagement in safety practices to prevent home injuries in preschool children among white and non-white ethnic minority families
Authors: Mulvaney C , Kendrick D 
Published: December 2004

Objective:To examine engagement in home safety practices to prevent injuries in preschool children among white and non-white ethnic minority families.Design:A self completion postal questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics and engagement in home safety practices.Setting:Deprived areas in the city of Nottingham, United Kingdom.Subjects:3906 caregivers of children aged under 5 years.Main outcome measures:Use of fireguards, stair gates, smoke alarms, window locks and safe storage of medicines, sharp objects, and cleaning products.Results:Of the 3906 families, 3805 gave their ethnic origin of which 16.5% classed themselves as from a non-white ethnic minority. The safety practices most commonly adopted by respondents were safe storage of medicines (87.9%) and use of smoke alarms (72.3%). Respondents from non-white ethnic minorities were significantly less likely to adopt all safety practices except they were less likely than whites to store sharp objects unsafely (odds ratio (OR) 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56 to 0.84). Those from non-white ethnic minorities were significantly more likely to indicate that they “did not know they could get” fireguards (adjusted OR 6.01, 95% CI 2.64 to 13.65), stair gates (adjusted OR 4.47, 95% CI 1.53 to 13.05), and cupboard locks (adjusted OR 3.96, 95% CI 2.77 to 5.66) than whites. They were also significantly more likely to say they would need help fitting fireguards (adjusted OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.03 to 3.81), stair gates (adjusted OR 3.61, 95% CI 2.11 to 6.17), and cupboard locks (adjusted OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.54).Conclusions:Our results support the hypothesis that families from non-white ethnic minorities are less likely to engage in some safety practices and illustrate inequalities in access to information regarding the availability and fitting of safety equipment. Further work is required to examine the association between adoption of safety practices and injury rates in children from non-white ethnic minorities.
Change in Conformation of J-aggregate 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (H2TPPS) by Addition of Nonionic Surfactant (Triton X-100)
Authors: Wangfuengkanagul Nattakarn , Tabata Masaaki 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Drastic conformational change of J-aggregate of 5,10,15, 20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (H2TPPS) was observed by addition of nonionic surfactant (Triton X-100) in acidic medium. The CD spectra of the aggregate (H4TPPS)n changed to opposite signed CD spectra in the presence of Triton X-100. The interaction of (H2TPPS)n with Triton X-100 was studied by the measurements of UV–vis and fluorescence spectra as well as CD spectra at different concentrations of Triton X-100.
Helical Aggregate of Oleic Acid and Its Dynamics in Water at pH 8
Authors: Ishimaru Masako , Toyota Taro , Takakura Katsuto , Sugawara Tadashi , Sugawara Yoko 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
It is found that helical structures can be formed by a simple achiral fatty acid, oleic acid, in the pH range of 8.0–8.1 at room temperature. Moreover, we succeeded in the first observation of spontaneous dynamics of these helical aggregates in water by optical microscopy.
Facile Synthesis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons via a Trisaryne Equivalent
Authors: Ikadai Junnai , Yoshida Hiroto , Ohshita Joji , Kunai Atsutaka 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
1,3,5-Tris[4-trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy-3-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl]benzene (1), a trisaryne equivalent, was synthesized. The Diels–Alder reaction or the palladium-catalyzed hexasilylation by use of 1 gave modest to excellent yields of diverse polyaromatic hydrocarbons straightforwardly.
Hybrid adaptive control for non‐linear uncertain impulsive dynamical systems
Authors: Haddad Wassim M. , Hayakawa Tomohisa , Nersesov Sergey G. , Chellaboina VijaySekhar 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA direct hybrid adaptive control framework for non‐linear uncertain hybrid dynamical systems is developed. The proposed hybrid adaptive control framework is Lyapunov‐based and guarantees partial asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop hybrid system; that is, asymptotic stability with respect to part of the closed‐loop system states associated with the hybrid plant states. Furthermore, hybrid adaptive controllers guaranteeing attraction of the closed‐loop system plant states are also developed. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed hybrid adaptive stabilization approach. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meta‐analysis of the association between two polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene and affective disorders
Authors: Lasky‐Su Jessica A. , Faraone Stephen V. , Glatt Stephen J. , Tsuang Ming T. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractFamily, twin, and adoption studies show that psychiatric diseases including bipolar disorder (BP) and unipolar disorder (UP) have a substantial genetic component. For these illnesses, both positive and negative associations have been reported for two polymorphisms located in the serotonin transporter gene (5‐HTT) on chromosome 17: a 17‐base‐pair (bp) variable‐number tandem‐repeat (VNTR) in intron 2 and a 44‐bp insertion/deletion in the promoter region. Thus, associations between these 5‐HTT polymorphisms and affective disorders remain unclear. The present work investigates these potential associations in meta‐analyzes that maximize the power to find associations between each disease and the two 5‐HTT polymorphisms. We applied meta‐analysis techniques to case‐control studies of two 5‐HTT polymorphisms and two affective disorders (BP and UP), resulting in four meta‐analyzes. For each polymorphism, we assessed the evidence for allelic associations, heterogeneity among studies, the influence of individual studies, and the potential for publication bias. The short allele(s) of the 44‐bp insertion/deletion polymorphism showed a significant association for BP (odds ratio (OR) = 1.13, P = 0.001) but not UP. For the 17‐bp VNTR, an increase in the number of tandem repeats had no significant association with any of the disorders. The small but significant effects of the 44‐bp insertion/deletion polymorphism for BP is consistent with being one of many genes that contributes to the multi‐factorial nature of these psychiatric disorders. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing age‐related ossification of the petro‐occipital fissure: Laying the foundation for understanding the clinicopathologies of the cranial base
Authors: Balboni Armand L. , Estenson Thomas L. , Reidenberg Joy S. , Bergemann Andrew D. , Laitman Jeffrey T. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe petro‐occitpital fissure (POF) lies within a critical interface of cranial growth and development in the posterior cranial fossa. The relationships between skeletal and soft tissues make this region especially important for examining biomechanical and basic biologic forces that may mold the cranial base and contribute to significant clinicopathologies associated with the structures located near the POF. Therefore, this study investigates the POF in adults in both preserved human cadavers and dried crania in order to determine if developmental changes can be observed and, if so, their value in age assessment as a model system for describing normal morphogenesis of the POF. This study demonstrates that tissue within the POF undergoes characteristic changes in ossification with age, the onset of which is considerably later than that of other synchondroses of the cranial base. Statistically, there is a moderate to strong correlation between age and stage of ossification within the POF. Further, male crania were observed to reach greater degrees of ossification at a younger age than female crania and that individual asymmetry in ossification of the tissue within the POF was not uncommon. An understanding of the basic temporal biological processes of the POF may yield insight into the development of clinicopathologies in this region of the cranial base. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Randomized clinical trial of compression plus surgery versus compression alone in chronic venous ulceration (ESCHAR study)—haemodynamic and anatomical changes
Authors: Gohel M S , Barwell J R , Earnshaw J J , Heather B P , Mitchell D C , Whyman M R , Poskitt K R 
Published: December 2004

