bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the improved prognosis of p16 positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma dependent of the treatment modality?
Authors: Fischer Claude A. , Zlobec Inti , Green Edith , Probst Simone , Storck Claudio , Lugli Alessandro , Tornillo Luigi , Wolfensberger Markus , Terracciano Luigi M.
Published: August 2009

The incidence of human papilloma virus (HPV) induced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) increases in the western countries. These OPSCC show distinct molecular characteristics and are characterized by an overexpression of p16, considered a surrogate marker for HPV infection. When compared to patients with p16 negative OPSCC, patients with HPV induced p16 positive OPSCC show a significantly better prognosis, which is reported to be caused by increased radiosensitivity. The objective of the present study was to analyze the impact of p16 expression status on the prognosis of OPSCC treated by either radiotherapy (RT) or primary surgery. Results are based upon a tissue microarray (TMA) of 365 head neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) including 85 OPSCC with clinico‐pathological and follow‐up data. p16 positivity correlated significantly with oropharyngeal tumor localization (p < 0.001). Patients with p16 positive OPSCC exhibited a significantly better overall survival than those with p16 negative tumors (p = 0.007). In a multivariate analysis, survival benefit of patients with p16 positive OPSCC was independent of clinico‐pathological parameters such as cT and cN classification and treatment modality. The improved prognosis of p16 positive OPSCC is found after RT as well as after surgery.
Warning: Offshore payments watched more closely
Authors: Lassar Sharon S. , Sonnier Blaise M.
Published: August 2009

Many in the Caribbean who heralded President Obama's election as the dawn of a new day may be sobered by the administration's increased scrutiny of U.S. payments to offshore accounts. What is the Obama administration planning? © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solving treasury problems in an age of global trade
Authors: Ehrlich Michael , Anandarajan Asokan , Fossaceca Michael
Published: August 2009

As corporations expand to accommodate increased international trade, treasurers face new, tough problems. They are more challenged than ever to unlock working capital dispersed in multiple currencies and regions. The growth in global trade also means that treasurers must become more involved in day‐to‐day business operations. The authors look at treasury challenges in three key areas: the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overcoming the 9 deadly sins of balanced scorecards
Authors: Nair Mohan
Published: August 2009

The balanced scorecard has become an essential part of the strategic arsenal of many organizations. When a balanced scorecard is designed well, it can build resilience during challenging times. This article points out some of the problems organizations often have in planning and implementing a balanced scorecard—and how to avoid them. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differentiation of Leydig cells in the Mongolian gerbil
Authors: Pinto Maria Etelvina , Egydio Fernanda De Mattos , Taboga Sebastião Roberto , Mendis‐Handagama S.M.L. Chamindrani , Góes Rejane Maira
Published: August 2009

Information on postnatal Leydig cell (LC) differentiation in the Mongolian gerbil has been unavailable. Therefore, current investigation was designed to examine LC lineage differentiationin this rodent, from birth to adulthood. Gerbil testes at 1 day, 1–7 weeks (w), 2 and 3 months of age were conventionally processed by light and transmission electron microscopy. Immunocytochemistry for specific markers of steroidogenic enzymes, namely 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD) and 11β‐hydroxysteroid steroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β‐HSD1) and also for androgen receptor (AR) was performed. The establishment of adult Leydig cell populations (ALC) during testis maturation in the gerbil follows the pattern previously described in other mammalian species, with the four progressive stages of differentiation. The LC progenitors were identified at second w by 3β‐HSD expression; the first newly formed ALC were recognized at fourth w whereas immature ALC appeared at fifth w. The latter were recognized by abundance of cytoplasmic lipid, in addition to expression of 11β‐HSD1 and intense nuclear AR immunoreaction. Mature ALC in gerbil exhibited irregular eccentric nuclei and a cytoplasmic canaliculus in the perinuclear area. Only one third of mature ALC in adult gerbils showed a high expression of 11β‐HSD1 and AR expression was highly variable among them. In conclusion, the process of differentiation of ALC population in gerbil follows the pattern previously established for other rodents. However, the resulting mature ALC are strikingly different due their singular asymmetric morphology and presence of a cytoplasmic canaliculus and as well as their functional heterogeneity. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute hepatitis E virus infection in Taiwan 2002–2006 revisited: PCR shows frequent co‐infection with multiple hepatitis viruses
Authors: Wu Kuan‐Ta , Chung Kun‐Ming , Feng I.‐Che , Sheu Ming‐Jen , Kuo Hsing‐Tao , Koay Lok‐Beng , Lin Chin‐Yih , Tang Ling‐Yu , Tsai Sun‐Lung
Published: August 2009

