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Biomedical subjects

B Holmes

Publications and source records attributed to B Holmes.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

A case-control study of domestic kitchen microbiology and sporadic Salmonella infection.

The microbiology of domestic kitchens in the homes of subjects who had suffered sporadic Salmonella infection (cases) was compared with control domestic kitchens. Case and control dishcloths and refrigerator swabs were examined for the presence of Salmonella spp., total Enterobacteriaceae counts and total aerobic colony counts. Salmonella spp. were isolated from both case and control dishcloths and refrigerators but there were no significant differences between the two groups. Colony counts were similar in case and control dishcloths and refrigerator swabs. There was no relationship between the total counts and presence of Salmonella . There was no evidence that cases of Salmonella infection were more likely to have kitchens which were contaminated with these bacteria or have higher bacterial counts than controls. Total bacterial counts were poor indicators of Salmonella contamination of the domestic kitchen environment. Further factors which could not be identified by a study of this design may increase risk of Salmonella food poisoning. These factors may include individual susceptibility of the patient. Alternatively, sporadic cases of Salmonella food poisoning may arise from food prepared outside the home.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Dietary intake, eating behavior, and physical activity-related determinants of high body mass index in rural communities in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relation between body mass index (BMI) levels and various lifestyle variables related to physical activity and specific characteristics of a healthy eating pattern, using baseline cross-sectional data from the Wellness IN the Rockies project. SUBJECTS: A total of 928 males and 889 females, aged 18-99 y, recruited from six rural communities in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. MEASUREMENTS: Using BMI as the criterion, overweight was defined as a BMI >or=25 kg/m(2) and obesity was defined as a BMI >or=30 kg/m(2). All participants in this study completed a questionnaire that elicited sociodemographic information, self-reported height and weight, and data related to specific dietary intakes, eating-related behaviors, and physical activity behaviors and perceptions. RESULTS: Prevalence of overweight was 70% in men and 59% in women. Increased likelihood of overweight or obesity was associated with greater frequency of the following: drinking sweetened beverages such as soft drinks/soda pop, ordering supersized portions, eating while doing other activities, and watching television. Other predictors were lower frequency of participation in physical activity and the perception of not getting as much exercise as needed. CONCLUSIONS: The increased probability of having a high BMI in individuals who more often eat while doing another activity appears to be a novel finding that will need to be substantiated by additional research. The finding that the vast majority of overweight and obese respondents believed that they do not get as much exercise as needed strengthens the assertion that finding ways to increase participation in physical activity should remain a high priority in obesity prevention and intervention efforts at the community and individual levels.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

MinK-related peptide 1: A beta subunit for the HCN ion channel subunit family enhances expression and speeds activation.

The HCN family of ion channel subunits underlies the currents I(f) in heart and I(h) and I(q) in the nervous system. In the present study, we demonstrate that minK-related peptide 1 (MiRP1) is a beta subunit for the HCN family. As such, it enhances protein and current expression as well as accelerating the kinetics of activation. Because MiRP1 also functions as a beta subunit for the cardiac delayed rectifier I(Kr), these results suggest that this peptide may have the unique role of regulating both the inward and outward channels that underlie cardiac pacemaker activity. The full text of this article is available at http://www.circresaha.org.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Classification of Proteus vulgaris biogroup 3 with recognition of Proteus hauseri sp. nov., nom. rev. and unnamed Proteus genomospecies 4, 5 and 6.

