Evaluation of VIDAS® Immuno-Concentration Salmonella (ICS)/VIDAS Salmonella (SLM) Immunoassay Method for Detection of Salmonella in Selected Foods (Method Modification 2001.09): Collaborative Study

A new method for detection of Salmonella in foods in a minimum of 24 h was adopted as an AOAC Official First Action Method for selected foods (2001.09) using both the VIDAS Immuno-Concentration Salmonella (ICS) and VIDAS Salmonella (SLM) methods.

Evaluation of VIDAS® Salmonella (SLM) Immunoassay Method with Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV) Medium for Detection of Salmonella in Foods: Collaborative Study

A collaborative study was conducted to compare the VIDAS Salmonella (SLM) with Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV) method for detection of Salmonella in foods to the current standard method presented in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) and the culture method presented in AOAC's Official Methods of Analysis. The VIDAS SLM with RV method uses tetrathionate broth in combination with RV medium in place of selenite cystine broth for selective enrichment, thereby eliminating the hazardous waste issue for laboratories. Twenty five laboratories participated in the evaluation, each testing one or more of 8 test products: nonfat dry milk, dried egg, soy flour, lactic casein, milk chocolate, raw ground pork, raw ground turkey, and raw peeled shrimp. Results of the study showed no significant differences in the numbers of confirmed positive samples with the VIDAS SLM with RV procedure and the BAM/AOAC culture procedure. The VIDAS SLM with RV method was effective for rapid detection of Salmonella in foods. It is recommended that AOAC INTERNATIONAL modify the VIDAS Salmonella SLM procedure to include the RV method.

Evaluation of VIDAS® Immuno-Concentration Salmonella/VIDAS Salmonella Immunoassay Method for Detection of Salmonella in Selected Foods: Collaborative Study

The VIDAS Immuno-concentration Salmonella (ICS)/VIDAS Salmonella (SLM) immunoassay method for the detection of Salmonella was compared to the Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM)/AOAC culture method in a collaborative study. Thirty-two laboratories participated in the evaluation. Each laboratory tested one or more of the 6 test products: milk chocolate, nonfat dry milk, dried whole egg, soy flour, ground black pepper, and ground raw turkey. The 2 methods were in agreement for 1266 of the 1440 samples. Of the 174 samples not in agreement, 69 were VIDAS ICS/SLM-positive and BAM/AOAC-negative and 105 were VIDAS ICS/SLM-negative and BAM/AOAC-positive.

Evaluation of VIDAS® Immuno-Concentration Salmonella Assay Plus Selective Plate Method (Hektoen Enteric, Bismuth Sulfite, Salmonella Identification) for Detection of Salmonella in Selected Foods: Collaborative Study

The VIDAS Immuno-concentration Salmonella (ICS) plus selective plate method (Hektoen enteric, bismuth sulfite, Salmonella identification) method for the detection of Salmonella was compared to the Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM)/AOAC culture method in a collaborative study. Thirty-two laboratories participated in the evaluation. Each laboratory tested one or more of the 6 test products: milk chocolate, nonfat dry milk, dried whole egg, soy flour, ground black pepper, and ground raw turkey. The 2 methods were in agreement for 1283 of the 1440 test samples. Of the 157 test samples not in agreement, 82 were VIDAS ICS plus selective plate-positive and BAM/AOAC-negative, and 75 were VIDAS ICS plus selective plate-negative and BAM/AOAC-positive.

3M™ Petrifilm™ Staph Express Count Plate Method for the Enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus in Selected Types of Meat, Seafood, and Poultry: Collaborative Study

The 3M™ Petrifilm™ Staph Express Count plate method was compared with AOAC Official Method 975.55 for the enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus in selected foods. Four foods—cooked, diced chicken; cured ham; smoked salmon; and pepperoni—were analyzed for S. aureus by 12 collaborating laboratories. For each food tested, the collaborators received 8 blind test samples consisting of a control sample, a low inoculation level, a medium inoculation level, and a medium inoculation level with background flora, each in duplicate. The mean log10 counts for the methods were comparable for all 4 foods. The repeatability and reproducibility variances of the 24 h Petrifilm Staph Express Count plate method were similar to those of the 72 h standard method.

