bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcome of renal transplantation in patients with positive pre‐transplant hepatitis B surface antigen
Authors: Ahn Hyung Joon , Kim Myoung Soo , Kim Yu Seun , Kim Soon Il , Huh Kyu Ha , Ju Man Ki , Ahn Sang Hoon , Han Kwang‐Hyub
Published: September 2007

The clinical outcomes of 2,054 renal recipients were examined retrospectively based on pre‐transplant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status to investigate the efficacy of lamivudine treatment in HBsAg positive recipients. Pre‐transplant HBsAg positivity was documented in 66 recipients. The 10‐year patient and graft survival rates in Ag positive group were significantly lower than those of Ag negative group (64.4/36.6% vs. 88.2/70.5%, respectively, P < 0.0001). Since 1997, lamivudine was used when hepatitis B virus polymerase chain reaction (HBV PCR) was positive or when the level of post‐transplant viral load rose. Lamivudine given to 27 recipients markedly improved both 10‐year patient and graft survivals compared to Ag positive renal recipients who did not take lamivudine (85.3/59.2% vs. 49.9/22.7%, respectively, P < 0.0001). Overall, 13 viral breakthroughs among 24 lamivudine‐responsive patients were observed. The cumulative incidence of viral breakthrough at 60 months was 53.3%. Adefovir rescue in three viral breakthroughs patients induces virological response and restoration of liver function. In 10 patients who did not changed to adefovir, 6 patients are alive with elevated liver enzymes. In conclusion, in the era of lamivudine and adefovir, renal transplantation in HBsAg positive end‐stage renal disease patients should not be abandoned. J. Med. Virol. 79:1655–1663, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of interspecies recombination among hepadnaviruses infecting cross‐species hosts
Authors: Yang Jie , Xi Qianyun , Deng Riqiang , Wang Jinwen , Hou Jinlin , Wang Xunzhang
Published: September 2007

Members of the family Hepadnaviridae are divided into two genera, Orthohepadnavirus (from mammalian) and Avihepadnavirus (from avian). Recombination had been found to occur among human hepatitis B virus (HBV) strains of different genotypes, or between hepadnavirus strains from human and nonhuman primate. To reach a comparatively complete inspection of interspecies recombination events among hepadnavirus strains from various hosts, 837 hepadnavirus complete genome sequences from human and 112 from animals were analyzed by using fragment typing to scan for potential interspecies recombinants. Further bootscanning and phylogenetic analyses of the potential recombinants revealed six genome sequences as interspecies recombinants. Interspecies recombination events were found to occur among HBV strains from human and nonhuman primates, from gibbons of different genera, from chimpanzee and an unknown host, and between two avian hepadnavirus strains from birds of different subfamilies, which was identified for the first time. HBV interspecies recombinants were found to have recombination hot spots similar to that of human HBV intergenotype recombinants, breakpoints frequently locating near gene boundaries. Interspecies recombination found in this study may alter current views on hepadnavirus host specificity. J. Med. Virol. 79:1741–1750, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutational patterns of hepatitis B virus genome and clinical outcomes after emergence of drug‐resistant variants during lamivudine therapy: Analyses of the polymerase gene and full‐length sequences
Authors: Enomoto Masaru , Tamori Akihiro , Kohmoto Madoka Toyama , Morikawa Hiroyasu , Habu Daiki , Sakaguchi Hiroki , Takeda Tadashi , Seki Shuichi , Kawada Norifumi , Shiomi Susumu , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: September 2007

It remains unclear whether mutational patterns of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome are associated with the development of severe hepatitis after the emergence of tyrosine‐methionine‐aspartate‐aspartate (YMDD) variants during lamivudine treatment. Thirty patients with chronic hepatitis B who had YMDD variants during lamivudine therapy and were followed up subsequently while receiving lamivudine alone for at least 6 months were examined retrospectively. The lamivudine resistant mutations in the HBV polymerase gene were detected by a line probe assay, and the full‐length sequences of HBV DNA were determined in some patients. Between months 5 and 33 of therapy, mutations from methionine to isoleucine at rt204 (rtM204I) were detected in 18 patients, and mutations from methionine to valine at rt204 (rtM204V) were detected in 12. The rtM204V mutations were always accompanied by mutations from leucine to methionine at rt180 (rtL180M), while rtM204I mutations were not. Baseline characteristics, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, and HBV DNA levels within 6 months after the emergence of YMDD variants did not differ significantly between patients with rtM204I alone and those with rtL180M/rtM204V. No specific mutation was identified on full‐length sequence analysis in three patients with a hepatitis flare. During long term follow‐up, the addition of rtL180M to rtM204I was found in four patients 7–31 months after detecting the change at rt204 and was linked to increased ALT levels. In conclusion, mutational patterns of HBV DNA at the time of emergence of YMDD variants were apparently unrelated to the clinical outcomes in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis B during lamivudine therapy. J. Med. Virol. 79:1664–1670, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection in Taiwanese intravenous drug users
Authors: Lin Chih‐Lin , Liu Chun‐Jen , Chen Pei‐Jer , Lai Ming‐Yang , Chen Ding‐Shinn , Kao Jia‐Horng
Published: September 2007

