bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selection of a precore mutant after vertical transmission of different hepatitis B virus variants is correlated with fulminant hepatitis in infants
Authors: Bahn Andrew , Hilbert Katja , Martiné Ursula , Westedt Jens , Weizsäcker Friedrich V. , Wirth Stefan 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe incidence of perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) depends on the HBeAg/anti‐HBe status of the mother. While children of HBeAg‐positive mothers have a 90% probability of acquiring a chronic hepatitis B virus carrier state, babies of anti‐HBe‐positive mothers are more likely to develop fulminant hepatitis within the first 3 to 4 months of life. There is evidence that precore (pre‐C) mutations of the HBV can be associated with fulminant hepatitis. The pre‐C region was therefore examined in sera from nine infants with fulminant hepatitis after vertical transmission, one HBeAg‐positive and seven anti‐HBe‐positive mothers by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequence analysis. In five mother/infant pairs the virus populations were characterized in addition by analysing clones of the amplified products. All mothers were infected with two or four variants of HBV with mutations at different positions of the preC genome including position 1896, which results in a stop codon. While the precore stop codon was detected in a portion of the virus populations of the HBeAg‐positive and of four anti‐HBe‐positive mothers the dominating viral strain was represented by the wild type virus in three. In contrast, the virus populations of all babies showed the 1896 precore variant as the prevalent virus strain during the phase of active disease. In the surviving baby only wild type sequences were detected after recovery. Subtype ayw was found in all mothers and infants and adw2 was present in three mothers and in the surviving child.The findings suggest that all mothers carried a wild type HBV population with a certain number of different HBV variants. After transmission of the mixed virus population a selection process was started in the baby. The association of subtype ayw with the precore mutations and with the fatal outcome of the hepatitis B might be the result of a directed selection of this variant with a particular advantage in the viral life cycle. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Homotypic immune response to primary infection with rotavirus serotype G1
Authors: Rojas A. M. , Boher Y. , Guntinas M. J. , Pérez‐Schael I. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractSome aspects of rotavirus humoral immunity were assessed on the basis of distinguishing se‐rotype‐specific specificities (VP4/VP7) by using rotavirus reassortants, human and animal strains in neutralization assays in serum samples obtained during the acute phase, and 1, 6 and 12 months after primary natural infection. In this study, all the infecting virus strains were characterized as G type and some also as P type. Primary natural infection induces a significantly greater homotypic neutralization response than heterotypic response. In addition, there was no significant difference in the number of homotypic or heterotypic responses following reinfection. Transplacentally acquired homotypic antibodies were associated with protection against dehydration during rotavirus gastroenteritis. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Virus‐specific, antibody‐secreting cells during upper respiratory infections
Authors: Mäkelä Mika J. , Nikkari Simo , Meurman Olli , Laine Matti , Arvilommi Heikki 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe humoral immune response of 18 army recruits with febrile upper respiratory infection (URI) was studied by enumerating virus‐specific, antibody‐secreting cells in the peripheral blood. Diagnosis was based on viral antigen detection in nasopharyngeal specimens, virus isolation from throat swabs, or on antibody measurement from paired serum samples. At the time of the sample collection, three viruses, including adenovirus, influenza A, and influenza B, were found mainly to cause URIs among the recruits, and ELISPOT assay for enumeration of the specific antibody‐secreting cells was selected for these viruses. Of the 36 patients with febrile URI studied, viral diagnosis was made in 18 cases, which included 11 patients with adenovirus infection, three with influenza A, and four with influenza B. The first blood sample was collected at the first signs of URI and the second and third samples at 2‐week intervals. The adenovirus‐positive patients developed a strong IgG class antibody‐secreting cell response against the homologous virus, which peaked at the first sample and decreased steeply by the second and third samples. In the influenza A and B patients, the response was similar kinetically to that seen in adenovirus‐positive patients. In those cases where also IgA and IgM class antibody‐secreting cells were determined, the IgG response dominated. The ELISPOT method has potential also as a diagnostic tool for respiratory infections. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Large‐scale screening for human parvovirus B19 DNA in clinical specimens by dot blot hybridization and polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Yoto Yuko , Kudoh Tooru , Haseyama Keiji , Suzuki Nobuhiro , Matsunaga Yasuko , Chiba Shunzo 
