bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of Infectious Load of
Mycoplasma genitalium
in Clinical Samples of Human Vaginal Cells
Authors: Blaylock Mark W. , Musatovova Oxana , Baseman Janet G. , Baseman Joel B. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Mycoplasma genitalium
is a leading cause of chlamydia-negative, nongonoccocal urethritis and has been directly implicated in numerous other genitourinary as well as extragenitourinary tract pathologies. Detection of
M. genitalium
has relied almost entirely on PCR amplification of clinical specimens and evidence of seroconversion since these mycoplasmas are highly fastidious and culture isolation by microbiological techniques is very rare. We have established a combinatorial strategy using confocal immunoanalysis (CIA) and real-time PCR to qualitatively and quantitatively assess patterns of
M. genitalium
infection in women attending a sexually transmitted disease-related health clinic in San Antonio, Tex. CIA allows spatial examination of mycoplasmas on surfaces and inside human target cells, plus the ability to evaluate cell-to-cell patterns and variances within samples. Real-time PCR permits determination of genome copy numbers of mycoplasmas and human cells by multiplex amplification using mycoplasma
gyrA
and human RNase P gene sequences, which indicates overall levels of mycoplasma infection and degree of parasitism. These assays are strongly correlated and, in combination, permit detection and elucidation of heretofore-unrecognized patterns of
M. genitalium
infections in clinical and experimental samples.
Molecular Epidemiology of Multiresistant
Streptococcus pneumoniae
with Both
erm
(B)- and
mef
(A)-Mediated Macrolide Resistance
Authors: Farrell David J. , Morrissey Ian , Bakker Sarah , Morris Louise , Buckridge Sylvie , Felmingham David 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Of a total of 1,043 macrolide-resistant
Streptococcus pneumoniae
isolates collected from 24 countries as part of PROTEKT 1999-2000, 71 isolates tested positive for both the
mef
(A) and
erm
(B) genes. Of 69 isolates subjected to further molecular investigations, all were resistant to tetracycline, 63 (91.3%) were resistant to penicillin, and 57 (82.6%) were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. One isolate was also fluoroquinolone resistant, and another was resistant to quinupristin-dalfopristin. The ketolide telithromycin retained activity against all of the isolates. Of the 69 of these 71 isolates viable for further testing, 46 were from South Korea, 13 were from the United States, 8 came from Japan, and 1 each came from Mexico and Hungary. One major clonal complex (59 [85.5%] of 69 isolates) was identified by serotyping (with 85.5% of the isolates being 19A or 19F), pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and multilocus sequence typing. The remaining isolates were less clonal in nature. Representative isolates were shown to carry the mobile genetic elements Tn
1545
and mega, were negative for Tn
1207.1
, had tetracycline resistance mediated by
tet
(M), and contained the
mef
(E) variant of
mef
(A). All isolates were positive for
mel
, a homologue of the
msr
(A) efflux gene. These clones are obviously very efficient at global dissemination, and hence it will be very important to monitor their progress through continued surveillance. Telithromycin demonstrated high levels of activity (MIC for 90% of the strains tested, 0.5 μg/ml; MIC range, 0.06 to 1 μg/ml) against all isolates.
Molecular Characteristics and Global Spread of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
with a Western Cape F11 Genotype
Authors: Victor Thomas C. , de Haas Petra E. W. , Jordaan Annemarie M. , van der Spuy Gian D. , Richardson Madalene , van Soolingen D. , van Helden Paul D. , Warren Robin 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

In order to fully understand the global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic it is important to investigate the population structure and dissemination of the causative agent that drives the epidemic.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strain family 11 (F11) genotype isolates (found in 21.4% of all infected patients) are at least as successful as the Beijing genotype family isolates (16.5%) in contributing to the TB problem in some Western Cape communities of South Africa. This study describes key molecular characteristics that define the F11 genotype. A data-mining approach coupled with additional molecular analysis showed that members of F11 can easily and uniquely be identified by PCR-based techniques such as spoligotyping and dot blot screening for a specific
rrs491
polymorphism. Isolates of F11 not only are a major contributor to the TB epidemic in South Africa but also are present in four different continents and at least 25 other countries in the world. Careful study of dominant compared to rare strains should provide clues to their success and possibly provide new ideas for combating TB.
PCR Assays for Identification of
Coccidioides posadasii
Based on the Nucleotide Sequence of the Antigen 2/Proline-Rich Antigen
Authors: Bialek Ralf , Kern Jan , Herrmann Tanja , Tijerina Rolando , Ceceñas Luis , Reischl Udo , González Gloria M. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