The epidemiology and impact of occult HBV infection in intravenous drug users remain largely unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of occult HBV infection among intravenous drug users in Taiwan. Molecular assays were used to determine the level of serum HBV DNA and the genotype in 304 intravenous drug users negative for both HBsAg and anti‐HCV. Of 304 intravenous drug users, 125 (41.1%) were positive for serum HBV DNA. The genotype distribution of HBV was as follows: B, 55 (44%); C, 29 (23%); and mixed B and C infections, 41 (33%). The mean and median serum HBV DNA levels in 125 intravenous drug users with occult HBV infection were 4.0 ± 0.6 and 4.0 log10 copies/ml, respectively. The mean serum HBV DNA level in carriers with mixed genotype B and C infections was significantly higher than those infected with HBV genotype B or genotype C alone (mean, 4.2 ± 0.6 log10 vs. 3.9 ± 0.5 log10, and 3.9 ± 0.7 log10 copies/ml, P = 0.01 and 0.05, respectively). The amino acid sequence determination of HBV surface gene in 20 intravenous drug users with occult HBV infection selected at random showed no mutation of amino acid at codon 145. In conclusion, the prevalence of occult HBV infection and mixed HBV genotype infections are not uncommon in intravenous drug users residing in an HBV endemic areas. In addition, intravenous drug users with occult mixed genotype B and C infections have significantly higher viral loads than those with occult infection of single HBV genotype. J. Med. Virol. 79:1674–1678, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutational patterns and correlated amino acid substitutions in the HIV‐1 protease after virological failure to nelfinavir‐ and lopinavir/ritonavir‐based treatments
Authors: Garriga César , Pérez‐Elías María Jesús , Delgado Rafael , Ruiz Lidia , Nájera Rafael , Pumarola Tomàs , Alonso‐Socas María del Mar , García‐Bujalance Silvia , Menéndez‐Arias Luis
Published: September 2007

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) antiviral drug resistance is a major consequence of therapy failure and compromises future therapeutic options. Nelfinavir and lopinavir/ritonavir‐based therapies have been widely used in the treatment of HIV‐infected patients, in combination with reverse transcriptase inhibitors. The aim of this observational study was the identification and characterization of mutations or combinations of mutations associated with resistance to nelfinavir and lopinavir/ritonavir in treated patients. Nucleotide sequences of 1,515 subtype B HIV‐1 isolates from 1,313 persons with different treatment histories (including naïve and treated patients) were collected in 31 Spanish hospitals over the years 2002–2005. Chi‐square contingency tests were performed to detect mutations associated with failure to protease inhibitor‐based therapies, and correlated mutations were identified using statistical methods. Virological failure to nelfinavir was associated with two different mutational pathways. D30N and N88D appeared mostly in patients without previous exposure to protease inhibitors, while K20T was identified as a secondary resistance mutation in those patients. On the other hand, L90M together with L10I, I54V, A71V, G73S, and V82A were selected in protease inhibitor‐experienced patients. A series of correlated mutations including L10I, M46I, I54V, A71V, G73S, and L90M appeared as a common cluster of amino acid substitutions, associated with failure to lopinavir/ritonavir‐based treatments. Despite the relatively high genetic barrier of some protease inhibitors, a relatively small cluster of mutations, previously selected under drug pressure, can seriously compromise the efficiency of nelfinavir‐ and lopinavir/ritonavir‐based therapies. J. Med. Virol. 79:1617–1628, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Native early antigen of Epstein–Barr virus, a promising antigen for diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Paramita Dewi K. , Fachiroh Jajah , Artama Wayan T. , van Benthem Eric , Haryana Sofia M. , Middeldorp Jaap M.
Published: September 2007

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) early antigen (EA) complex consists of multiple proteins with relevance for diagnosis of acute, chronic and malignant EBV related diseases, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In a recent study, it was found that the molecular diversity of EBV‐specific IgG and IgA antibody responses in NPC patients and demonstrated that these reflect independent B‐cell triggering leading to distinct EBV antigen‐recognition profiles. The fine‐specificity of NPC‐related IgG and IgA responses was explored further against defined recombinant and synthetic EBV‐EA antigens using immunofluorescence, immunoblot and ELISA techniques and determined their diagnostic value in a large panel of sera from NPC (n = 154), non‐NPC tumor patients (n = 133), acute mononucleosis patients (n = 70) and healthy EBV carriers (n = 259). Individual recombinant EBV‐EA markers yielded sensitivity/specificity values not exceeding 86%, whereas selected EA‐specific peptide epitopes were rather poorly recognized by IgG and IgA antibodies in NPC sera. Surprisingly, we found that a “low salt” native EA‐protein extract reproducibly prepared from purified nuclei of EA‐induced HH514 cells, and containing characteristic EA(D)‐polypeptides, such as p47‐54 (BMRF1), p138 (BALF2), p55‐DNAse (BGLF5), and p65‐TK (BXLF1), but without viral capsid (VCA) or nuclear antigen (EBNA) reactivity, gave highest sensitivity (90.4%) and specificity (95.5%) values for NPC diagnosis in both IgG and IgA ELISA. The data support further the notion that EBV‐EA reactive IgG and IgA antibodies in NPC patients are directed against distinct conformational and—in part—linear epitopes on EBV‐specific proteins, barely recognized in other EBV‐related syndromes. The use of a defined native EBV EA‐specific antigen opens the way to further improve serological diagnosis of NPC. J. Med. Virol. 79:1710–1721, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterization of G11P[25] and G3P[3] human rotavirus strains associated with asymptomatic infection in South India
Authors: Banerjee Indrani , Iturriza‐Gomara Miren , Rajendran Priya , Primrose Beryl , Ramani Sasirekha , Gray James J. , Brown David W. , Kang Gagandeep
Published: September 2007

