bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GFAP‐GFP neural progenitors are antigenically homogeneous and anchored in their enclosed mosaic niche
Authors: Platel Jean‐Claude , Gordon Valerie , Heintz Tristan , Bordey Angélique
Published: July 2008

Study of the different stages of postnatal neurogenesis relies on using antigenic markers and transgenic mice. In particular, neural stem cells that express GFAP are studied using mice expressing GFP under the human GFAP promoter (GFAP‐GFP). However, it remains unclear whether GFP and the commonly used progenitor markers label different cell populations in the neurogenic subventricular zone (SVZ) and its rostral extension into the olfactory bulb (i.e. rostral migratory stream, RMS). Here, we found that all GFP‐fluorescent cells express GFAP, the radial glia marker brain lipid‐binding protein (BLBP), Lewis X (LeX), and the astrocytic marker GLAST. Faint GFP fluorescence could be detected in a few cells expressing EGF receptors (EGFRs), Olig2, or S100, suggesting that GFAP‐GFP cells generate these diverse cell types. GFP‐fluorescent cells were slowly cycling, as shown by their long‐term retention of BrdU, and less than 10% expressed the proliferative markers Ki67 and Mcm2. The majority of EGFR‐expressing cells and Olig2‐expressing cells were cycling. NG2 and EGFR identified distinct progenitor populations while Olig2 labeled a subset of EGFR‐expressing cells. The entire neurogenic zone contained a mosaic of different cell types and was ensheathed by processes of GFAP‐expressing cells and NG2 cells. Finally, using time‐lapse imaging in acute slices, we show that GFP‐fluorescent cells are stationary within the SVZ. Our findings collectively highlight the cellular mosaic of the neurogenic niche, show that the slowly‐cycling GFAP‐expressing cells are stationary and generate distinct intermediate progenitors. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Self‐regulation of regional cortical activity using real‐time fMRI: The right inferior frontal gyrus and linguistic processing
Authors: Rota Giuseppina , Sitaram Ranganatha , Veit Ralf , Erb Michael , Weiskopf Nikolaus , Dogil Grzegorz , Birbaumer Niels
Published: July 2008

Neurofeedback of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can be used to acquire selective control over activation in circumscribed brain areas, potentially inducing behavioral changes, depending on the functional role of the targeted cortical sites. In the present study, we used fMRI‐neurofeedback to train subjects to enhance regional activation in the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) to influence speech processing and to modulate language‐related performance. Seven subjects underwent real‐time fMRI‐neurofeedback training and succeeded in achieving voluntary regulation of their right Brodmann's area (BA) 45. To examine short‐term behavioral impact, two linguistic tasks were carried out immediately before and after the training. A significant improvement of accuracy was observed for the identification of emotional prosodic intonations but not for syntactic processing. This evidence supports a role for the right IFG in the processing of emotional information and evaluation of affective salience. The present study confirms the efficacy of fMRI‐biofeedback for noninvasive self‐regulation of circumscribed brain activity. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Movement gating of beta/gamma oscillations involved in the N30 somatosensory evoked potential
Authors: Cebolla Ana Maria , De Saedeleer Caty , Bengoetxea Ana , Leurs Françoise , Balestra Costantino , d'Alcantara Pablo , Palmero‐Soler Ernesto , Dan Bernard , Cheron Guy
Published: July 2008

Evoked potential modulation allows the study of dynamic brain processing. The mechanism of movement gating of the frontal N30 component of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) produced by the stimulation of the median nerve at wrist remains to be elucidated. At rest, a power enhancement and a significant phase‐locking of the electroencephalographic (EEG) oscillation in the beta/gamma range (25–35 Hz) are related to the emergence of the N30. The latter was also perfectly identified in presence of pure phase‐locking situation. Here, we investigated the contribution of these rhythmic activities to the specific gating of the N30 component during movement. We demonstrated that concomitant execution of finger movement of the stimulated hand impinges such temporal concentration of the ongoing beta/gamma EEG oscillations and abolishes the N30 component throughout their large topographical extent on the scalp. This also proves that the phase‐locking phenomenon is one of the main actors for the N30 generation. These findings could be explained by the involvement of neuronal populations of the sensorimotor cortex and other related areas, which are unable to respond to the phasic sensory activation and to phase‐lock their firing discharges to the external sensory input during the movement. This new insight into the contribution of phase‐locked oscillation in the emergence of the N30 and in its gating behavior calls for a reappraisal of fundamental and clinical interpretation of the frontal N30 component. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Removal of magnetoencephalographic artifacts with temporal signal‐space separation: Demonstration with single‐trial auditory‐evoked responses
Authors: Taulu Samu , Hari Riitta
Published: July 2008

