bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of two flow‐based imaging methods to measure individual red blood cell area and volume
Authors: Tomaiuolo Giovanna , Rossi Domenico , Caserta Sergio , Cesarelli Mario , Guido Stefano
Published: October 2012

The red blood cells (RBCs) population is characterized by a high heterogeneity in membrane area, cellular volume, and mechanical properties, mainly due to the variety of mechanical and chemical stresses that a red cell undergoes in its entire life span. Here, we provide the first simultaneous area and volume measurements of RBCs flowing in microcapillaries, by using high‐speed video microscopy imaging and quantitative data processing based on image analysis techniques. Both confined and unbounded flow conditions (depending on the relative size of RBCs and microcapillary diameter) are investigated. The results are compared with micropipette experiments from the literature and data from Coulter counter routine clinical blood tests. Good agreement is found for RBC volume, especially in the case of confined flow conditions. Surface area measurements, which are lacking in the routine clinical test, are of special interest being a potential diagnostic parameter of altered cell deformability and aggregability. Overall, our results provide a novel flow methodology suitable for high‐throughput measurements of RBC geometrical parameters, allowing one to overcome the limits of classical static methods, such as micropipette aspiration, which are not suitable for handling a large number of cells. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Histone H5—chromatin interactions in situ are strongly modulated by H5 C‐terminal phosphorylation
Authors: Kostova Nora N. , Srebreva Ljuba , Markov Dimiter V. , Sarg Bettina , Lindner Herbert H. , Rundquist Ingemar
Published: October 2012

We used linker histone‐depleted normal human fibroblast nuclei as templates to study how phosphorylation affects histone H5 binding to chromatin in situ. Permeabilized cells were treated with 0.7 M NaCl to extract the native linker histones. Histone H5 was purified from chicken erythrocytes and phosphorylated in vitro by recombinant cdk5/p35 kinase. High performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) showed that the phosphorylated protein contained a mixture of multiply phosphorylated forms. Control experiments, using mass spectrometry, revealed that up to five SPXK motifs in the C terminus were phosphorylated, but also that about 10% of the protein contained one phosphoserine in the N‐terminus. Reconstitution of H1‐depleted fibroblast nuclei with nonphosphorylated or phosphorylated H5 was performed at physiological ionic strength. The bound H5 was then extracted using NaCl concentrations in the range of 0.15 to 0.7 M. The release of the H5 molecules was monitored by DAPI staining and image cytofluorometry. Our results show that H5 phosphorylation substantially reduced its affinity for chromatin in situ, which support previous observations indicating that C‐terminal phosphorylation may be essential for the biological functions of linker histones. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
On the impact of temperature on path selection for wireless ad‐hoc sensor networks
Authors: Tseng Chih‐Cheng , Wang Hwang‐Cheng , Kuo Fang‐Chang , Ting Kuo‐Chang , Xie Bing‐En
Published: October 2012

To lengthen the lifetime of the routing paths in wireless ad‐hoc sensor networks, some of the routing algorithms take the utilization of battery of mobile nodes into account. However, the utilization of a battery is decided not only by its output voltage but also by its temperature. To the best of our knowledge, all of the proposed algorithms do not take this temperature effect into account so far. Hence, it results in selecting improper routes. In this article, we will propose a three‐step systematic method that considers the temperature of a mobile node's battery to calculate the battery's utilization. Simulation results show that the battery's temperature is critical to the lifetime of ad‐doc sensor networks if we let the method be applied to the power‐aware source routing (PSR) algorithm and maximum path lifetime routing (MPLR) algorithm. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of High‐Throughput Sequencing in Medicinal Plant Transcriptome Studies
Authors: Hao Da‐Cheng , Chen Shi‐Lin , Xiao Pei‐Gen , Liu Ming
Published: October 2012

Preclinical Research

Two alternative approaches to medicinal plant transcriptome analysis, RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and digital gene expression (DGE), are sequence based and have become increasingly popular due to rapid developments in high‐throughput sequencing technologies. Among the high‐throughput sequencing techniques, the 454 pyrosequencing and Illumina sequencing platforms are the first to be commercially available and established and thus widely used in various fields of medicinal plant transcriptome research. Metabolic pathway analysis of medicinal plants and molecular marker mining for molecular breeding can be facilitated and accelerated by RNA‐seq. DGE provides novel insights into biochemical mechanisms in medicinal plants. This review illustrates the potential of high‐throughput sequencing in drug discovery, drug development, and large‐scale production of plant natural products, and envisions its future development and applications in medicinal plant transcriptome studies.
Exploring the Mysteries of Traditional Chinese Medicine Systematically by Expression Microarrays
Authors: Cheng Feng
Published: October 2012

Preclinical Research

Traditional Chinese medicine often clashes with contemporary medicine because its principles and concepts are difficult to understand to scientists with a background in contemporary medicine. Therefore, more proof and explanation of traditional Chinese medicine at the molecular level are necessary. Expression microarrays, among the most important genomics techniques in modern systems biology, can simultaneously detect the expression levels of thousands of genes and identify related gene networks in biological systems. They may connect gene expression at the microlevel and system information at the macrolevel together. Expression microarrays may create building blocks to bridge traditional Chinese medicine and contemporary medicine. They may not only identify the action (or toxicological) mechanism or active ingredients of Chinese herbal medicine but also reveal the molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine theories. The following is a brief overview of some applications of expression microarrays for traditional Chinese medicine studies.
The Current Status of Metabolomics in Drug Discovery and Development
Authors: Robertson Donald G. , Reily Michael D.
Published: October 2012

