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)

A microbiologist at Loma Linda University in California used T7 (100 nm), a virulent bacteriophage of Escherichia coli, and the poliovirus type 1 (PC-1) (27 nm) to compare the efficacy of the viral barrier of latex and new thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) condoms. The scientist used a passive test and a simulated intercourse model to compare the 2 condom types. The simulation consisted of a condom-covered disposable centrifuge tube with 4 ml of virus which was inserted into an outer condom with 2 ml of virus-free medium. This apparatus was withdrawn and inserted 30 times within 30 seconds into a commercially produced latex vagina. The tests with T7 used 15 condoms of each brand. The tests with PV-1 used 14 condoms of each brand. The only TPE condom brand was Tactylon. Latex condom brands were Shiek, Trojan-Enz, and Lifestyles. No virus passed through the barrier during the passive test. T7 leaked through 2 latex condoms (13.3%) of the same brand (Trojan-Enz) during the simulated intercourse test. On the other hand, PV-1 did not leak through any of the condoms. Tactylon effectively prevented the passage of both T7 and PV-1. These findings confirmed that latex condoms tend to block passage of both small and large viruses. They indicated that TPE condoms also block passage of small and large viruses. Thus, the effective maximum pore size in all of the TPE condoms and in all but 2 of the latex condoms was too small to let HIV (80-120 nm) and hepatitis B virus (about 42 nm) filter through. Clinical trials have indicated the breakage rate of TPE condoms is not significantly different from that of latex condoms. Advantages of the TPE condom are its ability to resist environmental effects, e.g., ultraviolet light and heat, which deteriorate the latex condom and it does not have antioxidants and accelerators the latex condom has which cause allergic reactions, e.g., dermatitis.
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PMID:Efficacy of thermoplastic elastomer and latex condoms as viral barriers. 839 26

In the summer of 1991, a project director, codirector, and a US nursing student observed infection control practices of obstetric nurse and midwives before, during, and after vaginal deliveries and Cesarean sections at 12 health facilities in the North and South Birim districts in rural eastern Ghana to gather baseline data which the Ministry would use to design intervention strategies to reduce puerperal infections. Most of the midwives and obstetric nurses did not use aseptic techniques. They did not wash lancets for hemoglobin testing between uses and stored them in small glass containers or in disinfectant, but the disinfectant was often moldy. Reusable instruments were washed with a bar of soap rather than with detergent. The predominant disinfection technique was boiling, but the staff did not time the boiling or fully immerse the equipment. They often used Dettol to disinfect equipment, yet this is ineffective. The hospital had an autoclave, but it was often used incorrectly. The facilities had an inadequate supply of needles, syringes, and gloves. Staff reused needles and syringes and did not wear gloves when they were available. Even though 81% knew that exposure to blood placed them at risk of hepatitis B virus and HIV, just 69% thought that they should wear gloves. Physicians prescribed antibiotic prophylaxis too late and too long for Cesarean section patients. 47% of the women in the area place herbs or spices in the vagina within a week after delivery, but the health workers did not tell the discharged mothers not to insert anything into the vagina. The nurses and midwives did not give the women adequate discharge instructions about umbilical cord stump care, yet most women did not bring their newborns back to the facility for such care.
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PMID:Obstetric infection control in a developing country. 847 37

Recombinant cholera toxin B subunit (rCTB) produced by Bacillus brevis carrying pNU212-CTB has been previously found to be a potent mucosal adjuvant to aluminium-non-adsorbed tetanus toxoid (nTT) and diphtheria toxoid (nDT) co-administered intranasally, and the possibility of needle-free inoculation of these vaccines with rCTB has been suggested. In this paper we examined the potentiality of rCTB as a mucosal adjuvant to aluminium-non-adsorbed yeast-derived recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (rHBs) being a particulate antigen when administered intranasally with rCTB. In-house ELISA showed that a mixture of rHBs (1 or 5 microg) and rCTB (10 microg) elevated not only systemic responses but also mucosal immune responses at the nasal cavity, the lung, the saliva, the small intestine and the vagina against rHBs, and these could be further increased with higher doses of antigen. With antibody isotypes of IgG, there were equally high levels of serum HBs-specific IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b antibodies and induction of mixed Th1- and Th2-type responses was considered to occur in combination of rHBs and rCTB. Serum anti-HBs titres in almost all mice obtained from sandwich EIA using a commercial kit were higher than 1000 milli-international units ml(-1) (mIU ml(-1)). These results show that rCTB is also very effective as a mucosal adjuvant for a particulate antigen like rHBs, as well as soluble antigens like nTT and nDT reported previously, suggesting the possibility of intranasal immunization with rHBs plus rCTB in humans.
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PMID:Mucosal immunization against hepatitis B virus by intranasal co-administration of recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen and recombinant cholera toxin B subunit as an adjuvant. 1116 69

