bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seroepidemiology of inoue‐melnick virus in the general population of buffalo, New York
Authors: Ito M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe prevalence of antibodies to Inoue‐Melnick virus (IMV) types 1 and 2 in the general population of Buffalo, New York, was studied. Serum specimens were collected from blood donors, and pediatric sera were provided from the Buffalo Children's Hospital. Neutralizing antibody titers against IMV were measured with established procedures. Very high prevalence of antibodies to both IMV types 1 and 2 were found in sera from children of Buffalo, especially in the age group 15‐19 years (nearly 100%). The antibody positivity gradually decreased with advancing age, except for the groups of age 60 and older. This is in sharp contrast to a previous report examining sera from the people of Osaka, Japan, in which IMV antibody was not found in children under 10 years of age. In the group of teenagers in Buffalo, with high geometric mean antibody titers, an association with any disease was not found. The peculiar distribution of antibodies to IMV was considered to be possibly related to the high incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Buffalo area, in contrast to the data from Osaka, Japan, which is a low incidence area for MS. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human herpesvirus‐6: A survey of presence and distribution of genomic sequences in normal brain and neuroglial tumors
Authors: Luppi Mario , Barozzi Patrizia , Maiorana Antonio , Marasca Roberto , Trovato Raffaella , Fano Rita , Ceccherini‐Nelli Luca , Torelli Giuseppe 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn an attempt to study the frequency and distribution of human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6) infection both in normal and neoplastic brain tissues in vivo, polymerase chain reaction was used to look for HHV‐6 genomes: 1) in samples, obtained at necropsy, from different regions of the brain of immunocompetent adult subjects and of patients who died of AIDS; 2) in the surgical biopsies of a well‐characterized series of primary brain tumors of neuroglial origin. HHV‐6‐specific sequences were identified in six of nine brain samples from immunocompetent subjects, and in four of seven brain samples from AIDS patients. Viral sequences were identified in the specimens derived either from the grey (frontal cortex and basal ganglia) or from the periventricular white matter. HHV‐6 DNA was found only in 6 of the 37 primary brain tumor biopsies examined. This study provides for the first time molecular evidence of a wide distribution of HHV‐6 infection in the brain tissues of a high proportion of subjects, both in normal and in impaired immunity. In this large series of tumor biopsies the presence of HHV‐6 genomic sequences is a rare phenomenon, arguing against a major role of this herpesvirus in the pathogenesis of primary brain tumors of neuroglial origin in immunocompetent subjects. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Probable implication of mutations of the X open reading frame in the onset of fulminant hepatitis B
Authors: Kaneko Miki , Uchida Toshikazu , Moriyama Mitsuhiko , Arakawa Yasuyuki , Shikata Toshio , Gotoh Kenichiro , Mima Satoaki 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA pathogenic role of precore‐defective mutation in the onset of fulminant hepatitis B has been suggested. However, precore‐defective mutants do not always cause fulminant hepatitis B and are not always isolated from affected patients. These findings strongly suggest the presence of some additional important mutations outside the precore region in fulminant hepatitis. In the present investigation an attempt was made to sequence the X open reading frame of hepatitis B virus DNA isolated from seven patients with fulminant hepatitis B and five patients with acute hepatitis B. The latter were used as controls. Since the X open reading frame encodes the X protein and contains the core promoter/enhancer II complex, some critical mutations may enhance or disrupt the replication and expression of hepatitis B virus DNA leading to fulminant hepatitis.A C‐to‐T substitution was found at nucleotide (nt) 1655, an A‐to‐T substitution at nt 1764 and a G‐to‐A substitution at nt 1766 in 4, 5 and 5 patients, respectively, out of the seven with fulminant hepatitis. These substitutions were not recognized in the patients with acute hepatitis. These mutations might change the function of the X protein and core promoter/enhancer II complex. It is suggested, therefore, that these mutations, as well as the precore‐defective mutation, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of fulminant hepatitis. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Double resistance to ganciclovir and foscarnet of four human cytomegalovirus strains recovered from AIDS patients
Authors: Sarasini Antonella , Baldanti Fausto , Furione Milena , Percivalle Elena , Brerra Roberto , Barbi Maria , Gerna Giuseppe 
Published: March 2007

