bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term persistence of antibodies induced by vaccination and safety follow‐up, with the first combined vaccine against hepatitis A and B in children and adults*
Authors: Van Damme P. , Leroux‐Roels G. , Law B. , Diaz‐Mitoma F. , Desombere I. , Collard F. , Tornieporth N. , Van Herck K.
Published: October 2004

It is important to monitor the long‐term persistence of antibodies induced by vaccination. Four cohorts were followed for their long‐term immunity after vaccination with a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine (Twinrix; SmithKline Beecham Biologicals, Rixsenart, Belgium). Two cohorts of adults (ages 17–60 years), one of 1–6‐year‐olds, and one of 6–15‐year‐olds were vaccinated following a 0, 1, and 6‐month schedule. Follow‐up data until month 72 (adults) and month 60 (children) are available. At month 72, antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti‐HAV) seropositivity (S+) was 100% for both adult cohorts (n = 40 and n = 47) and 95% and 89% of the vaccinees were seroprotected against hepatitis B virus (HBV), respectively. The geometric mean titres (GMTs; mIU/ml) for anti‐HAV were 977 and 542 and the GMTs for the antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs) were 322 and 90. For 1–6‐year‐olds at month 60 (n = 39), anti‐HAV S+ was 100% with a GMT of 479 and 97% were protected against HBV with a GMT of 195. At month 60 for the 6–15‐year‐olds (n = 42), anti‐HAV S+ was 100% with a GMT of 990 and 95% were protected against HBV with a GMT of 263. There have been no safety issues during the follow‐up. In the past 5 years, a postmarketing surveillance system was available. Using this system, all spontaneous adverse events are collected and archived. Although infrequent, the most commonly reported adverse events after more than 13 million doses were allergic‐type reactions followed by fever and injection site reactions. The combined hepatitis A and B vaccine is safe and is well tolerated. Immunity provided by the vaccine remains high in adults and children with comparable results to those obtained with monovalent vaccines. J. Med. Virol. 65:6–13, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study of the infection of human blood derived monocyte/macrophages with hepatitis C virus in vitro
Authors: Caussin‐Schwemling Catherine , Schmitt Carine , Stoll‐Keller Françoise
Published: October 2004

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is essentially hepatotropic, but clinical observations based on quasispecies composition in different compartments or on viral RNA detection in cells suggest that the virus is able to infect and persist in cells other than liver cells. It was shown previously that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are permissive to HCV replication in vitro but at a very low rate. Since different viruses associated with chronic infections are known to persist in monocyte/macrophages, it is important to determine whether these mononuclear blood cells are susceptible preferentially to HCV. In order to study HCV interaction with monocytes/macrophages, these cells were isolated from the blood of healthy donors and incubated with HCV genotype 1b positive sera. The detection by RT‐PCR of the positive‐ and negative‐strand RNA in the cells at different times and the increase in the amount of intracellular viral RNA measured by the branched DNA assay suggest that monocyte/macrophages can support HCV RNA replication. The rate, however, is very low. The analysis of hypervariable region 1 (HVR‐1) nucleotide sequences indicated that some minor variant present in the inoculum might display a specific tropism for the monocytes/macrophages. These results provide evidence that human monocytes/macrophages might represent a reservoir for HCV. This cell tropism may be a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C. J. Med. Virol. 65:14–22, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of the genetic heterogeneity of the ISDR and PePHD regions of hepatitis C virus on the response to interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Puig‐Basagoiti Francesc , Sáiz Juan‐Carlos , Forns Xavier , Ampurdanès Sergi , Giménez‐Barcons Mireia , Franco Sandra , Sánchez‐Fueyo Alberto , Costa Josep , Sánchez‐Tapias José‐María , Rodés Juan
Published: October 2004

Two genomic regions of hepatitis C virus (HCV), the interferon sensitivity‐determining region (ISDR) of the non‐structural 5A gene (NS5A) and the protein kinase‐RNA activated (PKR)‐eukariotic transcription factor (eIF2‐α) phosphorylation homology domain (PePHD) of the structural E2 gene, interact in vitro with the interferon‐inducible cellular PKR protein kinase. Mutations within these regions might, therefore, influence the response to interferon therapy. Viral load at baseline and sequence heterogeneity of HCV in NS5A and E2 regions was studied in 74 HCV‐1b and in 12 HCV‐3a infected patients with chronic hepatitis C who were treated with interferon. As previously reported by us, in a smaller series of patients in which the ISDR region was analyzed [Saiz et al. (1998) Journal Infectious Diseases 177:839–847], in the present study a low viral load and a high number of amino acid mutations within the ISDR, but not within the PePHD region, were significantly associated with long‐term response to interferon among HCV‐1b infected patients. No relationship between these viral features and response to therapy was disclosed in patients infected with HCV‐3a. J. Med. Virol. 65:35–44, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of association between the kinetics of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoprotein B (gB)‐specific and neutralizing serum antibodies and development or recovery from HCMV active infection in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplant
Authors: Muñoz Isabel , Gutiérrez Antonio , Gimeno Concepción , Farga Amparo , Alberola Juan , Solano Carlos , Prósper Felipe , García‐Conde Javier , Navarro David
Published: October 2004

