bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Genetic Differences between
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
Type I and Type II Isolates
Authors: Dohmann Karen , Strommenger Birgit , Stevenson Karen , de Juan Lucía , Stratmann Janin , Kapur Vivek , Bull Tim J. , Gerlach Gerald-Friedrich 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

A combination of representational difference analysis and comparative DNA sequencing revealed that four type I (sheep) isolates of
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
were differentiated from nine type II (bovine) isolates by the presence of an 11-bp insertion in a novel
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
-specific region of genomic DNA. Further, our studies show that
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
type I isolates contain three type-specific loci that are missing in
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
type II but are present in
M. avium
subsp.
avium
. Taken together, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
type I strains are an evolutionary intermediate between
M. avium
subsp.
avium
and
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
type II isolates or share a subset of
M. avium
subsp.
avium
type-specific loci through horizontal transfer.
Risk of Fungemia Due to
Rhodotorula
and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of
Rhodotorula
Isolates
Authors: Zaas Aimee K. , Boyce Molly , Schell Wiley , Lodge Barbara Alexander , Miller Jackie L. , Perfect John R. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

Rhodotorula
infections occur among patients with immunosuppression and/or central venous catheters. Using standardized methods (NCCLS M27-A), we determined the antifungal susceptibilities of 10
Rhodotorula
bloodstream infection isolates. Patient information was collected for clinical correlation. The MICs of amphotericin B and posaconazole were the lowest, and the MICs of triazoles and echinocandins were higher than those of other antifungal agents.
Interlaboratory Evaluation of Hematocytometer Method of Inoculum Preparation for Testing Antifungal Susceptibilities of Filamentous Fungi
Authors: Rodriguez-Tudela J. L. , Chryssanthou Erja , Petrikkou Evangelia , Mosquera Juan , Denning David W. , Cuenca-Estrella Manuel 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

A three-laboratory study was performed to evaluate conidium counting in a hematocytometer as a technique of inoculum preparation for susceptibility testing of
Aspergillus
spp. In addition, inocula were quantified by colony counting and optical density determination. The agreement and correlation coefficient between conidium and colony quantifications were 89.2% and 0.73 (
P
< 0.01). Correlations with optical density determination were not significant.
Deep Infection by
Trichophyton rubrum
in an Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: Nir-Paz Ran , Elinav Hila , Pierard Gerald E. , Walker David , Maly Alexander , Shapiro Mervyn , Barton Richard C. , Polacheck Itzhack 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

Dermatophytes are common pathogens of skin but rarely cause invasive disease. We present a case of deep infection by
Trichophyton rubrum
in an immunocompromised patient.
T. rubrum
was identified by morphological characteristics and confirmed by PCR. Invasiveness was apparent by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The patient was treated successfully with itraconazole.
Isolation ofBartonella washoensisfrom a Dog with Mitral Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Chomel Bruno B. , Wey Aaron C. , Kasten Rickie W. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTWe report the first documented case ofBartonella washoensisbacteremia in a dog with mitral valve endocarditis.B. washoensiswas isolated in 1995 from a human patient with cardiac disease. The main reservoir species appears to be ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) in the western United States. Based on echocardiographic findings, a diagnosis of infective vegetative valvular mitral endocarditis was made in a spayed 12-year-old female Doberman pinscher. A year prior to presentation, the referring veterinarian had detected a heart murmur, which led to progressive dyspnea and a diagnosis of congestive heart failure the week before examination. One month after initial presentation, symptoms worsened. An emergency therapy for congestive heart failure was unsuccessfully implemented, and necropsy evaluation of the dog was not permitted. Indirect immunofluorescence tests showed that the dog was strongly seropositive (titer of 1:4,096) for severalBartonellaantigens (B. vinsoniisubsp.berkhoffii,B. clarridgeiae, andB. henselae), highly suggestive ofBartonellaendocarditis. Standard aerobic and aerobic-anaerobic cultures were negative. However, a specific blood culture forBartonellaisolation grew a fastidious, gram-negative organism 7 days after being plated. Phenotypic and genotypic characterizations of the isolate, including partial sequencing of the citrate synthase (gltA),groEL, and 16S rRNA genes, indicated that this organism was identical toB. washoensis. The dog was seronegative for all tick-borne pathogens tested (Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Ehrlichia canis, andRickettsia rickettsii), but the sample was highly positive forB. washoensis(titer of 1:8,192) and, according to indirect immunofluorescent-antibody assay, weakly positive for phase IICoxiella burnetiiinfection.
