bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiresistant coagulase-negative staphylococci disseminate frequently between intubated patients in a multidisciplinary intensive care unit
Authors: Agvald-Öhman Christina , Lund Bodil , Edlund Charlotta 
Published: December 2003

Abstract
Introduction
The intensive care unit is burdened with a high frequency of nosocomial infections often caused by multiresistant nosocomial pathogens. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are reported to be the third causative agent of nosocomial infections and the most frequent cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections. CoNS are a part of the normal microflora of skin but can also colonize the nasal mucosa, the lower airways and invasive devices. The main aim of the present study was to investigate colonization and the rate of cross-transmissions of CoNS between intubated patients in a multidisciplinary intensive care unit.

Materials and methods
Twenty consecutive patients, ventilated for at least 3 days, were included. Samples were collected from the upper and lower airways. All samples were cultured quantitatively and CoNS were identified by morphology and biochemical tests. A total of 199 CoNS isolates from 17 patients were genetically fingerprinted by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis in order to identify clones and to monitor dissemination within and between patients.

Results
An unexpected high number of transmission events were detected. Five genotypes were each isolated from two or more patients, and 14/20 patients were involved in at least one and up to eight probable transmission events.

Conclusions
A frequent transmission of CoNS was found between patients in the intensive care unit. Although transmission of bacteria does not necessarily lead to infection, it is nevertheless an indication that infection control measures can be improved.
Treatment With Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor After Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation for Acute Leukemia Increases the Risk of Graft-Versus-Host Disease and Death: A Study From the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Ringdén Olle , Labopin Myriam , Gorin Norbert-Claude , Le Blanc Katarina , Rocha Vanderson , Gluckman Eliane , Reiffers Jules , Arcese William , Vossen Jaak M. , Jouet Jean-Pierre , Cordonnier Catherine , Frassoni Francesco 
Published: December 2003

Purpose Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is given after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) to shorten the neutropenic phase. Its effects have not been evaluated in a large patient population. Patients and Methods We studied 1,789 patients with acute leukemia receiving BMT and 434 patients receiving peripheral-blood stem cells (PBSCs) from HLA-identical siblings from 1992 to 2002 and reported the findings to the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Among the BMT and PBSC patients, 501 (28%) and 175 (40%), respectively, were treated with G-CSF during the first 14 days after the transplantation. The outcome variables were entered into a Cox proportional hazards model. Results BMT and PBSC patients treated with G-CSF had a faster engraftment of absolute neutrophils greater than 0.5 × 109/L (P < .01), but platelet engraftment ( > 50 × 109/L) was slower (P < .001). In the BMT patients, acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) grades II to IV was 50% ± 5% (± 95% CI) in the G-CSF group versus 39% ± 3% in the controls (relative risk [RR], 1.33; P = .007, in the multivariate analysis). The incidence of chronic GVHD was also increased (RR, 1.29; P = .03). G-CSF was associated with an increase in transplantation-related mortality (TRM; RR, 1.73; P = .00016) and had no effect on relapse but reduced survival (RR, 0.59; P < .0001) and leukemia-free survival rates (LFS; RR, 0.64; P = .0003). No such effects of G-CSF were seen in patients receiving PBSC. Conclusion After BMT, platelet engraftment was delayed, and GVHD and TRM were increased. Survival and LFS were reduced. This suggests that G-CSF should not be given shortly after BMT.
Activation of the Hexosamine Signaling Pathway in Adipose Tissue Results in Decreased Serum Adiponectin and Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance
Authors: Hazel Mark , Cooksey Robert C. , Jones Deborah , Parker Glendon , Neidigh John L. , Witherbee Bryan , Gulve Eric A. , McClain Donald A. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractOverexpression of the rate-limiting enzyme for hexosamine synthesis (glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase) in muscle and adipose tissue of transgenic mice was previously shown to result in insulin resistance and hyperleptinemia. Explanted muscle from transgenic mice was not insulin resistant in vitro, suggesting that muscle insulin resistance could be mediated by soluble factors from fat tissue. To dissect the relative contributions of muscle and fat to hexosamine-induced insulin resistance, we overexpressed glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase 2.5-fold, specifically in fat under control of the aP2 promoter. Fasting glucose, insulin, and triglycerides were unchanged in the transgenic mice; leptin and β-hydroxybutyrate levels were 91% and 29% higher, respectively. Fasted transgenic mice have mild glucose intolerance and skeletal muscle insulin resistance in vivo. In fasting transgenic mice, glucose disposal rates with hyperinsulinemia were decreased 27% in females and 10% in males. Uptake of 2-deoxy-d-glucose into muscle was diminished by 45% in female and 21% in male transgenics. Serum adiponectin was also lower in the fasted transgenics, by 37% in females and 22% in males. TNFα and resistin mRNA levels in adipose tissue were not altered in the fasted transgenics; levels of mRNA for leptin were increased and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ decreased. To further explore the relationship between adiponectin and insulin sensitivity, we examined mice that have been refed for 6 h after a 24-h fast. Refeeding wild-type mice resulted in decreased serum adiponectin and increased leptin. In transgenic mice, however, the regulation of these hormones by refeeding was lost for adiponectin and diminished for leptin. Refed transgenic female and male mice no longer exhibited decreased serum adiponectin in the refed state, and they were no longer insulin resistant as by lower or unchanged insulin and glucose levels. We conclude that increased hexosamine levels in fat, mimicking excess nutrient delivery, are sufficient to cause insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Changes in serum adiponectin correlate with the insulin resistance of the transgenic animals.
A Benzimidazole Fungicide, Benomyl, and Its Metabolite, Carbendazim, Induce Aromatase Activity in a Human Ovarian Granulose-Like Tumor Cell Line (KGN)
Authors: Morinaga Hidetaka , Yanase Toshihiko , Nomura Masatoshi , Okabe Taijiro , Goto Kiminobu , Harada Nobuhiro , Nawata Hajime 
Published: December 2003

