bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiplex PCR Assay for Detection of Bacterial Pathogens Associated with Warm-Water Streptococcosis in Fish
Authors: Mata A. I. , Gibello A. , Casamayor A. , Blanco M. M. , Domínguez L. , Fernández-Garayzábal J. F. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

A multiplex PCR-based method was designed for the simultaneous detection of the main pathogens involved in warm-water streptococcosis in fish (
Streptococcus iniae
,
Streptococcus difficilis
,
Streptococcus parauberis
, and
Lactococcus garvieae
). Each of the four pairs of oligonucleotide primers exclusively amplified the targeted gene of the specific microorganism. The sensitivity of the multiplex PCR using purified DNA was 25 pg for
S. iniae
, 12.5 pg for
S. difficilis
, 50 pg for
S. parauberis
, and 30 pg for
L. garvieae
. The multiplex PCR assay was useful for the specific detection of the four species of bacteria not only in pure culture but also in inoculated fish tissue homogenates and naturally infected fish. Therefore, this method could be a useful alternative to the culture-based method for the routine diagnosis of warm-water streptococcal infections in fish.
Detection Rate and Antigenic Specificities of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies in Chinese Patients with Clinically Suspected Vasculitis
Authors: Xin Gang , Zhao Ming-hui , Wang Hai-yan 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

The detection rate of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in Chinese patients with clinically suspected small vessel vasculitis was investigated, and their antigen specificity and demographic features were analyzed. A number of sera (
n
= 5,604) sent to our referral laboratory for ANCA screening were tested by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for myeloperoxidase (MPO)- and proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA. Then the IIF-ANCA-positive sera that were negative for MPO- and PR3-ANCA were further tested by antigen-specific ELISA by using other five highly purified known ANCA antigens as solid-phase ligands. The known antigens included bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI), human leukocyte elastase (HLE), lactoferrin, cathepsin G, and azurocidins. Of the 5,604 sera, 267 (4.76%) sera were IIF-ANCA positive and 390 (7%) were antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive in the IIF assay. Of the IIF-positive samples, 213 were anti-MPO positive, 32 were anti-PR3 positive, and five cases were positive for both. Of the 48 sera positive for IIF-ANCA but negative for MPO- and PR3-ANCA, 13 sera (27%) recognized other target antigens, 7 sera recognized BPI, 5 recognized HLE, 1 recognize cathepsin G, and 1 recognized azurocidin. None of the sera recognized lactoferrin, and one serum sample recognized both BPI and HLE. The majority of ANCA-positive patients presented in summer or winter. There was no difference in gender (male/female ratio, 1:1.12) in ANCA-positive patients with a mean age of 53.1 years. The male/female ratio was 1.17:1 for patients over 60 years of age; however, it was 1:4 for patients under 20 years of age. We conclude that ANCA-related diseases are not rare in China, and the major antigens are MPO and PR3. When the IIF technique is used to detect ANCA, ANA should be carefully distinguished.
Comparison of Different Criteria for Interpretation of Immunoglobulin G Immunoblotting Results for Diagnosis of
Helicobacter pylori
Infection
Authors: Lepper Philipp M. , Möricke Angelika , Vogt Konstanze , Bode Günter , Trautmann Matthias 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

