bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis E virus antibodies among patients with hemophilia, blood donors, and hepatitis patients
Authors: Zaaijer H. L. , Mauser‐Bunschoten E. P. , ten Veen J. H. , Kapprell H. P. , Kok M. , van den Berg H. M. , Lelie P. N.
Published: March 2007

The presence of antibodies to hepatitis E virus (HEV) was studied among hemophiliacs, blood donors, and hepatitis patients. Four of 296 (1.4%) hemophiliacs and 5 of 1, 275 (0.4%) donors were confirmed as positive for HEV antibodies (difference was not significant: P = 0.07). Parenteral transmission of HEV to hemophiliacs was thus rare or nonexistent. Seven of 187 hepatitis patients were found with HEV antibodies (IgG and IgM). Six persons fell ill shortly after arriving from HEV‐endemic countries. The seventh patient, without a history of travel, represents a case of nontropical hepatitis E. Consequently, hepatitis E should be considered in patients suffering from acute non‐ABC hepatitis, even in industrialized countries. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of cytomegalovirus DNA in cerebrospinal fluid in immunocompetent patients as a sign of active infection
Authors: Studahl M. , Bergström T. , Ekeland‐Sjöberg K. , Ricksten A.
Published: March 2007

Detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been shown to be a sensitive method of diagnosing CMV disease in the central nervous system. Since CMV causes latent infection in white blood cells, an unanswered question is whether detection of latent CMV DNA in the cell fraction of CSF samples by PCR is possible in seropositive patients. In a prospective study, the finding of CMV DNA in CSF of CMV seropositive patients with suspected viral infection of the central nervous system (CNS) was evaluated clinically. Fractionation of 64 CSF samples from seropositive patients was carried out before analysing the samples for CMV DNA by PCR. In four of the five patients who had CMV DNA in the cell pellet and/or supernatant, the clinical data suggested CMV‐associated neurological disease. The remaining 59 samples were negative in both pellet and supernatant. In addition, 11 CSF samples with high cell counts from patients with bacterial meningitis were examined for CMV DNA and found to be negative in 10 patients and positive in 1. One hundred thirty two uncentrifuged CSF samples were used as negative controls. The results of the study indicate that detection of CMV DNA in CSF samples by PCR correlated well with disease and was not due to latent CMV infection. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunogenicity and safety of a new inactivated hepatitis a vaccine in a comparative study
Authors: Goilav Christian , Zuckerman Jane , Lafrenz Michael , Vidor Emmanuel , Lauwers Sabine , Ratheau Christine , Benichou Grazia , Zuckerman Arie
Published: March 2007

A multicentre, controlled, randomised, open, comparative trial including 839 healthy adult volunteers was carried out in order to compare the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of two vaccines against hepatitis A virus (HAV) during primary immunization and after booster injection. The first vaccine was produced by Pasteur Mérieux (PM), and the second vaccine by Smith‐Kline Beecham (SKB). The vaccination schedule consisted of 2 doses (months 0, 6) for PM and 3 doses (months 0, 1, and 6) for SKB. Two weeks after the first dose, the seroconversion rates among initially HAV seronegative subjects (n = 608) were 93.4% and 76.1% for the PM and SKB vaccines, respectively, the corresponding geometric mean titres (GMTs) were 59.0 mlU/ml versus 30.8 mlU/ml (modified RIA HAVAB assay, Abbott Laboratories). Two months after the beginning of immunization (one dose versus two doses) the GMTs were 138.4 and 161.6 mlU/ml, respectively. At month 7, the seroconversion rates were 100% for both vaccines, and the GMTs were 4, 189 and 3, 163 mlU/ml, respectively. After the first dose of vaccine, 24.6% and 19.6% of the PM and SKB vaccinees reported local reactions. The rates for systemic reactions were 27.2% and 25.0%, respectively. Lower rates for local and systemic reactions were seen after booster injections and statistical differences were not observed between the two vaccines. The study also demonstrated that vaccination was as well tolerated in subjects with anti‐HAV antibodies as in HAV seronegative subjects. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant vaccine effect on seroconversion rates only at week 2 (P<10−4). The same conclusions were drawn from the analysis of GMT by multivariate regression. When both times (week 2 and week 8) were analysed together, a statistically significant effect of interaction between time and vaccine was observed, indicating that the kinetics of antibody responses were different. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of Coxsackie B neutralization and enteroviral PCR in chronic fatigue patients
Authors: Nairn C. , Galbraith D. N. , Clements G. B.
Published: March 2007

Coxsackie B enteroviruses have been implicated repeatedly as agents associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The objective of this study was to compare the serological evidence for the presence of Coxsackie B virus neutralising antibody, with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detecting a portion of the 5′ nontranslated region (NTR) of the enterovirus genome. Serum samples from 100 chronic fatigue patients and from 100 healthy comparison patients were used in this study. In the CFS study group, 42% patients were positive for enteroviral sequences by PCR, compared to only 9% of the comparison group. Using the neutralisation assay, 34% of study patients were positive, compared to 41% of comparison patients. In the study group, 66/100 patient results correlated, i.e., they were either positive/positive or negative/negative for both tests. Of those that did not correlate, the majority were PCR‐positive/Coxsackie B antibody‐negative (21/34). In the comparison group, 58/100 patient results correlated. Of those that did not, the majority were PCR‐negative/Coxsackie B antibody‐positive (37/42). The Coxsackie B antibody neutralisation assay was not able to differentiate the CFS study group from the healthy comparison group, and thus the clinical relevance of this assay may be questioned. The PCR assay did differentiate the two groups with significantly more CFS patients having evidence of enterovirus than the comparison group. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of antigen and antibody detection in urine specimens from children with congenital human cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Koopmans M. , Sánchez‐Martinéz D. , Patton J. , Stewart J.
Published: March 2007