Salmonella in Selected Foods by VIDAS® Immuno-Concentration Salmonella Plus Selective Plate Method (Hektoen Enteric, Xylose Lysine Desoxycholate, Bismuth Sulfite): Collaborative Study

The VIDAS Immuno-concentration Salmonella (ICS) plus selective plate method (Hektoen enteric, xylose lysine desoxycholate, bismuth sulfite) method for the detection of Salmonella was compared to the Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM)/AOAC culture method in a collaborative study. Thirty-two laboratories participated in the evaluation. Each laboratory tested one or more of the 6 test products: milk chocolate, nonfat dry milk, dried whole egg, soy flour, ground black pepper, and ground raw turkey. The 2 methods were in agreement for 1297 of the 1455 samples. Of the 158 samples not in agreement, 82 were VIDAS ICS plus selective plate-positive and BAM/AOAC-negative, and 76 were VIDAS ICS plus selective plate-negative and BAM/AOAC-positive.

Evaluation of VIDAS Salmonella (SLM) immunoassay method with Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV) medium for detection of Salmonella in foods: collaborative study

A collaborative study was conducted to compare the VIDAS Salmonella (SLM) with Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV) method for detection of Salmonella in foods to the current standard method presented in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) and the culture method presented in AOAC's Official Methods of Analysis. The VIDAS SLM with RV method uses tetrathionate broth in combination with RV medium in place of selenite cystine broth for selective enrichment, thereby eliminating the hazardous waste issue for laboratories. Twenty five laboratories participated in the evaluation, each testing one or more of 8 test products: nonfat dry milk, dried egg, soy flour, lactic casein, milk chocolate, raw ground pork, raw ground turkey, and raw peeled shrimp. Results of the study showed no significant differences in the numbers of confirmed positive samples with the VIDAS SLM with RV procedure and the BAM/AOAC culture procedure. The VIDAS SLM with RV method was effective for rapid detection of Salmonella in foods. It is recommended that AOAC INTERNATIONAL modify the VIDAS Salmonella SLM procedure to include the RV method.

Evaluation of VIDAS Immuno-Concentration Salmonella (ICS) plus selective plate method (Hektoen enteric, bismuth sulfite, Salmonella identification) for detection of Salmonella in selected foods (Method Modification 2001.07): collaborative study

A new method for detection of Salmonella in foods in 48 h has been granted AOAC First Action approval in selected foods (Official Method 2001.07) using both the VIDAS Immuno-Concentration Salmonella (ICS) method and a combination of 3 selective plates: Hektoen enteric (HE), bismuth sulfite (BS), and Salmonella Identification (SMID).

Evaluation of VIDAS Immuno-Concentration Salmonella (ICS)/VIDAS Salmonella (SLM) immunoassay method for detection of Salmonella in selected foods (Method Modification 2001.09): collaborative study

A new method for detection of Salmonella in foods in a minimum of 24 h was adopted as an AOAC Official First Action Method for selected foods (2001.09) using both the VIDAS Immuno-Concentration Salmonella (ICS) and VIDAS Salmonella (SLM) methods.

3M Petrifilm Staph Express Count plate method for the enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus in selected types of meat, seafood, and poultry: collaborative study

The 3M Petrifilm Staph Express Count plate method was compared with AOAC Official Method 975.55 for the enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus in selected foods. Four foods--cooked, diced chicken; cured ham; smoked salmon; and pepperoni--were analyzed for S. aureus by 12 collaborating laboratories. For each food tested, the collaborators received 8 blind test samples consisting of a control sample, a low inoculation level, a medium inoculation level, and a medium inoculation level with background flora, each in duplicate. The mean log10 counts for the methods were comparable for all 4 foods. The repeatability and reproducibility variances of the 24 h Petrifilm Staph Express Count plate method were similar to those of the 72 h standard method.

Evaluation of VIDas immuno-concentration Salmonella/VIDAS salmonella immunoassay method for detection of Salmonella in selected foods: collaborative study

The VIDAS Immuno-concentration Salmonella ICS)/VIDAS Salmonella (SLM) immunoassay method for the detection of Salmonella was compared to the Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM)/AOAC culture method in a collaborative study. Thirty-two laboratories participated in the evaluation. Each laboratory tested one or more of the 6 test products: milk chocolate, nonfat dry milk, dried whole egg, soy flour, ground black pepper, and ground raw turkey. The 2 methods were in agreement for 1,266 of the 1,440 samples. Of the 174 samples not in agreement, 69 were VIDAS CS/SLM-positive and BAM/AOAC-negative and 105 were VIDAS ICS/SLM-negative and BAM/AOAC-positive.

