bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization of Integrons in Epidemiologically Unrelated Clinical Isolates of
Acinetobacter baumannii
from Italian Hospitals Reveals a Limited Diversity of Gene Cassette Arrays
Authors: Gombac Francesca , Riccio Maria Letizia , Rossolini Gian Maria , Lagatolla Cristina , Tonin Enrico , Monti-Bragadin Carlo , Lavenia Annamaria , Dolzani Lucilla 
Published: October 2002

ABSTRACT

Integron carriage by 36 epidemiologically unrelated
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates collected over an 11-year period from patients in six different Italian hospitals was investigated. Sixteen type 1 integron-positive isolates (44%) were found, 13 of which carried the same array of cassettes, i.e.,
aacC1
, orfX, orfX′, and
aadA1a.
As ribotype analysis of the isolates demonstrated a notable genetic diversity, horizontal transfer of the entire integron structure or ancient acquisition was hypothesized.
The alternative transcript of CD79b is overexpressed in B-CLL and inhibits signaling for apoptosis
Authors: Cragg Mark S. , Chan H. T. Claude , Fox Mathew D. , Tutt Alison , Smith Aimée , Oscier David G. , Hamblin Terry J. , Glennie Martin J. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe B-cell receptor (BCR) for antigen is composed of surface immunoglobulin (sIg), which provides antigen specificity, and a noncovalently associated signaling unit, the CD79a/b heterodimer. Defects in CD79 can influence both BCR expression and signaling and may explain why cells from certain malignancies, such as B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), often express diminished and inactive BCR. Recently, an alternative transcript of CD79b (ΔCD79b) has been reported that is up-regulated in B-CLL and may explain this diminished BCR expression. Here we assess the expression of ΔCD79b in B-CLL and other lymphoid malignancies and investigate its function. High relative expression of ΔCD79b was confirmed in most cases of B-CLL and found in 6 of 6 cases of splenic lymphomas with villous lymphocytes (SLVLs) and hairy cell leukemia. In a range of Burkitt lymphoma cell lines, expression of ΔCD79b was relatively low but correlated inversely with the ability of the BCR to signal apoptosis when cross-linked by antibody (Ab). Interestingly, when Ramos-EHRB cells, which express low ΔCD79b, were transfected with this transcript, they were transformed from being sensitive to anti-Fcμ–induced apoptosis to being highly resistant. Although ΔCD79b was expressed as protein, its overexpression did not reduce the level of cell surface BCR. Finally, we showed that the inhibitory activity of ΔCD79b depended on an intact leader sequence to ensure endoplasmic reticulum (ER) trafficking and a functional signaling immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) in its cytoplasmic tail. These results point to ΔCD79b being a powerful modulator of BCR signaling that may play an important role in normal and malignant B cells.
Enforced expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 affects functional capillary morphogenesis and inhibits tumor growth in a murine tumor model
Authors: Spurbeck William W. , Ng Catherine Y. C. , Strom Ted S. , Vanin Elio F. , Davidoff Andrew M. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractHomeostasis of the extracellular matrix is a delicate balance between degradation and remodeling, the balance being maintained by the interaction of activated matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and specific tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Up-regulation of MMP activity, favoring proteolytic degradation of the basement membrane and extracellular matrix, has been linked to tumor growth and metastasis, as well as tumor-associated angiogenesis, whereas inhibition of MMP activity appears to restrict these processes. We have used retroviral-mediated gene delivery to effect sustained autocrine expression of TIMP-3 in murine neuroblastoma and melanoma tumor cells in order to further examine the ability of TIMPs to inhibit angiogenesis in vivo. Growth of both histologic types of gene-modified tumor cells in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice was significantly restricted when compared with controls. Grossly, these tumors were small and had few feeding vessels. Histologic evaluation revealed that although tumors overexpressing TIMP-3 had an increased number of CD31+endothelial cells, these endothelial cells had not formed functional tubules, as evidenced by decreased vessel continuity and minimal pericyte recruitment. This effect appears to be mediated, in part, by decreased expression of vascular endothelial (VE)–cadherin by endothelial cells in the presence of TIMP-3 as seen both in an in vitro assay and in TIMP-3–overexpressing tumors. Taken together, these results demonstrate that overexpression of TIMP-3 can inhibit angiogenesis and associated tumor growth, and that the antiangiogenic effects of TIMP-3 appear to be mediated through the inhibition of functional capillary morphogenesis.
Architecture of a Novel Binucleating SNONS Compartmental Ligand: Physico-Chemical Investigation of Its Metal Complexes
Authors: Naik Anil , Annigeri Satish , Gangadharmath Umesh , Revankar Vidyanand , Mahale Vinayak , Reddy Vijaykumar 
Published: October 2002

