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Infection Status (infection + status)
Kinds of Infection Status Selected AbstractsEvaluation of NOC Measures in Home Care Nursing PracticeINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING TERMINOLOGIES AND CLASSIFICATION, Issue 2003Gail M. Keenan PURPOSE To evaluate the reliability, validity, usefulness, and sensitivity of 89 NOC outcomes in two Visiting Nurse Associations in Michigan. METHODS Of a total 190 NOC outcomes 89 were assigned for testing. Interrater reliability and criterion validity were assessed a total of 50 times per outcome (on 50 different patients) across the study units. The total number of times the reliability and validity were assessed for each of the 89 measures studied ranged from 5,45. Three RN research assistants (RNRAs) oversaw and participated in data collection with the help of 15 clinicians. Convenience sampling was used to identify subjects. A roster of outcomes to be studied was maintained and matched with patient conditions whenever possible until the quota of outcomes assigned had been evaluated. Clinicians and RNRAs independently rated the outcomes and indicators applicable to the patient. NANDA diagnoses, NIC interventions, and medical diagnoses were recorded. FINDINGS A total of 258 patients (mean age 62) enrolled; 60% were women, 23% were from minority groups, and 78% had no college degree. Thirty-six of the 89 NOC measures were designated "clinically useful." The 10 outcomes with the highest interrater reliability were Caregiver Home Care Readiness; Caregiver Stressors; Caregiving Endurance Potential; Infection Status; Mobility Level; Safety Status: Physical Injury; Self-Care: Activities of Daily Living; Self-Care: Bathing; Self-Care: Hygiene; and Wound Healing: Secondary Intention. Criterion measurement and repeated ratings provided evidence to support the validity and sensitivity of the NOC outcomes. Evidence also suggested that NOC label level ratings could be a feasible, reliable, and valid method of evaluating nursing outcomes under actual use. For some measures, adjustments in the scales and anchors are needed to enhance reliability. For others, it may be unrealistic to reliably score in one encounter, thus scoring should be deferred until the clinician has adequate knowledge of the patient. CONCLUSIONS Continued study and refinement that are coordinated and integrated systematically strongly recommended. Comprehensive study in an automated system with a controlled format will increase the efficiency of future studies. [source] Significance of high-risk human papillomavirus detection by polymerase chain reaction in primary cervical cancer screeningCYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2001Y. L. Oh Significance of high-risk human papillomavirus detection by polymerase chain reaction in primary cervical cancer screening The purposes of this study were to evaluate the incidence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to assess its diagnostic usefulness in primary cervical screening. PCR testing for HPV type 16, 18, 31 and 33 was performed on 1305 specimens obtained during routine cervical cancer screening. We analysed the concurrent cervical smears and biopsy, and correlated them with the HPV infection status. We also evaluated histologically-proven cases with ASCUS smears according to HPV infection. HPV DNA was identified in eight (0.7%) of 1144 cytologically normal patients; nine (10.5%) of 86 ASCUS; seven (25.0%) of 28 LSIL; 26 (78.8%) of 33 HSIL; and in all of three squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). HPV positivity was significantly associated with cytohistological diagnosis for HSIL of more. In addition, HPV-positive ASCUS cases were found to be associated with histological abnormality rather than HPV-negative. The results indicate that high-risk HPV testing by PCR could be a useful adjunct tool for Pap smear in primary cervical screening. The combination of Pap smear and high-risk HPV testing by PCR might reduce unnecessary colposcopy-guided biopsy of women with cytological diagnosis of ASCUS. [source] Life history of the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi, on transgenic and non-transformed wheat challenged with Wheat streak mosaic virusENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 1 2009Edgardo S. Jiménez-Martínez Abstract The life history of the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), was studied via laboratory assays on Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV)-infected and non-infected transgenic and non-transformed wheat [Triticum aestivum L. (Poaceae)]. Although R. padi is not a WSMV vector, it is known to colonize WSMV-infected wheat plants. Two transgenic soft white winter wheat genotypes, 366-D03 and 366-D8, that express the WSMV coat protein gene, and the WSMV-susceptible non-transformed cultivar Daws were tested. All genotypes showed disease symptoms when infected with WSMV. Whereas plant height was significantly reduced on virus-infected compared to non-infected plants of all genotypes, virus-infected transgenic plants exhibited lower virus titer and lower disease rating scores than Daws. No significant effects of WSMV infection or genotypes were observed on the length of R. padi nymphal development period, nor on their pre-, and post-reproductive periods. Rhopalosiphum padi reproductive period was significantly longer on Daws infected with WSMV than on non-infected plants of this cultivar. In contrast, there were no significant differences in length of R. padi reproductive period between virus-infected and non-infected transgenic plants within a genotype. Rhopalosiphum padi daily fecundity was significantly lower and adult longevity significantly longer on virus-infected than on non-infected plants of all genotypes. Total aphid fecundity and intrinsic rate of increase were not significantly different among treatments. The percentage of winged aphids that developed was greater on WSMV-infected compared to non-infected plants within a genotype. Results indicate that both virus infection status of plants and wheat genotype influence the life history of R. padi. [source] Regulatory T cells in human geohelminth infection suppress immune responses to BCG and Plasmodium falciparumEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Linda J. Wammes Abstract Chronic helminth infections induce T-cell hyporesponsiveness, which