The factor V C1 domain is involved in membrane binding: identification of functionally important amino acid residues within the C1 domain of factor V using alanine scanning mutagenesis
Authors: Quinn-Allen Mary , Macedo-Ribeiro Sandra , Fuentes-Prior Pablo , Bode Wolfram , Saleh Mahasen , Peng Weimin , Kane William 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe contribution of the factor Va C1 domain (fVa-C1) to assembly of the prothrombinase complex has not been previously investigated. The homologous fVa-C2 domain contains a binding site for phosphatidylserine (PS) that includes the indole moieties of Trp2063/Trp2064 at the apex of spike-1. In order to investigate the structure and function of fVa-C1 a molecular model was constructed based on the structure of fVa-C2. The aromatic and hydrophobic side chains of Tyr1956/Leu1957 in fVaC1 are located at the predicted apex of spike-3. Exposed charged and hydrophobic residues in fVa-C1 were changed to alanine in clusters of 1-3 mutations per construct. The resultant 20 mutants were expressed in COS cells and screened for binding to immobilized PS and prothrombinase activity on phospholipid vesicles containing either 25% or 5% PS. Two mutants, (Y1956,L1957)A, and (R2023,R2027)A showed both decreased binding to immobilized PS and a selective decrease in prothrombinase activity on membranes containing 5% PS. The interaction of purified (Y1956,L1957)A with phospholipid vesicles was studied using fluorescence resonance energy transfer and prothrombinase assays. The affinity of (Y1956,L1957)A binding to 25% PS membranes was reduced 12-fold compared to rHFVa. Prothrombin activation in the presence of (Y1956,L1957)A was markedly impaired on phospholipid vesicles containing 10% or less PS. We conclude that solvent exposed hydrophobic and aromatic amino acids in both fVa-C1 and fVa-C2 contribute to the interaction of factor V with PS membranes.
Fibrinogen C-terminal peptidic sequences (Haptides) modulate fibrin polymerization
Authors: Ben-Moshe Matti , Magdassi Sholomo , Gorodetsky Raphael , Marx Gerard 
Published: November 2003

SummaryWe previously described synthetic peptides of 19-21 amino acid residues, homologous to the C-termini of fibrinogen Fib340 and Fib420, from the β-chain (Cβ), the extended αE chain (CαE) and near the end of the γ-chain (preCγ) which elicited attachment (haptotactic) responses from mesenchymal cells. We named these haptotactic peptides -Haptides. The effects of Haptides on fibrin clot formation was evaluated and their possible effects on platelet aggregation was examined. The Haptides Cβ, CαE and preCγ, (2-10 μM) increased fibrin clot turbidity and also decreased thrombin-induced clotting time. Higher concentrations (>120 μM of Cβ or preCγ) induced fibrinogen precipitation even without thrombin. These precipitates exhibited different ultrastructure from thrombin-induced fibrin by scanning and transmission microscopy. C-terminal peptides of the other fibrinogen chains exerted no such effects. Sepharose beads covalently coated with either whole fibrinogen or Haptides (SB-Fib or SB-Haptide) highly adsorbed free FITCHaptides. In aqueous solution, Haptides formed nano-particles with average size of ∼150nm in diameter. We suggest that such positively charged aggregates could serve to nucleate and accelerate fibrin gel formation. These results also indicate that Cβ and preCγ sequences within fibrin(ogen) participate in the docking and condensation of fibrin(ogen) during its assembly into a fibrin clot. By contrast, Haptides up to 100µM did not bind to platelets, and had no effect on platelet aggregation. Our findings highlight the roles of the C-terminal sequences of the β and γ chains in fibrin(ogen) polymerization as well as in cell attachment.