Gastric infection with
Helicobacter pylori
is one of the most common chronic infections in humans, causing substantial morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of
H. pylori
infection usually involves upper endoscopy with biopsy since the only noninvasive method of comparable accuracy, the [
13
C]urea breath test, requires technical equipment that is not available in most gastroenterological units. Serological methods for detection of
H. pylori
infection have reached sufficient accuracy to be used as screening tests before endoscopy or for seroepidemiological surveys. In the present study we evaluated different interpretation criteria for use with immunoglobulin G immunoblotting for the diagnosis of
H. pylori
infection. We applied five different sets of interpretation criteria, four of which had been published previously, to the Western blot results of 294 patients with different gastrointestinal symptoms. Since it is known that less than 2% of patients who are infected with
H. pylori
fail to seroconvert, an optimally sensitive Western blotting system should be able to detect approximately 98% of active infections. When the different criteria were applied to our patient population, it became apparent that the abilities of the systems to detect active
H. pylori
infection were quite varied. The results for the sensitivity and specificity, according to the different applied criteria, ranged from 62.8 to 95.9% and from 85.7 to 100.0%, respectively. Positive predictive values and negative predictive values, according to the published criteria, ranged from 97.2 to 100.0% and from 37.7 to 82.4%, respectively. Recommendations for the optimal use of the different interpretation criteria are discussed.
Enhanced Surfactant Protein and Defensin mRNA Levels and Reduced Viral Replication during Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 Pneumonia in Neonatal Lambs
Authors: Grubor Branka , Gallup Jack M. , Meyerholz David K. , Crouch Erika C. , Evans Richard B. , Brogden Kim A. , Lehmkuhl Howard D. , Ackermann Mark R. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT
Defensins and surfactant protein A (SP-A) and SP-D are antimicrobial components of the pulmonary innate immune system. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which parainfluenza type 3 virus infection in neonatal lambs alters expression of sheep beta-defensin 1 (SBD-1), SP-A, and SP-D, all of which are constitutively transcribed by respiratory epithelia. Parainfluenza type 3 viral antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the bronchioles of all infected lambs 3 days postinoculation and at diminished levels 6 days postinoculation, but it was absent 17 days postinoculation. At all times postinoculation, lung homogenates from parainfluenza type 3 virus-inoculated animals had increased SBD-1, SP-A, and SP-D mRNA levels as detected by fluorogenic real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Protein levels of SP-A in lung homogenates detected by quantitative-competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and protein antigen of SP-A detected by IHC were not altered. These studies demonstrate that parainfluenza type 3 virus infection results in enhanced expression of constitutively transcribed innate immune factors expressed by respiratory epithelia and that this increased expression occurs concurrently with decreased viral replication.
Caspase Inhibitors Attenuate Superantigen-Induced Inflammatory Cytokines, Chemokines, and T-Cell Proliferation
Authors: Krakauer Teresa 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT
Proinflammatory cytokines mediate the toxic effect of superantigenic staphylococcal exotoxins (SE). A pan-caspase inhibitor suppressed SE-stimulated T-cell proliferation and the production of cytokines and chemokines by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These data suggest that caspase inhibitors may represent a novel therapeutic modality for treating SE-induced toxic shock.
Quetiapine Treatment for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Patients with Senile Dementia of Alzheimer Type
Authors: Fujikawa Tokumi , Takahashi Terumichi , Kinoshita Akiko , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Kurata Akiko , Yamashita Hidehisa , Yamawaki Shigeto 
Published: May 2004

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of quetiapine in the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in patients with senile dementia of Alzheimer type (SDAT). Sixteen SDAT patients with BPSD were recruited and quetiapine (25– 200 mg/day) was prescribed for 8 weeks. BPSD were evaluated with the Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale (BEHAVE-AD) and Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) at week 0 (baseline) and week 8 (endpoint). The severity of the extrapyramidal symptoms was also assessed by the Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale (DIEPSS) at baseline and endpoint. Significant improvements were seen in the CMAI total score and in the BEHAVE-AD subscales of delusions, activity disturbances, aggressiveness, diurnal rhythm disturbances and in the BEHAVE-AD overall severity. There was no significant difference between the baseline and endpoint in the DIEPSS score. These data indicate that quetiapine is effective in controlling BPSD with favorable adverse-event profiles.
Rapid D-dimer test combined a clinical model for deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Friera Alfonsa , Artieda Pilar , Caballero Paloma , Moliní Pilar , Morales Marta , Suárez Carmen , Ruiz-Giménez Nuria ,   Thromboembolic Disease Group4
Published: May 2004

