bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opposing associations of serum n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids with colorectal adenoma risk: An endoscopy‐based case–control study
Authors: Pot Gerda K. , Geelen Anouk , van Heijningen Else‐Mariëtte B. , Siezen Christine L.E. , van Kranen Henk J. , Kampman Ellen
Published: July 2008

Several human and animal studies have shown that n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) might be associated with a decreased risk, whereas other studies showed that n‐6 PUFA may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. However, results from these studies are not consistent. We evaluated the associations between serum n‐3 and n‐6 PUFA levels and colorectal adenoma risk in an endoscopy‐based case–control study, conducted in The Netherlands between 1997 and 2002. We included 363 cases of colorectal adenomas and 498 adenoma‐free controls. Serum fatty acids were measured in cholesteryl esters. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR), which were adjusted for age, gender and alcohol intake. Total serum n‐3 PUFA levels were inversely associated with colorectal adenoma risk, the OR comparing the third tertile with the first tertile was 0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46–0.96, p for trend = 0.03]. Serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5n‐3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n‐3) and the n‐3/n‐6 ratio were inversely associated with colorectal adenoma risk, but these were not statistically significant. In contrast, the risk of colorectal adenomas was increased by total n‐6 PUFA with an OR of 1.68 (95% CI, 1.17–2.42, p for trend = 0.006) and by linoleic acid (LA; C18:2n‐6) with an OR of 1.65 (95% CI, 1.15–2.38, p for trend = 0.007). This is the first observational study that simultaneously finds an inverse association of serum n‐3 PUFA and a positive association of n‐6 PUFA with colorectal adenoma risk. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Currency crisis duration and interest defence
Authors: Gregori Tullio
Published: July 2008

Asymmetric wars of attrition between speculators and a Central Bank can provide a useful framework to address currency crisis length and explain why a speculative attack can fail after some time. Interest rate defence can be analysed too. A non‐linear relationship between interest rates and peg defence emerges, as a rate upsurge can reduce both concession times. With some welfare loss functions, increasing the domestic rate too much is a self‐defeating policy as the Central Bank will opt out before speculators concede, but the reverse holds for lower rates. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Noise‐trader risk’ and Bayesian market making in FX derivatives: rolling loaded dice?
Authors: Ulibarri Carlos A. , Anselmo Peter C. , Hovespian Karen , Tolk Jacob , Florescu Ionut
Published: July 2008

This paper develops and simulates a model of a Bayesian market maker who transacts with noise and position traders in derivative markets. The impact of noise trading is examined relative to price determination in FX futures, noise transmission from futures to options, and risk‐management behaviour linking the two markets. The model simulations show noise trading in futures results in wider bid–ask spreads, increased price volatility, and greater variation in hedging costs. Above all, the Bayesian market maker manages price‐risk by trend chasing not for speculative purposes, but to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the market. The pecuniary effects from this risk‐management strategy suggest that noise trading tends to constrain the market maker's capacity to arbitrage; particularly when the underlying price is mean averting as opposed to a Martingale and trading sessions exhibit significant price volatility. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real exchange rates and developing countries
Authors: Kanas Angelos
Published: July 2008

As the real exchange rate of developing countries is especially vulnerable to stochastic events, standard unit root tests do not capture such events adequately. Using a Markov switching extension of the ADF test, which incorporates stochastic regime switching, we address the issue of real exchange rate stationarity for 43 developing countries. We find strong statistical evidence that this approach is preferred to the standard ADF for all countries considered. For 36 countries, there is strong evidence of regime‐dependent stationarity, namely there is a regime in which the real exchange rate is stationary and another regime in which the real exchange rate is non‐stationary. This suggests that over a sample period, there are sub‐periods of stationarity and sub‐periods of non‐stationarity. We identify those sub‐periods and assess their average duration and regime persistence. The results, robust to alternative sample periods, indicate that there exists sample‐dependence in unit root results in previous studies, and help bridge the gap between conflicting results of these studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3D‐model of adult cardiac stem cells promotes cardiac differentiation and resistance to oxidative stress
Authors: Bartosh T.J. , Wang Zhaohui , Rosales Armando A. , Dimitrijevich S. Dan , Roque Rouel S.
Published: July 2008

The regenerative inadequacy of the injured myocardium leads to adverse remodeling, cardiac dysfunction, and heart disease. Stem cell‐replacement of damaged myocardium faces major challenges such as inappropriate differentiation, cellular uncoupling, scar formation, and accelerated apoptosis of transplanted cells. These challenges can be met by engineering an in vitro system for delivering stem cells capable of cardiac differentiation, tissue integration, and resistance to oxidative stress. In this study, we describe the formation of three‐dimensional (3D) cell aggregates (“cardiospheres”) by putative stem cells isolated from adult dog myocardium using poly‐L‐ornithine. De novo formation of cardiospheres in growth factor‐containing medium occurred over a period of 2–3 weeks, but accelerated to 2–3 days when seeded on poly‐L‐ornithine. Older cardiospheres developed foci of “beating” cells upon co‐culture with rat neonatal cardiomyocytes. Cardiospheres contained cells that exhibited characteristics of undifferentiated cells; differentiating cardiomyocytes with organized contractile machinery; and vascular cells capable of forming “vessel‐like” networks. They exhibited strong resistance to elevated concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in culture and survived subcutaneous injections without undergoing neoplastic transformation up to 3 weeks post‐transplantation. These findings suggest that cardiospheres are potentially useful for delivering functional stem cells to the damaged heart. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 612–623, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Removal of nickel from effluents by chelating ion exchange
Authors: Ma Anthony , Shek T H , Allen S J , Lee V K C , McKay G
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: Nickel is a highly toxic metal which is discharged into receiving waters by several industries, in particular, electroplating, PCB and electronics manufacturers. In the present study, a new ion exchanger has been assessed for its ability to remove nickel from solution.

