bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Development of Quinolone Resistance in
Salmonella enterica
Serotype Typhimurium DT104
Authors: Kristiansen Malthe A. Melau , Sandvang Dorthe , Rasmussen Thorkild Bremholm 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT

Salmonella enterica
serotype Typhimurium definitive phage type 104 was isolated several times from the same patient over a period of 2 years. The strain developed reduced sensitivity to fluoroquinolones, and a mutation in the
gyrA
gene that is associated with reduced sensitivity to quinolones was identified.
Use of Multiplex PCR To Identify
Staphylococcus aureus
Adhesins Involved in Human Hematogenous Infections
Authors: Tristan Anne , Ying Liu , Bes Michele , Etienne Jerome , Vandenesch Francois , Lina Gerard 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT

We have developed a multiplex PCR procedure to determine the distribution of nine adhesin genes in
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates. Only genes encoding bone sialoprotein binding protein and fibronectin binding protein B were significantly associated with hematogenous osteomyelitis/arthritis and native-valve endocarditis, respectively, suggesting their involvement in hematogenous tissue infections.
Virulence of
Rhodococcus equi
Isolated from Cats and Dogs
Authors: Takai Shinji , Martens Ronald J. , Julian Alan , Garcia Ribeiro Márcio , Rodrigues de Farias Marconi , Sasaki Yukako , Inuzuka Kazuho , Kakuda Tsutomu , Tsubaki Shiro , Prescott John F. 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT

Nine cat isolates and nine dog isolates of
Rhodococcus equi
from clinical material were investigated for the presence of the virulence-associated antigens (VapA and VapB) and virulence plasmids. Five of the cat isolates and one dog isolate were VapA positive and contained an 85-kb type I or an 87-kb type I plasmid. The remaining 12 isolates were avirulent
R. equi
strains and contained no virulence plasmids.
Mutations in
katG
,
inhA
, and
ahpC
Genes of Brazilian Isoniazid-Resistant Isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Silva Márcia Susana N. , Senna Simone G. , Ribeiro Marta O. , Valim Andréia R. M. , Telles Maria Alice , Kritski Afrânio , Morlock Glenn P. , Cooksey Robert C. , Zaha Arnaldo , Rossetti Maria Lucia R. 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT

The presence of mutations in specific regions of the
katG
,
inhA
, and
ahpC
genes was analyzed with 69
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isoniazid-resistant isolates from three Brazilian states. Point mutations in codon 315 of the
katG
gene were observed in 87.1, 60.9, and 60% of the isolates from Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, respectively. Mutations in the
inhA
gene were identified only in one isolate from RJ State, and the
ahpC
promoter region revealed mutations in distinct positions in 12.9, 21.7, and 6.7% of the isolates from RS, RJ and SP, respectively.
Identification of Oral
Peptostreptococcus
Isolates by PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis of 16S rRNA Genes
Authors: Riggio Marcello P. , Lennon Alan 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT

Oral
Peptostreptococcus
isolates tentatively identified by conventional microbiological culture methods were identified to the species level by a combination of PCR amplification of 16S rRNA genes and restriction enzyme analysis of the amplified products. This method is a reliable and rapid alternative to conventional methods for identification of these bacterial species.
Multiplex PCRs for Identification of Necrotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
Authors: Van Bost Sigrid , Jacquemin Etienne , Oswald Eric , Mainil Jacques 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT

Two multiplex PCRs were developed for the detection of necrotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
virulence genes. M1 contained the primers for the toxins and the aerobactin, and M2 contained the primers for the adhesins. They were validated by single PCRs performed with reference
E. coli
strains and by multiplex PCRs with necrotoxigenic
E. coli
strains isolated from different animal species.
Disseminated Nosocomial Fungal Infection by
Aureobasidium pullulans
var.
melanigenum
: a Case Report
Authors: Bolignano Giuseppe , Criseo Giuseppe 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT

We report on a rare case of disseminated nosocomial fungal infection due to
Aureobasidium pullulans
var.
melanigenum
in a severely traumatized patient. Repeated blood and urine cultures yielded multicellular filamentous hyphal structures of varying size accompanied by budding yeast-like-cells of ellipsoidal morphology. The patient became asymptomatic after fluconazole therapy.
Survey of Human Genes of Retroviral Origin: Identification and Transcriptome of the Genes with Coding Capacity for Complete Envelope Proteins
Authors: de Parseval Nathalie , Lazar Vladimir , Casella Jean-François , Benit Laurence , Heidmann Thierry 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT
Sequences of retroviral origin occupy approximately 8% of the human genome. Most of these “retroviral” genes have lost their coding capacities since their entry into our ancestral genome millions of years ago, but some reading frames have remained open, suggesting positive selection. The complete sequencing of the human genome allowed a systematic search for retroviral envelope genes containing an open reading frame and resulted in the identification of 16 genes that we have characterized. We further showed, by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR using specifically devised primers which discriminate between coding and noncoding elements, that all 16 genes are expressed in at least some healthy human tissues, albeit at highly different levels. All envelope genes disclose significant expression in the testis, three of them have a very high level of expression in the placenta, and a fourth is expressed in the thyroid. Besides their primary role as key molecules for viral entry, the envelope genes of retroviruses can induce cell-cell fusion, elicit immunosuppressive effects, and even protect against infection, and as such, endogenous retroviral envelope proteins have been tentatively identified in several reports as being involved in both normal and pathological processes. The present study provides a comprehensive survey of candidate genes and tools for a precise evaluation of their involvement in these processes.
Antiviral Treatment Down-Regulates Peripheral B-Cell CD81 Expression and CD5 Expansion in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Zuckerman Eli , Kessel Aharon , Slobodin Gleb , Sabo Edmond , Yeshurun Daniel , Toubi Elias 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACTHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with immune-mediated abnormalities and B-cell lymphoproliferation. Recently, CD81 was identified as an HCV receptor on B lymphocytes, providing a mechanism by which B cells are infected and activated by the virus. It has recently been shown that peripheral B-cell CD81 overexpression and CD5+subpopulation expansion correlate with HCV viral load and are associated with the development of HCV-related autoimmunity. In the present study, we assessed the effects of combination antiviral therapy (alfa interferon and ribavirin) on peripheral B-cell CD81 expression and CD5 expansion and the presence of autoimmune markers. Peripheral B-cell CD5 expression and the mean fluorescence intensity of CD81 were assessed by flow cytometry before and after treatment in 15 HCV-infected patients, in 10 untreated patients, and in 25 healthy controls. A significant posttreatment decrease in peripheral B-cell CD81 expression and disappearance of CD5+B-cell expansion were observed in all nine patients in whom a complete and sustained virological response was achieved (P< 0.01) (comparable to those for healthy controls). The decrease in CD81 overexpression and CD5 expansion in these patients was associated with a decrease and/or disappearance of autoimmune markers. In contrast, in nonresponders overexpression of CD81 and expansion of the CD5+B-cell subpopulation were not significantly changed and were comparable to those for untreated patients. In conclusion, antiviral therapy down-regulates peripheral B-cell CD81 expression and the CD5+population, either directly or by its effect on HCV RNA load. The overexpression of CD81 and the expansion of the population of CD5+peripheral B cells in HCV-infected patients may possibly play a role in the development of HCV-associated autoimmunity and lymphoproliferation.
Down-Modulation of Mature Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II and Up-Regulation of Invariant Chain Cell Surface Expression Are Well-Conserved Functions of Human and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus
nef
Alleles
Authors: Schindler Michael , Würfl Stephanie , Benaroch Philippe , Greenough Thomas C. , Daniels Rod , Easterbrook Philippa , Brenner Matthias , Münch Jan , Kirchhoff Frank 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT

Recently, it has been demonstrated that the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Nef from laboratory strains down-modulates cell surface expression of mature major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) molecules, while up-regulating surface expression of the invariant chain (Ii) associated with immature MHC-II (P. Stumptner-Cuvelette, S. Morchoisne, M. Dugast, S. Le Gall, G. Raposo, O. Schwartz, and P. Benaroch, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
98:
12144-12149, 2001). These Nef functions could contribute to impaired CD4
+
-T-helper-cell responses found in HIV-1-infected patients with progressive disease. However, it is currently unknown whether
nef
alleles derived from HIV-1-infected individuals or from other primate lentiviruses also modulate MHC-II and Ii. In the present study, we demonstrate that both activities are conserved among primary HIV-1
nef
alleles, as well as among HIV-2 and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)
nef
alleles. Down-modulation of mature MHC-II required high levels of Nef expression. In contrast, surface expression of Ii was already strongly increased at low to medium levels of Nef expression. Notably,
nef
genes derived from two of four HIV-1-infected long-term nonprogressors did not up-regulate Ii, whereas
nef
alleles derived from 10 individuals with progressive disease were active in this assay. Unlike other in vitro Nef functions, the average activity of Nef in modulating MHC-II and Ii surface expression did not change significantly during the course of infection. Mutational analysis confirmed that MHC-II down- and Ii up-regulation are functionally separable from each other and from other Nef functions and identified acidic residues, located at the base of the flexible C-proximal loop of Nef, that are critical for increased Ii expression. Overall, our results suggest that the ability of Nef to interfere with MHC-II antigen presentation might play a role in AIDS pathogenesis.
Students’ opinion of tobacco control policies recommended for US colleges: a national survey
Authors: Rigotti N A , Regan S , Moran S E , Wechsler H 
Published: September 2003