Magnetic interference signals often hamper analysis of magnetoencephalographic (MEG) measurements. Artifact sources in the proximity of the sensors cause strong and spatially complex signals that are particularly challenging for the existing interference‐suppression methods. Here we demonstrate the performance of the temporally extended signal space separation method (tSSS) in removing strong interference caused by external and nearby sources on auditory‐evoked magnetic fields—the sources of which are well established. The MEG signals were contaminated by normal environmental interference, by artificially produced additional external interference, and by nearby artifacts produced by a piece of magnetized wire in the subject's lip. After tSSS processing, even the single‐trial auditory responses had a good‐enough signal‐to‐noise ratio for detailed waveform and source analysis. Waveforms and source locations of the tSSS‐reconstructed data were in good agreement with the responses from the control condition without extra interference. Our results demonstrate that tSSS is a robust and efficient method for removing a wide range of different types of interference signals in neuromagnetic multichannel measurements. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Defining the face processing network: Optimization of the functional localizer in fMRI
Authors: Fox Christopher J. , Iaria Giuseppe , Barton Jason J.S.
Published: July 2008

Functional localizers that contrast brain signal when viewing faces versus objects are commonly used in functional magnetic resonance imaging studies of face processing. However, current protocols do not reliably show all regions of the core system for face processing in all subjects when conservative statistical thresholds are used, which is problematic in the study of single subjects. Furthermore, arbitrary variations in the applied thresholds are associated with inconsistent estimates of the size of face‐selective regions‐of‐interest (ROIs). We hypothesized that the use of more natural dynamic facial images in localizers might increase the likelihood of identifying face‐selective ROIs in individual subjects, and we also investigated the use of a method to derive the statistically optimal ROI cluster size independent of thresholds. We found that dynamic facial stimuli were more effective than static stimuli, identifying 98% (versus 72% for static) of ROIs in the core face processing system and 69% (versus 39% for static) of ROIs in the extended face processing system. We then determined for each core face processing ROI, the cluster size associated with maximum statistical face‐selectivity, which on average was approximately 50 mm3 for the fusiform face area, the occipital face area, and the posterior superior temporal sulcus. We suggest that the combination of (a) more robust face‐related activity induced by a dynamic face localizer and (b) a cluster‐size determination based on maximum face‐selectivity increases both the sensitivity and the specificity of the characterization of face‐related ROIs in individual subjects. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Overcoming impediments to virtual team effectiveness
Authors: Cordery John L. , Soo Christine
Published: July 2008

The term virtual team denotes an organizational team whose members rarely meet face to face but who nevertheless perform interdependent tasks in pursuit of collective goals. This article identifies the unique aspects of virtual teams that generate major barriers to their effectiveness, and suggests ways in which these may be either overcome or mitigated. A process‐oriented model of virtual team effectiveness is presented, identifying issues associated with the development of transactive memory systems, work engagement, and collective efficacy as major challenges to virtual team effectiveness. These issues are illustrated with reference to the experience of virtual teams within a minerals processing firm. Finally, the authors discuss aspects of virtual team leadership and team climate that may help overcome some of the potential process losses associated with virtual teamwork. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Designing an effective management system for enterprises: Concepts and verification
Authors: Motała Daria , Pawłowski Edmund , Pawłowski Krystian , Trzcieliński Stefan
Published: July 2008

In this article lean and agile manufacturing are considered as separate organizational strategies of enterprise management. Therefore, a model of these strategies for business situations as well as assigning modern concepts and methods of management to these strategies and business segments has been proposed. This model, called LABDM (lean agile business development model), has been provisionally verified in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises from the gas engineering industry in the Wielkopolska province in Poland. In 17 enterprises of this industry the use of modern concepts and methods of management have been studied. With the help of the rough sets theory, a set of concepts and methods that are crucial for the effective enterprises has been identified. By comparing these concepts and methods to the LABDM, the model's rationality is proven. In conclusion, the LABDM can be used as a tool when considering a lean or agile strategy, and modern concepts and methods that are associated with these strategies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Country of origin effects, brand image, and social status in an emerging market
Authors: Khan Hina , Bamber David
Published: July 2008

Country of origin (COO) effects with respect to price, quality, brand effect, and social status to determine elite consumers' buying behavior in the emerging market of Pakistan are investigated. Manufacturers are looking for new consumers with a resilient purchasing power, which is likely to grow, in emergent markets. The most important finding resulting from the present research is the relatively limited significance that COO effects have on product perceptions and on the buying behavior of an elite, affluent group of consumers. The research demonstrated that COO effects, while important, do not often dominate the process of consumer preference formation or the decision to buy. This finding stands in marked contrast to earlier research. The equal importance of specific cue information with COO information when making purchase decisions is emphasized by the significant correlations between some responses to COO, price, quality, brand effect, and social status items. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The redox state of the lung cancer microenvironment depends on the levels of thioredoxin expressed by tumor cells and affects tumor progression and response to prooxidants
Authors: Ceccarelli Jenny , Delfino Laura , Zappia Emanuela , Castellani Patrizia , Borghi Martina , Ferrini Silvano , Tosetti Francesca , Rubartelli Anna
Published: July 2008