Complex Concurrent Engineering and the Design Structure Matrix Method
Authors: Yassine Ali , Braha Dan 
Published: November 2003

Concurrent engineering (CE) principles have considerably matured over the last decade. However, many companies still face enormous challenges when implementing and managing CE practices. This is due to the increased complexity of engineering products and processes, on one hand, and the lack of corresponding CE models and tools, on the other hand. This paper focuses on four critical problems that challenge management while implementing CE in complex product development (PD) projects. We refer to these problems as: iteration, overlapping, decomposition and integration, and convergence problems. We describe these problems proposing a unified modeling and solution approach based on the design structure matrix (DSM) method, which is an information exchange model that allows managers to represent complex task relationships to better plan and manage CE initiatives.
Sensitive Issues in Vulnerable Conditions
Authors: Honkatukia Päivi , Nyqvist Leo , Pösö Tarja 
Published: November 2003

This article discusses the experiences of the ethical dilemmas encountered in a research project on teenage reformatory school residents’ understanding of violence.The study is based on group interviews of teenage youth (15 interview sessions) in two Finnish reformatory schools.The agenda for the interviews dealt with the adolescents’views on violence, experiences of it in different contexts such as home, school and residential care, as well as their moral judgement of it. The study has been motivated by the growing body of knowledge and concerns about youth violence, linking the experiences of violence, seen as traumatic, with behavioural and psychosocial problems. We would like to contribute to that debate by saying something about violence as defined by young people. Confidentiality and voluntary participation are some of the basic principles guiding the research process.The ethical issues are, however, more complicated.The actual act of asking young people to speak about violence can be (re)traumatizing. On the other hand, it is important to give them a chance to speak. The dilemma of misusing the young people’s participation in the research and the option of giving space for voices to be heard is one of the ethical dilemmas confronted in this paper.
The Effect of Race/Ethnicity and Desirable Social Characteristics on Physicians' Decisions to Prescribe Opioid Analgesics
Authors: Tamayo‐Sarver Joshua H. , Dawson Neal V. , Hinze Susan W. , Cydulka Rita K. , Wigton Robert S. , Albert Jeffrey M. , Ibrahim Said A. , Baker David W. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Objective: Racial/ethnic disparities in physician treatment have been documented in multiple areas, including emergency department (ED) analgesia. The purpose of this study was to determine if physicians were predisposed to different treatment decisions based on patient race/ethnicity and if physicians' treatment predispositions changed when socially desirable information about the patient (occupation, socioeconomic status, and relationship with a primary care physician) was made explicit. Methods: The authors developed three clinical vignettes designed to engage physicians' decision‐making processes. The patient's race/ethnicity was included. Each vignette randomly included or omitted explicit socially desirable information. The authors mailed 5,750 practicing emergency physicians three clinical vignettes and a one‐page questionnaire about demographic and practice characteristics. Chi‐square tests of significance for bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression were used for multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 2,872 (53%) of the 5,398 potential physician subjects participated. Patient race/ethnicity had no effect on physician prescription of opioids at discharge for African Americans, Hispanics, and whites: absolute differences in rates of prescribing opioids at discharge were less than 2% for all three conditions presented. Making socially desirable information explicit increased the prescribing rates by 4% (95% CI = 0.1% to 8%) for the migraine vignette and 6% (95% CI = 3% to 8%) for the back pain vignette. Conclusions: Patient race/ethnicity did not influence physicians' predispositions to treatment plans in clinical vignettes. Even knowing that the patient had a high‐prestige occupation and a primary care provider only minimally increased prescribing of opioid analgesics for conditions with few objective findings.
