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Fuenzalida L, Blanco S, Prat C, Vivancos M, Dominguez MJ, Mòdol JM, Rodrigo C, Ausina V. Utility of the rapid antigen detection BinaxNOW Influenza A&B test for detection of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. Clin Microbiol Infect 2011; 16:1574-6. [PMID: 20047602 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2009.03160.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal aspirates, collected during outbreaks, of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus in Barcelona, were used to compare the accuracy of a rapid antigen-based test (Binax) with the real-time RT-PCR assay developed by the CDC. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of the rapid test are higher in patients less than 18 years old and during the acute stage of the epidemic than in adult patients.
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Fuenzalida L, Fabrega J, Blanco S, Del Mar Martinez M, Prat C, Pérez M, Ramil C, Domínguez J, Ausina V, Rodrigo C. Usefulness of two new methods for diagnosing metapneumovirus infections in children. Clin Microbiol Infect 2011; 16:1663-8. [PMID: 20156218 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2010.03192.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is associated with acute respiratory tract infections, mainly in paediatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of two new commercial techniques available for the detection of hMPV in clinical samples from children: an enzyme immunoassay, hMPV EIA (Biotrin International Ltd), and a molecular assay, real-time RT-PCR (Pro hMPV Real Time Assay Kit; Prodesse). A total of 184 nasopharyngeal aspirate specimens from 173 children aged less than 5 years who were hospitalized with acute wheezing were analysed. Respiratory syncytial virus was detected in 27% of the samples, followed by influenza A virus (6%), parainfluenza virus (PIV)3 (2.2%), adenovirus (2%), PIV1 (1.1%), PIV2 (1.1%), and influenza B virus (0.5%). The presence of hMPV was tested in all samples, using the real-time RT-PCR and EIA. Real-time RT-PCR detected 13 hMPV-positive samples (8%), and EIA detected 17 (9.3%). When the EIA results were compared with those of real-time RT-PCR for the detection of hMPV, a good correlation was found (94%). A relatively low co-infection rate (15%) was observed in our patients. RT-PCR and EIA provide robust methods for the diagnosis of hMPV infection in children.
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Grabow JU, Mata S, Alonso JL, Peña I, Blanco S, López JC, Cabezas C. Rapid probe of the nicotine spectra by high-resolution rotational spectroscopy. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2011; 13:21063-9. [DOI: 10.1039/c1cp22197c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Santos-García D, Macías M, LLaneza M, Fuster-Sanjurjo L, Echarri-Piudo A, Belmonte S, Blanco S. Experiencia con la infusión continua de levodopa intraduodenal (Duodopa®) en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson avanzada en un hospital de segundo nivel asistencial. Neurologia 2010; 25:536-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2010.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2009] [Accepted: 05/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Fuenzalida L, Blanco S, Prat C, Vivancos M, Dominguez M, Mòdol J, Rodrigo C, Ausina V. Utility of the rapid antigen detection BinaxNOW Influenza A&B test for detection of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. Clin Microbiol Infect 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2010.03160.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Blanco S, Bécares E. Are biotic indices sensitive to river toxicants? A comparison of metrics based on diatoms and macro-invertebrates. CHEMOSPHERE 2010; 79:18-25. [PMID: 20163819 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.01.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2009] [Revised: 01/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/28/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Biotic indices based on macro-invertebrates and diatoms are frequently used to diagnose ecological quality in watercourses, but few published works have assessed their effectiveness as biomonitors of the concentration of micropollutants. A biological survey performed at 188 sites in the basin of the River Duero in north-western Spain. Nineteen diatom and six macro-invertebrate indices were calculated and compared with the concentrations of 37 different toxicants by means of a correlation analysis. Several chemical variables analysed correlated significantly with at least one biotic index. Sládecek's diatom index and the number of macro-invertebrate families exhibited particularly high correlation coefficients. Methods based on macro-invertebrates performed better in detecting biocides, while diatom indices showed stronger correlations with potentially toxic elements such as heavy metals. All biotic indices, and particularly diatom indices, were especially sensitive to the concentration of fats and oils and trichloroethene.
