bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Trends of Resistance Rates over 3 Years Calculated from Results for All Isolates and for the First Isolate of a Given Species from a Patient
Authors: Lee Sang-Oh , Cho Yong Kyun , Kim Sue-Yun , Lee Eun Sun , Park Shin Young , Seo Yiel-Hae 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACT

We compared trends of annual resistance rates calculated from results for all isolates and for the first isolate of
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and
Acinetobacter baumannii
per patient over a 3-year period from 2001 through 2003. Antimicrobial susceptibility results of inpatients were extracted from a computerized database. Annual resistance rates of a species were calculated by two methods: (i) from results for all isolates, even those from patients with multiple isolates in a given year and (ii) from results for the first isolate from a patient in a given year, regardless of susceptibility profile or specimen type. Rates of methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) did not differ among all isolates (79.9, 78.8 and 79.6%;
P
= 0.86), but decreased for the first isolate per patient (70.2, 65.7, and 64.1%;
P
= 0.006) over time. Annual duplication rates of methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA) decreased (39.6, 37.6, and 31.7%;
P
= 0.01), but those of MRSA increased significantly (64.3, 67.8, and 68.9%;
P
= 0.004). Rates of cefotaxime-resistant
K. pneumoniae
did not differ over time by either method, and rates of imipenem-resistant
A. baumannii
decreased over time by both methods. Duplication rates did not differ for either susceptible or resistant isolates of
K. pneumoniae
and
A. baumannii
. The trends in MRSA rate differed by the two methods because of the different proportion of duplicate isolates per year. MRSA rates might be increasingly overestimated for all isolates. These results suggest that the method of calculating results for the first isolate per patient may remove the effect of duplication, allowing the simple and unambiguous analysis of cumulative susceptibility rates.
Tobacco Agar, a New Medium for Differentiating
Candida dubliniensis
from
Candida albicans
Authors: Khan Zia U. , Ahmad Suhail , Mokaddas Eiman , Chandy Rachel 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACT

Isolates of
Candida dubliniensis
may be misidentified as
Candida albicans
in microbiological laboratories if only the germ tube and/or the chlamydospore test is used for identification to the species level. In this study, we have evaluated the efficacy of tobacco agar for the differentiation of
C. dubliniensis
from
C. albicans
. On this medium at 28°C, all 30
C. dubliniensis
isolates produced yellowish-brown colonies with hyphal fringes and abundant chlamydospores, whereas 54
C. albicans
isolates formed smooth, white-to-cream-colored colonies with no chlamydospore production. This medium provides a simple tool for presumptive differentiation of
C. dubliniensis
from
C. albicans
.
New Method for Laboratory Detection of AmpC β-Lactamases in
Escherichia coli
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Nasim K. , Elsayed S. , Pitout J. D. D. , Conly J. , Church D. L. , Gregson D. B. 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACT

A new cefoxitin-agar medium (CAM)-based assay was compared to the previously published modified three-dimensional (M3D) assay for the detection of AmpC production in
Escherichia coli
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. Clinical isolates of cefoxitin-resistant
E. coli
(
n
= 5) and
K. pneumoniae
(
n
= 7) and multiple control strains with and without AmpC enzymes were tested by both methods. The CAM method with 4 μg of cefoxitin/ml was equivalent to the M3D method for detecting AmpC production in
E. coli
and
K. pneumoniae
. This new method is easier to perform and interpret and allows for testing of multiple isolates on a single plate.
In Vitro Antifungal Susceptibility of
Cryptococcus gattii
Authors: Trilles Luciana , Fernández-Torres Belkys , dos Santos Lazéra Márcia , Wanke Bodo , Guarro Josep 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACT

We have determined the in vitro susceptibilities of 57 strains of
Cryptococcus gattii
to nine antifungal agents and have compared the MICs for these strains with those for
C. neoformans
. MICs were determined by a microdilution reference method. Albaconazole and ravuconazole (MICs of 0.04 and 0.05 μg/ml, respectively) showed the best activities. Micafungin showed no activity (MIC of >128 μg/ml). In general,
C. gattii
was less susceptible than
C. neoformans
to all drugs tested, with the exception of amphotericin B and flucytosine.
Species Distribution and Ribotype Diversity of
Burkholderia cepacia
Complex Isolates from French Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Brisse Sylvain , Cordevant Christophe , Vandamme Peter , Bidet Philippe , Loukil Chawki , Chabanon Gérard , Lange Marc , Bingen Edouard 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACT

A total of 153
Burkholderia cepacia
strains obtained from 153 French patients with cystic fibrosis were identified as
Burkholderia multivorans
(51.6%) or
Burkholderia cenocepacia
(45.1%). Eighty-two genotypes were identified using PvuII and EcoRI ribotyping.
B. multivorans
genotype A (found in 32 French patients) and two other genotypes were also identified among isolates from Austrian, German, Italian, and Canadian patients.
Detection of Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections by the Differential-Time-to-Positivity Method and Gram Stain-Acridine Orange Leukocyte Cytospin Test in Neutropenic Patients after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Krause R. , Auner H. W. , Gorkiewicz G. , Wölfler A. , Daxboeck F. , Linkesch W. , Krejs G. J. , Wenisch C. , Reisinger E. C. 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACT
For febrile neutropenic patients who received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the Gram stain-acridine orange leukocyte cytospin (AOLC) test and the differential-time-to-positivity method (DTP) were performed. As a diagnostic tool for catheter-related bloodstream infections in these patients, the Gram stain-AOLC test has a lower sensitivity than does the DTP method but acceptable positive and negative predictive values.
Multiplex Detection of Mutations in Clinical Isolates of Rifampin-Resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
by Short Oligonucleotide Ligation Assay on DNA Chips
Authors: Deng Jiao-Yu , Zhang Xian-En , Lu Hong-Bing , Liu Qiang , Zhang Zhi-Ping , Zhou Ya-Feng , Xie Wei-Hong , Fu Zhi-Jun 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACT

A new approach, short-oligonucleotide-ligation assay on DNA chip (SOLAC), is developed to detect mutations in rifampin-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. The method needs only four common probes to detect 15 mutational variants of the
rpoB
gene within 12 h. Fifty-five rifampin-resistant
M. tuberculosis
isolates were analyzed, resulting in 87.3% accuracy and 83.6% concordance relative to DNA sequencing.
Performance of the Binax NOW
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Urinary Antigen Assay for Diagnosis of Pneumonia in Children with Underlying Pulmonary Diseases in the Absence of Acute Pneumococcal Infection
Authors: Navarro David , García-Maset Leonor , Gimeno Concepción , Escribano Amparo , García-de-Lomas Juan 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACT

The performance of the Binax NOW immunochromatographic test for detecting
Streptococcus pneumoniae
antigen in urine specimens from 103 children presenting underlying pulmonary diseases with no recent pneumococcal infection was assessed. Our data indicate that this assay is unlikely to be useful for discriminating between children with and without pneumococcal pneumonia.
Routine Use of a Commercial Test, GLABRATA RTT, for Rapid Identification of
Candida glabrata
in Six Laboratories
Authors: Freydiere A. M. , Perry J. D. , Faure O. , Willinger B. , Tortorano A. M. , Nicholson A. , Peman J. , Verweij P. E. 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACT

When evaluated in six clinical laboratories from six countries with 1,174 fresh isolates, including 715
Candida glabrata
and 459 non-
C. glabrata
strains, GLABRATA RTT (Fumouze Diagnostics, Levallois Perret, France) yielded an overall sensitivity and an overall specificity of 95.8 and 98.9%, respectively. The results were consistent from one laboratory to another. The five false-positive results corresponded to
C. parapsilosis
(
n
= 2),
C. tropicalis
,
C. guilliermondii
, and
C. lusitaniae.
GLABRATA RTT allows a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable presumptive identification of
C. glabrata
.
HBsAg Seroclearance in Chinese Patients Receiving Lamivudine Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Yuen Man-Fung , Wong Danny Ka-Ho , Yuan He-Jun , Sum Siu-Man , Lai Ching-Lung 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACT
We report two Chinese patients in whom lamivudine treatment resulted in HBsAg seroclearance. One patient received lamivudine, and another patient received 12-week famciclovir treatment followed by lamivudine. Lamivudine was maintained after HBeAg seroconversion. These two patients lost HBsAg at 24 and 27 months (ages, 23 and 19.3 years, respectively) and developed measurable titer of anti-HBs after 65 and 71 months of therapy, respectively. The liver biochemistry was normal after HBeAg seroconversion. The serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels were undetectable (<200 copies/ml) both at the time of HBeAg seroconversion and at the last follow-up. Liver biopsy of one patient showed nearly normal histology, with undetectable intrahepatic total HBV DNA and covalently closed circular DNA. In conclusion, lamivudine therapy can result in HBsAg seroclearance at an early age even though the phenomenon is rare.
Detection of
Bartonella quintana
by Direct Immunofluorescence Examination of Blood Smears of a Patient with Acute Trench Fever
Authors: Foucault C. , Rolain J. M. , Raoult D. , Brouqui P. 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACT

We report a case of
Bartonella quintana
acute symptomatic infection in a homeless man, presenting as a typical trench fever.
B. quintana
has been retrieved in erythrocytes in large clusters and in erythroblasts. Direct immunofluorescence of blood smears allows a rapid diagnosis.
Issues in the reporting of epidemiological studies: a survey of recent practice
Authors: Pocock Stuart J , Collier Timothy J , Dandreo Kimberley J , de Stavola Bianca L , Goldman Marlene B , Kalish Leslie A , Kasten Linda E , McCormack Valerie A 
Published: October 2004

Abstract

Objectives
To review current practice in the analysis and reporting of epidemiological research and to identify limitations.

Design
Examination of articles published in January 2001 that investigated associations between risk factors/exposure variables and disease events/measures in individuals.

Setting
Eligible English language journals including all major epidemiological journals, all major general medical journals, and the two leading journals in cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Main outcome measure
Each article was evaluated with a standard proforma.

Results
We found 73 articles in observational epidemiology; most were either cohort or case-control studies. Most studies looked at cancer and cardiovascular disease, even after we excluded specialty journals. Quantitative exposure variables predominated, which were mostly analysed as ordered categories but with little consistency or explanation regarding choice of categories. Sample selection, participant refusal, and data quality received insufficient attention in many articles. Statistical analyses commonly used odds ratios (38 articles) and hazard/rate ratios (23), with some inconsistent use of terminology. Confidence intervals were reported in most studies (68), though use of P values was less common (38). Few articles explained their choice of confounding variables; many performed subgroup analyses claiming an effect modifier, though interaction tests were rare. Several investigated multiple associations between exposure and outcome, increasing the likelihood of false positive claims. There was evidence of publication bias.

Conclusions
This survey raises concerns regarding inadequacies in the analysis and reporting of epidemiological publications in mainstream journals.
SEGREGATION PHENOMENA ON PtxNi1−x LOW INDEX SINGLE CRYSTAL SURFACES STUDIED BY STM
Authors: VARGA P. , SCHMID M. , HOFER W. 
Published: October 2004

Surface segregation changes the composition of alloy surfaces. It influences both the geometrical and the chemical structure of the surface. In this paper segregation phenomena are shown for low index single crystal surfaces of different PtNi alloys which can be seen only by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). STM experiments performed with atomic resolution revealed the existence of subsurface dislocation networks. A closer study of the conditions of their existence allowed us to understand the effects of preferential sputtering and annealing on the segregation behavior (i.e. building up a rather stable altered layer and its disappearance only at elevated temperatures). In addition, local chemical ordering in small domains and shifted row reconstructions with a large and varying periodicity (i.e. phenomena that are hardly seen by other methods like e.g. LEED) have been observed.
Reproductive Health in Post-Transition Mongolia: Global Discourses and Local Realities
Authors: Rak Kimberly , Janes Craig 
Published: October 2004

