1.  Title: Reproductive and hormonal factors, and ovarian cancer risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers: results from the International BRCA1/2 Carrier Cohort Study. Author: Antoniou AC; Rookus M; Andrieu N; Brohet R; Chang-Claude J Source: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. 2009 Feb;18(2):601-10. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Several reproductive and hormonal factors are known to be associated with ovarian cancer risk in the general population, including parity and oral contraceptive (OC) use. However, their effect on ovarian cancer risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers has only been investigated in a small number of studies. METHODS: We used data on 2,281 BRCA1 carriers and 1,038 BRCA2 carriers from the International BRCA1/2 Carrier Cohort Study to evaluate the effect of reproductive and hormonal factors on ovarian cancer risk for mutation carriers. Data were analyzed within a weighted Cox proportional hazards framework. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the risk of ovarian cancer between parous and nulliparous carriers. For parous BRCA1 mutation carriers, the risk of ovarian cancer was reduced with each additional full-term pregnancy (P trend = 0.002). BRCA1 carriers who had ever used OC were at a significantly reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence intervals, 0.37-0.73; P = 0.0002) and increasing duration of OC use was associated with a reduced ovarian cancer risk (P trend = 0.0004). The protective effect of OC use for BRCA1 mutation carriers seemed to be greater among more recent users. Tubal ligation was associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer for BRCA1 carriers (hazard ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence intervals, 0.22-0.80; P = 0.008). The number of ovarian cancer cases in BRCA2 mutation carriers was too small to draw definitive conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide further confirmation that OC use, number of full-term pregnancies, and tubal ligation are associated with ovarian cancer risk in BRCA1 carriers to a similar relative extent as in the general population. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | COHORT ANALYSIS | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | WOMEN | PREVALENCE | RISK ASSESSMENT | OVARIAN CANCER | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | PARITY | RISK FACTORS | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, SIDE EFFECTS | TUBAL LIGATION | Research Methodology | Comparative Studies | Studies | Demographic Factors | Population | Measurement | Evaluation | Cancer | Neoplasms | Diseases | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Health | Contraceptive Safety | Safety | Public Health | Female Sterilization | Sterilization, Sexual | Family Planning Document Number: 331025 |
| 2. Title: Fetal abnormalities leading to third trimester abortion: nine-year experience from a single medical center. Author: Barel O; Vaknin Z; Smorgick N; Reish O; Mendlovic S; Herman A; Maymon R Source: Prenatal Diagnosis. 2009 Mar;29(3):223-8. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess fetal abnormalities and events leading to third-trimester abortion. METHODS: The study population included all parturient women with singleton pregnancy that underwent termination of pregnancy (TOP) in the third trimester in our institute because of fetal indications between 1998 and 2006. RESULTS: There were 777 cases of TOP due to fetal anomalies in our center during the study period, and 52 terminations were carried out in the third trimester. All cases of third-trimester abortions were due to severe malformations with high probability of perinatal death or severe handicap: 65.3% anomalies were structural, and 58.9% of them involved the central nervous system (CNS). Genetic indications included mostly genetic diseases, unlike aneupluidities in earlier terminations. Routine prenatal care raised suspicion of abnormalities in 22 (42.3%) cases, and diagnosis was established by additional tests. Abnormal findings were either missed in 4 (7.7%) cases or developed later in 11 (21.1%) cases. No routine prenatal screening was performed in the remaining 15 (28.8%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Third-trimester abortion may be obviated by timely screening and scanning in some cases. The possibility of late TOP should be considered in malformations occurring late in pregnancy and in cases that require meticulous evaluation and follow-up from earlier stages of gestation. Language: English Keywords: ISRAEL | RESEARCH REPORT | FETUS | PREGNANCY, THIRD TRIMESTER | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES | SCREENING | ABORTION | Developed Countries | Middle East | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Diseases | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning Document Number: 331172 Notification |
| 3. Peer Reviewed Title: Rapidly increasing prevalence of HIV and syphilis and HIV-1 subtype characterization among men who have sex with men in Jiangsu, China. Author: Guo H; Wei JF; Yang H; Huan X; Tsui SK; Zhang C Source: Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 2009 Feb;36(2):120-5. Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and syphilis among men who have sex with men (MSM) in 2 cities of Jiangsu, China, and to characterize the HIV-1 subtypes prevalent among this population. METHODS: During September 2006 and July 2007, 296 and 173 MSM were recruited from Nanjing and Yangzhou, respectively. Sera samples were collected and tested for HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis infections. The nucleotide sequences of p17 and C2V3 regions were determined by RT-nested-PCR and sequencing. HIV-1 subtypes were characterized by phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis infections among MSM was 5.8%, 11.1%, 0.7%, and 27.7%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV and syphilis was significantly higher in 2006-2007 than in 2003 (P Language: English Keywords: CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | MEN HAVING SEX WITH MEN | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | URBAN POPULATION | PREVALENCE | HIV INFECTIONS | SYPHILIS | HEPATITIS | GENETICS | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Sex Behavior | Behavior | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Measurement | Sexually Transmitted Diseases | Reproductive Tract Infections | Infections | Biology | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Document Number: 330373 |
| 4. Title: Suggestions for effective contraception in isotretinoin therapy [letter] Author: Kanelleas AI; Thornton S; Berth-Jones J Source: British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2009 Jan;67(1):137-8. Abstract: This letter to the editor argues that parenteral progestogen-only contraceptives are adopted as a standard approach to contraception for female patients considered for isotretinoin therapy, an effective drug for acne. It touches on the issues of isotretinoin, pregnancy, birth defects, and abortion. Language: English Keywords: UNITED KINGDOM | CRITIQUE | CLINICAL RESEARCH | PREGNANT WOMEN | INFANT | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES | PREVALENCE | ACNE | DRUGS | TREATMENT | CONTRACEPTIVE SAFETY | INJECTABLES | OSTEOPOROSIS | TIME FACTORS | Developed Countries | Europe, Western | Europe | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Diseases | Measurement | Dermatitis | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Safety | Public Health | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Skeletal Effects | Physiology | Biology | Population Dynamics Document Number: 341136 |
