bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic damage in multiple organs of acutely exercised rats
Authors: Pozzi Renan , Rosa Jose C , Eguchi Ricardo , Oller do Nascimento Claudia M , Oyama Lila M , Aguiar Odair , Chaves Marcelo D , Ribeiro Daniel A
Published: October 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute exercise on genomic damage in an animal model. Male adult Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: control and acute exercised (experimental). For this purpose, 15 animals were accustomed to running on a rodent treadmill for 15 min per day for 5 days (10–20 m min−1; 08 grade). After 4 days at rest, active animals ran on the treadmill (22 m min−1, 58 grade) till exhaustion. Cells from peripheral blood, liver, heart, and brain were collected after 0, 2, and 6 h after exercise. The results showed that acute exercise was able to induce genetic damage in peripheral blood cells after 2 and 6 h of exercise, whereas liver pointed out genetic damage for all periods evaluated. No genetic damage was induced either in brain or in heart cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that acute exercise could contribute to the genetic damage in peripheral blood and liver cells. It seems that liver is a sensitive organ to the genotoxic insult after acute exercise. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mitochondrial Mode of Action of a Thymidine‐Based Cisplatin Analogue Breaks Resistance in Cancer Cells
Authors: Onambele Liliane A. , Koth Daniel , Czaplewska Justyna A. , Schubert Ulrich S. , Görls Helmar , Yano Shigenobu , Obata Makoto , Gottschaldt Michael , Prokop Aram
Published: October 2010

Abstract: Cisplatin analogue complexes with platinum(II) and palladium(II) starting from 3′,5′‐diamino‐3′,5′‐dideoxy‐thymidines were synthesized, both with the D‐erythro‐ and D‐threo configurations. Complexes of the general formula [MCl2L] were obtained and characterized. NMR spectroscopic measurements and single crystal X‐ray structure analysis showed that the metal centers are coordinated to the ligands by the amino groups in 3′‐ and 5′‐positions and not through the thymine moiety. All ligands and complexes showed no significant in vitro activities except thymiplatin (cis‐dichloro(3′,5′‐diamino‐3′,5′‐dideoxy‐D‐threo‐thymidine)platinum(II)). Detailed in vitro studies on the apoptosis pathway in lymphoma (BJAB), leukemia (NALM‐6), and melanoma cells (Mel‐HO) as well as on transfected or resistant cell lines were carried out. Thymiplatin significantly induced an apoptotic response, which was found to be associated with the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and with caspase activation. The activity was shown to be independent of Fas‐associated protein with death domain (FADD), but dependent on Bcl‐2 expression. As a consequence, for thymiplatin a mitochondrial mode of action could be assigned. Moreover, the compound showed activity in cells resistant to common drugs, such as daunorubicin and vincristin, and showed synergistic effects with doxorubicin, vincristin, cytarabin, and daunorubicin.
Probing the Influence of an Allylic Methyl Group in Zearalenone Analogues on Binding to Hsp90
Authors: Rink Christian , Sasse Florenz , Zubrienė Asta , Matulis Daumantas , Maier Martin E.
Published: October 2010

By the replacement of an acetate with propionate by means of organic synthesis, a range of zearalenone analogues were prepared that feature an allylic methyl group. For the synthesis of the aliphatic region of the analogues, we used an asymmetric alkylation to yield pentenol derivatives 16 and ent‐16. By means of hydroboration the corresponding aldehydes were secured. These were coupled with 2‐pentynol derivate 23 by means of a Carreira acetylide addition. Further routine steps led to the sulfones 29 and 45, respectively. After merging them with 2‐bromobenzaldehyde 9 in a Julia–Kocienski reaction, metalation, carboxylation, and protecting‐group manipulations gave the seco acids 35 and 49. By means of lactonization under Mitsunobu (alcohol activation) or Trost–Kita conditions (carboxyl activation), all four possible macrocyclic ketone stereoisomers were accessible. In all, considering various protecting‐group decorations, 16 analogues were obtained and tested for cytotoxicity (L929 mouse fibroblast cell line). Whereas most of the analogues were less active than zearalenone (IC50=9.4 μM), the resorcinol derivatives were comparable, with one stereoisomer (40 b) being slightly more active (IC50=6.6 μM). These results were also reflected in the binding assays to Hsp90 in which 40 b showed a dissociation constant (Kd) value of 130 nM.
Bimetallic Catalysis Involving Dipalladium(I) and Diruthenium(I) Complexes
Authors: Das Raj K. , Saha Biswajit , Rahaman S. M. Wahidur , Bera Jitendra K.
Published: October 2010