Preclinical Research

Metabolomics technology has been part of pharmaceutical discovery and development for over a decade and a half. Like many new technologies embraced by the industry, metabolomics gained early and wide acceptance as a novel tool for the rapid elucidation of mechanisms and biomarkers in preclinical discovery only to fall victim to overhype and overpromise. While many dedicated metabolomic groups have disappeared from industry, the academic world has embraced the technology and important new advances have been made such that the technology is beginning to reemerge in the industrial setting. Advances in instrumentation and data analyses have led the way in this resurgence followed by important new clinical applications. The technology has come a long way in the last decade, and we can anticipate an even more exciting ride in the next.
Omics‐Based Systems Vaccinology for Vaccine Target Identification
Authors: He Yongqun
Published: October 2012

Preclinical Research

Omics technologies include genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and immunomics. These technologies have been used in vaccine research, which can be summarized using the term “vaccinomics.” These omics technologies combined with advanced bioinformatics analysis form the core of “systems vaccinology.” Omics technologies provide powerful methods in vaccine target identification. The genomics‐based reverse vaccinology starts with predicting vaccine protein candidates through in silico bioinformatics analysis of genome sequences. The VIOLIN Vaxign vaccine design program (http://www.violinet.org/vaxign) is the first web‐based vaccine target prediction software based on the reverse vaccinology strategy. Systematic transcriptomics and proteomics analyses facilitate rational vaccine target identification by detesting genome‐wide gene expression profiles. Immunomics is the study of the set of antigens recognized by host immune systems and has also been used for efficient vaccine target prediction. With the large amount of omics data available, it is necessary to integrate various vaccine data using ontologies, including the Gene Ontology (GO) and Vaccine Ontology (VO), for more efficient vaccine target prediction and assessment. All these omics technologies combined with advanced bioinformatics analysis methods for a systems biology‐based vaccine target prediction strategy. This article reviews the various omics technologies and how they can be used in vaccine target identification.
GC‐MS and GC‐IRD studies on the six‐ring regioisomeric dimethoxybenzylpiperazines (DMBPs)
Authors: Abdel‐Hay Karim M. , DeRuiter Jack , Clark C. Randall
Published: October 2012

Gas chromatography with infrared detection (GC‐IRD) provides direct confirmatory data for the differentiation between the six regioisomeric aromatic ring substituted dimethoxybenzylpiperazines (DMBPs). These regioisomeric substances are resolved by GC and the vapour‐phase infrared spectra clearly differentiate among the six dimethoxybenzyl substitution patterns. The mass spectra for these regioisomeric substances are almost identical. With only the 2,3‐dimethoxy isomer showing one unique major fragment ion at m/z 136. Thus mass spectrometry does not provide for the confirmation of identity of any one of these compounds to the exclusion of the other isomers. Perfluoroacylation of the secondary amine nitrogen for each of the six regioisomers gave mass spectra showing some differences in the relative abundance of fragment ions without the appearance of any unique fragments for specific confirmation of structure. Gas chromatography coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric detection (GC‐TOF) provided an additional means of confirmation of the elemental composition of the major fragment ions in the mass spectra of these compounds. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydraulic redistribution of soil water in Populus euphratica Oliv. in a central Asian desert riparian forest
Authors: Hao Xing‐Ming , Chen Ya‐Ning , Guo Bin , Ma Jian‐Xing
Published: October 2012

Hydraulic redistribution has been widely confirmed to occur in the arid and semi‐arid ecosystems. However, no research has documented the existence of such a water use/sharing mechanism in the desert riparian forests of the lower reaches of the Tarim River. The current study continuously monitored the sap velocity of roots, micro‐meteorological factors and volumetric soil water content at different soil depths and different distances from the trunk to verify whether Populus euphratica Oliv., the dominant species of the riparian forest, has a hydraulic redistribution mechanism and to document its influence factors and ecological effects. We also sampled the stable isotope δ18O in both soil and plant samples. On the basis of this data, the magnitude of hydraulic redistribution, its driving factors and ecological effects were estimated statistically. The results demonstrate that P. euphratica possesses clear hydraulic lift properties, and the effect of hydraulic lift was distinct at depths of 60–120 cm in the soil within a distance of 4 m from the trunk. This soil moisture spatial variation was attributed to the spatial distribution of the root system. Furthermore, hydraulic lift can improve soil moisture, providing approximately 10–20% of daily water used in the upper soil layers (0–120 cm). By increasing the availability of water in the upper soil water, hydraulic lift can facilitate the existence of some herb species in the Populus community. For the first time, we have estimated the extent of hydraulic redistribution in these ecosystems, and the data indicate that hydraulic lift is an important process in the desert riparian forests in the extremely arid regions of Central Asia. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MicroRNA let‐7e is associated with the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Guan Hongbing , Fan Daping , Mrelashvili Davit , Hao Haiping , Singh Narendra P. , Singh Udai P. , Nagarkatti Prakash S. , Nagarkatti Mitzi
Published: October 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the regulation of immune responses. There is evidence that miRNAs also participate in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), but how the miRNAs regulate the pathogenesis of MS is still under investigation. The identification of new members of the miRNA family associated with the pathogenesis of MS could facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. Here, we show that the level of miRNA let‐7e is significantly upregulated in EAE, an animal model of MS using miRNA array and quantitative real‐time PCR. The expression of let‐7e was mainly in CD4+ T cells and infiltrated mononuclear cells of CNS, and highly correlated with the development of EAE. We found that let‐7e silencing in vivo inhibited encephalitogenic Th1 and Th17 cells and attenuated EAE, with reciprocal increase of Th2 cells; overexpression of let‐7e enhanced Th1 and Th17 cells and aggravated EAE. We also identified IL‐10 as one of the functional targets of let‐7e. Together, we propose that let‐7e is a new miRNA involved in the regulation of encephalitogenic T‐cell differentiation and the pathogenesis of EAE.
Molecular Palladium Precursors for Pd0 Nanoparticle Preparation by Microwave Irradiation: Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Catalytic Activity
Authors: Heinrich Frank , Keßler Michael T. , Dohmen Stephan , Singh Mrityunjay , Prechtl Martin H. G. , Mathur Sanjay
Published: October 2012

