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1.
Int J Infect Dis ; 104: 111-116, 2021 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33352330

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to characterise age- and sex-specific severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RT-PCR sampling frequency and positivity rate in Greater Helsinki area in Finland during February-June 2020. We also describe the laboratory capacity building for these diagnostics. METHODS: Laboratory registry data for altogether 80,791 specimens from 70,517 individuals was analysed. The data included the date of sampling, sex, age and the SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test result on specimens collected between 1 February and 15 June 2020. RESULTS: Altogether, 4057/80,791 (5.0%) of the specimens were positive and 3915/70,517 (5.6%) of the individuals were found positive. In all, 37% of specimens were from male and 67% from female subjects. While the number of positive cases was similar in male and female subjects, the positivity rate was significantly higher in male subjects: 7.5% of male and 4.4% of female subjects tested positive. The highest incidence/100,000 was observed in those aged ≥80 years. The proportion of young adults in positive cases increased in late May 2020. Large dips in testing frequency were observed during every weekend and also during public holidays. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that men pursue SARS-CoV-2 testing less frequently than women. Consequently, a subset of coronavirus disease-2019 infections in men may have gone undetected. People sought testing less frequently on weekends and public holidays, and this may also lead to missing of positive cases. The proportion of young adults in positive cases increased towards the end of the study period, which may suggest their returning back to social behaviour with an increased risk of infection.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Testing/statistics & numerical data , COVID-19/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , COVID-19/virology , Child , Child, Preschool , Epidemiological Monitoring , Female , Finland/epidemiology , Humans , Infant , Laboratories, Hospital , Male , Middle Aged , Registries , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , Sex Factors , Young Adult
2.
J Clin Virol ; 62: 72-4, 2015 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25542476

ABSTRACT

Patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at high risk of severe gastrointestinal bleeding caused by infections, graft versus host disease, and disturbances in haemostasis. BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is known to cause hemorrhagic cystitis, but there is also evidence of BKV shedding in stool and its association with gastrointestinal disease. We report putative association of BKPyV replication with high plasma viral loads in a pediatric HSCT patient developing hemorrhagic cystitis and severe gastrointestinal bleeding necessitating intensive care. The observation was based on chart review and analysis of BKPyV DNA loads in plasma and urine as well as retrospective BKPyV-specific IgM and IgG measurements in weekly samples until three months post-transplant. The gastrointestinal bleeding was observed after a >100-fold increase in the plasma BKPyV loads and the start of hemorrhagic cystitis. The BKPyV-specific antibody response indicated past infection prior to transplantation, but increasing IgG titers were seen following BKPyV replication. The gastrointestinal biopsies were taken at a late stage of the episode and were no longer informative of BK polyomavirus involvement. In conclusion, gastrointestinal complications with bleeding are a significant problem after allogeneic HSCT to which viral infections including BKPyV may contribute.


Subject(s)
BK Virus , Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/etiology , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects , Polyomavirus Infections/complications , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , BK Virus/genetics , Child , Female , Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/diagnosis , Humans , Polyomavirus Infections/diagnosis , Polyomavirus Infections/drug therapy , Polyomavirus Infections/virology , Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/complications , Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/therapy
3.
Am J Transplant ; 14(12): 2887-92, 2014 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25359127

ABSTRACT

A 15-year-old boy with a posterior urethral valve received a deceased donor kidney transplant (KT) in March 2011. Basiliximab induction followed by tacrolimus-based triple medication was used as immunosuppression. Eleven months after KT, the graft function deteriorated and the biopsy demonstrated interstitial nephritis suggestive of acute rejection. BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) surveillance in urine and plasma was negative. The patient received methylprednisolone pulses and anti-thymocyte globulin. Immunohistochemistry was positive for simian virus 40 (SV40) large T-antigen (LTag) in the biopsies, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) indicated high viral loads in urine and borderline levels in plasma. Immunosuppression was reduced and follow-up biopsies showed tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. Two years after KT, antibody-mediated rejection resulted in graft loss and return to hemodialysis. Retrospective serologic work-up indicated a primary JCPyV infection with seroconversion first for IgM, followed by IgG, but no indication of BKPyV infection. In the SV40 LTag positive biopsies, JCPyV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) with archetype noncoding control region was detected, while BKPyV DNA was undetectable. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of primary JCPyV infection as the cause of PyV-associated nephropathy in KT.


