Multiple reassortment and interspecies transmission events contribute to the diversity of feline, canine and feline/canine-like human group A rotavirus strains.

RNA-RNA hybridization assays and complete genome sequence analyses have shown that feline rotavirus (FRV) and canine rotavirus (CRV) strains display at least two distinct genotype constellations (genogroups), represented by the FRV strain RVA/Cat-tc/AUS/Cat97/1984/G3P[3] and the human rotavirus (HRV) strain RVA/Human-tc/JPN/AU-1/1982/G3P3[9], respectively. G3P[3] and G3P[9] strains have been detected sporadically in humans. The complete genomes of two CRV strains (RVA/Dog-tc/ITA/RV198-95/1995/G3P[3] and RVA/Dog-tc/ITA/RV52-96/1996/G3P[3]) and an unusual HRV strain (RVA/Human-tc/ITA/PA260-97/1997/G3P[3]) were determined to further elucidate the complex relationships among FRV, CRV and HRV strains.

Results of percutaneous coronary intervention of the unprotected left main coronary artery in 143 patients and comparison of 30-day mortality to results of coronary artery bypass grafting.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) is controversial. In 143 patients who underwent PCI of the unprotected LMCA, 30-day mortality was compared with predicted cumulative risk-adjusted perioperative surgical mortality based on logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation. One-year clinical follow-up was completed in all patients.

Multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection of macrolide and tetracycline resistance determinants in streptococci.

Resistance to macrolides and tetracyclines is increasing among streptococci and co-occurs as their resistance determinants are carried on the same mobile element. We developed a multiplex PCR to facilitate simultaneous and specific detection of resistance determinants for both macrolides [erm(A), erm(B), and mef(A/E)] and tetracyclines [tet(M), tet(O), tet(K), and tet(L)] in streptococci.

A randomized comparison of balloon angioplasty and stent implantation in the percutaneous treatment of coronary bifurcations.

Objective: A prospective randomized multicentre pilot trial, comparing stenting with balloon angioplasty as a treatment for coronary lesions, located in a bifurcation was performed.

Methods And Results: After balloon dilatation, with a < 30% residual stenosis in the main vessel and < 50% residual stenosis in the side branch, patients were randomized to stay in a "balloon-only" group or to stenting. The stents used were the AVE S 670 for the main vessel and the Bestent, if needed, for the side branch.

Macrolide- and telithromycin-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes, Belgium, 1999-2003.

We found a 13% macrolide resistance in 3,866 Streptococcus pyogenes isolated from tonsillopharyngitis patients; 59% macrolide-resistant isolates were distributed in 5 clones, suggesting the importance of both resistance gene transfer and clonal dissemination in the spread of these organisms. We also report one of the largest collections of telithromycin-resistant isolates.