bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural investigation of the vesicular glands in Scutigera coleoptrata (Chilopoda, Notostigmophora)
Authors: Hilken Gero , Rosenberg Jörg
Published: December 2008

In the notostigmophoran centipedes, two pairs of vesicular glands have evolved. These paired glands are situated in the first and second trunk segment and open via cuticular ducts in the upper part of the particular pleura. The vesicular glands of Scutigera coleoptrata were investigated using light and, for the first time, electron microscopical methods. The glands consist of wide sac‐like cavities that often appear vesicular. The epithelia of both glands are identically structured and consist of numerous glandular units. Each of these units consists of four different cells: a single secretory cell, a small intermediary cell, and one proximal and one distal canal cell. The intermediary cell forms a conducting canal and connects the secretory cell with the canal cells. Proximally, the intermediary cell bears microvilli, whereas the distal part is covered with a distinct cuticle. The cuticle is a continuation of the cuticle of the canal cells. This investigation shows that the ultrastructure of glandular units of the vesicular glands is comparable to that of the glandular units of other epidermal glands in Chilopoda and Diplopoda, although the glands look completely different in the light microscope. Thus, it is likely that the vesicular glands and epidermal glands share the same ground pattern. With regard to specific differences in the cuticular lining of the intermediary cells, a common origin of epidermal glands in Myriapoda and Hexapoda is not supported. J. Morphol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphological and histological organization of the pyriform appendage of the tetrabranchiateNautilus pompilius(Cephalopoda, Mollusca)
Authors: Spintzik Jessica , Springer Jochen , Westermann Bettina
Published: December 2008

The pyriform appendage, an organ only found in nautiloid cephalopods was investigated with histological, histochemical and ultrastructural methods in order to characterize the anatomical and the cytological structure of this organ. The pyriform appendage is situated within the genital septum and lies in close contact with the ventricle of the heart. The proximal side ends blindly near the gonad whereas the distal side is developed into a duct. The duct was observed to open into the mantle cavity in juvenile and adultNautilus pompiliusof both sexes. Injections of India ink in the heart demonstrate that the organ is supplied with hemolymph from an artery that extends from the heart. The pyriform appendage is a hollow organ consisting mainly of glandular tissue. The lumen is covered with a columnar epithelium, the tunica mucosa, consisting of only one cell type containing vacuoles with different inclusions. Underneath the tunica mucosa is the tunica muscularis, which is embedded in connective tissue and folded, enlarging the internal surface. A cuboidal tunica serosa surrounds this organ. The vacuoles and the secretory products contain neutral mucopolysaccharides, glycoproteins and glycolipids. Acid phosphatase and serotonin were localized in the tunica mucosa. Acetylcholinesterase, catecholamines and the tetrapeptide FMRF‐amide were demonstrated within the nerve endings of the tunica muscularis indicating a dual “cholinergic‐aminergic” neuroregulation, possibly modulated by FMRF‐amide. These findings suggest that the pyriform appendage is not a rudimentary organ but instead has distinct biological functions in nautiloid cephalopods, possibly in intraspecific communication. J. Morphol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The chiton stylus canal: An element delivery pathway for tooth cusp biomineralization
Authors: Shaw Jeremy A. , Macey David J. , Brooker Lesley R. , Stockdale Edward J. , Saunders Martin , Clode Peta L.
Published: December 2008

A detailed investigation of the stylus canal situated within the iron mineralized major lateral teeth of the chiton Acanthopleura hirtosa was undertaken in conjunction with a row‐by‐row examination of cusp mineralization. The canal is shown to contain columnar epithelial tissue similar to that surrounding the mineralized cusps, including the presence of iron rich particles characteristic of the iron storage protein ferritin. Within the tooth core, a previously undescribed internal pathway or plume is evident above the stylus canal, between the junction zone and mineralizing posterior face of the cusp. Plume formation coincides with the appearance of iron in the superior epithelium and the onset of mineralization at tooth row 13. The plume persists during the delivery of phosphorous and calcium into the tooth core, and is the final region of the cusp to become mineralized. The presence of the stylus canal was confirmed in a further 18 chiton species, revealing that the canal is common to polyplacophoran molluscs. These new data strongly support the growing body of evidence highlighting the importance of the junction zone for tooth mineralization in chiton teeth, and indicate that the chemical and structural environment within the tooth cusp is under far greater biological control than previously considered. J. Morphol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stereological estimation of the surface area and oxygen diffusing capacity of the respiratory stomach of the air‐breathing armored catfish Pterygoplichthys anisitsi (Teleostei: Loricariidae)
Authors: da Cruz André Luis , Pedretti Ana Carolina Elias , Fernandes Marisa Narciso
Published: December 2008