Here we report that human nonsmall cell lung carcinomas overexpress macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and thioredoxin (Trx), 2 oxidoreductases with cytokine function, and contain more abundant nonprotein thiols (glutathione and cysteine) than nonneoplastic lung tissues. Cell clones derived from the same lung carcinoma cell lines but expressing different levels of Trx and/or MIF displayed growth rates in vitro and in vivo correlating with Trx but not with MIF. Interestingly, the different clones generate extracellularly reduced nonprotein thiols, in amounts related to the Trx content and inhibited by inhibitors of Trx function. Each clone also showed distinct responses to the prooxidant compound arsenic trioxide. Cells with a strongly antioxidant and aggressive phenotype were more susceptible to the cytotoxic effect of the drug than cells expressing little Trx. The latter counteracted the oxidative stress by increasing Trx expression and thiol release. Together these results indicate that different human lung cancer cell lines have distinct redox properties defined by the levels of Trx and nonprotein thiols, the higher antioxidant phenotype correlating with the higher aggressiveness. Moreover, the redox phenotype dictates their response to prooxidant drugs and must be taken into account when therapeutic interventions with redox active substances are considered. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of a novel therapeutic target for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: A role for the neurotensin‐neurotensin receptor 1 oncogenic signaling pathway
Authors: Shimizu Satoya , Tsukada Jun , Sugimoto Takashi , Kikkawa Naoko , Sasaki Keita , Chazono Hideaki , Hanazawa Toyoyuki , Okamoto Yoshitaka , Seki Naohiko
Published: July 2008

Distant metastasis is a major factor associated with poor prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), but little is known of its molecular mechanisms. New markers that predict clinical outcome, in particular the ability of primary tumors to develop metastatic tumors, are urgently needed. Based on a genome‐wide gene expression analysis using clinical specimens of HNSCC, we narrowed our focus to the analysis of the neurotensin (NTS) and neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) oncogenic signal pathways. Kaplan‐Meier curves and log rank tests revealed that high mRNA expression levels of NTS and NTSR1 had a significant adverse effect on metastasis‐free survival rate, suggesting a contribution of this pathway in HNSCC cancer progression. In HNSCC cells, which expressed NTSR1, a NTS agonist promoted cellular invasion, migration and induction of several mRNAs, such as interleukin 8 and matrix metalloproteinase 1 transcripts. In addition, knock down of NTSR1 expression with small interfering RNAs resulted in reduction of cellular invasion and migration in HNSCC cell lines. Our findings suggest a critical role for the NTS and NTSR1 oncogenic pathways in invasion and migration of HNSCC cells during the metastatic process. Our study raises the possibility that NTS and NTSR1 could be a useful predictive marker of poor prognosis in patients with HNSCC and a molecular therapeutic target in antimetastatic strategies for HNSCCs. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measurement matters for modelling US import prices
Authors: Thomas Charles P. , Marquez Jaime
Published: July 2008

We focus on capturing the increasingly important role that emerging economies play in determining US import prices. Emerging‐market producers differ from others in two respects: (1) their cost structure is well below that of developed‐market producers, and (2) their wide profit margins induce pricing policies that seek to exhaust production capacity. We argue that these features have dampened the short‐run responses of import prices to changes in the value of the dollar but that they have not altered the associated long‐run response. To capture these considerations, we develop a new method to measure foreign prices and adopt a formulation that differentiates between short‐ and long‐run responses. Our econometric work asks two questions: First, can one replicate the literature's dispersion of pass‐through estimates? Second, is there any evidence of a change in the dynamic response of import prices to changes in the exchange value of the dollar? To address the first question, we estimate the parameters of our models using several alternative measures of US and foreign prices, dynamic specifications, and sample periods. We find that these alternative inputs translate into a large range of parameter estimates, a finding that helps to rationalizing the existing dispersion of estimates. To address the second question, we compute the implied dynamic adjustment of import prices to a change in the value of the dollar using parameters estimated from two samples: 1974–2000 and 1974–2005. The long‐run response of import prices is similar regardless of which sample is used—roughly one‐half of the change in the exchange rate is passed through to import prices. However, the short—run response is quite sensitive to the sample period. Specifically, the short‐run response based on data through 2005 is smaller than the short‐run response based on data through 2000. We argue that one force behind the change in dynamics of the import‐price process is the greater presence of producers from emerging economies and that their effect on import prices can be captured with their measure of foreign prices. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implications of production sharing on exchange rate pass‐through
Authors: Ghosh Amit
Published: July 2008

This paper presents a theoretical model to analyse exchange rate pass‐through when there is cross‐border production sharing. With production sharing, between two nations, we have pass‐through at two different levels, one at the level of the imported parts and components used in making the final good and the other at the level of the final good. We find the higher the pricing‐to‐market at the intermediate good level, the lower the pass‐through for the final good. The model is further extended to analyse three‐country production sharing, substitution between two alternate sources of imported inputs. Finally, we draw some policy implications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disease recognition by infrared and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Krafft Christoph , Steiner Gerald , Beleites Claudia , Salzer Reiner
Published: July 2008

Infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy are emerging biophotonic tools to recognize various diseases. The current review gives an overview of the experimental techniques, data‐classification algorithms and applications to assess soft tissues, hard tissues and body fluids. The methodology section presents the principles to combine vibrational spectroscopy with microscopy, lateral information and fiber‐optic probes. A crucial step is the classification of spectral data by a variety of algorithms. We discuss unsupervised algorithms such as cluster analysis or principal component analysis and supervised algorithms such as linear discriminant analysis, soft independent modeling of class analogies, artificial neural networks support vector machines, Bayesian classification, partial least‐squares regression and ensemble methods. The selected topics include tumors of epithelial tissue, brain tumors, prion diseases, bone diseases, atherosclerosis, kidney stones and gallstones, skin tumors, diabetes and osteoarthritis. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Biosorption: critical review of scientific rationale, environmental importance and significance for pollution treatment
Authors: Gadd Geoffrey Michael
Published: July 2008

Biosorption may be simply defined asthe removal of substances from solution by biological material. Such substances can be organic and inorganic, and in gaseous, soluble or insoluble forms. Biosorption is a physico‐chemical process and includes such mechanisms as absorption, adsorption, ion exchange, surface complexation and precipitation. Biosorption is a property of both living and dead organisms (and their components) and has been heralded as a promising biotechnology for pollutant removal from solution, and/or pollutant recovery, for a number of years, because of its efficiency, simplicity, analogous operation to conventional ion exchange technology, and availability of biomass. Most biosorption studies have carried out on microbial systems, chiefly bacteria, microalgae and fungi, and with toxic metals and radionuclides, including actinides like uranium and thorium. However, practically all biological material has an affinity for metal species and a considerable amount of other research exists with macroalgae (seaweeds) as well as plant and animal biomass, waste organic sludges, and many other wastes or derived bio‐products. While most biosorption research concerns metals and related substances, including radionuclides, the term is now applied to particulates and all manner of organic substances as well. However, despite continuing dramatic increases in published research on biosorption, there has been little or no exploitation in an industrial context. This article critically reviews aspects of biosorption research regarding the benefits, disadvantages, and future potential of biosorption as an industrial process, the rationale, scope and scientific value of biosorption research, and the significance of biosorption in other waste treatment processes and in the environment. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Macrogeographic genetic variation in broad‐snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris)
Authors: Villela Priscilla Marqui Schmidt , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann , Piña Carlos Ignacio , Verdade Luciano M.
Published: July 2008

Broad‐snouted caiman's (Caiman latirostris) geographic distribution comprises one of the widest latitudinal ranges among all crocodilians. In this study we analyzed the relationship between geographic distance (along the species latitudinal range) and genetic differentiation using DNA microsatellite loci developed for C. latirostris and Alligator mississippiensis. The results suggest that there is a consistent relationship between geographic distance and genetic differentiation; however, other biogeographical factors seem to be relevant. The Atlantic Chain (Serra do Mar) seems to be an effective geographic barrier, as well as the relatively narrow (≤1.5 km) sea channel between Cardoso Island and the continent. In addition, coastal populations seem to have been well connected in recent geological time (Pleistocene 16,000 years ago) all along the eastern Brazilian coast. Further studies should focus on the São Francisco River drainage, which is still poorly known for this species. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:628–636, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Envelope protein variability among HBV‐Infected asymptomatic carriers and immunized children with breakthrough infections
Authors: Mendy Maimuna , D'Mello Felicity , Kanellos Theophanis , Oliver Stefan , Whittle Hilton , Howard Colin R.
Published: July 2008

A detailed study of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface variants and their role in breakthrough infections has been conducted in The Gambia, West Africa. Samples from 1856 vaccinated subjects were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Evidence of infection was found in 11% (22/192) of subjects with breakthrough infections and 18 (81.8%) were also positive for HBV DNA following PCR analysis. A cohort of 58 unvaccinated carriers which also included 11 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma was also investigated in order to establish the prevalence of surface variants in the unvaccinated population. Analysis of the S gene from HBV PCR‐positive subjects (n = 64) revealed little variation in the S gene of these subjects. Twenty‐four S protein sequences (37.5%) were identical and a further 22 sequences differed by only a single amino acid. The K141E variant found in previous work was not detected and little variation was observed in the immunodominant “a” determinant; a single change was found in one vaccinated patient (Q129H) and nine changes detected among six unvaccinated carriers. This study showed that breakthrough HBV infection in vaccinated Gambians is mainly caused by the wild type genoytype E strain and that immune escape mutants are uncommon. However, HBV mutants may play a role in establishing infection later in life when anti‐HBs antibodies have begun to decline. Further investigation is required to determine the cause of these breakthrough infections and whether they contribute to the establishment of the carrier state. J. Med. Virol. 80:1537–1546, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum concentrations of ribavirin and pegylated interferon and viral responses in patients infected with HIV and HCV
Authors: Nicot Florence , Legrand‐Abravanel Florence , Lafont Thierry , Dubois Martine , Sauné Karine , Pasquier Christophe , Chatelut Etienne , Izopet Jacques
Published: July 2008