RESULTS: By comparing the SSE of different models in the nickel metal ion system, it seems that Redlich‐Peterson isotherm was the best fit model for the three metal ions. But the Langmuir was of a very similar magnitude. The equilibrium sorption capacity has been determined as 2.18 mmol/g and the batch contact time studies have been analyzed and compared using three kinetic models. The rate data were best correlated using the Elovich kinetic model.

CONCLUSION: The batch sorption system is a well developed system for the application in the field of water pollution collected in small scale plants. The suitability of a sorbent is determined by the cost, sorption performance and regeneration efficiency. The sorption capacity of resin for nickel metal ions was determined as 2.18 mmol/g. In order to develop a treatment system design it is also important to determine the best kinetic model, Elovich kinetic model, to describe the rate of nickel removal. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Testosterone stimulates the expression of a social color signal in Yarrow's Spiny Lizard, Sceloporus jarrovii
Authors: Cox Robert M. , Zilberman Viktoriya , John‐Alder Henry B.
Published: July 2008

The sex steroid testosterone has been shown to regulate the development of male‐specific coloration in many organisms that exhibit sexual dichromatism, but the role of testosterone is less certain for species in which both sexes express bright coloration. Lizards in the genus Sceloporus possess bright blue patches on their throats and abdomens. These patches, which are used in social signaling, are often regulated by testosterone and are consequently expressed only in males of most species. However, Yarrow's Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus jarrovii, Cope 1875) exhibits a derived condition in which both sexes express bright blue ventral patches despite dramatic sexual differences in circulating testosterone levels throughout postnatal ontogeny. In this study, we used surgical castration and hormone replacement in juvenile males to test the hypothesis that testosterone stimulates the expression of blue ventral coloration in S. jarrovii. In two separate experiments conducted in captivity and the natural field environment, we found that surgical castration decreased the hue and saturation while increasing the brightness of blue throat and abdominal patches. Castration also decreased the amount of black pigment bordering the blue throat patch. Treatment of castrated males with exogenous testosterone restored all aspects of ventral coloration to values similar to those of intact control males. Early organizational effects of testosterone during prenatal development may lead to the expression of blue coloration in both sexes, but the results of our present experiments indicate that subsequent effects of testosterone during sexual maturation further enhance the coloration of males. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:505–514, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of locomotor approach on feeding kinematics in the green anole (Anolis carolinensis)
Authors: Montuelle Stéphane J. , Daghfous Gheylen , Bels Vincent L.
Published: July 2008

Squamates are well‐known models for studying to examine locomotor and feeding behaviors in tetrapods, but studies that integrate both behavioral activities remain scarce. Anolis lizards are a classical lineage to study the evolutionary relationships between locomotor behavior and complex structural features of the habitat. Here, we analyzed prey‐capture behavior in one representative arboreal predator, Anolis carolinensis, to demonstrate the functional links between locomotor strategies and the kinematics of feeding. A. carolinensis uses two strategies to catch living insects on perches: Head‐Up Capture and Jump Capture. In both cases, lizards use lingual prehension to capture the prey and the kinematic patterns of the trophic apparatus are not significantly influenced by the selected strategies. Therefore, to capture one prey type, movements of the trophic structures are highly fixed and A. carolinensis modulates the locomotor pattern to exploit the environment. Predation behavior in A. carolinensis integrates two different behavioral patterns: locomotor plasticity of prey‐approach and biomechanical stereotypy of tongue prehension to successfully capture the prey. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:563–567, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synergistic effect of gene‐electro transfer and adjuvant cytokines in increasing the potency of hepatitis C virus genetic vaccination
Authors: Arcuri Mirko , Cappelletti Manuela , Zampaglione Immacolata , Aurisicchio Luigi , Nicosia Alfredo , Ciliberto Gennaro , Fattori Elena
Published: July 2008

Background

Gene electro‐transfer (GET) increases DNA uptake and expression by muscle cells following intramuscular plasmid injection. This technology has been used to increase the production of therapeutic proteins, such as cytokines and growth factors, and to improve immunization efficiency following the injection of antigen‐encoding plasmids.

Methods

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) E2 and cytokine encoding plasmids were co‐injected in the mouse quadriceps with or without GET and vaccination outcome was monitored by analysis of antigen‐specific cellular‐mediated or antibody‐mediated immunity.

Results

GET co‐injection of cytokine‐encoding and HCV E2‐encoding plasmids strongly enhanced T‐ or B‐cell responses to various levels, depending on the particular combination used.

