bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus infection in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Xie Yirui , Ruan Bing , Chen Yagang , Wu Nanping , Hu Minjun , Zhu Biao
Published: February 2011

The seroprevalence of Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B, the relationship between KSHV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and the influence of glycyrrhizic acid on KSHV replication in vivo are undefined. Plasma was collected from 211 patients with chronic hepatitis B. Antibody to KSHV ORF65 was evaluated by ELISA, and real‐time PCR was used to quantify KSHV DNA and HBV DNA. The KSHV ORF65 positivity rate in patients with chronic hepatitis B was found to be 28% (59/211): 27.3% (44/161) in males and 30% (15/50) in females (P > 0.05). The seroprevalence of KSHV increased with age until reaching the highest rate (37.1%) in the 31–40 years age group. HBV DNA loads in patients with chronic hepatitis B infected with KSHV were higher than those without KSHV infection (9.2 log (10) IU/ml vs. 7.8 log (10) IU/ml, P < 0.05). The average KSHV DNA loads in patients with HBV genotype B, C, and mixed (B/C) were 409.1, 484.5, and 352 copies/ml, respectively (P > 0.05). Patients treated with glycyrrhizic acid had lower KSHV DNA levels than those without therapy (204.7 copies/ml vs. 533.9 copies/ml, P < 0.05). The KSHV ORF65 positivity rates tended to increase with age, but were not related to gender or HBV genotypes. The data indicated the interaction between KSHV and HBV, and the inhibiting effect of glycyrrhizic acid on KSHV replication in patients with chronic hepatitis B. J. Med. Virol. 83:879–883, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis E virus ORF3 antigens derived from genotype 1 and 4 viruses are detected with varying efficiencies by an anti‐hev enzyme immunoassay
Authors: Ma Hongxia , Song Xiaoguo , Harrison Tim J , Zhang Heqiu , Huang Weijin , Wang Youchun
Published: February 2011

The function of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) open reading frame 3 (ORF3) protein product remains unclear but it is able to induce a strong antibody response following HEV infection. Therefore, it has been used in some enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for detecting anti‐HEV antibody. In order to evaluate the difference in antigenicity of HEV ORF3 polypeptides derived from genotypes 1 and 4, two EIAs were developed, based on ORF3 polypeptides from genotypes 1 and 4 HEV. Serial weekly serum samples from two rhesus monkeys vaccinated with ORF3 antigens derived from the genotype 4 ORF3 protein and nine rhesus monkeys experimentally infected with genotypes 1 and 4 HEV were tested for anti‐HEV using the assays. HEV ORF3 antigens derived from viruses of genotypes 1 and 4 showed different patterns of reactivity with sera obtained from monkeys immunized with ORF3 antigens or infected experimentally with HEV. The genotype 1 ORF3 polypeptide exhibited stronger reactivity with the sera from monkeys infected with genotype 1 than the genotype 4 ORF3 polypeptide. The genotype 4 ORF3 polypeptide demonstrated stronger reactivity with the sera from monkeys infected with genotype 4 than did the genotype 1 ORF3 polypeptide. The HEV ORF3 polypeptide contains genotype‐specific antigens and the antigen–antibody reactions between the same genotypes were stronger than those between different genotypes. J. Med. Virol. 83:827–832, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microarray hybridization for assessment of the genetic stability of chimeric west nile/dengue 4 virus
Authors: Laassri Majid , Bidzhieva Bella , Speicher James , Pletnev Alexander G. , Chumakov Konstantin
Published: February 2011

Genetic stability is an important characteristic of live viral vaccines because an accumulation of mutants can cause reversion to a virulent phenotype as well as a loss of immunogenic properties. This study was aimed at evaluating the genetic stability of a live attenuated West Nile (WN) virus vaccine candidate that was generated by replacing the pre‐membrane and envelope protein genes of dengue 4 virus with those from WN. Chimeric virus was serially propagated in Vero, SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma and HeLa cells and screened for point mutations using hybridization with microarrays of overlapping oligonucleotide probes covering the entire genome. The analysis revealed several spontaneous mutations that led to amino acid changes, most of which were located in the envelope (E) and non‐structural NS4A, NS4B, and NS5 proteins. Viruses passaged in Vero and SH‐SY5Y cells shared two common mutations: G2337C (Met457Ile) in the E gene and A6751G (Lys125Arg) in the NS4A gene. Quantitative assessment of the contents of these mutants in viral stocks indicated that they accumulated independently with different kinetics during propagation in cell cultures. Mutant viruses grew better in Vero cells compared to the parental virus, suggesting that they have a higher fitness. When tested in newborn mice, the cell culture‐passaged viruses did not exhibit increased neurovirulence. The approach described in this article could be useful for monitoring the molecular consistency and quality control of vaccine strains. J. Med. Virol. 83:910–920, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mother‐to‐infant transmission of hepatitis B virus: A Chinese experience
Authors: Shao Zhong‐Jun , Zhang Lei , Xu Jian‐Qiu , Xu De‐Zhong , Men Ke , Zhang Jin‐Xia , Cui Heng‐Chun , Yan Yong‐Ping
Published: February 2011

