Rapid detection and simultaneous subtype differentiation of influenza A viruses by real time PCR.

A real time RT-PCR, using the LightCycler, was developed and compared with rapid antigen enzyme immunoassay (AgEIA) and enhanced virus culture for rapid detection of influenza A viruses in stored and prospectively collected respiratory specimens. Specific hybridization probes were used for simultaneous detection and differentiation between H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes. The sensitivity of the RT-PCR for influenza A H1N1 was 120 copies and H3N2 350 copies of in vitro transcribed RNA.

Biochemical evidence linking a putative callose synthase gene with (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan biosynthesis in barley.

A putative barley (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan synthase cDNA of 6.1 kb, which is homologous to the yeast FKS gene, was assembled from DNA fragments obtained through screening of barley cDNA and BAC libraries, and by PCR amplification. The corresponding gene, designated HvGSL1, is a member of a family of at least six genes in barley.

Can the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III) data help resolve the controversy over low blood lead levels and neuropsychological development in children?

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III) was designed to provide national estimates of the health and nutritional status of the United States population aged 2 months and above. A Youth data subset includes individuals from ages 2 months to 16 years totaling 13,944 individuals. Lanphear, Dietrich, Auinger, and Cox [U.

Melatonin phase-shifts human circadian rhythms with no evidence of changes in the duration of endogenous melatonin secretion or the 24-hour production of reproductive hormones.

The pineal hormone melatonin is a popular treatment for sleep and circadian rhythm disruption. Melatonin administered at optimal times of the day for treatment often results in a prolonged melatonin profile. In photoperiodic (day length-dependent) species, changes in melatonin profile duration influence the timing of seasonal rhythms.

Hot alkali-labile linkages in the walls of the forage grass Phalaris aquatica and Lolium perenne and their relation to in vitro wall digestibility.

The factors affecting in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of fully mature internodes of 150 lines of the forage grass, Phalaris aquatica, and internodes of 100 lines of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), harvested just after anthesis, were investigated. The relationships between IVDMD and the contents of acetyl bromide lignin, and ester-ether linkages between lignin and wall polysaccharides, measured by hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) released by 4 M NaOH at 170 degrees C respectively, were determined. The regression analysis gave r(2)=0.

Studies on performance and sleepiness with the H1-antihistamine, desloratadine.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to establish whether the H1-antihistamine desloratadine (5 mg), the active metabolite of loratadine, is free of effects on performance and sleepiness.

Method: Effects of desloratadine (5 mg) on psychomotor performance, daytime sleep latencies, subjective sleepiness, and memory were studied in nine healthy volunteers (four men, five women) between the ages of 20 and 39 yr (mean 28.2).

Topological characterization of an inner membrane (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan (curdlan) synthase from Agrobacterium sp. strain ATCC31749.

The crdS gene of Agrobacterium sp. strain ATCC31749 encodes the curdlan synthase (CrdS) protein based on the homology of the derived CrdS protein sequence with those of beta-glycosyl transferases with repetitive action patterns (Stasinopoulos et al. [1999] Glycobiology, 9, 31-41).

Synthesis, antiviral activity and pharmacokinetics of P1/P1' substituted 3-aminoindazole cyclic urea HIV protease inhibitors.

A series of P1/P1' substituted cyclic urea analogues were prepared in an attempt to increase the intra-cellular antiviral potency of the nonsymmetrical 3-aminoindazoles DMP 850 and DMP 851. The effect of alkyl substitution of the P1/P1' residues on cellular antiviral potency, protein binding, resistance profile and pharmacokinetics are described.

Serologic analysis of ovarian tumor antigens reveals a bias toward antigens encoded on 17q.

We utilized SEREX immunoscreening to identify a set of novel tumor antigens that are associated with human serous ovarian cancer and may prove useful for the early detection and treatment of this disease. Extensive screening with a panel of sera from 25 late-stage ovarian cancer patients against 3 independent cDNA libraries identified a set of 9 antigens that were immunogenic in more than 1 patient and not in a panel of 20-45 normal female serum donors. These antigens include p53, NY-ESO-1, UBQLN1, HOXB6, TOP2A, putative helicase-RUVBL (RUVBL), HMBA-inducible (HEXIM1), DDX5 and HDCMA.

Human circadian phase in 12:12 h, 200: <8 lux and 1000: <8 lux light-dark cycles, without scheduled sleep or activity.

The light levels required to maintain human circadian phase in the absence of other strong time cues are not defined. We investigated circadian phase in two groups of men, living in partial temporal isolation, exposed to 12 h:12 h light:dark cycles of: (A) 200: <8 lux, broad spectrum white light for 14 days; and (B) 1000: <8lux for 14 days. The rhythm variables measured were urinary 6-sulphatoxymelatonin, rectal temperature, activity and rest (actigraphy and sleep logs).

Cloning and characterization of the phosphatidylserine synthase gene of Agrobacterium sp. strain ATCC 31749 and effect of its inactivation on production of high-molecular-mass (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan (curdlan).

Genes involved in the production of the extracellular (1-->3)-beta-glucan, curdlan, by Agrobacterium sp. strain ATCC 31749 were described previously (Stasinopoulos et al., Glycobiology 9:31-41, 1999).

Evaluating the effectiveness of occupational therapy faculty development workshops.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate, from the participants' perspective, the effectiveness over time of 10 occupational therapy faculty development workshops conducted between 1994 and 1998.

Method: Surveys were mailed to 179 occupational therapy faculty participants to gather demographic data and perceptions of the following aspects of the workshops: benefits over time of the instructional content, changes made in current teaching practices, progress as a faculty member, and future needs for faculty development.

Results: The response rate was 63% (n = 106).

Central effects of cinnarizine: restricted use in aircrew.

Hypothesis: Our aim was to establish the effects of cinnarizine, a drug used for the treatment of motion sickness, on daytime sleepiness and performance.

Methods: The effects of cinnarizine (15, 30, and 45 mg) were assessed on digit symbol substitution, tracking, vigilance, and on subjective and objective (daytime sleep latencies) sleepiness in six healthy volunteers between the ages of 20 and 34 yr (mean 27 yr) from 1.0 h prior to ingestion to 8.

Effectiveness of the New York State Office of Mental Health Core Curriculum: direct care staff training.

The purpose was to study the New York State Office of Mental Health's Core Curriculum training program. The 3-day program included recipient recovery principles, team training, cultural competence, clinical issues, and safety. Exit questionnaires were completed by 3,732 staff members.

Noise-induced sleep maintenance insomnia: hypnotic and residual effects of zaleplon.

Aims: The primary objective of the study was to assess the residual effects of zaleplon in the morning, 4 h after a middle-of-the-night administration. The secondary objective was to investigate the effectiveness of zaleplon in promoting sleep in healthy volunteers with noise-induced sleep maintenance insomnia.

Methods: Thirteen healthy male and female volunteers (aged 20-30 years) with normal hearing, who were sensitive to the sleep-disrupting effects of noise, participated in a double-blind, placebo- and active-drug controlled, four-period cross-over study.