Abstract
The preparation of a novel pentadentate binucleating compartmental ligand, 2-hydroxy-5-methylisophthalaldehyde bis(p-methoxy thiobenzoylhydrazone), is described together with the corresponding chloro-bridged cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes, which were characterized based on spectral, magnetic, thermal and electrochemical studies. Cryomagnetic investigations (77–296 K) reveal a strong antiferromagnetic spin-exchange between the copper(II) ions (J based on H = −2JS1. S2 is 305 cm−1). An electrochemical study of the copper(II) complex shows two distinct quasi-reversible redox peaks (E11/2 = −0.4 and E21/2 = −0.69 V vs saturated calomel electrode), indicating a stepwise reduction of the copper centers (CuIICuII → CuIICuI and CuIICuI → CuICuI). The EPR spectrum is typical of a “rhombic compressed local molecular environment”. The ligand and its copper and zinc complexes exhibit fluorescence at room temperature in DMF. All of the compounds under study were screened for antimicrobial action.
2,4,4,6-Tetrabromo-2,5-cyclohexadienone (TABCO) as a Versatile, Efficient, and Chemoselective Catalyst for the Acetalization and Transacetalization of Carbonyl Compounds, the Preparation of Acetonides from Epoxides and Acylals (1,1-Diacetates) from Aldehydes
Authors: Firouzabadi Habib , Iranpoor Nasser , Shaterian Hamid Reza 
Published: October 2002

Abstract
The efficient and chemoselective preparation of acetals and ketals from carbonyl compounds, transacetalization reactions, the conversion of epoxides to acetonides, and the preparation of acylals from aldehydes in the presence of catalytic amounts of 2,4,4,6-tetrabromo-2,5-cyclohexadienone (TABCO) are described.
Effects of Chiral Additives on Enantioselectivity for Lipase-Catalyzed Esterifications in an Organic Solvent. A Remarkable Enhancement of Its Enantioselectivity Due to Cooperative Effects of Two Kinds of Additives
Authors: Ueji Shin-ichi , Sakamoto Hideyuki , Watanabe Keiichi , Okamoto Takashi , Mori Shuichi 
Published: October 2002

Abstract
The enantioselectivity for the lipase-catalyzed esterifications in an organic solvent was found to be enhanced by addition of (+)- or (−)-camphor as a chiral additive. A more remarkable enhancement of its enantioselectivity was brought about by the cooperative effects of two kinds of additives: (−)-camphor and water.
Fume Pyrolysis of Nickel-Containing Silica Sol for the Preparation of a Microporous Ni/SiO2 Catalyst and a Comparison with Other Nickel-Loading Methods onto Microporous Silica
Authors: Mizushima Takanori , Nishida Kenji , Ohkita Hironobu , Kakuta Noriyoshi 
Published: October 2002

Abstract
A fume pyrolysis technique using a nickel-containing tetraethoxysilan solution was applied to the preparation of a microporous and highly dispersed Ni/SiO2 catalyst and compared with nickel-loading onto microporous silica by the conventional impregnation and ion-exchange methods. During impregnation, although the microporous structure remained unaltered, large Ni particles were deposited onto the external surface of the silica particles. Although the ion-exchange method resulted in a high dispersion, the process eroded the silica texture and lowered the pore volume remarkably. In contrast, the fume pyrolysis of a spray of a solution consisting of nickel-incorporated siloxane polymers, prepared through an alkoxide procedure, formed a catalyst which had very small Ni particles in micropores of silica. In spite of the same precursory solution, a simple dryness by evaporation led to pore expansion into the mesopore region and a decrease in the Ni dispersion.
Apo(a) isoforms do not predict risk for coronary heart disease in a Gulf Arab population
Authors: Akanji Abayomi O 
Published: October 2002

