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PubMed2001

The anti-smoking climate in EU countries and Poland.

BACKGROUND: In the fall of 1998, 9095 smokers above 18 years, were interviewed about their smoking behaviour and knowledge and attitudes relating to the smoking. The survey (S) was conducted for the Cancer Commission of the EU and sponsored by SmithKline Beecham. An anti-smoking thermometer that is intended to assess the anti-smoking climate (ASC) in each EU country plus Poland was created. In doing so country owners of the S were asked to choose and rank the five questions in the S they thought best reflected the ASC. The five questions chosen were--smoking is a major cause of death and disease, want to stop smoking, governments should do more, ever made a serious quit attempt and smoke free areas should be provided. METHOD: The smokers comprised a representative sample of smoking cigarette per day, vis-a-vis age, sex and rural or urban area. Face to face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Poland had the most developed ASC, 368 points, followed closely by Sweden 358. In the bottom were Germany 266 and Austria 258. Large differences were noted on willingness to quit; from the 85% in Sweden to Italy 37%. CONCLUSION: The ASC varies considerably within EU and measures to reduce the death and disease from smoking should be tailored to the situation in each country.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Safety and efficacy of E coli enterotoxin adjuvant for urease-based rectal immunization against Helicobacter pylori.

Low dose E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT), delivered orally or enterically, has been used as an adjuvant for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) urease in healthy adults. In this study we aim to test the safety and adjuvant efficacy of LT delivered rectally together with recombinant H. pylori urease. Eighteen healthy adults without present or past H. pylori infection were enrolled in a double blind, randomized, ascending dose study to receive either urease (60 mg), or urease (60 mg) + LT (5 or 25 microg). The immunization preparation was administered per rectum on days 0, 14 and 28. Serum, stool and saliva anti-urease and anti-LT IgG and IgA antibodies (Abs) were measured and urease-specific and LT-specific antigen secreting cells (ASCs) were counted in peripheral blood at baseline and 7 (ASC counts) or 14 days (antibody levels) after each dosing. Peripheral blood lymphoproliferation assays were also performed at baseline and at the end of the study. Rectally delivered urease and LT were well tolerated. Among the 12 subjects assigned to urease+LT, 2 (16.7%) developed anti-urease IgG Abs, 1 (8.3%) developed anti-urease IgA Abs, and 3 (25%) showed urease-specific IgA(+) ASCs. Immune responses to LT were more vigorous, especially in subjects exposed to 5 microg LT. In the urease+ 5 microg LT group, anti-LT IgG and IgA Abs developed in 60 and 80% of the subjects, respectively, while LT-specific IgG(+) and IgA(+) ASCs were detected in all subjects. The magnitude of the anti-LT response was much higher than the response to urease. No IgA anti-urease or anti-LT Abs were detected in stool or saliva and lymphocyte proliferative responses to urease were unsatisfactory. In conclusion, rectal delivery of 5 microg LT is safe and induces vigorous systemic anti-LT immune responses. Further studies are needed to determine if LT can be an effective adjuvant for rectally delivered antigens.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2003

CpG-motifs enhance initial and sustained primary tetanus-specific antibody secreting cell responses in spleen and bone marrow, but are more effective in adult than in neonatal mice.

Unmethylated CpG oligonucleotides (CpG-ODN) increase adult and neonatal primary antibody responses to T-dependent antigens, at yet unidentified stages of antigen-specific B cell differentiation. In adult mice, a single dose of CpG-ODN adjuvanted tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine markedly enhanced and prolonged splenic TT-specific antibody-secreting-cell (ASC) responses and significantly increased the size of the bone marrow (BM) ASC pool. Surprisingly, this was not associated with changes of germinal center (GC) numbers, size, apoptosis or function. In 1-week-old mice, CpG-ODN also enhanced TT-specific splenic ASC responses, but failed to correct limitations of the GC reaction and of the development of the BM ASC pool.

Aging↗

PubMed2003

Safety and immunogenicity of an oral, inactivated enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli plus cholera toxin B subunit vaccine in Bangladeshi children 18-36 months of age.

