bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular epidemiology of group A rotavirus in Buenos Aires, Argentina 2004–2007: Reemergence of G2P[4] and emergence of G9P[8] strains
Authors: Esteban Laura E. , Rota Rosana P. , Gentsch Jon R. , Jiang Baoming , Esona Mathew , Glass Roger I. , Glikmann Graciela , Castello Alejandro A.
Published: April 2010

Detection and characterization of group A rotavirus in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was conducted on 710 fecal samples from children 0–15 years old collected between 2004 and 2007. Rotavirus was detected in 140 (19.7%) samples with G9P[8] (30.0%) and G2P[4] (21.4%) as the most common genotypes. Mixed (G and/or P) infections accounted for 17.9% of the samples and the emerging G12 strain was detected during 2004 (3.5%) and 2007 (2.5%). Genotype G2 was the most prevalent during 2004 (43.9%) and 2007 (57.5%) and G9 during 2005 (58.0%) and 2006 (61.5%). Analysis of genotype prevalences from studies performed since 1996 in the same area showed striking natural fluctuations in G and P genotype frequencies. In particular, G2P[4] strains disappeared after 1999 and reemerged in 2004 to become the predominant strain by 2007 with a concomitant major decrease in G1P[8] prevalence. The VP7 genes from Argentinian G9 and G2 strains were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was conducted in order to compare with sequences from strains isolated in regional countries reported previously. Several changes in the deduced amino acid sequence in antigenic regions of the VP7 protein from Argentinian and Brazilian strains were identified compared to vaccine strains. Overall, this study revealed relationships in the circulation of rotavirus strains in South American countries and major replacements in dominant genotypes, including the virtual disappearance of G1P[8] strains in a non‐vaccinated population. High numbers of mixed infections speeding up evolution, circulation of rare serotypes, and antigenic drift could, eventually, become challenges for new vaccines. J. Med. Virol. 82:1083–1093, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between human papillomavirus infection and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Morshed Kamal
Published: April 2010

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma using two methods: PCR‐DNA enzyme immunoassay (PCR/DEIA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for detection of HPV in specimens of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and to correlate the presence of HPV with the epidemiological and clinicopathological features of recurrence and survival. HPV DNA was amplified from 93 paraffin‐embedded laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissue specimens by the short PCR fragment (SPF 10) primer set using PCR/DNA method. HPV detection using monoclonal anti‐human papilloma virus antibodies Clone K1H8 for IHC reaction was performed on 130 specimens. HPV was identified in 35.5% of patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma using PCR/DEIA and 27.7% using IHC. There was no statistically significant association between the presence of HPV and the epidemiological and clinicopathological features and recurrence. There was no statistically significant association between the presence of HPV and overall survival nor disease specific survival. Statistically significant correlation between HPV detection using PCR/DEIA technique and IHC technique was found. The presence of HPV infection in 27.7% and 38.9% of the patients suggests a possible role in the etiology of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The SPF10 PCR/DEIA technique is the most accurate method for detection of HPV in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. J. Med. Virol. 82:1017–1023, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human herpesvirus 6‐A, 6‐B, and 7 in vitreous fluid samples
Authors: Cohen Jeffrey I. , Fahle Gary , Kemp Margaret A. , Apakupakul Kathleen , Margolis Todd P.
Published: April 2010

Human herpesvirus 6 and 7 (HHV‐6, HHV‐7) have been associated with several neurologic syndromes and have been detected in nervous tissue from healthy persons; however, only two cases of HHV‐6A have been reported to be associated with intraocular inflammatory disease. Vitreous fluid was tested from 101 patients, including 69 samples from patients with ocular inflammation including CMV retinitis, idiopathic retinitis, iritis, and vitritis, for HHV‐6A, HHV‐6B, and HHV‐7 DNA by PCR. HHV‐6A DNA (4,950 copies per ml) was detected in vitreous fluid from one patient with CMV retinitis, HHV‐6B DNA (10,140 copies per ml) was detected in vitreous fluid from one patient with idiopathic ocular inflammation in the absence of CMV DNA, and HHV‐7 was not detected in any of the vitreous samples. HHV‐6A, HHV‐6B, and HHV‐7 DNA are detectable in less than 2% of vitreous samples in patients with ocular inflammation. J. Med. Virol. 82:996–999, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis B virus X protein upregulates expression of calpain small subunit 1 via nuclear facter‐κB/p65 in hepatoma cells
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wang Qi , Ye Lihong , Feng Yingming , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: April 2010