The kinetics of the gB‐specific and neutralizing antibody responses to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) were analyzed in 26 allogeneic stem‐cell transplant recipients who either did (n = 20) or did not (n = 6) develop asymptomatic HCMV active infection during the study period. Antibody response profiles varied widely among individuals in both groups, irrespective of whether HCMV active infection did or did not occur. Development of HCMV active infection was not preceded by a decline in functional serum antibody levels. Neither the absence nor the presence of HCMV active infection correlated with either high or low serum levels of gB‐specific and neutralizing antibodies, respectively. In most patients, episodes of HCMV replication were not followed by a marked increment in functional serum antibody titers. Therefore, resolution of an ongoing HCMV active infection was not associated with a vigorous antibody response to viral replication. In addition, this study supports previous data indicating that passive transfer of human immunoglobulins may result in an increment in gB‐specific and neutralizing serum antibody levels, the magnitude of which varies among recipients; however, both patients with and without measurable increments in serum antibody levels developed HCMV active infections with comparable frequency. J. Med. Virol. 65:77–84, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative analysis of the expression of the epstein‐barr virus (EBV) anti‐apoptotic gene BHRF1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and EBV‐related lymphoid diseases
Authors: Nicholls John , Kremmer Elisabeth , Meseda Clement A. , Mackett Mike , Hahn Peter , Gulley Margaret L. , Brink Antoinette , Swinnen Lode J. , Greenspan John , De Souza Yvonne , Grässer Friedrich , Sham Jonathan , Ng Mun‐Hon , Arrand John R.
Published: October 2004

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) has been identified in a wide range of neoplastic and non‐neoplastic disorders. The EBV open reading frame BHRF1 encodes a protein with partial sequence and functional homology to the anti‐apoptotic onco‐protein Bcl‐2 and may therefore have a role in the proliferation of EBV positive cells. We have developed a rat monoclonal antibody against pBHRF1, which can detect BHRF1 in paraffin sections. While a number of mutant versions of BHRF1 were recognised, the monoclonal did not detect the BHRF1 homologue encoded by Herpesvirus papio or two mutants with deletions in the BH2 region. This novel rat monoclonal antibody (6A9) was used to examine tissue sections from 39 cases of non‐keratinising undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), 6 cases of metastatic NPC, 7 cases of EBV‐positive NPC with squamous differentiation from Chinese patients, 15 cases of EBV‐positive post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), 6 EBV‐containing lymphoblastoid cell lines, and 2 cases of oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL). In 11 cases of undifferentiated NPC, RT‐PCR data were available for comparison with the immunohistochemistry. Both cases of OHL and two cases of LCL were positive for BHRF1 but none of the PTLD showed positive staining. All cases of undifferentiated NPC were positive for Bcl‐2 but only one BHRF1 positive cell was identified in 1 of 39 cases of primary undifferentiated NPC. The 6A9 antibody produced less background staining and no nuclear positivity compared with the commercially available mouse monoclonal 5B11. It is concluded that BHRF1 can not be detected by immunohistochemistry in NPC and therefore it appears not to play a significant anti‐apoptotic role in the progression of this EBV‐associated tumour. The 6A9 monoclonal appears to be superior to 5B11 for the detection of pBHRF1 in tissue sections. J. Med. Virol. 65:105–113, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of the simian epstein‐barr virus‐encoded latent membrane protein‐1 in malignant lymphomas of SIV‐infected rhesus macaques
Authors: Blaschke Sabine , Hannig Horst , Buske Christian , Kaup Franz‐J. , Hunsmann Gerhard , Bodemer Walter
Published: October 2004

During the course of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, nearly 15% of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and up to 40% of cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) developed SIV‐associated non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas. Most of these malignant lymphomas harbored lymphocryptoviruses, which are closely related to the human Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV; Herpesvirus M. mulatta and Herpesvirus M. fascicularis). To characterize the oncogenic role of simian EBV infection for lymphomagenesis during SIV infection, expression of the EBV‐encoded latent membrane protein‐1 (LMP‐1) was analyzed in malignant lymphomas of SIV‐infected rhesus macaques. Nine seropositive rhesus macaques suffering from B‐cell lymphomas during the late phase of SIV infection were euthanized. Latency stages of EBV infection within malignant lymphomas and simian EBV‐infected lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL8664, H50) were characterized by analyzing expression of the EBV‐encoded nuclear antigens EBNA‐1, EBNA‐2, and small RNAs EBER1/2. In parallel, the presence of viral LMP‐1 transcripts was assessed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and in situ hybridization. Results were compared with findings in AIDS‐associated malignant lymphomas in two patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1. Rhesus macaques developed high‐grade B‐cell lymphomas of the centroblastic (five of nine), immunoblastic (two of nine), centroblastic‐centrocytic (one of nine), and Burkitt‐like (one of nine) subtypes within 18–29 months postinfection with SIVmac251/32H. The presence of Herpesvirus M. mulatta was detected in eight of nine cases. Transcription of the viral oncogene LMP‐1 could be demonstrated within the simian EBV‐infected cell lines as well as in four of nine SIV‐associated malignant lymphomas. These four cases and both of the HIV‐1–related non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas expressed the full spectrum of latent EBV gene products (LMP‐1, EBER1/2, EBNA‐1, EBNA‐2) and were thus classified as latency type III stages of EBV infection. Simian EBV infection was demonstrated in 90% of lymphomas in SIV‐infected rhesus macaques. Analysis of LMP‐1 expression suggests an important role for this viral oncogene in the pathogenesis of both SIV and HIV‐1–associated malignant lymphomas. J. Med. Virol. 65:114–120, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Case of fatal encephalitis by HHV‐6 variant A
Authors: Portolani Marinella , Pecorari Monica , Tamassia Maria Grazia , Gennari William , Beretti Francesca , Guaraldi Giovanni
Published: October 2004