Carcinosarcoma is a rare neoplasm which, in the female genital tract, arises mainly in the endometrium. Although the pathogenesis remains obscure, there is an apparent association between pelvic irradiation and uterine sarcomas. There have been sporadic case reports of the development of carcinosarcomas of the cervix, vagina, and extragenital areas, but not of the ovary, after previous pelvic irradiation. We describe a case of ovarian carcinosarcoma arising in a 74-year-old female who had pelvic irradiation 33 years previously. Exploratory laparotomy showed a 25 x 18 x 9 cm left ovarian tumor with adjacent organ invasion including peri-uterine serosa and rectum. The patient was treated by optimal cytoreduction, followed by chemotherapy with adriamycin and cisplatin. However, acute hepatitis caused by reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection developed just before the fifth course of chemotherapy. She died of hepatic failure two weeks later.
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PMID:Carcinosarcoma of ovary associated with previous radiotherapy. 1128 39

Late-stage laboratory testing will begin for Geda, an experimental microbicide, which is inserted by plunger into the vagina up to four hours before having sex. It contains the active ingredients octoxynol-9 and benzalkonium chloride. Preliminary tests show Geda kills HIV, E. coli, and hepatitis B virus. Another product with the same active ingredients, PrevenTx, is already marketed as a hand wash. Manufacturer Empyrean Bioscience is developing disinfectant and mouthwash versions of PrevenTx.
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PMID:Intravaginal microbicidal gel to be tested. 1136 85

Screening for HIV in China began in 1984, with the first AIDS case appearing in 1985. 305,280 sera were tested as of 1992, of which 379 were seropositive for antibodies to HIV. Of these 379 individuals, there were 4 hemophiliacs identified in 1985, 1 homosexual male, 4 individuals returning from Africa, 365 drug addicts and 2 spouses. 68 foreigners and 1 Chinese hemophiliac from Hong Kong also tested seropositive. Concern is expressed over the psychosomatic trials of infected women who feel unable to discuss their HIV status with family members for fear of influencing their role as primary caregivers and sex partners. Without access to medical therapy and support groups, these women no doubt feel isolated. Non-directive counseling is recommended for seropositive women during pregnancy. AIDS patients have reduced natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Seminal plasma also suppresses several immune responses. The pathogenicity of HIV, however, has yet to be determined. Fatty acid metabolism and Beta-endorphin are discussed in the context of therapeutic approaches. HIV/STD interactions are finally considered with individual attention given to bacterial vaginosis, hepatitis B, Chlamydia trachomatis, Herpes Simplex virus, microbiological contaminants of the vagina bacterial vaginosis, syphilis, mycoplasmas/epididymitis, bacterial prostatitis, and IVF culture media infections.
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PMID:HIV / STD interactions immunosuppression and future research development. 1228 86

In 1993, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the female condom Reality. It provides better protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) than does the male condom. The polyurethane sheath is more resistant to tears and covers the vagina, cervix, and vulva. Since it does not depend on erection of the penis, the female condom protects women from STDs/HIV that can be transmitted through the pre-ejaculate. In light of the AIDS epidemic, FDA approved the female condom based on its contraceptive effectiveness rather than on its ability to protect against STDs. Annual contraceptive failure rates for Reality range 5-21%, which match those of other barrier methods for women and men. Incorrect or inconsistent use affects its contraceptive effectiveness. The female condom prevents passage of virus particles as small as the hepatitis B virus which is smaller than HIV. In a study, all women who correctly and consistently used Reality were protected from Trichomonas vaginalis, while sporadic users were not protected. Currently, less than 20% of US couples use male condoms, indicating a need for women to have options to protect their reproductive and genital health. The female condom provides women such an option since women are in total control of its use. Women with partners who do not want to use a male condom maintain that Reality will revolutionize sexual dynamics. Its visibility does not help women with violent partners, however. Educational efforts about all methods that can be used without men's knowledge need to reach these women. Family planning providers need to shed the old concept of women as incompetent users and set up counseling programs that promote women's methods. They should accept and provide the female condom. Basic sexual education and constant provider support and encouragement are crucial.
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PMID:The female condom: STD protection in the hands of women. 1228 50