Fetal infection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the leading viral cause of brain dam age among newborns at birth or later in life. Efforts to screen newborns routinely for shedding of the virus by immunoassay have been ham pered by inhibitors in urine, reportedly the host protein beta2‐microglobulin (β2m). An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was devel oped for the detection of HCMV antigen in which the reactivity was not affected by the presence of β2m, but nevertheless inhibition was observed when urine samples with high levels of virus were tested. The presence of antibodies to HCMV was demonstrated in these urine samples by antibody ELISA and immunoblot using the major antigenic protein of HCMV (pp150) expressed in Escherichia coli; this offers an alterna tive explanation for the inhibition in ELISA. The presence of HCMV antibodies correlated significantly with congenital HCMV infection (as detected by tissue culture isolation of virus from urine samples of newborns), especially with as ymptomatic cases (sensitivity 70%; specificity 94%). The data indicate a local (renal) immune response to HCMV in congenitally infected children, which may have future diagnostic applica tions. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Fraction‐specific populations of the hypervariable region of the hepatitis C virus in a patient with cryoglobulinemia
Authors: Kurosaki Masayuki , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Nouchi Toshihiko , Sakuma Ikuo , Marumo Fumiaki , Sato Chifumi
Published: March 2007

Nucleotide sequences of the hypervariable region (HVR) of the E2/NS1 gene of hepatitis C virus (HCV), which are now thought to contain epitopes for neutralizing antibodies, were compared between antibody‐bound HCV and free HCV in a patient with type II cryoglobulinemia. Antibody‐bound HCV was immunoprecipitated with anti‐human immunoglobulins from serum of the patient. Total RNA was recovered from the pellet and the supernatant, respectively, and the envelope gene containing the HVR was amplified by the reverse transcription and nested polymerase chain reaction. The amplified cDNA was examined by the single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. Sequences of bands separated by SSCP analysis were determined by the dideoxy chain termination method. SSCP analyses revealed that the HCV populations were completely different between antibody‐bound HCV and free HCV: antibody‐bound HCV was composed of two bands and free HCV was composed of three bands. These five bands showed different mobility with each other on the SSCP gel. Sequencing of each band revealed distinct HVR sequences, differing in 1–34 nucleotides and 1–15 deduced amino acids. Three sequences of free HCV was similar with each other (1–5 nucleotide and 1–4 amino acid differences). On the other hand, two sequences of antibody‐bound HCV had 5–34 nucleotide and 5–15 amino acid differences with free HCV. Thirteen amino acids in the 5′ half of HVR were completely identical in three sequences of free HCV, whereas there were three and seven amino acid differences in two sequences of antibody‐bound HCV. These findings suggest that isolated specific epitopes for envelope antibodies exist within the HVR. A portion of the circulating virus populations is captured by these HVR antibodies to form immune complexes and cryoprecipitants, while the others with different HVR sequences escape from these antibodies, suggesting that escape mutations in the HVR may be related to the persistence of HCV infection. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serial quantitation of HPV‐16 in the smears of women with mild and moderate dyskaryosis
Authors: Flannelly G. , Jiang G. , Anderson D. , Melvin W. , Mann E. , Kitchener Henry
Published: March 2007

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of semi‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in cervical smears as an adjunct to cytological surveillance in a cohort of women with mild or moderate dyskaryosis. The study population comprised a group of 62 women who underwent twelve months of cytological and col‐poscopic surveillance as part of a larger randomised prospective study of women with mild and moderate dyskaryosis. Semi‐quantitative PCR for HPV‐16 DNA was carried out on the initial and twelve month study smears before a large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) was carried out. Smears from a control population which comprised 167 women without a history of abnormal cervical cytology who were attending family planning and general practitioner clinics for routine cervical smears were tested similarly.

The presence of high or intermediate levels of HPV‐16 DNA on both the initial and twelve month study smear was positively associated with the identification of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grades II or III in the LLETZ specimen (P=0.01). While the combination of HPV‐16 DNA testing with cytology on a repeat cervical smear improved the selection of women with underlying CIN II/III, there was still a false negative rate of 53%. Twenty‐nine women had ‘low risk’ levels of HPV‐16 DNA and mild dyskaryosis or less on both repeat smears indicating suitability for surveillance, but in fact 34% of them had CIN II/III.

