bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistent Infection of Human Thymic Epithelial Cells by Coxsackievirus B4
Authors: Brilot Fabienne , Chehadeh Wassim , Charlet-Renard Chantal , Martens Henri , Geenen Vincent , Hober Didier 
Published: July 2002

ABSTRACTPersistent replication of coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4) E2 (diabetogenic) and CVB4 JBV (nondiabetogenic) strains in thymic epithelial cell (TEC)-enriched cultures (≥95%) was proved by detection of positive- and negative-strand viral RNA by reverse transcription-PCR in extracted RNA from cell cultures, VP1 capsid protein detection by immunofluorescence (IF) staining, and release of infectious particles up to 30 days after infection without obvious cytolysis. By double-IF staining, cytokeratin-containing cells were shown to be susceptible to CVB4. The persistence of CVB4 was associated with a significantly increased rate of TEC proliferation (up to 70%) after 20 days of culture and a significantly increased chronic production of immunoreactive interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukemia inhibitory factor, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in supernatant after 3 days of culture. The CVB4 replication and the release of cytokines were not restricted to the CVB4 E2 diabetogenic strain and did not depend on the genetic background of the host; however, TEC were more responsive to CVB4 E2 than CVB4 JBV as far as the production of cytokines.
Immunization with Surface Antigen Vaccine Alone and after Treatment with 1-(2-Fluoro-5-Methyl-β-l-Arabinofuranosyl)-Uracil (l-FMAU) Breaks Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immune Tolerance in Chronic Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus Infection
Authors: Menne Stephan , Roneker Carol A. , Korba Brent E. , Gerin John L. , Tennant Bud C. , Cote Paul J. 
Published: July 2002

ABSTRACTWoodchucks chronically infected with the woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) were treated with the antiviral drug 1-(2-fluoro-5-methyl-β-l-arabinofuranosyl)-uracil (l-FMAU) or placebo for 32 weeks. Half the woodchucks in each group then received four injections of surface antigen vaccine during the next 16 weeks. Vaccination alone elicited a low-level antibody response to surface antigen in most carriers but did not affect serum WHV DNA and surface antigen. Carriers treated first withl-FMAU to reduce serum WHV DNA and surface antigen and then vaccinated had a similar low-level antibody response to surface antigen. Following vaccinations, cell-mediated immunity to surface antigen was demonstrated in both groups, independent of serum viral and antigen load, but was significantly enhanced in woodchucks treated withl-FMAU and was broadened to include other viral antigens (core, e, and x antigens and selected core peptides). Cell-mediated immunity and antibody responses to surface antigen were observed after drug discontinuation in half of the carriers that receivedl-FMAU alone. Surface antigen vaccine alone or in combination with drug broke humoral and cell-mediated immune tolerance in chronic WHV infection, but the combination with drug was more effective. This suggested that a high viral and antigen load in carriers is important in maintaining immunologic tolerance during chronicity. The humoral and cellular immunity associated with the combination ofl-FMAU and vaccine resembled that observed in self-limited WHV infection. Such combination therapy represents a potentially useful approach to the control of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in humans.
Complementary Antiviral Efficacy of Hydroxyurea and Protease Inhibitors in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Dendritic Cells and Lymphocytes
Authors: Piccinini Giampiero , Foli Andrea , Comolli Giuditta , Lisziewicz Julianna , Lori Franco 
Published: July 2002

