bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron transfer between tryptophan and tyrosine: Theoretical calculation of electron transfer matrix element for intramolecular hole transfer
Authors: Li Xiang‐Yuan
Published: October 2004

In this article, the electron transfer (ET) matrix element has been estimated for the gas‐phase hole transfer between indole cation radical (InH+) and phenol (PhOH). This work consists of three parts. First, the ET reaction between the isolated indole and phenol was investigated using the AM1 method and ab initio calculation at the level of UHF/6–31++G*. Second, the intramolecular ET systems mediated by (CH2)n (n=2–5) were discussed. The linear reaction coordinate approximation has been adopted to describe the variation of the nuclear configuration. Different methods have been used to examine the crossing point of the potential energy curves. All the values of Rc from different methods show very good consistency. ET matrix elements have been evaluated for InH(CH2)nPhOH systems. Also, the AM1 method and Koopmans' theorem were used to investigate the ET process between tyrosine and tryptophan, in which the oligoproline serves as the bridge. Conformations have been optimized using the AM1 method. Based on the linear reaction coordinate approximation, ET matrix elements for the intramoleculatr hole transfer in those TrpH(Pro)nTyrOH (n=0–3) peptides have been estimated by searching for the minimum of the energy splitting factor. All the results show that if a hole transfer process exists between the indole (or indolyl side chain in tryptophan) and phenol (or phenolyl side chain in tyrosine), without deprotonation, it will be difficult for the the ET reaction to occur. All the values of Rc are found in the range of R>1, no matter if a bridge intervenes or not. Hole transfer reactions are predicted to be greatly endothermic, and to have a large activation barrier in the gas‐phase case. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 565–579, 2001
Stochastic generator of chemical structure. 4. Building polymeric systems with specified properties
Authors: Faulon Jean‐Loup
Published: October 2004

A novel computational technique to generate close‐to‐equilibrium crosslinked polymeric systems is proposed. Compared to the current state‐of‐the‐art equilibration methods, the new technique appears to be faster by several orders of magnitude. The main advantage of the technique is that one can circumvent the bottlenecks in configuration space that inhibit relaxation in molecular dynamics or Monte Carlo simulations. The problem of polymer equilibration described by continuous equations in molecular dynamics is reduced to a discrete representation where solutions are approximated by simple algorithms. In the current study, a series of coarse‐grained, united‐atom, and fully atomistic crosslinked networks has been generated. Network statistics and topology, X‐ray scattering intensities, and elastic properties are tested vs. experimental results and similar models generated using molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations. The results demonstrate the efficiency of this new method for generating large realistic polymeric systems up to 1.4 M atoms. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 580–590, 2001
Intramolecular chelation of Zn2+ by α‐ and β‐mercaptocarboxamides. A parallel ab initio and polarizable molecular mechanics investigation. Assessment of the role of multipole transferability
Authors: Tiraboschi Gilles , Fournié‐Zaluski Marie‐Claude , Roques Bernard‐Pierre , Gresh Nohad
Published: October 2004

α‐ and β‐mercaptocarboxamides constitute the Zn2+‐ligating entity of several highly potent metalloenzyme inhibitors. We have studied their interaction energies with Zn2+ using the polarizable molecular mechanics procedure SIBFA, and compared them to the corresponding ab initio supermolecule ones. Such validations are necessary to subsequently undertake simulations on complexes of Zn2+–metalloenzymes with inhibitors. If the distributed multipoles and polarizabilities are those derived for each ligand in its appropriate Zn2+‐binding conformation, a close reproduction of the ab initio binding energies is afforded. However, this representation is not tractable upon increasing the size of the ligands and/or to explore a continuum of binding conformations. This makes it necessary to construct the ligands by resorting to a library of constitutive fragments, namely in this case methanethiolate, formamide, and methane covalently connected together. A close reproduction of the ab initio interaction energies is enabled, but only if the ligand–ligand interactions are computed simultaneously with those occurring with Zn2+. This representation accounts for the nonadditivity occurring in the Zn2+–methanethiolate–formamide complex, and justifies the use of the distributed multipoles on the fragments for the construction of larger and flexible molecules. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1038–1047, 2001
Validation of nitroxyl spin‐label force‐field parameters through molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Van Zele Christopher J. , Cunningham Mark A. , Makinen Marvin W.
Published: October 2004

