bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metallo-β-Lactamases: the Quiet before the Storm?
Authors: Walsh Timothy R. , Toleman Mark A. , Poirel Laurent , Nordmann Patrice 
Published: April 2005

SUMMARYThe ascendancy of metallo-β-lactamases within the clinical sector, while not ubiquitous, has nonetheless been dramatic; some reports indicate that nearly 30% of imipenem-resistantPseudomonas aeruginosastrains possess a metallo-β-lactamase. Acquisition of a metallo-β-lactamase gene will invariably mediate broad-spectrum β-lactam resistance inP. aeruginosa, but the level of in vitro resistance inAcinetobacterspp. and Enterobacteriaceae is less dependable. Their clinical significance is further embellished by their ability to hydrolyze all β-lactams and by the fact that there is currently no clinical inhibitor, nor is there likely to be for the foreseeable future. The genes encoding metallo-β-lactamases are often procured by class 1 (sometimes class 3) integrons, which, in turn, are embedded in transposons, resulting in a highly transmissible genetic apparatus. Moreover, other gene cassettes within the integrons often confer resistance to aminoglycosides, precluding their use as an alternative treatment. Thus far, the metallo-β-lactamases encoded on transferable genes include IMP, VIM, SPM, and GIM and have been reported from 28 countries. Their rapid dissemination is worrisome and necessitates the implementation of not just surveillance studies but also metallo-β-lactamase inhibitor studies securing the longevity of important anti-infectives.
Quantitative health impact assessment: current practice and future directions
Authors: Veerman J L , Barendregt J J , Mackenbach J P 
Published: April 2005

Study objective:To assess what methods are used in quantitative health impact assessment (HIA), and to identify areas for future research and development.Design:HIA reports were assessed for (1) methods used to quantify effects of policy on determinants of health (exposure impact assessment) and (2) methods used to quantify health outcomes resulting from changes in exposure to determinants (outcome assessment).Main results:Of 98 prospective HIA studies, 17 reported quantitative estimates of change in exposure to determinants, and 16 gave quantified health outcomes. Eleven (categories of) determinants were quantified up to the level of health outcomes. Methods for exposure impact assessment were: estimation on the basis of routine data and measurements, and various kinds of modelling of traffic related and environmental factors, supplemented with experts’ estimates and author’s assumptions. Some studies used estimates from other documents pertaining to the policy. For the calculation of health outcomes, variants of epidemiological and toxicological risk assessment were used, in some cases in mathematical models.Conclusions:Quantification is comparatively rare in HIA. Methods are available in the areas of environmental health and, to a lesser extent, traffic accidents, infectious diseases, and behavioural factors. The methods are diverse and their reliability and validity are uncertain. Research and development in the following areas could benefit quantitative HIA: methods to quantify the effect of socioeconomic and behavioural determinants; user friendly simulation models; the use of summary measures of public health, expert opinion and scenario building; and empirical research into validity and reliability.
The accuracy of the report of hepatic steatosis on ultrasonography in patients infected with hepatitis C in a clinical setting: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Hepburn Matthew J , Vos Jeffrey A , Fillman Eric P , Lawitz Eric J 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
Steatosis is occasionally reported during screening ultrasonography in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). We conducted a retrospective observational study to assess the factors associated with steatosis on ultrasonography and the relationship between steatosis on ultrasound versus biopsy in patients infected with HCV in a clinical setting. Our hypothesis was ultrasonography would perform poorly for the detection of steatosis outside of the context of a controlled study, primarily due to false-positive results caused by hepatic fibrosis and inflammation.

Methods
A retrospective review of ultrasound reports was conducted on patients infected with HCV in a tertiary care gastroenterology clinic. Reports were reviewed for the specific documentation of the presence of steatosis. Baseline clinical and histologic parameters were recorded, and compared for patients with vs. without steatosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed on these baseline variables. Liver biopsies were reviewed by two pathologists, and graded for steatosis. Steatosis on biopsy was compared to steatosis on ultrasound report, and the performance characteristics of ultrasonography were calculated, using biopsy as the gold standard.