This study supports the finding reported previously of an association between high and intermediate levels of HPV‐16 DNA and CIN II/III. This suggests that semi‐quantitative PCR may be a useful adjunct to cytology for selecting those women with mildly abnormal smears who would benefit most from colposcopy. A significant fluctuation in the levels of HPV‐16 DNA was not detected when repeated smears were studied, suggesting that serial estimations of HPV‐16 levels would add little to cytological examination for the subsequent surveillance of women considered to be at low risk of CIN II/III. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HTLV infection among Italian intravenous drug users and North African subjects detected by the polymerase chain reaction and serological methods
Authors: Colombo Emanuela , Magistrelli Claudio , Mendozzi Eva , Cattaneo Ercole , Achilli Giorgio , Ferrante Pasquale
Published: March 2007

Six hundred intravenous drug users (IVDUs) and two hundred North Africans were screened for human T‐cell leukemia virus (HTLV) antibodies using several serological methods. Eighteen of the eighty‐two HTLV‐seropositive individuals were also tested by the polymerase chain reac‐ tion‐DNA enzyme immunoassay (PCR‐DEIA), a non‐isotopic method of immunoenzymatic detection of the amplified DNA. Of these eighteen subjects, eight IVDUs were found to be HTLV‐II‐positive by the PCR‐DEIA, whereas all of the eighteen subjects were negative for HTLV‐I. Western blot (WB) confirmed six of the eight HTLV‐positive subjects, while the results of the remaining two were indeterminate. The results confirmed the PCR‐DEIA as a rapid and an efficient method of discriminating between HTLV‐I and HTLV‐II infection, whereas serological tests, including the WB, have limitations in terms of specificity and sensitivity. Moreover, this study showed a higher frequency of HTLV seroreactivity in the Italian IVDU population than in previous studies and confirmed that HTLV‐II is more frequent than HTLV‐I in this population. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of the polymerase chain reaction to detect genomes of human immunodeficiency virus and cytomegalovirus in post‐mortem tissues
Authors: Webster A. , McLaughlin J. E. , Johnson M. A. , Emery V. C. , Griffiths P. D.
Published: March 2007

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify a 149 base‐pair region of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) genome and a 551 base‐pair region of the HIV‐1 proviral long terminal repeat (LTR) present in DNA extracted from post‐mor‐tem tissue. Multiple tissues (n=116) obtained from 16 patients which were subjected to PCR were also subjected to cell culture and histo‐pathological analyses. One hundred and seven samples (92%) contained CMV DNA and 66/116 (57%) contained HIV proviral DNA at a level of ≥10 genomes. Both viruses were detected in 60/116 (51.7%) of samples, with co‐infection most frequent in the lung (69%). Cell culture for CMV detected 9.3% of the PCR‐positive samples, whilst histology identified CMV inclusions in 15.9% of samples, all of which were CMV PCR‐positive. CMV was most frequently detected in adrenal and lung tissues by histology. These results show that co‐infection with CMV and HIV is a common occurrence in organs from AIDS patients and provide further evidence for a role of cytomegalovirus in the pathogenesis of AIDS. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human herpesvirus type 7 in blood donors: Detection by the polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Wilborn F. , Schmidt C. A. , Lorenz F. , Peng R. , Gelderblom H. , Huhn D. , Siegert Wolfgang
Published: March 2007

In order to evaluate the prevalence of human herpesvirus type 7 (HHV‐7) in adult blood donors oral lavage fluid, bum coat, and uring samples from 112 persons were examined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at one time point. In addition, 11 donors were studied longitudinally over 11 weeks. When the results of the initial and the longitudinal study were combined HHV‐7 DNA was found in samples from 109 of 112 (97.3%) adult blood donors. On the basis of different sensitivity levels of the first and the nested PCR differences were detected in the viral DNA load in the samples. It was found that lavage fluid regularly carried significantly higher DNA concentrations than buffy coat. Out of 112 donors, 102 (91.1%) and 8 (7.1%) were positive in the first, less sensitive PCR in lavage fluid and buffy coat, respectively (P<.0001). After nested PCR, 107 (95.5%) and 74 (66.1%) were positive in lavage fluid and buffy coat, respectively (P<.0001). Urine samples were found positive only sporadically. The longitudinal study showed that the oral lavage fluid of most of the donors consistently carried HHV‐7 over up to 53 weeks, whereas buffy coat samples were positive less often. In conclusion, HHV‐7 is found frequently in adult blood donors in the oral lavage fluid and buffy coat, which are, therefore, potential sources of HHV‐7 transmission. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum anti‐p24 antibody concentration has a predictive value on the decrease of CD4 lymphocyte count higher than acid‐dissociated p24 antigen
Authors: Morand‐Joubert L. , Bludau H. , Lerable J. , Petit J. C. , Lefrère J. J.
Published: March 2007

We studied the prognostic value on the decrease of CD4 lymphocyte count of anti‐p24 antibody (ab) titer and compared this value with that of polyclonal and monoclonal p24 (ag) titer before and after immune complex dissociation (ICD); 53 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients having CD4+ counts above 400/mm3 when first examined were followed up over a 3‐year period including at least four visits; HIV disease progressors (n=18) were defined as having CD4+ counts below 200/mm3 and non‐progressors (n=35) as having CD4+ counts still above 400/mm3 at the end of follow‐up. Sera were collected at each visit and assayed for p24 ag with and without ICD and for anti‐p24 ab titer. The mean anti‐p24 ab titer of progressors and of non‐progressors at entry was significantly different. A threshold of anti‐p24 ab titer indicating a HIV progression was determined at 1/300. The proportion of individuals with an anti‐p24 ab titer lower than 1/300 at least once during the study period was 34% in non‐progressors and 94% in progressors. The difference between progressors and non‐progressors at entry was significant with monoclonal p24 ag without ICD and more significant with monoclonal p24 ag after ICD. The marker having the highest predictive value was the anti‐p24 ab titer, then monoclonal p24 ag with ICD, then polyclonal p24 ag with ICD. Anti‐p24 ab is an earlier and stronger marker of the decrease of CD4 lymphocyte count than p24 ag even after ICD. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of subgroup‐specific peptides of the G protein of respiratory syncytial virus for characterization of the immune response
Authors: Åkerlind‐Stopner B. , Utter G. , Norrby E. , Mufson M. A.
Published: March 2007