A molecular mechanics parameter set for the nitroxyl spin‐label 3‐formyl‐2,2,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1‐oxypyrroline was developed by application of Gaussian94 at the HF/6‐31G(d) level suitable for use in molecular dynamics simulations. The parameter set was validated through molecular dynamics calculations for the methyl ester of N‐(2,2,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1‐oxypyrrolinyl‐3‐carboxyl)‐L‐tryptophan to simulate its conformation and structure in methanol and in chloroform at 300 K with use of the program package CHARMM. Excellent agreement of structural parameters derived by molecular dynamics simulations of the solute in both solvent systems was observed with the structure and conformation of the solute defined through electron nuclear double resonance studies [Wells, G. B. et al., J Am Chem Soc 1990, 112, 2566]. Although rotation about the C(2)C(15) bond connecting the oxypyrrolinyl ring system to the carbonyl group in the pseudopeptide linkage of the tryptophanyl moiety was governed by a potential energy function having two symmetrically placed minima separated by ±42° and a barrier height equivalent to only 2.5 kJ/mol, the spin label exhibited preferred occupancy of the −42° conformer, in direct agreement with spectroscopic studies. The excellent agreement observed between molecular dynamics and spectroscopically derived results provides a firm base for further applications of the force‐field parameter set of this spin label for investigation of macromolecular structure and conformational flexibility through electron magnetic resonance methods. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1113–1123, 2001
Theoretical prediction of vertical transition energies of diaminosilylenes and aminosubstituted disilenes
Authors: Takahashi Masae , Kira Mitsuo , Sakamoto Kenkichi , Müller Thomas , Apeloig Yitzhak
Published: October 2004

Vertical electronic transition energies of diaminosilylenes and their dimers (disilenes and nitrogen‐bridged) were investigated by ab initio and density functional calculations. A good linear correlation was found between the observed UV transition energies of various silylenes and disilenes and those of model compounds calculated using the CIS and TD–DFT methods. On the basis of these computations the experimental UV absorption maximum observed for the dimer of (i‐Pr2N)2Si: (λmax 439 nm at 77 K), could be assigned to an SiSi bonded dimer with an unusually long SiSi distance of 2.472 Å, and the isomeric amino‐bridged cyclic dimer could be discarded. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1536–1541, 2001
Political violence, social integration, and youth functioning: Palestinian youth from the Intifada
Authors: Barber Brian K.
Published: October 2004

Informed by social ecological, social capital, and social disorganization theories, this study tested an ecological model of youth experience in the Palestinian Intifada. The sample included 6,000 Palestinian 14 year olds, assessed in 1994 and 1995 after the end of the conflict. Data from retrospective self‐reports of youth exposure to and involvement in political violence, and self‐reports of current individual functioning (depression and antisocial behavior) and integration in several social contexts (family, peer relations, religion, education, and community), revealed: direct associations between Intifada experience and antisocial behavior and depression (females only); Intifada experience was positively associated with religiosity and unrelated to social integration in family, school, and peer relations; in some cases, social integration in family, education, religion, and peer relations significantly moderated the associations between Intifada experience and youth problems; integration in the several social contexts was directly related in predictable ways to youth problem behaviors, with neighborhood disorganization the most consistent and powerful predictor. The discussion centers around youth resilience to the effects of political violence, the role of psychological meaning children and adolescents can attach to political violence, and the overall salience of social integration in youth development. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A micro‐level analysis of developmental, parenting, and family milieu variables that differentiate stress‐resilient and stress‐affected children
Authors: Kilmer Ryan P. , Cowen Emory L. , Wyman Peter A.
Published: October 2004

Microanalyzed global parent interview variables that had previously differentiated stress‐resilient (SR) and stress‐affected (SA) outcomes in independent samples (4th–6th and 2nd–3rd grade) of multiethnic, highly stressed, urban children. The in‐depth interview assessed caregiving environment and early child development. On item‐level t tests for the pooled sample, 36 of 144 items differentiated the groups. Discriminant function analysis identified a cluster of nine sensitive items that correctly classified 81.7% of children as SR or SA. Factor analysis of the 36 items identified a 4‐factor solution: Child Adjustment, Early Temperament, Parent‐Child Relationship, and Developmental Milestones; SR parents exceeded SAs on each. Structurally comparable analyses using only Sample 2 and including the second interview's new measures, replicated and extended findings from the pooled sample. Overall, study findings enhance understanding of resilience and testify to the merit of using a microanalytic approach in this research area. Implications for streamlining existing measures and for future research directions are considered. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dyadic attachments and community connectedness: Links with youths' loneliness experiences
Authors: Chipuer Heather M.
Published: October 2004

In this article, we explored the belongingness hypothesis by examining the influence of youths' dyadic attachments and community connectedness on their experiences of loneliness. Fifth and sixth graders (N = 187) reported on their attachments to their mothers, fathers, best friends, and their connectedness to their schools and neighborhoods. Self‐reports of global loneliness, loneliness in the school and neighborhood contexts, and emotional and social loneliness were obtained. Youths' dyadic attachment to their best friends was more significant in accounting for their loneliness experiences than their attachments to either parent. Youths' connectedness to their school and neighborhood communities was significantly associated with their experiences of global, social, and neighborhood loneliness. The data suggest that youths' sense of community within their different environmental contexts (i.e., neighborhood, school) differentially influence their psychological well‐being, as demonstrated by their associations to loneliness. The importance of creating communities that meet youths' needs is discussed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Doppler velocimetry of maternal renal circulation in pregnancy‐induced hypertension
Authors: Miyake Hidehiko , Nakai Akihito , Koshino Tatsuo , Araki Tsutomu
Published: October 2004

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the Doppler waveforms of the maternal main renal, segmental, and interlobar arteries are altered in women with pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) compared with healthy pregnant women.