Over 90% of infants infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) caused by mother‐to‐infant transmission will evolve to carrier status, and this cannot be prevented until widespread administration of the HB vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) is implemented. This prospective study of 214 infants born to HBsAg‐positive mothers was carried out to determine if either perinatal or intrauterine HBV transmission could be effectively prevented with HBIG and the HB vaccine. Peripheral blood was collected from mothers and from newborns before they received HBIG and the HB vaccine, as well as at 0, 1, 7, 24, and 36 months after birth. Infants born with an ratio of signal to noise(S/N) value of >5 for HBsAg (ABBOTT Diagnostic Kit) were defined as mother‐to‐infant transmission cases, those with an S/N between 5 and 50 were classified as perinatal transmission cases, and those with an S/N >50 were considered intrauterine transmission cases. Mother‐to‐infant transmission occurred in approximately 4.7% (10/214) of the infants; the perinatal transmission and intrauterine transmission rates were 3.7% (8/214) and 0.9% (2/214), respectively. The risk of mother‐to‐infant transmission increased along with maternal HBeAg or HBVDNA levels. After 36 months of follow‐up, all perinatal cases became HBsAg‐negative, whereas all intrauterine transmission cases evolved into carrier status. These results indicate that infants infected via intrauterine transmission cannot be effectively protected by HBIG and HB vaccine. J. Med. Virol. 83:791–795, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subtype diversity associated with the development of HIV‐1 resistance to integrase inhibitors
Authors: Brenner Bluma G. , Lowe Matthew , Moisi Daniela , Hardy Isabelle , Gagnon Simon , Charest Hugues , Baril Jean Guy , Wainberg Mark A. , Roger Michel
Published: February 2011

We used genotypic and phylogenetic analysis to determine integrase diversity among subtypes, and studied natural polymorphisms and mutations implicated in resistance to integrase inhibitors (INI) in treatment‐naïve persons (n = 220) and ‐experienced individuals (n = 24). Phylogenetics revealed 7 and 10% inter‐subtype diversity in the integrase and reverse transcriptase (RT)/protease regions, respectively. Integrase sequencing identified a novel A/B recombinant in which all viruses in a male‐sex‐male (MSM) transmission cluster (n = 12) appeared to possess subtype B in integrase and subtype A in the remainder of the pol region. Natural variations and signature polymorphisms were observed at codon positions 140, 148, 151, 157, and 160 among HIV subtypes. These variations predicted higher genetic barriers to G140S and G140C in subtypes C, CRF02_AG, and A/CRF01_AE, as well as higher genetic barriers toward acquisition of V151I in subtypes CRF02_AG and A/CRF01_AE. The E157Q and E160Q mutational motif was observed in 35% of INI‐naïve patients harboring subtype C infections, indicating intra‐subtype variations. Thirteen patients failed raltegravir (RAL)‐containing regimens within 8 ± 1 months, in association with the major Q148K/R/H and G140A/S (n = 8/24) or N155H (n = 5/24) mutational pathways. Of note, the remaining patients on RAL regimens for 14 ± 3 months harbored no or only minor integrase mutations/polymorphisms (T66I, T97A, H114P, S119P, A124S, G163R, I203M, R263K). These results demonstrate the importance of understanding subtype variability in the development of resistance to INIs. J. Med. Virol. 83:751–759, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of universal vaccination on intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Mu Shu‐Chi , Wang Gen‐Ming , Jow Guey‐Mei , Chen Bing‐Fang
Published: February 2011

To control hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a nationwide vaccination program was launched in 1984 and resulted in a significant reduction in the rate of persistent infection of children. However, the relative contribution of vaccination to the intrafamilial clustering of HBV infection remains unclear. The rate of intrafamilial HBV transmission in vaccinated children was investigated. Eighty‐four sera from vaccinated children were enrolled and HBV serum markers were determined. The modes of intrafamilial HBV transmission were investigated by history taking and serological assay, and confirmed by genotyping and phylogenetic analysis. The results showed 66 (78.6%) vaccinated children born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐negative parents were HBsAg‐negative. Eighteen vaccinees were born to HBsAg‐positive parents; four (21.4%) of the children were HBsAg‐positive. According to the parents' HBsAg status, three patterns of HBsAg‐positive parents were identified. Serological analysis showed that three of 15 children born to HBsAg‐positive mother (pattern I) and one of two children born to HBsAg‐positive father became infected (pattern II). The remaining one child was HBsAg negative with both parents positive for HBsAg (pattern III). Genotyping and phyogenetic analysis confirmed the mode of intrafamilial transmissions. Sequence analysis of S and pre‐S genes showed that HBV isolates of HBsAg‐positive vaccinees were variants; no G145R but G145A and other substitutions were found. In conclusion, this small study showed that both maternal and paternal transmissions are important of the intrafamilial spread of HBV infection. In addition, the introduction of HBV vaccination has resulted in a reduction of intrafamilial transmission, but a study of a large population is needed. J. Med. Virol. 83:783–790, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genotyping of human papillomavirus in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in a high‐risk population
Authors: Ili Carmen G. , Brebi Priscilla , López Jaime , García Patricia , Leal Pamela , Suarez Eugenio , Roa Juan C.
Published: February 2011

Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for 99.7% of cervical cancers, the second most prevalent neoplasia in women worldwide and the fifth leading cause of death by cancer in this population. In Chile, the incidence rate is 14.4 cases per 100,000 women per year and it is considered a significant public health problem. The natural history of cervical cancer begins gradually from low‐grade and high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions to an invasive disease. In this study the frequency of HPV types was determined by HPV genotyping with reverse line blot hybridization in 200 cytobrushes of women with preneoplastic lesions in a high‐risk population. HPV DNA was found in 89% of the lesions (83.3% of low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and 93.6% of high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions). Multiple HPV infections were found in 14.4% and 15.5% of low‐ and high‐grade lesions, respectively. HPV 16 was the most frequent genotype in single infections, followed by HPV 18. These results show that most of the preneoplastic lesions of the cervix (60%) were associated with HPV 16 and/or HPV 18, supporting the implementation of an HPV vaccination program in this high‐risk population. J. Med. Virol. 83:833–837, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in primary glioblastoma multiforme cells
Authors: Baron Nina , Deuster Oliver , Noelker Carmen , Stüer Carsten , Strik Herwig , Schaller Carlo , Dodel Richard , Meyer Bernhard , Bacher Michael
Published: February 2011

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a protein that is overexpressed in many tumors, such as colon and prostate cancer, melanoma, and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In its function as a cytokine, MIF induces angiogenesis, promotes cell cycle progression, and inhibits apoptosis. Recently, the molecular signal transduction has been specified: MIF has been found to be a ligand to the CD74/CD44‐receptor complex and to activate the ERK1/2 MAPK cascade. In addition MIF binds to the chemokine receptors CXCR2 and CXCR4. This effects an integrin‐dependent leukocyte arrest and mediates leukocyte chemotaxis. Recent work has described a clearer role of MIF in GBM tumor cell lines. The current study used human primary GBM cells. We show that inhibition of MIF with ISO‐1, an inhibitor of the D‐dopachrome tautomerase site of MIF, reduced the growth rate of primary GBM cells in a dose‐dependent manner, and in addition ISO‐1 increased protein expression of MIF and its receptors CD74, CXCR2, and CXCR4 in vitro but decreased expression of CD44. Furthermore, hypoxia as cell stressor increases the protein expression of MIF in primary GBM cells. These results underscore the importance of MIF in GBM and show that MIF and its receptors may be a promising target for the treatment of malignant gliomas. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Soft tissue thickness under the metatarsal heads is reduced in older people with toe deformities
Authors: Mickle Karen J. , Munro Bridget J. , Lord Stephen R. , Menz Hylton B. , Steele Julie R.
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine whether thickness of the plantar soft tissue (ST) under the metatarsal heads (MTH) differed between older individuals with and without toe deformities. Non‐weightbearing total ST and fat pad (FP) thickness at the heel, 1st metatarsal head (1MTH) and 5th metatarsal head (5MTH) were measured using ultrasound in 312 men and women aged over 60 years. Each participant had their feet assessed for the presence of hallux valgus or lesser toe deformities. Total ST and FP thicknesses in those with hallux valgus (n = 36) or lesser toe deformities (n = 72) were compared to gender‐, age‐ and BMI‐matched controls using independent t‐tests. Individuals with hallux valgus had significantly reduced total ST thickness under 1MTH compared to controls (7.4 ± 1.6 mm vs. 8.5 ± 1.5 mm; p = 0.002). Similarly, individuals with lesser toe deformities displayed significantly reduced total ST thickness under 5MTH compared to controls (5.1 ± 1.0 mm vs. 5.5 ± 1.3 mm; p = 0.01). As FP thickness did not differ between cases and controls, we speculate that the musculotendinous complex is compromised, and may result in reduced toe function in those with toe deformities. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1042–1046, 2011
Effect of various concentrations of antibiotics on osteogenic cell viability and activity
Authors: Rathbone Christopher R. , Cross Jessica D. , Brown Kate V. , Murray Clinton K. , Wenke Joseph C.
Published: February 2011

Infection is a common complication of open fractures. Systemic antibiotics often cause adverse events before eradication of infected bone occurs. The local delivery of antibiotics and the use of implants that deliver both growth factors and antimicrobials are ways to circumvent systemic toxicity while decreasing infection and to reach extremely high levels required to treat bacterial biofilms. When choosing an antibiotic for a local delivery system, one should consider the effect that the antibiotic has on cell viability and osteogenic activity. To address this concern, osteoblasts were treated with 21 different antibiotics over 8 concentrations from 0 to 5,000 µg/ml. Osteoblast deoxyribonucleic acid content and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) were measured to determine cell number and osteogenic activity, respectively. Antibiotics that caused the greatest decrement include rifampin, minocycline, doxycycline, nafcillin, penicillin, ciprofloxacin, colistin methanesulfonate, and gentamicin; their cell number and ALP were significantly less than control at drug concentrations ≤200 µg/ml. Conversely, amikacin, tobramycin, and vancomycin were the least cytotoxic and did not appreciably affect cell number and ALP until very high concentrations were used. This comprehensive evaluation of numerous antibiotics' effects on osteoblast viability and activity will enable clinicians and researchers to choose the optimal antibiotic for treatment of infection and maintenance of healthy host bone. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1070–1074, 2011
Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 and monocyte chemotactic protein‐3 improve recruitment of osteogenic cells into sites of musculoskeletal repair
Authors: Shinohara Kentaro , Greenfield Stephen , Pan Hui , Vasanji Amit , Kumagai Ken , Midura Ronald J. , Kiedrowski Matthew , Penn Marc S. , Muschler George F.
Published: February 2011