A fatal case is reported of encephalitis in an 85‐year‐old man caused by the human herpesvirus 6 variant A. The virological diagnosis was based on the findings of the virus variant genomic sequences both in the cerebrospinal fluid and serum of the patient. Moreover, virus replication in nervous tissue was suggested by a viral load higher in the cerebrospinal fluid than in the peripheral blood. The association of a central nervous system infection with the A variant of human herpesvirus 6 is interesting because of the difficulty in establishing a pathological role for this virus strain. Epstein‐Barr virus DNA was detected in the patient's cerebrospinal fluid in association with human herpesvirus 6 DNA. The presence of the Epstein‐Barr virus genomic sequences in the cerebro‐spinal fluid was considered to be unimportant clinically. J. Med. Virol. 65:133–137, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunogenic and isotype‐specific responses to russian and US cold‐adapted influenza a vaccine donor strains A/Leningrad/134/17/57, A/Leningrad/134/47/57, and A/Ann Arbor/6/60 (H2N2) in mice
Authors: Wareing M.D. , Watson J.M. , Brooks M.J. , Tannock G.A.
Published: October 2004

The immunogenicity of the Russian cold‐adapted (ca) donor stains, A/Leningrad (Len)/134/17/57 and A/Leningrad/134/47/57, and the US strain A/Ann Arbor (AA)/6/60‐ca, were compared in BALB/c mice with their respective wild‐type parental viruses. Each ca donor strain was less immunogenic than its wild‐type parent. The vaccinating dose, when administered twice, which prevented multiplication of a standard challenge of parental wild‐type virus in 50% of mice (the 50% protective dose or PD50), was shown for A/Len/134/17/57‐ca, A/Len/134/47/57‐ca, and A/AA/6/60‐ca to be 103.77, 104.32, and 104.70, respectively. These findings were extended by measuring the number of antibody secreting cells induced in the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes of mice infected with the same ca donors using an ELISPOT assay. When each donor strain was administered twice at a dose of 100 PD50 over a 3‐week interval, the overall immunoglobulin isotype antibody secreting cell profiles were shown to be similar. However, A/Len/134/17/57‐ca and A/Len/134/47/57‐ca induced significantly higher total immunoglobulin responses in the lungs than A/AA/6/60‐ca (P < 0.05). A/Len/134/17/57‐ca also induced a significantly greater IgA response in the lungs than A/AA/6/60‐ca (P < 0.05). These results suggest that A/Len/134/17/57‐ca is a superior immunogen to A/Len/134/47/57‐ca which in turn is more immunogenic than A/AA/6/60‐ca. J. Med. Virol. 65:171–177, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum and mucosal immunologic responses in children following the administration of a new inactivated intranasal anti‐influenza vaccine*
Authors: Greenbaum Evgenia , Furst Arthur , Kiderman Alexander , Stewart Brendon , Levy Reuven , Schlesinger Miriam , Morag Avraham , Zakay‐Rones Zichria
Published: October 2004

Children are at considerable risk for influenza infection and may constitute the main vector for transmitting the virus to adults in the community. At present, the use of available vaccines in children is limited mainly because of a fear of side effects from the injection. Intranasal immunization was assessed as a painless, side effect‐free method of facilitating the enrollment of children in vaccination programs. One intranasal dose of a trivalent inactive whole virus vaccine containing 20 μg of the three recommended seasonal viral strains was administered to 28 children recruited over two separate winter periods (1997/1998 and 1998/1999). No adverse effects were recorded. Serum IgG responses were determined by the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) method and nasal IgA responses by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In both study period seasons, 77.7%–94.4% of children were found to be immune. There was a 3.7 × and 4.7 × increase in geometric mean titer (GMT) for A/H3N2 strains, 1.9 × and 3.9 × for A/H1N1 strains, and a 3.2 × and 1.7 × for B strains in 1997/1998 and 1998/1999, respectively. The increase in GMT, as well as fourfold increases in titer level, was higher when calculated among the nonimmune children prior to vaccination. Of these, 50%–87.5% became immune following immunization. Local antibody response to the three viral strains was detected in 50%–55% of the immunized children. Also, 83.3%, 73.3%, and 61.1% of the vaccinees exhibited a mucosal and/or serum antibody response to the A/Beijing, A/Sydney, and B/Harbin strains, respectively. This mucosal response may forestall influenza development in its early stages, thereby contributing significantly to the reduction of influenza spread in the community. J. Med. Virol. 65:178–184, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surveillance for rotavirus in Argentina
Authors: Bok Karin , Castagnaro Nelda , Borsa Ana , Nates Silvia , Espul Carlos , Fay Oscar , Fabri Adriana , Grinstein Saul , Miceli Isabel , Matson David O. , Gómez Jorge A.
Published: October 2004