| 5. Peer Reviewed Title: Cyproterone acetate- and ethinyloestradiol-containing oral contraceptive as a risk factor for upper extremity deep venous thrombosis-a case report. Author: Kapur R; Stramrood CA; Schutgens RE; van Asbeck BS Source: European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. 2009 Apr;14(2):160-3. Abstract: Deep venous thrombosis of the upper extremity (UEDVT) is a rare variety of deep venous thrombosis. Compared to lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis, less is known about the risk factors for primary UEDVT. We report on a 27-year-old woman with UEDVT extending from the jugular and subclavian veins to the elbow. The thrombosis was possibly provoked by a shoulder trauma, in combination with heterozygosity for the prothrombin G20210A mutation and a protein S-deficiency, which may have been induced by the use of a cyproterone acetate- and ethinyloestradiol (CPA/EE)-containing oral contraceptive. Language: English Keywords: NETHERLANDS | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | CASE STUDIES | WOMEN | ETHINYL ESTRADIOL | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, COMBINED | THROMBOSIS | ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | CYPROTERONE ACETATE | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, SIDE EFFECTS | CONTRACEPTIVE SAFETY | Europe, Western | Europe | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Studies | Demographic Factors | Population | Contraceptive Agents, Estrogen | Contraceptive Agents, Female | Contraceptive Agents | Contraception | Family Planning | Oral Contraceptives | Contraceptive Methods | Thromboembolism | Embolism | Vascular Diseases | Diseases | Health | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Hormone Antagonists | Hormones | Endocrine System | Physiology | Biology | Safety | Public Health Document Number: 330935 |
| 6. Peer Reviewed Title: Low levels of antiretroviral-resistant HIV infection in a routine clinic in Cameroon that uses the World Health Organization (WHO) public health approach to monitor antiretroviral treatment and adequacy with the WHO recommendation for second-line treatment. Author: Kouanfack C; Montavon C; Laurent C; Aghokeng A; Kenfack A; Bourgeois A; Koulla-Shiro S; Mpoudi-Ngole E; Peeters M; Delaporte E Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2009 May 1;48(9):1318-22. Abstract: A cross-sectional study, performed at a routine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS clinic in Cameroon that uses the World Health Organization public health approach, showed low rates of virological failure and drug resistance at 12 and 24 months after initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Importantly, the cross-sectional study also showed that the World Health Organization recommendation for second-line treatment would be effective in almost all patients with HIV drug resistance mutations. Language: English Keywords: CAMEROON | RESEARCH REPORT | SUMMARY REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | PREVALENCE | DRUG RESISTANCE | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | HIV INFECTIONS | WHO | MONITORING | STANDARDIZATION | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Research Methodology | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Measurement | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | HIV | UN | International Agencies | Organizations | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Evaluation | Data Adjustment | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Document Number: 341154 |
| 7. Title: Prevalence of HIV-1 subtypes in Brazilian children with perinatally acquired infection. Author: Molina RM; Torina AG; Biffi K; Bismara BA; Albuquerque DM Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care. 2009 Mar-Apr;8(2):106-112. Abstract: HIV-l infection has increased among women in recent years. The HIV-1 env gene (structural gene) has the greatest variation in all the HIV gene regions. In this study, 58 samples from infants infected with HIV-l via perinatal transmission were analyzed. All the 58 sample, were submitted to Nested-polymerase chain reaction of the env gene region for posterior viral genotyping using EN 70 and EN 85 (first polymerase chain reacti0I1) and EN 80 and EN 95 (second polymerase chain reaction) primers, with the product of the 682 base pair amplification. After Nested-polymerase chain reaction for genotyping, purification of the product, and direct sequencing in a MegaBace 1000 automatic sequencer, 56 genotypes were found in the 58 HIVI- positive children of the study, where 47 (83.93%) were HIV-I subtype B infected and 9 (16.07%) were HIV-I subtype F I infected. The results demonstrate the predominance of subtype B followed by subtype F in Southeast Brazil. Language: English Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | CHILDREN | PREVALENCE | HIV INFECTIONS | NEONATAL DISEASES AND ABNORMALITIES | MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | GENETICS | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Measurement | Transmission | Infections | Biology Document Number: 331333 |
| 8. Title: Genetic variability of human immunodeficiency virus-1 in Bahia state, Northeast, Brazil: high diversity of HIV genotypes. Author: Monteiro JP; Alcantara LC; de Oliveira T; Oliveira AM; Melo MA; Brites C; Galvao-Castro B Source: Journal of Medical Virology. 2009 Mar;81(3):391-9. Abstract: The HIV-1 genetic variability in Bahia state, Brazil, was investigated. DNA samples from 229 and 213 HIV-1-infected individuals were analyzed using the heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA) in gag and env fragments, respectively. One hundred seventy-five samples were characterized in both genes. Thirty-two subtype F and BF recombinant viruses were sequenced and analyzed by phylogenetic methods. The combination of HMA and sequencing results showed that seven different HIV-1 genotypes comprised this sample: 147 (84%) B/B, 4 (2.3%) F/F, 3 (1.7%) B/F, 1 (0.6%) F/B, 1 (0.6%) F/D, 1 (0.6%) BF/F, and 18 (10.3%) BF/B. A significant divergence was observed between these two techniques results (84.4%). This is explained by the low accuracy of the HMA for detecting recombinant viruses. These recombinants were unrelated to CRF12, while two sequences were related to CRF28 and CRF29. Nineteen BF mosaics shared the same gag breakpoint. In conclusion, the use of HMA may be inappropriate in regions where different subtypes are co-circulating. Subtype B is the most common genotype, however, an increased prevalence (13.1%) of different BF variants and a potentially new CRF suggest that recombination is occurring frequently in Bahia. These viruses were associated with women infected heterosexually. Finally, this study identified the presence of an F/D recombinant HIV-1 in Brazil. Language: English Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | HETEROSEXUALS | PREVALENCE | HIV INFECTIONS | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | GENETICS | Developing Countries | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Sex Behavior | Behavior | Measurement | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Biology Document Number: 330231 |
