Detection, genetic characterization, and quantification of norovirus RNA from sera of children with gastroenteritis.

Background: Norovirus (NoV) infection is thought to be confined to the intestines, whereas many reports suggest antigenemia and viremia occur during rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Objectives: To detect NoV RNA in sera and cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) from NoV-infected children, and to quantify and genetically characterize the NoV found in these compartments.

Study Design: Semi-nested PCR was conducted on stool, serum and CSF samples from 56 patients with acute gastroenteritis.

[Gelatin particle agglutination (PA) antibody: comparison to neutralizing antibody (NT) and hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody and relationship to IgG avidity].

Changes in gelatin particle agglutination (PA), hemagglutination inhibition (HI), and neutralization (NT) antibodies were compared using sera from 124 individuals collected between 3 weeks and 10 years after measles vaccination, and the relationship between these changes and IgG avidity was studied. PA, HI, and NT antibodies peaked 4-5 months after vaccination. The rate of increase in mean antibody titer from 0-1 months after vaccination to peak levels was 1.

Bronchial Response Study of Asthmatic Patients Using an Atmosphere-Changing Chamber.

We studied the bronchial response to low-pressure conditions by using an atmosphere-controlling chamber. When asthmatic patients were put in a chamber in which the pressure was reduced gradually, their small airways did not change until an estimated 1,000-meter level and from an estimated 1,500 m asthmatic patients' lung function crossed to that of normal subjects. For astmatics there was a remarkable change in saturation of oxygen under low-pressure conditions.