Rhesus macaques infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) containing either a large nef deletion (SIVmac239⌬ 152 nef) or interleukin-2 in place of nef developed high virus loads and progressed to simian AIDS. Viruses recovered from both juvenile and neonatal macaques with disease produced a novel truncated Nef protein, tNef. Viruses recovered from juvenile macaques infected with serially passaged virus expressing tNef exhibited a pathogenic phenotype. These findings demonstrated strong selective pressure to restore expression of a truncated Nef protein, and this reversion was linked to increased pathogenic potential in live attenuated SIV vaccines.

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This paper presents a short-term monthly forecasting model of West Texas Intermediate crude oil spot price using OECD petroleum inventory levels. Theoretically, petroleum inventory levels are a measure of the balance, or imbalance, between petroleum production and demand, and thus provide a good market barometer of crude oil price change. Based on an understanding of petroleum market fundamentals and observed market behavior during the post-Gulf War period, the model was developed with the objectives of being both simple and practical, with required data readily available. As a result, the model is useful to industry and government decision-makers in forecasting price and investigating the impacts of changes on price, should inventories, production, imports, or demand change. (JEL Q40, C53); Int'l Advances in Econ. Res., 8 (4): pp. 324-33, Nov 02.

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Background Renal sympathetic denervation (RD) is a promising method of neuromodulation for the management of cardiac arrhythmia. Objective We tested the hypothesis that RD is antiarrhythmic in ambulatory dogs because it reduces the stellate ganglion nerve activity (SGNA) by remodeling the stellate ganglion (SG) and brain stem. Methods We implanted a radiotransmitter to record SGNA and electrocardiogram in 9 ambulatory dogs for 2 weeks, followed by a 2nd surgery for RD and 2 months SGNA recording. Cell death was probed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Results Integrated SGNA at baseline, 1 and 2 months after RD were 14.0±4.0, 9.3±2.8 and 9.6±2.0 μV, respectively (p=0.042). The SG from RD but not normal control (N=5) dogs showed confluent damage. An average of 41±10% and 40±16% of ganglion cells in the left and right SG, respectively, were TUNEL-positive in RD dogs compared with 0% in controls dogs (p= 0.005 for both). Left and right SG from RD dogs had more tyrosine hydroxylase-negative ganglion cells than left SG of control dogs (p= 0.028 and 0.047 respectively). Extensive TUNEL positive neurons and glial cells were also noted in the medulla, associated with strongly positive glial fibrillary acidic protein staining. The distribution was heterogeneous, with more cell death in the medial than lateral aspects of the medulla. Conclusion Bilateral RD caused significant central and peripheral sympathetic nerve remodeling and reduced SGNA in ambulatory dogs. These findings may in part explain the antiarrhythmic effects of RD.

IgG4 inhibits peanut-induced basophil and mast cell activation in peanut-tolerant children sensitized to peanut major allergens.

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