| 9. Title: Gene knockouts that affect male fertility: novel targets for contraception. Author: Naz RK; Engle A; None R Source: Frontiers In Bioscience. 2009;14:3994-4007. Abstract: There is an urgent need for a better method of contraception that is accepted, effective, and available, due the population explosion and unintended pregnancy. Various targets are being investigated that can be used for contraception. The ideal target should be non-steroidal, intercourse-independent, non-surgical, reversible, and non-barrier with no side effects. The gene knockout technology is a powerful approach to identify such novel targets. We identified at least 93 genes whose deletion demonstrated an effect on fertility in male mice till 2004 (1). In the present article, we found 71 additional gene knockouts in the database since the last report which demonstrated an effect on male fertility. The majority of these knockouts also demonstrated an effect on non-reproductive organs concomitant with an anti-fertility effect or effect on other organs was not examined. The knockouts of only a few genes/proteins induced a specific effect on fertility without a serious side effect. These genes/proteins may provide novel targets for contraception/contraceptive vaccine development. Language: English Keywords: WEST VIRGINIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | MEN | LABORATORY ANIMALS | GENETICS | REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR | SEX BEHAVIOR | REVERSIBLE STERILIZATION | MALE STERILIZATION | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | PROTEINS | CONTRACEPTIVE VACCINES | Developed Countries | United States of America | North America | Americas | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Biology | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Behavior | Sterilization, Sexual | Family Planning | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Diseases | Physiology | Contraception, Immunological | Contraception Document Number: 330601 |
| 10. Peer Reviewed Title: Venous thrombembolism, thrombophilic defects, combined oral contraception and anticoagulation. Author: Ott J; Promberger R; Kaufmann U; Huber JC; Frigo P Source: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2009 Feb 26; Abstract: BACKGROUND: Several genetic polymorphisms increase the risk for venous thrombembolism (VTE). In particular, combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are known to enhance the risk for VTE and are therefore contraindicated. CASE: We present here the case of a patient with protein S deficiency, who has used COCs together with anticoagulatory therapy (Phenprocoumon) after suffering from deep venous thromboses for 4 years. At the time of her first consultation at our clinic, the ultrasound examination showed a complete involution of her venous thrombosis. CONCLUSION: COCs can be used in patients with thrombogenic mutations and anticoagulatory therapy in individual cases. Language: English Keywords: AUSTRIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | CASE STUDIES | WOMEN | THROMBOEMBOLISM | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, COMBINED | BLOOD COAGULATION EFFECTS | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, SIDE EFFECTS | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | DEFICIENCY DISEASES | PROTEINS | ULTRASONICS | Developed Countries | Europe, Central | Europe | Research Methodology | Studies | Demographic Factors | Population | Embolism | Vascular Diseases | Diseases | Oral Contraceptives | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Hematological Effects | Hemic System | Physiology | Biology | Contraceptive Safety | Safety | Public Health | Health | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Nutrition Disorders | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care Document Number: 330418 |
| 11. Peer Reviewed Title: Virologic and immunologic response to antiretroviral therapy and predictors of HIV type 1 drug resistance in children receiving treatment in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. Author: Adje-Toure C; Hanson DL; Talla-Nzussouo N; Borget MY; Kouadio LY; Tossou O; Fassinou P; Bissagnene E; Kadio A; Nolan ML; Nkengasong JN Source: AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses. 2008 Jul;24(7):911-7. Abstract: We describe changes in HIV-1 viral load, CD4+ T cell percentage, and incidence of drug resistance and factors associated with drug resistance for 134 children receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for approximately 1 year in Abidjan. Between August 1998 and September 2003, ART was initiated for 395 HIV-infected children ages 0-15 years in the Cote d'Ivoire national drug access initiative. All 1-year samples with detectable HIV RNA >1000 copies/ml were tested for HIV-1 drug resistance and changes in viral load and CD4+ T cell counts were also determined. At treatment initiation, 80% of children had CD4+ T cell percentages <15% and a median viral RNA load of 5.6 log copies/ml. The median age at treatment initiation was 7 years with only 25% of patients less than 4 years of age. Of the 134 children receiving therapy, 72 (54%) had undetectable viral load. The estimated 1-year viral load decline was 1.9 log10 copies/ml and the CD4+ T cell percentage increase was 10.9%. The estimated 1-year cumulative probability for developing any class of drug resistance was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.35, 0.53). In a multivariate analysis, the magnitude of virologic response to therapy was inversely associated with development of drug resistance. Children with less CD4+ T cell rise from baseline values and the use of dual therapy were also associated with the development of drug resistance. Guidelines are needed for the treatment of pediatric HIV infection in Africa in order to minimize the occurrence of drug resistance and enhance better virologic, immunologic, and clinical outcomes. Language: English Keywords: COTE D'IVOIRE | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | CHILDREN | TIME FACTORS | HIV INFECTIONS | DRUG RESISTANCE | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | IMMUNITY, CELLULAR | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Data Analysis | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Population Dynamics | Treatment | HIV | Immunity | Immune System | Physiology | Biology | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Document Number: 328637 |