Motor Vehicle Crash Fatalities among Hispanics in Rural North Carolina
Authors: March Juan A. , Evans Michael A. , Ward Brad , Brewer Kori L. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Objectives: Deaths from motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) have decreased significantly over the past three decades. Unfortunately, few data have been collected regarding death rates for MVCs in minority populations. The purpose of this study was to compare the death rate of whites versus Hispanics for MVCs in a rural environment. Methods: This study examined one rural county in North Carolina from January 1, 1999, to December 31, 1999. A retrospective cohort study was performed using the North Carolina State Highway Patrol computerized database of MVCs. Data regarding the total number of MVCs, fatalities, alcohol‐related deaths, seatbelt usage, and cause of the collision were analyzed for both whites and Hispanics. Census information regarding population in this region also was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Census. Data were analyzed using a chi‐square test, with an alpha value of 0.05 used to establish statistical significance. Results: During the study period, whites were involved in 2,689 MVCs, compared with 158 MVCs for Hispanics. Whites were involved in ten fatal MVCs, compared with seven fatal MVCs involving Hispanics. The percent of fatal MVCs for whites was 0.3%, or 10 deaths per 2,689 MVCs. In contrast, the percent of fatal MVCs for Hispanics was 4.4%, or 7 deaths per 158 MVCs; odds ratio (OR) = 12.4, 95% CI = 4.7 to 33.1. The 2000 Census Report for Pitt County noted a white population of 81,613 and a Hispanic population of 4,216. Based on these population data, the death rate for MVCs per 100,000 population was 12.3 for whites versus 166.0 for Hispanics, OR = 13.6, 95% CI = 5.2 to 35.6. Although the cause for this disparity was not determined, previous studies suggest that alcohol and decreased seatbelt usage are contributing factors. Conclusions: In this study, the death rates among Hispanics for rural MVCs were significantly higher than for whites. The causes of this disparity are not clear but are important to define. Only by understanding this disparity can we begin to develop appropriate interventions that may prevent these deaths.
The Influence of Insurance, Race, and Gender on Emergency Department Disposition
Authors: Selassie Anbesaw Wolde , McCarthy Melissa Lee , Pickelsimer Emily Elisabeth 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Objectives: To examine the influence of insurance, race, and gender on the likelihood of hospitalization among trauma patients. Methods: Statewide hospital discharge and emergency department (ED) visit data collected between 1996 and 2000 were merged to examine factors that influence hospitalization among patients who sustained an injury. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model the likelihood of hospitalization as a function of patient, injury, and hospital characteristics. Results: Of 1,512,611 patients who presented to an ED in South Carolina for treatment of a traumatic injury during the five‐year study period, 8% were hospitalized and 92% were treated and released. One fourth (26%) of the study population was uninsured. Insurance, race, and gender were significant predictors of hospitalization despite controlling for injury severity, comorbidities, age, trauma center level, place of residence, and year of injury. Regardless of injury severity, uninsured patients were significantly less likely to be hospitalized compared with privately insured patients (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, 99% CI = 0.62 to 0.65). Among those mildly to moderately injured, patients covered by Medicare or other government insurance policies were significantly more likely to be admitted compared with those with private coverage (OR 1.46, 99% CI = 1.41 to 1.52; OR 1.56, 99% CI = 1.36 to 1.78). Finally, among those mildly injured, African American females were significantly less likely to be admitted compared with white females (OR 0.63, 99% CI = 0.61 to 0.65). Conclusions: These results suggest that the disposition of trauma patients from the ED may be influenced by insurance and demographic characteristics in addition to the patient's clinical condition.
Socioeconomic Disparities Are Negatively Associated with Pediatric Emergency Department Aftercare Compliance
Authors: Wang N. Ewen , Gisondi Michael A. , Golzari Mana , Van Der Vlugt Theresa M. , Tuuli Methodius 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Objectives: This study sought to identify demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical predictors of aftercare noncompliance by pediatric emergency department (ED) patients. Methods: The authors conducted a prospective, observational study of pediatric patients presenting to a university teaching hospital ED from July 1, 2002, through August 31, 2002. Demographic and clinical information was obtained from guardians during the ED visit. Guardians were contacted after discharge to determine compliance with ED aftercare instructions. Subjects were excluded if they were admitted or if guardians were unavailable or unwilling to consent. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of noncompliance from a list of predetermined variables. Results: Of the 409 patients enrolled in the study, 111 were prescribed medications and 364 were given specific follow‐up instructions. Subtypes of the variable “insurance status” were significantly associated with medication noncompliance in multivariable regression analysis. “Insurance status” and “low‐acuity discharge diagnoses” were significantly associated with follow‐up noncompliance. Conclusions: Disparity in health insurance has been shown to be a predictor of poor aftercare compliance for pediatric ED patients within the patient population.
