bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Invasive Infections Caused byTrichosporonSpecies andGeotrichum capitatumin Patients with Hematological Malignancies: a Retrospective Multicenter Study from Italy and Review of the Literature
Authors: Girmenia Corrado , Pagano Livio , Martino Bruno , D'Antonio Domenico , Fanci Rosa , Specchia Giorgina , Melillo Lorella , Buelli Massimo , Pizzarelli Giampaolo , Venditti Mario , Martino Pietro 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACTTrichosporonosis is an uncommon but frequently fatal mycosis in immunocompromised patients. A multicenter retrospective study was conducted to characterize cases of proven or probable invasive trichosporonosis diagnosed over the past 20 years in Italian patients with hematological diseases. Of the 52 cases identified, 17 were classified asTrichosporonsp. infections and 35 were attributed toGeotrichum capitatum. Acute myeloid leukemia accounted for 65.4% of the cases. The incidence rates ofTrichosporonsp. andG. capitatuminfections in acute leukemia patients were 0.4 and 0.5%, respectively. Overall, 76.9% of cases had positive blood cultures. Pulmonary involvement was documented in 26.9% of cases. Death was reported for 57.1% ofG. capitatuminfections and for 64.7% ofTrichosporonsp. infections. A literature review on trichosporonosis in patients with any underlying disease or condition revealsG. capitatumas a predominantly European pathogen, particularly in certain Mediterranean areas, whileTrichosporonsp. infections are seen with similar frequencies on all continents. The majority of publishedTrichosporonsp. andG. capitatuminfections occurred in patients with hematological diseases (62.8 and 91.7%, respectively). Well over half of these were suffering from acute leukemia (68 and 84% of patients withTrichosporonsp. andG. capitatuminfections, respectively). Crude mortality rates were 77% forTrichosporonspp. and 55.7% forG. capitatum. The optimal therapy for trichosporonosis has yet to be identified; however, in vitro experiences are providing encouraging evidence of the potential role of the new triazoles, in particular, voriconazole.
Epidemiology of Emerging Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) in Denmark: a Nationwide Study in a Country with Low Prevalence of MRSA Infection
Authors: Faria Nuno A. , Oliveira Duarte C. , Westh Henrik , Monnet Dominique L. , Larsen Anders R. , Skov Robert , de Lencastre Hermínia 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

Strict infection control measures introduced during the 1970s have kept the incidence of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) infections extremely low in Denmark. Nevertheless, similarly to other countries, MRSA infections began to appear in the community in the late 1990s. A nationwide surveillance program has collected and stored all MRSA isolates since 1988 and, since 1999, clinical information has been also recorded. We used this information and isolates in a detailed epidemiological and molecular analysis of the 81 MRSA infections identified in Denmark in 2001. MRSA isolates were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE),
spa
typing, multilocus sequence typing, and SCC
mec
typing. Comparison of the 45 community-onset MRSA (CO-MRSA) infections with the 36 hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA) infections showed several striking contrasts. Most CO-MRSA were recovered from skin and soft tissue infections caused by isolates carrying the Panton-Valentine leucocidin toxin genes, and the majority (84%) of isolates belonged to a single clonal type, ST80-IV, which has been found in the community in other European countries. Clone ST80-IV could be traced in Denmark back to 1993. ST80-IV was rarely found in HA-MRSA infections, which belonged to a large number of clonal types, including some pandemic MRSA clones. The low number of HA-MRSA infections and the diversity of MRSA clones in Danish hospitals may be the result of successful infection control measures that prevent spread of clones in hospitals. The mechanism of spread of the ST80-IV clone in the Danish community is not known, and new control measures are needed to control further spread of this and other CA-MRSA clones.
Molecular Identification of Mumps Virus Genotypes from Clinical Samples: Standardized Method of Analysis
Authors: Palacios G. , Jabado O. , Cisterna D. , de Ory F. , Renwick N. , Echevarria J. E. , Castellanos A. , Mosquera M. , Freire M. C. , Campos R. H. , Lipkin W. I. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACTA sensitive nested reverse transcription-PCR assay, targeting a short fragment of the gene encoding the small hydrophobic protein (SH gene), was developed to allow rapid characterization of mumps virus in clinical samples. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were established using representative genotypes A, B, C, D, E, and F. Mumps virus RNA was characterized directly from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples and in extracts of mumps virus isolates from patients with various clinical syndromes. Direct sequencing of products and subsequent phylogenetic analysis enabled genetic classification. A simple web-based system of sequence analysis was established. The study also allowed characterization of mumps virus strains from Argentina as part of a new subgenotype. This PCR assay for characterization of mumps infections coupled to a web-based analytical program provides a rapid method for identification of known and novel strains.
Borrelia burgdorferi ospC
Heterogeneity among Human and Murine Isolates from a Defined Region of Northern Maryland and Southern Pennsylvania: Lack of Correlation with Invasive and Noninvasive Genotypes
Authors: Alghaferi Muneera Y. , Anderson Jennifer M. , Park Jinho , Auwaerter Paul G. , Aucott John N. , Norris Douglas E. , Dumler J. Stephen 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

