bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Active immunization of homosexual men using a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine
Authors: Hess Georg , Rossol Siegbert , Voth Rita , Cheatham‐Speth Darline , Clemens Ralf , Zum Büschenfelde Karl‐Hermann Meyer 
Published: March 2007

AbstractTwenty homosexual men [13 anti‐human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive, seven anti‐HIV negative] without HBsAg, anti‐HBs, and anti‐HBc were vaccinated with three 20 μg doses of a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine. All anti‐HIV‐positive homosexuals were nonresponders independent of the initial number of CD4‐positive cells. Among seven anti‐HIV‐negative individuals, five responded. After three doses of the vaccine, CD4‐positive cells fell in anti‐HIV positive individuals by 22.4%. A similar fall in CD4‐positive cells of an average 24.9% was noted in 17 matching, but nonvaccinated, anti‐HIV‐positive homosexuals. The study indicates that the efficacy of vaccination in anti‐HIV‐positive individuals is questionable. There is, however, no evidence that vaccination against hepatitis B might be harmful to anti‐HIV‐positive subjects.
Direct detection of human cytomegalovirus in urine specimens from renal transplant patients following polymerase chain reaction amplification
Authors: Olive D. Michael , Mufti Siham Al , Simsek Mehmet , Fayez Hana , Nakib Widad Al 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to amplify human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) directly from urine specimens taken from renal transplant patients. In serial urine samples from patients who had at least one specimen positive for HCMV; the PCR assay consistently detected the presence of HCMV DNA sequences, whereas virus detection by other tests such as enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), nonradioactive DNA hybridization assay, and virus isolation were variable. Of 37 specimens positive by PCR, 36 were positive by either ELISA, hybridization assay, or virus isolation. Infectious virus was detected in 13 of the 37 PCR‐positive urines. HCMV DNA was detected by PCR in all samples that were positive for HCMV by either hybridization assay or virus isolation. The viral genome copy number was determined by PCR assay for several urine samples that were positive by virus isolation but negative for HCMV by ELISA or hybridization assay. Viral genome copy number estimates indicated the presence of HCMV at very low levels in these urines verifying the fidelity of the virus isolation procedures. The consistency of the PCR assay makes it an ideal method for detection of infection and monitoring antiviral drug therapy in patients infected with HCMV.
Evaluation of a new enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the diagnosis of rhinovirus infection
Authors: Al‐Nakib W. , Dearden C. J. , Tyrrell D. A. J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis study describes the evaluation of a newly developed ELISA for the direct detection of rhinovirus antigens in nasal washings. Of 54 volunteers inoculated with 100 TCID50 of human rhinovirus type 2 (HRV‐2), 50 (96.6%) and 32 (59%) excreted antigen and virus on at least 1 of 3 days investigated, respectively. Thirty‐three (61%) had significant rises in rhinovirus‐specific IgA by ELISA. Twelve (22%) developed symptoms of colds. Generally the ELISA detected antigen more frequently in volunteers later in the course of infection and provided evidence of infection in a higher proportion of asymptomatic compared with symptomatic volunteers. On the other hand, virus isolation detected virus more frequently earlier in the course of infection and in a higher proportion of symptomatic compared with asymptomatic volunteers. We conclude that rhinovirus antigen detection by ELISA is a simple, rapid, sensitive, and practical test to diagnose a rhinovirus infection and potentially a viable alternative to virus isolation.
Detection of supercoiled hepatitis B virus DNA and related forms by means of molecular hybridization to an oligonucleotide probe
Authors: Lin Hsiang Ju , Chung Hau Tim , Lai Ching Lung , Leong Susan , Tam Oi Sin 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA novel assay for supercoiled and other fully double‐stranded forms of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in blood is presented that utilizes molecular hybridisation to a radiophosphorous‐labeled oligonucleotide probe. The probe [5′‐d(ACGTGCA‐GAGGTGAAGCGA)] is complementary to the S(+)‐strand sequence furthest downstream, at the end of the gap. We examined blood specimens from 137 healthy HBsAg‐positive individuals, applying the probe to dots representing 2–3.5 ml serum or plasma. We found that supercoiled HBV is present in many HBV DNA‐positive blood specimens albeit in small quantities. Of the 104 specimens that were positive for HBV DNA of any form, 53 annealed to the probe. Serial specimens from the same subject taken over a period of months showed that the proportion of supercoil to other HBV DNA forms was variable. The presence of supercoil HBV DNA was not closely correlated with the level of serum HBV DNA polymerase. The supercoil is an HBV DNA form that can persist in the liver in the presence or absence of other replicative intermediates. This assay may enable further characterization of the status of HBV infection.
