bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological and Biochemical Characterization of Sheep Scrapie in Japan
Authors: Horiuchi Motohiro , Nemoto Takuya , Ishiguro Naotaka , Furuoka Hidefumi , Mohri Shirou , Shinagawa Morikazu
Published: August 2002

Due to the apparent absence of an agent-specific nucleic acid genome, scrapie strains cannot be classified by genome characterization, which is commonly used for the classification of many viruses. However, scrapie strains can be distinguished to some extent by biological properties such as transmissibility to experimental animals and distribution of neuropathological lesions and by biochemical properties such as the molecular mass and relative protease-resistance of the disease-specific isoform of prion protein (PrP
Sc
). In order to preliminarily characterize the scrapie strains that are prevalent in Japan, we analyzed the transmissibility of sheep scrapie isolates to mice and the relative proteinase K (PK) resistance of the corresponding PrP
Sc
. The results indicate that Japanese scrapie strains can be divided into at least three groups based on biological and biochemical properties. The first group includes isolates which cause disease in mice with an incubation period of ∼400 days and possess PrP
Sc
with relatively high PK resistance. Isolates of the second group contain PrP
Sc
that is highly resistant to PK digestion but transmit poorly to mice. The final group consists of isolates that cause disease in mice with an incubation period of less than 300 days and are associated with PrP
Sc
with reduced PK resistance. Sheep scrapie has occurred sporadically in Japan since1982, with only ∼60 officially reported cases so far. However, the diversity of scrapie strains in the field suggested by our data raises the concern that a scrapie strain similar to the parental agent of bovine spongiform encephalopathy could exist or emerge in Japan. Thus, continuous surveillance for scrapie will be required to prevent the further spread of scrapie, not only among the sheep population but also to other species, and to eliminate any potential risk of sheep scrapie to public health.
Actinomyces cardiffensis
sp. nov. from Human Clinical Sources
Authors: Hall Val , Collins Mattew D. , Hutson Roger , Falsen Enevold , Duerden Brian I.
Published: August 2002

Eight strains of a previously undescribed catalase-negative
Actinomyces
-like bacterium were recovered from human clinical specimens. The morphological and biochemical characteristics of the isolates were consistent with their assignment to the genus
Actinomyces
, but they did not appear to correspond to any recognized species. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed the organisms represent a hitherto unknown species within the genus
Actinomyces
related to, albeit distinct from, a group of species which includes
Actinomyces turicensis
and close relatives. Based on biochemical and molecular genetic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown isolates from human clinical sources be classified as a new species,
Actinomyces cardiffensis
sp. nov. The type strain of
Actinomyces cardiffensis
is CCUG 44997
T
.
Serodiagnosis of Imported Schistosomiasis by a Combination of a Commercial Indirect Hemagglutination Test withSchistosoma mansoniAdult Worm Antigens and an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay withS. mansoniEgg Antigens
Authors: van Gool Tom , Vetter Hans , Vervoort Tony , Doenhoff Michael J. , Wetsteyn Jose , Overbosch David
Published: August 2002

A commercial indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test using erythrocytes coated withSchistosoma mansoniadult worm antigens (WA) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) withS. mansoniegg antigens (SEA) were assessed for their use in serodiagnosis of imported schistosomiasis (hereafter these tests are designated WA/IHA and SEA/ELISA, respectively). The sensitivity of the tests was evaluated with sera from 75 patients with provenS. mansoniinfection, 25 with provenS. haematobiuminfection, and 10 with clinical Katayama fever. The specificity was assessed with sera from 283 patients with various parasitic, bacterial, viral, and fungal infections and sera containing autoimmune antibodies. Sensitivities of the WA/IHA with a cutoff titer of 1:160 (WA/IHA160) in detectingS. mansoni,S. haematobium,S. mansoniandS. haematobiumcombined, and clinical Katayama fever were 88.0, 80.0, 86.0, and 70.0%, respectively, with a specificity of 98.9%. The WA/IHA with a cutoff of 1:80 (WA/IHA80) showed sensitivities of 94.7, 92.0, 94.0, and 90.0%, respectively, with a specificity of 94.7%. The comparable values of SEA/ELISA were 93.3, 92.0, 93.0, and 50.0%, respectively, with a specificity of 98.2%. Combined use of ELISA and WA/IHA80gave sensitivities of 100% forS. mansoni,S. haematobium, andS. mansoniandS. haematobiumcombined and 90% for Katayama fever. The specificity of this combination in detecting schistosomiasis was 92.9%. Combination of SEA/ELISA with WA/IHA160gave sensitivities of 98.7, 96.0, 98.0, and 80% with a specificity of 97.2%. Our findings suggest that WA/IHA and SEA/ELISA are each sensitive and specific serological tests that are easy to use for the diagnosis of imported schistosomiasis. The combined use of these two tests enabled the serological diagnosis of schistosomiasis to be achieved with very high degrees of both sensitivity and specificity.
Taxonomic Subgroups of
Pasteurella multocida
Correlate with Clinical Presentation
Authors: Chen Henry I. , Hulten Kristina , Clarridge Jill E.
Published: August 2002