Group A rotaviruses are the major cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children worldwide. Because rotavirus vaccination appeared imminent, a nationwide surveillance program was organized between October 1996 and October 1998 in the largest Argentine cities. Surveillance for disease burden, rotavirus detection, and rotavirus typing was undertaken at nine locations. Results showed rotavirus to be associated with 42% of diarrhea admissions. Although the prevalent G types changed from year to year, common G types were found in 96% of the cases and were usually associated with common P types. Uncommon G types, G9 and G5, were found at low prevalence and uncommon G/P combinations occurred at almost every study site. These data suggest that a rotavirus vaccine could substantially decrease the rotavirus disease burden in Argentina, but that introduction of a vaccine should be accompanied by a concurrent surveillance system. J. Med. Virol. 65:190–198, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High detection rates of TTV‐like mini virus sequences in sera from Brazilian blood donors*
Authors: Niel Christian , Lampe Elisabeth
Published: October 2004

TT virus (TTV) is an unenveloped virus with a single‐stranded, circular DNA genome of 3,818–3,853 nucleotides (nt) that infects humans and non‐human primates. Recently, the existence of a novel human virus, TTV‐like mini virus (TLMV), that shows a genetic organization similar to that of TTV, but with smaller virion particle and genome, was proposed [Takahashi et al. (2000) Archives of Virology 145:979–993]. To date, no information is available with respect to the prevalence and pathogenicity of TLMV. A sensitive PCR assay was developed by using two oligonucleotide primers (LS2 and LA2) designed from the conserved non‐coding region of the TLMV genome. One hundred thirty‐seven sera from volunteer Brazilian blood donors were tested and 99 (72%) were TLMV DNA positive. No significant differences were observed between the groups of TLMV positive and negative subjects in relation to sex ratio, seroprevalence of TTV DNA, prevalence of anti‐hepatitis A virus antibodies, area of residence, occurrence of daily contact with animals, family income, education level, and level of alanine aminotransferase. The specificity of the PCR assay was demonstrated after cloning of amplification products and determination of the nucleotide sequences (200–228 nt) of clones derived from 23 individuals. When DNAs extracted from TLMV/TTV‐coinfected sera were submitted to PCR with LS2 and LA2 primers, the amplification products were derived exclusively from the TLMV genome. A markedly wide range of sequence divergence, even higher than that existent among TTV strains, was noted among TLMV isolates, with a maximum evolutionary distance of 0.80. J. Med. Virol. 65:199–205, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reactivation of precore variant hepatitis B virus in a child with severe aplastic anaemia
Authors: Smith P.R. , Zampino R. , Gutteridge C. , Karayiannis P. , Aitken C.
Published: October 2004

Reactivation of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negative chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection due to selection of precore variant virus is an uncommon complication of previous hepatitis B infection, and virtually unrecognised in children and adolescents. A child who had received treatment with methylprednisolone and antilymphocyte globulin for severe aplastic anaemia developed high levels of detectable HBV DNA associated with hepatitis B e antibody (anti‐HBe) positivity. HBV DNA was extracted, amplified and the core and precore regions sequenced from 2 samples. A mixture of wild‐type and the precore variants A1896 and A1899 was detected in both samples, with the wild‐type predominating in the second sample. Reinfection was excluded by phylogenetic analysis using Phylip and the neighbour‐joining method. Precore variant Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted to children as a primary infection, and it is important that aggressive liver disease, particularly in the presence of the anti‐HBe phenotype, be investigated. Further studies are needed to determine the frequency of these variants. J. Med. Virol. 65:470–472, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Residual hepatitis B virus particles in liver transplant recipients receiving lamivudine: PCR quantitation of HBV DNA and ELISA of preS1 antigen
Authors: Petit Marie‐Anne , Guillou Delphine Buffello‐Le , Roche Bruno , Dussaix Elizabeth , Duclos‐Vallée Jean‐Charles , Féray Cyrille , Samuel Didier
Published: October 2004

Lamivudine, an antiviral agent, has a potential role in the treatment of recurrent or acquired de novo hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection after liver transplantation. During lamivudine therapy, residual HBV particles in serum, PBMC, and liver were quantified in 7 patients in whom hepatitis B occurred de novo (n = 4) or recurred (n = 3). HBV DNA and preS1 antigen were measured using a sensitive PCR technique and an in‐house ELISA method, respectively. The genetic and antigenic properties of HBV variants that emerged during lamivudine treatment were also examined. One month after the outset of lamivudine treatment, all 7 patients remained positive for both HBV DNA and preS1 antigen in serum, reflecting residual HBV replication. At the end of therapy, four patients were considered to be lamivudine responders, including one who seroconverted to anti‐HBs but remained HBV DNA positive in the liver (> 103 copies/μg of DNA). Among the three patients who did not respond to lamivudine, one had pol mutations (L450P and S550C) that had not been described previously, in addition to the common mutations within the YMDD locus and B domain. Defective core and preS viral proteins and atypical sedimentation profiles of HBV DNA‐positive particles were observed in all three lamivudine‐resistant patients. These findings confirm the persistence of HBV in liver transplant recipients despite strong inhibition of replication by lamivudine, and show abnormal viral transcription and/or morphogenesis in lamivudine‐resistant patients. J. Med. Virol. 65:493–504, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human cytomegalovirus gB genotype 1 is dominant in congenital infections in South Hungary*
Authors: Lukácsi Angéla , Taródi Béla , Endreffy Emöke , Bábinszki Ágota , Pál Attila , Pusztai Rozália
Published: October 2004