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical and haemodynamic effects of superficial venous surgery and compression on legs with chronic venous ulceration.

Methods
Legs with open or recently healed ulceration and saphenous reflux were treated with multilayer compression bandaging or superficial venous surgery plus compression as part of a clinical trial. Venous duplex imaging was performed before treatment and at 1 year. Legs were stratified before surgery as having no deep reflux, segmental deep reflux or total deep reflux. Venous refill times (VRTs) were calculated before treatment and at 1 year using photoplethysmography, with and without a narrow below-knee cuff inflated to 80 mmHg.

Results
Of 214 legs investigated, 112 were treated with compression and 102 with compression plus surgery. Saphenous surgery abolished deep reflux in ten of 22 legs with segmental deep reflux and three of 17 with total deep reflux. Overall median (range) VRT increased from 10 (3–48) to 15 (4–48) s 1 year after surgery (P &lt; 0·001). Preoperative change in VRT on application of a below-knee tourniquet correlated with actual change in VRT following surgery.

Conclusion
Superficial venous surgery resulted in a significant haemodynamic benefit for legs with venous ulceration despite co-existent deep reflux; residual saphenous reflux was common.
Aldol Condensations Over Reconstructed Mg–Al Hydrotalcites: Structure–Activity Relationships Related to the Rehydration Method
Authors: Abelló Sònia , Medina Francesc , Tichit Didier , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier , Groen Johan C. , Sueiras Jesús E. , Salagre Pilar , Cesteros Yolanda 
Published: December 2004