A phase II safety and immunogenicity study of an oral-formalin inactivated enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) vaccine containing six colonization factors (CFA/I, CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5) and 1mg of recombinant cholera toxin B subunit (the CF-BS-ETEC vaccine) was carried out in an urban slum of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. The study was carried out in a double blinded, placebo controlled design in 158 children, 18-36 months of age. Children were given two doses of the CF-BS-ETEC vaccine or the placebo which consisted of E. coli K12. The vaccine was well tolerated. The immune response was studied in 60 children (30 each in the placebo and vaccine group). Significant vaccine specific IgA antibody-secreting cell (ASC) responses were seen 7 days after ingestion of the first and second dose of the vaccine. The responses to CFA/I (P<or=0.001), CS2 (P=0.021), CS4 (P=0.009) and rCTB (P<or=0.001) were elevated in the vaccines in comparison to the pre-immune values and in comparison to those seen in the placebo recipients (P=0.018 to <0.001). Vaccines but not placebo recipients also showed significantly increased IgM ASC responses to all three CF antigens that were tested (P=0.012 to <0.001) and IgG-ASCs to rCTB (P<0.001). Peak ASC levels were reached after one dose of the vaccine with no further increase or decrease after the second dose. The vaccine recipients also responded with IgA plasma antibodies to CFA/I, CS1, CS2, CS4 and rCTB after one or two doses of the vaccine (P=0.01 to <0.001). Subjects in the placebo group failed to mount responses to any of the antigens. The vaccine also induced responses in mucosal IgA antibodies in feces to CFA/I, CS2 and rCTB (61, 88 and 69% responder frequency, respectively) and the magnitude of the response was elevated in comparison to the pre-immune levels (P=0.031 to <0.001) and to the levels of the control group (P=0.003 to <0.001). This study thus shows that the CF-BS-ETEC vaccine is well tolerated in children, 18-36 months of age and gives rise to significant systemic and mucosal IgA antibody responses.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

PubMed2003

Route of administration is the prime determinant of IgA and IgG2a responses in the respiratory tract of mice to the cold-adapted live attenuated influenza A donor strain A/Leningrad/134/17/57.

Serum antibody and antibody secretory cell (ASC) responses to the cold-adapted (CA) live attenuated influenza A donor strain A/Leningrad/134/17/57 in BALB/c mice were determined in the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes after administration by the intranasal, subcutaneous and intramuscular routes. Both types of response were greatest when an inoculum consisting of 10(6.5) 50% egg infectious doses (EID(50)) was administered twice intranasally at an interval of 3 weeks. Serum responses by the intramuscular route were much higher than by the subcutaneous route but, at doses of 10(6.5-7.5) EID(50), were still lower than that obtained with two doses of an intranasal inoculum of 10(6.5) EID(50). Virus-specific ASC responses for IgA and IgG2a were obtained in the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes of mice inoculated with 10(6.5) EID(50) by the intranasal route. However, ASC responses after inoculation by either the subcutaneous or intramuscular routes were barely detectable, even at doses as high as 10(7.5) EID(50). These results confirm that intranasal administration of live vaccines induces far higher virus-specific IgA and IgG2a responses in the respiratory tract of mice than can be achieved by parenteral administration and that serum antibody levels induced by parenteral vaccination are unrelated to the respiratory ASC response.

Administration, Intranasal↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Safety and immunogenicity of an oral inactivated enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli vaccine.

The safety and immunogenicity of two different lots, 001 and 003, of an oral inactivated enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) vaccine consisting of a mixture of formalin-killed whole bacteria expressing the most prevalent colonisation factor antigens, i.e. CFA/I, CFA/II and CFA/IV and recombinantly produced cholera B subunit (rCTB) have been evaluated in Swedish volunteers. Neither of the two vaccine preparations, containing different CFA/II-expressing strains but otherwise identical, gave rise to any significant side-effects. Mucosal immune responses, as reflected in antibody-secreting cell (ASC) responses in peripheral blood, were studied after two doses of vaccine and did not differ significantly for the two vaccine lots. Vaccination induced high levels of CTB-specific IgA ASCs in 100% of the volunteers, and significant IgA ASC responses (9- to 36-fold) were noted in 84% of them against CFA/I, in 87% against CFA/II subcomponents CS1-CS3 and in 91% against CFA/IV subfactors CS4 and/or CS5. The frequencies and magnitudes of CFA IgA ASC responses were similar when giving the vaccine with a 1 or 2 week interval. Results from serological analyses showed that the local IgA responses against CFAs are only infrequently associated with serum antibody titre rises.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Electroporation-mediated topical delivery of vitamin C for cosmetic applications.