Subject(s)
Graft Rejection/etiology , Kidney Failure, Chronic/surgery , Kidney Transplantation , Nephritis, Interstitial/virology , Polyomavirus Infections/virology , Tumor Virus Infections/virology , Adolescent , DNA, Viral/genetics , Graft Rejection/diagnosis , Humans , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , JC Virus/pathogenicity , Kidney Failure, Chronic/complications , Kidney Failure, Chronic/virology , Male , Nephritis, Interstitial/diagnosis , Polyomavirus Infections/complications , Postoperative Complications , Prognosis , Renal Dialysis , Tumor Virus Infections/complications , Viral Load
4.
J Hosp Infect ; 71(3): 206-13, 2009 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19157648

ABSTRACT

Norovirus outbreaks are difficult to control in hospitals. Cohorting and contact isolation, disinfective surface cleaning and hand hygiene are key elements in outbreak control. A new norovirus variant, GII.4.-2006b, spreading across many continents, caused an exceptionally long epidemic period in Finland, from November 2006 to June 2007. Here, we describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of a norovirus outbreak in a large tertiary care hospital in Finland. Altogether 240 (18%) patients and 205 (19%) healthcare workers fell ill in the 504 bedded main building of Helsinki University Central Hospital during December 2006 to May 2007. The epidemic curve had three peaks in January, February and April, and different wards were affected each time. During the outbreak, 502 patient stool specimens were tested for norovirus RNA, 181 (36%) of which were positive. Molecular analysis of 48 positive specimens revealed three main subvariants of GII.4.-2006b circulating temporally within distinct wards. Of all microbiologically confirmed cases, 121 (67%) were nosocomial and nine (5%) died within 30 days of diagnosis. Molecular analysis suggested that the three main GII.4-2006b subvariants entered the hospital with gastroenteritis patients, and the nosocomial spread within wards coincided with the epidemic peaks. Active control measures, including temporary closure of the wards, ultimately confined the single-ward outbreaks. A prolonged outbreak in the community was probably the source for the prolonged outbreak period in the hospital.


Subject(s)
Caliciviridae Infections/epidemiology , Cross Infection/epidemiology , Disease Outbreaks , Gastroenteritis/epidemiology , Norovirus/isolation & purification , Caliciviridae Infections/genetics , Cross Infection/virology , Finland/epidemiology , Gastroenteritis/virology , Genotype , Hospitals, University , Humans , Infection Control/methods , Norovirus/genetics , Personnel, Hospital , Retrospective Studies
5.
J Neurovirol ; 7(5): 400-8, 2001 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11582512

ABSTRACT

We studied 3231 patients with acute central nervous system (CNS) symptoms of suspected viral origin to elucidate the current etiologic spectrum. In 46% of the cases, a viral finding was observed. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was the main agent associated with encephalitis, as well as meningitis and myelitis. VZV comprised 29% of all confirmed or probable etiologic agents. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and enteroviruses accounted 11% each, and influenza A virus 7%. VZV seems to have achieved a major role in viral infections of CNS. In encephalitis in our population, VZV is clearly more commonly associated with these neurological diseases than HSV. The increase in VZV findings may in part be a pseudophenomenon due to improved diagnostic methods, however, a true increase may have occurred and the pathogenetic mechanisms behind this should be elucidated.


Subject(s)
Encephalitis, Viral/epidemiology , Meningitis/epidemiology , Myelitis/epidemiology , Adenoviridae Infections/epidemiology , Adenoviridae Infections/virology , Adolescent , Adult , Age Distribution , Aged , Child , Child, Preschool , Chlamydia Infections/epidemiology , Chlamydophila pneumoniae , Encephalitis/epidemiology , Encephalitis/microbiology , Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex/diagnosis , Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex/epidemiology , Encephalitis, Tick-Borne/epidemiology , Encephalitis, Tick-Borne/virology , Encephalitis, Varicella Zoster/diagnosis , Encephalitis, Viral/diagnosis , Encephalitis, Viral/virology , Enterovirus Infections/diagnosis , Enterovirus Infections/epidemiology , Female , Finland/epidemiology , Herpesviridae Infections/diagnosis , Herpesviridae Infections/epidemiology , Humans , Immunoenzyme Techniques , Incidence , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Meningitis/diagnosis , Meningitis/virology , Middle Aged , Myelitis/diagnosis , Myelitis/virology , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Puumala virus/isolation & purification , Retrospective Studies , Rotavirus Infections/epidemiology , Rotavirus Infections/virology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Vaccination , Viral Vaccines
6.
Eur J Pediatr ; 160(1): 37-42, 2001 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11195016