Sporadic cases of acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection with production of anti‐HEV IgM have been reported occasionally in Taiwan despite no reported outbreaks in the past. This study was undertaken to determine whether serological markers correlated with virus detection. From 2002 to 2006, 72 reported cases of acute hepatitis E seropositive for anti‐HEV IgM in Taiwan were enrolled for investigation. Acute phase serum samples were collected for detection of HEV RNA, HBV DNA, HCV RNA, and GBV‐C RNA by PCR. The results showed that viral sequences of HEV, HBV, HCV and GBV‐C were detected in 54 (75%), 21 (29.2%), 9 (12.5%), and 22 (30.6%) of cases, respectively. Acute hepatitis A co‐infection was excluded in all patients because none were seropositive for anti‐HAV IgM and, nine patients (12.5%) did not seroconvert to anti‐HEV IgG. These results suggest that serum markers did not correlate completely with viremia in the diagnosis of acute HEV infection. Multiple viruses may co‐infect with acute hepatitis E virus in Taiwan. Detection of hepatitis E viremia together with seropositivity for anti‐HEV IgM and followed by seroconversion to anti‐HEV IgG should be included in the diagnostic criteria for HEV infection. J. Med. Virol. 81:1734–1742, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Viral load and physical status of human papillomavirus (HPV) 18 in cervical samples from female sex workers infected with HPV 18 in Burkina Faso
Authors: Damay Audrey , Didelot‐Rousseau Marie‐Noelle , Costes Valérie , Konate Issouf , Ouedraogo Abdoulaye , Nagot Nicolas , Foulongne Vincent , Van de Perre Philippe , Mayaud Philippe , Segondy Michel
Published: August 2009

Viral DNA load and physical status might be predictive of either high‐grade cervical lesions or disease progression among women infected by human papillomavirus (HPV) 16, but these virological markers have rarely been studied in HPV 18 infections. The relationships between HPV 18 DNA load, viral genome physical status and cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions were analyzed among female sex workers infected with HPV18 in Burkina Faso. HPV 18 E2 and E6 genes were quantitated by real‐time PCR. Among 21 women infected with HPV 18, 67% of whom were HIV‐1‐seropositive, 11 (52.4%) had a normal cytology, 8 (38.1%) had low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and 2 (9.5%) had high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Total viral load and integrated viral load were higher in women with squamous intraepithelial lesions than in women with normal cytology (P = 0.01 for both parameters). Total viral load and integrated viral load were higher in HIV‐1‐seropositive women than in those who were not infected with HIV (P = 0.01, and P, 0.01, respectively). Total viral load or integrated viral load >1,000 copies/ng of DNA were more frequent in women with squamous intraepithelial lesions than in women with normal cytology (7/10 vs. 1/11; P = 0.007) and in HIV‐1‐seropositive women (8/14 vs. 0/7 in HIV‐uninfected women; P = 0.02). Both HPV 18 DNA and integrated DNA loads might represent markers of cervical lesions. Prospective evaluations are needed to establish the value of these parameters to predict high‐grade lesion or lesion progression. J. Med. Virol. 81:1786–1791, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of the binding of HCV serum particles to human hepatocytes by E1E2‐specific D32.10 monoclonal antibody
Authors: Ndongo Ndiémé , Rechoum Yassine , De Sequeira Sylvie , Zoulim Fabien , Trépo Christian , Drouet Emmanuel , Petit Marie‐Anne
Published: August 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the inhibition of binding activity of the monoclonal antibody (mAb) D32.10 which recognizes a highly conserved discontinuous antigenic determinant (E1:297–306, E2:480–494, and E2:613–621) expressed on the surface of serum‐derived HCV particles (HCVsp) of genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, and 3a. To this end, an in vitro direct cell‐binding assay based on the attachment of radiolabeled HCVsp was developed, and Scatchard plots were used to analyze ligand–receptor binding data. HCV adsorption was also assessed by quantitating cell‐associated viral RNA by a real‐time RT‐PCR method. Saturable concentration‐dependent specific binding of HCVsp to Huh‐7 or HepaRG cells was demonstrated. The Scatchard transformed data showed two‐site interaction for Huh‐7 and proliferative HepaRG cells: the high‐affinity binding sites (Kd1 = 0.1–0.5 µg/ml) and the low‐affinity binding sites (Kd1 = 5–10 µg/ml), and one‐site high‐affinity binding model between E1E2/D32.10‐positive HCVsp and hepatocyte‐like differentiated HepaRG cells. The E1E2‐specific mAb D32.10 inhibited efficiently (>60%) and selectively the binding with an IC50 ≤0.5 µg/ml in all the experimental approaches using serum HCV of genotype either 3 or 1b. This supports the involvement of the E1E2/D32.10 discontinuous antigenic determinant in the interactions between human hepatocytes and HCVsp, and suggests that D32.10‐like antibodies present in sera from patients infected with HCV could play a protective role. J. Med. Virol. 81:1726–1733, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Imported and autochthonous hepatitis E virus strains in Spain
Authors: Fogeda M. , Avellón A. , Cilla C.G. , Echevarría J.M.
Published: August 2009

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes hepatitis E, an acute liver disease displaying diverse epidemiological patterns that correlate with the genetic diversity of the virus. Only a few strains have been characterized to date from cases of hepatitis E in Spain. Using three sets of new, HEV‐specific primers, viral genome fragments were amplified from serum samples from 13 patients with acute hepatitis in different regions of Spain. Direct sequencing of these fragments and analysis of sequences lead to identify six genotype 1, six genotype 3, and one genotype 4 viral strains. Genotype 1 sequences were found in the clade with subtype 1a strains, and were amplified from travelers from India and Bangladesh, and from an African immigrant. Genotype 3 sequences were found in the clade with subtype 3f strains, were always amplified from patients who did not travel abroad recently, and were closely related to sequences from swine strains isolated in Spain. Patients infected by these strains lived in different regions and were mainly men aged above 50 years. The single genotype 4 sequence detected was amplified from a traveler returning from Vietnam. Hepatitis E is both an imported and an autochthonous disease in Spain, and closely related HEV genotype 3f strains are responsible for infections acquired locally in different regions of the country within a given time. Studies involving a significant number of human, swine, and environmental viral strains collected prospectively are, however, required in order to confirm a swine origin for autochthonous HEV genotype 3 human infections. J. Med. Virol. 81:1743–1749, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immune activation and antibody responses in non‐progressing elite controller individuals infected with HIV‐1
Authors: Bello Gonzalo , Velasco‐de‐Castro Carlos A. , Bongertz Vera , Rodrigues Caio A. Santos , Giacoia‐Gripp Carmem B.W. , Pilotto Jose H. , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Veloso Valdilea G. , Morgado Mariza G.
Published: August 2009

