bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An improved, simple screening method for detection of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Tantular Indah S. , Kawamoto Fumihiko 
Published: June 2003

SummaryWe established a new, simple and rapid screening method for detection of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)‐deficiency by using a new formazan substrate, 2‐(2‐methoxy‐4‐nitrophenyl)‐3‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐5‐(2,4‐disulfophenyl)‐2H tetrazolium monosodium salt (WST‐8) with a hydrogen carrier of 1‐methoxyphenazine methosulfate (1‐methoxy PMS), instead of a combination of 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and phenazine methosulfate (PMS), as used in many previous formazan methods. WST‐8 does not react with haemoglobin, and the formed formazan is highly water‐soluble, differing from MTT. Thus, the whole procedure can be performed in aqueous solution in a tube or well without any special equipment other than micropipettes. Within 1 h at room temperature, the strong orange colour of the WST‐8 formazan formed in normal blood samples could be distinguished, by naked eye, from G6PD‐deficient blood samples with less than 50% residual activity. We also found that reagents in the WST‐8/1‐methoxy PMS method were more resistant against exposure to sunlight than those in an MTT/PMS method. As the new method is both qualitative and quantitative, it is possible to express G6PD activity as increase of NADPH concentration by reading absorbance at 460 nm after incubation for 30 or 60 min.
Comparative efficacies of oral ketoconazole and terbinafine for reducingMalasseziapopulation sizes on the skin of Basset Hounds
Authors: Guillot Jacques , Bensignor Emmanuel , Jankowski François , Seewald Wolfgang , Chermette René , Steffan Jean 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of oral ketoconazole and terbinafine for reducing population sizes ofMalasseziayeasts on canine skin. Twenty‐one Basset Hounds were randomised in three groups of seven according toMalasseziapopulations. Dogs in the first group were treated by oral administration of ketoconazole (Ketofungol® 200 mg, Janssen‐Cilag) at 10 mg kg−1, every 24 h with food, for 3 weeks. Dogs in the second group were treated by oral administration of terbinafine (Lamisil® 250 mg, Novartis) at 30 mg kg−1, every 24 h with food, for 3 weeks. The seven remaining dogs were used as controls.Malasseziapopulation sizes were assessed by use of contact plates on four cutaneous sites at days 7, 14 and 21. Both ketoconazole and terbinafine were effective in reducing the baseline levels ofMalasseziaorganisms with no significant difference between the two drugs. In further studies, oral terbinafine should be evaluated for the management of canine cases ofMalasseziadermatitis.
Acid microenvironments in microbial biofilms of antarctic endolithic microecosystems
Authors: Los Ríos Asunción , Wierzchos Jacek , Sancho Leopoldo G. , Ascaso Carmen 
Published: June 2003

SummaryAntarctic endolithic microecosystems harbour distinct biofilms. The lithic substrate and the microorganisms comprising these films are intimately linked, leading to complex mineral–microbe interactions. Hence, the microhabitats and microenvironments of these microecosystems are not only determined by the physicochemical features of the lithic substrate, but are also conditioned by the biological components of these biofilms. The Antarctic biofilms analysed in this study are characterized by the presence of extracellular polymer substances and acid microenvironments in the proximity of the cells; cyanobacteria appearing as key components. On ultrastructural analysis, these endolithic cyanobacteria showed differences in sheath organization, probably related to their spatial position in the lithic substrate. It is proposed that in this type of ecosystem, biofilm structure could favour the formation of microsites with specific physicochemical conditions appropriate for the survival of microbial communities in this extreme environment.
Dimethyl sulphide and methanethiol formation in microbial mats: potential pathways for biogenic signatures
Authors: Visscher Pieter T. , Baumgartner Laura K. , Buckley Daniel H. , Rogers Daniel R. , Hogan Mary E. , Raleigh Christopher D. , Turk Kendra A. , Des Marais David J. 
Published: June 2003