SummaryAn optimal approach to the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in lower limbs in the emergency department is still unknown. In this prospective cohort study, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the widely available plasma D-dimer test (VIDAS) and establish the usefulness of combining D-dimer testing with a clinical model to reduce the need for serial ultrasonographies and improve the diagnostic strategy of DVT. We performed a cohort study in 383 consecutive outpatients referred to the emergency department of Hospital La Princesa, with clinical suspicion of DVT. The patients were stratified into three pre-test probability categories using an explicit clinical model (Wells score), and underwent a quantitative automated ELISA D-dimer assay (VIDAS D-Dimer® bioMérieux). Patients were managed according to the diagnostic strategy based on clinical probability and compression ultrasonography (CU). Patients for whom DVT was considered a high pre-test probability with negative ultrasonographic findings in the initial CU, returned the following week for repeat ultrasonography. All patients with DVT excluded did not receive anticoagulant therapy, and were followed up for three months to monitor the development of venous thromboembolic complications. DVT was confirmed in 102 patients (26.6%): 95 in the initial test, four in the second test, and three who developed venous thromboembolic complications in the three-month follow-up period. The calculated D-dimer cut-off level was 1 µg/ml. One hundred patients (98%) with DVT had positive D-dimer. D-dimer had a sensitivity of 98% and a negative predictive value of 98.6%. Among the high-probability patients with positive D-dimer tests and initial negative CU, 9.75% had DVT on repeat CU at one week. The study results suggest that the addition of VIDAS D-dimer to this diagnostic algorithm could improve the management of patients with suspected DVT in daily practice. A diagnostic approach of DVT based on D-dimer (cut-off ≥1 μg/ml) as the first diagnostic tool for the exclusion of DVT, and the clinical probability model as the tool that identifies those patients requiring a second ultrasonography is useful and suitable for daily medical practice.
P-cresol, a uremic retention solute, alters the endothelial barrier function in vitro
Authors: Dou Laetitia , Anfosso Francine , Sabatier Florence , Moal Valérie , Glorieux Griet , De Smet Rita , Vanholder Raymond , Dignat-George Françoise , Sampol José , Berland Yvon , Brunet Philippe , Cerini Claire 
Published: May 2004

SummaryPatients with chronic renal failure (CRF) exhibit endothelial dysfunction, which may involve uremic retention solutes that accumulate in blood and tissues. In this study, we investigated the in vitro effect of the uremic retention solute p-cresol on the barrier function of endothelial cells (HUVEC). P-cresol was tested at concentrations found in CRF patients, and since p-cresol is protein-bound, experiments were performed with and without physiological concentration of human albumin (4 g/dl).With albumin, we showed that p-cresol caused a strong increase in endothelial permeability after a 24-hour exposure. Concomitant with this increase in endothelial permeability, p-cresol induced a reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and an alteration of adherens junctions. These molecular events were demonstrated by the decreased staining of cortical actin, associated with the formation of stress fibers across the cell, and by the decreased staining of junctional VE-cadherin. This decrease in junctional VE-cadherin staining was not associated with a reduction of membrane expression. Without albumin, the effects of p-cresol were more pronounced. The specific Rho kinase inhibitor, Y-27632, inhibited the effects of p-cresol, indicating that p-cresol mediates the increase in endothelial permeability in a Rho kinase-dependent way. In conclusion, these results show that p-cresol causes a severe dysfunction of endothelial barrier function in vitro and suggest this uremic retention solute may participate in the endothelium dysfunction observed in CRF patients.
Impaired fibrinolysis in retinal vein occlusion: a role for genetic determinants of PAI-1 levels
Authors: Marcucci Rossella , Fatini Cinzia , Gensini Francesca , Sticchi Elena , Sodi Andrea , Cappelli Stefania , Menchini Ugo , Gensini Gian , Abbate Rosanna , Prisco Domenico , Gori Anna 
Published: May 2004

