bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual‐column capillary microextraction (CME) combined with electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ETV‐ICP‐MS) for the speciation of arsenic in human hair extracts
Authors: Zheng Fei , Hu Bin
Published: November 2009

In this work, dual‐column capillary microextraction (CME) system consisting of N‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AAPTS)‐silica coated capillary (C1) and 3‐mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (MPTS)‐silica coated capillary (C2) was developed for sequential separation/preconcentration of arsenite [As(III)], arsenate [As(V)], monomethylarsonic acid [MMA(V)] and dimethylarsinic acid [DMA(V)] in the extracts of human hair followed by electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ETV‐ICP‐MS) detection with iridium as permanent modifier. Various experimental parameters affecting the dual‐column microextraction of different As species had been investigated in detail. It was found that at pH 9, As(V) and MMA could be quantitatively retained by C1 and only As(III) could be quantitatively retained by C2. With the aid of valve switching, As(V)/MMA(V) retained on C1 and As(III) retained on C2 could be sequentially desorbed by 10 µl of 0.01 mol l−1 HNO3 [for As(V)], 0.1 mol l−1 HNO3 [for MMA(V)] and 0.2 mol l−1 HNO3‐3% thiourea (m/v) [for As(III)], respectively, the eluents were immediately introduced into the Ir‐coated graphite tubes for further ETV‐ICP‐MS detection. With two‐step ETV pyrolysis program, Cl− in the sample matrix could be in situ removed, and the total As in the human hair extracts or digested solution could be interference‐free, determined by ETV‐ICP‐MS. DMA(V) in the human hair extracts was obtained by subtraction of total As in the human hair extracts from other three As species. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits (3 σ) of the method were 3.9 pg ml−1 for As(III), 2.7 pg ml−1 for As(V), 2.6 pg ml−1 for MMA(V) and 124 pg ml−1 for total As with the relative standard deviations less than 7.0% (C = 0.1 ng ml−1, n = 7), and the enrichment factor was 286, 262 and 260 for As(III), As(V) and MMA(V), respectively. The developed method was successfully applied for the speciation of arsenic in the extracts of human hair. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A long‐term survey on the distribution of the human rotavirus G type in Thailand
Authors: Pongsuwannna Yaowapa , Guntapong Ratigorn , Tacharoenmuang Ratana , Prapanpoj Malliga , Kameoka Masanori , Taniguchi Koki
Published: November 2009

The distribution of the G type of human rotavirus was surveyed in Thailand between July 1993 and June 2007. A significant yearly change in the distribution of the G type distribution was found. From 1993–1994 to 1998–1999, the G1 type was the most dominant. In 1999–2000, G9 began to appear at a high frequency. In 2000–2001, 2001–2002, and 2002–2003, G9 was very common. In 2003–2004, G1 became the most prevalent type again, and since then it has been detected at the highest frequency. G12 strains, which were first detected in 1998–1999, were also found in 2004–2005 and 2006–2007. The G4 and G3 types were moderately prevalent in 2001–2002 and 2004–2005, respectively. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the VP7 genes of the G9 and G12 strains which reemerged in Thailand showed that they were each similar to the contemporary strains in other countries. J. Med. Virol. 82:157–163, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bioinformatic analysis of the hepadnavirus e‐antigen and its precursor identifies remarkable sequence conservation in all orthohepadnaviruses
Authors: Revill Peter , Yuen Lilly , Walsh Renae , Perrault Marie , Locarnini Stephen , Kramvis Anna
Published: November 2009

The hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg) is a non‐particulate secretory protein expressed by all viruses within the family Hepadnaviridae. It is not essential for viral assembly or replication but is important for establishment of persistent infection in vivo. Although the exact mechanism(s) by which the HBeAg manifests chronicity are unclear, the HBeAg elicits both humoral and cell‐mediated immunity, down‐regulates the innate immune response to infection, as well as functioning as a T cell tolerogen and regulating the immune response to the intracellular nucleocapsid. A bioinformatics approach was used to show that the HBeAg and precursory genetic codes share remarkable sequence conservation in all mammalian‐infecting hepadnaviruses, irrespective of host, genotype, or geographic origin. Whilst much of this sequence conservation was within key immunomodulatory epitopes, highest conservation was observed at the unique HBeAg N‐terminus, suggesting this sequence in particular may play an important role in HBeAg function. J. Med. Virol. 82:104–115, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pro‐inflammatory response resulting from sindbis virus infection of human macrophages: Implications for the pathogenesis of viral arthritis
Authors: Assunção‐Miranda Iranaia , Bozza Marcelo T. , Da Poian Andrea T.
Published: November 2009