An extremely rare subset of patients infected with HIV‐1 designated as “non‐progressing elite controllers” appears to be able to maintain stable CD4+ T‐cell counts and a median plasma viremia below the detection limit of current ultrasensitive assays (<50–80 copies/ml of plasma) for >10 years in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. Lymphocyte subsets (CD4+, CD8+), immune activation markers (HLA‐DR+, CD38+, Beta‐2‐microglobulin), and HIV‐specific antibody responses were longitudinally examined in four non‐progressing elite controllers over more than 5 years. Two control groups of seronegative healthy individuals and untreated patients infected with HIV‐1 presenting detectable viremia were also included. None of the non‐progressing elite controllers displayed the high T‐cell activation levels generally seen in the seropositive individuals, keeping them within the normal range. Three non‐progressing elite controllers showed no significant immune system abnormalities when compared to seronegative individuals, displaying a low proportion of HIV‐1‐specific binding antibodies and low avidity index, similar to those observed for individuals infected recently with HIV‐1. One non‐progressing elite controller exhibited CD8+ T‐cell counts and β2‐M levels above normal ranges and developed a low but “mature” (high‐avidity) HIV‐1‐specific antibody response. Thus, the non‐progressing elite controllers are able to maintain normal T‐cell activation levels, which may contribute to prevent, or greatly reduce, the damage of the immune system typically induced by the HIV‐1 over time. They are, however, immunologically heterogeneous and very low levels of antigen exposure seem to occur in these patients, sufficient for sustaining a low, but detectable, HIV‐1‐specific immunity. J. Med. Virol. 81:1681–1690, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology of norovirus infection among children with acute gastroenteritis in Shanghai, China, 2001–2005
Authors: Xu Jin , Yang Yi , Sun Jiae , Ding Yunzhen
Published: August 2009

Norovirus is one of the major causes of outbreaks and sporadic cases of acute gastroenteritis in young children worldwide. Obtaining local baseline information regarding this virus is important for developing and evaluating prevention strategies of norovirus transmission in children. The age, seasonal distribution and circulating genotypes of norovirus in Shanghai, China, between 2001 and 2005 were determined. Of 5411 stool specimens collected from children under 5 years of age who were hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis 3,975 were rotavirus‐negative, indicating the presence of another causative agent. From these specimens, 484 were selected at random for genotyping, and 45 were norovirus‐positive. Norovirus infection was detected in all age groups, but infants less than 6 months old showed the lowest prevalence (5.4%). Norovirus infections peaked from August to November. Among the 37 identified norovirus strains, 2 were GII‐3, 2 were GII‐7, and 33 were GII‐4 genotypes. This study demonstrated the impact of norovirus infection causing acute gastroenteritis in hospitalized children and the importance of vaccination against norovirus diarrhea in Shanghai, China. J. Med. Virol. 81:1826–1830, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection and characterization of group A rotaviruses in children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Norway, 2006–2008
Authors: Vainio Kirsti , Nordbø Svein A. , Njølstad Gro , Størvold Gunnar , Døllner Henrik , Midgaard Cathrine , Bosse Franziskus Johannes , Rognlien Anne‐Gro Wesenberg , Rojahn Astrid , Wathne Karl‐Olaf , Flem Elmira
Published: August 2009

To assess the genetic diversity of rotavirus strains in Norway, the distribution of rotavirus genotypes was studied in children admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis. The detection of rotavirus in stool samples was compared using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an immunochromatographic test and RT‐PCR. Children <5 years of age admitted to hospital with diarrhea in three large hospitals were enrolled prospectively from March 2006 to February 2008. Rotavirus was detected in 58% of the children by the immunochromatographic test, in 63% by ELISA and 72% by RT‐PCR. A total of 219 (70%) rotavirus isolates were characterized in order to determine the genotype. The predominant G types included G1 (53%), G9 (16%), and G3 (13%), and the frequency of G3 varied more than G9 between seasons (8–20%). The P[8] genotype was identified in 188 (86%) of samples, and the globally common genotype combinations G1P[8], G2P[4], G3P[8], G4P[8], and G9P[8] accounted together for >80% of infection. No unusual rotavirus strains were detected, and only four samples contained mixed infections. This study demonstrates that ELISA has similar specificity but lower sensitivity compared to RT‐PCR. The immunochromatographic test had the lowest sensitivity and specificity compared to the other assays. Rotaviruses causing severe gastroenteritis leading to hospitalization of children <5 years of age in Norway include the common genotypes, however, a considerable geographical and seasonal variation was observed in the distribution of these genotypes. These data may be important for assessing the need for introducing rotavirus vaccines into immunization programs in Norway. J. Med. Virol. 81:1839–1844, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison of HIV‐1 drug susceptibility as provided by conventional phenotyping and by a phenotype prediction tool based on viral genotype
Authors: Van Houtte Margriet , Picchio Gaston , Van Der Borght Koen , Pattery Theresa , Lecocq Pierre , Bacheler Lee T.
Published: August 2009

