bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular variants of human papillomavirus type 16 and 18 and risk for cervical Neoplasia in Portugal
Authors: Pista Angela , Oliveira Ana , Barateiro Andreia , Costa Helena , Verdasca Nuno , Paixão Maria Teresa
Published: October 2007

Persistent high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is considered as the central cause of invasive cervical cancer. Specific HPV 16 and 18 sequence variations were associated with an increased risk for progression. The purpose of this study was to analyze intratypic variations of HPV 16 and 18 within the E6 gene, MY09/11 and LCR regions, and to evaluate the risk of these variants for cervical neoplasia among Portuguese women. Cervical samples from 187 HPV 16‐positive and 41 HPV 18‐positive women with normal epithelium, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or invasive cervical cancer were amplified by type‐specific PCR, followed by sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Sixteen new HPV 16 and 18 patterns are described in this paper. European HPV 16 variants were the most frequent (74.3%), particularly Ep‐T350 (44.4%), followed by African (16.1%), and Asian‐American (9.6%). Non‐European HPV 16 variants were more frequent in pre‐invasive lesions than in normal tissue and low‐grade lesions. However, when analyzed separately, only African variants were associated significantly with an increased risk for cervical cancer. For HPV 18, the AsAi variant showed a trend, which was not statistically significant to an enhanced oncogenicity. European variants seemed to be significantly associated with a lower risk for cervical cancer development. The distribution of HPV 16 and 18 variants was not related to age or race among women living in the same geographical region. Knowledge of variants will be important for risk determination as well as for designing primers or probes for HPV detection methods, and for appropriate cervical cancer prevention strategies. J. Med. Virol. 79:1889–1897, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic diversity of noroviruses and sapoviruses in children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Authors: Khamrin Pattara , Maneekarn Niwat , Peerakome Supatra , Tonusin Supin , Malasao Rungnapa , Mizuguchi Masashi , Okitsu Shoko , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: October 2007

Human caliciviruses, including norovirus (NoV) and sapovirus (SaV), are recognized as common pathogens that cause acute viral gastroenteritis in children and adults throughout the world. To gain an overview of molecular epidemiology of human caliciviruses in children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 2002 to 2004, NoV and SaV were detected and characterized molecularly for identification of their genotypes. From a total of 248 fecal specimens collected, 35 (14.1%) were positive for NoV GII genogroup. Among the 35 NoV GII, GII/4 was the most predominant genotype (22 strains), followed by GII/3 (7 strains), GII/1 (2 strains), GII/7 (2 strains), GII/2 (1 strain), and GII/16 (1 strain). In addition, only three specimens (1.2%) were positive for SaV, each of which was classified into two different genogroups. One isolate was clustered with GIV genogroup, while the other two belonged to two distinct genotypes of the SaV GI cluster, GI/1 and GI/2 genotypes. This study demonstrated that human caliciviruses are important enteric viruses that caused acute gastroenteritis in the hospitalized children in Chiang Mai, Thailand from 2002 to 2004. Moreover, a great genetic diversities of NoV and SaV were observed. J. Med. Virol. 79:1921–1926, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis C virus does not infect muscle, the intervertebral disk, or the meniscus in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Bartolomé Javier , Rodríguez‐Iñigo Elena , Erice Alejo , Vidal Sonia , Castillo Inmaculada , Carreño Vicente
Published: October 2007

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with several extrahepatic manifestations, including neuromuscular and joint disorders, and HCV RNA has been detected in muscle fibers of patients with myosistis and chronic hepatitis C. However, whether HCV infects muscle cells in patients without myosistis is unknown. The presence of HCV in other sites of the musculoskeletal system has not been investigated. In the present study the presence of HCV RNA was sought in muscle (2 cases), intervertebral disk (1 case) and meniscus (1 case) samples from patients with chronic hepatitis C. HCV RNA was not detected by reverse transcription and real‐time polymerase chain reaction in any of the samples tested. In conclusion, the results do not support a direct role of HCV in musculoskeletal disorders associated with chronic hepatitis C. J. Med. Virol. 79:1818–1820, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemiological survey of enterovirus infections occurring in Taiwan between 2000 and 2005: Analysis of sentinel physician surveillance data
Authors: Tseng Fan‐Chen , Huang Han‐Chin , Chi Chia‐Yu , Lin Tsuey‐Li , Liu Ching‐Chuan , Jian Jhih‐Wei , Hsu Li‐Ching , Wu Ho‐Sheng , Yang Jyh‐Yuan , Chang Ya‐Wen , Wang Hsuan‐Chen , Hsu Yun‐Wei , Su Ih‐Jen , Wang Jen‐Ren
Published: October 2007