Immunoglobulin isotypes of anti‐HBc and anti‐HBe and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA elimination in acute hepatitis B
Authors: Sällberg Matti , Norder Helen , Weiland Ola , Magnius Lars 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAntibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) and e antigen (anti‐HBe) were assayed in 46 sera from ten patients with acute hepatitis B utilizing immunoglobulin class‐ and subclass‐specific enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). The sera were sampled 1 to 512 days after onset of hepatic symptoms. Four patients cleared HBsAg rapidly, within 24 days, and six patients cleared HBsAg slowly, within 27–74 days after the onset of symptoms. In three of the patients with rapid clearance of HBsAg, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was not detected in sera tested during the first week after onset. The fourth patient was not tested until 12 days after onset and was then found to be negative for HBV DNA. In four of the patients with slow clearance of HBsAg, HBV DNA was present during the first week of illness. In the other two patients, HBV DNA was not detected in the first serum, 11 and 17 days after the onset of illness. Anti‐HBc IgM and IgA1 were detected in all patients, with maximum titers shortly after onset. Anti‐HBc IgG1 was present in all sera tested. Anti‐HBc IgG2 was not detected in any of the sera. Anti‐HBc IgG3 and IgG4 were detected in all patient sera, with IgG3 paralleling IgG1, and IgG4 mainly in sera long after onset. Anti‐HBe IgG1, IgG3, and IgG4 were detected in three, two, and two patients, respectively. Anti‐HBe IgG2, IgM, IgA1, or IgA2 was not found in any patient. The time required for maximum titer of anti‐HBc IgG1 was shorter in the patients with rapid clearance of HBsAg. Thus, in these patients, the geometric mean titer (GMT) of anti‐HBc IgG1 had not increased significantly, in sera sampled 56–182 days after onset, whereas, in the patients with slow clearance of HBsAg, the increase in GMT of anti‐HBc IgG1 was significant (P < 0.05; Student's t test). The humoral responses to HBcAg and HBeAg in acute hepatitis B differ in that HBcAg elicits a vigorous IgM or IgA1 response whereas HBeAg elicits only low levels of IgG, mainly IgG1. Thus our findings support differences regarding T‐cell dependence, when comparing the humoral responses to HBcAg and HBeAg.
Natural infection of duck embryos with duck hepatitis B Virus: Time and tissue sequence of infection
Authors: Dixon Robert J. , Jones Noel F. , Freiman John S. , Wilson Naomi S. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThere have been no studies addressing the detailed sequence of embryonic infection with duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV). Therefore, duck embryos from flocks infected with DHBV were examined to study the sequence of infection by DHBV in various embryonic tissues. Embryos from flocks infected with DHBV were harvested in duplicates from 7 to 25 days of incubation. Whole embryos (to 12 days) or dissected embryonic tissues were fixed, paraffin embedded, and stained for DHBV surface antigen (DHBsAg) using a peroxidase—antiperoxidase technique. Isolated hepatic cells were infected in 7‐day‐old embryos, and these increased in number until 11 days, when most cells were positive for DHBsAg. Endocrine pancreatic cells were positive from day 10, but only an occasional exocrine pancreatic cell was infected after day 20. Renal tubule cells were positive for DHBV by day 11, increasing in number until about day 18, after which a decline in numbers of infected cells occurred. Renal glomeruli became positive for DHBsAg from day 24. When present in the developing embryo, thymus, bursa of Fabricius, spleen, bone marrow, lung, and duodenum remained negative for DHBsAg. It was concluded that the timing of infection of specific tissues was not necessarily related to cellular maturity but may reflect a need for specific metabolic functions that permit viral replication.
Antibody response to herpes simplex virus glycoproteins gB and gD
Authors: Bernstein D. I. , Frenkel L. M. , Bryson Y. J. , Myers M. G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe antibody response to herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoproteins B and D was evaluated using these cloned glycoproteins in an ELISA assay and compared to a standard Western blotting procedure. The ELISA assay appeared to be more sensitive for detecting gB and gD antibodies. Antibodies to gB but not gD were detected in the acute sera of patients presenting with their first episode of true primary genital herpes. The geometric mean HSV gB titer (log 2) was also significantly higher than the geometric mean gD titer in the convalescent sera of these patients (7.9 ± 0.7 vs. 5.5 ± 0.9, P < .003). A cross‐reaction between HSV gB and varicella zoster virus (VZV) gp II was demonstrated. Thus, it is possible that a previous VZV infection could prime the immune system to respond rapidly and more vigorously to HSV gB. Indeed, in this report we demonstrated a significant correlation between the VZV ELISA absorbance and the titer to HSV gB and also detected a higher VZV ELISA absorbance and HSV gB titer in the acute sera of patients with a true primary HSV infection compared to other HSV seronegative VZV seropositive patients. Use of this quantitative assay should allow further investigation into the relationship of the immune response to these important targets and the clinical course of HSV disease.
