8, HSP17 8, and dehydrin 3, DHN3) Moreover, 17 genes were abunda

8, HSP17.8, and dehydrin 3, DHN3). Moreover, 17 genes were abundantly expressed in Martin and HS41-1 compared with Moroc9-75 under both drought and control conditions. These genes were possibly constitutively expressed in drought-tolerant genotypes. Among them, seven known annotated genes might enhance drought tolerance through signalling [such as calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) and membrane steroid binding

protein (MSBP)], click here anti-senescence (G2 pea dark accumulated protein, GDA2), and detoxification (glutathione S-transferase, GST) pathways. In addition, 18 genes, including those encoding delta(l)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), protein phosphatase 2C-like protein (PP2C), and several chaperones, were differentially expressed in all genotypes under drought; thus they were more likely to be general drought-responsive LGK-974 cost genes in barley. These results could provide new insights into further understanding of drought-tolerance mechanisms in barley.”
“Objectives/Aim: To determine whether sedation/analgesia drugs used before, during, and after infant cardiac surgery are associated with neurocognitive and functional

outcomes.

BackgroundSome animal models suggest neurotoxic effects of anesthetic drugs on the developing brain; however, potential human effects are unknown. Whether these results can

be extrapolated to humans is unknown.

Methods/MaterialsProspective follow-up project of all infants 6weeks old having surgery for congenital heart disease between 04/03 and 12/06. Demographic, perioperative, and sedation/analgesia variables were collected. Outcomes at kindergarten age were Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of DNA Damage inhibitor Intelligence-III, Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration (VMI-V), and General Adaptive Composite (GAC) of the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-II. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify predictor variables.

ResultsFrom 135 infants who underwent heart surgery, 19 died, 17 were excluded, 8 were lost to follow-up, leaving 91 children for analysis. Multiple linear regression found days on chloral hydrate [3.5 (3.7) days] was associated with lower performance intelligence quotient (PIQ) (Effect size -1.03; 95% CI -1.96, -0.10; P=0.03), and cumulative dose [54.2 (60.3) mgkg(-1)] of benzodiazepines was associated with lower VMI scores (Effect size -0.07; 95% CI -0.12, -0.01; P=0.026).


“The aim of study was


“The aim of study was ISRIB inhibitor to determine the influence of zinc chelate, valnemulin and it’s combination on Brachyspira hyodysenteriae shedding and morphological changes of colonic mucosa in an experimental model of swine dysentery (SD). The study was performed on pigs coming from a dysentery-free herd. Animals were inoculated by B. hyodysenteriae strain B204. When the clinical signs of SD and B. hyodysenteriae shedding developed, the pigs were

divided into four treatment groups. The first group was treated with zinc chelate (250 ml/1000 L in water), second group was given valnemulin in feed at 75 ppm; the third group was given a combination of both and the fourth group was control. The results demonstrated therapeutic effect of valnemulin in pigs with serious SD and did not show therapeutic effect of chelated zinc. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis are common opportunistic pathogens associated with medical device-related biofilm infections. 16S rRNA-FISH and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to study these two bacteria in dual-species biofilms. Two of

the four S. epidermidis strains used were shown to form biofilms buy Entrectinib more avidly on polymer surfaces than the other two strains. In dual-species biofilms, the presence of P. aeruginosa reduced biofilm formation by S. epidermidis, although different clinical isolates differed in their susceptibility to

this effect. The most resistant isolate coexisted with P. aeruginosa for up to 18 h and was also resistant to the effects of the culture supernatant from P. aeruginosa biofilms, which caused dispersal from established ABT-263 cost biofilms of other S. epidermidis strains. Thus, different strains of S. epidermidis differed in their capacity to withstand the action of P. aeruginosa, with some being better equipped than others to coexist in biofilms with P. aeruginosa. Our data suggest that where S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa are present on abiotic surfaces such as medical devices, S. epidermidis biofilm formation can be inhibited by P. aeruginosa through two mechanisms: disruption by extracellular products, possibly polysaccharides, and, in the later stages, by cell lysis.”
“Study Design. Case report.

Objective. To report the unique nature of a technique-related complication with major vessel injury in case of lumbar spondylodiscitis.