Enterovirus (EV) infections are common. There are more than 60 known serotypes, and each has different epidemiologic or medical importance. Over 700 physicians from 75% of basic administrative units of Taiwan participated in the “Sentinel Physician Surveillance of Infectious Disease” and reported weekly to the Center for Disease Control—Taiwan with data on various infections. Data of laboratory‐confirmed EV infections from this surveillance between 2000 and 2005 was analyzed. EV serotypes were determined by immunofluorescence staining and/or viral VP1 sequence analysis. A total of 12,236 EV cases, or approximately1,300–2,500 per year, were identified, and 52% of the cases occurred between April and July. The median age was 3 years, and 57.6% of patients were male. Coxsackievirus A (CA) 16 and EV71, which primarily manifest as hand‐foot‐and‐mouth disease, were the most prevalent serotypes every year except 2004. Other prevalent serotypes and associated symptoms varied from year to year. Echovirus (E) 30 and E6, which are associated with aseptic meningitis, were prevalent in 2001 and 2002, CA4 and CA10, which cause herpangina, were predominant in 2004, and coxsackievirus B (CB) 4 and CB3, which are associated with neonatal febrile disease, were most common in 2004 and 2005, respectively. Some of these epidemics overlapped with outbreaks of the same serotypes in other Asian Pacific countries. Of all serotypes, EV71 was associated with the highest number of severe complications in patients. Surveying the epidemic pattern, disease spectra, and severity associated with each EV serotype provided important information for public health and medical personnel. J. Med. Virol. 79:1850–1860, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among HIV‐infected pregnant women in Uganda and Rwanda
Authors: Pirillo Maria F. , Bassani Luciana , Germinario Elena A.P. , Mancini Maria Grazia , Vyankandondera Joseph , Okong Pius , Vella Stefano , Giuliano Marina
Published: October 2007

A retrospective survey to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections was conducted on the samples of 247 African HIV‐1 positive pregnant women who had participated to a mother‐to‐child prevention trial carried out in urban settings in Kampala, Uganda and Kigali, Rwanda. Hepatitis B markers studied were HBs antigen (HBsAg) and, if positive after confirmatory testing, HBe antigen/anti‐HBe antibodies and HBV DNA. A fourth generation HCV enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was used for primary HCV screening. Positive samples were analyzed further with a second different EIA. Both for HBV and for HCV the use of confirmatory tests allowed the removal of frequent false‐positive screening results. HBsAg was found in 10/246 women (seroprevalence 4.1%, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.7–6.8): 8/164 (4.9%) in Uganda and 2/82 (2.4%) in Rwanda. HBe Ag was found in 33% of HBsAg‐positive patients and HBV DNA was quantifiable in 71%. Anti‐HCV antibodies were found in 5/247 women (seroprevalence 2.0% 95%CI 0.3–3.9): 1/165 (0.6%) in Uganda and 4/82 (4.9%) in Rwanda. There was no interrelation between HCV and HBV markers. There was no difference between patients with and without co‐infection with HBV or HCV with regards to CD4+ cell count. Overall, hepatitis B and C co‐infection was relatively infrequent in this group of pregnant women. However, since approximately 6% of HIV‐positive women in these countries had a co‐infection with one hepatitis virus, caution should be used in the monitoring of possible hepatotoxicity related to antiretroviral drugs in these populations. J. Med. Virol. 79:1797–1801, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent enterovirus infection in type 1 diabetes: Evidence with a novel IgM method
Authors: Elfaitouri A. , Berg A.‐K. , Frisk G. , Yin H. , Tuvemo T. , Blomberg J.
Published: October 2007

Enterovirus (EV) infection has been associated with Type 1 (T1D) diabetes and on a few occasions virus could be isolated at onset of the disease. Using two such isolates as antigens in a quantitative PCR enhanced immunoassay (T1D‐EV‐QPIA) we have measured IgM antibodies against such potentially diabetogenic viruses in serum from 33 newly diagnosed T1D children, 24 siblings, and 27 healthy children. Sera were also analysed with regard to autoantibodies against GAD65, the cytokine TNF‐α and the chemokine IP‐10. EV‐RNA detection was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). IgM antibodies against this “new” EV antigen were more frequent in serum from T1D children than in serum from siblings and/or controls (P < 0.001). EV‐RNA was detected more frequently in PBMC from T1D children than in healthy control children (P < 0.001) and also compared to the siblings (P < 0.003). The cytokine TNF‐α was less frequently detected in serum from the T1D children compared with serum from siblings and/controls (P < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between the results obtained with the T1D‐EV‐QPIA and the EV‐PCR (P < 0.001). These findings are in line with earlier findings of an increased frequency of enteroviral infections in newly diagnosed T1D patients. In addition, we found that T1D children at onset of the disease had lower frequencies of the chemokine TNF‐α in their serum than age‐ and sex‐matched controls had, suggesting an impaired immune response. J. Med. Virol. 79:1861–1867, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Population‐based study on the seroprevalence of hepatitis A, B, and C virus infection in Amsterdam, 2004
Authors: Baaten G.G.G. , Sonder G.J.B. , Dukers N.H.T.M. , Coutinho R.A. , Van den Hoek J.A.R.
Published: October 2007

In order to enhance screening and preventive strategies, this study investigated the seroprevalence of hepatitis A, B, and C in the general adult urban population and in subgroups. In 2004, sera from 1,364 adult residents of Amsterdam were tested for viral markers. Sociodemographic characteristics were collected using a standardized questionnaire. For hepatitis A, 57.0% was immune. Of first‐generation immigrants from Turkey and Morocco, 100% was immune. Of all Western persons and second‐generation non‐Western immigrants, approximately half was still susceptible. For hepatitis B, 9.9% had antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) and 0.4% had hepatitis B surface antigen. Anti‐HBc seroprevalences were highest among first‐generation immigrants from Surinam, Morocco, and Turkey, and correlated with age at the time of immigration, and among men with a sexual preference for men. Seroprevalence among second‐generation immigrants was comparable to Western persons. The seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies was 0.6%. In conclusion, a country with overall low endemicity for viral hepatitis can show higher endemicity in urban regions, indicating the need for differentiated regional studies and prevention strategies. More prevention efforts in cities like Amsterdam are warranted, particularly for hepatitis A and B among second‐generation immigrants, for hepatitis B among men with a sexual preference for men, and for hepatitis C. Active case finding strategies are needed for both hepatitis B and C. J. Med. Virol. 79:1802–1810, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epstein‐Barr virus immune response in high‐risk nasopharyngeal carcinoma families in Greenland
Authors: Friborg Jeppe , Jarrett Ruth F. , Liu Mei‐Ying , Falk Kerstin I. , Koch Anders , Olsen Ove R. , Duncan Pamela , Wohlfarht Jan , Chen Jen‐Yang , Melbye Mads
Published: October 2007

Undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma is associated with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection. Presence of EBV IgA antibodies is rare among healthy individuals and is used as a marker of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in high‐incidence populations. Reasons for EBV IgA seropositivity are unknown, but high EBV IgA levels have been found among unaffected close family members and spouses to nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients in Chinese populations. In Greenland, a nasopharyngeal carcinoma‐high‐incidence area, we compared EBV serology and viral load in high‐risk nasopharyngeal carcinoma family members (N = 20) and controls without nasopharyngeal carcinoma‐affected relatives (N = 90). There was no significant difference in EBV viral loads between relatives and controls, and EBV was detected in plasma in 5.0% of relatives and 11.4% of controls. There was no significant difference in EBV serology, but the seroprevalence of EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgA was high in both relatives (25.0%) and controls (20.5%). Compared with anti‐VCA IgA‐negative, anti‐VCA IgA‐positive individuals had significantly higher EBV viral loads in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (P < 0.01). The very high prevalence of anti‐VCA IgA indicates that this antibody is unsuitable for nasopharyngeal carcinoma screening among Inuits. J. Med. Virol. 79:1877–1881, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HPV group‐ and type‐specific concordance in HPV infected sexual couples
Authors: Giovannelli Lucia , Bellavia Carmelina , Capra Giuseppina , Migliore Maria Colomba , Caleca MariaPia , Giglio Maria , Perino Antonio , Matranga Domenica , Ammatuna Pietro
Published: October 2007

The concordance of human papillomavirus (HPV) groups and types was evaluated in 45 sexual couples with both partners HPV infected, by analyzing cervical samples from women and three genital sites (penile brushing, urethral brushing, and semen) from men. When grouping HPV types, no significant HPV group sharing was found between partners, either considering samples from any male site (concordance: 55.5%; P = 0.11) or from each site (concordance by penile brushing, 37.8%; urethral brushing, 24.5%; semen, 22.3%; P > 0.05). Examining individual HPV types, using samples from any male site, concordance was found in 29 (64.4%; P = 0.036) couples; significant concordance was evident for 16 HPV genotypes, the most frequent being HPV‐6, ‐66, ‐31, ‐51, and ‐53. Using samples from specific male sites, concordance was found by penile brushing in 24 (53.3%) couples, urethral brushing in 16 (35.5%), and semen in 7 (15.5%; P = 0.014). Among the 16 HPV types shared by examining samples from any male site, 9 (56.3%) were in common by penile brushing, 11 (68.7%) by urethral brushing, and 6 (37.5%; P = 0.48) by semen. Combined penile brushing and urethral brushing sampling identified all the 29 couples concordant by the three male sites; combined penile brushing and semen detected 26 (89.6%) concordant couples. The most adequate approach to the assessment of HPV concordance in sexual couples could be based on the analysis of individual HPV types and the sampling of men by penile brushing combined with urethral brushing. The high and significant degree of HPV type‐specific concordance confirms HPV transmission between sexual partners. J. Med. Virol. 79:1882–1888, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Presence of hepatitis E virus in sewage in Northern India: Frequency and seasonal pattern
Authors: Ippagunta Sirish Kumar , Naik Sita , Sharma Bechan , Aggarwal Rakesh
Published: October 2007

Outbreaks of acute hepatitis E, associated with consumption of contaminated drinking water, are frequent in India. Sewage is a major source for contamination of surface water. Data on the presence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in sewage in India are limited. The aim of this study was to look for the presence of HEV RNA in concentrates of sewage specimens collected from a major open sewage drain in Lucknow, India during August 2004 to July 2006, by the polymerase chain reaction, using primers specific for human HEV (genotype 1) or Indian swine HEV (genotype 4). Of the 192 sewage specimens tested, 79 (41%) showed presence of human HEV RNA. The positivity rate was higher during the second year (52/103 [51%]) than during the first year (27/89 [30%]; P = 0.005). The seasonal pattern of HEV RNA positivity was as follows: winter months (November to February): 28 of 61 (46%); summer months (March to June): 36 of 66 (55%); and, monsoon months (July to October) 15 of 65 (23%). There was no reported outbreak of hepatitis E in the city during the study period. Swine HEV RNA was not detected in any of the 69 specimens tested. Repeat testing confirmed the reproducibility of the results. In addition, nucleic acid sequencing of six sewage isolates showed that these belonged to HEV genotype 1. The study suggests that HEV infection and fecal viral excretion may be common in HEV‐endemic regions throughout the year even during non‐epidemic periods. J. Med. Virol. 79:1827–1831, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, and 33 in a cohort of Greek women
Authors: Panotopoulou Efstathia , Tserkezoglou Aliki , Kouvousi Maria , Tsiaousi Ioanna , Chatzieleftheriou George , Daskalopoulou Demitra , Magiakos George
Published: October 2007

