bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of PCR and Serology Assays for Early Diagnosis of Acute Q Fever
Authors: Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Raoult Didier 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

Q fever is a potentially severe disease which can occur in large outbreaks of acute infections and is a possible bioterrorism agent. In order to lessen the delay in diagnosing acute Q fever, we compared LightCycler Nested PCR (LCN
-
PCR), a rapid nested PCR assay that uses serum sampled early during the disease as a specimen and the LightCycler as a thermal cycler, to serology by indirect immunofluorescence. We used the 20-copy
htpAB
-associated element as the DNA target. The detection sensitivity of this method was one
Coxiella burnetii
DNA copy. We applied this method to the first serum samples taken from 100 patients diagnosed in our laboratory as having acute Q fever on the basis of clinical manifestations and serology and to 80 controls. The LCN-PCR had a specificity of 100%. The sensitivity was 26% when no antibodies were detected but only 5% with seropositive patients (
P
< 10
−2
). The technique was most efficient in the first 2 weeks following the onset of symptoms (
P
= 0.02), when its sensitivity was 24% compared with 14% for serology. With combined use of LCN-PCR and serology within the first 2 weeks, the sensitivity was significantly increased over that with serology alone (
P
< 10
−2
). Thus, we propose a strategy for improving the early diagnosis of acute Q fever where LCN-PCR should be performed together with serology in the first 2 weeks of the disease but should be reserved for seronegative patients in the next 2 weeks and not used later than 4 weeks following onset, when serology is highly sensitive.
Application of an rRNA Probe Matrix for Rapid Identification of Bacteria and Fungi from Routine Blood Cultures
Authors: Marlowe Elizabeth M. , Hogan James J. , Hindler Janet F. , Andruszkiewicz Irene , Gordon Pat , Bruckner David A. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

One of the most important functions of the clinical microbiology laboratory is the identification of the etiology of sepsis. For this study, aliquots from 405 positive blood cultures were tested against a unique array of DNA probes directed against rRNA subsequences of bacteria and fungi for identification. Another 280 samples that were negative after 5 days of incubation were also tested. Blood culture bottles were incubated in a BacT/Alert3D instrument. For the rRNA assay, a 0.4-ml aliquot was removed, and the cells were pelleted by centrifugation. The pellet was washed and frozen at −70°C. Analysis of the pellet involved a lysis step and then the addition of samples to the reaction wells containing the probes in a microtiter plate format. Analysis was performed by using a hybridization protection assay. Results were taken through a series of deductive steps to obtain species, or in some cases genus, identification. Batch sample preparation required approximately 15 min, and sample analysis required another 60 min. Probe results were compared to conventional biochemical identifications. The probe test was negative for the 280 samples that were negative by the BacT/Alert 3D system and for another 21 samples that were false positive (the instrument signaled, but there was no growth). Microorganisms from the remaining 384 signal-positive samples included 60
Enterobacteriaceae
, 10
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, 10 other gram-negative bacteria, 40
Staphylococcus aureus
, 152 coagulase-negative staphylococci, 28 streptococci, 22 enterococci, 21 other gram-positive bacteria, 8 anaerobes, and 16 yeast organisms. Seventeen cultures were polymicrobial, and one was gram positive and culture negative. Discordance between probe and conventional identification results was noted for only 12 (1.75%) samples. This novel rapid molecular approach to the identification of bacteria and yeast in blood cultures was highly sensitive (100%) and specific (96%).
Multicenter Study To Evaluate the OptiMAL Test for Rapid Diagnosis of Malaria in U.S. Hospitals
Authors: Palmer Carol J. , Bonilla J. Alfredo , Bruckner David A. , Barnett Elizabeth D. , Miller Nancy S. , Haseeb M. A. , Masci Joseph R. , Stauffer William M. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