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects a substantial proportion of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Patients infected with both HCV and HIV respond poorly to anti‐HCV treatment with pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin. But few data are available on the influence of ribavirin and interferon concentrations on treatment outcome for these patients. This study investigated the relationship between the serum pegylated interferon and ribavirin concentrations 3 and 6 months after treatment initiation, and treatment outcome in 35 HCV‐HIV coinfected patients. The pegylated interferon and ribavirin concentrations at months 3 and 6 were similar. The pegylated interferon concentrations at 3 months in responders and nonresponders were similar. However, responders tended to have higher ribavirin concentrations (2,322 ng/ml) than nonresponders (1,833 ng/ml; P = 0.08). Responders infected with HCV genotype 1 or 4 had higher ribavirin concentrations (2,672 ng/ml) than did similarly infected nonresponders (1,758 ng/ml; P = 0.04). ROC curve analysis showed that a ribavirin concentration of 2,300 ng/ml was the best threshold for predicting a nonresponse (ROC area = 0.80 ± 0.12). Thus ribavirin concentrations influence treatment outcome in HIV patients infected with HCV genotype 1 or 4. Monitoring ribavirin concentrations could help adapt ribavirin concentrations and improve the sustained virological response. J. Med. Virol. 80:1523–1529, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dissection of the CMV specific T‐cell response is required for optimized cardiac transplant monitoring
Authors: Kirchner Alexander , Hoffmeister Bodo , Cherepnev‐G Georgy , Fuhrmann Stephan , Streitz Mathias , Lachmann Raskit , Bunde Torsten , Meij Pauline , Schönemann Constanze , Hetzer Roland , Lehmkuhl Hans B. , Volkmer‐Engert Rudolf , Volk Hans‐Dieter , Gratama Jan W. , Kern Florian
Published: July 2008

Despite the success of antivirals in preventing clinically overt CMV disease in cardiac allograft recipients, sub‐clinical active CMV infection remains a major concern because of its association with allograft rejection and vasculopathy. The measurement of CMV specific T‐cell responses is a promising approach to assessing this situation. For simplicity, class‐I MHC/peptide‐multimers staining CD8 T‐cells directly are often used but this ignores a much wider range of responses including the whole CD4 T‐cell compartment. CD4 T‐cells, however, were recently shown to be critical to reducing CMV load early after transplantation. To determine how extensive T‐cell responses to CMV are, the responses to two dominant CMV proteins, IE‐1 and pp65, were dissected in detail accounting for T‐cell lineage, frequencies, epitope recognition and changes over time in more than 25 heart transplant recipients. Cross‐sectional results from over 30 healthy CMV‐carriers were analyzed for comparison. Responses were unexpectedly complex, with considerable inter‐individual variation in terms of dominance, breadth, and recognized epitopes. Whereas the use of MHC/peptide‐multimers for clinical CD8 T‐cell response monitoring alone can be justified in some situations, short term T‐cell activation combined with intracellular cytokine staining was clearly found to be of more general usefulness. The performance of IFN‐gamma, TNF‐alpha, or IL‐2 as single read‐outs in identifying activated T‐cells was examined and confirmed that the frequently used IFN‐gamma was best suited. These results should be used to inform the design of clinically applicable and diagnostically useful approaches to monitoring CMV specific responses in heart transplant recipients. J. Med. Virol. 80:1604–1614, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Failure to confirm HIV infection in two end‐stage HIV/AIDS patients using a popular commercial line immunoassay
Authors: Tang Julian W. , Wong Bonnie C.K. , Lam Edman , Tai Vivien , Lee Nelson , Cockram Clive S. , Chan Paul K.S.
Published: July 2008

Immunoassays using either viral lysate (Western blot) or recombinant/synthetic antigen (immunoblot) for anti‐HIV capture are still the preferred method to confirm HIV infection. Two cases of HIV‐1‐infected patients presented with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐defining illnesses. Laboratory tests were performed using multiple commercial HIV test kits on multiple sera from both patients over several weeks. Both patients were strongly positive on the anti‐HIV/p24 antigen combined screening assay. Yet, HIV‐1 infection could not be confirmed using a popular commercial immunoassay. Eventually, HIV infection was confirmed using an alternative commercial Western blot assay as well as an HIV quantitative PCR test. In laboratories without nucleic acid testing (NAT) for HIV, indeterminate results may delay confirmation of HIV infection, if commercial line immunoassays alone are available. Some end‐stage HIV/AIDS patients may not produce antibodies to specific HIV antigens and may therefore give indeterminant or negative results on some immunoassays, depending on the type of antigen used. This report highlights the utility of having NAT available when diagnosing difficult cases of HIV infection, especially in light of the recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention move towards more universal, routine, HIV testing. J. Med. Virol. 80:1515–1522, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence for zoonotic transmission of group C rotaviruses among children in Belém, Brazil
Authors: Gabbay Yvone B. , Borges Alessandra A. , Oliveira Darleise S. , Linhares Alexandre C. , Mascarenhas Joana D.P. , Barardi Célia R.M. , Simões Cláudia M.O. , Wang Yuhuan , Glass Roger I. , Jiang Baoming
Published: July 2008