may affect immune responses to other pathogens or to vaccines. This study investigates the influence of Treg activity on proliferation and cytokine responses to BCG and Plasmodium falciparum -parasitized RBC in Indonesian schoolchildren. Geohelminth-infected children's in vitro T-cell proliferation to either BCG or pRBC was reduced compared to that of uninfected children. Although the frequency of CD4+CD25hiFOXP3+ T cells was similar regardless of infection status, the suppressive activity differed between geohelminth-infected and geohelminth-uninfected groups: Ag-specific proliferative responses increased upon CD4+CD25hi T-cell depletion in geohelminth-infected subjects only. In addition, IFN-, production in response to both BCG and parasitized RBC was increased after removal of CD4+CD25hi T cells. These data demonstrate that geohelminth-associated Treg influence immune responses to bystander Ag of mycobacteria and plasmodia. Geohelminth-induced immune modulation may have important consequences for co-endemic infections and vaccine trials. [source] Hepatitis B viral load predicts survival of HCC patients undergoing systemic chemotherapy,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Winnie Yeo HCC is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. For patients who are not candidates for curative surgery, systemic chemotherapy is one of the standard treatments. In parts of China and the Far East, over 80% of HCC patients have chronic HBV infection. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between pre-chemotherapy HBV viral load and the survival of HCC patients. HBV infection status was determined prior to chemotherapy in 188 patients, 170 of whom had evidence of HBV chronic infection/exposure (160 hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg]-positive, 10 HBsAg-negative/hepatitis B core antibody,positive). Of these, 125 had pretreatment HBV DNA levels determined via real-time PCR. Virological data were analyzed using conventional clinical variables to identify factors that influenced survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that high total bilirubin (P = 0.0016; hazard ratio = 1.040 per 1 ,M increase; 95% CI 1.015,1.065), HCV infection (P = 0.0095; hazard ratio = 6.955; 95% CI 1.606,30.129), and high HBV DNA level (P = 0.0217; hazard ratio = 1.650; 95% CI 1.076,2.531) affected survival significantly. Exploratory analysis revealed that high levels of pretreatment HBV DNA had a significantly higher incidence of severe hepatitis during chemotherapy. Conclusion: For HCC patients with HBV chronic infection/exposure, a high viral load prior to treatment is an adverse factor for survival and may be associated with a higher incidence of severe hepatitis during chemotherapy. Future strategies to improve the prognosis of HCC patients undergoing chemotherapy should consider supportive therapy that incorporates antiviral therapies to reduce HBV viral load. (HEPATOLOGY 2007;45:1382,1389.) [source] Five-year follow-up study after Helicobacter pylori eradication: Reinfection and peptic ulcer statusJOURNAL OF DIGESTIVE DISEASES, Issue 1 2003Li Ya ZHOU OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of peptic ulcers and Helicobactor pylori reinfection 5 years after H. pylori eradication. METHODS: One thousand and six adults were randomly sampled from the general population in a high-incidence region of gastric cancer. Of these, 552 subjects were confirmed to be H. pylori -positive by using both the rapid urease test and the Warthin,Starry stain. All H. pylori -positive subjects were randomly divided into two groups: (i) the eradication group, who received 1 week of omeprazole-based triple therapy; and (ii) the control group, who received placebo tablets. Four weeks after the cessation of treatment, 13C-urea breath tests demonstrated that H. pylori had been successfully eradicated in 88.9% of patients in the eradication group, whereas 96.4% of patients remained H. pylori positive in the control group. Subjects in both groups were followed up using endoscopy at the end of the first and fifth year after treatment. The H. pylori infection status was determined by using the rapid urease test and Warthin,Starry staining. RESULTS: The response rates to endoscopy at the end of the first and fifth year were 89.3 and 83.11%, respectively. The prevalence of peptic ulcers in the eradication group and control group were 9.87 and 7.61% before treatment, 3.70 and 12.58% 1 year after treatment (P < 0.05), and 5.86 and 14.93% 5 years after treatment (P < 0.05), respectively. The recurrence rates of peptic ulcers in the eradication group and the control group were 3.70 and 38.10% 1 year after treatment, and 14.81 and 42.86% 5 years after treatment, respectively. The rates of H. pylori infection 1 and 5 years after treatment in the eradication group were 13.58, and 19.82%, respectively. In the control group, the rates of H. pylori infection were 91.97 and 83.26% 1 and 5 years after treatment, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of peptic ulcers decreased significantly after the eradication of H. pylori. The reinfection rate after H. pylori eradication was 4,5% per year. Helicobacter pylori infection status remained constant in almost 85% of cases. [source] Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on cyclooxygenase-2 expression in gastric antral mucosaJOURNAL OF DIGESTIVE DISEASES, Issue 2 2002Hong LU OBJECTIVE: Helicobacter pylori infection is a major etiological cause of chronic gastritis. Inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) is an important regulator of mucosal inflammation. Recent studies indicate that expression of COX-2 may contribute to gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of H. pylori infection and eradication therapy on COX-2 expression in gastric antral mucosa. METHODS: Antral biopsies were taken from 46 H. pylori- infected patients, who also had chronic gastritis, both before and after anti- H. pylori treatment. The COX-2 protein was stained by using immunohistochemical methods and COX-2 expression was quantified as the percentage of epithelial cells expressing COX-2. Gastritis and H. pylori infection status were graded according to the Sydney system. RESULTS: Cyclooxygenase-2 expression was detected in the cytoplasm of gastric antral epithelial cells both before and after the eradication of H. pylori. Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in mucosa with H. pylori infection was compared with the corresponding mucosa after successful H. pylori eradication (20.1 ± 13.1%vs 13.8 ± 5.9%; P < 0.05). At the same time, COX-2 expression in H. pylori -infected mucosa was compared with the normal controls (18.0 ± 14.1%vs 12.3 ± 4.6%, P < 0.05). Expression of COX-2 was correlated with the degree of chronic inflammation (r= 0.78, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that H. pylori infection leads to gastric mucosal overexpression of COX-2 protein, suggesting that the enzyme is involved in H. pylori -related gastric pathology in humans. [source] The epidemiology of Argulus spp. (Crustacea: Branchiura) infections in stillwater trout fisheriesJOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES, Issue 4 2006N G H Taylor Abstract Problem infections caused by species of the crustacean ectoparasite, Argulus, in UK stillwater trout fisheries appear to have increased in recent years. A cross-sectional study of 77 such fisheries was conducted to establish the perceived problem and the extent and severity of this problem, and to identify associated risk factors. An interview-based study was conducted in 2001 using a standardized questionnaire based on the management and infection status of each fishery in the previous year. Logistic regression was used to identify potential risk factors. Argulus spp. were perceived to cause economic losses in infected fisheries through a reduction in the number of anglers due to reduced aesthetic appeal and catchability of fish. Of the sites studied, 29% experienced such a problem infection in 2000. Argulus foliaceus was identified in all but one case and was found to be widely distributed throughout the UK. The remaining case was identified as Argulus coregoni. Three risk factors were associated with problem infections: the presence of an algal bloom, slow rates of stock turnover and whether water level dropped by <1 m during the summer months. [source] Low-dose intravenous pantoprazole for optimal inhibition of gastric acid in Korean patientsJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 9 2007Jung-Hwan Oh Abstract Background and Aim:, Proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for bleeding ulcers is more efficacious in Asian patients than in non-Asian patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of various doses of pantoprazole on intragastric acidity in Korean patients. Methods:, A prospective randomized study was conducted in 52 patients either with bleeding peptic ulcers after successful endotherapy or who received endoscopic mucosal resection for gastric neoplasms. Patients were randomized into two doses of intravenous pantoprazole: 40 mg q.d. and 40 mg b.i.d. We compared these results with our preliminary study utilizing high-dose pantoprazole (80 mg + 8 mg/h). The potential contribution of CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms and the presence of Helicobacter pylori were also assessed. Results:, Pantoprazole 40 mg b.i.d. and high-dose pantoprazole demonstrated better inhibition of intragastric acid than pantoprazole q.d. (P < 0.05). The pantoprazole 40 mg q.d. group exhibited significant variations in acid inhibition correlating with CYP2C19 genotype. Median 24 h pH values did not differ significantly between the pantoprazole b.i.d. and high-dose pantoprazole groups, regardless of H. pylori infection status. A median intragastric pH < 6.0 was observed in only three of 28 patients in the 40 mg b.i.d. group; these three patients were extensive metabolizers. Conclusion:, A 40 mg b.i.d. dose of pantoprazole is sufficient to maintain pH > 6.0 in Korean patients, except for patients with extensive metabolizing CYP2C19 genotypes. [source] Promoter hypomethylation of protease-activated receptor 2 associated with carcinogenesis in the stomachJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Tomiyasu Arisawa Abstract Background and Aim:, Trypsin acting at protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) contributes to a progression of malignant tumors. An abnormal DNA methylation has been recognized as an important molecular mechanism for the genesis of various types of cancers. We attempted to clarify the relationship between the promoter methylation of PAR2 and gastric cancer. Method:, We estimated the methylation of the PAR2 promoter in both antral non-cancerous mucosa and cancer lesions in 94 patients with gastric cancer. We employed a methylation-specific PCR method. Results:, Regarding the methylation ratio (MR) of antral-non-cancerous mucosa, no significant difference was despite among gender, age and Helicobacter pylori infection status, whereas MR increased rising inflammation scores. The MR of cancer lesions was significantly lower than that of antral non-cancerous mucosa. This finding was not dependent on tumor staging, but also histological classification. In venous invasion, lymph node metastasis, or peritoneal dissemination negative cases, this significant lower MR was also seen. Conclusion:, The promoter methylation of PAR2 seems to be increased with a progression of chronic inflammation and has an inhibitory effect on carcinogenesis of the stomach. [source] Appropriate cut-off value of 13C-urea breath test after eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in JapanJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 12 2003CHIEKO KATO Abstract Background and Aim:, A cut-off value of 2.5, for the 13C-urea breath test (UBT) is recommended in Japanese persons, based on the result of a multicenter trial in patients prior to treatment for eradication of Helicobacter pylori. The cut-off value of 2.5, has also been used in the assessment of eradication after treatment. The 6,8-week evaluation after treatment is recommended in the guidelines of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology. The present study aimed to prospectively re-assess the cut-off value of the 13C-UBT at 6 weeks after treatment by using the results obtained at 6 months as an indication of true positive or true negative H. pylori infection status. Methods:, One hundred and ninety patients who were positive for H. pylori underwent eradication treatment, and 177 patients of these patients who were assessed as having true positive or true negative H. pylori,status ,at ,6 months ,after ,treatment ,were ,evaluated ,in ,this ,study. ,Eradication ,was ,assessed ,by 13C-UBT, ,culture, ,and ,histology ,at ,6 weeks ,and ,at ,6 months ,after ,treatment, ,and ,the ,cut-off ,value ,of 13C-UBT at 6 weeks was re-assessed. Results:, A cut-off value of 3.5,. at 6 weeks after treatment showed 97.2% diagnostic accuracy, while a cut-off value of 2.5, at 6 weeks showed 96.0% diagnostic accuracy. For a 3.5, cut-off value, only five patients were positive by 13C-UBT and were negative by culture and histology at 6 weeks, and three patients were true positive and two were false positive by the 13C-UBT at 6 months. Conclusion:, A cut-off value of 3.5, for the 13C-UBT is recommended at 6 weeks after eradication treatment in Japanese persons. [source] Changes of gastric histology in patients with erosive oesophagitis receiving long-term lansoprazole maintenance therapyALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 1 2010M. M. Haber Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 83,96 Summary Background, Changes in gastric histology associated with long-term maintenance therapy with lansoprazole for erosive oesophagitis have not been well described. Aim, To evaluate the effect on gastric histology of long-term dose-titrated lansoprazole administered as maintenance therapy for up to 82 months in patients with erosive oesophagitis. Methods, Sequential gastric biopsy specimens were obtained for evaluation of histological changes and Helicobacter pylori infection status. Results, Active and chronic inflammation improved from baseline to final visit in a majority of patients receiving long-term therapy with lansoprazole, irrespective of baseline H. pylori infection status. Reductions in active inflammation in the gastric body and antrum were seen in 53% (17/32) and 67% (20/30) of H. pylori -positive patients, respectively, and in 88% (7/8) and 86% (12/14) of H. pylori -negative patients, respectively. Reductions in chronic inflammation in the gastric body and antrum were seen in 38% (12/32) and 47% (15/32) of H. pylori -positive patients, respectively, and in 58% (70/121) and 57% (68/120) of H. pylori -negative patients, respectively. No clinically meaningful increases in hyperplasia, dysplasia, neoplasia, intestinal metaplasia or atrophy were observed during the follow-up period. Conclusions, Lansoprazole administered as maintenance therapy for up to 6 years in patients with erosive oesophagitis demonstrated gastric mucosal safety and was well tolerated. [source] Systematic review: the association between obesity and hepatocellular carcinoma , epidemiological evidenceALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 10 2010D. SAUNDERS Aliment Pharmacol Ther,31, 1051,1063 Summary Background, Evidence increasingly implicates obesity as an independent risk factor for different cancers. We examined such evidence for hepatocellular carcinoma. Aim, To review the effect of increased levels of body mass index on hepatocellular carcinoma risk. Methods, We reviewed systematically the literature examining the association between increased body mass index and hepatocellular carcinoma risk. For each identified study, relevant data were extracted and appraised. Results, Ten cohort studies (>90 million person-years), one nested case-control study (244 cases) and two case-control studies (494 cases) were identified. Of the cohort studies, 75% of person-years related to North Americans, 15% to East Asians, and 10% to Europeans. Three cohort studies adjusted for alcohol consumption, only one cohort study adjusted for hepatitis infection status. Seven cohort studies found a positive association between obesity (body mass index ,30 kg/m2) and hepatocellular carcinoma risk (relative risks ranging from 1.4 to 4.1); two reported no association; and one reported a significant inverse association for a population subgroup (relative risk = 0.7, 95% confidence interval: 0.5,0.9). Conclusion, Although most studies did not adjust for confounders and most data relate to a single world region, the overall evidence is suggestive of an increased hepatocellular carcinoma risk in obese and overweight individuals. [source] Health-related quality of life in a cohort of adult patients with mild hemophilia AJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 5 2008M. WALSH Summary.,Objectives:,To compare the health-related quality of life among adult males affected with mild hemophilia A due to the same mutation (Val2016ala) to that of unaffected age and sex matched controls from the same general population. Methods:,The Short-Form 36 (SF-36) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) were used to measure health-related quality of life and physical function. Other measures included bleeding history, a measure of joint damage, body mass index, age, and viral infection status. Cross-sectional data were collected through research clinics and a retrospective chart audit over a two-year period. Results and Conclusions:,The study included 47 affected males and 33 controls. The affected males had a higher level of co-morbidity, prior bleeding, and existing joint damage than controls. With the exception of the social function and health transition scales, mean scores for each of the SF-36 domains were worse among affected males. Mean differences were more than a clinically important five points in five of eight domains, with the general health scale showing more than a 10-point difference. Despite the degree of difference noted, only two of the differences were statistically significant (general health and role emotional scales) because of the small sample size and considerable individual variation in SF-36 scale scores. Multiple regression analyses suggested existing joint damage and presence of heart disease as the strongest associates of lower physical health-related quality of life. Joint damage in turn was partly related to prior hemarthroses. Compared to the Canadian population, affected males had lower scores in six out of eight SF-36 domains as well as the physical component summary score. There were no significant differences found in the HAQ scores between the two groups. So-called mild hemophilia A was associated with a negative effect on physical health-related quality of life, contributed to by joint damage as a result of prior bleeding. [source] Serum Cardiac Troponin I Concentration in Dogs with EhrlichiosisJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2008P.P.V.P. Diniz Background: Ehrlichiosis is a multisystemic disease with the potential to cause cardiomyocyte