Published: March 2007

AbstractLarge‐scale screening for human parvovirus B19 (619) DNA in serum samples was carried out by both dot blot hybridization and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Dot blot hybridization was undertaken with a digoxigenin‐labeled DNA probe. Serum samples from four patients were pooled and tested by a dot blot hybridization assay. When a dot was positive, each of the four samples was tested separately to identify the positive sample. The PCR template was the DNA extracted from mixed serum samples from 10 patients. When B19 DNA was positive by PCR, each of the ten samples was tested separately. A total of 7, 969 serum samples were tested by dot blot hybridization and 15 samples (11 patients) were positive for B19 DNA; 7, 038 serum samples were tested by PCR and 71 samples (50 patients) were positive. Large‐scale screening for B19 DNA by PCR suggested a broader spectrum of clinical manifestations associated with B19 infection. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Splice sites of human papillomavirus type 16 E6 gene or heterologous gene required for transformation by E7 and accumulation of E7 RNA
Authors: Belaguli Narasimhaswamy S. , Pater Mary M. , Pater Alan 
Published: March 2007

AbstractTransformation of primary baby rat kidney cells by the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV 16) E7 gene and efficient accumulation of E7 RNA have been shown by this laboratory to depend on the integrity of the nucleotide position (nt) 880 splice donor site. Here, the splice sites within the HPV 16 E6 open reading frame (ORF) and the sites of the SV40 splicing unit were examined for an ability to provide this requirement. Constructs containing the HPV 16 E6 sites and the SV40 splice site sequences were used for transformation and RNase protection assays. E6 splice sites supported a low level of transformation, in assays for complete HPV 16 early region constructs containing loss‐of‐function mutations of the nt 880 site. Using constructs with wild‐type E6 or SV40 splice sites showed that both splice sites could substitute similarly for the requirement in cis of the nt 880 site for transformation. HPV 16 E6 mutated splice site and SV40 splice site in reverse, nonfunctional orientation relative to the promoter, were not transformation competent. The HPV 16 E7 RNA levels for the E6 splice site constructs correlated closely with the transformation frequency. The SV40 splice sites were required for E7 transcript accumulation. The results showed E6 splice site function and evidence for enhanced exon skipping from E6 splice donor site to acceptor sites 3′ of the E7 ORF. This was shown with constructs containing loss‐of‐ function mutations of the nt 880 site. These results confirmed the function of the splice sites by the transformation competent constructs and suggested lower transformation frequency than for wild type was due to skipping of the E7 exon. These patterns of transcripts may have a role in the regulation of gene expression during progression to malignancy. The combined results revealed that the general presence of a functional splice donor site was absolutely required for transformation by HPV 16 E7 and accumulation of E7 RNA. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis B virus strains in Thailand: Genomic variants in chronic carriers
Authors: Kidd‐Ljunggren Karin , Ekdahl Karl , Öberg Monica , Kurathong Sucha , Lolekha Somsak 
Published: March 2007

AbstractGenetic heterogeneity of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been shown to influence the serological pattern and clinical picture in HBV infection. Thailand has a high transmission rate of HBV, but the molecular epidemiology of HBV strains circulating in this region was hitherto unknown. In this study, the HBV strains from 34 Thai HBsAg‐positive patients were investigated. In a proportion of these samples, an antigenically important region of the S gene (n = 181, and the pre‐S2 and precore genes (n = 15) were sequenced after PCR amplification. Four strains had in‐frame deletions of an upstream region of the pre‐S2 gene, with all deletions ending at the same nucleotide. In one of three anti‐HBe positive strains without a translational stop at codon 28 of the precore gene, there was a one nucleotide insertion in the precore gene. This insertion would cause a frame shift and result in a nonsense protein being expressed, thus providing one explanation for the lack of HBeAg in this patient. Several rare or unique amino acid changes in the region between residues 120 and 161 of the S protein were found. Glycine 145 was changed to alanine in one strain, and this position showed an apparent mixture of glycine and arginine in another. In total, 10 strains displayed unexpected changes that were not related to the normal variability between subtypes or genetic subgroups. It is concluded that there is considerable heterogeneity in HBV strains in Thailand and that this could have clinical and epidemiological importance in a region with high HBV transmission rates. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology of an outbreak of hepatitis A in Italy