Pasteurella multocida
is a small nonmotile gram-negative coccobacillus that is found in the nasopharynx and gastrointestinal tract of many wild and domesticated animals. In humans it most commonly causes cellulitis and localized superficial skin abscesses following an animal bite or scratch. The respiratory tract is the second most common site of infection for
Pasteurella
. Of the more than 17 species of
Pasteurella
known,
Pasteurella multocida
subsp.
multocida
and
Pasteurella multocida
subsp.
septica
are among the most common pathogens in humans. With the use of molecular techniques, distinction between different subspecies of
P
.
multocida
can be made more easily and accurately. We used the sequence of the 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and repetitive extragenic palindromic sequence-PCR (REP-PCR) to characterize 20 strains (14 of
P
.
multocida
subsp.
multocida
and 6 of
P
.
multocida
subsp.
septica
; the 16S rDNA is identical for
P
.
multocida
subsp.
multocida
and
Pasteurella multocida
subsp.
gallicida
but differs from that of
P
.
multocida
subsp.
septica
) isolated from various anatomic sites. We found excellent correlation between the 16S rDNA sequence (a marker for a small conserved region of the genome), REP-PCR (a marker for a large portion of the genome), and biochemical tests (trehalose and sorbitol). We also found a correlation between the clinical presentation and the taxonomic group, with
P
.
multocida
subsp.
septica
more often associated with wounds than with respiratory infections (67 versus 17%, respectively) (
P
< 0.05, Z test) and
P
.
multocida
subsp.
multocida
more often associated with respiratory infections than with wounds (71 versus 14%, respectively) (
P
< 0.05, Z test).
Genotypic Diversity of Clinical
Actinomyces
Species: Phenotype, Source, and Disease Correlation among Genospecies
Authors: Clarridge Jill E. , Zhang Qing
Published: August 2002

We determined the frequency distribution of
Actinomyces
spp. recovered in a routine clinical laboratory and investigated the clinical significance of accurate identification to the species level. We identified 92 clinical strains of
Actinomyces
, including 13 strains in the related
Arcanobacterium-Actinobaculum
taxon, by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and recorded their biotypes, sources, and disease associations. The clinical isolates clustered into 21 genogroups. Twelve genogroups (74 strains) correlated with a known species, and nine genogroups (17 strains) did not. The individual species had source and disease correlates.
Actinomyces turicensis
was the most frequently isolated species and was associated with genitourinary tract specimens, often with other organisms and rarely with inflammatory cells.
Actinomyces radingae
was most often associated with serious, chronic soft tissue abscesses of the breast, chest, and back.
Actinomyces europaeus
was associated with skin abscesses of the neck and genital areas.
Actinomyces lingnae
,
Actinomyces gravenitzii
,
Actinomyces odontolyticus
, and
Actinomyces meyeri
were isolated from respiratory specimens, while
A. odontolyticus
-like strains were isolated from diverse sources. Several of the species were commonly coisolated with a particular bacterium:
Actinomyces israelii
was the only
Actinomyces
spp. coisolated with
Actinobacillus
(
Haemophilus
)
actinomycetemcomitans
;
Actinomyces meyeri
was coisolated with
Peptostreptococcus micros
and was the only species other than
A. israelii
associated with sulfur granules in histological specimens. Most genogroups had consistent biotypes (as determined with the RapID ANA II system); however, strains were misidentified, and many codes were not in the database. One biotype was common to several genogroups, with all of these isolates being identified as
A. meyeri
. Despite the recent description of new
Actinomyces
spp., 19% of the isolates recovered in our routine laboratory belonged to novel genospecies. One novel group with three strains,
Actinomyces houstonensis
sp. nov., was phenotypically similar to
A. meyeri
and
A. turicensis
but was genotypically closest to
Actinomyces neuii. A. houstonensis
sp. nov. was associated with abscesses. Our data documented consistent site and disease associations for 21 genogroups of
Actinomyces
spp. that provide greater insights into appropriate treatments. However, we also demonstrated a complexity within the
Actinomyces
genus that compromises the biochemical identification of
Actinomyces
that can be performed in most clinical laboratories. It is our hope that this large group of well-defined strains will be used to find a simple and accurate biochemical test for differentiation of the species in routine laboratories.
Quantitative Multiprobe PCR Assay for Simultaneous Detection and Identification to Species Level of Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Yang Samuel , Lin Shin , Kelen Gabor D. , Quinn Thomas C. , Dick James D. , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Rothman Richard E.
Published: August 2002

We describe a novel adaptation of the TaqMan PCR assay which potentially allows for highly sensitive detection of any eubacterial species with simultaneous species identification. Our system relies on a unique multiprobe design in which a single set of highly conserved sequences encoded by the 16S rRNA gene serves as the primer pair and is used in combination with both an internal highly conserved sequence, the universal probe, and an internal variable region, the species-specific probe. A pre-PCR ultrafiltration step effectively decontaminates or removes background DNA. The TaqMan system described reliabAly detected 14 common bacterial species with a detection limit of 50 fg. Further, highly sensitive and specific pathogen detection was demonstrated with a prototype species-specific probe designed to detect
Staphylococcus aureus
. This assay has broad potential in the clinical arena for rapid and specific diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Characterization of Hepatitis C Virus Quasispecies by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight (Mass Spectrometry) Mutation Detection
Authors: Ayers Melissa , Siu Karen , Roberts Eve , Garvin Alex M. , Tellier Raymond
Published: August 2002