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is closely correlated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in which hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) plays crucial roles. HBx is believed to be a multifunctional oncoprotein. It has been reported that the calpain small subunit 1 (Capn4) is upregulated in the HCC tissues and involved in the metastasis of HCC. Therefore, we suppose that HBx may promote hepatoma cell migration through Capn4. In the present study, we investigated the effect of HBx on regulating Capn4 expression in human HCC cells. Our data showed that HBx could increase promoter activity of Capn4 and upregulate the expression of Capn4 at the levels of mRNA and protein in human hepatoma HepG2 (or H7402) cells using luciferase reporter gene assay, real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR assay and Western blot analysis. While, the RNA interference targeting HBx mRNA was able to abolish the upregulation. Interestingly, we found that the inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) mediated by siRNA targeting NF‐κB/p65 mRNA or PDTC (an inhibitor of NF‐κB) could attenuate the upregulation of Capn4. While, HBx failed to increase the promoter activity of Capn4 in hepatoma cells when the putative NF‐κB binding site of the Capn4 promoter was mutant, suggesting that NF‐κB is involved in the activation of Capn4 mediated by HBx. In function, wound healing assay showed that HBx could significantly enhance the migration ability of HepG2 cells through upregulating Capn4. Thus, we conclude that HBx upregulate Capn4 through NF‐κB/p65 to promote migration of hepatoma cells. J. Med. Virol. 82:920–928, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Longer duration of viremia and unique amino acid substitutions in a hepatitis A virus stain associated with Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS)
Authors: Joshi Madhuri S. , Cherian Sarah S. , Bhalla Shilpa , Chitambar Shobha D.
Published: April 2010

The molecular characteristics of hepatitis A virus (HAV) have been studied widely though there is a paucity of data on the correlation with virological and serological findings. In the present study, the whole genome of an Indian HAV strain associated with Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) was characterized vis‐à‐vis two other Indian HAV genotype IIIA strains, associated with a self‐limiting disease. The percentage nucleotide divergence displayed by the Indian strains (CP‐IND, PN‐IND, and GBS‐IND) varied from 3 to 6, whereas the percentage amino acid divergence varied from 0.1 to 0.7 as compared to the other HAV IIIA strains (n = 5) available in the GenBank. The GBS‐IND strain showed an increased rate of nonsynonymous substitutions as well as a larger number of unique and heterologous amino acid substitutions compared to the HAV IIIA GenBank strains. These amino acid substitutions in the GBS‐IND strain were detected in a nonstructural protein (2C‐251F) and the B‐cell epitope regions of structural proteins (VP1‐29E, VP1‐91S, VP3‐50Y, and VP4‐5S). In a comparative analysis of HAV strains, homology‐based models of the capsid proteins indicated a localized alteration in the surface charge distribution on the VP1 protein of GBS‐IND strain and involvement of its unique amino acid substitutions in the predicted antigenic determinants. Overall, the study suggests that the unique amino acid substitutions in the GBS‐IND strain may have contributed to neutralization escape of the virus leading to a longer duration of viremia. J. Med. Virol. 82:913–919, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of novel respiratory viruses from influenza‐like illness in the Philippines
Authors: Furuse Yuki , Suzuki Akira , Kishi Makiko , Galang Hazel O. , Lupisan Socorro P. , Olveda Remigio M. , Oshitani Hitoshi
Published: April 2010

Several novel viruses have been recently identified in respiratory samples. However, the epidemiology of these viruses in tropical countries remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to provide an overview of the epidemiology of novel respiratory viruses, including human metapneumovirus, human bocavirus, new subtypes of human coronavirus (NL63 and HKU1), KI virus, WU virus, and Melaka virus in the Philippines, a tropical country. Nasopharyngeal aspirates from 465 patients with influenza‐like illness were collected in 2006 and 2007. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and PCR were performed to detect viruses from culture‐negative specimens. Human metapneumovirus, human bocavirus, human coronavirus HKU1, KI virus, and WU virus were detected for the first time in the Philippines; Melaka virus was not found. J. Med. Virol. 82:1071–1074, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of viral DNA sequences in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mancuso Roberta , Hernis Ambra , Cavarretta Rosella , Caputo Domenico , Calabrese Elena , Nemni Raffaello , Ferrante Pasquale , Delbue Serena , Clerici Mario
Published: April 2010

The role of viruses in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is a subject of heated debate. The presence of six different neurotropic viruses was sought, including JC virus (JCV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6), and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from 51 patients with MS and 30 patients with other neurological diseases. Cell‐free or cell‐associated viral DNA in CSF samples was detected by real‐time PCR, and viral loads were determined. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were also performed to look for active lesions. Cell‐associated JCV DNA was detected in 3 of the 51 patients with MS and in 2 of the 30 patients with other neurological disease. Cell‐free JCV DNA was detected in one additional patient with MS. Cell‐free VZV DNA was detected in one patient without MS, cell‐free HHV‐6 was detected in one patient with MS, and cell‐free EBV was detected in one patient with MS. All other study patients had no detectable viral DNA in CSF samples and no double infections were found. The small percentage of patients with detectable viral DNA in CSF samples was comparable between patients with MS and those with other neurological disease, and presence of viral DNA was not a predictor of brain lesions. Additional observations suggest that cell trafficking from the periphery, rather than leakage through the blood–brain barrier, results in the transport of viruses to the CNS, where local immunosurveillance can control viral replication in immunocompetent individuals. J. Med. Virol. 82:1051–1057, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genotyping and characterization of the geographical distribution of tick‐borne encephalitis virus variants with a set of molecular probes
Authors: Demina T.V. , Dzhioev Yu.P. , Verkhozina M.M. , Kozlova I.V. , Tkachev S.E. , Plyusnin A. , Doroshchenko E.K. , Lisak O.V. , Zlobin V.I.
Published: April 2010