SummaryFew and contrasting data are available on the presence of a thrombophilic state in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and we have previously demonstrated a role of elevated PAI-1 activity as a risk factor for this condition. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether PAI 4G/5G and ACE I/D polymorphisms are independent risk factors for RVO and whether they account for elevated PAI-1 activity levels. We studied 112 RVO patients (52 males and 60 females; range 18–83 years; median age 60 years) and 112 healthy subjects (52 males and 60 females; range 20–84 years; median age 57 years). PAI-1 activity was determined by a chromogenic assay and ACE I/D and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction length fragment polymorphism (RLFP) methods. Elevated PAI-1 activity (above 95th percentile of the controls) was significantly associated with RVO at multivariate analysis after adjustment for age, sex, traditional cardiovascular risk factors and haemostasis-related risk factors (OR = 4.93, 95% CI 1.70–14.30; p = 0.003).The homozygosity for ACE DD was found to be an independent risk factor for RVO at multivariate analysis (OR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.013.83; p = 0.049), whereas no significant association between homozygosity for PAI-1 4G4G and risk of RVO was observed. Subjects carrying both ACE DD genotype and PAI-1 4G4G genotype showed an increased risk for RVO at multivariate analysis (OR = 4.82, 95% CI 1.89–12.29; p = 0.001). In 45/112 patients without the established risk factors for RVO (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes) or characteristics known to be associated to increased PAI-1 activity (overweight, hypertriglyceridemia, and smoking habit) the contemporary presence of ACE DD and PAI-1 4G4G genotype was significantly associated with a risk for RVO (OR = 8.26, 95% CI 1.1857.92; p = 0.034). In conclusion, in our study: 1-indicates that ACE DD genotype is a risk factor for RVO in the whole group of patients, and in the subgroup of patients without the established risk factors for RVO or characteristics influencing the PAI-1 activity, when associated to PAI-1 4G4G genotype, and 2-confirms the role of hypofibrinolysis, documented by high levels of PAI-1 activity, in the occurrence of patients with RVO.
Apoptotic-like mitochondrial events associated to phosphatidylserine exposure in blood platelets induced by local anaesthetics
Authors: Augereau Olivier , Rossignol Rodrigue , DeGiorgi Francesca , Mazat Jean-Pierre , Letellier Thierry , Dachary-Prigent Jeanne 
Published: May 2004

SummaryPhosphatidylserine exposure in platelets is required for normal haemostasis and is also a hallmark of apoptosis. It results from activation of a phospholipid scramblase, which has been shown to be differently stimulated by Ca2+-influx and during apoptosis, thus suggesting that mitochondria may be involved in phosphatidylserine exposure in platelets. It is also well known that local anaesthetics can expose phosphatidylserine in platelets and affect the mitochondrial metabolism in other cells. Thus, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the specific involvement of mitochondria in phosphatidylserine exposure in platelets. For this purpose, we stimulated phosphatidylserine exposure by local anaesthetics and avoided any external Ca2+-influx by performing all experiments in the absence of added Ca2+. We report that phosphatidylserine exposure, induced by the lipophilic local anaesthetics dibucaine and tetracaine, was accompanied by depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, cytochrome c release, calpain-processing of caspases 9 and 3 to active enzymes, as well as a prolonged increase in both cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ concentrations. In contrast, in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, the Ca2+-ionophore A23187 induced a smaller transient increase in both cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ concentrations, but did not induce any other phenomena, nor phosphatidylserine exposure. However, phosphatidylserine exposure and depolarization induced by dibucaine still occurred in spite of inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ elevation. Thus we conclude that phosphatidylserine exposure in platelets is associated with mitochondrial apoptotic-like events. Therefore, we propose that mitochondria engagement in an apoptotic pathway in platelets could lead to PS exposure without the participation of Ca2+.
Coagulation activation in young survivors of myocardial infarction (MI) - a population-based case-control study
Authors: Børvik Trond , Sandset Per , Bønaa Kaare , Nordøy Arne , Hansen John-Bjarne , Brodin Ellen 
Published: May 2004

