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H Soini

Publications and source records attributed to H Soini.

53 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Sensitive and specific polymerase chain reaction assays for detection of Bordetella pertussis in nasopharyngeal specimens.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays that amplify segments of a repeated gene element and a toxin promoter gene of Bordetella pertussis were compared with a culture established for the diagnosis of pertussis. Of 44 nasopharyngeal (NP) aspirates collected during a pertussis outbreak, repeated gene element PCR showed a positive result in 21 (48%), including all three patients with positive culture results. Results of toxin promoter gene PCR were positive in eight (18%) cases, and the pathogen was not detected in one patient with a positive culture result. A more sensitive nested PCR assay, based on repeated gene element PCR, was then developed. During a second outbreak two different transportation systems were tested in 146 duplicate NP swabs. Transportation of swabs in empty tubes proved to be better than in transport media for PCR. A total of 190 NP specimens from the two outbreaks were tested, and in 56 the results were shown to be positive by PCR, including all 16 cases confirmed as positive by culture. We conclude that the PCR assay is more sensitive than culture in the diagnosis of pertussis; NP swabbing is a simple, practical, and reliable method of collecting clinical specimens for PCR assays and cultures.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Plasma concentration and protein binding of alfentanil during high-dose infusion for cardiac surgery.

We have studied plasma protein binding of alfentanil in 10 patients given a mean total dose of 949 micrograms kg-1 as the principal anaesthetic agent for coronary artery bypass grafting. The mean unbound fraction of plasma alfentanil increased from 0.09 to 0.16 after administration of heparin and to 0.26 after beginning cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). After CPB until the end of surgery, the unbound fraction decreased to 0.12. These changes in the unbound fraction were associated with significant changes in plasma total and unbound concentrations of alfentanil also. Within the first 1 min of CPB, total alfentanil concentration had decreased by more than the unbound concentration and the decrease observed in the latter disappeared rapidly. From induction of anaesthesia until awakening of the patient, plasma protein binding of alfentanil was related significantly (P = 0.0166) to the serum concentration of orosomucoid (alpha 1-acid glyco-protein).

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Identification of mycobacteria by PCR-based sequence determination of the 32-kilodalton protein gene.

In this study, a part of the nucleotide sequence of the mycobacterial 32-kDa protein gene was determined by PCR-based sequencing. A total of 24 mycobacterial strains, representing 10 species, were studied. Sequences of all tested members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex were identical to each other and to the previously published sequence of M. tuberculosis H37Rv. The sequences of M. avium and M. intracellulare were different from each other. MAIX strains, identified with the Gen-Probe MAIX test, had sequences identical to each other but clearly different from those of M. avium and M. intracellulare. Each of the other mycobacterial species investigated, i.e., M. kansasii, M. gastri, M. gordonae, and M. malmoense, had a unique species-specific sequence. These results demonstrate that there is variation in the nucleotide sequence of the 32-kDa protein gene among different mycobacterial species. Thus, we propose that this gene can be used for PCR-based identification of mycobacteria.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed1994

Primers are decisive for sensitivity of PCR.

A sufficient sensitivity of PCR is a prerequisite for its use in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. We have used PCR for detecting gene elements of Borrelia burgdorferi, mycobacteria and Bordetella pertussis. With all these microbe groups, difficulties were encountered in achieving the demanded sensitivity with the primer pairs primarily selected. An extensive testing of various reaction parameters did not improve the sensitivity. Subsequently, we synthesized more primers derived from slightly different positions of the original target sequences. When the original and new primers were tested in possible combinations, some primer pairs reached 100-fold to 1000-fold higher sensitivity than the primary pairs. We conclude that in optimizing the sensitivity of PCR, more emphasis should be put on testing of several primer pairs than on the extensive screening of reaction parameters. Thus far, a trial-and-error approach has to be used, because there is no means to predict the sensitivity properties of a selected primer pair.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Pharmacokinetics and effects of i.m. alfentanil as premedication for day-case ophthalmic surgery in elderly patients.