Strains traditionally identified as Proteus vulgaris formed three biogroups. Biogroup 1, characterized by negative reactions for indole production, salicin fermentation and aesculin hydrolysis, is now known as Proteus penneri. Biogroup 2, characterized by positive reactions for indole, salicin and aesculin, was shown by DNA hybridization (hydroxyapatite method) to be a genetic species separate from biogroup 1 and from biogroup 3 which is positive for indole production and negative for salicin and aesculin. In this study, 52 strains were examined, of which 36 strains were Proteus vulgaris biogroup 3, which included the current type strain of the species P. vulgaris (ATCC 29905T), and compared to seven strains of Proteus vulgaris biogroup 2 and nine type strains of other species in the genera Proteus, Providencia and Morganella. By DNA hybridization, these 36 strains were separated into four distinct groups, designated as Proteus genomospecies 3, 4, 5 and 6. DNAs within each separate Proteus genomospecies were 74-99% related to each other in 60 degrees C hybridization reactions with < or = 4.5% divergence between related sequences. Proteus genomospecies 3 contained the former P. vulgaris type strain and one other strain and was negative in reactions for salicin fermentation, aesculin hydrolysis and deoxyribonuclease, unlike the reactions associated with strains considered as typical P. vulgaris which are positive in reactions for salicin, aesculin and DNase. Genomospecies 3 can be distinguished from Proteus genomospecies 4, 5 and 6 because it is negative for Jordan's tartrate. Proteus genomospecies 4, containing five strains, was differentiated from Proteus penneri, genomospecies 3 and 6 and most, but not all, strains of genomospecies 5, by its ability to ferment L-rhamnose. Proteus genomospecies 5 and 6, containing 18 and 11 strains, respectively, could not be separated from each other by traditional biochemical tests, by carbon source utilization tests or SDS-PAGE of whole-cell proteins. In an earlier publication, a request was made to the Judicial Commission that the former type strain of P. vulgaris (ATCC 13315) be replaced by P. vulgaris biogroup 2 strain ATCC 29905T, a strain considered more biochemically typical of P. vulgaris strains. This would have the effect of assigning the name P. vulgaris to P. vulgaris biogroup 2. Since this request has been acceded to, the name Proteus hauseri is herein proposed for Proteus vulgaris genomospecies 3. Its type strain is ATCC 700826T. Proteus genomospecies 4, 5 and 6 will remain unnamed until better phenotypic differentiation can be accomplished. All Proteus genomospecies were similar in their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Nineteen strains were isolated from urine, four from faeces, two from wounds, nine from other human sources and two from animals.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2000

Carbapenemases of Chryseobacterium (Flavobacterium) meningosepticum: distribution of blaB and characterization of a novel metallo-beta-lactamase gene, blaB3, in the type strain, NCTC 10016.

Genes encoding carbapenemases in 15 reference strains of Chryseobacterium (Flavobacterium) meningosepticum from the United Kingdom National Collection of Type Cultures and in one recent clinical isolate were investigated. All the strains hydrolyzed imipenem, but their levels of resistance to carbapenems varied, with imipenem and meropenem MICs ranging from 2 to >32 microg/ml. The blaB gene, which encodes a molecular-class B carbapenemase, was detected in only six reference strains and in clinical isolate 97/P/5448. The gene from 97/P/5448 had 98% nucleotide identity with the published sequence of blaB (from strain NCTC 10585) and was designated blaB2. A distinct carbapenemase gene, designated blaB3, was cloned from the type strain of C. meningosepticum, NCTC 10016. blaB3 had an open reading frame of 750 bp with 82% nucleotide identity to blaB and blaB2 and encoded a beta-lactamase of 249 amino acids, including the putative signal peptide. This beta-lactamase showed 87.6 and 86.7% amino acid homology with BlaB and BlaB2, respectively. blaB3 was detected in one other reference strain besides NCTC 10016, but the genetic basis of the carbapenemase activity detected in the other seven reference strains was not defined. Thus, neither blaB nor blaB3 was ubiquitous in the strains of C. meningosepticum studied, indicating that the reference strains may represent more than one bacterial species, each with its own intrinsic metallo-beta-lactamase. Further taxonomic studies of C. meningosepticum are necessary to resolve this topic. Chryseobacterium spp. are environmental organisms and occasional opportunist pathogens. They apparently represent a reservoir of diverse metallo-beta-lactamases, which potentially spread to gram-negative bacteria of greater clinical significance.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Identification and population structure of Burkholderia stabilis sp. nov. (formerly Burkholderia cepacia genomovar IV).