Methods

Flow waveforms of the maternal main renal, segmental, and interlobar arteries were obtained from 42 healthy pregnant women between 24 and 41 weeks of gestation and 21 women with PIH between 28 and 40 weeks of gestation using pulsed Doppler sonography. We used spectral analysis to measure the peak systolic and end‐diastolic velocities and the acceleration time. The presence or absence of the normal early systolic compliance peak‐reflective‐wave complex (ESP) was assessed in only the main renal artery.

Results

The acceleration times of the segmental and interlobar arteries were significantly prolonged in the PIH group compared with those in the healthy pregnant women. Of the 21 women with PIH, 3 showed loss of the ESP in the renal artery, but these changes were not significant.

Conclusions

Decreased systolic acceleration and the absence of ESP, the hemodynamic indicators for significant proximal stenosis, suggest that severe stenosis or continuous vasospasm in the proximal arteries, such as the main renal or segmental artery, may be implicated in the pathogenesis of PIH. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 29:449–455, 2001.
Sonographic evaluation of the normal hypothenar compartment musculature
Authors: Grechenig Wolfgang , Peicha Gerolf , Tesch Norbert Peter , Seibert Franz Josef
Published: October 2004

Purpose

We propose a standardized sonographic examination technique to evaluate the muscles of the hypothenar region and describe their normal sonographic appearance.

Methods

The hypothenar region was studied with sonography in 20 healthy volunteers using 5–12‐MHz linear‐array transducers. The assessment included dynamic testing.

Results

All hypothenar muscles could be identified in all subjects and their courses followed entirely. In addition, their function could be assessed by scanning during active and passive movements.

Conclusions

Knowledge of the normal sonographic anatomy of the hypothenar region is essential for evaluation of pathologic conditions. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 29:441–448, 2001.
Signal processing in a simple visual system: The locust ocellar system and its synapses
Authors: Simmons Peter J.
Published: October 2004

The neurons with the widest axons that carry information into a locust brain belong to L‐neurons, the large, second‐order neurons of the ocelli. L‐neurons play roles in flight control and boosting visual sensitivity. Their morphology is simple, and their axons convey graded potentials from the ocellus with little decrement to the brain, which makes them good subjects in which to study transmission of graded potentials. L‐neurons are very sensitive to changes in light, due to an abnormally high gain in the sign inverting synapses they receive from photoreceptors. Adaptation ensures that L‐neurons signal contrast in a light signal when average light intensity changes, and that their responses depend on the speed of change in light. Neurons L1‐3 make excitatory output synapses with third‐order neurons and with L4‐5. These synapses transmit tonically, but are unable to convey hyperpolarising signals about large increases in light. Graded rebound spikes enhance depolarising responses. L1‐3 also make reciprocal inhibitory synapses with each other and transmission at these decrements so rapidly that it normally requires a presynaptic spike. The resolution with which graded potentials can be transferred has been studied at the inhibitory synapses, and is limited by intrinsic variability in the mechanism that determines neurotransmitter release. Electron microscopy has shown that each excitatory connection made from an L‐neuron to a postsynaptic partner consists of thousands of discrete synaptic contacts, in which individual dense‐staining bars in the presynaptic neuron are associated with clouds of vesicles. Acetylcholine is likely to be a neurotransmitter released by L‐neurons. Microsc. Res. Tech. 56:270–280, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental changes in the structure and function of the central olfactory system in gregarious and solitary desert locusts
Authors: Anton Sylvia , Ignell Rickard , Hansson Bill S.
Published: October 2004

Desert locusts are guided by olfactory cues in different behavioural contexts. In order to understand the basis for the variable olfactory guided behaviour displayed by different developmental stages and by solitary and gregarious locusts, we investigated their central olfactory system with neuroanatomical and neurophysiological methods. The primary olfactory centre of the brain, the antennal lobe (AL), increases in size during development due to an increased number and size of glomeruli. These glomeruli are innervated by a constant number of projection neurons that display increased dendritic arborizations during the development of the locust. The anatomical parameters do not differ between gregarious and solitary locusts. In parallel with the observed neuroanatomical changes, neurophysiological changes in response spectra and response specificity of AL neurons were found. During development, the percentage of neurons responding specifically to aggregation pheromone components decreases, whereas an increase in both pheromone‐generalists and plant‐pheromone generalist neurons is observed. The percentage of neurons responding to green leaf volatiles, however, remains constant. A decrease in the number of nymph blend‐specific neurons was also observed. Our data show that anatomical and physiological properties of the AL and its neurons to a large extent reflect the changes in olfactory guided behaviour during development and between phases. The majority of our results are also in accordance with findings that the number of olfactory receptor neurons increases during development, resulting in increasing convergence on AL neurons. Microsc. Res. Tech. 56:281–291, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occurrence, distribution, and localisation of metals in cnidarians
Authors: Marshall Alan T.
Published: October 2004