Two synthetic peptides, designated peptides 12G(A) and 12G(B), representing amino acids 174–188 of the G glycoprotein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) subgroup A (strain A2) and subgroup B (strain CH18537) were evaluated for their properties as subgroup‐specific antigens for enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). These peptides were used to characterize the immune response of children with naturally occurring RSV infection during six annual epidemics in the Huntington area, West Virginia, USA; viz. 1978–1979, 1979–1980, 198G1981, 1983–1984, 1989–1990, and 1990–1991.

The study group comprised 43 paired sera from 42 infants and children, who ranged in age between 1 month and 5.5 years of age (median age 16 months). The inclusion criteria were subgroup identification of RSV, respiratory tract illness requiring admission to hospital, and the availability of paired sera.

Five of 30 children with subgroup A and 3 of 13 children with subgroup B infections developed homologous or dual fourfold or greater antibody responses to peptides 12G(A) and 12G(B) during convalescence; six of these eight children also developed antibody rises to whole virus antigens. Twenty children (14 subgroup A and 6 subgroup B) developed such responses in antibody only to whole virus (not to the peptides), and 15 children (11 subgroup A and 4 subgroup B) failed to develop a rise in antibody. Children who developed rises in antibody to the peptides were usually less than 9 months of age, suggesting that a response to peptides was more likely to occur during primary infection. Peptides 12G(A) and 12G(B) of RSV G protein lacked sufficient sensitivity and specificity to serve as antigens for ELISA for characterizing the subgroup‐specific immune responses to RSV infection in infants and children. © 1995 WiIey‐Liss, Inc.
Human immunodeficiency virus infection of xenografted SCID‐beige mice
Authors: McBride B. W. , Easterbrook L. M. , Farrar G. H.
Published: March 2007

The application of C.B‐17 SCID‐Beige mice as an experimental animal system for the acceptance of human leukocyte xenografts, the establishment of functional human immune responses and infection with HIV has been assessed. Reconstitution efficiencies approaching 100% could be obtained by using 2 × l07 human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Typical levels of human immunoglobulin in mouse blood reached 120 kg/ml within 2 weeks of reconstitution rising to a maximum in excess of 3 mg/ml by 5 weeks. lmmunohistological examination of lung, spleen, lymph node and thymus tissue, derived from reconstituted mice, with human leukocyte specific monoclonal antibodies revealed the presence of human macrophages (CD68+), T cells (CD43+) and B cells (CD20+). The establishment of a functional immune system was demonstrated by the ability of reconstituted mice to respond to immunisation with KLH. Finally, reconstituted Hu‐PBL‐SCID‐Beige mice were susceptible to infection with HIV‐1 by intra‐peritoneal injection. These results indicate that SCID‐Beige mice are a valuable tool for the generation of human/mouse chimeras and for the establishment of an in vivo HIV infection model. The results are compared with other similar model systems and are discussed in the context of animal models for HIV vaccine studies. © 1995 WiIey‐Liss, Inc.
T‐helper reactivity to simian immunodeficiency virus gag synthetic peptides in human immunodeficiency virus type 2 infected individuals
Authors: Pinto Ligia A. , Covas M. Joao , Victorino Rui M. M.
Published: March 2007

West African populations are infected with divergent strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV21, some of which are closely related to simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and it has been postulated that the HIV2 epidemic might have arisen by cross‐species spread of SIV into the human population in West Africa. To gain some insight into the possible basis for cross protection between these two closely related viruses, the T‐helper responses to 15 synthetic peptides from SIV gag synthetic peptides were investigated in seven HIV2‐infected subjects and in seven healthy controls. Significant reactivity to at least one of the synthetic peptides tested was found in all patients and a statistically significant correlation between CD4+ lymphocyte absolute numbers and the number of reacting peptides was observed. A marginal lymphocyte reactivity was found in two of the healthy controls studied. In conclusion, this preliminary evidence that HIV2‐infected patients exhibit T‐cell responses to SIV gag peptides suggests that both viruses share t‐helper epitopes in the gag viral region and raises the possibility of cross protection between SIV and HIV2 which may be relevant for HIV2 vaccine research based on closely related retroviruses. © 1995 WiIey‐Liss, Inc.
Adenovirus mixture isolated from the brain of an AIDS patient with encephalitis
Authors: Schnurr David , Bollen Andrew , Crawford‐Miksza Leta , Dondero Marge E. , Yagi Shigeo
Published: March 2007