On the basis of the sequence variation of the glycoprotein B (gB) gene, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can be classified into four gB genotypes. Genotyping of HCMV from congenital infections was carried out on the assumption that the envelope gB may influence the outcome of prenatal infection. Sixty‐three pregnant women were included in the study: 40 pregnant women whose fetuses were strongly suspected of having viral infection, and 23 women with normal pregnancies, from whom amniotic fluid was taken for fetal karyotype assessment. The amniotic fluid, fetal blood, blood, and urine of the newborns were examined for HCMV DNA by a nested polymerase chain reaction, and the gB genotype was determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism. HCMV DNA was detected in 12 cases in which the fetuses were suspected of having a viral infection and in 3 of the normal pregnancies. All the HCMV DNA had identical genotype, gB1. These data clearly indicate the dominance of the gB1 genotype in congenital HCMV infections. The clinical outcome of these pregnancies, however, cannot be predicted on the basis of the involvement of this genotype. J. Med. Virol. 65:537–542, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐level expression of recombinant dengue viral NS‐1 protein and its potential use as a diagnostic antigen
Authors: Huang Jau‐Ling , Huang Jyh‐Hsiung , Shyu Ron‐Hwa , Teng Chao‐Wei , Lin Yi‐Ling , Kuo Ming‐Der , Yao Chen‐Wen , Shaio Men‐Fang
Published: October 2004

The prevalence of NS1 Ab response in patients with dengue viral infection and the potential of using recombinant NS1 protein as a diagnostic antigen for dengue viral infection were investigated. In this study, the full‐length and C‐terminal half of NS1 proteins (rNS1, rNS1‐C) were highly expressed (10–30 mg/l) and further purified and refolded. The good antigenicity of the full‐length rNS1 protein was confirmed by interaction with 19 dengue NS1‐specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in ELISA; however, the antigenicity of rNS1‐C was relatively lower. The full‐length rNS1 antigen also differentiated reliably between sera from dengue virus‐infected patients and sera from normal controls. When rNS1 was used as an antigen to detect human anti‐NS1 IgM and IgG Ab, the anti‐NS1 Ab response was found in 15 of 17 patients (88%) with primary dengue infection and all 16 patients (100%) with secondary dengue infection. These results indicated that using the full‐length rNS1 whose antigenicity is restored as ELISA antigen, a high anti‐NS1 antibody prevalence could be detected in patients with either primary or secondary dengue infection. This finding suggested that the anti‐NS1 antibody appeared not only in secondary and severe dengue virus infection and might not correlate the pathogenesis of dengue hemorrhagic fever. The study also verified that our purified rNS1 protein showed similar immunological properties as native dengue viral proteins. Genetic engineering production of recombinant NS1 antigen could provide a safe and valuable resource for dengue virus serodiagnosis. J. Med. Virol. 65:553–560, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiplex analysis of cytokines in the blood of cynomolgus macaques naturally infected with Ebola virus (reston serotype)**
Authors: Hutchinson Karen L. , Villinger Francois , Miranda Mary Elizabeth , Ksiazek Thomas G. , Peters C.J. , Rollin Pierre E.
Published: October 2004

Ebola virus (EBO) causes the most severe form of viral hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates with up to 90% of infections culminating in death. The requirement of maximum containment laboratories for Ebola virus research has limited opportunities to study the pathogenesis of EBO infections. While tissue damage does occur, often it would appear not to be sufficient to explain death, indicating that soluble mediators play an important role in disease progression. In previous studies, fatal human infections with the Zaire subtype of Ebola (EBO‐Z) were associated with an increase in the levels of inflammatory cytokines. In this investigation, a new multiplex assay was developed and used to measure circulating levels of cytokines and chemokines in cynomolgus macaques infected with the Reston subtype of EBO (EBO‐R). Increased levels of IL‐6, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐8, IL‐10, and GM‐CSF were detected in infected animals, and the increase in circulating cytokines correlated with an increase in circulating viral antigen. Blood samples from animals showing high levels of cytokines were also tested for the chemokines: MCP‐1, IL‐1β, MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β, IP‐10, and RANTES. High levels of MCP‐1 and MIP‐1β, and RANTES were found in infected primates and, while levels were more variable, IL‐1β was detected only in infected animals. J. Med. Virol. 65:561–566, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vaccination‐induced HI antibody response to intraepidemic influenza A(H3N2) virus variants of the 1996–1997 epidemic season
Authors: Pyhälä Reijo , Ikonen Niina , Santanen Riitta , Haanpää Minna , Visakorpi Risto , Jäppinen Paavo , Valle Martti
Published: October 2004