SummaryMechanisms of dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and methanethiol (MT) production and consumption were determined in moderately hypersaline mats, Guerrero Negro, Mexico. Biological pathways regulated the net flux of DMS and MT as revealed by increases in flux resulting from decreased salinity, increased temperature and the removal of oxygen. Dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) was not present in these microbial mats and DMS and MT are probably formed by the reaction of photosynthetically produced low‐molecular weight organic carbon and biogenic hydrogen sulphide derived from sulphate reduction. These observations provide an alternative to the notion that DMSP or S‐containing amino acids are the dominant precursors of DMS in intertidal sediment systems. The major sink for DMS in the microbial mats was biological consumption, whereas photochemical oxidation to dimethylsulphoxide was the major sink for DMS in the overlying water column. Diel flux measurements demonstrated that significantly more DMS is released from the system during the night than during the day. The major consumers of DMS in the presence of oxygen were monooxygenase‐utilizing bacteria, whereas under anoxic conditions, DMS was predominantly consumed by sulphate‐reducing bacteria and methanethiol was consumed by methanogenic bacteria. Aerobic and anaerobic consumption rates of DMS were nearly identical. Mass balance estimates suggest that the consumption in the water column is likely to be smaller than net the flux from the mats. Volatile organic sulphur compounds are thus indicators of high rates of carbon fixation and sulphate reduction in these laminated sediment ecosystems, and atmospheric sulphur can be generated as a biogenic signature of the microbial mat community.
Reproduction and metabolism at − 10°C of bacteria isolated from Siberian permafrost
Authors: Bakermans Corien , Tsapin Alexandre I. , Souza‐Egipsy Virginia , Gilichinsky David A. , Nealson Kenneth H. 
Published: June 2003

SummaryWe report the isolation and properties of several species of bacteria from Siberian permafrost. Half of the isolates were spore‐forming bacteria unable to grow or metabolize at subzero temperatures. Other Gram‐positive isolates metabolized, but never exhibited any growth at − 10°C. One Gram‐negative isolate metabolized and grew at − 10°C, with a measured doubling time of 39 days. Metabolic studies of several isolates suggested that as temperature decreased below + 4°C, the partitioning of energy changes with much more energy being used for cell maintenance as the temperature decreases. In addition, cells grown at − 10°C exhibited major morphological changes at the ultrastructural level.
Shifts in archaeal communities associated with lithological and geochemical variations in subsurface Cretaceous rock
Authors: Takai Ken , Mormile Melanie R. , McKinley James P. , Brockman Fred J. , Holben William E. , Kovacik William P. , Fredrickson Jim K. 
Published: June 2003

SummarySubsurface microbial community structure in relation to geochemical gradients and lithology was investigated using a combination of molecular phylogenetic and geochemical analyses. Discreet groundwater and substratum samples were obtained from depths ranging from 182 to 190 m beneath the surface at approximately 10‐cm intervals using a multilevel sampler (MLS) that straddled Cretaceous shale and sandstone formations at a site in the southern San Juan Basin in New Mexico. DNA and RNA were extracted directly from quartzite sand substratum loaded into individual cells of the MLS and colonized in situ. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐mediated T‐RFLP analysis of archaeal rRNA genes (rDNA) in conjunction with partial sequencing analysis of archaeal rDNA libraries and quantitative RNA hybridization with oligonucleotide probes were used to probe community structure and function. Although total microbial populations remained relatively constant over the entire depth interval sampled, significant shifts in archaeal populations, predominantly methanogens, were observed. These shifts coincided with the geochemical transition from relatively high methane (26 mM), low sulphate (< 3 mg l−1) conditions in the region adjacent to the organic matter‐rich shale to relatively low‐methane (< 0.5 mM), high‐sulphate (48 mg l−1) conditions in the organic‐poor sandstone beneath the shale. These results indicated that active, phylogenetically diverse archaeal communities were present in the subsurface Cretaceous rock environment at this site and that major archaeal clades shifted dramatically over scales of tens of centimetres, corresponding to changes in the lithology and geochemical gradients.
A cohort study of reproductive risk factors, weight and weight change and the development of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dawson S. I. , Smith W. C. S. , Watson M. S. , Wilson B. J. , Prescott G. J. , Campbell D. , Hannaford P. 
Published: June 2003