It is now medically recognized that sagging skin and other signs of degenerative skin conditions, such as wrinkles and age spots, are caused primarily by oxy-radical damage. Vitamin C (Vit. C), in the form of L-ascorbic acid (Asc), is the one vitamin that can accelerate wound healing, protect fatty tissues from oxidation damage, and play an integral role in collagen synthesis. It is known that the lipid-rich stratum corneum (SC) is a highly resistant barrier to chemical agents penetrating into the skin. This report describes the first feasibility study of electroporation-mediated topical delivery (EMTD) of Asc for potential cosmetic applications. Both a cream formulation (20% Asc) and a crystal suspension (33% Asc) were applied respectively to human cadaver skin and fresh surgical skin. Six exponential pulses at 60 or 100 V and pulse lengths of 2.7-30 ms were selected. EMTD was more effective on fresh human skin than on human cadaver skin. For both skin models, EMTD with cream resulted in a greater enhancement of Vit. C penetration than with suspension. The distribution of electrical fields through the SC, epidermis, and dermis is demonstrated in computer simulation. Assuming that this fresh skin model and certain experimental conditions simulate projected in vivo applications, EMTD of Vit. C may represent an alternative method to ameliorate skin aging.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2001

Posterior capsule opacification and lens epithelial cell layer formation: Hydroview hydrogel versus AcrySof acrylic intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To quantitatively compare the incidence of visually significant posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and lens epithelial cell (LEC) layer formation on the anterior surface of Hydroview hydrogel and AcrySof acrylic foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) after implantation. SETTING: Single-surgeon ophthalmology practice, Orange Base Hospital, and Dudley Private Hospital, Orange, New South Wales, Australia. METHODS: This retrospective study comprised 166 eyes of 150 patients (after exclusions) who had cataract extraction and insertion of a foldable IOL in the capsular bag by a single surgeon using a standardized phacoemulsification technique from December 1997 to September 1998. The mean follow-up was 13.1 months (range 6.0 to 23.6 months). The eyes were divided into 2 groups based on the type of IOL implanted: Storz Hydroview H60M (81 eyes) or Alcon AcrySof MA30BA (85 eyes). A neodymium:YAG posterior capsule laser capsulotomy (PC YAG) was performed for an objective decrease in Snellen best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of more than 1 line, significant visual symptoms, or both. This was used as a measure of visually significant PCO. An Nd:YAG anterior surface clearance (ASC YAG) was done for LEC layer formation anterior to the IOL to better visualize or facilitate treatment of PCO. The rates of PC YAG and ASC YAG after Hydroview and AcrySof IOL implantation were statistically compared. RESULTS: Forty-five eyes (55.6%) in the Hydroview IOL group and 3 eyes (3.5%) in the AcrySof IOL group required a PC YAG; the risk difference was 52.0% (P <.001). An ASC YAG was required in 27 eyes (33.3%) in the Hydroview group and 1 eye (1.2%) in the AcrySof group; the risk difference was 32.2% (P <.001). Survival analysis demonstrated that the only independent predictor of the incidence of PC YAG and ASC YAG over time was IOL type, with the Hydroview IOL group having a statistically significantly higher incidence of both procedures. CONCLUSION: There was a greater incidence of visually significant PCO and LEC layer formation on the anterior surface of Hydroview IOLs than of AcrySof IOLs.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed1997

Peroxynitrite-induced apoptosis in T84 and RAW 264.7 cells: attenuation by L-ascorbic acid.