AbstractGlobal reproductive health policy is based on assumptions, couched in scientific language, that technological methods of birth control are superior to traditional methods, use of these methods is more modern and "rational" than alternatives, and abortion should not be considered a form of birth control. The authority these assumptions have achieved in global health circles prevents alternative options from being considered. Our research on women's birth control experiences in Mongolia suggests that reproductive health programs based on such global assumptions fail to consider the local cultural contexts of reproductive decision-making address women's needs, and are therefore seriously flawed.
Global Challenges to Equity in Safety and Health at Work: Struggles for Fair Work in Southern Africa
Authors: Loewenson Rene 
Published: October 2004

AbstractWeaknesses in social protection and risk management systems within workplaces and in the wider public health environment and weak investment in health insurance and health services shift a significant share of the burden of production risks onto worker communities and under-funded public services. Inequality has been constructed by powerful economic and political interests and by weak policies for channelling the benefits of globalization to those most in need. Powerful drivers of inequity are not simply addressed through technical interventions—they demand political and economic action. This paper explores the knowledge and evidence needed to impact public policy and the approaches to building political momentum for that knowledge to be used.
Health Transition and Globalization in the Pacific: Vestiges of Colonialism?
Authors: Finau Sitaleki , Wainiqolo Iris 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThis paper disaggregates the various transitions that led to the so-called health transition in the Pacific. It challenges the notion of unified health transition and looks at changes that shaped the health of Pacificans. It examines the velocity (speed and direction) and the framework with which contemporary discussions of health transition in the Pacific have taken place. This is an effort to look at how health transition is more about power imbalance than about morbidity and mortality. We argue, first, that changes in the health of Pacificans are about power imbalances brought about by globalization, imperialism, and colonialism. We also describe the multiple transitions that need to be taken into account in understanding the health changes among Pacificans. In the end, we suggest a range of alternate ways of viewing the processes of change in the Pacific.
Globalization and Health in the New Millennium
Authors: Harris Richard , Seid Melinda 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
This essay provides an overview of the linkages between globalization and health. It examines many of the global health issues associated with the globalization of economic, political, social, and cultural forces in the world today. The conceptualization and analysis of these linkages between globalization and health and the effects of globalization on population health are discussed from the vantage point of various perspectives. Particular attention is given to the global spread of disease, the diseases of globalization, the health inequities associated with globalization, the effects of globalization on environmental health, and the globalization of health-related technologies.
Globalization and Health Policy in South Africa
Authors: McIntyre Di , Thomas Stephen , Cleary Susan 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
This paper considers influences of globalization on three relevant health policy issues in South Africa, namely, private health sector growth, health professional migration, and pharmaceutical policy. It considers the relative role of key domestic and global actors in health policy development around these issues. While South Africa has not been subject to the overt health policy pressure from international organizations experienced by governments in many other low- and middle-income countries, global influence on South Africa's macroeconomic policy has had a profound, albeit indirect, effect on our health policies. Ultimately, this has constrained South Africa's ability to achieve its national health goals.
The Legal Regulation of Information Relations: A Note on the Use of the Internet in the Russian Federation
Authors: Trofimenko Andrei 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe present note examines the current state of affairs relating to the legal regulation of information in Russia. Special attention is paid to the legal rules and regulations connected to using the Internet. On the basis of an analysis of the legislation in force, a conclusion is drawn that the legislator has (to date) failed to pay sufficient attention to the specifi c features of these relations. In particular, the problem of applicability of the legislation governing mass media to the legal relations relating to the Internet will be considered in this article. Specific criteria are offered, allowing one to make a substantiated conclusion about the applicability of mass media legislation in this special case.
Property Restitution in Eastern Europe: Domestic and International Human Rights Law Responses
Authors: Karadjova Mariana 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThis article presents an overview of how those East European countries that are members of the Council of Europe have approached the problems of restitution as a means of reparation for past injustices. In doing so, attention will be paid to: the entitled persons and the extent of restitution; the underlying motivations vis-à-vis the form of reparation (restitution in kind or compensation), and attitudes towards minority groups and foreigners as part of the restitution process. Emphasis will also be given to the role played by international instruments (the ECHR and its future Protocol 12, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, various UN resolutions, etc), as well as by judicial institutions (the European Court of Human Rights, the UN Human Rights Committee) in the evolution of the restitution process in Eastern Europe in general, and regarding such issues as equality between foreigners and nationals as well as minority and religious groups and the elaboration of an international standard of restitution as reparation for abuses of human rights in particular. The bodies of the ECHR have managed to avoid problems related to restitution and reparations for past injustices by arguing that the right of restitution is not guaranteed by art.1 of Protocol 1 to the the ECHR. But the entry into force of a new Protocol 12 to the Convention will likely result in changes being made in this thought process, at least as regards the position of foreigners. If measures denying restitution, owing to the claimant's nationality, were taken after ratifi cation of Protocol 12, the way should be opened in the future to foreigners (in addition to procedures before the UN Human Rights Committee) to more effectively defend their rights relative to such restorative measures: notably, the possibility of seizing the Strasbourg Court with claims relating to justifi cation for "unequal treatment". The right to remedy the injustices committed to the victims of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law has appeared with increasing frequency on the agenda of the UN Commission on Human Rights. Furthermore, in its recent case law, the UN Human Rights Committee has evidenced a concern over several questions relating to the respect of possessions; it has already opted for the proposition that any discrimination on the basis of nationality in restitution legislation can be deemed to be a violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Lastly, after ratifi cation of Protocol 12, we can expect a link to be forged between the vision of the UN Commission on Human Rights and that of the European Court of Human Rights that may—in the future—lead to the elaboration of a common international mechanism regulating restitution as a means for the reparation of abuses of human rights.
European Norms on the Protection of Human Rights: On the Development of Russian Human Rights Legislation
Authors:   Gorchkova
Published: October 2004