Results
Ultrasound reports were available on 164 patients. Patients with steatosis on ultrasound had a higher incidence of the following parameters compared to patients without steatosis: diabetes (12/49 [24%] vs. 7/115 [6%], p < 0.001), fibrosis stage >2 (15/48 [31%] vs. 16/110 [15%], p = 0.02), histologic grade >2 (19/48 [40%] vs. 17/103 [17%], p = 0.002), and ALT (129.5 ± 89.0 IU/L vs. 94.3 ± 87.0 IU/L, p = 0.01). Histologic grade was the only factor independently associated with steatosis with multivariate analysis. When compared to the histologic diagnosis of steatosis (n = 122), ultrasonography had a substantial number of false-positive and false-negative results. In patients with a normal ultrasound, 8/82 (10%) had >30% steatosis on biopsy. Among patients with steatosis reported on ultrasound, only 12/40 (30%) had >30% steatosis on biopsy review.

Conclusion
Steatosis on ultrasound is associated with markers of inflammation and fibrosis in HCV-infected patients, but does not consistently correlate with steatosis on biopsy outside of the context of a controlled study. Clinicians should be skeptical of the definitive diagnosis of steatosis on hepatic ultrasonography.
Health insurance, neighborhood income, and emergency department usage by Utah children 1996–1998
Authors: Suruda Anthony , Burns Thomas J , Knight Stacey , Dean J Michael 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
It is estimated that approximately half of emergency department (ED) usage in the U.S. and other developed countries is for non-urgent conditions and that this usage is related to availability, social, and economic factors. We examined pediatric ED usage in a U.S. state with respect to income, health insurance status, types of medical conditions, and whether introduction of managed care affected utilization by Medicaid children.

Methods
Emergency department usage rates were calculated from 1996 through 1998 using Utah ED data for children with commercial health insurance, Medicaid, for uninsured children, and by income group estimating neighborhood household income from Zip code of residence. We analyzed usage following the July 1996 transition of Utah Medicaid to managed care.

Results
Children with Medicaid had approximately 50% greater ED utilization rates than children with commercial health insurance or uninsured children. The majority of usage for Medicaid and uninsured children was for non-traumatic conditions. Only 35% of total ED usage was for non-emergent or non-urgent conditions and this was related to both Medicaid and low household income. Children lacking health insurance were more likely to be discharged against medical advice (OR = 2.36, 95% C.I. 1.88–2.96). There was no reduction in Medicaid ED usage following the transition to managed care.

Conclusion
Usage of ED services is related to both health insurance status and income. Children lacking health insurance and Medicaid children have excessive usage for conditions which could be treated in a primary care setting. That managed care does not reduce Medicaid ED usage is consistent with findings of other studies.
Prevalence and risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum malaria in pregnant women of eastern Sudan
Authors: Adam Ishag , Khamis Amar H , Elbashir Mustafa I 
Published: April 2005

Abstract

Background
Pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria, which is associated with serious adverse effects on pregnancy. The presentation of malaria during pregnancy varies according to the level of transmission in the area. Our study aimed to demonstrate the prevalence and risk factors for malaria (age, parity and gestational age) among pregnant women of eastern Sudan, which is characterized by unstable malaria transmission.

Methods
The prevalence and possible risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum malaria were investigated in 744 pregnant Sudanese women attending the antenatal clinic of New Haifa Teaching Hospital, eastern Sudan, during October 2003-April 2004.

Results
A total 102 (13.7%) had P. falciparum malaria, 18(17.6%) of these were severe cases (jaundice and severe anaemia). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that, age and parity were not associated with malaria. Women who attended the antenatal clinic in the third trimester were at highest risk for malaria (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.02–2.4; P < 0.05).
Women with malaria had significantly lower mean haemoglobin (9.4 g/dl, 95% CI 9.1–9.7 versus 10.7, CI 10.6–10.8, P < 0.05). A significantly lower haemoglobin was observed in those with severe falciparum malaria compared to non-severe form (8.3 g/dl, 95% CI 7.6–9.1 versus 9.4, 95% CI 9.1–9.7, P = < 0.05).