The prevalence and potential zoonotic transmission of group C rotavirus (RVC) were examined by testing fecal samples collected from children during a longitudinal study that was carried out in the outskirts of Belém, Brazil, from December 1982 to March 1986. The study involved a group of 30 children who were followed from birth to 3 years. Of the 77 samples tested from 29 children, 5 (6.5%) were positive for human and 3 (4%) for porcine RVC by using nested PCR assay with primers specific for VP6 gene of human or porcine RVC and by Southern hybridization using a probe specific for VP6 gene of both human and porcine RVC. In addition, a total of 59 fecal specimens from the 30th child were tested, 1 (1.7%) and 14 (23.7%) were positive for human and porcine RVC, respectively. Partial nucleotide sequences of VP6 gene demonstrated that the six human strains detected in Brazil were homologous with other human RVC, and 14 of the 17 porcine RVC strains examined showed a complete homology among themselves but differed slightly from the porcine Cowden strain, suggesting that a single porcine RVC strain was circulating in Belém. This study is the first to provide evidence for transmission of RVC from swine to human. They also indicate that both human and porcine RVC were endemic in Belém. J. Med. Virol. 80:1666–1674, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical and psychosocial correlates of post‐herpetic neuralgia
Authors: Volpi A. , Gatti A. , Pica F. , Bellino S. , Marsella L.T. , Sabato A.F.
Published: July 2008

Post‐herpetic neuralgia is the most challenging and debilitating complication of herpes zoster in the immunocompetent host. Because the effect of treatment is disappointing once the syndrome has developed, it is important to know which factors predict post‐herpetic neuralgia occurrence to facilitate selection of herpes zoster patients with a higher risk of developing neuralgia and undertake preventative strategies. The present study aimed at identifying demographic, clinical and psychosocial correlates of post‐herpetic neuralgia in a sample of 219 immunocompetent patients, who were examined by dermatologists in private practice in Italy and who completed a questionnaire designed to evaluate their clinical and psychosocial profile at the time of clinical diagnosis of herpes zoster and at a follow‐up visit 6 months later. In a univariate analysis, post‐herpetic neuralgia was associated significantly with older age, longer duration of prodromal pain, greater acute pain intensity, greater extent of rash, presence of abnormal sensations and use of systemic antiviral therapy. Compared to the values at herpes zoster onset, at the follow‐up visit patients with post‐herpetic neuralgia presented with similar high mean scores of pain intensity, anxiety and depression and greatly reduced quality of life, whereas patients without neuralgia presented with improved scores. In a multivariate model, older age, greater acute pain intensity, greater extent of rash and longer duration of prodromal pain were independently associated with post‐herpetic neuralgia. The results of this study may help physicians to identify patients with a higher risk of developing post‐herpetic neuralgia and undertaking preventative strategies. J. Med. Virol. 80:1646–1652, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among intravenous drug users in Korea
Authors: Yun Haesun , Kim Daijin , Kim Soyeon , Kang Sujin , Jeong Seunghee , Cheon Yonghoon , Joe Keunho , Gwon Do‐Hoon , Cho Sung‐Nam , Jee Youngmee
Published: July 2008

Although intravenous drug users are a well‐known route of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission, there is no data on the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among intravenous drug users in Korea. In order to describe the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection, and to determine HCV genotypes in the population, serum samples were collected from 107 intravenous drug users during 2005–2006. Fifty‐seven percent (n = 61) were HCV RNA positive and 51% (n = 55) were HBV DNA positive. Co‐infection of HBV and HCV were found in 23% (n = 25). HCV genotypes 1b, 2a/2c, 2, 2b, and 3a were found in 38% (n = 23), 44% (n = 27), 8% (n = 5), 2% (n = 1), and 3% (n = 2), respectively. Moreover, mixed infections of genotypes 1b and 2a/2c were found in 5% (n = 3). When the number of patients with HCV genotype 1b compared with that of patients with genotype 2a/2c, HBV DNA titer was not significantly different by independent t‐test (t = −0.881, P = 0.392 > 0.05) between the two patient groups. These results suggest that the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among intravenous drug users is high showing over 50% in Korea and a strategic prevention program should be performed in this group to prevent further infection into local community. J. Med. Virol. 80:1570–1575, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outbreak of rotavirus variant P[8] in Seoul, South Korea
Authors: Lee Jae‐In , Song Mi‐Ok , Chung Ju‐Young , Han Tae‐Hee , Ahn Young‐Min , Seo Jeong‐Wan , Kim Moo‐Sang , Kim Min‐Young , Kim Won‐Yong , Lee Chan‐hee
Published: July 2008

An epidemiologic study was performed to determine the genetic variability of rotaviruses in Seoul, South Korea. In 3,174 stool specimens from children with acute diarrhea at five referral hospitals, 571 (18%) possessed the antigen of group A rotavirus detectable by ELISA—10.8% in 2004 and 28.1% in 2005. VP7 genotyping revealed that the G3 type was found in 25.6% of all typed isolates, G4 in 23.8%, G2 in 21.6%, and G1 in 17.6%. VP4 genotyping showed that the P[8] type was detected in 66.7%, P[6] in 15.6%, P[4] in 13.0%, and P[9] in 0.2%. Because the variant P[8] type could not be amplified initially by conventional P typing primers (1T‐1), PCR were performed using newly designed 1T‐1S primer, which revealed that 307 specimens were the variant P[8] type. Uncommon combinations such as G4P[6] and G2P[8] were also found with relatively high prevalence, 14.6% and 12.8%, respectively. Variant P[8] types were associated with an outbreak of rotavirus in 2005. J. Med. Virol. 80:1661–1665, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of hepatitis C virus in thyroid tissue from patients with chronic HCV infection
Authors: Bartolomé Javier , Rodríguez‐Iñigo Elena , Quadros Pedro , Vidal Sonia , Pascual‐Miguelañez Isabel , Rodríguez‐Montes José Antonio , García‐Sancho Luis , Carreño Vicente
Published: July 2008