A conventional nested PCR and a real-time LightCycler PCR assay for detection of
Coccidioides posadasii
DNA were designed and tested in 120 clinical strains. These had been isolated from 114 patients within 10 years in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, known to be endemic for coccidioidomycosis. The gene encoding the specific antigen 2/proline-rich antigen (Ag2/PRA) was used as a target. All strains were correctly identified, whereas DNA from related members of the family
Onygenaceae
remained negative. Melting curve analysis by LightCycler and sequencing of the 526-bp product of the first PCR demonstrated either 100% identity to the GenBank sequence of the Silveira strain, now known to be
C. posadasii
(accession number
AF013256
), or a single silent mutation at position 1228. Length determination of two microsatellite-containing loci (GAC and 621) identified all 120 isolates as
C. posadasii
. Specific DNA was amplified by conventional nested PCR from three microscopically spherule-positive paraffin-embedded tissue samples, whereas 20 human tissue samples positive for other dimorphic fungi remained negative. Additionally, the safety of each step of a modified commercially available DNA extraction procedure was evaluated by using 10 strains. At least three steps of the protocol were demonstrated to sufficiently kill arthroconidia. This safe procedure is applicable to cultures and to clinical specimens.
Emergence of Nonencapsulated and Encapsulated Non-b-Type Invasive
Haemophilus influenzae
Isolates in Portugal (1989-2001)
Authors: Bajanca Paula , Caniça Manuela 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Phenotypes and genetic relatedness of invasive
Haemophilus influenzae
strains were evaluated from 1989 through 2001. Among 119 isolates, multidrug resistance decreased (from 50 to 0%), the level of
H. influenzae
serotype b (Hib) strains declined (from 81 to 16%), the level of noncapsulated strains rose (from 19 to 80%), and the first invasive
H. influenzae
serotype f strain was described. This study documents changes in invasive
H. influenzae
infections in Portugal, i.e., the emergence of non-type-b strains that are genetically diverse and unrelated to Hib.
Simultaneous Presence of Multiple
Campylobacter
Species in Dogs
Authors: Koene M. G. J. , Houwers D. J. , Dijkstra J. R. , Duim B. , Wagenaar J. A. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of coinfection of
Campylobacter
species in dogs was determined using four isolation methods. In 26% of the positive-testing stools, multiple
Campylobacter
species were identified. The use of multiple isolation methods as well as the time lapse between sampling and processing are important for detection of coinfection.
Gamma Interferon-Based Immunodiagnosis of Tuberculosis: Comparison between Whole-Blood and Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Methods
Authors: Schölvinck Elisabeth , Wilkinson Katalin A. , Whelan Adam O. , Martineau Adrian R. , Levin Michael , Wilkinson Robert J. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

The gamma interferon secretion levels of 52 adults whose T cells had been stimulated with the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
antigens CFP-10 and ESAT-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunospot methods and a whole-blood-based assay. The test results correlated well (
r
= 0.689,
P
< 0.0001). Its simple format and use of only small volumes of blood make the whole-blood assay suitable for pediatric practice and field trials.
Primer Pair p289-p290, Designed To Detect Both Noroviruses and Sapoviruses by Reverse Transcription-PCR, Also Detects Rotaviruses by Cross-Reactivity
Authors: Ludert Juan E. , Alcalá Ana C. , Liprandi Ferdinando 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

A primer pair (p289-p290) designed to detect both noroviruses and sapoviruses by reverse transcription-PCR (Jiang et al., J. Virol. Methods
83:
145, 1999) cross-reacts with rotaviruses. The rotavirus amplicon corresponds to genome segment 1. Furthermore, primer pair p289-p290 detected rotaviruses as efficiently as rotavirus-specific primers directed to rotavirus gene 4.
Critical Use of Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques To Test for
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in Respiratory Tract Samples
Authors: Van den Wijngaert S. , Dediste A. , VanLaethem Y. , Gerard M. , Vandenberg O. , Zissis G. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT
The usefulness of employing Belgian selection criteria before performing nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAT) was evaluated. The results of this study show that for smear-negative patients with an abnormal chest radiology result in the absence of a respiratory tract infection by bacterial pathogens, testing with NAT is of major benefit.
Development of a Serum-Based Taqman Real-Time PCR Assay for Diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis
Authors: Challier Svetlana , Boyer Stéphanie , Abachin Eric , Berche Patrick 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