The stomach of Pterygoplichthys anisitsi has a thin, translucent wall and a simple squamous epithelium with an underlying dense capillary network. In the cardiac and pyloric regions, most cells have short microvilli distributed throughout the cell surface and their edges are characterized by short, densely packed microvilli. The mucosal layer of the stomach has two types of pavement epithelial cells that are similar to those in the aerial respiratory organs. Type 1 pavement epithelial cells, resembling the Type I pneumocyte in mammal lungs, are flat, with a large nucleus, and extend a thin sheet of cytoplasm on the underlying capillary. Type 2 cells, resembling the Type II pneumocyte, possess numerous mitochondria, a well‐developed Golgi complex, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and numerous lamellar bodies in different stages of maturation. The gastric glands, distributed throughout the mucosal layer, also have several cells with many lamellar bodies. The total volume (air + tissue), tissue, and air capacity of the stomach when inflated, increase along with body mass. The surface‐to‐tissue‐volume ratio of stomach varies from 108 cm−1 in the smallest fish (0.084 kg) to 59 cm−1 in the largest fish (0.60 kg). The total stomach surface area shows a low correlation to body mass. Nevertheless, the body‐mass‐specific surface area varied from 281.40 cm2 kg−1 in the smallest fish to 68.08 cm2 kg−1 in the largest fish, indicating a negative correlation to body mass (b = −0.76). The arithmetic mean barrier thickness between air and blood was 1.52 ± 0.07 μm, whereas the harmonic mean thickness (τh) of the diffusion barrier ranged from 0.40 to 0.74 μm. The anatomical diffusion factor (ADF = cm2 μm−1 kg−1) and the morphological O2 diffusion capacity (DmorpholO2 = cm3 min−1 mmHg−1 kg−1) are higher in the smallest specimen and lower in the largest one. In conclusion, the structure and morphometric data of P. anisitsi stomach indicate that this organ is adapted for oxygen uptake from air. J. Morphol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Choanocyte ultrastructure in Halisarca dujardini (Demospongiae, Halisarcida)
Authors: Gonobobleva Elisaveta , Maldonado Manuel
Published: December 2008

Understanding poriferan choanocyte ultrastructure is crucial if we are to unravel the steps of a putative evolutionary transition between choanoflagellate protists and early metazoans. Surprisingly, some aspects of choanocyte cytology still remain little investigated. This study of choanocyte ultrastructure in the halisarcid demosponge Halisarca dujardini revealed a combination of minor and major distinctive traits, some of them unknown in Porifera so far. Most significant features were 1) an asymmetrical periflagellar sleeve, 2) a battery of specialized intercellular junctions at the lateral cell surface complemented with an array of lateral interdigitations between adjacent choanocytes that provides a particular sealing system of the choanoderm, and 3) a unique, unexpectedly complex, basal apparatus. The basal apparatus consists of a basal body provided with a small basal foot and an intricate transverse skeleton of microtubules. An accessory centriole, which is not perpendicular to the basal body, is about 45°. In addition, a system of short striated rootlets (periodicity = 50–60 nm) arises from the proximal edge of the basal body and runs longitudinally to contact the nuclear apex. This is the first flagellar rootlet system ever found in a choanocyte. The accessory centriole, the rootlet system, and the nuclear apex are all encircled by a large Golgi apparatus, adding another distinctive feature to the choanocyte cytology. The set of distinct features discovered in the choanocyte of H. dujardini indicates that the ultrastructure of the poriferan choanocyte may vary substantially between sponge groups. It is necessary to improve understanding of such variation, as the cytological features of choanocytes are often coded as characters both for formulation of hypotheses on the origin of animals and inference of phylogenetic relationships at the base of the metazoan tree. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro use of autologous dendritic cells improves detection of T cell responses to hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigens
Authors: Carotenuto Patrizia , Artsen Andrè , Niesters Hubert G. , Osterhaus Albert D. , Pontesilli Oscar
Published: December 2008

T lymphocyte responses to hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antigen (HBcAg) are vigorous and easily detectable in vitro during recovery from acute hepatitis B but significantly weaker in patients with chronic HBV infection. In contrast, T cell responses to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are almost undetectable during infection and even in a substantial fraction of subjects receiving vaccination with HBsAg. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of dendritic cells (DCs) in an in vitro assay could increase the detection of HBV‐specific T cells in these conditions. Autologous monocyte‐derived DCs, compared to direct HBsAg addition to the cultures, increased the stimulation of HBs‐ specific T cells. These were detected in 73% of healthy subjects who had recently received hepatitis B vaccine and in 43% of patients recovering from acute hepatitis B. Likewise, proliferation in response to DC‐presented HBcAg was detected in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from the majority of chronic hepatitis B patients. A longitudinal evaluation of HBc‐specific T cell responses during and after a 1‐year treatment with pegylated interferon (IFN)‐α showed that HBc‐specific CD4+ T cell responses had no correlation with sustained virus suppression whereas CD8+ T cell responses were more frequently detected in patients able to control HBV replication after therapy interruption. The use of autologous DCs as antigen‐presenting cells appears applicable to clinically relevant in vitro evaluation of T cell responses, particularly in those conditions characterized by low frequency of circulating antigen‐specific cells and suboptimal in vivo activation. J. Med. Virol. 81:332–339, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis C infection in cyprus: Evidence of polyphyletic infection
Authors: Demetriou Victoria L. , van de Vijver David A.M.C. ,   The Cyprus HCV Network, Kostrikis Leondios G.
Published: December 2008