Authors: Normann Andrea , Pfisterer‐Hunt Mechthild , Schade Stefan , Graff Judith , Chaves Ricardo L. , Crovari Piero , Icardi Giancarlo , Flehmig Bertram 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe relationship of hepatitis A virus (HAV) isolates associated with an outbreak in Genoa, Italy, in 1993 was examined using direct sequencing of amplicons derived by antigen capture PCR (AC/ PCR) from faecal samples of the infected persons. Forty samples recovered from 38 primary and two secondary cases were examined. The latter were household contacts of the primary cases. In addition, faecal material of 2 unrelated persons infected simultaneously with hepatitis A in Genoa were tested. The PCR products derived rom the P1/P2 junction of the HAV genome were analysed. A 100% nucleotide identity was detected between the viral isolates originating from the primary as well as the secondary cases. The viral isolates recovered from the faecal samples of the two unrelated cases differed from the virus causing the outbreak as well as from each other. These results indicate that a single HAV strain caused the outbreak. The virus might have been transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food or water since all hepatitis A infected employees of the factory had eaten in the same canteen. Definitions of HAV genotypes are based on numerous genetic comparisons of different strains. The sequence comparison of the investigated isolates with published HAV sequences of the P1/P2 genome region revealed that the virus associated with the outbreak belongs to HAV subgenotype IA, whereas the strains recovered from the viral isolates of the unrelated cases belong to subgenotype IB. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laser coagulation in the upper gi tract: A preliminary light and scanning electron microscopic study
Authors: Meyer H.‐J. , Vonnahme F.‐J. , Huchzermeyer H. , Haverkampf K. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractExperimentally intact as well as artificially damaged mucosa of porcine stomach was endoscopically coagulated with Nd:YAG laser beams. Energy, intensity pattern, and time of application of the irradiation was varied and supracellular changes of the coagulated mucosa were subsequently investigated with the scanning electron microscope. The mucosa, damaged by laser beams, showed three typical zones: 1. a superficial, central carbonisation zone protected with a thin layer of coagulated mucus; 2. an elevated hyperemic ring with complete loss of superficial epithelium, but intact basement membrane and a blood clotting of the mucosal capillaries; 3. normal mucosa. After coagulating artificially induced bleeding of the mucosa the irradiated centre showed a deep depression with a carbonized surface. Two weeks later regeneration had occurred and there was complete reepithelialisation of the mucosa to about two‐thirds of normal thickness.
Intraocular carbon dioxide laser photosurgery
Authors: Miller James B. , Boyer David S. , Smith Michael R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIntraocular carbon dioxide laser has been used for photocautery and photo‐incision as an adjunct to vitrectomy. This utilizes a new fluid‐tissue interface application for the 10.6 micrometer wavelength infrared radiation. The use of an intraocular probe with an infrared transmitting window through a pars plana incision allows the placement of infrared energy in a fluid medium. The results of animal experimentation and of preliminary clinical trials in human patients are reported. The carbon dioxide laser appears to be a safe and reliable means of intraocular photocautery and photoincision.
Laser applications in urology
Authors: Staehler G. , Halldbrsson T. , Langerholc J. , Bilgram DrIng R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWe present the results of experimental and theoretical investigations on the interaction of Nd:YAG laser light with biological tissue in general, and with that of the bladder in particular. A comparison is made of the thermal effects achieved with this laser and those of the argon and CO2 types. A therapeutically safe yet effective dosage for the endoscopic treatment of bladder tumours with the Nd:YAG laser is given. The operating techniques are described along with the first clinical results.
