bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of
Helicobacter pylori
in Gastric Mucosa of Patients with Gastroduodenal Diseases by PCR-Restriction Analysis Using the RNA Polymerase Gene (
rpoB
)
Authors: Lim Chang-Young , Lee Keun-Hwa , Cho Myung-Je , Chang Myung-Woong , Kim Seok-Yong , Myong Na-Hye , Lee Woo-Kon , Rhee Kwang-Ho , Kook Yoon-Hoh 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

A novel PCR restriction analysis method using the RNA polymerase β-subunit- coding gene (
rpoB
) was employed to both detect and identify
Helicobacter pylori
in biopsy specimens and culture isolates. The
rpoB
DNAs (458 bp) were specifically amplified by PCR with the
Helicobacter
-specific primers (HF and HR). Based on the determined
rpoB
sequences of the culture isolates, an
H. pylori
-specific restriction site,
Tru
9I, was found.
H. pylori
can be identified by observing two discernible DNA fragments (288 and 138 bp) after
Tru
9I digestion and agarose gel electrophoresis. The
rpoB
PCR and subsequent restriction analysis (PRA) enabled the specific detection and identification of
H. pylori
in biopsy specimens from patients with gastroduodenal diseases. The
rpoB
PRA conferred a compatible or a slightly higher positive rate (53.7%) than did the
Campylobacter
-like organism (CLO) test (50.4%) and
glmM
PCR (48.8%), suggesting that it is useful for diagnosing an
H. pylori
infection without culture in the clinical laboratory.
Analysis of Genetic Identity of North AmericanAnaplasma phagocytophilumStrains by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Dumler J. S. , Asanovich K. M. , Bakken J. S. 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACTBiological and geographic heterogeneity of anthropozoonosis caused byAnaplasma phagocytophilumis poorly understood. Seven North AmericanA. phagocytophilumstrains were compared by PFGE. The average genome size was 1.58 Mbp, and restriction patterns were identical. New World strains ofA. phagocytophilumhave a large genome and a high degree of genetic uniformity.
Cross-Reactivity of the PLATELIACANDIDAAntigen Detection Enzyme Immunoassay with Fungal Antigen Extracts
Authors: Rimek Dagmar , Singh Jagpal , Kappe Reinhard 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACTWe studied the specificity of the PLATELIACANDIDAAg enzyme immunoassay by using 130 isolates of 63 clinically relevant fungal species. Antigen extracts of sevenCandidaspp. (Candida albicans,C. dubliniensis,C. famata,C. glabrata,C. guilliermondii,C. lusitaniae, andC. tropicalis) repeatedly yielded positive reactions (>0.5 ng/ml).Geotrichum candidumandFusarium verticillioideswere found to yield borderline-positive reactions (0.25 to 0.50 ng/ml). Antigen preparations from the other 54 fungal species, including yeasts, molds, dermatophytes, and dimorphic fungi, did not cross-react in the assay.
Surveillance of Rotavirus Strains in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1997 to 1999
Authors: Santos Norma , Soares Caroline C. , Volotão Eduardo M. , Albuquerque Maria Carolina M. , Hoshino Yasutaka 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACTOne hundred fifty-seven (23%;n= 678) rotavirus-positive stool samples were collected between March 1997 and December 1999 in the cites of Rio de Janeiro and Niterói. Rotaviruses in 143 (91%) samples were genotyped by reverse transcription-PCR for G and/or P specificity. Rotaviruses in the majority of G-P-typeable samples (73.3%; 74 of 101) were identified as having globally common genotypes G1P[8], G2P[4], G3P[8], and G4P[8]. Unusual strains such as G1P[9], G2[P8], G3P[9], and G9P[4] strains were detected in 8.9% (9 of 101) of the samples. Genotypes G9P[8], G9P[6], and a mixture of G9 and other G or P types represented 15.9% (25 of 157) of the isolates. Mixed infections were detected in 25 (15.9%) samples, and rotaviruses in 15 samples (9.6%) were not typed.
Outbreak of Carbapenem-Resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
Producing the OXA-23 Enzyme in Curitiba, Brazil
Authors: Dalla-Costa Libera M. , Coelho Juliana M. , Souza Helena A. P. H. M. , Castro Maria E. S. , Stier Christiane J. N. , Bragagnolo Karin L. , Rea-Neto Alvaro , Penteado-Filho Sergio R. , Livermore David M. , Woodford Neil 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

Carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates were obtained from eight patients in two hospitals in Curitiba, Brazil. The isolates were multiresistant, belonged to a single strain, and produced the OXA-23 carbapenemase. Treatment options were limited, although the isolates were susceptible to polymyxin B in vitro. The strain contributed to the deaths of five patients.
Suboptimal Detection of Influenza Virus in Adults by the Directigen Flu A+B Enzyme Immunoassay and Correlation of Results with the Number of Antigen-Positive Cells Detected by Cytospin Immunofluorescence
Authors: Landry Marie L. , Ferguson David 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT
To provide 24-h influenza diagnosis for adults presenting to the emergency department, the Directigen Flu A+B enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was performed in the chemistry laboratory during the night shift. Nasopharyngeal swabs were retested by cytospin-enhanced direct immunofluorescence (DFA; SimulFluor respiratory screen) when the virology laboratory opened. The influenza EIA detected 16 influenza A virus infections, whereas cytospin-enhanced DFA detected 31 influenza A virus infections as well as 3 respiratory syncytial virus, 2 adenovirus, and 1 parainfluenza virus infections. A positive EIA result usually correlated with 50 or more influenza virus cells positive by DFA.
Quality Control Limits for Fluconazole Disk Susceptibility Tests on Mueller-Hinton Agar with Glucose and Methylene Blue
Authors: Barry A. , Bille J. , Brown S. , Ellis D. , Meis J. , Pfaller M. , Rennie R. , Rinaldi M. , Rogers T. , Traczewski M. 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

An international collaborative study was performed in order to propose quality control limits for fluconazole disk diffusion susceptibility tests on Mueller-Hinton agar with 2% glucose and 0.5 μg of methylene blue per ml. The supplements may be added before autoclaving the agar, or Mueller-Hinton agar plates may be flooded with a glucose-methylene blue solution. Replicate tests on both types of agar plates generated data to propose zone size limits for tests of
Candida parapsilosis
ATCC 22019 (22 to 33 mm),
C. tropicalis
ATCC 750 (26 to 37 mm), and
C. albicans
ATCC 90028 (28 to 39 mm).
C. krusei
ATCC 6258 was not useful for this purpose.
Molecular Analysis of
Clostridium difficile
Strains Isolated from 18 Cases of Recurrent
Clostridium difficile
-Associated Diarrhea
Authors: Tang-Feldman Yajarayma , Mayo Susan , Silva, Joseph , Cohen Stuart H. 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

Recurrence of
Clostridium difficile
-associated diarrhea (CDAD) occurs in 15 to 20% of patients after discontinuation of treatment. Arbitrarily primed PCR was used to investigate the epidemiology of recurrent CDAD in 18 patients. Reinfection with a new strain occurred in 6 of 18 patients (33.3%), while 12 patients relapsed with the original strain shortly after discontinuation of treatment. These data suggest that reinfection with exogenous
C. difficile
is a common problem and that not all recurrences are due to relapse.
Use of Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis for Identification of
Ralstonia
and
Pandoraea
Species: Interest in Determination of the Respiratory Bacterial Flora in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Segonds Christine , Paute Sandrine , Chabanon Gérard 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

The recovery of
Ralstonia
and
Pandoraea
species from respiratory tract cultures of patients with cystic fibrosis has recently been reported. These species are difficult to identify, and especially to differentiate from
Burkholderia cepacia
complex organisms, with classical methods. The discriminatory power of amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) within the two genera was assessed by comparing the restriction profiles of reference strains of each species by using a panel of six enzymes already proven suitable for the identification of
Burkholderia
species. ARDRA provided differentiation of all the
Ralstonia
species tested and of
Pandoraea norimbergensis
.
Pandoraea
species
P. pnomenusa
,
P. sputorum
,
P. pulmonicola
, and
P. apista
were not discriminated to the species level. This method allowed the identification of five clinical isolates recovered from French cystic fibrosis patients as
Ralstonia mannitolilytica
.
Evaluation of Fungal Burden in Experimental Paracoccidioidomycosis by Using the Fluorescent Dye Blankophor
Authors: Nishikaku Angela Satie , Burger Eva 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACTThe fungal load in organs and blood of susceptible and resistant mice infected withParacoccidioides brasiliensiswas quantitated by using the optical brightener Blankophor and compared with CFU counts. Fluorescent staining of fungal cells proved to be a quick and easy procedure, suitable for evaluation of paracoccidioidomycotic infection.
Isolation of
Candida dubliniensis
in an Aboriginal Community in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Montour Laura , Tey Rovena , Xu Jianping 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