Conclusion
The results suggest that P. falciparum malaria is common in pregnant women attending antenatal care and that anaemia is an important complication. Preventive measures (chemoprophylaxis and insecticide-treated bednets) may be beneficial in this area for all women irrespective of age or parity.
Self-organization versus Watchmaker: stochastic dynamics of cellular organization
Authors: Kurakin Alexei 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe cell, as a molecular system, is often interpreted in terms of complex clockworks, and the design charts of mechanical and electrical engineering are assumed to provide adequate approximations for the description of cellular organization. However, a growing body of experimental evidence obtained through the observation and analysis of real-time dynamics of fluorescently labeled molecules inside living cells is increasingly inconsistent with the classico-mechanistic perception of the cell. An overview of recent studies favors an emerging alternative image of the cell as a dynamic integrated system of interconnected and interdependent metastable molecular organizations realized through stochasticity and self-organization.
Varicella-zoster virus IE63 protein represses the basal transcription machinery by disorganizing the pre-initiation complex
Authors: Di Valentin Emmanuel , Bontems Sébastien , Habran Lionel , Jolois Olivier , Markine-Goriaynoff Nicolas , Vanderplasschen Alain , Sadzot-Delvaux Catherine , Piette Jacques 
Published: April 2005

AbstractUsing transient transfection assays, regulation properties of varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-encoded IE63 protein were analyzed on several VZV immediate early (ORF4), early (ORF28) and late (ORF67) promoters. IE63 was shown to repress the basal activity of most of the promoters tested in epithelial (Vero) and neuronal (ND7) cells to various extents.Trans-repressing activities were also observed on heterologous viral and cellular promoters. Since a construct carrying only a TATA box sequence and a series of wild-type or mutated interleukin (IL)-8 promoters was also repressed by IE63, the role of upstream regulatory elements was ruled out. Importantly, the basal activity of a TATA-less promoter was not affected by IE63. Using a series of IE63 deletion constructs, amino acids 151–213 were shown to be essential to thetrans-repressing activity in Vero cells, while in ND7 cells the essential region extended to a much larger carboxy-terminal part of the protein. We also demonstrate that IE63 is capable of disrupting the transcriptional pre-initiation complex and of interacting with several general transcription factors. The central and carboxy-terminal domains of IE63 are important for these effects. Altogether, these results demonstrate that IE63 protein is a transcriptional repressor whose activity is directed towards general transcription factors.
Effect of stress doses of hydrocortisone on S-100B vs. interleukin-8 and polymorphonuclear elastase levels in human septic shock
Authors: Mussack Thomas , Briegel Josef , Schelling Gustav , Biberthaler Peter , Jochum Marianne 
Published: April 2005