Summary of Background Data. Perioperative major vessel injuries during spinal surgeries are uncommon but are reported complications. The unusual nature of the complication and its prognostic dilemma is the purpose of this case report.

Methods. A 55-year-old woman presented with infective L3-L4 spondylodiscitis and was offered transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery.

Although CVD-related mortality rates appear to be higher among th

Although CVD-related mortality rates appear to be higher among the lower SES groups, the proportion of deaths from CVD-related causes was found to be greatest among higher SES groups. The studies on SES and CVRF/CVD also reveal a substantial discrepancy between the data presented and the authors’ interpretations and conclusions, along with

an unsubstantiated claim that a reversal in the positive SES-CVRF/CVD GSK461364 supplier association has occurred or is occurring in India. We conclude our essay by emphasizing the need to prioritize public health policies that are focused on the health concerns of the majority of the Indian population. Resource allocation in the context of efforts to make health care in India free and universal should reflect the proportional burden of disease on different population groups if it is not to entrench inequity.”
“OBJECTIVE: To estimate whether maternal obesity was associated with an increased risk for postpartum hemorrhage more than 1,000 mL

and whether there was an association between maternal obesity and causes of postpartum hemorrhage and mode of delivery.

METHODS: A population-based cohort study including 1,114,071 women with singleton pregnancies who gave birth in Sweden from January 1, 1997 through December 31, 2008, who were divided into six body mass index (BMI) classes. Obese women (class I-III) were compared with normal-weight women concerning the risk for postpartum selleck products hemorrhage after suitable selleck chemicals adjustments. The use of heparin-like drugs over the BMI strata was analyzed in a subgroup.

RESULTS: There was an increased prevalence of postpartum hemorrhage over the study period associated primarily with changes in maternal characteristics. The risk of atonic uterine hemorrhage increased rapidly with increasing BMI. There was a twofold increased risk in obesity class III (1.8%). No association was found between postpartum hemorrhage with retained placenta and maternal obesity. There was an increased risk for postpartum hemorrhage for women with a BMI of 40 or higher (5.2%) after normal delivery (odds ratio [OR] 1.23, 95% confidence

interval [CI] 1.04-1.45]) compared with normal-weight women (4.4%) and even more pronounced (13.6%) after instrumental delivery (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.22-2.34) compared with normal-weight women 8.8%). Maternal obesity was a risk factor for the use of heparin-like drugs (OR 2.86, 95% CI 2.22-3.68).

CONCLUSION: The increased risk for atonic postpartum hemorrhage in the obese group has important clinical implications, such as considering administration of prophylactic postpartum uterotonic drugs to this group.”
“OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the circulating levels of activated nuclear factor kappa B p65 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in diabetic retinopathy patients who were taking antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive drugs.


“Cytokines act as pleiotropic polypeptides able to regulat


“Cytokines act as pleiotropic polypeptides able to regulate inflammatory/immune responses and to provide important signals in physiological and pathological processes. Several cytokines (Th1, Th2, and Th17) seem to be involved in the pathophysiology of Beh double dagger et’s disease, Selleckchem Autophagy inhibitor a chronic immune-mediated disease characterized

by oral and genital lesions and ocular inflammation. Its individual susceptibility seems to be modulated by genetic variants in genes codifying these cytokines. Th1 and Th17 seem to be involved in the disease’s active phases, and Th2 seems to affect the development or severity of the disease; however, contrasting data are reported. In this study, some genetic variants of the Th1/Th2 cytokine genes were investigated in Sicilian patients and age- and gender-matched controls. Three very significant RSL3 associations with Beh double dagger et’s disease were detected, and combined genotypes associated with increased disease risk were identified. Results obtained point to the key role of Th1/Th2 cytokine genetic

variants in disease susceptibility.”
“Purpose Systemic local anesthetic (LA) toxicity resulting from inadvertent intravascular injection of LA is a rare but potentially fatal event. Early recognition of intravascular injection and approaches to improve therapeutic safety are required. This study investigated the influence of intravascular injection dose rate of bupivacaine on bupivacaine plasma levels and timing of LA-induced cardiovascular compromise.