A panel of deoxyoligonucleotide probes for studying the genetic variability and genotyping of Tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) strains by molecular hybridization of nucleic acids (MHNA) was created. This panel allows to estimate the genetic structure of individual TBEV strains, as the targets for probes are both variable and genotype (subtype)‐specific sequences of all TBEV genes. With the help of this panel using the method of molecular hybridization of nucleic acids 268 archived TBEV isolates were investigated and the distribution of its genotypes and subgenotypes of genotype 3 was made more precise in the territory of Eurasia. The conclusion made earlier has confirmed that five genotypes of TBEV co‐circulate in Eastern Siberia. It is generally recognized that the Far Eastern (TBE‐FE), European (TBE‐Eu), and Siberian (TBE‐Sib) genotypes are widespread and epidemiologically important. The fourth genotype is presented by only one isolate, TBE178‐79, originated from Irkutsk region, Russia. The fifth genotype includes 10 isolates, 1 of them, TBE886‐84, was found earlier and recognized as unique [Zlobin et al. (2001b): Vopr Virusol 1:12–16 (Russian)]. J. Med. Virol. 82:?–?, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human metapneumovirus in hospitalized children in Amman, Jordan
Authors: Ali Syed Asad , Williams John V. , Chen Qingxia , Faori Sameer , Shehabi Assem , Jundi Eshan Al , Khuri‐Bulos Najwa , Halasa Natasha
Published: April 2010

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has recently been identified as an important cause of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in children worldwide. However, there is little systematic data on its frequency and importance as a cause of ARI in the Middle East. We conducted a viral surveillance study in children <5 years of age admitted with respiratory symptoms and/or fever at two major tertiary care hospitals in Amman, Jordan from 1/18‐3/29/07. Nose and throat swabs were collected and tested for HMPV and other respiratory viruses by real‐time RT‐PCR. A total of 743 subjects were enrolled. Forty‐four (6%) subjects were positive for HMPV, 467 (64%) were positive for RSV and 13 (1.3%) had co‐infection with both HMPV and RSV. The frequency of HMPV in January, February, and March was 4.1%, 3.0%, and 11.9% respectively. Clinical features associated with HMPV infection were similar to those of other respiratory viruses, except children with HMPV were more likely to present with fever than children not infected with HMPV. Children with HMPV and RSV co‐infection were administered supplemental oxygen and were admitted to the ICU more frequently than children infected with HMPV alone or RSV alone, though these differences did not reach statistical significance. We conclude that HMPV is an important cause of acute respiratory infections in children in Amman, Jordan. Longer surveillance studies are needed to better understand the seasonal epidemiology of HMPV and to assess if co‐infection with HMPV and RSV leads to more severe illness. J. Med. Virol. 82:1012–1016, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Air flow and stability indices in GCM future and control runs
Authors: Hanafin J. A. , McGrath R. , Semmler T. , Wang S. , Lynch P. , Steele‐Dunne S. , Nolan P.
Published: April 2010

Indices have been used as indicators of synoptic‐scale flow strength, shear vorticity, flow direction and static stability over Ireland and Britain. Changes in large‐scale dynamic flow and static stability over the European region are expected because of shifting climate patterns, and investigation of how these indices change in future runs of global climate models allows us to estimate how this will affect storm frequency and intensity in the region. Analysis of frequency distributions shows an increase in westerly flows and decreases in most other flow directions, indicating an increase in rainfall for the region. The flow strength on days with strong winds increases in the future runs, as does the number of gale days. The future runs show not only an overall increase in atmospheric stability but also significantly larger areas with stronger instability during periods of extreme instability. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Where have all the showers gone? Regional declines in light precipitation events in China, 1960–2000
Authors: Liu Binhui , Xu Ming , Henderson Mark
Published: April 2010

China has seen a decline in recorded precipitation events over 1960–2000. We find that this decline is mainly accounted for by the decrease of light precipitation events, those with intensities of 0.1–0.3 mm/day. The annual number of light precipitation events drops off remarkably around 1978 and decreases rapidly until 1985. Trace precipitation events (precipitation noted but measuring < 0.1 mm/day) decrease abruptly from 1982 through the end of the period. Meanwhile, the annual frequency of precipitation events with intensities above 0.3 mm/day shows almost no change for the same period. The analysis uses daily data from 272 stations distributed across China. We note regional and seasonal differences in the rates of change of different intensities of precipitation events. With almost no change in the frequency of precipitation events of 0.4–0.6 and 0.7–0.9 mm/day during the same period, it is difficult to attribute the abrupt decreases to inhomogeneities of the precipitation data. The temporal pattern of light precipitation events is similar to those observed for solar irradiance and total cloud cover, suggesting that there may be some connections between these climatic variables. Declines in solar irradiance and total cloud cover along with increased aerosol loading may have contributed to the abrupt decrease of these light precipitation events. However, light and trace precipitation events display different spatial and temporal patterns of change, complicating this explanation. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
The relationship between land cover and the urban heat island in northeastern Puerto Rico
Authors: Murphy David J. , Hall Myrna H. , Hall Charles A. S. , Heisler Gordon M. , Stehman Stephen V. , Anselmi‐Molina Carlos
Published: April 2010

