bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary Helicobacter pylori resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin in the Finnish population
Authors: Koivisto T. T. , Rautelin H. I. , Voutilainen M. E. , Niemelä S. E. , Heikkinen M. , Sipponen P. I. , Färkkilä M. A. 
Published: April 2004

SummaryAim : To systematically determine Helicobacter pylori primary antimicrobial resistance in Finland and the associated demographic and clinical features.Methods : A total of 342 adult patients referred for gastroscopy at 23 centres in different parts of Finland and positive for the rapid biopsy urease test were recruited. Clinical and demographic data were collected via a structured questionnaire. Patients with positive H. pylori culture and successful antibiotic sensitivity determination by the E‐test method (n = 292) were included in the present analysis.Results : The study population consisted of 134 men and 158 women, mean age 56 years (95% CI, 55–58 years). Resistance to metronidazole was 38% (110 of 292) and to clarithromycin 2% (seven of 292). Resistance to metronidazole was higher in women than in men (48% vs. 25%, P < 0.001).Previous use of antibiotics for gynaecological infections predicted metronidazole resistance (P = 0.01), and previous use of antibiotics for respiratory (P = 0.02) and dental infections (P = 0.02) the clarithromycin resistance. We observed no major geographical variations in metronidazole resistance.Conclusions : The primary metronidazole resistance of H. pylori was 38% and was common in women previously treated for gynaecological infections. Primary clarithromycin resistance was uncommon (2%) and may associate with previous dental and respiratory infections.
Acute renal failure after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study of the incidence, risk factors, clinical course and long‐term outcome
Authors: Huo T.‐I. , Wu J.‐C. , Huang Y.‐H. , Chiang J.‐H. , Lee P.‐C. , Chang F.‐Y. , Lee S.‐D. 
Published: April 2004

SummaryBackground : Transarterial chemoembolization is effective for hepatocellular carcinoma. Acute renal failure may occur after transarterial chemoembolization because of radiocontrast agent, but its clinical aspects are unknown.Aim : To investigate the incidence, risk factors and outcome of acute renal failure, defined as increase of serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL, after transarterial chemoembolization.Methods : A total of 235 hepatocellular carcinoma patients with 843 transarterial chemoembolization treatment sessions were analysed.Results : Acute renal failure developed in 56 (23.8%) patients and the estimated risk of developing acute renal failure was 6.6% in each treatment session. Comparison between the episodes of transarterial chemoembolization with and without acute renal failure by using the generalized estimating equation disclosed that Child–Pugh class B (odds ratio: 2.6, P = 0.007) and treatment session (odds ratio: 1.3; P < 0.0001) were independent risk factors of acute renal failure. Twenty‐seven patients had prolonged renal function impairment. Multivariate analysis by generalized estimating equation showed that Child–Pugh class B (odds ratio: 4.3, P = 0.0004) and diabetes mellitus (odds ratio: 5.2, P < 0.0001) were linked with prolonged acute renal failure, which independently predicted a decreased survival (relative risk: 2.3, P = 0.002).Conclusions : Acute renal failure after transarterial chemoembolization appears to be dose‐related and is associated with the severity of cirrhosis. Patients with diabetes mellitus or Child–Pugh class B more frequently develop prolonged acute renal failure, which in turn is a poor prognostic predictor.
Habitat variables associated with wolf (Canis lupus) distribution and abundance in northern Poland
Authors: Jȩdrzejewski Włodzimierz , Niedziałkowska Magdalena , Nowak Sabina , Jȩdrzejewska Bogumiła 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACTBased on data collected during the National Wolf Census in 2000–01, we analysed the main habitat factors influencing the distribution and abundance of the wolf,Canis lupus, in northern Poland. The study region forms the western border of the continuous Eastern European range of wolves, although attempts at westward dispersal have been observed. Using Geographic Information System techniques, we measured nine habitat variables and three parameters related to wolf occurrence in 134 circular sample plots (radius 7 km, area 154 km2each). We compared 72 plots where wolves were recorded and 62 plots with no signs of wolf presence. Wolf plots were characterized by significantly higher forest cover, less fragmentation of forests, lower density of villages, towns, motorways, and railways than wolf‐free plots. We found a positive correlation between the sum of wolf observations in plots and forest cover. The number of domestic animals killed by wolves was higher in areas with higher indices of wolf abundance and lower forest area. In multiple regression analysis, four independent variables explained 59% of the variation in wolf distribution and abundance in northern Poland: straight‐line distance to continuous range of wolves in Eastern Europe; forest cover; forest fragmentation; and length of major motorways. We conclude that protection of wolves in Poland (since 1998) may not be an adequate conservation measure, especially because of the increasing density of highways and express motorways. Existing forest corridors should be protected and new ones should be restored to ensure long‐term conservation of wolves and allow range expansion into Western Europe.