Dipalladium(I) and diruthenium(I) compounds bridged by two [{(5,7‐dimethyl‐1,8‐naphthyridin‐2‐yl)amino}carbonyl]ferrocene (L) ligands have been synthesized. The X‐ray structures of [Pd2L2][BF4]2 (1) and [Ru2L2(CO)4][BF4]2 (2) reveal dinuclear structures with short metal–metal distances. In both of these structures, naphthyridine bridges the dimetal unit, and the site trans to the metal–metal bond is occupied by weakly coordinating oxygen from the amido fragment. The catalytic utilities of these bimetallic compounds are evaluated. Compound 1 is an excellent catalyst for phosphine‐free, Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions of aryl bromides with arylboronic acids and provides high yields in short reaction times. Compound 1 is also found to be catalytically active for aryl chlorides, although the corresponding yields are lower. A bimetallic mechanism is proposed, which involves the oxidative addition of aryl bromide across the PdPd bond and the bimetallic reductive elimination of the product. Compound 1 is also an efficient catalyst for the Heck cross‐coupling of aryl bromides with styrenes. The mechanism for aldehyde olefination with ethyl diazoacetate (EDA) and PPh3, catalyzed by 2, has been fully elucidated. It is demonstrated that 2 catalyzes the formation of phosphorane utilizing EDA and PPh3, which subsequently reacts with aldehyde to produce a new olefin and phosphine oxide. The efficacy of bimetallic complexes in catalytic organic transformations is illustrated in this work.
Ostensible Enzyme Promiscuity: Alkene Cleavage by Peroxidases
Authors: Mutti Francesco G. , Lara Miguel , Kroutil Markus , Kroutil Wolfgang
Published: October 2010

Enzyme promiscuity is generally accepted as the ability of an enzyme to catalyse alternate chemical reactions besides the ‘natural’ one. In this paper peroxidases were shown to catalyse the cleavage of a CC double bond adjacent to an aromatic moiety for selected substrates at the expense of molecular oxygen at an acidic pH. It was clearly shown that the reaction occurs due to the presence of the enzyme; furthermore, the reactivity was clearly linked to the hemin moiety of the peroxidase. Comparison of the transformations catalysed by peroxidase and by hemin chloride revealed that these two reactions proceed equally fast; additional experiments confirmed that the peptide backbone was not obligatory for the reaction and only a single functional group of the enzyme was required, namely in this case the prosthetic group (hemin). Consequently, we propose to define such a promiscuous activity as ‘ostensible enzyme promiscuity’. Thus, we call an activity that is catalysed by an enzyme ‘ostensible enzyme promiscuity’ if the reactivity can be tracked back to a single catalytic site, which on its own can already perform the reaction equally well in the absence of the peptide backbone.
Treatment of epilepsy in children with developmental disabilities
Authors: Depositario‐Cabacar Dewi Frances T. , Zelleke Tesfaye‐Getaneh
Published: October 2010

Children with developmental disabilities are at increased risk for epilepsy with a prevalence rate higher than the general population. Some of the more common developmental disorders in childhood and the features of epilepsy in these conditions are discussed. Specifically, autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder are reviewed. Ideal treatment for developmentally‐disabled children with epilepsy entails maximal seizure control without any significant adverse effects from the anti‐epileptic drugs and good quality of life. Antiepileptic drugs' cognitive and behavioral adverse effects tend to occur more frequently in these children. Careful selection of the appropriate medication and close monitoring for drug adverse effects is important. The specific adverse effects of the older and newer antiepileptic drugs are also reviewed. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2010;16:239–247.
Managing irritability and aggression in autism spectrum disorders in children and adolescents
Authors: Robb Adelaide S.
Published: October 2010

Children with autism and autism spectrum disorders have a high rate of irritability and aggressive symptoms. In one study up to 20% of children with autism have symptoms of irritability and aggression including aggression, severe tantrums, and deliberate self injurious behavior (Lecavalier [ 2006] J. Autism Dev. Disord. 36:1101–1114.). These symptoms can lead to impairment and distress in both home and school settings. Medications to treat the irritability will be discussed across categories of antipsychotics, antidepressants, antihypertensive agents, and others. Emphasis will be placed on medications with the most safety and efficacy and FDA approval. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2010;16:258–264.
Review of pharmacotherapy options for the treatment of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ADHD‐like symptoms in children and adolescents with developmental disorders
Authors: Rowles Brieana M. , Findling Robert L.
Published: October 2010

Developmental disorders such as subaverage intelligence, pervasive developmental disorders, and genetic syndromes are frequently associated with comorbid attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or ADHD‐like symptoms. While there are not pharmacological cures for these developmental disorders, coinciding ADHD and ADHD‐like symptoms that contribute to difficulties in psychosocial functioning are frequently able to be addressed by pharmacotherapy. This article reviews what is known about the efficacy and tolerability of pharmacological interventions for the treatment of children and adolescents suffering from developmental disorders and comorbid ADHD/ADHD‐like symptoms. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2010;16:273–282.
Construction of Metal‐Organic Frameworks with the Pyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylate Anion and Bis(imidazole) Ligands: Synthesis, Structure, and Thermostability Studies
Authors: Lv Yanyan , Qi Yan , Sun Lixin , Luo Feng , Che Yunxia , Zheng Jimin
Published: October 2010

Three novel metal‐organic polymers, namely, [Ni(L1)0.5(3,5‐pdc)(μ‐H2O)]·H2O (1), [Co(L2)(3,5‐pdc)]·2H2O (2), and [Co(L3)(3,5‐pdc)(μ‐H2O)]·H2O (3) [3,5‐pdc = pyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylate, L1 = 1,4‐bis(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene, L2 = 1,1′‐(1,4‐butanediyl)bis(imidazole), and L3 = 1,1′‐(1,4‐hexanediyl)bis(imidazole)], have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and elemental analysis (EA). Polymers 1 and 2 have the identical 2D [M(3,5‐pdc)] sheet skeleton, however, different bis(imidazole) ligands cause 1 to have a 2D (3,4)‐connected double‐layer net featuring the (63)(64·82) topology symbol and 2 to have a 2D (3,5)‐connected net characterized by the (3 52)(32·53·64·7) topology symbol. They are both extended to 3D supramolecular frameworks through the O–H···O hydrogen bonds. In particular, in 2 there exists a four‐membered Z‐shape water cluster. The Co ions in 3 are connected by 3,5‐pdc and L3 to give rise to a complicated 3D framework that can be described as a (3,5)‐connected (42·5)(42·63·82·102·12) network. In addition, the thermal analysis of these three complexes has been measured and discussed.
Formation and Characterization of Gallium(III) Complexes with Monoamide Derivatives of 1,4,7‐Triazacyclononane‐1,4,7‐triacetic Acid: A Study of the Dependency of Structure on Reaction pH
Authors: Shetty Dinesh , Choi Soo Young , Jeong Jae Min , Hoigebazar Lathika , Lee Yun‐Sang , Lee Dong Soo , Chung June‐Key , Lee Myung Chul , Chung Young Keun
Published: October 2010

