bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PLGA conduit seeded with olfactory ensheathing cells for bridging sciatic nerve defect of rats
Authors: Li Bing‐Cang , Jiao Shu‐Sheng , Xu Chuan , You Hua , Chen Jian‐Mei
Published: March 2010

PLGA is thought to be a promising material for nerve scaffold. OECs have been shown to promote axon outgrowth and myelination following peripheral nerve transection. This study assessed the compatibility between PLGA and OECs in vitro, and evaluated the effect of PLGA conduit filled with OECs and extracellular matrix gel (ECM) (POE group) on 10 mm‐defect sciatic nerve of rats. Silicon‐OECs—EMC (SOE group), PLGA‐ECM (PE group), and silicon‐ECM (SE group)—were used as the controls. The survival and distribution of OECs in vivo, neurohistology and neurofunction of the bridged nerve, were quantitatively evaluated from 1 week to 12 weeks after surgery. PLGA possessed complete compatibility with OECs. After implantation, OECs migrated along the axis of the nerve and survived longer in the POE group than in the SOE group. Gross recovery of the animal, like ulcerious and autophagical rate as well as relative diameter recovery rate of the fiber, was more successful in the POE group than in other groups. The number of the fiber in the middle and distal segments of bridged sites and neurons in anterior horn of the spinal cord was increased in both OECs‐contained groups, but the diameter and the myeline thickness of the fiber were increased only in the POE group. The nerve conduction velocity and the amplitude of compound muscle active potential were improved much successfully in the PLGA‐guided group than in the silicon‐guided group, but the best improvement was encountered in the POE group. Sciatic function index was not improved in all groups at 12 weeks after surgery due to the injury model. These results suggested that PLGA filled with OECs is a significant alternative to conventional autograft in repairing peripheral nerve defects, and OECs are potential seed cells for peripheral nerve tissue engineering. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010
Extracellular matrix proteins and astrocyte‐derived soluble factors influence the differentiation and proliferation of adult neural progenitor cells
Authors: Ariza Carlos Atico , McHugh Kyle P. , White Steven J. , Sakaguchi Donald S. , Mallapragada Surya K.
Published: March 2010

To control the differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs), the synergistic influence of topography, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and soluble factors were investigated. Previously, in our laboratory, astrocyte‐derived soluble factors were found to promote differentiation of adult hippocampal progenitor cells (AHPCs) into neurons when grown on a laminin substrate (Oh et al., J Biomed Mater Res A 2009;91:575–585). Here, we determined that the ECM protein on which AHPCs are cultured does not seem to alter this neurogenic effect or the differentiation of AHPCs when grown alone. However, AHPCs cultured on ECL (a combination of entactin, collagen, and laminin) in the presence of soluble factors from hippocampal astrocytes, differentiated into a significantly greater percentage of oligodendrocytes (∼34% on ECL vs. ∼19% on laminin). Furthermore, a concomitant decrease in the percentage of proliferating cells was observed on the ECL (∼38% on ECL vs. ∼55% on laminin). In addition, the increase in AHPC differentiation into oligodendrocytes on ECL occurred only in the presence of soluble factors from astrocytes, and not when AHPCs were cultured alone. Finally, we demonstrated that micro‐scale topography did not influence the phenotypic differentiation in all conditions tested. These results show that a combination of astrocyte‐derived soluble factors and ECM can dramatically affect the differentiation and proliferation of NPCs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010
Osteoconductivity of modified fluorcanasite glass–ceramics for bone tissue augmentation and repair
Authors: Bandyopadhyay‐Ghosh S. , Faria P. E. P. , Johnson A. , Felipucci D. N. B. , Reaney I. M. , Salata L. A. , Brook I. M. , Hatton P. V.
Published: March 2010

Modified fluorcanasite glasses were fabricated by either altering the molar ratios of Na2O and CaO or by adding P2O5 to the parent stoichiometric glass compositions. Glasses were converted to glass–ceramics by a controlled two‐stage heat treatment process. Rods (2 mm × 4 mm) were produced using the conventional lost‐wax casting technique. Osteoconductive 45S5 bioglass was used as a reference material. Biocompatibility and osteoconductivity were investigated by implantation into healing defects (2 mm) in the midshaft of rabbit femora. Tissue response was investigated using conventional histology and scanning electron microscopy. Histological and histomorphometric evaluation of specimens after 12 weeks implantation showed significantly more bone contact with the surface of 45S5 bioglass implants when compared with other test materials. When the bone contact for each material was compared between experimental time points, the Glass–Ceramic 2 (CaO rich) group showed significant difference (p = 0.027) at 4 weeks, but no direct contact at 12 weeks. Histology and backscattered electron photomicrographs showed that modified fluorcanasite glass–ceramic implants had greater osteoconductivity than the parent stoichiometric composition. Of the new materials, fluorcanasite glass–ceramic implants modified by the addition of P2O5 showed the greatest stimulation of new mineralized bone tissue formation adjacent to the implants after 4 and 12 weeks implantation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010
A cellular implantation system using an injectable ultra‐purified alginate gel for repair of osteochondral defects in a rabbit model
Authors: Igarashi Tatsuya , Iwasaki Norimasa , Kasahara Yasuhiko , Minami Akio
Published: March 2010