injury in naturally infected dogs. Hypothesis: Myocardial injury occurs in dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis. Animals: One-hundred and ninety-four dogs from Brazil with clinical and laboratory abnormalities indicative of ehrlichiosis. Sixteen healthy dogs served as controls. Methods: Electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, noninvasive blood pressure measurement, and serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations were evaluated. Serologic assays and PCR determined the exposure and infection status for E. canis, Anaplasma spp., Babesia canis vogeli, Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Leishmania chagasi, and spotted-fever group Rickettsia. Dogs were assigned to groups according to PCR status: E. canis infected, infected with other vector-borne organisms, sick dogs lacking PCR evidence for infection, and healthy controls. Results: E. canis -infected dogs had higher serum cTnI concentrations than controls (median: 0.04 ng/dL; range 0.04,9.12 ng/dL; control median: 0.04 ng/dL; range: 0.04,0.10 ng/dL; P= .012), and acute E. canis infection was associated with myocardial injury (odds ratio [OR]: 2.67, confidence interval [CI] 95%: 1.12,6.40, P= .027). Severity of anemia was correlated with increased risk of cardiomyocyte damage (r= 0.84, P < .001). Dogs with clinical signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were at higher risk for myocardial injury than were other sick dogs (OR: 2.55, CI 95%: 1.31,4.95, P= .005). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Acute infection with E. canis is a risk factor for myocardial injury in naturally infected Brazilian dogs. Severity of anemia and SIRS might contribute to the pathophysiology of myocardial damage. [source] HCV infection and oral lichen planus: a weak association when HCV is endemicJOURNAL OF VIRAL HEPATITIS, Issue 5 2004G. Campisi Abstract, Oral lichen planus (OLP), an immune-mediated disorder, has been reported as an extra-hepatic manifestation of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, especially in HCV hyperendemic areas such as southern Europe and Japan. The aim of this study was to investigate from an epidemiological standpoint whether HCV infection is an important factor affecting the relative risk of OLP in a Mediterranean population or whether this relates to the degree of HCV endemicity. Two cohorts of OLP patients resident in two different regions of southern Italy (Campania and Sicily; n = 859) were evaluated for HCV infection status and categorized into five age classes to respective region-matched controls. No significant difference was found between OLP patients and the general population in this area, when data were corrected by the age-stratified prevalence of HCV. Therefore, the age-specific prevalence of HCV infection in OLP patients shows a close trend of direct association with increasing age, without significant differences with the general population of each geographical area. An aetiological link between OLP and HCV cannot be inferred solely by epidemiological data. [source] Impact of donor infections on outcome of orthotopic liver transplantationLIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 5 2003Michael Angelis Infection occurs when microbial agents enter the host, either through airborne transmission or by direct contact of a substance carrying the infectious agent with the host. Human body fluids, solid organs, or other tissues often are ideal vectors to support microbial agents and can transmit infections efficiently from donor to recipient. In the case of blood transfusion and tissue transplantation, the main consequence of such a transmission is infection of the recipient. However, in the case of solid-organ transplantation, and particularly for liver transplantation, donor infections are not only transmitted to the recipient, the donor infection also may affect the donated liver's preservability and subsequent function in the recipient irrespective of the systemic consequences of the infection. In addition, solid organ recipients of infected organs are less able to respond to the infectious agent because of their immunosuppressive treatment. Thus, transmission of infections from organ donor to liver recipient represents serious potential risks that must be weighed against a candidate's mortality risk without the transplant. However, the ever-increasing gap between the number of donors and those waiting for liver grafts makes consideration of every potential donor, regardless of the infection status, essential to minimize waiting list mortality. In this review, we will focus on assessing the risk of transmission of bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infectious agents from cadaveric liver donors to recipients and the effect such a transmission has on liver function, morbidity, and mortality. We will also discuss risk-benefit deliberations for using organs from infected donors for certain types of recipients. These issues are critically important to maximize the use of donated organs but also minimize recipient morbidity and graft dysfunction. [source] MHC diversity and the association to nematode parasitism in the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis)MOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 7 2005Y. MEYER-LUCHT Abstract In vertebrates, the genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are among the most debated candidates accounting for co-evolutionary processes of host,parasite interaction at the molecular level. The exceptionally high allelic polymorphism found in MHC loci is believed to be maintained by pathogen-driven selection, mediated either through heterozygous advantage or rare allele advantage (= frequency dependent selection). While investigations under natural conditions are still very rare, studies on humans or mice under laboratory conditions revealed support for both hypotheses. We investigated nematode burden and allelic diversity of a functional important MHC class II gene (DRB exon2) in free-ranging yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis). Twenty-seven distinct Apfl -DRB alleles were detected in 146 individuals with high levels of amino acid sequence divergence, especially at the antigen binding sites (ABS), indicating selection processes acting on this locus. Heterozygosity had no influence on the infection status (being infected or not), the number of