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), the causative agent of hepatitis C, frequently causes chronic infection. The mechanisms of viral persistence continue to be the object of investigation. An important aspect of HCV chronic infection is the quasispecies nature of the viral population, which has been particularly well documented in the hypervariable region 1 of the E2 glycoprotein. Recent studies show that characterization of the quasispecies diversity at the amino acid level can help to predict the outcome of HCV infection. Currently the accurate characterization of HCV quasispecies requires the cloning of PCR products, followed by the sequencing of many clones. In this study we present a new method to characterize HCV quasispecies, based on in vitro translation of the amplicons, followed by mass spectrometry analysis of the resulting peptide mix. The assay was used on reference HCV samples and on clinical samples. In principle, this method could be applied to other chronic viral infections in which quasispecies play a role.
Molecular Typing of Papillomatous Digital Dermatitis-Associated
Treponema
Isolates Based on Analysis of 16S-23S Ribosomal DNA Intergenic Spacer Regions
Authors: Stamm L. V. , Bergen H. L. , Walker R. L.
Published: August 2002

Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD), an emerging infectious disease of cattle, is characterized by painful, ulcerative foot lesions. The detection of high numbers of invasive spirochetes in PDD lesions suggests an important role for these organisms in the pathogenesis of PDD. PDD-associated spirochetes have phenotypic characteristics consistent with members of the genus
Treponema
. Partial 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence analysis of clonal isolates from California cattle showed that they comprise three phylotypes which cluster closely with human-associated
Treponema
spp. of the oral cavity (
T. denticola
and
T. medium/T. vincentii
) or genital area (
T. phagedenis
). The goal of our study was to apply 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer region (ISR) sequence analysis to the molecular typing of U.S. PDD-associated
Treponema
isolates. This methodology has potentially greater discriminatory power for differentiation of closely related bacteria than 16S rDNA analysis. We PCR amplified, cloned, and sequenced the ISRs from six California PDD-associated
Treponema
isolates and, for comparative purposes, one strain each of
T. denticola
,
T. medium
,
T. vincentii
, and
T. phagedenis.
Two ISRs that varied in length and composition were present in all the PDD-associated
Treponema
isolates and in
T. denticola
,
T. medium
, and
T. phagedenis
. ISR1 contained a tRNA
Ala
gene, while ISR2 contained a tRNA
Ile
gene. Only a single ISR (ISR1) was identified in
T. vincentii.
Comparative analyses of the ISR1 and ISR2 sequences indicated that the California PDD-associated
Treponema
isolates comprised three phylotypes, in agreement with the results of 16S rDNA analysis. PCR amplification of the 16S-tRNA
Ile
region of ISR2 permitted rapid phylotyping of California and Iowa PDD-associated
Treponema
isolates based on product length polymorphisms.
Molecular Analysis of the Pathogenicity Locus and Polymorphism in the Putative Negative Regulator of Toxin Production (TcdC) among
Clostridium difficile
Clinical Isolates
Authors: Spigaglia Patrizia , Mastrantonio Paola
Published: August 2002

The pathogenicity locus (PaLoc) of
Clostridium difficile
contains toxin A and B genes and three accessory genes, including
tcdD
and
tcdC
, which are supposed to code for the positive and negative regulators of toxin expression, respectively. Different studies have described variations in
C. difficile
toxin A and B genes, but little is known about
C. difficile
variants for the accessory genes. The PaLoc of several
C. difficile
clinical isolates was investigated by three different PCR methods with the aim to identify variant strains. Of the toxinogenic
C. difficile
strains examined, 25% showed variations. No correlation between
C. difficile
variant strains and key patient groups was found. Interestingly, all of these strains showed a variant
tcdC
gene. Three different
tcdC
alleles were identified, and one of these had a nonsense mutation which reduced the TcdC protein from 232 to 61 amino acids. It is possible that different TcdC variants affect toxin production differently, a hypothesis with important implications for the pathogenic potential of variant
C. difficile
strains.
Labor and Cost Requirements of Two Commercial Assays for Qualitative Molecular Detection of Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Schrijver Iris , Baron Ellen Jo
Published: August 2002

The Bayer transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) and the Roche PCR Amplicor version 2.0 molecular assays for the qualitative detection of hepatitis C virus were compared for cost, hands-on time, assay duration, and complexity. The TMA assay compares well to PCR and may be especially useful for laboratories with large numbers of test requests.
Evaluation of GenoType and LiPA MYCOBACTERIA Assays for Identification of Finnish Mycobacterial Isolates
Authors: Mäkinen Johanna , Sarkola Aleksi , Marjamäki Merja , Viljanen Matti K. , Soini Hanna
Published: August 2002

Two DNA strip assays, INNO-LiPA MYCOBACTERIA and GenoType Mykobakterien, were evaluated for identification of 81 Finnish mycobacterial isolates. The LiPA assay correctly identified 89.4% of the 66 isolates studied, and the GenoType assay identified 95.1% of 81 isolates. The GenoType assay had a wider selection of species and less stringent temperature requirements.
Direct PCR Detection of
Burkholderia cepacia
Complex and Identification of Its Genomovars by Using Sputum as Source of DNA
Authors: Dřevínek Pavel , Hrbáčková Hana , Cinek Ondřej , Bartošová Jana , Nyč Otakar , Nemec Alexandr , Pohunek Petr
Published: August 2002

We developed a nested PCR assay that detects the
recA
gene of the
Burkholderia cepacia
complex in sputum. The product of the first PCR round is also used to identify the genomovar of the pathogen. The protocol achieves high sensitivity and specificity with simple interpretation of genomovar status.
Increasing Incidence of Candidemia: Results from a 20-Year Nationwide Study in Iceland
Authors: Ásmundsdóttir Lena Rós , Erlendsdóttir Helga , Gottfredsson Magnús
Published: August 2002

