bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPARC is expressed by macroglia and microglia in the developing and mature nervous system
Authors: Vincent Adele J. , Lau Patricia W. , Roskams A. Jane
Published: March 2008

SPARC (secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine) is a matricellular protein that is highly expressed during development, tissue remodeling, and repair. SPARC produced by olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) can promote axon sprouting in vitro and in vivo. Here, we show that in the developing nervous system of the mouse, SPARC is expressed by radial glia, blood vessels, and other pial‐derived structures during embryogenesis and postnatal development. The rostral migratory stream contains SPARC that becomes progressively restricted to the SVZ in adulthood. In the adult CNS, SPARC is enriched in specialized radial glial derivatives (Müller and Bergmann glia), microglia, and brainstem astrocytes. The peripheral glia, Schwann cells, and OECs express SPARC throughout development and in maturity, although it appears to be down‐regulated with maturation. These data suggest that SPARC may be expressed by glia in a spatiotemporal manner consistent with a role in cell migration, neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and angiogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 237:1449‐1462, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Defective positive selection results in T cell lymphopenia and increased autoimmune diabetes in ADAP‐deficient BDC2.5‐C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Zou Liangxing , Mendez Felipe , Martin‐Orozco Natalia , Peterson Erik J.
Published: March 2008

Adhesion and degranulation promoting adapter protein (ADAP), a positive regulator of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, is required for thymocyte development and T cell homeostasis. To investigate the role of ADAP in a T cell‐driven autoimmune response, we generated ADAP‐deficient, BDC2.5 TCR transgenic, diabetes‐prone (C57BL/6) mice (BDC/B6). We observed a striking enhancement of diabetes incidence in ADAP‐deficient mice, both in animals homozygous for I‐Ag7, and in mice carrying one I‐Ab allele (BDC/B6g7/b). Increased disease correlates with significantly reduced numbers of pathological CD4+ T cells in the mice. Consistent with a state of functional lymphopenia in ADAP‐deficient BDC/B6g7/b mice, T cells display increased homeostatic proliferation. Transfer of syngeneic lymphocytes or T cells both blocks ADAP‐dependent diabetes and relieves exaggerated homeostatic T cell proliferation observed in ADAP‐deficient mice. Marked attenuation in cellularity of the CD4+ single‐positive thymocyte compartment in ADAP‐deficient BDC/B6g7/b animals suggests a mechanism for induction of the lymphopenia. We conclude that inefficient positive selection in ADAP deficiency results in lymphopenia that leads to enhanced autoimmune diabetes in the BDC/B6g7/b model. Our findings support the notion that ineffective thymic T cell output can be a powerful causative factor in lymphopenia‐driven autoimmune diabetes.
CXCR3 determines strain susceptibility to murine cerebral malaria by mediating T lymphocyte migration toward IFN‐γ‐induced chemokines
Authors: Van den Steen Philippe E. , Deroost Katrien , Aelst Ilse Van , Geurts Nathalie , Martens Erik , Struyf Sofie , Nie Catherine Q. , Hansen Diana S. , Matthys Patrick , Damme Jo Van , Opdenakker Ghislain
Published: March 2008

Cerebral malaria (CM) results from the binding of infected erythrocytes and leukocytes to brain endothelia. The precise mechanisms underlying lymphocyte recruitment and activation in CM remain unclear. Therefore, the expression of various chemokines was quantified in brains of mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA). Several chemokines attracting monocytes and activated T‐lymphocytes were expressed at high levels. Their expression was almost completely abrogated in IFN‐γ ligand and receptor KO mice, indicating that IFN‐γ is an essential chemokine inducer in vivo. Surprisingly, the expression levels of chemokines, IFN‐γ and also adhesion molecules in the brain were not lower in CM‐resistant Balb/c and DBA/2 mice compared to CM‐sensitive C57BL/6 and DBA/1 mice, although T lymphocyte sequestration in the brain was significantly less in CM‐resistant than in CM‐sensitive mice. This difference correlated with a higher up‐regulation of the CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR)‐3 on splenic T cells and a higher chemotactic response to IFN‐γ‐inducible protein‐10 (IP‐10) in C57BL/6 compared to Balb/c mice. In conclusion, parasite‐induced IFN‐γ in the brain results in high local expression levels of specific chemokines for monocytes and lymphocytes. The strain‐dependent susceptibility to develop CM is more related to the expression of CXCR3 in circulating leukocytes than to the chemokine expression levels in the brain.
Topochemical Synthesis of Micron‐Platelet (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3 Particles
Authors: Li Lihong , Chen Jun , Deng Jinxia , Yu Ranbo , Qiao Lijie , Liu Guirong , Xing Xianran
Published: March 2008

Micron‐scale platelet (Na, K)NbO3 particles were synthesized from the platelet precursor K4Nb6O17 in a KCl medium using a topochemical method . The salt took part in the reaction and affected the composition of the products. Stoichiometric (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3 could be accurately synthesized by controlling the amount of the reactant Na2CO3. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that the crystallographic {010} plane of K4Nb6O17 was converted into the pseudo‐cubic {001} plane of (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3. The polycrystalline Na0.5K0.5NbO3 particles exhibited a plate‐like shape with a high aspect ratio, and were suitable for preparing textured ceramics by the template grain growth process. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
A Phenanthroline Heteroleptic Ruthenium Complex and Its Application to Dye‐Sensitised Solar Cells
Authors: Reynal Anna , Forneli Amparo , Martinez‐Ferrero Eugenia , Sanchez‐Diaz Antonio , Vidal‐Ferran Anton , Palomares Emilio
Published: March 2008