The Cnidaria are simple organisms that have remarkable physiological features susceptible to microscopic investigation. As a group they produce cnidae, the most complex intracellular organelles known, form symbioses with a range of unicellular algae, contain mucocytes that account for a very substantial fraction of their body mass, and form complex skeletal structures of calcium carbonate. This review summarises contributions dealing with the distribution and localisation of metals of physiological and pathological importance within soft tissues and skeletons. Whilst there have been detailed studies of microscale metal distribution, using X‐ray microanalysis, in the stinging organelles or cnidocysts and in mucocytes, other cells such as symbiotic algae and the epithelial cells have received little attention. In the skeleton‐producing scleractinian corals X‐ray microanalysis has provided tenuous, but persistent, evidence of Ca associated with intracellular vesicles or granules in the skeletogenic epithelium, even though the investigations were technically limited. These observations may be germane to the intriguing and intransigent problem of the mechanism of coral calcification. Metal localisation in coral skeleton at the resolution of annual growth rings has been concerned with the validity of Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios as thermometers for paleoclimatic studies. It is not clear whether these ratios are influenced primarily by environmental or biological parameters. Microscale analyses by X‐ray microanalysis and ion microprobe indicate a much greater variability of metal ratios which suggests biological control of metal deposition. New data are provided on the elemental composition, measured by X‐ray microanalysis, of cells and cell compartments in the coral Galaxea fascicularis and zooxanthellae in the anemone Aiptasia sp. New information is also presented on changing Ca/Sr ratios at the skeletal interface in Galaxea fascicularis. Microsc. Res. Tech. 56:341–357, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Altered timing of the extracellular‐matrix‐mediated epithelial‐mesenchymal interaction that initiates mandibular skeletogenesis in three inbred strains of mice: Development, heterochrony, and evolutionary change in morphology
Authors: MacDonald Mary E. , Hall Brian K.
Published: October 2004

Subtle changes in embryonic development are a source of significant morphological alterations during evolution. The mammalian mandibular skeleton, which originates from the cranial neural crest, is a complex structure comprising several components that interact late in embryogenesis to produce a single functional unit. It provides a model system in which individual developmental events at the basis of population‐level evolutionary change can be investigated experimentally. Inbred mouse strains exhibit obvious morphological differences despite the relatively short time since their divergence from one another. Some of these differences can be traced to small changes in the timing of early developmental events such as the formation of the cellular condensations that initiate skeletogenesis. This paper examines an even earlier event for changes in timing, the epithelial‐mesenchymal interaction(s) required to initiate chondrogenesis of Meckel’s cartilage and osteogenesis of the dentary bone. Using three inbred strains of mice (CBA, C3H and C57) we found that, within each strain, cartilage and bone are induced at the same time and by the same (mandibular) epithelium, that chondrogenesis and osteogenesis are initiated by a matrix‐mediated epithelial‐mesenchymal interaction, and that timing of the interactions differs among the three inbred strains. These results are discussed with respect to the possible molecular basis of such temporal shifts in inductive interactions and how such studies can be used to shed light on heterochrony as a mechanism of evolutionary change in morphology. J. Exp. Zool. 291:258–273, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Muscle receptor organs do not mediate load compensation during body roll and defense response extensions in the crayfish Cherax destructor
Authors: Patullo Blair W. , Faulkes Zen , Macmillan David L.
Published: October 2004

It has been proposed that the abdominal muscle receptor organ (MRO) of decapod crustaceans acts in a sensory feedback loop to compensate for external load. There is not yet unequivocal evidence of MRO activity during slow abdominal extension in intact animals, however. This raises the possibility that MRO involvement in load compensation is context‐dependent. We recorded from MRO tonic stretch receptors (SRs) in freely behaving crayfish (Cherax destructor) during abdominal extension occurring during two different behaviors: body roll and the defense response. Abdominal extensions are similar in many respects in both behaviors, although defense response extensions are more rapid. In both situations, SR activity typically ceased when the abdominal extension commenced, even if the joint of the SR being monitored was mechanically prevented from extending by a block. Since extensor motor neuron activity increased when the abdomen was prevented from extending, we concluded that the load compensation occurring in these behaviors was not mediated by the MROs. J. Exp. Zool. 290:783–790, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamics of Epstein‐Barr virus DNA levels in serum during EBV‐associated disease
Authors: Berger Christoph , Day Philip , Meier Gabriela , Zingg Walter , Bossart Walter , Nadal David
Published: October 2004

A real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay for quantitation of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA in serum was developed. This assay detected EBV DNA in 24 (89%) of 27 sera from patients with infectious mononucleosis, but only in 9 (18%) of 51 sera from EBV carriers (P < 0.001) and in none of the sera from 32 EBV‐seronegative individuals. EBV DNA levels were higher in sera from infectious mononucleosis (median 8,000, range 1833–150,069 copies/ml) than from carriers (median < 2, range < 2–2980; P < 0.001). In sera of 36 children with infectious mononucleosis followed prospectively, EBV DNA levels correlated inversely with the duration of symptoms. Among 18 children with tumors including Hodgkin's disease (n = 7), non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 6), Burkitt's lymphoma (n = 1), lymphoproliferative disorder (n = 4), and osteosarcoma (n = 1), EBV DNA was detected in serum from those 9 (100%) expressing EBV in the tumor (Hodgkin's disease, 3; non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, 2; lymphoproliferative disorder, 4), the levels peaking at diagnosis and correlating with disease activity. Quantitation of EBV DNA in serum may offer a simple means of monitoring patients at risk of EBV‐associated lymphoproliferation. J. Med. Virol. 64:505–512, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cryoglobulinemia in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: Host genetic and virological study
Authors: Nagasaka Atsushi , Takahashi Tomoya , Sasaki Tsuyoshi , Takimoto Kyoko , Miyashita Kencho , Nakamura Michio , Wakahama Osamu , Nishikawa Shuji , Higuchi Akifumi
Published: October 2004

