DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 3 2009
Takayuki Toda
Background:, The risk of patient-to-patient transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) during endoscopy remains controversial. Using molecular approaches, we examined the possibility of patient-to-patient transmission of HCV in three patients who developed acute hepatitis C 1,6 months after examination by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) in a hospital endoscopy unit in Japan. Methods:, For the source of HCV infection, we used frozen sera obtained from potential candidates who underwent UGIE earlier than three index patients on the same days in the same unit. HCV genotype was determined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with genotype-specific primers. The 1087-nucleotide (nt) sequence of the NS5B region of the HCV genome was compared between index patients and their HCV-viremic candidates. Results:, The three index patients were exclusively infected with HCV of genotype 1b. Among a total of 60 candidate patients who underwent UGIE earlier than the index patients, 14 were positive for anti-HCV, of whom 12 had detectable HCV-RNA (1b, n = 9; 2a, n = 1; 2b, n = 2) on sera collected during each UGIE. Shared identity within the 1087-nt NS5B sequence was less than 95.0% between index patients and HCV/1b-infected candidates (n = 3, 1 and 5, respectively). None of the remaining 46 candidates who were negative for anti-HCV at UGIE examination tested positive for HCV-RNA, nor seroconverted to anti-HCV on their sera, which most likely excludes the possibility of HCV viremia despite the anti-HCV-negative serology at UGIE examination. Conclusion:, The present study suggests that patient-to-patient transmission of HCV during UGIE is infrequent. [source]

Biodiversity May Curb West Nile Virus

CONSERVATION, Issue 1 2006
Article first published online: 8 MAR 200
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Orbital sarcoma in HIV positive patient: A diagnostic dilemma

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2010
D.N.B., Nalini Gupta M.D.
Abstract Diagnosis of a high-grade sarcoma on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) may not pose any difficulty; however, further sub-typing is sometimes difficult. The clinical data, investigations, and finer points on cytomorphology may help for proper categorization of the tumor, however, we encountered a case of orbital sarcoma in an Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive patient, in which further sub-typing was difficult even on histopathology and immunohistochemistry was helpful. The diagnostic difficulties on FNA cytology smears as well as histopathology are highlighted. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Synergistic effects of esfenvalerate and infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus on juvenile chinook salmon mortality

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2005
Mark A. Clifford
Abstract Sublethal concentrations of pollutants may compromise fish, resulting in increased susceptibility to endemic pathogens. To test this hypothesis, juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) were exposed to sublethal levels of esfenvalerate or chlorpyrifos either alone or concurrently with infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV). Three trials were performed with fish exposed to concentrations of IHNV between 0.8 × 102 and 2.7 × 106 plaque-forming units/ml and to 5.0 ,g/L of chlorpyrifos or 0.1 ,g/L of esfenvalerate. The presence and concentration of IHNV in dead fish were assayed by virus isolation and plaque assay techniques, respectively. Among groups exposed to both esfenvalerate and IHNV, 83% experienced highly significant (p < 0.001) mortality, ranging from 20 to 90% at 3 d post-virus exposure, and cumulatively died from 2.4 to 7.7 d sooner than fish exposed to IHNV alone. This trend was not seen in any other treatment group. Virus assays of dead fish indicate a lethal synergism of esfenvalerate and IHNV. Chlorpyrifos had no observed effect on total mortality or IHNV susceptibility. The present results suggest that accepted levels of pollutants may be seemingly nonlethal to fish but, in fact, be acting synergistically with endemic pathogens to compromise survivorship of wild fish populations through immunologic or physiologic disruption. [source]

The recent breakthroughs in the understanding of host genomics in hepatitis C

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 10 2010
Andri Rauch
Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (10): 950,959 Abstract Background, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is spontaneously resolved in about 30% of acutely infected individuals. In those who progress to chronic hepatitis C, HCV therapy permanently eradicates infection in about 40% of cases. It has long been suspected that host genetic factors are key determinants for the control of HCV infection. Design, We will review in this study four genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and two large candidate gene studies that assessed the role of host genetic variation for the natural and treatment-induced control of HCV infection. Results, The studies consistently identified genetic variation in interleukin 28B (IL28B) as the strongest predictor for the control of HCV infection. Importantly, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL28B strongly predicted both spontaneous and treatment-induced HCV recovery. IL28B is located on chromosome 19 and encodes interferon-,, a type III interferon with antiviral activity, which is mediated through the JAK-STAT pathway by inducing interferon-stimulated genes. The SNPs identified in the GWAS are in high linkage disequilibrium with coding or functional non-coding SNPs that might modulate function and/or expression of IL28B. The role of the different IL28B alleles on gene expression and cytokine function has not yet been established. Conclusions, These findings provide strong genetic evidence for the influence of interferon-, for both the natural and treatment-induced control of HCV infection, and support the further investigation of interferon-, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Furthermore, genetic testing before HCV therapy could provide important information towards an individualized HCV treatment. [source]

Control of arbovirus infections by a coordinated response: West Nile Virus in England and Wales

FEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2006
Dilys Morgan
Abstract Although there is no recognized transmission of human arboviral infections in the UK, concerns about the possible spread of West Nile virus (WNV) have precipitated coordinated activities around both surveillance and response. The Department of Health has chaired a UK WNV task force since the end of 2000. This is a multidisciplinary group of senior representatives from Agencies and Government Departments involved in human and animal health, entomology and academic departments. Activities include surveillance for WNV infections in humans, and in dead birds, mosquitoes and horses. All have been negative for WNV. A WNV contingency plan was produced in 2004, and this could be used as a generic plan for an effective and coordinated response in the event of the emergence of a new vector-borne zoonotic infection. [source]

Altered immune response to CNS viral infection in mice with a conditional knock-down of macrophage-lineage cells

GLIA, Issue 2 2006
Jessica Carmen
Abstract Neuroadapted Sindbis Virus (NSV) is a neuronotropic virus that causes hindlimb paralysis in susceptible mice and rats. The authors and others have demonstrated that though death of infected motor neurons occurs, bystander death of uninfected neurons also occurs and both contribute to the paralysis that ensues following infection. The authors have previously shown that the treatment of NSV-infected mice with minocycline, an inhibitor that has many functions within the central nervous system (CNS), including inhibiting microglial activation, protects mice from paralysis and death. The authors, therefore, proposed that microglial activation may contribute to bystander death of motor neurons following NSV infection. Here, the authors tested the hypothesis using a conditional knock-out of activated macrophage-lineage cells, including endogenous CNS macrophage cells. Surprisingly, ablation of these cells resulted in more rapid death and similar weakness in the hind limbs of NSV-infected animals compared with that of control animals. Several key chemokines including IL-12 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) did not become elevated in these animals, resulting in decreased infiltration of T lymphocytes into the CNS of the knock-down animals. Either because of the decreased macrophage activation directly or because of the reduced immune cell influx, viral replication persisted longer within the nervous system in knock-down mice than in wild type mice. The authors, therefore, conclude that although macrophage-lineage cells in the CNS may contribute to neurodegeneration in certain situations, they also serve a protective role, such as control of viral replication. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Neuropathologic and neuroinflammatory activities of HIV-1-infected human astrocytes in murine brain

GLIA, Issue 2 2006
Huanyu Dou
Abstract The balance between astrocyte and microglia neuroprotection and neurotoxicity defines the tempo of neuronal dysfunction during HIV-1-associated dementia (HAD). Astrocytes maintain brain homeostasis and respond actively to brain damage by providing functional and nutritive neuronal support. In HAD, low-level, continuous infection of astrocytes occurs, but the functional consequences of thisinfection are poorly understood. To this end, human fetal astrocytes (HFA) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) were infected with HIV-1DJV and HIV-1NL4-3 (neurotropic and lymphotropic strains respectively) and a pseudotyped Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV/HIV-1NL4-3) prior to intracranial injection into the basal ganglia of severe combined immunodeficient mice. Neuropathological and immunohistochemical comparisons for inflammatory and neurotoxic activities were performed amongst the infected cell types at 7 or 14 days. HIV-1-infected MDM induced significant increases in Mac-1, glial fibrillary acidic protein, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1, and proinflammatory cytokine RNA and/or protein expression when compared with HSV/HIV-1- and HIV-1-infected HFA and sham-operated mice. Levels of neuron-specific nuclear protein, microtubule-associated protein 2, and neurofilament antigens were reduced significantly in the brain regions injected with human MDM infected with HIV-1DJV or VSV/HIV-1. We conclude that HIV-1 infection of astrocytes leads to limited neurodegeneration, underscoring the early and active role of macrophage-driven neurotoxicity in disease. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Chemical Approach for the Study of the ,Kissing Complex' of Moloney murine leukaemia Virus

HELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 7 2008
Sébastien Porcher
Abstract The replication of Moloney murine leukaemia virus relies on the formation of a stable homodimeric ,kissing complex' of a GACG tetraloop interacting through only two C,G base pairs flanked of 5,-adjacent unpaired adenosines A9. Previous NMR investigations of a model stem loop 1 has not permitted to reveal the origin of this interaction. Therefore, with the aim of deeper comprehension of the phenomena, the model sequence 10 was prepared where position 9 has been substituted for a nucleoside offering a wider , -stacking. In this context, the wyosine phosphoramidite building block 2 was prepared and incorporated by adapting the conditions of the automated synthesis and developing original templated enzymatic ligation. However, no ,kissing interaction' has been observed for this model sequence 10 due to steric hindrance as confirmed by computational simulation. Consequently, several other model sequences, 18, 23,26, containing modified nucleosides were prepared. Finally, the importance of the cross-loop H-bond between G8 and G11 nucleobases was revealed by preparing a 18mer RNA hairpin 27, where the guanosine G8 has been substituted for inosine. The latter, which does not possess a C3 amino function compared to guanosine, is unable to form any ,kissing complex' demonstrating the importance of this secondary interaction in the formation of the complex. [source]

Primary hepatocyte culture supports hepatitis C virus replication: A model for infection-associated hepatocarcinogenesis,

HEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2010
Krishna Banaudha
Analysis of progressive changes in hepatic gene expression that underlie hepatocarcinogenesis following hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection require examination of long-term cultures of normally differentiating primary human hepatocytes. We report a culture system of primary hepatocytes that support productive replication of infectious HCV. Hepatic functions were analyzed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction amplification of total cell RNA from cultures maintained in serum-free defined medium for up to 190 days. Sustained hepatic function was assessed by expression of albumin, alpha-fetoprotein, cytochrome P4502E1, cytokeratin-18, type-1 collagen, transforming growth factor-beta 1, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-13, and interferon alpha-receptors 1 and 2. Normally differentiated human primary hepatocytes supported productive replication of infectious clones of HCV genotypes 1a, 1b, and 2a; virus infection was inhibited by antibodies against CD81 virus entry factor. Virus released into the culture media of HCV-infected primary hepatocytes repeatedly passage to naïve hepatocytes. Replication of the three HCV genotypes shows interferon sensitivity observed in natural infections. Conclusion: Sustained cultures of physiologic host cells for the propagation of infectious HCV strains should accelerate studies of host response to HCV infection and progressive liver disease. Hepatology 2010;51:1922,1932 [source]

Antibodies Against Hepatitis C Virus,Like Particles and Viral Clearance in Acute and Chronic Hepatitis C

HEPATOLOGY, Issue 3 2000
Thomas F. Baumert M.D.
We recently described the efficient assembly of hepatitis C virus (HCV) structural proteins into HCV-like particles (HCV-LPs) in insect cells. These noninfectious HCV-LPs have similar morphologic and biophysical properties as putative virions isolated from HCV-infected humans and can induce a broadly directed immune response in animal models. The HCV envelope proteins of HCV-LPs are presumably presented in a native, virion-like conformation and may therefore interact with antienvelope antibodies directed against conformational epitopes. In this study, HCV-LPs were used as capture antigens in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect and quantify antibodies against HCV structural proteins in patients with acute and chronic hepatitis C. High titers of anti,HCV-LP antibodies were detected in patients chronically infected with HCV genotypes 1 to 6. In contrast to individuals with chronic hepatitis C, patients with acute self-limited hepatitis C displayed only a transient and weak seroreactivity against HCV-LPs. Patients with chronic HCV infection successfully treated with interferon demonstrated a gradual decline of anti,HCV-LP titers during or subsequent to viral clearance. Sustained interferon responders were characterized by significantly higher pretreatment levels of anti,HCV-LP antibodies as compared with nonresponders (P = .0001). In conclusion, HCV infection is associated with limited humoral immunity against the envelope proteins present on the HCV-LPs. An HCV-LP,based ELISA may be a useful diagnostic tool to distinguish acute hepatitis C from chronic HCV infection with exacerbation, and to predict viral clearance in response to interferon. [source]

Targeting ie-1 gene by RNAi induces baculoviral resistance in lepidopteran cell lines and in transgenic silkworms

INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2007
S. Kanginakudru
Abstract RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated viral inhibition has been used in a few organisms for eliciting viral resistance. In the present study, we report the use of RNAi in preventing baculovirus infection in a lepidopteran. We targeted the baculoviral immediate early-1 (ie-1) gene in both a transformed lepidopteran cell line and in the transgenic silkworm Bombyx mori L. Constitutive expression of double-stranded RNA was achieved by piggyBac -mediated transformation of Sf9 cell line with a transgene encoding double-stranded ie-1 RNA (dsie-1). Strong viral repression was seen at early stages of infection but subsequent recovery of viral proliferation was observed. In contrast, the same transgene inserted into the chromosomes of transgenic silkworms induced long-term inhibition of B. mori nucleopolyhedrovirus infection, with nearly 40% protection compared with nontransgenic animals. Protection was efficient at larval stages after oral infection with occlusion bodies or hemocoel injection of budded viruses. Virus injected pupae also displayed resistance. These results show that heritable RNAi can be used to protect silkworm strains from baculovirus infection. [source]

Epstein-Barr virus infection and risk of lymphoma: Immunoblot analysis of antibody responses against EBV-related proteins in a large series of lymphoma subjects and matched controls