AbstractFour human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) isolates from four different AIDS patients treated with both ganciclovir and foscarnet and not responding clinically to antiviral treatment, were studied in order to verify the occurrence of double resistance to both drugs, and to define whether single or multiple HCMV strains could be responsible for the double resistance. Peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL), the relevant conventional viral isolates, and plaque‐purified strains from all four patients were examined by antiviral drug susceptibility testing by an immediate‐early antigen plaque reduction assay and by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified multiple genome regions and endonucleases. All four HCMV strains had a high level of resistance to both ganciclovir and foscarnet. A single HCMV strain was shown to be responsible for the dual resistance in each patient. HCMV strain identity and uniqueness were shown for each of the four patients in blood samples, viral isolates, and plaque‐purified strains. In addition, in two patients the same single HCMV strain shifted progressively from drug sensitivity to ganciclovir and then to ganciclovir‐foscarnet resistance. These findings document that resistance to both ganciclovir and foscarnet of HCMV strains recovered from blood of AIDS patients represents an emerging problem. Although it is known that multiple HCMV strains may cocirculate in the blood of AIDS patients, single strains appear to be responsible for the dual resistance. Molecular mechanisms responsible for the double resistance of the four reported strains are under study. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunohistochemical identification of varicella‐zoster virus gene 63‐encoded protein (IE63) and late (gE) protein on smears and cutaneous biopsies: Implications for diagnostic use
Authors: Nikkels Arjen F. , Debrus Serge , Sadzot‐Delvaux Catherine , Piette Jacques , Rentier Bernard , Piérard Gérald E. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractEarly and specific recognition of varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection is of vital concern in immunocompromised patients. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of histochemical and immunohistochemical identification of the VZV ORF63 encoded protein (IE63) and of the VZV late protein gE on smears and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded skin sections taken from lesions clinically diagnosed as varicella (n = 15) and herpes zoster (n = 51).Microscopic examinations of Tzanck smears and skin sections yielded a diagnostic accuracy of Herpesviridae infections in 66.7% (10/15) and 92.3% (12/13) of varicella, and 74.4% (29/39) and 87.8% (43/49) of herpes zoster, respectively. Immunohistochemistry applied to varicella provided a type‐specific virus diagnostic accuracy of 86.7% (13/15; IE63) and 100% (15/15; gE) on smears, and of 92.3% for both VZV proteins on skin sections. In herpes zoster, the diagnostic accuracy of immunohistochemistry reached 92.3% (36/39; IE63) and 94.9% (37/39; gE) on smears, and 91.7% (44/48; IE63) and 91.8% (45/49; gE) on skin sections.These findings indicate that the immunohistochemical detection of IE63 and gE on both smears and skin sections yields a higher specificity and sensitivity than standard microscopic assessments. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic and antigenic characterization of a serotype G6 human rotavirus isolated in melbourne, Australia
Authors: Palombo Enzo A. , Bishop Ruth F. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAn unusual rotavirus strain, MG6, was isolated from a 16‐month‐old child admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis. The virus could not be serotyped (G‐typed) by enzyme immunoassay using standard reagents specific for common serotypes of human Group A rotaviruses. Nucleotide sequencing of cDNA derived from the gene encoding the outer capsid protein, VP7, and deduction of the VP7 amino acid sequence indicated that this strain belonged to serotype G6, a serotype normally associated with viruses causing disease in cattle. This was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction typing and enzyme immunoassay using a G6‐specific monoclonal antibody. The VP4 genotype of MG6 was determined by hybridization of its VP4 cDNA to genomic RNA isolated from standard strains of defined P‐types. This analysis, confirmed by deduced amino acid sequence analysis, classified MG6 into the novel genotype P13. MG6, therefore, is related to the previously described G6P13 human strain PA169, isolated in Italy. The emergence of strain MG6, the first human G6 rotavirus identified in Australia, provides further evidence of reassortment between human and animal rotaviruses. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seroepidemiology of hepatitis E virus in the Egyptian Nile Delta