Two new palladium complexes [Pd(MEA)2Cl2] (1) and [Pd(MEA)2Br2] (2) [MEA = (2‐methoxyethyl)amine] were synthesized by the reaction of 2 equiv. of MEA with PdCl2 or [(cod)PdBr2] (cod = cycloocta‐1,5‐diene), respectively. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis of 1 and 2 revealed the formation of square‐planar trans complexes with palladium coordinated by chloride/bromide ions and N‐atoms of MEA bonded in a monodentate fashion. Given their molecular form and solubility, 1 and 2 act as intractable precursors to Pd nanoparticles by microwave‐assisted synthesis. The influence of the reaction temperature, irradiation time and surfactant (PVP) concentration on the size (5–40 nm) of the resulting particles was studied by DLS (hydrodynamic diameter) and TEM analyses (particle size). The growth mechanism of the nanoparticles depended on the type of halide ligand. Powder X‐ray diffractometry confirmed the formation of elemental Pd particles that were embedded in carbonized wood to examine their potential as a catalyst. The catalytic activity of these nanoscale particles was evaluated in carbon–carbon cross‐coupling reactions by using Heck, Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions as benchmark models. The investigations included recycling experiments that resulted in total turnover numbers of 4321 (Heck), 6173 (Sonogashira) and 8223 (Suzuki).
Facile Synthesis of MIL‐68(In) Films with Controllable Morphology
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhang Feng , Zou Xiaoqin , Zhou Shuyuan , Li Lina , Sun Fuxing , Qiu Shilun
Published: October 2012

Metal–organic framework MIL‐68(In) films on silicon substrates have been fabricated successfully by a secondary growth method. The spherical colloidal seeds are 80 nm in size. The morphologies of the crystals in the film could be obtained by controlling the synthetic conditions. The organic base, which is an important factor that influences the crystal morphology, was focused upon. Crystal evolution is discussed and a possible growth mechanism is proposed based on observations made by means of SEM and XRD.
Chiral selectors in CE: Recent developments and applications
Authors: Tsioupi Despina A. , Stefan‐vanStaden Raluca‐Ioana , Kapnissi‐Christodoulou Constantina P.
Published: October 2012

This review article provides an overview of the recent advances in enantioanalysis by use of electrophoretic techniques. Due to the big number of publications in the subject mentioned above, this article is focused on chiral method developments and applications published from 2008 until 2011, and it demonstrates chiral selectors used in CE. Numerous chiral selectors have been used over the years, and these include the cyclic and the linear oligo‐ and polysaccharides, the branched polysaccharides, the polymeric and monomeric surfactants, the macrocyclic and other antibiotics, and the crown ethers. Different dual‐selector systems are also presented in this article, and the results are compared with those obtained by use of a single chiral selector. Finally, several pharmaceutical and biomedical applications based on chiral recognition are summarized.
CE‐MS for metabolomics: Developments and applications in the period 2010–2012
Authors: Ramautar Rawi , Somsen Govert W. , de Jong Gerhardus J.
Published: October 2012

CE‐MS has emerged as a powerful technique for the profiling of (highly) polar and charged metabolites in biological samples. This review provides an update of the most recent developments in CE‐MS for metabolomics covering the scientific literature from July 2010 to June 2012. The present paper is an update of two previous review papers covering the years 2000–2010 (Electrophoresis 2009, 30, 276–291; Electrophoresis 2011, 32, 52–65). Emerging technological developments used in CE‐MS for metabolomics are discussed, such as the use of novel interfacing techniques for coupling CE to MS. Representative examples illustrate the applicability of CE‐MS in the fields of biomedical, clinical, microbial, plant, environmental and food metabolomics. Concerning targeted and non‐targeted approaches, a comprehensive overview of recent CE‐MS‐based metabolomics studies is given in a table. Information on sample type and pretreatment, capillary coatings and MS detection mode is provided. Finally, general conclusions and perspectives are provided.
Glycoproteomics on the rise: Established methods, advanced techniques, sophisticated biological applications
Authors: Lazar Iulia M. , Lee Wooram , Lazar Alexandru C.
Published: October 2012