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 8 2007
Silvia de Sanjosé
Abstract Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is consistently associated with distinct lymphoproliferative malignancies and aberrant EBV antibody patterns are found in most EBV cancer patients. We evaluate the detection of an abnormal reactive serological pattern to EBV (ab_EBV) infection and the risk of lymphoma in a multicentric case,control study. Serum samples were collected at study entry from 1,085 incident lymphoma cases from Spain, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Italy and 1,153 age, sex and country matched controls. EBV immunoglobulin G (IgG) serostatus was evaluated through a peptide-based ELISA combining immunodominant epitopes of EBNA1 (BKRF1) and VCA-p18 (BFRF3). Further, immunoblot analysis was performed to evaluate distinct antibody diversity patterns to EBV early antigens (EA), besides EBNA1, VCA-p18, VCA-p40 (BdRF1) and Zebra (BZLF1). Patients with chronic active EBV infection and aberrant EBV activity were characterized as having an abnormal reactive pattern (ab_EBV). Ab_EBV was observed in 20.9% of 2,238 included subjects with an increased proportion of cases presenting ab_EBV as compared to the control population (23.9% vs. 18.0% p = 0.001). Ab_EBV positivity was a risk factor for all lymphomas combined (odds ratio [OR] = 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.15,1.74), and specifically for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (OR = 2.96, 95%CI = 2.22,3.95). Lower levels of ab_EBV were observed for follicular lymphoma (OR = 0.38, 95%CI = 0.15,0.98). EBV may be involved in a larger subset of lymphomas among clinically immunocompetent subjects than previously thought, probably explained by an underlying loss of immune control of EBV latent infection. Ab_EBV is a useful tool to explore EBV imbalances preceeding or paralleling possible EBV associated oncogenic events. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

A preliminary investigation of dental disease in children with HIV infection

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 1 2000
M. Gelbier
Objective. To establish the levels of dental caries and gingivitis in a group of HIV-positive children. Study group. The study group comprised 35 children with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus attending The Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children. Outcome measures. Outcome measures included the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth and surfaces in both the primary and permanent dentitions; plaque and gingivitis scores. Results. The children included 18 boys and 17 girls. They were aged from 6 months to 18 years, with 17 aged 5 years or less and 15 aged 6 years or older. Twenty-four of the 35 children had some caries experience. The mean dmft was 4·4 and for those with permanent teeth the mean DMFT was 0·7. Mean plaque and gingivitis scores were 16·7 and 5·1 for plaque and gingivitis adjacent to primary teeth and 8·0 and 5·7 for that related to permanent teeth. Conclusions. There is a significant treatment need for children with HIV. [source]

Applications of Sleeping Beauty transposons for nonviral gene therapy

IUBMB LIFE, Issue 6 2007
Hanzhong Liu
Abstract Virus-based gene therapy has advanced to clinical trials; however, this approach may result in serious adverse events including oncogenesis and the possibility of triggering fatal immune responses. Nonviral gene delivery approaches have a better safety profile, but their in vivo application has been largely limited in the past due to their inefficient delivery into cells and lack of stable chromosomal integration that is necessary for long-term therapeutic benefit. However, recent advances suggest that the use of Sleeping Beauty transposons, a novel integrating nonviral vector system, are capable of achieving long-lasting therapeutic levels of transgene expression in preclinical settings. These observations and other ongoing relevant studies may unlock the therapeutic potential of nonviral gene therapy for human diseases. iubmb Life, 59: 1 - 6, 2007 [source]

Prediction of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Older Men Infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Clinical Factors and Value of the Six-Minute Walk Distance

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 11 2009
Krisann K. Oursler MD
OBJECTIVES: To investigate factors related to cardiorespiratory fitness in older human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and to explore the utility of 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD) in measuring fitness. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study in clinic-based cohort. SETTING: Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-three HIV-infected men, median age 57 (range 50,82), without recent acquired immunodeficiency syndrome,related illness and receiving antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. MEASUREMENTS: Peak oxygen utilization (VO2peak) according to treadmill graded exercise testing, 6-MWD, grip strength, quadriceps maximum voluntary isometric contraction, cross-sectional area, muscle quality, and muscle adiposity. RESULTS: There was a moderate correlation between VO2peak (mean ± SD; 18.4 ± 5.6 mL/kg per minute) and 6-MWD (514 ± 91 m) (r=0.60, P<.001). VO2peak was lower in subjects with hypertension (16%, P<.01) and moderate anemia (hemoglobin 10,13 gm/dL; 15%, P=.09) than in subjects without these conditions. CD4 cell count (median 356 cells/mL, range 20,1,401) and HIV-1 viral load (84% nondetectable) were not related to VO2peak. Among muscle parameters, only grip strength was an independent predictor of VO2peak. Estimation of VO2peak using linear regression, including age, 6-MWD, grip strength, and hypertension as independent variables, explained 61% of the variance in VO2peak. CONCLUSION: Non-AIDS-related comorbidity predicts cardiorespiratory fitness in older HIV-infected men receiving ARV therapy. The 6-MWD is a valuable measure of fitness in this patient population, but a larger study with diverse subjects is needed. [source]

Changing Trends in Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome in the Population Aged 50 and Older

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 9 2007
Sindy M. Paul MD
OBJECTIVES: To alert persons in the public and private healthcare professions to the increasing trends in higher proportions of persons aged 50 and older who are newly diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and who are living with HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). DESIGN: Data from the period 1992 through 2004 from the HIV/AIDS Reporting System (HARS) were analyzed. SETTING: New Jersey is the eleventh-most-populous state, with the highest density of persons per square mile. It also has the fifth-highest number of AIDS cases. PARTICIPANTS: All persons residing in New Jersey and reported to HARS with HIV infection or who are considered to have AIDS. MEASUREMENTS: Trends in persons aged 50 and older were compared with those in the population younger than 50 during 1992 through 2004 for the numbers of persons living with HIV/AIDS and the number of persons newly diagnosed with HIV infection. RESULTS: The proportion of all persons aged 50 and older living with HIV/AIDS in 2004 was significantly greater than the comparable proportion of persons in 1992. Proportionally, more persons were newly diagnosed with HIV who were aged 50 and older according to sex and for each of the three major race or ethnicity groups (white non-Hispanic, black non-Hispanic, and Hispanic) than were persons younger than 50. Each of these increases was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: HIV/AIDS social marketing campaigns should include images and issues related to older persons in educational and prevention efforts. New methods that reach older populations should be considered. Physicians and other healthcare providers should be made aware of their role in prevention and education about HIV. Testing of older populations with risk factors should be encouraged. [source]