Several viruses cause acute and chronic joint inflammation in humans, and among them, the alphaviruses are of special interest due to the increasing number of outbreaks in which they are the etiological factor. Sindbis virus (SinV), a member of the Alphavirus genus, is the most widely distributed of all known arboviruses. Although SinV causes arthritis in humans, the molecular and cellular factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease are almost completely unknown. Despite the crucial role of macrophages in the development of arthritis, these cells have not been recognized as potential targets for viruses causing arthritis. In this study, replication of SinV in human macrophages was demonstrated. The infection promoted macrophage activation, leading to the release of macrophage migration inhibitor factor (MIF) from intracellular stores and inducing the expression and secretion of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6. Production of these cytokines was followed by the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1 and 3, which could be involved in the articular damage that has been observed in disease induced by SinV. The use of different strategies to block MIF action, including an anti‐MIF antibody, the MIF inhibitor ISO‐1 and knockout mice for the MIF gene, showed that cytokine secretion and MMP expression during infection were regulated by MIF, suggesting that this cytokine acts in autocrine and paracrine manner upstream in the macrophage activation cascade. Thus, these are remarkable similarities between macrophage responses induced by SinV infection and those observed in rheumatoid arthritis, despite the different etiologies of infectious and autoimmune arthritides. J. Med. Virol. 82:164–174, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early emergence of raltegravir resistance mutations in patients receiving HAART salvage regimens
Authors: Baldanti Fausto , Paolucci Stefania , Gulminetti Roberto , Brandolini Micaela , Barbarini Giorgio , Maserati Renato
Published: November 2009

The emergence of drug‐resistance mutations in HIV‐1 integrase of patients receiving HAART salvage regimens including raltegravir was investigated in 11 heavily pretreated patients (median number of treatment failures 12, range 5–22) within an expanded access program in Pavia, Italy. HIV‐1 RNA levels in plasma, CD4+ T‐cell counts and sequencing of HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase (RT), protease (PR), gp41, and integrase genes were performed at baseline and after 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months. The treatment baseline median HIV‐1 RNA levels in plasma decreased from 7,510 (range 118–407,107) to <50 copies/ml (range <50–7,562), while median CD4+ T‐cell counts remained unchanged (from 212 cells/µl, range 10–764 to 262 cells/µl, range 13–760). Mutations at positions involved in raltegravir resistance (E92G, G140S, Q148H, and N155H) were detected in 4 of 11 (36.3%) patients as early as 1 month after initiating salvage HAART. Of note, the E → G change at codon 92 was not reported previously. In two patients with raltegravir resistance, the simultaneous appearance of additional mutations (Y143R and E170A) with an unclear impact on susceptibility to raltegravir or on integrase activity was observed. It is concluded that raltegravir resistant HIV‐1 strains may emerge as early as 1 month after initiating HAART salvage regimens. A new mutation associated with the emergence of raltegravir resistance is described, and the simultaneous appearance of primary and secondary mutations was observed. The effect of single and multiple mutations on integrase activity, raltegravir susceptibility, and on the capacity of viral replication remains to be elucidated. J. Med. Virol. 82:116–122, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of epoetin beta during combination therapy of infection with hepatitis c virus with ribavirin improves a sustained viral response
Authors: Falasca Katia , Ucciferri Claudio , Mancino Paola , Gorgoretti Valeria , Pizzigallo Eligio , Vecchiet Jacopo
Published: November 2009

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of epoetin‐beta on anemia and sustained viral response in patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Forty‐two Caucasian patients with chronic hepatitis C infection, treated with pegylated interferon α‐2a or α‐2b plus ribavirin, who experienced at least a 2 log decline in HCV‐RNA in the first month of therapy and a ≥2.5 g/dl hemoglobin drop from baseline, were recruited. They were divided into two groups: 22 patients received epoetin‐beta 30,000 U administered s.c. q.w. (group A) and 20 patients received a reduced ribavirin dose of 600 mg daily (group B). The end‐of‐treatment response was 95.4% (21/22) in group A and 80% (16/20) (P = 0.2) in group B. Sustained viral response in group A was 81.8% (18/22), statistically higher than in group B (45%, 9/20) (P = 0.03). Mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes was statistically lower in group A than in group B 4 weeks after starting epoetin‐beta or reduced ribavirin dose (P < 0.001), end‐of‐treatment (P < 0.001) and after 6 months follow‐up (P < 0.001). A negative correlation between the levels of ferritin serum was found in group A at the baseline and mean corpuscular volume value after 1 month of combination antiviral therapy (r = −0.45; P = 0.35), 4 weeks after starting epoetin‐beta (r = −0.43; P = 0.04) and after 6 months follow‐up (r = −0.45; P = 0.03). Administration of epoetin‐beta increases sustained viral response rates among patients developing anemia, because the standard dose of ribavirin is maintained, thereby reducing the side‐effects of antiviral treatment. J. Med. Virol. 82:49–56, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Viral load in patients infected with pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza A virus
Authors: To Kelvin K.W. , Chan Kwok‐Hung , Li Iris W.S. , Tsang Tak‐Yin , Tse Herman , Chan Jasper F.W. , Hung Ivan F.N. , Lai Sik‐To , Leung Chi‐Wai , Kwan Yat‐Wah , Lau Yu‐Lung , Ng Tak‐Keung , Cheng Vincent C.C. , Peiris Joseph S.M. , Yuen Kwok‐Yung
Published: November 2009