Glycosylation is the most complex form of protein PTMs. Affected proteins may carry dozens of glycosylation sites with tens to hundreds of glycan residues attached to every site. Glycosylated proteins have many important functions in biology, from cellular to organismal levels, being involved in cell–cell signaling, cell adhesion, immune response, host–pathogen interactions, and development and growth. Glycosylation, however, expands the biological functional diversity of proteins at the expense of a tremendous increase in structural heterogeneity. Aberrant glycosylation of cell surface proteins, as well as their detectable fingerprint in plasma samples, has been associated with cancer, inflammatory and degenerative diseases, and congenital disorders of glycosylation. Therefore, there are on‐going efforts directed toward developing new technologies and approaches for glycan sequencing and high‐throughput analysis of glycosylated proteins in complex samples with simultaneous characterization of both the protein and glycan moieties. This work is aimed primarily at pinpointing the challenges associated with the large‐scale analysis of glycoproteins and the latest developments in glycoproteomic research, with focus on recent advancements (2011–2012) in microcolumn separations and MS detection.
Application of proteomics to cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Ning MingMing , Lopez Mary , Cao Jing , Buonanno Ferdinando S. , Lo Eng H.
Published: October 2012

While neurovascular diseases such as ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke are the leading causes of disability in the world, the repertoire of therapeutic interventions has remained remarkably limited. There is a dire need to develop new diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options. The study of proteomics is particularly enticing for cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke, which most likely involve multiple gene interactions resulting in a wide range of clinical phenotypes. Currently, rapidly progressing neuroproteomic techniques have been employed in clinical and translational research to help identify biologically relevant pathways, to understand cerebrovascular pathophysiology, and to develop novel therapeutics and diagnostics. Future integration of proteomic with genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic studies will add new perspectives to better understand the complexities of neurovascular injury. Here, we review cerebrovascular proteomics research in both preclinical (animal, cell culture) and clinical (blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, microdialyates, tissue) studies. We will also discuss the rewards, challenges, and future directions for the application of proteomics technology to the study of various disease phenotypes. To capture the dynamic range of cerebrovascular injury and repair with a translational targeted and discovery approach, we emphasize the importance of complementing innovative proteomic technology with existing molecular biology models in preclinical studies, and the need to advance pharmacoproteomics to directly probe clinical physiology and gauge therapeutic efficacy at the bedside.
Eating Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, and Impulsiveness among Disordered Gamblers in a Community Sample
Authors: von Ranson Kristin M. , Wallace Laurel M. , Holub Alice , Hodgins David C.
Published: October 2012

Disordered gambling and many eating disorders (EDs) involve recurrent loss of impulse control. We examined rates of specific EDs, ED psychopathology, substance use disorders, and their interrelationships with impulsiveness among community members with disordered gambling. Community‐recruited adults with pathological (n = 95) or problem (n = 9) gambling (N = 104; 51% female) completed structured interviews and questionnaires. We observed high rates of substance dependence, lifetime EDs, and current ED psychopathology; 20.8% of women (vs 1.9% of men) had a DSM‐IV ED, and 37.8% (vs 3.9%) had an ED according to proposed DSM‐5 criteria. Although disordered gambling severity was not associated with ED diagnosis or severity of ED psychopathology, greater disordered gambling severity and an ED diagnosis were both associated with increased impulsiveness. These findings suggest that impulsiveness might constitute a common personality characteristic that underlies disordered gambling and EDs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Clusters of Personality Disorder Cognitions in the Eating Disorders
Authors: Waller Glenn , Ormonde Lisa , Kuteyi Yemi
Published: October 2012

This study examined whether comorbid personality disorder pathology in the eating disorders clusters into broader patterns, and whether those clusters have clinical validity in terms of levels of eating pathology and axis 1 comorbidity. The sample consisted of 214 eating‐disordered women who completed measures of personality disorder cognitions, eating pathology and axis 1 pathology at assessment. Three clusters of eating disorder patients emerged—low levels of personality pathology overall, high levels of cognitions underpinning anxiety‐based personality pathology, and high levels of all of the dimensions of personality pathology. These groups were validated by differences in levels of eating cognitions and axis 1 pathology. Personality disorder cognitions are clinically relevant to the eating disorders, but they might best be understood as broader sets of cognitions (‘anxiety‐centred’ and ‘general’), rather than in terms of individual personality disorder comorbidity or existing DSM personality disorder clusters. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Natural gas—Environmental impact: Air‐quality impacts from natural gas extraction and combustion
Authors: Shaw Stephanie
Published: October 2012

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) performed a review of air‐quality issues related to natural gas extraction and combustion in 2011–12. This review focused on both traditional (e.g., particulate matter [PM], volatile organic compounds [VOCs]) and emerging air pollutants (e.g., ultrafine particle number) that are being considered in air‐quality management processes. This fact sheet summarizes the major topics and conclusions from this review.
Technology: Full value of generator—ROI and safety—From demand response
Authors: Skinner R. Kenneth
Published: October 2012