Objective:Comprehensive tobacco control policies for US colleges and universities have been proposed by several groups in order to counter the rising use of tobacco by students enrolled in these institutions. Student opinion of these policies is not known, and concern about student opposition is one barrier that deters administrators from adopting the policies. This study measured student support for recommended college tobacco control policies.Design:Mailed survey of US college students (2001 Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study).Setting:119 nationally representative, four-year colleges and universities in the USA.Participants:10 904 randomly selected undergraduate students enrolled at participating schools.Main outcome measures:Students’ opinion of 7 proposed tobacco control policies.Results:A majority of students supported each policy. Over three quarters of students favoured smoke-free policies for all college buildings, residences, and dining areas, while 71% supported prohibiting tobacco advertising and sponsorship of campus social events, 59% favoured prohibiting tobacco sales on campus, and 51% supported smoke-free campus bars. All policies had more support among non-smokers than smokers (p < 0.001). Among smokers, support for policies was inversely related to intention to quit and intensity of tobacco consumption. Because college students’ tobacco consumption is low, a majority of smokers favoured banning smoking in college buildings and dining areas and prohibiting tobacco marketing on campus.Conclusions:Student support for proposed campus tobacco control policies is strong, even among smokers, and broadly based across demographic subgroups. These findings should provide reassurance to college administrators who are considering adopting these policies.
Long term compliance with California’s Smoke-Free Workplace Law among bars and restaurants in Los Angeles County
Authors: Weber M D , Bagwell D A S , Fielding J E , Glantz S A 
Published: September 2003

Objective:To assess long term compliance with the California Smoke-Free Workplace Law in Los Angeles County freestanding bars and bar/restaurants.Design:Population based annual site inspection survey of a random sample of Los Angeles County freestanding bars and bar/restaurants was conducted from 1998 to 2002.Main outcome measures:The primary outcomes of interest were patron and employee smoking. The secondary outcomes of interest were the presence of ashtrays and designated outdoor smoking areas.Results:Significant increases in patron non-smoking compliance were found for freestanding bars (45.7% to 75.8%, p < 0.0001) and bar/restaurants (92.2% to 98.5%, p < 0.0001) between 1998 and 2002. Increases in employee non-smoking compliance were found for freestanding bars (86.2% to 94.7%, p < 0.0003) and bar/restaurants (96.5% to 99.2%, p < 0.005).Conclusions:This study provides clear evidence that the California Smoke-Free Workplace Law has been effective at reducing patron and employee smoking in Los Angeles County bars and restaurants. Recommendations include educational campaigns targeted to freestanding bar owners and staff to counter perceptions of lost revenue, more rigorous enforcement, and more severe penalties for repeat violators such as alcohol licence revocation. Policymakers can enact smoke-free restaurant and bar policies to protect employees and patrons from secondhand smoke, confident that these laws can be successfully implemented.
Impact of different aspects of social participation and social capital on smoking cessation among daily smokers: a longitudinal study
Authors: Lindström M , Isacsson S-O , Elmståhl S 
Published: September 2003

Objective:To investigate differences in different aspects of social participation and social capital among baseline daily smokers that had remained daily smokers, become intermittent smokers, or stopped smoking at one year follow up.Design/setting/participants/measurements:12 507 individuals, aged 45–69 years, interviewed at baseline between 1992 and 1994 and at a one year follow up were investigated in this longitudinal study. The three groups of baseline daily smokers were compared to the reference population (baseline intermittent smokers and non-smokers) according to different aspects of social participation and social capital. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess differences in different aspects of social participation and social capital.Results:The baseline daily smokers that remained daily smokers at the one year follow up had significantly increased odds ratios of non-participation in study circles in other places than at work, meeting of organisations other than unions, theatre/cinema, arts exhibition, church, sports events, large gatherings of relatives, and private parties compared to the reference population. The baseline daily smokers that had become intermittent smokers at the one year follow up had significantly increased odds ratios of non-participation in church services. The baseline daily smokers that had stopped smoking had increased odds ratios of non-participation in having attended a meeting of organisations other than labour unions during the past year, having been to a theatre or cinema, and of having visited an arts exhibition during the past year. All three categories of baseline daily smokers had significantlydecreasedodds ratios of non-participation in night club/entertainment.Conclusions:The baseline daily smokers that had remained daily smokers at the one year follow up had particularly high rates of non-participation compared to the reference population in both activities specifically related to social capital, such as other study circles, meetings of organisations other than labour unions, and church attendance and cultural activities such as theatre/cinema and arts exhibition, although significantly lower participation in cultural activities and meetings of other organisations was also observed among daily smokers that had stopped smoking. All three baseline daily smoker groups had higher rates of having visited a night club during the past year.
Smoke-free cafe in an unregulated European city: highly welcomed and economically successful
Authors: Künzli N , Mazzoletti P , Adam M , Götschi T , Mathys P , Monn C , Brändli O 
Published: September 2003