A mixture of adenoviruses 31 and 49 was isolated from the brain of an AIDS patient with encephalitis. Adenovirus hexon protein was detected in neurons by indirect immunoflourescence. By restriction endonuclease analysis both adenovirus 31 and 49 were shown to be new genotypes. This is the first report of the isolation of a mixture of adenoviruses from adenovirus encephalitis and the first association of adenovirus 49, a new candidate serotype, with encephalitis. © 1995 WiIey‐Liss, Inc.
Deletion in the L1 open reading frame of human papillomavirus type 6a genomes associated with recurrent laryngeal papilloma
Authors: Suzuki Toshiyuki , Tomita Yoshimi , Nakano Koichi , Shirasawa Hiroshi , Simizu Bunsiti
Published: March 2007

Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 6a genomes with a large deletion in their L1 open reading frames (ORF) were found in two of five recurrent cases of laryngeal papilloma. One of these mutant HPVs had a 186 base pair (bp) deletion near the N‐terminus end of the L1 ORF, which encodes a major capsid protein. The other had a 454 bp deletion at the C‐terminus end of L1 at which is located a nuclear localising signal (NLS). No other large deletion or insertion was found in the remaining regions of all five HPV6a genomes. The laryngeal papillomas which harboured the mutant viruses showed typical hyperplasia and pathological changes as observed in tumours induced by the wild‐type virus. The biological significance of the two large deletions in the late region of HPV6a associated with laryngeal papilloma is discussed. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Short‐term stability of HIV provirus levels in the peripheral blood of HIV‐infected individuals
Authors: Paul David B. , Kuhns Mary C. , McNamara Anne L. , Pottage John C. , Spear Gregory T.
Published: March 2007

Changes in viral load have been reported to reflect disease progression or response to therapy; however, the stability of HIV DNA levels in HIV infected individuals has not been extensively studied. Cellular HIV DNA levels in infected individuals were evaluated over a short time period to determine degree of variability as well as any correlation with other measurements of virus load or immune status. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained several times over 1 month from 32 asymptomatic or symptomatic non‐AIDS, HIV‐infected individuals currently on AZT therapy. PCR amplification of the HIV gag region was performed with DNA from PBMC lysates and the PCR amplified products quantitated by liquid phase hybridization. HIV DNA levels in the majority of the patients were relatively stable, with 26 of 32 persons having less than threefold change. Changes over the study period were both positive and negative, and the median change in HIV DNA levels was 68.6%. These changes were found to positively correlate with fluctuations in plasma p24 levels. In contrast, no correlations were found with other measurements of immune system activity, including changes in CD4 number, CD4 percent, and p, ‐microglobulin when compared with provirus changes. This study shows that levels of HIV DNA can be relatively stable over short periods in most non‐AIDS, HIV‐infected persons. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
I. hepatitis E virus (87A strain) propagated in A549 cells
Authors: Huang Rutong , Nakazono Naoki , Ishii Keizo , Li Derong , Kawamata Osamu , Kawaguchi Ryuji , Tsukada Yutaka
Published: March 2007

A strain of hepatitis E virus (HEV), the 87A strain isolated in 2BS cells from the feces of a patient with hepatitis E, has been reported previously. In this study, the 87A strain was propagated in A549 cells, and the marked cytopathic effect (CPE) appeared in the infected monolayer cells. The size of this virus is about 30 nm in diameter. Furthermore, HEV‐RNAfrom the supernatants of the virus of different passages was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using ET1 .1 HEV primers. A band of HEV for 239 bp from PCR products was revealed by electro‐phoresis. PCR products of the fourth passage were sequenced. These results show that the 87A virus replicates in the A549 cell line. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
II. Existing variations on the gene structure of hepatitis E virus strains from some regions of China
Authors: Huang Rutong , Nakazono Naoki , Ishii Keizo , Kawamata Osamu , Kawaguchi Ryuji , Tsukada Yutaka
Published: March 2007

The isolation and identification of the 87A strain of hepatitis E virus (HEV) by means of cell culture have been described previously. This paper reports the nucleotide sequence of a portion of this HEV strain. The RNA extracted from the supernatants of the different passages of the 87A strain cultured in the A549 cell line was reverse‐transcribed (RT) to cDNA, and then the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was carried out using the primers of HEV ET1.l region. The PCR products from 1) the supernatant of the infected cells at the fourth passage, 2) the virus concentrated by polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation at the tenth passage, and 3) the virus purified by a sucrose gradient at the tenth pas sage were sequenced. In addition, three other PCR products obtained from sera of acute hepa titis E patients in Beijing (B‐9) and Guangzhou (G‐9 and G‐20) were also sequenced. The nucle otide sequences of the above four strains of HEV (located in the genome from positions 4545–4754) were compared to those of some reported HEV strains. The nucleotide sequences of the B‐9 strain and the 87A strain were similar to the Burmese strain and may belong to the same branch of HEV. The nucleotide sequences of the G‐9 strain and the G‐20 strain were a novel and unique branch. The Chinese HEV strains are multiplex and variable in gene structure. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human herpesvirus‐6 DNA in the saliva of paediatric oncology patients and controls
Authors: Lyall E. G. H. , Cubie H. A.
Published: March 2007

Children with malignancy are immunosup‐pressed and susceptible to serious infections with herpesviruses. The majority of children on chemotherapy for malignancy are seropositive for human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6), and although HHV‐6 has been demonstrated to be a pathogen in severely immunocompromised patients, whether this is the case for paediatric oncology patients is unknown.