ABSTRACT
Dendritic cells are susceptible to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and may transmit the virus to T cells in vivo. Scarce information is available about drug efficacy in dendritic cells because preclinical testing of antiretroviral drugs has been limited predominantly to T cells and macrophages. We compared the antiviral activities of hydroxyurea and two protease inhibitors (indinavir and ritonavir) in monocyte-derived dendritic cells and in lymphocytes. At therapeutic concentrations (50 to 100 μM), hydroxyurea inhibited supernatant virus production from monocyte-derived dendritic cells in vitro but the drug was ineffective in activated lymphocytes. Concentrations of hydroxyurea insufficient to be effective in activated lymphocytes cultured alone strongly inhibited supernatant virus production from cocultures of uninfected, activated lymphocytes with previously infected monocyte-derived dendritic cells in vitro. In contrast, protease inhibitors were up to 30-fold less efficient in dendritic cells than in activated lymphocytes. Our data support the rationale for testing of the combination of hydroxyurea and protease inhibitors, since these drugs may have complementary antiviral efficacies in different cell compartments. A new criterion for combining drugs for the treatment of HIV infection could be to include at least one drug that selectively targets HIV in viral reservoirs.
Enhancement of Hepatitis B Virus Replication by Its X Protein in Transgenic Mice
Authors: Xu Zhenming , Yen T. S. Benedict , Wu Lanying , Madden Charles R. , Tan Wenjie , Slagle Betty L. , Ou Jing-hsiung 
Published: July 2002

ABSTRACT
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X gene encodes a multifunctional protein that can regulate cellular signaling pathways, interact with cellular transcription factors, and induce hepatocellular oncogenesis. In spite of its diverse activities, the precise role of the X protein in the viral life cycle of HBV remains unclear. To investigate this question, we have produced transgenic mice that carry either the wild-type HBV genome or a mutated HBV genome incapable of expressing the 16.5-kDa X protein. Our results indicate that while the X protein is not absolutely essential for HBV replication or its maturation in transgenic mice, it can enhance viral replication, apparently by activating viral gene expression. These results demonstrate a transactivation role of the X protein in HBV replication in transgenic mice.
Functional Interaction between JC Virus Late Regulatory Agnoprotein and Cellular Y-Box Binding Transcription Factor, YB-1
Authors: Safak Mahmut , Sadowska Beata , Barrucco Robert , Khalili Kamel 
Published: July 2002

ABSTRACT

Human polyomavirus JC virus (JCV) is a causative agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy which results from lytic infection of glial cells. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the regulation of JCV gene transcription, the mechanism(s) underlying the viral lytic cycle remains largely unknown. We recently reported that the JCV late auxiliary Agnoprotein may have a regulatory role in JCV gene transcription and replication. Here, we investigated its regulatory function in viral gene transcription through its physical and functional interaction with YB-1, a cellular transcription factor which contributes to JCV gene expression in glial cells. Time course studies revealed that Agnoprotein is first detected at day 3 postinfection and that its level increased during the late stage of the infection cycle. Agnoprotein is mainly localized to the cytoplasmic compartment of the infected cell, with high concentrations found in the perinuclear region. While the position of Agnoprotein throughout the infection cycle remained relatively unaltered, the subcellular distribution of YB-1 between the cytoplasm and nucleus changed. Results from coimmunoprecipitation and glutathione
S
-transferase pull-down experiments revealed that Agnoprotein physically interacts with YB-1 and that the amino-terminal region of Agnoprotein, between residues 1 and 36, is critical for this association. Further investigation of this interaction by functional assays demonstrated that Agnoprotein negatively regulates YB-1-mediated gene transcription and that the region corresponding to residues 1 to 36 of Agnoprotein is important for the observed regulatory event. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the interaction of the viral late regulatory Agnoprotein and cellular Y-box binding factor YB-1 modulates transcriptional activity of JCV promoters.
Competitive Extraction of Some Bases by Carbollylcobaltate Anion from Water Into Chloroform
Authors: Navrátil Oldřich , Skaličan Zdeněk , Kobliha Zbyněk , Halámek Emil 
Published: July 2002