Throughout the tropics, population movements, urban growth, and industrialization are causing conditions that result in elevated temperatures within urban areas when compared with that in surrounding rural areas, a phenomenon known as the urban heat island (UHI). One such example is the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Our objective in this study was to quantify the UHI created by the San Juan Metropolitan Area over space and time using temperature data collected by mobile‐ and fixed‐station measurements. We also used the fixed‐station measurements to examine the relationship between average temperature at a given location and the density of remotely sensed vegetation located upwind. We then regressed temperatures against regional upwind land cover to predict future temperature with projected urbanization. Our data from the fixed stations show that the average nighttime UHI calculated between the urban reference and rural stations (ΔTCBD–rural) was 2.15 °C during the usually wet season and 1.78 °C during the usually dry season. The maximum UHI value for San Juan was calculated as 4.7 °C between the urban and forest sites and 3.9 °C between the urban and an open, rural site. Comparisons of diurnal temperature trends at urban, grassland, and forested sites indicate that canopy cover reduced daytime warming. Temperature was predicted best (r2 = 0.94) by vegetation in upwind easterly directions, especially that within 180 m of the sensor. Results from the mobile measurements show that the UHI has reached the base of the Luquillo Mountains. Predictions of future development and temperatures suggest that if the present pattern of development continues, over 140 km2 of land that showed no signs of UHI in 2000 will have an average annual UHI between + 0.4 and + 1.55 °C by 2050. Furthermore, more than 130 km2 of land area with a current UHI between + 0.4 and + 1.4 °C in 2000 will have an average UHI greater than + 1.55 °C by 2050. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Preparative isolation and purification of six volatile compounds from essential oil of Curcuma wenyujin using high‐performance centrifugal partition chromatography
Authors: Dang Yuan‐Ye , Li Xiao‐Cen , Zhang Qing‐Wen , Li Shao‐Ping , Wang Yi‐Tao
Published: April 2010

Six volatile compounds, curdione (1), curcumol (2), germacrone (3), curzerene (4), 1,8‐cineole (5) and β‐elemene (6), were successfully isolated from the essential oil of Curcuma wenyujin by high‐performance centrifugal partition chromatography using a nonaqueous two‐phase solvent system consisting of petroleum ether‐acetonitrile‐acetone (4:3:1 v/v/v). A total of 8 mg of curdione (1), 4 mg of curcumol (2), 10 mg of germacrone (3), 18 mg of curzerene (4), 9 mg of 1,8‐cineole (5) and 17 mg of β‐elemene (6) were isolated from the essential oil (300 mg) in 500 min. Their structures were determined by comparison of their retention times and MS data with those of the authentic samples as well as NMR spectroscopic analysis.
Phenylcarbamoylated β‐CD: π‐Acidic and π‐basic chiral selectors for HPLC
Authors: Lin Chun , Luo Wenjun , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Zhenbin , Zhang Weiguang , Zheng Shengrun , Fan Jun , Li Weishan , Qin Qing , Guo Ziyuan
Published: April 2010

Two types of chiral stationary phases for HPLC based on π‐acidic or π‐basic perphenylcarbamoylated β‐CDs were synthesized. The relative structural features of the two effective chiral selectors are discussed and compared in both normal‐phase and RP modes. In addition, the nature and concentration of alcoholic modifiers were varied for optimal separation in normal phase and the structural variation of the analytes was also examined. The results showed that hydrogen bonding, steric effect and π‐acidic–π‐basic interaction contributed greatly to enantioseparation. Upon comparison, some of the differences in the separation behavior of the two types of chiral stationary phases might be due to the π‐acidic or π‐basic phenylcarbamate groups.
A novel pathogen detection system based on high‐resolution CE‐SSCP using a triblock copolymer matrix
Authors: Shin Gi Won , Hwang Hee Sung , Seo Sang Woo , Oh Mi‐Hwa , Ryu Chang Y. , Salvo Charles J. , Feldman Shaina , Doh Junsang , Jung Gyoo Yeol
Published: April 2010

Although CE‐SSCP analysis combined with 16S ribosomal RNA gene‐specific PCR has enormous potential as a simple and versatile pathogen detection technique, low resolution of CE‐SSCP causes the limited application. Among the experimental conditions affecting the resolution, the polymer matrix is considered to be most critical to improve the resolution of CE‐SSCP analysis. However, due to the peak broadening caused by the interaction between hydrophobic moiety of polymer matrices and DNA, conventional polymer matrices are not ideal for CE‐SSCP analysis. A poly(ethyleneoxide)‐poly(propyleneoxide)‐poly(ethyleneoxide) (PEO‐PPO‐PEO) triblock copolymer, with dynamic coating ability and a propensity to form micelles to minimize exposure of hydrophobic PPO block to DNA, can be an alternative matrix. In this study, we examined the resolution of CE‐SSCP analysis using the PEO‐PPO‐PEO triblock copolymer as the polymer matrix and four same‐sized DNA fragments of similar sequence content. Among 48 commercially available PEO‐PPO‐PEO triblock copolymers, three were selected due to their transparency in the operable range of viscosity and PEO137PPO43PEO137 exhibited the most effective separation. Significant improvement in resolution allowed discrimination of the similar sequences, thus greatly facilitated CE‐SSCP analysis compared to the conventional polymer matrix. The results indicate that PEO‐PPO‐PEO triblock copolymer may serve as an ideal matrix for high‐resolution CE‐SSCP analysis.
2‐D chromatography with optimized size exclusion chromatography resolution and multi‐angle light scattering coupling
Authors: Moyses Stephan
Published: April 2010

