bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Specific Identification of
Staphylococcus aureus
by Staphychrom II, a Rapid Chromogenic Staphylocoagulase Test
Authors: Fonsale Nathalie , Bes Michèle , Verdier Isabelle , Carricajo Anne , Ploton Christine , Aubert Gérald , Etienne Jerome , Vandenesch François , Freydiere Anne Marie 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

We compared the performance of Staphychrom II (International Microbio, Signes, France), a rapid (2-h) chromogenic staphylocoagulase test that uses human prothrombin and protease inhibitors, with those of the reference tube coagulase test (TCT) and the latex agglutination test (LAT) Slidex Staph Plus for the rapid identification of
S. aureus
. Prospective evaluation with 293 fresh clinical isolates yielded sensitivities, specificities, and predictive and negative predictive values of 98.1, 100, 100, and 95.1%, respectively, for the Staphychrom II test; 98.6, 98.7, 99.6, and 96.3%, respectively, for LAT; and 97.6, 98.7, 99.5, and 93.9%, respectively, for TCT. The perfect specificity of the Staphychrom II test was confirmed by testing 193 collection strains selected because of their potential testing pitfalls. The Staphychrom II test was positive for 90% of the 215
S. aureus
strains tested after only 1 h of incubation. The Staphychrom II test was as sensitive as the reference TCT and was 100% specific.
Evaluation of Advanced Reverse Transcription-PCR Assays and an Alternative PCR Target Region for Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Associated Coronavirus
Authors: Drosten Christian , Chiu Lily-Lily , Panning Marcus , Leong Hoe Nam , Preiser Wolfgang , Tam John S. , Günther Stephan , Kramme Stefanie , Emmerich Petra , Ng Wooi Loon , Schmitz Herbert , Koay Evelyn S. C. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

First-generation reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assays for severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) gave false-negative results in a considerable fraction of patients. In the present study, we evaluated two second-generation, replicase (R) gene-based, real-time RT-PCR test kits—the RealArt HPA coronavirus LC kit (Artus, Hamburg, Germany) and the LightCycler SARS-CoV quantification kit (Roche, Penzberg, Germany)—and a real-time RT-PCR assay for the nucleocapsid (N) gene. Detecting the N-gene RNA might be advantageous due to its high abundance in cells. The kits achieved sensitivities of 70.8% (Artus) and 67.1% (Roche) in 66 specimens from patients with confirmed SARS (samples primarily from the upper and lower respiratory tract and stool). The sensitivity of the N-gene assay was 74.2%. The differences in all of the sensitivities were not statistically significant (
P
= 0.680 [analysis of variance]). Culture cells initially contained five times more N- than R-gene RNA, but the respective levels converged during 4 days of virus replication. In clinical samples the median concentrations of R- and N-gene RNA, respectively, were 1.2 × 10
6
and 2.8 × 10
6
copies/ml (sputum and endotracheal aspirates), 4.3 × 10
4
and 5.5 × 10
4
copies/ml (stool), and 5.5 × 10
2
and 5.2 × 10
2
copies/sample (throat swabs and saliva). Differences between the samples types were significant but not between the types of target RNA. All (
n
= 12) samples from the lower respiratory tract tested positive in all tests. In conclusion, the novel assays are more sensitive than the first-generation tests, but they still do not allow a comprehensive ruling out of SARS. Methods for the routine sampling of sputum without infection risk are needed to improve SARS RT-PCR.
Genetic Variability and Molecular Epidemiology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Subgroup A Strains in Japan Determined by Heteroduplex Mobility Assay
Authors: Kuroiwa Yuki , Nagai Kazushige , Okita Lisa , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT
We used heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA) to determine the genetic variability of 118 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) field isolates from 19 epidemics occurring in a Japanese urban area between 1980 and 2000. Nucleotides 1 to 584 of the attachment G glycoprotein gene were amplified by reverse transcription-PCR, and the PCR amplicons were analyzed by HMA by using the earliest isolate from 1980 as the reference throughout. We also performed PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and phylogenetic analysis on the same nucleotide sequence. PCR-RFLP revealed 9 patterns, whereas HMA produced 31 distinct patterns. The RFLP patterns were divided into two to seven distinct HMA genotypes. Field strains with similar degrees of G gene nucleotide differences from the reference strain often showed distinct HMA types. The RSV genetic heterogeneity detected by direct sequencing of the PCR amplicon was usually identical to HMA analysis. Analysis of the molecular epidemiology of RSV subgroup A isolates obtained by HMA showed that new RSV variants emerged with each epidemic and that previously dominant variants seldom recurred in subsequent epidemics. HMA is useful in detecting genetic variants of RSV subgroup A and has some advantages over other conventional methods.