More than 1,000 cases of malaria are diagnosed each year in the United States. Reported numbers, however, may be artificially low because many clinicians fail to consider the diagnosis on presentation, U.S. hospital laboratory technologists have very limited experience in detecting and identifying malaria parasites, and reporting of malaria to state health departments is sporadic in many states. In this study, a rapid malaria diagnostic test, the OptiMAL test (DiaMed; under license from Flow Inc., Portland, Oreg.) was evaluated in six U.S. hospitals and compared with results of microscopy. The OptiMAL test is a 15-min rapid immunochromatographic test that both identifies and differentiates
Plasmodium falciparum
from non-
P. falciparum
malaria parasites on the basis of the detection of parasite lactate dehydrogenase in a drop of patient blood. A total of 216 specimens from patients suspected of having malaria were tested. Results indicated that 43 samples (20%) were positive for malaria parasites by microscopy (32
P. falciparum
, 11 non-
P. falciparum
) while 42 (19%) were positive by OptiMAL (31
P. falciparum
, 11 non-
P. falciparum
). The sensitivity of the OptiMAL test was 98%; its specificity was 100%, with positive and negative predictive values of 100 and 99%, respectively. Participating hospital physicians and laboratory directors independently reported that the OptiMAL rapid malaria test was accurate, easy to use, and well accepted by those working in their diagnostic laboratories. The overall conclusion was that integration of the OptiMAL rapid malaria test into the U.S. health care infrastructure would provide an important and easy-to-use tool for the timely diagnosis of malaria.
Seroprevalence of Antibodies against Human Herpesvirus 8 in a Population of Renal Transplant Recipients at Hôtel-Dieu de Québec Hospital
Authors: Delorme S. , Houde I. , Deschênes L. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT
We conducted a seroepidemiologic study to determine the prevalence of anti-human herpesvirus 8 antibodies in a renal transplant population at Hôtel-Dieu de Québec Hospital. Testing for immunoglobulin G antibodies against lytic and latent antigens was performed on serum samples from 150 renal transplant patients. Human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients with confirmed Kaposi's sarcoma were used as positive controls. None of the renal transplant patients tested positive.
In Vitro Activities of the New Antifungal Drug Eberconazole and Three Other Topical Agents against 200 Strains of Dermatophytes
Authors: Fernández-Torres Belkys , Inza Isabel , Guarro Josep 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTWe have compared the in vitro activity of the new antifungal drug eberconazole with those of three other topical antifungal agents, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole, against 200 strains of dermatophytes. MICs were determined by a microdilution method with optimal conditions determined in a previous study (an inoculum of 104CFU/ml, an incubation temperature of 28°C, an incubation period of 7 days, and a MIC endpoint of 100% inhibition of growth). In general, the four drugs tested showed low MICs. However, eberconazole was more active (P< 0.05) than the other three drugs against the majority of the species tested. Eberconazole represents an advantageous alternative for dermatophytoses where a topical therapy is required.
Evaluation of Acridine Orange Staining as a Replacement of Subcultures for BacT/ALERT-Positive, Gram Stain-Negative Blood Cultures
Authors: Adler Hildegard , Baumlin Nathalie , Frei Reno 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT
Among 18,424 blood culture sets processed during a study period of 18 months, 85 bottles that were positive by the BacT/ALERT system were Gram stain negative. Both acridine orange staining and subcultures detected microorganisms in a total of 12 bottles. Acridine orange staining can replace subcultures of false-positive blood cultures.
Measurement of Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Loads in Whole Blood and Plasma by TaqMan PCR and in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes by Competitive PCR
Authors: Wadowsky Robert M. , Laus Stella , Green Michael , Webber Steven A. , Rowe David 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA load values were measured in samples of whole blood (
n
= 60) and plasma (
n
= 59) by TaqMan PCR and in samples of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) (
n
= 60) by competitive PCR (cPCR). The samples were obtained from 44 transplant recipients. The whole-blood and PBL loads correlated highly (
r
2
> 0.900), whereas the plasma and PBL loads correlated poorly (
r
2
= 0.512). Testing of whole blood by TaqMan PCR is an acceptable alternative to testing of PBLs by cPCR for quantifying EBV DNA load.
Assessment of Laboratory Performance of Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests for Detection of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Ridderhof John C. , Williams Laurina O. , Legois Sue , Shult Peter A. , Metchock Beverly , Kubista Louise N. , Handsfield James H. , Fehd Ronald J. , Robinson Pamela H. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

During implementation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
nucleic acid amplification (NAA) evaluation program, 27.1% of participants used the same biological safety cabinet for NAA and specimen processing; 28.8% reported not using unidirectional workflow. An association between false positives and adverse responses to quality assurance questions (
P
= 0.04) illustrated the need for following NCCLS recommendations.
Isolation of Members of the
Staphylococcus sciuri
Group from Urine and Their Relationship to Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Stepanovic Srdjan , Ježek Petr , Vukovic Dragana , Dakic Ivana , Petráš Petr 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