Abstract
Endocrine disruptor chemicals are known to cause a range of abnormalities in sexual differentiation and reproduction. One mechanism underlying such effects may be via alteration of aromatase activity, which is responsible for estrogen production. A good screening system for identifying endocrine disruptors has long been desired. We have recently established a human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cell line, KGN, which possesses a relatively high level of aromatase expression and is considered a useful mammalian model for investigating the in vitro effects of various chemicals on aromatase activity. In this study we screened 55 different candidate chemicals for endocrine disruptors by assaying aromatase activity. Only benomyl, known as both a benzimidazole fungicide and a microtubule-interfering agent, was found to induce aromatase activity in association with increased levels of aromatase mRNA in KGN cells. The effect of benomyl was presumed to be mediated by its metabolite carbendazim, because it produced an effect equivalent to that of benomyl. The mechanism underlying the benomyl-induced increase in aromatase activity appears independent of the cAMP-protein kinase A pathway. Treatment with taxol, another class of microtubule-interfering agents, also caused induction of aromatase in KGN cells. Both benomyl and taxol changed KGN cell morphology, including the development of cell roundness and a disorganized network of microtubules. These results indicate that benomyl is a potential endocrine disruptor that provides a novel estrogenicity and operates through a microtubule-interfering mechanism.
Interplay between Notch signaling and the homeoproteinXiro1is required for neural crest induction inXenopusembryos
Authors: Glavic Alvaro , Silva Francisca , Aybar Manuel J. , Bastidas Francisco , Mayor Roberto 
Published: December 2003