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED: A group of 22 previously healthy children with their first convulsive status epilepticus (SE), treated at Kuopio University Hospital, Finland, were prospectively studied. Eleven children had febrile and 11 afebrile SE. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect specific DNA from CSF, enzyme immunoassays and immunofluorescence assays to detect specific antibodies in serum and CSF, viral cultures were obtained from CSF, throat and stool and antigen detection from throat specimens. Viral infection was identified in 10 of 11 children with febrile SE (91%) and in 7 of 11 with afebrile SE (64%). Human herpes virus 6 infection was identified in 12 children (55%), and in at least six of them the infection was primary. Single cases of human herpes virus 7, parainfluenza 3, adenovirus 1, echovirus 22, rota, influenza A and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection were diagnosed. CONCLUSION: Viruses, human herpes virus 6 in particular, seem to be major associated factors in convulsive status epilepticus, both febrile and afebrile. Human herpes virus 7 and Mycoplasma pneumoniae are novel agents associated with status epilepticus.


Subject(s)
Status Epilepticus/virology , Virus Diseases/complications , Antigens, Viral/analysis , Child, Preschool , DNA, Viral/analysis , Female , Fever/complications , Herpesviridae Infections/complications , Herpesviridae Infections/diagnosis , Herpesvirus 6, Human , Humans , Infant , Male , Prospective Studies , Status Epilepticus/complications , Status Epilepticus/etiology , Virus Diseases/diagnosis
8.
Plant Cell Rep ; 20(5): 403-407, 2001 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24549447

ABSTRACT

The culture of isolated microspores of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Kymppi, an elite malting barley cultivar) was studied. A careful choice of culture steps resulted in an average regeneration frequency of 300 green plants per starting material spike. Strong seasonal variation in regeneration capacity was observed. The choice of a cold pretreatment method affected the viability of microspores. A cold pretreatment of the collected starting material at +4°C for 4 weeks was needed for the efficient regeneration of green plants from isolated microspore cultures. Glutamine omission from and copper additions to microspore culture were studied. The omission of glutamine did not affect the number of regenerated green plants but did result in an increase in the number of regenerated albino plants. The addition of copper did not improve the regeneration capacity of isolated barley microspores. Transformation by particle bombardment of isolated microspores did not result in the production of transgenic plants.

9.
J Clin Microbiol ; 38(7): 2753-5, 2000 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10878079

ABSTRACT

Human herpesvirus 6 DNA was detected by PCR in the tear fluid of 7 (35%) of 20 patients with Bell's palsy and of 1 (5%) of 20 healthy controls. Varicella-zoster virus was detected by PCR in the tear fluid of 2 of 20 Bell's palsy patients but in none of the tear fluids from 20 healthy controls. These findings suggest an association between human herpesviruses and Bell's palsy.


Subject(s)
Bell Palsy/virology , Herpesvirus 3, Human/isolation & purification , Herpesvirus 6, Human/isolation & purification , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Tears/virology , Adult , Aged , DNA, Viral/analysis , Female , Herpesviridae Infections/virology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged
10.
Dev Med Child Neurol ; 42(6): 418-21, 2000 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10875530

ABSTRACT

A 14-month-old girl presented after 3 days of fever, floppiness, and diffuse urticarial exanthem. She developed encephalitis and carditis and 1 week later, intractable seizures. Initial CT and MRI showed no changes in the brain parenchyma. On days 14 and 34 after the onset of symptoms, a human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) genome in cerebrospinal fluid was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Convulsions became more frequent and 11 weeks from the onset, they changed to typical infantile spasms with hypsarrhythmic electroencephalogram. She gradually lost her social contact and ability to walk and sit. Eleven months after the primary infection, a repeated MRI of the brain revealed a cystic tumour of 2 cm in diameter near the vermis. The tumour was surgically removed, and shown to be a pilocytic astrocytoma on histopathological examination. HHV-6 DNA was detected by PCR in new tumour tissue. This is the first reported case of HHV-6 encephalitis associated with carditis, infantile spasms, and a subsequent brain tumour containing the HHV-6 genome.