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Basaras M, Arrese E, Blanco S, Ruiz P, Cisterna R. Genotypes and reverse transcriptase variability in asymptomatic chronic hepatitis B virus. Int J Infect Dis 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2010.02.1997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Santos-García D, Macías M, Llaneza M, Fuster-Sanjurjo L, Echarri-Piudo A, Belmonte S, Blanco S. Experience with continuous levodopa enteral infusion (Duodopa®)in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease in a secondary level hospital. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s2173-5808(20)70101-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Garay A, Blanco S. 179 WHY MODELLING? MATHEMATICAL MODELS GIVES NEW INSIGHTS ON THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF FATAL FAMILIAL INSOMNIA. Sleep Med 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1389-9457(09)70181-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Díaz Roca AB, Calderón A, Blanco S, Ruiz P, Ortiz de Zárate J, Menéndez F, Baranda A, Bravo M, Hijona L, Orive V. [Retrospective presentation of 255 episodes of acute cholangitis in our context]. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2009; 101:298-299. [PMID: 19492909 DOI: 10.4321/s1130-01082009000400013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
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Giuliano B, Blanco S, Melandri S, Caminati W. The rotational spectrum of a C4 anhydrosugar, 1,4-anhydrothreitol. Chem Phys Lett 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2008.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Andreo F, Prat C, Ruiz-Manzano J, Lores L, Blanco S, Cuesta MA, Giménez M, Domínguez J. Persistence of Streptococcus pneumoniae urinary antigen excretion after pneumococcal pneumonia. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2008; 28:197-201. [DOI: 10.1007/s10096-008-0606-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2008] [Accepted: 07/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Blanco S, Prat C, Sánchez MD, Ferrer D, Pellicer T, Haba L, Latorre I, Vilaplana C, Ausina V, Domínguez J. Evaluation of a Legionella urinary antigen enzyme immunoassay for rapid detection of Legionella pneumophila in water samples. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2008; 211:168-71. [PMID: 17392021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2007.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2006] [Revised: 12/12/2006] [Accepted: 02/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in medium formulations and pretreatment techniques, recovery of Legionella from water samples can still be quite low, difficult and time consuming. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of a Legionella urinary antigen enzyme immunoassay (Bartels ELISA, Trinity Biotech, Ireland) for the detection of Legionella in water samples. Reference ATCC Legionella strains were used to spike water samples to a final concentration of 10(4)-10(5)cfu/ml. The lower detection limit of the test for all Legionella pneumophila serogroups was assessed by serial dilutions of spiked water samples. Legionella antigen was detected in all filtered samples except for those spiked with L. bozemanii and L. longbeachae. The lower detection limit for soluble L. pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen was 780cfu/ml. Bartels ELISA could be a useful method for antigen detection in water samples when a high recovery of L. pneumophila is suspected. The test could be used as a rapid screening method for the detection of Legionella in a large number of samples. However, the low sensitivity of the test requires to keep on performing conventional culture for isolation and for further studies on isolated bacteria.
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Casellas E, Gautrais J, Fournier R, Blanco S, Combe M, Fourcassié V, Theraulaz G, Jost C. From individual to collective displacements in heterogeneous environments. J Theor Biol 2008; 250:424-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2007.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2007] [Revised: 10/02/2007] [Accepted: 10/10/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Moreno T, Querol X, Pey J, Minguillón MC, Pérez N, Alastuey A, Bernabé RM, Blanco S, Cárdenas B, Eichinger W, Salcido A, Gibbons W. Spatial and temporal variations in inhalable CuZnPb aerosols within the Mexico City pollution plume. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 10:370-8. [DOI: 10.1039/b716507b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Basaras M, Arrese E, Blanco S, Sota M, de las Heras B, Cisterna R. Characterization of hepatitis B virus genotypes in chronically infected patients. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA 2007; 20:442-445. [PMID: 18563218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Genomic mutations occurring during reverse transcription of hepatitis B virus (HBV) could explain its genetic diversity and account for 8 genetically distinct genotypes that are geographically distributed quite differently. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus genotypes in patients with chronic hepatitis B and to see if there was a relationship between genotypes and risk factors for transmission based on HBeAg status. A total of 14 serum samples were analyzed using INNO-LIPA HBV genotyping assay. Genotype D was the most prevalent (64.3%) followed by genotype A (28.6%). There was one case of co-infection (D/E genotypes) that was confirmed by PCR sequencing. All patients except one were HBeAg-negative and anti-HBe-positive. The risk factors for HBV transmission were unknown in half of the cases; in the other half, sexual, transfusion, maternal or interfamilial transmission were observed. The results show that genotype D is the most prevalent genotype in our hospital, followed by genotype A. On the other hand, no relationship was found between HBeAg status and genotype.