Methods Forty-five piglets, anesthetized with sevoflurane, were randomized into three

groups. Bupivacaine was intravenously infused at a rate of 1, 4, or 16 mg/kg/min (groups A, B, and C, respectively) until mean arterial pressure (MAP) dropped to 50% of initial value. Thereafter, bupivacaine infusion was stopped and spontaneous hemodynamic course was observed. Time Pinometostat to MAP 50%, amount of bupivacaine infused, bupivacaine plasma level at infusion stop, spontaneous survivors, or time from bupivacaine stop to circulatory arrest were recorded.

Results Median time to MAP 50% was 297, 119, and 65 s, respectively, in groups A, B, and C (P < 0.001). Median corresponding total amounts of bupivacaine infused were 5.0, 7.8, and 17.0 mg/kg (P < 0.01), and median bupivacaine plasma levels were 53.8, 180.0, and 439.8 mu mol/l (P < 0.001). Five of 15 piglets in group A recovered spontaneously; in groups B and C, all animals died within 120 and 21 s, respectively.

Conclusion Higher dose rates of bupivacaine showed much higher plasma bupivacaine levels related to absolute infused dose at MAP 50% and were associated with an increased mortality. Slow administration of LA is recommended to allow timely detection and stopping of inadvertent intravascular administration.”
“OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system and oral medroxyprogesterone acetate in the treatment of idiopathic heavy menstrual bleeding.

Both transgenic lines showed browning of the lamina joint regions

Both transgenic lines showed browning of the lamina joint regions and nodes that could be attributed to a reduction of RGB1 function, as the abnormality

was not observed in d1-5. The RGB1 knock-down lines generated in d1-5 were shorter, suggesting RGB1 to be a positive regulator of cellular proliferation, in addition to RGA1. The number of sterile seeds also increased in both RGB1 knock-down lines. These results suggest that G beta gamma and G alpha cooperatively function in cellular proliferation and seed fertility. We discuss the potential predominant role of RGB1 in G protein signaling in rice.”
“Borehole and sachet (“”pure water”") water are the major sources of drinking water in Calabar. Such waters are required to comply with minimum standards in order to protect public health and accepted as safe drinking water. In this paper, a study was conducted to investigate DAPT cost the presence and effects of fungi in sachet and borehole drinking water in Calabar using 4 sachet water samples and 10 borehole samples. Sachet water aged 2 h and 2 weeks since manufactured and each borehole sample (collected in the dry and wet seasons) was subjected to membrane filtration technique and plating method to determine the fungal content of the water. Only one sample, Usua water (sachet water) tested negative for the presence of fungi at CFU (colony forming unit) / 100 ml. Laura water (sachet

water), Abua water, Edgerly water and Mayne-Avenue Go 6983 research buy water (borehole water) were the most infected. Percentage of fungi in borehole water was higher in the rainy than in the dry season. Aspergillus (29.4%), Rhizopus

(21.6%), Fusarium (15.7%) and Penicillium (13.7%) were the most frequently isolated. These fungi have the potential to cause allergic reactions or diseases in humans.”
“Volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient and oxygen uptake rate in a dense activated sludge slurry bubble column NVP-BSK805 were measured by varying activated sludge concentrations (from 2000 to 8000 mg/L) and/or aeration rates (from 0.3 to 1.5 L min(-1)). They were separately determined by the dynamic methods. The endogenous oxygen uptake rate of the activated sludge was estimated by monitoring the dissolved oxygen concentration change after turning off the air sparging in a stirred tank. The volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient in a dense activated sludge slurry bubble column was determined using the dissolved oxygen concentration profiles and the oxygen uptake rates predetermined from the separate measurements. While the oxygen uptake rate almost linearly increased with increasing the activated sludge concentration, the volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient decreased with an increase in the activated sludge concentration. Their empirical correlations were obtained as functions of activated sludge concentration by fitting the experimental data.