We report here the synthesis and characterization of a new heteroleptic ruthenium(II) complex and its applications as efficient light‐harvesting sensitizer in functional dye‐sensitized solar cells. The relation between the interfacial charge‐transfer processes that govern the device performance and the cell efficiency under illumination are also discussed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Facile Entry to 4,5,6,7‐Tetrahydro[1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrazin‐6‐ones from Amines and Amino Acids
Authors: Sai Sudhir V. , Nasir Baig R. B. , Chandrasekaran Srinivasan
Published: March 2008

A practical and high‐yielding regioselective synthesis ofseveral enantiopure 4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro[1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrazin‐6‐ones is described starting from primary amines and α‐amino acid derivatives in a three‐step reaction sequence by employing a constrained intramolecular “click” reaction as the key step. The method obviates chromatographic purification of products.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Analysis of phenolic compounds in extra virgin olive oil by using reversed‐phase capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Aturki Zeineb , Fanali Salvatore , D'Orazio Giovanni , Rocco Anna , Rosati Chiara
Published: March 2008

In this work, the simultaneous separation of ten phenolic compounds (protocatechuic, p‐coumaric, o‐coumaric, vanillic, ferulic, caffeic, syringic acids, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and oleuropein) in extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) by isocratic RP CEC is proposed. A CEC method was optimized in order to completely resolve all the analyzed compounds by studying several experimental parameters. The influence of the stationary phase type (C18 and C8 modified silica gel), buffer concentration and pH as well as the organic modifier content of the mobile phase on retention factors, selectivity and efficiency were evaluated in details. A capillary column packed with Cogent® bidentate C18 particles for 23 cm and a mobile phase composed by 100 mM ammonium formate buffer pH 3/H2O/ACN (5:65:30 v/v/v) allowed the baseline resolution of the compounds under study in less than 35 min setting the applied voltage and temperature at 22 kV and 20°C, respectively. A study, evaluating the intra‐ and interday precision as well as LOD and LOQ and method linearity was developed in accordance with the analytical procedures for method validation. LODs were in the range of 0.015–2.5 μg/mL, while calibration curves showed a good linearity (r2 >0.997). The CEC method was applied to the separation and determination of these compounds in EVOO samples after a suitable liquid–liquid extraction procedure. The mean recovery values of the studied compounds ranged between 87 and 99%.
Two‐dimensional strong cation exchange/porous layer open tubular/mass spectrometry for ultratrace proteomic analysis using a 10 μm id poly(styrene‐ divinylbenzene) porous layer open tubular column with an on‐line triphasic trapping column
Authors: Luo Quanzhou , Gu Ye , Wu Shiaw‐Lin , Rejtar Tomas , Karger Barry L.
Published: March 2008

This study expands the capabilities for ultratrace proteomic analysis of our previous work by incorporating on‐line sample desalting using a triphasic (RP/strong cation exchange (SCX)/micro‐SPE) trapping column connected to a 3.2 m×10 μm id poly(styrene‐divinylbenzene) (PS‐DVB) porous layer open tubular (PLOT) column. To minimize extra sample handling steps, C18 RP packing was incorporated in the capillary tubing upstream of the SCX column for the on‐line desalting. For the micro‐SPE column, a 50 μm id PS‐DVB monolithic column was positioned downstream of the SCX column. High‐performance separation was achieved on the PLOT column at a mobile phase flow rate of 20 nL/min. The sensitivity and high resolution capability of the new multidimensional platform was evaluated using an in‐gel tryptic digested sample of a cervical cancer (SiHa) cell line. For the injected amount of 1200 cells (∼500 ng), over 2700 peptides covering greater than 850 unique proteins were identified from the triphasic SCX/PLOT/MS analysis of a single SDS gel section (>40 kDa). The 2‐D LC/MS platform demonstrated good separation performance, such that more than 85% of the identified peptides were detected from only one salt fraction. In a triplicate analysis of the above >40 kDa gel section, 4497 peptides and 1209 unique proteins were identified when applying stringent filtering criteria, with a false‐positive rate of 2.4%. When all three SDS‐PAGE gel sections of the lysed SiHa cells were analyzed, 5047 peptides and 1857 unique proteins (false‐positive rate 1.8%), including cancer‐related proteins such as MAP kinases, were identified.
Use of quasi‐isoelectric buffers as anolyte and catholyte to improve capillary isoelectric focusing performances
Authors: Poitevin Martine , Peltre Gabriel , Descroix Stephanie
Published: March 2008