Homing of osteogenic cells through the systemic circulation represents an alternative to traditional orthopedic tissue engineering approaches that focus on local cell populations. We hypothesize that expression of the chemokine, stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) or monocyte chemotactic protein‐3 (MCP‐3) may enhance homing of osteogenic cells into sites of fracture repair, as both have demonstrated promise in recruitment of marrow stromal cells (MSCs). This hypothesis was tested by transplantation of culture expanded MSCs expressing these factors adjacent to a fracture site on a collagen scaffold. One green fluorescent protein positive (GFP+) and one wild‐type mouse were surgically conjoined as parabiots at 7–8 weeks of age. Fibular osteotomy was performed 4 weeks after parabiosis on the hind limb of the wild‐type mouse. Mice were randomly allocated to receive one of the following five treatments: control (no scaffold), empty scaffold (no cells), or scaffold containing MSCs, scaffold containing MSCs expressing SDF‐1, or scaffold containing MSCs expressing MCP‐3. Fracture callus was harvested 2 weeks after injury, and analyzed with confocal microscopy and cell‐counting software. When compared to fracture callus treated with nontransfected MSCs, the fracture callus of mice treated with both SDF‐1 and MCP‐3 secreting MSCs demonstrated a significant increase in the number of both GFP+ cells (p = 0.0003, p = 0.02) and GFP+/AP+ cells (p = 0.0005, p = 0.01). These data suggest that homing of osteogenic cells from systemic circulation participate in fracture repair and that homing pathways might be modulated to enhance the contribution of circulating progenitors at the site of skeletal injury. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1064–1069, 2011
Prevalence of facet joint degeneration in association with intervertebral joint degeneration in a sample of organ donors
Authors: Li Jun , Muehleman Carol , Abe Yumiko , Masuda Koichi
Published: February 2011

Among the most common causes of low back pain are strain on the muscles and ligaments associated with the spine, degeneration of the intervertebral discs (IVDs), and osteoarthritis of the facet joints. It is not clear, however, how these latter two conditions are related to each other in terms of their development during a patient's lifetime. The facet joint is the sole synovial joint of the spine but because it is difficult to image its degenerative history as well as its relationship to other degenerative factors within the spine remain elusive. We compared the gross and histologic characteristics of the lumbar spine from a sample of organ donors to the integrity of their associated IVDs as assessed through magnetic resonance imaging. In our study sample, we found that facet joint degeneration was common, occurring as early as 15 years of age, while the IVD could still remain intact. Facet degeneration was more severe at the L4/5 level and progressed along with IVD degeneration with age. Because such early degenerative changes in the facet joint are somewhat surprising, degeneration of this joint should not be overlooked when assessing OA of the spine and causes of lower back pain. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1267–1274, 2011
Determination of annulus fibrosus cell response to tensile strain as a function of duration, magnitude, and frequency
Authors: Sowa Gwendolyn , Coelho Paulo , Vo Nam , Bedison Ron , Chiao Andrew , Davies Cara , Studer Rebecca , Kang James
Published: February 2011

As clinical evidence suggests that mechanical forces can have both reparative and traumatic effects on the spine, we investigated responses to different magnitudes, frequencies, and durations of applied tensile strain in an in vitro system. We examined the interactions of inflammatory and mechanical stimuli on cells isolated from the annulus fibrosus. Rabbit annulus fibrosus fibrochondrocytes were cultured in the presence or absence of an inflammatory stimulus. Cells were exposed to various magnitudes and frequencies of tensile strain for 4 or 24 h, and mRNA expression of catabolic mediators of inflammation and matrix degradation was measured by quantitative real time PCR and compared to control cells. Conditioned media were analyzed for matrix metalloprotease activity and production of prostaglandin E2. Application of low magnitudes and frequencies of tensile strain resulted in down‐regulation of catabolic mediators, particularly under inflammatory stress. However, loss of this protective effect was observed at higher frequency and magnitude, and after prolonged duration. These in vitro data confirm the existence of magnitude, frequency, and duration based effects, which determine biochemical response of disc tissue resulting in either anti‐ or pro‐catabolic outcomes. This may help to explain the beneficial effects of motion‐based therapies as well as the destructive effect of traumatic levels of applied strain. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1275–1283, 2011
Wear and migration of highly cross‐linked and conventional cemented polyethylene cups with cobalt chrome or Oxinium femoral heads: A randomized radiostereometric study of 150 patients
Authors: Kadar Thomas , Hallan Geir , Aamodt Arild , Indrekvam Kari , Badawy Mona , Skredderstuen Arne , Havelin Leif Ivar , Stokke Terje , Haugan Kristin , Espehaug Birgitte , Furnes Ove
Published: February 2011