The bis[undecahydro-7,8-dicarbaundecaborato(2-)]cobaltate(1-) (X-) has been used for complementary study of its ionic associates with some cations of organic bases and quaternary salts. For the optimization of present analytical methods, quinuclidin-3-yl hydroxy(diphenyl)acetate, 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl)piperidine, dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine and cocaine, were studied by competitive extraction method. X- labelled with 60Co was used as carrier anion, triphenylmethane and azo dyes as competitive anions. The aqueous phase was 0.1 and 0.01 M HCl, the organic phase was chloroform. A comparison was made with earlier results obtained by extraction spectrophotometry.
Changes in the epidemiological pattern of sudden infant death syndrome in southeast Norway, 1984–1998: implications for future prevention and research
Authors: Arnestad M , Andersen M , Vege Å , Rognum T O 
Published: July 2002

AIMTo look for changes in risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) after decrease and stabilisation of the SIDS rate.METHODSQuestionnaires were distributed to parents of 174 SIDS infants, dying between 1984 and 1998, and 375 age and sex matched controls in southeast Norway.RESULTSThe proportion of infants sleeping prone has decreased, along with the decrease in SIDS rate for the region during the periods studied, but over half of the SIDS victims are still found in the prone position. As the number of SIDS cases has decreased, additional risk factors have become more significant. Thus, after 1993, a significantly increased risk of SIDS is seen when the mother smokes during pregnancy. After 1993, young maternal age carries an increased risk. Maternal smoking and young maternal age are associated with each other. For SIDS victims, an increase in the number of infants found dead while co-sleeping is seen, and the age peak between 2 and 4 months and the winter peak have become less pronounced.CONCLUSIONChanges in risk factor profile following the decrease in SIDS rate in the early 1990s, as well as consistency of other factors, provides further clues to SIDS prevention and to the direction of further studies of death mechanisms.
Aerobic responses of prepubertal boys to two modes of training
Authors: Williams Craig A , Armstrong Neil , Powell Julian 
Published: July 2002