Two monoamide derivatives of 1,4,7‐triazacyclononane‐1,4,7‐triacetic acid (NOTA) conjugated with methylamine (4) or benzylamine (5) were synthesized by treating di‐tert‐butyl 1,4,7‐triazacyclononane‐1,4‐diacetate (1) with 2‐chloro‐N‐benzyl‐ or ‐N‐methylacetamide, followed by an acid cleavage reaction. Complexes of 4 and 5 chelated to Ga3+ to give Ga‐4 and Ga‐5, respectively, in reaction solutions at different pH values (3 and 5). Complexes Ga‐4 and Ga‐5 were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. In the solid state, these complexes were isostructural, and the coordination spheres of the metal ions exhibited distorted octahedral geometries. In the case of the Ga‐4 complex, which was formed at both pH values, the metal ion is coordinated to the amide nitrogen atom of the modified pendent arm of 4. However, in the case of Ga‐5, the metal ion is coordinated to a nitrogen or an oxygen atom of the amide linkage when the pH of the reaction soultion was 5 or 3, respectively. No significant difference was found between the 1H NMR spectra of the complexes formed at pH = 3 and 5. However, 71Ga NMR spectra showed a broad resonance signal and a narrow singlet for the complex synthesized at the lower pH, but only a single narrow singlet for the complex prepared at neutral pH. Variable‐temperature 1H NMR spectra showed that complexes Ga‐4 and Ga‐5 are rigid in solution. The stability of these complexes in the physiological pH range and at high temperature suggests that NOTA can be used as a bifunctional chelating agent to label biomolecules with radioactive gallium by direct conjugation of the complex to target molecules. This finding could open up a wide range of applications for NOTA‐type bifunctional chelating agents by eliminating the multi‐step synthesis routes required to introduce extra linker groups to the labelling agent.
Removal of 3‐MCPD esters and related substances after refining by adsorbent material
Authors: Strijowski Ulf , Heinz Volker , Franke Knut
Published: October 2010

Possibilities of a removal of 3‐chloro‐1,2‐propanediol fatty acid esters (3‐MCPD esters) and related substances from palm oil were investigated using different adsorption materials. Some of them are already applied for the improvement of frying oils with respect to reducing polar components. For this purpose nine different commercially available inorganic adsorbent materials were chosen and screened with respect to their ability to reduce the contents of 3‐MCPD esters and related substances in a refined palm oil. Two of the materials, a calcinated zeolite and a synthetic magnesium silicate, were found to be able to reduce the contents of these substances in a range of up to 40%. Further investigations revealed that the ‘related substances’ which had been identified mainly as glycidyl esters, were removed but not the 3‐MCPD esters. Especially the zeolite was able to lower the concentration of these substances relatively fast in a broad range of treatment temperatures. No adverse effects were detected for this material with respect to sensory properties and oxidative stability of the palm oil after the treatment.

Practical applications: The successful removal of the health relevant 3‐MCPD esters and related substances may open additional possibilities for the manufacturing of palm oils containing these substances, for example for infant foods. The advantage of such an approach is that these procedures may be easily implemented in a short time frame. In contrast, influencing of precursor contents and formation pathways, like changes in culture and harvesting of palm fruits or modifications of refining processes, requires more fundamental research and may have several impacts on the manufacturing procedures.
Improved Pseudorotaxane and Catenane Formation from a Derivative of Bis(m‐phenylene)‐32‐crown‐10
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Luo Yan , Zheng Bo , Yan Xuzhou , Fronczek Frank R. , Huang Feihe
Published: October 2010

2,2′‐Dihydroxy‐bis(m‐phenylene)‐32‐crown‐10 (2,2′‐dihydroxy‐BMP32C10, 1a) was synthesized and used to prepare the [2]catenane 4 in an unexpected yield of 68 %, three times the corresponding value for the case in which BMP32C10 (1b) was used and close to the corresponding value for the case in which bis(p‐phenylene)‐34‐crown‐10 was used. This indicated that 1a and paraquat derivatives formed pseudorotaxanes rather than the previously reported “taco complexes” between BMP32C10 and paraquat derivatives. Another unique feature of 1a in relation to other previously reported BMP32C10 derivatives was that its binding to paraquat derivatives in solution could be switched off and back on by addition of K+ and then dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6. In the solid state, a 2:1 [3]pseudorotaxane of 1a with a paraquat derivative was formed.
Simultaneous Determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) by Differential Pulse Voltammetry Using Modified Screen‐Printed Carbon Electrodes in Array Mode
Authors: Calvo‐Pérez Ana , Domínguez‐Renedo Olga , Alonso‐Lomillo M. Asunción , Arcos‐Martínez M. Julia
Published: October 2010