We compared an
Aspergillus fumigatus
-specific Taqman real-time PCR assay for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay Platelia
Aspergillus
method. Patients with proven or probable IA had positive results with at least one of the two methods. The PCR method seems to be more specific, and a combination of the two should improve the diagnosis of IA.
Different Viral Rebound following Discontinuation of Antiretroviral Therapy in Cases of Infection with Viruses Carrying L74V or Thymidine-Associated Mutations
Authors: de Mendoza Carmen , Paxinos Ellen , Barreiro Pablo , Camino Nuria , Núñez Marina , Soriano Vincent 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

A total of 76 patients discontinued treatment with didanosine plus hydroxyurea after 1 year of maintenance therapy. The greatest human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-RNA rebounds were seen in 10 patients harboring an L74V mutation, and the presence of viruses with this mutation rapidly waned. In contrast, viral rebounds were significantly less pronounced (
P
< 0.01) in 12 subjects harboring thymidine-associated mutations; these mutations persisted in all instances. Thus, selection of an L74V mutation during didanosine therapy may compromise HIV replication in vivo.
Absence of Mucosa-Associated Colonic Helicobacters in an Australian Urban Population
Authors: Grehan Martin , Danon Stephen , Lee Adrian , Daskalopoulos George , Mitchell Hazel 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Application of nested PCR for
Helicobacter
species to 416 samples obtained at colonoscopy from 15 patients with Crohn's disease, 12 with ulcerative colitis, and 43 controls revealed
H. pylori
DNA in only 6 individuals with no disease association. No other
Helicobacter
species were detected in ileal or colonic samples.
Genetic Analysis of an Ambler Class A Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase from
Capnocytophaga ochracea
Authors: Jolivet-Gougeon Anne , Tamanai-Shacoori Zohreh , Desbordes Laurent , Burggraeve Nathalie , Cormier Michel , Bonnaure-Mallet Martine 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

A beta-lactamase gene (
cfxA3
, 966 bp) was isolated from a beta-lactam-resistant
Capnocytophaga ochracea
clinical isolate and amplified using primers from the
cfxA
gene of
Bacteroides vulgatus
. The MICs of third-generation cephalosporins were much higher than those of the transconjugant
Escherichia coli
strain. The deduced protein sequence, by comparison with CfxA2 of
Prevotella intermedia
, had a Y239D substitution and possessed the characteristics of a class A, group 2e beta-lactamase.
IS
6110
-Mediated Deletion Polymorphism in Isogenic Strains of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Sampson S. L. , Richardson M. , van Helden P. D. , Warren R. M. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Previous studies have described IS
6110
-mediated polymorphism as an important driving force in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
genome evolution and have provided indirect evidence for IS
6110
-driven deletion events. This study provides the first description of an IS
6110
-mediated deletion event in truly isogenic strains. We also provide further support for the hypothesis that the region from Rv1754 to Rv1765 is a hot spot for IS
6110
insertion and deletion events.
Comparison of Two Microdilution Methods for Testing Susceptibility of
Candida
spp. to Voriconazole
Authors: Linares Maria José , Charriel Guadalupe , Solís Francisco , Casal Manuel 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

The growing number of fungal infections, coupled with emerging resistance to classical antifungal agents, has led to the development of new agents, among them voriconazole. Susceptibility to voriconazole was tested by using two microdilution techniques: the reference method described in National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards document M27-A2 and a colorimetric method, Sensititre YeastOne. A total of 272
Candida
isolates (132 of
Candida albicans
, 62 of
C. parapsilosis
, 33 of
Candida glabrata
, 21 of
C. krusei
, 15 of
C. tropicalis
, and 9 of
C. lusitaniae
) and two control strains (
C. parapsilosis
ATCC 22019 and
C. krusei
ATCC 6258) were tested. There was a high rate of agreement between the two methods used (97 to 100%).
Novel Method Using a Laser Scanning Cytometer for Detection of
Mycobacteria
in Clinical Samples
Authors: Pina-Vaz Cidália , Costa-Oliveira Sofia , Rodrigues Acácio Gonçalves , Salvador Alexandre 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