To study HPV prevalence and HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, and 33 distribution in cervical smears in a cohort of Greek women. One thousand six hundred thirty‐six samples were cytologically evaluated and molecularly analyzed, by PCR based assay. Abnormal cytology was identified in 997 women and 75.4% of them were HPV DNA positive, while 639 had normal cytology and 24.6% were HPV DNA positive. HPV was detected in 62.9% of 256 ASCUS smears, 89.3% of 516 LSIL, 86.7% of 60 HSIL and 47.3% of 165 with cervical carcinoma. Overall, HPV 11 was the most common type (13.4%), followed by 18 (10.3%), 6 (7.2%), 16 (6.4%), 31 (3.4%) and 33 (3.4%). Multiple infections with two (11.3%) or more types, primarily 11 and 18 (4.8%), were also identified. Low‐risk types 11 and 6 were common in ASCUS (36.6% and 26.4%, respectively), and high‐risk types 16 and 18 in HSIL (42.3% and 30.8%, respectively) and in cancer (51.3% and 41%, respectively). Multiple infections were detected in 2.2% of normal and 31.7% of HSIL. HPV prevalence was 75.4% in abnormal and 24.6% in normal cervical smears. HPV 16 and 18 were the most common types in cancer. Single infection with type 11 and multiple infections with 11 and 18 were more frequent. J. Med. Virol. 79:1898–1905, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retrospective study of the prevalence of human T‐cell lymphotropic virus‐type 1/2, HIV, and HBV in pregnant women in Argentina
Authors: Trenchi Alejandra , Gastaldello René , Balangero Marcos , Irizar Marta , Cudolá Analía , Gallego Sandra
Published: October 2007

This study shows first data on HTLV‐1/2 seroprevalence among pregnant women in the non‐endemic region of Argentina. In a retrospective study a representative sample (n = 3,143) of the pregnant women registered in the health public service in the province of Córdoba was evaluated. HTLV‐1/2 seroprevalence was 0.191% ± 0.0857 [IC 0.022–0.359]. This prevalence was 10 times higher in pregnant women than in blood donors [0.019 (4/21.183)]. The pregnant women would reflect the epidemiology of the general population more accurately since it constitutes a more heterogeneous group than that of blood donors. The prevalence of infection with HIV was 2.8 times higher than that of HTLV‐1/2 (P < 0.05) and the presence of any of these two viruses was not a subrogating indicator of the presence of the other (Goodman and Kruskal's Tau coefficient = 0.0092). The prevalence of HBV was not significantly different from that of HTLV‐1/2 (P > 0.05). We consider that it is necessary to carry out continuous studies in order to define the main risk factors for infection of these women. Thus, a decision could be made to apply the best policy in public health to prevent vertical transmission of the virus in Argentina. J. Med. Virol. 79:1974–1978, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cyclosporin a inhibits HTLV‐I tax expression and shows anti‐tumor effects in combination with VP‐16
Authors: Ozaki Atsuo , Arima Naomichi , Matsushita Kakushi , Uozumi Kimiharu , Akimoto Masaki , Hamada Heiichiro , Kawada Hideaki , Horai Sawako , Tanaka Yuetsu , Tei Chuwa
Published: October 2007

Adult T cell leukemia (ATL) is one of the most refractory malignant hematological diseases. Our previous studies demonstrated HTLV‐1Tax protein involvement in clinical manifestation of the aggressive type of ATL and suggested the potential application of agents to inhibit Tax expression for ATL treatment. In the present study, we first examined Tax involvement in the resistance to VP‐16‐induced apoptosis using four HTLV‐1 infected T cell clones and cTax DNA‐transfected cells. Next, we examined whether cyclosporin A reduced expression of Tax and its related transfer factors on Western blot and CAT assay. We further investigated whether cyclosporin A in combination with VP‐16 can induce apoptosis in HTLV‐1 infected T cells. Tax‐producing T cells, K3T and F6T, were resistant to VP‐16 induced growth inhibition compared with that of the nonproducing cells, S1T and Su9T01. Experiments using S1T and Tax‐expressing cDNA‐transfected S1T demonstrated Tax‐induced resistance to VP‐16 induction of apoptosis by DNA ladder formation. Cyclosporin A reduced Tax expression in K3T by Western blot analysis and on CAT assay, showing maximal reduction of 61% and 60% compared to control culture using LTR CAT transfected Jurkat cells and K3T cells, respectively. Cyclosporin A also reduced the nuclear expression of two Tax‐related transfer factors, ATF‐1 and ATF‐2 on Western blot. Cyclosporin A alone did not show any cytotoxicity by itself, but sensitized cells to VP‐16 when combined with VP‐16. Cyclosporin A may be a useful anti‐ATL agent when combined with other anti‐cancer agents possibly related to Tax inhibition. J. Med. Virol. 79:1906–1913, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sequence analysis of vietnamese P[6] rotavirus strains suggests evidence of interspecies transmission
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Khamrin Pattara , Trinh Quang Duy , Phan Tung Gia , Pham Le Duc , Hoang Le Phuc , Hoang Kim Trong , Yagyu Fumihiro , Okitsu Shoko , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: October 2007

Nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the VP8☆ gene of five Vietnamese P[6] rotavirus strains detected from hospitalized patients with acute gastroenteritis were analyzed and compared with other human and porcine P[6] rotaviruses. It is of interest that these strains had greatest identity with two Italian porcine rotavirus strains, 134/04‐10 and 134/04‐11. To our knowledge, these five Vietnamese rotaviruses are the rare P[6] rotavirus strains belonging to lineage I that cluster into sublineage Ic with porcine rotaviruses, and not into sublineage Ia, as other human P[6] rotaviruses have done so far. Sequence analysis of the VP7 gene of these P[6] rotavirus strains was also performed. The results showed that the Vietnamese G9P[6] strain had high similarity with other human G9 rotaviruses, confirming a human–animal reassortant virus, whereas other three G4P[6] strains had best identity with porcine G4 rotavirus strains, suggesting interspecies transmission of rotavirus between porcine and humans. This result provides the important data on molecular characteristics of Vietnamese rotaviruses, and highlights interspecies transmission events of rotaviruses in Vietnam as well as in Asia. J. Med. Virol. 79:1959–1965, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HTLV‐1/2 among high‐risk groups in Argentina: Molecular diagnosis and prevalence of different sexual transmitted infections
Authors: Berini Carolina A. , Pando Maria A. , Bautista Christian T. , Eirin Maria E. , Peralta Liliana Martinez‐ , Weissenbacher Mercedes , Avila Maria M. , Biglione Mirna M.
Published: October 2007

The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence and characterize the epidemiologic patterns of HTLV‐1/2 infections and co‐infections with HIV, HBV (hepatitis B), HCV (hepatitis C), and Treponema Pallidum in five different high‐risk groups, including injecting drug users (IDUs), female sex workers (FSWs), men who have sex with men (MSM), patients with tuberculosis (TB), and patients attending clinics for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The HTLV‐1/2 prevalence was 19.1% (33/173) for IDUs, 2.0% (10/613) for FSWs, 2.1% (4/187) for TB, 1.0% (4/400) for STIs and 0.4% (3/282) for MSM, respectively. Among all groups, the higher percentages of co‐infection were HTLV‐1/HBV (63%, 17/27) and HTLV‐1/HCV (52%, 14/27). Among IDUs, there was a high percentage of co‐infection of HTLV‐2 with HCV (96.3%, 26/27), HIV (92.6%, 25/27), and HBV (77.8%, 21/27), respectively. In summary, HTLV‐1/2 infections appear to be widely distributed among high‐risk groups in a nonendemic area of Argentina being the co‐infection with HBV and HCV more frequent among IDUs. J. Med. Virol. 79:1914–1920, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new and simple method for rapid extraction and isolation of high‐quality RNA from grape (Vitis vinifera) berries
Authors: Fort Francesca , Hayoun Loubna , Valls Josep , Canals Joan M , Arola Lluís , Zamora Fernando
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND: A fast and easy method to isolate RNA from grape (Vitis vinifera) berries is proposed.

RESULTS: The procedure uses high concentrations of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and includes boric acid with the purpose of increasing the RNA extraction. Eppendorf tubes can be used since the amount of sample and volumes of reagents needed are small. The method is based on genomic DNA digestion with DNase I, which avoids the disadvantages of using LiCl (e.g. possible amplification of rare transcripts and reduction or even suppression of the activity of RNA‐dependent DNA polymerase). The use of DNase reduces the duration of the isolation method to 8 h. The RNA yield (32.9–49.2 µg g−1) and purity indices were satisfactory in all cases.

CONCLUSION: Although there is a referenced grape berry method (RNeasy Midi Kit + polyethylene glycol) that is faster than the one proposed, it is 3.7 times more expensive and gives a lower yield. The ability to successfully amplify from the RNA extract was verified by measuring the β‐tubulin and lipoxygenase gene expression. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative evaluation of flavonoid content in assessing quality of wild and cultivated vegetables for human consumption
Authors: Spina Michele , Cuccioloni Massimiliano , Sparapani Luca , Acciarri Stefano , Eleuteri Anna Maria , Fioretti Evandro , Angeletti Mauro
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND: Owing to the demand for ‘health foods’, commercial development of wild vegetables may find a sizable market niche if adequate agricultural methods are used to domesticate such species. Available techniques of cultivation (even in traditional farming) may provide many advantages, such as enhancement of the content of active principles in plants and improvement in the quality of the raw material to be processed on an industrial scale. In this context, the flavonoid composition and content of roots and leaves from five varieties of wild herbs (Cichorium intybus, Portulaca oleracea, Tragopogon porrifolius, Urtica dioica and Valerianella eriocarpa) and their cultivated relatives in central Italy were compared. The aims of the study were (i) to reveal the metabolic profile of particular bioactive metabolites present in some unusual food species by using a simple method of analysis, (ii) to quantify and compare the amount of polyphenolic metabolites in wild and cultivated plants and (iii) to evaluate the effect of growing conditions on polyphenolic variability. Data were subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Each herb possessed a specific flavonoid fingerprint as indicated by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) data. The total phenolic content in cultivated leaves was greater than that in wild leaves for all herbs examined (P < 0.05), with the exception of P. oleracea.

CONCLUSION: The results show that the polyphenolic content of the majority of the cultivated herbs (edible parts) is no lower than that of their wild relatives, thus indicating that these species are suitable for cultivation. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Colour and viscosity of milk and soybean vanilla beverages. Instrumental and sensory measurements
Authors: Villegas Beatriz , Carbonell Inmaculada , Costell Elvira
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND: Differences in instrumental measurements of colour and viscosity were analysed in six commercial samples of vanilla beverages, three of milk and three of soybean. Sensory differences between them were assessed and an analysis was made of whether the perceived differences had any influence on consumer preferences with respect to these attributes.