Intraepidemic antigenic and genetic variation was indicated when H3N2‐subtype influenza A virus strains isolated during the 1996–1997 epidemic season in Finland were studied for reactivity in the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay and for nucleotide sequences coding for the variable HA1 domain of viral haemagglutinin. Thirty prevaccination‐ and postvaccination‐paired sera taken from subjects who had been vaccinated against influenza during the previous autumn were studied for the presence of HI antibody to the homologous vaccine virus A/Nanchang/933/95, and five field strains representing the genetic and antigenic variability of the 1996–1997 epidemic season. The lowest vaccination‐induced HI titres in each of the three age groups were detected in the two field strains that had been isolated from vaccinated patients and belonged to two different genetic sublineages. The intraepidemic variability of the 1996–1997 field strains in HI reactivity may be indicative of circulation of virus strains that may be capable of breaking through vaccination‐induced immunity better than the other strains. J. Med. Virol. 65:584–589, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kinetics and mechanism of protection of thymine from phosphate radical anion under anoxic conditions
Authors: Kumar M. Ravi , Adinarayana M.
Published: October 2004

The rates of photooxidation of thymine in the presence of peroxydiphosphate (PDP) have been determined by measuring the absorbance of thymine at 264 nm spectrophotometrically. The rates and the quantum yields (φ) of oxidation of thymine by phosphate radical anion have been determined in the presence of different concentrations of dithiothreitol (DTT). An increase in DTT is found to decrease the rate of oxidation of thymine, suggesting that DTT acts as an efficient scavenger of PO4·2− and protects thymine from it. Phosphate radical anion competes for thymine as well as DTT; the rate constant for the phosphate radical anion with DTT has been calculated to be 2.21 × 109 dm3 mol−1 s−1, assuming the rate constant of phosphate radical anion reaction with thymine as 9.6 × 107 dm3 mol−1 s−1. The quantum yields of photooxidation of thymine have been calculated from the rates of oxidation of thymine and the light intensity absorbed by PDP at 254 nm, the wavelength at which PDP is activated to phosphate radical anion. From the results of experimentally determined quantum yields (φexptl) and the quantum yields calculated (φcl), assuming DTT acts only as a scavenger of PO4·2− radicals, show that φexptl values are lower than φcl values. The φ′ values, which are experimentally found quantum yield values at each DTT concentration and corrected for PO4·2− scavenging by DTT, are also found to be greater than φexptl values. These observations suggest that the thymine radicals are repaired by DTT in addition to scavenging of phosphate radical anions. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 33: 271–275, 2001
Acute effects of combined photodynamic therapy and hyperbaric oxygenation in lung cancer—A clinical pilot study
Authors: Tomaselli Florian , Maier Alfred , Sankin Oliver , Anegg Udo , Stranzl Ulrike , Pinter Hans , Kapp Karin , Smolle‐Jüttner Freyja Maria
Published: October 2004

Background and Objective

Photodynamic tumor therapy (PDT) is based upon a photochemical reaction that is limited by the availability of molecular oxygen in the target tissue. The use of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) increases the amount of oxygen available for the process may thereby enhance the efficacy of PDT. We investigated the acute effects on tumor stenosis after combined PDT/HBO.

Patients and Methods

Thirty patients (22 males, 8 females, mean age: 68.8 years; range: 44–78 years) with inoperable non‐small cell bronchogenic carcinoma and endobronchial stenosis were studied prospectively. Photosensitization was carried out using a hematoporphyrin‐derivative 2 mg/kg BW 48 hours prior to PDT. The light dose was calculated as 300 J/cm fiber tip. The assessment of outcome 1 and 4 weeks after PDT/HBO was performed by endoscopy, chest X‐ray, spirometry, laboratory parameters, subjective report of dyspnea, and Karnofsky performance status.

Results

At one and four weeks after the treatment, the patients felt a significant improvement of dyspnea and hemoptysis along with an objective subsiding of poststenotic pneumonia, though spirometric parameters revealed no significant difference. A significant reduction of tumor stenosis (P < 0.05) and an improvement of the Karnofsky performance status (P < 0.05) were documented 1 and 4 weeks after PDT/HBO. No therapy related complications were observed.

Conclusions

Although the small number of patients does not allow to draw definitive conclusions to be drawn, the results suggests that combined PDT/HBO represents a new, safe, and technically feasible approach. It enables efficient and rapid reduction of the endoluminal tumor load and helps conditioning the patient for further treatment procedures. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:399–403, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of nevus of Ota with the Q‐switched alexandrite laser*
Authors: Moreno‐Arias Gerardo A. , Camps‐Fresneda Alejandro
Published: October 2004

Background and Objective

Q‐switched laser systems have been shown to be useful for removal of nevus of Ota, a pigmented lesion on the face. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Q‐switched alexandrite laser in the treatment of nevus of Ota in 13 patients.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A spot test was made at 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 J/cm2 energy fluence, and the best energy fluence was selected after a 2‐month postoperative evaluation. Q‐switched alexandrite laser with a mean fluence of 7.290.46 J/cm2 was used at 8‐week intervals. Total treatment ranged from 1 to 15 sessions (mean 7.1 ± 5.1 sessions). The single shot technique was used.

Results

More than 75% lightening was achieved in seven patients, between 51% and 75% in three, less than 50% in one, and less than 25% in one. In two patients with excellent clearance, a very light gray macula in the lower eyelid persisted after 8 and 14 treatment sessions, respectively. Mild transient hypopigmentation that subsided spontaneously after 2 months was observed in one patient. No repigmentation was seen.