It is well recognized that blood lipoprotein A [Lp(a)] levels constitute an important risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease. In some populations, mainly Caucasian, Lp(a) levels and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk are determined by the pattern of apolipoprotein a [apo(a)] polymorphism. It is currently unclear if these observations apply to other populations and ethnic groups. The aim of the current study is to determine to what extent known apo(a) polymorphisms associate with development of CHD in a Kuwaiti Arab population. Serum Lp(a) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and apo(a) isoforms determined by a high-resolution sodium dodecyl sulphate/agarose gel electrophoresis with immunoblotting in two groups of Kuwaiti subjects: healthy controls ( n = 140) and subjects with CHD ( n=140). Blood lipids and anthropometric parameters were also determined in these subjects by standard methods. Serum Lp(a) levels were greater in those with CHD than in those in the healthy group ( P<0·001). There was no consistent trend in the pattern of serum Lp(a) levels found with specific apo(a) isoforms in either group of subjects. There was, therefore, no simple relationship between the isoform pattern (and number of kringle-IV repeats) and serum Lp(a) concentration, unlike in certain other populations. Additionally, almost identical proportions of subjects in either group had singlebanded (homozygous, ~ 70%), double-banded (heterozygous, ~ 23%) and no-band (null, ~ 7%) phenotypes. The distribution of the five identified isoforms (F, S1, S2, S3 and S4) also was almost identical for both groups of subjects, whether homozygous or heterozygous, and whether classified into fast-moving (F, S1 and S2) or slow-moving (S3 and S4) isoforms. We conclude that the frequency and pattern of distribution of apo(a) phenotypes did not differ significantly between healthy control Kuwaiti Arab subjects and those with CHD. It is thus unlikely that an individual's apo(a) phenotype can predict both serum Lp(a) level and risk for CHD, irrespective of race and/or ethnic grouping.
Appropriate design of biochemistry request cards can promote the use of protocols and reduce unnecessary investigations
Authors: Barth J H , Balen A H , Jennings A 
Published: October 2002

Attempts to control laboratory workload in the past always proved to be short-lived. We designed a request card based on clinical conditions for a gynaecology out-patient clinic to help clinical staff to adhere to agreed investigation protocols. Each request card had a tick-box associated with a clinical condition. The tests performed for each condition were advertised on a poster in the clinic. The workload was assessed for a 2-year period before and after the introduction of these cards. The numbers of all endocrine tests, except progesterone and sex hormone binding globulin, fell by 19% ( P< 0·0001) whereas the clinical cases seen remained steady at 227 per month. This report demonstrates that agreed protocols can be implemented but that a persistent aide-mémoire is necessary.
Prostate specific antigen: biology, biochemistry and available commercial assays
Authors: Ward A Milford , Catto J W F , Hamdy F C 
Published: October 2002

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is the marker of choice in the management of prostate cancer. However, PSA is not a simple molecule, existing in the serum in five isoforms and a number of molecular configurations and complexes. The elucidation of the biochemistry of PSA has increased the potential use of the marker in the diagnosis of prostate malignancy. This review summarizes the clinical use of PSA in the management of prostate disease and the assays available in the UK. Assay calibration in relation to the World Health Organization 1st International Standard for Prostate Specific Antigen (90:10) has increased conformity between the various commercial assay kits, and the non-equimolar kits have largely been superseded or withdrawn. Special reference is made to evaluations performed on behalf of the Medical Devices Agency of the Department of Health.
Does vestibular habituation still have a place in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?
Authors: Banfield G. K. , Wood C. , Knight J. 
Published: October 2002