2‐D chromatography has become an important tool for the polymer chemist and engineer interested in understanding reaction mechanisms in multiple step polymerization reactions and for establishing the relationships between structure and property. As with 1‐D chromatography, it is desirable to obtain the best possible resolution in order to distinguish subtle differences in composition and molecular weight. This requirement is in conflict with the need to keep the duration of the experiment short enough for practical purposes. In this paper, we use a model system to investigate the optimum conditions for improved 2‐D resolution with a focus on the molecular weight dimension. This dimension is usually the less resolved in 2‐D systems due to synchronization requirements between the two separation processes and the subsequent need to use a rapid size exclusion chromatography column. The method described here provides resolution in the SEC dimension equivalent to that of a standard 1‐D SEC method, while maintaining a relatively short analysis time. Finally, a multi‐angle light scattering detector was used to determine the radius of gyration of the eluting polymer.
Development of a molecularly imprinted polymer for selective extraction of bisphenol A in water samples
Authors: Canale Francesca , Cordero Chiara , Baggiani Claudio , Baravalle Patrizia , Giovannoli Cristina , Bicchi Carlo
Published: April 2010

A cross‐linked methacrylate molecularly imprinted polymer (poly‐4‐vinylpyridine‐co‐trimethylolpropane‐trimethacrylate) selective for bisphenol A (BPA) was synthesized, using a fluorinated BPA derivative (4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)‐diphenol) as a mimic template, and applied to the analysis of real‐world samples of process and potable waters. The molecularly imprinted polymer also showed a high affinity and selectivity for 17‐β‐estradiol and ethynylestradiol. A method to analyze BPA, 17‐β‐estradiol, and ethynylestradiol at ultratrace levels was thus developed from a screening procedure to monitor endocrine‐disrupting chemicals in water samples. The method consists of the BPA‐selective cleanup by molecularly imprinted SPE using cartridges packed with the polymer developed, its recovery by stir bar sorptive extraction after ad hoc derivatization to obtain the corresponding BPA‐acetate, and its analysis by GC‐time window‐SIM‐MS after online thermal desorption. The method showed good linearity in the working range (R2=0.9969), high repeatability (RSD% <10.1), recoveries always above 90%, and very low LOD (10 pg/L) and LOQ (1 ng/L) and can easily be extended to the determination of 17‐β‐estradiol and ethynylestradiol ultratraces. The method's effectiveness was evaluated by analyzing the real‐world water samples; it enabled preconcentration and detection of BPA at ultratrace levels.
Fast determination of five components of coumarin, alkaloids and bibenzyls inDendrobiumspp. using pressurized liquid extraction and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Xu Jun , Zhao Wei‐min , Qian Zheng‐ming , Guan Jia , Li Shao‐ping
Published: April 2010

A fast method for simultaneous determination of five compounds (one coumarin, two alkaloids and two bibenzyls) inDendrobiumspp. using pressurized liquid extraction and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photo diode array detection was developed. The separation was performed on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18column (50 mm×2.1 mm id, 1.7 μm) with gradient elution of phosphate buffer (pH=7.1, 20 mM) and acetonitrile within 6 min. The method was validated for linearity, LOD and LOQ, precision and accuracy. All calibration curves showed good linearity (R2≥0.9999) within test ranges. The overall intra‐ and inter‐day variations (RSDs) of five analytes were less than 2.5%, and the detection recoveries were between 95.6 and 102.3%. The developed method was successfully applied to quantitative analysis of five investigated compounds in different species ofDendrobium. The results showed that there were great variations of their contents, though all these materials were officially used as Chinese herb,Shihu. In addition, the chromatographic fingerprints ofDendrobiumspp. were also investigated.
The atmospheric oxidation of ethyl formate and ethyl acetate over a range of temperatures and oxygen partial pressures
Authors: Orlando John J. , Tyndall Geoffrey S.
Published: April 2010

The Cl‐atom‐initiated oxidation of two esters, ethyl formate [HC(O)OCH2CH3] and ethyl acetate [CH3C(O)OCH2CH3], has been studied at pressures close to 1 atm as a function of temperature (249–325 K) and O2 partial pressure (50–700 Torr), using an environmental chamber technique. In both cases, Cl‐atom attack at the CH2 group is most important, leading in part to the formation of radicals of the type RC(O)OCH(O•)CH3 [R = H, CH3]. The atmospheric fate of these radicals involves competition between reaction with O2 to produce an anhydride compound, RC(O)OC(O)CH3, and the so‐called α‐ester rearrangement that produces an organic acid, RC(O)OH, and an acetyl radical, CH3C(O). For both species studied, the α‐ester rearrangement is found to dominate in air at 1 atm and 298 K. Barriers to the rearrangement of 7.7 ± 1.5 and 8.4 ± 1.5 kcal/mole are estimated for CH3C(O)OCH(O•)CH3 and HC(O)OCH(O•)CH3, respectively, leading to increased occurrence of the O2 reaction at reduced temperature. The data are combined with those obtained from similar studies of other simple esters to provide a correlation between the rate of occurrence of the α‐ester rearrangement and the structure of the reacting radical. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 397–413, 2010
A non‐physical enthalpy method for the numerical solution of isothermal solidification
Authors: Davey K. , Mondragon R.
Published: April 2010