We developed a novel cellular implantation system using an in situ forming ultra‐purified alginate gel with quite low endotoxity. The aims of this study were to determine the superiority of chondrogenic potential of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) cultured in the purified alginate gel compared with a commercial grade gel, and to assess reparative tissues treated with BMSCs implanted using the developed system into cartilage defects in rabbit knees. The effects of each alginate gel on cellular proliferation and chondrogenesis of rabbit BMSCs were determined by in vitro assessments. Using our purified alginate gel, a novel vehicle system for injecting BMSCs into osteochondral defects without periosteal patch was successfully established in this animal models. The in vitro analyses demonstrated that the purification of alginate significantly enhanced the cellular proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The in vivo assessments suggested that the implantation of BMSCs with the developed system using the purified alginate gel histologically and mechanically improved the reparative tissue of osteochondral defects. This system using the purified alginate gel shows the clinical potential for arthroscopically injectable implantation of BMSCs for the treatment of cartilaginous lesions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010
Polymorphisms of agr locus correspond to distinct genetic patterns of virulence in Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates from orthopedic implant infections
Authors: Montanaro Lucio , Speziale Pietro , Campoccia Davide , Pirini Valter , Ravaioli Stefano , Cangini Ilaria , Visai Livia , Arciola Carla Renata
Published: March 2010

Staphylococcus aureus is the leading etiologic agent of orthopedic implant infections. It is endowed with the accessory gene regulator (agr) locus that modulates expression of many virulence genes. Four allelic groups of agr have been recognized within this bacterial species. Here, 200 S. aureus isolates from orthopedic implant infections, typed at the start depending on their agr group, were screened for the presence of adhesin and leukotoxin genes. Interestingly, specific virulence gene patterns emerged in association with agr groups. The most frequently observed agr groups, agr I and agr II, were associated with the presence of sdrE, fib (agr II more than agr I), fnbB (agr I more than agr II), and lukE/lukD (agr II more than agr I). The third more frequent agr group, agr III, differed clearly from agr I and II, exhibiting high prevalence of bbp, generally not harbored by agr I and II, and copresence of bbp with cna, whereas high prevalence of the tandem sdrE/fib marked definitely agr II (91% of agr II isolates), and, though less strictly, agr I, in which prevailed the peculiar fib/fnbB pattern. The only four isolates belonging to agr IV showed full copresence of bbp with fib. Results point out distinct patterns of virulence genes, which underlie distinct evolutive strategies associated to agr groups in S. aureus causing orthopedic implant infections. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010
Bond strength to high‐crystalline content zirconia after different surface treatments
Authors: de Souza Grace M. Dias , Silva Nelson R. F. A. , Paulillo Luis A.M.S. , De Goes Mario F. , Rekow E. Dianne , Thompson Van P.
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of primers, luting systems and aging on bond strength to zirconium oxide substrates. Eighteen zirconia discs (19.5 × 4 mm) were polished and treated (n = 3) either with a MDP primer (Md) or with a MDP and VBATDT primer (MV). In the control group (n = 3) no surface chemical treatment was performed. Zirconia specimens were cemented to prepolymerized composite discs utilizing resin cements ‐ RelyX Unicem or Panavia 21 (RU and Pa, respectively). After 24 h, samples were sectioned for microtensile testing and returned to water at 37°C for two different periods before being tested: 72 h or 60 days + thermocycling (5–55°C/5000 cycles). Bond strength testing was performed at 1 mm/min. Values in MPa were analyzed through ANOVA and Tukey's Studentized Range (HSD) (p > 0.05). The application of MV primer resulted in the highest bond strength (22.77 MPa), statistically superior to Md primer (12.78 MPa), and control groups presented the lowest values (9.17 MPa). When luting systems were compared, RU promoted the highest bond strength (16.07 MPa) in comparison with Pa (13.75 MPa). The average bond strength decrease after aging (9.35 MPa) when compared with initial values (20.46 MPa). The results presented by this in vitro study suggest that a chemical surface treatment based on the MDP and VBATDT combination may improve bond strength between zirconia and luting system, without any previous mechanical treatment, depending on the luting system used. This chemical treatment may result in a reliable alternative to achieve adequate and durable bond strength. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Calcium phosphate‐based composites as injectable bone substitute materials
Authors: Low Kah Ling , Tan Soon Huat , Zein Sharif Hussein Sharif , Roether Judith A. , Mouriño Viviana , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: March 2010

A major weakness of current orthopedic implant materials, for instance sintered hydroxyapatite (HA), is that they exist as a hardened form, requiring the surgeon to fit the surgical site around an implant to the desired shape. This can cause an increase in bone loss, trauma to the surrounding tissue, and longer surgical time. A convenient alternative to harden bone filling materials are injectable bone substitutes (IBS). In this article, recent progress in the development and application of calcium phosphate (CP)‐based composites use as IBS is reviewed. CP materials have been used widely for bone replacement because of their similarity to the mineral component of bone. The main limitation of bulk CP materials is their brittle nature and poor mechanical properties. There is significant effort to reinforce or improve the mechanical properties and injectability of calcium phosphate cement (CPC) and this review resumes different alternatives presented in this specialized literature. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Repairing goat tibia segmental bone defect using scaffold cultured with mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Liu Xinhui , Li Xiaoming , Fan Yubo , Zhang Guoping , Li Dongmei , Dong Wei , Sha Ziyi , Yu Xiaoguang , Feng Qingling , Cui Fuzhai , Watari Fumio
Published: March 2010