Particle repositioning procedures such as the Epley manoeuvre have become popular in the management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) at the expense of more traditional therapies such as vestibular habituation.We prospectively analysed the response of consecutive patients presenting with BPPV to treatment with vestibular habituation exercises using a symptom score sheet before and after treatment. This same patient group was then followed up, on average three years, eight months after discharge, to determine their long-term response to treatment.The results of the study demonstrated an excellent short-term response rate to treatment but a high level of recurrence after discharge. Most patients who experienced further symptoms following discharge were however self-reliant and were able to return to their habituation exercises without the need for further medical input.The aim in the management of these patients must be to provide long-term self reliance as well as shortterm cure and it may be that this has not yet been well demonstrated with the Epley manoeuvre. It must also be remembered that particle repositioning manoeuvres cannot be used in all patients for example those who suffer with cervical or thoracic spine pathology and that some will fail to respond at all.We believe that vestibular habituation retains a useful role in the treatment of BPPV.
Sudden hearing loss in chronic myelogenous leukaemia implicating the hyperviscosity syndrome
Authors: Chae Sung Won , Cho Jae Hoon , Lee Jang Hyuck , Kang Hee Joon , Hwang Soon Jae 
Published: October 2002

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss that presents as the initial sign of haematological disease is very rare. Chronic myelogenous leukaemia has been implicated as a causative factor of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.A 49-year-old male presented with unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The patient was found to have chronic myelogenous leukaemia during a work-up for his hearing loss. We present a case of a chronic myelogenous leukaemia patient whose first manifestation was sudden sensorineural hearing loss. We presume that cochlear vessel occlusion as a result of elevated blood viscosity was responsible for this patient’s hearing loss. Early onset of sudden deafness in a chronic myelogenous leukaemia patient may be due to the hyperviscosity syndrome and it may be possible to reverse hearing loss through early leukapheresis.
Rhinologic changes in Wegener’s granulomatosis
Authors: Lloyd Glyn , Lund Valerie J. , Beale Tim , Howard David 
Published: October 2002

Twenty-eight patients with a clinical diagnosis of sinonasal Wegener’s granulomatosis were referred for imaging during the period 1990-2001. Of these, 10 had clinical symptoms and signs confined to the nose and sinuses and 18 had classical systemic Wegener’s. The computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MRI) scans of the series were reviewed by a panel of one otolaryngologist and two radiologists. From the total of 28 patients, 85.7 per cent showed non-specific mucosal thickening in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses, 75 per cent showed evidence of bone destruction, and 50 per cent new bone formation in the walls of the sinus cavities. In addition the orbit was affected in 30 per cent of patients.The diagnosis of systemic Wegener’s granulomatosis is made clinically but the condition may present characteristic features on imaging by CT and MRI. In a patient without a history of previous sinonasal surgery, a combination of bone destruction and new bone formation on CT is virtually diagnostic of Wegener’s especially when accompanied on MRI by a fat signal from the sclerotic sinus wall. These changes are important diagnostically in localized sinonasal Wegener’s granulomatosis where the clinical diagnosis may be uncertain and the cANCA test can be negative.
Sensitivity evaluation of the Gen-Probe AMP-CT assay by pooling urine samples for the screening of Chlamydia trachomatis urogenital infection
Authors: Gomes J P , Viegas S , Paulino A , Catry M A 
Published: October 2002

The sensitivity of two urine pool sizes versus individual testing, to detect Chlamydia trachomatis urogenital infection, was evaluated using the Gen-Probe AMP-CT assay. Thirty-three (33) known polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive urine specimens were combined with 231 fresh first-catch urine (FCU) samples in 33 groups of four and 33 groups of eight, to make up 4X and 8X pooled samples, respectively. Gen-Probe AMP-CT assay was performed on pools as well as on individual samples at the same time. For the discrepant cases, the known positive samples were diluted 1:4 and 1:8 using the manufacturer's dilution buffer and were retested. Additional positive specimens found among fresh FCU samples were also tested by the Amplicor-PCR assay to confirm their positivity. The sensitivities of 8X pooling, 4X pooling and individual testing were 86.5%, 94.3% and 91.9%, respectively. The Gen-Probe AMP-CT assay applied to a 4X urine pooling model was highly sensitive and may be useful for a population based screening programme.
Low HIV and high STD among commercial sex workers in a brothel in Bangladesh: Scope for prevention of larger epidemic
Authors: Sarkar Swarup , Islam Nazrul , Durandin Florence , Siddiqui Nahid , Panda Samiran , Jana Smarajit , Corbitt Gerald , Klapper Paul , Mandal Debashis 
Published: October 2002