Viral shedding profile of infections caused by the pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza A virus has not been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the viral load in different body sites. Viral loads of pandemic H1N1 virus in respiratory specimens, stool, urine, and serum were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Respiratory specimens from patients with seasonal influenza were used as historical controls. Initial pre‐treatment viral load were compared between these two groups. Serial respiratory specimens from patients with pandemic H1N1 virus infection were obtained for analysis of viral dynamics. Twenty‐two pandemic H1N1 cases and 44 seasonal influenza historical controls were included. The mean initial viral load before oseltamivir therapy was 1.84 × 108 copies/ml for pandemic H1N1 virus compared with 3.28 × 108 copies/ml in seasonal influenza historical controls (P = 0.085). Among patients with pandemic H1N1 virus infection, peak viral load occurred on the day of onset of symptoms, and declined gradually afterwards, with no virus being detectable in respiratory specimens by RT‐PCR 8 days and by culture 5 days after the onset of symptoms respectively, except in one patient. Pandemic H1N1 virus was detected in stool and in urine from 4/9 and 1/14 patients, respectively. Viral culture was also positive from the stool sample with the highest viral load. Younger age was associated with prolonged shedding in the respiratory tract and higher viral load in the stool. Data from this quantitative analysis of viral shedding may have implications for formulating infection control measures. J. Med. Virol. 82:1–7, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sequence flexibility of the immunodominant HLA A*0201 restricted ppUL83 CD8 T‐cell epitope of human cytomegalovirus
Authors: Kopycinski Jakub , Osman Mohamed , Griffiths Paul D. , Emery Vincent C.
Published: November 2009

The cytomegalovirus ppUL83 protein contains an immunodominant A*0201 restricted epitope between residues 495 and 503. We investigated the tolerance of this epitope to sequence variation in the context of peptide binding to HLA A*0201 and the ability to induce an Interferon gamma (IFNγ) response through engagement with the T‐cell receptor (TCR). The majority of mutations investigated resulted in a decrease in the production of IFNγ indicating that if such variants occurred in vivo they would not be recognized by CD8 T‐cell clones specific for the wild‐type epitope. The mechanistic basis for the majority of the mutant peptides was their failure to bind and stabilize class I HLA cell surface expression. However, one peptide with a mutation at the P5 position (methionine to cysteine) resulted in a significant enhanced binding to HLA A*0201 and also an increase in cell surface expression over the wild‐type peptide but was unable to engage with the CD8 TCR and trigger IFNγ production. This peptide acted as a competitive inhibitor of the wild‐type peptide but could not fully inhibit IFNγ production by the latter. We subsequently investigated whether mutations of the HLA A*0201 epitope were evident in immunocompromized patients experiencing either rapid exponential or persistent cytomegalovirus replication. J. Med. Virol. 82:94–103, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PreS deletion mutations of hepatitis B virus in chronically infected patients with simultaneous seropositivity for hepatitis‐B surface antigen and anti‐HBS antibodies
Authors: Huang Xiangyan , Qin Yanghua , Zhang Peng , Tang Gusheng , Shi Qingfen , Xu Jun , Qi Falian , Shen Qian
Published: November 2009

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti‐HBs antibodies (anti‐HBs) may coexist in certain chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. This study was designed to further explore the relationship between this coexistence and hepatitis B Virus (HBV) preS deletions. Sera of 28 patients carrying both HBsAg and anti‐HBs (Group I) and those of another 28 HBsAg positive but anti‐HBs negative patients (Group II) were collected from CHB patients. Direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products or sequencing of clones was applied to both groups to determine sequences of HBV preS and S genes. Genotyping of the S gene indicated that all sampled HBVs were either Genosubtype Ba or Genosubtype Ce. Seven samples in Group I harbored HBV preS deletion mutations. Three of the seven samples showed large deletion mutations in 3′ terminus of preS1 and co‐existence of the mutant type and the full‐length wild type, and the remaining four samples showed deletion mutations in 5′ terminus of preS2. All mutant strains were found to be genosubtype Ce. Only two samples in Group I showed G145R/A mutation. Only one sample in Group II contained preS deletion mutation. It is therefore concluded that HBV preS deletion mutations are likely to be related to the coexistence of HBsAg and anti‐HBs in CHB patients (P‐value = 0.024). Some immune reactions may select for the preS deletion in CHB patients with anti‐HBs, the possible marker for immune selection. J. Med. Virol. 82:23–31, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Induction of cross‐protective immunity against influenza A virus H5N1 by an intranasal vaccine with extracts of mushroom mycelia
Authors: Ichinohe Takeshi , Ainai Akira , Nakamura Tomoyuki , Akiyama Yukihito , Maeyama Jun‐ichi , Odagiri Takato , Tashiro Masato , Takahashi Hidehiro , Sawa Hirofumi , Tamura Shin‐ichi , Chiba Joe , Kurata Takeshi , Sata Tetsutaro , Hasegawa Hideki
Published: November 2009