US energy policy is a mix of federal, state, and local directives. Nevertheless, the convergence of smart technology, environmental regulation, renewable energy sources, and market prices are combining to reshape the electric energy industry.
Electric regulation: The future of solar is bright, right?
Authors: Bowden Nicholas S.
Published: October 2012

In 2011, the megawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity installed in the United States were double the capacity installed in 2010, according to the Interstate Renewable Energy Council's US Solar Market Trends 2011.1 The total number of megawatts of PV installed in 2011 reached 1,845 megawatts. These investments are fueled in large part by, besides the sun, government incentives. There are a plethora of incentives out there for solar PV installations, but arguably the best incentive program expired at the end of 2011, the inconspicuously deemed 1603 Program.2 To date, the 1603 Program has awarded approximately $13 billion to renewable energy installations.
Imidazol(in)ium‐2‐Carboxylates as Efficient Precursors to N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes of Copper and Silver
Authors: Olszewski Tomasz K. , Jaskólska Dagmara E.
Published: October 2012

Copper and silver N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes were prepared through a simple, base‐free protocol involving the decomposition of corresponding imidazol(in)ium‐2‐carboxylates under thermolytic conditions and a subsequent reaction of the in situ generated carbenes with copper(I) or silver(I) chloride, respectively. The desired NHC metal complexes were isolated with good yields after simple crystallization.
HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE, INCOME DISTRIBUTION AND HEALTHCARE QUALITY IN LOCAL HEALTHCARE MARKETS
Authors: Damianov Damian S. , Pagán José A.
Published: October 2012

We develop a theoretical model of a local healthcare system in which consumers, health insurance companies, and healthcare providers interact with each other in markets for health insurance and healthcare services. When income and health status are heterogeneous, and healthcare quality is associated with fixed costs, the market equilibrium level of healthcare quality will be underprovided. Thus, healthcare reform provisions and proposals to cover the uninsured can be interpreted as an attempt to correct this market failure. We illustrate with a numerical example that if consumers at the local level clearly understand the linkages between health insurance coverage and the quality of local healthcare services, health insurance coverage proposals are more likely to enjoy public support. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemical biosensor for detection of formaldehyde in rain water
Authors: Ozoner Seyda Korkut , Erhan Elif , Yilmaz Faruk , Ergenekon Pinar , Anil Ismail
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUD: This study describes the construction of an electrochemical formaldehyde biosensor based on poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐3‐methylthienyl methacrylate)/formaldehyde dehydrogenase/polypyrrole [poly(GMA‐co‐MTM)/FDH/PPy] composite film electrode. Formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FDH) was chemically immobilized via the epoxy groups of the glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) side chain of the polymer. Formaldehyde measurements were conducted in 0.1 mol L−1, pH 8 phosphate buffer solution (PBS) including 0.1 mol L−1 KCl, 0.5 mmol L−1 of NAD+ (cofactor of the enzyme) and 1 mmol L−1 of 1,2‐napthoquinone‐4‐sulfonic acid sodium salt (NQS) as mediator with an applied potential of − 0.23 V (vs. Ag/AgCl, 3 mol L−1 NaCl). Analytical parameters of the biosensor were calculated and discussed. The biosensor was tested in rain water samples.

RESULTS: Sensitivity was found to be 15 000 per mmol L−1 (500 nA ppm−1) in a linear range between 0.1 ppm and 3 ppm (3.3–100 µmol L−1). A minimum detectable concentration of 4.5 ppb (0.15 µmol L−1) (S/N = 3) with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.73% (n = 5) was obtained from the biosensor. Response time of the biosensor was very short, reaching 99% of its maximum response in about 4 s. The biosensor was also tested for formaldehyde measurements in rain water samples. Formaldehyde concentrations in samples were calculated using the proposed biosensor with recovery values ranged between 92.2 and 97.7% in comparison with the colorimetric Nash method.

CONCLUSION: The poly(GMA‐co‐MTM)/FDH/PPy) electrode showed excellent measurement sensitivity in comparison with other formaldehyde biosensor studies. Strong chemical bonding between the enzyme and the copolymer was created via the epoxy groups of the composite film. The proposed biosensor could be used successfully in rain waters without a pretreatment step. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Transfection of nuclear factor‐kappaB decoy oligodeoxynucleotide protects against ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat epigastric flap model
Authors: Uemura Takeshi , Tsujii Masaya , Akeda Koji , Iino Takahiro , Satonaka Haruhiko , Hasegawa Masahiro , Sudo Akihiro
Published: October 2012

Background

Nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) is considered to play an important role in the response to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in flap surgery. To inhibit NF‐κB, synthetic double‐stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) was used as a decoy. The present study aimed to evaluate the suppressive effects of NF‐κB against I/R injury of experimental rat flap model.

Methods

An extended epigastric island flap was raised and ischemia was induced for 3 h. NF‐κB decoy ODN (group D) or single‐strand ODN (control; group S) was injected via the contralateral artery when the pedicle was clamped. Transfection efficiency was evaluated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labeled ODN. The effects of NF‐κB decoy ODN were analyzed in groups D and S, and an untreated group (group N).

Results

FITC‐labeled ODN was distributed over the entire flap. Mean survival rate of the flap was significantly higher in group D than in the other groups (group D: 57.9%; group S: 31.1%; group N 31.7%; p < 0.005). Injured muscle fibers, neutrophils and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase were significantly lower in group D. A real‐time polymerase chain reaction also demonstrated a tendency for suppression of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6.