In order to evaluate the capacity of laser scanning cytometry (LSC) to detect acid-fast bacilli directly on clinical samples, a comparison between Kinyoun-stained smears analyzed under light microscopy and propidium iodide-auramine-stained smears analyzed by LSC was performed. The results were compared with those for culture on BACTEC MGIT 960. LSC is a new, reliable methodology to detect
Mycobacteria
.
Bartholin's Gland Abscess Caused by
Brucella melitensis
Authors: Peled Neha , David Yohai , Yagupsky Pablo 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

We report herein a case of Bartholin's gland abscess caused by
Brucella melitensis
. Clinical microbiology laboratory workers in areas where this disease is endemic should be familiar with the bacteriological features of this organism and consider the possibility of a brucellar etiology in a broad range of clinical settings.
Two Cases of Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Peritonitis Due to
Plesiomonas shigelloides
Authors: Woo Patrick C. Y. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Wong Samson S. Y. , Yuen Kwok-yung 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

We describe herein the first two cases of
Plesiomonas shigelloides
continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis. Both patients presented with abdominal pain and turbid dialysis effluent with or without fever. Both recovered after 10 days of intraperitoneal administration of cefazolin and tobramycin. The route of transmission may have been direct contamination of the connection device or bacterial translocation through the gastrointestinal tract.
The Peritoneal Route as a Safe Pathway for Early in utero Therapies: Illustration by a 12-Year Follow-Up after Conservative Management of Severe Rhesus Allo-Immunization
Authors: Gallot D. , Boiret N. , Vanlieferinghen P. , Laurichesse H. , Micorek J.C. , Berger M. , Lemery D. 
Published: February 2004

<i>Objective:</i> We report a case of an extremely severe Rhesus allo-immunization treated very early in pregnancy 12 years ago. <i>Methods and Results:</i> After chorionic villus sampling at 12 weeks for fetal blood phenotyping, two intraperitoneal transfusions at 14 and 15 weeks were given followed by two intravascular and seven exchange transfusions. A girl weighing 2,940 g was delivered vaginally at term after external cephalic version for breech presentation. To date her neurological and social development is normal. <i>Conclusions:</i> Since the success of haematopoietic stem cell transplantations for the treatment of congenital haematologic diseases could imply early and repetitive procedures, this observation enlightens the technical feasibility of such an invasive approach and its relative safety for subsequent development.
Expression of Tyrosine Hydroxylase in Lymphocytes and Effect of Endogenous Catecholamines on Lymphocyte Function
Authors: Qiu Yi-Hua , Peng Yu-Ping , Jiang Jian-Ming , Wang Jian-Jun 
Published: February 2004

<i>Objectives:</i> To comprehend the changes and significance of the endogenous catecholamines in the immune system, we explored the synthesis of catecholamines by lymphocytes in various lymphoid organs and in different activated states, and the effect of the endogenous catecholamines synthesized by lymphocytes on the function of the lymphocytes themselves. <i>Methods:</i> Immunohistochemistry for lymphoid organs (mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and thymus) and lymphocytes was used to observe their expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), an initial rate-limiting enzyme of the catecholamine synthesis. The contents of catecholamines, including norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and epinephrine (E), in lymphocytes were tested by means of high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Western blot was used to examine the character and relative quantity of TH-stained protein in lymphocytes, lymph nodes and adrenal medullary tissue. The effect of α-methyl-<i>p</i>-tyrosine (α-MT), an inhibitor of TH activity, on concanavalin A (Con A)-induced interleukin-2 (IL-2) production was determined by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay. <i>Results:</i> TH-positive cells were found in the three examined lymphoid organs, but the lymph nodes had the highest and the thymus had the lowest density. Both TH expression and the contents of NE, DA and E in the Con A-activated lymphocytes were markedly increased in comparison with those in the nonactivated lymphocytes. A band with TH immunoreactivity was seen in the extracts from either Con A-activated lymphocytes or nonactivated cells and the molecular weight of the protein was 59.4 ± 0.3 kD. However, the relative quantity of the protein was notably higher in the activated lymphocytes than in the nonactivated cells. As a positive control, a similar band of TH immunoreactivity in the adrenal medullary tissue was also obtained. α-MT at the doses of 10<sup>–11</sup>, 10<sup>–10</sup> and 10<sup>–9</sup> <i>M</i> was found to significantly facilitate the Con A-induced IL-2 production. <i>Conclusions:</i> These results suggest that lymphocytes can synthesize catecholamines and their synthesis levels may increase in the activated state, and that endogenous catecholamines synthesized by the lymphocytes can regulate the function of the lymphocytes themselves.
Effects of Intranasal Estradiol Treatment on Serum Lipoprotein(a) and Lipids in Hysterectomized Women
Authors: Kiran Hakan , Kiran Gurkan , Ekerbicer Hasan C. , Kilinc Metin 
Published: February 2004

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of intranasal estradiol on lipid metabolism and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels. A prospective comparative study was designed: 49 hysterectomized, healthy postmenopausal women received intranasal 17β-estradiol (E<sub>2</sub>; 300 µg/day). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the 3 and 6 months of therapy. After 6 months, the serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides did not show any significant change with intranasal 17β-E<sub>2</sub> therapy. HDL-cholesterol levels at 3 and 6 months of treatment were significantly increased compared with baseline levels (p = 0.031, p = 0.000, respectively). There was a significant change in serum Lp(a) levels at the 6th month (p = 0.003) but not at the 3rd month (p = 0.183) compared with the baseline levels. Further studies are needed to detect whether these changes are significant and permanent or not.
From the Southern Ocean to the North Atlantic in the Ekman Layer?
Authors: Nof Doron , de Boer Agatha M. 
Published: February 2004

Since the Southern Ocean encompasses the entire circumference of the globe, the zonal integral of the pressure gradient vanishes implying that the (meridional) geostrophic mass flux is zero. Conventional wisdom has it that, in view of this, the northward Ekman flux there must somehow find its way to the northern oceans, sink to the bottom (due to cooling) and return southward either below the topography or along the western boundary. Using recent (process oriented) numerical simulations and a simple analytical model, it is shown that most of the Ekman flux in the Southern Ocean does not cross the equator, nor does it sink in the northern oceans. Rather, the water that constitutes the link between the Southern Ocean and the deep water formation in the Northern Hemisphere originates in the eastern part of the southern Sverdrup interior.The associated path which takes the water from one hemisphere to the other resembles the letter “S”, where the top of the letter corresponds to the sinking region in the Northern Hemisphere and the bottom to the origin in the Southern Ocean. Although it is true that the amount of water that is cross crossing the equator is equal to the integrated Ekman flux in the northernmost part of the Southern Ocean, it is merely the amount (and not the origin of the water) that is equal in these two cases. The width of the transhemispheric current in the south iswhere τ is the wind stress, ∂τ/∂y the curl of the wind, β the familiar variation of the Coriolis with latitude, f0 the mean Coriolis parameter, and L is the width of the basin.
Hypoadiponectinemia Is Associated with Impaired Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation
Authors: Tan K. C. B. , Xu A. , Chow W. S. , Lam M. C. W. , Ai V. H. G. , Tam S. C. F. , Lam K. S. L. 
Published: February 2004

Adiponectin may have an antiatherogenic effect by reducing endothelial activation. We hypothesized that plasma adiponectin levels were correlated with endothelial function.Plasma adiponectin level was determined by an in-house RIA assay using a rabbit polyclonal antibody in 73 type 2 diabetic patients and 73 controls. Endothelium-dependent and independent vasodilation of the brachial artery was measured by high-resolution vascular ultrasound. Plasma adiponectin level was lower in diabetic patients than in controls (4.73 ± 1.96 vs. 7.69 ± 2.80 μg/ml, respectively; P &lt; 0.001), and they also had impaired endothelium-dependent (5.6 ± 3.6 vs. 8.6 ± 4.5%, respectively; P &lt; 0.001) and -independent vasodilation (13.3 ± 4.9 vs. 16.5 ± 5.6%, respectively; P &lt; 0.001). Plasma adiponectin correlated with endothelium-dependent vasodilation in controls (P = 0.02) and diabetic patients (P = 0.04). On general linear-model univariate analysis, brachial artery diameter, the presence of diabetes, plasma adiponectin, and high-density lipoprotein were significant independent determinants of endothelium-dependent vasodilation. In vitro experiments showed that endothelial cells expressed adiponectin receptors, and adiponectin increased nitric oxide production in human aortic endothelial cells.In conclusion, low plasma adiponectin level is associated with impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation, and the association is independent of diabetes mellitus. Adiponectin may act as a link between adipose tissue and the vasculature.