The identification of a safe and effective adjuvant that is able to enhance mucosal immune responses is necessary for the development of an efficient inactivated intranasal influenza vaccine. The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of extracts of mycelia derived from edible mushrooms as adjuvants for intranasal influenza vaccine. The adjuvant effect of extracts of mycelia was examined by intranasal co‐administration of the extracts and inactivated A/PR8 (H1N1) influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) vaccine in BALB/c mice. The inactivated vaccine in combination with mycelial extracts induced a high anti‐A/PR8 HA‐specific IgA and IgG response in nasal washings and serum, respectively. Virus‐specific cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte responses were also induced by administration of the vaccine with extract of mycelia, resulting in protection against lethal lung infection with influenza virus A/PR8. In addition, intranasal administration of NIBRG14 vaccine derived from the influenza A/Vietnam/1194/2004 (H5N1) virus strain administered in conjunction with mycelial extracts fromPhellinus linteusconferred cross‐protection against heterologous influenza A/Indonesia/6/2005 virus challenge in the nasal infection model. In addition, mycelial extracts induced proinflammatory cytokines and CD40 expression in bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells. These results suggest that mycelial extract‐adjuvanted vaccines can confer cross‐protection against variant H5N1 influenza viruses. The use of extracts of mycelia derived from edible mushrooms is proposed as a new safe and effective mucosal adjuvant for use for nasal vaccination against influenza virus infection. J. Med. Virol. 82:128–137, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High prevalence of species D human adenoviruses in fecal specimens from Urban Kenyan children with diarrhea
Authors: Magwalivha Mpho , Wolfaardt Marianne , Kiulia Nicholas M. , van Zyl Walda B. , Mwenda Jason M. , Taylor Maureen B.
Published: November 2009

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) cause a wide range of clinical syndromes and are classified in seven species, A–G, comprising 52 serotypes. HAdV‐A31, ‐F40, and ‐F41 have been associated with diarrhea in infants and young children. In developing countries gastroenteritis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children and, in comparison to rotaviruses, there are no data on the HAdVs associated with diarrhea in pediatric patients in Kenya. This study investigates the prevalence and genotypes of HAdVs in 278 stool specimens (211 diarrheal; 67 non‐diarrheal) from children ≤14 years of age in urban and rural areas in Kenya. Stool specimens were screened for HAdVs using a nested polymerase chain reaction and the HAdVs genotyped by sequence analysis of a conserved hexon gene fragment. HAdVs were detected in 104/278 (37.4%) of the stool specimens: 35/43 (81.4%) of diarrheal and 10/61 (16.4%) of non‐diarrheal stool specimens from children in an urban hospice; 25/94 (26.6%) of diarrheal specimens from urban children and 34/80 (42.5%) of diarrheal specimens from children in a rural area. Species D HAdVs were identified as the most prevalent HAdV species in diarrheal stool specimens from urban children comprising 18/37 (48.6%) of the strains identified. In contrast HAdV species F predominated in pediatric diarrheal specimens from the rural area, being identified in 7/16 (43.8%) of the characterized strains. This study provides valuable new data on the prevalence and distribution of HAdV genotypes in diarrheal stool specimens in Kenya and Africa, and highlights the necessity for further investigations. J. Med. Virol. 82:77–84, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental validation of a pinless femoral reference array for computer‐assisted hip arthroplasty
Authors: Renkawitz Tobias , Wegner Melanie , Gneiting Sabine , Haimerl Martin , Sendtner Ernst , Kalteis Thomas , Grifka Joachim
Published: November 2009

The use of computer navigation systems during total hip arthroplasty requires the femoral fixation of a reflective dynamic reference base (DRB), which theoretically involves the risk of bony fracture, infection, and pin loosening. The first objective of this study was to evaluate the relative movements between a novel, noninvasive external femoral DRB system and the femur. Secondly, the maximum effects of these 3D movements on intraoperative, computer‐assisted leg length and offset measures were evaluated. An imageless navigation system was used to track the positions of the soft tissue attached, pinless DRB relative to an invasive reference marker on the femur during a less‐invasive, anterior surgical hip approach. Relative translatory movements up to 8.2 mm mediolaterally and up to 8.8° in rotation were measured. Using a measurement technique in which the calculation of leg length and offset changes is primarily based on a specific realignment of the leg, maximum differences of 1.3 mm for leg length and 1.2 mm for offset were found when comparing the pin‐based and pinless methods. Thus, invasive fixation techniques with screws or pins are still the method of choice when standard measurement algorithms for intraoperative leg length and offset measures are used. Though direct translatory and rotational variations between the pinless array and the femoral bone were detected, the pinless array can be used to assess leg length and offset when used with a specific measurement technique that compensates for such variations. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:583–588, 2010
Computational assessment of the effect of polyethylene wear rate, mantle thickness, and porosity on the mechanical failure of the acetabular cement mantle
Authors: Coultrup Oliver J. , Hunt Chris , Wroblewski B. Michael , Taylor Mark
Published: November 2009

Clinical studies have revealed that aseptic loosening is the dominant cause of failure in total hip arthroplasty, particularly for the acetabular component. For a cemented polyethylene cup, failure is generally accompanied by the formation of fibrous tissue at the cement–bone interface. A variety of reasons for the formation of this tissue have been suggested, including osteolysis and mechanical overload at the cement–bone interface. In this study, a computational cement damage accumulation method was used to investigate the effect of polyethylene cup penetration, cement mantle thickness, and cement porosity on the number of cycles required to achieve mechanical fatigue failure of the cement mantle. Cup penetration was found to increase cement mantle stresses, resulting in a reduction in cement mantle fatigue life of 9% to 11% for a high cup penetration rate. The effect of using a thin (2 mm) over a thick (4 mm) cement mantle also reduced cement mantle fatigue life between 9% and 11%, and greatly raised cancellous bone stresses. Cement porosity was found to have very little effect on cement mantle fatigue life. Failure modes and cement stresses involved suggest that only extreme combinations of a thin cement mantle and high cup penetration may lead to mechanical failure of the cement mantle, thereby allowing wear debris access to the cement–bone interface. A thin cement mantle may also lead to the mechanical overload of the cement–bone interface. In this manner, the authors suggest that the mechanical factors may contribute to the failure mode of cemented polyethylene cups. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:565–570, 2010
Patellofemoral joint kinematics: The circular path of the patella around the trochlear axis
Authors: Iranpour Farhad , Merican Azhar M. , Baena Ferdinando Rodriguez Y. , Cobb Justin P. , Amis Andrew A.
Published: November 2009