Molecular Epidemiology of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Viruses in the Adamawa Province of Cameroon
Authors: Bronsvoort B. M. de C. , Radford A. D. , Tanya V. N. , Nfon C. , Kitching R. P. , Morgan K. L. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) causes a highly contagious viral disease of even-toed ungulates and is one of the most important economic diseases of livestock. Most studies of FMDV are done in countries where control measures are being implemented. In contrast, in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, where FMDV is endemic and new strains are likely to emerge, there are only sporadic submissions to the World Reference Laboratory, Pirbright, United Kingdom. This paper describes the molecular epidemiology of FMDV in the Adamawa province of Cameroon based on a population sample of cattle herds. Serotypes SAT2 and A were isolated in the cross-sectional study. SAT2 isolates were all similar, with phylogenetic distances of <6%, and were most closely related to published sequences of isolates from Eritrea and Saudi Arabia. Serotype A isolates were more variable, with phylogenetic distances of 0 to 11%, and were most closely related to historic isolates from Cameroon. Use of a population-based sample gives a representative sample of virus diversity and will improve our understanding of the evolution of FMDV and its epidemiology. A supplementary study of pigs passing through the railhead collection yard at Ngaoundere detected a serotype O virus. A third pilot longitudinal study monitored viral persistence in three cattle herds over 12 months, and serotype O and A viruses were recovered from a herd 12 months after it was first recorded as being infected with SAT2 virus. The pig type O isolate was not closely related to that recovered from the cattle, suggesting that the pigs had not introduced the O virus into the cattle herds.
Use of the BACTEC MYCO/F LYTIC Medium for Detection of
Brucella melitensis
Bacteremia
Authors: Yagupsky Pablo 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

In a prospective volume-controlled study, the sensitivity of the BACTEC MYCO/F LYTIC medium was similar to that of the Peds Plus/F and Plus Aerobic/F vials for detecting
Brucella melitensis
bacteremia, but the time to detection with the MYCO/F LYTIC medium (101.4 ± 46.7 h) was significantly longer than that with the combined comparator media (65.5 ± 18.9 h,
P
= 0.004).
Rapid Detection of Point Mutations in the
gyrA
Gene of
Helicobacter pylori
Conferring Resistance to Ciprofloxacin by a Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer-Based Real-Time PCR Approach
Authors: Glocker Erik , Kist Manfred 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

As a result of the increasing resistance of
Helicobacter pylori
against first-line antibiotics, other drugs, such as quinolones, will be needed for eradication therapy in the future. We developed a real-time PCR to detect mutations in the
gyrA
gene associated with ciprofloxacin resistance of
H. pylori
, thereby contributing to the selection of patients who could be treated by ciprofloxacin-based therapy.
Characterization of
Salmonella enterica
Serotype Typhimurium Isolates from Human, Food, and Animal Sources in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Gorman Rachel , Adley Catherine C. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

A potential epidemic clone of
Salmonella enterica
serotype Typhimurium DT104, and the possible emergence of
S. enterica
serotype Typhimurium DT104b, has been identified from the characterization of 67
S. enterica
serotype Typhimurium strains from three sources, human gastroenteritis isolates, isolates from food samples, and veterinary isolates, by antimicrobial resistance profiling, phage typing, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfonamides, and tetracycline was found in 77.6% of these strains.
Meta-Analysis of BACTEC MGIT 960 and BACTEC 460 TB, with or without Solid Media, for Detection of Mycobacteria
Authors: Cruciani M. , Scarparo C. , Malena M. , Bosco O. , Serpelloni G. , Mengoli C. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT
In a meta-analysis of 10 studies, the BACTEC 960/MGIT and BACTEC 460 systems showed a sensitivity and specificity in detecting mycobacteria (1,381 strains from 14,745 clinical specimens) of 81.5 and 99.6% and 85.8 and 99.9%, respectively. Combined with solid media, the sensitivity of the two systems increased to 87.7 and 89.7%, respectively.