AbstractThis article examines the problems concerning the observance by the Russian Federation of European conventions, in particular the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture. In recent years, there has been a signifi cant breakthrough in the development of Russian legislation in light of human rights' principles and standards laid down by the Council of Europe. At the same time, the implementation of European standards in the law enforcement area has been carried out at a distinctly slow pace, particularly in relation to the criminal–executive system (where the first tentative steps towards the reform of penitentiary institutions have only been recently taken), the rights of migrants and refugees, the protection of the rights of armed forces personnel, and human rights in Chechnya. This article analyses the problems involved in the legal and judicial protection of human rights in Russia as well as issues concerning the restriction of citizens' rights in special circumstances (such as war or a state of emergency) and the protection of social rights. Lastly, the creation of a unifi ed legal space for human rights in the Russian Federation will also be discussed.
Newton's "Experimental Philosophy"
Authors: Shapiro Alan 
Published: October 2004

AbstractNewton abjured using the term "experimental philosophy," widely used in Restoration England at the start of his career, until 1712 when he added a passage to the General Scholium of the Principia that briefly expounded his anti-hypothetical methodology. Drafts for query 23 of the second edition of the Opticks (1706) (which became query 31 in the third edition), however, show that he had intended to introduce the term to explain his methodology earlier. Newton introduced the term for polemical purposes to defend his theory of gravity against the criticisms of Cartesians and Leibnizians but, especially in the Principia, against Leibniz himself. "Experimental philosophy" has little directly to do with experiment, but rather more broadly designates empirical science. Newton's manuscripts provide insight into his use of "experimental philosophy" and the formulation of his methodology, especially such key terms as "deduce," "induction," and "phenomena," in the early eighteenth century.