In this study, we investigated cellular biocompatibility in vitro and segmental bone defect repairing efficacy in vivo of a previously reported fibre‐reinforced scaffold, nano‐hydroxyapatite/collagen/poly (L‐lactic acid) (PLLA)/chitin fibres (nHACP/CF). First, attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of the goat bone mesenchymal stem cells (GBMSCs) cultured on the nHACP/CF scaffolds were evaluated in vitro. The results showed that cells attached to the scaffolds well, and there was no significant difference in cell proliferation between cells on the scaffolds and cells on the polystyrene culture plates that were used as a control. The results also showed that alkaline phosphatase (ALP)/DNA of the cells cultured on the scaffolds was significantly higher than that on the control. The in vivo study compared the bone defect repairing efficacy of nHACP/CF scaffolds with that of autograft bone. Thirty‐two adult male goats with 25‐mm defects in their tibias at the same anatomic site were divided into four groups. The first group was implanted with the nHACP/CF with GBMSCs. The second group was implanted with autograft bone. The third group was implanted with the nHACP/CF. Nothing was implanted in the fourth group. Bone growth was evaluated by radiography, histology, and biomechanics. The results showed that although the nHACP/CF had new bone formation, it could not repair the defect fully while nHACP/CF with GBMSCs cultured and autograft bone could repair the segmental bone defect by 8 weeks after surgery, suggesting that nHACP/CF is an appropriate scaffold for bone tissue engineering. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Injectable bone cement based on mineralized collagen
Authors: Liu Xi , Wang Xiu‐Mei , Chen Zonggang , Cui Fu‐Zhai , Liu Huan‐Ye , Mao Keya , Wang Yan
Published: March 2010

A novel injectable bone cement based on mineralized collagen was reported in this paper. The cement was fabricated by introducing calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CaSO4·1/2H2O, CSH) into nano‐hydroxyapatite/collagen (nHAC). The workability, in vitro degradation, in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of the cement (nHAC/CSH) were studied. The comparative tests via in vitro and in vivo showed that the nHAC/CSH composite cement processed better biocompatibiltiy than that of pure CSH cement. The results implied that this new injectable cement should be very promising for bone repair. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Cross‐talk between T‐Ag presence and pRb family and p53/p73 signaling in mouse and human medulloblastoma
Authors: Caracciolo Valentina , Macaluso Marcella , D'Agostino Luca , Montanari Micaela , Scheff Jonathan , Reiss Krzysztof , Khalili Kamel , Giordano Antonio
Published: March 2010

The formation and progression of mudulloblastoma (MB) is poorly understood. However, somatic inactivation of pRb/p105, in combination with a somatic or a germ‐line TP53 inactivation, leads to MB in a mouse model. Presently, there is no specific evidence of pathway/s alterations for the other two members of the retinoblastoma family, pRb2/p130 and/or p107 in MB. JC virus (JCV) is a human polyomavirus. Although there is no firm evidence that this virus plays a causal role in human neoplasia, it has been clearly proven that JCV is highly oncogenic when injected into the brain of experimental animals. The mechanism of JCV‐induced tumorigenesis is not entirely clear. However, several studies relate the oncogenic properties of JCV mainly to its early protein large T‐antigen (T‐Ag), which is able to bind and inactivate both TP53 and Rb family proteins. Here, we compared the protein expression profiles of p53, p73, pRb family proteins, and PCNA, as main regulators of cell proliferation and death, in different cell lines of mouse primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET), either T‐Ag‐positive or ‐negative, and in human MB cell lines. Our goal was to determine if changes in the relative expression of these regulators could trigger molecular perturbations underlying MB pathogenesis in mouse and human cells. Our results support that the presence of JCV T‐Ag may interfere with the expression of pRb family proteins, specific p73 isoforms, and p53. In turn, this “perturbation” may trigger a network of signals strictly connected with survival and apoptosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 182–190, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of a synthetic cannabinoid agonist on the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells
Authors: Xian Xiang‐Shu , Park Hyeyeon , Cho Yu Kyung , Lee In Seok , Kim Sang Woo , Choi Myung‐Gyu , Chung In‐Sik , Han Ki‐Hwan , Park Jae Myung
Published: March 2010

Although cannabinoids are associated with antineoplastic activity in a number of cancer cell types, the effect in gastric cancer cells has not been clarified. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a cannabinoid agonist on gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion. The cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212‐2 inhibited the proliferation of human gastric cancer cells in a dose‐dependent manner and that this effect was mediated partially by the CB1 receptor. We also found that WIN 55,212‐2 induced apoptosis and down‐regulation of the phospho‐AKT expression in human gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, WIN 55,212‐2 treatment inhibited the invasion of gastric cancer cells, and down‐regulated the expression of MMP‐2 and VEGF‐A through the cannabinoid receptors. Our results open the possibilities in using cannabinoids as a new gastric cancer therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 321–332, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Arsenite causes down‐regulation of Akt and c‐Fos, cell cycle dysfunction and apoptosis in glutathione‐deficient cells
Authors: Habib Geetha M.
Published: March 2010