Dominant Factors of Preventing Rhodamine 6G from Dimer Formation in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Igarashi Kaoru , Maeda Mitsuo , Takao Takayuki , Oki Yuji , Kusama Hideaki 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Rhodamine 6G/water/alcohol or carboxylic acid systems were studied. Rhodamine 6G molecules, which tend to associate into nonfluorescent dimers in aqueous solution, were prevented from dimerization by mixing them with organic compounds. It was found that additives with smaller dielectric constants prevented the dye molecules from associating to effectively form dimers. It was found that 2-butanol and isobutyric acid were the most effective additives for dissolving Rhodamine 6G dimer and that the amount demanded to obtain the necessary concentration of monomer in aqueous solution was less than 10%.
Analysis of Reactions between Crown Ethers and Alkali or Alkaline Earth Metal Cations in Aqueous Solutions by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis
Authors: Manege Ludovick C , Takayanagi Toshio , Oshima Mitsuko , Iwachido Tadashi , Motomizu Shoji 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Complex formation constants of six crown ethers, benzo-12-crown-4, benzo-15-crown-5, benzo-18-crown-6, dibenzo-18-crown-6, dibenzo-21-crown-7, and dibenzo-24-crown-8 (B12C4, B15C5, B18C6, DB18C6, DB21C7, and DB24C8, respectively) with alkali and alkaline earth metal cations have been measured in aqueous solutions by capillary zone electrophoresis. The procedure involved the measurement of change in the electrophoretic mobility of the ligands upon increasing the metal ion concentration in the carrier electrolyte solution. A substantial increase in apparent electrophoretic mobility was observed for the crown ethers with increasing concentrations of the metal ions. The variations in increased electrophoretic mobility were attributed to the different stability of the complexes formed between the cations and the crown ether. The complex formation constants obtained with alkali metal cations were in the orders of: K+ &gt; Na+ &gt; Rb+ &gt; Cs+ (B18C6), K+ &gt; Na+ &gt; Rb+ &gt; Cs+ (DB18C6), Rb+ &gt; Cs+ &gt; K+ (DB21C7), and Rb+ &gt; Cs+ (DB24C8); while with alkaline earth metal cations it was: Ba2+ &gt; Sr2+ &gt; Ca2+ (B18C6) and Ba2+ &gt; Sr2+ (DB18C6). All the ligands examined showed no change in their apparent electrophoretic mobility upon changing Li+ and Mg2+ concentrations, indicating less reactivity with the cations. From the results obtained in this study, the electrophoretic method was proved to be preferable for analyzing the reactivity of the crown ethers and the selectivity toward metal cations.
Dimensiosolvatic Effects. VI. Rates of Ionization of 2-Fluoro-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3-dioxolane: Dimensiosolvatic vs. Hydrogen-Bond Effects
Authors: Oki Michinori , Ikeda Hiroshi , Toyota Shinji 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The title compound was prepared by treating 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl acetate with cesium fluoride. Rates of ionization of this compound were determined in various solvents by the dynamic NMR technique. While effects due to polarity as well as solvent molecular size were observed in many solvents examined, the rates in solutions of which the solvent is capable of being an acceptor in hydrogen-bond formation with the substrate were unusually small, and this effect is diminished in bulky solvents. Such results are attributed to stabilization of the original state due to hydrogen-bond formation with the acidic C(2) – H group of the substrate in those solvents. The hydrogen-bond formation is hindered by the steric effects in bulkier solvents than in smaller solvents. The rates of contact ion pair and solvent-separated ion pair formations should be independently determined in 2-fluoro-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3-dioxolane, but so far no clear example which shows that the rate-limiting step is the solvent intervention has been found, even though various bulky solvents were examined.
A Novel Catalysis of [{IrCl(cod)}2] Complex in Organic Syntheses
Authors: Ishii Yasutaka , Sakaguchi Satoshi 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
We have found that the [{IrCl(cod)}2] complex catalyzes several reactions involving three-component couplings, hydrogen migration, vinyl ethers synthesis, and α-alkylation of ketones with alcohols, etc. Thus, the reaction of aldehydes, amines, and alkynes under the influence of a catalytic amount of [{IrCl(cod)}2] complex led to three-component coupling products through a new type of C–H bond activation adjacent to the nitrogen atom of imines. Aziridines were also synthesized by three-component couplings of aldehydes, amines, and ethyl diazoacetate in the presence of a catalytic amount of [{IrCl(cod)}2]. An innovation in the synthesis of vinyl ethers, which are very useful monomer materials in polymer syntheses but have been difficult to synthesize so far, was made by a simple exchange reaction of alcohols with vinyl acetates through a catalytic process using [{IrCl(cod)}2]. A unique α-alkylation of ketones with alcohols was successfully achieved under the influence of [{IrCl(cod)}2] and KOH without any solvents, leading to saturated ketones that elongated the carbon chain. Allyl homoallyl and diallyl ethers were converted by [{IrCl(cod)}2] into γ,δ-unsaturated aldehydes via a Claisen rearrangement of in situ-generated allyl vinyl ethers. These reactions provide a novel synthetic tool for important chemicals like vinyl ethers and ketones, which are practically synthesized in the chemical industry.