Objective—To investigate the effects of two contrasting eight week training programmes on the aerobic performance of 39 prepubescent boys (mean age 10.1 years).Methods—All boys were volunteer subjects from three city schools and the schools were matched by a health related behaviour questionnaire. All of the boys were assessed as Tanner stage one for genitalia and pubic hair development. Criterion laboratory tests included peak V̇o2as assessed by an incremental discontinuous treadmill test to voluntary exhaustion. Submaximal measurements of heart rate, minute ventilation (V̇e) and V̇o2were also recorded during the treadmill test. One of the schools provided the control group (n = 14), and boys from the other schools followed two contrasting training programmes. The first was a sprint interval running programme (n = 12) comprising 10 second and 30 second sprints, and the second a continuous cycle ergometer programme (n = 13) maintaining a heart rate in the range 80–85% of maximum for 20 minutes on a Monark cycle ergometer. After eight weeks training three times a week, the three groups were retested.Results—There were no significant differences in peak V̇o2(p>0.05) with training in either of the groups. Neither were there significant changes in any of the submaximal variables V̇o2, V̇e, or heart rate (p>0.05).Conclusion—The findings of this study indicate that neither eight week sprint interval running nor continuous cycle ergometer training programmes significantly improve maximal or submaximal indicators of the aerobic performance of prepubertal boys.
A trial of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor for the treatment of very low birthweight infants with presumed sepsis and neutropenia
Authors: Russell A R Bedford , Emmerson A J B , Wilkinson N , Chant T , Sweet D G , Halliday H L , Holland B , Davies E G 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESThe primary objective was to investigate the safety of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) for the treatment of very low birthweight infants (VLBW) with sepsis and relative neutropenia, specifically with regard to worsening of respiratory distress and thrombocytopenia and all cause mortality. Secondary objectives were to evaluate duration of ventilation, intensive care, and antibiotic use as markers of efficacy.DESIGNNeonates (⩽  28 days) in intensive care, with birth weights of 500–1500 g, absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of ⩽ 5 × 109/l, and clinical evidence of sepsis, were randomly assigned to receive either rhG-CSF (10 μg/kg/day) administered intravenously (n = 13), or placebo (n = 15) for a maximum of 14 days, in addition to standard treatment and antibiotics. All adverse events, oxygenation index, incidence of thrombocytopenia, all cause mortality, duration of ventilation, intensive care and antibiotic treatment, and ANC recovery were compared between the two groups.RESULTSAdverse events and oxygenation index were not increased by, and thrombocytopenia was not attributable to, treatment with rhG-CSF. At 6 and 12 months postmenstrual age, there were significantly fewer deaths in the group receiving rhG-CSF (1/13v7/15; p ⩽ 0.038). There was a non-significant trend towards a reduction in duration of ventilation, intensive care, and antibiotic use in the rhG-CSF group. There was a significantly more rapid increase in ANC in the rhG-CSF treated babies (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSIn a small randomised placebo controlled trial in a highly selected group of neonates, adjuvant treatment with rhG-CSF increased ANC rapidly, and no treatment related adverse events were identified. Mortality at 6 and 12 months postmenstrual age was significantly lower in the treatment group. A large trial investigating efficacy in a similar group of neonates is warranted.Key messagesrhG-CSF increases the absolute neutrophil count in very low birthweight infants with neutropenia and sepsisThrombocytopenia is not an effect of rhG-CSF treatmentPotential beneficial effects on long term survival require further investigation
Respiratory diseases in children and outdoor air pollution in São Paulo, Brazil: a time series analysis
Authors: Gouveia Nelson , Fletcher Tony 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the short term effects of air pollution on the respiratory morbidity of children living in São Paulo, Brazil, one of the largest cities in the developing world.METHODSDaily counts of hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases along with daily levels of meteorological variables and air pollutants (PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, and CO) were analysed with Poisson regression. Final models were adjusted for the effects of time trends, seasonal patterns, weekdays, holidays, meteorological factors, and serial correlation.RESULTSDaily admissions of children to hospital for total respiratory disease and pneumonia showed significant increases associated with O3(5–8%), NO2(9%), and with PM10(9%) (results are for an increase from the 10th to the 90th percentile of pollution measurements). Consistently, effects for pneumonia were greater than for all respiratory diseases combined. Also, effects on infants (children <1 year old) presented higher estimates. Similar associations were found for asthma admissions. Point estimates for most pollutants were higher for asthma than for other diagnosed admissions. However, these associations were not significant.CONCLUSIONSThese results agree with the limited publications on this subject but indicate a rather smaller magnitude of effects. Nevertheless, given the present concentrations of air pollution in São Paulo and the large population potentially exposed attention should be directed to minimise such effects.
Crystalline silica exposure and lung cancer mortality in diatomaceous earth industry workers: a quantitative risk assessment
Authors: Rice F L , Park R , Stayner L , Smith R , Gilbert S , Checkoway H 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVETo use various exposure-response models to estimate the risk of mortality from lung cancer due to occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust.METHODSData from a cohort mortality study of 2342 white male California diatomaceous earth mining and processing workers exposed to crystalline silica dust (mainly cristobalite) were reanalyzed with Poisson regression and Cox's proportional hazards models. Internal and external adjustments were used to control for potential confounding from the effects of time since first observation, calendar time, age, and Hispanic ethnicity. Cubic smoothing spline models were used to assess the fit of the models. Exposures were lagged by 10 years. Evaluations of the fit of the models were performed by comparing their deviances. Lifetime risks of lung cancer were estimated up to age 85 with an actuarial approach that accounted for competing causes of death.RESULTSExposure to respirable crystalline silica dust was a significant predictor (p<0.05) in nearly all of the models evaluated and the linear relative rate model with a 10 year exposure lag seemed to give the best fit in the Poisson regression analysis. For those who died of lung cancer the linear relative rate model predicted rate ratios for mortality from lung cancer of about 1.6 for the mean cumulative exposure to respirable silica compared with no exposure. The excess lifetime risk (to age 85) of mortality from lung cancer for white men exposed for 45 years and with a 10 year lag period at the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard of about 0.05 mg/m3for respirable cristobalite dust is 19/1000 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 5/1000 to 46/1000).CONCLUSIONSThere was a significant risk of mortality from lung cancer that increased with cumulative exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust. The predicted number of deaths from lung cancer suggests that current occupational health standards may not be adequately protecting workers from the risk of lung cancer.
Mortality from cardiovascular diseases and exposure to inorganic mercury
Authors: Boffetta P , Sällsten G , Garcia-Gómez M , Pompe-Kirn V , Zaridze D , Bulbulyan M , Caballero J-D , Ceccarelli F , Kobal A B , Merler E 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVETo study the mortality from cardiovascular and other chronic non-neoplastic diseases after long term exposure to inorganic mercury. Limited information is available on the effect of chronic exposure to mercury on the cardiovascular system.METHODSThe mortality was studied among 6784 male and 265 female workers from four mercury mines and mills in Spain, Slovenia, Italy, and the Ukraine. Workers were employed between 1900 and 1990; the follow up period lasted from the 1950s to the 1990s. The mortality of the workers was compared with national reference rates.RESULTSAmong men, there was a slight increase in overall mortality (standardised mortality ratio (SMR) 1.08, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.04 to 1.12). An increased mortality was found from hypertension (SMR 1.46, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.93), heart diseases other than ischaemic (SMR 1.36, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.53), pneumoconiosis (SMR 27.1, 95% CI 23.1 to 31.6), and nephritis and nephrosis (SMR 1.55, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.06). The increase in mortality from cardiovascular diseases was not consistent among countries. Mortality from hypertension and other heart diseases increased with estimated cumulative exposure to mercury; mortality from ischaemic heart disease and cerebrovascular diseases increased with duration of employment, but not with estimated exposure to mercury. Results among women were hampered by few deaths.CONCLUSIONDespite limited quantitative data on exposure, possible confounding, and likely misclassification of disease, the study suggests a possible association between employment in mercury mining and refining and risk in some groups of cardiovascular diseases.
Unexplained groin pain: safety and reliability of herniography for the diagnosis of occult hernias
Authors: Gwanmesia I I , Walsh S , Bury R , Bowyer K , Walker S 
Published: July 2002