Occurrence of Colombian datura virus in the Terrestrial Orchid, Spiranthes cernua
Authors: Fry C. R. , Zimmerman M. T. , Scott S. W. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract Colombian datura virus was detected in the terrestrial orchid Spiranthes cernua using a combination of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR strategy that we used to detect and confirm the identity of this virus has subsequently been used as a generalized procedure to confirm the identity of other potyviruses in ornamental species. This is the first report of this virus in an orchid and only the second report of a virus in this species.
Control of Postharvest Diseases of Organically Grown Strawberry with Preharvest Applications of some Food Additives and Postharvest Hot Water Dips
Authors: Karabulut O. A. , Arslan U. , Kuruoglu G. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractEthanol at 50% (v/v) and sodium bicarbonate at 1% (wt/v), either alone or in combination, were applied to organically grown strawberries 1 h before harvest to control the natural incidence of postharvest diseases. Botrytis cinerea was the major cause of decay in all of the experiments. In three experiments, ethanol significantly reduced the decay incidence after storage for 3 days at 1°C followed by 2 days at 24°C, while the efficacy of sodium bicarbonate was inconsistent. The combination of ethanol and sodium bicarbonate did not increase their efficacy. Postharvest hot water dips at 55 and 60°C for 30 s significantly reduced the decay incidence to 3.4 and 2.7%, respectively, while decay incidence in the control was 28.5% (the first experiment). The efficacy of the hot water treatments at 55 and 60°C for 30 s was consistent in three experiments. In the third experiment, the efficacy of hot water treatment at 60°C was significantly higher than that of hot water treatment at 55°C. All pre‐ and postharvest treatments significantly reduced natural fungal populations on the surfaces of fruits. None of the pre‐ and postharvest treatments caused surface injuries to the fruit or adversely affected weight loss and taste parameters.
Salting and the role of salt in cheese
Authors: Guinee T P 
Published: April 2004

Salt levels in cheese range from ∼0.7% (w/w) in Swiss‐type to ∼6% (w/w) in Domiati. Salt has three major functions in cheese: it acts as a preservative, contributes directly to flavour, and is a source of dietary sodium. Together with the desired pH, water activity and redox potential, salt assists in cheese preservation by minimizing spoilage and preventing the growth of pathogens. The dietary intake of sodium in the modern western diet is generally excessive, being two to three times the level recommended for desirable physiological function (2.4 g Na, or ∼6 g NaCl per day). However, cheese generally makes a relatively small contribution to dietary sodium intake except if high quantities of high‐salt cheeses such as Domiati and feta are consumed. In addition to these functions, salt level has a major effect on cheese composition, microbial growth, enzymatic activities and biochemical changes, such as glycolysis, proteolysis, lipolysis and para‐casein hydration, that occur during ripening. Consequently, the salt level markedly influences cheese flavour and aroma, rheology and texture properties, cooking performance and, hence, overall quality. Many factors affect salt uptake and distribution in cheese and precise control of these factors is a vital part of the cheesemaking process to ensure consistent, optimum quality.
Mammalian brain consumption by blood donors in the United States: brains today, deferred tomorrow?