During a 3-year study period, 32,741 urine samples were analyzed for the presence of members of the
Staphylococcus sciuri
group (
S. sciuri
,
S. lentus
, and
S. vitulinus
), and 13 isolates were identified. They presented 0.79% of the total number of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated. One case of symptomatic urinary tract infection and five possible cases of asymptomatic bacteriuria caused by these bacteria were established. It is noteworthy, however, that over 50% of the isolates originated from hospitalized patients.
Comparison of Etest with Modified Broth Microdilution Method for Testing Susceptibility of
Aspergillus
spp. to Voriconazole
Authors: Serrano M. C. , Morilla D. , Valverde A. , Chávez M. , Espinel-Ingroff A. , Claro R. , Ramírez M. , Mazuelos E. Martín 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

We compared the Etest with a broth microdilution method, performed according to a modified National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards guideline (M38-A), for determining the in vitro susceptibility of 77 isolates of
Aspergillus
spp. (26
A. fumigatus
, 21
A. flavus
, 10
A. terreus
, 9
A. niger
, 5
A. nidulellus
, 4
A. glaucus
, and 2
A. flavipes
isolates). Overall, there was 92.2% agreement between both methods when Etest MICs were read at 24 h and 83.1% agreement when both methods were read at 48 h. When Etest MICs were read at 24 h, the agreement was >90% for all species tested except for
A. fumigatus
(84.6%). When Etest MICs were read at 48 h, the agreement ranged from 50 to 100%. The poorest agreement was seen with
A. glaucus
(50%) and
A. fumigatus
(65%). Where a discrepancy was observed between Etest and the reference method, the Etest MIC was generally higher. The Etest appears to be a suitable alternative procedure for testing the susceptibility of
Aspergillus
spp. to voriconazole.
Association of Cytolethal Distending Toxin Locus
cdtB
with Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
Isolated from Patients with Acute Diarrhea in Calcutta, India
Authors: Pandey Mritunjay , Khan Asis , Das Suresh C. , Sarkar Bhaswati , Kahali Soumen , Chakraborty Subhra , Chattopadhyay Santanu , Yamasaki Shinji , Takeda Yoshifumi , Nair G. Balakrish , Ramamurthy T. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

Among
Escherichia coli
strains isolated from stool specimens from patients with acute diarrhea, 1.4% were found to harbor
cdtB
by use of enrichment cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) PCR. These isolates were identified as being enteropathogenic
E. coli
(EPEC). In a retrospective study using a probe hybridization assay, 6 of 138 EPEC strains were found to harbor the
cdtB
locus.
cdtB
-positive isolates mostly belong to the O86a and O127a serogroups, with the former being associated with higher expression of CDT. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles showed that the EPEC strains harboring
cdtB
strains are genetically diverse.
Bacitracin-Resistant Clone of
Streptococcus pyogenes
Isolated from Pharyngitis Patients in Belgium
Authors: Malhotra-Kumar Surbhi , Wang Shuang , Lammens Christine , Chapelle Sabine , Goossens Herman 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

We report 16 bacitracin-resistant
Streptococcus pyogenes
isolates recovered from pharyngitis patients in Belgium, 14 of which belonged to a particular
emm
type (
emm
28). All 16 isolates were constitutively resistant to macrolides and carried
erm
(B). The emergence of a bacitracin-resistant
S. pyogenes
clone raises questions about the continued reliability of bacitracin susceptibility testing for
S. pyogenes
identification.
Pericardial Effusion in a Homeless Man Due to
Bartonella quintana
Authors: Levy P. Y. , Fournier P. E. , Carta M. , Raoult D. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

Bartonella quintana
may cause trench fever, endocarditis, bacillary angiomatosis, and chronic bacteremia, and a reemergence among homeless populations in cities has been noted. Pericarditis from
Rickettsia conorii
and
Coxiella burnetii
infection has been described, but there have been no reports of pericarditis due to
Bartonella
spp. We report a case of pericardial effusion due to
Bartonella quintana
in a homeless man, diagnosed on the basis of PCR detection of
Bartonella quintana
in a pericardial biopsy sample and a fourfold rise in antibody titers. The patient recovered within 2 weeks with antibiotics active against bartonellae.
Molecular Characterization of
Aegyptianella pullorum
(
Rickettsiales
,
Anaplasmataceae
)
Authors: Rikihisa Yasuko , Zhang Chunbin , Christensen Bruce M. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