Conclusions

We propose that a cocktail of plasmids followed by GET can be the most efficient and fine‐tunable approach for genetic immunization. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor targeting of baculovirus displaying a lymphatic homing peptide
Authors: Mäkelä Anna R. , Enbäck Juulia , Laakkonen Johanna P. , Vihinen‐Ranta Maija , Laakkonen Pirjo , Oker‐Blom Christian
Published: July 2008

Background

Tumor‐associated cells and vasculature express attractive molecular markers for site‐specific vector targeting. To attain tumor‐selective tropism, we recently developed a baculovirus vector displaying the lymphatic homing peptide LyP‐1, originally identified by ex vivo/in vivo screening of phage display libraries, on the viral envelope by fusion to the transmembrane anchor of vesicular stomatitis virus G‐protein.

Methods

In the present study, we explored the specificity and kinetics of viral binding and internalization as well as in vivo tumor homing of the LyP‐1 displaying virus to elucidate the applicability of baculovirus for targeted therapies.

Results

We demonstrated that the LyP‐1 peptide contributes to saturable binding of baculovirus in human MDA‐MB‐435 and HepG2 carcinoma cells and escalates the kinetics of viral internalization leading to earlier nuclear accumulation and enhanced transgene expression. The LyP‐1 displaying virus also showed stronger competitiveness against transduction with wild‐type baculovirus, suggesting involvement of a specific receptor in cellular attachment and entry. Following intravenous injections, the modified virus accumulated within the human MDA‐MB‐435 and MDA‐MB‐231 carcinoma xenografts in mice with higher specificity and efficiency than the control virus. Targeting of the modified virus was more specific in the MDA‐MB‐435 than in the MDA‐MB‐231 xenografts as demonstrated by higher tumor accumulation and lower distribution in nontarget organs. No apparent cytotoxicity was associated with the surface modification.

Conclusions

This first demonstration of in vivo tumor targeting of a systemically administered, tropism‐modified baculoviral vector highlights the potential of baculovirus‐mediated targeted therapies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibody‐mediated enhancement of the rate, magnitude, and responsiveness of vesicular stomatitis virus induced alpha interferon production
Authors: Green D.S. , Lum T. , Mullins B.T. , Green J.A.
Published: July 2008

A majority of adults without evidence of exposure to vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) have serum IgG antibodies that interact with pro‐inflammatory TLR7 in the presence of VSV, and enhance several aspects of VSV‐induced IFN‐α production. Enhancing IgG antibody enables human PBMC to make IFN‐α more rapidly and in higher titers in response to a broad range of VSV‐concentrations that include those too low to independently stimulate IFN‐α production. These antibody‐mediated functions compensate for the inherent delay in virus‐induced IFN‐α production in vitro, and have the potential to improve the in vivo IFN‐α response and effectively terminate infection before the occurence of clinically apparent disease. The frequent presence of enhancing antibody in persons without predictable VSV exposure has implications for naturally occurring infections with this and other viruses, and for the use of viruses as vaccine vectors and oncolytic agents. J. Med. Virol. 80:1675–1683, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human papillomavirus type 16 variants in cervical cancer from an admixtured population in Brazil
Authors: Junes‐Gill Katiana , Sichero Laura , Maciag Paulo Cesar , Mello Wyller , Noronha Vânia , Villa Luisa Lina
Published: July 2008

Several studies indicate that molecular variants of HPV‐16 have different geographic distribution and risk associated with persistent infection and development of high‐grade cervical lesions. In the present study, the frequency of HPV‐16 variants was determined in 81 biopsies from women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade III or invasive cervical cancer from the city of Belem, Northern Brazil. Host DNAs were also genotyped in order to analyze the ethnicity‐related distribution of these variants. Nine different HPV‐16 LCR variants belonging to four phylogenetic branches were identified. Among these, two new isolates were characterized. The most prevalent HPV‐16 variant detected was the Asian‐American B‐2, followed by the European B‐12 and the European prototype. Infections by multiple variants were observed in both invasive cervical cancer and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade III cases. The analysis of a specific polymorphism within the E6 viral gene was performed in a subset of 76 isolates. The E6‐350G polymorphism was significantly more frequent in Asian‐American variants. The HPV‐16 variability detected followed the same pattern of the genetic ancestry observed in Northern Brazil, with European, Amerindian and African roots. Although African ancestry was higher among women infected by the prototype, no correlation between ethnical origin and HPV‐16 variants was found. These results corroborate previous data showing a high frequency of Asian‐American variants in cervical neoplasia among women with multiethnic origin. J. Med. Virol. 80:1639–1645, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnosis and clinical impact of occult hepatitis B infection in patients with biopsy proven chronic hepatitis C: A multicenter study
Authors: Evangelista Sagnelli , Michele Imparato , Nicola Coppola , Raffaella Pisapia , Caterina Sagnelli , Vincenzo Messina , Guido Piai , Maria Stanzione , Marika Bruno , Giovanni Moggio , Nunzio Caprio , Giuseppe Pasquale , Camillo Del Vecchio Blanco
Published: July 2008

Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C has been found associated with severe liver damage, low response to interferon treatment and increased risk of developing HCC. However, doubts remain on its clinical impact and the sensitivity and specificity of its detection. HBV‐DNA was sought by PCR in plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and liver compartments of 89 patients with biopsy proven chronic hepatitis C, using sets of primers for core (“c”), surface (“s”), and x (“x”) regions of HBV genome. Occult HBV infection was defined by the presence of HBV‐DNA in at least two different PCRs in at least one compartment. Occult HBV infection was detected in 37 (41.6%) of the 89 patients investigated. It was more frequent (80.8%) in 26 anti‐ HBs negative/anti‐HBc positive patients than in 18 anti‐HBs/anti‐HBc positive (61.1%, P < 0.01) and 45 anti‐HBs/anti‐HBc negative (11.1%, P < 0.0001), and more frequently in liver (91.9%) than in PBMCs (62.2%) and plasma (32.4%). No association was found between occult HBV infection and the degree of liver necroinflammation and fibrosis. However, considering the 52 patients without occult HBV infection, 51.4% of 35 patients with genotype 1 and 5.9% of 17 with genotype non‐1 showed severe fibrosis (P = 0.003); patients with occult HBV infection did not show such difference. Instead of seeking occult HBV infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C, both anti‐HBs negative/anti‐HBc positive and anti‐HBs positive/anti‐HBc positive, in plasma alone, more reliable information can also be obtained from the liver tissue and PBMCs. J. Med. Virol. 80:1547–1553, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genotypic analysis of two hypervariable human cytomegalovirus genes
Authors: Bradley Amanda J. , Kovács Ida J. , Gatherer Derek , Dargan Derrick J. , Alkharsah Khaled R. , Chan Paul K.S. , Carman William F. , Dedicoat Martin , Emery Vincent C. , Geddes Colin C. , Gerna Giuseppe , Ben‐Ismaeil Bassam , Kaye Steve , McGregor Alistair , Moss Paul A. , Pusztai Rozalia , Rawlinson William D. , Scott Gillian M. , Wilkinson Gavin W.G. , Schulz Thomas F. , Davison Andrew J.
Published: July 2008

Most human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genes are highly conserved in sequence among strains, but some exhibit a substantial degree of variation. Two of these genes are UL146, which encodes a CXC chemokine, and UL139, which is predicted to encode a membrane glycoprotein. The sequences of these genes were determined from a collection of 184 HCMV samples obtained from Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America. UL146 is hypervariable throughout, whereas variation in UL139 is concentrated in a sequence encoding a potentially highly glycosylated region. The UL146 sequences fell into 14 genotypes, as did all previously reported sequences. The UL139 sequences grouped into 8 genotypes, and all previously reported sequences fell into a subset of these. There were minor differences among continents in genotypic frequencies for UL146 and UL139, but no clear geographical separation, and identical nucleotide sequences were represented among communities distant from each other. The frequent detection of multiple genotypes indicated that mixed infections are common. For both genes, the degree of divergence was sufficient to preclude reliable sequence alignments between genotypes in the most variable regions, and the mode of evolution involved in generating the genotypes could not be discerned. Within genotypes, constraint appears to have been the predominant mode, and positive selection was detected marginally at best. No evidence was found for linkage disequilibrium. The emerging scenario is that the HCMV genotypes developed in early human populations (or even earlier), becoming established via founder or bottleneck effects, and have spread, recombined and mixed worldwide in more recent times. J. Med. Virol. 80:1615–1623, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemiologic characteristics and seasonal distribution of human metapneumovirus infections in five epidemic seasons in Stockholm, Sweden, 2002–2006
Authors: Rafiefard Farideh , Yun ZhiBing , Örvell Claes
Published: July 2008

The presence of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was analyzed retrospectively by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in five epidemic seasons, in Stockholm, 2002–2006. The occurrence of hMPV was compared with five common respiratory viruses; respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, parainfluenza virus and adenovirus. With a detection rate of 2.9% (n = 143/4,989) in nasopharyngeal samples over the whole period, hMPV was the fourth most common respiratory virus after RSV, influenza A and parainfluenza virus. hMPV genotype A dominated over genotype B, out of 91 genotyped virus samples 87 belonged to genotype A and four belonged to genotype B. Approximately 50.3% (n = 72/143) of the hMPV positive patients were <3 years, 49.7% (71/143) were ≥3 years and 38,5% (n = 55/143) were <1 year. The relative frequencies of hMPV infections in the three age groups were 2.8% (72/2,579), 2.9% (71/2,410) and 2.6% (55/2,122), respectively. This age distribution differed from RSV, influenza A, B and parainfluenza virus. hMPV epidemics peaked in March, not coincident with RSV or parainfluenza virus. In successive epidemic seasons, large outbreaks of hMPV alternated with small outbreaks in a regular, biannual pattern. Large hMPV virus epidemics were anticyclical to large RSV epidemics. It is concluded that the epidemiology of hMPV differs markedly from other common respiratory viruses. J. Med. Virol. 80:1631–1638, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reliable detection and quantitation of viral nucleic acids in oral fluid: Liquid phase‐based sample collection in conjunction with automated and standardized molecular assays
Authors: Raggam Reinhard B. , Wagner Jasmin , Michelin Birgit D. A. , Putz‐Bankuti Csilla , Lackner Andreas , Bozic Michael , Stauber Rudolf E. , Santner Brigitte I. , Marth Egon , Kessler Harald H.
Published: July 2008