Differing descriptions of patellar motion relative to the femur have resulted from previous studies. We hypothesized that patellar kinematics would correlate to the trochlear geometry and that differing descriptions could be reconciled by accounting for differing alignments of measurement axes. Seven normal fresh‐frozen knees were CT scanned, and their kinematics with quadriceps loading was measured by an optical tracker system. Kinematics was calculated in relation to the femoral epicondylar, anatomic, and mechanical axes. A novel trochlear axis was defined, between the centers of spheres best fitted to the medial and lateral trochlear articular surfaces. The path of the center of the patella was circular and uniplanar (root‐mean‐square error 0.3 mm) above 16 ± 3° (mean ± SD) knee flexion. In the coronal plane, this circle was aligned 6 ± 2° from the femoral anatomical axis, close to the mechanical axis alignment. It was 91 ± 3° from the epicondylar axis, and 88 ± 3° from the trochlear axis. In the transverse plane it was 91 ± 3° and 88 ± 3° from the epicondylar and trochlear axes, respectively. Manipulation of the data to different axis alignments showed that differing previously published data could be reconciled. The circular path of patellar motion around the trochlea, aligned with the mechanical axis of the leg, is easily visualized and understood. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:589–594, 2010
Clay mineralogy and geochemistry and their palaeoclimatic interpretation of the Pleistocene deposits in the Xuancheng section, southern China
Authors: Hong Hanlie , Gu Yansheng , Li Rongbiao , Zhang Kexin , Li Zhaohui
Published: November 2009

A red soil profile in Xuancheng, Anhui province, southern China, in the middle to lower reaches of the Yangtze River, was investigated using X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer, and scanning electron microscopy. The mobile components K2O and Na2O and trace elements Ba and Sr of the Xuancheng section exhibit a general trend of decrease downward along the red soil profile, together with an increase downward of chemical index of alteration (CIA) values, suggesting more intense depletion in the lower portion than in the upper portion. The major components SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3, as well as SiO2/Al2O3, SiO2/Fe2O3 and Al2O3/Fe2O3 ratios, show notable fluctuations along the soil profile, indicating intense climatic oscillations in the area during the Pleistocene age. The clay mineral assemblage of the Xuancheng section can be generally subdivided into three groups, suggesting a general trend of three stages of climate changes. The lower portion of ∼10.4–6.3 m depth has a lower illite content and higher abundance of kaolinite and illite–smectite (I/S) clays, indicating that a warm and wet climate prevailed over the episode of ca. 600–350 ka BP. A decrease in abundance of kaolinite and I/S clays and increase in illite content at a depth of ∼6.3–2.2  m probably indicate a transition stage of climate change from warm/humid to cool/dry in the period ca. 350–80 ka BP. The higher illite content and lower abundance of kaolinite and I/S clays in the upper portion of ∼2.2–0 m depth suggest that a relatively cool and dry climate dominated since ca. 80 ka BP. Based on changes in clay mineralogy and chemical indices of the sediments, seven warm/cold fluctuations were determined in the area since the Middle Pleistocene. Climate changes documented in the Xuancheng section are in agreement with the δ18O records of sediments from the equatorial Pacific Core V28‐238 and the loess–palaeosol sequences in the Loess Plateau of northwestern China. Correlated to the episode of S4 and S5 soil units in the Loess Plateau, the period of ca. 600–350 ka BP in the Xuancheng area was dominated by the particularly strong East Asia summer monsoon, as indicated by its most abundant kaolinite and I/S clays. Fluctuations in clay mineralogy along the Xuancheng soil profile were mainly controlled by both the East Asia summer and winter monsoons in response to the global changes in the Middle–Late Pleistocene. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A major ice drainage pathway of the last British–Irish Ice Sheet: the Tyne Gap, northern England
Authors: Livingstone Stephen J. , Cofaigh Colm Ó , Evans David J. A.
Published: November 2009

The Tyne Gap is a wide pass, situated between the Scottish Southern Uplands and the English Pennines that connects western and eastern England. It was a major ice flow drainage pathway of the last British–Irish Ice Sheet. This study presents new glacial geomorphological and sedimentological data from the Tyne Gap region that has allowed detailed reconstructions of palaeo‐ice flow dynamics during the Late Devensian (Marine Isotope Stage 2). Mapped lineations reveal a complex palimpsest pattern which shows that ice flow was subject to multiple switches in direction. These are summarised into three major ice flow phases. Stage I was characterised by convergent Lake District and Scottish ice that flowed east through the Tyne Gap, as a topographically controlled ice stream. This ice stream was identified from glacial geomorphological evidence in the form of convergent bedforms, streamlined subglacial bedforms and evidence for deformable bed conditions; stage II involved northerly migration of the Solway Firth ice divide back into the Southern Uplands, causing the easterly flow of ice to be weakened, and resulting in southeasterly flow of ice down the North Tyne Valley; and stage III was characterised by strong drawdown of ice into the Irish Sea Ice Basin, thus starving the Tyne Gap of ice and causing progressive ice sheet retreat westwards back across the watershed, prior to ice stagnation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal → nematic phase transition in the liquid crystalline system 1‐isothiocyanato‐4‐(trans‐4‐propylcyclohexyl) benzene (3CHBT) probed by temperature‐dependent micro‐Raman study and DFT calculations
Authors: Vikram K. , Tarcea Nicolae , Srivastava S. K. , Asthana B. P. , Popp J. , Singh Ranjan K.
Published: November 2009