The CO2 laser in the treatment of cavernous haemangioma of the lower lip: A case report
Authors: Ohshiro Toshio 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA case is reported of a 14‐year‐old girl who had a large cavernous haemangioma and haemangioma simplex of the lower lip. Although a few reports of such a haemangioma and the operation for it can be found in the literature, the blood loss problem and the final cosmesis leave much to be desired. We excised the tumour in two stages using the CO2 laser, retaining full function and obtaining good configuration of the affected part. The suitability of the CO2 laser for this procedure, because of its haemostatic effect, was noted. The importance of both the physiological and psyhcological problems of such a patient were treated by applying our total treatment concept.
Micro‐laser myomectomy technique to enhance reproductive potential: A preliminary report
Authors: McLaughlin David S. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractUterine myomas may be removed utilizing the carbon dioxide laser by direct and indirect vaporization, or by direct and indirect excision. The advantages of utilizing the CO2 laser are (1) improved hemostasis; (2) more precision, thus removing only abnormal tissue; and (3) the ability to remove fibroids from previously inaccessible areas. A description of the micro‐surgical technique for myomectomy in eight patients is discussed. No major complications were encountered with this new technique, which will require long‐term follow‐up in a larger series of patients to define more precisely its role in gynecologic surgery.
Observations on the simultaneous use of CO2 and Nd:YAG lasers in neurosurgery
Authors: Fasano Victor Aldo , Benech Franco , Ponzio Roberto Maria 
Published: March 2007

AbstractSeven cases of cerebral tumors (four deep‐seated sovratentorial gliomas located in motor area, occipital region, parietal region and frontal region; one deep‐seated cystic cerebellar spongioblastoma; one sphenoidal wing meningioma, and one spinal cord intradural tumor) were simultaneously irradiated in the same area with two sources (CO2 and Nd:YAG). Using CO2 and Nd:YAG simultaneously, a larger and deeper lesion was obtained. The main bulk was irradiated with two sources free hand. The implant with the two sources was connected to the operating microscope. The rise in temperature, 3 mm from the border of the lesion, was similar to that obtained with Nd:YAG alone. Hemostasis was not impaired.In comparison with the single sources, this method allows a more rapid demolition of the tumor without additional damage to the surrounding tissues.
CO2 laser treatment of oral dysplastic precancerous lesions: A preliminary report
Authors: Horch Hans Henning , Gerlach Klaus Louis 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe oral dysplastic precancerous lesions must be attacked in an early stage, giving the patient a better chance of cure with minimal mutilation. The entire lesion has to be removed in order to prevent local recurrences after treatment. Thirty‐two patients received treatment using the CO2 laser for circumscript disorders of the oral mucosa. The results indicate that CO2 laser treatment represents an alternative technique to the treatment of oral dysplastic precancerous lesions.
Transventricular revascularization by Laser
Authors: Mirhoseini M. , Muckerheide M. , Cayton M. M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractTransventricular acupuncture or revascularization by the method of producing channels between the ventricular cavity and the ischemic myocardium has challenged several investigators. The concept of producing these channels using high‐energy CO2 laser was based on the finding that the laser beam could produce small channels devoid of debris, and fibrosis would not occur.Four groups of mongrel dogs with six animals in each group were studied. In three groups the left anterior descending (LAD) branch of the coronary arteries was ligated above the first diagonal, and channels were made in the myocardium according to the protocol for each group. The fourth group was the control, the LAD was ligated but the myocardium was not exposed to laser treatment. In the control group all animals died within 20 minutes of LAD ligation. Animals in the other groups survived ligation with laser, and were subsequently sacrificed at varying intervals. At autopsy the epicardial component of the channels was visible. Penetration through the myocardium could be demonstrated. Microscopically the channels were patent and endothelialized. Further investigations are in process, but we believe laser channels protect and nourish the ischemic myocardium.