Oral fluid has been used widely as sample matrix for the detection and quantitation of viral nucleic acids. However, in the vast majority of previous studies, various methods for collection of oral fluid and molecular assays lacking automation and standardization were used. In this study, a new standardized liquid phase‐based saliva collection system was employed followed by a fully automated viral nucleic acid extraction and real‐time PCR using commercially available in vitro diagnostics (IVD)/Conformité Européene (CE) labeled molecular assays. When the lower limit of detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV)‐1/2 DNA, varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in spiked oral fluid was tested, the results were found to be comparable to those with defined sample materials recommended by the assay manufacturers. When clinical specimens were investigated, 21 of 25 (84%) oral fluids obtained from patients with clinically apparent herpetic lesions tested positive for HSV DNA, 7 of 10 (70%) oral fluids obtained from patients with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome tested positive for VZV DNA, and 19 of 40 (48%) oral fluids collected from patients with chronic HCV infection tested positive for HCV RNA. The automated extraction instruments completed all extractions without malfunction and no inhibitions were observed throughout the entire study. Liquid phase‐based saliva collection in conjunction with automated and standardized commercially available molecular assays allows reliable quantitation of viral nucleic acids in oral fluid samples and may contribute to improved comparable and interpretable test results. J. Med. Virol. 80:1684–1688, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic variability in the G protein gene of human respiratory syncytial virus isolated from the Campinas metropolitan region, Brazil
Authors: Antoniassi da Silva Luciana Helena , Spilki Fernando Rosado , Riccetto Adriana Gut Lopes , de Almeida Renata Servan , Baracat Emílio Carlos Elias , Arns Clarice Weis
Published: July 2008

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is recognized as the most important viral agent of serious respiratory tract diseases in the pediatric population worldwide. A prospective study for hRSV was conducted in children ageing less than 1 year admitted in two university hospitals in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic variability of both A and B subgroups of hRSV isolated during an epidemic period in the Campinas metropolitan region, Brazil, by sequencing a variable region of the G protein gene. Phylogenetic trees were constructed from alignments of sequences available in the GenBank database and Brazil isolates for hRSV A and B. The data demonstrate that Brazilian isolates clusters together with A and B viruses from Kenya, New Zealand, South Africa, West Virginia, United States (CH, Rochester), and other Brazilian isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of subgroup A isolates showed that the sequences obtained on the present study falls on three clusters, namely GA2, GA5, and SAA1 that co‐circulate during the analyzed period. Subgroup B isolates detected belongs to three genotypes, GB3 (SAB3) and BA (BAIII). Different subgroup B genotypes were detected and BA isolates present in our samples showed some degree of genetic variability. This is one of the first reports on the molecular epidemiology of hRSV strains from the Campinas metropolitan region, São Paulo state, Brazil. And is also the first description of the circulation pattern of hRSV genotypes in two university hospitals, revealing interesting differences between the two subgroups of the virus. J. Med. Virol. 80:1653–1660, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and predominance of genotype 4 in rural gabon
Authors: Ndong‐Atome G.R. , Makuwa M. , Ouwe‐Missi‐Oukem‐Boyer O. , Pybus O.G. , Branger M. , Le Hello S. , Boye‐Cheik S.B. , Brun‐Vezinet F. , Kazanji M. , Roques P. , Bisser S.
Published: July 2008

Hepatitis C (HCV) molecular epidemiology is documented poorly in central African countries. In response to this, a population‐based study of 319 consenting adults resident in a remote village of Gabon was undertaken (mean age: 38 years; age range: 13–85+; sex ratio: 0.74). Screening for anti‐HCV antibodies was performed using ELISA and recombinant immunoblot assay. Seropositive samples were assessed further with viral load and genotyping techniques. Sixty‐six (20.7%) individuals were HCV seropositive. Viral loads ranged from 600 to 24.9 million IU/ml (median: 372,500). Seroprevalence and viral loads increased significantly with age (P < 10−5 and P < 0.003, respectively). HCV sequences of the 5′UTR genome region were obtained from 60 (90.9%) samples and NS5B region sequences were obtained from 22 (36.6%) samples. All strains belonged to subtypes of genotype 4: 4e (72.7%), 4c (13.6%), 4p (4.5%), 4r (4.5%) and one unclassified genotype 4 strain. Evolutionary analysis of the subtype 4e sequences indicates a period of raised transmission during the early twentieth century. J. Med. Virol. 80:1581–1587, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Weight affect relapse rates in latinos with genotype 2/3 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treated with peg IFN alfa‐2a (Pegasys) 180 mcg/week and 800 mg daily of ribavirin for 24 weeks
Authors: Rodríguez‐Torres Maribel , Ríos‐Bedoya Carlos F. , Ortiz‐Lasanta Grisell , Purcell‐Arevalo Dagmary , Marxuach‐Cuétara Acisclo , Jiménez‐Rivera Josselyn
Published: July 2008