Evaluation of VIDAs Immuno-concentration Salmonella assay Plus selective plate method (Hektoen enteric, bismuth sulfite, Salmonella identification) for detection of Salmonella in selected foods: collaborative study

The VIDAS Immuno-concentration Salmonella (ICS) plus selective plate method (Hektoen enteric, bismuth sulfite, Salmonella identification) method for the detection of Salmonella was compared to the Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM)/AOAC culture method in a collaborative study. Thirty-two laboratories participated in the evaluation. Each laboratory tested one or more of the 6 test products: milk chocolate, nonfat dry milk, dried whole egg, soy flour, ground black pepper, and ground raw turkey. The 2 methods were in agreement for 1,283 of the 1,440 test samples. Of the 157 test samples not in agreement, 82 were VIDAS ICS plus selective plate-positive and BAM/AOAC-negative, and 75 were VIDAS ICS plus selective plate-negative and BAM/AOAC-positive.

Salmonella in selected foods by VIDAS immuno-concentration Salmonella plus selective plate method (Hektoen enteric, xylose lysine desoxycholate, bismuth sulfite): collaborative study

The VIDAS Immuno-concentration Salmonella (ICS) plus selective plate method (Hektoen enteric, xylose lysine desoxycholate, bismuth sulfite) method for the detection of Salmonella was compared to the Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM)/AOAC culture method in a collaborative study. Thirty-two laboratories participated in the evaluation. Each laboratory tested one or more of the 6 test products: milk chocolate, nonfat dry milk, dried whole egg, soy flour, ground black pepper, and ground raw turkey. The 2 methods were in agreement for 1,297 of the 1,455 samples. Of the 158 samples not in agreement, 82 were VIDAS ICS plus selective plate-positive and BAM/AOAC-negative, and 76 were VIDAS ICS plus selective plate-negative and BAM/AOAC-positive.

Parallel image segmentation using the L4 network

Each processing element in the outer plexiform layer of the fly's (Musca domestica) compound eye has a single copy of a monopolar cell called L4 whose function is still unknown. This paper proposes that L4 acts as an image segmentor receiving data from the L1 and L2 cell layer above it. The photoreceptor terminals R1 through R6 and L1 and L2 form a cartridge with shunting current inhibition that enhances contrast at the first synaptic contact. The photoreceptors feeding their respective terminals share a common optical axis. What was realized for this entire structure that led up to and included L1 and L2, was that it forms a single processing element which outputs a weighted function based on current shunting between the photoreceptor axon terminals around L1 and L2. Thus the basic biological 'algorithm' that this paper proposes for L1 and L2 involves a summation of the differences between a central reference cell (referred to as Rref) and the six neighboring photoreceptor terminals R1-R6 within the cartridge of L1 and L2. Simulation implementing this simple algorithm on a hexagonal packed matrix in Matlab, suggest that objects with even small differences in intensity with the background, can readily be distinguished from the background. This high pass filter biological model allows edge detection and segmentation, independent of scale in a parallel, modular fashion. Implementation of such a biological algorithm using analog circuitry forms a preprocessing unit that introduces virtually no delay in the processing of image information, in comparison to present DSP techniques, that require iterative approaches and costly computing time.

Comparable postoperative pulmonary atelectasis in patients given 30% or 80% oxygen during and 2 hours after colon resection

BACKGROUND

High concentrations of inspired oxygen are associated with pulmonary atelectasis but also provide recognized advantages. Consequently, the appropriate inspired oxygen concentration for general surgical use remains controversial. The authors tested the hypothesis that atelectasis and pulmonary dysfunction on the first postoperative day are comparable in patients given 30% or 80% perioperative oxygen.

