bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Etest Method Using Mueller-Hinton Agar with Glucose and Methylene Blue for Determining Amphotericin B MICs for 4,936 Clinical Isolates of
Candida
Species
Authors: Pfaller M. A. , Boyken L. , Messer S. A. , Tendolkar S. , Hollis R. J. , Diekema D. J. 
Published: November 2004

ABSTRACT

The performance of the Etest using Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with glucose (2%) and methylene blue (0.5 μg/ml) (MH-GMB) for amphotericin B susceptibility testing of 4,936 isolates of
Candida
spp. was assessed against that of Etest using RPMI agar with 2% glucose (RPG). MICs were determined by Etest in both media for all 4,936 isolates and were read after incubation for 48 h at 35°C. The
Candida
isolates included
C. albicans
(
n
= 2,728),
C. glabrata
(
n
= 722),
C. parapsilosis
(
n
= 666),
C. tropicalis
(
n
= 528),
C. krusei
(
n
= 143),
C. lusitaniae
(
n
= 54),
C. guilliermondii
(
n
= 39),
C. pelliculosa
(
n
= 17),
C. kefyr
(
n
= 15),
C. rugosa
(
n
= 11),
C. dubliniensis
(
n
= 5),
C. zeylanoides
(
n
= 4),
C. lipolytica
(
n
= 3), and
C. famata
(
n
= 1). The Etest results with MH-GMB correlated well with those with RPG. Overall agreement was 92.9%, and agreements for individual species were as follows:
C. lusitaniae
, 98.1%;
C. albicans
, 95.1%;
C. glabrata
, 94.3%;
C. krusei
, 91.6%;
C. parapsilosis
, 86.6%; and
C. tropicalis
, 86.4%. The Etest method using MH-GMB appears to be a useful method for determining amphotericin B susceptibilities of
Candida
species.
New Multiple Antigenic Peptide-Based Enzyme Immunoassay for Detection of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Nonhuman Primates and Humans
Authors: Ndongmo C. B. , Switzer W. M. , Pau C. P. , Zeh C. , Schaefer A. , Pieniazek D. , Folks T. M. , Kalish M. L. 
Published: November 2004

ABSTRACTInfections with human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2, respectively) are zoonotic infections. In Africa, the potential exists for additional cross-species transmissions from at least 33 different species of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected nonhuman primates (NHPs) through hunting and butchering of these animals for food. Here we describe a highly sensitive and specific enzyme immunoassay (EIA) with chemically modified, multiple antigenic peptides (MAPs) developed for the detection and discrimination of antibodies to SIV genetic lineages. The SIV EIA was developed by using a comprehensive array of MAPs covering two envelope gene regions from all of the SIV lineages for whichenvsequences were available. Assay sensitivity was evaluated by using 63 plasma or serum samples obtained from primates naturally or experimentally infected with SIVs from 10 genetic lineages. Assay specificity was determined by using 97 known SIV-negative plasma specimens from these same species. Also used in the evaluations were 369 human samples: 198 HIV seronegative, 170 HIV-1 and/or HIV-2 seropositive, and 1 from a human SIVsm infection. Overall assay sensitivity and specificity were 100% with both immunodominant region (IDR) and V3 region MAPs. Although SIVenvsequences from talapoin monkeys were not available for specific MAP inclusion, 5 (100%) of 5 SIVtal-infected samples were detected through cross-reactivity with other SIV IDR MAPs used in the assay. The one human SIVsm infection was identified. In conclusion, our SIV MAP EIA proved to be highly sensitive and specific for detecting SIV infections in NHPs and humans. As shown with SIV-infected talapoin monkeys, this assay has the potential to detect previously unidentified SIV strains and should be suitable for sentinel surveillance for potential new cross-species transmissions of SIVs to humans.
Analysis of Vaginal Acetic Acid in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Chaudry Amjad N. , Travers Paul J. , Yuenger Jeffrey , Colletta Lorraine , Evans Phillip , Zenilman Jonathan M. , Tummon Andrew 
Published: November 2004