In this paper, a new formulation for the solution of the discontinuous isothermal solidification problem is presented. The formulation has similarities with the now classical capacitance and source methods traditionally used in commercial software. However, the new approach focuses on the solution of the governing enthalpy‐transport equation rather than the governing parabolic partial differential heat equation. The advantage is that discontinuous physics can be accounted for without approximation and the arbitrariness common to classic approaches is avoided. Also introduced is the concept of non‐physical enthalpy, which unlike physical enthalpy has numerical values that are not moving‐frame invariant. Understanding the behaviour of the non‐physical enthalpy is central to the successful treatment of discontinuities. A particular drawback is that non‐physical enthalpy is non‐intuitive and new mathematical constructs are required to describe its behaviour. This involves the introduction of transport equations, which provide the new concept of relative moving‐frame invariance for the non‐physical enthalpy. The principal advantage, however, is that a unified methodology is established for the treatment of discontinuities. This is shown to establish real rigour and in many respects the formulation highlights the erroneous choices made with established classical approaches and casts in a totally new light a somewhat traditional problem. The new methodology is applied to a range of simple problems not only to provide an in‐depth treatment and for ease of understanding but also to best describe the behaviour of the non‐intuitive non‐physical enthalpy. Demonstrated in the paper is the methods' remarkable accuracy and stability. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence‐based medicine: the time has come to set standards for staging
Authors: Quirke Phil , Cuvelier Claude , Ensari Arzu , Glimelius Bengt , Laurberg Søren , Ortiz Hector , Piard Francoise , Punt Cornelis JA , Glenthoj Anders , Pennickx Freddy , Seymour Matt , Valentini Vincenzo , Williams Geraint , Nagtegaal Iris D
Published: April 2010

For international communication in cancer, staging systems such as TNM are essential; however, the principles and processes used to decide about changes in every new edition of TNM need to be subject to debate. Changes with major impact for patient treatment are introduced without evidence. We think that TNM should be a continual reactive process, rather than a proactive process. Changes should only occur after extensive discussion within the community, and before the introduction of any changes these should be tested for reproducibility and compared to the currently used gold standard. TNM should not be used to test hypotheses. It should introduce established facts that are beneficial to predicting patient prognosis. TNM should thus be restructured on a basis equivalent to evidence‐based guidelines. The strength of the evidence should be explicitly stated and the evidence base given. It is time for the principles of staging to be widely debated and new principles and processes to be introduced to ensure that we are not in the same situation in the future. The disparity between therapeutic decision making and TNM staging is marked and we would appeal for the radical overhaul of TNM staging to make it fit for the twenty‐first century. TNM is central to the management of cancer patients and we must protect and enhance its reputation. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Essential role for Smad3 in angiotensin II‐induced tubular epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Yang Fuye , Huang Xiao Ru , Chung Arthur CK , Hou Chun‐Cheng , Lai Kar Neng , Lan Hui Yao
Published: April 2010

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a key mediator of chronic kidney disease, in which epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process mediated by the TGFβ/Smad signalling pathway. The present study examined the specific role of Smads in Ang II‐induced EMT in vitro and in vivo. We found that Ang II signalled through the receptor of AT1, not AT2, to activate Smad2/3 and induce EMT in a normal rat tubular epithelial cell line (NRK52E). Activation of Smads by Ang II was attributed to degradation of an inhibitory Smad7, which was mediated by the AT1‐Smurf2‐dependent ubiquitin degradation mechanism because blockade of AT1 receptor or knockdown of Smurf2 inhibited Smad7 loss, thereby reducing Smad2/3 activation and EMT in response to Ang II. In contrast, over‐expression of Smad7 inhibited Ang II‐induced Smad2/3 activation and EMT in NRK52E cells and in a rat model of remnant kidney disease. Moreover, knockdown of Smad3, not Smad2, attenuated Ang II‐induced EMT. In conclusion, Ang II activates Smad signalling to induce EMT, which is mediated by a loss of Smad7 through the AT1‐Smurf2‐dependent ubiquitin degradation pathway. Smad3, but not Smad2, may be a mediator of EMT, while Smad7 may play a protective role in EMT in response to Ang II. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How to manage an unresectable or recurrent sialoblastoma
Authors: Saribeyoglu Ebru Tugrul , Devecioglu Omer , Karakas Zeynep , Anak Sema , Unuvar Aysegul , Agaoglu Leyla , Celik Aladdin , Gulluoglu Mine , Bilgic Bilge
Published: April 2010

Only 2–5% of all salivary gland tumors occur in children. Sialoblastoma is an extremely rare salivary gland tumor diagnosed at birth or shortly thereafter with significant variability in histological range and clinical course, so that it may be difficult to predict the most appropriate therapy. In cases where surgical removal is not curative or technically feasible, chemotherapy may be attempted. We report herein a patient with progression of a huge partially resected sialoblastoma who was successfully treated with chemotherapy. Systemic chemotherapy with vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide (VAC) seems to be an effective adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment option for unresectable or recurrent sialoblastoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:374–376. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Potential response to curcumin in infantile hemangioendothelioma of the liver
Authors: Hassell Lewis A. , Roanh Le Dinh
Published: April 2010

A case of life‐threatening infantile hemangioendothelioma of the liver in a 6‐month‐old infant treated successfully with the dietary supplement curcumin is reported, with 6‐year follow‐up. Implications for pathogenesis based on sites of action of curcumin are considered. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:377–379. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Low PAPP‐A in the first trimester is associated with reduced fetal growth rate prior to gestational week 20
Authors: Salvig J. D. , Kirkegaard I. , Winding T. N. , Henriksen T. B. , Tørring N. , Uldbjerg N.
Published: April 2010

Objective

To evaluate the association between maternal pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) and fetal growth from the first to the second trimester.