Polymerase chain reaction for studies of mother to child transmission of HIV1 in Africa
Authors: Paterlini P. , Coeur S. Lallemant‐Le , Lallemant M. , M'Pelé P. , Dazza M. C. , Terre S. , Moncany M. , Jourdain G. , Courgnaud V. , N'Zingoula S. , Larouzé B. , Griscelli C. , Bréchot C. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe feasibility and implications of the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in studies of HIV1 mother to child transmission in Africa were investigated. Uncultured leukocyte blood cells (PBL) obtained in Brazzaville (Congo) from newborns and infants (mean age = 27 weeks) of infected mothers were tested. HIV1 DNA sequences were identified in the PBL of six of eight newborns and 14 of 23 babies born to HIV1‐positive mothers. In addition two of four babies, who at birth had been seropositive and subsequently were seronegative, were HIV1 DNA positive by PCR. This study demonstrates directly, therefore, a high rate of HIV1 transmission in Africa; it also indicates that PCR should be used for such epidemiological studies.
Antibodies to polioviruses in an Israeli population and Overseas volunteers
Authors: Margalith M. , Morag A. , Fattal B. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA seroepidemiological survey of prevalence of antibodies to poliovirus types 1–3 was carried out in 1,800 residents of 30 agricultural settlements (kibbutzim) in Israel during 1980 and 1981.The survey showed that in 1980 84%, 90%, and 79% of the kibbutz residents exhibited antibodies to poliovirus types 1–3, respectively. In 1981 the figures were 81%, 91%, and 73%. Significantly lower levels of antibodies for poliovirus type 3 in 1980/1981, and for poliovirus type 1 in 1981, were noticed in the age group 6–17 years compared with the age group of > 18 years. Infants and young children of the kibbutzim received the Salk polio vaccine during 1957–1961 and the Sabin oral polio vaccine since 1961.Among overseas volunteers from Western countries who came during 1980 and 1981 to work in the kibbutzim for a limited period of time, 88% exhibited antibodies to poliovirus type 1, 94% to poliovirus type 2, and 75% to poliovirus type 3.No significant differences in the level of antibodies were detected between males and females or between residents in those kibbutzim using or not using wastewater for irrigation.
The absence of hepatitis B virus DNA in hepatitis B e antigen positive sera from chronic hepatitis B surface antigen carriers in China
Authors: Scott Janet S. , Pan Pei‐En , Pace Raymond A. , Sloots Theo P. , Cooksley W. Graham 
Published: March 2007

AbstractSera from 20 Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B were examined for hepatitis B e antigen and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA. There was considerable discordance with HBV DNA not being detectable in 10 out of 13 (77%) patients who were hepatitis B e antigen positive. Further testing for anti‐HBe and HBV‐DNA polymerase activity confirmed the results. Possible reasons for this discordance are discussed but neither hepatitis D (delta) infection nor the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) could be implicated.
Molecular characterization by RNA‐RNA hybridization of a serotype 8 human rotavirus with “super‐short” RNA electropherotype
Authors: Ohshima Atsushi , Takagi Toshiaki , Matsuno Toyoko Nakagomi Shigeo , Matsuno Shigeo , Nakagomi Osamu 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA human rotavirus isolate (the 69M strain) with a “super‐short” RNA electropherotype has been classified as serotype 8, a new human serotype [Matsuno et al., 1985] RNA‐RNA hybridzation using 32P‐labeled transcription probes was used to assess the genetic relatedness of the 69M strain to a panel of human and animal rotaviruses. The 69M strain showed a medium level of homology with subgroup I, serotype 2 human rotaviruses with short RNA electropherotypes. However, the 69M strain was not significantly related to any other human rotavirus strains tested in this study, including recently identified serotype 9 strains (represented by the WI61 strain) and subgroup I human rotaviruses with long RNA electropherotypes (represented by the AU‐1 strain) that are shown to be genetically distinct from other human rotavirus strains. Unexpectedly, a medium level of homology was also found between the 69M probe and the double‐stranded RNAs from bovine rotavirus strains (represented by the NCDV strain).