The number of bone fragments ranged from 2 to 5 (average 3 3 piec

The number of bone fragments ranged from 2 to 5 (average 3.3 pieces) while the number of clamps ranged from 3 to 8 (average 5.8). The time HKI-272 clinical trial of refixation ranged from 5 to 17 minutes with an average of 9.4 minutes. Obvious statistical significance (P = 0.015) was found in postoperative CT scan results between single-window group and 2-window group, although it is not statistically different in intraoperative subjective valuation (P > 0.05). In all 18 cases, the alignment of fragments was precise, the fixation rigid, and the aesthetic result satisfying.

Conclusions: Reconstruction of the forehead

by refixation of bone fragments with titanium clamps in frontal depressed skull fractures is safe and suitable. This technique promises to be a good alternative in the repair of frontal comminuted depressed skull fractures. The simplicity, reliable fixation, and fast handling are its prominent features.”
“Purpose To compare acetabular version angle measurements of CT scans in the prone and reformatted supine positions. CT acetabular version angle measurements

have previously been done in the prone position to correct for pelvic tilt. With the advent of multidetector CT, recent studies have evaluated acetabular version angles measured in the supine position. To our knowledge, a comparison between these two approaches has not been performed.

Case series in which consecutive CT urography studies of 49 adult patients performed in both GDC-0941 ic50 prone and supine positions were retrospectively reviewed, and acetabular

version angles of both hips measured.

Retrospective review of 49 consecutive CT urography studies performed in both prone and supine positions was done, and acetabular version angles of both hips were measured. Two radiologists measured the acetabular version angles independently. Multiplanar reformation of the supine CT images was performed to compensate for pelvic tilt and rotation prior to angle measurements.

There was excellent interobserver agreement between the two Selleck VX-689 readers (ICC = 0.90). Acetabular version angle measurements from the prone CT images were larger compared to reformatted supine images (24.0 and 21.3A degrees, respectively, p < 0.0001), with greater angles found in women. There was strong correlation between supine and prone acetabular version angle measurements with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.743.

Acetabular version angles measured from prone and reformatted supine CT images show strong correlation but are significantly different with larger angles obtained from the former and in women; clinical implications of these findings may require further study in other to determine the best method of version angle measurement. CT acetabular version angle measurement is also reliable with excellent interobserver correlation.

Results were heterogeneous, but we identified a trend supporting

Results were heterogeneous, but we identified a trend supporting that the construction of a longer Roux-limb is more efficient in super obese patients. This review suggests that the tailoring of a longer Roux-limb might only be efficient in super obese patients. The overall limited quality of the included studies prompts to call for improvement in trial design in surgery.”
“Objective: Extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate (ePPi) plays a key role in the regulation of normal and pathologic mineralization. The purpose

of this work was to evaluate the role of P1 and P2 purine receptors in modulating ePPi production by GSK461364 mw articular chondrocytes.

Methods: Porcine cartilage explants and chondrocyte monolayers were cultured in the presence of P1 agonists, or a P2 agonist or antagonist and inhibitors of P2 signaling. Ambient media ePPi concentrations were measured after 48-96 h.

Results: The P1 agonists NECA and CGS 21680 significantly decreased ePPi concentrations surrounding chondrocytes and cartilage CCI-779 mouse explants. The P2 agonist, ADP, increased ePPi levels, and the P2 antagonist, suramin, decreased ePPi concentrations. Thapsigargin and 1,2 bis-(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N’N'-tetra acetic acid (BAPTA), which dampen Ca(2+)-related P2 signaling, suppressed the response to ADP.

Conclusions: Purine receptors are important

regulators of ePPi production by chondrocytes. P1 receptor stimulation diminishes and P2 receptor stimulation enhances ePPi production. Alterations in receptor signaling or aberrations of extracellular purine nucleotide metabolism resulting in abnormal quantities or proportions of P1 and P2 receptor ligands could foster changes in ePPi production that in turn affect mineralization. We propose a homeostatic role for extracellular purine nucleotides and purine receptors in stabilizing ePPi concentrations. (C) 2010 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All

rights reserved.”
“Background: The impact of non-motor symptoms (NMS) on the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the Chinese population are largely unknown.

Objectives: To study the impact of NMS on the HRQoL in Chinese PD patients.