We have studied the pharmacokinetics and effects of i.m. alfentanil as premedication for peribulbar block in 90 patients undergoing elective day-case cataract surgery. We compared alfentanil 12.5 micrograms kg-1 injected into the deltoid (n = 30) or gluteal muscle (n = 30) 15 min before the peribulbar block, and placebo (n = 30). The alfentanil concentrations were significantly greater in the deltoid group during the study and the mean peak concentration occurred more rapidly in this group. Only alfentanil injected into the deltoid muscle reduced pain (assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS)) associated with the peribulbar block. A mild sedative effect (VAS) was found in both alfentanil groups. We conclude that i.m. alfentanil appears to be a suitable premedicant for short, painful procedures because it has a short duration of action and is not associated with any clinically significant side effects.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Comparison of polymerase chain reaction with culture and enzyme immunoassay for diagnosis of pertussis.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay amplifying a segment of a repeated gene element of Bordetella pertussis was compared with culture and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for the diagnosis of pertussis. The PCR assay was specific for B. pertussis in tests with a panel of other bacteria and with an extensive collection of specimen material from healthy persons and children with respiratory infections other than pertussis. The PCR assay was used in the analysis of 117 nasopharyngeal swabs collected from children at an elementary school at which a pertussis outbreak occurred. Fifty-six (48%) of the 117 swabs were positive, including those for all six culture-positive cases. The PCR method was then applied to analyze another pertussis outbreak. Of 40 nasopharyngeal aspirates taken from 37 clinically susceptible pertussis patients and from three asymptomatic contacts, the PCR identified 18 (45%), including all 3 culture-positive and 5 (35%) of the 14 seropositive patients. The most consistent and reliable diagnosis by positive PCR result was observed with those patients experiencing symptoms within 1 to 6 weeks of sample collection. We conclude that PCR is a rapid, sensitive, and specific means of diagnosing pertussis, especially during the first weeks of disease. The assay can be performed with both nasopharyngeal swabs and aspirates.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Chiral separations of basic drugs and quantitation of bupivacaine enantiomers in serum by capillary electrophoresis with modified cyclodextrin buffers.

Modified cyclodextrin derivatives were evaluated as the buffer additives in capillary electrophoresis of several racemic pharmaceutical bases. Uncoated and polyacrylamide-modified silica capillaries were compared for their effectiveness in the enantiomeric resolution and migration reproducibility of model solutes. Using cationic detergents in the mixed-micellar mode, optimized separations of the racemic drug bupivacaine are demonstrated in a spiked serum sample at the therapeutic level. Precision, linearity and sensitivity of the method appear adequate for reliable quantitation required in pharmacokinetic and clinical studies.

Buffers↗
PubMed1992

Detection and identification of mycobacteria by amplification of a segment of the gene coding for the 32-kilodalton protein.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the rapid detection of mycobacterial DNA is described. Oligonucleotide primers, derived from the sequence of a gene coding for the 32-kDa antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, amplified DNA from all 28 species of mycobacteria tested. All nonmycobacterial species tested were negative. An oligonucleotide probe hybridized to the PCR products of the strains belonging to the M. tuberculosis complex. This method could detect as little as 50 fg, as tested with purified M. tuberculosis DNA. By this amplification method, 127 sputum specimens were tested, with 7.9% of the specimens proving to be inhibitory in PCR. The sensitivity of detection by PCR compared with that by culture was 55.9%; when the inhibitory specimens were excluded, the sensitivity was 70.4%. The specificity of PCR combined with hybridization was 100%.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed1991

Selected applications of cyclodextrin selectors in capillary electrophoresis.

Through the use of alpha-, beta-, gamma- and heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin as stereospecific selectors or electrolyte modifiers, both in capillary zone electrophoresis and isotachophoresis, selected model isomeric compounds (including optical isomers) were resolved. Soluble alkylhydroxyalkylcellulose derivatives were further added to the cyclodextrin-modified background electrolytes under study. Their presence was found to be essential, as demonstrated by improvements in both enantioselectivity and separation efficiency. The results obtained in both electrophoretic modes, under optimized conditions, are compared and discussed.