Rotaviruses are the major etiological agents of diarrhea in children less than 5 years of age. Two unusual rotavirus strains not previously reported in India, G11P[25] (CRI 10795) and G3P[3] (CRI 33594) were isolated from faecal samples of asymptomatic children in India. The strains were characterized by sequence analysis of the genes encoding the VP7, VP4, VP6, and NSP4. The G11P[25] strain was closely related to the human G11P[25] strains from Bangladesh (with 98% identity at the nucleotide [nt] level and the amino acid [aa] level for the VP7 gene and 96% identity at the nt and 98% at the aa level for the VP4 gene). The G3P[3] strain was found to be related to a G3P[3] strain isolated in Thailand (CMH222; 88% identity at the nt level and 97% at aa level for the VP7 gene and 84% identity at the nt level and 90% at the aa level for the VP4 gene). Phylogenetic analysis of the VP6 and the NSP4 genes revealed that the Vellore G11P[25] strain was of VP6 subgroup II and NSP4 genotype B. The G3P[3] strain was identified as NSP4 genotype C and the VP6 gene showed 97% identity at the deduced amino acid level with strain CMH222 (Thailand) strain but did not cluster with sequences of SGI, SGII, SGI+II or SG‐nonI/nonII. Both strains had gene segments of animal rotavirus origin suggesting inter‐species transmission of rotavirus, and in the case of G11P[25] possibly underwent reassortment subsequently with human strains resulting in an animal–human hybrid strain. J. Med. Virol. 79:1768–1774, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterization of calicivirus strains detected in outbreaks of gastroenteritis in Argentina
Authors: Gomes Karina A. , Stupka Juan A. , Gómez Jorge , Parra Gabriel I.
Published: September 2007

Eight outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis occurred in Argentina in 2004 were tested for the presence of Calicivirus, Rotavirus and Astrovirus as possible causative agents. Caliciviruses were found in 39 out of the 100 tested samples, followed by six Astrovirus‐positive samples and two Rotavirus‐positive samples. Thirty‐seven out of the 39 Calicivirus‐positive samples were typed as Norovirus while the remaining two were typed as Sapovirus. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of 13 Norovirus‐positive samples revealed the presence of strains from the genogroups GI, GII, and GIV. Six Norovirus strains were grouped with the GIV‐1 strains, three with the GIIb strains, two with the Farmington Hill‐cluster (GII‐4) strains, and the remaining two with the GI strains. To our knowledge, this study constitutes the first report of molecular epidemiology of human Caliciviruses associated to gastroenteritis outbreaks in Argentina and the circulation of GIIb and GIV‐1 strains in South‐America. J. Med. Virol. 79:1703–1709, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genital herpes due to acyclovir‐sensitive herpes simplex virus caused secondary and recurrent herpetic whitlows due to thymidine kinase‐deficient/temperature‐sensitive virus
Authors: Shimada Yuka , Suzuki Mikiko , Shirasaki Fumiaki , Saito Eriko , Sogo Kana , Hasegawa Minoru , Takehara Kazuhiko , Phromjai Jurairatana , Chuhjo Tatsuya , Shiraki Kimiyasu
Published: September 2007

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)‐2 caused a genital ulcer in a 40‐year‐old allogenic stem cell recipient, and a secondary herpetic whitlow appeared during 2 months of acyclovir (ACV) therapy. Both genital ulcer, and whitlow were cured 3 months later, but 6 months after recovery the whitlow alone recurred. DNA of the genital, first, and recurrent whitlow isolates showed similar endonuclease digestion fragment profiles. The genital virus was ACV‐sensitive, and the two whitlow isolates were ACV‐resistant/thymidine kinase (TK)‐deficient. The TK gene of the whitlow isolates had the same frame shift from the 274th amino acid and termination at the 347th amino acid due to the deletion of a cytosine at the 819th nucleotide. Because the temperature of the thumb is 33/34°C or lower, the temperature sensitivity of the isolates were compared, and both whitlow isolates were significantly more temperature‐sensitive (ts) at 39°C than the genital isolate. The two whitlow isolates showed cutaneous pathogenicity in mouse ear pinna but not midflank, while the genital isolate was pathogenic at both sites, suggesting that temperature adaptation was an important element of pathogenicity in the whitlow. The virus populations of isolates of the genital, and first whitlow were examined by 31, and 82 clones, respectively, and the clones from genital, and whitlow isolates were ACV‐sensitive, and ‐resistant, respectively, showing their homogeneity. The acyclovir‐sensitive genital lesion had spread as a TK‐deficient/ts herpetic whitlow during ACV treatment, and an apparently TK‐deficient virus adapted to the local temperature might have caused the whitlow recurrence. J. Med. Virol. 79:1731–1740, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of hepatitis E virus from outbreak and sporadic cases in Turkmenistan
Authors: Albetkova Adilya , Drobeniuc Jan , Yashina Tatiana , Musabaev Erkin , Robertson Betty , Nainan Omana , Favorov Michael
Published: September 2007