A Clinical Trial of 7α-Methyl-19-Nortestosterone Implants for Possible Use as a Long-Acting Contraceptive for Men
Authors: von Eckardstein Sigrid , Noe Gabriela , Brache Vivian , Nieschlag Eberhard , Croxatto Horacio , Alvarez Francisco , Moo-Young Alfred , Sivin Irving , Kumar Narender , Small Margaret , Sundaram Kalyan 
Published: November 2003

AbstractSeveral preparations of testosterone and its esters are being investigated alone or in combination with other gonadotropin-suppressing agents as possible antifertility agents for men. We studied the effectiveness of 7α-methyl-19-nortestosterone (MENT) as an antispermatogenic agent in men. MENT has been shown to be more potent than testosterone and to be resistant to 5α-reduction. For sustained delivery of MENT, we used a system consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate implants containing MENT acetate (Ac), administered subdermally. Thirty-five normal volunteers were recruited in 3 clinics and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 doses: 1 (12 men), 2 (11 men), or 4 (12 men) MENT Ac implants. The initial average in vitro release rate of MENT Ac from each implant was approximately 400 μg/day. Implants were inserted subdermally in the medial aspect of the upper arm under local anesthesia. The duration of treatment was initially designed to be 6 months. However, in 2 clinics the duration of treatment was extended to 9 months for the 2-implant group and to 12 months for the 4-implant group. Dose-related increases in serum MENT levels and decreases in testosterone, LH, and FSH levels were observed. Effects on sperm counts were also dose related. None of the subjects in the 1-implant group exhibited oligozoospermia (sperm count, &lt;3 million/ml). Four subjects in the 2-implant group became oligozoospermic, 2 of whom reached azoospermia. Eight subjects in the 4-implant group reached azoospermia, with 1 exhibiting oligozoospermia, whereas 2 were nonresponders. Side effects generally seen with androgen administration, such as increases in erythrocyte count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin and a decrease in SHBG, were also seen in this study and were reversible. Changes in lipid parameters were moderate and transient. Liver enzymes showed small changes. This study demonstrates that MENT Ac, when administered in a sustained release fashion via subdermal implants, can inhibit spermatogenesis over a prolonged period after a single administration and has the potential to be used as a male contraceptive.
Reduced Ovarian Function in Long-Term Survivors of Radiation- and Chemotherapy-Treated Childhood Cancer
Authors: Larsen Elisabeth C. , Müller Jørn , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Rechnitzer Catherine , Andersen Anders Nyboe 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Seventy percent of children with cancer survive. Radiation and chemotherapy may, however, impair ovarian function. The aim of this population-based study was to achieve a comprehensive knowledge of the degree of ovarian damage.
Ovarian function was evaluated in 100 childhood cancer survivors and 21 controls of similar age. Menstrual cycle pattern was recorded, and strictly timed ovarian sonography and hormonal assessment were performed.
The median age of the survivors was 5.4 yr (range, 0.1–15.3) at the time of diagnosis and 25.7 yr (18.5–44.4) at study entry. Seventeen survivors with premature ovarian failure had follicle-depleted or nondetectable ovaries, elevated FSH and LH, and immeasurable inhibin B. Thirteen survivors used oral contraception. Survivors with spontaneous menstrual cycles (n = 70) had smaller ovarian volume per ovary than controls (median, 4.8 vs. 6.8 cm3; P &lt; 0.001) and a lower number of antral follicles per ovary (median, 7.5 vs. 11; P &lt; 0.001). Further, they had lower inhibin B levels than controls (median, 94 vs. 111 pg/ml; P = 0.03) and higher estradiol levels (median, 0.12 vs. 0.08 pm; P = 0.04). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to predict the total antral follicle number per ovary, and it showed a reduced number with ovarian irradiation (β = −0.40, P &lt; 0.001), alkylating chemotherapy (β = −0.25, P = 0.01), older age at diagnosis (β = −0.25, P = 0.01), and longer time period off treatment (β = −0.19, P = 0.044).
One in every six female survivors may develop premature ovarian failure. In survivors with spontaneous menstrual cycles, the results indicate a diminished ovarian reserve. Consequently, cessation of fertility may occur much earlier than anticipated. Adult survivors with spontaneous cycles should be informed hereof to plan childbearing.