The use of quasi‐isoelectric anolytes and catholytes has been investigated to improve CIEF performances. Narrow pH cuts of carrier ampholytes (NC) have been compared to more conventional couples of anolytes/catholytes (phosphoric acid/sodium hydroxide and glutamic acid/lysine). First, a CIEF setup that consists in a bare silica capillary and 70:30 water/glycerol separation medium has been used. The experiments have shown that when using NC instead of more classical anolytes and catholytes, an increase in the protein detection time was observed and the resolutions obtained for neutral and acidic proteins were doubled. Moreover, according to the NC fraction used, the resolution was modified. In order to investigate further the mechanisms involved, a second setup using a capillary coated with hydroxypropylcellulose was used. With this setup no difference has been observed when changing anolyte and catholyte nature. A simple methodology has then been developed to evaluate EOF during focusing and mobilization steps of CIEF experiments. It highlighted the crucial role played by EOF when using a bare silica capillary. EOF indeed decreased by 33% during mobilization step when using NC instead of classical anolytes and catholytes.
The fire behaviour of rendered straw bales
Authors: Apte V. , Griffin G. J. , Paroz B. W. , Bicknell A. D.
Published: March 2008

Experimental and theoretical investigations were conducted on the combustion behaviour of compacted, rendered straw bales exposed to two radiant heat flux regimes—(1) 30kWm−2 for 30 min and (2) 50kWm−2 for 40 min. The objective was to examine the fire safety of the rendered straw bales, which are used to construct houses in rural areas or on the urban fringe. The rendered bales were ∼950 mm × 450 mm × 550 mm in size, comprising a ∼45 mm thick render layer on all sides. Two types of render materials—earth‐based and lime‐based—were tested. The 30kWm−2, 30‐min regime resulted in little damage to the render layer and no combustion of the straw bale. The 50kWm−2, 40‐min regime initiated combustion of the straw 24 h after the end of the exposure regime, consuming the entire straw bale over 11 days.

A two‐dimensional mathematical model describing the heat transfer through the render and the straw, and the combustion of the straw is presented. The kinetic parameters for the pyrolysis and combustion were derived from thermo‐gravimetric analysis of the straw. The physical and thermal properties of the render and the straw were obtained from measurements and literature. The model predicted transient temperature profiles within the straw bale. The trends of predicted temperatures compare favourably with the experimental measurements, although aspects of the theoretical predictions of the ignition of the straw could not be reconciled with experimental results. © Commonwealth of Australia 2008.
The effects of acute treatment with paroxetine, amitriptyline, and placebo on driving performance and cognitive function in healthy Japanese subjects: A double‐blind crossover trial
Authors: Iwamoto Kunihiro , Takahashi Masahiro , Nakamura Yukako , Kawamura Yukiko , Ishihara Ryoko , Uchiyama Yuji , Ebe Kazutoshi , Noda Akiko , Noda Yukihiro , Yoshida Keizo , Iidaka Tetsuya , Ozaki Norio
Published: March 2008

Objective

To assess the effects of antidepressants on driving performance from a different methodological viewpoint in light of the recent traffic accidents.

Methods

In this double‐blinded, 3‐way crossover trial, 17 healthy males received acute doses of 10 mg paroxetine, 25 mg amitriptyline, and placebo. The subjects were administered three driving tasks—road tracking, car following, and harsh braking—performed using a driving simulator and three cognitive tasks—Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Continuous Performance Test, and N‐back test at baseline and at 1 h and 4 h post‐dosing. The Stanford Sleepiness Scale scores were also assessed.

Results

At 4 h post‐dosing, amitriptyline significantly impaired road‐tracking and car‐following performance, reduced driver vigilance, and caused subjective somnolence. Paroxetine impaired neither driving performance nor cognitive function.

Conclusions

Acute doses of amitriptyline significantly impaired driving performance in the context of driving on crowded urban roads at relatively low speeds. This setting is important with respect to skills necessary for daily driving and may be difficult to measure in actual driving tests. This simulator‐based study replicated the results of previous studies and could be considered complementary to them. This method may enable easy and safe screening of the driving hazard potential of drugs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stream flow forecasting using neuro‐wavelet technique
Authors: Kişi Özgür
Published: March 2008

This paper proposes the application of a neuro‐wavelet technique for modelling monthly stream flows. The neuro‐wavelet model is improved by combining two methods, discrete wavelet transform and multi‐layer perceptron, for one‐month‐ahead stream flow forecasting and results are compared with those of the single multi‐layer perceptron (MLP), multi‐linear regression (MLR) and auto‐regressive (AR) models. Monthly flow data from two stations, Gerdelli Station on Canakdere River and Isakoy Station on Goksudere River, in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey are used in the study. The comparison results revealed that the suggested model could increase the forecast accuracy and perform better than the MLP, MLR and AR models. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marked differences in survival rate between smokers and nonsmokers with HPV 16‐associated tonsillar carcinomas
Authors: Hafkamp Harriët C. , Manni J.J. , Haesevoets A. , Voogd A.C. , Schepers M. , Bot F.J. , Hopman A.H.N. , Ramaekers F.C.S. , Speel Ernst‐Jan M.
Published: March 2008

Oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) is a causative agent in a subgroup of head and neck carcinomas, particularly tonsillar squamous cell carcinomas (TSCC). This study was undertaken because controversial data exist on the physical status of HPV‐DNA and the use of p16INK4A overexpression as surrogate HPV marker, and to examine the impact of HPV and tobacco consumption on the clinical course of TSCC. Tissue sections of 81 TSCC were analyzed by HPV 16‐specific fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and p16INK4A‐specific immunohistochemistry. Results were correlated with clinical and demographic data. HPV 16 integration was detected by FISH as punctate signals in 33 out of 81 (41%) TSCC, 32 of which showed p16INK4A accumulation. Only 5 out of 48 HPV‐negative tumors showed p16INK4A immunostaining (p < 0.0001). The presence of HPV furthermore correlates significantly with low tobacco (p = 0.002) and alcohol intake (p = 0.011), poor differentiation grade (p = 0.019), small tumor size (p = 0.024), presence of a local metastasis (p = 0.001) and a decreased (loco)regional recurrence rate (p = 0.039). Statistical analysis revealed that smoking significantly increases the risk of cancer death from TSCC and that non‐smoking patients with HPV‐containing TSCC show a remarkably better disease‐specific survival rate. HPV 16 is integrated in 41% of TSCC and strongly correlates with p16INK4A overexpression, implicating the latter to be a reliable HPV biomarker. Patients with HPV‐positive tumors show a favorable prognosis as compared to those with HPV‐negative tumors, but tobacco use is the strongest prognostic indicator. These findings indicate that oncogenic processes in the tonsils of non‐smokers differ from those occurring in smokers, the former being related to HPV 16 infection. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chromosome 8q24 markers: Risk of early‐onset and familial prostate cancer
Authors: Beebe‐Dimmer Jennifer L. , Levin Albert M. , Ray Anna M. , Zuhlke Kimberly A. , Machiela Mitchell J. , Halstead‐Nussloch Bronwen A. , Johnson Gregory R. , Cooney Kathleen A. , Douglas Julie A.
Published: March 2008

Recent admixture mapping and linkage/association studies have implicated an ∼1 Mb region on chromosome 8q24 in prostate cancer susceptibility. In a subsequent follow‐up investigation, Haiman et al. (Nat Genet 2007;39:638‐44) observed significant, independent associations between 7 markers within this region and sporadic prostate cancer risk in a multi‐ethnic sample. To clarify the risk associated with hereditary prostate cancer, we tested for prostate cancer association with 6 of these 7 markers in a sample of 1,015 non‐Hispanic white men with and without prostate cancer from 403 familial and early‐onset prostate cancer families. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs6983561 and rs6983267 showed the strongest evidence of prostate cancer association. Using a family‐based association test, the minor (“C”) allele of rs6983561 and the major (“G”) allele of rs6983267 were preferentially transmitted to affected men (p < 0.05), with estimated odds ratios (ORs) of 2.26 (95% confidence interval of 1.06–4.83) and 1.30 (95% confidence interval of 0.99–1.71), respectively, for an additive model. Notably, rs6983561 was significantly associated with prostate cancer among men diagnosed at an early (<50 years) but not later age (p = 0.03 versus p = 0.21). Similarly, the association with rs6983267 was (not) statistically significant among men with(out) clinically aggressive disease (p = 0.007 versus p = 0.34). Our results confirm the association of prostate cancer with several of the SNPs on chromosome 8q24 initially reported by Haiman et al. In addition, our results suggest that the increased risk associated with these SNPs is approximately doubled in individuals predisposed to develop early onset or clinically aggressive disease. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wear particle analysis of highly crosslinked polyethylene isolated from a failed total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Minoda Yukihide , Kobayashi Akio , Sakawa Akira , Aihara Masaharu , Tada Koichi , Sugama Ryo , Iwakiri Kentaro , Ohashi Hirotsugu , Takaoka Kunio
Published: March 2008

Polyethylene wear particles are one of the most important factors affecting the results of total hip arthroplasty (THA). To reduce wear generation and to achieve better long‐term results of THA, highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXPE) has recently been introduced and come into wide use. Thus far, however, there have been no reports on in vivo analysis of HXPE wear particles. We isolated HXPE wear particles from periprosthetic tissue of a failed THA and analyzed using scanning electron microscope. The number of particles was 5.33 × 107 g−1. Particle size (equivalent circle diameter) was 0.66 ± 0.40 μm (mean ± standard error). Aspect ratio and roundness were 1.37 ± 0.26 and 1.44 ± 0.67, respectively. All the particles were round shaped, and “fibrils” or “shreds” were not detected. Thus far, this was the first report on in vivo wear particle analysis of HXPE. HXPE generated less, smaller, and rounder particles, compared with the corresponding reported values for particles generated from conventional polyethylene. These characteristics might affect macrophage response, osteolysis, and long‐term results of THA with HXPE. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Vapor‐phase selective hydrogenation of citral over Pd/bentonite: effect of reduction method
Authors: Divakar Duraiswami , Manikandan Dhanagopal , Sivakumar Thiripuranthagan
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Well‐dispersed nanoparticles of palladium were synthesized by wet impregnation technique over bentonite followed by three different reduction methods (H2 or NaBH4 or ethanol) and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, temperature‐programmed reduction and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Hydrogenation of citral over Pd‐supported bentonite catalysts was studied in vapor phase using a micro‐reactor. The effect of reduction method and metal loading on the conversion of citral and selectivity towards nerol and geraniol were examined.