This study reports the first isolation of
Candida dubliniensis
from North American Indians. Of 39 healthy human hosts sampled, two had
C. dubliniensis
. Genotypic analysis identified polymorphisms in these strains and differences from two reference strains. Our results suggest that yeast populations from indigenous communities in North America may be unique.
Necrotizing Fasciitis Due to
Vibrio alginolyticus
in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Gomez Juan M. , Fajardo Roosevelt , Patiño Jose F. , Arias Cesar A. 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

We describe a patient with a history of asthma and remote use of steroids the development of necrotizing fascitis due to
Vibrio alginolyticus
after an injury from a coral reef during bathing in the Caribbean Sea off Colombia. The patient recovered with aggressive surgical debridement and antibiotics.
Osteomyelitis Caused by
Bartonella henselae
Genotype I in an Immunocompetent Adult Woman
Authors: Woestyn Sophie , Moreau Michel , Munting Everard , Bigaignon Geoffroy , Delmée Michel 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

We report the first description of osteomyelitis due to
Bartonella henselae
genotype I in an immunocompetent middle-aged woman. The diagnosis was established by serology, histopathology, and PCR analysis of osseous and lymph node tissues. The mycobacteria growth indicator tube inoculated with the lymph node aspirate was used for PCR analysis.
Neonatal Sepsis Caused by
Streptococcus bovis
Variant (Biotype II/2): Report of a Case and Review
Authors: Gavin Patrick J. , Thomson, Richard B. , Horng Show-Jen , Yogev Ram 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus bovis
is an uncommon cause of infection in neonates. However,
S
.
bovis
is capable of causing fulminant neonatal sepsis or meningitis that is indistinguishable clinically from that caused by group B streptococcus.
S
.
bovis
and
S
.
bovis
variant (sometimes referred to as
S
.
bovis
biotypes I and II, respectively) are phenotypically similar but may be differentiated by expanded testing. In adults, specific associations between disease states and different biotypes of
S
.
bovis
are apparent. No data exist on possible differences or clinical relevance of neonatal infection caused by different biotypes or newer species of
S
.
bovis
. We report a 3-day-old neonate with bacteremia and meningitis caused by
S
.
bovis
variant (
S
.
bovis
biotype II/2) and review the literature.
Utilization of 16S Ribosomal DNA Sequencing for Diagnosis of Septicemia Due to
Neisseria elongata
subsp.
glycolytica
in a Neutropenic Patient
Authors: Hombrouck-Alet Cecile , Poilane Isabelle , Janoir-Jouveshomme Claire , Fain Olivier , Cruaud Philippe , Thomas Michel , Collignon Anne 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

Septicemia due to
Neisseria elongata
subsp.
glycolytica
occurs infrequently. We report a case of septicemia in a patient undergoing antimitotic chemotherapy. Gram-negative coccobacilli were isolated from blood cultures. The identity of the isolate by phenotypic methods was uncertain. In contrast, identity was confirmed by 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing, which appeared to be very useful for correct identification.
Shiga Toxin-Producing
Escherichia coli
-Associated Kidney Failure in a 40-Year-Old Patient and Late Diagnosis by Novel Bacteriologic and Toxin Detection Methods
Authors: Teel Louise D. , Steinberg Brett R. , Aronson Naomi E. , O'Brien Alison D. 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

Infection with Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) is the most common cause of kidney failure in children. High morbidity is also associated with infections in the elderly. We describe STEC-associated kidney failure in a 40-year-old patient, including the methods used to identify STEC a month after disease onset.
Bacillus cereusBacteremia in a Preterm Neonate
Authors: Hilliard Nicholaus J. , Schelonka Robert L. , Waites Ken B. 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACTBacillus cereusis an uncommon but potentially serious bacterial pathogen causing infections of the bloodstream, lungs, and central nervous system of preterm neonates. A case of bacteremia caused byB. cereusin a 19-day-old preterm neonate who was successfully treated with vancomycin, tobramycin, meropenem, and clindamycin is described. Implications for the diagnostic laboratory and clinicians whenBacillusspecies are detected in normally sterile sites are discussed, and the small numbers of infant infections proven to be due to this organism that have been described previously are reviewed.
Unusual Presentation of Lemierre's Syndrome Due to
Fusobacterium nucleatum
Authors: Williams Michael D. , Kerber Caroline A. , Tergin Helen F. 
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT

We report a case of Lemierre's syndrome due to
Fusobacterium nucleatum
in a previously healthy 19-year-old male. This is the first case report of Lemierre's syndrome due to thrombophlebitis of the external jugular vein. The patient had a rapid clinical response to anticoagulation and antibiotics, as supported by anecdotal evidence.
Competing or Complementing: AES Entry into the Chinese Power Generation Market
Authors: Croft Lena 
Published: July 2003

This case study used longitudinal data to test the applicability of a western theory to a socialist market economy. Traditional theories assert that on entering a foreign market, firms must possess some ownership-specific advantages (e.g. access to sources of finance and advanced technology) in order to compete with indigenous firms (Hymer, 1976; Dunning, 1985; Buckley and Casson, 1991). The theories were subjected to debate when applied to the entry of the AES Corporation (AES), a United States power generation firm, into the People's Republic of China where socialist economic system is in practice. The case method was used to collect information rich qualitative data so as to analyse the firm behaviour of AES in China when the firm was exposed to the context of different fundamental values and institutional orders. Secondary data was collected from archives. In-depth interviews were conducted to gather data for later analysis. The study concluded that access to finance was the major ownership advantage constituting the successful entry of AES into China. This advantage complemented the deficiencies of its Chinese partners. Yet, the complementary relationship may not extend to some quasi state-owned firms which are nurtured under the Chinese government policies to become the "National champion teams". With the emergence of the "National champion teams", AES would have to apply a new set of strategies to meet the challenge.
SOCIODYNAMICS — A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO MATHEMATICAL MODELLING IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
Authors: WEIDLICH WOLFGANG 
Published: July 2003

A general concept is presented which allows of setting up mathematical models for stochastic and quasi deterministic dynamic processes in social systems. The basis of this concept is the master equation for the probability distribution over appropriately chosen personal and material macrovariables of the society. The probabilistic transition rates depend on motivation potentials governing the decisions and actions of the social agents. The transition from the probability distribution to quasi-meanvalues leads to in general nonlinear coupled differential equations for the macrovariables of the chosen social sector. Up to now several models about population dynamics, collective political opinion formation, dynamics of economic processes and the formation of settlements have been published.
Prediction Based on a Multiscale Decomposition
Authors: Renaud Olivier , Starck Jean-Luc , Murtagh Fionn 
Published: July 2003

A wavelet-based forecasting method for time series is introduced. It is based on a multiple resolution decomposition of the signal, using the redundant "à trous" wavelet transform which has the advantage of being shift-invariant.The result is a decomposition of the signal into a range of frequency scales. The prediction is based on a small number of coefficients on each of these scales. In its simplest form it is a linear prediction based on a wavelet transform of the signal. This method uses sparse modelling, but can be based on coefficients that are summaries or characteristics of large parts of the signal. The lower level of the decomposition can capture the long-range dependencies with only a few coefficients, while the higher levels capture the usual short-term dependencies.We show the convergence of the method towards the optimal prediction in the autoregressive case. The method works well, as shown in simulation studies, and studies involving financial data.
Determinants of Co-Workers' Innovative Behaviour: An Investigation into Knowledge Intensive Services
Authors: de Jong Jeroen P. J. , Kemp Ron 
Published: July 2003

Innovation researchers increasingly pay attention to service industries, resulting in a large amount of literature on success factors in new service development. However, the role of individual co-workers in innovation is still underexposed.This paper investigated the drivers of innovative behaviour of individual co-workers, which is considered to be a major determinant of incremental innovation. From the literature seven constructs were derived that are often discussed as drivers of innovation, but have not been tested as determinants of individual co-workers' innovative behaviour. Survey data were collected from 360 persons working in knowledge-intensive service firms. Based on a regression analysis, it appeared that perceptions of job challenge, autonomy, strategic attention and external contacts are positively related to innovative behaviour of individual co-workers. Also, operating in a market where firms compete on differentiation had a positive impact. On the other hand, a firm climate supportive to innovation and a high variation in demand did not affect innovative behaviour in a direct manner.
Endothelial cell function alteration after Junin virus infection
Authors: Gomez Ricardo Martin , Pozner Roberto Gabriel , Lazzari Maria Angela , D’Atri Lina Paola , Negrotto Soledad , Chudzinski-Tavassi Ana Marisa , Berría María Isabel , Schattner Mirta 
Published: July 2003