AbstractTwo different rehydration procedures in the liquid or gas phase have been applied to reconstruct mixed oxides derived from calcined hydrotalcite‐like materials to be used as catalysts for aldol condensation reactions. The as‐synthesized hydrotalcite, its decomposition product, as well as the reconstructed solids upon rehydration were characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption, He pycnometry, FTIR, SEM, TEM, 27Al MAS‐NMR and CO2‐TPD (TPD=temperature‐programmed desorption). Compared to the Mg–Al mixed oxide rehydrated in the gas phase (HT‐rg), that rehydrated in the liquid phase (HT‐rl) exhibits a superior catalytic performance with respect to the aldol condensation of citral with ketones to yield pseudoionones and in the self‐aldolization of acetone. The textural properties of HT‐rl and HT‐rg differ strongly and determine the catalytic behavior. A memory effect led to a higher degree of reconstruction of the lamellar structure when the mixed oxide was rehydrated in the gas phase rather than in the liquid phase, although liquid‐phase rehydration under fast stirring produced a surface area that was 26 times greater. This contrasts to typical statements in the literature claiming a higher degree of reconstruction in the presence of large amounts of water in the medium. CO2‐TPD shows that the number of OH− groups and their nature are very similar in HT‐rg and HT‐rl, and cannot explain the markedly different catalytic behavior. Accordingly, only a small fraction of the available basic sites in the rehydrated samples is active in liquid‐phase aldol condensations. Our results support the model in which only basic sites near the edges of the hydrotalcite platelets are partaking in aldol reactions. Based on this, reconstructed materials with small crystallites (produced by exfoliation during mechanical stirring), that is, possessing a high external surface area, are beneficial in the reactions compared to larger crystals with a high degree of intraplatelet porosity.
Low‐Melting, Low‐Viscous, Hydrophobic Ionic Liquids: Aliphatic Quaternary Ammonium Salts with Perfluoroalkyltrifluoroborates
Authors: Zhou Zhi‐Bin , Matsumoto Hajime , Tatsumi Kuniaki 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA novel class of low‐melting, hydrophobic ionic liquids based on relatively small aliphatic quaternary ammonium cations ([R1R2R3NR]+, wherein R1, R2, R3 = CH3 or C2H5, R = n‐C3H7, n‐C4H9, CH2CH2OCH3) and perfluoroalkyltrifluoroborate anions ([RFBF3]−, RF = CF3, C2F5, n‐C3F7, n‐C4F9) have been prepared and characterized. The important physicochemical and electrochemical properties of these salts, including melting point, glass transition, viscosity, density, ionic conductivity, thermal and electrochemical stability, have been determined and comparatively studied with those based on the corresponding [BF4]− and [(CF3SO2)2N]− salts. The influence of the structure variation in the quaternary ammonium cation and perfluoroalkyltrifluoroborate ([RFBF3]−) anion on the above physicochemical properties is discussed. Most of these salts are liquids at 25 °C and exhibit low viscosities (58–210 cP at 25 °C) and moderate conductivities (1.1–3.8 mS cm−1). The electrochemical windows of these salts are much larger than those of the corresponding 1,3‐dialkyimidazolium salts. Additionally, a number of [RFBF3]− salts exhibit plastic crystal behavior.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of lipoblastoma: A report of two cases
Authors: López‐Ferrer Pilar , Jiménez‐Heffernan José A. , Yébenes Laura , Vicandi Blanca , Viguer José M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractLipoblastoma is an uncommon lipomatous tumor that typically occurs in infants and children. It may present as a single subcutaneous nodule or with multiple lesions (lipoblastomatosis). We describe fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytologic features of two cases that presented as a subcutaneous lump in the scapular area and as a deeply located mass in the left arm. Smears showed fragments of adipose tissue that consisted of numerous vacuolated adipocytes with few stroma. Nuclei were small and located centrically, without indentations. Myxoid stromal material was a remarkable finding in one case. Both cases showed small delicate vessels, mainly in relation with the myxoid material. No necrosis, atypia, or mitotic figures were present. Cytologic features were characteristic enough to permit a specific diagnosis (adipose tumor suggestive of lipoblastoma). The differential diagnosis should consider lipoma with regressive changes, well‐differentiated and mixoid liposarcoma. In addition to cytologic features, the patient's age is very useful for differentiation. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;32:32–34. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
“Parapharyngeal space” tumors: A cytopathological study of 24 cases on fine‐needle aspiration
Authors: Oliai Bahram R. , Sheth Sheila , Burroughs Frances H. , Ali Syed Z. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe parapharyngeal space (PPS) is a well‐defined anatomic zone of loose connective tissue lying deep to the tonsil and lateral to the pharynx. Neoplasms arising within the PPS are rare. We retrospectively reviewed 24 PPS fine‐needle aspirations (FNAs) performed at The Johns Hopkins Hospital over the past 16 years (1987–2002). Patients presented with neck pain, dysphagia, and/or intraoral swelling of varying duration. Radiographic imaging disclosed PPS masses, varying in size from 2.5 to 8 cm. The most common clinicoradiographic suspicion was a nerve sheath tumor. Six cases had FNA performed using a 23‐gauge needle via a transoral approach in the outpatient suite whereas the remainder were aspirated via a 22‐gauge Franseen needle under CT guidance. Six of 24 cases (25%) were nondiagnostic due to lack of adequate cellular material. Of the18 cases considered diagnostic, there were nine (50%) pleomorphic adenomas (PAs); three (17%) squamous‐cell carcinomas (SCC); and one each of oncocytoma, adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified (NOS), adenoid cystic carcinoma, lipoma, neurofibroma, and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, together comprising the remaining 33%. Four of the six cases deemed nondiagnostic (consisting predominantly of blood) on subsequent tissue follow‐up revealed paraganglioma (two cases), SCC (one case), and schwannoma (one case). PPS is an uncommon target of an FNA procedure. PPS masses represent a heterogeneous group of neoplasms of which PA appears most common, representing 50% of our diagnostic cases. The rate of nondiagnostic FNA samples is moderately high due to excessive bleeding encountered in this location and other technical problems relating to adequately targeting the lesion in close vicinity of major neck vessels. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;32:11–15. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Value of cytological imprints in the diagnosis of atypical lipomatous tumor
Authors: Fernandez‐Flores Angel , Juanes Fernando 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe diagnosis of atypical lipomatous tumor by biopsy, requires careful examination of several slides, in order to look for atypical cells. We suggest that imprints of lipomatous tumors may play a complementary role in such a search, and report a case of a 74‐yr‐old woman with an atypical lipomatous tumor of the left thigh, in which imprints helped to make the diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;32:51–52. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.