Study of ODE Reaction over Binary Rare Earth Oxyfluoride Sm2O3-LaF3 Catalysts
Authors: Luo J Z , Wan H L 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (ODE) reaction has been investigated over Sm2O3-LaF3 and BaF2 promoted Sm2O3-LaF3 catalysts. Over Sm2O3-LaF3(molar ratio=1:1) and 16.7 mol% BaF2/Sm2O3-LaF3(molar ratio=1:1) high C2H4 selectivities of 89.7% and 83.9% were achieved respectively. XRD and XPS characterizations show the electron donating ability of the catalysts are stronger that corresponding rare earth oxide and fluoride. The addition of BaF2 can increase the number of the structure defects that may enhance the electron donating ability and increase the surface adsorbed oxygen concentration, thus should be favorable to improving the catalytic performance. However, the higher concentration of surface adsorbed oxygen is unfavorable for the ethene formation.
Molybdenum- and Tungsten-Catalyzed Allylation of Aromatic Compounds with Allylic Esters and Alcohols
Authors: Shimizu Isao , Sakamoto Toshiaki , Kawaragi Saeko , Maruyama Yooichiro , Yamamoto Akio 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
A novel method to substitute aromatic compounds with allylic groups using oxygen-containing allylic compounds in the presence of molybdenum or tungsten carbonyls under neutral conditions has been developed. The method is applicable to one step synthesis of methyl eugenol.
Modification of TiO2 Microporous Electrode with Quantum-Sized FeS2 Particles
Authors: Fang Jing Huai , Wu Jing Wen , Su Lian Yong , Zhang Xiang Yang , Lu Zu Hong 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Ultrafine FeS2 particles were coated on a TiO2 electrode by low temperature chemical reaction of iron pentacarbonyl with sulfur in xylene. The coating extends both the optical absorption spectrum and the photocurrent action spectrum of TiO2 into visible region by sensitization mechanism. A blue shift observed in both the absorption and photocurrent action spectrum of the FeS2/TiO2 electrode is explained in terms of quantum size effect.
Cleavage Mode of Benzyltributylstannane Radical Cations Produced in Photoinduced Electron Transfer
Authors: Fukuzumi Shunichi , Yasui Kiyomi , Itoh Shinobu 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Cleavage of metal-carbon bond of benzyltributylstannane radical cation produced in photoinduced electron transfer from benzyltributylstannane to 10-methylacridinium ion occurs to give benzyl radical rather than benzyl cation, resulting in formation of 9-benzyl-10-methyl-9,10-dihydroacridine selectively in dehydrated acetonitrile. In the presence of water, however, 10-methyl-9,10-dihydroacridine is also formed via electron transfer from benzyl radical to the dihydroacridine radical cation produced by protonation of acridinyl radical following the initial photoinduced electron transfer.
The Effect of Chromenone Receptors on the Selectivity of the Reaction between Pyrrolidine and 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-(5H)-furanone
Authors: Raposo César , Almaraz Marta , Martín Mercedes , Alcázar Victoria , Caballero Ma Cruz , Morán Joaquín R 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Several chromenone-based receptors have been prepared. Despite the self-association of these hosts in CDCl3 they are able to bind hydroxymethylfuranones with a Kass of around 1000 M−1.
These compounds are able to accelerate the rate of the reaction of butenolide with pyrrolidine together with the increase of the selectivity.
Photochemical Behavior of Indane-1,2,3-trione in Degassed Alcoholic Solutions: Formation of 3-Substituted Phthalides
Authors: Tatsugi Jiro , Hara Tomoaki , Izawa Yasuji 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Irradiation of indane-1,2,3-trione in degassed alcoholic solutions affords 3-alkoxycarbonylphthalides as the major product together with 3-alkoxyphthalides. 3-Alkoxycarbonylphthalides may be derived from the reaction between alcohols and the spirooxiranone intermediate, generated photochemically by cleavage of the bond between two carbonyl groups of indane-1,2,3-trione via a cyclobutenone biradical derivative.