Methods

A prospective cohort study including 8347 pregnant women attending prenatal care at Aarhus University Hospital were conducted. PAPP‐A was measured during 8 to 14 gestational weeks. Fetal growth between the two scans in the first and second trimesters was estimated by (GA20− GA12)/Dayscalendar, where GA12 reflects gestational age in days calculated from crown‐rump length at a 12‐week scan, GA20 reflects gestational age in days calculated from biparietal diameter at a 20‐week scan, and Dayscalendar reflects the number of calendar days between the two scans.

Results

Fetal growth rate from the first to the second trimester was correlated with PAPP‐A, with a regression coefficient of 0.009 (95% CI, 0.007–0.012, P < 0.001). PAPP‐A below 0.30 MoM was associated with a fetal growth rate below the tenth centile, with an adjusted OR of 2.05 (95% CI, 1.24–3.38).

Conclusion

Low levels of PAPP‐A are associated not only with low birth weight at term but also with slower fetal growth prior to 20 weeks of gestation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevention of severe thalassemia in northeast Thailand: 16 years of experience at a single university center
Authors: Yamsri Supawadee , Sanchaisuriya Kanokwan , Fucharoen Goonnapa , Sae‐ung Nattaya , Ratanasiri Thawalwong , Fucharoen Supan
Published: April 2010

Objective

To demonstrate the performance of thalassemia prevention in northeast Thailand during 1993–2008.

Methods

Retrospective data from 1422 at‐risk couples who attended from January 1993 to December 2008 were studied. All couples were suspected at‐risk couples based on initial screening using standard protocols. Three thalassemia carrier types including α0‐thalassemia, β‐thalassemia and hemoglobin E were identified using standard methods. Data on prenatal diagnosis were collected.

Results

Of the 1422 positive‐screened couples, 1254 (88.2%) were diagnosed as true‐positive couples. After DNA analysis, 968 of 1254 (77.2%) resulted at risk for three types of severe conditions being hemoglobin E–β‐thalassemia disease (640/968, 66.1%), homozygous α0‐thalassemia (304/968, 31.4%) and homozygous β‐thalassemia (11/968, 1.1%). The remaining 1.3% of the couples were at risk for more than one disease. After genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis was performed on 756 couples (78.1%). The proportions of affected fetuses, thalassemia carriers and unaffected fetuses were 26.9, 50.0 and 23.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

Implementation of a prevention and control program accompanying with a referral system for prenatal diagnosis is technically feasible in northeast Thailand and a large number of severe thalassemia diseases have been prevented during the past 16 years of operation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Offspring birth weight in second‐generation ‘small for gestational age’ infants
Authors: Farina Antonio , Dini Benedetta , Mattioli Mara , Rosa Stefania , Rizzo Nicola
Published: April 2010

Objective

To quantify the intergenerational effects on intrauterine growth in pregnant women who were themselves small for gestational age (SGA) at birth.

Methods

A retrospective case control was carried out on infants born in the period 1 January 2009 to 31 March 2009 at the Sant'Orsola Hospital, Bologna. Out of 958 infants, 707 met the criteria for inclusion in the study.

Results

After calculation of the percentiles stratified for gestational age at delivery, 68 cases were classified as SGA. Logistic regression analysis was used as the multivariable tool for calculating the bearing of each covariable on the outcome (SGA), including smoking and the presence of an SGA in previous pregnancies. A total of 28.6% of the infants of SGA women were SGA compared with 8.6% of the children of non‐SGA women (p‐value < 0.01). The multivariable odds ratio was 2.61 (95% CI = 1.16–5.86) for women who were SGA to have SGA children. The extra risk of being SGA in the actual pregnancy when the mother was SGA was estimated at about 7%.

Conclusion

Reduced intrauterine growth of the mother is a risk factor for reduced intrauterine growth of her children. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐reports, peer ratings and construct validity
Authors: Paunonen Sampo V. , O'Neill Thomas A.
Published: April 2010

Self‐reports of behaviour have been criticized as fraught with problems that seriously undermine the construct validity of conventional personality measures. The problems are related to a putative absence of, or distortion of, a person's knowledge about himself or herself. A proposed solution is to use peer reports of personality instead, because such observer ratings are presumably more impartial and free of the distorting influences affecting self‐reports. We review some past research on moderators of the agreement between self‐reports and peer ratings of personality, arguing that those findings support the validity of self‐ratings. We conclude that peer ratings, although highly useful as adjuncts to other methods of assessment, are no substitute for self‐reports as a source of personality information. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Construct validation using multitrait‐multimethod‐twin data: The case of a general factor of personality
Authors: Riemann Rainer , Kandler Christian
Published: April 2010