The genetic diversity of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Cyprus is investigated for the first time in this study. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the CORE‐E1 and NS5B regions of the HCV genome was performed on blood plasma samples obtained from 77 HCV patients in Cyprus, collected during 2005–2008. The amplified products were sequenced and compared to reference HCV strains of known genotype and subtype in order to classify the isolates found in this study. Genotype could be determined for all strains, and subtype for all but four isolates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 51 patients were genotype 1, of which 38 were subtype 1b, 9 were 1a, and 1 was unclassified, one patient was genotype 2c, 13 were genotype 3a, nine were genotype 4, of which six were subtype 4a, and three were of unclassified subtype, one was genotype 5a, two patients seem to carry a possible 2k/1b recombinant strain, and no genotype 6 strains were found. This study demonstrated a genetic heterogeneity of HCV infection in Cyprus, with five of the six known HCV genotypes on the island, including unclassified isolates in genotypes 1 and 4, and also the apparent introduction of the 2k/1b recombinant strain in intravenous drug users. J. Med. Virol. 81:238–248, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of HHV‐6 integrated chromosomally among children treated for acute lymphoblastic or myeloid leukemia in the Czech Republic
Authors: Hubacek Petr , Muzikova Katerina , Hrdlickova Alena , Cinek Ondrej , Hyncicova Katerina , Hrstkova Hana , Sedlacek Petr , Stary Jan
Published: December 2008

Chromosomal integration of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) is a novel situation found in a small percentage of individuals. While active HHV‐6 infection is treatable using antivirals, the abnormally high level of HHV‐6 DNA found in chromosomal integration of HHV‐6 (CI‐HHV‐6) is not affected by such drugs. Stored DNA samples taken originally for detection of fusion genes and minimal residual disease from 339 pediatric patients treated for leukemia in the Czech Republic between the years 1995–2007 were tested retrospectively. Using real‐time quantitative PCR technology, the quantity of HHV‐6 DNA detected was normalized to 100,000 human genome equivalents as assessed by quantitation of the albumin gene. HHV‐6 DNA was detected in 107 samples from 91 patients (26.8%). In the majority of samples (99) only a minute level of normalized viral copies (NVCs) (median 1.84 NVCs) was detected. A high viral load of approximately 100,000 NVCs was detected in 5 patients (1.5%; median 140,150 NVCs), in all of whom were confirmed subsequently CI‐HHV‐6 by a detection of HHV‐6 DNA in hair follicles or in the nails. In all but one patient with HHV‐6 variant B, variant A of the virus was detected. None of the patients with CI‐HHV‐6 had complications attributable to HHV‐6 infection. The prevalence of CI‐HHV‐6 in childhood leukemia does not differ from that published for other patients or healthy populations. Where high levels of HHV‐6 DNA are present, CI‐HHV‐6 should be confirmed as soon as possible so that potentially toxic but ineffective antiviral treatment can be stopped. J. Med. Virol. 81:258–263, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seroepidemiology of EBV and interpretation of the “isolated VCA IgG” pattern
Authors: De Paschale Massimo , Agrappi Carlo , Manco Maria Teresa , Mirri Paola , Viganò Egidio Franco , Clerici Pierangelo
Published: December 2008

The presence of VCA IgG in the absence of VCA IgM and EBNA‐1 IgG antibodies makes classifying EBV infection more difficult as this serological picture can be seen in the case of past infection with EBNA‐1 IgG loss or non‐appearance, or acute infections with the early disappearance or delayed onset of VCA IgM. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of this pattern in 2,422 outpatients with suspected EBV infection examined in 2005–2006, and to interpret its significance by means of immunoblotting. One hundred and seventy‐seven (7.3%) of the patients were VCA IgG‐positive, VCA IgM‐negative and EBNA‐1 IgG‐negative, 15 of whom (8.5%) presented with heterophile antibodies. Analysis by age class showed that the prevalence of isolated VCA IgG ranged from 4.5% in the subjects aged 1–10 years to 9% in those aged >60 years. Immunoblotting allowed 18.9% of the cases to be classified as acute and 81.1% as past infections, the latter being observed in about 37% of the patients aged less than 10 years and in 100% of those aged >30 years. Therefore, in our case series, the presence of isolated VCA IgG was associated usually with past infection, particularly among adults. In children aged less than 10 years, it was associated mainly with acute infection but as past infection may be present in about one‐third of such children, this possibility should not be overlooked. J. Med. Virol. 81:325–331, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of human rotavirus strains, 2003–2006, hungary
Authors: Bányai Krisztián , Bogdán Ágnes , Domonkos Gertrud , Kisfali Péter , Molnár Péter , Tóth András , Melegh Béla , Martella Vito , Gentsch Jon R. , Szűcs György
Published: December 2008

Rotavirus strain surveillance is being conducted in many countries before and after introduction of newly licensed vaccines to assess the impact of the vaccines on rotavirus strains. Here we describe a strain surveillance study in the Budapest area of Hungary (2003–2006) based on RNA profile analysis, genotyping by multiplex PCR and nucleotide sequencing. Among 1,983 G‐typed rotaviruses we identified G1 (22%), G2 (4.8%), G3 (3.5%), G4 (18.5%), G6 (1.1%), G8 (<0.1%, n = 1), G9 (42%), and G12 (3.4%) specificities. Information on P genotype incidence was determined for a subset of samples (n = 814). In addition to the globally important strains, a variety of uncommon antigen combinations were also found, for example, P[9],G3; P[14],G6; or P[14],G8. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the VP7, VP4, VP6, and NSP4 genes of selected strains with uncommon antigen combinations demonstrated high similarity with certain bovine, porcine, feline, equine, and lapine rotaviruses, respectively. Continued surveillance is needed to assess the role of animal rotaviruses in human diseases. J. Med. Virol. 81:362–370, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DSCG Reduces RSV‐induced illness in RSV‐infected mice
Authors: Hashimoto Koichi , Mori Syuichi , Hashimoto Yuko , Kaneko Hisatoshi , Ishibashi Kei , Ishioka Ken , Kawasaki Yukihiko , Peebles Ray Stokes , Munakata Mitsuru , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Suzutani Tatsuo
Published: December 2008