Authors: Schreiber George B. , Sanchez Ana M. , Garratty George , Nass Catharie C. , Tu Yongling , Busch Michael P. ,   Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND: Theoretical concerns of possible variant CJD (vCJD) transmission by transfusion have led to deferral of US donors potentially exposed to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent. Although the efficacy of these policies is unknown, impact on blood collections has been substantial. Under the precautionary principle, deferral of donors consuming bovine (or other mam‐malian) brains, possibly contaminated with the vCJD agent, might be considered. Blood donors were surveyed to determine lifetime mammalian brain consumption.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study (REDS) conducted an anonymous mail survey of 92,581 donors from eight US blood centers.RESULTS: Responses were received from 52,650 donors (57%). Of these, 6.4 percent reported lifetime brain consumption; bovine (3.6%) and hog brains (1.7%) were the most common. Bovine brain consumption varied fourfold by center (1.7‐7.0%) and was highest among male (4.5%), older (age 55+, 6.5%), foreign‐born (9.2%), Asian (7.2%), and Hispanic (8.6%) donors. Among bovine brain consumers, 67 percent engaged in the practice 4 times or less, 79 percent were repeat donors, and 61 percent reported giving at least 11 donations in the past 10 years.CONCLUSION: Following the precautionary principle, further steps to reduce the theoretical vCJD risk could include deferring donors who eat bovine (or other mammalian) brains. The impact of such a policy would not be trivial, especially in areas with older, foreign‐born, Asian, or Hispanic donors. Cautious implementation and periodic evaluation of deferral policies is warranted.
Collection of two consecutive neutrophil concentrates for transfusion from donors mobilized with glycosylated granulocyte‐CSF plus dexamethasone
Authors: Heuft H.G. , Goudeva L. , Schwella N. , Blasczyk R. 
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to establish a mobilization and apheresis regimen for collection of two consecutive polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) concentrates from the same donor.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 111 healthy unrelated volunteers underwent either one (Group 1, n = 57) or two consecutive granulocyte apheresis procedure (Group 2, n = 54) using the a cell separator (Spectra). Both Group 1 and 2 donors were initially mobilized with glycosylated G‐CSF 6.0 µg per kg (range, 5.2‐7.0 µg/kg) subcutaneously plus oral dexa‐methasone (DXM, 8 mg) and underwent granulocyte apheresis (GA‐1) 16 hours (range, 13‐18 hr) after initial G‐CSF+DXM. Group 2 donors were remobilized with a second DXM dose of 8 mg (n = 13), 4 mg (n = 15), 1.5 mg (n = 13), or none (n = 13), and a second apheresis (GA‐2) was run 40 hours (range, 37‐42 hr) after G‐CSF+DXM administration and 12 hours after remobilization with DXM alone.RESULTS: Based on equivalent median preapheresis WBC and PMN counts of around 35 × 109 WBCs per L and 33 × 109 PMNs per L after initial mobilization the GA‐1 yields were 85 × 109 PMNs per U (range, 34‐150) in Group 1 and 75 × 109 PMNs per U (range, 35‐135) in Group 2 (p = 0.14, NS). In Group 2, median preapheresis values of 19.6 × 109 WBCs per L (range, 9.5‐37.0) and 16.6 × 109 PMNs per L (range, 8.8‐34.8) were measured after remobilization and GA‐2 yields of 49 × 109 WBCs per U (range, 26‐113) and 42 × 109 PMNs per U (range, 21‐95) were obtained. Borderline statistical differences in the GA‐2 yields were observed from the remobilized donors: 8 mg: 36 × 109 PMNs per U (range, 23‐60); 4 mg: 47 × 109 PMNs per U (range, 21‐56) (p ≤ 0.04); 1.5 mg: 45 × 109 PMNs per U (range, 23‐79); placebo: 36 × 109 PMNs per U (range, 26‐95) (p ≤ 0.04).CONCLUSION: Two consecutive neutrophil concentrates for transfusion can be obtained after single stimulation with Lenograstim+DXM. A second application of DXM alone is necessary, but of limited value.
Substitution Glu480Lys in erythroid band 3 corresponds to the Fra blood group antigen and supports existence of the second ectoplasmic loop of band 3
Authors: Jarolim Petr , Kalábová Dana , Reid Marion E. 