Concordance between the conventional HIV‐1 phenotypic drug resistance assay, PhenoSense™ (PS), and virco®TYPE HIV‐1 (vT), a drug resistance assay based on prediction of the phenotype, was investigated in a data set from the Stanford HIV Resistance database (hivdb). Depending on the drug, between 287 and 902 genotype–phenotype data pairs were available for comparisons. Test results (fold‐change values) in the two assays were highly correlated, with an overall mean correlation coefficient of 0.90 using single PS measurements. This coefficient rose to 0.94 when the vT results were compared to the mean of repeat PS measurements. These results are comparable with the corresponding correlation coefficients of 0.87 and 0.95, calculated using single measurements, and the mean of repeat measurements, respectively, as obtained in the Antivirogram® assay, the conventional HIV‐1 phenotypic drug resistance test on which vT is based. The proportion of resistance calls resulting in a “major” discordance (fully susceptible or maximal response by one assay but fully resistant or minimal response by the other) ranged from 0% to 8.1% for drugs for which two clinical test cut‐offs were available in both assays (didanosine, abacavir, tenofovir, saquinavir/r, fosamprenavir/r, and lopinavir/r), from 2.4% to 8.1% for the drugs for which two clinical test cut‐offs were available in the vT assay and one clinical test cut‐off in the PS assay (lamivudine, stavudine, indinavir/r, and atazanavir/r) and from 3.1% to 10.3% for drugs for which biological test cut‐offs were used (zidovudine, nevirapine, delavirdine, efavirenz, indinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, and fosamprenavir). Our analyses suggest that these assays provide comparable resistance information, which will be of value to physicians who may be presented with either or both types of test report in their practice. J. Med. Virol. 81:1702–1709, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Safety evaluation of chimeric Langat/Dengue 4 flavivirus, a live vaccine candidate against tick‐borne encephalitis
Authors: Pripuzova Natalia S. , Tereshkina Natalia V. , Gmyl Larissa V. , Dzhivanyan Tatiana I. , Rumyantsev Alexander A. , Romanova Lidiya Iu. , Mustafina Aida N. , Lashkevich Vasilii A. , Karganova Galina G.
Published: August 2009

The chimeric flavivirus LGT/DEN4 containing prM and E genes of naturally attenuated Langat virus with remaining sequence derived from low neuroinvasive Dengue 4 virus was previously produced and assessed as a candidate for live vaccine against tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE) [Pletnev and Men (1998): Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 95:1746–1751; Pletnev et al. (2000): Virology 274:23–31; Pletnev et al. (2001): J Virol 75:8259–8267; Wright et al. (2008): Vaccine 26:882–890]. In this article we compared two animal species: mice and monkeys, in order to select most sensitive models for safety evaluation of new vaccine candidates against TBE. Direct neurovirulence in suckling mice, neuroinvasiveness upon peripheral inoculation, rate of virus multiplication and expansion in CNS and its ability to persist in the central nervous system (CNS) were studied in adult mice; virological and pathomorphological examination of the CNS and visceral organs after intrathalamic virus inoculation was selected as a safety neurovirulence test in monkeys. The chimera was substantially less virulent in both animal models compared to the Absettarov strain of TBE virus. LGT/DEN4 was highly attenuated in suckling and adult mice with no evidence of viral persistence in CNS. In contrast to the mouse model, the chimera was able to reproduce in the CNS of monkeys to moderate titers, caused pathomorphological lesions in two and even illness in one of four animals, and was registered in simian brain on the 30th day post‐infection. The presented data show that tests in mice solely might not be a sufficient model for safety testing of chimeric viruses. J. Med. Virol. 81:1777–1785, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Response to antiviral treatment in patients infected with hepatitis B virus genotypes E–H
Authors: Erhardt Andreas , Göbel Thomas , Ludwig Amei , Lau George K.K. , Marcellin Patrick , van Bömmel Florian , Heinzel‐Pleines Ulrike , Adams Ortwin , Häussinger Dieter
Published: August 2009