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Navarro-Muñoz M, Bonet J, Bayés B, Lauzurica R, Blanco S, Romero R. Atorvastatin Treatment in the Short Term: Does It Induce Renoprotection or Vasculoprotection in Renal Transplantation? Transplant Proc 2007; 39:2259-63. [PMID: 17889157 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2007.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Proteinuria and dyslipidemia are nonimmune risk factors implicated in the deterioration of kidney function and associated with an increased risk of accelerated atherogenesis. Statin therapy, used for cholesterol reduction, has shown a renoprotective effect in animal models, particularly in cases of proteinuria. This may occur through lipid-independent mechanisms, such as improved endothelial dysfunction/vascular biology, reduced inflammatory cytokine production (transforming growth factor-beta 1 [TGF-beta1]), and regulation of fibrogenic responses. We studied mechanisms of action of agents, such as statins, to change proteinuria, inflammatory parameters, and TGF-beta1 plasma levels in relation to vascular tone. METHODS Fifty-six kidney transplant recipients (30 men and 26 women of overall mean age 54 +/- 13 years) were treated posttransplantation with atorvastatin (10 mg/d) for 12 weeks without renin-angiotensin-system blockade drugs. Inflammatory variables, biochemical parameters, lipid profile, renal function, and TGF-beta1 levels were determined at baseline and at 3 months. Vascular stiffness was evaluated using pulse wave velocity (PWV). RESULTS Baseline TGF-beta1 plasma levels were higher among transplant recipients than healthy controls, namely 8.12 ng/mL (range, 5.82-13.12) to 2.55 (range, 1.78- 4.35) (P < .01). Furthermore, the levels remained higher after the treatment with atorvastatin, namely, 7.59 (range, 4.97-12.35) to 2.55 (range, 1.78-4.35) ng/mL (P < .01). Atorvastatin treatment significantly decreased total cholesterol as well as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol plasma levels, but did not modify mean blood pressure (MBP), proteinuria, creatinine clearance, or inflammatory factors. Reduction in TGF-beta1 plasma levels was statistically significant among patients with PWV >9.75 (m/s) (pathology reference value) namely, from 10.7 ng/mL (range, 7.02-13.98) to 6.7 (range, 3.96-11.94) (P = .038). Among older patients, atorvastatin significantly decrease TGF-beta1 plasma levels: from 9.5 ng/mL (range, 6.45-14.44) to 5.65 (range, 3.63-9.48; P < .05). The decreased TGF-beta1 was not related to changes in lipid profiles. CONCLUSIONS Atorvastatin (10 mg/d) improved the lipid profile and moreover among older patients with worse PWV (>9.75 m/s), TGF-beta1 levels were significantly reduced. Our results suggested that statins displayed potent actions distinct from their hypolipidemic effects.
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Vázquez-Iglesias JL, Alonso-Aguirre PA, Centeno A, López E, Rodríguez T, Blanco S. Riesgo de perforación en la mucosectomía esofágica con banda: estudio experimental con dos modelos de ligadores. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2007; 99:84-7. [PMID: 17417919 DOI: 10.4321/s1130-01082007000200004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE endoscopic mucosal resection with ligation (EMRL) is considered an efficient, safe method for the treatment of some esophageal, gastric and colorectal tumors. We conducted this study using a porcine model in order to compare the safety of esophageal EMRL with two multiband ligation systems, since many centers only use these ligator models in EMRL (commercialized for varix ligation). METHODS eight pigs were used, which were submitted to 23 esophageal resections without previous injection. Ten resections were conducted using the Six Shooter Saeed model, and 13 resections used the Speedband Superview Super 7 model. The technique was also compared by making random cuts either above or below the band. RESULTS five perforations occurred, all of them using the Speedband model. This represents 38.5% of total in the Speedband model group. No perforation occurred when using the Six Shooter model (p = 0.046). On the contrary, no significant differences were found regarding frequency of perforation when cutting above or below the band. CONCLUSIONS esophageal EMRL using the Speedband model without previous injection leads to perforation in a high percentage of cases in an experimental animal model. Further studies are required to find out whether a previous injection may increase the safety of this technique with this ligator model.