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms in extracellular loops of RBC band 3 correspond to antigens of the Diego blood group system. Of the seven putative extracellular loops, no mutations have until recently been found in the second, fifth, and sixth loops. We detected a substitution Glu480Lys that would be located in its second ectoplasmic loop. We hypothesized the substitution may underlie a novel antigen of the Diego system.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: IAT was performed using two different multispecific sera containing anti‐Fra and a series of multispecific sera containing antibodies against other blood group antigens of the Diego blood group system but not agglutinating Fr(a+) RBCs. Biosynthesis of band 3 was studied by RT‐PCR of reticulocyte RNA and electrophoresis of solubilized RBC membranes. Anion exchange function of band 3 was studied by measuring the influx of radiolabeled sulfate.RESULTS: RBCs from the Glu480Lys carrier were agglutinated with sera containing anti‐Fra and not by sera with specificities for other antigens of the Diego system. We detected identical quantities of mRNA corresponding to the two band‐3 alleles and normal content of band 3 in the RBC membranes, as well as normal sulfate influx into RBCs from the Fra heterozygote.CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the previously reported molecular basis of the Fra antigen, thus providing supportive evidence for the existence of the second extracellular loop of band 3. We also demonstrated that this substitution does not affect mRNA stability, surface expression, and anion exchange function of band 3.
Clinical investigation of posttransfusion Kidd blood group typing using a rapid normalized quantitative polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Montalvo Lani , Walker Phyllis , Wen Li , Lim Wilfredo , Reed William , Busch Michael P. , Lee Tzong‐Hae 
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND: Accurate typing of a patient's RBCs in the setting of prior transfusion or a hemolytic transfusion reaction is crucial in the selection of compatible blood but is time consuming, technically difficult, and sometimes impossible. To address this problem, a simple, rapid, and inexpensive quantitative PCR method was developed to identify the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the Kidd blood group. We applied this method in a clinical investigation of 54 multiple‐transfusion patients.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients were eligible if they had received at least one RBC transfusion within 30 days and had a sample referred to our regional reference lab for assistance with compatibility testing requiring reticulocyte separation, hypotonic saline treatment, or chemical modification to remove IgG. We compared serologic result to the normalized quantitative PCR. For discrepants, or where no serologic type could be assigned, DNA sequencing characterized the patient's Kidd SNP.RESULTS: Of the 54 patients, the reference lab could assign a serologic Kidd type for 33. Quantitative PCR assigned a Kidd type for 53 of the 54. In three cases, where serology and PCR were discrepant, and for all cases where serology could not assign a Kidd type, DNA sequencing verified the Kidd typing assigned by PCR.CONCLUSION: A simple, rapid, and accurate technique has been developed. The assay performs well in the clinical setting. With further study, and inclusion of other blood group systems, this may become an important supplemental technique for selected patients in the immunohematology reference laboratory.
Estimating blood donor loss due to the variant CJD travel deferral
Authors: Murphy Edward L. , David Connor J. , McEvoy Patrick , Hirschler Nora , Busch Michael P. , Roberts Paula , Nguyen Kim‐Ank , Reich Pascale 
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND: The FDA recommended new travel deferrals in May 2002 to prevent the potential transmission of variant CJD (vCJD). The predicted impact of such deferrals on the blood supply was controversial.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We distributed anonymous, self‐administered questionnaires to donors over 2 weeks in April 2002. Two thousand surveys were allocated to each of five geographic groupings of blood centers in the western and central US. Results were analyzed with chi‐squared tests and logistic regression.RESULTS: Of 9800 surveys, 7405 (76%) were returned and analyzed. Overall, 257 (3.47%; 95% CI, 3.05‐3.89) donors responding to the survey met the expanded May and November 2002 FDA vCJD travel criteria for deferral. Deferral rates ranged from 1 percent or less in Northern and Southern centers, 3 to 4 percent in San Francisco, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona, to over 13 percent in El Paso, Texas (p < 0.0001). Service at a European military base was the most common reason for deferral, whereas in San Francisco most deferrals were for UK and European travel or residence. The vCJD deferral was also associated with ages 30 through 49 years and with male gender. During June through September 2002, observed deferral rates were 1.6 percent at the same centers.CONCLUSIONS: Predicted deferrals due the new vCJD travel criteria depend upon the number of military donors at a blood center, as well as on the age and gender of donors. Actual deferrals were lower than predicted by an anonymous survey.