Conclusions

The Q‐switched alexandrite laser seems to be an effective and safe modality for the treatment of nevus of Ota. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:451–455, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of differentially expressed genes during cyclic adenosine monophosphate–induced neuroendocrine differentiation in the human prostatic adenocarcinoma cell line LNCaP
Authors: Goodin Jeremy L. , Rutherford Charles L.
Published: October 2004

The LNCaP cell line is a versatile and useful model suitable for the study of human prostate cancer in vitro. It has been determined that the elevation of LNCaP intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels through the addition of membrane‐permeable cAMP analogs, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, adenylate cyclase activators, or components of the cAMP signal‐transduction pathway can induce reversible neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation. Elucidation of those genes that are differentially expressed between undifferentiated prostate cancer cells and prostate cancer cells that have been induced to differentiate may present new insights into the molecular mechanisms governing NE differentiation, early detection of prostate cancer, and potential targets for gene therapy. In this study, differential display polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify 226 differentially expressed PCR products. Twelve of the differential display PCR products were confirmed by Northern blot analysis and were cloned. DNA sequencing and database comparisons were performed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of differential gene expression techniques to analyze gene expression during cAMP‐induced NE differentiation in LNCaP cells. Confirmation of NE differentiation reversibility also was accomplished. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymorphisms in cyclin D1 gene and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Jing , Chen Shu‐Yuan , Chen Chien‐Jen , Santella Regina M.
Published: October 2004

The cyclin D1 gene, CCND1, located within chromosome 11q13, plays an important role in the regulation of cell‐cycle progression and has oncogenic properties. Cyclin D1 frequently is overexpressed in a variety of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as a result of gene amplification. In a previous study, we showed threefold to 20‐fold amplification of CCND1 in four of 30 (13%) HCC tissues from Taiwan but not in any control liver tissues or in two HCC cell lines. A common A870G polymorphism located within the splice donor region of exon 4 of CCND1 has been reported to enhance alternate splicing. Two forms of mRNA are present in subjects with the heterozygous genotype. The relationship between the variant allele and susceptibility to HCC and clinical‐pathologic outcome was investigated in 97 Taiwanese HCC patients and 35 control subjects. In this small sample, CCND1 genotype frequencies were similar in cases and controls and were not associated with susceptibility to the development of HCC. All nine patients homozygous for the G allele (GG genotype) had poorly differentiated tumors, but this association was not statistically significant, perhaps owing to the small sample. Overexpression of cyclin D1 protein, through gene amplification, correlates with poor prognosis in several cancers, but its role in HCC is the subject of controversy. Increased expression of cyclin D1 may play an important role in the development of HCC owing to the perturbation of normal control of the cell cycle. The A870G polymorphism in CCND1 may influence differentiation and prognosis in HCC patients but requires further study. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
β‐Adrenergics enhance brain extraction of levodopa
Authors: Uc Ergun Y. , Dienel Gerald A. , Cruz Nancy F. , Harik Sami I.
Published: October 2004

We sought to determine whether β‐adrenergic agonists enhance the brain extraction of L‐dopa and L‐leucine. Systemic administration of β‐adrenergic agonists increase brain concentrations of L‐dopa and other large neutral amino acids (LNAA) in rats and monkeys and may improve symptoms and reduce daily L‐dopa requirement in patients with Parkinson's disease. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) using [3H]nicotine and the extraction fraction of 14C‐labeled L‐dopa or L‐leucine were measured simultaneously in various brain regions of conscious rats using the dual‐isotope indicator fractionation technique after intraperitoneal administration of isoproterenol (a peripheral nonselective β‐adrenergic agonist), or clenbuterol (a β2‐adrenergic agonist that crosses the blood–brain barrier), or β‐adrenergic agonist preceded by nadolol (a peripheral nonselective β‐adrenergic antagonist), or saline vehicle. Both β‐adrenergic agonists increased regional brain extraction fraction of L‐dopa and L‐leucine tracers by 35–45%, without altering regional CBF. These changes were accompanied by about a 30% decrease in plasma branched chain LNAA concentrations. Nadolol blocked all these effects. β‐Adrenergic agonists increase the brain extraction of L‐dopa and leucine, mainly by peripheral mechanisms that reduce the levels of other competing plasma LNAAs for transport. Thus, β‐adrenergic agonists might be useful in the treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease by enhancing delivery of L‐dopa to the brain. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Light‐scattering models for a spherical particle above a slightly dielectric rough surface
Authors: Lixin Guo , Cheyoung Kim
Published: October 2004

Based on the reciprocity theorem, the light scattering from a spherical particle above a slightly dielectric rough surface is studied. The theoretical formulation that accounts for the near‐field interaction between a spherical particle and a rough surface is given, the analytical solution of the scattering cross section for the composite model is presented, and the backscattering cross sections are calculated and discussed in detail. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 142–146, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10259
Design optimization of chirped sampled Bragg grating for dispersion compensation
Authors: Yin Yu‐Zhe , Chen Xiang‐Fei , Mao Jin , Li Xu‐Hui , Xie Shi‐Zhong
Published: October 2004