Authors: Kamel Moamena A. , Troonen Hugo , Kapprell Hans‐Peter , El‐Ayady Ahmed , Miller F. Dewolfe 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe seroendemicity of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in an entire village population located in the Egyp‐tain Nile Delta is described. Serum specimens were obtained from 68% of the total population of 1, 850 villagers. The lack of serum specimen was greatest in the youngest age group (< 5). Commercially available enzyme immunoassays (EIA) for antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti‐HAV), to hepatitis B virus core antigen (anti‐HBc), to second‐generation hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV) core and nonstructural antigen, and to hepatitis E virus (HEV) were used. Only repeated reactive sera were coded as positive. Stool specimens were examined for Schistosoma mansoni by the Kato method and standard methods for the examination of the liver and spleen by ultrasonog‐raphy were used. Unadjusted for nonrespone, the seroprevalence of anti‐HEV was 17.2% (SE ± 1.1). Anti‐HEV seroprevalence increased by age and was not associated statistically with any of the other viral markers including HCV. Anti‐HAV seroprevalence was consistently > 95%, even in the youngest age group (< 5). The overall sero‐endemicity of HEV was higher than reported elsewhere and appears not to have been introduced into the village population recently. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HCV infection in a rural population of the Central African republic (CAR): Evidence for three additional subtypes of genotype 4
Authors: Fretz C. , Jeannel D. , Stuyver L. , Herve V. , Lunel F. , Boudifa A. , Mathiot C. , de Thé G. , Fournel J. J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies, HCV infection, and genotypes was studied in a rural population of the Central African Republic. In five villages, blood samples were taken from all the inhabitants present during the survey, belonging to Pygmies (299) and to Bantu and Banda ethnic groups (247). Using a second‐generation ELISA screening and confirmation by immunoblot assay for the detection of HCV antibodies, all the Pygmies were negative, whereas seven Bantus/Bandas, aged > 35 years and with no familial relationship, were positive, giving a prevalence of 2.8% in this ethnic group. Five samples were also PCR positive; all belonged to genotype 4, but with three new subtypes identified by phylogenic analysis. These results indicate the co‐existence of different HCV subtypes and raise questions about the natural transmission of HCV in this secluded population. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Social Issues and Body Image Concerns of Port Wine Stain Patients Undergoing Laser Therapy
Authors: Michael Kalick S. , Goldwyn Robert M. , Noe Joel M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWhen applying lasers to treatment of port wine stains and other flaws of appearance, the physician needs to have an appreciation of the psychological and social aspects of body image as well as the physical aspect. A number of aspects of our society impinge upon port wine stain patients to make their condition psychologically burdensome. Fortunately, the 82 patients in our sample have received extraordinary support from family members in coping with their affliction. As a group they do not display an unusual degree of emotional disturbance in comparision with a normal control population. However, their initial expectations tend to be unrealistically perfectionistic, and many seem to be unwilling to absorb the fact that laser treatment is accompanied by certain hazards and limitations. An especially conscientious adherence to the canons of informed consent with these patients is therefore recommended.
Microvasculature Can Be Selectively Damaged Using Dye Lasers: A Basic Theory and Experimental Evidence in Human Skin
Authors: Rox Anderson R. , Parrish John A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBasic theoretical considerations of the optical and thermal transfer processes that govern the thermal damage induced in tissue by lasers are discussed. An approximate, predictive model and data are proposed for the purpose of selecting a laser that maximizes damage to cutaneous blood vessels and minimizes damage to the surrounding connective tissue and the overlying epidermis. The variables of wavelength, exposure duration, and incident energy density are modeled, and a flashlamp‐pumped dye laser operating at or near the 577 nm absorption band of HbO2, with a pulsewidth (0.3 μsec) less than the estimated, approximately 1 millisecond, thermal relaxation times for microvessels is chosen for experimental exposures of normal Caucasian skin. Highly specific laser‐induced damage to blood vessels is demonstrated both clinically and histologically. This is in striking contrast to the previously reported widespread, diffuse necrosis caused by other lasers. The incident energy and preliminary observations of wavelength and temperature dependence for vascular damage thresholds are consistent with theoretical predictions. Whereas typically 20 joules/cm2 of argon laser irradiation (514 and 488 nm, ∼100 msec) is required to induce widespread thermal damage, the pulsed dye laser requires only about 2 joules/cm2 to induce highly specific vascular damage. The potential usefulness of dye laser‐induced selective vascular damage as a treatment modality for portwine stain hemangiomas and other vascular lesions is discussed. In addition to possible treatment applications, the dye laser or other sources meeting the requirements for producing such damage may also offer a useful experimental tool for inducing predictable damage to microvas‐culature. Histopathologic and clinical studies related to these possibilities are in progress.