A nationwide study on candidemia was conducted in Iceland from 1980 to 1999. The annual incidence increased from 1.4 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year between 1980 and 1984 to 4.9 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year between 1995 and 1999 (
P
< 0.0001). Candidemia episodes at university hospitals increased from 0.15/1,000 admissions to 0.55/1,000 admissions (
P
< 0.0001).
Candida albicans
was the predominant species responsible (64.4%). The national import of fluconazole increased approximately fourfold during the second half of the study, but increased resistance to this agent was not observed.
Rate of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Pregnant Women Determined by a Monoclonal Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Immunoassay
Authors: Gotstein Melissa G. , Aide Paula M. , Coleman Paul F. , Sanborn Mark R.
Published: August 2002

The rate of HBsAg in 6,976 B-human chorionic gonadotropin (B-hCG)-positive specimens, as determined by the Auszyme Monoclonal assay (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill.), was 0.56% (39 of 6,986 repeatedly reactive [RR] and confirmed-positive specimens). All RR and confirmed specimens were hepatitis B virus positive by at least one additional test, yielding an assay specificity of 99.96%. The findings argue against unique attributes in the pregnant population that might produce inaccurate assay results.
Technical Improvement To Prevent DNA Degradation of Enteric Pathogens in Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Koort Joanna M. K. , Lukinmaa Susanna , Rantala Marjatta , Unkila Erja , Siitonen Anja
Published: August 2002

This study used a modified pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) method with HEPES as a running buffer to prevent electrophoresis-related DNA degradation of nine
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Ohio, seven
Salmonella
serovar Newport, and two enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(non-O157) strains. All strains yielded identifiable bands with this method in contrast to a commonly applied PFGE method using Tris buffer.
Early Detection of Negative BACTEC MGIT 960 Cultures by PCR-Reverse Cross-Blot Hybridization Assay
Authors: Romano Lucio , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Posteraro Brunella , Ardito Fausta , Gesu Giovanni , Schito Anna Maria , Fadda Giovanni
Published: August 2002

We evaluated the efficacy of a PCR-reverse cross-blot hybridization assay, a test which permits identification of mycobacteria by means of species-specific probes and a
Mycobacterium
-specific probe, for early detection of negative BACTEC MGIT 960 mycobacterial cultures. Aliquots of 549 cultures were collected 7 days after the culture media were inoculated with various clinical specimens and tested with the molecular assay. PCR results were compared to those obtained at the end times with the BACTEC MGIT 960 system. Of the 549 specimens analyzed, 484 were found to be negative and 64 were found positive by both methods; one specimen, found to be positive by the BACTEC MGIT 960 system, was identified as negative by the molecular assay. In view of its high negative predictive value (99.8%), the PCR-reverse cross-blot hybridization assay appears to be a valid tool for early detection of negative BACTEC MGIT 960 cultures.
Persistent Endemicity of
Salmonella bongori
48:z
35
:− in Southern Italy: Molecular Characterization of Human, Animal, and Environmental Isolates
Authors: Giammanco Giovanni M. , Pignato Sarina , Mammina Caterina , Grimont Francine , Grimont Patrick A. D. , Nastasi Antonino , Giammanco Giuseppe
Published: August 2002

From 1984 to 1999, we collected 31 isolates of the rare serovar
Salmonella bongori
48:z
35
:− in southern Italy. Twenty-four of the isolates were from cases of acute enteritis in humans. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis showed that all but one of our isolates were at least 80% similar. Our findings suggest that genetically related
S. bongori
48:z
35
:− strains are endemically circulating in southern Italy.
Comparison of Serological Detection Methods for Diagnosis ofEhrlichia canisInfections in Dogs
Authors: Bélanger Myriam , Sorenson Heather L. , France Michelle K. , Bowie Michael V. , Barbet Anthony F. , Breitschwerdt Edward B. , Alleman A. Rick
Published: August 2002

We determined the value of four serological assays for the diagnosis of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis by comparing them to the indirect fluorescent-antibody assay “gold standard.” The specificity of Dip-S-Ticks was significantly lower than that of all of the other tests evaluated. The sensitivity of Dip-S-Ticks was significantly higher than that of Snap3Dx or the Snap Canine Combo. The sensitivity of the rMAP2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was significantly higher than that of the Snap Canine Combo. The accuracy levels of the rMAP2 ELISA, Snap3Dx, Dip-S-Ticks, and Snap Canine Combo were 97.0, 89.8, 85.1, and 82.9%, respectively.
Evaluation of Dipstick Serologic Tests for Diagnosis of Brucellosis and Typhoid Fever in Egypt
Authors: Ismail Tharwat F. , Smits Henk , Wasfy Momtaz O. , Malone Joseph L. , Fadeel Moustafa A. , Mahoney Frank
Published: August 2002

Two dipstick assays for the detection of
Brucella
- and typhoid-specific immunoglobulin M, recently developed by the Royal Tropical Institute of The Netherlands, were evaluated by use of 85 plasma samples from Egyptian patients. Both dipsticks were simple and accurate rapid diagnostic assays, and they can be useful adjuncts for the diagnosis of typhoid fever and brucellosis.
Simple and Reliable Method for Detection and Genotyping of Hepatitis C Virus RNA in Dried Blood Spots Stored at Room Temperature
Authors: Solmone Mariacarmela , Girardi Enrico , Costa Francesco , Pucillo Leopoldo , Ippolito Giuseppe , Capobianchi Maria R.
Published: August 2002