The neural crest is a population of cells that originates at the interface between the neural plate and non-neural ectoderm. Here, we have analyzed the role that Notch and the homeoprotein Xiro1 play in the specification of the neural crest. We show that Xiro1, Notch and the Notch target gene Hairy2A are all expressed in the neural crest territory, whereas the Notch ligands Delta1 and Serrate are expressed in the cells that surround the prospective crest cells. We have used inducible dominant-negative and activator constructs of both Notch signaling components and Xiro1 to analyze the role of these factors in neural crest specification without interfering with mesodermal or neural plate development.Activation of Xiro1 or Notch signaling led to an enlargement of the neural crest territory, whereas blocking their activity inhibited the expression of neural crest markers. It is known that BMPs are involved in the induction of the neural crest and, thus, we assessed whether these two elements might influence the expression of Bmp4. Activation of Xiro1 and of Notch signaling upregulated Hairy2A and inhibited Bmp4 transcription during neural crest specification. These results, in conjunction with data from rescue experiments, allow us to propose a model wherein Xiro1 lies upstream of the cascade regulating Delta1 transcription. At the early gastrula stage, the coordinated action of Xiro1, as a positive regulator, and Snail, as a repressor, restricts the expression of Delta1 at the border of the neural crest territory. At the late gastrula stage, Delta1 interacts with Notch to activate Hairy2A in the region of the neural fold. Subsequently, Hairy2A acts as a repressor of Bmp4transcription, ensuring that levels of Bmp4 optimal for the specification of the neural plate border are attained in this region. Finally,the activity of additional signals (WNTs, FGF and retinoic acid) in this newly defined domain induces the production of neural crest cells. These data also highlight the different roles played by BMP in neural crest specification in chick and Xenopus or zebrafish embryos.
Which Is the Fairest One of All? A Positive Analysis of Justice Theories
Authors: Konow James 
Published: December 2003

No man during, either the whole of his life, or that of any considerable part of it, ever trod steadily and uniformly in the path … of justice, … whose conduct was not principally directed by a regard to the sentiments of the supposed impartial spectator, of the great inmate of the breast, the great judge and arbiter of conduct. – Adam Smith (1759) p. 357. This paper evaluates numerous positive and normative theories of justice in positive terms, i.e., in terms of how accurately they describe the impartial fairness preferences of real people. In addition, the paper proposes and defends an integrated justice theory based on preferences over four distinct and sometimes conflicting forces. These forces frame the analysis of the individual theories and inspire four corresponding theoretical classes: equality and need, utilitarianism and welfare economics, equity and desert, and context. This synthesis enables one to treat justice rigorously and to reconcile results that often appear contradictory or at odds with alternative theories.
De novo mutations in the mitochondrial ND3 gene as a cause of infantile mitochondrial encephalopathy and complex I deficiency
Authors: McFarland Robert , Kirby Denise M. , Fowler Kerry J. , Ohtake Akira , Ryan Michael T. , Amor David J. , Fletcher Janice M. , Dixon Joanne W. , Collins Felicity A. , Turnbull Douglass M. , Taylor Robert W. , Thorburn David R. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBoth nuclear and mitochondrial DNA mutations can cause energy generation disorders. Respiratory chain complex I deficiency is the most common energy generation disorder and a frequent cause of infantile mitochondrial encephalopathies such as Leigh's disease and lethal infantile mitochondrial disease. Most such cases have been assumed to be caused by nuclear gene defects, but recently an increasing number have been shown to be caused by mutations in the mitochondrially encoded complex I subunit genes ND4, ND5, and ND6. We report the first four cases of infantile mitochondrial encephalopathies caused by mutations in the ND3 subunit gene. Three unrelated children have the same novel heteroplasmic mutation (T10158C), only the second mutation reported in ND3, and one has the previously identified T10191C mutation. Both mutations cause disproportionately greater reductions in enzyme activity than in the amount of fully assembled complex I, suggesting the ND3 subunit plays an unknown but important role in electron transport, proton pumping, or ubiquinone binding. Three cases appear to have a de novo mutation, with no mutation detected in maternal relatives. Mitochondrial DNA disease may be considerably more prevalent in the pediatric population than currently predicted and should be considered in patients with infantile mitochondrial encephalopathies and complex I deficiency.
Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease and inclusion body myositis: Abundant disease‐associated prion protein in muscle
Authors: Kovacs Gabor G. , Lindeck‐Pozza Elisabeth , Chimelli Leila , Araújo Abelardo Q. C. , Gabbai Alberto A. , Ströbel Thomas , Glatzel Markus , Aguzzi Adriano , Budka Herbert 
Published: December 2003