METHODS

Thirty patients aged 18-65 yr were anesthetized with isoflurane and randomly assigned to 30% or 80% oxygen during and for 2 h after colon resection. Chest radiographs and pulmonary function tests (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume) were obtained preoperatively and on the first postoperative day. Arterial blood gas measurements were obtained intraoperatively, after 2 h of recovery, and on the first postoperative day. Computed tomography scans of the chest were also obtained on the first postoperative day.

RESULTS

Postoperative pulmonary mechanical function was significantly reduced compared with preoperative values, but there was no difference between the groups at either time. Arterial gas partial pressures and the alveolar-arterial oxygen difference were also comparable in the two groups. All preoperative chest radiographs were normal. Postoperative radiographs showed atelectasis in 36% of the patients in the 30%-oxygen group and in 44% of those in the 80%-oxygen group. Relatively small amounts of pulmonary atelectasis (expressed as a percentage of total lung volume) were observed on the computed tomography scans, and the percentages (mean +/- SD) did not differ significantly in the patients given 30% oxygen (2.5% +/- 3.2%) or 80% oxygen (3.0% +/- 1.8%). These data provided a 99% chance of detecting a 2% difference in atelectasis volume at an alpha level of 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung volumes, the incidence and severity of atelectasis, and alveolar gas exchange were comparable in patients given 30% and 80% perioperative oxygen. The authors conclude that administration of 80% oxygen in the perioperative period does not worsen lung function. Therefore, patients who may benefit from generous oxygen partial pressures should not be denied supplemental perioperative oxygen for fear of causing atelectasis.

Immune responses induced by intramuscular or gene gun injection of protective deoxyribonucleic acid vaccines that express the circumsporozoite protein from Plasmodium berghei malaria parasites

The circumsporozoite protein (CSP) is a target for effector Ab and cell mediated immunity against malaria parasites; DNA vaccination can induce both types of effector response. The immunogenicity and efficacy of two DNA plasmids expressing different amounts of Plasmodium berghei CSP were evaluated by immunizing BALB/c mice i.m. or epidermally and by varying the number of immunizations (one to three doses) and the interval between immunizations. Expanding the interval gave the strongest effect, increasing efficacy and antibody boosting, and, in the case of epidermal vaccination, promoting a switch in CSP-specific IgG isotypes from IgG1 to a balance with IgG2a. The strongest humoral immune response and the greatest level of protection were induced by vaccinating epidermally with high expresser plasmid, using a gene gun to administer three doses at 6-wk intervals. For this group, the mean, repeat-specific, prechallenge antibody titer among mice not infected after challenge was significantly higher than that in infected mice, but the mean prechallenge titers for antibody reactive with whole sporozoites were not significantly different. The interval-dependent induction of IgG2a antibodies by epidermal vaccination contradicts the widely held belief that antibody responses induced by this method are restricted to those that are Th2 dependent.

Immune responses induced by intramuscular or gene gun injection of protective deoxyribonucleic acid vaccines that express the circumsporozoite protein from Plasmodium berghei malaria parasites

The circumsporozoite protein (CSP) is a target for effector Ab and cell mediated immunity against malaria parasites; DNA vaccination can induce both types of effector response. The immunogenicity and efficacy of two DNA plasmids expressing different amounts of Plasmodium berghei CSP were evaluated by immunizing BALB/c mice i.m. or epidermally and by varying the number of immunizations (one to three doses) and the interval between immunizations. Expanding the interval gave the strongest effect, increasing efficacy and antibody boosting, and, in the case of epidermal vaccination, promoting a switch in CSP-specific IgG isotypes from IgG1 to a balance with IgG2a. The strongest humoral immune response and the greatest level of protection were induced by vaccinating epidermally with high expresser plasmid, using a gene gun to administer three doses at 6-wk intervals. For this group, the mean, repeat-specific, prechallenge antibody titer among mice not infected after challenge was significantly higher than that in infected mice, but the mean prechallenge titers for antibody reactive with whole sporozoites were not significantly different. The interval-dependent induction of IgG2a antibodies by epidermal vaccination contradicts the widely held belief that antibody responses induced by this method are restricted to those that are Th2 dependent.

