bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of MGIT 960-Based Antimicrobial Testing and Determination of Critical Concentrations of First- and Second-Line Antimicrobial Drugs with Drug-Resistant Clinical Strains of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Krüüner Annika , Yates Malcolm D. , Drobniewski Francis A. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT

The objectives of this study were to (i) compare agreement of the MGIT 960 system for first-line drugs with a methodology (the resistance ratio method [RRM]) that had been used in clinical trials, relating drug susceptibility to clinical outcome; (ii) compare the performance of the MGIT 960, RRM, and microtiter plate assay (MPA) methodologies for second-line drug testing; and (iii) define critical concentrations for ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin for liquid-culture-based testing. The large collection of clinical isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
n
= 247) used included 176 (71%) multidrug-resistant isolates. The results for MGIT 960 and the RRM for rifampin and isoniazid (
n
= 200) were in excellent (99 to 100%) agreement for all strains. For streptomycin, 97% of the results at the critical concentration and 92% at high concentration, and for pyrazinamide 92% of results overall, were concordant, but for ethambutol, fewer than 85% (65% for the critical concentration and 84% for the high concentration) of the MGIT-based results were concordant with those for the RRM. The MGIT 960, RRM, and MPA assays (
n
= 133) correlated well for most second-line drugs tested. For susceptibility to ofloxacin, the MGIT 960 and MPA results were in full agreement. The amikacin and rifabutin results obtained by MGIT 960 agreed with the RRM results in 131 (99%) cases, and for capreomycin, they agreed for 129 of 133 isolates tested (97%). For prothionamide testing, only a limited number of drug-resistant isolates were available for testing and drawing definitive conclusions. We propose critical concentrations of 1.0 μg/ml and 0.125 μg/ml for ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin, respectively, for liquid-culture-based testing.
Sequencing of the
rpoB
Gene and Flanking Spacers for Molecular Identification of
Acinetobacter
Species
Authors: La Scola Bernard , Gundi Vijay A. K. B. , Khamis Atieh , Raoult Didier 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT

Acinetobacter
species are defined on the basis of several phenotypic characters, results of DNA-DNA homology, and more recently, similarities or dissimilarities in 16S rRNA gene sequences. However, the 16S rRNA gene is not polymorphic enough to clearly distinguish all
Acinetobacter
species. We used an RNA polymerase β-subunit gene (
rpoB
)-based identification scheme for the delineation of species within the genus
Acinetobacter
, and towards that end, we determined the complete
rpoB
gene and flanking spacer (
rplL
-
rpoB
and
rpoB
-
rpoC
) sequences of the 17 reference strains of
Acinetobacter
species and 7 unnamed genomospecies. By using complete gene sequences (4,089 bp), we clearly separated all species and grouped them into different clusters. A phylogenetic tree constructed using these sequences was supported by bootstrap values higher than those obtained with 16S rRNA or the
gyrB
or
recA
gene. Four pairs of primers enabled us to amplify and sequence two highly polymorphic partial sequences (350 and 450 bp) of the
rpoB
gene. These and flanking spacers were designed and tested for rapid identification of the 17 reference strains of
Acinetobacter
species and 7 unnamed genomospecies. Each of these four variable sequences enabled us to delineate most species. Sequences of at least two polymorphic sequences should be used to distinguish
Acinetobacter grimontii
,
Acinetobacter junii
,
Acinetobacter baylyi
, and genomic species 9 from one another. Finally, 21 clinical isolates of
Acinetobacter baumannii
were tested for intraspecies relationships and assigned correctly to the same species by comparing the partial sequences of the
rpoB
gene and its flanking spacers.
Report of Two Fatal Cases of
Mycobacterium mucogenicum
Central Nervous System Infection in Immunocompetent Patients
Authors: Adékambi Toïdi , Foucault Cedric , La Scola Bernard , Drancourt Michel 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT

Neurological infections due to rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) have rarely been reported. We recently investigated two unrelated immunocompetent patients, one with community-acquired lymphocytic meningitis and the other with cerebral thrombophlebitis.
Mycobacterium mucogenicum
was isolated in pure culture and detected by PCR sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid samples. Both patients eventually died. The two isolates exhibited an overlapping antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. They were susceptible in vitro to tetracyclines, macrolides, quinolones, amikacin, imipenem, cefoxitin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and resistant to ceftriaxone. They shared 100% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with
M. mucogenicum
ATCC 49650
T
over 1,482 bp. Their partial
rpoB
sequences shared 97.8% and 98.1% similarity with
M. mucogenicum
ATCC 49650
T
, suggesting that the two isolates were representative of two sequevars of
M. mucogenicum
species. This case report should make clinicians aware that
M. mucogenicum
, an RGM frequently isolated from tap water or from respiratory specimens and mostly without clinical significance, can even be encountered in the central nervous system of immunocompetent patients.
Clonal Relationships between Invasive and Noninvasive Lancefield Group C and G Streptococci and
emm
-Specific Differences in Invasiveness
Authors: Pinho M. D. , Melo-Cristino J. , Ramirez M. ,   the Portuguese Group for the Study of Streptococcal Infections
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT

Lancefield group G and group C streptococci (GGS and GCS, respectively) are pathogens responsible for a number of life-threatening infections. A collection of 116 recent (1998 to 2004) invasive (
n
= 28) and noninvasive (
n
= 88) GGS and GCS clinical isolates from Portugal were characterized. All isolates were identified as
Streptococcus dysgalactiae
subsp.
equisimilis
and characterized by
emm
typing and DNA macrorestriction profiling using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).
emm
typing revealed the presence of 22 distinct types, including 3 novel types. PFGE identified 14 clones with more than two isolates, but over half of the isolates were concentrated in 3 large clones. Individual clones and
emm
types showed a low level of association, since the majority of the clones included more than one
emm
type and the same
emm
type was found among diverse genetic backgrounds. Two
emm
types,
stg2078
and
stg10
, were significantly more frequent among invasive isolates, and another two,
stg6792
and
stg166b
, were present only in noninvasive isolates, suggesting a correlation between
emm
type and invasive disease potential.
Sensitivity of
Escherichia coli
O157 Detection in Bovine Feces Assessed by Broth Enrichment followed by Immunomagnetic Separation and Direct Plating Methodologies
Authors: LeJeune Jeffrey T. , Hancock Dale D. , Besser Thomas E. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT

In order to more precisely predict food safety risks, the fecal presence of food-borne pathogens among animals at slaughter must be correctly determined. Quantification of
Escherichia coli
O157 is also desirable. In two separate experiments, detection and enumeration of a nalidixic acid-resistant strain of
E. coli
O157 in bovine feces was assessed by culture on MacConkey agar supplemented with nalidixic acid (MACnal) and compared to overnight broth enrichment followed by immunomagnetic separation (IMS) and to direct plating of dilutions of bovine feces onto sorbitol MacConkey agar containing cefixime and tellurite (SMACct). The sensitivity of detection of
E. coli
O157 by both direct plating and IMS was highly dependent upon the initial concentration of the target organism in the sample. Sensitivity of detection by IMS was poor below 100 CFU/g but was better, and not affected by initial
E. coli
O157 numbers, above this concentration. Sensitivity of detection of
E. coli
O157 in bovine feces at low initial concentrations is very poor for both direct plating and IMS. Direct plating of dilutions of bovine feces on SMACct can be used to determine the magnitude of fecal
E. coli
excretion among cattle excreting greater than 100 CFU/g. Among positive samples identified by direct plating on SMACct, the direct counts of
E. coli
O157:H7 were highly correlated with the estimates obtained with the MACnal plates (
r
= 0.88,
P
< 0.001). Because the majority of cattle excrete less than 10
2
CFU
E. coli
O157/g feces, most studies, including those using IMS methods, probably grossly underestimate the prevalence of
E. coli
O157 in cattle.
Reactivity of Antibodies from Syphilis Patients to a Protein Array Representing theTreponema pallidumProteome
Authors: Brinkman Mary Beth , McKevitt Matthew , McLoughlin Melanie , Perez Carla , Howell Jerrilyn , Weinstock George M. , Norris Steven J. , Palzkill Timothy 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTTo identify antigens important in the human immune response to syphilis, the serum antibody reactivity of syphilitic patients was examined with 908 of the 1,039 proteins in the proteome ofTreponema pallidumsubsp.pallidumusing a protein array enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Thirty-four proteins exhibited significant reactivity when assayed with human sera from patients in the early latent stage of syphilis. A subset of antigens identified were further scrutinized for antibody reactivity at primary, secondary, and latent disease stages, and the results demonstrate that the humoral immune response to individualT. pallidumproteins develops at different rates during the time course of infection.
Detection of Feline Leukemia Virus RNA in Saliva from Naturally Infected Cats and Correlation of PCR Results with Those of Current Diagnostic Methods
Authors: Gomes-Keller M. A. , Gönczi E. , Tandon R. , Riondato F. , Hofmann-Lehmann R. , Meli M. L. , Lutz H. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTA novel diagnostic test for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) RNA in saliva from naturally infected cats is described in this study. We evaluated different diagnostic tests and compared them with the widely used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of p27 in the diagnosis of FeLV. Blood samples from 445 cats were tested for the presence of provirus by real-time PCR and plasma and saliva specimens from those cats were tested for the presence of viral RNA by real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and for the presence of p27 by ELISA. In comparison to conventional ELISA, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the detection of salivary FeLV RNA by real-time RT-PCR were found to be 98.1 and 99.2%, respectively. Detection of viral RNA in saliva had a positive predictive value of 94.6% and a negative predictive value of 99.7%. The kappa value was 0.96, demonstrating an almost perfect agreement between both tests. Furthermore, we confirmed previous results showing that a number of cats which tested negative for the presence of p27 in plasma were in fact positive for the presence of DNA provirus in blood specimens (5.4%). However, 96.4% of these latently infected cats did not shed viral RNA in saliva; therefore, we assume that these cats are of relatively low clinical importance at the time of testing. This study shows considerable diagnostic value of the detection of saliva FeLV RNA in naturally infected cats. This new diagnostic method has advantages over the conventional ELISA, such as less invasive sample collection and no requirement for trained personnel.
Antigenic Properties and Diagnostic Potential of African Swine Fever Virus Protein pp62 Expressed in Insect Cells
Authors: Gallardo Carmina , Blanco Esther , Rodríguez Javier M. , Carrascosa Angel L. , Sanchez-Vizcaino Jose Manuel 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT
African swine fever (ASF) is an infectious and economically important disease of domestic pigs. The absence of vaccine renders the diagnostic test the only tool that can be used for the control of new outbreaks of the disease. At present, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test is the most useful method for large-scale ASF serological studies, although false positives have been detected, mainly on poorly preserved sera. In order to improve the current diagnostic test available for ASF, we have studied the antigenic properties of the ASF virus polyprotein pp62 and its suitability for use in a novel ELISA. Two well-known antigenic proteins of ASF virus, p32 and p54, were also included in this study. These proteins were expressed in the baculovirus expression system and used as antigens in ASF serological tests. Our results indicate that the use of these recombinant proteins as antigens in the ELISAs improves the sensitivity and specificity obtained with the conventional diagnosis test used to detect antibodies against ASF virus. Furthermore, the use of polyprotein pp62 in an ELISA for testing poorly preserved sera allows performance of the diagnosis of ASF without the need to confirm the results by the immunoblot test. These features make pp62 one of the most interesting viral proteins to be used for serological ASF diagnosis.
Molecular Epidemiology of Bovine Coronavirus on the Basis of Comparative Analyses of the S Gene
Authors: Liu Lihong , Hägglund Sara , Hakhverdyan Mikhayil , Alenius Stefan , Larsen Lars Erik , Belák Sándor 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV), a group 2 member of the genus
Coronavirus
in the family
Coronaviridae
, is an important pathogen in cattle worldwide. It causes diarrhea in adult animals (winter dysentery), as well as enteric and respiratory diseases in calves. The annual occurrence of BCoV epidemics in Sweden and Denmark led to this investigation, with the aim to deepen the knowledge of BCoV epidemiology at the molecular level. A total of 43 samples from outbreaks in both countries were used for PCR amplification and direct sequencing of a 624-nucleotide fragment of the BCoV S gene. Sequence comparison and phylogenetic studies were performed. The results showed (i) identical sequences from different animals in the same herds and from paired nasal and fecal samples, suggesting a dominant virus circulating in each herd at a given time; (ii) sequence differences among four outbreaks in different years in the same herd, indicating new introduction of virus; (iii) identical sequences in four different Danish herds in samples obtained within 2 months, implying virus transmission between herds; and (iv) that at least two different virus strains were involved in the outbreaks of BCoV in Denmark during the spring of 2003. This study presents molecular data of BCoV infections that will contribute to an increased understanding of BCoV epidemiology in cattle populations.
Prevalence, Risk Factor Analysis, and Follow-Up of Infections Caused by Three Feline Hemoplasma Species in Cats in Switzerland
Authors: Willi Barbara , Boretti Felicitas S. , Baumgartner Claudia , Tasker Séverine , Wenger Bettina , Cattori Valentino , Meli Marina L. , Reusch Claudia E. , Lutz Hans , Hofmann-Lehmann Regina 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTRecently, a third novel feline hemotropicMycoplasmasp. (aka hemoplasma), “CandidatusMycoplasma turicensis,” in a cat with hemolytic anemia has been described. This is the first study to investigate the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and risk factors for all three feline hemoplasma infections in a sample of 713 healthy and ill Swiss cats using newly designed quantitative real-time PCR assays. “CandidatusMycoplasma haemominutum” infection was detected in 7.0% and 8.7% andMycoplasma haemofeliswas detected in 2.3% and 0.2% of healthy and ill cats, respectively. “CandidatusMycoplasma turicensis” was only detected in six ill cats (1.1%); three of them were coinfected with “CandidatusMycoplasma haemominutum.” The 16S rRNA gene sequence of 12 Swiss hemoplasma isolates revealed >98% similarity with previously published sequences. Hemoplasma infection was associated with male gender, outdoor access, and old age but not with retrovirus infection and was more frequent in certain areas of Switzerland. “CandidatusMycoplasma haemominutum”-infected ill cats were more frequently diagnosed with renal insufficiency and exhibited higher renal blood parameters than uninfected ill cats. No correlation between hemoplasma load and packed cell volume was found, although several hemoplasma-infected cats, some coinfected with feline immunodeficiency virus or feline leukemia virus, showed hemolytic anemia. HighM. haemofelisloads (>9 × 105copies/ml blood) seem to lead to anemia in acutely infected cats but not in recovered long-term carriers. A repeated evaluation of 17 cats documented that the infection was acquired in one case by blood transfusion and that there were important differences among species regarding whether or not antibiotic administration led to the resolution of bacteremia.
Genotype 1 and Genotype 2 Bovine Noroviruses Are Antigenically Distinct but Share a Cross-Reactive Epitope with Human Noroviruses
Authors: Oliver S. L. , Batten C. A. , Deng Y. , Elschner M. , Otto P. , Charpilienne A. , Clarke I. N. , Bridger J. C. , Lambden P. R. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT

The bovine enteric caliciviruses Bo/Jena/1980/DE and Bo/Newbury2/1976/UK represent two distinct genotypes within a new genogroup, genogroup III, in the genus
Norovirus
of the family
Caliciviridae
. In the present study, the antigenic relatedness of these two genotypes was determined for the first time to enable the development of tests to detect and differentiate between both genotypes. Two approaches were used. First, cross-reactivity was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) and convalescent-phase sera from calves infected with either Jena (genotype 1) or Newbury2 (genotype 2). Second, cross-reactivity was examined between the two genotypes with a monoclonal antibody, CM39, derived using Jena VLPs. The two genotypes, Jena and Newbury2, were antigenically distinct with little or no cross-reactivity by ELISA to the heterologous VLPs using convalescent calf sera that had homologous immunoglobulin G titers of log
10
3.1 to 3.3. CM39 reacted with both Jena and heterologous Newbury2 VLPs. The CM39 epitope was mapped to nine amino acids (
31
PTAGAQIAA
39
) in the Jena capsid protein, which was not fully conserved for Newbury2 (
31
PTAGAPVAA
39
). Molecular modeling showed that the CM39 epitope was located within the NH
2
-terminal arm inside the virus capsid. Surprisingly, CM39 also reacted with VLPs from two genogroup II/3 human noroviruses by ELISA and Western blotting. Thus, although the bovine noroviruses Jena and Newbury2 corresponded to two distinct antigenic types or serotypes, they shared at least one cross-reactive epitope. These findings have relevance for epidemiological studies to determine the prevalence of bovine norovirus serotypes and to develop vaccines to bovine noroviruses.
Nutritional support in the premature newborn
Authors: Puntis J W L 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
The theory and practice of nutritional support in the premature newborn has assumed increasing importance with survival of greater numbers of very immature infants. After birth, many do not tolerate full enteral feeding until gastrointestinal motor function has matured. During this process some will develop necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating failure of adaptation to postnatal life that may result in death, or severe complications. The feeding strategy that minimises the risk of NEC remains to be defined. In addition, promoting growth rates and nutrient accretion equivalent to those achieved during fetal development while optimising neurodevelopmental and long term health outcomes represents an important challenge for neonatologists. This review will focus on the problems associated with enteral nutrition, the requirement for parenteral nutrition, and the long term consequences of early nutritional interventions, underlining the need for prolonged follow up in assessing the potential benefits of different approaches to feeding.
Video assisted thoracic surgery in the management of spontaneous pneumothorax: the current status
Authors: Ng C S H , Lee T W , Wan S , Yim A P C 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Over the past decade, video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has changed the way spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) is managed. Benefits of VATS include less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, and attenuated postoperative inflammatory response are evident compared with open thoracic procedures. Furthermore, the increasing acceptance by patients and referring physicians is testament to its success. Recent studies and the authors decade of experience in management of SP by VATS show that it is quick, safe, and effective, with recurrence rates generally comparable to open procedures, with some exceptions. However, selecting the correct procedure and patient, as well as knowing the limitations of the surgeons and techniques are paramount for success. Even to this day, there are considerable variations in the treatment of SP and large scale controlled studies are needed to better define timing of surgery and the role of the different procedures in the treatment and prevention of SP.
Paediatric acute peritoneal dialysis in southern Nigeria
Authors: Anochie I C , Eke F U 
Published: March 2006