Subject(s)
Astrocytoma/complications , Cerebellar Neoplasms/complications , Encephalitis, Viral/complications , Herpesvirus 6, Human/isolation & purification , Myocarditis/complications , Spasms, Infantile/etiology , Astrocytoma/diagnosis , Astrocytoma/surgery , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Brain/pathology , Brain/surgery , Cerebellar Neoplasms/diagnosis , Cerebellar Neoplasms/surgery , Electroencephalography , Encephalitis, Viral/diagnosis , Encephalitis, Viral/virology , Exanthema/etiology , Female , Herpesviridae Infections/complications , Herpesvirus 6, Human/genetics , Humans , Infant , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Myocarditis/diagnosis , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Tomography, X-Ray Computed
11.
Pediatrics ; 105(2): 431-3, 2000 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10654970

ABSTRACT

A 23-month-old girl died after 2 days' illness with rash, fever, and convulsions. Neuropathologic findings were consistent with viral hemorrhagic encephalitis in pontine tegmentum and medial thalamic areas. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) DNA was detected in pontine nuclei by in situ hybridization. In addition, polymerase chain reaction for HHV-6 of serum and paraffin-embedded pontine tissue was positive, and serology indicated an acute primary infection. This is the first case showing HHV-6 DNA in the brain cells of an immunocompetent patient with acute encephalitis.


Subject(s)
Brain/virology , DNA, Viral/analysis , Encephalitis, Viral/diagnosis , Herpesviridae Infections/diagnosis , Herpesvirus 6, Human/isolation & purification , Encephalitis, Viral/virology , Fatal Outcome , Female , Herpesviridae Infections/virology , Herpesvirus 6, Human/genetics , Humans , In Situ Hybridization , Infant
13.
Plant Mol Biol ; 41(6): 777-83, 1999 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10737142

ABSTRACT

The malting quality of two barley cultivars, Kymppi and Golden Promise, was modified to better meet the requirements of the brewing process. The egl1 gene, coding for fungal thermotolerant endo-1,4-beta-glucanase (EGI, cellulase), was transferred to the cultivars using particle bombardment, and transgenic plants were regenerated on bialaphos selection. Integration of the egl1 gene was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization. The transgenic seeds were screened for the expression of the heterologous EGI. Under the high-pI alpha-amylase promoter, the egl1 gene was expressed during germination. The heterologous enzyme was thermotolerant at 65 degrees C for 2 h, thus being suitable for mashing conditions. The amount of heterologous EGI produced by the seeds (ca. 0.025% of soluble seed protein), has been shown to be sufficient to reduce wort viscosity by decreasing the soluble beta-glucan content. A decrease in the soluble beta-glucan content in the wort improves the filtration rate of beer.


Subject(s)
Cellulase/genetics , Germination/genetics , Hordeum/genetics , Seeds/genetics , Trichoderma/enzymology , Blotting, Southern , Cells, Cultured , Cellulase/metabolism , DNA, Plant/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic , Hordeum/cytology , Hordeum/enzymology , Plants, Genetically Modified , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism , Seeds/enzymology , Seeds/growth & development , Temperature , Transformation, Genetic
14.
Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed ; 78(1): F57-61, 1998 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9536843