SummaryFormation of an occlusive thrombus by exposure of tissue factor (TF) to circulating blood and subsequent triggering of coagulation by TF-FVIIa complexes on ruptured atherosclerotic plaques is thought to be a key event in acute MI. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is a potent inhibitor of TF-induced coagulation by neutralizing FXa and inhibiting the TF-FVIIa complex. A case control study was conducted to investigate the role of coagulation activation in MI. Sixty-two patients with verified MI, 40-60 yrs of age, were recruited into the study and examined 1-4 years after the acute coronary event. Thrombinantithrombin complex (TAT) was significantly increased in MI patients (8.2 ± 12.9 µg/l vs. 3.9 ± 2.6 µg/l, p=0.01). In contrast, FVIIa was lower in MI patients (41 ± 13 mU/ml vs. 48 ± 15 mU/ml, p=0.003) accompanied by an increase in plasma free TFPI antigen (20.9 ± 5.0 ng/ml vs. 19.2 ± 4.9 ng/ml, p=0.03). Significant trends for increase in triglycerides and total cholesterol across quartiles of free TFPI Ag were found in both groups, whereas HDL cholesterol decreased across quartiles of TFPI among control subjects. The compensatory increase in plasma free TFPI with established lipid and haemostatic risk factors were abrogated in the MI patients. An apparent increase in the basal activation of the coagulation system was observed in young patients with MI. Enhanced coagulation activation was accompanied by a decrease in FVIIa and increase in free TFPI Ag, probably reflecting a modest triggering of TF-induced coagulation in these patients.
Admission troponin T, advanced age and male gender identify patients with improved myocardial tissue perfusion after abciximab administration for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Lehrke Stephanie , Katus Hugo , Giannitsis Evangelos 
Published: May 2004

SummaryThe aim was to investigate the effect of abciximab on microvascular perfusion in different subgroups of patients undergoing direct PCI for acute STEMI. We enrolled 145 consecutive patients with TIMI grade 3 flow after direct PCI for acute STEMI. The GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor abciximab was administered in 57 patients (39.3%). Myocardial perfusion was the primary outcome measure and was assessed by analysis of cardiac troponin T wash-out. Treatment effects on myocardial perfusion and clinical outcome were tested for predefined subgroups including patients with an admission cTnT > 0.1µg/L, diabetes mellitus, male gender, age > 70 years, and time from symptom onset to reperfusion > 6 hours. A significant improvement of cTnT washout was seen in patients with an admission cTnT ≥ 0.1 µg/L, in males and in older patients. Improved tissue level reperfusion did not translate into a significant reduction of cardiac mortality or the incidence of the combined endpoint consisting of cardiac death, nonfatal reinfarction and need for target vessel revascularisation during 30 dayand long-term follow-up (mean 274 days). In conclusion, adjunctive administration of abciximab improves myocardial perfusion in patients with normal epicardial flow after direct PCI, particularly in patients with an cTnT > 0.1µg/L on admission, age over 70 years and male gender.
Therapeutic effect of diagnostic ultrasound on enzymatic thrombolysis
Authors: Lupi Cristiana , Lazzerini Guido , Chiarelli Piero , L’Abbate Antonio , Rovai Daniele , Basta Giuseppina 
Published: May 2004

SummaryIf delivered at elevated intensity, ultrasound potentiates enzymatic clot dissolution; however, an elevated acoustic intensity damages vascular wall and favors reocclusion. This study’s aim was to investigate whether exposure to high-frequency, lowintensity ultrasound generated by a diagnostic scanner enhances enzymatic thrombolysis, and if this effect differs in clots from blood of normal subjects and of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Venous blood samples were drawn from 10 healthy volunteers and from 10 CAD patients on chronic medical treatment, which also included aspirin. Each sample generated 2 radiolabelled clots, which were positioned in 2 in vitro models filled with human plasma recirculating at 37°. One clot was exposed to acetyl salicylic acid (60 μg/ml), tissue plasminogen activator (3 μg/ml) and heparin (1 IU/ml), while the other was exposed to the same medications plus ultrasound (2.5 MHz, mechanical index = 1.0) for 3 hours. Enzymatic thrombolysis was measured as solubilization of radiolabel. Normal subjects and patients did not significantly differ as to coagulation parameters, weight, volume and density of the clots, and fibrinolytic activity (p = 0.794). Ultrasound exposure did not influence thrombolysis in clots of normal subjects (p = 0.367), while it enhanced the dissolution of clots of CAD patients (p = 0.013). The enhancement was equal to 51% at 5 minutes, 32% at 15 minutes, 27% at 30 minutes, 20% at 1 hour and 19% at 3 hours (p < 0.05). Diagnostic ultrasound enhances enzymatic dissolution of clots generated from the blood of CAD patients, likely due to chronic treatment and in particular to aspirin.