RESULTS: The milk beverages were a stronger yellow in colour (45.05≤b*≤60.02) than the soybean beverages (18.46≤b*≤21.96). The flow of all samples was Newtonian, showing viscosity values in the range 4.34–7.92 mPa s. Significant differences in viscosity were detected between samples. Sensory results revealed that the vanilla milk samples were perceived as having a stronger yellow colour and being thicker than the vanilla soymilk samples. The majority of people surveyed (n = 142) preferred the samples that were deeper yellow in colour; moreover, the thickness of milk samples was significantly more acceptable than that of soymilk samples.

CONCLUSION: The instrumental measurement of colour relates well to the perceived differences in the colour of these products and explains the differences in consumer preferences. However, the instrumental viscosity values do not relate well to the thickness perceived or to the differences in acceptability of the beverages. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Sediment‐bound nutrient export from micro‐dam catchments in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Haregeweyn N. , Poesen J. , Deckers J. , Nyssen J. , Haile M. , Govers G. , Verstraeten G. , Moeyersons J.
Published: October 2007

The losses in soil nutrients (nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (Pav), organic carbon (OC), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg)) in the catchment and the storage in the reservoir as a result of sediment delivery were assessed in 13 catchments/reservoirs in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. This specifically dealt with factors controlling the losses, the fertility status of the deposited sediment, the nutrient export (NE) rates and associated costs.

Enrichment ratio (ER) values >1 were observed for the plant nutrients and the finer soil fractions. The high ER is associated with the preferential transport of nutrients bound to finer soil fractions and the parent material dissolution and its transport via runoff. However, the fertility status of the deposited sediment is not sufficient by itself to support a sustainable crop growth and hence external addition is necessary, mainly for N and Pavfertilizer.

Generally, rates of NE were high. The high OC export on the other hand dictates the potential of reservoir sediments for OC sequestration. The cost price of loss of only N and Pav, eroded from the catchment slopes, was estimated at €34·2 million (Euros) in March 2006 for the Tigray. Pity enough, policy makers and beneficiaries do not realize the magnitude of the problem, which forms a major threat for the crop production in the country. Therefore, it is important not only to make the public aware of the problem but also of implementing integrated soil fertility management practices. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Praxisrelevante Bewertung des Radbruchs vom ICE 884 in Eschede
Authors: Fischer G. , Grubisic V.
Published: October 2007

Der Unfall des ICE 884 am 3. Juni 1998 bei Eschede wurde infolge eines Bruchs des Radreifens eines gummigefederten Rades Bauart BA 64 nach einer Laufstrecke von 1.889 Mill. km ausgelöst. Der Bruch ging von der Radreifeninnenseite bei einem Laufkreisdurchmesser von DA = 862 mm (neu: DA = 920 mm) aus.

Nach dem Unfall wurden viele Analysen und Untersuchungen vorgenommen, die verschiedene Aspekte der Bruchentstehung behandelten. Als Ergebnis dieser Analysen ergab sich, dass der Unfall durch einen Ermüdungsbruch des Radreifens hervorgerufen wurde. Dafür war die den Betriebsbelastungen nicht entsprechende konstruktive Auslegung des Rades und die Bemessung des Radreifens ausschlaggebend. Als untere zulässige Grenze der Radreifendicke wurde ein Radreifendurchmesser von DA = 880 mm für den vorgesehenen Betriebseinsatz ermittelt, der beträchtlich oberhalb des vorgesehenen Betriebsgrenzmaßes von DA = 854 mm lag. Damit ist auch ein Totalbruch des Radreifens mit einem Durchmesser DA = 862 mm erklärlich, was durch Befunde an anderen gummigefederten Rädern von ICE 1 Zügen bestätigt wird.

Die vor der Einführung der Räder BA 64 durchgeführten Versuche waren nicht geeignet, die Sicherheit dieser Räder für den vorgesehenen Betriebseinsatz zu gewährleisten.
Integration von Verwertungsstrategien in die Materialforschung – Modellwerkstoffe in der Medizin
Authors: Harraß M. , Strübbe K. , Friedrich K. , Schlarb A. K. , Ensthaler J. , Quirrenbach T. , Bärmann M. , Stasche N.
Published: October 2007

Befindet sich ein Unternehmen in einem Entwicklungsprozess, stellt sich regelmäßig die Frage nach den Verwertungsmöglichkeiten. Von besonderer Bedeutung ist dabei die Entscheidung, welche Produkteigenschaften am gewinnbringendsten vermarktet werden können. Schafft man es, die noch im Entwicklungsprozess befindliche Technologie frühzeitig auf betriebswirtschaftliche sowie rechtliche Risiken und Chancen zu bewerten, können diese Erkenntnisse kosteneffizient in der laufenden Forschungsplanung und ‐steuerung berücksichtigt werden. Damit sollen Verwertungsmöglichkeiten berücksichtigt sowie Rentabilität und Gewinnaussichten abgeschätzt werden. Man bedient sich hierbei einzelner Instrumente der Patent‐ und Erfindungsbewertung.