Abstract

Background
Acute peritoneal dialysis (APD) is the preferred treatment for isolated failure of the kidney. The authors reviewed children with acute renal failure (ARF) who had APD in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Results
221 patients, 147 boys and 74 girls (M: F, 1.99:1), mean (SD) age 5.4 (4.9) years had ARF. Dialysis was indicated in 112 cases. The main clinical indication being convulsion/uraemia 30 (26.8%) Only 27 patients (21 boys and 6 girls) had APD, giving an access rate of 24.1%. The commonest dialysis related complication was catheter malfunction 12 (44.4%). The mortality rate among the dialysed patients was 22.2%. Lack of dialysis and intractable hypertension significantly increased mortality (χ2 = 7.13, p&lt;0.01) and (χ2 = 14.9, p&lt;0.001) respectively.

Conclusion
APD is effective in reducing mortality of children with ARF. However, there were low dialysis access rate and few complications.
Long term clinical outcome and bleeding complications among hospital survivors with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Wong P , Robinson A , Shaw S , Rodrigues E 
Published: March 2006

Abstract

Objective
To examine the 21 month clinical outcome and bleeding complications in hospital survivors with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS) who were discharged with combined clopidogrel and aspirin anti-thrombotic therapy, and compare with those having ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who were discharged with aspirin alone.

Design
Observational study.

Setting
A large university hospital.

Patients
224 patients were admitted to hospital with either NSTEACS or STEMI, and survived to discharge between 1 October 2001 and 31 December 2002.

Main outcome measures
Cardiovascular death, total death, new myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring hospitalisation, stroke or transient ischaemic attack, coronary revascularisation; and fatal, life threatening, major and minor bleeding over 21 months after discharge.

Results
Despite having no or small infarct (median maximum creatine kinase 155 v 1295 u/l; p&lt;0.001) and taking more antianginal drugs, patients with NSTEACS had similar rates of cardiovascular death (9.5% v 8.3%; p = NS), new myocardial infarction (9.5% v 6.5%; p = NS) or unstable angina requiring hospitalisation (15.5% v 10.2%; p = NS) when compared with STEMI. Fatal, life threatening or major bleeding were &lt;1% in both groups (p = NS); and minor bleeding occurred in 4.3% NSTEACS and 2.8% STEMI patients respectively (p = NS).

Conclusions
Patients with NSTEACS had a similar and unfavourable long term outcome when compared with STEMI. There was no difference in serious bleeding complications between both groups.