Efficacy of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treatment with Peg‐IFN and Ribavirin (RBV) is superior for genotypes 2/3 (GT‐2/3) than for genotype 1 (GT‐1) patients. Efficacy of treatment in Latinos infected with GT‐2/3 is unknown. The purpose of the study was to examine efficacy of Peg‐IFN/RBV in Latinos and factors that predict sustained viral response (SVR). This was a retrospective study of GT‐2/3 patients treated with Peg‐IFN alfa‐2a and RBV for 24 weeks. Multiple baseline characteristics were evaluated. SVR and relapse rates were calculated, as well as multiple regression models performed to examine factors that predict SVR and relapse, as genotype, HVL, weight, steatosis at liver biopsy, total cholesterol triglyceride and diabetes. Thirty five consecutive patients were included in the study; [26] GT‐2 and [9] GT‐3. Baseline characteristics were similar between both genotypes. SVR was (18/26) or 69.2% for GT‐2 and (8/9) or 88.9% for GT‐3 for combined SVR of (26/35), 74.3%. Relapse rates were 28.0% for GT‐2 and 11.1% for GT‐3 patients for a combined relapse rate of 23.5%. Patients heavier than 75 kg had relapse rates twofold higher than leaner patients, (6/21) or 28.6% versus (2/14) or 14.3% (P = 0.088). Weight increase in kg was the only predictor for risk of relapse, P = 0.043 (SD 0.0445 95% CI 1.0026–1.1772). In conclusion, Latinos heavier than 75 kg with GT‐2/3 HCV infection achieve lower SVR than those who weight less than 75 kg, because a higher relapse rate. More research in ethnic and racial minorities is needed to further establish optimal treatment in this population. J. Med. Virol. 80:1576–1580, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of influenza A/Fujian/411/2002(H3N2)‐like viruses isolated in Portugal between 2003 and 2005
Authors: Pechirra Pedro , Gonçalves Paulo , Arraiolos Ana , Coelho Anabela , Rebelo‐de‐Andrade Helena
Published: July 2008

In Portugal, influenza surveillance is achieved through the National Influenza Surveillance Programme (NISP), in close collaboration with other European and global surveillance networks. The NISP integrates epidemiological, clinical and virological data based on the information collected by a Network of Sentinel Medical Practitioners and by a network of Emergency Units of Hospitals and Health Care Centres. In this study, genetic and antigenic characterization of influenza A viruses of the A/Fujian/411/2002 lineage, isolated during the 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 influenza winter seasons, in the context of the NISP, are described. Antigenic analysis of A/Fujian/411/2002‐like viruses, first detected and isolated during the 2003/2004 winter season, revealed a close similarity with the reference strains A/Kumamoto/102/2002 and A/Wyoming/3/2003. Genetic analysis confirmed this similarity and revealed two different phylogenetic branches. The 2004/2005 influenza A(H3) isolates formed, both antigenic and genetically, a more homogeneous group and were closely related to A/Oslo/807/2004 and A/California/7/2004. During this season, the characterization of the influenza viral strains has shown continuous evolution to variants close related to A/Oslo/807/2004. The majority of amino acid substitutions detected in the haemagglutinin occurred at antigenic sites. This study reflects the contribution of individual countries for the surveillance and knowledge of the molecular epidemiology of the infection, essential for a concerted action towards the global monitoring of the disease. It also reflects the importance of constant monitoring of genetic and antigenic characteristics of circulating influenza strains, which will certainly be a major contribution to the formulation of influenza vaccines. J. Med. Virol. 80:1624–1630, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis C virus seropositivity in a South African Cohort of HIV co‐infected, ARV naïve patients is associated with renal insufficiency and increased mortality
Authors: Parboosing Raveen , Paruk Imran , Lalloo Umesh G.
Published: July 2008

HIV is known to affect the epidemiology, transmission, pathogenesis and natural history of HCV infection whilst studies on the effects of HCV on HIV have shown conflicting results and are confounded by the influence of intravenous drug use and antiretroviral therapy. This study was conducted in KwaZulu‐Natal Province in South Africa where HIV is predominantly a sexually transmitted infection. Intravenous drug use is rare in this region and the study population was naïve to antiretroviral therapy. For this study, specimens from selected sentinel sites submitted to a central laboratory for routine HIV testing were screened for anti‐HCV IgG antibodies. HIV positive HCV‐positive patients were compared to HIV‐positive HCV‐negative patients in a subgroup of patients within this cohort in order to determine if HCV sero‐prevalence was associated with clinical outcomes in a linked anonymous retrospective chart survey. The prevalence of HCV was 6.4% and that of HIV, 40.2% (n = 1,937). There was a significantly higher prevalence of HCV among HIV infected patients as compared to HIV negative patients (13.4% vs. 1.73% respectively) (n = 1,937, P < 0.001). HCV‐HIV co‐infected patients had significantly increased mortality (8.3 vs. 21%) (n = 162, P < 0.02). A significant association was found between HCV serostatus and abnormal urea levels (15.4 vs. 7.3 mmol/L, n = 134, P < 0.001) and creatinine levels (252.2 vs. 144.4 µmol/L, n = 134, P < 0.01). This study has found that hepatitis C co‐infection is more common in HIV positive individuals and is associated with an increased mortality and renal morbidity. J. Med. Virol. 80:1530–1536, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of E1A double mutant oncolytic adenovectors in anti‐glioma gene therapy
Authors: Ulasov Ilya V. , Tyler Matthew A. , Rivera Angel A. , Nettlebeck Dirk M. , Douglas Joanne T. , Lesniak Maciej S.
Published: July 2008