12.  Peer Reviewed Title: Performance of the Genotype MTBDR assay for molecular detection of multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Author: Al-Mutairi N; Ahmad S; Mokaddas E Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine. 2008 May-Jun;28(3):203-206. Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of global impact, killing nearly two million people every year. Efforts to control TB are hampered by expanding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and its association with active disease and increasing resistance of Mycobacterium tub berculosis strains to most effective (first-line) anti-TB drugs.1 New cases that are resistant to both rifampin (RMP) and isoniazid (INH) (defined as multidrugresistant TB, MDR-TB) exemplify the problem of drug-resistant TB in a given country since fatality rates for MDR-TB are much higher. Rapid identification of MDR-TB strains is crucial for starting of effective chemotherapy and for initiation of infection control measures. The resistance of M tuberculosis strains to anti-TB drugs develops due to mutations in resistance-conferrring genes and MDR-TB strains evolve due to sequenttial accumulation of these mutations. Mutations in the 81-base pair (bp) (hot-spot) region of the rpoB gene, encoding the b-subunit of RNA polymerase, occur in 90% to 95% of RMP-resistant strains.3-6 In contrast, mutations in several regions of multiple genes can cause INH resistance. However, mutations in the katG gene, encoding catalase-peroxidase, occur more frequently and 50% to 95% of INH-resistant strains worldwide contain mutations at the katG codon 315 (katG315). Based on this knowledge, a DNA strip (Genotype MTBDR) assay has been developed for simmultaneous detection of resistance of M tuberculosis to RMP and INH. This PCR-based assay involves hybridization with oligonucleotide probes to detect either wild-type sequences or specific mutations. In this study, Genotype MTBDR assay was evaluated by using 35 MDR and 20 pansusceptible M tuberculosis strains isolated in Kuwait. The results were compared to conventional drug susceptibility testing (DST) perfformed on each isolate. Language: English Keywords: KUWAIT | RESEARCH REPORT | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | CLINICAL RESEARCH | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | TARGET POPULATION | DRUG RESISTANCE | TUBERCULOSIS | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | GENETICS | TIME FACTORS | COST EFFECTIVENESS | Middle East | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Studies | Program Design | Programs | Organization and Administration | Treatment | Infections | Diseases | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Biology | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Evaluation Indexes | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation Document Number: 327456 |
| 13. Title: Live tuberculosis vaccines based on phoP mutants: A step towards clinical trials. Author: Asensio JA; Arbues A; Perez E; Gicquel B; Martin C Source: Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy. 2008 Feb;8(2):201-211. Abstract: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the only preventive treatment for tuberculosis in humans, but this live vaccine confers variable protection against pulmonary tuberculosis in adults. Advances in the understanding of Mycobacterium tuberculosis immunopathogenesis have renewed hopes of developing new prophylactic vaccines conferring better protection than BCG. The authors describe here state-of-the-art attenuated live vaccines based on inactivation of the phoP gene, a transcriptional regulator of key virulence networks in M. tuberculosis. Recent preclinical testing of live vaccines based on phoP inactivation has demonstrated proof of concept, with a high degree of attenuation and protection against disease observed in various animal models. These results demonstrate that phoP mutants are promising new live vaccines for tuberculosis prevention. The steps that now need to be followed, to take these live vaccines towards clinical trials, are also reviewed, together with the potential of these vaccines to replace BCG. Language: English Keywords: SPAIN | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL TRIALS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | TARGET POPULATION | TUBERCULOSIS | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | VACCINES | Europe, Southwestern | Europe | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Program Design | Programs | Organization and Administration | Infections | Diseases | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Document Number: 325747 |
| 14. Peer Reviewed Title: Plasmodium vivax dhfr and dhps mutations in isolates from Madagascar and therapeutic response to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine. Author: Barnadas C; Tichit M; Bouchier C; Ratsimbasoa A; Randrianasolo L Source: Malaria Journal. 2008 Feb 26;7:35. Abstract: Four of five Plasmodium species infecting humans are present in Madagascar. Plasmodium vivax remains the second most prevalent species, but is understudied. No data is available on its susceptibility to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, the drug recommended for intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy. In this study, the prevalence of P. vivax infection and the polymorphisms in the pvdhfr and pvdhps genes were investigated. The correlation between these polymorphisms and clinical and parasitological responses was also investigated in P. vivax-infected patients. Plasmodium vivax clinical isolates were collected in eight sentinel sites from the four major epidemiological areas for malaria across Madagascar in 2006/2007. Pvdhfr and pvdhps genes were sequenced for polymorphism analysis. The therapeutic efficacy of SP in P. vivax infections was assessed in Tsiroanomandidy, in the foothill of the central highlands. An intention-to-treat analysis of treatment outcome was carried out. A total of 159 P. vivax samples were sequenced in the pvdhfr/pvdhps genes. Mutant-types in pvdhfr gene were found in 71% of samples, and in pvdhps gene in 16% of samples. Six nonsynonymous mutations were identified in pvdhfr, including two novel mutations at codons 21 and 130. For pvdhps, beside the known mutation at codon 383, a new one was found at codon 422. For the two genes, different combinations were ranged from wild-type to quadruple mutant-type. Among the 16 patients enrolled in the sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine clinical trial (28 days of follow-up) and after adjustment by genotyping, 3 (19%, 95% CI: 5%-43%) of them were classified as treatment failure and were pvdhfr 58R/117N double mutant carriers with or without the pvdhps 383G mutation. This study highlights (i) that genotyping in the pvdhfr and pvdhps genes remains a useful tool to monitor the emergence and the spread of P. vivax sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine resistant in order to improve the national antimalarial drug policy, (ii) the issue of using sulphadoxinepyrimethamine as a monotherapy for intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women or children. (author's) Language: English Keywords: MADAGASCAR | RESEARCH REPORT | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | TARGET POPULATION | MALARIA | PARASITE CONTROL | PREVENTIVE MEDICINE | DRUGS | PREVALENCE | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Research Methodology | Program Design | Programs | Organization and Administration | Parasitic Diseases | Diseases | Public Health | Treatment | Measurement | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Document Number: 324966 |