We sequenced the 16S rRNA and
groEL
genes of
Aegyptianella pullorum
, a small bacterium that infects and replicates only in avian red blood cells. A specific PCR test was developed to analyze
A. pullorum
DNA. Phylogenic analysis revealed
A. pullorum
is most closely related to
Anaplasma
spp.
Fatal Case of Endocarditis Associated with
Bartonella henselae
Type I Infection in a Domestic Cat
Authors: Chomel Bruno B. , Wey Aaron C. , Kasten Rickie W. , Stacy Brian A. , Labelle Philippe 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

We report the first feline case of
Bartonella henselae
endocarditis. Despite negative blood cultures, the cat had high
Bartonella
antibody titers and
B. henselae
type I DNA was detected in the damaged aortic valve. Microscopic examination of the valve revealed endocarditis with small silver positive coccoid structures in endothelial cells.
Relationship of Relapsing Hip Prosthesis Infection by
Staphylococcus aureus
with Gamma Interferon Deficiency
Authors: Honstettre Amélie , Mège Jean-Louis , Lina Gérard , Aubaniac Jean-Manuel , Drancourt Michel 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

Infections complicate 0.5 to 1% of surgeries for total hip prostheses.
Staphylococcus
species are the most common etiological agents. The role of host factors in the persistence of such infections despite appropriate therapy has yet to be determined. We report the defective immune response characterized by oversecretion of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 10 and by undersecretion of gamma interferon in such a patient. Further study may determine the prevalence of such deficits and the most appropriate therapy for these patients.
CMB ANISOTROPY CONSTRAINTS ON FLAT-Λ AND OPEN CDM COSMOGONIES FROM DMR, UCSB SOUTH POLE, PYTHON, ARGO, MAX, WHITE DISH, OVRO, AND SuZIE DATA
Authors: MUKHERJEE PIA , GANGA KEN , RATRA BHARAT , ROCHA GRACA , SOURADEEP TARUN , SUGIYAMA NAOSHI , GORSKI KRZYSZTOF M. 
Published: November 2003

We use joint likelihood analyses of combinations of fifteen cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy data sets from the DMR, UCSB South Pole 1994, Python I–III, ARGO, MAX 4 and 5, White Dish, OVRO, and SuZIE experiments to constrain cosmogonies. We consider open and spatially-flat-Λ cold dark matter cosmogonies, with nonrelativistic-mass density parameter Ω0in the range 0.1–1, baryonic-mass density parameter ΩBin the range (0.005–0.029)h-2, and age of the universe t0in the range (10–20) Gyr.Marginalizing over all parameters but Ω0, the data favor Ω0≃ 0.9–1 (0.4–0.6) flat-Λ (open) models. The range in deduced Ω0values is partially a consequence of the different combinations of smaller-angular-scale CMB anisotropy data sets used in the analyses, but more significantly a consequence of whether the DMR quadrupole moment is accounted for or ignored in the analysis. While the open model is difficult to reconcile with the results of analyses of more recent CMB anisotropy data, the lower values of Ω0found in this case are more easily reconciled with dynamical estimates of this parameter. For both flat-Λ and open models, after marginalizing over all other parameters, a lower ΩBh2≃ 0.005–0.009 is favored. This is also marginally at odds with estimates from more recent CMB anisotropy data and some estimates from standard nucleosynthesis theory and observed light element abundances. For both sets of models a younger universe with t0≃ 12–15 Gyr is favored, consistent with other recent non-CMB indicators. We emphasize that we have performed an exact analysis (i.e. from data to parameter likelihoods without the intermediate step of data compression into band powers), and since we consider only a small number of data sets, these results are tentative. More importantly, the analyses here do not rule out the currently favored flat-Λ model with Ω0~ 0.3, nor the larger ΩBh2values favored by some other data.
BOUNDARY STATES IN BOUNDARY LCFT: AN ALGEBRAIC APPROACH
Authors: ISHIMOTO YUKITAKA 
Published: November 2003

It is well known that LCFT generally contains Jordan cell structure and, in our previous paper, we have proposed a conjecture that one and only one boundary sate is allowed in the rank-2 cell. With these states in c=-2 rational LCFT, we can express boundary states in the closed string picture, in regard to corresponding boundary conditions in the open string picture. In this paper, We briefly review our previous paper on boundary states in LCFTs. We also add one more proof which supports the conjecture, and confirm this doesn't change our previous results. This paper is based on the talk given at School & Workshop On Logarithmic Conformal Field Theory and Its Applications held in Tehran, Iran.
STRESS ENERGY TENSOR IN LCFT AND LOGARITHMIC SUGAWARA CONSTRUCTION
Authors: KOGAN IAN I. , NICHOLS ALEXANDER 
Published: November 2003