This randomized study was performed to compare wear and migration of five different cemented total hip joint articulations in 150 patients. The patients received either a Charnley femoral stem with a 22.2 mm head or a Spectron EF femoral stem with a 28 mm head. The Charnley articulated with a γ‐sterilized Charnley Ogee acetabular cup. The Spectron EF was used with either EtO‐sterilized non‐cross‐linked polyethylene (Reflection All‐Poly) or highly cross‐linked (Reflection All‐Poly XLPE) cups, combined with either cobalt chrome (CoCr) or Oxinium femoral heads. The patients were followed with repeated RSA measurements for 2 years. After 2 years, the EtO‐sterilized non‐cross‐linked Reflection All‐Poly cups had more than four times higher proximal penetration than its highly cross‐linked counterpart. Use of Oxinium femoral heads did not affect penetration at 2 years compared to heads made of CoCr. Further follow‐up is needed to evaluate the benefits, if any, of Oxinium femoral heads in the clinical setting. The Charnley Ogee was not outperformed by the more recently introduced implants in our study. We conclude that this prostheses still represents a standard against which new implants can be measured. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1222–1229, 2011
Pleistocene geochemical stratigraphy of the borehole 1317E (IODP Expedition 307) in Porcupine Seabight, SW of Ireland: applications to palaeoceanography and palaeoclimate of the coral mound development
Authors: Li Xianghui , Takashima Chiduru , Kano Akihiro , Sakai Saburo , Chen Yunhua , Xu Baoliang ,   Iodp Expedition 307 Scientists
Published: February 2011

Stable isotopes and element compositions of the fine‐grained matrix were measured for IODP Expedition 307 Hole U1317E drilled from the summit of Challenger Mound in Porcupine Seabight, northeast Atlantic, to explore the palaeoceanographic and palaeoclimatic background to development of the deep‐water coral mound. The 155 m long mound section was divided into two units by an unconformity at 23.6 mbsf: Unit M1 (2.6–1.7 Ma) and Unit M2 (1.0–0.5 Ma). Results from 519 specimens show a difference in δ13C value between Unit M1 (−0.6‰ to −5.0‰) and Unit M2 (−1.0‰ to 1.0‰), but such a distinct difference was not seen in δ18O values (1.0‰–2.5‰), CaCO3 content (40–60 wt%), Sr/Ca ratio (2.0–8.0 mmol mol−1), and Mg/Ca ratio (10.0–20.0 mmol mol−1) through the mound. Positive δ18O and negative δ13C shifts at the mound base are consistent with the oceanographic changes in the northeast Atlantic at the beginning of the Quaternary. The positive δ13C regression in Unit M2 suggests a linkage to the mid Pleistocene intensified glaciation in the Northern Hemisphere. Warm Mediterranean Upper Core Water of Mediterranean Outflow Water, Eastern North Atlantic Water and cold Labrador Sea Water of North Atlantic Deep Water are key oceanographic features that cause spikes and shifts in stable isotope and element composition. However, the stable isotope values of the sediment matrix could not primarily record the glacial–interglacial eustatic/temperature change, but indirectly indicate current regimes of the intermediate oceanic layer where the coral mound grew. Similarly, elemental ratios and CaCO3 content may not represent the productivity and temperature of surface sea water, respectively, but superpose the fractions from both surface and bottom water. It is concluded that palaeoceanographic change coupled to the Pleistocene glacial/interglacial cycles is a key control on the geochemical stratigraphy of the matrix sediments of the carbonate mound developed in Porcupine Seabight. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A survey of β‐glucan and arabinoxylan content in wheat
Authors: Pritchard Jenifer R , Lawrence Gregory J , Larroque Oscar , Li Zhongyi , Laidlaw Hunter KC , Morell Matthew K , Rahman Sadequr
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND: Dietary fibre lowers the risk of coronary heart disease and colorectal cancer. This survey quantifies mixed link β‐glucan (MBG) and arabinoxylan (AX) in wheat and investigates relationships between the grain carbohydrates. MBG and AX contents were measured in 500 and 200 wheat accessions respectively, including diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid genotypes comprising primitive, synthetic and elite lines.

RESULTS: Overall, MBG contents ranged between 1.8 and 18.0 g kg−1 grain dry weight. In wheat–barley addition lines and triticale hexaploids the levels were 9.0–11.3 and 3.5–9.6 g kg−1 respectively. The amounts in synthetic wheats were nearer their tetraploid parents than their diploid parents. AX and total non‐starch polysaccharide (NSP) contents ranged from 23.7 to 107.5 g kg−1 and from 31.7 to 136.7 g kg−1 respectively. Linear regressions showed that the relationships of starch and grain weight with NSP glucose were stronger than those with AX.

CONCLUSION: The results indicated insufficient genetic diversity in the germplasm surveyed to initiate a breeding programme to increase the amount of MBG in wheat grain to 20 g kg−1, a level considered high enough to confer a 10–15% reduction in blood cholesterol. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Modeling traceability information and functionality requirement in export‐oriented tilapia chain
Authors: Zhang Xiaoshuan , Feng Jianying , Xu Mark , Hu Jinyou
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND: Tilapia has been named as the ‘food fish of the 21st century’ and has become the most important farmed fish. China is the world leader in tilapia production and export. Identifying information and functional requirements is critical in developing an efficient traceability system because traceability has become a fundamental prerequisite for exporting aquaculture products.

RESULTS: This paper examines the export‐oriented tilapia chains and information flow in the chains, and identifies the key actors, information requirements and information‐capturing points. Unified Modeling Language (UML) technology is adopted to describe the information and functionality requirement for chain traceability. The barriers of traceability system adoption are also identified.