Cyclodextrins↗
PubMed1991

Electrochromatographic solid-phase extraction for determination of cimetidine in serum by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography.

A highly effective electrochromatographic solid-phase extraction and preconcentration method is reported for the determination of cimetidine in serum in the concentration range 0.233-11.4 micrograms/ml. Preconcentrated samples were determined by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography while ranitidine was used as an internal standard. Sample preparation included retention of the analyte on a C18 solid-phase cartridge, followed by elution assisted by an applied voltage of 150 V. From 0.5-ml serum samples, 20-50-microliters aliquots were collected for electrophoretic analysis. Within the studied concentration range, the method was linear and provided adequate precision.

Chromatography↗
PubMed1989

A preliminary study on the use of betaine as a cryoprotective agent in deep freezing of stallion semen.

In a preliminary experiment, betaine was added in concentrations ranging from 0 to 3.0 percent to stallion semen diluted with 4% glycerol extender. Motility of frozen-thawed semen was better in the extenders with high betaine concentration than in those of low concentration or the control. In a subsequent experiment, betaine was added to extended semen from five stallions to make a 2.5% betaine concentration. Two different cooling rates were used. The effect of betaine on spermatozoal motility was positive at both cooling rates studied. Motility of frozen-thawed 2.5% betaine semen samples was significantly (p less than 0.001) higher than that of the control samples.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nutritional status in cognitively intact older people receiving home care services--a pilot study.

Older adults are a potentially vulnerable group for malnutrition. This cross-sectional pilot study aims to assess the nutritional status of elderly patients living at home and receiving home health care services. The data were collected from patient care plans, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and a questionnaire on eating problems. In addition, serum nutritional status indicators were measured, and an oral examination including quantitative saliva measurement was carried out. Out of 71 eligible patients 51 (72%) patients aged 76-93 years participated. MNA results showed that 47% were at risk of malnutrition. Care plans for 26 patients made reference to questions of nutrition but provided no detailed forward planning. The mean serum albumin value was 39.1 +/- 3.8 g/l, seven patients had a value lower than 35 g/l. MNA scores were significantly lower for female patients with haemoglobin values lower than 120 g/l (p = 0.027). The dentist's estimation of dry mouth and subjective problems in energy intake were significantly associated with lower MNA scores (p = 0.049 and p = 0.015). Subjects with functioning natural dentition had higher body mass index (BMI) scores than others (p = 0.0485). The results point at the importance of using screening tools such as the MNA for purposes of nutritional assessment, the estimation of oral problems such as dry mouth, chewing and swallowing problems, and advance planning in nutritional issues within the field of home care.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Oral and nutritional status--Is the MNA a useful tool for dental clinics.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the oral status of elderly residents in nursing homes (NH) and long term care wards (LT) and to describe associations between oral status and nutritional status among institutionalized elderly residents. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. SETTING: All elderly residents in all NH and LT in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 2036 out of 2424 (84 %) eligible subjects in NH, 1052 out of 1444 (73%) eligible subjects in LT, and all wards in NH (N = 92) and LT (N = 53). MEASUREMENTS: A structured questionnaire, oral examination, and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) were completed by ward nurses for all participating residents. The structured questionnaire included information on oral status and oral health problems, demographic characteristics, functional status, diseases and medication. One questionnaire for each ward was used to evaluate the daily ward routines related to nutritional care and meal management. RESULTS: 11 % of the NH residents and 3 % of LH patients were well nourished. Of NH residents 60 % were at risk of malnutrition and 29 % were malnourished. The respective figures for LT patients were 40 % and 57 %. Nutritional status was significantly associated with oral status and with the number of oral health problems. Those with mixed dentition or complete dentures tended to have better nutritional status than those totally edentulous without prosthesis. Malnutrition increased consistently with the increasing number of oral health problems (including chewing problems, swallowing difficulties, pain in mouth and xerostomia). CONCLUSION: In the population of institutionalized frail elderly, malnutrition was related to both poor oral status and oral health problems.

Aged↗