Essential cryoglobulinemia is associated closely with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The mechanism responsible for occurrence of the disease is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate pathogenetic roles of HCV in cryoglobulinemia. One hundred sixty‐seven consecutive patients with HCV were studied clinically by HCV grouping, HCV RNA levels, GBV‐C/HGV, HCV quasispecies (target region was hypervariable region‐1) and HLA polymorphism. The quasispecies in cryoprecipitate were compared with those in supernatant. The results of HLA polymorphism of patients with cryoglobulinemia were compared with those without cryoglobulinemia and healthy controls. The frequency of HCV‐related cryoglobulinemia was 71 of 167 (42.5%). Patients with cirrhosis (36 of 63, 57.1%) had cryoglobulinemia more frequently than those with chronic hepatitis (35 of 104, 33.7%, P < 0.01). No significant differences were not found between the two groups (patients with and without cryoglobulinemia) in age, gender, HCV grouping, HCV RNA level and frequency of GBV‐C/HGV. HCV was found quantitatively and clonally more frequently in the cryoprecipitate than in the supernatant. HLA polymorphism presented no significant differences among three groups. The stage of liver disease is one of pathogenetic factors. The greater the presence of HCV quasispecies in cryoprecipitate than in the supernatant indicates that various antigen presentations play an important role in the formation of cryoglobulin, whereas HLA typing dose not seem to contribute to the development of cryoglobulinemia. J. Med. Virol. 65:52–57, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plasma concentrations of sVCAM‐1 and severity of dengue infections
Authors: Murgue Bernadette , Cassar Olivier , Deparis Xavier
Published: October 2004

Adhesion molecules are essential for the immune response. They are involved in the regulation of cell‐to‐cell contact, thereby enabling leukocytes to communicate. Circulating forms of adhesion molecules are found in the serum of healthy individuals. Raised levels have been associated with disease severity in HCV and other infections and thus appear to be good markers of endothelial damage. The levels of soluble Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1) and of sP and sL‐selectin in the plasma of children hospitalised for dengue in French Polynesia were monitored. Studies from the 1996/1997 dengue‐2 outbreak, showed that levels of sVCAM‐1 increase steadily during the febrile period, peak on day 7, and then decline relatively rapidly. Disregarding the time frame within the febrile period, sVCAM‐1 levels were always higher compared to controls. There was a significant association between sVCAM‐1 levels and dengue haemorrhagic fever, a severe manifestation of dengue virus infection characterised by plasma leakage. No association was apparent between sVCAM‐1 levels and primary vs. secondary dengue virus infections. Levels of sP‐selectin and sL‐selectin were significantly higher in primary compared with secondary infection but were not different in patients presenting with plasma leakage. Lastly, sVCAM‐1 levels were significantly higher in an outbreak of severe disease in 1989/1990 (dengue‐3) when compared to a non‐severe outbreak in 1988/1989 (dengue‐1) and a mild outbreak in 1996/1997 (dengue‐2). The results suggested that levels of sVCAM‐1 production might prove to be a useful marker in the management of severe dengue. J. Med. Virol. 65:97–104, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of high‐risk HPV types by the hybrid capture 2 test
Authors: Terry George , Ho Linda , Londesborough Philip , Cuzick Jack , Mielzynska‐Lohnas Iwona , Lorincz Attila
Published: October 2004

A hybrid capture test that can be used to detect at least 13 high‐risk HPV types (referred to collectively as HPV‐HR) in cervical scrapes (Hybrid Capture 2 probe set B, HC2‐B) was evaluated. The HC2‐B test is accurate and highly reproducible and the results obtained show excellent agreement with those obtained by a multiplexed type‐specific polymerase chain reaction (mts‐PCR). An additional assay to identify a subset of HPV‐HR types may improve specificity without compromising sensitivity in HC2‐B positive specimens with a test result close to the cut‐off value given by 1 pg/ml HPV DNA. J. Med. Virol. 65:155–162, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reduced prevalence of serum antibodies against adeno‐associated virus type 2 in patients with adult T‐cell leukaemia lymphoma
Authors: Walz Christian M. , Nakamura Minoru , Fukunaga Toshihiko , Jasiewicz Yvonne , Edler Lutz , Schlehofer Jörg R. , Tanaka Yuetsu
Published: October 2004