different nematode infections (NNI) or the intensity of infection, measured as the individual faecal egg count (FEC). However, significant associations of specific Apfl -DRB alleles to both nematode susceptibility and resistance were found, for all nematodes as well as in separate analyses of the two most common nematodes. Apodemus flavicollis individuals carrying the alleles Apfl -DRB*5 or Apfl -DRB*15 revealed significantly higher FEC than individuals with other alleles. In contrast, the allele Apfl -DRB*23 showed a significant association to low FEC of the most common nematode. Thus, our results provide evidence for pathogen-driven selection acting through rare allele advantage under natural conditions. [source] Strain-specific regulation of intracellular Wolbachia density in multiply infected insectsMOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 12 2003L. Mouton Abstract Vertically transmitted symbionts suffer a severe reduction in numbers when they pass through host generations, resulting in genetic homogeneity or even clonality of their populations. Wolbachia endosymbionts that induce cytoplasmic incompatibility in their hosts depart from this rule, because cytoplasmic incompatibility actively maintains multiple infection within hosts. Hosts and symbionts are thus probably under peculiar selective pressures that must shape the way intracellular bacterial populations are regulated. We studied the density and location of Wolbachia within adult Leptopilina heterotoma, a haplodiploid wasp that is parasitic on Drosophila and that is naturally infected with three Wolbachia strains, but for which we also obtained one simply infected and two doubly infected lines. Comparison of these four lines by quantitative polymerase chain reaction using a real-time detection system showed that total Wolbachia density varies according to the infection status of individuals, while the specific density of each Wolbachia strain remains constant regardless of the presence of other strains. This suggests that Wolbachia strains do not compete with one another within the same host individual, and that a strain-specific regulatory mechanism is operating. We discuss the regulatory mechanisms that are involved, and how this process might have evolved as a response to selective pressures acting on both partners. [source] Prevailing triple infection with Wolbachia in Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)MOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2002Natsuko Kondo Abstract Prevailing triple infection with three distinct Wolbachia strains was identified in Japanese populations of the adzuki bean beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis. When a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was conducted using universal primers for ftsZ and wsp, Wolbachia was detected in all the individuals examined, 288 males and 334 females from nine Japanese populations. PCR,restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of cloned wsp gene fragments from single insects revealed that three types of wsp sequences coexist in the insects. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the wsp sequences unequivocally demonstrated that C. chinensis harbours three phylogenetically distinct Wolbachia, tentatively designated as wBruCon, wBruOri and wBruAus, respectively. Diagnostic PCR analysis using specific primers demonstrated that, of 175 males and 235 females from nine local populations, infection frequencies with wBruCon, wBruOri and wBruAus were 100%, 96.3% and 97.0%, respectively. As for the infection status of individuals, triple infection (93.7%) dominated over double infection (6.1%) and single infection (0.2%). The amounts of wBruCon, wBruOri and wBruAus in field-collected adult insects were analysed by using a quantitative PCR technique in terms of wsp gene copies per individual insect. Irrespective of original populations, wBruCon and wBruOri (107,108wsp copies/insect) were consistently greater in amount than wBruAus (106,107wsp copies/insect), suggesting that the population sizes of the three Wolbachia strains are controlled, although the mechanism is unknown. Mating experiments suggested that the three Wolbachia cause cytoplasmic incompatibility at different levels of intensity. [source] Coping with third parties in a nursery pollination mutualism: Hadena bicruris avoids oviposition on pathogen-infected, less rewarding Silene latifoliaNEW PHYTOLOGIST, Issue 4 2006Arjen Biere Summary ,,In nursery pollination systems, pollinator offspring usually feed on pollinated fruits or seeds. Costs and benefits of the interaction for plant and pollinator, and hence its local outcome (antagonism,mutualism), can be affected by the presence of ,third-party' species. Infection of Silene latifolia plants by the fungus Microbotryum violaceum halts the development of fruits that provide shelter and food for larvae of the pollinating moth Hadena bicruris. We investigated whether the moth secures its benefit by selective oviposition on uninfected flowers. ,,Oviposition was recorded in eight natural populations as a function of plant infection status, local neighbourhood, plant and flower characteristics. ,,Oviposition was six times lower on flowers from infected than on those from uninfected plants. Oviposition decreased with decreasing flower and ovary size. Moths could use the latter to discriminate against diseased flowers. ,,Although moths show an adaptive oviposition response, they reduce the future potential of healthy hosts because they still visit infected plants for nectar, vectoring the disease, and they reduce any fitness advantage gained by disease-resistant plants through selective predation of those plants. [source] HHV-8 infection status of AIDS-unrelated and AIDS-associated multicentric Castleman's diseasePATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 9 2001Tetsuji Suda Multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) is a clinicopathologically defined entity characterized by systemic lymphadenopathy with unique pathomorphology such as angiosclerosis, blood vessel proliferation in and around follicles, and plasmacytosis. While its pathogenesis has remained unclarified for many years, identification of the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) in at least some MCD cases has opened new perspectives in this field. Because previous reports have described many inconsistencies regarding HHV-8 