In vitro effect of oral antiseptics on human immunodeficiency virus-1 and herpes simplex virus type 1

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 7 2001
A. A. M. A. Baqui
Abstract Aim: The antiviral effectiveness of widely used commercial mouthrinses has not been well studied. A project was undertaken to evaluate and compare the in vitro antiviral effectiveness of essential oil-containing mouthrinses (LA & TLA) and chlorhexidine mouthrinses (PX & CHX) on 2 different enveloped viruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) McIntyre strain. Method: HIV-189.6 (1×105/ml) and HSV-1 (1×106/ml) in RPMI-1640 medium were treated with two commercially available forms of LA & TLA (tartar control LA), and 2 formulations of chlorhexidine [(PX), 0.12% chlorhexidine & (CHX), 0.2% chlorhexidine] for 30 sec. The antiviral effect was estimated by inhibition of the syncytia formation or the cytopathic effect (CPE) for HIV-1 on MT-2 cells and by inhibition of the plaque formation for HSV-1 on Vero cell monolayers. Results: Undiluted LA, TLA, PX and CHX completely inhibited both HIV-189.6 and HSV-1 McIntyre strain. PX and CHX inhibited HIV-1 up to 1:4 dilution, whereas, LA and TLA inhibited HSV-1 up to 1:2 dilution. The antiviral effects of LA and TLA were found to be similar and also the antiviral effect of PX and CHX were also found to be comparable. Conclusions: The methods used in this investigation allow easy and reproducible evaluations of antiviral efficacy. The anti-HIV-1 and anti-HSV-1 effects of LA, TLA, PX and CHX as evidenced in our in vitro study suggest that we should investigate potential in vivo effects during the use of essential oil-containing or chlorhexidine containing products when used by patients as mouthrinses. If the clinical studies confirm the in vitro data, pre-procedural use by clinicians may be beneficial in reducing viral contamination of bio-aerosols during the delivery of dental care. Zusammenfassung Ziel: Die antivirale Effektivität von breit genutzten kommerziellen Mundwässern wurde bisher nicht gut untersucht. Ein Projekt wurde deshalb aufgenommen, um den in vitro antiviralen Effekt von ätherischen Öl enthaltenden Mundwässern (LA & TLA) und Chlorhexidin Mundwässern (PX & CHX) auf 2 unterschiedlich entwickelte Viren, das menschliche Immundefizienz Virus (HIV-1) und das Herpes simplex Virus (HSV-1) McIntyre Stamm zu evaluieren und zu vergleichen. Methoden: HIV-189.6 (1×105/ml) und HSV-1 (1×106/ml) in RPMI-1640 Medium wurden mit 2 kommerziellen Formen von LA & TLA (Tartarkontrolle LA) und 2 Arten von Chlorhexidin [(PX), 0.12% Chlorhexidin & (CHX), 0.2% Chlorhexidin] für 30 Sekunden behandelt. Der antivirale Effekt wurde durch Inhibition der Syncytiumbildung oder des cytopathischen Effektes (CPE) für HIV-1 auf MT-2 Zellen und durch Inhibition der Plaquebildung für HSV-1 auf Vero Zellmonolayers bestimmt. Ergebnisse: Unverdünntes LA, TLA, PX und CHX inhibierte sowohl HIV-189.6 und HSV-1 McIntyre Stamm. PX und CHX inhibierte HIV-1 bis zu einer 1:4 Verdünnung, während LA und TLA HSV-1 bis zu einer 1:2 Verdünnung inhibierte. Die antiviralen Effekte von LA und TLA wurden gleichwertig gefunden und auch der antivirale Effekt von PX und CHX waren vergleichbar. Zusammenfassung: Die genutzten Methoden in dieser Untersuchung erlaubten leicht und reproduzierbar die Evaluation von antiviralen Effekten. Die anti-HIV-1 und anti-HSV-1 Effekte von LA, TLA, PX und CHX, die in unserer in vitro Studie evident waren, suggerieren, daß wir das Potential der in vivo Effekte während des Gebrauches von ätherischen Öl enthaltenden oder Chlorhexidin enthaltenden Produkten untersuchen sollten, wenn die Patienten dies als Mundwässer benutzen. Wenn die klinischen Studien die in vitro Ergebnisse bestätigen, kann der vorherige Gebrauch durch die Kliniker die virale Kontamination von Bioaerosolen während der durchgeführten zahnäztlichen Behandlung reduzieren. Résumé But: L'efficacité antivirale des bains de bouches largement commercialises n'a pas été bien étudiée. Notre projet a évalué et comparé l'efficité antivirale in vitro de bains de bouche aux huiles essentielles (LA et TLA) et à la chlorexhidine (PX et CHX) sur 2 virus à envelopes, le virus de l'immunodéfiscience acquise 1 (HIV1) et la souche McIntyre du virus de l'Herpes simplex de type 1 (HSV1). Méthode: HIV1896 (1×105/ml) et HSV1 (1×106 ml) dans un milieu RPMI-1640 furent traits avec 2 formes disponibles sur le marché de LA et TLA, et 2 formules de chloxhexidine (PX, 0.12% chlorexhidine et CHX, 0.2% chlorexhidine) pendant 30 s. L'effet antiviral fut estimé par l'inhibition de la formation de syncitia ou par l'effet cytopathique (CPE) pour HIV1, sur des cellules MT2 et par l'inhibition de la formation de plaque pour HSV1 sur des monocouches cellulaires Vero. Résultats: CHX, LA, TLA et PX non dilués inhibaient complètement à la fois HIV1896 et la souche McIntyre HSV1. PX et CHX inhibaient HIV1 jusqu'à une dilution par 4 alors que LA et TLA inhibaient HSV1 jusqu'à une dilution par 2. Les effets antiviraux de LA et TLA étaient similaires, et les effets antiviraux de PX et CHX étaient aussi comparables. Conclusions: Les methodes utilisées pour cette recherche permettent une évaluation facile et reproductible de l'efficacité antivirale. Les effets anti-HIV1 et anti-HSV1 de LA, TLA, PX et CHX trouvés ici in vitro suggèrent que nous recherchions des effects potentiels in vivo lors de l'utilisation de produits contenant des huiles essentielles ou de la chlorexhidine utilisés comme bains de bouches par les patients. Si les études cliniques confirment les données in vitro, l'utilisation préclinique par les praticiens pourrait leur être bénéfique en réduisant la contamination virale des bioaérosols lors des soins dentaires. [source]