AbstractStress doses of hydrocortisone are known to have immunomodulatory effects in patients with hyperdynamic septic shock. The prognosis correlates with the presence and severity of septic encephalopathy. However, neurological evaluation is influenced by the use of analgesia sedation during artificial ventilation. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effect of stress doses of hydrocortisone during the initial phase of human septic shock on the serum values of the neurospecific protein S-100B in comparison to the inflammation markers interleukin (IL)-8 in serum and polymorphonuclear (PMN) elastase in plasma. A total of 24 consecutive patients, who met the American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine criteria for septic shock, were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-center trial. The severity of illness at recruitment was graded using the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II scoring systems. Multi-organ dysfunction syndrome was described by the Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. All patients were prospectively randomized to receive either stress doses of hydrocortisone or placebo. Hydrocortisone was started in 12 patients with a loading dose of 100mg and followed by a continuous infusion of 0.18mg/kg/h for 6days. Median S-100B serum levels of the hydrocortisone group decreased from 0.32ng/mL at study entry to 0.07ng/mL 6days later without significant differences compared to the placebo group. Initial IL-8 serum levels were significantly higher in the hydrocortisone group up to 12h after study entry, and significantly decreased from 715 to 17pg/mL at the end of the observation period. Median PMN elastase plasma levels were not affected by hydrocortisone infusion. Patients with initial S-100B serum levels >0.50ng/mL revealed significantly higher SOFA scores up to 30h, IL-8 serum levels up to 12h, and PMN elastase plasma levels up to 36h after study entry than those patients with ≤0.50ng/mL. These effects were independent of the amount of fluid correction for hemodilution. Starting S-100B, IL-8 and PMN elastase values of the hydrocortisone group were within the ranges already known in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest or severe traumatic brain injury. Stress doses of hydrocortisone resulted in a significant reduction in IL-8 serum, but not in S-100B serum and PMN elastase plasma concentrations in patients with hyperdynamic septic shock. For the first time, a similar extent of S-100B increase in serum of septic patients at the time of diagnosis was shown as reported for cardiac arrest or severe traumatic brain injury.
External Quality Assessment in The Netherlands: time to introduce commutable survey specimens. Lessons from the Dutch “Calibration 2000” project
Authors: Baadenhuijsen Henk , Kuypers Aldy , Weykamp Cas , Cobbaert Christa , Jansen Rob 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe performance of suitable secondary reference material for the use of trueness control of six routinely measured clinical enzymes in the Dutch External Quality Assessment (EQA) scheme is described. The reference material of choice was selected using the split-patient-sample between-field method (twin study) design as described in an earlier study of the Calibration 2000 project in The Netherlands. This material, which was proven to be commutable for all wet chemistry systems, was implemented as the national enzyme calibrator. It consisted of a cryo-protected lyophilised serum with additions of recombinant human enzymes. Various batches of the frozen version of this material without cryo-protection additive, called native EQA samples, were used in the general EQA scheme for performance evaluation. The results of Calibration 2000 calibrated and non-Calibration 2000 calibrated laboratories were compared for both the regular (spiked with non-human enzymes) and native EQA samples in terms of precision and bias with established reference method values for the native samples. The regular samples showed mean between-laboratory CV ranges for all six enzymes involved (low–high) of 5.5–10.3% for the non-calibrated users vs. 4.6–10.8% for the calibrated users. For the native samples these respective ranges were 5.2–9.9% vs. 2.2–4.9%. Without exception, the group of Calibration 2000 calibrated users showed the lowest bias against the reference method values. Regular EQA samples (spiked with non-human enzymes) showed poorer performance than native samples and are not suitable for accuracy assessment purposes, the main aim of EQA schemes. Native samples that are commutable should be used for trueness control in current EQA schemes.
Monozygotic twins concordant for blood karyotype, but phenotypically discordant: A case of “mosaic chimerism”
Authors: Bourthoumieu Sylvie , Yardin Catherine , Terro Faraj , Gilbert Brigitte , Laroche Cécile , Saura Robert , Vincent Marie‐Claire , Esclaire Françoise 
Published: April 2005

AbstractWe report on 23 years old discordant monozygotic (MZ) twins, one with minor anomalies and mental delay, the other one being normal. Both had 46,XX,dup(11)(p12p15)/46,XX mosaicism in blood, with a similar proportion of abnormal cells (respectively, 16% and 17%). However, interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis performed on buccal smear and urinary sediment using specific probes located at the duplicated region showed that mosaicism was only present in the abnormal twin, with 68% abnormal cells. We hypothesize that the postzygotic chromosomal rearrangement may have occurred early in one embryo after the twinning event, and the blood mosaicism observed in both twins would have resulted from blood exchanges via placental anastomoses. This hypothesis of chimerism is strongly supported by twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome observed during fetal life of our twins. This case and those previously reported lead us to suggest that blood is particularly unsuitable for cytogenetic investigations of twins. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Congenital anomaly of cervical vertebrae is a major complication of Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome
Authors: Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Kurosawa Kenji , Masuno Mitsuo , Okuzumi Shigeharu , Kondo Soichi , Miyama Sahoko , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Aida Noriko , Nishimura Gen 
Published: April 2005

AbstractRubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RTS; MIM# 180849) is a well‐known malformation syndrome, characterized by broad thumbs and halluces, a characteristic facies, short stature, and mental retardation. RTS is accompanied by a variety of morbid complications, particularly of the skeleton. Based on the experience of five RTS patients with malformation of the craniovertebral junction, we draw attention to previously unrecognized life‐threatening complications of RTS, including instability of C1–C2, os odontoideum, hypoplasia of the dens, and fusion of the cervical vertebrae. One patient developed severe cervical myelopathy. Malformation of the cervical spine may be a common syndromic constituent of RTS, to which special attention should be paid to prevent its neurologic sequelae. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Autopsy findings of a 37‐year‐old man with a complex mosaic karyotype involving del(18p), monosomy 13, and trisomy 20
Authors: Halushka Marc K. , Stetten Gail , McMichael Joseph L. , Blakemore Karin J. , Hutchins Grover M. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractWe report on the autopsy findings of a 37‐year‐old man with a complex karyotype (mos46,XY,del(18)(p11.1)[14]/46,XY, −13, del (18)(p11.1), +20[8]/47,XY,del(18)(p11.1), +20[8]). He was known to be blind, non‐ambulatory, have severe mental retardation, and a seizure disorder. External physical findings at the time of autopsy included micrognathia, short stubby fingers, and rocker bottom feet. Left lobe dominance of the liver and mislocation of the ileocecal junction and appendix were noted on internal examination. The brain was small (700 g) and poorly developed. Microscopically it showed an absence of neurons in the olivary and dentate nuclei, absence of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum, severe depletion of internal granular cells in the cerebellum, and cerebellar dysplasia. Fat infiltration was noted in an unusual distribution in several organs including a pattern in the heart consistent with arrythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). Findings of this mosaic chromosomal karyotype have not been previously described. This report will discuss this individuals physical findings and their relation to similar monochromosomal aberrations. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complex system of poly(methacrylic acid) with poly(vinylpyrrolidone) in aqueous media
Authors: Liu Shuyang , Yang Mingjiao , Dan Yi 
Published: April 2005

AbstractTwo‐component polymer solutions [i.e., poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP)] were prepared through solution polymerization. The complex system PMAA/PVP was obtained through the mixing of a PMAA solution and a PVP solution in different volume ratios at certain concentrations. The properties of the component solutions and the complex system were investigated with transmittance, surface tension, and viscosity measurements. The results showed that the properties of the complex system were related not only to the ratio of PMAA to PVP but also to the concentration of the PMAA and PVP solutions. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2280–2286, 2005
Improvement of the tribological behavior of ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene by incorporation of poly (phenyl p‐hydroxyzoate)
Authors: Zhou Jiansong , Yan Fengyuan 
Published: April 2005

AbstractUltra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene/poly (phenyl p‐hydroxyzoate) composites (coded as UHMWPE/PPHZ) were prepared by compression molding. The effects of the poly (phenyl p‐hydroxyzoate) on the tribological properties of the UHMWPE/PPHZ composites were investigated, based on the evaluations of the tribological properties of the composites with various compositions and the examinations of the worn steel surfaces and composites structures by means of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the incorporation of the PPHZ led to a significant decrease in the wear rate of the composites. The composites with the volume fraction of the PPHZ particulates within 45% ∼ 75% showed the best wear resistance. The friction coefficient of the UHMWPE/PPHZ composites decreased with increasing load and sliding velocity, while the wear rates increased with increasing load. This was attributed to the enhanced softening and plastic deformation of the composites at elevated load or sliding velocity. The UHMWPE/PPHZ composites of different compositions had differences in the microstructures and the transfer film characteristics on the counterpart steel surface as well. This accounted for their different friction and wear behaviors. The transfer film of the UHMWPE/PPHZ composites appeared to be thinner and more coherent, which was largely responsible for their better wear resistance of t composite than the UHMWPE matrix. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2336–2343, 2005