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the pathogens generally associated with the common cold, lower respiratory infection, and exacerbation of asthma. Disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) is a safe and widely used drug for the prevention of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis attacks. The effect of DSCG on acute upper respiratory tract viral infections remains controversial. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of DSCG on parameters of RSV induced‐illness. Using a well‐characterized murine model of RSV infection, the effect of DSCG on RSV‐induced illness was evaluated by body weight, respiratory function, viral replication, level of IFN‐γ in lungs, serology, and histopathology. Mice treated with DSCG were protected against RSV‐induced weight loss. The baseline Penh in RSV‐infected mice treated with DSCG was less than that in mice treated with saline. In methacholine challenge, the increase in Penh in RSV‐infected mice treated with DSCG was suppressed to the same level as that in the mock‐infected group. Further, there were no differences in viral replication between the mice treated with DSCG and those treated with saline, and the level of inflammation observed in the lungs in RSV‐infected mice treated with DSCG was not as severe as that in mice treated with saline. These findings indicate that DSCG may be an effective agent for the prevention of RSV induced disease and the relief of symptoms of RSV infection. J. Med. Virol. 81:354–361, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Case report: Eastern equine encephalitis virus imported to the UK
Authors: Harvala Heli , Bremner John , Kealey Susan , Weller Belinda , McLellan Stuart , Lloyd Graham , Staples Erin , Faggian Federica , Solomon Tom
Published: December 2008

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is rare, but the most severe of the mosquito‐borne encephalitides in the United States with a high case fatality rate of 30%. Here, we present a patient with EEE. EEE virus causes sporadic human disease in the Eastern parts of the United States, but the case we describe was a Scottish tourist who acquired the disease from mosquito bites while in holiday in the United States. This is a first report of an imported case to Europe. J. Med. Virol. 81:305–308, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Typing of human papillomavirus in women with cervical lesions: Prevalence and distribution of different genotypes
Authors: Sandri Maria Teresa , Riggio Daniela , Salvatici Michela , Passerini Rita , Zorzino Laura , Boveri Sara , Radice Davide , Spolti Noemi , Sideri Mario
Published: December 2008

Human papillomavirus (HPV) are distributed widely and persistent infection with high‐risk (HR) HPV is recognized as a necessary cause of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of different HR‐HPV genotypes in 199 women with cervical pre‐invasive lesions undergoing conservative treatment. A Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test was used to identify individual HPV genotypes in cervical samples. It was observed that the most prevalent HPV genotypes were HPV 16 (52.6%), HPV 51 (13.5%), and HPV 31 (10.9%); HPV 18 was found in 7.3% of the patients. Stratifying the different HPV genotypes according to the severity of the cervical lesion, a strong association between the increasing severity of the histological diagnosis and the detection of more carcinogenic HR‐HPV type was found, and in all but one cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of grade 3 the presence of at least one HR‐HPV could be detected, with more than 70% of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of grade 3 patients bearing HPV 16. Multiple infections, comprising between 2 and 6 HPV types, were found in 43% of patients; however, the presence of more than 1 HR‐HPV type was not associated with an increased risk of high grade lesions. In conclusion, this data show that HPV 16, 51, 31, 52, and 18 were the prevalent types found in patients with cervical lesion undergoing conservative treatment, with a high prevalence of HPV 16 in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of grade 3 patients. No association between multiple infection and severity of the lesion could be found. J. Med. Virol. 81:271–277, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of genotype P[9]G12 rotavirus strains from argentina: High similarity with Japanese and Korean G12 strains
Authors: Castello Alejandro A. , Nakagomi Toyoko , Nakagomi Osamu , Jiang Baoming , Kang Jung O. , Glass Roger I. , Glikmann Graciela , Gentsch Jon R.
Published: December 2008

The circulation of the unusual P[9]G12 strains was previously reported in suburban Buenos Aires, Argentina and in Far Eastern Asian countries. To examine genetic relationships of these strains the genes coding VP7, VP4, and NSP1 from two Argentine, one Japanese and one Korean P[9]G12 isolates were sequenced and their overall genome relatedness was determined by liquid hybridization. In addition, liquid hybridization was used to compare this group of strains to the previous G12 isolates L26 and Se585, and prototype Wa, DS‐1, and AU‐1 strains. The genomes of the Argentinean, Japanese and Korean strains were virtually indistinguishable by hybridization assays, suggesting very high sequence relatedness for all 11 segments. Hybridization assays also demonstrated that these four strains belong to the AU‐1 genogroup and that their genetic relationship with rotaviruses L26 and Se585 is limited to the VP7 gene. The VP7, VP4, and NSP1 genes of the Argentinean, Japanese and Korean strains were highly homologous to each other and to Thai strain T152 (∼99% identity). These results together with the report of a similar strain detected during 2003 in Brazil are consistent with a recent importation and dissemination of the G12 strains from Far Eastern countries into South America. Increasing reports from several regions of the world demonstrating a variety of different G12 reassortant strains suggests that routine surveillance for this serotype should be conducted to determine its potential for global emergence. J. Med. Virol. 81:371–381, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phylogenetic analysis of rotaviruses with predominant G3 and emerging G9 genotypes from adults and children in Wuhan, China
Authors: Wang Yuan‐Hong , Kobayashi Nobumichi , Zhou Xuan , Nagashima Shigeo , Zhu Ze‐Rong , Peng Jin‐Song , Liu Man‐Qing , Hu Quan , Zhou Dun‐Jin , Watanabe Shojiro , Ishino Masaho
Published: December 2008