Aims:  Reproductive factors (parity, miscarriages, terminations), oral contraceptive use, hormone replacement therapy, body weight at first pregnancy and weight gain following pregnancy may be associated with a long‐term risk of diabetes. The aim of this study is to investigate the independent risks of reproductive factors and body weight for diabetes in later life.Methods:  This is a retrospective cohort study of 1257 parous women who had a first pregnancy between 1951 and 1970. Reproductive history, weight and height were measured at the time of first pregnancy, then assessed by questionnaire in 1997 for all women. A clinical examination and an analysis of blood samples were undertaken for 992 women. The main outcome was incidence of diabetes based on medical history, medication and random glucose measurement.Results:  Sixty of the 1257 (4.8%) women developed diabetes. Body mass index at index pregnancy and after 28–48 years follow‐up were both significantly associated with risk of diabetes, this increased with greater weight gain. There was a non‐significant increased risk of diabetes associated with stillbirths and miscarriages after age and BMI adjustment.Conclusions:  In parous women, higher BMI at index pregnancy, weight gain during follow‐up and BMI in later life strongly predict diabetes risk.
Uncertain clinical utility of contemporary strategies for microalbuminuria testing
Authors: Baskar V. , Kamalakannan D. , Holland M. R. , Catchpole C. R. , Singh B. M. 
Published: June 2003

Aims:  To determine whether conventional dipstick tests for proteinuria accurately identified patients with diabetic nephropathy and whether repeat testing for elevated albumin excretion and screening for urinary tract infection was required as part of the screening process for microalbuminuria.Methods:  Random urine for albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) was measured in all patients over a 6‐month period. Patients who had a positive test (>3.5 mg/mmol) were requested to provide two further samples for re‐testing and a mid‐stream urine specimen to screen for asymptomatic bacteriuria. The evaluation of accuracy of dipstick proteinuria was carried out in the samples collected over a fixed 2‐week period.Results:  Dipstick vs. ACR – Of 221 samples collected, 142 were negative, 58 had 1+ and 21 had 2+ or more for dipstick proteinuria. At a threshold of 2+, the majority (81%) had ACR in the overt nephropathy range (>30 mg/mmol) and none had it below 10 mg/mmol, whereas at 1+, only 28% had ACR in the overt nephropathy range and 19% even had normoalbuminuria. Repeat Testing – Of the 1832 patients who had microalbuminuria measured, 673 had a positive test and 248 returned repeat samples. Eighty‐one patients returned two samples, of which 16 had discordant results, and 161 patients gave three samples, of which only 23 were false positives. The majority of these 39 patients had low‐grade microalbuminuria (ACR 3.5–10 mg/mmol) in their first sample. The absolute benefit of repeat testing was only to 3.4% of the population who screened positive, while in a further 2.3% (two‐sample responders) there was potential for confusion because of discordant results. Infection Screening – Of the 248 samples, only 31 had evidence of urinary infection.Conclusion:  Dipstick proteinuria of 1+ does not necessarily represent significant nephropathy. There is little or no benefit in repeat testing outside of the low microalbuminuria range but compliance to such testing is poor. Screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria as part of microalbuminuria screening is of questionable value.
The conus valves of the adult gilthead seabream (Sparus auratus)
Authors: Icardo J. M. , Schib J. L. , Ojeda J. L. , Durán A. C. , Guerrero A. , Colvee E. , Amelio D. , Sans‐Coma V. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe conus (bulbo‐ventricular) valves of teleosts perform a key function in the control of blood backflow during ventricular diastole. However, the structural characteristics of these valves are almost unknown. This paper presents a systematic anatomical, histological and structural study of the conus valves of the adult gilthead seabream (Sparus auratus). S. auratus shows two major left and right valves consisting of the leaflet and the supporting sinus. Each valvar leaflet can be divided into a stout proximal body and a flap‐like distal region. The proximal body is structured into three layers: a luminal fibrosa, a dense cellular core and a parietal fibrosa. The luminal fibrosa is a collagenous structure extending the entire length of the leaflet, while the parietal fibrosa is restricted to the most proximal area. The dense cellular core consists of fibroblastic cells and a matrix rich in glycoconjugates, collagen and elastin. The histochemical and structural data suggest that the luminal fibrosa bears most of the force associated with valvar closure, while the cellular core acts as a cushion dampening vibrations and absorbing the elastic recoil. The sinus wall is a fibrous layer which shows proximal–distal differences in thickness. It also shows compositional differences that can be related to mechanical function. We describe the presence of a fibrous cylinder formed by the sinus wall, the fibrous interleaflet triangles and the fibrous layer that covers the inner surface of the conus myocardium. This fibrous cylinder constitutes the structural nexus between the ventricle, the conus and the bulbus arteriosus, provides support for the conus valves and separates the valvar complex from the surrounding tissues. The structure of the conus valves in S. auratus is different from that found in other vertebrates. Anatomical similarities between the conus valves and the mammalian arterial valves are emphasized. Each phyletic group appears to have developed specific structures in order to perform similar functions.
Developing best practice in critical care nursing: knowledge, evidence and practice
Authors: Fulbrook Paul 
Published: June 2003