The present study documents the first systematic assessment of a brothel in Bangladesh in terms of sexually transmitted disease (STD) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A cross sectional study was undertaken on brothel-based commercial sex workers (CSWs) selected systematic random sampling to assess the prevalence of STDs and HIV among CSWs in a brothel setting. Two hundred and ninety-six CSWs were selected from a brothel with a population of 593 women. Following informed consent, endocervical and blood samples were obtained for the diagnosis of genital chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis respectively. In addition, another 170 consecutive blood samples were collected from the total CSW population for HIV tests. All blood samples for HIV testing were made anonymous by removing patient identifiers before testing. Endocervical specimens were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the diagnosis of genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Syphilis and HIV infections were diagnosed by serology. One hundred and sixty-nine (57.1%) of the women were Treponema pallidum haemagglutination (TPHA)-positive, 20 (6.8%) of the women were Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL)-positive at a greater than 1:8 dilution. Eighty-two (28%) of the women were found to be infected either by gonorrhoea or chlamydia. No HIV antibody was found in any of the 466 blood samples. A high prevalence of STDs and low prevalence of HIV in the CSWs in Bangladesh suggest potential for the rapid spread of HIV once it is introduced in this high-risk population. The opportunity to control STD and HIV infection in this population should not be missed, in order to prevent a large epidemic in the future.
A Survey of Contact Tracing Practice for Sexually Transmitted Diseases in GUM Clinics in England and Wales
Authors: Stokes Tim , Schober Paul 
Published: October 2002

We set out to determine current policy and practice in relation to contact tracing (partner notification) for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) within genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in England and Wales. A confidential postal questionnaire survey of all GUM clinics in England and Wales was undertaken. Completed questionnaires were returned by 105 GUM clinics (a response rate of 65%). All respondents undertook routine contact tracing for gonorrhoea and chlamydia. The most popular method of contact tracing used was patient referral. The majority of contact tracing was undertaken by health advisers. Information on the time period over which contact tracing was undertaken showed wide variation. Audit data on the effectiveness of contact tracing in terms of the proportion of sexual contacts seen were available from only a minority of GUM clinics (33/79, 42%). Only chlamydia (24/79, 30%) and gonorrhoea (22/79, 28%) were the subject of any appreciable audit activity. There is wide variation in contact tracing policy and practice in GUM clinics in England and Wales. Audit of contact tracing effectiveness appears to be a minority activity. Further research is needed before an evidence-based approach to contact tracing can be implemented.
Risk of Cancer in Patients with HIV Disease
Authors: Petruckevitch Ann , Del Amo Julia , Phillips Andrew N , Stephenson Judith M , Johnson Anne M , De Cock Kevin M ,   London African HIV/AIDS Study Group, Theodore C , Evans B , Newell A , Barton S , Mabey D , Low N , Paine K , Pozniak A , Obasi A , Weller I , Hooi A , Medway J , Johnson M , Forster G E , Desmond N , Davidson F , Grifin G , Pym A , Weber J , Hanscheid T , Howitt D , Mortimer J , Nicoll A 
Published: October 2002

The aim of this study was to compare cancer incidence in a cohort of HIV-infected patients with the incidence rates in the population of South East England. Data collected for a retrospective cohort study of 2048 HIV-infected patients were analysed to examine the incidence of cancer. Cases of cancer occurring in South East England from 1985-1995 were obtained from the Thames Cancer Registry. Standardized incidence ratios were calculated by comparison of the observed number of cases for each cancer type in HIV-infected non-Africans with the numbers expected, calculated from the age and sex specific registration rates for the South East England population using person-years of observation. The crude incidence rates of cancer were calculated for HIV-infected Africans. The incidence of non-AIDS defining cancers such as Hodgkin's disease (standardized incidence ratio 22; 95% CI: 3-80) and anal cancer (standardized incidence ratio 125; 95% CI: 3-697) were significantly increased for non-African males with HIV disease. Anal cancer was also significantly increased for non-African females (standardized incidence ratio 1667; 95% CI: 43-9287). Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) was the commonest cancer among HIV-infected Africans and males had an incidence which was nearly 3 times that of females. There is evidence to suggest that the risks for other non-AIDS defining cancers were significantly increased in persons with HIV disease which may have implications for HIV/AIDS surveillance.