Prevalence and phylogenetic relatedness of rotaviruses causing diarrheal diseases in children and adults were analyzed in Wuhan, China. During a period between June 2006 and February 2008, group A rotavirus was identified in 24.9% (280/1126) and 7.6% (83/1088) of specimens taken from children and adults, respectively. G3P[8] was the most frequent genotype in both children (66.3%) and adults (62.7%), followed by G1P[8] (20.3% and 26.2%, respectively). G9 was detected in specimens from six children (2.0%) and seven adults (5.6%). The VP7 genes of G3P[8] rotaviruses from children and adults showed extremely high sequence identities to each other (98.9–100%) and also to those of G3 viruses isolated in Wuhan in 2003–2004. In the phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 gene, the G3P[8] rotaviruses in Wuhan were clustered into a single lineage with some G3 viruses, which had been referred to as “the new variant G3” rotaviruses, reported recently in East Asia and Southeast Asia. Similar to G3P[8] rotaviruses, extremely high sequence identities between children and adults were observed for VP7 genes of G1 and G9 rotaviruses. The G9 viruses were clustered in the lineage of globally spreading strains, while G1 viruses were genetically close to those reported previously in China and Japan. These findings indicated the persistence of the variant G3 rotaviruses and spread of G9 rotaviruses derived from the global G9 lineage in Wuhan, and suggested that the rotaviruses were circulating among children and adults, irrelevant to the G types. J. Med. Virol. 81:382–389, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Amino acids of coxsackie B5 virus are critical for infection of the murine insulinoma cell line, MIN‐6
Authors: Al‐Hello Haider , Ylipaasto Petri , Smura Teemu , Rieder Elisabeth , Hovi Tapani , Roivainen Merja
Published: December 2008

It was shown recently that 15 successive passages of a laboratory strain of the Coxsackie B virus 5 in a mouse pancreas (CBV‐5‐MPP) resulted in apparent changes in the virus phenotype, which led to the capacity to induce a diabetes‐like syndrome in mice. For further characterization of islet cell interactions with a passaged virus strain, a murine insulinoma cell line, MIN‐6, was selected as an experimental model. The CBV‐5‐MPP virus strain was not able to replicate in MIN‐6 cells in vitro but required adaptation over a few days for progeny production and the generation of cytopathic effects. In order to determine the genetic characteristics required for virus growth in MIN‐6 cells, the whole genome of the MIN‐6‐adapted virus variant was sequenced, and critical amino acids were identified by comparing the sequence with that of a virus strain passaged repeatedly in the mouse pancreas. The results of site‐directed mutagenesis demonstrated that only one residue, amino acid 94 of VP1, is a major determinant for virus adaptation to MIN‐6 cells. J. Med. Virol. 81:296–304, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genomic diversity of human papillomavirus (HPV) Genotype 38
Authors: Kocjan Boštjan J. , Seme Katja , Cimerman Mojca , Kovanda Anja , Potočnik Marko , Poljak Mario
Published: December 2008

Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype HPV 38 is a HPV genotype associated with skin cancer and is classified taxonomically in the beta‐PV genus–species 2. At least six genomic variants of HPV 38, including prototype isolate and its subtype FA125, have been characterized so far. In order to investigate further the genomic diversity of HPV 38, a total of 39 HPV 38 positive samples obtained from hairs plucked from pubic, scrotal, perianal or eyebrow regions from 31 immunocompetent healthy male individuals were analyzed. The characterization of genomic variants was based on analysis of L1, E6, and E7 genomic regions. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of a single genomic variant in 35 samples and the presence of at least two different HPV 38 genomic sequences in four samples. A total of nine, nine, and five L1, E6, and E7 genomic variants were identified among 35 isolates, respectively. After combining nucleotide variations in all three genomic regions for a particular isolate, 13 different variants were identified, of which 6 and 7 corresponded to HPV 38 and FA125, respectively. In addition to 5 genomic variants identified previously (prototype isolate, subtype FA125, putative subtype AF091444, isolates U21875 and AF091443), 12 novel genomic variants were characterized. A sixth genomic variant described previously (L38917) was found to be identical with prototype HPV 38 isolate. Taking into account the results of this and previous studies, at least seventeen HPV 38 genomic variants exist today, 12 of which are described for the first time in this study. J. Med. Virol. 81:288–295, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence and viral load of oncogenic human papillomavirus types associated with cervical carcinoma in a population of North Italy
Authors: Broccolo Francesco , Chiari Stefania , Piana Andrea , Castiglia Paolo , Dell'Anna Tiziana , Garcia‐Parra Rita , Maneo Andrea , Villa Annalisa , Leone Eugenio B. , Perego Patrizia , Maida Alessandro , Mangioni Costantino , Cocuzza Clementina E.
Published: December 2008