SummaryBecause the current drive towards evidence‐based critical care nursing practice is based firmly within the positivist paradigm, experimentally derived research tends to be regarded as ‘high level’ evidence, whereas other forms of evidence, for example qualitative research or personal knowing, carry less weightThis poses something of a problem for nursing, as the type of knowledge nurses use most in their practice is often at the so‐called ‘soft’ end of science. Thus, the ‘Catch 22’ situation is that the evidence base for nursing practice is considered to be weakFurthermore, it is argued in this paper that there are several forms of nursing knowledge, which critical care nurses employ, that are difficult to articulateThe way forward requires a pragmatic approach to evidence, in which all forms of knowledge are considered equal in abstract but are assigned value according to the context of a particular situationIt is proposed that this can be achieved by adopting an approach to nursing in which practice development is the driving force for change
A bereavement after‐care service for intensive care relatives and staff: the story so far
Authors: Williams Rachel , Harris Samantha , Randall Lynn , Nichols Rhonda , Brown Sally 
Published: June 2003

SUMMARY

The Intensive Care Society (1998) developed Guidelines for Bereavement Care in Intensive Care Units
In response to the guidelines, a group of nurses from the intensive care units at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester have developed a bereavement after‐care service for relatives and staff
So far, the service has evaluated well from the feedback received from both relatives and staff, but evaluation is ongoing and the service is being continually developed
Developing and evaluating critical care follow‐up
Authors: Cutler Lee , Brightmore Kerry , Colqhoun Val , Dunstan Julie , Gay Marilyn 
Published: June 2003

SUMMARY

The effects of critical illness not only affect the patient and relative during the intensive care stay but often affect for a considerable time afterwards
A growing body of opinion and evidence suggests that many of the needs of those who have been critically ill can be met through critical care follow‐up services
A growing number of follow‐up services now exist. Their establishment, development and evaluation pose significant challenges for those involved
This paper describes Bassetlaw hospital's critical care follow‐up service, how it was established and what an elementary service evaluation project has shown
The findings and experiences are compared with others in published literature, and the paper may be of interest to those who are currently involved in follow‐up or who plan to develop such services in the future
Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania and Hemicrania Continua. Parenteral Indomethacin: The ‘Indotest’
Authors: Antonaci Fabio , Pareja Juan A. , Caminero Ana B. , Sjaastad Ottar 
Published: June 2003

