bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inherent Complexities of Trace Detection by Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Pieczonka Nicholas P. W. , Aroca Ricardo F.
Published: November 2005

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) are powerful optical scattering techniques used in such frontier areas of research as ultrasensitive chemical analysis, the characterization of nanostructures, and the detection of single molecules. However, measuring and, most importantly, interpreting SERS/SERRS spectra can be incredibly challenging. This is the result of modifications to the measured spectra that are due to of a variety of instabilities and contributions. These interferences and modifications arise from the nature of the enhancement itself, as well as the conditions used to attain SERS spectra. The present report is an attempt to collect in one place the analytical interferences that are most commonly found during the collection of SERS/SERRS spectra.
Aromaticity Analysis of Lithium Cation/ π Complexes of Aromatic Systems
Authors: Güell Mireia , Poater Jordi , Luis Josep M. , Mó Otilia , Yáñez Manuel , Solà Miquel
Published: November 2005

The changes in the local aromaticity of aromatic rings on complexation with lithium cation are discussed for a series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by using, as probes of aromaticity, thepara‐delocalization index (PDI), the aromatic fluctuation index (FLU), the harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity index (HOMA), and the nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS). In most cases, changes in the electronically based PDI and FLU indices are almost irrelevant. For this reason, the analysis is carried out mainly with the more sensitive HOMA and NICS descriptors. These indices indicate that changes in the local aromatic character of the different rings are small. In general, Li+interacts more favorably with the ring having the largest π charge, but there is no correlation between these magnitudes. The ring directly interacting with the lithium cation suffers a slight but significant reduction of aromaticity, while the reduction of the local aromaticity of the adjacent rings is minor. For those rings located further away from the ring directly connected to Li+, we found generally a small increase in aromaticity. Although there is no clear correlation between aromaticity and Li+binding enthalpies, there is a rough correlation between the latter and the change in the aromaticity of the ring directly interacting with the metal cation.
Probing the Water Coordination of Protein‐Targeted MRI Contrast Agents by Pulsed ENDOR Spectroscopy
Authors: Zech Stephan G. , Sun Wei‐Chuan , Jacques Vincent , Caravan Peter , Astashkin Andrei V. , Raitsimring Arnold M.
Published: November 2005

A novel methodology based on electron–nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopy is used for the direct determination of the water coordination number (q) of gadolinium‐based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. Proton ENDOR spectra can be obtained at approximately physiological concentrations for metal complexes in frozen aqueous solutions either in the presence or absence of protein targets. It is shown that, depending on the structure of the co‐ligand, the water hydration number of a complex in aqueous solution can be significantly different to when the complex is noncovalently bound to a protein. From the ENDOR spectra of the exchangeable protons, precise information on the metal–proton distance can be derived as well. These essential parameters directly correlate with the efficacy of MRI contrast agents and should therefore aid the development of novel, highly efficient compounds targeted to various proteins.
Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Trace Uranium with a Bismuth‐Film Electrode Based on the U(VI)→U(V) Reduction Step of the Uranium‐Cupferron Complex
Authors: Kefala Georgia , Economou Anastasios , Voulgaropoulos Anastasios
Published: November 2005

This work reports the use of adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV) for the determination of uranium on a preplated rotating‐disk bismuth‐film electrode (BiFE). The principle of the method relied on the complexation of U(VI) ions with cupferron and the subsequent adsorptive accumulation of the complex on the surface of the BiFE. The uranium in the accumulated complex was then reduced by means of a cathodic voltammetric scan while the analytically useful U(VI)→U(V) reduction signal was monitored. The experimental variables as well as potential interferences were investigated and the figures of merit of the method were established. Using the selected conditions, the 3σ limit of detection for uranium was 0.1 μg L−1 at a preconcentration time of 480 s and the relative standard deviation was 4.7% at the 5 μg L−1 level for a preconcentration time of 120 s (n=8). The accuracy of the method was established by analyzing a reference sea water sample.
Reduction of vividness and associated craving in personalized food imagery
Authors: McClelland Andrew , Kemps Eva , Tiggemann Marika
Published: November 2005