No data on antiviral response of HBV genotypes E–H are available so far although these HBV genotypes contribute significantly to the global HBV burden. Of 49 patients with HBV genotypes E–H, 23 received interferon (IFN)‐alpha, 12 nucleos(t)ide analogues and 14 patients were untreated. HBV genotype was determined by direct sequencing of the HBV S gene. Sustained virological response in IFN‐treated patients was defined as normalization of ALT and decrease of HBV‐DNA <4,000 IU/ml 6 months after treatment. Virological response with nucleos(t)ide analogues was assumed in patients with a HBV‐DNA <200 IU/ml after 48 weeks of treatment. HBV genotype E was found in 61.2% (n = 30), HBV genotype F in 8.2% (n = 4), HBV genotype H in 10.2% (n = 5) of patients. Among patients with HBV genotype G (20.4%; n = 10) there were four HBV genotype G/A and three HBV genotype G/C co‐infections. Patients had Caucasian (43%), African (55%), or Asian (2%) background. End of treatment response was 70% (16/23) and sustained virological response was 35% (8/23) for patients treated with IFN‐alpha. Sustained virological response was 36% for HBV genotype E (n = 5/14), 50% for HBV genotype F or H (n = 2/4), and 20% for HBV genotype G (n = 1/5). Virus suppression at week 48 was achieved in 67% of patients treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues. According to the present preliminary data HBV genotypes E, F, and H appear to be sensitive to IFN‐alpha. Lower rates of response to IFN‐alpha in patients with HBV genotype G might be related to the frequent occurrence of double infection. J. Med. Virol. 81:1716–1720, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of congenital cytomegalovirus infection using umbilical cord blood samples in a screening survey
Authors: Endo Takeshi , Goto Kenji , Ito Koichi , Sugiura Tokio , Terabe Koji , Cho Sangmi , Nishiyama Masato , Sugiyama Kohachiro , Togari Hajime
Published: August 2009

Easy screening and accurate diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection are needed to predict and treat complications. We report the clinical course of two neonates with congenital CMV infection confirmed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for CMV DNA in umbilical cord blood. A total of 1,010 neonates born at Yonaha Clinic from July 2005 to March 2007 were investigated. Umbilical cord blood was collected at birth, and DNA was extracted to screen for CMV DNA by real‐time PCR. Head MRI and a developmental test were conducted for two cases (0.2%) in which CMV DNA was detected. Neither case showed clear abnormalities at birth, and head CT conducted at 1 month after birth revealed no abnormalities. Auditory brainstem responses were normal at both 1 and 12 months after birth in both cases. Head MRI at 12 months showed abnormalities in both cases. For both cases, development tests conducted at 12 months revealed mild developmental delays, particularly in posture and movement areas, which might have been caused by congenital CMV infection. J. Med. Virol. 81:1773–1776, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of climate change on heating and cooling energy demand in Ireland
Authors: Semmler Tido , McGrath Ray , Steele‐Dunne Susan , Hanafin Jenny , Nolan Paul , Wang Shiyu
Published: August 2009

The influence of climate change on heating and cooling energy demand in Ireland is investigated using a small ensemble of regional climate simulation datasets driven by the ERA‐40 reanalysis data and by the global climate model ECHAM5‐OM1 assuming three different greenhouse gas emission scenarios. Simple relationships between commonly used temperature‐based indices and heating/cooling energy demand have been used. It has been shown previously that these relationships are highly correlated even though other parameters such as wind speed, sunniness and cost of energy also influence consumption. Results suggest that the heating energy demand has already slightly decreased in the south of the country for the time period 1981–2000 compared to that in 1961–1980, although the difference might not be a robust signal because of the relatively short averaging time period of 20 years and the model uncertainty, which is in the same order as the simulated changes. However, a clear trend of decreasing heating energy demand is predicted for the rest of this century using longer averaging periods of 40 years. Whereas air conditioning is not an issue in Ireland's current climate, a weak demand might develop towards the end of this century in the southeast of the country in summer. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Wide area illumination Raman scheme for simple and nondestructive discrimination of seawater cultured pearls
Authors: Park Seok Chan , Kim Minjung , Park Jimin , Chung Hoeil , Kim Hea Yeon
Published: August 2009

Raman spectroscopy, along with discriminant partial least squares (PLS), was successfully used to discriminate among three different groups of cultured pearls (fresh water, Akoya and South seawater). The discrimination between Akoya and South seawater pearls using XRF (X‐ray fluorescence), one of the most frequently adopted analytical methods in pearl analysis, has been especially difficult owing to their similar mineral compositions. The selective Raman features helped in effectively discriminating between these two pearl groups. The difference in the intensities of the CaCO3 bands of Akoya and South seawater pearls provided a valuable clue. Along with the selective Raman feature, a reproducible Raman spectral collection achieved using a wide area illumination (WAI) scheme played an important role in the determination of the pearl groups, although the pearls were hard‐surfaced, round, solid samples of different sizes and surface shapes. Unwanted spectral variation originating from sensitivity to sample placement relative to the focal plane and from unsuccessful sample representation due to the probing of a localized area, factors that could possibly deteriorate Raman reproducibility, were substantially lessened using the WAI scheme. ATR (attenuated total reflection) IR spectroscopy requiring direct contact with the pearl could be inadequate for discrimination or classification where large numbers of repeating and reproducible measurements are required. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal peroperative chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the management of refractory malignant ascites: A multi‐institutional retrospective analysis in 52 patients
Authors: Valle M. , Van der Speeten K. , Garofalo A.
Published: August 2009

Malignant ascites is a debilitating condition affecting cancer patients in their terminal stage of disease. Recently, laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal peroperative chemotherapy (HIPEC) was introduced as a new approach. From September 2001 to August 2008, 52 patients were treated with this new modality. No treatment‐related mortality was observed. Median survival was 98 days. One patient developed a clinical recurrence. Laparoscopic HIPEC is a safe and effective method for palliating malignant ascites. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:331–334. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intraperitoneal immunotherapy to prevent peritoneal carcinomatosis in patients with advanced gastrointestinal malignancies
Authors: Ströhlein Michael A. , Heiss Markus M.
Published: August 2009

Prognosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from GI tract cancers remains poor. As 30% of patients develop PC after curative surgery, prevention of PC during cancer resection would be desirable. Regarding physiopathology of PC and intraperitoneal immunology, intraoperative application of trifunctional antibodies offers advanced opportunities for destruction of intraperitoneal tumor cells and prevention of PC. First results indicated, the intraoperative treatment with trifunctional antibodies was safe and clinically feasible. Long‐term results will be available in 2010. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:329–330. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of optimally resected hepatectomy and peritonectomy patients with colorectal cancer metastasis
Authors: Cao Christopher Q. , Yan Tristan D. , Liauw Winston , Morris David L.
Published: August 2009

Background

Hepatectomy is the standard of care for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) but cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (PIC) are still not widely accepted as the definitive treatment for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin (CRPC). We analyzed our data to compare survival outcomes for patients in these two groups who achieved optimal resection.

Methods

We examined our prospectively collected database for CRLM and CRPC patients who underwent hepatectomy or peritonectomy from 1995 to 2008.

Results

We identified 46 CRPC patients who achieved CCR‐0/CCR‐1 and 237 CRLM patients had a margin‐negative hepatectomy. CRS patients had 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 5‐year overall survival rates of 83.6%, 65.4%, 51.4%, and 32.1%, respectively. Comparatively, CRLM patients had 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 5‐year overall survival rates of 88.1%, 69.4%, 51.9%, and 33.3%, respectively. Median survival for the two groups were 37.0 months (1–72) for CRPC patients and 37.0 months (0–120) for CRLM patients. There was no statistical significance in overall survival (P = 0.792).

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in survival outcomes for CRLM and CRPC patients who achieved optimal resection. Selected CRPC patients with potentially resectable disease should be considered for CRS and PIC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:529–533. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sequential multidisciplinary treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: The role of surgery as rescue therapy for failure of percutaneous ablation therapies
Authors: Portolani Nazario , Baiocchi Gian Luca , Coniglio Arianna , Grazioli Luigi , Frassi Eleonora , Gheza Federico , Giulini Stefano Maria
Published: August 2009

Background and Objectives

The recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after percutaneous ablation is poorly evaluated.

Methods

Thirty‐six cases of recurrence after percutaneous ablation (PA) (Group 1) are compared to those after surgery, treated with re‐resection (26 patients, Group 2) and PA (31 patients, Group 3).

Results

Recurrence was usually local after PA and distant after resection. Compared to Groups 2 and 3, local recurrences after PA were larger (4.2 vs. 2.3 cm) and more often invasive (43% vs. 10%). No different clinical/pathological aspects were noted in distant recurrences among the groups. After treatment the survival rate (1, 2, 3 and 5 years) was no different between the groups; in an intention‐to‐treat analysis of survival for local recurrences, survival was significantly lower in Group 1 (78%, 78%, 67% and 28%) than in Groups 2 and 3 (100%, 88%, 75% and 45%) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

PA and surgery can be sequentially employed for HCC. The type of primary treatment does not influence the features of distant liver recurrence, while local recurrence after PA often requires more extensive liver resection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:580–584. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fascin expression in progression and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Iguchi Tomohiro , Aishima Shinichi , Umeda Kenji , Sanefuji Kensaku , Fujita Nobuhiro , Sugimachi Keishi , Gion Tomonobu , Taketomi Akinobu , Maehara Yoshihiko , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi
Published: August 2009

Background and Objectives

Fascin is an actin‐bundling protein and induces membrane protrusions and cell motility after the formation of lamellipodia or filopodia. Fascin expression has been reported to be associated with progression or prognosis in various neoplasms, but the role of fascin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological and prognostic relevance of fascin by immunohistochemistry.

Methods

A total of 137 patients with HCC were stained with anti‐fascin antibody. The tumor cells having unequivocal cytoplasmic and/or membranous fascin immunoreactivity were defined as fascin‐positive.

Results

Immunohistochemically, 23 (16.8%) HCCs having unequivocal fascin immunoreactivity were found. Tumors showing fascin expression were larger and less differentiated than those showing no fascin expression (P = 0.0239 and 0.0018, respectively). Portal venous invasion, bile duct invasion, and intrahepatic metastasis were detected significantly more frequently in fascin‐positive group (P = 0.0029, 0.0333, and 0.0403, respectively). In addition, high alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels were significantly associated with the fascin expression in HCC (P = 0.0116). Fascin‐positive group had significantly poorer outcomes than fascin‐negative group and was an independent prognostic factor for disease‐free survival.