Malignant glioma, in particular glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), represents one of the most devastating cancers currently known and existing treatment regimens do little to change patient prognosis. Conditionally replicating adenoviral vectors (CRAds) represent attractive experimental anti‐cancer agents with potential for clinical application. However, early protein products of the wild type adenovirus backbone—such as E1A—limit CRAds' replicative specificity. In this study, we evaluated the oncolytic potency and specificity of CRAds in which p300/CPB and/or pRb binding capacities of E1A were ablated to reduce non‐specific replicative cytolysis. In vitro cytopathic assays, quantitative PCR analysis, Western blot, and flow cytometry studies demonstrate the superior anti‐glioma efficacy of a double‐mutated CRAd, Ad2/24CMV, which harbors mutations that reduce E1A binding to p300/CPB and pRb. When compared to its single‐mutated and wild type counterparts, Ad2/24CMV demonstrated attenuated replication and cytotoxicity in representative normal human brain while displaying enhanced replicative cytotoxicity in malignant glioma. These results have implications for the development of double‐mutated CRAd vectors for enhanced GBM therapy. J. Med. Virol. 80:1595–1603, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HIV‐1 triggers apoptosis in primary osteoblasts and HOBIT cells through TNFα activation
Authors: Gibellini Davide , De Crignis Elisa , Ponti Cristina , Cimatti Laura , Borderi Marco , Tschon Matilde , Giardino Roberto , Re Maria Carla
Published: July 2008

Several HIV‐1 infected patients show bone loss and osteopenia/osteoporosis during the course of disease. The mechanisms underlying this degenerative process are largely unsettled and it has not been determined yet whether bone dysfunction is linked to HIV‐1‐mediated direct and/or indirect effects on osteoblasts/osteoclasts cross‐talk regulation. This study investigated the effects of HIV‐1IIIb and HIV‐1ADA strains on osteoblasts using the osteoblast‐derived cell line (HOBIT) and primary human osteoblasts as cellular models. The challenge of these cell cultures by both HIV‐1 strains triggered a significant apoptosis activation unrelated to viral infection, since proviral HIV‐1 DNA and supernatant HIV‐1 RNA were not detected by real time PCR or b‐DNA assays respectively. Under the experimental conditions, even heat‐inactivated HIV‐1 or cross‐linked recombinant gp120 treatment of HOBIT and osteoblasts induced programmed cell death, suggesting that apoptosis is regulated by the interaction between HIV‐1 gp120 and cell membrane. The analysis of cell culture supernatants showed a significant up‐regulation of TNFα, a pleiotropic protein considered an apoptosis inducer in the osteoblast model. In fact, pretreatment of HOBIT and osteoblast cell cultures with anti‐TNFα polyclonal antibody tackled effectively HIV‐1 related induction of cell apoptosis. As a whole, these results indicate that HIV‐1 may impair bone mass structure homeostasis by TNFα regulated osteoblast apoptosis. J. Med. Virol. 80:1507–1514, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isolated core antibody hepatitis B in sub‐Saharan African immigrants
Authors: Gibney K.B. , Torresi J. , Lemoh C. , Biggs B.A.
Published: July 2008

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem in sub‐Saharan Africa, where prevalence is ≥8%, and is increasingly seen in African immigrants to developed countries. A retrospective audit of the medical records of 383 immigrants from sub‐Saharan Africa attending the infectious diseases clinics at the Royal Melbourne Hospital was performed from 2003 to 2006. The HBV, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) serological results are reported, with a focus on the isolated core antibody HBV pattern (detection of anti‐HBc without detection of HBsAg or anti‐HBs). Two‐thirds (118/174, 68%) of those tested had evidence of HBV infection with detectable anti‐HBc. Chronic HBV infection (serum HBsAg detected) was identified in 38/174 (22%) and resolved HBV infection (both serum anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc detected) in 45/174 (26%). The isolated core antibody pattern was identified in 35/174 (20%), of whom only 1/35 (3%) had detectable serum HBV DNA on PCR testing, indicating occult chronic HBV (OCHB). Only 8/56 (14%) patients with negative anti‐HBc had serological evidence of vaccination (serum anti‐HBs detected). HIV infection was detected in 26/223 (12%). HCV antibodies were detected in 10/241 (4%), of whom 8 (80%) had detectable HCV RNA. Viral co‐infection was detected in only 2/131 (1.5%) patients tested for all three viruses. The isolated core antibody HBV pattern was common among sub‐Saharan African patients in our study. These patients require assessment for OCHB infection and monitoring for complications of HBV. J. Med. Virol. 80:1565–1569, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus (HBV) isolates, including identification of a novel recombinant, in patients with acute HBV infection attending an Irish hospital
Authors: Laoi Bairbre Ni , Crowley B.
Published: July 2008

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is known to show significant genetic diversity. There are eight HBV genotypes (A–H) characterized by distinct geographical distribution. Mutations in the HBV genome, in particular precore (PC) and basal core promoter (BCP) mutations, may be important factors in the pathogenesis of disease. In this study genetic heterogeneity and phylogenetic analysis of HBV isolates from 32 naïve patients with acute HBV infection was investigated. Eleven patients presented with severe infection, while the remaining 21 had self‐limiting illness. Only four isolates from patients with severe HBV infection harbored the G1896A stop codon mutation. One isolate (Irish‐13), collected from a patient with acute asymptomatic infection, had a G1896A mutation and a 243 bp deletion of the polymerase gene. A triple mutation, T1753C/A1762T/G1764A was identified in only one isolate (Irish‐3) associated with severe infection. The latter also had a mutation, A2339G, in the core gene, not previously reported in severe acute infection caused by genotype D. Variations within the S gene were identified in 6 isolates, including Gly145Ala, associated with vaccine immune escape, Asp144Glu, Ser143Leu and Phe134Leu, each associated with failure to detect HBsAg. Phylogenetic analysis was determined using amplicons of the S gene (678 bp) and distal‐X/PC region (672 bp). Genotype A was the most common (75%), followed by genotype D (15.6%), and equal proportions of C, E, F, and H. A novel recombinant of genotypes D and E was identified in an isolate originating from West Africa. Genetic heterogeneity of HBV isolates of HBV isolates from patients with acute infection needs further study of its significance. J. Med. Virol. 80:1554–1564, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ribosomal protein L29/HIP deficiency delays osteogenesis and increases fragility of adult bone in mice
Authors: Oristian Daniel S. , Sloofman Laura G. , Zhou Xiaozhou , Wang Liyun , Farach‐Carson Mary C. , Kirn‐Safran Catherine B.
Published: July 2008