Objective:In a unique setting with two identical cafes, which only differed in their smoking ordinances, this study assessed the influence of smoking policies on the choice of the cafe, investigated regulatory preferences among customers, and evaluated the claim that smoking cafes have better sales performance in a city without smoking bans.Methods:In a parallel assessment, customers of both cafes answered a questionnaire. Sales were compared and air pollutants were measured to confirm air quality differences.Results:The two customer groups (n = 177) differed only with regard to smoking status (p < 0.01). The smoking regulation was the most often cited selection criterion (83%). In the non-smoking café, 89% indicated that they were usually annoyed by smoke in coffee houses, and 62% would avoid or leave cafes for this reason. Two thirds stated that all cafe/restaurants should offer the opportunity of a smoke-free environment. However, almost half stated that mandatory regulations are not needed and that customers should make individual arrangements based on tolerance and courtesy. Those who were informed about the health effects of secondhand smoke were more likely to call for clear policies. Whereas sales showed no differences, tips were 22% (p < 0.001) higher in the non-smoking cafe.Conclusion:In a generation raised in smoking friendly environments, customers paradoxically ask for a landmark shift towards smoke-free opportunities, while substantially adhering to the tobacco industry paradigm of promoting “tolerance” rather than smoke-free policies. Given the clear preference of a large number of customers, hospitality businesses could, however, greatly profit from offering smoke-free environments even in the absence of regulatory policies.
Impact of UK National Health Service smoking cessation services: variations in outcomes in England
Authors: Bauld L , Chesterman J , Judge K , Pound E , Coleman T 
Published: September 2003

Objectives:To determine the extent to which UK National Health Service (NHS) smoking cessation services in England reach smokers and support them to quit at four weeks, and to identify which service and area characteristics contribute to observed outcomes.Design:Ordinary least squares regression was used to investigate local smoking outcomes in relation to characteristics of health authorities and their smoking cessation services.Setting:76 health authorities (from a total of 99) in England from April 2000 to March 2001.Main outcome measures:Reach—number of smokers attending cessation services and setting a quit date as a percentage of the adult smoking population in each health authority.Absolute success—number of smokers setting a quit date who subsequently reported quitting at four weeks (not having smoked between two and four weeks after quit date).Cessation rate—number of smokers who reported quitting at four weeks as a percentage of those setting a quit date.Loss—percentage lost to follow up.Results:A range of service and area characteristics was associated with each outcome. For example, group support proved more effective than one to one interventions in helping a greater proportion of smokers to quit at four weeks. Services based in health action zones were reaching larger numbers of smokers. However, services operating in deprived communities achieved lower cessation rates than those in more prosperous areas.Conclusions:Well developed, evidence based NHS smoking cessation services, reflecting good practice, are yielding positive outcomes in England. However, most of the data are based on self reported smoking status at four weeks. It will be important to obtain validated data about continuous cessation over one year or more in order to assess longer term impact.
Persistent use of nicotine replacement therapy: an analysis of actual purchase patterns in a population based sample
Authors: Shiffman S , Hughes J R , Pillitteri J L , Burton S L 
Published: September 2003

Background:In 1996, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved switching nicotine gum and patch from prescription to over-the-counter (OTC) status. Some expressed concerns that broader availability and lack of physician control might increase persistent use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)—that is, use beyond the period specified by the FDA approved label.Objective:To estimate the incidence of persistent use of OTC nicotine gum and patch for periods of > 3 months, ⩾ 6 months, ⩾ 12 months, and ⩾ 24 months.Design:Analysis of NRT purchase patterns in data from a population based panel of US households that electronically scanned all household purchases between January 1997 and March 2000.Subjects:In a national panel of 40 000 US households, 2690 recorded NRT purchases.Results:Among 805 households that purchased nicotine gum, 2.3% of new purchase incidents led to continuous monthly purchase of gum for ⩾ 6 months. For nicotine patches (2050 households) the percentage was 0.9%. For both gum and patch, the incidence of persistent purchase dropped below 0.4% by 24 months. Allowing one month gaps within a “continuous” purchase run resulted in increased estimates (for gum: 6.7% for ⩾ 6 months and 1.0% for ⩾ 24 months; for patch: 1.7% for ⩾ 6 months and 0.05% for ⩾ 24 months).Conclusion:Persistent use of nicotine gum and patch is very rare and has not increased with the transition to OTC use, despite removal of physician oversight.