RESULTS: Among the catalysts evaluated in the vapor phase, Pd/bentonite reduced by ethanol was found to give the highest conversion and Pd/bentonite reduced by NaBH4 was found to give the highest selectivity towards nerol and geraniol. This may be attributed to the smallest particle size of Pd in the former catalyst and presence of boron species on the latter catalyst, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The presence of boron in proximity to palladium particles polarized CO bond and helped CO adsorption, thereby yielding nerol and geraniol (the unsaturated alcohols). Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Genetic analysis of HAV strains isolated from patients with acute hepatitis in Korea, 2005–2006
Authors: Yun Haesun , Kim Soyeon , Lee Hyeokjin , Byun Kwan Soo , Kwon So Young , Yim Hyung Joon , Lim Young‐Suk , Jeong Sook‐Hyang , Jee Youngmee
Published: March 2008

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a causative agent of acute viral hepatitis, which represents a significant public health problem. HAV is usually transmitted by oral‐fecal route and prevalent not only in developing countries but also in developed countries worldwide. To characterize the HAV wild type strains circulating in Korea, the VP3/VP1 and VP1/P2A junction regions were detected by RT‐PCR from HAV IgM positives during 2005 and 2006. Among 160 HAV IgM positive sera, 30% (n = 48) were positive for HAV RNA. Additionally, the VP3/VP1 junction regions were detected all six stools, which collected from outbreak in Gyeonggi province. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences obtained from 54 distinct HAV isolates revealed that most of the strains (n = 45) belonged to genotype IA and the others including nine strains belonged to genotype IIIA. Interestingly, a Q → S amino acid change was dominantly observed at position 810 of the VP1/P2A junction region in 14 isolates. The molecular epidemiology of HAV infection in Korea has changed with the co‐circulation of at least two genotypes and 810Q → S amino acid substitutions were found to be prevalent. These results strongly suggest that various HAV strains, including genotype IIIA, might be imported from high‐endemic countries into Korea. J. Med. Virol. 80:777–784, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Case report: Rift Valley Fever with vertical transmission in a pregnant Sudanese woman
Authors: Adam Ishag , Karsany Mubarak S.
Published: March 2008

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral disease transmitted to humans by mosquito bite and contact with animals or their infected tissues. A 29‐year old primigravidae presented in early labour with symptoms suggestive of RVF. She delivered baby of 3.2 kg with skin rash, palpable liver and spleen. The two samples from the mother and neonate were found to be positive for RVF‐IgM. This report demonstrate that, RVF can be vertically transmitted. J. Med. Virol. 80:929–929, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seroprevalence and risk factors for hepatitis A, B, and C among roma and non‐roma children in a deprived area of Athens, Greece
Authors: Michos A. , Terzidis A. , Kalampoki V. , Pantelakis K. , Spanos Th. , Petridou E.Th.
Published: March 2008

The prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis A, B, and C (HAV, HBV, and HCV) markers were compared in non‐Roma and Roma children who lived in a deprived suburb of Athens, Greece. The study included 216 children, 118 Roma and 98 non‐Roma of 9 years median age (range 5–15 years). Among Roma children 98.3% had detectable antibodies to HAV, compared with 32.7% among non‐Romas (P < 0.0001). Regarding HBV, 22% Roma children were identified with evidence of past infection (anti‐HBc(+)), among whom five (4% of the total) were chronic carriers (HBsAg(+)), whereas no past infection was detected among the non‐Romas (P < 0.0001). Markers of past HBV vaccination (anti‐HBs(+), anti‐HBc(−)) were detected in only 14% Roma but 96% non‐Roma children (P‐value < 0.0001). There was some indication for intrafamilial transmission of HAV and HBV in Roma school children. Unfavorable living conditions, frequent residency change, lack of child insurance and primary healthcare delivery were significantly associated with seroprevalence of HBV infection among Romas. No child in either group was found positive for HCV markers. These findings document high socioeconomic differentials with regards to preventable communicable diseases, such as HAV and HBV and underline the need for enhancing health policy action targeting pockets of minority childhood populations. Whereas, uptake of HBV vaccination is rather optimal in this general population, the high seroprevalence of HAV among Romas, also calls for implementing general vaccination for HAV, early in life. J. Med. Virol. 80:791–797, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of human metapneumovirus, human coronavirus NL63 and human bocavirus in infants and young children with acute wheezing
Authors: Smuts Heidi , Workman Lesley , Zar Heather J.
Published: March 2008

The role of the novel respiratory viruses, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV NL63) and human bocavirus (HBoV), in wheezing illness in children has not been well studied, especially in Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hMPV, HCoV NL63 and HBoV in South African children with acute wheezing. A prospective study of consecutive children presenting with acute wheezing to a pediatric hospital from May 2004 to November 2005 was undertaken. A nasal swab was taken for reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and PCR for hMPV, HCoV NL63 and HBoV; when positive, the genes were sequenced. Shell vial culture for RSV, influenza A and B viruses, adenovirus and parainfluenza viruses 1, 2, 3 was performed on every 5th sample. Two hundred and forty two nasal swabs were collected from 238 children (median age 12.4 months). A novel respiratory virus was found in 44/242 (18.2%). hMPV, HBoV, and HCoV NL63 was found in 20 (8.3%), 18 (7.4%), and 6 (2.4%) of samples, respectively. Fifteen of 59 (25%) samples were positive for other respiratory viruses. Viral co‐infections, occurred in 6/242 (2.5%). Phylogenetic analysis showed co‐circulation of hMPV and HCoV NL63 A and B lineages, although only HBoV genotype st2 was found. Viruses are an important cause of wheezing in preschool children; hMPV, HCoV NL63, and HBoV are less common than the usual respiratory pathogens. J. Med. Virol. 80:906–912, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Updated prevalence of genotypic resistance among HIV‐1 positive patients naïve to antiretroviral therapy: a single center analysis
Authors: Lapadula Giuseppe , Izzo Ilaria , Gargiulo Franco , Paraninfo Giuseppe , Castelnuovo Filippo , Quiros‐Roldan Eugenia , Cologni Giuliana , Ceresoli Francesca , Manca Nino , Carosi Giampiero , Torti Carlo
Published: March 2008