HHV‐6 is secreted in saliva and in this study samples were examined prospectively for HHV‐6 DNA in healthy children and those with malignancy. In a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a 287 bp outer fragment and 163 inner fragment of HHV‐6 DNA were amplified. The resulting amplimer contained a Hind III restriction site present only in “B” type HHV‐6 and this was used to identify the type of HHV‐6 amplified. In saliva from healthy control children, 74% (28/38) of samples were HHV‐6 DNA‐positive in either the supernate, pellet or both. In the patients, 58% (45/77) of all samples were HHV‐6 DNA‐positive. When sequential samples from twelve patients were examined the children appeared to fall into two groups: those who were frequently HHV‐6 DNA‐positive (60% of samples or more) and those who were rarely HHV‐6 DNA‐positive (33% of samples or less) (P < 0.0001). The only apparent difference between these two groups was that the less frequently HHV‐6‐positive group was more often febrile and unwell with neutro‐paenia. Hind III digestion demonstrated all the positive samples to be “6” type HHV‐6. Possible explanations for this difference in HHV‐6 secretion between the patient groups are discussed. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Establishment and characterization of a carrier cell culture producing high titres of polyoma JC virus
Authors: Nukuzuma Souichi , Yogo Yoshiaki , Guo Jing , Nukuzuma Chiyoko , Itoh Shigemi , Shinohara Toshiya , Nagashima Kazuo
Published: March 2007

This report concerns a carrier cell culture (designated JCI) infected persistently with JC virus (JCV). Immunostaining with an anti‐JCV antiserum revealed that JCI was a carrier culture in which only a small fraction of the cells (‐1.5%) produced the virus. The JCV titre was increased strikingly by incubating confluent JCI cells for 4‐6 days in medium containing a low concentration of fetal bovine serum (2%). Viral genomes cloned from the persistently infected JCI cells were heterogeneous with respect to size, but most clones had an alteration of the same regulatory region (designated CR‐JCI). Transfection experiments with a chimeric JCV DNA (Mad‐1/ CR‐JCI), in which the regulatory region was CR‐JCI and the other region was derived from an infectious JCV (Mad‐1) DNA, showed that CR‐JCI was less efficient in inducing viral growth than the regulatory regions of IMR‐32‐adapted JCVs. The transfected cells could be readily subcul‐tured, and they continued to produce JCV. It is concluded that a decrease in the activity of the JCV regulatory region is of importance for the maintenance of the carrier state of JCI cells. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterisation of small round structured viruses associated with gastroenteritis in South Africa
Authors: Wolfaardt Marianne , Taylor Maureen B. , Grabow Wilhelm O. K. , Cubitt W. David , Jiang Xi
Published: March 2007

The application of the reverse transcriptase poly‐ merase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) has enabled several morphologically and physically similar small round structured viruses (SRSVs), including the prototype Norwalk virus (NV), to be classified within the Caliciviridae. This technique, using primers directed to the RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase region within the ORF1 of NV, was used to characterise SRSVs associated with epidemic gastroenteritis in adults and sporadic paediatric gastroenteritis in South Africa. Ge‐nomic variation was investigated by sequence analysis of the amplified 209bp cDNA region from six isolates and comparison with other characterised SRSVs including NV. Antigenic variation was investigated by the use of the re‐combinant enzyme immunoassay described recently for the detection of Snow Mountain agent‐like antigen in stool specimens. Two distinct antigenic groups were evident with NV‐like viruses associated with adult gastroenteritis, and Mexico viruslike viruses associated with paediatric gastroenteritis. Viral isolates from two of the outbreaks of adult gastroenteritis showed a high degree of nucleotide sequence identity with NV, i.e., 84% and 98%, respectively, whereas the paediatric isolates showed 92‐95% sequence similarity with the Snow Mountain‐like virus, MxV. These data show concordance between antigenic and genomic analyses. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Emergence of hepatitis B virus S gene mutant in a liver transplant recipient
Authors: Cariani Elisabetta , Ravaggi Antonella , Tanzi Elisabetta , Romanò Luisa , Fiordalisi Gianfranco , Bellati Giorgio , Caccamo Lucio , Galmarini Dinangelo , Albertini Alberto , Zanetti Alessandro
Published: March 2007

Immunological and genomic analysis of the “a” determinant was carried out in seven patients with concurrent HBsAg and anti‐HBs, four of whom were immunized against hepatitis B virus at liver transplant, two with histologically characterized chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and one HBsAg healthy carrier. The immune reactivity of the HBsAg “a” determinant was evaluated by binding to specific monoclonal antibodies, and the corresponding genomic sequence was studied by differential hybridization in microtiter plates and nucleotide sequence analysis. A double mutation generating an amino acid change (glycine to lysine) at residue 145, able to impair recognition by monoclonal antibodies, was observed in the post‐transplant serum from one patient. No significant alteration of the “a” determinant sequence or reactivity was detected in the other patients.