ABSTRACT

Four neonates with convulsions had IgG antibodies in their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to varicella zoster virus (VZV). These antibodies were found in the sera of two of these patients after the age of 6 months. Antibodies to 16 different microbes were studied from the serum and CSF of 201 neonates with neurological problems. The presence of DNA specific to HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV in the CSF was also investigated using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antibodies to VZV were detected in the CSF of four neonates. Antibody indices suggested production of VZV specific antibodies in the central nervous system. These findings suggest that intrathecal production of antibodies to VZV can appear in neonates with neurological problems, which suggests that intrauterine VZV infection can be acquired without cutaneous symptoms in the mother.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/cerebrospinal fluid , Herpes Zoster/congenital , Herpesvirus 3, Human/immunology , Seizures/virology , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Herpes Zoster/complications , Herpes Zoster/transmission , Herpesvirus 3, Human/isolation & purification , Humans , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Immunoglobulin G/cerebrospinal fluid , Infant, Newborn , Male , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
15.
J Virol Methods ; 63(1-2): 71-9, 1997 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9015277

ABSTRACT

We modified and optimized a new microplate hybridization assay to detect the varciella-zoster virus (VZV) PCR product, and studied cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of 287 patients with meningitis, encephalitis or other neurological diseases or symptoms. Specific antibodies to VZV and reference antigens were determined by enzyme immunoassay from serum and CSF, they were then compared with clinical findings and with the results obtained by VZV-PCR using different detection methods for VZV-specific amplified DNA. VZV DNA was found in the CSF of 25 patients using the microplate hybridization assay and chemiluminescence detection for amplified DNA. All 25 CSF samples were also positive in Southern blotting. Among the patients, 10 had chickenpox, 4 had shingles, and 11 had no rash at all. The detection rate of VZV-specific DNA by microplate hybridization was 30% higher than that obtained by conventional agarose gel electrophoresis. In most patients the diagnosis was confirmed by demonstrating specific intrathecal antibody production to VZV but not to other viruses. These results indicate the presence of VZV in the central nervous system (CNS) in many patients with chickenpox or shingles, and even in patients without a rash. The microplate hybridization assay based on chemiluminescence detection improves considerably the detection rate of the VZV-PCR product compared to agarose gel electrophoresis and will add to the list of recognized VZV infections in the CNS. It is especially useful in cases where there is no cutaneous manifestation.


Subject(s)
Chickenpox/virology , DNA, Viral/cerebrospinal fluid , Herpes Zoster/virology , Herpesvirus 3, Human/isolation & purification , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Chickenpox/cerebrospinal fluid , Child, Preschool , Encephalitis, Viral/cerebrospinal fluid , Encephalitis, Viral/virology , Female , Herpes Zoster/cerebrospinal fluid , Herpesvirus 3, Human/genetics , Humans , Infant , Luminescent Measurements , Male , Meningitis, Viral/cerebrospinal fluid , Meningitis, Viral/virology
16.
J Clin Pathol ; 50(10): 852-5, 1997 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9462269

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To evaluate the relation between Chlamydia trachomatis infection and stillbirth, placental tissue was studied for the presence of C trachomatis. METHODS: Paraffin wax embedded placental tissue of a stillbirth fetus, born at the 36th week of gestation to a 21 year old mother with high serum antibody titres to C trachomatis immunotypes during pregnancy and who was culture positive to C trachomatis three years previously, was studied by in situ hybridisation, polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry for the presence of C trachomatis. RESULTS: C trachomatis was detected in placental specimens by in situ hybridisation and alkaline phosphatase antialkaline phosphatase staining in several sections, whereas control tissues were uniformly negative, indicating the presence of C trachomatis nucleic acid and antigen in the placenta. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case in which C trachomatis has been demonstrated in the human placenta.


Subject(s)
Chlamydia Infections/complications , Chlamydia trachomatis/isolation & purification , DNA, Bacterial/isolation & purification , Fetal Death/microbiology , Placenta/microbiology , Adult , Antigens, Bacterial/analysis , Chlamydia trachomatis/genetics , Chlamydia trachomatis/immunology , Female , Humans , Immunoenzyme Techniques , In Situ Hybridization , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Pregnancy
17.
Genome ; 39(4): 730-5, 1996 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18469933