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Pérez-García R, Rodríguez Benítez P, Jofre R, López-Gómez JM, Villaverde MT, Blanco A, Blanco S, Sánchez M. [Resistance index to epoetin alpha and to darbepoetin-alpha in chronic hemodialysis patients: a cohort study]. Nefrologia 2007; 27:340-9. [PMID: 17725454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of the erythropoietic response can be evaluated using the resistance index (RI) to erythropoietic agents (EA) that measures the relationship between the dose administered and the hemoglobin levels attained. In a hemodialysis population, the RI is associated with several clinical and biochemical parameters, such as albumin levels, C-reactive protein (CRP), body mass index (BMI) and Kt/V. This index therefore reflects an important group of parameters that indicate comorbidities and measures the effectiveness of the treatment received. A substantial proportion of chronic hemodialysis patients show a relative resistance to human recombinant erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and require high doses to reach hemoglobin levels above 11 g/dl. Darbepoetin alpha is a new erythropoietic agent with a longer half-life than rHuEPO and greater biological activity in vivo. Furthermore, it remains at clinically effective plasma levels for much longer than rHuEPO. This study evaluated the effect on RI of switching from epoetin alpha to darbepoetin alpha in hemodialysis patients requiring i.v. rHuEPO at either high ( >10,000 UI/w) or low ( <4,000 UI/w) doses, compared to a control group receiving epoetin alpha. Unlike the control group, both groups of patients who switched to darbepoetin alpha showed a reduction in RI and a progressive reduction in the dose required of darbepoetin alpha with respect to the equivalent dose at treatment conversion. In the group requiring high doses, darbepoetin alpha RI (DRI) at week 24 was a significant 23.9% lower than epoetin alpha RI (ERI) at conversion (week 0) (p <0.01). In the group requiring low doses, DRI at week 24 was 13.4% lower than the ERI at conversion (p = NS). In both control groups, ERI at week 24 was higher than ERI at week 0. All groups showed stable hemoglobin levels across the study, with mean levels between 11.5 and 13.3 g/dl. CRP at week 24 was significantly related to albumin levels (p <0.001). In conclusion, switching hemodialysis patients from epoetin alpha to darbepoetin alpha was associated with a significant improvement in RI in the group of patients with high doses of EA, which we consider to be an important indicator of the effectiveness and quality of the treatment administered.
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Domínguez J, Andreo F, Blanco S, Ruiz-Manzano J, Prat C, Latorre I, Galí N, Rivelo R, Matas L, Ausina V. Rapid detection of pneumococcal antigen in serum samples for diagnosing pneumococcal pneumonia. J Infect 2006; 53:21-4. [PMID: 16269180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2005.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2005] [Revised: 09/12/2005] [Accepted: 09/13/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study is to assess the usefulness of C polysaccharide and polysaccharide capsular antigen detection by immunochromatography (ICT) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA), respectively, in serum samples for diagnosing pneumococcal pneumonia. METHODS Adult patients included in the study were classified in the following groups: In group 1 we studied 101 serum samples from patients with pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae. In 53 cases the pneumonia was bacteremic. The second group contained 113 serum samples from patients with no pneumococcal pneumonia. Group 3 was made up of 40 serum samples from healthy subjects with no clinical or radiological signs of pneumonia. RESULTS Using ICT, antigen was detected in 50% of patients with pneumococcal pneumonia, in 64.3 and 40.9% of patients with bacteremic and non-bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia, respectively. Using EIA, antigens were detected in 35.8% of patients with pneumococcal pneumonia, in 45 and 22.2% of patients with bacteremic and non-bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the sensitivity of the tests is low. However, in special situations, where obtaining large volume of urine is difficult, they could be a complementary method in the rapid diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia.
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Andreo F, Domínguez J, Ruiz-Manzano J, Prat C, Blanco S, Lores L, Sánchez MD, Latorre I, Giménez M, Ausina V. Usefulness of pneumococcal antigen detection in pleural fluid samples by immunochromatographic assay for diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia. Clin Microbiol Infect 2006; 12:682-4. [PMID: 16774569 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2006.01484.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the utility of an immunochromatographic test (ICT) for the detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae antigens in pleural fluid. Antigen was detected in 15 of 19 (79%) patients with pneumococcal pneumonia. The ICT was always negative in patients with non-pneumococcal pneumonia, but was positive in three cases with a non-infectious aetiology. In patients with pneumonia for which no pathogen was identified, antigen was detected in one of 24 pleural fluids tested. The ICT can be a valuable tool for the management of pneumonia because it can detect pneumococcal antigen in pleural effusion samples.