A new procedure for the speciation of chromium by means of differential pulse voltammetry using screen‐printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) has been proposed. Two different modified carbon working, a Ag/AgCl reference and a carbon counter screen‐printed electrodes have been connected in array mode for the simultaneous determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI). Mercury films or gold nanoparticles have been ground onto the SPCEs in order to improve their selectivity to each chromium species. The quantification of the peak currents observed at −1.25 V in Hg‐SPCE and −0.1 V in AuNPs‐SPCE were carried out. The method has been applied to the speciation of chromium in waste water from a tannery factory.
Electrochemical Performance of Graphene as Effected by Electrode Porosity and Graphene Functionalization
Authors: Punckt Christian , Pope Michael A. , Liu Jun , Lin Yuehe , Aksay Ilhan A.
Published: October 2010

Graphene‐based electrodes have recently gained popularity due to their superior electrochemical properties. However, the exact mechanisms of electrochemical activity are not yet understood. Here, we present data from NADH oxidation and ferri/ferrocyanide redox probe experiments to demonstrate that both (i) the porosity of the graphene electrodes, as effected by the packing morphology, and (ii) the functional group and the lattice defect concentration play a significant role on their electrochemical performance.
Simultaneous Differential Pulse Adsorptive Stripping Determination of Imipramine and Its Metabolite Desipramine by the PLS‐1 Multivariate Method
Authors: Galeano‐Díaz Teresa , Acedo‐Valenzuela María‐Isabel , Mora‐Diez Nielene , Silva‐Rodríguez Antonio
Published: October 2010

A method, using stripping differential pulse voltammetry, for the simultaneous determination of Imipramine and its metabolite Desipramine is reported. Both compounds produce, at glassy carbon electrode, an electrochemical signal due to an adsorptive‐oxidative process. The voltammograms show a very high overlap degree between IM and DE peaks. The multivariate calibration method PLS‐1 was employed for the simultaneous determination of both compounds. An experimental design together with the response surface methodology has been used to find the optimum experimental conditions. The developed procedure has been utilized in the analysis of fortified human serum samples with good recovery values for each analyte.
An Electrochemical Immunosensor for Testosterone Using Gold Nanoparticles – Carbon Nanotubes Composite Electrodes
Authors: Serafín V. , Eguílaz M. , Agüí L. , Yáñez‐Sedeño P. , Pingarrón J. M.
Published: October 2010

A novel electrochemical immunosensor for testosterone based on direct attachment of antitestosterone on hybrid gold nanoparticles/carbon nanotubes‐Teflon composite electrodes is reported. This material combined the ability of gold nanoparticles for biomolecules immobilization retaining their biological activity with synergic electrocatalytic effect demonstrated by coupling gold nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes. Competitive assay between testosterone and HRP‐ testosterone for binding sites of antibodies was employed. Amperometry at −0.05 V vs. Ag/AgCl was used to monitor affinity reaction upon addition of H2O2 with catechol as redox mediator. Calibration plot was linear between 0.1 and 10 ng/mL testosterone. LOD value was 85±6 pg/mL. Good results were obtained in the application to spiked human serum.
Experience with supracricoid laryngectomy variants
Authors: Rifai Mohamed , Hassouna Mohamed Salah , Abdel Fattah Ahmed El Farouk , Badran Hatem
Published: October 2010

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes after supracricoid laryngectomy (SCL) as an alternative to total laryngectomy (TL) for treatment of laryngeal cancer.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 333 patients who underwent 4 types of SCL for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx in an Egyptian hospital between May 1984 and May 2007. Both functional outcomes and oncological outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Surgical margins were free from tumor invasion. The overall 5‐year survival rate was 74%. Three hundred nine patients (92.8%) were decannulated, whereas 8 patients had permanent stenosis, 6 patients underwent TL, and 10 patients died. Only 7 patients (2.1%) had persistent aspiration; 6 of these patients underwent TL, whereas 1 patient died of pneumonia. The voice intelligibility score ranged from 70% to 100%, with a mean score of 89%. The score was highest when both arytenoids were preserved (mean, 95%). Ten patients died of complications directly related to the surgery.

Conclusion

Supracricoid laryngectomy is effective for managing laryngeal cancer. Modification of the technique to permit resection of both arytenoids is possible in select patients. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Parent teaching focus and toddlers' learning from an infant DVD
Authors: Fender Jodi G. , Richert Rebekah A. , Robb Michael B. , Wartella Ellen
Published: October 2010

This study examined parents' and toddlers' talk and viewing behaviour while co‐viewing an educational infant DVD focused on teaching language. Sixty‐four 12‐ to 25‐month‐old infants viewed a DVD in a laboratory with their parents. A cluster analysis on parent talk revealed three groups: High, Moderate, and Low Teaching Focus parents. The High Teaching Focus parents presented the greatest variety of words highlighted in the DVD, were most likely to label or describe what was on screen, and had the least amount of non‐DVD related talk. Children of High Teaching Focus parents had the highest degree of engagement with the DVD. These children also said the greatest number and variety of target words and were most likely to say new words during the co‐viewing session. Furthermore, parent talk significantly mediated the relationship between children's engagement with the DVD and their use of new words while co‐viewing. The findings are discussed in terms of implications for how parents use educational infant DVDs to teach their children. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperlipidemic versus healthy pancreases: A proteomic analysis using an animal model
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Xing‐Peng , Yu Zhuo‐Wei , Wang Li‐Shun , Zhu Yue , Yu Xiao‐Feng , Wu Kai , Zeng Yue , Xu Ming‐Yi
Published: October 2010