B. burgdorferi
invasiveness correlates with
ospC
genotype. To test this hypothesis and whether identical genotypes infect humans and small mammals in specific sites,
B. burgdorferi ospC
heterogeneity was tested among isolates from northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. Six culture-positive patients allowed collection of small animals from their properties, and spirochetes from animals trapped within 300 yards of each patient's home were isolated. 3′
ospC
sequences were compared to reference sequences. Of the 7 human and 15 mouse DNA templates that produced reliable sequences, all clustered with references into only four and seven distinct clades, respectively. A human and a mouse isolate with the same
ospC
were seen in only one locality, and five of six sites contained two or more
B. burgdorferi ospC
clones. Four invasive patient isolates and six small mammal isolates clustered with “noninvasive” reference
ospC
genotypes. A high degree of
ospC
diversity exists among
B. burgdorferi
isolates in Maryland and Pennsylvania, even in narrowly defined geographic localities. Dissemination in mice and humans by noninvasive
ospC
types contradicts the
ospC
invasiveness hypothesis. Alternative genetic markers for
B. burgdorferi
disseminated disease should be investigated.
Clinical Manifestations of Staphylococcal Scalded-Skin Syndrome Depend on Serotypes of Exfoliative Toxins
Authors: Yamasaki Osamu , Yamaguchi Takayuki , Sugai Motoyuki , Chapuis-Cellier Colette , Arnaud François , Vandenesch François , Etienne Jerome , Lina Gerard 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

We sought a possible correlation between the clinical manifestations of staphylococcal scalded-skin syndrome (SSSS) and the serotype of exfoliative toxins (ET) by PCR screening of the
eta
and
etb
genes in
Staphylococcus aureus
strains isolated from 103 patients with generalized SSSS and 95 patients with bullous impetigo. The
eta
gene and the
etb
gene were detected in, respectively, 31 (30%) and 20 (19%) episodes of generalized SSSS and 57 (60%) and 5 (5%) episodes of bullous impetigo. Both genes were detected in 52 (50%) episodes of generalized SSS and 33 (35%) episodes of bullous impetigo. To explain this link between
etb
and generalized SSSS, we examined the distribution of ETA- and ETB-specific antibodies in the healthy population (
n
= 175) and found that the anti-ETB antibody titer was lower than the anti-ETA titer. Thus, ETA is associated with bullous impetigo and ETB is associated with generalized SSSS, possibly owing to a lower titer of anti-ETB neutralizing antibodies in the general population.
env
Gene Typing of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Strains on Electronic Microarrays
Authors: Saunders N. A. , Alexander S. , Tatt I. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

The NanoChip system was used for subtyping human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strains using probes complementary to the V1 region of the
env
gene. Probes for six subtypes (A to D, F, and G) and two circulating recombinant forms (AG and AE) of HIV-1 group M were included. The specificity of these oligonucleotides had been evaluated previously in a DNA enzyme immunoassay. Samples from 112 patient sera were used as templates in a nested reverse transcription-PCR to produce amplicons that were applied to the array. The array was then hybridized successively to pairs of oligonucleotide probes. The strains were assigned a subtype on the basis of their probe hybridization patterns. One strain gave a contradictory pattern and was designated as untypeable by the NanoChip assay. Eighty-eight strains gave hybridization patterns that allowed a correct subtype designation to be made by the NanoChip assay compared to either the sequence or the heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA)-determined subtypes. Thirteen strains that reacted with the subtype A probe (SA2) were incorrectly assigned to subtype A, or to one of the related circulating recombinant types (AE or AG), on the basis of reactions with probe SAE1 or SAG1. The results indicate that these oligonucleotides have relatively low specificities. The probe subtypes of three strains matched the subtypes determined for the
gag
and
pol
genes but not the
env
gene, suggesting that a recombination event may have occurred within the
env
gene. Overall, the NanoChip assay gave results comparable to those for HMA and sequencing and provides a convenient and cost-effective means by which to subtype HIV-1.
Performance of CHROMagar MRSA Medium for Detection of Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Diederen Bram , van Duijn Inge , van Belkum Alex , Willemse Piet , van Keulen Peter , Kluytmans Jan 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