We describe a simple, sensitive, and reproducible method for using whole blood collected onto filter paper (dried blood spots) for detection and genotyping of hepatitis C virus RNA that can be useful in large field studies, particularly in settings where collection, preparation, storage, and shipment of samples at controlled temperature can be difficult.
Evaluation of a New Dot Blot Enzyme Immunoassay (Directigen Flu A+B) for Simultaneous and Differential Detection of Influenza A and B Virus Antigens from Respiratory Samples
Authors: Reina Jordi , Padilla Emma , Alonso Fermin , Ruiz de Gopegui Enrique , Munar Maria , Mari Margarita
Published: August 2002

We report a prospective evaluation of a new dot blot enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method for the direct, rapid, qualitative, simultaneous, and differential detection of the influenza A (IA) and B (IB) virus antigen in different respiratory samples. The EIA method was compared with the shell vial culture system (MDCK cell line) used with the same samples. We studied 160 samples from 93 (58.1%) pediatric patients (hospital emergency room) and from 67 (41.9%) adult patients (sentinel network). Seventy-four(46.2%) samples were considered positive; of them, 46 (62.2%) were from pediatric patients and 28 (37.8%) were from an adult group (
P
< 0.05), with overall positive values of 49.9% and 41.7%, respectively. All 74 (100%) of the positive samples were isolated in cell culture versus the 68.9% that were detected as positive by the new EIA method (
P
< 0.05). Of the 41 samples positive for the IA virus, the EIA detected 34 (82.9%) positive samples; of the 33 samples positive for the IB virus, the EIA detected 17 (51.5%) positive samples (
P
< 0.05). No false-positive reaction was detected with the EIA method (specificity and positive predictive value of 100%). The overall results obtained in the comparison between the new EIA and the shell vial culture had a sensibility of 82.9% and predictive negative values of 92.4% for the IA virus and 51.5% and 84.3%, respectively, for the IB virus. This evaluation shows sensitivity and specificity percentages for the new EIA method that is acceptable for routine use in IA virus detection. The results obtained were worse for IB virus detection, but this new EIA method is actually the only one with the capacity to differentiate between the two influenza viruses.
Molecular Characterization Confirms the Presence of a Divergent Strain of Canine Coronavirus (UWSMN-1) in Australia
Authors: Naylor Matthew J. , Walia Charanjiv S. , McOrist Steven , Lehrbach Philip R. , Deane Elizabeth M. , Harrison Gavan A.
Published: August 2002

Canine coronavirus (CCV) UWSMN-1 was originally identified from an outbreak of fatal gastroenteritis in breeding colonies. In this report, we examined whether UWSMN-1 represents a novel divergent strain or is the result of recombination events between canine and feline coronavirus strains. Sequencing of various regions of the spike and polymerase genes confirms that UWSMN-1 is widely divergent from other CCV and feline coronavirus strains. These data raise the possibility that this strain is the first member of a novel third subtype of CCV.
Prevalence of Blood-Borne Infectious Diseases in Blood Donors in Ghana
Authors: Ampofo William , Nii-Trebi Nicholas , Ansah Justina , Abe Kenji , Naito Hideo , Aidoo Simeon , Nuvor Victor , Brandful James , Yamamoto Naoki , Ofori-Adjei David , Ishikawa Koichi
Published: August 2002

Transfusion-transmissible infections among 808 blood donors in Ghana were investigated in 1999. Antibody seroprevalences of 3.8, 0.7, 8.4, and 13.5%, respectively, for human immunodeficiency virus, human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and
Treponema pallidum
were obtained. The seroprevalence of HCV infection was confirmed to be 0.9% after supplementary testing, and the transfusion risk potential of these pathogens was demonstrated.
Evaluation of a Novel Commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Detecting
Coxiella burnetii
-Specific Immunoglobulin G for Q Fever Prevaccination Screening and Diagnosis
Authors: Field Peter R. , Santiago Avelina , Chan Sau-Wan , Patel Dhara B. , Dickeson David , Mitchell Jody L. , Devine Peter L. , Murphy Alan M.
Published: August 2002

A novel commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for prevaccination screening and diagnosis of Q fever (PanBio
Coxiella burnetii
immunoglobulin G [IgG] ELISA) was compared to the complement fixation test (CFT), and the indirect fluorescent-antibody test (IFAT) was used to resolve discrepant results between the other two tests. A total of 214 serum samples was tested. The ELISA demonstrated a specificity of 96% (46 of 48 samples) and a sensitivity of 71% (95 of 134 samples). Of the six serum pairs showing CFT seroconversion, three pairs showed a corresponding ELISA seroconversion. No cross-reactivity was observed in the ELISA with serum samples from patients with mycoplasma, brucella, and chlamydia infections. One of the 13 patients with leptospirosis demonstrated a positive result in the ELISA but not in the CFT or the IFAT, and
Legionella pneumophila
serogroup 4 antibody was found in one of the two sera that were false-positive by ELISA. The results presented in this study suggest that the PanBio Q fever IgG ELISA is a specific alternative method for prevaccination testing and an aid for the diagnosis of Q fever. This test is suitable for use as a screening assay, with CFT and/or IFAT used to confirm negative results.
A Pilot with Pain in His Leg: Thigh Abscess Caused by
Salmonella enterica
Serotype Brandenburg
Authors: Björkman Per , Nilsson Anna , Riesbeck Kristian
Published: August 2002