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Domínguez J, Forné M, Blanco S, Prat C, Galí N, Latorre I, Viver JM, Ausina V. Comparison of a monoclonal with a polyclonal antibody-based enzyme immunoassay stool test in diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection before and after eradication therapy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2006; 23:1735-40. [PMID: 16817917 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.02936.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Detection of Helicobacter pylori antigen in stool samples has been a subject of controversy. However, it has been included in several clinical guidelines as a recommended non-invasive testing procedure in dyspeptic patients. AIM To compare a monoclonal enzyme immunoassay for detection of H. pylori stool antigen (Amplified IDEIA HpStAR, DakoCytomation) with a polyclonal enzyme immunoassay (HpSA test, Premier Platinum HpSA, Meridian Diagnostics) in diagnosing infection and in determining H. pylori status after eradication treatment. METHODS We evaluated stool samples of 198 patients diagnosed with H. pylori infection and of 41 patients without infection. The results of the monoclonal enzyme immunoassay HpStAR were compared with those of the polyclonal enzyme immunoassay HpSA. RESULTS The sensitivity and specificity of HpStAR were 91.9% and 70.7%, while those of HpSA were 89.4% and 80.5%, respectively. In the 126 patients evaluated 6 weeks after eradication therapy, the overall agreement between urea breath test and HpStAR was 90.5% (P = 0.710) and between urea breath test and HpSA was 76.9% (P = 0.410). CONCLUSIONS HpStAR is a rapid and easy-to-perform test with similar sensitivity to HpSA in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection, although it had lower specificity. In contrast, HpStAR is more accurate after eradication therapy than HpSA.
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Tovalin H, Valverde M, Morandi MT, Blanco S, Whitehead L, Rojas E. DNA damage in outdoor workers occupationally exposed to environmental air pollutants. Occup Environ Med 2006; 63:230-6. [PMID: 16556741 PMCID: PMC2078085 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2005.019802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health concerns about the exposure to genotoxic and carcinogenic agents in the air are particularly significant for outdoor workers in less developed countries. AIMS To investigate the association between personal exposure to a group of air pollutants and severity of DNA damage in outdoor workers from two Mexican cities. METHODS DNA damage (Comet assay) and personal exposure to volatile organic compounds, PM(2.5), and ozone were investigated in 55 outdoor and indoor workers from México City and Puebla. RESULTS In México City, outdoor workers had greater DNA damage, reflected by a longer tail length, than indoor workers (median 46.8 v 30.1 mum), and a greater percentage of highly damaged cells (cells with tail length > or =41 microm); in Puebla, outdoor and indoor workers had similar DNA damage. There were more alkali labile sites in outdoor than indoor workers. The DNA damage magnitude was positively correlated with PM(2.5) and ozone exposure. Outdoor and indoor workers with > or =60% of highly damaged cells (highly damaged workers) had significantly higher exposures to PM(2.5), ozone, and some volatile organic compounds. The main factors associated with the highly damaged workers were ozone, PM(2.5), and 1-ethyl-2-methyl benzene exposure. CONCLUSIONS With this approach, the effects of some air pollutants could be correlated with biological endpoints from the Comet assay. It is suggested that the use of personal exposure assessment and biological endpoints evaluation could be an important tool to generate a more precise assessment of the associated potential health risks.
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Galí N, Domínguez J, Blanco S, Prat C, Alcaide F, Coll P, Ausina V. Use of a mycobacteriophage-based assay for rapid assessment of susceptibilities of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates to isoniazid and influence of resistance level on assay performance. J Clin Microbiol 2006; 44:201-5. [PMID: 16390970 PMCID: PMC1351944 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.44.1.201-205.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We standardized and assessed the performance of an in-house microtiter assay for determining the susceptibilities of Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates to isoniazid based on mycobacteriophage amplification technology. Seventy isolates (43 resistant and 27 sensitive according to the BACTEC 460 radiometric method and MIC determination) were studied. The isoniazid resistance molecular mechanism was previously determined by sequencing the entire katG gene and the mabA-inhA regulatory region. The sensitivity of the mycobacteriophage-based assay in detecting isoniazid resistance was 86.1%, the specificity achieved was 92.6%, and the overall accuracy was 88.6%. In order to assess the possible influence of resistance levels on the mycobacteriophage-based-assay sensitivity, the results were analyzed according to the isoniazid MICs. All the isolates exhibiting high-level resistance (MIC > or = 2 microg/ml) were scored as resistant by the mycobacteriophage-based assay (100% concordance), and 95% showed mutations or deletions in the catalytic domain of the katG gene. In contrast, 26.1% of the low-level-resistance strains (MICs, 0.25 to 1 microg/ml) were misclassified, and 66.7% had alterations in the mabA-inhA regulatory region. The mycobacteriophage-based assay could be used as a rapid method to detect the isoniazid susceptibility pattern, although data from those areas with high rates of low-level-resistance strains should be interpreted with caution. The features of the assay make it suitable for widespread application due to its low technical demand and cost.
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Ruiz P, Ortiz de Zárate J, Blanco S, Varela JI, Calderón A, Polo F, Cabezudo P, Marcé L, Díaz AB, Orive V. [Utility of covered self-expanding prostheses in benign gastroesophageal disease]. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2006; 29:107-8. [PMID: 16448614 DOI: 10.1157/13083910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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