CHROMagar MRSA was evaluated for its ability to identify methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). A well-defined collection consisting of 216 MRSA strains and 241 methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates was used. The sensitivity of CHROMagar MRSA after 24 h of incubation was 95.4%, increasing to 100% after 48 h. The specificity was already 100% after 24 h.
Misidentification of
Mycobacterium leprae
as
Mycobacterium intracellulare
by the COBAS AMPLICOR
M. intracellulare
Test
Authors: Lefmann M. , Moter A. , Schweickert B. , Göbel U. B. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

Commercially available nucleic acid probe- and amplification-based systems for detection and differentiation of mycobacteria are widely used in clinical microbiology laboratories. Here we report two cases of human leprosy in which the COBAS AMPLICOR
Mycobacterium intracellulare
test led to false- positive results. Correct identification of
Mycobacterium leprae
was possible only by amplification and comparative sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene.
Susceptibilities of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
to Isoniazid and Rifampin on Blood Agar
Authors: Coban Ahmet Yilmaz , Bilgin Kemal , Uzun Meltem , Fisgin Nuriye Tasdelen , Akgunes Alper , Cihan Cigdem Cekic , Birinci Asuman , Durupinar Belma 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

In this study, blood agar was used instead of 7H10 agar for the susceptibility testing of 34 clinical isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
to isoniazid (INH) and rifampin (RIF) in accordance with the NCCLS. The BACTEC 460 TB system (Becton Dickinson, Sparks, Md.) was used as a “gold standard.” Results for both media were in agreement for RIF and INH at 100 and 94.1%, respectively. For INH, the specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were found to be 71.4, 100, 93.1, and 100%, respectively, while these values were 100% for RIF. In addition, the results of the susceptibility test performed with blood agar were obtained on day 14 of incubation. In conclusion, results were obtained much earlier with blood agar (2 weeks) than with 7H10 agar (3 weeks), and the results of this study suggest that blood agar may be used as an alternative medium for the susceptibility testing of
M. tuberculosis
to INH and RIF.
Comparison betweenrpoBand 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing for Molecular Identification of 168 Clinical Isolates ofCorynebacterium
Authors: Khamis Atieh , Raoult Didier , La Scola Bernard 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACTHigher proportions (91%) of 168 corynebacterial isolates were positively identified by partialrpoBgene determination than by that based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. This method is thus a simple, molecular-analysis-based method for identification of corynebacteria, but it should be used in conjunction with other tests for definitive identification.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 in Illicit-Drug Solutions Used Intravenously Retains Infectivity
Authors: Bobkov Aleksei F. , Selimova Ludmila M. , Khanina Tatyana A. , Zverev Sergey Y. , Pokrovsky Vadim V. , Weber Jonathan N. , Bobkov Eugene N. , Rylkov Andrey V. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT
The stability of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strain IIIB in drug solutions was studied. The data demonstrate that HIV-1 infectivity can be retained in drug solutions (e.g. , heroin, “Khanka,” and “Vint”) for long periods of time. This fact must be taken into account when designing health education programs for the prevention of HIV and AIDS in Eastern Europe.
Direct Identification of Major Blood Culture Pathogens, Including
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Escherichia coli
, by a Panel of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Assays Using Peptide Nucleic Acid Probes
Authors: Søgaard M. , Stender H. , Schønheyder H. C. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