Methods: see more A total of 693 PD patients from Southwest China were included in the study. NMS of patients were evaluated by non-motor symptoms scale (NMSS) and Parkinson’s disease questionnaire-39 item version (PDQ-39) was used to evaluate the HRQoL of PD.

Results: The mean total score of NMSS was 37.2 +/- 33.0 and the most prevalent NMS domain was sleep/fatigue (79.8%). There was a significant strong positive correlation between total NMSS score (r(s) = 0.71, P < 0.01), sleep/fatigue domain (r(s) = 0.60, P < 0.01) and PDQ-39 SI. Mood/apathy (r(s) = 0.55, P < 0.01), attention/memory (r(s) = 0.42, P < 0.01), gastrointestinal (r(s) = 0.44, P < 0.


“A Bayesian threshold animal model was applied to evaluate


“A Bayesian threshold animal model was applied to evaluate the prevalence over 2 farrowings and genetic background of overall this website leg conformation score and the presence or absence of 6 specific leg defects (abnormal hoof growth, splay footed, plantigradism, straight pasterns, sickle-hocked legs, and the presence of swelling or injuries) in purebred Landrace and Large White sows. Data sets contained phenotypic records from 2,477 and 1,550 Landrace and Large White

females, respectively, at the end of the growing period. Leg conformation data from first and second farrowings were available for 223 and 191 Landrace sows and 213 and 193 Large White sows, respectively. Overall leg conformation deteriorated with age, with statistically relevant differences between females at the end of the growing period, first farrowing (FF), and second farrowing (SF). In a similar way, the prevalence of the 6 specific TPCA-1 leg defects increased between the end of the growing period and FF (with the exception of straight pasterns in the Landrace population). Differences between FF and second farrowing were statistically relevant for hoof growth (highest posterior density regions at 95% did not overlap), plantigradism, sickle-hocked legs,

and overall leg conformation score in Landrace and for sickle-hocked leg and overall leg conformation score in Large White. The statistical relevance of the genetic background was tested through the Bayes factor (BF) between the model with the additive genetic component and the model with 0 heritability (nonheritable). Heritability (h(2)) was discarded (BF < 1) for sickle-hocked leg in both breeds, whereas decisive evidence (BF > 100) of genetic background was obtained for overall leg conformation score in Landrace and Large White sows (h(2) = 0.27 and 0.38, respectively), hoof growth in both breeds (h(2) = 0.22 and 0.26, respectively), and plantigradism (h(2) = 0.34) and the presence of swelling

or injuries in Landrace (h(2) = 0.27). Note that a BF > 100 implies that the model with infinitesimal genetic effects was more than 100 times more suitable than the model without genetic effects, a conclusive estimate within the Bayesian framework. The remaining traits (splay footed and straight pasterns) Epigenetic 抑制剂s high throughput screening registered BF values ranging from 11.6 to 35.1 and h(2) values ranging from 0.09 to 0.19. These results indicated a moderate genetic determinism for leg conformation in Landrace and Large White sows.”
“In the symposium entitled “”Transcriptional controls of energy sensing,”" the authors presented recent advances on 1) AMP kinase, an intracellular energy sensor; 2) PGC-1 alpha (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1 alpha), a transcriptional co-activator that has powerful effects on mitochondria; 3) methylation and demethylation in response to metabolic fluctuations; and 4) FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21) as an emerging hormone-like intercellular metabolic coordinator.

Structural geometry of the spine and the hip was determined from

Structural geometry of the spine and the hip was determined from DXA images. Weight and BMI, but not height, as well as bone mineral content and density, but not area and geometry parameters, were lower in patients with anorexia nervosa as compared with the control group. Amenorrhea, disease duration, and sIGF-I were significantly associated with lumbar spine and proximal femur BMD. In a multiple regression model, we found that sIGF-I was the only significant independent predictor of proximal femur BMD, while duration of amenorrhea was the only factor associated with lumbar

spine BMD. Finally, femoral neck bone mineral apparent density, but not hip geometry variables, was correlated with sIGF-I. In selleck products anorexia nervosa, spine BMD was related to hypogonadism, whereas sIGF-I predicted proximal femur BMD. The site-specific effect of sIGF-I could be related to reduced volumetric BMD 3-deazaneplanocin A solubility dmso rather than to modified hip geometry.”
“Osteoprotegerin (OPG) plays a determinant role in regulating bone metabolism, but the effect of OPG on bone microarchitecture needs to be further elucidated. We attempted to construct pCI-hOPGp-mOPG vector containing human OPG promoter and FLAG tag and to microinject vector into fertilized zygotes from C57BL/6J x