Thyroid dysfunctions are common in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. HCV‐RNA has been detected by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in thyroid from HCV infected patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. However, morphological evidence of HCV replication in thyroid cells from immune competent patients has not been provided. In situ hybridization and real‐time‐PCR were used to analyze HCV‐RNA replication in thyroid tissue from 11 patients (3 anti‐HCV, serum HCV‐RNA positive; 8 anti‐HCV negative). Genomic and antigenomic HCV‐RNA was detected in the thyroid of the 3 anti‐HCV positive patients at concentrations of 2.6 × 104, 1.7 × 104, and 8.6 × 103 copies/µg of total RNA (genomic) and 3.2 × 102, 4.3 × 103 and 2.9 × 102 HCV‐RNA copies/µg of total RNA (antigenomic). No HCV‐RNA was detected in the thyroid tissue of the 8 anti‐HCV negative patients. Presence of genomic/antigenomic HCV‐RNA in the 3 anti‐HCV positive cases was confirmed by in situ hybridization. Signals were observed in the cytoplasm of the thyroid cells. In conclusion, the data obtained indicate that HCV may infect cells of the thyroid in immune competent patients with chronic HCV infection. The pathogenic implications of this finding merit further research. J. Med. Virol. 80:1588–1594, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of cut‐type on quality of minimally processed papaya
Authors: Argañosa A Carla SJ , Raposo M Filomena J , Teixeira Paula CM , Morais Alcina MMB
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND:This research was undertaken to study the effects of different cut‐types (cube, parallelepiped, cylinder and sphere) on the quality and shelf‐life of papaya cv. Sunrise Solo. Physicochemical analyses were carried out during 10 days of storage at 4 °C to determine colour, firmness, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, weight loss and vitamin C content. Microbiological analysis and sensory evaluation were also performed.

RESULTS:Papaya spheres (1.55 cm radius) presented the most favourable physicochemical and microbiological properties (smaller changes in colour parametersL*,a*,b*, chroma and hue angle, firmer texture, lower increase in pH, higher titratable acidity, almost constant total soluble solids, reduced weight loss, high vitamin C content and lower microbial loads) and sensory characteristics on day 10, while papaya cubes (1.4 cm side) proved to be the least acceptable.

CONCLUSION:The results of physicochemical, microbiological and sensory analyses performed on different cut‐types of papaya indicated acceptable fresh‐cut produce during 10 days of storage at 4 °C. The potential shelf‐life at 4 °C is therefore 10 days, provided that no contamination occurs in the postharvest period and during minimal processing operations. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Anti‐peroxidation effect of guava (Psidium guajava Linn.) leaf soluble solids in vitro and in streptozotocin/ nicotinamide‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Chuang Pei‐Ting , Shen Szu‐Chuan , Wu Ning‐Jung , Wu James Swi‐Bea
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: Many people in oriental countries, including Japan and Taiwan, believe that guava (Psidium guajava Linn.) leaves are helpful in retarding the progress of type 2 diabetes. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of water‐soluble solids (WSS) and ethanol‐soluble solids (ESS) of guava leaves on lipid peroxidation in vitro and in type 2 diabetic rats in order to obtain a better understanding of the mechanism of retardation of diabetes.

RESULTS: It was found that ESS contained significantly higher total phenolic and flavonoid levels than WSS (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, WSS showed higher superoxide dismutase‐like activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition ability than ESS in vitro (P < 0.05). Also, reduced levels of serum triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein and liver thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances were found in type 2 diabetic rats fed with either WSS or ESS as compared with control animals (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Anti‐peroxidation of lipids is a possible mechanism for guava leaves to retard the progress of diabetes. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of the volatile chemical markers of explosives using novel solid phase microextraction coupled to ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Guerra Patricia , Lai Hanh , Almirall José R.
Published: July 2008

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is routinely used in screening checkpoints for the detection of explosives and illicit drugs but it mainly relies on the capture of particles on a swab surface for the detection. Solid phase microextraction (SPME) has been coupled to IMS for the preconcentration of explosives and their volatile chemical markers and, although it has improved the LODs over a standalone IMS, it is limited to sampling in small vessels by the fiber geometry. Novel planar geometry SPME devices coated with PDMS and sol–gel PDMS that do not require an additional interface to IMS are now reported for the first time. The explosive, 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT), is sampled with the planar SPME reaching extraction equilibrium faster than with fiber SPME, concentrating detectable levels of TNT in a matter of minutes. The surface area, capacity, extraction efficiency, and LODs are also improved over fiber SPME allowing for sampling in larger volumes. The volatile chemical markers, 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, cyclohexanone, and the taggant 4‐nitrotoluene have also been successfully extracted by planar SPME and detected by IMS at mass loadings below 1 ng of extracted analyte on the planar device for TNT, for example.
SPE and HPLC/UV of resin acids in colophonium‐containing products
Authors: Nilsson Ulrika , Berglund Naghmeh , Lindahl Fredrik , Axelsson Sara , Redeby Theres , Lassen Pia , Karlberg Ann‐Therese
Published: July 2008

