bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

ABSTRACT
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

ABSTRACT
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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT
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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACTWe 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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT
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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT
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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT

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.