Im vorliegenden Aufsatz wird die Integration von Verwertungsstrategien in der Produktentwicklung im Bereich der Medizintechnik vorgestellt. Am Beispiel der Entwicklung eines interventionsfähigen Kehlkopf‐Modells zur laserchirurgischen Fachausbildung werden technische, betriebswirtschaftliche und rechtliche Bewertungsaspekte zusammengeführt.
Zwillingsbildung bei der thermischen Ermüdung der Mg‐Basislegierung AZ31
Authors: Scholtes B. , Krauß M.
Published: October 2007

In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden Ergebnisse von Untersuchungen zur thermischen Ermüdung der Mg‐Basislegierung AZ31 im Temperaturbereich zwischen ‐50 °C und +290 °C vorgestellt. Die Proben wurden unter Konstanthaltung der totalen Deformation homogen einachsig auf Zug bzw. Druck beansprucht. Das resultierende Materialverhalten wird durch die sich als Funktion der Lastspielzahl ausbildenden Amplituden der Spannung und der plastischen Dehnung sowie durch die Mittelspannung beschrieben. Es ist bekannt, dass AZ31 bei Vorliegen von Textur unter nicht zu hohen Beanspruchungstemperaturen unterschiedliche Spannung‐Dehnung‐Kurven bei Zug‐ oder Druckbeanspruchung zeigt, weil die Bildung von Verformungszwillingen dann von der Beanspruchungsrichtung abhängt. Außerdem kann bei Entlastung und Rückverformung entgegen der ursprünglichen Beanspruchungsrichtung eine Rückbildung von Verformungszwillingen auftreten. Als Folge davon werden auch während der ersten Belastungszyklen bei thermischer Ermüdung charakteristische Auswirkungen dieser Prozesse beobachtet. Die Wechselwirkungen zwischen Verformung, Erholung und Rekristallisation, die in den jeweiligen Temperaturintervallen auftreten und die Mikrostrukturen sowie das Verformungsverhalten bestimmen, werden vorgestellt und ihr Beitrag zum Verlauf der Schädigung wird diskutiert.
Einfluss dehnungsabhängiger Werkstoffeigenschaften auf die Umformbarkeit von Blechwerkstoffen
Authors: Schleich R. , Vlahovic D. , Sindel M. , Liewald M.
Published: October 2007

Dieser Beitrag zeigt auf Basis experimenteller Untersuchungen Einflüsse dehnungsinduzierter Änderungen von Werkstoffkennwerten auf die Berechnung der Grenzformänderung und die Folgen für sowohl ein‐ als auch mehrstufige Umformprozesse auf. Besonderes Augenmerk liegt dabei auf den Vorteilen dieser differenzierten Betrachtung gegenüber dem in der Praxis üblichen Stand der Technik.
The FEM simulation of mechanical properties characterization of the stent under the quasi‐static loading/unloading. FEM‐ Simulation zur Charakterisierung der mechanischen Eigenschaften von Stents unter quasistatischer Beanspruchung
Authors: Zhi Y.H. , Wang X.M. , Frotscher M. , Eggeler G. , Yue Z.F.
Published: October 2007

In this paper, the detailed stress distributions of NiTi stents have been studied. The primary object of this study is to set up a cell model to reveal the cause of crack initiation for stents. Auricchio’s super‐elastic model is used to analyze the essential stent cell. Two different kinds of models are analyzed. One model is the stent without defect and the other model is a stent with defects caused by laser burrs or TiC inclusions. The structural stress distribution is not only related to a specimen without defect but also to the material of a bulge defect. The maximum stresses of the stent without defect are near the knots, while the one with defects possesses the maximum stress near the surrounding of the bulge defect. It was found that cracks/fractures can easily appear within a distance of 1/3 of the knot to knot spacing. In particular, a stent with TiC inclusion defects is likely to fail near the bulge face defect. Our simulations agree with experimental results.
Experimentelle und numerische Untersuchungen zur Kennzeichnung von Sinterteilen mittels gezielt eingebrachter Fremdpartikel
Authors: Behrens B.‐A. , Gastan E. , Lange F.
Published: October 2007

Gesinterte Bauteile aus Stahl und Leichtmetalllegierungen finden dank ihrer günstigen Produkteigenschaften zunehmend Anwendung in vielen Industriebereichen. Neben einer hohen Rohstoffausnutzung sowie einer variablen Legierungsbildung bietet die Sintertechnologie die Möglichkeit, Bauteile während des Pressprozesses eindeutig und von außen nicht sichtbar zu kennzeichnen. Als Informationsträger dienen kugelförmige Fremdpartikel, die für erste Versuche in einer quadratischen 4x4 Matrix mit maximal 16 Partikeln im Bauteilinnern platziert werden. Durch die Anzahl und die Anordnung der Partikel wird eine binär kodierte Identifikationsnummer dargestellt. Nach dem Sintern sind die beiden Werkstoffe untrennbar miteinander verbunden. Das Auslesen der gespeicherten Daten erfolgt mit Röntgen‐ oder CT‐Verfahren anhand der unterschiedlichen physikalischen Eigenschaften der Fremdpartikel im Vergleich zum Grundmaterial.
Severe plastic deformation by linear flow splitting
Authors: Müller C. , Bohn T. , Bruder E. , Bruder T. , Landersheim V. , el Dsoki C. , Groche P. , Veleva D.
Published: October 2007

Due to the new linear flow splitting forming process the production of bifurcated profiles from sheet metal without lamination of material becomes feasible. The continuous production of such structures takes place incrementally in a modified roll forming machine. By producing those complex parts process‐related changes in the material properties occur as a result of the cold forming. Thus, the assumption of homogeneous properties in the processed part is not valid and a reliable analysis of structural durability is only possible by considering changes in material properties. Investigations on linear flow split profiles show large gradients in the microstructure and properties over the profile cross section. In the areas of low plastification the degree of deformation and the flow stress can be determined by microstructure and hardness measurements. In the severely deformed areas, like the upper flange surface, this determination becomes doubtable. Therefore the electron backscattered diffraction method was used to investigate, if an ultrafine‐grained structure is occurring as it evolves in the processes of severe plastic deformation. Thus, the aim of this paper is the numerical analysis of the linear flow splitting process, the metallographic characterisation of bifurcated profiles and the numerical evaluation of the structural durability with consideration of the gained insights.
Analaysis of failures encountered during rolling of rings of maraging steel
Authors: Nageswara Rao M. , Sivasubramanian K. , Chatterjee M.
Published: October 2007