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to soon approve the Reality female condom (polyurethane sheath lining the vagina) which will be distributed to sexually transmitted disease (STD) and family planning clinics instead of retail outlets. The importer and eventual manufacturer, Wisconsin Pharmaceutical Company in Jackson, Wisconsin, aims to educate providers first. It plans to sell Reality to clinics at about half the commercial price which is $2.50. The FDA's Obstetrics and Gynecology Devices Advisory Panel asked the manufacturer for the results of a contraceptive efficacy study in January 1992 before it would grant its full recommendation for approval which it did in December 1992. Reality had a contraceptive effectiveness rate of 88% with typical use and of 95% with perfect use. Since the study was only 6 months, the panel requested the manufacturer to include on the label that the clinical data are limited. The study revealed that there was only a 2.8% probability of exposure to semen due to rips, tears, and outer ring movement. Reality had a lower rate of breaks and tears than the male condom 1% vs. 4%). Health workers did not note any sperm or vaginal trauma or change in bacterial flora in women who used the female condom on multiple occasions. None of the Reality users who had earlier had trichomoniasis became infected again while almost 15% of women in a control group and in a group of intermittent Reality users became reinfected with trichomoniasis. Neither HIV nor the hepatitis B virus could pass through the female condom. No one has claimed significant allergic reactions to or side effects from Reality. Overall, women liked Reality, the most common complaint being the outer ring rests outside the vagina.
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PMID:Clinics first to receive female condom. 1231 87

Femshield, a new barrier contraceptive device for women, is expected to be on the market throughout the world within the next year. Developed and manufactured by Medicor Limited, it consists of a soft loose-fitting polyurethane sac about 15 cm long and 7 cm in diameter. Attached at its open end is a flexible outer polyurethane ring which covers the vulva with a 2nd flexible inner ring to aid insertion and retention. Sexual intercourse takes place, with a good lubricant, within the cavity of the device. Medical-grade polyurethane was selected since it is better suited to the purpose of lining the whole vagina than latex rubber. Femshield is expected to offer protection of the same order as the condom against both pregnancy and the viral sexually-transmitted diseases such as hepatitis B and Human Immunodeficiency Virus. In a pilot study at the Margaret Pyke Centre for Family Planning in London, a majority of both sexes reported Femshield to be as acceptable or better than the condom; most previous diaphragm users also preferred the new device. A definite minority rejected Femshield at least in its present form. Some modifications can be expected before marketing. Femshield will be sold at a price competitive with the price of condoms. It will be subject to stringent quality testing, and it will come in packaging with clear instructions.
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PMID:A new IUD. 1234 60

It is generally recognized that DNA vaccines are often less effective in large animals than in mice. One possible reason for this reduced effectiveness may be transfection deficiency and the low level of expression elicited by plasmid vectors in large animals. In our attempt to enhance transfection efficiency and, thereby, enhance immune responses, we employed a variety of methods inducing gene gun delivery or suppositories as delivery vehicles to mucosal surfaces, as well as electroporation for systemic immunization. To test these different systems, we used two different antigens-a membrane antigen from bovine herpesvirus glycoprotein (BHV-1) gD and a particulate antigen from hepatitis virus B. Gene gun and suppository delivery of BHV-1 gD to the vagina resulted in the induction of mucosal immunity not only in the vagina, but also at other mucosal surfaces. These data support the contention of a common mucosal immune system. In the case of electroporation, we were able to develop significant enhancement of gene expression following electroporation with surface electrodes (non-invasive electroporation) as well as invasive electroporation using single or six-needle electrodes. Various delivery systems such as bioject or needle delivery also influenced the immune response in both the presence and absence of electroporation. These studies also demonstrated that co-administration of plasmids coding for two different antigens (BHV-1 gD and hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg)) did not result in significant interference between the plasmids. These studies suggest that various combinations of delivery systems can enhance immunity to DNA-based vaccines and make them practical for administration of these vaccines in large animals.
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PMID:Induction of immune responses by DNA vaccines in large animals. 1253 34


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