Rapid identification of four major pathogens from 1,231 positive blood cultures by fluorescence in situ hybridization with peptide nucleic acid probes (AdvanDx Inc., Woburn, Mass.) was evaluated. For
Escherichia coli
,
Staphylococcus aureus
, and
Candida albicans
results agreed with conventional identification. The lower sensitivity of the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
assay should not compromise the utility of the four assays.
Application of a Molecular Panel To Demonstrate Enterotropic Virus Shedding by Healthy and Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients
Authors: Minosse Claudia , Zaniratti Maria S. , Calcaterra Silvia , Carletti Fabrizio , Muscillo Michele , Pisciotta Marina , Pillitteri Letizia , Corpolongo Angela , Lauria Francesco Nicola , Narciso Pasquale , Anzidei Gianfranco , Capobianchi Maria R. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT
We used a molecular panel, targeting seven enteric viruses, to explore the advantage of using molecular methods to establish the etiology of enteric diseases and to evaluate the prevalence of enteric viruses in asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. This approach favors rapidity and sensitivity of laboratory diagnosis of viral enteric syndromes.
Development and Application of a
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
-Expressed Nucleocapsid Protein-Based Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detection of Antibodies against Infectious Bronchitis Virus
Authors: Gibertoni Aliandra M. , Montassier Maria de Fátima S. , Sena Janete A. D. , Givisiez Patrícia E. N. , Furuyama Cibele R. A. G. , Montassier Hélio J. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

A
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
-expressed nucleocapsid (N) polypeptide of the M41 strain of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) was used as antigen in a recombinant yeast-expressed N protein-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Y-N-ELISA). The Y-N-ELISA was rapid, sensitive, and specific for detecting chicken serum antibodies to IBV, and it compared favorably with a commercial ELISA.
Use of Unmodified Starches and Partial Removal of Serum To Improve Granada Medium Stability
Authors: Rosa-Fraile Manuel , Rodríguez-Granger Javier , Camacho-Muñoz Enrique , Sampedro Antonio 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT
The use of 1% unmodified rice starch and 1% horse serum instead of 2% soluble starch and 5% serum in Granada medium is described. These components result in a medium of increased stability, preventing spoilage after a few days of storage at room temperature.
Long-Lasting CD3
+
T-Cell Deficiency after Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplantation in a Human Herpesvirus 6-Infected Child
Authors: Comar Manola , D'Agaro Pierlanfranco , Horejsh Douglas , Galvan Monica , Fiorentini Simona , Andolina Marino , Caruso Arnaldo , Di Luca Dario , Campello Cesare 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT
We report a long-lasting (8-month) reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection in child who had undergone cord blood stem cell transplantation. The reactivation was characterized by high viral loads and by immediate-early mRNA positivity. HHV-6 infection was associated with a deep depletion of CD3, while the CD4/CD8 ratio remained substantially unchanged.
The Polypore Mushroom
Irpex lacteus
, a New Causative Agent of Fungal Infections
Authors: Buzina Walter , Lass-Flörl Cornelia , Kropshofer Gabriele , Freund Martin C. , Marth Egon 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

Irpex lacteus
, a wood-decaying basidiomycete, was isolated from a pulmonary abscess of an immunosuppressed child. This medical strain was compared morphologically and by sequencing of the ribosomal intergenic spacers with specimens from both culture collections and herbarium desiccated material. The patient was treated successfully with amphotericin B.
Surgery and Treatment with High-Dose Liposomal Amphotericin B for Eradication of Craniofacial Zygomycosis in a Patient with Hodgkin's Disease Who Had Undergone Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Barron Michelle A. , Lay Margaret , Madinger Nancy E. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT
This case report describes craniofacial zygomycosis in a 24-year-old male with Hodgkin's disease who underwent chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, followed by a nonmyeloablative allogeneic transplant. Empirical therapy with itraconazole and amoxicillin-clavulanate failed to resolve the infection. Postdiagnosis, surgery and treatment with high-dose liposomal amphotericin B eradicated the disease.
Misidentification of
Mycobacterium peregrinum
, the Causal Organism of a Case of Bacteremia and Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator-Associated Infection, Due to Its Unusual Acid-Fast Staining Characteristics
Authors: Short William R. , Emery Christopher , Bhandary Mallika , O'Donnell Judith A. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