Observations on the use of three laser sources in sequence (co2‐argon‐nd: yag) in neurosurgery
Authors: Aldo Fasano Victor 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn neurosurgical practice the laser can be considered an additional instrument to improve conventional techniques, or even a new method of treatment of some cerebral lesions. A complete laser surgery requires the association of three laser sources in combination. The CO2 laser is useful for cutting small lesions in important brain areas. Nd: YAG is particularly suitable for tumor surgery‐allowing a deeper destruction with predictable effects associated with a more complete hemostasis. The combination Nd: YAG‐Argon has clear indications for irradiation of the vessels.
The power density of a surgical laser beam: Its meaning and measurement
Authors: Fisher John C. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis paper discusses the fundamental concepts of matter, energy, power, and power density, with specific emphasis on the power density of a laser. It points out that a laser beam does not have a single, unique value of diameter within which all of its radiation is confined. Therefore, a computation of power density requires both a value of diameter, and the value of the fraction of total power which is transmitted within that diameter. Some possible means of measuring diameter, power, and power density are presented.
Prototype of a Multipurpose Trilaser Unit in a Teaching Hospital Surgical Department
Authors: Chavoin J. P. , Costagliola M. , Laffitte F. , Vachaud M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWe describe our experience and the problems we encountered organizing an autonomous surgical unit in which the equipment and organization enable three lasers to be used in many different applications in medicine and surgery. The three lasers—CO2, Nd:YAG, and argon—may now be used by all the departments concerned within our teaching hospital.As our unit goes into operation, we have determined that we must now begin an evaluation 1) To assess the clinical value of laser usage via the careful selection of cases for laser treatment, the storage of data for future reference on card and computer records, and the assessment of the vital role of the laser within a range of modern therapeutic aids; 2) to achieve technical improvements, by the optimum use of laser sources and related optical equipment; and 3) to assess the economics of the unit, the profitability of bringing together the three types of laser, and the total cost involved.
Mechanisms of Selective Vascular Changes Caused by Dye Lasers
Authors: Rox R. Anderson , Jaenicke Kurt F. , Parrish John A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractOn the basis of models describing optical and thermal transfer in tissue, it has been shown that unfocused, pulsed 577‐nm laser irradiation of human skin selectively damages microvessels with little or no direct damage to other tissue structures such as the epidermis. This is in sharp contrast to the histologically nonselective necrosis induced by continuous lasers, in which essentially all structures near the site of exposure are damaged. We report here preliminary data in an animal model regarding mechanisms by which tunable dye lasers selectively alter blood and microvasculature. Irradiations of the hamster cheek pouch were used for direct microscopic observations of immediate changes in vessel integrity and morphology, and in the appearance and flow of blood. In 20‐ to 100‐/*m‐ diameter vessels, a sequence of brown discoloration and viscidification of blood, transient hemostasis, permanent hemostasis, and hemorrhage were observed with increasing exposure doses.
