Ammoniacal Carbonate Leaching: Effect of Dissolved Sulfur in the Distillation Operation.

The distillation process in the Ammoniacal Carbonate Leaching technology was studied at bench-scale and on industrial scale. The dissolved sulfur effect in the Product-liquor that feeds to the columns, on the Basic Nickel Carbonate (BNC) properties and the operation expenses was determined. When increasing the sulfur in the liquor, we augment the selectivity towards the sulfate formation in the BNC molecule; therefore the energy consumption to the BNC thermal decomposition in the calcination process increases.

Diagnostic benefits of adding EspC, EspF and Rv2348-B to the QuantiFERON Gold In-tube antigen combination.

Interferon (IFN)-γ release assays (IGRAs) are used to diagnose latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI). To improve the accuracy of these tests, different approaches, such as alternative cytokine detection and using different antigens, are considered. Following this purpose, this study aims to evaluate the addition of EspC, EspF and Rv2348-B to those present in the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFN-G-IT).

Diagnostic Accuracy of Interferon Gamma-Induced Protein 10 mRNA Release Assay for Tuberculosis.

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) release assays (IGRAs) are increasingly used to test for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection. Although highly specific, IGRAs have a relatively high false-negative rate in active TB patients. A more sensitive assay is needed.

Use of IP-10 detection in dried plasma spots for latent tuberculosis infection diagnosis in contacts via mail.

The aim of this study was to test the use of IP-10 detection in dried plasma from contact studies individuals (contacts of smear positive patients), by comparing it with IP-10 and IFN-γ detection in direct plasma, to establish IP-10 detection in DPS as a useful assay for LTBI diagnosis. Whole blood samples were collected from 80 subjects: 12 with active tuberculosis (TB), and 68 from contact studies. The amount of IFN-γ produced by sensitized T cells was determined in direct plasma by QuantiFERON Gold In-Tube test.

Study of CD27 and CCR4 Markers on Specific CD4 T-Cells as Immune Tools for Active and Latent Tuberculosis Management.

The immunological characterization of different cell markers has opened the possibility of considering them as immune tools for tuberculosis (TB) management, as they could correlate with TB latency/disease status and outcome. CD4 T-cells producing IFN-γ with a low expression of CD27 have been described as an active TB marker. In addition, there are unknown homing receptors related to TB, such as CCR4, which might be useful for understanding TB pathogenesis.