ABSTRACT
A “gold standard” method for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is lacking. The clinical criteria described by the Amsel technique are subjective and difficult to quantify. Alternatively, the reading of Gram-stained vaginal smears by scoring techniques such as those that use the Nugent or Hay-Ison scoring systems is again subjective, requires expert personnel to perform the reading, and is infrequently used clinically. Recently, a new diagnostic device, the Osmetech Microbial Analyzer—Bacterial Vaginosis (OMA-BV), which determines a patient's BV status on the basis of measurement of the amount of acetic acid present in a vaginal swab specimen, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The present study uses the conducting polymer gas-sensing technology of OMA-BV to measure the concentration of acetic acid in the headspace above vaginal swab specimens from patients undergoing treatment for BV with metronidazole. In 97.8% of the cases the level of acetic acid detected fell sharply during the treatment period, crossing from above to below the diagnostic threshold of 900 ppm. The diagnosis obtained on the basis of the level of vaginal acetic acid was compared with the diagnoses obtained by use of the Amsel criteria and the Nugent scoring system both at the time of initial entry into the study and at the repeat samplings on days 7 and 14. The results obtained with OMA-BV showed overall agreements compared with the results of the Amsel and Nugent tests of 98 and 94%, respectively, for the 34 patients monitored through the treatment process. This provides further evidence that the measurement of vaginal acetic acid by headspace analysis with conducting polymer sensors is a valid alternative to present tests for the diagnosis of BV.
Characterization of Bacterial Community Diversity in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Infections by Use of 16S Ribosomal DNA Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Profiling
Authors: Rogers G. B. , Carroll M. P. , Serisier D. J. , Hockey P. M. , Jones G. , Bruce K. D. 
Published: November 2004

ABSTRACT

Progressive loss of lung function resulting from the inflammatory response to bacterial colonization is the leading cause of mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. A greater understanding of these bacterial infections is needed to improve lung disease management. As culture-based diagnoses are associated with fundamental drawbacks, we used terminal restriction fragment (T-RF) length polymorphism profiling and 16S rRNA clone data to characterize, without prior cultivation, the bacterial community in 71 sputa from 34 adult CF patients. Nineteen species from 15 genera were identified in 53 16S rRNA clones from three patients. Of these, 15 species have not previously been reported in CF lung infections and many were species requiring strict anaerobic conditions for growth. The species richness and evenness were determined from the T-RF length and volume for the 71 profiles. Species richness was on average 13.3 ± 7.9 per sample and 13.4 ± 6.7 per patient. On average, the T-RF bands of the lowest and highest volumes represented 0.6 and 59.2% of the total volume in each profile, respectively. The second through fifth most dominant T-RF bands represented 15.3, 7.5, 4.7, and 2.8% of the total profile volume, respectively. On average, the remaining T-RF bands represented 10.2% of the total profile volume. The T-RF band corresponding to
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
had the highest volume in 61.1% of the samples. However, 18 other T-RF band lengths were dominant in at least one sample. In conclusion, this reveals the enormous complexity of bacteria within the CF lung. Although their significance is yet to be determined, these findings alter our perception of CF lung infections.
Isolation ofBartonella schoenbuchensisfromLipoptena cervi, a Blood-Sucking Arthropod Causing Deer Ked Dermatitis
Authors: Dehio Christoph , Sauder Ursula , Hiestand Rosemarie 
Published: November 2004

ABSTRACTBartonella schoenbuchensis, which commonly causes bacteremia in ruminants, was isolated from the deer kedLipoptena cerviand was shown to localize to the midgut of this blood-sucking arthropod, causing deer ked dermatitis in humans. The role ofB. schoenbuchensisin the etiology of deer ked dermatitis should be further investigated.
ON THE DYNAMICAL EQUATION OF A SPHERICAL RADIATING SHELL AND THE OSCILLATING STARS
Authors: AQUILANO ROBERTO O. , CASTAGNINO MARIO A. , LARA LUIS P. , CERVILLERA LUIS P. NEIRA 
Published: November 2004

A classical and post-Newtonian model of pulsating star is studied. The condition for an oscillating behavior and the corresponding period are computed.
QUANTUM COSMOLOGY AND THE VALUE OF Λ
Authors: COULE D.H. 
Published: November 2004