Arsenic is a well‐known environmental toxicant but the mechanism by which it causes cytotoxicity is poorly understood. Arsenite induces apoptosis in glutathione (GSH)‐deficient GCS‐2 cells by causing cell cycle dysfunction and down‐regulating critical signaling pathways. This study was designed to examine the effect of arsenite on redox‐sensitive phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt, a signaling pathway involved in cell survival and growth, and transcription factor, activating protein‐1 (AP‐1). Arsenite significantly diminished Akt and c‐Fos levels and caused accelerated degradation of these proteins by ubiquitnation. Arsenite also induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The cell cycle arrest involved the down‐regulation of cyclin A2, cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin dependent kinases (CDK) 2, CDK4, and CDK6. Apoptosis involved down‐regulation of anti‐apoptotic proteins Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL, survivin, and inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) and up‐regulation of pro‐apoptotic protein Bax. Taken together, our results suggest that a possible mechanism of arsenite‐induced toxicity under low/no GSH conditions, is to negatively regulate GCS‐2 cell proliferation by attenuating Akt and AP‐1 by ubiquitination and causing cell cycle dysfunction and apoptosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 363–371, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcriptional repression in ES cells
Authors: Cheong Clara Y. , Lufkin Thomas
Published: March 2010

The dynamics of embryonic stem cell pluripotency is orchestrated by an interplay of transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in a systematic and modular manner. While the ES cell stage is marked by multiple loci with bivalent chromatin marks that prepare genes for imminent activation on differentiation, this open chromatin conformation is tempered by repressive machinery that prevent premature expression of key developmental genes. This review serves to highlight key ES transcription factors and their known links to the epigenetic machinery via known protein complexes. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 288–293, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
g_membed: Efficient insertion of a membrane protein into an equilibrated lipid bilayer with minimal perturbation
Authors: Wolf Maarten G. , Hoefling Martin , Aponte‐Santamaría Camilo , Grubmüller Helmut , Groenhof Gerrit
Published: March 2010

To efficiently insert a protein into an equilibrated and fully hydrated membrane with minimal membrane perturbation we present a computational tool, called g_membed, which is part of the Gromacs suite of programs. The input consists of an equilibrated membrane system, either flat or curved, and a protein structure in the right position and orientation with respect to the lipid bilayer. g_membed first decreases the width of the protein in the xy‐plane and removes all molecules (generally lipids and waters) that overlap with the narrowed protein. Then the protein is grown back to its full size in a short molecular dynamics simulation (typically 1000 steps), thereby pushing the lipids away to optimally accommodate the protein in the membrane. After embedding the protein in the membrane, both the lipid properties and the hydration layer are still close to equilibrium. Thus, only a short equilibration run (less then 1 ns in the cases tested) is required to re‐equilibrate the membrane. Its simplicity makes g_membed very practical for use in scripting and high‐throughput molecular dynamics simulations. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Structural fluctuation and concerted motions in F1‐ATPase: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Ito Yuko , Ikeguchi Mitsunori
Published: March 2010

F1‐ATPase is an adenosine tri‐phosphate (ATP)‐driven rotary motor enzyme. We investigated the structural fluctuations and concerted motions of subunits in F1‐ATPase using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. An MD simulation for the α3β3γ complex was carried out for 30 ns. Although large fluctuations of the N‐terminal domain observed in simulations of the isolated βE subunit were suppressed in the complex simulation, the magnitude of fluctuations in the C‐terminal domain was clearly different among the three β subunits (βE, βTP, and βDP). Despite fairly similar conformations of the βTP and βDP subunits, the βDP subunit exhibits smaller fluctuations in the C‐terminal domain than the βTP subunit due to their dissimilar interface configurations. Compared with the βTP subunit, the βDP subunit stably interacts with both the adjacent αDP and αE subunits. This sandwiched configuration in the βDP subunit leads to strongly correlated motions between the βDP and adjacent α subunits. The βDP subunit exhibits an extensive network of highly correlated motions with bound ATP and the γ subunit, as well as with the adjacent α subunits, suggesting that the structural changes occurring in the catalytically active βDP subunit can effectively induce movements of the γ subunit. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2010
Random number generators tested on quantum Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Hongo Kenta , Maezono Ryo , Miura Kenichi
Published: March 2010

We have tested and compared several (pseudo) random number generators (RNGs) applied to a practical application, ground state energy calculations of molecules using variational and diffusion Monte Carlo metheds. A new multiple recursive generator with 8th‐order recursion (MRG8) and the Mersenne twister generator (MT19937) are tested and compared with the RANLUX generator with five luxury levels (RANLUX‐[0–4]). Both MRG8 and MT19937 are proven to give the same total energy as that evaluated with RANLUX‐4 (highest luxury level) within the statistical error bars with less computational cost to generate the sequence. We also tested the notorious implementation of linear congruential generator (LCG), RANDU, for comparison. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Redox‐induced configuration conversion for thioacetamide dimer can function as a molecular switch
Authors: Liu Haiying , Chen Xiaohua , Bu Yuxiang
Published: March 2010