Seroepidemiological studies have shown previously that cancer patients are less likely to have antibodies against the tumour suppressive adeno‐associated virus (AAV) than control groups. To examine the influence of AAV infection on the development of adult T‐cell leukaemia lymphoma (ATLL), an endemic disease in Southern Japan that is caused by infection with the human T‐cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐I), the prevalence of serum antibodies to AAV type 2 (AAV‐2) was tested in healthy HTLV‐I carriers (n = 39) and patients with ATLL (n = 31). The results showed a significant difference in AAV‐2 seropositivity between the two groups: Only 29% of the ATLL patients had IgG antibodies against AAV‐2, whereas 84.6% of the healthy HTLV‐I carriers were seropositive. Analysis of total serum IgG and antibodies against the Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) EBNA1 antigen showed that the lack of AAV antibodies in patients was not due to an ATLL‐associated immune deficiency. The lower level of AAV‐2 seropositivity in ATLL‐patients may indicate that AAV‐2 antibody‐positive HTLV‐I carriers might be less likely to develop ATLL or that loss of AAV‐2 antibodies may parallel the development of disease. J. Med. Virol. 65:185–189, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis B virus concentrations in serum determined by sensitive quantitative assays in patients with established chronic hepatitis delta virus infection
Authors: Sakugawa Hiroshi , Nakasone Hiroki , Nakayoshi Tomofumi , Kawakami Yuko , Yamashiro Tsuyoshi , Maeshiro Tatsuji , Kinjo Fukunori , Saito Atsushi , Zukeran Hiroki
Published: October 2004

To clarify the correlation between hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in patients with established chronic hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection, sensitive HBV quantitative assays were used for the study. Thirty‐four consecutive patients with chronic liver disease who were positive for both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to HDV (anti‐HDV), including 19 patients with chronic hepatitis, 8 patients with liver cirrhosis and 7 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. All were negative for hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg) and positive for antibody to HBeAg. HBV DNA was detected in 25 (73.5%) of the 34 patients using real‐time detection PCR, and the HBV DNA levels of these patients were significantly lower compared with HBeAg status and ALT level‐matched patients with chronic liver disease positive for HBsAg but negative for anti‐HDV. There was no correlation between serum HBV DNA and ALT levels among the 34 patients with chronic liver disease positive for anti‐HDV. Whereas serum ALT levels in anti‐HDV‐positive HBsAg carriers with HDV RNA were significantly higher than those without HDV RNA. Liver damage in patients with established chronic HDV infection may be caused mainly by ongoing HDV infection not by HBV replication. J. Med. Virol. 65:478–484, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Shift in predominating subtype of HCV from 1b to 3a in St. Petersburg mediated by increase in injecting drug use*
Authors: Kalinina O. , Norder H. , Vetrov T. , Zhdanov K. , Barzunova M. , Plotnikova V. , Mukomolov S. , Magnius L.O.
Published: October 2004

The genotypes of 149 HCV strains from St. Petersburg were determined by limited sequencing and phylogenetic analysis within the NS5B region. One hundred two strains derived from patients that attended infectious disease clinics, of whom 48 admitted injecting drug use, and 47 derived from dialysis patients. Subtype 3a was predominant in the patients from infectious disease clinics, both in patients that admitted injecting drug use (56%) and in those with unknown source of infection (46%). However, 89% of the strains from dialysis patients belonged to subtype 1b. Eleven of twelve characterised strains from recent cases of hepatitis C at these units were at phylogenetic analysis shown to be related to strains already circulating there, demonstrating that within the dialysis units nosocomial transmission is the most important route of HCV infection. The predominance of subtype 1b strains in dialysis patients indicates that these strains have been circulating for a long time in dialysis units. The predominance of subtype 3a also among patients who did not admit drug use and that their strains were intermixed with the strains from injecting drug users in the phylogenetic analysis shows that the increase in injecting drug use is the major factor that explains the recent spread of HCV in the St. Petersburg population. This supports the concept that injecting drug use remains the major route for HCV infection in developed countries and that the control of drug abuse is the most important measure to prevent its spread. J. Med. Virol. 65:517–524, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection and characterisation of swine hepatitis E virus in New Zealand
Authors: Garkavenko Olga , Obriadina Anna , Meng Jihong , Anderson David A. , Benard Helen J. , Schroeder Bryan A. , Khudyakov Yury E. , Fields Howard A. , Croxson Margaret C.
Published: October 2004

The objectives of the present study were to establish the presence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in New Zealand pigs, first by testing for HEV antibody in pig herds throughout New Zealand to measure the herd prevalence, then by attempting to amplify HEV genomic sequences by PCR. Antibody was measured by two independently designed ELISA serology tests. HEV RNA fragments were amplified by RT‐PCR of nucleic acid extracted from faeces of 10–12‐week‐old piglets using primers targeting ORF1, ORF2, and ORF2/3. PCR products were subject to phylogenetic analysis. Antibody to HEV was found throughout New Zealand pig herds as well as in the different age groups within the herds. Twenty herds from 22 tested were positive for HEV antibody (91% herd prevalence). Phylogenetic analysis of the amplified sequences placed this New Zealand strain of HEV closest to the human European strain It‐1 (AF 110390) and U.S. swine strain (AF 082843) with 88% and 83% similarity respectively in ORF1. It was concluded that HEV is widely distributed in the New Zealand pig population. Phylogenetic analysis shows that this is a new HEV strain, grouping most closely with the United States/European cluster, which includes HEV strains of both human and swine origin. J. Med. Virol. 65:525–529, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A‐549 is a suitable cell line for primary isolation of coxsackie B viruses
Authors: Otero J.R. , Folgueira L. , Trallero G. , Prieto C. , Maldonado S. , Babiano M.J. , Martinez‐Alonso I.
Published: October 2004