We analyze a simple quantum cosmological model with just a Λ term present. Different results for the expected value of Λ are obtained depending on the boundary conditions applied. In the Euclidean regime the Hartle-Hawking boundary condition gives the factor exp (1/Λ) but, in agreement with Rubakov et al.,10 is badly behaved for negative Λ. Tunneling boundary conditions suggest an initially large value for Λ. If only Lorentzian regions are considered, all boundary conditions suggest an initially large value of A for spatial curvature k=1. This differs from the previously obtained results of Strominger11 for such models, who implicitly assumed that the universe has occurred in its present (large size) form by a quantum event. Whereas, quantum behavior should be restricted to epochs when the universe was ~ Planck size.
NEW PERTURBATION THEORY FOR QUANTUM FIELD THEORY: CONVERGENT SERIES INSTEAD OF ASYMPTOTIC EXPANSIONS
Authors: BELOKUROV V.V. , SHAVGULIDZE E.T. , SOLOVYOV YU. P. 
Published: November 2004

Asymptotic expansions, employed in quantum physics as series of perturbation theory, appear as a result of the representation of functional integrals by power series with respect to coupling constant. To derive these series one has to change the order of functional integration and infinite summation. In general, this procedure is incorrect and is responsible for the divergence of the asymptotic expansions. In the present work, we suggest a method of construction of a new perturbation theory. In the framework of this perturbation theory, a convergent series corresponds to any physical quantity represented by a functional integral. The relations between the coefficients of these series and those of the asymptotic expansions are established.
WHY IRREVERSIBILITY? THE FORMULATION OF CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS FOR NONINTEGRABLE SYSTEMS
Authors: PRIGOGINE ILYA 
Published: November 2004

Nonintegrable Poincaré systems with continuous spectrum (so-called Large Poincaré Systems, LPS) lead to the appearance of diffusive terms in the framework of dynamics. These terms break time symmetry. They lead, therefore, to limitations to classical trajectory dynamics and of wave functions. These diffusive terms correspond to well-defined classes of dynamical processes (i.e., so-called “vacuum-vacuum” transitions). The diffusive effects are amplified in situations corresponding to persistent interactions. As a result, we have to include already in the fundamental dynamical description the two aspects, probability and irreversibility, which are so conspicuous on the macroscopic level. We have to formulate both classical and quantum mechanics on the Liouville level of probability distributions (or density matrices). For integrable systems, we recover the usual formulations of classical or quantum mechanics. Instead of being irreducible concepts, which cannot be further analyzed, trajectories and wave functions appear as special solutions of the Liouville-von Neumann equations. This extension of classical and quantum dynamics permits us to unify the two concepts of nature we inherited from the 19th century, based on the one hand on dynamical time-reversible laws and on the other on an evolutionary view associated to entropy. It leads also to a unified formulation of quantum theory avoiding the conventional dual structure based on Schrödinger’s equation on the one hand, and on the “collapse” of the wave function on the other. A dynamical interpretation is given to processes such as decoherence or approach to equilibrium without any appeal to extra dynamic considerations (such as the many-world theory, coarse graining or averaging over the environment). There is a striking parallelism between classical and quantum theory. For LPS we have, in general, both a “collapse” of trajectories and of wave functions for LPS. In both cases, we need a generalized formulation of dynamics in terms of probability distributions or density matrices. Since the beginning of this century, we know that classical mechanics had to be generalized to take into account the existence of universal constants. We now see that classical as well as quantum mechanics also have to be extended to include unstable dynamical systems such as LPS. As a result, we achieve a new formulation of "laws of physics" dealing no more with certitudes but with probabilities. The formulation is appropriate to describe an open, evolving universe.
Development of DX-9065a, a novel direct factor Xa antagonist, in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Alexander John , Dyke Christopher , Harrington Robert , Becker Richard 
Published: November 2004

SummaryThe development of anticoagulants for treating patients with atherothrombotic disorders of the arterial circulatory system has focused, either directly or indirectly, on thrombin – a pleuripotential effector enzyme with prothrombotic and proinflammatory properties. The pivotal role of factor (f) Xa in thrombin generation, coupled with its direct cellular effects and widely recognized limitations of currently available anticoagulants, has led to the development of pharmacologic inhibitors of this important protease. The following review focuses on DX9065a – first in a class of direct, selective and reversible fXa antagonists – and its potential applications in the management of patients with cardiovascular disease.
Treatment of 51 pregnancies with danaparoid because of heparin intolerance
Authors: Kreutzenbeck Hans-Joachim , Magnani Harry , Lindhoff-Last Edelgard 
Published: November 2004