Large outbreaks and sporadic cases of hepatitis E have been reported in Central Asia. We assessed the genetic relatedness of hepatitis E virus (HEV) strains from outbreak and sporadic cases in Turkmenistan. Specimens from outbreak and sporadic cases of acute hepatitis non‐A, non‐B were tested by reverse transcription (RT)‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify the presence of HEV RNA; nucleotide sequences were analyzed. HEV RNA was detected from 23/156 (15%) outbreak cases and 2/23 (9%) sporadic cases. The HEV outbreak isolates represented 14 unique sequences with genetic distances varying between 0.3% and 8.6%, 12 of which were closely related, with distances between 0.3% and 5.6%. Two unique sequences from outbreak cases 32 and 42 were closely related (99.7%) and shared 91.8–93.4% of sequence with the other 12 strains. The two strains were closely related to the previously published isolates from Burma (99.7–100%) and India‐Madras (95.7–96.1%). The two 1994 sporadic HEV strains were 97.4% distinct, wile revealing 91.4–94.1% homology to 1985 strains, and 94.4–94.7% to HEV from the neighboring China and Pakistan. Genetic diversity of HEV that caused the hepatitis E outbreak in Turkmenistan in 1985 suggests heterogeneity of viral sources. Sporadic hepatitis E that occurred in 1994 was caused by viral strains genetically distinct from those causing the outbreak in 1985, yet closely related to HEV from neighboring countries. The study suggests that circulation of a broad variety of strains of HEV may occur in Central Asia, regardless of international borders, presenting a significant public health threat to the population of the region. J. Med. Virol. 79:1696–1702, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Virological and clinical aspects of HBV‐HCV coinfection in HIV positive patients
Authors: Filippini Pietro , Coppola Nicola , Pisapia Raffaella , Martini Salvatore , Marrocco Cecilia , Di Martino Filomena , Sagnelli Caterina , Filippini Alberico , Sagnelli Evangelista
Published: September 2007

In a long‐term follow‐up study the clinical and virological presentation of HBV/HCV coinfection in anti‐HIV positive patients was evaluated. Plasma HBV‐DNA, HCV‐RNA, and HIV‐RNA were determined by PCR in 5 HBsAg/anti‐HCV/anti‐HIV positive patients, in 4 HBsAg/anti‐HIV positive patients and in 82 anti‐HCV/anti‐HIV positive patients first observed at a Unit of Infectious Diseases in Naples (Italy) from 1990 to 2000 (follow up 6–16 years). All five hepatitis B and C coinfected patients showed reciprocal inhibition of viral replication on admission and during the follow up. At the end of the follow up a clearance of HBsAg from serum was observed in four patients and a clearance of anti‐HCV in one of them. In two patients after clearance of HBsAg, evidence of occult HBV infection was observed, at times associated with a hepatic flare. None of the four patients with HIV/HBV coinfection lost HBsAg and none of the 82 with HIV/HCV coinfection lost anti‐HCV during the follow up. In anti‐HIV positive patients HBV/HCV coinfection is characterized by reciprocal inhibition of viral replication, more evident in HBV expression in plasma and at times by progression to occult HBV infection. J. Med. Virol. 79:1679–1685, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Linking climate change modelling to impacts studies: recent advances in downscaling techniques for hydrological modelling
Authors: Fowler H. J. , Blenkinsop S. , Tebaldi C.
Published: September 2007

There is now a large published literature on the strengths and weaknesses of downscaling methods for different climatic variables, in different regions and seasons. However, little attention is given to the choice of downscaling method when examining the impacts of climate change on hydrological systems. This review paper assesses the current downscaling literature, examining new developments in the downscaling field specifically for hydrological impacts. Sections focus on the downscaling concept; new methods; comparative methodological studies; the modelling of extremes; and the application to hydrological impacts.

Consideration is then given to new developments in climate scenario construction which may offer the most potential for advancement within the ‘downscaling for hydrological impacts’ community, such as probabilistic modelling, pattern scaling and downscaling of multiple variables and suggests ways that they can be merged with downscaling techniques in a probabilistic climate change scenario framework to assess the uncertainties associated with future projections. Within hydrological impact studies there is still little consideration given to applied research; how the results can be best used to enable stakeholders and managers to make informed, robust decisions on adaptation and mitigation strategies in the face of many uncertainties about the future. It is suggested that there is a need for a move away from comparison studies into the provision of decision‐making tools for planning and management that are robust to future uncertainties; with examination and understanding of uncertainties within the modelling system. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Human autologous plasma‐derived clot as a biological scaffold for mesenchymal stem cells in treatment of orthopedic healing
Authors: Trombi Luisa , Mattii Letizia , Pacini Simone , D'Alessandro Delfo , Battolla Barbara , Orciuolo Enrico , Buda Gabriele , Fazzi Rita , Galimberti Sara , Petrini Mario
Published: September 2007