Hyperlipidemia is associated with a variety of pancreatic diseases; however, the underlying pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms remain undefined. Here, we performed a comparative proteomic analysis of pancreatic tissue obtained from hyperlipidemic rats to identify proteins that may be involved in mediating hyperlipidemia‐associated pancreatic injury. Rats were fed a high‐fat diet to induce hyperlipidemia. Control rats were fed a diet with normal fat content. Pancreatic tissue samples were obtained after 6 or 12 weeks and comparative proteomic analysis, using gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, was conducted to identify proteins, the expression of which were altered in pancreases from hyperlipidemic compared with control rat pancreases. The expression levels of 3 of 13 proteins were significantly altered in pancreatic samples from hyperlipidemic rats. Alpha‐amylase and arginase II were dysregulated by more than twofold. These modulations persisted in pancreatic tissue obtained from late‐stage hyperlipidemic rats. The levels of alpha‐amylase and arginase II were significantly altered in pancreases obtained from rats with hyperlipidemia. These enzymes may be putative biomarkers of hyperlipidemia‐mediated pancreatic injury. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(10): 781–789, 2010
Hysteresis in unemployment: Evidence from Latin America
Authors: Mednik Matias , Rodriguez Cesar M. , Ruprah Inder J.
Published: October 2010

This paper tests the hysteresis hypothesis in unemployment for 13 Latin American countries covering the period 1980–2005. The tests exploit the time series and the cross sectional variation of the series, and allows for cross section dependence and a different number of endogenously determined structural breakpoints. The findings give support to the hysteric dynamic hypothesis for the majority of the countries analysed. The implications of the results have ramifications regarding macro‐stabilisation, structural reform, and the design of social safety protection. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) subtype a/subgroup a endemicity in Amerindians from Northwest Argentina: A health problem to be resolved
Authors: Eirin Maria E. , Berini Carolina A. , Jones Leandro R. , Dilernia Dario A. , Puca Alberto A. , Biglione Mirna M.
Published: October 2010

Jujuy province, in Northwest Argentina, is known to be endemic for HTLV‐1 infection. Moreover, foci of HTLV‐1 associated pathologies have also been described in this region. To gain an insight into the current situation of HTLV‐1/2 in this endemic area, a seroprevalence and phylogenetic study was performed among a Kolla community from Abra Pampa city and surroundings. Out of 112 individuals, 11 (9.8%) were confirmed as HTLV‐1 positive and no HTLV‐2 infection was detected. The phylogenetic analysis of the LTR region showed that all the HTLV‐1 sequences belonged to the Cosmopolitan subtype a/transcontinental subgroup A, and were closely related to reference sequences from Peru, Argentina, and the South of Brazil (P = 0.82). Considering the cultural and historical features of this community and in spite of the mandatory detection of anti‐HTLV‐1/2 antibodies in blood banks since 2005, it would be important to implement new public health measures focused on decreasing HTLV‐1 transmission in this endemic area. J. Med. Virol. 82:2116–2122, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HCV in peripheral blood mononuclear cells are predominantly carried on the surface of cells in HIV/HCV co‐infected individuals
Authors: Natarajan Ven , Kottilil Shyam , Hazen Allison , Adelsberger Joseph , Murphy Alison A. , Polis Michael A , Kovacs Joseph A
Published: October 2010

HCV replication in extra‐hepatic reservoirs has been suggested to occur in many tissues including PBMCs. A recent study showed evidence for compartmentalization and evolution of HCV in PBMCs. However, the cells that support HCV replication in PBMCs have not been identified. In this study we have fractionated the PBMC from HIV/HCV co‐infected patients into T, monocytes, B and NK cells, and most of the HCV was located in CD3‐cell fractions. Protease treatment of PBMCs to remove cell surface receptors resulted in the loss of HCV RNA suggesting that most of the HCV is present on the cell surface. PBMCs were treated by freeze–thaw nuclease method that would protect the HCV RNA in the virus but not the intracellular viral RNA. Data from this analysis support the conclusion that most of HCV is present on the cell surface. Even though the presence of minus strand RNA in PBMCs suggests that a low level HCV replication takes place within the PBMCs of HIV/HCV co‐infected individuals, HCV in PBMC is present mainly on the surface of non‐T cells, mostly on NK, monocytes and B cells. These results suggest a unique pathogenic role of NK, monocyte and B cells as carriers of HCV. J. Med. Virol. 82:2032–2037, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of genotype G8 strains from Malawi, Kenya, and South Africa
Authors: Page Nicola , Esona Mathew , Seheri Mapaseka , Nyangao James , Bos Pieter , Mwenda Jason , Steele Duncan
Published: October 2010