Conclusions

Fascin might become a novel marker of progression in HCC and a significant indicator of a poor prognosis for patients with HCC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:575–579. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
General unknown screening procedure for the characterization of human drug metabolites in forensic toxicology: Applications and constraints
Authors: Sauvage François‐Ludovic , Picard Nicolas , Saint‐Marcoux Franck , Gaulier Jean‐Michel , Lachâtre Gérard , Marquet Pierre
Published: August 2009

LC coupled to single (LC–MS) and tandem (LC–MS/MS) mass spectrometry is recognized as the most powerful analytical tools for metabolic studies in drug discovery. In this article, we describe five cases illustrating the utility of screening xenobiotic metabolites in routine analysis of forensic samples using LC–MS/MS. Analyses were performed using a previously published LC–MS/MS general unknown screening (GUS) procedure developed using a hybrid linear IT–tandem mass spectrometer. In each of the cases presented, the presence of metabolites of xenobiotics was suspected after analyzing urine samples. In two cases, the parent drug was also detected and the metabolites were merely useful to confirm drug intake, but in three other cases, metabolite detection was of actual forensic interest. The presented results indicate that: (i) the GUS procedure developed is useful to detect a large variety of drug metabolites, which would have been hardly detected using targeted methods in the context of clinical or forensic toxicology; (ii) metabolite structure can generally be inferred from their “enhanced” product ion scan spectra; and (iii) structure confirmation can be achieved through in vitro metabolic experiments or through the analysis of urine samples from individuals taking the parent drug.
pH‐Zone‐refining centrifugal partition chromatography for preparative isolation and purification of steroidal glycoalkaloids from Solanum xanthocarpum
Authors: Maurya Anupam , Gupta Shalini , Negi Suroochi , Srivastava Santosh Kumar
Published: August 2009

pH‐Zone‐refining centrifugal‐partition chromatography (CPC) was successfully applied in the separation of complex polar steroidal glycoalkaloids of close Rf values, directly from a crude extract of Solanum xanthocarpum. The experiment was performed with a two phase solvent system composed of ethyl acetate/butanol/water (1:4:5 by volume) where triethylamine (5 mM) was added to the upper organic mobile phase as an eluter and TFA (10 mM) to the aqueous stationary phase as a retainer. Separation of 1 g of crude extract over CPC resulted in two distinct pH‐zones. The fractions collected in pH‐zone i afforded 72 mg of solasonine while the fractions collected in pH‐zone ii were slightly impure, hence were purified over medium pressure LC, which afforded 30 mg of solasonine and further 15 mg of solamargine (SM). The steroidal glycoalkaloids, SM and solasonine were isolated in 93.3 and 91.6% purity, respectively. The isolated alkaloids were characterized on the basis of their 1H, 13C‐NMR, and ESI‐MS data.
RNA processing defects associated with diseases of the motor neuron
Authors: Kolb Stephen J. , Sutton Scott , Schoenberg Daniel R.
Published: August 2009

Rapid progress in the discovery of motor neuron disease genes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the spinal muscular atrophies, hereditary motor neuropathies, and lethal congenital contracture syndromes is providing new perspectives and insights into the molecular pathogenesis of the motor neuron. Motor neuron disease genes are often expressed throughout the body with essential functions in all cells. A survey of these functions indicates that motor neurons are uniquely sensitive to perturbations in RNA processing pathways dependent on the interaction of specific RNAs with specific RNA‐binding proteins, which presumably result in aberrant formation and function of ribonucleoprotein complexes. This review provides a summary of currently recognized RNA processing defects linked to human motor neuron diseases. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Lyme disease serology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Qureshi Muddasir , Bedlack Richard S. , Cudkowicz Merit E.
Published: August 2009

Lyme disease is sometimes part of the differential diagnosis for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Herein we report on 414 individuals with ALS at the Massachusetts General Hospital who underwent laboratory testing for Lyme disease. Twenty‐four (5.8%) were seropositive, but only 4 (0.97%) had confirmed past immunoreactive infection. Two of these patients received ceftriaxone for 1 month without clinical improvement. Lyme disease was rare in 414 patients with ALS and is not likely to be causative. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Sensitivity of electrophysiological tests for upper and lower motor neuron dysfunction in ALS: A six‐month longitudinal study
Authors: de Carvalho Mamede , Swash Michael
Published: August 2009

By following a group of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients longitudinally using lower motor neuron (LMN) and upper motor neuron (UMN) markers of dysfunction it may be possible to better understand the functional relationships between these motor systems in this disease. We used neurophysiological techniques to follow UMN and LMN dysfunction in a group of 28 patients with ALS, in comparison with the ALS functional rating scale (ALS‐FRS) score and the forced vital capacity (FVC). We used motor unit number estimation (MUNE), compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, and the Neurophysiological Index (NI) to quantify the LMN disorder, and transcranial motor stimulation to study cortical motor threshold, motor‐evoked response amplitude, central motor conduction time, and cortical silent period (CSP). The patients were studied shortly after diagnosis and then 6 months later, using both abductor digiti minimi muscles (ADM); ADM strength was initially >MRC 3 (Medical Research Council, UK). The NI and MUNE changed more than any other variable. CSP increased by about 30%, a change more marked than the slight increase observed in the cortical motor threshold (9%). The normal increase of CSP after acute muscle fatigue was preserved during disease progression. The CSP increase correlated with the MUNE rate of decay but not to the NI reduction, perhaps because NI includes F‐wave frequency in itscalculation. There was no definite correlation between UMN and LMNdysfunction or progression, but there was a link between CSP and LMN changes in ALS. The CSP may be a useful variable in following UMN dysfunction in clinical practice and in clinical trials. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Myotonia congenita in a large consanguineous Arab family: Insight into the clinical spectrum of carriers and double heterozygotes of a novel mutation in the chloride channel CLCN1 gene
Authors: Shalata Adel , Furman Haya , Adir Vardit , Adir Noam , Hujeirat Yasir , Shalev Stavit A. , Borochowitz Zvi U.
Published: August 2009