SummaryHematologic involvement is the main feature of Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF), an endemo-epidemic disease caused by Junin virus (JV). Since endothelial dysfunction could play a role in AHF-altered hemostasis, we studied human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) infection with a virulent (JVv) and a non-virulent (JVa) JV strain. Cells were infected by the two JV variants with no detectable apoptosis or cytopathic effect. Both viral variants up-regulated ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels, while von Willebrand factor (VWF) production was decreased. Prostacyclin (PGI2) release and decay accelerating factor (DAF) expression were greater in JVv- than in JVa-infected or control cells. Furthermore, nitric oxide (NO) production and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression was only raised in JVv-infected supernatants. Significant NO and PGI2 values were also detected in AHF patient sera.These data demonstrate that endothelial cell responses are triggered subsequently by JV infection, suggesting that such alterations play a major role in the pathogenesis of AHF and perhaps in other viral-induced hemorrhagic diseases.
Two novel mutations in the human coagulation factor VII promoter
Authors: Kavlie Anita , Hiltunen Leena , Rasi Vesa , Prydz Hans 
Published: July 2003

SummaryThe factor VII genes of five unrelated Finnish female patients, F1-F5, with moderate bleeding tendency, were screened for mutations using single strand conformational polymorphisms and DNA sequencing. Heterozygous shifts were detected in exons 5 and 8 for patient F1, and sequencing confirmed the presence of the silent dimorphism H115H, the polymorphism R353Q and the mutation A294V. The patient F1 was also heterozygous for a novel –59T/G transversion mutation in the Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-binding site. The remaining four patients carried a –32A/C transversion mutation located in a footprint (–51 to –32) covering the major transcription initiation start site (–51). There was also a consensus sequence match to an initiator response-like binding element covering –51. Two patients were homozygous and two heterozygous for this mutation. Plasma FVII:Ag and FVII:C levels were reduced in parallel. A strong reduction in binding affinity of a specific nuclear protein to the –32C-containing oligonucleotide was found by electrophoretic mobility shift assays on nuclear extracts from HepG2 cells. EDTA caused no reduced binding. A minimal promoter (–191 to +15) containing the wild-type sequence or the –32A/C or –59T/G mutations was cloned in front of the firefly luciferase reporter gene and transiently transfected into Hep3B cells. Reduced activities [23.0 ± 3.1% (–32C), 55.4 ± 6.3% (–59G), 100% (wild-type construct)] were found for the mutated promoters. Southwestern blotting and UV crosslinking analysis showed binding of three proteins (20, 20 and 50 kDa) to the putative initiator response element. The –32A/C mutant oligonucleotide bound two proteins.
Prothrombin and β2-glycoprotein I frequently contribute to antiphospholipid antibody interactions with phospholipids and the generation of abnormal waveform profiles in coagulation assays
Authors: Su Zuowei , Izumi Tomonori , Ortel Thomas L. 
Published: July 2003

SummaryTransmittance waveforms are generated during clot formation on photo-optical coagulation analyzers. We previously showed that 61.5% of patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) exhibited a negative deflection in the pre-coagulation phase of the prothrombin time (PT slope 1). The current studies investigated the ‘molecular basis’ of this abnormal parameter. We found that the negative PT slope 1 is IgG-mediated and is not dependent on the presence of fibrinogen or thrombin activity. We also found that IgG from most of the patients required a specific thromboplastin and the presence of prothrombin or β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) to produce an abnormal IgG waveform assay. In addition, the abnormal IgG waveform required cofactor binding to phospholipids when β2GPI was the cofactor, and annexin V could partially block this interaction. In conclusion, these results showed that the interactions of IgG with phospholipids via β2GPI or prothrombin constitute the core mechanisms of the abnormal waveforms.