CONCLUSION: The results show that the traceability data consist of four categories that must be recorded by each link in the chain. The functionality requirement is classified into four categories from the fundamental information record to decisive quality control; the top three barriers to the traceability system adoption are: high costs of implementing the system, lack of experienced and professional staff; and low level of government involvement and support. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Adjunctive radiotherapy in the treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with perineural invasion
Authors: Waxweiler Weston , Sigmon Justin R. , Sheehan Daniel J.
Published: February 2011

Perineural invasion is a feature associated with significantly poorer outcomes when present in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The incidence of this subset of CSCC continues to rise in the US, as does the confusion surrounding exactly how it should be managed. While management typically involves excision, considerable debate exists as to the appropriate use of adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) in addition to excision. This article reviews the current relevant evidence for the use of ART. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;104:104–105. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cluster analysis of claudin‐1 and ‐4, E‐cadherin, and β‐catenin expression in colorectal cancers
Authors: Matsuoka Takashi , Mitomi Hiroyuki , Fukui Naoshi , Kanazawa Hideki , Saito Tsuyoshi , Hayashi Takuo , Yao Takashi
Published: February 2011

Background and Objectives

Intercellular adhesion mediated by the claudin and cadherin/catenin complex is a prerequisite for epithelial integrity and differentiation, and has been suggested to be frequently disturbed in cancers. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between such abnormality and clinicopathological features of colorectal carcinomas.

Methods

Immunohistochemical analysis of claudin‐1 and ‐4, E‐cadherin, and β‐catenin was performed on a series of 156 cases.

Results

Significant positive associations (P < 0.05–0.001) were found with immunoreactivity for each except nuclear β‐catenin. Reduced expression was correlated with poor tumor differentiation (claudin‐1, P = 0.035; claudin‐4, P = 0.011; E‐cadherin, P < 0.001; membranous β‐catenin, P = 0.002), an advanced TNM stage (claudin‐1, P = 0.002; claudin‐4, P = 0.008), and a poor prognosis. On multivariate analysis, reduced expression of E‐cadherin (P < 0.001) and β‐catenin (P = 0.048) at invasive fronts proved to be an independent predictor of short survival. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified three distinct groups with a good, intermediate, and poor prognosis, having an independent survival outcome by multivariate analysis (good or intermediate vs. poor: hazard ratio, 2.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.54–4.60; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Disruption of cell adhesion molecules correlates with tumor differentiation and progression in colorectal carcinomas. Specific marker profiles were identified here as independent prognostic indicators. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;103:674–686. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Downregulation of stathmin is involved in malignant phenotype reversion and cell apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Feng , Wang Liu‐Xing , Li Sheng‐Lei , Li Ke , He Wei , Liu Hong‐Tao , Fan Qing‐Xia
Published: February 2011

Background and Objectives

Stathmin plays a critical role in the regulation of mitosis and mediates the development of malignant tumors. Here, we investigated the potential role of stathmin in cell cycle and apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

A stathmin short hairpin RNA (shRNA) plasmid was employed to downregulate stathmin expression in the ESCC cell line EC9706 cells. Cell proliferation was measured by cell counting, MTT, and colony formation assay. Cell migration was measured by Boyden chamber. Western blot was used to analyze the expressions of stathmin, survivin, and apoptosis‐related proteins in transfected cells. Cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry and DNA ladder. Oncogenicity assay in nude mice was utilized to analyze phenotypic changes of transfected cells in vivo.

Results

After transfection with stathmin shRNA plasmid, stathmin expression markedly decreased in EC9706 cells. Stathmin downregulation significantly inhibited cell proliferation, cell migration in vitro, and tumorigenicity in vivo, meanwhile arrested cell cycle in the G2/M phase and induced cell apoptosis. Further, stathmin downregulation resulted in downregulation of Bcl‐2 and survivin proteins, activation of Caspase‐3.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that stathmin may play an essential role in carcinogenesis of ESCC, which will lay a foundation for target therapy of ESCC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;103:704–715. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correction of the deviations in the retention times with Chromolith columns associated to the flow rate: Implications in the modelling of the retention behaviour
Authors: Pous‐Torres Sandra , Torres‐Lapasió José Ramón , Ruiz‐Ángel María José , García‐Álvarez‐Coque María Celia
Published: February 2011

In a previous work (J. Sep. Sci. 2009, 32, 2793–2803), we reported an interpretive optimisation approach to achieve maximal resolution in minimal analysis time, based on models describing the retention and peak shape as a function of mobile phase composition and flow rate. The method was applied to the separation of a group of basic drugs in a Chromolith column. In that work, we found that the retention factors were sensitive to the flow rate. The reason of the observed deviations in retention times is the increase in the column volume at the applied pressure, which decreases the linear velocity inside the column. This behaviour forced to include a correction term in the model that described the retention. We show here how the deviations in retention times can be evaluated, allowing retention models that do not include the flow rate as a variable, similar to isocratic chromatography at fixed flow rate. The logarithm of the deviations in the retention times with flow rate is shown to correlate with the solute polarity. This correlation is compared with similar correlations for the retention factor at fixed mobile phase composition and the extrapolated retention factor in water at fixed flow rate.
The application of two total transfer valve modulators for comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography of volatile organic compounds
Authors: Lidster Richard T. , Hamilton Jacqueline F. , Lewis Alastair C.
Published: February 2011