Reviews of the global distribution of rotavirus genotypes have revealed the continuous circulation of G8 strains in Africa, often responsible for more cases of rotavirus disease than the more common G1–G4 rotavirus strains. During the study, genotype G8 strains from Malawi, Kenya, and South Africa were detected and the VP7 and VP4 genes of selected specimens were sequenced. Results indicated that G8 strains appeared to reassort frequently and were associated with P[6], P[4], and P[8] specificity. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that G8 strains occurred in a North/South African phylogenetic divide. In addition, G8 strains appear to be able to infect non‐human primates and strains with close phylogenetic relationships were detected in the same year on two continents. Any rotavirus vaccine introduced into African environments will need to demonstrate protective efficacy against unusual genotype combinations, new serotypes, and animal strains. Therefore, continuous monitoring of rotavirus strains in human and animal populations in Africa is a necessity. J. Med. Virol. 82:2073–2081, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: Are viruses involved?
Authors: Mcheik Jiad N. , Dichamp Isabelle , Levard Guillaume , Ragot Stéphanie , Beby‐Defaux Agnès , Grosos Céline , Couvrat Véronique , Agius Gérard
Published: October 2010

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is characterized by abnormal thickening of the internal circular muscle layer. IHPS is known to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but its precise causes and pathophysiology are poorly understood. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of the principal viruses targeting the respiratory and digestive tracts in children with IHPS. Nasopharyngeal fluids, stools, vomit, and surgical pyloric muscle fragments and swabs were tested by cell culture, viral antigen assay and PCR. IHPS was diagnosed in 23 boys and 8 girls with a mean (±SD) age of 42 ± 15 days (range 20–88 days). There was no seasonal pattern of diagnosis. Twenty‐two children (71%) lost weight (mean 246 ± 164 g, range 30–600 g) after the onset of vomiting, and five (16.1%) were dehydrated. Seven (22.6%) infants had been exposed to an infectious contact within 15 days before admission, and one on the day of admission (3.2%). Ear, nose and throat samples and pyloric muscle specimens were negative for all the viruses tested. An adenovirus type 3 was recovered from one stool sample, and RT‐PCR was positive for an enterovirus on one vomit sample. This study suggests that the principal viruses targeting the respiratory and digestive tracts are not responsible for IHPS. J. Med. Virol. 82:2087–2091, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of an immunochromatography method for rapid detection of noroviruses in clinical specimens in Thailand
Authors: Thongprachum Aksara , Khamrin Pattara , Chaimongkol Natthawan , Malasao Rungnapa , Okitsu Shoko , Mizuguchi Masashi , Maneekarn Niwat , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: October 2010

Norovirus (NoV) is a causative agent of gastroenteritis in children and adults worldwide. Although reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) has been accepted as the standard method for diagnosis of NoV infection, it requires well‐trained personnel and sophisticated equipments. Performance of a commercial immunochromatography (IC) test for rapid detection of NoV was evaluated with fecal specimens collected from children admitted to a hospital with acute gastroenteritis during 2005–2007 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. A total of 463 fecal specimens were tested for the presence of NoV by a commercial immunochromatography kit (IP‐NoV) and by RT‐PCR. Sensitivity, specificity, and agreement of immunochromatography as compared to RT‐PCR were 74.2%, 99.5%, and 96.1%, respectively. Based on the NoV genotypes determined by phylogenetic analysis, immunochromatography detected NoV GII/3, GII/4, GII/6, GII/13, GII/15, and GII/16 genotypes. The findings indicate that the immunochromatography kit could be used for a direct detection of NoV GII in clinical specimens and covering a wide range of NoV genotypes circulating in Thailand. J. Med. Virol. 82:2106–2109, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low rate of virological failure and maintenance of susceptibility to HIV‐1 protease inhibitors with first‐line lopinavir/ritonavir‐based antiretroviral treatment in clinical practice
Authors: Prosperi Mattia C.F. , Zazzi Maurizio , Punzi Grazia , Monno Laura , Colao Grazia , Corsi Paola , Di Giambenedetto Simona , Meini Genny , Ghisetti Valeria , Bonora Stefano , Pecorari Monica , Gismondo Maria Rita , Bagnarelli Patrizia , Carli Tiziana , De Luca Andrea ,   for the ARCA Collaborative Group
Published: October 2010

Protease inhibitor (PI)‐resistant HIV‐1 has hardly ever been detected at failed boosted PI‐based first‐line antiretroviral regimens in clinical trials. However, this phenomenon has not been investigated in clinical practice. To address this gap, data from patients starting a first‐line lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/rtv)‐based therapy with available baseline HIV‐1 RNA load, a viral genotype and follow‐up viral load after 3 and 6 months of treatment were extracted from the Italian Antiretroviral Resistance Cohort Analysis (ARCA) observational database. Based on survival analysis, 39 (7.1%) and 43 (7.8%) of the 548 examined patient cases had an HIV‐1 RNA >500 and >50 copies/ml, respectively, after 6 months of treatment. Cox proportional hazard models detected baseline HIV‐1 RNA (RH 1.79, 95%CI 1.10–2.92 per 1 − log10 increase, P = 0.02) and resistance to the nucleoside backbone (RH 1.04, 95%CI 1.02–1.06 per 10‐point increase using the Stanford HIVdb algorithm, P < 0.001) as independent predictors of HIV‐1 RNA at >500 copies/ml, but not at the >50 copies/ml cutoff criteria. Higher baseline viral load, older patient age, heterosexual route of infection and use of tenofovir/emtricitabine were predictors of failure at month 3 using the 50‐copy and/or 500‐copy threshold. Resistance to LPV/rtv did not occur or increase in any of the available 36 follow‐up HIV‐1 genotypes. Resistance to the nucleoside backbone (M184V) developed in four cases. Despite the likely differences in patient population and adherence, both the low rate of virological failure and the lack of development of LPV/rtv resistance documented in clinical trials are thus confirmed in clinical practice. J. Med. Virol. 82:1996–2003, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
2009 pandemic characteristics and controlling experiences of influenza H1N1 virus 1 year after the inception in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Liu She‐Lan , Zhang Zhi‐Ruo , Wang Chengmin , Dong Ying , Cui Lun‐Biao , Yang Xu‐Hui , Sun Zhou , Wang Jing , Chen Jin , Huang Ren‐Jie , Miao Fan , Ruan Bing , Xie Li , He Hong‐Xuan , Deng Jing
Published: October 2010