Recent advances in the isolation, expansion, and characterization of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have raised the possibility of using them in cell therapies and tissue engineering for bone reconstruction. hMSCs, isolated from the bone marrow of eight normal adult patients, were minimally expanded ex vivo and pulsed twice toward osteogenic lineage. The cells were then included into autologous plasma‐derived clots. Cytofluorimetric analysis, immunocytochemistry (osteopontin), histochemistry (alkaline phosphatase, Alcian blue, Von Kossa, and alizarin red staining), and viable/proliferation tests were performed to study both stem and differentiating cells. Although two short inductions increased osteogenic markers in hMSCs, inside the clot the cells were able to terminally differentiate into osteoblasts. Moreover, we show that the clot is able to sustain cell proliferation under appropriate cell culture conditions. Our results suggested that clot could be useful for hMSC delivery into the site of the lesion to promote bone formation. Moreover, the plasticity of this material allowed good in vitro hMSC spreading and proliferation. The advantages of using this autologous biological material are its biocompatibility and reabsorption; furthermore, using a gel as scaffold, it is possible to mold it to the shape of a bone cavity. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:176–183, 2008
Knee angle and force vector‐dependent variations in open and closed kinetic chain for M. popliteus activation
Authors: Stensdotter Ann‐Katrin , Dalén Tore , Holmgren Christer , Häger‐Ross Charlotte
Published: September 2007

The popliteus muscle is short and deeply situated in the posterior aspect of the knee, and contributes to control knee joint position. Little is known how activation of the popliteus is controlled. We hypothesized that for the purpose of securing knee joint position, the popliteus would be activated prior to the prime movers of the knee, and that activation would occur earlier and be amplified with increased structural laxity due to joint loading direction and position. Surface and fine wire electromyography (EMG) was used to measure onset and amplitude of muscle activity in the popliteus and three parts of the quadriceps in 10 healthy women (age 25 ± 4 years). Subjects performed seated isometric knee extensions in 30° and 90° knee flexion in open (OKC) and closed kinetic chain (CKC) in a reaction time task. The popliteus was activated after the quadriceps in all tasks, but with shorter latency relative to the quadriceps in CKC, independent of knee flexion angle. EMG amplitude was greatest for all muscles in OKC in the 30° knee flexion. Biomechanical variables alone do not explain popliteus activation. In addition to biomechanics, behavioral, and habitual aspects need to be considered in further studies. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:217–224, 2008
Late Quaternary vegetation, climate and fire dynamics inferred from the El Tiro record in the southeastern Ecuadorian Andes
Authors: Niemann Holger , Behling Hermann
Published: September 2007

In order to study the stability and dynamics of mountain rainforest and paramo ecosystems, including the biodiversity of these ecosystems, the Holocene and late Pleistocene climate and fire variability, and human impact in the southeastern Ecuadorian Andes, we present a high‐resolution pollen record from El Tiro Pass (2810 m elevation), Podocarpus National Park. Palaeoenvironmental changes, investigated by pollen, spores and charcoal analysis, inferred from a 127 cm long core spanning the last ca. 21 000 cal. yr BP, indicate that grass‐paramo was the main vegetation type at the El Tiro Pass during the late Pleistocene period. The grass‐paramo was rich in Poaceae, Plantago rigida and Plantago australis, reflecting cold and moist climatic conditions. During the early Holocene, from 11 200 to 8900 cal. yr BP, subparamo and upper mountain rainforest vegetation expanded slightly, indicating a slow warming of climatic conditions during this period. From 8900 to 3300 cal. yr BP an upper mountain rainforest developed at the study site, indicated by an increase in Hedyosmun, Podocarpaceae, Myrsine and Ilex. This suggests a warmer climate than the present day at this elevation. The modern subparamo vegetation became established since 3300 cal. yr BP at El Tiro Pass. Fires, probably anthropogenic origin, were very rare during the late Pleistocene but became frequent after 8000 cal. yr BP. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peniophora lycii phytase is stabile and degrades phytate and solubilises minerals in vitro during simulation of gastrointestinal digestion in the pig
Authors: Pontoppidan Katrine , Pettersson Dan , Sandberg Ann‐Sofie
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Microbial phytases (EC 3.1.3) are widely used in diets for monogastric animals to hydrolyse phytate present in the feed and thereby increase phosphorus and mineral availability. Previous work has shown that phytate solubility is strongly affected by calcium in the feed and by pH in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which may have an effect on phytase efficacy. An in vitro model simulating the GI tract of pigs was used to study the survival of Peniophora lycii phytase and the effect of the phytase on phytate degradation, inositol phosphate formation and mineral solubilisation during in vitro digestion of a 30:70 soybean meal/maize meal blend with different calcium levels.

RESULTS: The phytase retained 76 and 80% of its initial activity throughout the gastric in vitro digestion. Total phytate hydrolysis by P. lycii phytase was in the same range at total calcium levels of 1.2 and 6.2 mg g−1 dry matter (DM), despite very large differences in phytate solubility at these calcium levels. However, at 11.2 and 21.2 mg Ca g−1 DM, phytate hydrolysis was significantly lower. The amount of soluble mineral was generally increased by P. lycii phytase.