Salmonella enterica
serotype Brandenburg is one of the more uncommon serotypes isolated from patients with gastroenteritis. Few cases of extraintestinal infections with serotype Brandenburg have been documented. The first case of a serotype Brandenburg-dependent thigh abscess originating from an atherosclerotic pseudoaneurysm of the femoral artery is reported.
Isolation of
Nocardia paucivorans
from the Cerebrospinal Fluid of a Patient with Relapse of Cerebral Nocardiosis
Authors: Eisenblätter M. , Disko U. , Stoltenburg-Didinger G. , Scherübl H. , Schaal K. P. , Roth A. , Ignatius R. , Zeitz M. , Hahn H. , Wagner J.
Published: August 2002

Nocardia paucivorans
represents a new species of the genus
Nocardia
that has recently been isolated from bronchial secretions of a patient with chronic lung disease. Here, we report on the course of a disseminated infection caused by this species: i.e., cerebral and subsequent meningeal manifestations, isolation from the cerebrospinal fluid, and in vitro susceptibility to various antimicrobial agents.
First Report on
Schizophyllum commune
from a Dog
Authors: Kano Rui , Oomae Syougo , Nakano Yasuhiro , Minami Takeo , Sukikara Michio , Nakayama Takao , Hasegawa Atsuhiko
Published: August 2002

This report describes the first isolation of
Schizophyllum commune
from a granulomatous lesion on the neck of a dog. The biopsy specimen from the lesion disclosed granulomatous inflammation with branching fungal hyphae without clamp connections. The clinical isolate was identified as
S. commune
by mycological examination and analysis of ribosomal DNA sequences.
Disseminated Infection Due to
Blastobacter denitrificans
following Routine Appendectomy in an Adolescent
Authors: Trotha Rene , Guenther Gudrun , König Wolfgang , König Brigitte
Published: August 2002

Until now,
Blastobacter denitrificans
has not been mentioned in the context of human infections. A case of severe complication caused by
B. denitrificans
after routine appendectomy in a young girl is described and confirms this organism to be an opportunistic human pathogen.
Risk factors for occupational knee related disability among enlisted women in the US Army
Authors: Sulsky S I , Mundt K A , Bigelow C , Amoroso P J
Published: August 2002

Aims:To identify sociodemographic and occupational determinants of knee related disability discharge from the US Army among enlisted women, and to investigate effect modification.

Methods:A case-control study of 692 cases of knee related disability discharge and 2080 incidence density matched controls nested within the population of all 244 000 enlisted women on active duty in the US Army, 1980–97. We used logistic regression to identify determinants of disability, stratified to explore effect modification by demographic and work characteristics.

Results:The risk of disability discharge was twice as high (odds ratio (OR) 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.71 to 3.47) for the oldest (33–60 years) versus the youngest (17–21 years) women. Non-whites had lower risk than whites (OR 0.5, 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.60), as did married (OR 0.7, 95% CI: 0.54 to 0.81) relative to non-married women. Those of lower rank (pay grades E1–E3) were at five times the risk of disability discharge compared to those of higher ranks (pay grades E4–E9, OR 5.0, 95% CI: 2.86 to 8.33), while ORs were highest for those with longer duration of service compared to women on active duty for a year or less (OR 1.4, 95% CI: 0.8 to 2.55 after 12 years). Race modified several effects, including that of rank. Age, duration of service, and pay grade were too highly correlated to draw firm conclusions about their independent modifying effects on risk of disability discharge from the Army.

Conclusions:Sociodemographic factors had larger effects than occupational characteristics on risk of knee related disability discharge from the US Army. Interactions suggest subgroups at differing risk levels that might be targeted for more detailed investigations.
Occupational exposure to cytotoxic drugs in two UK oncology wards
Authors: Ziegler E , Mason H J , Baxter P J
Published: August 2002

Aims:To investigate the potential exposure to cytotoxic drugs of staff on two oncology wards in a large district, UK hospital under normal working conditions.

Methods:Cytotoxic drug exposure was monitored in urine samples, surface wipes, and on disposable gloves by using a number of commonly used marker drugs, namely cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, methotrexate, and the platino coordinated drugs. Questionnaire data on their work practices, potential exposure, use of protective personal equipment, and relevant training were collected from nursing, domestic, and clerical staff on two oncology wards.

Results:The majority of staff were female with a mean age of 31 years. Roughly half of the staff studied were specifically trained nurses with an average of 3.5 years experience of administering cytotoxic drugs. No cytotoxic drug preparation or reconstitution was carried out on the wards. Disposable gloves, plastic armlets and aprons, but not eye protection, were invariably worn where there was potential exposure to cytotoxics. No cytotoxic drug was detected in any of the staff's urine samples. Isolated disposable latex gloves from nurses administering drugs showed some contamination, as did some surfaces within the wards' sluice rooms, but not in the ward areas where the drugs were stored and checked prior to administration.

Conclusions:The risk management strategies in place, including use of personal protective equipment, staff training, and other organisational measures, have ensured that internal exposure is lower than the detection limits for the current biological monitoring methods. Levels of contamination appear significantly lower than earlier, non-UK published studies where different risk management strategies were in place and, in particular, ward staff may have been involved in some degree of cytotoxic drug reconstitution.
Cancer at sea: a case-control study among male Finnish seafarers
Authors: Saarni H , Pentti J , Pukkala E
Published: August 2002

Aims:To study the possible work related reasons for the increased incidence of many cancers among seafarers.