Conclusions

We show that NF‐κB decoy ODN protected against flap necrosis as a result of I/R injury in rats. We also indicate that intra‐arterial injection of naked NF‐κB decoy ODN is effective for transfection into target organs. Therefore, transfection of NF‐κB decoy ODN represents a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of flap surgery in I/R injury. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is “black geode” sign a characteristic MRI finding for extracranial schwannomas?
Authors: Kato Hiroki , Kanematsu Masayuki , Ohno Takatoshi , Nishimoto Yutaka , Oshima Koji , Hirose Yoshinobu , Nishibori Hironori
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate whether the “black geode” sign is a characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) finding for extracranial schwannomas.

Materials and Methods:

Forty‐three patients with pathologically confirmed extracranial schwannomas underwent preoperative gadolinium‐enhanced MRI. The black geode sign was defined as the appearance of enhanced outer and inner rings. MR images were retrospectively reviewed for size, configuration, and signal intensity of the lesions in addition to the presence of the black geode sign.

Results:

Gadolinium‐enhanced T1‐weighted images revealed the black geode sign in seven of 43 patients (16%). The thickness of inner rings (mean 0.6 cm, range 0.3–0.8 cm) was significantly greater than that of outer rings (mean 0.2 cm, range 0.1–0.3 cm) (P < 0.01). While outer rings were circular or elliptical in shape with smooth contours, inner rings had a lobular configuration with irregular thickness and contours. The degrees of enhancement were significantly stronger with inner rings than with outer rings (P < 0.01). In histopathological correlation of five patients who underwent total excision, inner and outer rings corresponded to peridegenerative areas and fibrous capsules, respectively.

Conclusion:

The black geode sign may be fairly specific to extracranial schwannomas on gadolinium‐enhanced MR images. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:830–835. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of corticospinal tract (CST) damage in acute stroke patients: Comparison of tract‐specific analysis versus segmentation of a CST template
Authors: Vargas Patricia , Gaudron Marie , Valabrègue Romain , Bertasi Eric , Humbert Frédéric , Lehéricy Stéphane , Samson Yves , Rosso Charlotte
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

To compare two techniques to assess corticospinal tract (CST) damage in stroke patients: tract‐specific analysis by probabilistic tractography and segmentation using a CST template.

Materials and Methods:

We extracted fractional anisotropy (FA) values, the FA ratio, and mean diffusivity (MD) in 18 stroke patients and 21 healthy volunteers matched for age and sex. We compared the two methods in order to determine their ability to detect 1) differences between diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters of healthy volunteers and stroke patients, 2) the correlation between DTI parameters and clinical scores, and 3) the correlation between DTI parameters and blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signals in a fist‐closure task.

Results:

FA values were higher with the tractography approach than with the segmentation method, but differences between the ipsilesional CST and the homologous region in healthy subjects were detected using both methods. In patients, clinical scores were significantly correlated with FA values and FA ratios with both methods. The BOLD signal was positively correlated with FA values for CST with the segmentation but not with the tractography approach.

Conclusion:

CST damage in stroke patients can be assessed by either probabilistic tractography or segmentation of a CST template. Although each method has advantages and limitations, both are sensitive enough to detect differences among stroke patients and identify specific correlations with clinical scores. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:836–845. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing liver function using dynamic Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI with a standard 5‐phase imaging protocol
Authors: Saito Kazuhiro , Ledsam Joseph , Sourbron Steven , Otaka Jun , Araki Yoichi , Akata Soichi , Tokuuye Koichi
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate liver function obtained by tracer‐kinetic modeling of dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) data acquired with a routine gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA)‐enhanced protocol.

Materials and Methods:

Data were acquired from 25 cases of nonchronic liver disease and 94 cases of cirrhosis. DCE‐MRI was performed with a dose of 0.025 mmol/kg Gd‐EOB‐DTPA injected at 2 mL/sec. A 3D breath‐hold sequence acquired 5 volumes of 72 slices each: precontrast, double arterial phase, portal phase, and 4‐minute postcontrast. Regions of interest (ROIs) were selected semiautomatically in the aorta, portal vein, and whole liver on a middle slice. A constrained dual‐inlet two‐compartment uptake model was fitted to the ROI curves, producing three parameters: intracellular uptake rate (UR), extracellular volume (Ve), and arterial flow fraction (AFF).

Results:

Median UR dropped from 4.46 10−2 min−1 in the noncirrhosis to 3.20 in Child–Pugh A (P = 0.001), and again to 1.92 in Child–Pugh B (P < 0.0001). Median Ve dropped from 6.64 mL 100 mL−1 in the noncirrhosis to 5.80 in Child–Pugh A (P = 0.01). Other combinations of Ve and AFF changes were not significant for any group.