CONCLUSION: Stability of P. lycii phytase during gastric digestion was not found to be critical for phytate hydrolysis. Furthermore, original phytate solubility was not an absolute requirement for phytate degradation; phytate solubility seemed to be in a steady state, allowing insoluble phytate to solubilise as soluble phytate was degraded. This is new and interesting knowledge that adds to the current understanding of phytate–phytase interaction. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Interaction between nitrogen and sulfur by foliar application and its effects on flour bread‐making quality
Authors: Tea Illa , Genter Thierry , Naulet Norbert , Lummerzheim Marie , Kleiber Didier
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Optimization of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) nutrition of wheat influences the bread‐making quality of grain. This study was conducted to determine whether the application of N and S in winter wheat at anthesis stage during two field trials could influence the absorption and distribution of N and S in grain and flour bread‐making quality

RESULTS: The incorporation of 15N and 34S tracers in various plant parts (leaves, stems, spikes) was determined by isotopic ratio mass spectrometry coupled with an elemental analyser (EA‐IRMS). The effects of foliar fertilization on percentage of 15N and 34S recovery in various plant parts, grain yield, flour protein content, and dough properties were investigated after a combination of treatments: N (urea), S (micronized elemental S) and NS (both urea and micronized elemental S). Nitrogen (70–80%) and S (35–55%) were quickly assimilated during the days following application. Sixty days after application, 42–68% N and 6–12% S were recovered in the grain. When N and S fertilizers were applied simultaneously, N and S recoveries (68% and 12%), N/S ratios (11–14), flour protein content (115 g kg−1) and dough strength (310 × 10−4 J), swelling (21.8 mmH2O) and extensibility (96.4 mm) were increased.

CONCLUSION: A synergistic effect between the foliar applied N and S fertilizers appears to increase N and S assimilation in grain and may improve bread‐making qualities. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
In vivo quantification of fluorescent molecular markers in real‐time by ratio imaging for diagnostic screening and image‐guided surgery
Authors: Bogaards A. , Sterenborg H.J.C.M , Trachtenberg J. , Wilson B.C. , Lilge L.
Published: September 2007

Future applications of “molecular diagnostic screening” and “molecular image‐guided surgery” will demand images of molecular markers with high resolution and high throughput (∼≥30 frames/second). MRI, SPECT, PET, optical fluorescence tomography, hyper‐spectral fluorescence imaging, and bioluminescence imaging do not offer such high frame rates. 2D optical fluorescence imaging can provide surface images with high resolution and high throughput. The ability to accurately quantify the fluorescence in vivo is critical to extract functional information of the disease state, however few methods are available. Here, a ratiometric 2D quantification method is introduced. Through mathematical modeling the performance was evaluated using optical properties that resembled biological tissues with the fluorescent marker Protoporhyrin IX. Experimentally the performance was evaluated in optical phantoms with different optical properties employing a novel prototype clinical imaging system. The clinical feasibility of real‐time, image‐guided surgery was demonstrated in patients undergoing prostatectomy. Discussed are the reasons why the introduced method leads to an increased quantification performance followed by modifications so it can be applied to novel fluorescent molecular markers as phthalocyanine 4 and dual‐fluorescent markers. These offer additional advantages as these can provide a linear response to marker concentration and further minimize the dependence on autofluorescence and optical properties, as demonstrated through modeling. Lesers Surg. Med. 39:605–613, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Er:YAG laser osteotomy for removal of impacted teeth: Clinical comparison of two techniques
Authors: Stübinger Stefan , von Rechenberg vet Brigitte , Zeilhofer Hans‐Florian , Sader Robert , Landes Constantin
Published: September 2007

Background and Objectives

In contrast to many techniques currently employed for osteotomy, like saws, drills or modulated ultrasound, lasers offer non‐contact and low‐vibration bone cutting. Therefore, this report examines the benefits to laser osteotomy in oral surgery using two different short‐pulsed Er:YAG laser systems.

Materials and Methods

Er:YAG lasers, using either a fiber‐optic delivery system and an articulated arm delivery system, were used to remove impacted teeth in 30 patients. In 15 patients an Er:YAG laser utilizing a fiber‐optic delivery system was applied for cutting bone, with a pulse energy of 500 mJ, a pulse duration of 250 microseconds and frequency of 12 Hz (energy density 177 J/cm2). The other 15 patients were treated with an Er:YAG laser utilizing an articulated arm delivery system, with a pulse energy of 1,000 mJ, a pulse duration of 300 microseconds and a frequency of 12 Hz (energy density 157 J/cm2).

Results

In all cases the lasers allowed precise bone ablation without any visible, negative, thermal side‐effects. Since the laser tip was used in a non‐contact mode and could be positioned freely, unrestricted cut geometries were feasible. Adjacent soft tissue structures could be preserved and were not harmed by the laser beam. However, osteotomies were time consuming, especially if teeth had to be separated. The level of water irrigation limited the use of the laser. In 20% of the cases in which the articulated arm delivery laser was used to section teeth, it was necessary to use a conventional dental drill to finish the procedure.

Conclusion

This bone ablation technique, using short Er:YAG laser pulses and water spray, produced good clinical results without any impairment to wound healing. However, for now, the lack of depth control and the time required to perform the necessary osteotomy limit routine clinical application. Lesers Surg. Med. 39:583–588, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endoscopic free electron laser technique development for minimally invasive optic nerve sheath fenestration
Authors: Shah Rohan J. , Shen Jin H. , Joos Karen M.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This study proposed to develop a technique for efficiently accessing the posterior orbital space using endoscopy and attempted application of free electron laser (FEL) energy, biopsy forceps, electrocautery, and CO2 insufflation to posterior orbital tissues.