Methods:A case-control study, nested in a cohort of all male seafarers (n = 30 940) who, according to the files of the Seamen's Pension Fund, had worked on board Finnish ships for any time during the period 1960–80. Cases of cancer of the lung, nervous system, kidney, and pancreas, leukaemia, lymphoma, and all cases histologically defined as mesotheliomas were identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry in 1967–92. The preceding numbers of years at sea in various occupational categories were collected according to the type of ship (dry cargo ship, tanker, passenger vessel, icebreaker, other vessel).

Results:The incidence for lung cancer among engine crew increased with the increase in employment time, the odds ratio (OR) after three years being 1.68 (95% CI 1.17 to 2.41). The OR of lung cancer for deck officers was 0.42 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.61). Deck personnel on icebreakers had a significantly increased risk of lung cancer ≥20 years after first employment (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.23 to 9.49). The OR for mesothelioma among engine crew with a latency of 20 years was 9.75 (95% CI 1.88 to 50.6). The OR for renal cancer among deck officers after three years employment was 2.15 (95% CI 1.14 to 4.08), but there was no increase by employment time or by latency. A rise of OR for lymphoma was detected among deck personnel on tankers, if the employment had lasted over three years (OR 2.78, 95% CI 0.98 to 7.92). The risk pattern for leukaemia was similar to that of lymphoma, the OR among deck personnel on tankers varying from 2.26 (95% CI 1.01 to 5.06) to 6.86 (95% CI 1.62 to 28.8) depending on the length of employment.

Conclusions:Results indicate that occupational exposures of deck crews on tankers add to their risk of renal cancer, leukaemia, and possibly lymphoma. Engine crews have an asbestos related risk of mesothelioma, and the engine room conditions also seem to increase risk of lung cancer.
Lung function over six years among professional divers
Authors: Skogstad M , Thorsen E , Haldorsen T , Kjuus H
Published: August 2002

Aims:To analyse longitudinal changes in pulmonary function in professional divers and their relation with cumulative diving exposure.

Methods:The study included 87 men at the start of their education as professional divers. At follow up one, three, and six years later, 83, 81, and 77 divers were reexamined. The median number of compressed air dives in the 77 divers over the follow up period was 196 (range 37–2000). A group of non-smoking policemen (n = 64) were subjected to follow up examinations in parallel with the divers. Assessment of lung function included dynamic lung volumes, maximal expiratory flow rates, and transfer factor for carbon monoxide (TlCO). The individual rates of change of the lung function variables were calculated by fitting linear regression lines to the data, expressed as percent change per year.

Results:The annual reductions in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expired volume in one second (FEV1) were 0.91 (SD 1.22) and 0.84 (SD 1.28) per cent per year in divers, which were significantly higher than the reductions in the policemen of 0.24 (SD 1.04) and 0.16 (SD 1.07) per cent per year (p < 0.001). The annual reduction in the maximal expiratory flow rates at 25% and 75% of FVC expired (FEF25%and FEF75%) were related to the log10transformed cumulative number of dives in a multiple regression analysis (p < 0.05). The annual reductions in TlCOwere 1.33 (SD 1.85) and 0.43 (SD 1.53) per cent per year in divers and policemen (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:FVC, FEV1, maximal expiratory flow rates, and TlCOwere significantly reduced in divers over the follow up period when compared with policemen. The contrasts within and between groups suggest that diving has contributed to the reduction in lung function.
Philip Morris changes its name, but not its harmful practices
Authors: Myers M L
Published: August 2002

After spending more than $250 million on an advertising campaign to improve its name and reputation, Philip Morris has abruptly shifted course and decided instead to change its corporate name—to The Altria Group, Inc.
Hair as a biomarker for exposure to tobacco smoke
Authors: Al-Delaimy W K
Published: August 2002

This article provides an overview of the hair nicotine biomarker for assessment of exposure to tobacco smoke, with emphasis on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Measurement of nicotine in hair can be an informative tool for research looking at ETS and related illnesses. There are still unresolved issues in relation to this biomarker such as influence of hair treatment, hair colour, and growth rate on nicotine levels in hair, which need to be addressed in order to further refine this biomarker for exposure assessment. Nevertheless, hair nicotine promises to be a valid and reliable measure of longer term exposure that can be readily applied in epidemiological studies of exposure to tobacco smoke, and more specifically ETS, and its risk to health.
Enhancing the effectiveness of tobacco package warning labels: a social psychological perspective
Authors: Strahan E J , White K , Fong G T , Fabrigar L R , Zanna M P , Cameron R
Published: August 2002

Objective:To outline social psychological principles that could influence the psychosocial and behavioural effects of tobacco warning labels, and to inform the development of more effective tobacco warning labels.

Data sources:PsycInfo and Medline literature searches and expert guided selection of principles and theories in social psychology and of tobacco warning labels, including articles, books, and reports.

Conclusions:Tobacco warning labels represent a potentially effective method of influencing attitudes and behaviours. This review describes social psychological principles that could be used to guide the creation of more effective warning labels. The potential value of incorporating warning labels into a broader public health education campaign is discussed, and directions for future research are suggested.
Tobacco point of sale advertising increases positive brand user imagery
Authors: Donovan R J , Jancey J , Jones S
Published: August 2002

Objectives:To determine the potential impact of point of sale advertising on adolescents so as to inform changes to the Tobacco Control Act.

Design:Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. In the control condition, students were exposed to a photograph of a packet of cigarettes; in the intervention condition, students were exposed to an ad for cigarettes, typical of point of sale advertising posters. All students then rated the brand user on a set of 12 bipolar adjectives. Two brands were used in the study: Benson & Hedges, and Marlboro.