ABSTRACT

Hordeum, distributed worldwide in temperate zones, is the second largest genus in the tribe Triticeae and includes diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid species. We determined, by DAPI staining and flow cytometry, the nuclear DNA content for 35 accessions of the genus Hordeum, from a total of 19 species, including specimens of 2 cultivars and 2 landraces of Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare as well as samples of 12 Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum populations. Genome sizes ranged from 5.69 to 9.41 pg for the G1 nuclei of the diploids, and from 13.13 to 18.36 pg for those of the tetraploids. This constitutes a 1.7-fold variation for the diploids, contrasting with a 4% variation previously reported. For H. vulgare ssp. vulgare (barley), the accessions examined differed by 18%. These variations in genome size cannot be correlated with meiotic pairing groups (I, H, X, Y) or with proposed phylogenetic relationships within the genus. Genome size variation between barley accessions cannot be related to status as cultivated or wild, or to climatic or geological gradients. We suggest these data may indicate rapid but sporadic changes in genome size within the genus. Key words : barley, Hordeum, Triticeae, genome size, flow cytometry.

18.
J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry ; 60(2): 174-8, 1996 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-8708648

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic potential of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis. METHODS: Samples of CSF from 516 patients with encephalitis were studied for HSV-DNA by PCR. RESULTS: Samples taken one to 29 days from the onset of symptoms from 38 patients (7.4%) were positive, 32 (6.2%) for HSV-1 and six (1.2%) for HSV-2. At follow up, eight of 28 patients studied were still HSV-PCR positive. A diagnostic serum:CSF antibody ratio to HSV but not to other viruses was detected in 25 of the 38 HSV-PCR positive patients thus supporting the initial PCR findings. Patients positive by HSV-PCR were concentrated in the age group > or = 40 years, and especially in patients aged 60-64 years, of whom nine of 24 (37.5%) were positive. The HSV-PCR was negative in all other patients with encephalitis of known or unknown aetiology. This group included 34 patients with a diagnostic serum:CSF antibody ratio to other viruses. A dual infection, HSV and another microbe, was considered possible in seven patients. CONCLUSIONS: The HSV-PCR is a rapid and useful diagnostic method during the early phase of encephalitis. It may be useful in monitoring the efficacy of treatment and allowing the recognition of new features in the appearance of herpes encephalitis. The HSV-PCR test and antibody determinations from serum and CSF are complementary methods, which should both be applied in pursuit of clinical laboratory diagnosis of these conditions.


Subject(s)
Aging , Cerebrospinal Fluid/virology , Encephalitis, Viral/diagnosis , Simplexvirus , Age Distribution , Humans , Polymerase Chain Reaction
19.
Plant Cell Rep ; 15(3-4): 301-4, 1995 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24185797

ABSTRACT

Protoplasts isolated from calli derived from cultured microspores of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Kymppi, an elite cultivar) were transformed with the neomycin phosphotransferase marker gene (nptII) by electroporation. Screening of the regenerated plants for the NPTII activity by gel assay resulted in three positive signals. Southern blot analysis and NPTII assays of second and third generation plants confirmed the genomic integration of the transferred gene and that the new trait was inherited by the progeny.

20.
Plant Mol Biol ; 24(2): 317-25, 1994 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-8111034

ABSTRACT

Transgenic, fertile barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) from the Finnish elite cultivar Kymppi was obtained by particle bombardment of immature embryos. Immature embryos were bombarded to the embryonic axis side and grown to plants without selection. Neomycin phosphotransferase II (NPTII) activity was screened in small plantlets. One out of a total of 227 plants expressed the transferred nptII gene. This plant has until now produced 98 fertile spikes (T0), and four of the 90 T0 spikes analyzed to date contained the nptII gene. These shoots were further analyzed and they expressed the transferred gene. From green grains, embryos were isolated and grown to plantlets (T1). The four transgenic shoots of Toivo (the T0 plant) produced 25 plantlets as T1 progeny. Altogether fifteen of these T1 plants carried the transferred nptII gene as detected with the PCR technique, fourteen of which expressed the nptII gene. The integration and inheritance of the transferred nptII gene was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization. Although present as several copies, the transferred gene was inherited as a single Mendelian locus into the T2 progeny.


Subject(s)
Hordeum/genetics , Plants, Genetically Modified , Base Sequence , Blotting, Southern , DNA , Fertility , Hordeum/physiology , Kanamycin Kinase , Molecular Sequence Data , Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor)/genetics , Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor)/metabolism , Seeds , Transformation, Genetic
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