This paper described the epidemiology and controlling experiences of influenza H1N1 in Hangzhou in the past 1 year. A total of 2,078 cases confirmed by real‐time quantitative PCR till March 31, 2010, were analyzed by SPSS 12.0 software. During the early pandemic stage, a patient must be tested for H1N1 nucleic acid once he/she had influenza‐like symptoms with the epidemiological history in 7 days, and be diagnosed if it was positive. But in the pandemic peak, we made efforts to identify and save severe cases combined with pneumonia or hypoxemia or respiratory failure or septic shock or multiple organ dysfunctions and failure. In general, the prevalence was 2.77/100,000 (2,078/7,510,844); severity rate, 10.44% (217/2,078); fatality rate, 0.48% (10/2,078). The carrier and secondary attack rate were 9.52% (58/612) and 8.66% (53/612), respectively. About 50% of serious cases and 100% of deaths had the basic underlying diseases: cardiovascular diseases, 13.66% (25/217); chronic lung disease, 12.02% (22/217); pregnant, 7.1% (13/217). Of all cases aged from 1 month to 89 years, 52.99% (1,435/2,708) were in the 10–29 years, with most of them distributed in downtown area. The timeline showed two epidemic peaks occurred in September and November 2009, respectively. Furthermore, the hemagglutinin gene remained 99% identical with the American and vaccine strains, but only 70% with the 1947–2008 Chinese strains. In conclusion, Hangzhou pandemic influenza H1N1 was caused by the highly conserved virus, with low prevalence, transmission, and mortality, because we took efficient controlling methods. J. Med. Virol. 82:1985–1995, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Observed changes in extreme weather indices in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong M. C. , Mok H. Y. , Lee T. C.
Published: October 2010

Past trends of the occurrences of extreme temperature and rainfall events in Hong Kong from 1885 to 2008 were examined using a suite of 27 extreme indices adopted from the core indices developed by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection, Monitoring and Indices (ETCCDMI) under the auspices of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), with appropriate modification to suit the sub‐tropical climate of Hong Kong. Results showed that the extreme daily maximum and minimum temperatures, annual numbers of very hot days (daily maximum temperature ≥ 33.0 °C) and hot nights (daily minimum temperature ≥ 28.0 °C) as well as the warm spell duration index (WSDI) in Hong Kong exhibited statistically significant long‐term rising trends, whereas the annual number of cold days (daily minimum temperatures ≤ 12.0 °C) and cold spell duration (CSDI) index had a statistically significant decreasing trend. Regarding rainfall, the frequency of occurrence of extreme hourly, 2‐ and 3‐hourly rainfall amounts increased significantly. The fraction of annual total precipitation due to events exceeding the daily 95th percentile of the climatological normal (1971–2000) increased by 22 mm per decade in the same period, indicating that the contribution of heavy rain to the annual rainfall amount was increasing with time. However, the maximum length of dry spell in the summer months from April to September increased at a rate of 0.3 days per decade from 1885 to 2008. Using the time‐dependent generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution technique, the return period for the daily minimum temperature of 4 °C or lower had significantly lengthened from 6 years in 1900 to 163 years in 2000. The return period for an hourly rainfall of 100 mm or more had shortened from 37 years in 1900 to 18 years in 2000. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Representing complex urban geometries in mesoscale modeling
Authors: Rasheed Adil , Robinson Darren , Clappier Alain , Narayanan Chidambaram , Lakehal Djamel
Published: October 2010

Real cities are comprised of a diverse, random arrangement of building positions, shapes, and sizes. Yet most of the urban parameterisations thus far developed share the assumption that a city is made up of either a regular array of parallelepipeds or infinitely long canopies. The inputs to these models, which include street width, building width, building density and a statistical representation of building heights, are generally obtained through quantitative field surveys (which are very slow and time consuming to perform) or qualitative estimates from Digital Elevation Model. But in performing this geometric abstraction there is no way to ensure that the total built surfaces and volumes of the simplified geometry match those of the actual city, or more importantly, that the energy and momentum exchanges are equivalent. In this paper, we aim to test the central hypothesis that cities can be accurately represented by a regular array of parallelepipeds or canopies. For this, we investigate, for a particular scenario, the effects of complexity in urban geometry on the spatially averaged drag forces and shortwave radiation exchange. For drag computation, we used the Immersed Surface Technique, while for computing the incident radiation we used the Simplified Radiosity Algorithm. After testing the above hypothesis, we propose a new approach for fitting an array of cubes to any complex (realistic) geometry, so that new or existing urban parameterisation schemes can be used with confidence. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Dynamical downscaling of ERA40 reanalysis data over southern Africa: added value in the simulation of the seasonal rainfall characteristics
Authors: Haensler A. , Hagemann S. , Jacob D.
Published: October 2010