The free radicals nitric oxide and superoxide react to form peroxynitrite (ONOO-), a potent cytotoxic oxidant. This study was designed to evaluate whether addition of L-Ascorbic acid (AsC) into the culture medium decreases peroxynitrite-induced apoptosis in human intestinal epithelial (T84) and murine macrophage (RAW 264.7) cell lines. In Experiment 1, T84 and RAW 264.7 cells were divided in two protocols: (1) treated with 100-300 microM ONOO- and incubated for 4 h, and (2) treated with 10-100 microM ONOO- and incubated overnight (14 h). In Experiment 2, T84 and RAW 264.7 cells were treated with 300 microM ONOO- and 500 microM AsC and incubated for 4 h. In Experiment 3, T84 and RAW 264.7 cells were preincubated for 2 h with 500 microM AsC then exposed to 300 microM ONOO- for 4 h. Cell viability (necrosis) was assessed by trypan blue dye exclusion. Apoptosis was quantified with a cell death detection ELISA assay. In the 4 h protocol, ONOO- induced apoptosis in T84 and RAW 264.7 cells, at levels of 100-300 microM. Concentrations of ONOO- greater than 300 microM caused necrosis. In contrast, extension of the protocol to 14 h indicated that ONOO- induced apoptosis at lower concentrations (50;-75 microM), with concentrations > 75 microM resulting in necrosis. AsC administered to the media or with preincubation plus washout, decreased peroxynitrite-induced apoptosis in T84 and RAW 264.7 cells. These results indicate that ONOO- may contribute to the pathophysiology of gut inflammation by promoting cell death and ascorbic acid may protect against peroxynitrie-induced damage.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Mutagenicity of sulfoscanate: a comparative study.

The mutagenic activity of sulfoscanate (SSC) (4-isothiocyanate-4'-nitrodiphenyl sulphide) has been compared with that of the following reported drugs: (a) nitroscanate (NSC) (4-isothiocyanate-4'-nitrodiphenyl ether) which is a veterinary anthelmintic drug and (b) amoscanate (ASC) (4-isothiocyanate-4'-nitrodiphenyl amine) which is effective against schistosomes. SSC has been found to be a very potent mutagen towards TA98 and TA100 inducing 26.0 and 475.5revertants/nmole, respectively. NSC was found to induce mutations at a rate of 11.1 and 21.5revertants/nmole in TA98 and TA100, respectively. ASC was found to be non-mutagenic as such, but the urine of animals given the drug displayed mutagenicity. When SSC was tested in TA98/1,8-DNP(6), deficient in O-acetyltransferase, the activity decreased to 10.0revertants/nmole. However, in case of NSC the mutagenic activity was reduced to 0.24revertants/nmole, indicating the importance of O-acetyltransferase in generating N-acetoxyarylamine. In TA98NR, deficient in nitroreductase, the mutagenicity of SSC and NSC was totally absent. The positional isomers of SSC, 4-isothiocyanate-3'-nitro- and 4-isothiocyanate-2'-nitrodiphenyl sulphide, were found to be non-mutagenic in both TA98 and TA100. Our comparison of the mutagenic activity of SSC, NSC and ASC indicates that the pattern of activity is SSC>NSC>ASC.

Diphenylamine↗

PubMed2001

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b sequences from fifteen patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: the 'progression score' revisited.

The genome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may have some characteristics which would barely be found in those of HCV from asymptomatic carriers (ASC). We analyzed 15 HCC patients who were infected with HCV genotype 1b (HCV-1b) for complete nucleotide sequences of the viral genomes. Of the 15 isolates, three were sequenced up to the first nucleotide of the 5'UTR, and six were sequenced to encompass the X-tail at the 3' end: sequencing of at least three-quarters of the 5'UTR and entire polyprotein-ORF was accomplished in all 15 isolates. Analyses of these sequences together with those reported previously by Nagayama et al. [Hepatology; 31 (2000) 745] suggested that nine residues (nt 119 of 5'UTR and aa 90, 434, 938, 962, 1176, 1412, 2143, and 2774 of polyprotein) might be useful to discriminate HCC-type sequences from ASC-type ones. The 'progression score' was 1.4+/-0.9 in ASC versus 3.7+/-1.5 in HCC (P=3.87E-07) when calculated with the Nagayama et al.'s seven residues, but was 1.4+/-0.6 versus 4.6+/-1.9 (P=1.33E-09) with our nine residues: a greater difference between HCC and ASC was achieved in the latter system. Further analyses, by increasing the sample size and/or by extending the comparison to include entire 5'UTR and 3'UTR/X-tail, may thus contribute to define the 'progression score' more appropriately.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

The 'price' of Olympic Gold.

