Sensitivity and specificity of the BAX for screening/Listeria monocytogenes assay: internal validation and independent laboratory study.

In this study to certify the BAX for Screening/Listeria monocytogenes assay (DuPont Qualicon, Wilmington, DE), an internal evaluation was conducted on 16 food types that were simultaneously analyzed with the BAX system (BAX), and the ISO method for the detection of L. monocytogenes (ISO). No statistically significant difference in performance between the BAX and ISO methods was observed. Inclusivity/exclusivity testing showed that the BAX system was able to detect 97 of 97 (100%) of L. monocytogenes strains tested. None of 56 other Listeria species or non-Listeria tested gave a reproducible positive BAX result. Ruggedness testing demonstrated that performance of the assay was not affected by reasonable variability in the operating parameters. BAX was then submitted for independent laboratory validation. In this phase, BAX was compared with standard culture methods for the detection of L. monocytogenes in chicken (USDA-FSIS), crab meat (BAM), and milk (AOAC). This study validated product claims of sensitivity and specificity >98% in accordance with AOAC Performance Tested Method requirements.

IL-8 concentration in coronary sinus blood during early coronary reperfusion after ischemic arrest.

OBJECTIVE: Activation of the inflammatory response is an important factor contributing to complications of cardiopulmonary bypass. Increased level of proinflammatory cytokine - IL-8 has been reported during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operations with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. The aim of this study was to find out whether the heart is the main source of IL-8 during early coronary reperfusion. METHODS: IL-8 concentration in coronary sinus before clamping and 5, 10, and 15 min after declamping of the aorta as well as in radial artery blood before clamping and 10 min after declamping of the aorta, was assessed in 30 patients undergoing CABG surgery. RESULTS: We observed increase in IL-8 concentration in coronary sinus blood after declamping of the aorta, however no difference between coronary sinus and arterial blood concentration was noted. The median value of IL-8 concentration in coronary sinus blood was 1.85 pg/ml before ischemia and 15.4, 20.3, and 29.3 pg/ml in 5, 10 and 15 min after aortic declamping, respectively. Our additional finding was that there was a negative correlation between IL-8 level and hemoglobin saturation with oxygen in coronary sinus blood 10 min after coronary reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the heart is not the main source of IL-8 in early coronary reperfusion, although coronary reperfusion induces its release.

Sensitivity and specificity of the test kit BAX for screening/E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef: independent laboratory study.

An independent laboratory study of the BAX for Screening/E. coli O157:H7 kit was conducted at the National Food Laboratory, Inc., Dublin, CA, to complete AOAC Performance Tested Method certification. The BAX system kit was compared with the BAM culture method and a modified BAM culture method for detection of E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef. The BAX system kit detected the target organism at levels approximately 10-fold lower than those that gave positive BAM results. This study validated product claims, and Performance Tested Method status was granted.

Thermographic assessment of stellate ganglion block effectiveness during cardiosurgical procedures.

UNLABELLED: The study present thermographic assessment of the effectiveness of temporary stellate blockade performed during cardiosurgical procedures. The assumption behind this method was the increase in the temperature of upper extremity on the side of blockade, due to the broadening of arterial bed. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was conducted on a group of 30 patients (21 men and 9 women) operated due to coronary disease involving three vessels. Mean age of the patients was 53 years. After introduction of anaesthesia blockade were performed with 2 ml 2% lignocainum and 8 ml 0.5% bupivacaine solution using peratracheal approach. Blockade effectiveness was assessed on the basis of images obtained in thermovisual camera, comparing the temperatures of upper extremity before and within 15 minutes after performing the blockade. Free blood outflow from radial artery, its diameter and length were also evaluated. The results obtained were subject to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (76.6%) displayed the increase in the temperature of upper extremity by 1-3 degrees C. Free blood outflow from radial artery was greater in this group than in the remaining patients. CONCLUSIONS: Thermography is a useful method for the assessment of stellate blockade effectiveness. Effective blockade results in the increased blood flow in radial artery.

Administration of clemastine--H1 histamine receptor blocker in the prevention of haemodynamic disorders after protamine sulfate administration in patients subjected to coronary artery bypass grafting in extracorporeal circulation.

INTRODUCTION: Adverse effects of protamine administration after CPB: fall in arterial blood pressure and pulmonary hypertension are still a source of problems. CPB and protamine administration are both accompanied by increased histamine levels in blood. The aim of this study was to examine if clemastine can accelerate the normalisation of arterial blood pressure during the protamine administration after CPB during CABG operations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty three patients subjected to CABG operations were studied. Control group (n = 27) did not receive clemastine, Clemastine group (n = 26) received 2 mg i.v. clemastine, before CPB. After CPB were completed, patients were given protamine (heparin to protamine ratio--1:1.5) within 7 minutes, through peripheral vein. Changes in arterial blood pressure from the beginning of protamine administration to 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes thereafter, as well as heart rate, CVP, doses of inotropic drugs and vasodilators were compared between the groups. RESULTS: No difference in heart rate, CVP, doses of inotropic drugs and vasodilators between the group was noted. An increase in arterial blood pressure 5, 7.5, 10, and 15 minutes after the beginning of the protamine administration were greater in clemastine group than in control group. Groups were comparable with regard to surgical procedures and doses of anaesthetic drugs. It is now known that protamine exerts a negative effect on cardiac contractility either through a decrease in coronary perfusion pressure (vasodilatation), or through a direct toxic effect on cardiac muscle. The administration of clemastine before CPB can reduce peripheral vasodilatation and capillary leak related to histamine release during CPB. In the clemastine group, faster increase in arterial blood pressure toward a physiologic range was observed. We conclude that administration of clemastine is connected with the normalization of ABP during and after protamine reversal of heparin coagulation during CABG operations.

Performance tested method certification of BAX for Screening/Salmonella: a case study.

This report details the independent laboratory study of the BAX for Screening/Salmonella assay to complete AOAC Performance Tested Method certification. The performance of the BAX system was compared with those of BAM culture methods on food samples inoculated with Salmonella. This study validated product claims. Performance Tested Method status was granted for the screening assay.