SummaryPregnant patients with acute venous thrombosis or a history of thrombosis may need alternative anticoagulation, when heparin intolerance occurs. Only limited data on the use of the heparinoid danaparoid are available in literature.We reviewed the use of danaparoid in 51 pregnancies of 49 patients identified in literature between 1981 and 2004.All patients had developed heparin intolerance (32 due to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, 19 mainly due to heparin-induced skin rashes) and had a current and/or past history of thromboembolic complications.The initial danaparoid dose regimens ranged from 1000 to 7500 U/day administered s.c.or i.v..The median duration of danaparoid use was 10 weeks. Danaparoid was used until delivery of a healthy infant in 37 pregnancies. In the remaining 14 pregnancies it was stopped earlier, because anticoagulant treatment was no longer required (3/14) or an adverse event led to a treatment discontinuation (11/14). Four maternal bleeding events were recorded during pregnancy, delivery or postpartum, two of them were fatal due to placental problems. Three fetal deaths were recorded, all associated with maternal complications antedating danaparoid use. Danaparoid cross-reactivity was suspected in 4 HIT patients and 5 non-HIT patients with skin reactions and was confirmed serologically in one of the two HIT patients tested. In none of five fetal cord blood- and three maternal breast milksamples anti-Xa activity transfer was observed.In conclusion danaparoid can be used as an alternative antithrombotic agent in pregnant women with high thrombotic risk and intolerance to heparins.
Disturbed apoptosis of T-cells in patients with active idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Andersson Per-Ola , Jacobsson Stefan , Carlsson Lena , Wadenvik Hans , Olsson Bob 
Published: November 2004

SummaryIdiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an organ specific autoimmune disorder in whichT-lymphocyte abnormalities have pathogenetic importance.In a DNA microarray screen of CD3+ T-lymphocytes from ITP patients and healthy controls we found an altered expression of genes associated with apoptosis, e.g. A20, caspase-8 and Bax.This together with our previous findings of increased gene expression of Fas,interferon-g and IL-2 receptor beta (IL2RB) indicated an altered activation induced cell death (AICD) of T-cells in ITP. Using a proliferation assay we found that CD3+ lymphocytes from ITP patients were significantly more resistant to dexamethasone induced suppression compared to normal lymphocytes.We also found that cultured CD3+ lymphocytes from ITP patients in remission were more susceptible to apoptosis both in the presence and absence of dexamethasone compared to cells from patient with active ITP and healthy controls, as indicated by increased staining of AnnexinV binding. Our findings suggest that apoptotic resistance of activated T-lymphocytes in patients with active ITP may lead to defective clearance of autoreactive T-lymphocytes through AICD, which might cause a continued immune destruction of platelets. Conversely, a loss of resistance to AICD in ITP patients in remission might be an important mechanism for the achievement of remission.
Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I Mediates the Selective Uptake of High-Density Lipoprotein–Associated Cholesteryl Ester by the Liver in Mice
Authors: Brundert May , Ewert Anne , Heeren Joerg , Behrendt Barbara , Ramakrishnan Rajasekhar , Greten Heiner , Merkel Martin , Rinninger Franz 
Published: November 2004

Objective—High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesteryl esters (CE) are taken up by liver and adrenals selectively, ie, independent from particle internalization. Class B type I scavenger receptor (SR-BI) mediates this uptake in vitro. The role of SR-BI in HDL metabolism was explored in mice.Methods and Results—Mice with a mutation in the SR-BI gene (SR-BI KO) and wild-type (WT) littermates were used. Mutants had increased HDL cholesterol. HDL was labeled with125I (protein) and [3H] (CE). After HDL injection, blood samples were drawn and finally the mice were euthanized. In WT, the plasma decay of HDL-associated [3H] is faster compared with125I and this represents whole-body selective CE uptake. In SR-BI KO, the decay of both tracers is similar, yielding no selective CE removal. In WT liver and adrenals, uptake of [3H] is higher than125I, showing selective uptake. In SR-BI KO, liver uptake of [3H] and125I are similar, proposing no selective HDL CE uptake. In SR-BI KO adrenals, selective uptake is reduced; however, even in the absence of SR-BI, this uptake is detected using WT-HDL.Conclusions—SR-BI mediates selective uptake of HDL CE by the liver. In adrenals, an alternative mechanism or mechanisms can play a role in selective CE uptake.
Novel Mutations of the Chloride Channel Kb Gene in Two Japanese Patients Clinically Diagnosed as Bartter Syndrome with Hypocalciuria
Authors: Fukuyama Shigeru , Hiramatsu Misako , Akagi Motohiro , Higa Mutumi , Ohta Takao 
Published: November 2004