The aims of this study were to (1) characterize the clinical phenotype, (2) define the causative mutation, and (3) correlate the clinical phenotype with genotype in a large consanguineous Arab family with myotonia congenita. Twenty‐four family members from three generations were interviewed and examined. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples for sequencing the exons of the CLCN1 gene. Twelve individuals with myotonia congenita transmitted the condition in an autosomal dominant manner with incomplete penetrance. A novel missense mutation [568GG>TC (G190S)] was found in a dose‐dependent clinical phenotype. Although heterozygous individuals were asymptomatic or mildly affected, the homozygous individuals were severely affected. The mutation is a glycine‐to‐serine residue substitution in a well‐conserved motif in helix D of the CLC‐1 chloride channel in the skeletal muscle plasmalemma. A novel mutation, 568GG>TC (G190S) in the CLCN1 gene, is responsible for autosomal dominant myotonia congenita with a variable phenotypic spectrum. Muscle Nerve, 2009
The effect of Co(II)‐mediated catalytic chain transfer on the emulsion polymerization kinetics of methyl methacrylate
Authors: Smeets Niels M. B. , Heuts Johan P. A. , Meuldijk Jan , Cunningham Michael F. , Van Herk Alex M.
Published: August 2009

The effect the catalytic chain transfer agent, bis[(difluoroboryl) dimethylglyoximato] cobalt(II) (COBF), on the course of the ab initio emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate, and the product properties in terms of the molecular weight distribution were investigated. The emulsion polymerization kinetics have been studied with varying surfactant, initiator, and COBF concentrations. The experimentally determined average number of radicals per particle strongly depends on the concentration of COBF and proves to be in good agreement with the results of model calculations. The apparent chain transfer constant, determined up to high conversion, is in excellent agreement with the predicted value based on a mathematical model based on COBF partitioning and the Mayo equation. The results of this work enhance the fundamental understanding of the influence a catalytic chain transfer agent has on the course of the emulsion polymerization and the control of the molecular weight distribution. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 5078–5089, 2009
Influence of the magnetic field configuration on the reactive sputter deposition of TiN
Authors: Boydens Francis , Mahieu Stijn , Haemers Jo , Depla Diederik
Published: August 2009

A conventional 2 inch planar, circular magnetron has been designed allowing an in situ variation of the magnetic field configuration, i.e. the distance of the peripheral magnet ring and central magnet cylinder to the target could be varied independently from each other. The development of this kind of magnetron allows us to investigate the influence of the strength and shape of the magnetic field on the growth of TiN films. Such TiN films were deposited on grounded stainless steel substrates by sputtering a pure Ti target in a mixture of Ar and N2. The influence of the N2 flow and the magnetic field configuration on the crystallographic orientation of the deposited films has been investigated. At similar conditions, the influence of the magnetic field configuration and N2 flow on the discharge voltage, deposition rate and the ion flux towards the substrate has been investigated. No clear relationship between the ion‐to‐atom ratio and the crystallographic orientation has been observed.
Optical tuning of molecule‐induced magnetism at non‐magnetic semiconductor nanoparticles
Authors: Kameyama Naoto , Suda Masayuki , Einaga Yasuaki
Published: August 2009

We have demonstrated that it is possible to reversibly photo‐control the room temperature magnetism in a diluted magnetic semiconductor based on zinc oxide nanoparticles coated with azobenzene‐derivatized thiols (Azo‐ZnO NPs). These photochromic ligands provide a photo‐function and at the same time act as a trigger for the generation of ferromagnetism at ZnO–S interface. UV irradiation increases the saturated magnetization of the Azo‐ZnO NPs due to trans‐ to cis‐isomerization in azobenzene‐derivatized ligands, and following irradiation with visible light the magnetization is decreased due to inverse isomerization. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal that the photo‐induced magnetization changes are strongly related to photo‐induced changes in the chemical state of zinc atom in the ZnO. These photo‐magnetic effects can be attributed to photo‐induced changes in surface states of the ZnO due to photoisomerization in azobenzene ligands, which is accompanied by alterations in the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level of the ligand, since magnetic properties of ZnO depend on carrier concentration, which correlated with surface states of the ZnO.

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Electrical transport properties of amorphous CNx/p‐Si heterostructures
Authors: Wang X. C. , Chen X. M. , Yang B. H.
Published: August 2009

The electrical transport properties of amorphous CNx/p‐Si heterostructures fabricated using reactive facing‐target sputtering were investigated systematically. The obvious rectifying effect is observed in the I–V curves for the heterostructures fabricated at the nitrogen partial pressure ($P_{{\rm N}_2 }$) of 20%, and the resistance of the heterostructures in both the forward and reverse voltage ranges increases with the decrease of the current and temperature. At low‐voltage range, the resistance satisfies the relation of ${\rm log}\,R \propto {\rm log}\,I$, and the slope of the ${\rm log}\,R \propto {\rm log}\,I$ plots increases with the decrease of temperature. The electrical transport characteristic of the heterostructures can be affected by the changes of the number and cluster size of sp2 C and the ratio of N–C(sp2)/N–C(sp3) by adjusting $P_{{\rm N}_2 }$ significantly, and the good rectifying effect of the heterostructures fabricated at a certain condition makes them useful in the field of electronic devices.