Abstract
A retrospective study of our initial experience of herniography in a district general hospital is presented. A total of 43 herniograms were performed in 41 patients (median age 57, range 16–77, 27 males, 14 females) over a two year period. Four herniograms were unsuccessful due to failed intraperitoneal contrast injection, of which two were repeated (success rate 90.5%). A total of 25 groin hernias were identified radiologically (two on the asymptomatic side). Twenty one patients underwent surgery and a hernia was confirmed in 19 (true positive rate 90.5%). Sixteen herniograms were considered negative and after a median follow up of 28 months (range 16–42 months), none of these patients have developed a hernia. There were no major complications. It is concluded that herniography is a safe and reliable method of determining or excluding the presence of an occult groin hernia.
Prevalence of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes mellitus at a diabetes centre in southern India
Authors: Varghese A , Deepa R , Rema M , Mohan V 
Published: July 2002

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for microalbuminuria among south Indian type 2 diabetic patients attending a diabetes centre.

METHODS
One thousand four hundred and twenty five type 2 diabetic patients attending a diabetes centre in south India were recruited for the study. Urinary albumin concentration was measured by immunoturbodimetric assay. Microalbuminuria was diagnosed if the urinary albumin excretion was &gt;30 mg/g of creatinine.

RESULTS
Overall prevalence of microalbuminuria was 36.3% (95% confidence interval 33.8 to 38.9). The prevalence of microalbuminuria increased with the increase in duration of diabetes. Multivariate regression analysis revealed age, diastolic blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, and duration of diabetes to be associated with microalbuminuria.

CONCLUSION
The overall prevalence of microalbuminuria in this south Indian clinic population and its risk factors are similar to that reported in Europeans.