Raman spectra of 3CHBT in unoriented form were recorded at 14 different temperature measurements in the range 25–55 °C, which covers the crystal → nematic (N) phase transition, and the Raman signatures of the phase transition were identified. The wavenumber shifts and linewidth changes of Raman marker bands with varying temperature were determined. The assignments of important vibrational modes of 3CHBT were also made using the experimentally observed Raman and infrared spectra, calculated wavenumbers, and potential energy distribution. The DFT calculations using the B3LYP method employing 6‐31G functional were performed for geometry optimization and vibrational spectra of monomer and dimer of 3CHBT. The analysis of the vibrational bands, especially the variation of their peak position as a function of temperature in two different spectral regions, 1150–1275 cm−1 and 1950–2300 cm−1, is discussed in detail. Both the linewidth and peak position of the (CH) in‐plane bending and ν(NCS) modes, which give Raman signatures of the crystal → N phase transition, are discussed in detail. The molecular dynamics of this transition has also been discussed. We propose the co‐existence of two types of dimers, one in parallel and the other in antiparallel arrangement, while going to the nematic phase. The structure of the nematic phase in bulk has also been proposed in terms of these dimers. The red shift of the ν(NCS) band and blue shift of almost all other ring modes show increased intermolecular interaction between the aromatic rings and decreased intermolecular interaction between two NCS groups in the nematic phase. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative analysis and chromatographic fingerprinting for the quality evaluation of Forsythia suspensa extract by HPLC coupled with photodiode array detector
Authors: Xia Yonggang , Yang Bingyou , Wang Qiuhong , Liang Jun , Wei Youhe , Yu Hedan , Zhang Qingbo , Kuang Haixue
Published: November 2009

A simple and reproducible HPLC‐photodiode array detector method has been described for evaluating and controlling quality of Forsythia suspensa extract (FSE). First, by analysis of chromatographic fingerprints, the similarities of chromatograms of FSE samples from the same pharmaceutical company exceeded 0.999, 0.997 and 0.960, respectively, although they were much lower from different pharmaceutical companies. Second, by further comparing many batches of extract chromatograph charts with the corresponding reference herb materials, the “common peaks” 3, 5, 7 and 10 were defined as “marker peaks”, which were identified as (+)‐pinoresinol‐β‐D‐glucoside, forsythiaside, phillyrin and phillygenin, respectively. Third, four “marker peaks” were simultaneously determined based on fingerprint chromatogram for further controlling the quality of FSE quantitatively. Namely, the newly developed method was successfully applied to analyze 38 batches of FSE samples supplied by three pharmaceutical factories, which showed acceptable linearity, intra‐day precision (RSD<2.76%), inter‐day precision (RSD<3.43%) and the average recovery rates in the range of (95.38±2.96)% to (101.60±3.08)%. At last, hierarchical clustering analysis and Bayes discriminant analysis statistical methods were used to classify and differentiate the 38 FSE samples to provide the basis for guiding reasonable use of FSE and controlling its quality better.
Investigation of relationships between barley stress peptides and beer gushing using SDS‐PAGE and MS screening
Authors: Hégrová Blanka , Farková Marta , Macuchová Simona , Havel Josef , Preisler Jan
Published: November 2009

The relationship between gushing and antifungal peptides in barley and malt kernels was examined for five barley varieties produced in the Czech Republic with four conditions of infection and treatment. Proteome changes during pathogen‐seed interaction were observed with SDS‐PAGE and MALDI‐TOF MS. These methods were applied as a fast screening for observing the relationship between gushing and peptides/proteins. It was found that the presence of basic peptides, presumably hordothionins and non‐specific lipid transfer protein type 1, did not correlate with the degree of gushing for malt (∣r∣∈<0.07, 0.34>), (∣r∣∈<0.01, 0.49>), respectively, as detected by both methods.
Relationship between human IgG structure and retention time in hydroxyapatite chromatography with sodium‐phosphate gradient elution
Authors: Nakagawa Taishiro , Ishihara Takashi , Yoshida Hideaki , Yoneya Takashi , Wakamatsu Kaori , Kadoya Toshihiko
Published: November 2009