Methods

Through an inferior transconjunctival incision, access to the posterior orbital space was attempted in 14 eyes of 7 non‐survival pigs. FEL energy (6.1 µm, 30 Hz, delivered via 250 µm hollow‐glass waveguide), biopsy forceps, and monopolar electrocautery application were endoscopically attempted in the posterior orbit. CO2 gas insufflation effects were assessed by analyzing arterial blood gases at 30‐minute intervals for 1.5 hours.

Results

The posterior orbit was accessed in 13 of 14 eyes, the optic nerve was encountered, and FEL energy was applied in 8 of 14 eyes. Use of biopsy forceps and electrocautery were successful. Although ANOVA results for arterial blood gas changes were not statistically significant, visibility was adequate without CO2 insufflation.

Conclusions

The posterior orbit was endoscopically accessed and the optic nerve was exposed and successfully treated with FEL energy. CO2 insufflation did not alter blood gases, but did not further enhance visibility in this study. Lesers Surg. Med. 39:589–596, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photothermal antimicrobial nanotherapy and nanodiagnostics with self‐assembling carbon nanotube clusters
Authors: Kim Jin‐Woo , Shashkov Evgeny V. , Galanzha Ekaterina I. , Kotagiri Nalinikanth , Zharov Vladimir P.
Published: September 2007

Background and Objectives

Unique properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) would open new avenues for addressing challenges to realize rapid and sensitive antimicrobial diagnostics and therapy for human pathogens. In this study, new CNTs' capabilities for photothermal (PT) antimicrobial nanotherapy were explored in vitro using Escherichia coli as a model bacterium.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were incubated with E. coli K12 strain. CNTs' locations in bacteria and laser‐induced thermal and accompanied effects around CNTs were estimated with TEM and PT microscopy, respectively. Multi‐pulse lasers at 532 and 1064 nm with 12‐ns pulse duration were used for irradiating sample mixtures at different laser fluences. Cell viability was evaluated using a bacterial viability test kit and epi‐fluorescence microscopy.

Results

This study revealed CNTs' high binding affinity to bacteria, their capability to self‐assemble as clusters at bacteria surfaces, and their inherent near‐infrared (NIR) laser responsiveness. Cell viability was affected neither by CNTs alone nor by NIR irradiations alone. Notable changes in bacteria viability, caused by local thermal and accompanied bubble‐formation phenomena, were observed starting at laser fluences of 0.1–0.5 J/cm2 with complete bacteria disintegration at 2–3 J/cm2 at both wavelengths. Furthermore, ethanol in reaction mixtures significantly (more than one order) enhanced bubble formation phenomena.

Conclusion

This first application of laser‐activated CNTs as PT contrast antimicrobial agents demonstrated its great potential to cause irreparable damages to disease‐causing pathogens as well as to detect the pathogens at single bacterium level. This unique integration of laser and nanotechnology may also be used for drinking water treatment, food processing, disinfection of medical instrumentation, and purification of grafts and implants. Furthermore, the significant ethanol‐induced enhancement of bubble formation provides another unique possibility to improve the efficiency of selective nanophotothermolysis for treating cancers, wounds, and vascular legions. Lesers Surg. Med. 39:622–634, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BV‐estimates of Lax–Friedrichs' scheme for hyperbolic conservation laws with relaxation
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhu Changjiang
Published: September 2007

In this paper, we will give BV‐estimates of Lax–Friedrichs' scheme for a simple hyperbolic system of conservation laws with relaxation and get the global existence and uniqueness of BV‐solution by the BV‐estimates above. Furthermore, our results show that the solution converge towards the solution of an equilibrium model as the relaxation time ε>0 tends to zero provided sub‐characteristic condition holds. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The mechanism by which dietary AGEs are a risk to human health is via their interaction with RAGE: Arguing against the motion
Authors: Heizmann Claus W.
Published: September 2007

We are interested in the regulation of intracellular calcium and the various diseases associated with an altered regulation of this second messenger. More recently, we also became interested in pathologies involving the Ca2+‐binding S100 proteins and AGEs and their association with the multifunctional Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts (RAGE).

Introduction: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200700017

Pro arguments: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200700008
Dietary ALEs are a risk to human health – NOT!
Authors: Baynes John W.
Published: September 2007

Advanced lipoxidation end‐products (ALEs) are formed by reaction of protein with lipid‐derived reactive peroxyl and carbonyl compounds produced during food processing and cooking. There is concern that ALEs may induce damage in the gastrointestinal tract, affecting gut health, or enter the body and promote vascular inflammation and tissue damage. However, there is no direct evidence that ALE‐proteins are a source of damage in the intestines or that they are transported into the circulation and cause pathology. Modification of proteins by ALEs impedes their digestion, and reactive ALEs released by gastrointestinal proteases would react with proteins or peptides in the gut, limiting their absorption. There are also potent enzymatic mechanisms for detoxifying ALEs or their precursors prior to their entry into the circulation. If ALEs gain access to the circulation, a battery of protective enzymes in tissue provides a second level of defense. These enzymes may be induced in intestinal epithelia and liver by low doses of ALEs, and adaptive responses would provide enhanced protection against future exposure to ALEs. Overall, except in persons with compromised organ function, e. g., vascular, hepatic, or renal diseases, there is little evidence that food ALEs will have any significant pathological effects.