Rotary and diaphragm 6‐port 2‐position valves have been evaluated as modulators for comprehensive GC. A total transfer methodology was used such that all analyte materials from the primary column were passed to the second separating column. The transfer methodology used repeated short periods of stop flow, but retained good primary column performance since primary carrier flow was partially maintained as pressure equilibrated along the length of the first column. Highly resolved separations of complex samples such as petrol and essential oils were achieved with equivalent performance (in terms of second column resolution) to thermal modulation with flame ionisation detection (FID). The valve modulators tested could outperform thermal modulators for very highly volatile organic species since the modulation process was insensitive to analyte vapour pressure. The diaphragm valve tested showed the best performance and was incorporated with a thermal desorption system to provide a high sensitivity separation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air with LODs for individual VOCs of 2–4 pptV for a 1‐L air sample.
Comparison of chaotropic salt and ionic liquid as mobile phase additives in reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography of biogenic amines
Authors: Flieger Jolanta , Czajkowska‐Żelazko Anna
Published: February 2011

Highly hydrophilic compounds belonging to biogenic amines were analysed in the reversed‐phase system, modified with the addition of ionic liquids: 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (EMIM PF6) and chaotropic salt NaPF6 on Discovery HS C18 column at acidic conditions. The effect of the additives concentration and the presence of organic solvent on the analytes' chromatographic parameters such as retention factor, tailing factor and theoretical plates number were all determined. On the basis of k versus ionic liquid concentration in aqueous–organic mobile phase with constant amount of phosphate buffer, retention mechanism was studied. It was established that the presence of organic solvent with low dielectric constant and ionic liquid with both chaotropic ions allows achieving typical Langmuir shape of this relationship. Investigated mobile phase additives are comparable according to efficiency and selectivity towards biogenic amines analysis. However, the sensitivity was found to be better for the eluent system modified with chaotropic salt.
Determination of phytohormones in plant samples based on the precolumn fluorescent derivatization with 1,3,5,7‐tetramethyl‐8‐aminozide‐difluoroboradiaza‐s‐indacene by HPLC for routine use
Authors: Guo Xiao‐Feng , Zhou Yang , Tu Feng‐Qin , Xiong Xu‐Jie , Wang Hong , Zhang Hua‐Shan
Published: February 2011

Six phytohormones including indole butyric acid (IBA), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 2,4‐dichloro‐phenoxy acetic acid (2,4‐D), indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), and salicylic acid (SA) in crude plant extractions have been quantitated by means of high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection based on the precolumn derivatization using 1,3,5,7‐tetramethyl‐8‐aminozide‐difluoroboradiaza‐s‐indacene (BODIPY‐aminozide), a fluorescent reagent synthesized in our lab recently. The optimization of derivatization conditions was carefully studied by an L25 (56) orthogonal array design (OAD) with five factors at five levels that are important influence parameters in the improvement of derivatization efficiency. The separation conditions were also studied in detail. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limits (S/N=3) of the six phytohormones were found from 0.12 to 0.75 nM. The proposed method was the first investigation of aminozide for the analysis of phytohormones and has been successfully applied to the determination of phytohormones in plant samples such as cucumber and tomato with recoveries of 94–105%.
Social psychology predictors for the adoption of soil conservation measures in Central Chile
Authors: Huenchuleo C. , Barkmann J. , Villalobos P.
Published: February 2011

With low adoption rates of soil conservation measures (SCM) widespread, we examine determinants of current and potential future adoption in the ‘Secano Costero’ region of Central Chile. Randomly selected farmers (N = 140) spent an equivalent of 48 000 CLP/year (∼79 US$) on SCM. Contingent valuation of a hypothesized soil conservation programme revealed a willingness‐to‐pay of 30 610 CLP/year (∼50·4 US$) for future adoption. Social‐psychology variables from Protection Motivation Theory (PMT; response efficacy, perceived barriers) were used to predict current and potential future adoption. Current spending on SCM is influenced by perceptions of (1) erosion problem severity, (2) response efficacy of SCM, (3) farming problems and (4) barriers (lack of labour and draught animals). In addition, farm size and education were significant predictors. Willingness‐to‐pay for future adoption of SCM is influenced by farmer perception of (1) response efficacy of SCM, and (2) community support to the programme as well as farm size, age and gender. Our results suggest that formal psychometric scale development for social‐psychology predictors for the adoption of SCM, e.g. based on PMT, is a promising avenue for the analysis of soil conservation decisions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
COLONIZATION PATTERNS OF WOODY SPECIES ON LANDS MINED FOR COAL IN SPAIN: PRELIMINARY INSIGHTS FOR FOREST EXPANSION
Authors: Milder A. I. , Fernández‐Santos B. , Martínez‐Ruiz C.
Published: February 2011