An epidemic of respiratory syncytial virus in elderly people: Clinical and serological findings
Authors: Agius G. , Dindinaud G. , Biggar R. J. , Peyre R. , Vaillant V. , Ranger S. , Poupet J. Y. , Cisse M. F. , Castets M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn 1984–1985, an outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection occurred in two geriatric wards. Among 68 patients (mean age ± SD = 82.5 ± 12.5 years) with respiratory signs, 52 had signs caused by RSV infection. Among all patients, the clinical and serological attack rates were 61.2% and 75.0%, respectively. The most frequent clinical presentation was intensive coughing (96.1%) and fever (96.1%) associated with expectorate (63.5%). The duration of the respiratory symptoms was 5 to 7 days. The disease gradually resolved, although in eight (15.4%) patients complications occurred. For periods of up to 1 year after infection, 172 sera were obtained and tested by complement fixation test (CFT), fluorescent assays for titrating specific IgG, IgA, and IgM, and Western blotting. Specific IgM appeared in six (11.5%) of the infected patients and peaked 2 to 6 months after infection, and there was no significant correlation with severity of clinical symptoms. However, higher peak G and A antibody responses were observed in persons with rales (CFT: P=0.008; IgG: P=0.042; IgA: P=0.020), cough (IgG: P=0.034), sputum (IgG: P=0.030), dyspnea (CFT: P=0.024), conjunctivitis (CFT: P=0.025), and bronchitis (CFT: P=0.018). The temporal patterns of IgA and CFT results were found to be similar, whereas IgG peaked later, i.e., between 2 and 6 months. The patients with the most severe symptoms had the highest antibody titers obtained by conventional tests and by Western blots. Thus, RSV can be an epidemic pathogen among elderly persons, although this illness is usually mild.
Persistence of hepatitis A virus in fulminant hepatitis and after liver transplantation
Authors: Fagan Elizabeth , Yousef Galal , Brahm Javier , Garelick Hemda , Mann George , Wolstenholme Adrian , Portmann Bernard , Harrison Tim , Mowbray James F. , Mowat Alexander , Zuckerman Arie , Williams Roger 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA peroxidase‐labelled, specific mouse monoclonal antibody to hepatitis A virus (HAV) and an in situ hybridization technique (streptavidin‐biotin‐horseradish peroxidase reaction) with an HAV‐specific cDNA probe (recombinant plasmid pAWHA comprising 1.8 kb of the HAV‐specific cDNA, located toward the 3′ end of the genome) were used to detect HAV in liver tissues in two patients with fulminant viral hepatitis type A treated by liver transplantation after a protracted (day 40: case 1) and relapsing (day 60: case 2) clinical course. HAV antigens and HAV‐specific genomic sequences were detected in the hepatectomy tissues and in serial biopsies of the liver grafts through to final follow‐up at 2 months (case 2) or death at 7 months after re‐grafting for chronic rejection (case 1). In the fulminant liver parenchyma, numerous degenerating and some surviving hepatocytes were positive and randomly scattered. The immunoperoxidase staining was predominantly cytoplasmic and often granular. The localization of the cDNA probe was predominantly nuclear/perinuclear but was occasionally cytoplasmic. High‐titre IgM‐anti‐HAV antibodies persisted until death (case 1) or resolution (5 months) of an acute hepatitis (case 2), which occurred at 2 months, accompanied by HAV antigen (ELISA), in stool. Intact replicating virus particles must have been present in one or more sites in each case, including extrahepatic locations, with a viraemia as the most likely explanation for subsequent reinfection of the grafts.