Superior Dehydration of CH3OH over Double Layer Bed of Solid Acid Catalysts —A Novel Approach for Dimethyl Ether (DME) Synthesis
Authors: Roh Hyun-Seog , Jun Ki-Won , Kim Jae-Woo , Vishwanathan Venkataraman 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
A novel catalyst bed packed with two layers of γ-Al2O3 and Na-H-ZSM-5 showed an outstanding CH3OH dehydration activity, total selectivity to DME and longer stability during the reaction time. The TPD of NH3 confirmed that appropriate amounts of Na-impregnation on H-ZSM-5 drastically reduced the strong acid-sites resulting in 100% selectivity to DME.
Gestational treatment with cocaine and fluoxetine alters oxytocin receptor number and binding affinity in lactating rat dams
Authors: Johns Josephine M. , Lubin Deborah A. , Walker Cheryl H. , Joyner Paul , Middleton Christopher , Hofler Vivian , McMurray Matthew 
Published: May 2004

AbstractCocaine administered chronically throughout gestation has been correlated with deficits in maternal behavior, increased maternal aggressive behavior and decreased oxytocin levels in rats. In addition to its effects on oxytocin levels, cocaine is a potent serotonergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor. Alterations in the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems have been suggested as possibly having a role in cocaine‐induced maternal aggression. This study was in part, an attempt to understand some of the mechanisms by which cocaine increases postpartum aggression, particularly as they relate to changes in the oxytocin system.Oxytocin receptor number and binding affinity in the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus, ventral tegmental area, hippocampus and amygdala were determined for lactating rat dams on postpartum day 6 (PPD 6) that were gestationally treated with cocaine, fluoxetine, saline or an amfonelic acid/fluoxetine drug combination. Cocaine and fluoxetine treatment both resulted in a significant up‐regulation of oxytocin receptor number and lower receptor affinity in the amygdala of lactating rat dams compared to saline controls and the amfonelic acid/fluoxetine combination treatment group. Cocaine treatment also resulted in a significant down‐regulation of oxytocin receptors in the medial preoptic area and both cocaine and fluoxetine treated dams had the highest affinity for oxytocin receptors in this brain region. Results of the present study support previous data indicating that alterations in oxytocinergic and perhaps serotonergic system dynamics in the amygdala may play a role in cocaine‐induced postpartum aggression.
Growth factor pre‐treatment differentially regulates phosphoinositide turnover downstream of lysophospholipid receptor and metabotropic glutamate receptors in cultured rat cerebrocortical astrocytes
Authors: Rao Tadimeti S. , Lariosa‐Willingham Karen D. , Lin Fen‐Fen , Yu Naichen , Tham Chui‐Se , Chun Jerold , Webb Michael 
Published: May 2004

AbstractReactive gliosis is an aspect of neural plasticity and growth factor (GF) stimulation of astrocytes in vitro is widely regarded as a model system to study astrocyte plasticity. Astrocytes express receptors for several ligands including lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), agonists for the G‐protein‐coupled lysophospholipid receptors (lpRs). Activation of lpRs by LPA or S1P leads to multiple pharmacological effects including the influx of calcium, phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis, phosphorylation of extracellular receptor regulated kinase (ERK), release of arachidonic acid, and induces mitogenesis. Treatment of astrocytes in vitro with a growth factor cocktail (containing epidermal growth factor [EGF], basic fibroblast growth factor [bFGF] and insulin) led to a marked attenuation of lpR‐induced PI hydrolysis. In contrast, under identical conditions, GF treatment led to marked potentiation of PI hydrolysis downstream of activation of another abundantly expressed G‐protein coupled receptor, mGluR5. Quantitative gene expression analysis of GF‐treated or control astrocytes by TaqMan RT‐PCR indicated that GF treatment did not change gene expression of lpa1 and s1p1, but increased gene expression of s1p5 which is expressed at very low levels in basal conditions. These results suggest that GF differentially affected PLC activation downstream of mGluR5 versus lpR activation and that the changes in mRNA levels of lpRs do not account for marked attenuation of agonist‐induced phosphoinositide turnover.