International collaborative survey on epidemiology of hepatitis E virus in 11 countries

We conducted seroepidemiological studies on antibody prevalence to hepatitis E virus (HEV) in 5,233 sera from 11 countries to ascertain the present state of HEV infection on a global basis. The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG increased with age in these tested countries, but the rate of antibody positivity was over 20% in the 16-30 year-old group in most of the participating countries, except for Japan, the USA, and Spain. Of patients with acute hepatitis of unknown etiology from Nepal, 56% (14/25) were positive for the IgM class of anti-HEV antibody. In addition, HEV RNAs in the serum from 3 Nepali patients who had the IgM antibody were detected by nested PCR and all of the HEV genes isolated belonged to genotype 1. Our results indicate that HEV is spreading worldwide, not only in developing countries, but also in more industrialized countries than previously thought.     

Whole genome analysis of human papillomavirus genotype 11 from cervix, larynx and lung

The prevalence of human papillomavirus genotypes differs in various target organs. HPV16 is the most prevalent genotype in the cervix while genotypes 6 and 11 are highly prevalent in skin and aero-digestive tract infections. In this study HPV11 positive specimens were selected from cervix, larynx and lung biopsy tissue to analyze the whole genome by PCR and direct sequencing. Five HPV11 whole genomes were characterized, consisting of two cervical specimens, two laryngeal specimens and one lung specimen. The results showed high homology of HPV11 in these organs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all HPV11 derived from various organs belonged to the same lineage. Molecular characterization and functional studies can further our understanding of virulence, expression or transmission. Additional studies on functional protein expression at different organ sites will also contribute to our knowledge of HPV infection in various organs.     

Localization of Cathepsin K in Bovine Odontoclasts during Deciduous Tooth Resorption

Cathepsin K is a cysteine proteinase, which is abundantly and selectively expressed in osteoclasts. It is believed to play an important role in the proteolysis of bone resorption by osteoclasts. The objectives of this study were to investigate the association of cathepsin K in the physiological root resorption of deciduous teeth and to identify the cathepsin K-producing cells in deciduous root resorption. RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis of the total RNAs extracted from bovine active and resting root-resorbing tissues, which lie between the root of deciduous tooth and its permanent successor, were performed. The active root-resorbing tissue, which has a high population of odontoclasts on its surface that is attached to resorbing root surface, showed an extremely high expression of cathepsin K in comparison with the resting root-resorbing tissue. By in situ hybridization, cathepsin K mRNA was highly and selectively expressed in multinucleated odontoclasts that aligned along the surface of the tissue and apposed to the resorbing root surface of the deciduous tooth. Western blot analysis of the active root-resorbing tissue was used to characterize the anti-cathepsin K antibody. A band of 27 kDa, corresponding with the predicted size for mature cathepsin K, was demonstrated. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the specific localization of cathepsin K protein to the odontoclasts. These results demonstrate that odontoclasts in the deciduous root resorption express cathepsin K mRNA and protein that may participate in the proteolysis of root resorption of the deciduous tooth.     

Risk of seizure recurrence following a first unprovoked seizure in children

The aim of the study was to determine seizure recurrence rate and risk factors of a first unprovoked seizure in children. Ninety-one children aged 2 months-15 years who had a first unprovoked seizure were enrolled and followed-up. History and physical examination were undertaken. The results were displayed as a Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Multivariate analysis was performed with Cox proportional-hazards model. The cumulative probability of recurrence rate was 68 per cent and incidence density was 6.85 per 100 person-months. The cumulative risk of recurrence was 50 per cent at 4 months and 66 per cent at 12 months. No risk of seizure recurrence was found in this study.     

Plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load and serum vitamin A and E levels in HIV-1 infected pregnant women

The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load and serum vitamin A and E concentrations and vitamin E/cholesterol ratio in HIV-1 infected pregnant women not receiving antiretroviral therapy There were no significant correlations between plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load and serum vitamin A and E concentrations and vitamin E/cholesterol ratio. However, the presence of underlying vitamin A deficiency in these pregnant women was common.     

Comprehensive assessment of a post-coronary bypass graft patient with cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and multi-detector computed tomography

Coronary bypass graft surgery (CABG) is a revascularization procedure which reduces myocardial ischemia and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in selected patients;however, up to 40% of saphanous vein grafts may degenerate over 10 years. Although coronary angiography is the gold standard to detect graft patency and native vessel disease, sometimes it is difficult to locate the grafts resulting in increased exposure to radiation and contrast administration. This case highlights the utility of cardiac computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to provide comprehensive noninvasive assessment in a patient post CABG.(J Geriatr Cardiol 2007;4:244-247.)     

Maternal viral load and vertical transmission of HIV-1 in mid-trimester gestation.

BACKGROUND: It is now accepted that the majority of HIV-1 vertical transmissions occur in late gestation and at the time of delivery. However, there is wide variation in the prevalence rate of mid-trimester vertical transmission. We assessed the maternal HIV-1 RNA viral load and in utero transmission during mid-trimester gestation. METHODS: Patients were enrolled when they decided to have their pregnancies terminated between 17 and 24 weeks of gestation. Prostaglandin-induced abortion with PGE1 analogue vaginal administration was carried out in all patients. Maternal plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load and plasma HIV-1 RNA (qualitative) from abortus heart blood were assessed. RESULTS: Amongst 41 HIV-1 seropositive pregnant women not receiving antiretroviral therapy plasma HIV-1 RNA was detected in the abortus heart blood from two women (4.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.6-16.5). Transmission occurred in one out of nine (11.1%; 95% CI, 0.3-48.2) with maternal viral load > or =100000 copies/ml versus one out of 32 (3.1%; 95% CI, 0.1-16.2) of those with <100000 copies/ml (P = 0.39). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of HIV-1 vertical transmission during mid-trimester was approximately 5% as detected by plasma HIV-1 RNA (qualitative) method in the fetuses aborted from the prostaglandin termination of pregnancy. During mid-trimester gestation there was no correlation between high maternal viral load and vertical transmission.     

Infection with an unenveloped DNA Virus (TTV) associated with posttransfusion non-A to G hepatitis in hepatitis patients and healthy blood donors in Thailand

An unenveloped single-stranded DNA virus (TTV) has been reported in association with posttransfusion and acute and chronic hepatitis of unknown etiology. DNA of TTV was tested for by polymerase chain reaction with heminested primers in 127 patients with chronic liver disease and 105 healthy blood donors in Thailand. TTV DNA was detected in 23 (59%) of the 39 patients without hepatitis B surface antigen or RNA of hepatitis C virus, at a frequency significantly higher than the detection in 21 (36%) of the 59 patients with HBsAg (P < 0.05) or in 38 (36%) of the 105 blood donors (P < 0.05). Among patients with chronic liver disease, TTV DNA occurred in those with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma more frequently than in those with chronic hepatitis (35 of 65 or 54% vs. 20 of 62 or 32%, P < 0.05). There were no differences in age, sex, or markers of infection with hepatitis B, C and GBV-C/HGV viruses, indicating a mode of transmission of TTV different from those of the other hepatitis viruses. Phylogenetic analysis indicated three different genotypes of TTV with six distinct subtypes in Thailand. Based on these results, TTV would have a role in the development of chronic liver disease of unknown etiology in Thailand. J. Med. Virol. 56:234–238, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.