Amino acid residue 145 appears therefore to be critical for the recognition by anti‐HBs antibodies. A previously undescribed glycine to lysine substitution at this level interferes with the immune reactivity of the “a” determinant. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of SA‐11 rotavirus receptorid structures on human colon carcinoma cell line HT‐29
Authors: Superti Fabiana , Donelli Gianfranco
Published: March 2007

The involvement of different cell membrane components in the receptor structures for SA‐11 rotavirus was investigated. As experimental model, the human enterocyte‐like HT‐29 cell line, was used because of its closer resemblance to the in vivo viral cellular target as compared to other in vitro systems. Rotavirus was incubated with whole membranes or their separated protein and lipid fractions before infection. Either isolated cell membranes or lipid components were capable of binding to the virus and to prevent infection, whereas proteins did not show any inhibitory activity. Among lipids, the glycolipid fraction was shown to impede rotaviral antigen synthesis with a dose‐dependent relationship, whereas phospholipids failed to prevent viral infection. To confirm these findings, membranes and target cells were subjected to different enzymatic treatments prior to infection. In addition, HT‐29 cells were also incubated with different lectins before infection. The blocking activity of membranes was inhibited by treatment with ceramide glycanase, neuraminidase, and beta‐galactosidase but not by treatment with proteases or heat (100°C). Viral infection was prevented by preincubation of target cells with lectins specific for sialic acid and galactose or with ceramide glycanase, neuraminidase, and beta‐galactosidase, whereas protease treatments were not active. The results of these experimental procedures indicate that glycolipids containing specific carbohydrate moieties, such as sialic acid and galactose, contribute to the SA‐11 rotavirus receptor structure on HT‐29 cells. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bronchoscopic co2 laser surgery
Authors: Andrews Jr Albert H. , Horowitz Steven L.
Published: March 2007

The problem of removing or palliating obstructing lesions of the trachea and bronchi has been solved by using the CO2 laser in conjunction with an endoscopic adaptor. We have used this laser successfully in 18 patients who had this particular problem. The advantages of laser surgery in this area are 1) reduced bleeding, 2) minimal exposure of the surgical field, 3) decreased swelling, 4) decreased postoperative hospital stay and less discomfort, and 5) no tumor spread or seeding. Patient acceptability of this modality is excellent, and general general, as well as local, anesthesia can be used. The results of laser ablation in the tracheobronchial tree have been quite satisfactory and can be repeated as often as necessary.
Pathological and physical investigations into co2 laser‐tissue interactions with specific emphasis on cervical intraepithelial neoplasm
Authors: Bellina Joseph H. , Seto Y. J.
Published: March 2007

Laser tissue interactions were studied to relate the physical biothermal changes observed in treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasias. Confirmational changes in epithelium impacted with energies of 25 joules/cm2 were related to experimental and theoretical models. Analysis of cytology, histology, and SEM were compared to a mathematical model and experimental tissue model.

The apparent distribution of vaporization and heating in cervical tissue was observed to be an oblate hemispheroid. This geometrical configuration was noted in power densities from 1 25 W/cm2 to 800 W/cm2. Comparison of the experimental and theoretical models confirmed this geometric heat distribution.

Theoretical conclusions concerning destructive modality effectiveness and tissue healing can be deduced from this triple analytical model.
Progress report on extended clinical use of the argon laser for cutaneous lesions
Authors: Apfelberg David B. , Maser Morton R. , Lash Harvey , Rivers Jan Is L.
Published: March 2007

Since 1970 a variety of cutaneous lesions have been successfully treated with the argon laser and the histopathology carefully studied at the Palo Alto Medical Clinic. Patients with port wine hemangiomas, capillary/cavernous hemangiomas, and telangiectasia have achieved successful resolution in some cases, and subtotal blanching in other cases, with a low incidence of scarring or other complications. Recently, decorative tattoos as well as a variety of miscellaneous pigmented or vascular skin lesions, such as seborrheic keratoses, pyogenic granulomas, and senile angiomas, have also been successfully treated with the argon laser. Total clinical experience is updated in this report.
Laser therapy of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Goldman John A. , Chiapella Joseph , Bass Noah , Graham Jimmy , McClatchey William , Dronavalli R. V. , Brown Richard , Bennett William J. , Miller Stephen B. , Wilson Colon H. , Haun Cosmo , Persinski Lydia , Huey Herb , Muckerheide Mike , Casey Helen , Pearson Bobbie
Published: March 2007

Thirty people with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis received laser exposure to a Q‐switch neodymium laser that operated at 1.06 μm with an output of 1 5 joules/cm2 for 30 nsec. One hand was lased at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and metacarpal phalangeal (MCP) joints, whereas the other hand was sham lased. The patient, physician, and occupational therapy evaluators did not know which hand was being lased. Twenty‐one patients noted improvement of both their MCP and PIP joints of both hands during laser therapy. Twenty‐seven noted improvement of their PIP joints and 26 noted improvement of the MCP joints during therapy. Heat, erythema, pain, swelling, and tenderness all improved with time in both hands, but the lased hand had more significant improvement in erythema and pain. There was also significant improvement in grasp and tip pressure on the lased side. The level of circulating immune complexes as measured by platelet aggregation decreased during lasing. The improvement may be related to laser exposure. The exact role that laser radiation has upon rheumatoid arthritis and its mechanism of action remain to be elucidated.
evaluation of argon laser photocoagulation in a series of animal models of upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Gilbert David A. , Silverstein Fred E. , Protell Robert L. , Dennis Melvin B. , Gulacsik Chris , Auth David C.
Published: March 2007