| 15. Peer Reviewed Title: Distribution and chromosomal characterization of the Anopheles gambiae complex in Angola. Author: Calzetta M; Santolamazza F; Carrara GC; Cani PJ; Fortes F Source: American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2008;78(1):169-175. Abstract: Mosquitoes of the Anopheles gambiae complex (N = 1,336) were sampled (2001-2005) across Angola to identify taxa, study inversion polymorphisms, and detect the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium falciparum. Anopheles gambiae s.s. was found in all sites; it was characterized as M-form in localities of the tropical dry and semi-desertic belts, whereas the S-form was predominant in comparatively more humid and less anthropized sites. Both forms were characterized by low degrees of chromosomal polymorphism based solely on the 2La inversion, a pattern usually associated with An. gambiae populations from forested, humid, and derived savanna areas. Unexpectedly, this pattern was also observed in M-form populations collected in dry/pre-desertic areas, where this form largely predominates over An. arabiensis, which was also detected in central/inland sites. Anopheles melas was found in northern coastal sites. Three of 534 An. gambiae s.s. were positive for P. falciparum CS-protein, whereas none of the 105 An. melas were positive. (author's) Language: English Keywords: ANGOLA | RESEARCH REPORT | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | ANIMALS | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | INSECTS | PROTEINS | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | CLIMATE | DESERTIFICATION | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Natural Resources | Environment | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Diseases | Disease Transmission Control | Prevention and Control | Physiology | Biology | Population | Environmental Degradation Document Number: 325614 |
| 16. Peer Reviewed Title: Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 seroprevalence and antiretroviral drug resistance-associated mutations in miners in Gabon, central Africa. Author: Caron M; Makuwa M; Souquiere S; Descamps D; Brun-Vezinet F; Kazanji M Source: AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses. 2008 Sep;24(9):1225-8. Abstract: Miners in sub-Saharan African are known to have an extremely high prevalence of HIV-1 infection. We therefore evaluated the prevalence of HIV-1 infection among manganese miners in Gabon, central Africa and examined the diversity of HIV-1 strains by characterizing the polymorphism of the pol gene in order to observe drug resistance-associated mutations. In 857 samples tested, the HIV-1 prevalence was 2.9%. By pol sequence analysis, we showed that all the HIV-1 strains belonged to group M, with a majority of CRF02_AG (57%) followed by subtype A (9%) and CRF01_AE or subtype B (4%). The remaining HIV-1 strains demonstrated discordant genomic results and exhibited a mosaic pol genome (30%). Most of the mutations detected in pol coding regions corresponded to the subtype polymorphism, with no specific antiretroviral drug resistance. To avoid the rapid emergence of resistant viruses in this part of central Africa, continuous surveillance of the circulation of drug-resistant viruses must be maintained to guide treatment strategies. Language: English Keywords: GABON | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | MINE WORKERS | DRUG RESISTANCE | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | AIDS PREVENTION | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | COMPLICATIONS | SIDE EFFECTS | PREVALENCE | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Labor Force | Human Resources | Economic Factors | Treatment | HIV | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | AIDS | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Measurement Document Number: 328594 |
| 17. Title: Contribution of reinfection to recurrent tuberculosis in South African gold miners. Author: Charalambous S; Grant AD; Moloi V; Warren R; Day JH; van Helden P; Hayes RJ; Fielding KL; De Cock KM; Chaisson RE; Churchyard GJ Source: International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. 2008 Aug;12(8):942-8. Abstract: SETTING: A gold mine in South Africa. OBJECTIVE: To investigate incidence and risk factors for tuberculosis (TB) recurrence and the relative contribution of reinfection and relapse to recurrence. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Employees cured of a first episode of culture-positive TB were followed up for recurrence, which was classified as reinfection or relapse by restriction fragment length polymorphism using an insertion sequence (IS) 6110 probe. RESULTS: Among 609 patients, 57 experienced recurrence during a median follow-up period of 1.02 years, corresponding to a recurrence rate of 7.89 per 100 person-years (py). The culture positive recurrence rate was 5.79/100 py, and was higher in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients (8.86/100 py in HIV-infected vs. 3.35/100 py in non-HIV-infected). Among HIV-infected patients, the risk of culture-positive recurrence was higher with decreasing CD4 count (compared with CD4 < 200, hazard ratios for recurrence among individuals with CD4 200-500 and CD4 > 500 were 0.40 [95%CI 0.14-1.09] and 0.14 [95%CI 0.02-1.10], respectively, Ptrend = 0.01). IS6110 genotyping was available on both the initial and subsequent isolate for 16/42 (38%, 14 HIV-infected) patients with culture-positive recurrence, and showed reinfection in 11 (69%). CONCLUSION: HIV-infected gold miners, particularly those who are more immunosuppressed, are at higher risk of TB recurrence. TB control strategies need to take into account reinfection as an important cause of recurrent TB. Language: English Keywords: SOUTH AFRICA | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | PROSPECTIVE STUDIES | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | COHORT ANALYSIS | MINE WORKERS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | PREVALENCE | TUBERCULOSIS | RISK FACTORS | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | HIV INFECTIONS | COMPLICATIONS | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Studies | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Labor Force | Human Resources | Economic Factors | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Measurement | Infections | Biology | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Document Number: 329456 |
| 18. Title: Polymorphic variants in DC-SIGN, DC-SIGNR and SDF-1 in high risk seronegative and HIV-1 patients in Northern Asian Indians. Author: Chaudhary O; Rajsekar K; Ahmed I; Verma R; Bala M; Bhasin R; Luthra K Source: Journal of Clinical Virology. 2008 Oct;43(2):196-201. Abstract: A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in SDF-1, the natural ligand for the HIV-1 coreceptor CXCR4, is implicated to have protective effects against HIV-1 infection. Dendritic cells are the first to encounter HIV-1 at mucosal sites and virus binding occurs via receptors known as DC-SIGN. Variations in the number of repeats in the neck region of DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR are reported to possibly influence host susceptibility to HIV-1 infection. We examined the SNP of SDF1-3'A by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and repeat region polymorphisms in DC-SIGN and DC SIGNR by PCR in healthy HIV seronegative individuals, high risk STD patients seronegative for HIV, and HIV-1 seropositive patients from northern India. The detected polymorphisms were confirmed by cloning and sequencing. The genotypic frequency of SDF1-3'A/SDF1-3'A in the 100 HIV-seronegative healthy individuals, 150 HIV seronegative STD patients, and 100 HIV-1 seropositive patients were 4%, 18% and 7%, respectively. A significantly higher frequency of SDF1-3'A/SDF1-3'A was observed in high risk STD patients as compared to HIV seropositive (p=0.014) and healthy HIV-1 seronegative tested individuals (p=0.001), suggesting a protective role of SDF1-3'A in HIV-1 infection. DC-SIGN polymorphism was rare and genotype 7/7 was predominant in all groups studied. DC-SIGNR was highly polymorphic and 11 genotypes were observed among the different study groups. The precise role of the polymorphic variants of DC-SIGNR needs to be elucidated in the population. Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | CASE CONTROL STUDIES | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | HIV INFECTIONS | GENETICS | IMMUNITY, NATURAL | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Studies | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Biology | Immunity | Immune System | Physiology Document Number: 329198 |