The interval between indomethacin administration and clinical response may be clinically relevant in the assessment of chronic paroxysmal hemicrania and hemicrania continua and other unilateral headache disorders with which they can be confounded. Eight patients with chronic paroxysmal hemicrania (6 women and 2 men) and 12 patients with hemicrania continua (8 women and 4 men) were entered into the study. The patients were given 50 mg of indomethacin intramuscularly (IM) on day 1 and some of them 100 mg IM on day 2 in an open fashion. The usual attack pattern was reestablished prior to the second test.The mean interval between attacks before the two injections (51 ± 18 minutes) in chronic paroxysmal hemicrania was significantly shorter than the mean after each of the two indomethacin injections (50 mg = 493 ± 251 minutes; 100 mg = 668 ± 211 minutes; P</i>0.001; Mann‐Whitney test).In every patient, there was a clear refractory period after indomethacin. Since the first “expected” attack after indomethacin administration did not occur, it can, with reasonable certainty, be assumed that the protective phase was initiated already prior to the time of the next “anticipated” attack. The mean attack duration was 22 minutes (last three attacks prior to test). The mean interval between the onset of two consecutive pretest attacks was 73 minutes. Since the interval between attacks was rather stable, one is, therefore, probably allowed to assume that the absolute protective effect of indomethacin on average had begun somewhere between 22 (mean attack duration) and 73 minutes after indomethacin injection.Similarly, in hemicrania continua, the time between 50‐mg indomethacin injection and complete pain relief was 73 ± 66 minutes. The pain‐free period after indomethacin injection was around 13 hours (ie, 13 ± 8 hours after 50 mg and 13 ± 10 hours after 100 mg).The use of a test dosage of 50 mg of indomethacin IM (‘indotest’) gives a clear‐cut answer and may be a useful tool in the diagnostic arsenal in every unilateral headache for a proper clinical assessment. A diagnosis of chronic paroxysmal hemicrania or hemicrania continua is a serious matter because it may imply life‐long treatment with a potentially noxious drug. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance that an ‘indotest’ is carried out in a standard fashion. In the future, the rules set forth in the present context should be followed, at least in scientific studies.Pain pressure thresholds at cranial and extracranial levels were not significantly modified after indomethacin injection in any of the headaches.
Dosing of Oral Sumatriptan: A Review of Our First 104 Patients
Authors: Solomon Glen D. , Frizelis Karen , Becker Judith , Kunkel Robert S. 
Published: June 2003

Background.—The introduction of oral sumatriptan in the United States at doses of 25 and 50 mg, compared with 100‐mg tablets worldwide, has created the need to develop a protocol for appropriate dosing.Methods.—We evaluated the first 104 patients in our practice to treat two migraine attacks with oral sumatriptan. For their first treatment with oral sumatriptan, patients were evaluated on their response to 25‐mg tablets and the total number of tablets taken. For their second treatment, patients were evaluated on their response to sumatriptan, number of 25‐mg tablets taken, and dosage prescribed for future migraines.Results.—
Response to Treatment and Number of 25‐mg Tablets Taken

Response to Treatment, No. (%) of Patients
No. of 25‐mg Tablets, No. (%) of Patients

Good
Fair
Poor
1
2
3
4

First headache
51 (55)
19 (21)
22 (24)
35 (34)
64 (62)
4 (4)
1 (1)

Second headache
70 (78)
12 (13)
8 (9)
28 (28)
51 (51)
3 (3)
18 (18)

After the second treatment, 41 patients (40%) continued therapy with 25‐mg tablets, 54 (53%) were prescribed 50‐mg tablets, 2 patients (2%) were prescribed two 50‐mg tablets, and 5 patients (5%) were prescribed injectable sumatriptan. Seventy patients had previously used injectable sumatriptan, while 34 had not previously used sumatriptan. There were no significant differences in their response to oral sumatriptan.Conclusion.—Oral sumatriptan was effective in clinical practice at doses of 25 and 50 mg. The majority of patients required more than one 25‐mg tablet for a migraine attack, reflecting both inadequacy of dosing for some migraines and recurrence of headache, yet 40% of patients continued on treatment with 25‐mg tablets. There were no significant differences in response to therapy in patients being switched from injectable to oral sumatriptan compared with those initiating therapy with oral sumatriptan. Both tablet strengths of oral sumatriptan are useful in clinical practice.