Conclusion:

UR obtained from tracer kinetic analysis of a routine DCE‐MRI has the potential to become a novel index of liver function. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1109–1114. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship between cervical disease and infection with human papillomavirus types 16 and 18, and herpes simplex virus 1 and 2
Authors: Zhao Youyun , Cao Xuan , Zheng Yi , Tang Jingfeng , Cai Wangxi , Wang Hanmin , Gao Yinglin , Wang Yefu
Published: October 2012

Persistent infection with high‐risk HPV, particularly Type HPV 16 and 18, is necessary in the development of cervical cancer, but apart from HPV infection, other causative factors of most cervical cancers remain unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV 16 and HPV 18 and HSV 1 and HSV 2 in cervical samples, and to assess the role of HSVs in cervical carcinogenesis. Two hundred thirty‐three healthy controls and 567 cases (333 of cervicitis, 210 of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and 24 of squamous cell carcinoma) in cervical exfoliative cells were tested for HPV 16, HPV 18, HSV 1, and HSV 2 DNA using the triplex real‐time polymerase chain reaction method. In contrast to healthy women, positive rate of HPV is related significantly to cervical lesions (odds ratios (ORs) = 4.1, P < 0.01 for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia; ORs = 24.9, P < 0.01 for squamous cell carcinoma), but not cervicitis (ORs = 2.3, P > 0.05). HSV 2 prevalence in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and squamous cell carcinoma was higher than in healthy women (ORs = 4.9, P < 0.05 for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia; ORs = 4.7, P < 0.05 for squamous cell carcinoma). HSV 2 coinfection with HPV in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and squamous cell carcinoma was strongly higher than in healthy women (ORs = 34.2, P < 0.01 for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia; ORs = 61.1, P < 0.01 for squamous cell carcinoma). The obtained results indicated that the presence of HPV is associated closely with cervical cancer, and that HSV 2 infection or co‐infection with HPV might be involved in cervical cancer development, while HSV 1 might not be involved. J. Med. Virol. 84:1920–1927, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Natural evolution of CD4+ cell count in patients with CD4 >350 or >500 cells/mm3 at the time of diagnosis according to HIV‐1 coreceptor tropism
Authors: Soulié Cathia , Charpentier Charlotte , Flandre Philippe , Nino Clément , Carcelain Guislaine , Simon Anne , Katlama Christine , Landman Roland , Brun‐Vézinet Françoise , Descamps Diane , Calvez Vincent , Marcelin Anne‐Geneviève
Published: October 2012

The HIV‐1 coreceptor usage may play a critical role in AIDS pathogenesis and the X4‐using viruses are considered to be more pathogenic than the R5‐tropic viruses. These observations may influence the therapeutic decisions by asking for an earlier antiretroviral (ARV) treatment for the patients infected by the X4‐tropic viruses compared with those infected by the R5‐tropic viruses. The natural evolution of CD4+ cell count for 109 non‐treated patients infected by the R5‐ or X4‐tropic HIV‐1 viruses with CD4+ >350 and >500 cells/mm3 at time of diagnosis was compared until the initiation of an ARV regimen. The coreceptor usage was determined from the V3 env region sequence by Geno2Pheno (false positive rate 10%). A mixed linear regression model to analyse the CD4+ data with tropism as fixed effect in the model was used. Overall, 93 (85.3%) and 16 (14.7%) were infected by R5‐ and X4‐tropic viruses, respectively. The median age, baseline CD4+ cell count, and viral load were 34 years (IQR: 30–42), 523 cells/mm3 (IQR: 420–604), and 4.5 log10 copies/ml (IQR: 3.9–5.0), respectively. There was no statistical difference in time to progression between the patients harboring R5‐ or X4‐tropic viruses. The same results were observed for the sub‐group of patients with CD4+ cell count >500 cells/mm3. The virus tropism has no impact on the CD4+ cell count evolution in these HIV‐1 patients diagnosed with CD4+ >350 or >500 cells/mm3 suggesting that the tropism determination at time of diagnosis does not seem to be a useful tool to predict the clinical progression. J. Med. Virol. 84:1853–1856, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology of recent HIV‐1 infections in southern Poland
Authors: Smoleń‐Dzirba Joanna , Rosińska Magdalena , Kruszyński Piotr , Bratosiewicz‐Wąsik Jolanta , Janiec Janusz , Beniowski Marek , Bociąga‐Jasik Monika , Jabłonowska Elżbieta , Szetela Bartosz , Porter Kholoud , Wąsik Tomasz J.
Published: October 2012

The genetic diversity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) offers an opportunity to track the development of the epidemic across different populations. Viral pol gene fragments from 55 individuals of Polish origin with recent HIV‐1 infection identified in 2008–2010 in four Polish cities were analyzed. Viral sequences were compared with sequences from 100 individuals (reference group) infected before 2004. Viral spread among groups with different HIV transmission categories was compared using a phylogenetic approach. The majority of sequences from individuals with recent infection were subtype B (93%) within which four transmission clusters (18% of samples) were detected. Samples from men infected through sex between men and from persons infected through injecting drugs were broadly separated (P < 0.0001), while samples from individuals infected by heterosexual contacts were dispersed uniformly within phylogenetic tree (P = 0.244) inferred from viral sequences derived from individuals infected recently and the reference group. The percentage of samples from persons infected by heterosexual contacts which clustered with samples from men infected through sex between men was not significantly higher for those with recent infection (47%), compared to the reference group (36%). In conclusion, men infected by sex between men and individuals infected through injecting drugs appear to form separate HIV transmission networks in Poland. The recent spread of HIV‐1 among persons infected with subtype B by heterosexual contacts appears to be linked to both these groups. J. Med. Virol. 84:1857–1868, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monitoring the emergence of resistance mutations in patients infected with HIV‐1 under salvage therapy with raltegravir in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A follow‐up study
Authors: Passaes Caroline Pereira Bittencourt , Guimarães Monick Lindenmeyer , Cardoso Sandra Wagner , Pilotto José Henrique , Veloso Valdilea , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Morgado Mariza Gonçalves
Published: October 2012