Continuous surveillance of HIV primary resistance mutations is highly important due to their potential clinical impact. All patients naïve to antiretrovirals who had ≥1 genotypic resistance testing at the Institute of Infectious Diseases (Brescia, Northern Italy) between 2001 and 2006 were analyzed. Primary resistance mutations were defined using epidemiological and clinical criteria. Mutations were interpreted using the Stanford University Algorithm. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess possible predictors of primary resistance mutations. Among 569 patients, 11% presented ≥1 mutation. Prevalence of primary resistance mutations to nucleoside reverse‐transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), non‐nucleoside reverse‐transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI), and protease inhibitors (PI) was 6.3%, 6%, and 1.6%, respectively. The most frequent mutations to NRTI were substitutions at position 215 (215Y in 3 patients, and 215 revertants in 16), 41L (13), 219Q (12), and 210W (10). Among mutations to NNRTI, 103N was found in 21 patients, while 181C, 188L, and 190A/S in 8, 3, and 4 patients, respectively. Fifty‐one patients (9%) had high‐to‐intermediate resistance to ≥1 antiretroviral drug before starting the treatment. Regarding the new generation drugs, nine patients had intermediate resistance to etravirine, five patients had intermediate resistance to tipranavir, while five, one, and seven patients had low resistance to etravirine, tipranavir, and darunavir. Homosexuals were more likely to harbor a virus with primary resistance mutations (OR:2.68; 95% CI:1.44–5.00; P = 0.002) while non‐Italian nationality was protective (OR:0.38; 95% CI:0.17–0.86; P = 0.020). Prevalence of primary resistance mutations suggests that genotypic resistance testing should be performed before starting treatment in naïve patients in Italy, particularly when NNRTI are prescribed. J. Med. Virol. 80:747–753, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of west nile virus replication by retrovirus‐delivered small interfering RNA in human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Yang Yongbo , Wu Chengxiang , Wu Jianguo , Nerurkar Vivek R. , Yanagihara Richard , Lu Yuanan
Published: March 2008

West Nile virus (WNV) has been responsible for the largest outbreaks of arboviral encephalitis in U.S. history. No specific drug is currently available for the effective treatment of WNV infection. To exploit RNA interference as a potential therapeutic approach, a Moloney murine leukemia virus‐based retrovirus vector was used to effectively deliver WNV‐specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) into human neuroblastoma HTB‐11 cells. Viral plaque assays demonstrated that transduced cells were significantly refractory to WNV replication, as compared to untransduced control cells (P < 0.05), which correlated with the reduced expression of target viral genes and respective viral proteins. Therefore, retrovirus‐mediated delivery of siRNA for gene silencing can be used to study the specific functions of viral genes associated with replication and may have potential therapeutic applications. J. Med. Virol. 80:930–936, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate content of osteoarthritic human knee cartilage: Site‐specific correlation with weight‐bearing force based on femorotibial angle measurement
Authors: Otsuki Shuhei , Nakajima Mikio , Lotz Martin , Kinoshita Mitsuo
Published: March 2008

This study analyzed glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content in specific compartments of the knee joint to determine the impact of malalignment and helped refine indications for osteotomy. To assess malalignment, the radiological femorotibial angle (FTA) was measured and knee joints were also graded for OA severity with the Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) classification. Cartilage samples were obtained from 36 knees of 32 OA patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. Explants were harvested from the medial femoral condyle (MFC), lateral femoral condyle (LFC), patellar groove (PG), and lateral posterior femoral condyle (LPC). Concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). With OA severity, the average FTA significantly increased. HA and CS content in MFC was negatively correlated with radiographic FTA. In LFC, HA ratio, which is HA content in lateral condyle divided by medial condyle and chondroitin 6 sulfate, increased until about 190° FTA. Importantly, at >190° these contents were significantly decreased. HA and CS content of the femoral condyle shows topographic differences that are related to OA grade and weight‐bearing force based on FTA. The clinical relevance is that osteotomy may not be indicated for patients with severe varus (>190°) abnormalities. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1194–1198, 2008
Effect of quercetin on bone formation
Authors: Wong Ricky W.K. , Rabie A. Bakr M.
Published: March 2008

