Functional pseudotyping of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 vectors by Western equine encephalitis virus envelope glycoprotein.

We investigated the ability of western equine encephalitis virus envelope glycoproteins (WEEV GP) to pseudotype lentiviral vectors. The titers of WEEV GP-pseudotyped human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) ranged as high as 8.0 x 10(4) IU/ml on permissive cells.

Titers of HIV-based vectors encoding shRNAs are reduced by a dicer-dependent mechanism.

Gene transfer vectors encoding short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) are useful in deciphering gene function, and are being considered for therapeutic knockdown of target genes in humans. We constructed HIV-based vectors encoding shRNA against HIV coreceptor chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 (CCR5). Initially we noted that vectors encoding CCR5 shRNA showed >30-fold lower viral titers than those of the empty vector.

The influence of aerobic fitness and fibromyalgia on cardiorespiratory and perceptual responses to exercise in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Objective: To investigate cardiorespiratory and perceptual responses to exercise in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), accounting for comorbid fibromyalgia (FM) and controlling for aerobic fitness.

Methods: Twenty-nine patients with CFS only, 23 patients with CFS plus FM, and 32 controls completed an incremental bicycle test to exhaustion. Cardiorespiratory and perceptual responses were measured.

Exercise and cognitive performance in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Purpose: To determine the effect of submaximal steady-state exercise on cognitive performance in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) alone, CFS with comorbid fibromyalgia FM (CFS + FM), and sedentary healthy controls (CON).

Methods: Twenty CFS-only patients, 19 CFS + FM, and 26 CON completed a battery of cognitive tests designed to assess speed of information processing, variability, and efficiency. Tests were performed at baseline, immediately before, and twice following 25 min of either cycle ergometry set at 40% of peak oxygen capacity or quiet rest.

Fatigue in the elderly population.

Fatigue in the elderly population is a complex phenomenon. Although a number of factors contributing to the fatigue have been identified, its basic mechanism remains elusive. Additional research on prevalence, identification, diagnosis, severity of fatigue, and associated factors and the role of exercise as an effective treatment modality could lead to a better understanding of the causal factors.

Identification of novel prognosticators of outcome in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to identify chromosomal aberrations associated with poor outcome in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Patients And Methods: We assessed the global genomic composition of 82 HNSCCs from previously untreated patients with comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). The CGH data were subcategorized into individual cytogenetic bands.

Genetic therapy for HIV/AIDS.

Despite the tremendous success of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) introduced nearly 8 years ago for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), innovative therapies, including gene transfer approaches, are still required for nearly half of the general patient population. A number of potential gene therapeutic targets for HIV have been identified and include both viral and cellular genes essential for viral replication. The diverse methods used to inhibit viral replication comprise RNA-based strategies such as ribozymes, RNA decoys, antisense messenger RNAs and small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules.

Perceived exertion in fatiguing illness: Gulf War veterans with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Purpose: It has been reported that ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) are elevated in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). We have challenged this notion by examining perceived exertion in civilian females with CFS and expressing the data relative to exercise capacity (%[OV0312]O(2max)). The purpose of the present investigation was to further examine RPE during exercise in a unique population of CFS patients, Gulf veterans (GV).

Perceived exertion in fatiguing illness: civilians with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Purpose: It has been reported that ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) are elevated in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). However, methodological limitations have rendered this conclusion suspect. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine RPE during exercise in civilians with CFS by comparing subjects at both absolute exercise stage and relative oxygen consumption reference criteria.

Chromosomal aberrations in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma do not vary based on severity of tobacco/alcohol exposure.

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) have been causally associated with tobacco and alcohol exposure. However, 10-15% of HNSCC develop in absence of significant carcinogen exposure. Several lines of evidence suggest that the genetic composition of HNSCC varies based on the extent of tobacco/alcohol exposure, however, no genome wide measures have been applied to address this issue.

Amplification of the 3q26.3 locus is associated with progression to invasive cancer and is a negative prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Amplification of the 3q26-q27 has a high prevalence in squamous cell carcinomas of mucosal origin, including those originating in the head and neck region. To elucidate its role as a prognostic tool in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) contig spanning the entire 3q26-27 region was constructed. The minimal region of amplification was refined within a 1- to 2-Mb genomic segment contained within three overlapping, nonchimeric YAC clones using sequential fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis.

Prediction of survival in patients with head and neck cancer using the histoculture drug response assay.

Background: Chemoresponse is a significant outcome predictor in patients with head and neck cancer, regardless of the treatment modality used. The histoculture drug response assay (HDRA) has been shown to be a reliable method for in vitro chemoresponse assessment. In this study, we have correlated the HDRA assessment with survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Hodgkin's disease of the head and neck in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.

Introduction: Hodgkin's disease can occur in immunocompromised patients. However, the head and neck manifestations of Hodgkin's disease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients remain ill defined. The aim of this study was to describe Hodgkin's disease of the head and neck in HIV-infected patients and compare it with noninfected patients.

Screening for genetic aberrations in papillary thyroid cancer by using comparative genomic hybridization.

Background: Determination of the genetic composition of papillary thyroid cancers may help explain differences in observed clinical behavior. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) is a novel molecular cytogenetic assay that allows simultaneous detection of gains, losses, and amplification of genetic information, making it an ideal screening tool. The aim of this study was to identify genetic aberrations occurring in papillary thyroid cancers by using CGH analysis.

Retropharyngeal abscess secondary to penetrating foreign bodies.

A retrospective study was conducted on patients with upper aerodigestive tract foreign bodies requiring operative intervention over a 12-year period to aid in the recognition and management of foreign body associated complications. Oesophagoscopies were performed for the removal of foreign bodies in 37 patients, age one to 82 years with a male to female ratio of 1.2:1.

Outcome differences in younger and older patients with laryngeal cancer: a retrospective case-control study.

Purpose: Younger or older age has a significant impact on the outcome of patients with head and neck cancer. However, the data regarding outcomes based on age are conflicting. The aim of this article is to determine the impact of age on the outcome of laryngeal cancer.

Head and neck manifestations of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.

Purpose: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the 2nd most common malignancy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. However, limited information regarding head and neck manifestations of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is present in the literature. The aim of this article is to describe the head and neck manifestations of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in HIV-infected patients and compare it with that seen in noninfected patients.

Coexistent Hashimoto's thyroiditis with papillary thyroid carcinoma: impact on presentation, management, and outcome.

Background: This study was performed to assess the relationship between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and the development, presentation, management, and outcome of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Methods: Two complementary analytic methods were used. The clinical study was a retrospective case-control study, including patients seen with papillary thyroid carcinoma presenting during a 12-year period.