In this study, we combined the analysis of a coenocline with Huisman–Olff–Fresco (HOF) modelling of species behaviour to describe colonization patterns of woody species on reclaimed coal wastes in northern Spain. We hypothesize that fine‐scale variation in abiotic factors along the forest‐grassland gradient that appears after mining restoration affects colonization pattern of woody species. To understand these factors, we analysed changes in floristic composition and abundance of the main woody colonizers according to the spatial distance from forest limit, as well as the spatial variability of some edaphic and microclimatic parameters. Our results showed how the primary coenocline extracted from DCA1 reflected a gradient in environmental conditions influencing the species composition of the woody plant communities, from the more shade, moist and dense forest on acid and rich soils to the open, dry and oligotrophic grassland. The colonization pattern of woody species is affected by fine‐scale variations in abiotic factors, such as the increase in pH, P, light, and the decrease in K, N, C/N, organic matter and soil moisture, from the forest to the restored mine. Most species HOF modelled showed monotone responses with decreasing trends along the environmental gradient from forest to mine, being Quercus petraea the species clearly dominant in the forest. On the contrary, Cytisus scoparius and Genista florida colonize intensely in the mine area, reaching the maximum abundance around 15 and 10 m distance from the forest limit, respectively. We conclude that the composition of woody species in the forest is not a good predictor of the colonizing intensity, not even of the species composition in the mine area. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcomes of Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Olthoff Kim M. , Abecassis Michael M. , Emond Jean C. , Kam Igal , Merion Robert M. , Gillespie Brenda W. , Tong Lan
Published: February 2011

The study objectives were to determine whether the findings of the Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Cohort Study (A2ALL) reflect the U.S. national experience and to define risk factors for patient mortality and graft loss in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). A2ALL previously identified risk factors for mortality after LDLT, which included early center experience, older recipient age, and longer cold ischemia time. LDLT procedures at 9 A2ALL centers (n = 702) and 67 non-A2ALL centers (n = 1664) from January 1998 through December 2007 in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database were analyzed. Potential predictors of time from transplantation to death or graft failure were tested using Cox regression. No significant difference in overall mortality between A2ALL and non-A2ALL centers was found. Higher hazard ratios (HRs) were associated with donor age (HR = 1.13 per 10 years, P = 0.0002), recipient age (HR = 1.20 per 10 years, P = 0.0003), serum creatinine levels (HR = 1.52 per loge unit increase, P < 0.0001), hepatocellular carcinoma (HR = 2.12, P<0.0001) or hepatitis C virus (HR = 1.18, P = 0.026), intensive care unit stay (HR = 2.52, P< 0.0001) or hospitalization (HR = 1.62, P < 0.0001) versus home, earlier center experience (LDLT case number 15: HR = 1.61, P < 0.0001, and a cold ischemia time >4.5 hours (HR = 1.79, P = 0.0006). Except for center experience, risk factor effects between A2ALL and non-A2ALL centers were not significantly different. Variables associated with graft loss were identified and showed similar trends. In conclusion, mortality and graft loss risk factors were similar in A2ALL and non-A2ALL centers. These analyses demonstrate that findings from the A2ALL consortium are relevant to other centers in the U.S. performing LDLT, and conclusions and recommendations from A2ALL may help to guide clinical decision making. Liver Transpl 17:789-797, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Antitumor Efficacy of Doxorubicin Released from Crosslinked Nanoparticulate Chondroitin Sulfate/Chitosan Polyelectrolyte Complexes
Authors: Tsai Hun‐Yu , Chiu Chien‐Chih , Lin Ping‐Chih , Chen Su‐Hwei , Huang Shih‐Jer , Wang Li‐Fang
Published: February 2011

It is demonstrated that nanoparticulate PEC with a crosslinked shell sustains DOX release and increases DOX activity against cancer cells. CSMA was synthesized to prepare PEC with chitosan. The double bonds among CSMA were used to form a shell crosslink. The released DOX from DOX‐loaded PECs against human cancer KB cells and A549 cells were qualitatively traced by confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry, and quantitatively measured by capillary electrophoresis. All the results implied the DOX‐loaded PEC with a crosslinked shell had the best anti‐cancer potency of free DOX and the DOX‐loaded PEC prepared from pure chondroitin sulfate and chitosan in both the cell lines.

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A Topographically Optimized Substrate with Well‐Ordered Lattice Micropatterns for Enhancing the Osteogenic Differentiation of Murine Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Seo Chang Ho , Furukawa Katsuko , Suzuki Yuji , Kasagi Nobuhide , Ichiki Takanori , Ushida Takashi
Published: February 2011

Although recently a growing number of reports demonstrate that topography or geometry of the substrate also plays an important role in the fate of the stem cells, most of these studies are usually completed by a few distinct patterns such as simple lines, posts, etc. As a result, there is a lack of quantitative analysis of the relationship between topographical variation and the differentiation of stem cells. Here, the effectiveness of topography variation is studied systematically in several microengineered substrates on osteogenic differentiation. It is found that the effectiveness of the osteogenic differentiation has a peak around 3 µm in the interval length of micropatterns.

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Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Crosslinkable Doped NLO Materials Based on Polyurethanes Containing Spindle‐Type Chromophores
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Li Ming , Shi Zuosen , Wan Ying , Zhao Lisha , Jin Rulong , Wang Xibin , Zhang Daming , Yi Maobin , Cui Zhanchen
Published: February 2011

Spindle‐type chromophore molecules have been successfully designed and synthesized. Furthermore, a new series of main‐chain second‐order nonlinear PUs with spindle‐type chromophore molecules have been prepared. These PU offered good processability; thus thin films of optical‐quality could be easily prepared from their solutions. The molecular structural characterization of the resulting PU was achieved by 1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. TGA measurement of the PU showed that they had good thermal stability with decomposition temperature higher than 250 °C. The nonlinear electro‐optic coefficient of the PU‐2/poly(MMA‐co‐GMA) doped film was measured up to 32 pm · V−1 by Teng‐Man technique after poling and crosslinking.

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