Introduction: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200700030

Pro arguments: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200600303
Evidence against dietary advanced glycation endproducts being a risk to human health
Authors: Ames Jennifer M.
Published: September 2007

In vivo, advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) are linked to various diseases, particularly those associated with diabetes. AGEs are also formed when many foods are thermally processed. The extent to which dietary AGEs are absorbed by the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and their possible role in the onset and promotion of disease are currently of considerable interest. This paper reviews information that supports the argument that dietary AGEs are not a risk to human health.

Introduction: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200700067

Pro arguments: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200700035
Arguing for the motion: Yes, RAGE is a receptor for advanced glycation endproducts
Authors: Ramasamy Ravichandran , Yan Shi Fang , Schmidt Ann Marie
Published: September 2007

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) are an heterogenous class of compounds formed by diverse stimuli, including hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, renal failure, and innate aging. Recent evidence suggests that dietary sources of AGE may contribute to pathology. AGEs impart diverse effects in cells; evidence strongly suggests that crosslinking of proteins by AGEs may irrevocably alter basement membrane integrity and function. In addition, the ability of AGEs to bind to cells and activate signal transduction, thereby affecting broad properties in the cellular milieu, indicates that AGEs are not innocent bystanders in the diseases of AGEing. Here, we present evidence that receptor for AGE (RAGE) is a receptor for AGEs.

Introduction: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200700017

Contra arguments: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200600284
Dietary AGEs and ALEs and risk to human health by their interaction with the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) – an introduction
Authors: Thornalley Paul J.
Published: September 2007

The receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) has a well‐substantiated role in cell dysfunction and mechanisms of inflammatory disease. The physiological agonists of RAGE are less certain: S100/calgranulin proteins, high mobility group‐1 protein HMGB1 and other proteins are candidate agonists. It increasingly appears unlikely proteins modified by advanced glycation endproducts are effective agonists in vivo. In the following debate, Professors Ann Marie Schmidt and Claus Heizmann gave arguments and evidences for and against the motion. Recent evidence suggesting the activation of RAGE impairs the enzymatic defence against glycation provided by glyoxalase 1 (Glo 1) suggests that studies of RAGE will continue to be of importance to our understanding of the physiological significance of protein glycation.

Pro arguments: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200700008

Contra arguments: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200600284
Dietary advanced lipoxidation products as risk factors for human health – a call for data
Authors: Monnier Vincent M.
Published: September 2007

Pro arguments: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200600303

Contra arguments: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200600287
Dietary advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) and their health effects – PRO
Authors: Šebeková Katarína , Somoza Veronika
Published: September 2007

Thermal processing of food results in the formation of various novel compounds, among others advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). AGEs result from nonenzymatic glycation reactions between reducing sugars and free amino groups of proteins, peptides, or amino acids. Due to their potential noxious effects, alimentary AGEs are also called glycotoxins. This review provides a summary of the available evidence on the health effects of exaggerated intake of thermally treated food. Data from experimental studies in rodents and from clinical studies in healthy volunteers and in patients suffering from selected diseases in which AGEs are of pathogenetic importance (diabetes, chronic renal failure) are summarized. It is concluded that, an exaggerated intake of thermally processed foods may exert in vivo diabetogenic and nephrotoxic effects, induce low‐grade inflammation, enhance oxidative stress, and promote atherosclerosis.

Introduction: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200700067

Contra arguments: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200600304
Dietary advanced glycation end products – a risk to human health? A call for an interdisciplinary debate
Authors: Henle Thomas
Published: September 2007

Physiological consequences resulting from protein‐bound Maillard compounds in foods must be discussed carefully. This was the idea behind the debate, which is put for discussion by the papers by Sebekova and Somoza, who argued for the motion that dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a health risk, and by Ames, who provided evidence against the motion. In this two excellent reviews, numerous arguments based on papers published in high‐impact journals are given for each of the opinions. The fact that no final conclusion can be drawn, may reflect the need for a more comprehensive examination of this issue in the future. For a deeper understanding of biological consequences resulting from heated foods, the relationships between well‐defined biological effects and well‐characterized chemical structures must be studied. Prerequisite for this is profound chemistry – pure compounds, exact concentrations, and unambiguous analytical techniques. A real “risk assessment” is much too complex than to leave it up to one discipline alone. It must be a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, joining the resources of biology, medicine, and chemistry.

This article provides an introduction to “Dietary AGEs are a risk to human health“

Pro arguments: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200700035

Contra arguments: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.200600304
Complete assignments of 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic data for two new triterpenoid saponins from Ilex pernyi
Authors: Xie Guang‐bo , Lei Lian‐di , Tu Peng‐fei
Published: September 2007

Ilexpernoside A and ilexpernoside B, two new pentacyclic C4‐nortriterpenoid saponins, were isolated from the leaves of Ilex pernyi Franch. Their chemical structures were determined by MS, NMR spectroscopy and chemical analysis. Complete assignments of the 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic data were achieved by 1D and 2D NMR experiments (HSQC, HMBC, 1H–1H COSY and NOESY). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.