Quercetin is a flavonol, also a phytoestrogen, available commonly in onions and apples. Our laboratory compared the amount of new bone produced by quercetin in a collagen matrix to that produced by bone grafts and a collagen matrix. Eighteen bone defects, 5 × 10 mm were created in the parietal bone of nine New Zealand White rabbits. In the experimental group, six defects were grafted with quercetin solution mixed with a collagen matrix. In the control groups, six defects were grafted with a collagen matrix alone (active control) and six were left empty (passive control). Animals were killed on day 14 and the defects were dissected and prepared for histological assessment. Serial sections were cut across each defect. Quantitative analysis of new bone formation was made on 100 sections (50 sections for each group) using image analysis. A total of 556% more new bone was present in defects grafted with quercetin in a collagen matrix than those grafted with a collagen matrix alone. No bone was formed in the passive control group. In conclusion, quercetin in a collagen matrix has the effect of increasing new bone formation locally, and can be used as a bone graft material. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1061–1066, 2008
Antibody To Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Trough Levels and Half-Lives Do Not Differ After Intravenous and Intramuscular Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin Administration After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Hooman Nazanin , Rifai Kinan , Hadem Johannes , Vaske Bernhard , Philipp Gunnar , Priess Andrea , Klempnauer Juergen , Tillmann Hans L. , Manns Michael P. , Rosenau Jens
Published: March 2008

Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) administration remains an essential component of standard reinfection prophylaxis after liver transplantation for hepatitis B virus–related liver disease. Previous studies have suggested that intramuscular (IM) HBIG administration compared to intravenous (IV) HBIG administration may be cost-effective and dose-saving. To compare antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) kinetics after IV HBIG administration versus IM HBIG administration, 24 patients received 2000 IU of HBIG every 6 weeks over a study period of 48 weeks in a crossover design. HBIG was started intravenously in 12 patients (group A) and intramuscularly in 12 patients (group B). After 4 doses, at week 24 HBIG administration was switched from IM to IV and vice versa. Anti-HBs kinetics of 22 patients were evaluated. Mean anti-HBs levels measured 2, 4, and 6 weeks after each HBIG administration did not differ significantly (480 ± 166, 319 ± 126, and 221 ± 106 IU/L after IV administration versus 457 ± 166, 310 ± 147, and 218 ± 112 IU/L after IM administration). Half-lives of anti-HBs decline (IV, 25.5 ± 6.0 days, versus IM, 24.7 ± 6.2 days) and area under the curve values from week 2 to 6 (IV, 9.4 ± 3.6 IU*day/mL, versus IM, 9.0 ± 3.9 IU*day/mL) also showed no significant difference. Variation of anti-HBs levels after IV HBIG administration versus IM HBIG administration was neither significantly different within patients (intraindividual variance) nor between patients (interindividual variance). However, intraindividual variance was lower than interindividual variance after IV (

P

< 0.05) and IM (

P

< 0.05) HBIG administration at every time point (2, 4, and 6 weeks). In conclusion, IV HBIG administration and IM HBIG administration are equally effective with respect to the crucial pharmacokinetic parameters. That is, IM HBIG is not dose-saving; however, it may be cost-effective if the price per unit is lower. Individualized dosing intervals should be further evaluated as a cost-effective alternative to fixed dosing schemes.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Family Function Following Pediatric Liver Transplantation
Authors: Alonso Estella M. , Neighbors Katie , Barton Franca B. , McDiarmid Sue V. , Dunn Stephen P. , Mazariegos George V. , Landgraf Jeanne M. , Bucuvalas John C.
Published: March 2008

This multicenter study compared health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and family function of pediatric liver transplant recipients to those of healthy children to determine if this population differed from a healthy population and to distinguish which pretransplant and posttransplant factors impact HRQOL and family function. HRQOL data from 102 patients achieving 2-year survival were collected with the Infant Toddler Quality of Life Instrument or the Child Health Questionnaire Parent Form 50 parent surveys. Family functioning was assessed with the Family Assessment Device (FAD) completed by each participant's family members. Demographic and clinical information were retrieved from the Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplant database. Recipients 5 years of age and older scored lower than a normative sample in physical health (

P

< 0.001), general health (

P

< 0.001), parental emotional impact (

P

< 0.001), and disruption of family activities (

P

< 0.001). Younger children, 2 to 5 years of age, scored lower than controls in global health (

P

= 0.004) and general health perceptions (

P

< 0.001) but did not differ in subscales measuring physical and psychosocial outcomes. Univariate analysis among the subscales identified demographic but not clinical variables as significant predictors of HRQOL. Mean scores of FAD scales were below published thresholds indicating healthy family functioning. As reported in previous studies, parents of older recipients reported higher levels of stress, although their level of family function appears normal. Significant associations were also observed between FAD scores and demographic variables, suggesting that further investigation of the impact of race, parental marital status, and socio-economic status on the patient rehabilitation process is needed.
Audiometric Changes in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation Using Distinct Immunosuppressive Protocols
Authors: Fortes Maria Elena , Marroni Cláudio Augusto , Coser Pedro Luis , de los Santos Carlos Abaeté
Published: March 2008

The aim of the study was to disclose a possible association of hearing defects with the use of either cyclosporin (CyA) or tacrolimus (FK-506) in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) was performed in the same 42 patients before and after LT. Audiometric frequencies recorded ranged from 250 to 8000 Hz. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the use of CyA (n = 18) or FK-506 (n = 24). We used Kolmogorov-Smirnov and subsequently Student

t

test, nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Mann-Whitney test for statistical analysis. Significance was achieved when