Fast anterograde transport of Herpes Simplex Virus: Role for the amyloid precursor protein of Alzheimer's disease

AGING CELL, Issue 3 2010
Prasanna Satpute-Krishnan
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

When intimate partner violence against women and HIV collide:Challenges for healthcare assessment and intervention

JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING, Issue 2 2010
FAAN, Kimberly Adams Tufts DNP, WHNP-BC
Abstract Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) both constitute major public health issues that impact the overall health of women. IPV, including sexual assault, remains a persistent public health concern that has proven to be both difficult and significantly dangerous to prevent and treat. Based on data from UNAIDS more than 14.5 million women were living with HIV by the end of 2005. IPV and HIV are often interrelated. Exposure to IPV has been associated with an increased risk for contracting HIV and women who are living with HIV may be more likely to become victims of IPV. Implications: comprehensive care and services have to be offered in the context of where women seek health care. Screening and effective intervention for IPV are essential components of HIV-related services including prevention programming, voluntary counseling and testing, and treatment. Including IPV-related services into the context of HIV-related services delivers the message that violence is not a taboo topic in the health-care setting. [source]

Transgenic mice replicating hepatitis B virus but lacking expression of the major HBsAg,

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 4 2008
Leonie Halverscheid
Abstract Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) transgenic mice replicating the viral genome at high level but lacking expression of the small envelope protein (HBsAg) have been produced using a terminally redundant viral DNA construct (HBV 1.4). The generation of viable infectious progeny was dependent on sex and age of mice. Viral mRNA was abundant in liver and kidneys and at low levels in other organs of the mice. No viral particles or HBV envelope proteins could be detected in sera of mice. Despite expression of non-secreted LHBs and MHBs proteins in the liver, there was no accumulation of viral particles in the endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocytes and no necroinflammatory hepatitis was observed. Therefore, these mice represent an excellent model for studies of the role of HBsAg in viral assembly, antiviral immune responses, the further understanding of HBV immunopathogenesis, and the development of antiviral vaccines. J. Med. Virol. 80:583,590, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Epidemiology of varicella-zoster virus in England and Wales

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue S1 2003
M. Brisson
Abstract Many countries are studying currently the possibility of mass vaccination against varicella. The objective of this study was to provide a complete picture of the pre-vaccine epidemiology of the Varicella-Zoster Virus in England and Wales to aid in the design of immunisation programs. Population-based data including general practitioner sentinel surveillance, hospitalisation data, and death certificates from England and Wales were analysed. The average incidence rates for varicella and zoster between 1991 and 2000 were 1,291 and 373 per 100,000 years, respectively. Overall hospitalisation rates were equal for varicella and zoster (4.5 vs. 4.4 hospitalisation per 100,000 population) with 5 and 8%, respectively, having underlying immunosuppressive conditions. The age-specific proportion of cases hospitalised and length of stay were similar between the two diseases. However, the overall burden of disease is considerably higher for zoster. The number of inpatient days and case-fatality due to zoster are roughly 4 to 6 times greater than for varicella (11 vs. 3 days and 25 vs. 4 deaths per 100,000 case). These results provide base-line estimates should mass varicella vaccination be introduced in England and Wales. J. Med. Virol. 70:S9,S14, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Risk factors for oral hairy leukoplakia in HIV-infected adults of Brazil

JOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE, Issue 6 2006
Mariela Dutra Gontijo Moura
Background:, Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) may be an indicator of the progression of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-induced immuno-depression, and the evaluation of risk factors leading to OHL is important in the management of these HIV-infected patients. However, there are few studies that analyze risk factors leading to OHL in the Brazilian population. The aim of this case,control study is to present data about prevalence rates and risk factors leading to OHL in a sample of HIV-infected adults in Brazil. Methods:, This case,control study included 111 HIV-infected patients treated at a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. In the initial examinations with dentists, variables were collected from all patients. Diagnosis of OHL was performed in accordance with the International Classification System and cytological features. The Fisher and the chi-squared tests were used for statistical analysis. The proportional prevalence and odds ratio were estimated. Results:, Outcome presented a positive, statistically significant association among the presence of OHL and viral load of 3000 copies/,l or greater (P = 0.0001; odds ratio (OR) = 5.8), presence of oral candidiasis (P = 0.0000; OR = 11.1), previous use of fluconazole (P = 0.0000; OR = 24.6), and use of systemic acyclovir (P = 0.032; OR = 4.3). Antiretroviral medication presented a negative, statistically significant association with the presence of OHL (P = 0.002; OR = 8.4). Conclusions:, Prevalence of OHL was 28.8%. Viral load, oral candidiasis, previous use of fluconazole, and systemic acyclovir were determined to be risk factors for OHL. Antiretroviral medication proved to be protective against the development of OHL. [source]

Alcohol and Hepatitis C Virus,Interactions in Immune Dysfunctions and Liver Damage

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 10 2010
Gyongyi Szabo
Hepatitis C virus infection affects 170 million people worldwide, and the majority of individuals exposed to HCV develop chronic hepatitis leading to progressive liver damage, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular cancer. The natural history of HCV infection is influenced by genetic and environmental factors of which chronic alcohol use is an independent risk factor for cirrhosis in HCV-infected individuals. Both the hepatitis C virus and alcohol damage the liver and result in immune alterations contributing to both decreased viral clearance and liver injury. This review will capture the major components of the interactions between alcohol and HCV infection to provide better understanding for the molecular basis of the dangerous combination of alcohol use and HCV infection. Common targets of HCV and alcohol involve innate immune recognition and dendritic cells, the critical cell type in antigen presentation and antiviral immunity. In addition, both alcohol and HCV affect intracellular processes critical for hepatocyte and immune cell functions including mitochondrial and proteasomal activation. Finally, both chronic alcohol use and hepatitis C virus infection increase the risk of hepatocellular cancer. The common molecular mechanisms underlying the pathological interactions between alcohol and HCV include the modulation of cytokine production, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-TLR4 signaling, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. LPS-induced chronic inflammation is not only a major cause of progressive liver injury and fibrosis, but it can also contribute to modification of the tissue environment and stem cells to promote hepatocellular cancer development. Alteration of these processes by alcohol and HCV produces an environment of impaired antiviral immune response, greater hepatocellular injury, and activation of cell proliferation and dedifferentiation. [source]

Field Studies on Cross-protection against Japanese yam mosaic virus in Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita) with an Attenuated Strain of the Virus

JOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2008
H. Kajihara
Abstract An attenuated strain of Japanese yam mosaic virus (JYMV), designated T-3, was evaluated for its cross-protection efficacy against virulent (native) strains of JYMV in Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita) grown in farmers' fields in Japan. Native strains of JYMV were detected by a polymerase chain reaction-based assay in all the Chinese yam plants grown from virus-free tubers in the first growing season in the fields. In contrast, the virus was detected in only one of fifty plants grown from tubers preinoculated with T-3 during the experiments for 6 years, suggesting that T-3 consistently cross-protected against native JYMV in Chinese yam in the field. Chinese yam plants preinoculated with T-3 produced significantly greater yield of tubers per plant compared with non-inoculated plants. [source]

Complete Genome Sequence of a Slovak Isolate of Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus (ZYMV) Provides Further Evidence of a Close Molecular Relationship Among Central European ZYMV Isolates,

JOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 7-8 2006
M. Glasa
Abstract The complete nucleotide sequence of a Slovak isolate of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV-Kuchyna) was determined. The viral genome contains 9593 nucleotides, excluding the poly(A) tail, and encodes a putative polyprotein of 3080 amino acid residues. All characteristic motifs of potyviral proteins' fundamental viral properties and vector transmission are conserved in the ZYMV-Kuchyna genome. The entire sequence shares identities of 90.4,98.8% and 78,98.8% with 12 sequenced ZYMV isolates at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete capsid protein (CP) sequences of more than 50 geographically different ZYMV isolates has shown that Central European isolates are closely related and form a phylogenetically homogeneous group. [source]

Cytological Alterations Produced by Sweet Potato Mild Speckling Virus

JOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 7-8 2006
C. F. Nome
Abstract The potyvirus sweet potato mild speckling (SPMSV) has the biological properties and the coat protein sequence already described. In this work, cytological alterations and the intracellular localization in Ipomoea setosa and Ipomoea batatas was studied. The observations were carried out by means of transmission electron microscopy, complemented with immunogold techniques for the viral localization with SPMSV antiserum of local production. The observations carried out showed almost no alteration on cell components but the presence of cylindrical inclusion in the cytoplasm (bundles, laminate aggregates, and pinwheels, neither circles nor scrolls) belonging to the type-2 in the classification of Edwardson and Christie (Cylindrical Inclusions. Bulletin 894, 1996, pp. 1,11). Gold particles were localized in cytoplasms of all tissues of the leaf. [source]

Genetic Analysis of Tolerance to Rice Tungro Bacilliform Virus in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Through Agroinoculation

JOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2006
N. S. Zenna
Abstract Balimau Putih [an Indonesian cultivar tolerant to rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV)] was crossed with IR64 (RTBV, susceptible variety) to produce the three filial generations F1, F2 and F3. Agroinoculation was used to introduce RTBV into the test plants. RTBV tolerance was based on the RTBV level in plants by analysis of coat protein using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The level of RTBV in cv. Balimau Putih was significantly lower than that of IR64 and the susceptible control, Taichung Native 1. Mean RTBV levels of the F1, F2 and F3 populations were comparable with one another and with the average of the parents. Results indicate that there was no dominance and an additive gene action may control the expression of tolerance to RTBV. Tolerance based on the level of RTBV coat protein was highly heritable (0.67) as estimated using the mean values of F3 lines, suggesting that selection for tolerance to RTBV can be performed in the early selfing generations using the technique employed in this study. The RTBV level had a negative correlation with plant height, but positive relationship with disease index value. [source]

Ultrastructural and Immunocytochemical Studies on Effects of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus , Infection on Fusarium Head Blight, Caused by Fusarium graminearum, in Wheat Plants

JOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
Y. Liu
Abstract The interactions between barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) and Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum, were studied in the two winter wheat cultivars (cvs.), Agent (susceptible to FHB) and Petrus (moderately resistant to FHB), using ultrastructural and immunocytochemical methods. Infections of wheat plants of both cvs. by BYDV increased susceptibility to FHB. BYDV infection caused numerous cytological changes in lemma tissue of both cvs. such as formation of vesicles in the cytoplasm, degradation of fine structures of chloroplasts of both cvs. and accumulation of large starch grains in the chloroplasts. Electron microscopical studies showed that the development of F. graminearum on spike surfaces was not affected in BYDV-infected plants. After penetration and intercellular growth in lemma tissue, defence responses to Fusarium infections were markedly reduced in BYDV-diseased plants compared to the tissue of virus-free plants. At sites of contact of fungal cells with host tissue, depositions of cell wall material were distinctly less pronounced than in tissues of virus-free plants of cv. Petrus. Detection of , -1,3-glucanases and chitinases in lemma tissue of cv. Agent revealed no appreciably increased accumulation of both defence enzymes in F. graminearum -infected virus-free and BYDV-infected tissues compared to the non-infected control tissue. On the other hand, in cv. Petrus, infection with F. graminearum induced a markedly enhanced activity of both enzymes 3 days after inoculation. The increase of both enzyme activities was less pronounced in BYDV-infected plants than in tissue exclusively infected with F. graminearum. Cytological studies suggest that in contrast to the susceptible cv. Agent postinfectional defence responses may play still an important role in the resistance of the moderately resistant cv. Petrus to FHB. [source]

Biological and Molecular Characterization of Melon-Infecting Kyuri Green Mottle Mosaic Virus in Indonesia

JOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 10 2005
B. S. Daryono
Abstract Melon (Cucumis melo L.) plants showing fruit deformation and mosaic symptoms were found in Java, Indonesia, in 2001. Leaf dips of the symptomatic melon tissue revealed rod-shaped viral particles 300 × 18 nm in size. Biological and serological data described in this study indicate that the virus belonged to the genus tobamovirus and was related to the kyuri green mottle mosaic virus (KGMMV). The genome of the virus has been completely sequenced, consisting of 6512 nucleotides and was compared in detail with KGMMV-C1 and KGMMV-Y. The sequence of their 5,- and 3,- non-coding regions (NCRs) were 91% and 94% identical to KGMMV-C1, and only 82% and 95% identical to KGMMV-Y respectively. The amino acid sequence of the shorter and longer RNA replicase components, movement protein and coat protein were 94%, 91%, 95% and 94% identical to KGMMV-C1 and 93%, 89%, 91% and 85% identical of KGMMV-Y respectively. The results from phylogenetic analysis of the coding regions revealed that KGMMV-YM is a new strain of KGMMV. This is the first report of the complete nucleotide sequence and analysis of genome organization for KGMMV isolated in anywhere in South-East Asia. [source]