The Burkholderia cepacia complex currently comprises five genomic species, i.e., B. cepacia genomovar I, B. multivorans (formerly known as B. cepacia genomovar II), B. cepacia genomovar III, B. cepacia genomovar IV, and B. vietnamiensis (also known as B. cepacia genomovar V). In the absence of straightforward diagnostic tests for the identification of B. cepacia genomovars I, III, and IV, the last two genomic species were not formally classified as novel Burkholderia species (genomovar I contains the type strain and therefore retains the name B. cepacia). In the present study, we describe differential biochemical tests and a recA gene-based PCR assay for the routine identification of strains currently known as B. cepacia genomovar IV and propose formal classification of this organism as Burkholderia stabilis sp. nov. B. stabilis can indeed be differentiated from all other B. cepacia complex strains by the absence of beta-galactosidase activity, from strains of B. cepacia genomovars I and III and B. vietnamiensis by the inability to oxidize sucrose, and from B. multivorans by the lack of growth at 42 degrees C. In addition, analysis with the recA gene-derived primers BCRG41 (5'-ACCGGCGAGCAGGCGCTT-3') and BCRG42 (5'-ACGCCATCGGGCATGGCA-3') specifically allows the detection of B. stabilis strains in a conventional PCR assay. Examination of a set of 21 B. stabilis strains by means of random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis typing suggested that the genome of this organism is highly conserved, which is in sharp contrast to the generally accepted genomic diversity, variability, and plasticity among B. cepacia strains.

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗
PubMed1999

Burkholderia cocovenenans (van Damme et al. 1960) Gillis et al. 1995 and Burkholderia vandii Urakami et al. 1994 are junior synonyms of Burkholderia gladioli (Severini 1913) Yabuuchi et al. 1993 and Burkholderia plantarii (Azegami et al. 1987) Urakami et al. 1994, respectively.

Reference strains of Burkholderia cocovenenans and Burkholderia vandii were compared with strains of other Burkholderia species using SDS-PAGE of whole-cell proteins, DNA-DNA hybridization and extensive biochemical characterization. Burkholderia gladioli and B. cocovenenans were indistinguishable in the chemotaxonomic and biochemical analyses. Burkholderia plantarii and B. vandii had indistinguishable whole-cell protein patterns but the B. vandii type strain differed from B. plantarii strains in several biochemical tests. The DNA-DNA binding levels (higher than 70%) indicated that (i) B. gladioli and B. cocovenenans, and (ii) B. plantarii and B. vandii each represent a single species. It is concluded that B. cocovenenans and B. vandii are junior synonyms of B. gladioli and B. plantarii, respectively.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed1998

Schwannomas limited to the infratemporal fossa: report of two cases.

Schwannomas limited to the infratemporal fossa are rare lesions that may also involve the maxillary sinus, the orbit and the retropharyngeal space. We present two cases of schwannoma arising from the extradural divisions of the trigeminal nerve, with corresponding areas of sensory loss. Both patients had been operated for spinal canal schwannomas previously. Complete tumor removal was accomplished in both cases. The schwannoma of the maxillary division was excised using an orbitozygomatic extradural approach. The schwannoma of the mandibular division was excised using a subtemporal-infratemporal approach. Trigeminal nerve function was preserved and complete recovery of function was achieved in each patient. Identification of an infratemporal schwannoma should alert the physician to consider the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis. The literature regarding schwannomas limited to the infratemporal fossa is reviewed.

Cranial Nerve Neoplasms↗
PubMed1998

Hemangioendothelioma of the cavernous sinus: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Hemangioendothelioma is an uncommon vascular neoplasm, and its intracranial occurrence is extremely rare. The occurrence of such a tumor within the cavernous sinus has not been reported previously. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We report a 36-year-old woman who presented with right-sided retro-orbital pain and diplopia caused by a right sixth nerve paresis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion within the right inferior cavernous sinus. INTERVENTION: The tumor was excised completely via an orbitozygomatic approach. CONCLUSION: Hemangioendothelioma is a rare, indolent vascular tumor, and its characteristics are reviewed. The need for complete excision is emphasized, and the advantages of the orbitozygomatic approach for the removal of tumors of the cavernous sinus is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Serotyping of Flavobacterium meningosepticum by co-agglutination method.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the usefulness of a co-agglutination procedure for the typing of Flavobacterium meningosepticum. The sensitivity and specificity of the co-agglutination test was compared to the slide agglutination test using reference strains of the bacterial species. Antisera were characterized by both technics to determine their titer and working dilution. The specificity of the sera was assessed by performing tests which include strains of other species and serotypes. A collection of 47 strains of F. meningosepticum isolated from clinical specimens were typed by both co-agglutination and slide agglutination methods. Co-agglutination proved to be markedly more specific than the slide procedure although both methods were similar in sensitivity. It was concluded that co-agglutination proved to be an excellent method for the serotyping of F. meningosepticum.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1997

Occurrence of multiple genomovars of Burkholderia cepacia in cystic fibrosis patients and proposal of Burkholderia multivorans sp. nov.