positivity in MCD, we intended to clarify this issue by the introduction of more convincing methodologies. For this investigation, we introduced two antibodies produced in our laboratories that recognize a latent gene product ORF73 and a lytic gene product ORF59, together with two well-recognized methods, in situ hybridization for the detection of lytic phase transcript T1.1/nut -1, and genomic polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Eighty-two cases of MCD were collected from Japan (n= 75) and France (n= 7). In three cases, the patients were suffering from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization showed identical results: only three out of 82 cases were positively stained, and all the positive cases were found to be the patients with AIDS. Genomic PCR was done in 43 cases, and only one case produced positive results: the only AIDS case among the 43 cases studied by genomic PCR. Histopathologically, the HHV-8-positive cases showed the highest intensity of angiosclerosis and germinal center / perifollicular vascular proliferation, while plasmacytosis was not severe in the HHV-8-positive cases. Some of the HHV-8-negative MCD cases displayed similar histopathology, but at a far less intense level, except for the plasmacytosis. These results suggest that: (i) all three of the HHV-8-positive MCD patients in the present group are the patients with AIDS; and (ii) HHV-8-positive MCD patients develop typical but marked angiosclerosis and vascular proliferation that might be differentiated from HHV-8-negative MCD patients, who showed far less intense changes. [source] Alcaligenes infection in cystic fibrosis,PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 2 2002Kenneth Tan MBBS Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic Alcaligenes species infection of the respiratory tract on the clinical status of patients with cystic fibrosis. We conducted a retrospective case-controlled study. The microbiological records of all patients attending the Leeds Regional Pediatric and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Units from 1992,1999 were examined. Chronic Alcaligenes infection was defined as a positive sputum culture on at least three occasions over a 6-month period. These patients were compared with controls matched for age, gender, respiratory function, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection status. Respiratory function tests, anthropometric data, Shwachman-Kulczycki score, Northern chest x-ray score, intravenous and nebulized antibiotic treatment, and corticosteroid treatment were compared from 2 years before to 2 years after Alcaligenes infection. From a clinic population of 557, 13 (2.3%) fulfilled the criteria for chronic infection. The median age at acquisition of infection was 17.2 years (range, 6.5,33.6). There was no significant difference in the changes of percentage predicted values for FEV1, FVC, FEF25,75, or Shwachman-Kulczycki and Northern chest x-ray scores, or in weight, height, and body mass index z-scores between Alcaligenes -infected cases and controls. There was also no significant difference in the use of antibiotics (intravenous and nebulized) or corticosteroids (inhaled and oral). We conclude that in our clinic, chronic infection with Alcaligenes species was uncommon. Chronically infected patients showed no excess deterioration in clinical or pulmonary function status from 2 years before to 2 years after primary acquisition. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2002; 34:101,104. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The presence of Rickettsia is associated with increased susceptibility of Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) to insecticidesPEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 8 2008Svetlana Kontsedalov Abstract BACKGROUND: The presence of certain symbiotic microorganisms may be associated with insecticide resistance in insects. The authors compared the susceptibility of two isofemale lines, Rickettsia -plus and Rickettsia -free, of the sweet potato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) to major insecticides from different chemical groups, including imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, pyriproxyfen, spiromesifen and diafenthiuron. RESULTS: While the Rickettsia -plus and Rickettsia -free lines showed no differences in their susceptibility to imidacloprid and diafenthiuron, higher susceptibility of the Rickettsia -plus line to acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, spiromesifen and especially pyriproxyfen was observed. LC90 values indicated that the Rickettsia -free line was 15-fold more resistant to pyriproxyfen than the Rickettsia -plus line. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that the infection status of B. tabaci populations by Rickettsia is an important consideration that should be taken into account when performing resistance monitoring studies, and may help in understanding the dynamics of B. tabaci resistance, symbiont-pest associations in agricultural systems and the biological impact of Rickettsia on whitefly biology. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry [source] A whole genome association analysis identifies loci associated with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection status in US holstein cattleANIMAL GENETICS, Issue 5 2009M. Settles Summary The purpose of this study was to identify loci associated with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) infection status in US Holsteins using the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay. Two hundred forty-five cows from dairies in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont enrolled in longitudinal herd studies between January 1999 and November 2007 were assessed for the presence of Map in both faecal and tissue samples. An animal was considered tissue infected if any sample contained at least one colony forming unit of Map per gram of tissue (CFU/g) and the same definition was employed for faecal samples. Each animal was genotyped with the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip and after quality assurance filtering, 218 animals and 45 683 SNPs remained. We sought to identify loci associated with four different case/control classifications: presence of Map in the tissue, presence of Map in faeces, presence of Map in both tissue and faeces and presence of Map in tissue but not faeces. A