The electronic switching properties of thioacetamide dimer (TAD) were investigated using the nonequilibrium Green's function method combined with density functional theory for design of a novel molecular switch. The H‐bonded TAD can be converted upon hole‐trapping to a three‐electron (3e)‐bonded configuration with a S∴S linkage which could provide a more favorable channel for charge transfer than the before. The redox‐induced configuration conversion between the H‐bonded and the 3e‐bonded TADs could govern the charge migration through the molecular junction with a considerable difference in conduction currents. The calculated I–V characteristic curves of two configurations exhibit a switching behavior with an On‐Off ratio in a range of about 4.3–7.6 within the applied voltages. Clearly, this hypothetical scheme provides a potential way to explore the novel conformation‐dependent molecular switch. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2010
Electron localizability indicators ELI–D and ELIA for highly correlated wavefunctions of homonuclear dimers. II. N2, O2, F2, and Ne2
Authors: Bezugly Viktor , Wielgus Pawel , Kohout Miroslav , Wagner Frank R.
Published: March 2010

Electron localizability indicators based on the electron pair density ELI–D and ELIA Electron localizability indicators ELI‐D and ELIA based on the electron pair density are studied for the correlated ground‐state wavefunctions of N2, O2, F2, and Ne2 diatomics. Different basis sets and reference spaces are used for the multireference configuration interaction method following the complete active space calculations to investigate the local effect of electron correlation on the extent of electron localizability in position space determined by the two indicators. The results are complemented by calculations of effective bond order, vibrational frequency, and Laplacian of the electron density at the bond midpoint. It turns out that for O2 and F2, the reliable topology of ELI–D is obtained only at the correlated level of theory. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2010
Theoretical study of the microhydration of mononuclear and dinuclear uranium(VI) species derived from solvolysis of uranyl nitrate in water
Authors: Ončák Milan , Schröder Detlef , Slavíček Petr
Published: March 2010

The structures and energetics of mononuclear and dinuclear uranium species formed upon speciation of uranyl(VI) nitrate, UO2(NO3)2, in water are investigated by quantum chemistry using density functional theory and the wavefunction‐based methods (MP2, CCSD, CCSD(T)). We provide a discussion of the basic coordination patterns of the various mono‐ and dinuclear uranyl compounds [(UO2)m(X,Y)2m−1(H2O)n]+ (m = 1, 2; n = 0–4) found in a recent mass spectrometric study (Tsierkezos et al., Inorg Chem 2009, 48, 6287). The energetics of the complexation of the uranyl dication to the counterions OH− and NO3− as well as the degradation of the dinuclear species were studied by reference to a test set of 16 representative molecules with the MP2 method and the B3LYP, M06, M06‐HF, and M06‐2X DFT functionals. All DFT functionals provide structures and energetics close to MP2 results, with M06 family being slightly superior to the standard B3LYP functional. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2010
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of malignant mesenchymal liver tumors
Authors: Trojan Joerg , Hammerstingl Renate , Engels Knut , Schneider Arne R. , Zeuzem Stefan , Dietrich Christoph F.
Published: March 2010

Purpose.

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound can differentiate malignant from benign hepatic tumors, but has not been studied in malignant mesenchymal liver tumors.

Methods.

We describe the findings of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound in a cohort of five patients with histological‐proven malignant hepatic mesenchymal tumors.

Results.

The presence of imaging features such as peripheral (nodular) enhancement, chaotic central vascularization, and absence of contrast enhancement in the late phase allowed differentiation from hemangiomas.

Conclusions.

If these findings are demonstrated inlarge hepatic tumors, then the diagnosis of hemangioma is unlikely and further workup is necessary. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
Molecular characterization and gene expression of the channel catfish ferritin H subunit after bacterial infection and iron treatment
Authors: Liu Hong , Takano Tomokazu , Peatman Eric , Abernathy Jason , Wang Shaolin , Sha Zhenxia , Kucuktas Huseyin , Xu De‐hai , Klesius Phillip , Liu Zhanjiang
Published: March 2010

Ferritins are the major iron storage protein in the cytoplasm of cells, responsible for regulating levels of intracellular iron. Ferritin genes are widely distributed in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In mammals, ferritin molecules are composed of heavy‐ (H) and light‐ (L) chain subunits; amphibian genomes contain three ferritin‐type genes (H; middle, M; and L subunits); and teleost genomes to date contain H and M subunits. The objective of this study was to characterize the ferritin H gene in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) to determine its genomic organization and copy numbers, to determine its patterns of tissue expression, and to establish if it is involved in defense responses of catfish after bacterial infection. The catfish ferritin H gene was completely sequenced and characterized, using both mRNA and genomic DNA. Catfish ferritin H gene has a full‐length mRNA sequence of 999 bp, an open reading frame of 534 bp, and 4,704 bp genomic DNA sequence. Catfish ferritin H has a 5 exon and 4 intron genetic organization, containing a long 5′‐untranslated region, which shares high similarity with mammalian and zebrafish genes. Based on phylogenetic analyses, the catfish ferritin H gene is highly conserved throughout evolution. Southern blot analysis suggested that the ferritin H gene has only one copy in the catfish genome. The catfish ferritin H gene was widely expressed in various healthy tissues. The catfish ferritin H gene was significantly up‐regulated in the liver after intraperitoneal injection of iron dextran and coinjection of Edwardsiella ictaluri and iron dextran treatment, suggesting its role in iron metabolism and immunity. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:359–368, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blindness to alternative scenarios in evidence evaluation
Authors: Rassin Eric
Published: March 2010

In order to prevent miscarriages of justice, police, prosecution, and judges must remain open to alternative scenarios in which the suspect is in fact innocent. In recent years, however, several studies have delivered results suggesting that open‐mindedness is not always standard in criminal procedures. For example, Ask and Granhag (2005) found that police officers' estimation of the incriminating power of investigation findings was not affected by knowledge of an alternative suspect. The current first study replicated these findings in a mixed sample of police officers, district attorneys, and judges. In Study 2, this blindness to alternative scenarios did not emerge in a sample of university students. However, the estimation of the incriminating power of the evidence and the willingness to convict the primary suspect were predicted with the participants' confirmation proneness. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Target selection patterns in rape
Authors: Beauregard Eric , Rebocho Maria Francisca , Rossmo D. Kim
Published: March 2010

Both theoretical and empirical studies of decision making in target selection have shown that this process is highly dependent on the physical environment. However, research specifically investigating decision making in sex offenders' target selection is scarce. The aims of the current study were to (1) identify target selection patterns in a mixed sample of 78 Canadian and Portuguese adult rapists, (2) investigate how geographical decision making influences target selection patterns, and (3) test the influence of the type of environment on target selection patterns. The results indicate that Canadian and Portuguese rapists exhibit different target selection patterns but that their geographical decision making is congruent and consistent with the environment within which they operate. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The consistency of inconsistency in serial homicide: patterns of behavioural change across series
Authors: Sorochinski Marina , Salfati C. Gabrielle
Published: March 2010

Linkage analysis is a crucial part of the investigative process when faced with a possible series of related offences. Establishing behavioural consistency (i.e., offender's behaviours consistently present across the series) is at the core of linkage. Recent empirical studies have found little evidence of consistency looking at either individual or groups of behaviours in serial homicide. It is argued that behavioural changes are rooted in the changing cognitive strategies that offenders use to reach their ultimate goal (i.e. the commission of multiple homicides). Factors that could account for these changes include learning, situational factors, loss of control, and changes in the offender's fantasy. Patterns of behavioural change have been identified in serial crimes, such as rape. However, no empirical studies have looked at patterns of behavioural change in serial homicide. The present study examined patterns of consistency and change using a combination of thematic and behavioural subgroup approaches that use Multidimensional Scaling. Thematic differentiation indicative of behavioural manifestations of cognitive strategies was found in all three examined subgroups: planning, wounding, and offender–victim interaction, and patterns of change within these subgroups provided support for the above theories. Looking at behavioural patterns rather than individual behaviours, may be a more fruitful way of examining consistency in serial homicide, and could have significant implications for linkage analysis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of hemodialysis schedules and membranes on hepatocyte growth factor and hepatitis C virus RNA levels
Authors: Barril Guillermina , Bartolomé Javier , Sanz Paloma , Buoncristiani Emmanuela , Traver Juan Antonio , Selgas Rafael , Buoncristiani Umberto , Castillo Inmaculada , Quiroga Juan Antonio , Carreño Vicente
Published: March 2010

Hemodialysis induces production of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and decrease of serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in patients with HCV infection, but it is not known if the hemodialysis schedule or type of membrane affect both the HGF production and HCV viremia. The effects on both parameters of alternate‐day intermittent hemodialysis and short‐daily hemodialysis and high and low flux membranes were investigated in 41 patients treated by hemodialysis. Sixteen (39%) patients were anti‐HCV positive and 11 (69%) had HCV RNA. Twenty‐six patients were on alternate‐day intermittent and 15 on short‐daily hemodialysis. High flux membranes were used for 29 patients and low flux membranes for 12 patients. A decrease in HCV RNA was observed at the end of hemodialysis (8.6 × 105 ± 1.1 × 106 IU/ml vs. 4.4 × 105 ± 7.3 × 105 IU/ml, P = 0.003). The proportion of HCV RNA decrease was similar in patients dialyzed with both schedules and with both types of membranes. The HGF levels increased from 2,605.9 ± 1,428.7 to >8,000 pg/ml at 15 min. At the end of the session, the HGF levels decreased to 5,106.7 ± 2,533.9 pg/ml. The HGF levels at the start of the next session were similar to those at baseline (2,680.0 ± 1,209.3 pg/ml). The increase and dynamics of the HGF levels were similar in patient's hemodialyzed with both schedules and with both types of membranes. These results suggest that changes in HCV RNA and HGF levels during hemodialysis are not influenced by the schedule or type of membrane used. J. Med. Virol. 82: 763–767, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of human polyomavirus proteins, T‐antigen and agnoprotein, in human tumor tissue arrays
Authors: Del Valle Luis , Khalili Kamel
Published: March 2010