A cross‐sectional study was carried out in a population of North Italy to determine the prevalence of eight oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) types most commonly found in cervical carcinoma and to study the relationship between HPV DNA loads and severity of disease. A total of 597 cervical samples obtained from patients with pathological findings (n = 472) and from women with normal cytology (n = 125) were analyzed by means of normalized Real‐time PCR assays to quantify HPV‐16, ‐18, ‐31, ‐45, and ‐33 group (including ‐33, ‐52, ‐58, ‐67); the normalization of oncogenic HPV viral load was carried out by quantitation of a single copy gene. The two most common oncogenic HPV types found were 16 and 31 (24.3% and 22.9% of pathological samples, respectively); multiple infections were demonstrated in 22% of pathological samples. Overall, the HPV total viral load was found to increase with increasing severity of associated lesions, although a stronger association was observed only for HPV‐31 and HPV‐16 (γ = 0.49 and 0.41, respectively) as compared to HPV‐18 and ‐33 group (γ = 0.19 and 0.02, respectively). However, we found that high levels of HPV‐31 or 33 group DNA could be prognostic of minor oncogenic risk for high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (H‐SIL) (age adjusted odds ratio [AORs] = 1.57 and 1.26, respectively) than HPV‐16 and HPV‐18 (AORs = 30 and 8, respectively). The AORs also increased with HPV total viral load and reached a maximum of AORs = 15.7. Thus, HPV load is a type‐dependent risk marker for the development of H‐SIL. J. Med. Virol. 81:278–287, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic variability of human metapneumovirus isolated from chilean children, 2003–2004
Authors: Escobar Carola , Luchsinger Vivian , de Oliveira Danielle Bruna , Durigon Edison , Chnaiderman Jonás , Avendaño Luis F.
Published: December 2008

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a significant cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in all age groups, particularly in children. Two genetic groups and four subgroups of hMPV have been described. They co‐circulate during an epidemic in variable proportions. The aims were to characterize the genotypes of hMPV recovered from children hospitalized for acute lower respiratory tract infection and to establish the molecular epidemiology of strains circulating in Santiago of Chile during a 2‐year period. The detection of the N gene by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction was carried out for screening 545 infants hospitalized for acute lower respiratory tract infection in Santiago during 2003–2004. The genetic typing of hMPV was performed by analyzing the fusion gene sequences. hMPV was detected in 10.2% (56/545 cases). Phylogenetic analysis of F gene sequences from 39 Chilean hMPV strains identified the two groups and four subgroups previously described. Strains clustered into group A were split further into the sub lineages A1, A2, and A3. Most Chilean strains clustered into the proposed novel A3 sub lineage (59%). A3 viruses were present in both years, while A1 and A2 circulated just in 1 year. In conclusion, hMPV is a relevant cause of acute lower respiratory infection in Chilean children and the potential novel cluster of group A emphasize the need for further regional genetic variability studies. J. Med. Virol. 81:340–344, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A leapfrog formulation of the 3‐D ADI‐FDTD algorithm
Authors: Cooke S. J. , Botton M. , Antonsen T. M. , Levush B.
Published: December 2008

We introduce a new, alternative form of the 3‐D alternating direction implicit finite‐difference time‐domain (ADI‐FDTD) algorithm that has a number of attractive properties for electromagnetic simulation. We obtain a leapfrog form of the time‐advance equations, where the E and H fields are staggered at half‐integer and integer time steps, respectively, that preserves the unconditional stability of the ADI‐FDTD method. The resulting equations resemble the explicit leapfrog‐FDTD method, but the field update equations are modified to include the solution of sets of tri‐diagonal equations at each step, similar to the original ADI‐FDTD scheme, so that the scheme is not constrained by the Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy limit. The algorithm is simpler than the ADI‐FDTD method but algebraically equivalent, allowing a reduction in computation to achieve the same numerical solution. We discuss the advantages of the formulation over the original FDTD and ADI‐FDTD methods, and confirm our results numerically. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The possible climatic impact in North China of the AD 1600 Huaynaputina eruption, Peru
Authors: Fei Jie , Zhou Jie
Published: December 2008

The possible climatic impact in North China of the AD 1600 Huaynaputina eruption (Peru) is investigated utilizing the Chinese historical sources. According to the records in the historical local chronicles, exceptionally disastrous frosts occurred in many areas in North China during the summer and autumn of AD 1601, which destroyed crops and caused great famines. There was even a snowfall in the summer of AD 1601 in Huai'an County.

No historical records of cold weather in AD 1602–1603 in North China are found. It seems that the climatic cooling following the Huaynaputina eruption is short‐lived in this region, perhaps less than 1 year.