During the past five years we have evaluated argon laser photocoagulation in various canine models of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. In gastric erosions, the eight‐watt argon laser was uniformly effective in stopping bleeding. In our standard acute ulcer model the seven‐watt argon laser was effective in stopping bleeding from most ulcers and only occasionally produced deep injury. With the addition of a jet of CO2 exiting the laser catheter coaxial to the laser beam, the argon laser was 100% effective and no deep injury resulted. The application of the argon laser in a more physiologic canine bleeding model using a single bleeding vessel in an ulcer base is currently under study. The development of improved animal models of gastrointestinal bleeding should contribute to the identification of effective and safe endoscopic hemostatic methods.
Color Problem in the Laser Treatment of Nevi
Authors: Ohshiro Toshio
Published: March 2007

The roles of the physical and sensitive values of color in the laser treatment of nevi are often confused in the literature. A representative sensitive value for the five basic colors of the Munsell system was obtained and compared with the physical values of the same colors analzyed spectrophotometrically. A discrepancy between the two values was found, which indicated the use of the physical value in deciding the actual treatment and doses; while the sensitive value should only be used in the initial diagnosis and treatment evaluation.
Goniophotocoagulation in the Management of Rubeosis Iridis
Authors: Lee Pei‐Fei
Published: March 2007

Laser goniophotocoagulation (LGP) in the management of rubeosis iridis has been the subject of a prospective clinical trial in 12 patients over a period of four years. It is effective in the early stage of rubeosis iridis, even prior to the onset of open‐angle glaucoma. Preliminary results are encouraging but only partially successful.

LGP is an investigational procedure that must be employed with care. The status or characterization of the rubeosis iridis requires detailed description of at least four clinical stages to evaluate the LGP usefulness.
Clinical aspects of ophthalmic argon laser
Authors: Zinn Keith M.
Published: March 2007

This paper reviews the historical events leading to the development of the ophthalmic laser. The formation of the argon laser beam and its biological effects on ocular tissues are outlined, with the major emphasis on the retinal and choroidal tissues. The clinical indications, contraindications, and complications of ophthalmic argon laser photocoagulation for the anterior segment as well as the posterior segment structures of the eye are also thoroughly discussed.
Lasers in neurosurgery: a review
Authors: Jain K.K.
Published: March 2007

In recent years neurosurgeons have shown an increasing interest in lasers. An understanding of the basic laser mechanism and tissue effects is important. CO2laser is an excellent no‐touch tool for excising and evaporating brain tumors. It has several other uses in neurosurgery both with free‐hand technique and with microscope attachment and a micromanipulator. It is easier and more precise to manipulate a laser beam than any of the conventional instruments. NdrYAG and argon lasers are more effective for coagulation of blood vessels and for dealing with vascular neoplasms. Microvascular anastamosis has been achieved with the use of Nd:YAG laser in experimental animals and has potential for practical application in extra‐intracranial bypass operations. There are many advantages and some disadvantages to the use of lasers in neurosurgery.
Transurethral laser coagulation for treatment of urinary bladder tumors
Authors: Rothenberger K. , Pensel J. , Hofstetter A. , Keiditsch E. , Frank F.
Published: March 2007

Owing to the biophysical properties involved, the Nd:YAG laser is most suited for coagulation of even inhomogeneous tissue. We determined the optimal laser parameters for therapy of urinary bladder tumors. Deep homogeneous necroses can be obtained without perforation risk of the bladder wall, and the procedure does not cause dangerous damage to the intestinal loops. We have studied animal experiments by close examination and systematic inquiry, and thus we were able to determine sufficient laser parameters in dependence on tissue thickness. Clinical studies verified these results for living human tissue. After some years of clinical use of the Nd: YAG laser we can make the first statistical statements.
Management and Follow‐Up of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Treated by CO2Laser Vaporization Method
Authors: Shuber Suad
Published: March 2007

Forty‐four patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) II and 31 patients with CIN III were followed up for up to 6 months after cervical cone vaporization with carbon dioxide laser. In addition to colposcopy and pap smear, all patients underwent cervical biopsies as part of their follow‐up. This protocol permitted a diagnosis of persistent disease in the presence of normal colposcopy and pap smear.
Anesthesiologic Considerations in Laser Neurosurgery
Authors: Cerullo Leonard J. , Koht Antoun
Published: March 2007

The laser has been welcomed to the neurosurgical armamentarium because of the inherent precision and gentleness of the no‐touch technique. In order to maximize laser safety and efficacy, however, certain anesthesiologic considerations, specific to neurosurgery, must be realized. Motion of patient (target) during routine anesthesiologic checks or as the result of physiologic excursions during myocardial contraction and respiration must be minimized. Ventilatory parameters, anesthetic agents, and cardio active drugs are considered.
Effects of Low Energy Laser on Wound Healing In a Porcine Model
Authors: Hunter J. , Leonard L. , Wilson R. , Snider G. , Dixon J.
Published: March 2007

Low energy helium neon laser has been suggested as an effective adjuvant in the healing of open wounds. To date, supportive studies have been performed in loose‐skinned animals. For such data to be clinically meaningful, it was felt necessary to study this effect in an animal with a dermal structure more closely resembling that of man, the pig. After creating 62 partial thickness wounds on the dorsum of domestic swine, one‐half of these were randomized to receive laser treatment. The remainder served as controls. Laser treated wounds received a daily treatment of 15 sec/cm2 at an irradiance of 64 mW/cm2 (energy fluence = .96 J/cm2/day). With these treatment parameters, we could not demonstrate any clinically significant laser induced acceleration of open wound healing.