Subjects:One hundred year (grade) 6 and 7 students (age range 10–12 years), from four Western Australian metropolitan primary schools, participated in the study.

Results:In a majority of the brand user descriptions, the cigarette advertisements increased brand user imagery in a positive way, especially for Benson & Hedges. For example, participants viewing the Benson & Hedges advertisement, as distinct from those viewing the Benson & Hedges pack only, were more likely to describe the Benson & Hedges user asrelaxed,interesting,cool,rich,adventurous, andclassy. Relative to the Marlboro pack only, the Marlboro ad increased positive perceptions of the Marlboro user onadventurous,interesting, andrelaxed.

Conclusions:The results presented here support restrictions being placed on advertising at point of sale, since such ads have the potential to increase positive brand user imagery directly in the situation where a product purchase can take place, and hence the potential to increase the likelihood of impulse purchasing.
Public opinion on smoke-free policies in restaurants and predicted effect on patronage in Hong Kong
Authors: Lam T H , Janghorbani M , Hedley A J , Ho S Y , McGhee S M , Chan B
Published: August 2002

Background:The Hong Kong government has proposed legislation for smoke-free policies in all restaurants and bars. This is opposed by certain sections of the catering industry.

Objective:To assess public opinion on smoke-free restaurants and to estimate changes in patronage.

Design:A population based, cross sectional random digit dialling telephone survey conducted from November 1999 to January 2000.

Setting and participants:1077 randomly selected subjects age 15 years or over (response fraction of 81.6%).

Results:68.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 66.2% to 71.7%) supported a totally smoke-free policy in restaurants. Experiences of discomfort or symptoms from second hand smoke in restaurants were common. The majority (77.2%, 95% CI 74.7% to 79.7%) anticipated no change in their frequency of use of restaurants after a smoke-free policy. Increased use was predicted by 19.7% (95% CI 17.3% to 22.1%) of respondents, whereas 3.2% (95% CI 2.2% to 4.4%) stated that they would dine out less often. In multivariate analyses, non-smokers (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 4.9), people who ate three times or less per week in restaurants as compared to those who ate >10 times per week (OR 2.1), those who had previous experience of discomfort from exposure to passive smoking in restaurants (OR 2.8), or who had avoided restaurants in the past because of smoking (OR 1.9), were more likely to support a totally smoke-free policy in restaurants. Smoke-free policies do not appear to have an adverse effect on restaurants, and may increase business by a considerable margin.

Conclusion:This comprehensive survey—the first in Asia—shows strong community support for smoke-free dining and predicts an overall increase in the patronage of restaurants after the introduction of legislation for totally smoke-free restaurants.
Targeting of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by the tobacco industry: results from the Minnesota Tobacco Document Depository: Table 1
Authors: Muggli M E , Pollay R W , Lew R , Joseph A M
Published: August 2002

Objective:The study objective was to review internal tobacco industry documents written between 1985 and 1995 regarding the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population in the USA. These documents detail opportunities and barriers to promotion of tobacco products, as viewed by the tobacco industry and its market research firms.

Data sources/methods:Researchers reviewed tobacco industry documents from the document depository in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the tobacco industry's website, The Tobacco Archive, in a systematic fashion. A combined technique was employed using title keywords, dates, and names to search the 4(b) index.

Findings:A review of internal tobacco company documents reveal that during the late 1980s, the industry and its market research firms recognised the importance of the AAPI community as a potential business market. Documents describe the population growth in this community, the high prevalence of smoking in countries of origin, high purchasing power of AAPI immigrants, cultural predisposition to smoking, opportunities afforded by the high proportion of retail businesses under AAPI ownership, barriers to developing the AAPI market, comprehensive campaigns, and political and lobbying efforts. Comprehensive campaigns were designed to integrate promotion efforts in AAPI consumer, retail, and business communities.

Conclusions:The documents show that the tobacco industry developed specific promotion strategies to target the AAPI population. Tobacco control initiatives in the AAPI group have been slower to develop than in other targeted ethnic groups, and may benefit by increased awareness of industry methods to promote tobacco use.
Tobacco smoking in Tanzania, East Africa: population based smoking prevalence using expired alveolar carbon monoxide as a validation tool
Authors: Jagoe K , Edwards R , Mugusi F , Whiting D , Unwin N
Published: August 2002

Objectives:To describe the prevalence of tobacco smoking in an urban East African population while using a simple validation procedure to examine the degree of under reporting in men and women.

Design:A cross sectional population based study in adults (15 years and over) with sampling from a well maintained census register.

Setting:Ilala Ilala, a middle income district of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Subjects:An age and sex stratified random sample of 973 men and women.

Main outcome measures:Self reported smoking status with correction by exhaled alveolar carbon monoxide (EACO).

Results:From the 605 participants (response rate 67.9%) age standardised (new world population) smoking prevalence, based on questionnaire and EACO, was 27.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 20.8% to 33.2%) in males and 5.0% (95% CI 2.8% to 7.2%) in females. The age specific prevalence of smoking was highest in the age group 35–54 years (34.3%) for men and in the over 54 years group (16%) for women. Of those classified as smokers, 7.3% of men and 27.3% of women were reclassified as current smokers based on EACO (≥ 9 parts per million), after they had reported themselves to be an ex- or non-smoker in the questionnaire.

Conclusions:The data suggest: (1) high rates of smoking among men in an urban area of East Africa; and (2) the importance of validating self reports of smoking status, particularly among women.