A new method, involving SPE and HPLC/UV diode‐array detection (DAD), was developed for the quantification of colophonium components in different consumer products, such as cosmetics. Colophonium is a common cause of contact dermatitis since its components can oxidize into allergens on exposure to air. Three different resin acids were used as markers for native and oxidized colophonium, abietic acid (AbA), dehydroabietic acid (DeA), and 7‐oxodehydroabietic acid (7‐O‐DeA). The SPE method, utilizing a mixed‐mode hydrophobic and anion exchange retention mechanism, was shown to yield very clean extracts. The use of a urea‐embedded C12 HPLC stationary phase improved the separation of the resin acids compared to common C18. Concentrations higher than 2 mg/g of both AbA and DeA were detected in wax strips. In this product also 7‐O‐DeA, a marker for oxidized colophonium, was detected at a level of 28 μg/g. The LODs were in the range of 7–19 μg/g and the LOQs 22–56 μg/g. The method is simple to use and can be applied on many types of technical products, not only cosmetics. For the first time, a method for technical products was developed, which separates AbA from pimaric acid.
Productivity enhancement of salt‐affected environments through crop diversification
Authors: Qadir M. , Tubeileh A. , Akhtar J. , Larbi A. , Minhas P. S. , Khan M. A.
Published: July 2008

Recent trends and future demographic projections suggest that the need to produce more food and fibre will necessitate effective utilization of salt‐affected land and saline water resources. Currently at least 20 per cent of the world's irrigated land is salt affected and/or irrigated with waters containing elevated levels of salts. Several major irrigation schemes have suffered from the problems of salinity and sodicity, reducing their agricultural productivity and sustainability. Productivity enhancement of salt‐affected land and saline water resources through crop‐based management has the potential to transform them from environmental burdens into economic opportunities. Research efforts have led to the identification of a number of field crops, forage grasses and shrubs, aromatic and medicinal species, bio‐fuel crops, and fruit tree and agroforestry systems, which are profitable and suit a variety of salt‐affected environments. Several of these species have agricultural significance in terms of their local utilization on the farm. Therefore, crop diversification systems based on salt‐tolerant plant species are likely to be the key to future agricultural and economic growth in regions where salt‐affected soils exist, saline drainage waters are generated, and/or saline aquifers are pumped for irrigation. However, such systems will need to consider three issues: improving the productivity per unit of salt‐affected land and saline water resources, protecting the environment and involving farmers in the most suitable and sustainable crop diversifying systems to mitigate any perceived risks. This review covers different aspects of salt‐affected land and saline water resources, synthesizes research knowledge on salinity/sodicity tolerances in different plant species, and highlights promising examples of crop diversification and management to improve and maximize benefits from these resources. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A direct comparison of pulsed dye, alexandrite, KTP and Nd:YAG lasers and IPL in patients with previously treated capillary malformations
Authors: McGill David J. , MacLaren William , Mackay Iain R.
Published: July 2008

Introduction

Several studies have reported laser treatment of Capillary Malformations (CMs) using systems other than pulsed dye lasers (PDL). Few, however, have compared different systems in the same patients. This study aimed to directly compare CM fading using five different systems.

Methods

Eighteen previously PDL‐treated patients were test‐patched using the alexandrite, KTP, and Nd:YAG lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) with additional PDL patches as a control. Pre‐ and post‐treatment videomicroscopy, and colour measurements using Munsell colour charts were carried out.

Results

Four patients failed to respond to any test patches. The alexandrite laser test patches had the largest mean improvement in Munsell colour following treatment (P = 0.023) and resulted in CM fading in 10 patients, although 4 patients developed hyperpigmentation, and 1 patient scarring, following treatment. In addition, the alexandrite laser caused a significant decrease in mean post‐treatment capillary diameter (P = 0.007), which was not mirrored by the other systems. The KTP and Nd:YAG lasers were least effective, with fading seen in two patients for both systems, whilst IPL patches resulted in CM fading in six patients. In addition, five patients had further CM fading using double‐passed PDL treatment. Mean pre‐treatment capillary diameter measurements were predictive of those patients likely to respond to laser treatment.

Conclusions

Alexandrite laser treatment was the most effective, but resulted in hyperpigmentation and scarring in four patients, probably due to its deeper penetration and lower specificity for oxyhaemoglobin causing non‐specific dermal damage. Double passing of the PDL can result in further CM fading even in previously treated patients. Videomicroscopy measurements of capillary diameter before treatment may be predictive of the likelihood for patient's to respond to laser treatment. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:390–398, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.