The outpatient‐procedure effectiveness of laser treatments in oncology
Authors: Bandieramonte G. , Di Pietro S. , Andreola S. , Azzarelli A. , Chiesa F. , Luciani L. , Marchesini R. , Emanuelli H. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe outpatient procedure of CO2 laser surgery has been recently integrated into the routine activity of the National Cancer Institute, Milan. Specific operative protocols that are codified for laser outpatient selection after adequate staging by pathology are presented. Specific indications for gynecologic disease (preneoplastic disorders, CIN, VAIN, and VIN), and general‐surgery neoplastic disorders (soft tissue sarcomas, lip and oral cavity lesions, breast lesions) are described. Details of the safety procedures, rules of application, laser instrumentation accessories and wattages, both with vaporization and excisional technique, are reported. An overall rate of 30% out of the 4,000 cases treated yearly are selected for laser treatment procedures on the basis of the evaluation of real advantages. The general advantages of laser surgical applications such as reduction of bleeding and postoperative pain, early and late complications; no‐touch method; and patient acceptability—have been emphasized in the routine outpatient procedures. Reduction of the total costs and of the waiting list for hospitalization by the new procedures are finally considered.
Endoscopic laser arytenoidectomy
Authors: Ossoff Robert H. , Karlan Mark S. , Sisson George A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMost patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis have a fairly satisfactory voice, but their airway is usually inadequate for day‐to‐day exertion. In some patients, the airway may be inadequate for even quiet respiration and an indwelling tracheotomy is required. Solution to this problem has involved the following techniques: tracheotomy, lateralization of the vocal cord by either endoscopic or external routes, or vocal cord reinnervation by the nerve‐muscle transposition technique.Endoscopic laser arytenoidectomy has been mentioned in the literature. However, the actual technique as well as the attendant morbidity associated with this procedure has not been highlighted.Four patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis of the larynx have been treated by endoscopic laser arytenoidectomy at Northwestern University Medical School. The technique, problems, and results are discussed.
A flexible sealed tube transverse radio frequency excited carbon dioxide laser for dermatologic surgery
Authors: Goldman Leon , Perry Edward , Stefanovsky David 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA new CO2 laser system, of special characteristics, has been found to be effective for CO2 laser dermatological surgery. The unit is compact, freely movable, and suitable for office practice. A highly flexible operating probe makes for precision surgery. The initial investigative clinical series included resistant warts in many areas including extensive plantar warts, oral lesions, and condylomata. There were also excisions of broad base granuloma pyogenicum, large seborrheic warty lesions, thermal photocoagulation of rhinophyma, and laser dermabrasion of tattoos. Flaps were done in animals.
Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment of Vaginal Adenosis in DES‐Exposed Offspring: A Prospective Study
Authors: Bellina Joseph H. , Fischer Ross Lynne , Hemmings Robert , Voros Janos I. , Moorehead Myron 
Published: March 2007

AbstractSeventy‐nine patients with history and physical findings characteristic of antenatal DES exposure were randomly divided into two groups. Fourty‐four DES‐exposed offspring had their vaginal adenosis treated with the carbon dioxide laser (group I), and the remaining 35 DES‐exposed offspring (group II) did not receive any specific treatment for this condition. Additionally, the 79 DES‐exposed offspring were compared to an age‐matched control population (group III). Treatment of vaginal adenosis with the carbon dioxide laser did not significantly reduce the incidence of development of new dysplasia in the DES‐exposed offspring. This study also showed no statistical difference (p ≤ 0.05) in the incidence of dysplasia in DES‐exposed offspring as compared to a control population.
Microbial Contamination by a Medical Carbon Dioxide Laser
Authors: Dmd Dr Ilana Eli , Judes Herbert , Rosenberg Mel 
Published: March 2007

AbstractOne of the advantages in using the carbon dioxide laser in medicine is the sterilization of the wound at the site of surgical intervention. In microbial studies, using the Sharplan Model 743 Medical Laser, we found substantial contamination of the area directly below the probe by viable bacteria and fungi. The levels of contamination varied from experiment to experiment, but were always substantial. The contamination is likely due to the stream of nitrogen gas emitted during and following laser irradiation in order to cool the lens. Following the implementation of several simple prophylactic procedures, including insertion of a filter on the end of the tube emitting the nitrogen gas, contamination by the gas stream was reduced to insignificant levels.