In 1981 the Commonwealth Government established the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) which administers the AIS has 2 objectives: (1) excellence in sports performances; and (2) increased participation in sports and sports activities. State-based institutes of sport have also been established with the same or very similar objectives. Federal policy directs the bulk of the ASC budget to elite athlete programs. A smaller proportion goes towards community participation. The official reason is based on the notion of the 'trickle-down' or 'demonstration' effect. That is, a flow-on of benefits to the broader community in the form of increased participation as a direct result of elite sports success. The aims of this study were to determine the (1) spending pattern to elite sports programs for the 5 Olympics 1976/77 to 1995/96, (2) evidence for the two ASC objectives having been met, and (3) expected medal tally at the 2000 Olympic Games. Results show funding (in 1998 dollars), has accelerated from about $1.2 million (1976/77) to $106 million in (1997/98), particularly since the Games were awarded to Sydney. The total amount spent on elite athletes was $0.918 billion. In the period 1980-96 Australia won 25 gold and 115 total Olympic medals. This equates to approximately $37 million per gold and $8 million per medal in general. There was a significant linear relationship between money spent and total medals won. This was also found when all medal types were analysed independently. The predicted medal tally in 2000 (based on the cost per medal and the expenditure towards Sydney) indicates the medal count will be about 14+/-1 gold, 15+/-2 silver and 33+/-4 bronze. Based on our nation's record of international sporting achievement, there is little doubt we have fulfilled the ASC's first objective. Current data on physical activity patterns of Australians suggest the second objective has not been met. Focusing attention on and achieving the first objective does not appear to have any bearing on the second objective. It is time to revisit the notion that elite sporting success leads to greater mass participation as a result of the so-called 'trickle-down' effect.

Australia↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Characterization of gelatine and acid soluble collagen by size exclusion chromatography coupled with multi angle light scattering (SEC-MALS).

Acid soluble collagen (ASC) and a cattle hide gelatine were analyzed by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled with multi angle light scattering (MALS). The SEC system was calibrated with ASC and its cyan bromide cleavage products. The accuracy of calibration was confirmed by MALS by measuring the mass-average molar masses (Mw). ASC acted as a mixture of two polymer standards of Mw = 90 and 180 kg/mol, respectively. The elution behavior of the gelatine in SEC-MALS was similar to that of ASC. Therefore, the determination of the molar mass distribution of this gelatine was possible either by SEC, using a calibration curve, or by MALS by direct measurement of Mw. According to the scaling law (1/2) = KMalpha, alpha = 0.78 was determined for the gelatine. This alpha could reflect a structure in solution, which is more similar to an ellipsoid than to a random coil.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Phase transitions in the starch-water system studied by adiabatic scanning calorimetry.

We report high-precision measurements of phase transitions in the starch-water system by using for the first time adiabatic scanning calorimetry (ASC). Potato starch and nixtamalized corn flours were studied by this technique as a function of the moisture content. We calculated the percentage of gelatinized starch granules, as a function of the temperature, for both flours. For bi-phasic behavior in potato starch, at intermediate water contents, we propose an explanation based on previous hypotheses and on the experimental behavior as deduced from ASC measurements. ASC results suggest, in the case of nixtamalized corn flour, that uniform moisture is present in corn starch granules for all the considered moistures. A shift to higher temperatures of the peak temperature is observed when comparing the c(p)(T) curves with the classical DSC endotherms as measured for this flour. For both flours we estimated from the ASC results the melting temperatures of the starch granules, at zero moisture content, by using Flory's equation.

Calorimetry, Differential Scanning↗

PubMed2003

Antioxidant systems and their relationship with the response of pepper fruits to storage at 20 degrees C.

Fresh peppers (Capsicum annuum L., variety California) in their green and red ripe stages were stored at 20 degrees C for 7 and 19 days to determine the effects of storage on whole fruit antioxidant capacity (TAA) and ascorbate (ASC) content, as well as on some antioxidant enzyme activities, such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and those of the ASC-glutathione cycle. At least one Mn-SOD, two Fe-SODs, and three CuZn-SODs were detected in the fruit extract after native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. All of the SOD isozymes and glutathione reductase had higher activity levels in the red control fruits than in the green fruits, whereas the activities of monodehydroascorbate and dehydroascorbate reductase were higher in green fruits. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) was found to be similar in both fruits. SODs, CAT, and APX seem to be involved in pepper fruit ripening and senescence during storage at 20 degrees C, perhaps influencing the active oxygen species levels in the fruit. TAA, as well as the ASC content, was higher in red peppers than in green, and storage increased the ASC in both green and red fruits.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed2000

Tolerance of a field grown soybean cultivar to elevated ozone level is concurrent with higher leaflet ascorbic acid level, higher ascorbate-dehydroascorbate redox status, and long term photosynthetic productivity.