Analytical expressions for the output pulse broadening and eye‐diagram power penalty of a chirped sampled Bragg grating (CSBG) dispersion compensator are derived. The result is applied to optimize the design of residue dispersion ratio in each channel and the total channel number of a fixed‐length CSBG. The optimal residue dispersion ratio does not change when the channel number changes. The filter‐induced pulse distortion will induce an additional eye‐diagram power penalty and will give an upper limit for the channel number of 40‐G+ systems. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 171–174, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10267
Room‐temperature multiwavelength operation of an elliptical core erbium‐doped fiber laser
Authors: Das Gautam , Lit J. W. Y.
Published: October 2004

A simple and efficient technique to achieve stable multiwavelength laser operation at room temperatures with the use of an elliptical‐core erbium‐doped fiber is proposed and demonstrated. The results give a maximum of five simultaneous laser lines in the L band. A polarization controller is used to control and select the lines. The principle of operation is based on the anisotropic gain effect in a polarization‐maintaining fiber. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 184–186, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10271
Broadband six‐port circuit for direction‐finding applications
Authors: Casares‐Miranda F. P. , Márquez‐Segura E. , Otero Pablo , Camacho‐Peñalosa C.
Published: October 2004

A new six‐port circuit configuration based on branch‐line hybrids and Wilkinson power dividers is presented. The phase difference between two input signals is estimated using this new structure. The results are compared with the most widely used six‐port structures and a notable improvement in broadband performance is shown. Simulations are carried out in order to assess this improvement. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 457–458, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20500
A microstrip‐coupled printed inverted‐F monopole antenna
Authors: Su Chih‐Ming , Wong Kin‐Lu , Chen Wen‐Shyang , Cheng Yuan‐Tung
Published: October 2004

A printed inverted‐F monopole antenna excited using a microstrip‐coupled feed is presented. The monopole antenna and the microstrip‐coupled feed are printed on two sides of a dielectric substrate. The microstrip‐coupled feed comprises a 50Ω microstrip feed‐line and an open‐ended microstrip section for coupling the signal to the monopole antenna. Two promising arrangements of the microstrip‐coupled feed using a simple microstrip section and an L‐shaped microstrip section are demonstrated. The experimental results of the constructed prototypes for operating in the 2.4‐GHz WLAN band are presented. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 470–472, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20504
A proposed defected microstrip structure (DMS) behavior for reducing rectangular patch antenna size
Authors: Tirado‐Méndez Jose Alfredo , Jardón‐Aguilar Hildeberto , Iturbide‐Sánchez Flavio , Garcia‐Ruiz Israel , Molina‐Lopez Victoria , Acevo‐Herrera Rene
Published: October 2004

A defected microstrip structure (DMS) is proposed to reducing the size of a rectangular patch antenna by increasing its electric length, without degrading its performance. To illustrate this advantage, one conventional and one proposed defected patch antenna were developed and measured at 1.77 GHz. The simulated and measured results concerning the radiation patterns and bandwidth of both antennas are very closely related, but the proposed defected antenna achieves 22% of total‐area reduction. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 481–484, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20508
Novel compact photonic bandgap structures using rectangular increasing‐distance spiral slots
Authors: Fuqi Shan , Baoxin Gao
Published: October 2004

A novel and compact rectangular increasing‐distance spiral slots (RIDSS) structure has been proposed for photonic bandgap (PBG) applications. The dimension of the RIDSS structure is only about 1/8λ at the cutoff frequency. Only three cells of the RIDSS‐PBG are sufficient for the measured >20‐dB stopband from 1470 to 2034 MHz, thus rendering the whole structure super‐compact. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 537–539, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20527
Loss at 12p detected by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH): Association with TEL‐AML1 fusion and favorable prognostic features in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A multi‐institutional study*
Authors: Kanerva Jukka , Niini Tarja , Vettenranta Kim , Riikonen Pekka , Mäkipernaa Anne , Karhu Ritva , Knuutila Sakari , Saarinen‐Pihkala Ulla M.
Published: October 2004

Background

Genetic aberrations provide prognostic information in childhood ALL. The proportion of patients with detectable aberrations can be increased by combining G‐banding with comparative genomic hybridization (CGH).

Procedure

We studied 79 children with ALL by CGH and G‐banding, and explored the relationship of these findings to clinical features and outcome.

Results

CGH revealed DNA copy number changes in 57 patients (72%), 9 of whom had normal karyotype by G‐banding. Gains were more frequent than losses, and changes of whole chromosomes more frequent than partial aberrations. Two frequent partial losses were found; at 9p and 12p. The 9 patients with loss at 12p were studied for the deletion of TEL (ETV6) gene and the fusion of TEL and AML1 genes by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Eight out of the 9 children with loss at 12p harbored the TEL–AML1 translocation and all 9 had the deletion of a nontranslocated TEL allele. All 9 had precursor‐B phenotype and L1 morphology, and 8/9 had WBC below 50 × 109/liter. All children were treated according to Nordic ALL protocols, had a good response to treatment based on day 15 bone marrow morphology, and 7 out of the 9 survived in continuous complete remission (median follow‐up 74 months).

Conclusions

CGH is a valuable tool in screening for genetic aberrations in childhood ALL. DNA copy number losses detected at 12p associate with TEL–AML1 fusion as well as with favorable prognostic features. Med Pediatr Oncol 2001; 37:419–425. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.