We performed an integrated genotypic and phenotypic analysis of 128 strains of the genera Burkholderia, Ralstonia, and Pseudomonas in order to study the taxonomic structure of Burkholderia cepacia and its relationships with other Burkholderia species. Our data show that presumed B. cepacia strains isolated from cystic fibrosis patients belong to at least five distinct genomic species, one of which was identified as Burkholderia vietnamiensis. This group of five phenotypically similar species is referred to as the B. cepacia complex. The name Burkholderia multivorans is proposed for one of these genomic species, which was formerly referred to as B. cepacia genomovar II; the remaining B. cepacia groups are referred to as genomovars I, III, and IV, pending additional differential phenotypic tests. The role and pathogenic potential of each of these taxa, particularly in view of the potentially fatal infections in cystic fibrosis patients, need further evaluation. The data presented also demonstrate that Pseudomonas glathei and Pseudomonas pyrrocinia should be reclassified as Burkholderia species.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed1996

Relationship of lumbar strength in shipyard workers to workplace injury claims.

STUDY DESIGN: Strength testing of lumbar extensors of shipyard workers without back injury claims was accomplished to compare isolated lumbar strength with the severity of their workplace physical demands and the incidence of workplace back injury during a 2-year period. OBJECTIVES: To determine if strength is a predictor of workplace injury and if there is a relationship between the physical demands of the job and strength. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The role of preplacement strength testing has not been clarified as a potential means for predicting workplace injury. It has not been clarified whether work activity affects the strength of the worker. METHODS: One hundred fifty-two shipyard workers were strength tested for isometric lumbar extensor strength. They had been classified as to the severity of their job demands according to the Physical Demand Characteristics. All workers at this industry were likewise classified. Those workers who were tested were followed for 2 years to evaluate for claims of back injury. RESULTS: There was a higher incidence of low back injuries in the heavy and very heavy classification. There was, however, no difference in strength among those workers classified in medium, heavy, and very heavy work. Nine percent of those workers tested had back pains during the following 2 years. All but two had higher-than-average strength. CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence that preplacement back strength testing would predict workplace claims of injury.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Quinolone resistance in Oligella urethralis-associated chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis peritonitis.

Oligella urethralis is an organism which is normally isolated as a commensal from the genitourinary tract. We describe the first two reported cases of CAPD-associated peritonitis caused by this organism. Both isolates were found to be resistant to ciprofloxacin, while relatively sensitive to a wide range of antimicrobial drugs. These findings indicate that this organism may be an opportunistic pathogen for CAPD patients, and that extensive ciprofloxacin usage provides a selection pressure for emergence of resistance.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Learning opportunities for internal medicine residents: comparison of a tertiary care setting and a regional setting.

PURPOSE: To compare the learning opportunities for internal medicine residents in tertiary care and community hospital settings. METHOD: Two sites were studied: Victoria General Hospital, a teaching hospital affiliated with the Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine, staffed by five general internists and serving Halifax County (population of 420,000); and South Shore Regional Hospital, serving the community of Bridgewater (with a catchment area of 50,000) and staffed by three general internists. All in- and outpatients seen in the two settings over a one-year period (1993) were described in accordance with the Canadian Institute for Health Information's major clinical categories, as well as a case mixture recommended as providing appropriate learning experiences for internal medicine clerks. Over a one-month period (August 1993), consecutive patients were interviewed, completing a health status questionnaire, the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 (SF-36). RESULTS: Data were collected from the records of 2,763 patients, and the SF-36 questionnaire was administered to 406 patients. The data indicate that the settings were relatively similar except that there was more case variety in the tertiary care setting, and that more patients with cardiovascular disease and no patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome were seen in the regional setting. Quality-of-life scores showed similarities to norms in the United States and United Kingdom, except that the ambulatory patients in the regional setting had rather lower scores. CONCLUSION: Overall, the patients' problems in the regional and tertiary care settings offered similar learning opportunities.

Aged↗