We discuss the partners of the stress energy tensor and their structure in Logarithmic conformal field theories. In particular we draw attention to the fundamental differences between theories with zero and non-zero central charge. However they are both characterised by at least two independent parameters. We show how, by using a generalised Sugawara construction, one can calculate the logarithmic partner of T. We show that such a construction works in the c=-2 theory using the conformal dimension one primary currents which generate a logarithmic extension of the Kac-Moody algebra. This is an expanded version of a talk presented by A. Nichols at the conference on Logarithmic Conformal Field Theory and its Applications in Tehran Iran, 2001.
A role for p38 MAP kinase in platelet activation by von Willebrand Factor
Authors: Canobbio Ilaria , Reineri Stefania , Sinigaglia Fabiola , Balduini Cesare , Torti Mauro 
Published: November 2003

SummaryPlatelet activation induced by von Willebrand factor (VWF) binding to the membrane GPIb-IX-V receptor involves multiple signal transduction pathways. Among these, recruitment and activation of the FcγRIIA and stimulation of phospholipase A2 represent independent events equally essential to support a complete platelet response. Phospholipase A2 is activated by calcium and by phosphorylation through MAP kinases. In this work, we found that VWF stimulated the rapid and sustained phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase (p38MAPK). In vitro kinase assay revealed that VWF-stimulated phosphorylation of p38MAPK was associated with increased kinase activity. Binding of VWF to GPIb-IX-V, but not to integrin αIIbβ3, was required to support phosphorylation of p38MAPK. Neither the blockade of the membrane FcγRIIA by a specific monoclonal antibody or the prevention of thromboxane A2 synthesis by cyclooxygenase inhibitors affected VWF-induced p38MAPK activation. However, phosphorylation of p38MAPK was prevented by the tyrosine kinase Syk inhibitor piceatannol. Treatment of platelets with the p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 totally prevented VWFstimulated platelet aggregation. Moreover, release of arachidonic acid induced by VWF was strongly impaired by inhibition of p38MAPK. We also found thatVWF induced phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2, and that this process was prevented by the p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580.These results demonstrate that p38MAPK is a key element in the FcγRIIA-independent pathway for VWF-induced platelet activation, and is involved in the stimulation of phospholipase A2 and arachidonic acid release.
Increased neutrophil mediator release in patients with pulmonary hypertension – suppression by inhaled iloprost
Authors: Hattar Katja , Gakisch Sybille , Grimminger Friedrich , Olschewski Horst , Seeger Werner , Tschuschner Annette , Schermuly Ralph , Weissmann Norbert , Hanze Jörg , Sibelius Ulf , Ghofrani Hossein , Rose Frank 
Published: November 2003

SummaryPolymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) have been implicated in various vascular inflammatory processes. We isolated PMN from venous blood samples of 10 patients with severe primary pulmonary arterial hypertension (PPH), 7 patients with pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic thromboembolism (CTEPH), and 12 healthy controls. When stimulated with the calcium-ionophore A23187, platelet activating factor (PAF) or the microbial agent n-formyl-Methionyl-Leucyl-Phenylalanine (fMLP), significantly increased release of elastase and super-oxide anion was noted in both groups with pulmonary hyper-tension. Moreover, the neutrophils of CTEPH patients responded with an enhanced liberation of leukotriene (LT) B4 and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE). Inhalation of aerosolized iloprost (5 µg) caused a rapid decline in pulmonary vascular resistance, in both PPH and CTEPH. This hemodynamic response was paralleled by a significant suppression of ionophore- and ligand-induced elastase and superoxide release, as well as LTB4 and 5-HETE formation. The neutrophil inhibitory effect of the inhalation maneuver was fully reproduced by in vitro incubation of neutrophils with 1-10 pg/ml iloprost for 2 hours. This is the first study to demonstrate that circulating neutrophils from patients with PPH and CTEPH possess an enhanced readiness to respond with inflammatory mediator generation to different stimulatory agents ex-vivo, and that PMN respiratory burst, elastase secretion and leukotriene generation are promptly reduced by an iloprost inhalation maneuver. Neutrophils might participate in the inflammatory processes in pulmonary arterial hypertension.