Expression of the human polyomavirus JCV genome in several experimental animals induces a variety of neural origin tumors. The viral proteins, T‐antigen and Agnoprotein, contribute to the oncogenesis of JCV by associating with several tumor suppressor proteins and dysregulating signaling pathways, which results in uncontrolled cell proliferation. In addition, T‐antigen and Agnoprotein have been associated with DNA damage and interfering with DNA repair mechanisms. In this study, we have utilized commercially available tissue arrays of human tumors of various origins and demonstrated the expression of both T‐antigen and Agnoprotein in some, but not all, tumors of neural and non‐neural origin. Most notably, more than 40% of human glioblastomas and greater than 30% of colon adenocarcinomas express viral proteins. The detection of viral transforming proteins, T‐antigen and Agnoprotein in the absence of viral capsid proteins suggests a role for JCV in the development and/or progression of human tumors. These results invite further large‐scale investigation on the role of polyomaviruses, particularly JCV in the pathogenesis of human cancer. J. Med. Virol. 82: 806–811, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pegylated interferon monotherapy of chronic hepatitis C in dialysis patients: Meta‐analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Fabrizi Fabrizio , Dixit Vivek , Messa Piergiorgio , Martin Paul
Published: March 2010

The efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon monotherapy in patients with chronic renal failure and chronic hepatitis C remains unclear, although a number of small clinical trials have been published addressing this issue. A systematic review of the literature with a meta‐analysis of clinical trials was performed in order to assess efficacy and safety of initial pegylated interferon monotherapy in chronic renal failure patients with chronic hepatitis C. The primary outcome was sustained virological response (as a measure of efficacy); the secondary outcome was drop‐out rate (as a measure of tolerability). The random effects model of Der Simonian and Laird was used, with heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses. Sixteen clinical trials (254 unique patients) were identified, five (31%) being controlled studies; the majority (15/16 = 94%) regarded patients on long‐term dialysis. The summary estimate for sustained virological response and drop‐out rate was 33% [95% Confidence Intervals (95%CI) 24–43] and 23% (95%CI, 14–33), respectively. The most frequent side‐effects requiring interruption of treatment were haematological (18%) and gastrointestinal (14%). In the group of controlled clinical trials, the summary estimate for sustained viral response and drop‐out rate was 38% (95% CI, 18–59), and 15% (95% CI, 3–26), respectively. The studies were heterogeneous with regard to sustained virological response and drop‐out rate. Pegylated IFN does not provide an added benefit in terms of virological response in comparison with standard IFN monotherapy. Tolerance to pegylated‐IFN monotherapy was unsatisfactory. Prospective trials are in progress to assess the optimal antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C in dialysis patients. J. Med. Virol. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. J. Med. Virol. 82: 768–775, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sequence analysis of the VP7 gene of human rotaviruses G2 and G4 isolated in Japan, China, Thailand, and Vietnam during 2001–2003
Authors: Trinh Quang Duy , Pham Ngan Thi Kim , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Phan Tung Gia , Yan Hainian , Hoang Le Phuc , Khamrin Pattara , Maneekarn Niwat , Li Yan , Okitsu Shoko , Mizuguchi Masashi , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: March 2010

Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of the rotavirus VP7 gene were performed on 52 human G2 and G4 strains isolated in Japan, China, Thailand, and Vietnam during 2001–2003. All genotype G2 strains included in the study clustered into lineage II of the phylogenetic tree, together with the majority of global G2 strains detected since 1995. The amino acid substitution at position 96 from aspartic acid to asparagine was noted among the emerging or re‐emerging G2 rotavirus strains in Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam during 2002–2003. Genotype G4 strains detected in Vietnam grouped into lineage Ia of the phylogenetic tree, whereas Japanese G4 strains clustered in lineage Ic which included emerging G4 strains from Argentina, Italy, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It is noteworthy that an insertion of asparagine was found at position 76 in all the Japanese strains and that its presence might be involved in the emergence of G4 rotavirus in Japan during 2002–2003. J. Med. Virol. 82: 878–885, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The entire core protein of HCV JFH1 is required for efficient formation of infectious JFH1 pseudoparticles
Authors: Shukla Priyanka , Faulk Kristina N. , Emerson Suzanne U.
Published: March 2010

The vast majority of hepatitis C virus (HCV) strains cannot be grown in cell culture. Therefore, tests for neutralizing antibodies have relied heavily on retrovirus pseudoparticles displaying the envelope glycoproteins of HCV on their surface (HCVpp). Unfortunately, the envelope proteins of some strains, especially of JFH1, did not efficiently form functional HCVpp. We have manipulated the length and composition of the HCV core gene in the HCVpp expression vectors for three strains of HCV in an attempt to obtain more efficient production of pseudoparticles. The results demonstrated that the truncated core region included in the HCV expression plasmids of the classic pseudoparticle system was optimal for formation of strain H77pp, suboptimal for strain J6pp, and insufficient for strain JFH1pp. Efficiency of JFH1pp formation increased 20‐fold when the truncated core gene was replaced with the entire core gene. The full core from J6 and HK had modest effect on the production of infectious J6 and HKpp. The data suggested that pairs of HCV glycoproteins differ inherently in their ability to associate into functional heterodimers and that the core protein, provided in cis as the beginning of the polyprotein product, can in some cases facilitate this process, possibly by increasing the rate of proper folding of the glycoproteins. J. Med. Virol. 82: 783–790, 2010. Published 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of the geographical origin of unidentified cadavers based on geographical differences in genotype of varicella–zoster virus
Authors: Inoue Hiroyuki , Motani‐Saitoh Hisako , Sakurada Koichi , Ikegaya Hiroshi , Yajima Daisuke , Hayakawa Mutsumi , Sato Yayoi , Otsuka Katsura , Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Nagasawa Sayaka , Iwase Hirotaro
Published: March 2010