AbstractPathologicalprion protein (PrPSc) is the hallmark of prion diseases affecting primarily the central nervous system. Using immunohistochemistry, paraffin‐embedded tissue blot, and Western blot, we demonstrated abundant PrPSc in the muscle of a patient with sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease and inclusion body myositis. Extraneural PrPC‐PrPSc conversion in Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease appears to become prominent when PrPC is abundantly available as substrate, as in inclusion body myositis muscle.
Brain dopamine‐stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Tong Junchao , Fitzmaurice Paul S. , Ang Lee Cyn , Furukawa Yoshiaki , Guttman Mark , Kish Stephen J. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe dopamine D1 receptor is considered to participate in levodopa's antiparkinsonian action and levodopa‐induced dyskinesias. We examined the functional status of the D1 receptor in brain of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Dopamine‐stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was significantly increased in putamen (+43%) and frontal cortex (+52%) in PD, normal in PSP, but decreased by 47% in putamen in MSA. The supersensitive dopamine D1 receptors in both striatum and cerebral cortex in PD might compensate for dopamine deficiency, but could also contribute to long‐term complications of levodopa therapy.
Enrichment of Heavy Water by High Pressure Exchange Between Hydrogen and an Aqueous Catalyst Suspension Part II: Construction and Operation of a Pilot Plant
Authors: Walter S. , Nitschke E. , Bode C. , Becker E. W. , Hübener R. P. , Kessler R. W. , Schindewolf U. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe construction and operation of a pilot plant for the enrichment of heavy water by high pressure exchange between hydrogen and an aqueous catalyst suspension are described. A continous experiment carried out for a period of 86 days proved the technical feasibility of the process and the validity of the assumptions used in an earlier discussion of the economic aspects.
Aspects of Nucleophilic Carbene Chemistry
Authors: Wanzlick H. W. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBis [1,3‐diphenyl‐2‐imidazolidinylidene]‐ shows a considerable tendency towards dissociation into two carbenes. Reactions with this easily accessible carbene source lead to an understanding of nucleophilic carbene chemistry. The question of the existence of particularly stable carbenes is discussed, and it is suggested that a surprisingly large area of preparative possibilities and theoretical knowledge awaits development.
Nucleotide Intermediates in the Biosynthesis of Polysaccharides
Authors: Strominger Jack L. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractIn metabolism, nucleotides play a roLe not only as the procursors of nucleic acids. Many low molecular weight compounds may be activated for subsequent biosysthesis by forming anhydrides or esters with nucletides. These nucleotide derivatives functions as carriers of the residues attached to them. Frequently the residues become chemically changed while a attched to the nucleotide before transfer in a biosynthetic reaction. Following a general survey of nucleotide‐types, and their reaction, into the biosynthesis of sulfated polysaccharides is described.
Isozymes and Heteroenzymes
Authors: Wieland T. , Pfleiderer G. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract“Heteroenzyme” is the term applied to proteins of different origin that differ in their physical, chemical, and biochemical properties, but have the same biological action. Enzymes that have the same origin, and consist of very similar, but distinguishable proteins have been named “isozymes” [*]; they may also be designated as “multiple forms.”
Mechanical and Dielectric Relaxation Phenomena and their Molecular‐Physical Interpretation
Authors: Zeil Werner 
Published: December 2003

AbstractMeasurement of mechanical and dielectric relaxation phenomena provides some information concerning intermolecular interactions. These have been thoroughly elucidated for gases, whereas with liquids and amorphous solids (high plymers), we are limited to simplified representations by models. Although at present the main emphasis in applied technology is placed on relaxation investigations of high polymers, it seems appropriate to present here the general physical principles of mechanical and dielectric relaxation phenomena. Further‐more, a review of the relaxation behavior of gases, liquids, and amorphous solids (high polymers) is given. These problems were the main topic of the Sixtieth Congress of the “Deutsche Bunsen Gesellschaft für Physikalische Chemie” [1]. Relaxation phenomena dependent upon chemical equilibria and the field of magnetic relaxation phenomena are not discussed.
Phosphonitrilic Chlorides from Phosphorus Pentachloride
Authors: Becke‐Goehring Margot , Fluck Ekkehard 
Published: December 2003