This study aimed to extend recent experimental work on the efficacy of visuo‐spatial working memory–based techniques for reducing food cravings by adopting a more naturalistic methodology. Fifty undergraduate women formed images of their favorite foods while performing a visuo‐spatial task across six successive trials. Vividness and craving intensity were rated for each food image. Concurrent visuo‐spatial processing reduced the vividness of, and craving reactivity to, personally relevant food images. Forehead tracking, a novel self‐administered task, proved to be as effective in reducing vividness and craving ratings as the established visuo‐spatial working memory laboratory tasks of eye movements, dynamic visual noise, and spatial tapping, and thus presents a simple, accessible technique potentially applicable in the home environment. All four tasks maintained their reducing effect over multiple trials. Individual differences in imaging ability and habitual food craving did not impact upon their effectiveness, indicating that visuo‐spatial tasks can be successfully used to reduce food cravings across a range of people. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 62: 355–365, 2006.
A two‐stage analysis of repeated measurements with dropouts and/or intermittent missing data
Authors: Overall John E. , Tonidandel Scott
Published: November 2005

This article is about a simple two‐stage analysis that utilizes slope coefficients as the dependent variable for testing the significance of difference in mean rates of change in repeated measurement designs with missing data. The ANCOVA test on the doubly weighted slope coefficients provides power comparable to that of more complex maximum likelihood procedures when data are missing completely at random, requires fewer assumptions and is more generally applicable under realistic nonrandom dropout conditions, and most importantly can be readily understood and explained by those who actually do most controlled clinical research. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 62: 285–291, 2006.
The innovation triad: an EvoDevo agenda
Authors: Müller Gerd B. , Newman Stuart A.
Published: November 2005

This article introduces a special issue on evolutionary innovation and morphological novelty, two interrelated themes that have received a remarkable increase of attention over the past few years. We begin with a discussion of the question of whether innovation and novelty represent distinct evolutionary problems that require a distinct conceptualization. We argue that the mechanisms of innovation and their phenotypic results—novelty—can only be properly addressed if they are distinguished from the standard evolutionary themes of variation and adaptation, and we present arguments for making such a distinction. We propose that origination, the first formation of biological structures, is another distinct problem of morphological evolution, and that together with innovation and novelty it constitutes a conceptual complex we call the innovation triad. We define a problem agenda of the triad, which separates the analysis of the initiating conditions from the mechanistic realization of innovation, and we discuss the theoretical problems that arise from treating innovation as distinct from variation. Further, we categorize the empirical approaches that address themes of the innovation triad in recognizing four major strands of research: the morphology and systematics program, the gene regulation program, the epigenetic program, and the theoretical biology program. We provide examples of each program, giving priority to contributions in the present issue. In conclusion, we observe that the innovation triad is one of the defining topics of EvoDevo research and may represent its most pertinent contribution to evolutionary theory. We point out that an inclusion of developmental systems properties into evolutionary theory represents a shift of explanatory emphasis from the external factors of natural selection to the internal dynamics of developmental systems, complementing adaptation with emergence, and contingency with inherency.J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 304B:487–503, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antibody responses against SARS coronavirus are correlated with disease outcome of infected individuals
Authors: Zhang Linqi , Zhang Fengwen , Yu Wenjie , He Tian , Yu Jian , Yi Christopher E. , Ba Lei , Li Wenhui , Farzan Michael , Chen Zhiwei , Yuen Kwok‐Yung , Ho David
Published: November 2005

Most of the SARS‐CoV‐infected patients spontaneously recovered without clinical intervention while a small percentage succumbed to the disease. Here, we characterized temporal changes in N protein‐specific and S glycoprotein‐specific neutralizing antibody (Nab) responses in infected patients who have either recovered from or succumbed to SARS‐CoV infection. Recovered patients were found to have higher and sustainable levels of both N protein‐specific and S glycoprotein‐specific Nab responses, suggesting that antibody responses likely play an important role in determining the ultimate disease outcome of SARS‐CoV‐infected patients. J. Med. Virol. 78:1–8, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Impact of unreported HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase mutations on phenotypic resistance to nucleoside and non‐nucleoside inhibitors
Authors: Saracino A. , Monno L. , Scudeller L. , Cibelli D.C. , Tartaglia A. , Punzi G. , Torti C. , Lo Caputo S. , Mazzotta F. , Scotto G. , Carosi G. , Angarano G.
Published: November 2005