A new method was developed for determining the geographical origin of unidentified cadavers by examining the genome of varicella–zoster virus (VZV), which resides latently throughout life in most individuals and the genotypes which show distinct geographical distribution. VZV DNA samples extracted from the trigeminal ganglia of 62 cadavers (59 from Japan, and 1 each from the United Kingdom, Mongolia, and Pakistan) submitted for medico‐legal autopsy were examined. Sequencing was performed on a 358‐bp region in the open reading frame (ORF) 22 containing four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a 419‐bp region in ORF 62 containing 2 SNPs in the VZV genome. Using these SNP markers, the VZV genome was classified into the nine genotypes described previously. Phylogenetic tree analysis was also undertaken for the sequenced regions and for the 22 existing VZV strains described previously. In addition, 21 samples were subcloned for detection of co‐infection. The VZV genome was classified successfully into nine genotypes using four SNPs in ORF 22 and two SNPs in ORF 62 as markers. Among Japanese cadavers, 57 carried genotype J, 1 carried genotype M1, and 1 carried genotype M2. The British and the Mongolian cadavers carried genotype E1 and the Pakistani cadaver carried M1. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that VZV strains can be classified into different genotypes with high bootstrap values. None of the subcloned samples showed evidence of co‐infection. These results suggest that valuable additional information for determining the geographical origin of unidentified cadavers can be provided by examining the VZV genome. J. Med. Virol. 82: 903–998, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The route of inoculation determines the tissue tropism of modified vaccinia tiantan expressing the spike glycoprotein of SARS‐CoV in mice
Authors: Liu Huan , Yu Wenbo , Tang Xian , Wang Haibo , Ouyang Wenjie , Zhou Jingying , Chen Zhiwei
Published: March 2010

The live replication‐competent modified vaccinia virus Tiantan (MVTT) is an attractive vaccine vector, yet little is known about its tissue tropism and pathology in vivo. Recently, we demonstrated that a recombinant MVTT expressing the spike glycoprotein of SARS‐CoV (namely MVTT‐S) is superior to the non‐replicating modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA‐S) for inducing high level of neutralizing antibodies through mucosal vaccination. In this study, we further determined the tissue tropism and safety of MVTT‐S after the vaccine was administrated through various routes including: intramuscular (i.m.), intranasal (i.n.), and intravaginal (i.vag.) inoculations, respectively. Using real‐time PCR, nested PCR, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization assays, we found that MVTT‐S was able to produce a transient infection in all cases within 48 hr post‐inoculation, yet the major site of viral replication in various tissues or organs was dependent on the route of viral administration. We demonstrated that i.m. injection of MVTT‐S primarily targeted draining inguinal lymph nodes, whereas mucosal inoculation had broader range of tissue infections. i.n. inoculation involved infections in lungs, kidneys, spleens and cervix lymph nodes while i.vag. administration targeted uteruses, ovaries, kidneys and spleens. Critically, the infection did not cause severe pathogenic consequences in infected tissues, which was consistent to the attenuated phenotype of MVTT‐S. Our findings have implications for the optimization of vaccination route and for studies on the correlation between the magnitude of immune responses and the extent of tissue involvement in vivo. J. Med. Virol. 82: 727–734, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on hepatitis C virus protease quasispecies diversity in HIV co‐infected patients
Authors: Winters Mark A. , Chary Aarthi , Eison Robert , Asmuth David , Holodniy Mark
Published: March 2010

Many hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients are also infected with HIV, and undergo antiretroviral (ARV) treatment for their human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Due to changes in HIV burden and immunologic status, HIV ARV treatment may have indirect effects on the HCV population, which could impact the effectiveness of subsequent HCV protease inhibitor (PI) treatment. The genetic variability of the protease‐encoding HCV NS3 gene was evaluated in 10 co‐infected patients initiating ARVs (both before and after ARV initiation), and compared to the genetic variability in 10 patients on stable ARV therapy. After RT‐PCR of plasma‐derived HCV RNA, a mean of 20 clones per patient time‐point were sequenced and analyzed for changes in the HCV quasispecies population. No significant differences in sequence diversity or complexity at the nucleic acid or amino acid levels were seen at baseline between groups or between the two time points in either group. HCV protease diversity in the pre‐ and post‐ARV treatment samples was not significantly different than samples from patients on stable ARV therapy. There was no significant development of amino acid substitutions known to confer HCV PI resistance in either group. Initiation of ARV for HIV infection does not significantly alter the genetic diversity or complexity of the HCV NS3 gene or result in increased number of HCV PI‐associated amino acid changes. These results suggest ARV treatment for HIV would not affect the efficacy of HCV PI treatment. J. Med. Virol. 82: 791–798, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.