P

≤ 0.05. There was a statistically significant change in PTA results, occurring as decreased hearing perception, especially in high frequencies (4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz), in both ears of patients undergoing LT and receiving FK-506. Audiometric changes were not perceived pre- and posttransplantation in patients using CyA, except in the right ear, in the 3000-Hz range. In conclusion, LT patients presented worsening of hearing patterns after undergoing transplantation. The defect was significantly more accentuated in the high-frequency tones, particularly in individuals using FK-506 as the immunosuppressive regimen. Liver Transpl, 2008. © 2008 AASLD.
Effect of Cold Ischemia–Warm Reperfusion on the Cirrhotic Rat Liver
Authors: Huet Pierre-Michel , Giroux Lise , Laurens Marina , Crenesse Dominique
Published: March 2008

Cirrhosis is known to induce capillarization of the sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) and collagenization of the space of Disse, resulting in a reduced access of plasma and plasma-dissolved substances to hepatocytes due to their limited diffusion in the extravascular space. The aim of the present study was to use a well known effect of cold ischemia–warm reperfusion (CI-WR) on liver SECs, that is, their retraction and detachment, progressing to a denudation of the SEC lining. The disappearance of the capillarized SEC lining would improve the access of plasma and plasma-dissolved substances to the hepatocytes and consequently might improve the metabolic function of cirrhotic livers. This study was performed using the isolated perfused rat liver model subjected to 24-hour CI followed by a 60-minute WR in thioacetamide-induced cirrhosis. Liver microcirculation was evaluated using the multiple indicator dilution curve (MIDC) technique. Hepatocyte, SEC, and Kupffer cell functions were evaluated using specific elimination processes. As occurs in normal livers, CI-WR induced extensive SEC necrosis with a marked reduction of the hyaluronic acid elimination. By contrast, the hepatic microcirculation was not modified: vascular, extravascular, and the cellular spaces were similar before and following CI-WR. In addition, the hepatic metabolic functions, as evaluated by propranolol and taurocholate hepatic uptake, were neither improved nor decreased, as were Kupffer cell functions. The present data strongly suggest that capillarization of SECs plays a lesser role than collagenization of the space of Disse in the reduced exchange between sinusoids and hepatocytes in thioacetamide-induced cirrhotic rat livers, which appear to be quite resistant to CI-WR.
Steroid-Free, Tacrolimus-Basiliximab Immunosuppression in Pediatric Liver Transplantation: Clinical and Pharmacoeconomic Study in 50 Children
Authors: Gras Jérémie M. , Gerkens Sophie , Beguin Claire , Janssen Magdalena , Smets Françoise , Otte Jean-Bernard , Sokal Etienne , Reding Raymond
Published: March 2008

Corticosteroid-free immunosuppression (IS) may be potentially beneficial for transplanted patients, particularly children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and cost of such strategy in primary pediatric liver transplantation (LT). Fifty pediatric LT recipients were prospectively treated with a steroid-free, tacrolimus-basiliximab–based IS (group TB). A group of 34 children transplanted under a conventional tacrolimus-steroids regimen served as control series (group TS). Groups TB and TS were compared regarding patient and graft survival, rejection incidence, infectious complications, and growth, as well as cost of the transplant procedure. Patient and graft survivals at 3 years were 96% and 94% in group TB, versus 91% and 88% in group TS (

P

= 0.380 and

P

= 0.370, respectively). Rejection-free graft survival at 3 years was 72% in group TB, versus 41% in group TS (

P

= 0.007). Patients in group TB had significantly less viral infections than patients in group TS (

P

= 0.045). Height standard deviation score was significantly enhanced in children from group TB, when compared to group TS. Medical care costs were similar in both groups. Steroid avoidance together with basiliximab immunoprophylaxis was not harmful in terms of allograft acceptance, and even seemed to be beneficial in the long term. Liver Transpl, 2008. © 2008 AASLD.
Massive Pulmonary Embolism During Liver Transplantation
Authors: Perkins James D.
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background:

Pulmonary embolism (PE) and intracardiac thrombosis (ICT) are rare but potentially lethal complications during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

Methods :

We aimed to review clinical and pathological correlates of PE and ICT in patients undergoing OLT. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using MEDLINE and ISI Web of Science.

Results :

Seventy-four cases of intraoperative PE and/or ICT were identified; PE alone in 32 (43%) patients and a combination of PE and ICT in 42 (57%) patients. Most frequent clinical symptoms included systemic hypotension and concomitant rising pulmonary artery pressure, often leading to complete circulatory collapse. PE and ICT occurred in every stage of the operation and were equally reported in patients with or without the use of venovenous bypass or antifibrinolytics. A large variety of putative risk factors have been suggested in the literature, including the use of pulmonary artery catheters or certain blood products. Nineteen patients underwent urgent thrombectomy or thrombolysis. Overall mortality was 68% (50/74) and 41 (82%) patients died intraoperatively.

Conclusion :

Mortality was significantly higher in patients with an isolated PE, compared to patients with a combination of PE and ICT (91% and 50%, respectively; p<0.001). Intraoperative PE and ICT during OLT appear to have multiple etiologies and may occur unexpectedly at any time during the procedure.
Metabolic Liver Disease in Children
Authors: Hansen Keli , Horslen Simon
Published: March 2008

The aim of this article is to provide essential information for hepatologists, who primarily care for adults, regarding liver-based inborn errors of metabolism with particular reference to those that may be treatable with liver transplantation and to provide adequate references for more in-depth study should one of these disease states be encountered.