Large‐sized rings of maraging steel X 2 NiCoMo 18 8 5 (Werkstoff Nr. 1.6359) find application in aerospace. The rings are required to demonstrate high strength and fracture toughness in both radial and axial directions. The processing is accordingly carried out under controlled conditions to realize a microstructure capable of attaining the specified strength and toughness after heat treatment. The rings rolled during initial trials failed to attain the required fracture toughness. Precipitation of carbonitrides at prior austenitic grain (PAG) boundaries in the temperature range 820–980 oC contributed to the failure. Efforts were made to do final rolling through this temperature range, to prevent a microstructure comprising of PAG boundaries decorated by carbonitrides from evolving. To this end relatively low preheating temperatures (1100–1150 oC) were adopted. Failures were encountered in realizing the desired final size and shape of the rings. The mill tripped before the ring rolling could be completed. Failure was analyzed and it was concluded that the problem was due to the high flow stress levels encountered during ring rolling and the relatively low radial loads the mill was capable of delivering.
Friction stir welding of AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Meran C. , Kovan V. , Alptekin A.
Published: October 2007

The objective of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility of friction stir welding (FSW) AISI 304 austenitic stainless steels. The tool used was formed of a tungsten‐based alloy. The specimens were welded on an 11 kW vertical milling machine. Defect‐free welds were produced on 2.5 mm plates of hot‐rolled AISI 304 austenitic stainless steels at travel speeds ranging from 40 to 100 mm/min with a constant rotating speed of 1000 rpm. Tensile strengths and hardness values of the weld interface were determined and microstructure features of these samples were investigated.
Loss of catalase increases malignant mouse keratinocyte cell growth through activation of the stress activated JNK pathway
Authors: Hanke Neale T. , Finch Joanne S. , Bowden G. Timothy
Published: October 2007

A cell line that produces mouse squamous cell carcinoma (6M90) was modified to develop a cell line with an introduced Tet‐responsive catalase transgene (MTOC2). We have previously reported that the overexpressed catalase in the MTOC2 cells reverses the malignant phenotype in part by decreasing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. With this work we expanded the investigation into the differences between these two cell lines. We found that the decreased EGFR pathway activity of the MTOC2 cells is not because of reduced autocrine secretion of an epidermal growth factor (EGF) ligand but rather because of lower basal receptor activity. Phosphorylated levels of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) members JNK and p38 were both higher in the 6M90 cells with low catalase when compared with the MTOC2 cell line. Although treatment with an EGFR inhibitor, AG1478, blocked the increased activity of JNK in the 6M90 cells, a similar effect was not observed for p38. Basal levels of downstream c‐jun transcription were also found to be higher in the 6M90 cells versus MTOC2 cells. Activated p38 was found to down‐regulate the JNK MAPK pathway in the 6M90 cells. However, the 6M90 cells contain constitutively high levels of phosphorylated JNK, generating higher levels of phosphorylated c‐jun and total c‐jun than those in the MTOC2 cells. Inhibition of JNK activity in the 6M90 cells reduced AP‐1 transcription and cell proliferation. The data confirm the inhibitory effects of catalase on tumor cell growth, specifically through a ligand‐independent decrease in the stress activated JNK pathway. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analyzing spatial patterns of meteorological drought using standardized precipitation index
Authors: Patel N. R. , Chopra P. , Dadhwal V. K.
Published: October 2007

Drought is a slow‐onset, creeping natural hazard and a recurrent phenomenon in the arid and semi‐arid regions of Gujarat (India). In Asia, the standardized precipitation index (SPI) has gained wider acceptance in the detection and the estimation of the intensity, magnitude and spatial extent of droughts. The main advantage of the SPI, in comparison with other indices, is that the SPI enables both determination of drought conditions at different time scales and monitoring of different drought types. This index captures the accumulated deficit (SPI < 0) or surplus (SPI > 0) of precipitation over a specified period, and provides a normalized measure (i.e. spatially invariant Z score) of relative precipitation anomalies at multiple time scales. In the present study, monthly time series of rainfall data (1981–2003) from 160 stations were used to derive SPI, particularly at 3‐month time scales. This 3‐month SPI was interpolated to depict spatial patterns of meteorological drought and its severity during typical drought and wet years. Correlation analysis was also done to evaluate usefulness of SPI to quantify effects of drought on food grain productivity. Further, time series of SPI were exploited to assess the drought risk in Gujarat. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Wakeby distribution for representing annual extreme and partial duration rainfall series
Authors: Öztekin Tekin
Published: October 2007

In this study, to measure the upper right tail estimate performances for representing annual extreme and partial duration precipitation series at 31 stations in the northeastern and southeastern United States, the results of five‐parameter Wakeby‐L moments distribution were compared to those by beta‐κ, and beta‐P distributions. The statistics of modified Anderson‐Darling and average deviation (AD) and the bootstrap resampling to extrapolate the right tail beyond the data showed that the Wakeby distribution gave mostly better results than beta‐κ and beta‐P, and sometimes it produced comparable results to those by beta‐κ and beta‐P. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society