Current impact of the confidential unit exclusion option
Authors: Zou S. , Notari IV E.P. , Musavi F. , Dodd R.Y. ,   ARCNET Study Group
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND: In 1986, the FDA recommended using a confidential unit exclusion (CUE) option in blood centers; this was rescinded in 1992. The American Red Cross (ARC) has continued using the option. This study assessed its current impact.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Donor records from ARC for 1995 through 2001 were examined for CUE use in association with the prevalence and frequency of seroconversion of infectious disease markers. The likely yield of CUE was also estimated.RESULTS: Donations with CUE use had a higher prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis markers than those without CUE use, although both the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of CUE were low. Seroconverters had a higher frequency of using the CUE option than nonseroconverters. Similarly, the sensitivity and PPV of CUE were low. Based on analysis of infectious disease residual risk, the CUE option was estimated to have prevented the collection of 0.2 to 1.3 window‐period units annually within the entire ARC system.CONCLUSION: The CUE option had minimal effective‐ness in further reducing the transmission of infectious diseases through window‐period units. Further study of its current impact on reduction of units from risky but test‐negative donors, as well as on loss of safe donors, may be warranted.
ZERO-MOMENT POINT — THIRTY FIVE YEARS OF ITS LIFE
Authors: VUKOBRATOVIĆ MIOMIR , BOROVAC BRANISLAV 
Published: April 2004

This paper is devoted to the permanence of the concept of Zero-Moment Point, widely-known by the acronym ZMP. Thirty-five years have elapsed since its implicit presentation (actually before being named ZMP) to the scientific community and thirty-three years since it was explicitly introduced and clearly elaborated, initially in the leading journals published in English. Its first practical demonstration took place in Japan in 1984, at Waseda University, Laboratory of Ichiro Kato, in the first dynamically balanced robot WL-10RD of the robotic family WABOT. The paper gives an in-depth discussion of source results concerning ZMP, paying particular attention to some delicate issues that may lead to confusion if this method is applied in a mechanistic manner onto irregular cases of artificial gait, i.e. in the case of loss of dynamic balance of a humanoid robot. After a short survey of the history of the origin of ZMP a very detailed elaboration of ZMP notion is given, with a special review concerning "boundary cases" when the ZMP is close to the edge of the support polygon and "fictious cases" when the ZMP should be outside the support polygon. In addition, the difference between ZMP and the center of pressure is pointed out. Finally, some unresolved or insufficiently treated phenomena that may yield a significant improvement in robot performance are considered.
JEWS IN IMPERIAL ADMINISTRATION AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR DATING THE JEWISH DONOR INSCRIPTION FROM APHRODISIAS
Authors: Gilbert Gary 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe publication of the Jewish donor inscription from Aphrodisias has gatherer significant attention, most notably because of the 54 men identified as "God-fearers." The initial publication dated the inscription to the early third century. Recent studies, particularly those by M. Bonz and A. Chaniotis, have presented evidence in favor of a date in the fifth century or later. If this dating is correct the Aphrodisias inscription would present an important witness to the ongoing, constructive relations between Jews, pagans, and Christians at a time where other sources register a more hostile environment. This paper argues for an alternative date and thereby renders this conclusion improbable. Two details, heretofore ignored in all previous discussions, Theodotos' service as palatinus and the recognition of three men as proselytes, offer the most secure basis for dating the inscription to the fourth century. Theodotos' position within the Roman imperial administration in particular makes it extremely unlikely that the text was composed in the fifth century, a time when Jews were regularly excluded by Roman law from these post.
ANOTHER PORTRAIT OF JOSEPHUS' PORTRAIT OF SAMSON
Authors: Roncace Mark 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis paper challenges the work of Louis Feldman by raising some questions about his methodological approach to the study of Josephus' Antiquitates Judaicae and then by reconsidering Josephus' story of Samson. Against Feldman, the paper demonstrates that Josephus does not emphasize Samson's wisdom, courage/bravery, and moderation; neither does Josephus protect Samson against the charge of injustice nor diminish the role of God so as to present Samson as a human hero. Rather, Josephus' image of Samson is akin to the one found in the book of Judges, and the biblical Samson is hardly a virtuous character.