A common receptor for coxsackie B virus and adenovirus has been described recently in cells of human and murine origin. Since the established cell line A‐549 is suitable for adenoviruses, the potential use of A‐549 cells for the isolation of coxsackie B viruses from clinical samples was investigated. All throat swabs sent to the laboratory between April 1998 and June 1999 were inoculated onto monolayers of MRC‐5 and A‐549 cells in tubes, and the enterovirus isolates obtained were typed. From April to June 1999, A‐549 cells were compared prospectively to Buffalo green monkey (BGM) cells, considered as the most susceptible cell line for isolating coxsackie B viruses. Fifty‐six out of 171 enterovirus isolates (33%) displayed a cytopathic effect (CPE) in the A‐549 monolayer only, 48 isolates (28%) in the MRC‐5 monolayer only, and 67 isolates (39%) in both cell lines. Most isolates that showed CPE in A‐549 cells only (48 out of 56, 86%) were coxsackie B viruses, belonging to four different serotypes (B1, B2, B4, and B6). When BGM and A‐549 cells were inoculated in parallel, both recovered the same number of coxsackie B isolates (n = 20), and the CPE was noted on approximately the same day. In conclusion, growth in A‐549 but not MRC‐5 cells identified coxsackie B viruses in most cases. A‐549 was comparable to BGM for primary isolation of coxsackie B viruses. J. Med. Virol. 65:534–536, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemic of jungle yellow fever in Brazil, 2000: Implications of climatic alterations in disease spread
Authors: Vasconcelos P.F.C. , Costa Z.G. , Travassos da Rosa E.S. , Luna E. , Rodrigues S.G. , Barros V.L.R.S. , Dias J.P. , Monteiro H.A.O. , Oliva O.F.P. , Vasconcelos H.B. , Oliveira R.C. , Sousa M.R.S. , Barbosa Da Silva J. , Cruz A.C.R. , Martins E.C. , Travassos Da Rosa J.F.S.
Published: October 2004

Seventy‐seven human cases of sylvatic yellow fever were reported in Brazil during the period January–June 2000. The first cases were reported 1 week after New Year's day and originated at Chapada dos Veadeiros, a tourist canyon site in Goiás state, near Brasília, the Brazilian capital. The laboratory procedures used for diagnoses included serology with an IgM capture assay and plaque reduction neutralization test, virus isolation in suckling mice and C6/36 cells, and immunohistochemistry. All cases were diagnosed by at least two different laboratory procedures, with the exception of the first three fatal cases, which were diagnosed on the basis of clinical and epidemiological information. The cases were reported in eight Brazilian states as follows: Goiás with 64.9% (50 cases); Amazonas (1); Bahia (10); Distrito Federal (1); Mato Grosso (4); Minas Gerais (2); Pará (1); São Paulo (2); and Tocantins (6). Patient ages were within the following ranges: 13–74 years old (mean 34.3), 64 (84.4%) were male, especially agricultural workers (n = 30), but tourists (n = 11), carpenters (n = 4), fishermen (n = 4), students (n = 3), truck drivers (n = 3), and other people (n = 22) were also sickened. The case fatality rate was 50.6% (39/77). In Bahia state, a serologic survey that was carried out has suggested a symptomatic/asymptomatic coefficient of 1:4. Field studies developed in Distrito Federal, Goiás, and São Paulo states showed that Haemagogus janthinomys was the mosquito species associated with the transmission. A single strain was also obtained from Aedes scapularis in Bahia. Epizootic occurrence (monkey mortality) was observed in 49 municipalities mainly in Goiás state, where 40 municipalities made reports, 21 of which also diagnosed human cases. Data obtained by the National Institute of Meteorology in Brazil showed an increase in temperature and rain in December 1999 and the first 3 months of 2000 in Goiás and surrounding states, which perhaps has contributed to the intense and widespread transmission of the yellow fever virus. The relatively small number of cases probably reflects the extensive use of yellow fever 17D‐vaccine during the last 3 years, in which about 45 million doses were used. During the last months of 1999, 16 and 11 yellow fever cases were reported in Tocantins and Goiás states, respectively. It is noteworthy that the last reported autochthonous cases of sylvatic yellow fever in São Paulo and Bahia, both states outside the endemic/enzootic area, had occurred in 1953 and 1948, respectively. J. Med. Virol. 65:598–604, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human immune response to Puumala virus glycoproteins and nucleocapsid protein expressed in mammalian cells
Authors: Kallio‐Kokko Hannimari , Leveelahti Raija , Brummer‐Korvenkontio Markus , Lundkvist Åke , Vaheri Antti , Vapalahti Olli
Published: October 2004

Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) glycoproteins G1 and G2 and nucleocapsid protein (N) were expressed in BHK‐21 cells by transfection of a plasmid producing a recombinant alphavirus replicon. Coexpression of G1 and G2 from separate constructs seemed to be important for the optimal folding of the glycoproteins, as evaluated by a panel of MAbs detecting conformational epitopes. To evaluate the human antibody response against recombinant G1, G2 and N, several panels of sera were tested by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Also human sera showed the best reactivity towards G1 and G2 coexpressed from separate transcripts (G1 + G2). Notably, only 2% of the acute sera (total number = 133) contained IgG antibodies against G1 + G2, whereas of old‐immunity sera (total number = 100) 87% were G1 + G2 positive. Analysis of a panel of serial patient sera showed that as the immunity matured, IgG antibodies against the recombinant glycoproteins appeared and the titers increased in the course of time, while antibodies against the recombinant N were present already in the acute phase in high titers. The granular fluorescence pattern in PUUV IgG‐IFA, associated with the acute phase of immunity, was linked to the presence of antibodies against N, whereas the diffuse fluorescence pattern associated with old‐immunity, was linked to the development of antibodies against G1 + G2. The granular fluorescence pattern in PUUV IgG‐IFA had a predictive value of 100% for acute PUUV infection. Weak cross‐reaction with PUUV glycoproteins was observed in 36% of old‐immunity DOBV‐specific human sera. J. Med. Virol. 65:605–613, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Palliative forequarter amputation for metastatic carcinoma to the shoulder girdle region: Indications, preoperative evaluation, surgical technique, and results
Authors: Wittig James C. , Bickels Jacob , Kollender Yehuda , Kellar‐Graney Kristen L. , Meller Isaac , Malawer Martin M.
Published: October 2004

Background and Objectives

Uncontrolled metastatic carcinoma of the shoulder girdle is a difficult oncologic problem. This study reviews our experience with palliative forequarter amputation with emphasis on patient selection criteria, preoperative radiologic assessment, surgical technique, epineural postoperative analgesia, and clinical outcome.

Methods

Eight patients who underwent palliative forequarter amputation for metastatic carcinoma between 1980 and 1999 were analyzed retrospectively. Diagnoses included breast carcinoma (n = 3), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 2), hypernephroma (n = 2), and carcinoma of unknown origin (n = 1). All patients presented with severe, intractable pain and a useless extremity. Venography demonstrated obliteration of the axillary vein in each of the patients in whom this procedure was performed. Exploration of the brachial plexus confirmed tumor encasement and unresectability in all patients. Epineural catheters for bupivacaine infusion were placed for postoperative pain control.

Results

All patients experienced dramatic pain relief and improved mobility and overall function. Life‐threatening hemorrhage and sepsis were alleviated. There were no instances of phantom limb pain or adverse psychological reactions, and no complications related to epineural analgesia.

Conclusions

Palliative forequarter amputation is relatively safe and reliable and provides effective pain relief for selected patients with unresectable metastatic carcinoma to the axilla and bony shoulder girdle in whom radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy has not been effective. The triad of pain, motor loss, and an obliterated axillary vein is indicative of brachial plexus infiltration and unresectability. J. Surg. Oncol. 2001; 77:105–113. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A laser‐abrasive method for the cutting of enamel and dentin
Authors: Altshuler Gregory B. , Belikov Andrei V. , Sinelnik Yury A.
Published: October 2004

Background and Objective

This paper introduced a new method for the removal of hard dental tissue based upon the use of particles accelerated by laser irradiation, which the authors have called the laser‐abrasive method.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The particles used were sapphire as powder or an aqueous suspension. The effect of the products of enamel ablation was also investigated. The particles were accelerated using submillisecond pulses of Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers. A strobing CCD camera was used to measure the speed of the ejected particles. The additional contribution of these particles to the efficiency of laser ablation of enamel and dentin was also investigated.

Results

The results showed that the enamel particles produced by the beam—tissue interaction were also accelerated by this process of ablation and were effective in the removal of enamel and dentin. The use of an aqueous suspension of sapphire particles increased the efficiency of enamel removal threefold when compared with the use of an Er:YAG laser with water spray.

Conclusions

The laser‐abrasive method allowed for the removal of enamel and dentin at speeds approaching those of the high‐speed turbine. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:435–444, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Circumscripted pigmentations after iron injections‐treatment with Q‐switched laser systems
Authors: Raulin Christian , Werner Saskia , Greve Baerbel
Published: October 2004

Background and Objective

Cutaneous brown discolorations in the area of injection can be a cosmetically bothersome side effect from a parenteral iron treatment, and have not responsed to an effective therapy until now.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

We report retrospectively on five patients who were treated with the Q‐switched ruby and/or Nd:YAG laser for circumscripted siderosis after intramuscular or intravenous iron injection.

Results

The number of required laser treatments was between 3 and 16. The clinical improvement after the first 2–4 sessions was the most impressive, especially after the application of the Nd:YAG laser. Hypopigmentation and scars did not develop. In one case hyperpigmentation appeared.

Conclusions

This study shows that there is an effective method of clearing persistent brown discolorations with few side effects after parenteral iron therapy, using Q‐switched laser technology. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:456–460, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.