| 19. Title: No genetic bottleneck in Plasmodium falciparum wild-type Pfcrt alleles reemerging in Hainan Island, China, following high-level chloroquine resistance. Author: Chen N; Gao Q; Wang S; Wang G; Gatton M Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 2008 Jan;52(1):345-347. Abstract: Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum was highly prevalent in Hainan, China, in the 1970s. Twenty-five years after cessation of chloroquine therapy, the prevalence of P. falciparum wild-type Pfcrt alleles has risen to 36% (95% confidence interval, 22.1 to 52.4%). The diverse origins of wild-type alleles indicate that there was no genetic bottleneck caused by high chloroquine resistance. (author's) Language: English Keywords: CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | CLINICAL RESEARCH | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | TARGET POPULATION | ANTIMALARIAL DRUGS | ISLANDS | DRUG RESISTANCE | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | PREVALENCE | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Research Methodology | Program Design | Programs | Organization and Administration | Malaria | Parasitic Diseases | Diseases | Geographic Factors | Population | Treatment | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Measurement Document Number: 325613 |
| 20. Peer Reviewed Title: National survey for drug-resistant variants in newly diagnosed antiretroviral drug-naive patients with HIV/AIDS in South Korea: 1999-2005. Author: Choi JY; Kim EJ; Park YK; Lee JS; Kim SS Source: JAIDS. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 2008 Nov 1;49(3):237-42. Abstract: We investigated the prevalence of drug-resistant variants and assessed their severity against antiretroviral drugs among patients in South Korea. Three hundred antiretroviral drug-naive patients were collected and drug-resistant variants were analyzed using the Stanford database with sequences and mutation data of the HIV-1 genes for protease (codons 1-99) and reverse transcriptase (codons 1-250). Of this group, 199 isolates (66.3%) showed at least 1 or more sites related to drug resistance. However, the average prevalence of drug resistance for patients newly diagnosed with HIV-1 but still treatment-naive between 1999 and 2005 was very low (4.3%, by "SIR" interpretation) compared with other countries. Most of the newly infected patients carried HIV subtype B (96%, n = 288) based on phylogenetic analysis of the conserved pol region. In summary, there has been no significant increase in the prevalence of drug resistance among antiretroviral drug-naive patients infected with HIV-1 for the last 7 years in South Korea. This study is quite significant regarding its larger scale of prevalence study for drug-resistant variants comparing to other drug-resistant studies using small scale of populations in South Korea. It is also important to provide suitable guidelines of genotyping assays for Korean drug-naive patients. Language: English Keywords: REPUBLIC OF KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | DRUG RESISTANCE | HIV INFECTIONS | ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | PREVALENCE | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Treatment | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Measurement Document Number: 329401 |
| 21. Title: Maternal tobacco use its preimplantation effects on fertility: More reasons to stop smoking. Author: Cooper AR; Moley KH Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine. 2008 Mar;26:204-212. Abstract: There are numerous health concerns regarding tobacco smoke. Yet, only recently have researchers extensively explored the association between tobacco smoke and a woman's inability to conceive. Whether exposure occurs in utero, during pregnancy, or throughout the reproductive years, it can affect all facets of fertility and lead to diminished ovarian function and earlier menopause. This review analyzes the literature concerning the delay or absence of conception in some women exposed to cigarette smoke and provides a detailed examination of the potential reproductive targets of the mutagenic and toxic components of tobacco. A negative influence on ovarian steroidogenesis and gametogenesis, oocyte maturity, ovulation, oocyte cumulus complex pick-up, gamete and embryo transport by the oviduct, fertilization, and implantation could all play a role. Assisted reproductive technology, or more specifically, in vitro fertilization, has allowed us to more thoroughly analyze successful pregnancy cycles and the negative consequences of smoking. Objective measurements of tobacco compounds and their metabolites in follicular fluid correlate with subjective measures of ovarian, gamete, and embryo quality in smokers and in those exposed to passive smoke. Regardless, there is an abundance of literature accumulating and more than enough reasons to tell patients to stop smoking. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | LITERATURE REVIEW | CLINICAL RESEARCH | WOMEN | EMBRYO | TOBACCO USE | INFERTILITY | MENOPAUSE | OVULATION SUPPRESSION | GENETICS | TOXICITY | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | IN VITRO | FERTILITY | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Behavior | Contraceptive Mode of Action | Contraception | Family Planning | Biology | Physiology | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Diseases | Population Dynamics Document Number: 324981 |
| 22. Peer Reviewed Title: Recent and rapid emergence of W-Beijing strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Cape Town, South Africa. Author: Cowley D; Govender D; February B; Wolfe M; Steyn L; Evans J; Wilkinson RJ; Nicol MP Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2008 Nov 15;47(10):1252-9. Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence of a strain-related variation in the virulence in Mycobacterium tuberculosis that may afford a selective advantage to certain strains. The W-Beijing strain family is globally distributed, highly virulent in animal models, associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection and drug resistance, and may be an emerging strain family. Our goal was to determine whether W-Beijing strains are expanding in a region of South Africa where rates of tuberculosis are among the highest in the world. METHODS: We used spoligotyping and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis to genotype all strains of tuberculosis from children presenting to the major pediatric referral hospital in Cape Town, South Africa over a period of 4 years and strains present in 352 archived histological samples from over a 76-year period. RESULTS: The proportion of W-Beijing strains from children increased from 13% to 33% from 2000 to 2003 (P= .026). With regard to the histological samples, W-Beijing strains were absent in the samples from the period 1930-1965 and rare in the samples from the period 1966-1995 (2.8% of samples), but they were increasingly common in samples from the period 1996-2005 (20% of samples; P= .001). CONCLUSIONS: The rapid expansion of W-Beijing strains in a region with a very high background incidence of tuberculosis suggests that these strains have a significant selective advantage. The biological reasons for this observation remain unclear but warrant further study. The rapid spread of this virulent strain lineage is likely to present additional challenges for tuberculosis control. Language: English Keywords: SOUTH AFRICA | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | LONGITUDINAL STUDIES | CHILDREN | PREVALENCE | TUBERCULOSIS | DRUG RESISTANCE | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | HIV INFECTIONS | COMPLICATIONS | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Studies | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Measurement | Infections | Diseases | Treatment | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Viral Diseases Document Number: 329410 |
| 23. Title: Prevalence of drug resistance and associated mutations in HIV-positive Puerto Ricans: sex variations. Author: Cubano LA; Sepulveda-Torres Ldel C; Sosa G; Boukli N; Robles R; Rodriguez JW Source: Ethnicity and Disease. 2008 Spring;18(2 Suppl 2):S2-132-6. Abstract: INTRODUCTION: A cross sectional study was conducted from 2002-2004 to record the evolution of HIV-1 infection in Puerto Rico by monitoring the expression of antiretroviral resistance-associated mutations. METHODS: Samples were analyzed by using the TRUGENE HIV-1 Genotyping Kit and the OpenGene DNA Sequencing System. RESULTS: Mutations in the HIV-1 virus were detected in 92.7% of men and 94.8% of women. Of these, 75.1% of men and 72.4% of women had HIV-1 with resistance to at least one medication. The average number of HIV mutations was 6.1 in men and 5.3 in women. In 2002 and 2003, strains were most frequently resistant to the antiretroviral drugs zalcitabine, lamivudine and didanosine, while in 2004, strains were most frequently resistant to zalcitabine, lamivudine, and efavirenz. The most prevalent mutations in the reverse transcriptase gene were M184V, K103N, T215Y, and M41L. The most prevalent mutations in the protease gene were L63P, M361, L90M, A71V, and L101. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences between men and women were recorded in the levels of HIV-1 expressed mutations and resistance. When comparing these results with data from 2000 and 2001, results indicate that expression of resistant mutations has remained constant. Language: English Keywords: PUERTO RICO | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | PREVALENCE | SEX FACTORS | DRUG RESISTANCE | HIV INFECTIONS | ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | Caribbean | Americas | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Measurement | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Treatment | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Document Number: 328748 |
| 24. Title: High frequency of BF mosaic genomes among HIV-1-infected children from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Author: de Oliveira CM; Almeida FJ; Rodrigues R; Crozatti M; Vazquez CM Source: Archives of Virology. 2008;153(10):1799-806. Abstract: HIV-1 genetic diversity information from a pediatric population is scarce. This study enrolled 128 children living with HIV/AIDS, 103 antiretroviral-treated and 25 naive, from the Sao Paulo metropolitan area. Gag, pol and env regions were amplified, and drug resistance mutations, V3 loop, tropism and viral clades were evaluated. Drug resistance mutations among naive children infected by vertical transmission were uncommon (4.2%), whereas most ARV-experienced children showed extensive mutation patterns. Clade B predominated at the pol region, but the analysis of the three regions concatenated showed 28% with BF mosaic structures. The most common V3 motif was GPGR, followed by GWGR in clade B samples and GPGQ in clade F samples. A predicted X4 phenotype was observed in 27%, without correlation to HIV clade. These findings expand the limited information on molecular characteristics of HIV-1 among children living with HIV/AIDS in the area and may provide information useful for monitoring the epidemic. Language: English Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | CHILDREN | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | HIV INFECTIONS | GENETICS | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | DRUG RESISTANCE | MONITORING | Developing Countries | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Studies | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Biology | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | HIV | Treatment | Evaluation Document Number: 328932 |
| 25. Peer Reviewed Title: High prevalence of unique recombinant forms of HIV-1 in Ghana: molecular epidemiology from an antiretroviral resistance study. Author: Delgado E; Ampofo WK; Sierra M; Torpey K; Perez-Alvarez L; Bonney EY; Mukadi YD; Lartey M; Nyarko C; Amenyah RN; Thomson M; Najera R Source: JAIDS. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 2008 Aug 15;48(5):599-606. Abstract: BACKGROUND: In Ghana, programs to expand antiretroviral access are being implemented. In this context, the dynamic genetic evolution of HIV-1 requires continuous surveillance, particularly when diverse genetic forms co-circulate. METHODS: Phylogenetic and antiretroviral resistance analyses of HIV-1 partial pol sequences from plasma RNA samples from 207 Ghanaian individuals were performed. RESULTS: 66% of infections were CRF02_AG, whereas 25% were unique recombinant forms (URFs). All 52 URFs were characterized by bootscanning. CRF02_AG was parental strain in 87% of URFs, forming recombinants with genetic forms circulating in minor proportions: CRF06_cpx, sub-subtype A3, CRF09_cpx and subtypes G and D. Two triple recombinants (CRF02_AG/A3/CRF06_cpx and CRF02_AG/A3/CRF09_cpx) were identified. Antiretroviral resistance analyses revealed that six individuals, five of which were antiretroviral drug-experienced, harbored mutations conferring high level of resistance to reverse transcriptase inhibitors. No major resistance mutations were identified in the protease, although insertions of one and three amino acids were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency of URFs detected probably reflects a significant incidence of coinfections or superinfections with diverse viral strains, which increases the genetic complexity of the HIV-1 epidemic in West Africa. Monitoring of HIV-1 drug resistance might provide data on the implications of intersubtype recombination in response to antiretrovirals. Language: English Keywords: GHANA | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | DRUG RESISTANCE | ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | HIV INFECTIONS | GENETICS | PREVALENCE | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Treatment | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Biology | Measurement Document Number: 328289 |
| 26. Title: Selective regimes and evolutionary rates of HIV-1 subtype B V3 variants in the Brazilian epidemic. Author: Diaz RS; Leal E; Sanabani S; Sucupira MC; Tanuri A; Sabino EC; Janini LM Source: Virology. 2008 Nov 25;381(2):184-93. Abstract: Half of subtype B Brazilian HIV-1 harbors the V3 tip GWGR instead of the GPGR. To investigate the evolution of GW variants, we analyzed 81 env sequences and 5 full-length GW genomes from antiretroviral-naive individuals sampled between 1983 and 1999. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that GW strains intermingle in the tree with other subtype B sequences. The mean d(N)/d(S) values of GW strains were proximal to those of the other sequences, regardless of sampling years or clinical status. In sequences from patients with CD4+ T cell counts >or=200 cells/microL, the mean d(N)/d(S) ratio was greater than one, suggesting a positive selection. The prevalence of GW variants was lower among individuals in whom disease progressed. This is probably attributable to the fact that tryptophan is replaced by other amino acids over time, whereas the GP motif does not evolve as rapidly. Language: English Keywords: BRAZIL | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | CLINICAL RESEARCH | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | MEN HAVING SEX WITH MEN | PREVALENCE | HIV INFECTIONS | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | IMMUNITY, CELLULAR | Developing Countries | South America, Eastern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Sex Behavior | Behavior | Measurement | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Immunity | Immune System | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 329278 |
| 27. Peer Reviewed Title: Nuclear organization in human sperm: Preliminary evidence for altered sex chromosome centromere position in infertile males. Author: Finch KA; Fonseka KG; Abogrein A; Ioannou D; Handyside AH Source: Human Reproduction. 2008;23(6):1263-1270. Abstract: Many genetic defects with a chromosomal basis affect male reproduction via a range of different mechanisms. Chromosome position is a well-known marker of nuclear organization, and alterations in standard patterns can lead to disease phenotypes such as cancer, laminopathies and epilepsy. It has been demonstrated that normal mammalian sperm adopt a pattern with the centromeres aligning towards the nuclear centre. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that altered chromosome position in the sperm head is associated with male infertility. The average nuclear positions of fluorescence in-situ hybridization signals for three centromeric probes (for chromosomes X, Y and 18) were compared in normoozoospermic men and in men with compromised semen parameters. In controls, the centromeres of chromosomes X, Y and 18 all occupied a central nuclear location. In infertile men the sex chromosomes appeared more likely to be distributed in a pattern not distinguishable from a random model. Our findings cast doubt on the reliability of centromeric probes for aneuploidy screening. The analysis of chromosome position in sperm heads should be further investigated for the screening of infertile men. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED KINGDOM | RESEARCH REPORT | MEN | INFERTILITY | SPERMATOZOA | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | GENETICS | SCREENING | Developed Countries | Europe, Western | Europe | Demographic Factors | Population | Reproduction | Germ Cells | Genitalia | Urogenital System | Physiology | Biology | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Diseases | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health Document Number: 326848 |
| 28. Peer Reviewed Title: Fetal and early postnatal environmental contaminant exposures and reproductive health effects in the female. Author: Foster WG Source: Fertility and Sterility. 2008 Feb;89(2 Suppl 1):e53-e54. Abstract: The developing fetus and children are uniquely sensitive to the effects of biohazardous environmental toxicants that alter endocrine function. Exposure to environmental toxicants have been linked to developmental effects such as an increased prevalence of developmental abnormalities of the male reproductive tract. In young girls, advances in sexual development have been linked to exposure to phthalates, whereas others have been unable to demonstrate an effect of exposure to environmental toxicants and age at puberty. Although animal studies provide experimental evidence that supports the hypothesis that environmental toxicants can advance sexual development, little is known of the potential adverse health effects of exposure to environmental toxicants in the human female. Establishing a link between exposure to environmental toxicants and reproductive health effects in the female presents investigators with numerous daunting challenges. Among these challenges is the need to document exposure to environmental toxicants. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: CANADA | LITERATURE REVIEW | CLINICAL RESEARCH | FETUS | LABORATORY ANIMALS | PREGNANT WOMEN | ENVIRONMENT | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | POSTPARTUM | TOXICITY | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | RISK ASSESSMENT | North America, Northern | Americas | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Health | Puerperium | Physiology | Biology | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Diseases | Evaluation Document Number: 325259 |
| 29. Title: Determinants of cluster size in large, population-based molecular epidemiology study of tuberculosis, northern Malawi. Author: Glynn JR; Crampin AC; Traore H; Chaguluka S; Mwafulirwa DT Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2008 Jul;14(7):1060-6. Abstract: Tuberculosis patients with identical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are described as clustered. Cluster size may depend on patient or strain characteristics. In a 7-year population-based study of tuberculosis in Karonga District, Malawi, clusters were defined by using IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism, excluding patterns with <5 bands. Spoligotyping was used to compare strains with an international database. Among 682 clustered patients, cluster size ranged from 2 to 37. Male patients, young adults, and town residents were over-represented in large clusters. Cluster size was not associated with HIV status or death from tuberculosis. Spoligotypes from 9 (90%) of 10 large cluster strains were identical or very similar (1 spacer different) to common spoligotypes found elsewhere, compared with 37 (66%) of 56 of those from nonclustered patients (p = 0.3). Large clusters were associated with factors likely to be related to social mixing, but spoligotypes of common strains in this setting were also common types elsewhere, consistent with strain differences in transmissibility. Language: English Keywords: MALAWI | RESEARCH REPORT | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | POPULATION | PREVALENCE | TUBERCULOSIS | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | GENETICS | SEX FACTORS | AGE FACTORS | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Measurement | Infections | D |