According to the river ice condition records in the Journals of Mathew Ricci, the AD 1600/1601 winter might be not abnormally mild in North China. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
The role of climate variability and fire in early and mid Holocene forest dynamics of southern Sweden
Authors: Greisman Annica , Gaillard Marie‐José
Published: December 2008

The objective of this study was to investigate the possible links between regional climate, fire and vegetation at the small spatial scale during the early and mid Holocene in southern Sweden using pollen, plant macrofossil and charcoal records from a small bog. The fire history was compared with climate reconstructions inferred from various proxy records in the study region. High fire activity is related to dry and warm climate around 8550, 7600, 5500–5100 and 4500 cal. a BC. Low fire activity ca. 6500–6000 and 4750 BC may correspond to the widespread ‘8.2 k event’ (ca. 6200 BC) recorded across the North Atlantic region, and a later, brief period of increased precipitation, respectively. The decrease in broadleaved trees culminating ca. 6500–6000 BC correlates with the ‘8.2 k event’. A long mid Holocene period with low fire activity (ca. 4350–1000 BC) agrees with the pattern emerging for Europe from the global charcoal database, and may correspond to generally wetter and cooler conditions. High fire activity ca. 8550 BC probably triggered the local establishment of Corylus. Warmer and drier conditions (and high fire activity) ca. 7600 BC might have favoured the establishment of Alnus, Quercus and Tilia. The fire‐adapted Pinus maintained important populations throughout the early and mid Holocene. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metamictization in zircon: Raman investigation following a Rietveld approach. Part II: Sampling depth implication and experimental data
Authors: Presser V. , Glotzbach C.
Published: December 2008

Profile line deconvolution following a Rietveld approach is applied to Raman spectra obtained from natural zircon grains from the European Alps. The corrected bandwidths are in perfect agreement with the values obtained from an established correction method (after Irmer) as far as the area of validity of the latter is concerned. For Raman active modes smaller than that, the Rietveld approach also yields accurate values for the true Raman bandwidth. Moreover, changes to instrument parameters are compensated by the correction routine. As for the studied zircon grains, Raman spectroscopy was shown to be a suitable tool for the examination of zoning (i.e. regions which show a variable degree of radiation‐induced damage because of a different amount of incorporated uranium and/or thorium). This is complicated by the fact that the measured Raman signal is not restricted to the depth expected from the axial resolution (several micrometers) but a significant contribution comes from a comparatively large excitation volume (tens of micrometer deep). This sampling volume, however, lies within the same order of magnitude as zoning, which itself is blurred by the range of amorphization‐causing alpha‐particles. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nondestructive on‐site identification of ancient glasses: genuine artefacts, embellished pieces or forgeries?
Authors: Ricciardi Paola , Colomban Philippe , Tournié Aurélie , Milande Véronique
Published: December 2008

A selection of 23 rare glass objects, mostly enameled, of various provenance and age, from the 5th century BC to the 19th century AD including the Western and Islamic Middle Ages but with a focus on 16th–18th century Venetian and French ‘façon de Venise’ artefacts, have been studied on‐site at the Sèvres museum or at the laboratory. The Raman signatures of the transparent or opacified glass matrix and of enameled decorations are discussed and compared to those previously recorded on ceramics and stained glasses. The Raman parameters allow discrimination between 2 groups (with some variations) of glass bodies, belonging to mixed Ca–Na and Ca‐containing Na‐rich silicates, with some exceptions. Most enamels are instead lead‐based glasses, but we also found enamels having a composition close to that of the glass body. Most of the pigment signatures are similar to those recorded on ceramic glazes, which proves the link between the two technologies. A particular emphasis was given to the identification of white opacification techniques. Very specific signatures could question the authenticity of some artefacts, and at least in two cases, arguments have been found to identify a fake or embellished artefact. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of volatile compounds of precooked prawn (Penaeus vannamei) and cultured gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) stored in ice as possible spoilage markers using solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Soncin Silvia , Chiesa Luca M , Panseri Sara , Biondi Pierantonio , Cantoni Carlo
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) have been reported as useful techniques for analysing volatile compounds to monitor fish freshness. In this study, SPME/GC/MS was applied to cultured gilthead sea bream and precooked prawn stored in ice for 6 days in order to find possible markers of spoilage. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) was also determined as a common index of spoilage.

RESULTS: The TVB‐N value at the end of the storage period for cultured gilthead sea bream (302.40 ± 8.50 mg kg−1) was within the range of acceptability for edible fish (300–400 mg kg−1) but could be considered at the beginning of spoilage. For precooked prawn the TVB‐N value at day 6 (863.04 ± 7.84 mg kg−1) was not acceptable for human consumption. SPME/GC/MS identified 30 compounds in cultured gilthead sea bream and 49 compounds in precooked prawn. In particular, 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol, 2‐methylbutanal, 3‐methylbutanal and 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone increased during refrigerated storage both in the two species investigated here and in other species reported elsewhere and could be considered as markers of spoilage.

CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that SPME/GC/MS can be considered an efficient method suitable for analysing the volatile compounds of both raw fish and fishery products in order to monitor loss of freshness. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
In vitro degradation by mixed rumen bacteria of 17 mono‐ and sesquiterpenes typical of winter and spring diets of goats on Basilitica rangelands (southern Italy)
Authors: Malecky Mostafa , Fedele Vincenzo , Broudiscou Laurent P
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Nine monoterpenes (δ‐3‐carene, p‐cymene, limonene, β‐myrcene, (E)‐ and (Z)‐β‐ocimene, α‐phellandrene, α‐terpinene, γ‐terpinene), seven oxygenated monoterpenes (1,8‐cineole, linalool, (E)‐ and (Z)‐linalool oxide, 4‐terpinenol, α‐terpineol, α‐terpinolene) and one sesquiterpene (β‐cedrene) were investigated for their degradability in the rumen microbial ecosystem. These molecules were identified as dominant terpenes in the winter and spring diets of milking goats in Basilicata (southern Italy).