We examined the characteristics of ascorbic acid (ASC) level, dehydroascorbate (DHA) level, and the ASC-DHA redox status in the leaflets of two soybean cultivars grown in a field environment and exposed to elevated ozone (O(3)) levels. These two cultivars, one that preliminary evidence indicated to be O(3)-tolerant (cv Essex), and one that was indicated to be O(3)-sensitive (cv Forrest), were grown in open-top chambers during the summer of 1997. The plants were exposed daily to a controlled, moderately high O(3) level ( approximately 58 nl l(-1) air) in the light, beginning at the seedling stage and continuing to bean maturity. Concurrently, control plants were exposed to carbon-filtered, ambient air containing a relatively low O(3) level ( approximately 24 nl l(-1) air) during the same period. Elevated O(3) did not affect biomass per plant, mature leaf area accretion, or bean yield per plant of cv Essex. In contrast, elevated O(3) level decreased the biomass and bean yield per plant of cv Forrest by approximately 20%. Daily leaflet photosynthesis rate and stomatal conductance per unit area did not decrease in either cultivar as a result of prolonged O(3) exposure. A 10% lower mature leaflet area in O(3)-treated cv Forrest plants contributed to an ultimate limitation in long-term photosynthetic productivity (vegetative and bean yield). Possible factors causing cv Essex to be more O(3) tolerant than cv Forrest were: 1) mature leaflets of control and O(3)-treated cv Essex plants consistently maintained a higher daily ASC level than leaflets of cv Forrest plants, and 2) mature leaflets of cv Essex plants maintained a higher daily ASC-DHA redox status than leaflets of cv Forrest plants.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2003

Long-term follow-up of hepatitis C virus infection: HLA class II loci influences the natural history of the disease.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes various grades of chronic liver disease, ranging from an asymptomatic state to cirrhosis. To assess genetic factors of disease severity, we selected two HCV patient groups according to the following stringent criteria: (i) asymptomatic carrier state (ASC) defined by HCV infection for more than 20 years, normal alanine aminotransferase levels for the past 5 years as well as normal liver histology and/or shape and (ii) liver cirrhosis (LC) as diagnosed by clinical symptoms, liver biopsy and/or ultrasonography. A total of 103 chronically infected Japanese HCV patients (43 ASC and 60 LC) were analyzed. HLA class I and II alleles were established using low resolution DNA typing. HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 genotypes were inferred upon polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Two hundred and one anti-HCV-negative ethnically matched controls were included. The frequencies of DRB1*12 (*1201 and *1202), DQB1*0301 and DRB3*03 alleles were higher in patients with ASC than in those with LC (odds ratio (OR) 11.23, OR 4.25, and OR 3.22, respectively). The frequency of DQB1*0503 were lower in ASC patients compared to LC patients (OR 0.05). No significant differences between groups were observed for age, sex, source of infection, HCV genotype or viral loads. Our findings establish that certain HLA class II alleles strongly influence disease progression following HCV infection.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

The clinical and microbiological effects of a novel acidified sodium chlorite mouthrinse on oral bacterial mucosal infections.

Acidified sodium chlorite mouthrinses have been shown to have equivalent anti-plaque activity to those containing chlorhexidine, the current 'gold standard'. In this study, sodium chlorite mouthrinses (ASC) acidified with either malic or gluconic acids were compared to each other and with a chlorhexidine rinse and sterile water for their effect on salivary bacterial counts. Sixteen subjects participated in the study, which had a cross-over Latin square design. In a second study, a sodium chlorite/gluconic acid rinse was compared with chlorhexidine for its clinical and microbiological effects in 36 patients with oral mucosal infections. The sodium chlorite rinses acidified with malic and gluconic acids and the chlorhexidine rinse caused significant reductions in salivary bacterial counts up to 7 h after a single rinse compared with water. There were no significant differences between the three active treatments. In the mucosal infection study, there was a significant reduction in erythema in the chlorhexidine group compared with the ASC group. Patients who received the ASC rinse reported significantly less discomfort following treatment than those receiving the chlorhexidine rinse. Staphylococcus aureus counts were significantly reduced in the group who received the sodium chlorite rinse. There were no other significant differences between the treatments. ASC appears to be an effective alternative to chlorhexidine mouthrinse.

Adult↗