AbstractHypokalemic metabolic tubulopathy, such as in Bartter syndrome and Gitelman syndrome, is caused by the dysfunction of renal electrolyte transporters. Despite advances in molecular genetics with regard to hypokalemic metabolic tubulopathy, recent reports have suggested that the phenotype-genotype correlation is still confusing, especially in classic Bartter and Gitelman syndromes. We report here two Japanese patients who suffered from clinically diagnosed classic Bartter syndrome but who presented hypocalciuria. Hypocalciuria is generally believed to be a pathognomonic finding of NCCT malfunction. To better understand the genotype-phenotype correlation in these two cases, we screened four renal electrolyte transporter genes [Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2), renal outer medullary K channel (ROMK), Cl channel Kb (ClC-Kb), and Na-Cl cotransporter (NCCT)] by the PCR direct sequencing method. We identified three ClC-Kb allelic variants, including two new mutations (L27R and W610X in patient 1 and a G to C substitution of a 3′ splice site of intron 2 and W610X in patient 2). We did not find any mutations in the other three genes. Our present data suggest that some ClC-Kb mutations may affect calcium handling in renal tubular cells.
A paired study of Perthes’ disease comparing conservative and surgical treatment
Authors: Kamegaya M. , Saisu T. , Ochiai N. , Hisamitsu J. , Moriya H. 
Published: November 2004

We performed a paired study of mature patients with Perthes’ disease to compare the radiological results after treatment between conservatively- and surgically-treated groups. One patient was selected from each group to create the pairs for this study. Each pair was strictly matched for gender, body mass index, age at onset, stage at the first visit, necrotic area and radiological at-risk signs and each was assessed by comparing the values of six radiological measurements. Eighteen pairs (36 hips) fitted the criteria. The radiological measurements which showed a statistically better result in the surgical groups were Mose’s method, the acetabular-head index and leg-length discrepancy. There were no statistical differences in the slope of the acetabular roof and the articulotrochanteric distance. Four hips in the conservative group were in Stulberg class II, five in class III and nine in class IV. In the surgical group, 13 were in Stulberg class II, four in class III and one in class IV. We conclude that surgical treatment improved the sphericity of the femoral head and provided greater acetabular cover, but did not reform the acetabular roof. It was noteworthy that a greater leg-length discrepancy and a smaller articulotrochanteric distance were not seen in the surgical group. Our study suggests that surgical treatment is preferable in patients with severe Perthes’ disease.
Supramalleolar derotation osteotomy of the tibia, with T plate fixation
Authors: Selber P. , Filho E. R. , Dallalana R. , Pirpiris M. , Nattrass G. R. , Graham H. K. 
Published: November 2004

Torsional deformities of the tibia are common in children, but in the majority both the torsion and the associated disturbance of gait resolve without intervention. There are, however, a significant number of children and adults with neuromuscular disease who present with pathological tibial torsion, which may require surgical correction. We conducted a prospective study in two centres, to investigate the outcome of supramalleolar derotation osteotomy of the tibia, using internal fixation with the AO-ASIF T plate. A range of outcome variables was collected, prospectively, for 57 patients (91 osteotomies), including thigh foot angle, foot progression angle, post-operative complications and serial radiographs. Correction of thigh foot angle and foot progression angle was satisfactory in all patients. Three major complications were recorded; one aseptic nonunion, one fracture through the osteotomy site after removal of the plate and one distal tibial growth arrest. We found that supramalleolar derotation osteotomy of the tibia, with AO-ASIF T plate fixation is an effective method for the correction of torsional deformities of the tibia and the associated disturbances of gait in children and adults with neuromuscular disease, with a 5.3% risk of major complications.