bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multilocus Restriction Typing Method To Predict the Sequence Type of Meningococci
Authors: Dyet Kristin H. , Simmonds Robin S. , Martin Diana R. 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT
A multilocus restriction typing (MLRT) method was developed to reduce the number of sequencing reactions required to determine the clonal relationships among serogroup B meningococci causing an epidemic in New Zealand. MLRT was a rapid, simple, and inexpensive method, and the results had an excellent correlation with multilocus sequence typing results.
Unique Variations of
pbp2b
Sequences in Penicillin-Nonsusceptible
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Isolates from Korea
Authors: Baek Jin Yang , Ko Kwan Soo , Oh Won Sup , Jung Sook-In , Kim Yeon Sook , Chang Hyun-Ha , Lee Hyuck , Kim Shin Woo , Peck Kyong Ran , Lee Nam Yong , Song Jae-Hoon 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT

pbp2b
gene alterations were analyzed in 102 clinical isolates of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
(30 penicillin susceptible, 23 intermediate, and 49 resistant) from Korea. On the basis of PBP2B amino acid sequences, penicillin-nonsusceptible isolates of
S. pneumoniae
belonged to six groups, and 76% of the isolates in groups I to IV showed the same divergent block of amino acid alterations. Thirteen isolates (group II) also possessed a divergent block that was identical to that of
Streptococcus oralis
. The
pbp2b
genes of most Korean isolates showed novel mosaic mutations due to horizontal gene transfer. The Thr252→Ala substitution, previously thought to be associated only with penicillin-nonsusceptible strains, was also found in three penicillin-susceptible strains. On the basis of their
pbp2b
nucleotide sequences, all penicillin-nonsusceptible isolates can be detected by multiplex PCR, which can be used as a novel method for detection of antibiotic-resistant pneumococcal strains in clinical specimens.
First International Quality Assurance Study on the Rapid Detection of Viral Agents of Bioterrorism
Authors: Niedrig Matthias , Schmitz Herbert , Becker Stephan , Günther Stephan , ter Meulen Jan , Meyer Herman , Ellerbrok Heinz , Nitsche Andreas , Gelderblom Hans R. , Drosten Christian 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT
We have conducted an international quality assurance study of filovirus, Lassa virus, and orthopox virus PCR with 24 participants. Of the participating laboratories, 45.8 and 66.7% detected virus in all plasma samples, which contained ≥5,000 and ≥100,000 copies per ml, respectively. Sensitivity levels were not significantly different between viruses. False-negative results were attributable to a lack of sensitivity.
Dissemination of a Clone of Unusual Phenotype of Pandrug-Resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
at a University Hospital in Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Lu-Cheng , Teng Lee-Jene , Yu Chong-Jen , Ho Shen-Wu , Hsueh Po-Ren 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT

From December 2002 to February 2003, 15 isolates of pandrug-resistant unidentified
Acinetobacter
species were recovered from seven patients treated on different wards or intensive care units. Both 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism profiles and sequence analysis of these isolates identified them as
Acinetobacter baumannii
. This pandrug-resistant
A. baumannii
strain with an unusual phenotype could persist in humans for long periods and was widely disseminated throughout the hospital.
PCR-Based Assay for Detection of
Neisseria meningitidis
Capsular Serogroups 29E, X, and Z
Authors: Bennett Désirée E. , Mulhall Robert M. , Cafferkey Mary T. 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT

PCR-based assays for the identification of
Neisseria meningitidis
serogroups 29E, X, and Z by detection of specific regions of the
ctrA
gene are described. The specificities of these assays were confirmed using serogroups A, B, C, 29E, H, W135, X, Y, and Z and nongroupable meningococcal isolates.
Development and Comparison of Enzyme Immunoassays for Diagnosis of Chagas' Disease Using Fixed Forms of
Trypanosoma cruzi
(Epimastigotes, Amastigotes, and Trypomastigotes) and Assessment of Antigen Stability for the Three Assays
Authors: Berrizbietia Mariolga , Ndao Momar , Gottschalk Marcelo , Aché Alberto , Vásquez Fabio , Lacouture Sonia , Medina Mehudy , Ward Brian J. 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT

Three enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for diagnosis of Chagas' disease were developed with fixed forms of
Trypanosoma cruzi
using a panel of 435 sera from the following groups: Venezuelan subjects positive by immunofluorescence (
n
= 70), Venezuelan healthy controls (
n
= 85), healthy Canadians (
n
= 166), and subjects with other parasitic diseases (
n
= 114). All assays achieved 100% sensitivity and reasonable specificity for amastigotes (97.6%), epimastigotes (98.3%), and trypomastigotes (99.3%). The fixed-trypomastigote assay was stable over 4 months at 4°C and room temperature. These data suggest that a fixed-trypomastigote EIA may be a suitable candidate for blood bank screening.
Characterization of an Anonymous Molecular Marker Strongly Linked to
Escherichia coli
Strains Causing Neonatal Meningitis
Authors: Clermont Olivier , Bonacorsi Stéphane , Bingen Edouard 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT

An anonymous 14.9-kb
rrn
-containing HindIII fragment is strongly linked to
Escherichia coli
strains causing neonatal meningitis. We show in this report that this fragment does not encode new virulence factors but lacks
arpA
, a gene common in avirulent
E. coli
strains, and we developed a PCR test to detect this fragment.
Detection of theEscherichia coliGroup 2 Polysaccharide Capsule Synthesis GenekpsMby a Rapid and Specific PCR-Based Assay
Authors: Johnson James R. , O'Bryan Timothy T. 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACTA rapid and simple PCR-based assay for detection of the group 2 capsule synthesis genekpsMofEscherichia coliwas designed and validated. When combined with the published group 2 primers (kpsIIf, 5′-GCGCATTTGCTGATACTGTTG-3′; kpsIIr, 5′-CATCCAGACGATAAGCATGAGCA-3′), the new primers (the kpsIIf primer and a new reverse primer K2r, 5′-AGGTAGTTCAGACTCACACCT-3′) allowed specific identification by exclusion of the heretofore elusive K2kpsMvariant. The primers yielded the predicted amplicon when multiplexed with other primers and used under varied assay conditions, including a range of concentrations of individual reaction mixture ingredients and of annealing temperatures (from 54 to 64°C).
Usefulness of
Toxoplasma gondii
-Specific Recombinant Antigens in Serodiagnosis of Human Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Pietkiewicz H. , Hiszczyńska-Sawicka E. , Kur J. , Petersen E. , Nielsen H. V. , Stankiewicz M. , Andrzejewska I. , Myjak P. 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT

Toxoplasma gondii
SAG1, GRA1, and GRA7 recombinant antigens may be regarded as tools for the detection of
T. gondii
immunoglobulin G antibodies in persons with chronic and acute toxoplasmosis. GRA7 is more correlated with acute toxoplasmosis. A combination of these antigens will increase the sensitivity of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
Use of an Immunoglobulin G Avidity Test To Discriminate between Primary and Secondary Dengue Virus Infections
Authors: de Souza Vanda Akico Ueda Fick , Fernandes Silvana , Araújo Evaldo Stanislau , Tateno Adriana Fumie , Oliveira Olímpia M. N. P. F. , Oliveira Renato dos Reis , Pannuti Cláudio Sérgio 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody avidity test was evaluated by using sera from 57 patients with acute dengue infection. Overall, 55 of 57 patients were correctly classified (27 of 27 with primary dengue and 28 of 30 with secondary dengue). We conclude that the IgG avidity test can be useful for differentiating between acute, primary, and secondary dengue infections.
Emergence of
vanA
Genotype Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci with Low or Moderate Levels of Teicoplanin Resistance in Korea
Authors: Eom Joong-Sik , Hwang In-Sook , Hwang Byung-Yoen , Lee Jae-Gab , Lee Yeon-Joo , Cheong Hee-Jin , Park Yong-Ho , Park Seung-Chul , Kim Woo-Joo 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT

In Korea, vancomycin-resistant enterococci have become important nosocomial pathogens since the late 1990s, and most vancomycin-resistant enterococcal isolates have been VanA phenotype-
vanA
genotype strains. In 2001, we experienced an outbreak of VanB phenotype-
vanA
genotype vancomycin-resistant enterococci at a university hospital. This is the first report of VanB-
vanA
vancomycin-resistant enterococci from humans in Korea.
Multiplex PCR for Diagnosis of Enteric Infections Associated with Diarrheagenic
Escherichia coli
Authors: Vidal Roberto , Vidal Maricel , Lagos Rossana , Levine Myron , Prado Valeria 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT

A multiplex PCR for detection of three categories of diarrheagenic
Escherichia coli
was developed. With this method, enterohemorrhagic
E. coli
, enteropathogenic
E. coli
, and enterotoxigenic
E. coli
were identified in fecal samples from patients with hemorrhagic colitis, watery diarrhea, or hemolytic-uremic syndrome and from food-borne outbreaks.
Modified Colorimetric Assay for Susceptibility Testing of Azole Antifungal Drugs against
Candida
Species
Authors: Chen Jian , Wan Zhe , Li Ruoyu 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT

We modified a rapid susceptibility assay (RSA) for antifungal susceptibility testing of azoles based upon glucose utilization. This modified RSA method provides quantitative endpoint readings in 6 h. In this study, the modified RSA and the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards M27-A methods were used to determine the MICs of fluconazole and itraconazole for 118
Candida
isolates. Yeast nitrogen base containing 0.12 g of glucose per liter was used for the modified RSA method. For fluconazole, agreement among assays within one or two twofold dilutions was 72.9 and 88.1%, respectively; for itraconazole, agreement within one or two twofold dilutions was 82.2 and 89.8%, respectively. These data suggest that the modified RSA method is a reliable and rapid method for azole antifungal susceptibility testing against
Candida
species.
Establishment of an Active Laboratory-Based Surveillance for Bacterial Meningitis in Croatia and Molecular Characterization of
Neisseria meningitidis
Isolates Causing Meningococcal Disease That Were Collected in the Year 2000, the First Year of Activity
Authors: Boras A. , Jeren T. , Sacchi C. T. , Schmink S. , Bozinovic D. , Barsic B. , Rosenstein N. E. , Popovic T. 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT

In 2000, 23
Neisseria meningitidis
(meningococcal [Men]) isolates were collected in Croatia through an active laboratory-based surveillance for bacterial meningitis (17 Men serogroup B [MenB], 4 MenC, 1 MenW135, and 1 nongroupable isolate). Molecular characterization revealed a substantial level of diversity with only six isolates belonging to electrophoretic type 5 (ET-5) and ET-37 hypervirulent complexes.
Furunculosis Due to
Mycobacterium mageritense
Associated with Footbaths at a Nail Salon
Authors: Gira Amy K. , Reisenauer Amy H. , Hammock Lauren , Nadiminti Uma , Macy Jonathan T. , Reeves Ariane , Burnett Cindy , Yakrus Mitchell A. , Toney Sean , Jensen Bette J. , Blumberg Henry M. , Caughman S. Wright , Nolte Frederick S. 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT

We report two cases of lower-extremity furunculosis caused by
Mycobacterium mageritense
. Both patients were patrons of the same nail salon, where they received footbaths prior to pedicures.
M. mageritense
bacteria isolated from two whirlpool footbaths were determined to be closely related to the patient isolates by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.
Intraocular Detection of
Bartonella henselae
in a Patient with HLA-B27 Uveitis
Authors: Drancourt Michel , Bodaghi Bahram , Lepidi Hubert , Le Hoang Phuc , Raoult Didier 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT

Bartonella henselae
uveitis was diagnosed in a 40-year-old woman with underlying HLA-B27 uveitis on the basis of immunodetection and molecular detection of the organism, a Marseilles genogroup and a CAL-1 genotype strain, in the vitreous fluid. This case illustrates that
B. henselae
should be included in the differential diagnosis of uveitis and the usefulness of immunodetection for rapid and specific diagnosis.
Mycotic Aneurysm Caused byStreptococcus constellatussubsp.constellatus
Authors: Chiang Wen-Chu , Tsai Jui-Chang , Chen Shey-Ying , Hsu Chiung-Yuan , Wu Chen-Tu , Teng Lee-Jene , Hsueh Po-Ren 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACTAn infected mycotic aneurysm due toStreptococcus constellatussubsp.constellatushas not previously been reported. We report on this condition in an 87-year-old woman who had aggravating abdominal pain and a large fusiform aneurysm over the thoracic-abdominal aorta with mural thrombus. Isolates from two sets of blood cultures and the debrided tissue were identified asS. constellatussubsp.constellatusby their biochemical reaction profiles, compatible 16S rRNA gene sequencing results, and sequencing results for the partialgroESLgene and the 16S-23S intergenic spacer region.
Detection of
Atopobium vaginae
in Postmenopausal Women by Cultivation-Independent Methods Warrants Further Investigation
Authors: Burton Jeremy P. , Devillard Estelle , Cadieux Peter A. , Hammond Jo-Anne , Reid Gregor 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT

We sequenced 16S rRNA genes from the vaginal swab contents of a postmenopausal woman with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV). Sequences from
Atopobium vaginae
were the most commonly detected. In a survey of 35 other postmenopausal women, this organism was detected in 44% with BV but not in any subjects deemed healthy.
Genotyping and Antifungal Susceptibility Profile of
Dipodascus capitatus
Isolates Causing Disseminated Infection in Seven Hematological Patients of a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Gadea Ignacio , Cuenca-Estrella Manuel , Prieto Elena , Diaz-Guerra Teresa M. , Garcia-Cia Jose I. , Mellado Emilia , Tomas Jose F. , Rodriguez-Tudela Juan L. 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT

Seven cases of disseminated infection due to
Dipodascus capitatus
are reported. Infections occurred in a hematological unit of a tertiary hospital during a period of 5 years. Five cases were refractory to antifungal therapy. Antifungal susceptibility testing of seven isolates was performed, and strains were typed by PCR fingerprinting with the core sequence of phage M13 and by random amplification of polymorphic DNA with two primers, Ap12h and W-80A. A very short range of MICs of each antifungal agent was observed. The MICs of amphotericin B ranged between 0.50 and 2 μg/ml. Strains were susceptible in vitro to flucytosine and susceptible (dose-dependent) to fluconazole and itraconazole. Voriconazole exhibited an activity in vitro comparable to that of itraconazole. Typing techniques allowed seven additional isolates of
D. capitatus
neither geographically nor temporally related to be classified into two different genomic patterns. The genomic type of the seven strains from the hematological unit was identical regardless of typing technique utilized. It would indicate that the seven cases of disseminated infection could be related epidemiologically.
Chryseomonas luteola
Identified as the Source of Serious Infections in a Moroccan University Hospital
Authors: Chihab Wafae , Alaoui Ahmed S. , Amar Mohamed 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT

Chryseomonas luteola
has only rarely been reported as a human bacterial pathogen. It has been shown that this organism in particular affects patients with health or indwelling disorders. Most reported cases showed septicemia, meningitis, endocarditis, or peritonitis. Two
C. luteola
infections observed in Morocco are described in the present study.
Linezolid-Resistant
Enterococcus faecalis
Isolated from a Cord Blood Transplant Recipient
Authors: Dibo Imad , Pillai Satish K. , Gold Howard S. , Baer Maria R. , Wetzler Meir , Slack James L. , Hazamy Peggy A. , Ball Donna , Hsiao Chiu Bin , McCarthy Philip L. , Segal Brahm H. 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACT

We report a linezolid-resistant
Enterococcus faecalis
infection in a cord blood stem cell transplant recipient previously treated with linezolid for bloodstream infections by vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Sequencing showed a G2576U mutation in the 23S rRNA gene. Because of the important niche of linezolid in cancer treatment, linezolid-resistant
E. faecalis
is noteworthy.
Dopamine Receptor Expression and Function in Clinically Nonfunctioning Pituitary Tumors: Comparison with the Effectiveness of Cabergoline Treatment
Authors: Pivonello Rosario , Matrone Carmela , Filippella Mariagiovanna , Cavallo Luigi M. , Di Somma Carolina , Cappabianca Paolo , Colao Annamaria , Annunziato Lucio , Lombardi Gaetano 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was to correlate dopamine receptors and D2 isoform expression with the cabergoline effect on α-subunit secretion in vitro and tumor mass in vivo in clinically nonfunctioning pituitary tumors.Eighteen patients were subjected to neurosurgery, and a tumor sample was used for dopamine receptor and D2 isoform expression evaluation by RT-PCR and the in vitro functional studies. After neurosurgery, nine of 18 patients with persistent tumor were treated with cabergoline and tumor mass was evaluated before and after 1 yr treatment.D2 receptor was expressed in 67% of cases. D2long was found in 50%, D2short in 17%, and both D2 isoforms in 33% of cases. D4 receptor was also expressed in 17% of cases. The in vitro inhibition of α-subunit concentration was found in 56% of cases and was associated with D2 expression (χ2 = 5.6; P &lt; 0.05). After 1 yr of cabergoline treatment, tumor shrinkage was evident in 56% of patients and was associated with D2 expression (χ2 = 5.6; P &lt; 0.05). The expression of D2short rather than D2long isoform is associated with the most favorable response of the tumor to cabergoline treatment.In conclusion, this study demonstrates D2 receptor expression and function in nearly 70% of cases, suggesting a role of this drug in the treatment schedule of clinically nonfunctioning pituitary tumors.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 Expression Is Associated with Growth Stimulation of T47D Human Breast Cancer Cells: The Role of Altered Epidermal Growth Factor Signaling
Authors: Butt Alison J. , Martin Janet L. , Dickson Kristie A. , McDougall Fiona , Firth Sue M. , Baxter Robert C. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 has antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on the growth of human breast cancer cells in vitro. However, clinical studies suggest that high levels of IGFBP-3 in breast tumor tissue are associated with large, highly proliferative tumors. In this study, we examined the effects of stable transfection with human IGFBP-3 cDNA on the growth of T47D human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Expression of IGFBP-3 initially inhibited the growth of T47D in vitro but was associated with enhanced growth in vivo. Furthermore, IGFBP-3-expressing cells in vitro became growth stimulated at higher passages post transfection, suggesting breast cancer cells may switch their response to IGFBP-3 with increasing tumorigenicity. These stimulatory effects observed in IGFBP-3-expressing cells were associated with an enhanced responsiveness to the proliferative effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF). When EGF receptor (EGFR) kinase activity was blocked using PD153035, high passage IGFBP-3 transfectants were growth inhibited compared with controls treated with inhibitor. These findings suggest that the interaction between IGFBP-3 and the EGFR system is central to whether IGFBP-3 acts as a growth stimulator or inhibitor in breast cancer cells and that therapies targeting EGFR may have increased efficacy in breast tumors expressing high levels of IGFBP-3.
Change in Estradiol and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone across the Early Menopausal Transition: Effects of Ethnicity and Age
Authors: Randolph John F. , Sowers MaryFran , Bondarenko Irina V. , Harlow Siobán D. , Luborsky Judith L. , Little Roderick J. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Serum reproductive hormone concentrations were measured longitudinally in a community-based, multiethnic population of midlife women to assess whether ethnic differences exist in the patterns of change in estradiol (E2) and FSH and, if so, whether these differences are explained by host characteristics. We studied 3257 participants from seven clinical sites in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) who were aged 42–52 yr at baseline and self-identified as African American (28.2%), Caucasian (47.1%), Chinese (7.7%), Hispanic (8.4%), or Japanese (8.6%). E2 and FSH were assayed in serum collected primarily in the early follicular phase of a spontaneous menstrual cycle in three consecutive annual visits. The primary explanatory variables included in repeated-measures regression analyses were race/ethnicity, menopausal status, age, body mass index (BMI), day of the cycle, smoking, parity, socioeconomic status, study site, and the self-report of diabetes at baseline.
At the baseline visit, 46.2% of the women were classified as being early perimenopausal, with the remaining being premenopausal. By the second follow-up visit, 5.5% of the women in that cohort were postmenopausal, 66.8% were early perimenopausal, 8.3% were late perimenopausal, and 19.4% remained premenopausal.
Serum E2 concentrations decreased significantly with age, with a steeper decline at higher ages. FSH concentrations increased significantly with age, with a steeper increase at higher ages. Similar patterns in the decline of E2 and the increase in FSH with age were found across ethnic groups, but the levels of these hormones differed by race/ethnicity. Specifically, over time, Chinese and Japanese women had lower E2 concentrations but similar FSH levels, compared with Caucasian women, and African American women had higher FSH concentrations but comparable E2 levels with those of Caucasian women. These ethnic differences in E2 and FSH were independent of menopausal status. The effect of BMI on serum E2 and FSH levels varied by menopausal status. Increasing BMI was associated with decreasing concentrations of E2 among premenopausal and early perimenopausal women but was associated with increasing concentrations of E2 among late perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Increasing BMI was associated with decreasing concentrations of FSH, with the effect of BMI becoming larger as women transitioned through menopause.
We conclude that serum E2 levels decrease and FSH concentrations increase with increasing age in midlife women, that ethnic differences in E2 over time differ from ethnic differences in FSH and suggest ethnic differences in the pituitary-ovarian relationship, and that the effect of BMI on E2 and FSH concentrations varies by menopausal status.