RESULTS: All terpenes were tested at 3.33 µL L−1 for 24 h using in vitro incubation with mixed rumen bacteria from dairy goats. Oxygen‐containing compounds were those recovered at the highest levels (89% of (E)‐linalool oxide, 93% of (Z)‐linalool oxide, 91% of 1,8‐cineole, 82% of terpineol and 72% of 4‐terpinenol), except linalool. The linear alkenes β‐myrcene and β‐ocimene almost completely disappeared. Results were more variable among cyclic alkenes, with recovery rates ranging from 50% in the case of limonene to less than 1% for α‐phellandrene. 17% of the only sesquiterpene of the group, β‐cedrene, was recovered.

CONCLUSION: Recovery rates differed markedly among terpenes, partly in relation to the presence of oxygen and rings in the molecules. These observations should contribute to a better understanding of the changes in composition between the diet and milk terpenes. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Fermentation of bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) surimi and the characteristics of fermented bighead carp surimi products
Authors: Liu Zhong‐Yi , Zhang Miao‐Ling , Li Zhong‐Hai , Zhang Jian , He Li , Hou Fang
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: To improve the properties and functionality of bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) muscle, bighead carp surimi was inoculated with combinations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus and Monascus and fermented, and then bighead carp sausages were prepared. The characteristics of fermented bighead carp surimi and sausages were investigated.

RESULTS: During the 24 h fermentation at 30 °C, bighead carp surimi inoculated with mixed starter cultures resulted in a rapid decrease of pH, and suppression in the growth of Enterobacteria. The bighead carp sausages exhibited better colour, taste, flavour and appearance than the control (P < 0.05). The changes in non‐protein nitrogen (NPN), free amino acid in the fermented bighead carp surimi and SDS–PAGE patterns indicated that severe hydrolysis of muscle protein had occurred during fermentation. The sausages inoculated with the mixed starter cultures gained higher scores for flavour and overall acceptability than the control.

CONCLUSIONS: The characteristic of fermented bighead carp surimi and sausages can be significantly improved by fermentation with the combinations of yeast, Lactobacillus and Monascus. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
The bone‐protective effect of a Taiwanese yam (Dioscorea alata L. cv. Tainung No. 2) in ovariectomised female BALB/C mice
Authors: Chen Hsiao‐ling , Hong Ling‐tiao , Kang Lee Jong , Huang Ching‐jang
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Yam products have been marketed for treating postmenopausal syndromes. This study investigated the effects of Dioscorea alata L. cv. Tainung No. 2 (TNG yam) on the bone density of ovariectomised (OVX) female BALB/c mice and the mechanism whereby TNG yam exerted this effect. Sham and OVX control groups were fed a control diet while remaining OVX mice were randomly allocated into experimental diets, i.e. yam (630 g TNG powder kg−1), E2 (20 mg 17β‐oestradiol kg−1), or genistein (2 g genistein kg−1) diet. After 12 weeks of feeding, the uterine weight, indices of bone mass and caecal short chain fatty acids were determined.

RESULTS: Neither a yam nor genistein diet restored the OVX‐induced uterine atrophy as did the E2 diet. The femoral and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) of mice fed the yam diet was greater than those of the sham group, respectively (P < 0.05 vs OVX control), while the lumbar BMD of yam and sham groups were similar (P > 0.05 vs sham). The femoral ash and calcium content in the yam group was significantly greater than that in the OVX control group, respectively (P < 0.05 vs OVX control). The total short chain fatty acid content in the caecum, only enhanced in the yam group, was not correlated with the calcium content of either bone or the plasma calcium level.

CONCLUSION: TNG yam prevented loss of BMD and improved bone calcium status without stimulating uterine hypertrophy in OVX BALB/c mice. TNG yam may be beneficial for postmenopausal women for preventing bone loss. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Proximal composition and in vitro starch digestibility in flaxseed‐added corn tortilla
Authors: Rendón‐Villalobos Rodolfo , Agama‐Acevedo Edith , Osorio‐Diaz Perla , Tovar Juscelino , Bello‐Pérez Luis A
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: The effect of addition of flaxseed flour (10:90, 15:85 and 20:80, w/w) on the chemical composition and starch digestibility of corn tortilla was investigated. Tortillas were baked and frozen in liquid nitrogen, freeze‐dried, ground and analyzed for fat, protein, ash, total starch (TS), available starch (AS) and resistant starch (RS) contents as well as for starch hydrolysis rate and predicted glycemic index (pGI). Tortillas made from commercial nixtamalized corn flour were used as control sample.

RESULTS: Flaxseed flour addition increased the fat and protein content of tortilla, whereas TS and AS decreased. TS was 15.25% lower in the 20% flaxseed‐containing tortilla as compared to the control sample. The AS content was 12.65% lower in the composite tortilla. RS content in the samples ranged between 1.92% for the control sample and 5.08% for the tortilla containing 20% flaxseed. The reduced enzymatic starch hydrolysis rate and pGI recorded for the flaxseed‐added tortilla, indicated slow digestion features.

CONCLUSIONS: Flaxseed‐added tortilla might be used to increase the consumption of α‐linolenic acid in the daily diet and modulate starch digestibility of corn tortilla. This kind of product may be used by people with special diet reqirements. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry