Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0019163 (hepatitis B)
 38,309 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

We have recently developed a new colorimetric method, DNA enzyme immunoassay (DEIA), for detecting specific hybrids of complementary nucleic acids. This technology is based on an antibody that selectively recognizes double, but not single-stranded DNA. The molecule does not react with a specific probe immobilized on microwells through an avidin-biotin bridge, nor with non-specific amplified sequences, since they are removed by washing. The antibody reveals the hybridization event, independently of the DNA sequences and, for this reason, the method is broadly applicable and extremely versatile. Although we chose a format based on the immobilization of the probe through an avidin-biotin interaction, DEIA assay can also be applied to other analytical schemes that do not require any modification of the probe. Most importantly, the test has an ELISA format and is rapid and convenient for processing large numbers of samples. This technology has been applied, in our laboratory, to different areas, including virology, genetic and basic immunology. The DEIA assay has been successfully used to detect the presence of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) sequences in serum of patients, to discriminate different HLA alleles, to identify mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis gene, and to investigate the role of the T cell receptor in some immunological diseases. The results obtained in all our experiments demonstrated that the advantages offered by the assay do not penalize its analytical performance as compared to conventional Southern blot.
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PMID:Non-radioisotopic methods for DNA probes. 133 35

Within the last decade several advances in medicine have resulted in extended longevity of children with cancer, cystic fibrosis, certain congenital immunodeficiency disorders, chronic renal diseases and aplastic anemia. Forthwith, the population of such immunocompromised children has increased and accounts for a greater portion of the hospital census than heretofore. To avoid emotional, infectious and financial burdens of hospitalization, efforts have been successful in developing ambulatory outpatient programs within specialized centers. Although infection control policies have been reasonably well-established for the hospitalized inpatient, policies for the hospital outpatient are lacking. Investigations into the problems of "nosocomial outpatient infections" are needed. Accomplishments in recent years in the control of nosocomial infections include the development of preparations for passive immunization for varicella-zoster virus and hepatitis B virus exposures and the application of certain antibiotic regimens for prophylaxis. Currently a vaccine is under study for active immunization to varicella with possible efficacy for exposed susceptible persons. It is obvious that the proportion of children at increased risk for infection in the hospital environment will continue to increase.
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PMID:Nosocomial infections in immunocompromised children. 746 24

Molecular biology has revolutionized our understanding of the life of the cell. The development of concepts has been accompanied by the development of new technologies, many of which have clinical applicability. This new armamentarium includes methods for detection and amplification of minuscule amounts of DNA, automated methods for DNA and RNA sequencing, the ability to express a gene in cultured cells and harvest its product, approaches to identify genes whose product is unknown, methods for a detailed understanding of the regulation of gene expression, and innovative methods for gene therapy. These developments have already had an impact on gastroenterology, exemplified by the identification of hepatitis viruses and the agent causing Whipple's disease, development of a recombinant vaccine for hepatitis B, and isolation of the cystic fibrosis gene, which will lead to the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. This editorial outlines these recent changes in the conceptual and practical framework of gastroenterology.
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PMID:Molecular gastroenterology--implications for medical practice. 822 75

The British Andrology Society (BAS) guidelines for the screening of semen donors have undergone a recent review, and following consultation with members of the Society and with experts in the allied professions, the following revised guidelines have been issued. Major changes include the introduction of an upper age limit for semen donors (<40 years old) and the general exclusion of men who are seropositive for cytomegalovirus as donors. The BAS recommends the screening of prospective semen donors for chromosomal abnormalities and for cystic fibrosis carrier status. Following the report of cross-contamination of human cells with hepatitis B virus within a liquid nitrogen storage vessel, the BAS recommends that steps be taken to ensure the safe cryopreservation of donor gametes.
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PMID:British Andrology Society guidelines for the screening of semen donors for donor insemination (1999). 1100 8

Reverse allele specific oligonucleotide assays provide a robust method for the molecular characterization of high-mutation spectrum disorders. Commercial test have been developed for human leukocyte antigens class I and class II regions of human chromosome 6, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator at 7q31 and strains of human Hepatitis B and C virus. In their most developed form, these assays rely upon highly multiplexed PCR reactions containing biotinylated primers providing a substrate for nonradioactive detection systems. Sophisticated reverse dot-blot technology involves mechanized covalent attachment of activated primary amine-conjugated oligonucleotides to carboxylated nylon membranes or bovine serum albumin. Subsequent to line or dot printing, membranes are stored or sold dry in preparation for hybridization. Circular spots or lines are visualized colorimetrically after hybridization through the use of streptavidin horseradish peroxidase incubation followed by development using tetramethylbenzidine and hydrogen peroxide, or via chemiluminescence after incubation with avidin alkaline phosphatase conjugate and a luminous substrate susceptible to enzyme activation, such as CSPD, followed by exposure to x-ray film. The entire procedure from blood specimen receipt to result usually requires less than 1 day. Because of the simplicity, speed, and generally high sensitivity and specificity, large numbers of individuals can be rapidly screened using this technology. Rapid turnaround is often required in prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, beta-thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies, giving this technology has special applicability in those genetic diseases. Commercial instruments are available which automate the hybridization and color development. In addition, scanning software can capture the probe reactivity pattern and interpret it in terms of a genotype.
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PMID:Origin and utility of the reverse dot-blot. 1264 92

A possible link is suggested between hepatic diseases and rheumatic disease. Polyarthralgia and polyarthritis may be seen during the prodromal period of acute viral hepatitis, especially in hepatitis B virus (HBV). The symptoms of arthritis, mild, localized or generalized, mostly involve the small joints of hands. Joint symptoms frequently precede the onset of jaundice, no residual joint deformities. Circulating immune complexes are believed to play a causative role in the development of vasculitis and arthritis. Hemochromatosis is an antosomal recessive disorder of iron. About 43%-81% of patients with hemochromatosis have arthritis. The common extrahepatic manifestations of autoimmune hepatitis are arthralgia and skin rash. The reported prevalence of symptomatic inflammatory arthropathy in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis ranges from 4% to 50%. Skeletal involvement with Wilson's disease is common. Such patients may complain of pain and stiffness, mainly in the knee, wrist, or other large joints. Shwachman's syndrome is a disorder of pancreatic exocrine. Symmetric bone lesions have been reported in 10% to 15% of patients. They are involved predominantly at the femoral neck. Rheumatic symptoms are seen in one third of adult patients with cystic fibrosis and arthritis in 2.5% to 12% of patients. The arthritis caused by pancreatic panniculitis is usually symmetrical and involves the small joints of the hand, wrist, and feet, but may involve such larger joints as the elbow, ankle, and knee.
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PMID:Rheumatologic manifestations of hepatic diseases. 1459 26

Liver biopsy is a vital part of chronic viral hepatitis management. Pathologists should view these biopsies as screening tools for other liver diseases. We describe our experience in a 6-year period and discuss the pathologist's role. Liver biopsies of 1,842 patients with hepatitis B or C, for the 2001-2007 period at the University Health Network, Toronto, Canada, were reviewed; 410 other diagnoses were documented in 377 patients (20.5%; mean age, 25.4 years; range, 15-80 years). These diagnoses included 58 hepatocellular carcinomas and 16 dysplastic nodules, which are recognized complications of chronic viral hepatitis. The remaining findings included the following: steatosis/steatohepatitis, 251; hemosiderosis, 62; granulomatous disease, 7; drug-induced hepatitis, 4; primary biliary cirrhosis, 3; Wilson disease, 2; metastases, 2; and cholangiocarcinoma, atypical lymphoid proliferation, alpha(1)-antitrypsin deficiency, cystic fibrosis, and schistosomiasis, 1 each. Liver biopsies in patients with viral hepatitis revealed other processes with the potential to modify disease progression and/or the management strategy in 20.5% of patients.
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PMID:Non-viral-related pathologic findings in liver needle biopsy specimens from patients with chronic viral hepatitis. 2055 Dec 82

The aim of gene therapy is to treat inherited or acquired genetic deficiencies (e.g., cystic fibrosis) or viral diseases (e.g., hepatitis B, HIV) by introduction of DNA encoding a therapeutic protein or a specific virus antigen, respectively, into the nucleus of the target cell. Because naked DNA will barely pass cellular membranes, a carrier system is required for transfection (1-4). Cationic polymers, which condense DNA by ionic interaction, form a promising class of nonviral transfection agents. Well-known examples of these polymers are DEAE dextran, poly(L-lysine), poly(ethylenimine), and poly(2- [dimethylamino]ethyl methacrylate) (pDMAEMA) (5-10). In order to achieve transfection, aplasmid must be delivered into the nucleus, which requires cellular uptake of polymerDNA complexes, generally referred to as "polyplexes" (11), which most likely occurs via endocytosis, followed by endosomal escape and transport to the nucleus. The polyplex must dissociate, either in the cytosol or in the nucleus, which may be a critical step in the transfection process.
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PMID:Water-soluble cationic methacrylate polymers for nonviral gene delivery. 2131 44

Since children with chronic diseases represent a primary target for immunization strategies, it is important that their immunization coverage and timeliness of vaccines is optimal. We performed a study to measure immunization coverage and timeliness of vaccines in children with type 1 diabetes, HIV infection, Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and neurological diseases. A total of 275 children aged 6 months-18 years were included in the study. Coverage for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), polio (Pol), and hepatitis B (HBV) vaccines approximated 85% at 24 months, while measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) coverage was 62%. Immunization coverage for seasonal influenza was 59%. The analysis of timeliness revealed that there was heterogeneity among children with different chronic diseases. A proportional hazard model showed that children with HIV infection had the longest time to complete three doses of DTP, Pol, and HBV, and those with neurological diseases received the first dose of MMR later than the other categories. Causes of missing or delayed vaccination mostly included a concurrent acute disease. Children with chronic diseases should be strictly monitored for routine and recommended vaccinations, and health care providers and families should be properly informed to avoid false contraindications.
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PMID:Immunization coverage and timeliness of vaccination in Italian children with chronic diseases. 2141 80

This article is concerned with the important topic of infections associated with organ transplantation and includes a discussion on four subtopics. The first section describes the current options in the prevention and therapy of viral hepatitis in association with liver transplantation. Infections with hepatitis B, C, D (delta) and E are discussed with special emphasis on the interferon-free treatment of hepatitis C with the new antiviral drugs.The second section deals with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infections following lung transplantation (LuTx), which is one of the most frequently detected pathogens in the airway after LuTx. Patients with cystic fibrosis are particularly affected. This is important because studies have shown a clear correlation between chronic PA infections after LuTx and development of chronic transplant failure. Even if the data are still sparse, recommendations on prevention and therapeutic strategies are given. The theme of the third section is the high importance of viral infections after kidney transplantation. In addition to acquired infections, the transplanted organ as well as the recipient can be the source of the infection. The better the transplanted organ is tolerated under moderate immunosuppression, the less common and severe virus infections are. The focus of this section is on three common pathogens: cytomegalovirus, polyomavirus BK and hepatitis viruses.The final section deals with Aspergillus infections following transplantation of various organs. In this context Aspergillus spp. are one of the most commonly occurring fungal diseases. The epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostics, prophylaxis and therapy of invasive aspergillosis are presented.
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PMID:[Specific infections in organ transplantation]. 2678 82


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