case,control genome wide association study was conducted to test the four different classifications of Map infection status (cases) when compared with a Map -negative control group (control). Regions on chromosomes 1, 5, 7, 8, 16, 21 and 23 were identified with moderate significance (P < 5 × 10,5). Two regions, one on chromosome 3 (near EDN2) and another on chromosome 9 (no positional gene candidates), were identified with a high level of association to the presence of Map in tissue and both tissue and faeces respectively (P < 5 × 10,7, genome-wide Bonferonni P < 0.05). [source] Potato yellow vein virus: its host range, distribution in South America and identification as a crinivirus transmitted by Trialeurodes vaporariorumANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2000L F SALAZAR Summary Sporadic outbreaks of potato yellow vein disease (PYVD) were first observed in the early 1940's by potato growers in Antioquia, Colombia. Long known to be transmitted by the greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum), the precise identity of its causal agent (presumably viral in nature) has remained obscure. Here, we present evidence that a closterovirus with a bipartite genome, potato yellow vein virus (PYVV), is associated with PYVD. Electrophoretic analysis revealed that diseased tissue contains 4,5 disease-specific dsRNAs ranging in size from c. 9 000,1 800 bp. RT-PCR reactions containing pairs of degenerate primers directed against conserved motifs in the closterovirus heat-shock protein homologue produced products of the expected sizes. Comparison of the corresponding amino acid sequences revealed striking similarities between PYVV and two bipartite, whitefly-transmitted criniviruses, Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder and Tomato chlorosis viruses. Epidemiological surveys carried out in Rionegro, Colombia identified Polygonum mepalense, Polygonum spp., Rumex obtusifolium, Tagetes spp., and Catharanthus roseus as potential viral reservoirs. PYVV is transmitted through tubers, and visual symptoms alone cannot be used to determine infection status. A sensitive hybridisation-based assay for PYVV has been developed for use in seed certification programmes. [source] Increased vascular endothelial growth factor expression, CD3-positive cell infiltration, and oxidative stress in premalignant lesions of the cervixCANCER, Issue 16 2009Yenddy Carrero MSc Abstract BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) progression. The occurrence of leukocytes has been documented in CIN; however, their role in VEGF production remains unknown. Oxidative stress has been involved in the progression of malignant neoplasias, but to the authors' knowledge tissue oxidative stress in CIN has not been documented. The objective of the current study was to investigate the expression of VEGF, leukocyte infiltration, leukocyte VEGF expression, and nitrogen/oxygen metabolism in cervical tissues from patients with CIN. METHODS: Indirect immunofluorescence was used to study the expression of VEGF and leukocyte infiltration in cervical samples from 55 patients with CIN and 7 normal controls. Superoxide anion (O2,) expression was determined by a cytochemical method, and tissue and serum nitric oxide by the Griess reaction. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA and HPV types were identified by the hybrid capture 2 HPV DNA test. RESULTS: Increased expression of VEGF was observed related to the progression of CIN. A significant increment of CD3 lymphocytes was found in CIN type 3 (CIN 3) and coexpression of CD3/VEGF and monocyte-macrophage/VEGF in CIN 2 and 3. Increased O2, -positive cells were found in CIN 2 and 3; however, tissue nitrate-nitrite content remained similar to controls. The incidence of HPV infection was 16% in patients with CIN. No significant differences were observed in the values of HPV-positive or HPV-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS: Different factors leading to cervical neoplasia progression may be involved in the evolution of CIN, and the presence of these factors is most likely not related to the HPV infection status. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society. [source] Clinicopathologic Comparison between the API2-MALT1 Chimeric Transcript-positive and -negative Gastric Low-grade B-Cell Lymphoma of Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue TypeCANCER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2002Tsuneya Nakamura Little is known about the clinicopathological differences between API2-MALT1 chimeric transcript-positive and -negative gastric low-grade B-cell lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type. The aim of this study was to clarify those differences in gastric MALT lymphoma. Twenty-three patients with gastric MALT lymphoma were enrolled in a unicenter study. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection status and clinical stages were investigated. Antibacterial treatment was performed for every patient. Responsiveness of MALT lymphoma to this treatment was assessed by means of regular follow-up endoscopy combined with biopsy. All cases were examined for API2-MALT1 chimeric transcript by means of RT-PCR and sequencing analyses. H. pylori infection status was assessed as positive in 20 patients and negative in three. With regard to responsiveness to antibacterial treatment, complete remission was observed in two patients, partial remission in 12 and no change in nine. API2-MALT1 chimeric transcript was detected in seven patients, all of whom showed no change in response to antibacterial treatment. API2-MALT1 positivity was found to be significantly correlated with responsiveness to antibacterial treatment (P=0.0001), absence of H. pylori infection (P=0.0198), and gross cobblestone mucosa observed endoscopically (P=0.0198). For the other factors (age, sex, dominant site of lesion, high-grade component, infiltrated layer of gastric wall, nodal involvement or clinical stages), there were no differences between API2-MALT1 chimeric transcript-positive and -negative cases. Gastric API2-MALT1 chimeric transcript-positive MALT lymphoma generally features unresponsiveness to antibacterial treatment, and is thought to be unrelated to H. pylori infection in its pathogenesis. Our findings indicate the presence of different clinical subtypes in gastric MALT lymphomas. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||