Inhibition of hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase by 3′‐fluorothymidine triphosphate and other modified nucleoside triphosphate analogs
Authors: Meisel H. , Reimer K. , Janta‐Lipinski M. V. , Bärwolff D. , Matthes E. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe 3′‐fluoromodified nucleotide analogs 3′‐fluorothymidine triphosphate (FdTTP), 2′,3′‐dideoxy‐3′‐fluoro‐5‐chlorouridine triphosphate (F‐5CldUTP), 2′,3′‐dideoxy‐3′‐fluoro‐5‐ethyluridine triphosphate (F‐5EtdUTP), 2′,3′‐dideoxy‐3′‐fluorouridine triphosphate (FdUTP), and 2′,3′‐dideoxy‐3′‐fluoro‐5‐fluorouridine triphosphate (F‐5FdUTP) as well as 2′,3′‐dideoxythymidine triphosphate (ddTTP), 2′,3′‐didehydro‐2′,3′‐dideoxythymidine triphosphate (ddeTTP), 3′‐chlorothymidine triphosphate (CldTTP), and 3′‐rhodanothymidine triphosphate (SCNdTTP) were tested for their ability to inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐associated DNA polymerase activity in vitro. The ID50 values of the most potent inhibitors were 0.15 μM for FdTTP, 0.2 μM for ddeTTP, 0.45 μM for ddTTP, and 0.8 μM for F‐5CldUTP. SCNdTTP, CldTTP, and F‐5EtdUTP were less efficient (ID50 = 3–5 μM), and FdUTP and F‐5FdUTP were the least efficient inhibitors (ID50 = 25 μM) of the enzyme activity. Kinetic analysis revealed a competitive type of inhibition for FdTTP and ddeTTP. The Ki values were estimated to be 0.04 μM and 0.08 μM, respectively, compared with a Km value for dTTP of about 0.18 μM.
Anti‐PreS2 antibody assay for evaluating immune responses among recipients of recombinant hepatitis B PreS2+S vaccine
Authors: Hurni William M. , Roehm Robert R. , Miller William J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA competitive radioimmunoassay was developed for measuring hepatitis B virus (HBV) anti‐PreS2 antibody. The assay has been demonstrated to be highly specific for anti‐PreS2 antibody and not subject to interference by other antibodies to HBV‐specific antigens. This assay was used to evaluate anti‐PreS2 antibody responses in a hepatitis B PreS2+S vaccine human clinical trial in healthy adults.
Protracted alanine aminotransferase levels in tamarins infected with hepatitis A virus
Authors: Karayiannis P. , Chitranukroh R. , Fry M. , Petrovic L. M. , Moore D. , Scheuer P. J. , Thomas H. C. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractEighteen red‐bellied tamarins (Saguinus labiatus), experimentally infected with hepatitis A virus (HAV), were followed for up to 1.5 years after initial challenge. Half of these animals developed protracted alanine aminotransferase (ALT) abnormalities, which lasted for between 23 and 55 weeks post‐challenge. IgM anti‐HAV was detected intermittently during the early phase of their relapsing hepatitis and never after return of ALT levels to normal. The possibility that these findings may be related to continued HAV replication, coinfection with another agent, or the result of an autoimmune phenomenon triggered by HAV are discussed.
Hepatitis B virus DNA in peripheral blood leukocytes: A brief review
Authors: Harrison Tim J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractDespite being essentially hepatotropic, hepatitis B virus has frequently been detected in peripheral blood leukocytes. In most cases, viral DNA has been detected by hybridisation, though, occasionally, evidence of viral RNA and virus‐specific proteins has been reported. Though definitive evidence is lacking, it appears likely that the virus is able to replicate in at least a subfraction of these cells. The possible consequences with respect to the transmission and reactivation of virus infections are discussed.
Hepatitis B virus infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells is common in acute and chronic hepatitis
Authors: Pasquinelli Claudio , Melegari Margherita , Villa Erica , Scaglioni Pier Paolo , Seidenari Michela , Mongiardo Nicola , De Rienzo Bruno , Manenti Federico 
Published: March 2007

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) has been observed in all stages of liver disease. Thus far all information about the physical state of HBV in mononuclear blood cells comes from Southern blot analysis and in situ hybridization. In this study we focused our attention on the presence of HBV DNA sequences in PBMCs of 30 patients with acute type B hepatitis and 6 patients with chronic active hepatitis by utilizing both Southern blot analysis and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Southern blot analysis showed no HBV DNA sequences in PBMCs of the acute hepatitis patients, although the sensitivity of our method enabled us to detect as little as 1 pg of cloned HBV insert. As far as the chronic hepatitis patients are concerned Southern blot analysis revealed the presence of HBV DNA sequences in 5 out of 6 patients but intermittently at successive follow‐up times. On the other hand we were able to demonstrate the presence of HBV related sequences in 14 out of 30 acute hepatitis patients (5 HBeAg positive, 9 antiHBe positive) and in all 6 chronic hepatitis patients by PCR. Our results indicate that the involvement of PBMCs with HBV during acute HBV infection occurs at a very low level, often below the detection limit of the Southern blot technique.