AbstractUnder suitable conditions, PCL5 reacts and quantitatively with NH4Cl to form [Cl3P = N–PCl3] [PCl6], which, with additional PCl5 and NH4Cl, is transformed to [Cl3P = N–PCl2 = N–PCl3] [PCl6].The cation of the latter compound and the NH ion react with ring closure to form [NPCl2]3, together with longer chains which can yield with NH either [NPCl2]4 or, for example, Cl3P = N‐(PCl2 = N) n‐PCl2 = NH. The salt‐like intermediates of the phosphonitrilic chloride synthesis react with S02 to form the oxygen‐containing products, Cl3P = N–P(O)Cl2 and Cl3P = N–PCl2 = N–P(O)Cl2. Sulfur analogs are also easily obtained. The constitution of the compounds was determined by nuclear magnetic reasonance spectroscopy.
Advances in the Chemistry of Organic Ring Systems with Adamantane Type Structures
Authors: Stetter H. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractSince the last review of the topic in 1954 [1], the chemistry of organic compounds with the adamantane type structures has been considerably advanced in scope and significance by the work of the author and of others. Since 1954, the number of ring systems of this type known has risen from 13 to 22. At the same time, the number of compounds with adamantane type structures known has been more than tripled. Summary of recent advances is therefore justified. As before, the emphasis in this review is placed on complete coverage.
Syntheses in the Tetracycline Series
Authors: Muxfeldt H. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractTetracyclines are antibiotics used most freequently in the chemotherapy of infectious diseases. Numerous degradation and transformation products of natural teracyclines have been prepared and their biological properties tested. Furthermore, workers in several laboratories have been engaged in synthetizing tetracyclines or their biologically active degradation products. Some investigations carried out by the author and collaborators in this connection will be reported.
Long Periods in Drawn Polyethylene
Authors: Fischer E. W. , Schmidt G. F. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractMeridional reflections appearing in small‐angle X‐ray diffraction diagrams of drawn polyethylene are caused by a nearly periodic arrangement of crystalline and disordered regions. The long period, which is determined by the average distance between two consecutive crystallites, depends on the method of preparing the sample. The time and temperature dependences of the positions of the small‐angle reflections have been investigated. The growth of the long period of unoriented bulk polyethlene and polyethylene single crystal follows the same time dependence as that of stretched films. However, characteristic differences were obseved in the relationship between density and long period; they are attributed to the fact that in single crystals and in material crystallized from the melt, the chains are folded at the boundaries of the crystallites, whereas this in not the case in stretched polyethylene.
Dyeing of Poly(acrylonitrile) Fibers with Azatrimethinecyanines
Authors: Voltz Jacques 
Published: December 2003

AbstractLike all basic dyes, azatrimethinecyanines possess a good dyeing affinity for acrylic fibers. Compounds with isolated nitrogen atoms in the trimethine chain show insufficient light fastness, whereas good to excellent fastness to light is displayed by compounds having neighboring nitrogen atoms in the chain. Thus, a working hypothesis stating that the light fastness of trimethinecyanines on acrylic fibers is improved by progressive replacement of methine groups by nitrogen atoms has been partially confirmed.
Problems in the Theoretical Treatment of Reactions Occurring at Easily Passivated Metal Anodes
Authors: Vetter K. J. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractIndustrial anode materials should show small tendency to corrode in order to have a long life and, from energy considerations, should give low anodic overvoltages. The maximum corrosion in the active state in the presence and absence of complex formation is discussed of porous outer films of more difficulty soluble corrosion products. Corrosion in the passive state is treated as a property of the nonporous passive layer; several examples are presented, and the Flade potential for transitions from the active to the passive state and its properties are discussed. The influence of pH and complexing agents on passive corrosion is treated. Anode processes or, as treated here, redox processes such as the evolution of oxygen or chlorine can take place at passive electrodes only if the passive film has a sufficiently high electron conductivity. This is not the case with films on aluminum, titanium, and tantalum, for example. The overvoltage on passive anodes is a property of the passive film at the electrolyte side of the phase boundary. – Semiconducting materials and graphite as anode materials are discussed separately.