The aim of this study was to classify the retention time of recombinant human monoclonal antibodies (rhMAbs) in hydroxyapatite chromatography with sodium‐phosphate gradient elution according to their physicochemical properties. We analyzed 37 rhMAbs and found that (i) the structures of both the constant and variable regions affected retention time, (ii) the number of basic amino acid residues in the variable region, particularly in the heavy chain, correlated well with retention time, and (iii) this correlation was more pronounced (e.g. r2=0.87 for 18 κ IgG1 rhMAbs) when the surface accessibility of those residues are taken into account. These findings provide a useful guide for investigators and purification‐process developers working with monoclonal antibodies.
Comparison of the influence of organic modifier on the secondary interactions of polar embedded and classical alkyl‐silica reversed phase HPLC stationary phases
Authors: McGachy Neil T. , Zhou Lili
Published: November 2009

Linear solvation energy relationships are used along with solute retention data to compare the influence of organic modifier on the secondary interactions of polar‐embedded (EPG) and classical alkyl‐silica (C18) stationary phases. System constants derived using the linear solvation energy relationship model measure the relative strength of solute interactions in the mobile phase and the solvated stationary phase. Differences in the e and s system constants, which, respectively, measure interactions of π and lone pair electrons and dipole‐type interactions, were larger between the two stationary phases when methanol was used versus ACN. A similar effect was not evident for the a system constant, which is a measure of hydrogen‐bond acceptor ability. The b system constant, which measures hydrogen‐bond donating ability, was consistently lower for the EPG stationary phases when water–methanol mobile phases were used, especially at lower methanol levels. Plots of the polar and specific selectivity for select solutes versus organic modifier level are used to demonstrate the differing influences of ACN and methanol on the selectivity obtained on representative EPG and C18 stationary phases. For the solutes studied, differences in both the polar and specific selectivity were increased between the two stationary phases when water–methanol mobile phases were used.
Microwave‐assisted extraction for the simultaneous determination of Novolac glycidyl ethers, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, and its derivatives in canned food using HPLC with fluorescence detection
Authors: Zhang Hong , Xue Ming , Lu Yanbin , Dai Zhiyuan , Wang Honghai
Published: November 2009

A microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) protocol and an efficient HPLC analysis method were first developed for the fast extraction and simultaneous determination of bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (Novolac glycidyl ether 2‐Ring), Novolac glycidyl ether 3‐Ring, Novolac glycidyl ether 4‐Ring, Novolac glycidyl ether 5‐Ring, Novolac glycidyl ether 6‐Ring, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, bisphenol A (2,3‐dihydroxypropyl) glycidyl ether, bisphenol A (3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypropyl) glycidyl ether, bisphenol A bis(3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypropyl) ether, bisphenol A (3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypropyl) (2,3‐dihydroxypropyl) ether in canned fish and meat. After being optimized in terms of solvents, microwave power and irradiation time, MAE was selected to carry out the extraction of ten target compounds. Analytes were purified by poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) SPE columns and determinated by HPLC‐fluorescence detection. LOD varied from 0.79 to 3.77 ng/g for different target compounds based on S/N=3; LOQ were from 2.75 to 10.92 ng/g; the RSD for repeatability were <8.64%. The analytical recoveries ranged from 70.46 to 103.44%. This proposed method was successfully applied to 16 canned fish and meat, and the results acquired were in good accordance with the studies reported. Compared with the conventional liquid–liquid extraction and ultrasonic extraction, the optimized MAE approach gained the higher extraction efficiency (20–50% improved).
Intralesional bleomycin injections in the treatment of benign lymphoepithelial cysts of the parotid gland in HIV‐positive patients: Case reports
Authors: Monama Glen M. , Tshifularo Mashudu I.
Published: November 2009

Benign lymphoepithelial cysts (BLCs) of the parotid gland are associated with human immunodeficiency virus. These cysts may grow large and uncomfortable, causing significant cosmetic embarrassment for the patient. Several treatment options have been described with varying successes. We report successful treatment of three adults with bleomycin. All three patients presented with bilateral parotid enlargements. They received a total dose of between 180 U and 270 U of bleomycin over a period of 6 to 10 weeks. They all responded completely without morbidity or recurrence. Bleomycin is effective in the treatment of BLCs of the parotid glands in HIV‐positive patients. Laryngoscope, 2010
Electromyographic laryngeal synkinesis alters prognosis in vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Statham Melissa M. , Rosen Clark A. , Smith Libby J. , Munin Michael C.
Published: November 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Synkinesis, or misdirected reinnervation, is likely a confounder when predicting return of function of an immobile vocal fold. Currently, no information exists on the incidence of synkinesis in unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI) or the effect synkinesis has on prognosis and treatment. Our objective was to examine a vocal fold adductor synkinesis screening protocol using diagnostic laryngeal electromyography (LEMG). We aim to determine the effect of synkinesis on prognosis of recovery of purposeful vocal fold motion.

Study Design:

Retrospective review of LEMG data and patient charts from laryngology practice.

Methods:

A standardized LEMG analysis method to diagnose vocal fold adductory synkinesis was performed in 124 consecutive laryngeal electromyographic exams.

Results:

Synkinesis testing was positive in 12/124 patients (9.7%). Post hoc quantitative analysis of electromyographic recordings to compare motor unit potential amplitude in the thyroarytenoid/lateral cricoarytenoid complex during sustained phonation to those in the same muscle during a “sniff” revealed a significant difference in motor unit potential amplitude ratio for control subjects (0.32), those who recovered purposeful vocal fold motion (0.40), and those with vocal fold paralysis (0.96) (P = .001). The presence of synkinesis in patients with UVFI improved the negative predictive value of LEMG from 53% to 100% and the sensitivity from 56% to 100%.