We report an unusual case of
Mycobacterium peregrinum
bacteremia and infection of an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator that was originally misidentified as a
Nocardia
sp. due, in part, to its partially acid-fast staining characteristic, morphology, and odor. The misdiagnosis had a direct effect on patient care, though the patient was subsequently successfully treated.
Chryseobacterium indologenes
Non-Catheter-Related Bacteremia in a Patient with a Solid Tumor
Authors: Christakis George B. , Perlorentzou Stavroula P. , Chalkiopoulou Irene , Athanasiou Athanasios , Legakis Nikolas J. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

A case of non-catheter-related bacteremia caused by
Chryseobacterium indologenes
in a nonneutropenic man with a solid tumor is described. The patient was successfully treated with piperacillin-tazobactam.
QUASI-MONTE CARLO METHODS IN COMPUTATIONAL FINANCE
Authors: NIEDERREITER HARALD 
Published: April 2005

Quasi-Monte Carlo methods are deterministic versions of Monte Carlo methods, in the sense that the random samples used in the implementation of a Monte Carlo method are replaced by judiciously chosen deterministic points with good distribution properties. They outperform classical Monte Carlo methods in many problems of scientific computing. This paper discusses applications of quasi-Monte Carlo methods to computational finance, with a special emphasis on the problems of pricing mortgage-backed securities and options. The necessary background on Monte Carlo and quasi-Monte Carlo methods is also provided.
Screening auf Chromosomenanomalien im ersten Trimenon
Authors: Krampl Elisabeth 
Published: April 2005

Es ist angesichts der heutigen Datenlage offensichtlich, dass im 1. Trimenon ein sehr effizientes Screening auf Chromosomenanomalien durchgeführt werden kann. Prospektive Studien an insgesamt 200 868 Schwangerschaften, darunter 871 Feten mit Trisomie 21, haben gezeigt, dass bei einer Falsch-positiv-Rate von 4,2% eine Messung der Nackentransparenz 76,8% der Feten mit Trisomie 21 identifizieren kann. Kombiniert man die Messung der Nackentransparenz mit der der mütterlichen Serumkonzentrationen von freiem humanem β-Choriongonadotropin und «pregnancy-associated plasma protein A», ist die Entdeckungsrate 87,0% bei einer Falsch-positiv-Rate von 5% (prospektive Studien an insgesamt 44 630 Schwangerschaften mit 215 Feten mit Trisomie 21). Zurzeit werden weitere Hinweiszeichen auf Down-Syndrom im 1. Trimenon untersucht, wie das Fehlen des fetalen Nasenbeins, die Maxilla und das Blutflussmuster im Ductus venosus. Bekannte Hinweiszeichen auf Trisomie 13 und 18, die bereits im 1. Trimenon sichtbar sind, sind Megazystis, Omphalozele, Polydaktylie und Holoprosenzephalie. Die meisten Schwangeren bevorzugen ein Screening im 1. im Vergleich zum 2. Trimenon. Es sollte daher jeder Schwangeren eine entsprechende Untersuchung im 1. Trimenon angeboten werden. Von grundlegender Bedeutung für die Effektivität des Screenings ist, dass die Untersucher entsprechend ausgebildet sind und dass die Ergebnisse der Ultraschalluntersuchungen und der Laboruntersuchungen einer regelmässigen externen Qualitätskontrolle unterzogen werden. In Österreich besteht ein breiter Konsens, nach den Richtlinien der Fetal Medicine Foundation vorzugehen.
Global Supplier Without a Global Brand Name: A Case Study of Hong Kong's Electronics Industry
Authors: Kwok Hong-Kin , Cheung Lam Richard 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe production capacity of Hong Kong's electronics manufacturers for certain electronic products has reached the number-one ranking amongst world export suppliers in terms of total quantity, quality and values. Yet, there is an absence of global brand name electronic products in the industry. This paper aims to explore how this development pattern is possible by conducting indepth interview research with 35 managing directors and CEOs from the manufacturer companies, and analyzing secondary data from the Hong Kong government. The research findings indicate that without government support and assistance to overcome the structural difficulties in the production process, and market and product diversification, an individual manufacturer can hardly grow bigger in company size continuously and mobilize large amounts of capital to develop global brand name products. The study also indicates that the role of the government has no effect on the growth of the export sector; however, it influences the industrial organizational structure and industrial specialization pattern.