CBA mice to prepare transgenic mice. The OPG transgenic positive mice were identified by PCR and western blotting. Twelve-week-old OPG transgenic mice (OPG-Tg mice) and wild-type mice (WT mice) were utilized in the study of bone microarchitecture. Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) data showed that compared with WT mice, the tibia of OPG-Tg mice showed an increased volumetric BMD (vBMD), tissue BMD(tBMD), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and trabecular number (Tb.N), and a decreased trabecular separation (Th.Sp) (p < 0.05). The cortical bone microarchitecture parameters, such as cortical area (Ct.Ar), cortical thickness (Ct.Th), cortical BMD (Ct.BMD), cortical BMC (Ct.BMC), BMD, and BMC of femur, were increased, and the inner perimeter (In. Pm) was decreased,

in OPG-Tg BKM120 mice, compared to those in WT mice (p < 0.05). The established OPG transgenic mouse model could be valuable for further studying the biological significance and gene regulation of OPG in vivo.”
“The renin-angiotensin system is involved in the control of cardiovascular function and electrolytic balance and incorporates a set of peptides and enzymes that lead to the synthesis of angiotensin II, which acts on specific receptors. Activation of this system begins when renin is released. Direct renin inhibitors have recently been introduced into the therapeutic arsenal. The first representative is aliskiren, which was recently approved for the treatment of hypertension. This drug can be administered through the oral route.

This tool has now been adopted as an

integral part of ant

This tool has now been adopted as an

integral part of anti-malarial efficacy studies and clinical trials. However, there are concerns over its utility and reliability because conclusions drawn from molecular typing depend on the genetic profile of the respective parasite populations, but this profile is not systematically documented in most endemic areas. This study presents the genetic diversity of P. falciparum msp1, msp2 and glurp markers in selected sub-Saharan Africa countries 4-Hydroxytamoxifen chemical structure with varying levels of endemicity namely Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Burkina Faso and Sao Tome.

Methods: A total 780 baseline (Day 0) blood samples from children less than seven years, recruited in a randomized controlled clinical trials done between 1996 and 2000 were genotyped. DNA was extracted; allelic frequency and diversity were investigated by PCR followed by capillary electrophoresis for msp2 and fragment sizing by a digitalized gel imager for msp1 and glurp.

Results and Conclusion: Plasmodium falciparum msp1, msp2 and glurp markers were highly polymorphic with low allele frequencies. A total of 17 msp1 genotypes [eight MAD20-, one RO33- and eight K1-types]; 116 msp2 genotypes [83 3D7 and 33 FC27- types] and 14 glurp genotypes were recorded. All five sites recorded very high expected heterozygosity (H(E)) values

(0.68 – 0.99). H(E) was highest in msp2 locus (H(E) = 0.99), and lowest for msp1 (H(E) = 0.68) (P < 0.0001). The genetic diversity and allelic frequency recorded were independent find more of transmission intensity (P = 0.84, P = 0.25 respectively. A few genotypes had particularly high frequencies; however the most abundant showed only a 4% probability that a new infection would share the same genotype as the baseline infection. This is unlikely to confound the distinction of recrudescence from new infection, particularly if more than one marker is used for genotyping. Hence, this study supports the use of msp1, msp2 and glurp

in malaria clinical trials in sub-Saharan Africa to discriminate new from recrudescent signaling pathway infections.”
“Background: Catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CA-BSIs) are an important complication of care in children hospitalized with complex congenital heart disease; however, little is known about risk factors for CA-BSI in these patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective nested case-control study in the 26-bed Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We identified all primary CA-BSIs in the CICU between January 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005. Controls were selected from rosters of CICU patients that were admitted during the same time period. Incidence density sampling was used to match cases and controls on time at risk. Data on demographic features and clinical characteristics were abstracted from the medical record.