Conclusions:

Presence of laryngeal synkinesis using motor amplitude ratio criteria, in the setting of good voluntary motor unit recruitment and UVFI, downgrades a patient's prognosis to one that is poor for recovery. We propose this screening protocol as an adjunct to diagnostic LEMG. Laryngoscope, 2010
Laryngeal neuropathy of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease: Further observations and novel mutations associated with vocal fold paresis
Authors: Benson Brian , Sulica Lucian , Guss Joel , Blitzer Andrew
Published: November 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To describe and define laryngeal neuropathy in Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) disease.

Study Design/Methods:

Retrospective record review from a university laryngology practice.

Results:

Four adult CMT patients presented with laryngeal symptoms. Three patients exhibited bilateral vocal fold palsy, in each case with more severe hypomobility on the left. One case exhibited an isolated left vocal fold palsy. All patients complained of hoarseness and stridor, three had dyspnea, two patients had dysphagia, and one had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). One patient has required airway surgery to date. Genetic testing revealed known sequence alterations in one case and sequence alterations previously not associated with laryngeal dysfunction in two cases. One case was familial and two were sporadic; information is not available in a fourth.

Conclusions:

The clinical course of the cases suggests slowly progressive neuropathy that appears to be nerve length dependent. The lack of severe respiratory distress despite dense bilateral paresis is consistent with existing reports and with the reported low rate of tracheostomy in adults with laryngeal manifestations of CMT. Genetic testing does not currently inform expectations or management of laryngeal disease. Dyspnea, dysphagia, and OSA symptoms in patients with CMT require careful laryngologic evaluation. Laryngoscope, 2010
A FGF3 mutation associated with differential inner ear malformation, microtia, and microdontia
Authors: Ramsebner Reinhard , Ludwig Martin , Parzefall Thomas , Lucas Trevor , Baumgartner Wolf‐Dieter , Bodamer Olaf , Cengiz Filiz Basak , Schoefer Christian , Tekin Mustafa , Frei Klemens
Published: November 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Analysis of association between genotype and phenotype.

Study Design:

Prospective genetic study in a family.

Methods:

Auditory investigations, computer tomography, and genetic sequencing of the fibroblast growth factor 3 (FGF3) gene were performed on a Somali family presenting with autosomal recessive, hearing impairment, microdontia, and outer ear morphologies ranging from normal auricle development to microtia assessed as type 1 Weerda dysplasia in affected individuals.

Results:

Computed tomography imaging identified differential inter‐ and intraindividual malformations of the inner ear including labyrinth aplasia, development of a common cavity to the presence of a cochlear with 1.5 windings (Mondini malformation) in affected individuals, symptoms similar to those described as labyrinth aplasia, microtia, and microdontia (LAMM) syndrome, caused by mutations in FGF3. Genetic sequencing revealed the presence of a novel p.R95W missense mutation in FGF3 segregating with pathology. The p.R95W mutation substitutes a positively charged arginine for a polar tryptophan in the highly conserved RYLAM consensus of the β6 sheet of FGF3 that interacts with FGFR2.

Conclusions:

These findings describe, for the first time, variable inner ear malformations and outer ear dysplasia in the presence of constant microdontia, associated with homozygous inheritance of the p.R95W mutation in FGF3, mirroring phenotypes observed in mouse models ablating FGF3/FGFR2 signaling. Laryngoscope, 2010
Laryngopharyngeal sensory deficits and impaired pharyngeal motor function predict aspiration in patients irradiated for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Ku Peter K. M. , Vlantis Alexander C. , Leung Sing Fai , Lee Kathy Y. S. , Cheung Dilys M. C. , Abdullah Victor J. , van Hasselt Andrew , Tong Michael C. F.
Published: November 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To assess the contribution of laryngopharyngeal sensory deficits and impaired pharyngeal motor function to aspiration in patients irradiated for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Study Design:

A retrospective study at a tertiary referral university teaching hospital.

Methods:

One hundred consecutive patients who underwent radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma referred to a dysphagia clinic underwent sensory testing of their laryngopharynx and endoscopic evaluation of their swallowing. The sensory threshold of the laryngopharynx was determined, the pharyngeal contraction assessed, and the status of the larynx and hypopharynx documented before and after swallowing. The presence of laryngeal penetration and aspiration was noted.

Results:

The average time from radiation therapy to assessment was 10.2 years, and the mean duration of swallowing symptoms was 27 months. Laryngopharyngeal sensation was deficient in 89% of patients and the pharyngeal contraction impaired in 93% patients. Laryngeal penetration and aspiration occurred in 87% and 74% of patients, respectively. Aspiration was associated with food residue in the pyriform fossae after swallowing (P < .001) and impaired pharyngeal contraction (P < .001), but not with laryngopharyngeal sensory deficiency. There was no association between a laryngopharyngeal sensory deficit and impaired pharyngeal contraction.

Conclusions.

Impaired pharyngeal contraction and food bolus clearance from the hypopharynx during swallowing are more important than laryngopharyngeal sensory deficiency in predicting aspiration in patients who underwent radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Laryngoscope, 2010