We investigate the capability of the regional climate model REMO to adequately simulate the mesoscale climate patterns of southern Africa, thereby focusing on South‐West Africa (SWA). The simulations are conducted at a horizontal resolution of about 18 km for the period from 1958 to 2007. Boundary forcing is taken from ERA40 reanalysis and subsequent operational analyses data. This study is the first long‐term dynamical downscaling study for southern Africa on a very high horizontal resolution. To evaluate the model results, we use a set of different observations to compare with model output data. This analysis indicates that the model results agree rather well with observations for both spatial as well as temporal patterns. Especially along the focus region in SWA, REMO results are very close to observations. For this region we show that dynamical downscaling of the ERA40 reanalysis data with the REMO model leads to an improved description of the seasonal precipitation characteristics. Remaining deficits, which mainly occur in the simulation of the 2‐m air temperature, can be explained with the setup of the model's soil routine and will be investigated further. On the basis of the findings of this study we conclude that the model is well suited for the simulation of the regional climate over the southern African region. High‐resolution model output implies more detailed climate information and can lead to a significant improvement in the representation of spatial patterns. It is therefore beneficial to use regional climate model data when assessing climate change‐induced impacts on a regional scale. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Sky view factor analysis of street canyons and its implications for daytime intra‐urban air temperature differentials in high‐rise, high‐density urban areas of Hong Kong: a GIS‐based simulation approach
Authors: Chen Liang , Ng Edward , An Xipo , Ren Chao , Lee Max , Wang Una , He Zhengjun
Published: October 2010

Hong Kong is a high‐density sub‐tropical city with 7 million people living in an urban area of just over 260 km2. Tall and closely packed buildings are the common urban morphology. How the urban geometry influences the microclimate in summer daytime is a primary planning concern. The sky view factor (SVF) has been commonly used to indicate the impact of urban geometry on air temperature differences in cities. However, only limited discussions in this aspect have been addressed for daytime course in high‐rise and high‐density urban environment such as Hong Kong. This paper firstly provides a comprehensive review of SVF analysis in urban climatology studies and then presents a simulation approach to investigate the role of SVF in determining summer daytime intra‐urban air temperature differences in urban Hong Kong. An ArcGIS‐embedded computer program is developed for calculating continuous SVF values for an entire urban environment and an SVF map is generated. The result is evaluated against meteorological data observed in field measurements. The regression analysis shows that the spatial average of SVF values has a close negative relationship with daytime intra‐urban temperature differences. The study indicates that SVF is a significant factor for understanding the microthermal climate in Hong Kong's street canyons. The paper further raises discussions on the application of SVF analysis to urban planning. The study demonstrates that the SVF analysis is a useful and effective tool for planners and urban climatologists conducting studies on high‐rise and high‐density sub‐tropical cities. The understanding can provide support for the development of planning standards and good practice. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Wavelet analysis and multi‐scale characteristics of the runoff and precipitation series of the Aegean region (Turkey)
Authors: Partal Turgay
Published: October 2010

This study focuses on the variability of precipitation and runoff over time and the relationship between precipitation and runoff at the Aegean region of Turkey. The wavelet transform technique, which has been widely used for the analysis of hydrological data in the last years, provides detailed information regarding time‐frequency representation of the data. According to the continuous wavelet transform (CWT), the main periodic events are seen at the scale levels of 1–4 and 16 years. This study shows that variability of both the runoff and the precipitation over time is generally similar, with noticeable decrease in the runoff in all the stations. The dominant inter‐decadal periodic events are seen approximately at the 16‐year scale level. This periodicity is dominant between 1962 and 1985 for the runoff data. The power of the 16‐year periodicity becomes less apparent after 1985. In addition, the global wavelet spectrum (GWS) and the decomposed series of the hydrological data were studied to investigate the effective periodic characteristic of the observed data. In this study, the period of investigation is 39 years extending from 1962 to 2000. The validity of the decreasing trend founded by previous studies for the Aegean hydrological data is verified by the wavelet analysis. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
All men are created equal?
Authors: McAuliffe Brad
Published: October 2010

African Americans have faced adversity at every step in their quest to realize the ideal of the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal.” The history of African Americans in the United States is marked with incidents of racially charged violence and unfair treatment. This article explores the struggle of African Americans in the United States, from their forced immigration to the present. It drives home the point that the United States must eradicate racism and racial inequality to become a nation in which all people truly are created equal.
Leadership and same‐gender bias: A content analysis of promotion recommendations
Authors: Stetz Thomas A. , Ford John M.
Published: October 2010

The number of women in the workforce has steadily increased over the years, but the number of women in top leadership positions is still small. This study examines promotion recommendations in an attempt to shed light on this state of affairs. Analysis of supervisors' explicit promotion recommendations revealed no gender discrimination. However, text analysis of the accompanying promotion recommendation narratives revealed a same‐gender bias. Female supervisors used more people leadership language when describing female subordinates, and male supervisors used more people leadership language when describing male subordinates. In addition, female supervisors used more task leadership language than male supervisors did, regardless of subordinate gender.
Microaggressions: The new racism
Authors: Cleare‐Hoffman Heatherlyn P. , Granger Jr. Nathaniel , Hoffman Louis
Published: October 2010

Microaggressions in Everyday Life: Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation

By Derald Wing Sue

Wiley, Hoboken, NJ, March 2010, 352 pages, ISBN: 978‐0‐470‐49140‐9, $45