Peri-operative thoracic epidural analgesia for thoracotomy

In a prospective study, experiences with peri-operative thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) for thoracic surgery were documented. Two hundred and seven patients scheduled for elective thoracotomy were investigated. All patients received thoracic epidural catheters 2 h pre-operatively. The catheters were inserted between T4-5 and T8-9 intervertebral spaces. Epidural medication with bupivacaine and fentanyl was started preoperatively, maintained throughout surgery and was continued post-operatively via patient controlled analgesia (PCA) devices. Patients were anaesthetized with propofol and tracheal intubation was performed following neuromuscular blockade with vecuronium. Ninety-five percent of the patients were extubated immediately after surgery. 70.5% of all the patients had excellent post-operative analgesia (VAS pain scoring 0-2) on the day of surgery, 78% the day after surgery and 91% on the second day after surgery. Additionally early post-operative mobilization could be started in 63% of all patients. No neurological sequelae caused by thoracic epidural catheterization was seen in the early post-operative period.

Early cardiorespiratory patterns in severely burned patients with concomitant inhalation injury

Hemodynamic and oxygenation parameters were determined during the first 24 h in 13 burned patients with concomitant inhalation injury (burn surface area 40-60 percent). In all patients right ventricular function was severely compromised evidenced as a significant increase in end-diastolic volumes, decrease in ejection fractions, low stroke work indices and increased pulmonary vascular resistances. Inotropic support with dobutamine and careful titration of volume infusion according to end-diastolic volume indices improved the hemodynamics as demonstrated by significant increases in right ventricular ejection fractions in all patients without any changes in mean arterial pressures, urine output and oxygenation. Assessment of ventricular performance by a specially designed pulmonary artery catheter is helpful in the management of severely burned patients with concomitant inhalation injury.

Postdural puncture headache and back pain after spinal anesthesia with 27-gauge Quincke and 26-gauge Atraucan needles

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the 26-gauge Atraucan needle shows any benefit on the incidence of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) and back pain as compared with the 27-gauge Quincke needle.

METHODS

We investigated 388 patients, 171 men and 217 women, who were receiving spinal anesthesia for subumbilical surgery. We compared spinal anesthesia via the 27-gauge Quincke needle in 202 patients (group Q) and via the 26-gauge Atraucan needle in 186 patients (group A).

RESULTS

The incidence of PDPH was 2.97% (6 of 202) in group Q and 2.69% (5 of 186) in group A. The incidence of back pain was 4.95% (10 of 202) in group Q and 5.91% (11 of 186) in group A. There was no statistically significant association of needle type, age, or sex with the incidence of PDPH and back pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Both needles are associated with very low incidences of PDPH and back pain, which are not affected by which needle is chosen.

Progress and challenges toward an AIDS vaccine: Brother, can you spare a paradigm?

The development of a safe and effective vaccine for prevention of AIDS has thus far proven to be exceedingly difficult due to the complexities associated with HIV pathogenesis including but not limited to antigenic hypervariability, multiple routes and modes of transmission, a lack of defined correlates of protective immunity, and a tropism for infection of immunoregulatory cells which are essential for orchestrating an effective host immune response. Recent observations, including the identification of significant differences between primary isolates of HIV circulating in the population and laboratory-adapted isolates, animal model protection studies demonstrating prevention of AIDS-like disease progression in nonhuman primates in the absence of sterilizing immunity, and epidemiologic studies which question the current dogma surrounding HIV variation and control, have led to the development of novel approaches for antigen presentation and adjuvant development targeted at AIDS vaccine development. The goal of developing a safe and effective AIDS vaccine will likely occur when continued advances in understanding the immunopathogenesis of HIV is balanced with a healthy dose of empirical testing of innovative candidate AIDS vaccines.

Pharmacodynamics of mivacurium in severely burned patients

The pharmacodynamics of mivacurium, a new short-acting non-depolarizing muscle relaxant, were studied in nine severely burned patients with concomitant inhalation injury. Complete neuromuscular blockade was achieved within 1.3 min (controls 3.0 min) following the usually recommended intubating dose (0.15 mg/kg/BW 2 x ED95) of mivacurium. The clinical duration of neuromuscular blockade and the recovery times were slightly prolonged, due to significantly reduced serum cholinesterase activity (clinical duration 24.6 min vs. 15.3 min). This pharmacodynamic profile makes mivacurium preferable for intermittent on-demand neuromuscular blockade in the severely burned patient.