We describe a behavioural genetic extension of the classic multitrait‐multimethod study design that allows estimating genetic and environmental influences on method effects in twin studies (MTMM‐T). Genetic effects and effects of the environment shared by siblings are interpreted as indicators of convergent validity. In an application of the MTMM study design, we used self‐ and peer report data to examine the higher‐order structure of the NEO‐PI‐R. Structural equation modelling did not support a general factor of personality in multimethod data. The higher‐order factor Stability turns out to be, at most, a weak trait factor. Genetic effects on method factors indicate that especially self‐reports but also peer reports show convergent validity between twins but not between methods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The structure of social effects: Personality as impact on others
Authors: Saucier Gerard
Published: April 2010

Social‐effect descriptors (like charming and annoying) register the individual's footprint on the social world. Highly prototypical social‐effects terms in English were identified and factor‐analysed in peer‐ratings, with comparisons to the same procedures in self‐ratings. Two internally replicated factors were highly interpretable. They reflect the extent to which a person is a source of pleasure to others, or alternatively is a source of pain to others. The factors are linked to hedonic principles and basic appraisal tendencies. Extension‐correlation analyses indicated that variation in social‐effects dimensions is represented diffusely in Big Five and six‐factor measures, but corresponds more directly to variation in a Big Two personality structure that has previously been found to arise rather ubiquitously across cultures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What multi‐method data tell us about construct validity
Authors: Schimmack Ulrich
Published: April 2010

Structural equation modelling of multi‐method data has become a popular method to examine construct validity and to control for random and systematic measurement error in personality measures. I review the essential assumptions underlying causal models of multi‐method data and their implications for estimating the validity of personality measures. The main conclusions are that causal models of multi‐method data can be used to obtain quantitative estimates of the amount of valid variance in measures of personality dispositions, but that it is more difficult to determine the validity of personality measures of act frequencies and situation‐specific dispositions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative proteomic analysis of rat aorta in a subtotal nephrectomy model
Authors: Lin Yao‐Ping , Hsu Meng ‐ Erh , Chiou Yi‐Ying , Hsu Hung‐Yi , Tsai Hiao‐Chien , Peng Yu‐Ju , Lu Chi‐Yu , Pan Chien‐Yuan , Yu Wen‐Chung , Chen Chen‐Huan , Chi Chin‐Wen , Lin Chao‐Hsiung
Published: April 2010

Although accelerated atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis are the main causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, the molecular pathogenesis remains largely obscure. Our study of the aortic function in a typical CKD model of subtotal nephrectomy (SNX) rats demonstrated phenotypes that resemble CKD patients with aortic stiffness. The 2‐DE analysis of rat aortas followed by MS identified 29 up‐regulated and 53 down‐regulated proteins in SNX rats. Further Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses validated the decreased HSP27 and increased milk fat globule epidermal growth factor‐8 (MFG‐E8) in SNX rats. Functional classification of differential protein profiles using KOGnitor revealed that the two major categories involved in aortic stiffness are posttranslational modification, protein turnover, chaperones (23%) and cytoskeleton (21%). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis highlighted cellular assembly and organization, and cardiovascular system development and function as the two most relevant pathways. Among the identified proteins, the clinical significance of the secreted protein MFG‐E8 was confirmed in 50 CKD patients, showing that increased serum MFG‐E8 level is positively related to aortic stiffness and renal function impairment. Drug interventions with an inhibitor of the angiotensin converting enzyme, enalapril, in SNX rats improved aortic stiffness and decreased MFG‐E8 depositions. Together, our studies provide a repertoire of potential biomarkers related to the aortic stiffness in CKD.
Quantitative analysis of the secretome of TGF‐β signaling‐deficient mammary fibroblasts
Authors: Xu Baogang J. , Yan Wenwei , Jovanovic Bojana , An Angel Q. , Cheng Nikki , Aakre Mary E. , Yi Yajun , Eng Jimmy , Link Andrew J. , Moses Harold L.
Published: April 2010

Transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) is a master regulator of autocrine and paracrine signaling pathways between a tumor and its microenvironment. Decreased expression of TGF‐β type II receptor (TβRII) in stromal cells is associated with increased tumor metastasis and shorter patient survival. In this study, SILAC quantitative proteomics was used to identify differentially externalized proteins in the conditioned media from the mammary fibroblasts with or without intact TβRII. Over 1000 proteins were identified and their relative differential levels were quantified. Immunoassays were used to further validate identification and quantification of the proteomic results. Differential expression was detected for various extracellular proteins, including proteases and their inhibitors, growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins. CXCL10, a cytokine found to be up‐regulated in the TβRII knockout mammary fibroblasts, is shown to directly stimulate breast tumor cell proliferation and migration. Overall, this study revealed hundreds of specific extracellular protein changes modulated by deletion of TβRII in mammary fibroblasts, which may play important roles in the tumor microenvironment. These results warrant further investigation into the effects of inhibiting the TGF‐β signaling pathway in fibroblasts because systemic inhibition of TGF‐β signaling pathways is being considered as a potential cancer therapy.