Laser Subtotal Meniscectomy in Rabbits
Authors: Whipple Terry L. , Caspari Richard B. , Meyers John F. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis study investigates the healing potential of the peripheral rim of rabbit meniscus following laser subtotal meniscectomy. Thirty animals were operated with 23 bilateral meniscectomies and 7 sham controls. When sacrificed at intervals up to 6 months, the harvested peripheral rims demonstrated a devitalized layer of fibrocartilage averaging 17 μm in thickness, indicating an extremely superficial thermal effect of the laser energy utilizing power densities of 20 to 38 W. Viable chondrocytes and minimal alteration of collagen fibril structure and orientation were noted within 20 to 50 μm of the meniscus free margin. By 2 weeks, a proliferation of vascular buds near the free margin of the meniscus was observed with an increase in ground substance production and chondrocyte population. By 10 weeks, the free margin was completely sealed and was composed of logically oriented collagen fibers and only slightly increased numbers of chondrocytes.It was concluded that the healing potential of rabbit meniscus is unimpaired following laser resection of the central margin, and that the repair process is mediated by a proliferation of chondrocytes, supported in part by neovascularity within the substance of the meniscus.
Photoradiation therapy of endobronchial lung cancers employing the photodynamic action of hematoporphvrin derivative
Authors: Balchum Oscar J. , Doiron Daniel R. , Huth Gerald C. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThirty‐five patients with tumors within the tracheobrochial tree were treated with photoradiation therapy (PRT) employing the photodynamic action of hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD). An effective protocol has been developed consisting of 3.0 mg/kg HPD given intravenously 72 hours prior to the bronchoscopic illumination of the endobronchial tumor sites with red light (630 mm) from an argon pumped dye laser. Light applicators were developed that provided surface (area) and insertion (volume) illumination of tumor masses. Average light dosages of 100 J/cm2 and J/cm were used for surface and insertion illumination, respectively. Delivery rates were 200 mW/cm2 and 400 mW/cm. There was no immediate visible effect such as coagulation or charring noted.All malignant endobronchial tumors responded. Tumors included primary and metastaic lesions of various histologic types. Response was complete for tumor within the bronchus after one treatment in 80% of instances. The remaining cases required two treatments to obtain a complete response due to the extensive length of bronchus involved or because multiple sites were present. A complete response, that is, the full opening up of the lumen to the bronchial wall, was accomplished in all but one instance. Atelectatic lungs or lobes were re‐expanded and reaerated. Dyspnea and cough became significantly less. The follow‐up achieved to date indicates improvement in symptoms, activity level, and the return to work in a significant number of cases.
Far‐ultraviolet laser ablation of atherosclerotic lesions
Authors: Linsker Ralph , Srinivasan R. , Wynne James J. , Alonso Daniel R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractFar‐ultraviolet (far‐UV) (193 nm) laser radiation ablates arterial wall tissue, including noncalcified atherosclerotic lesions, with no apparent thermal damage to remaining tissue. This effect contrasts sharply with the thermal damage produced by visible‐wavelength laser irradiation. The mechanism by which far‐UV radiation interacts with tissue is predominantly photochemical rather than photothermal. Potential clinical applications include thsoe in which geometrically precise removal of tissue, without thermal damage to the reamaining substrate, is desired. Ultraviolet laser catheterization appears practical with respect to the availability of fiberoptic materials and high‐pulse‐rate excimer lasers.
Eye‐safety requirements for Nd:YAG laser application in gastroenterology, urology, and neurosurgery
Authors: Frank F. , Halldorsson Th. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe preconditions relating to radiation safety for application of the Nd:YAG laser in the various fields of open and endoscopic surgery are studied. Potential eye hazards of clinical personnel using a Nd:YAG laser photocoagulator in surgical procedures are investigated and methods of eye protection are discussed. The amount of exposure of the eye to radiation back‐scattered from stomach and bladder tissue, as can occur in clinical practice, has been determined for several commercially available rigid cystoscopes and flexible gastroscopes. In addition, the amount of back‐scatter from brain and liver tissue has been established under the usual surgical working conditions.The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) provisions relating to laser safety are briefly explained in relation to the use of the Nd.YAG laser. The results of experimental investigations are compared with the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limiting values as per the IEC and ANSI drafts. The precautions necessary for safe application of the Nd:YAG laser in the various medical spheres are described.