The present study describes a follow‐up of a prospective and observational cohort of patients infected with HIV‐1 and treated with raltegravir for salvage therapy in Brazil. Two groups of patients were analyzed: switching from T20 to RAL (Group 1, n = 9) and salvage therapy containing RAL (Group 2, n = 10). Blood samples were drawn for CD4+ T‐cell counts and HIV‐1 viral load determinations. Protease, reverse transcriptase, and integrase genotyping were performed at baseline and at the time of virologic failure. CD4+ T‐cells increased at 6 and 12 months in both groups; HIV‐1 viral load was continuously suppressed for Group 1, and for Group 2 it significantly decreased after starting a RAL‐containing regimen. Three out of 10 patients from Group 2 could not suppress HIV‐1 viral load. The mutations Q148H + G140S were observed for two patients and for the third patient only mutations to PR/RT inhibitors were detected. The genotypic sensitivity score (GSS) was analyzed for all patients of Group 2 and both patients who developed resistance to raltegravir presented a GSS < 2.0 for the RAL‐containing scheme, which could be associated to the lack of effectiveness of the proposed scheme. The present study describes, for the first time in Brazil, the close follow‐up of a series of patients using a raltegravir‐containing HAART, showing the safety of the enfuvirtide switch to RAL and the effectiveness of a therapeutic regimen with RAL in promoting immune reconstitution and suppressing HIV replication, as well as documenting the occurrence of resistance to integrase inhibitors in the country. J. Med. Virol. 84:1869–1875, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of B cells in liver fibrosis associated with hepatitis B virus harboring basal core promoter mutations
Authors: Mohamadkhani Ashraf , Bastani Faegh , Sotoudeh Masoud , Sayehmiri Kourosh , Shahnazari Parisa , Montazeri Ghodratollah , Poustchi Hossein
Published: October 2012

The development of the liver disease in chronic hepatitis B with common viral variants can be determined through the interaction between the virus and the host immune response. B cells constitute half of the intrahepatic lymphocyte population with an impact on fibrosis. A proliferation‐inducing ligand (APRIL) has been shown to have a co‐stimulatory activity on B cells. For this study HBV DNA was amplified and then sequenced to show the presence of the basal core promoter (BCP) mutations in the serum from 57 patients with chronic hepatitis B. The range of IgD‐positive B cells was detected by immunohistochemistry in liver biopsies; and patients serum was assayed for APRIL levels by enzyme immunoassay. Twenty‐seven patients (47.4%) harbored the A1762T‐G1764A BCP mutations. Coefficients of logistic regression showed that the effect of increasing IgD‐positive B cells in rising odds of the liver disease is the same in the patients with BCP mutation A1762T‐G1764A and in the patients without mutation, nevertheless the effect of APRIL is not similar in these two groups of patients. Logistic regression in patients with BCP A1762T‐G1764A mutations demonstrated that increasing one score of APRIL decreased the odds of fibrosis stage about 8%. These results suggest that in infection with viral variants of hepatitis B virus, the population of IgD‐positive B cells may play a decisive role in later stages of the liver disease which is reduced by APRIL in chronic hepatitis patients with BCP mutations. J. Med. Virol. 84:1889–1896, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incidence of Alpha‐Herpes virus induced ocular disease in Suriname
Authors: Adhin Malti R. , Grunberg Meritha G. , Labadie‐Bracho Mergiory , Pawiroredjo Jerrel
Published: October 2012

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection of the corneal stroma is the most prominent cause of scar formation impairing visual acuity and HSV keratitis is the leading cause of corneal opacity throughout the world. Suriname lacked test systems for microbial causes of ocular disease, therefore a polymerase chain reaction‐based Herpes virus assay was introduced, enabling prompt recognition, and timely treatment, preventing progressive eye damage. The incidence and epidemiology of Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1), type 2 (HSV‐2), and varicella zoster virus (VZV) in ocular disease in Suriname was assessed. In a cross‐sectional prospective study, ocular swabs were collected from 91 patients with a presumptive α‐Herpes virus ocular infection attending the Academic Hospital between November 2008 and August 2010 and were tested by a PCR‐based α‐Herpes virus assay. Alpha‐Herpes virus ophthalmic infections were caused predominantly by HSV‐1 with a prevalence of 31%. The prevalences of VZV, HSV‐2, and a mixed HSV‐1/HSV‐2 infection were 4%, 3%, and 2%, respectively. The first reported annual incidence of herpetic induced ocular disease in Suriname was estimated at 11.4 per 100,000 person‐years (95% CI, 4.8–18.1). No clear age, ethnic or gender dependent difference in incidence was observed. The information obtained on α‐Herpes virus positive ocular infections and the distribution of subtypes provided the first insight in the South American situation of α‐Herpes virus induced ocular disease. J. Med. Virol. 84:1937–1942, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.