Mice lacking HIP/RPL29, a ribosomal modulator of protein synthesis rate, display a short stature phenotype. To understand the contribution of HIP/RPL29 to bone formation and adult whole bone mechanical properties, we examined both developing and adult bone in our knockout mice. Results indicated that bone shortening in HIP/RPL29‐null mice is due to delayed entry of chondro‐osteoprogenitors into the cell cycle. Structural properties of adult null bones were analyzed by micro‐computed tomography. Interestingly, partial preservation of cortical thickness was observed in null males indicating a gender‐specific effect of the genotype on cortical bone parameters. Null males, and to a lower extent null females, displayed increased bone material toughness to counteract decreased bone size. This elevation in a bone material property was associated with increased bone mineral density only in null males. Neither male nor female null animals could withstand the same maximum load as gender‐matched controls in three‐point bending tests, and smaller post‐yield displacements (and thus increased bone brittleness) were found for null animals. These results suggest that HIP/RPL29‐deficient mice exhibit increased bone fragility due to altered matrix protein synthesis rates as a consequence of ribosomal insufficiency. Thus, sub‐efficient protein translation increased fracture risk in HIP/RPL29‐null animals. Taken together, these studies provide strong genetic evidence that the ability to regulate and amplify protein synthesis rates, including those proteins that regulate the cell cycle entry during skeletal development, are important determinants for establishment of normal bone mass and quality. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:28–35, 2009
The vibrational assignment of phenanthridine molecule based on normal coordinate analysis and DFT
Authors: Sett Pinaky , Ghosh Manash , Mallick Prabal Kumar , Chowdhury Joydeep
Published: July 2008

A complete vibrational assignment of phenanthridine C13NH9 has been presented. The infrared (IR) and the Raman spectra of the molecule are analyzed with the help of theoretical prediction of the normal vibrational wavenumbers estimated from normal coordinate analysis (NCA) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A general valence force field (GVFF) including 31 parameters (13 diagonal and 18 off‐diagonal) reproduces satisfactorily the in‐plane vibrational signatures of the aforesaid molecule and as well as those for the other related hydrocarbons [phenanthrene and benzo(c)cinnoline]. The bivariate and multivariate data analysis reveals that calculated wavenumbers using GVFF are more accurate than the DFT result. However, DFT yields the relative Raman intensities, which are in good agreement with the experimental ones. The decomposition of the normal mode frequencies into those related to different internal coordinates is also discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sporadic incidence of factor XI deficiency in Holstein cattle
Authors: Čítek Jindřich , Řehout Václav , Hanusová Lenka , Vrabcová Petra
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: Factor XI (FXI) is a plasma serine protease involved in the early activation of the blood coagulation cascade. A survey of Holstein cattle, and Czech Simmental cattle crossed with Holstein, was done to determine whether animals heterozygous for FXI deficiency were present. Mutations in exon 12 and in exon 9 were analysed.

RESULTS: The method used was based on the polymerase chain reaction and subsequent distinction of the length of fragments. In the panel analysed (279 Holsteins and 30 Simmentals), one heterozygous carrier of the recessive allele in exon 12 (a German Holstein cow) was found. Some authors have found that the frequency is high in some breeding lines and low in others. Evidently the lines in our analysis are part of the group with a low frequency. In exon 9, all the animals (100 Holsteins and 52 Simmentals), were homozygous wild type. To date, the mutation in exon 9 has been found only in Japanese black cattle, and its breed‐specific occurrence was therefore not disconfirmed by our assay.

CONCLUSION: Our results revealed a low occurrence of F11 mutant alleles. The DNA‐based test determines all genotypes regardless of phenotype and FXI activity. This is important as veterinarians need a reliable method. Of course, the testing of numerous sires by molecular methods is not necessary from the breeders' point of view, but in breeding lines where testing is deemed appropriate heterozygous animals could be easily and surely detected. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of Hybrid Polymeric Materials Based on Thiol‐Ene/Cationic Formulations
Authors: Ortiz Ricardo Acosta , Urbina Bertha A. Puente , Santos Ramiro Guerrero , Duarte Lydia Berlanga , Valdez Aída E. García , Soucek Mark D.
Published: July 2008

Novel materials were prepared from dual photo and thermal polymerization of hybrid thiol‐ene/cationic systems. In the first stage, the thiol‐ene system proceeded to high conversions, while the cationic photopolymerization was inhibited. The formation of sulfides during this stage was the main factor for the inhibition of the cationic photopolymerization of the epoxy monomers. Once those sulfides were formed, they reacted with the oxonium‐terminated growing polyether chains to form trialkylsulfonium salts. These salts promoted the thermal polymerization of the epoxy monomers in the second stage. The viscoelastic properties of the resulting polymers were measured by DMA.

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