An extended spectrum of HIV‐1 reverse‐transcriptase (RT) mutations in HAART‐treated patients has been recently described. To verify the possible association of previously unreported RT mutations with a decrease of phenotypic susceptibility to nucleoside (NRTIs) and non‐nucleoside (NNRTIs) RT inhibitors, the RT sequence of 328 HIV‐1‐positive patients (102 naïve and 226 treated with HAART participating in either the PhenGen or Genpherex study) was analyzed. All treated patients were tested at the time of therapeutic failure with both phenotypic (Antivirogram®, Virco) and genotypic analyses (VircoGen™); the frequency of RT substitutions (positions 1–240) with respect to consensus B was compared to that of naïve patients using a Chi‐square test. Amino acid changes at 13 positions not included in the IAS list of resistance‐associated mutations were detected more frequently in treated than in naïve subjects. The mutations involving 10 of these positions were associated with a reduced susceptibility to antiretroviral drugs; K20R, T39A, K43EQN, E203KD, H208Y, and D218E were correlated with NRTI resistance while mutations K101EQP, H221Y, K223EQ, L228HR were associated to NNRTI resistance. A correlation was found between K20R and lamivudine resistance (P = 0.006) while T39A (P = 0.005), K43EQN (<0.001), E203KD (P = 0.010), and H208Y (P =  < 0.001) seemed to be associated with a previous use of zidovudine and stavudine and with the development of thymidine analog resistance. For H208Y, an association with use/resistance to abacavir (P = 0.004) was also noted. D218E showed a weak association to didanosine resistance (P = 0.013). The data confirm that previously unreported mutations are associated with antiretroviral drug experience and, more importantly, with a reduced susceptibility to NRTIs and NNRTIs. J. Med. Virol. 78:9–17, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Tracing the history of hepatitis B virus genotype D in western Japan
Authors: Michitaka Kojiro , Tanaka Yasuhito , Horiike Norio , Duong Tran Nhu , Chen Yan , Matsuura Kana , Hiasa Yoichi , Mizokami Masashi , Onji Morikazu
Published: November 2005

The major hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes in Japan are B and C. HBV genotype D (HBV/D), however, is widespread in a small area of Western Japan, where the Gianotti–Crosti syndrome caused by HBV subtype ayw, which is suspected to be HBV/D, was endemic in the 1970s. The aim of the study was to elucidate its origin, time of transmission, and spread in this area. Genotyping of HBV‐DNA was done in 363 patients with HBV infection. The year of birth was checked in patients with HBV/D. The full genome sequences of 20 HBV/D strains, 2 of which were obtained from a single carrier with a 19‐year‐interval, were analyzed. An evolutionary rate, the date of the most recent common ancestor, and the effective number of HBV/D infections were calculated. Fifty‐two of 363 patients were infected with HBV/D, and 39 were born in 1970s. In a phylogenetic tree, the 20 HBV/D strains produced a definite cluster, and the evolutionary rate was calculated to be 5.4 × 10−5 nucleotide substitutions/site/year. The root of the tree was estimated to be in approximately 1,900 and began to spread from the 1940s, leading to a rapid increase of infected patients in the 1970s. From these results, it is suspected that HBV/D was likely transmitted to the area investigated approximately 100 years ago and then spread widely in the 1970s. From the history of the area and the genetic analysis, HBV/D in this area was speculated to be of Russian origin. J. Med. Virol. 78:44–52, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Patients with and without loss of hepatitis B virus DNA after hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion have different virological characteristics
Authors: Misawa Noriko , Matsumoto Akihiro , Tanaka Eiji , Rokuhara Akinori , Yoshizawa Kaname , Umemura Takeji , Maki Noboru , Kimura Tatsuji , Kiyosawa Kendo
Published: November 2005

The characteristic differences between patients with and without loss of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA after achieving hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion were analyzed by comparing changes in HBV DNA and HBV core‐related antigen levels during a period from 3 years before to 3 years after the seroconversion. Of the 24 seroconverters, 6 (inactive replication group) showed continuous loss of HBV DNA in serum after the seroconversion and the remaining 18 did not lose HBV DNA (active replication group). The HBV DNA level was similar between the two groups, while the HBV core‐related antigen level was significantly lower in the active replication group than in the inactive replication group before the seroconversion. The levels of both HBV DNA and HBV core‐related antigen decreased remarkably around the time of seroconversion in the inactive replication group, while these levels did not change or decreased slightly in the active replication group. After the seroconversion, the HBV DNA level was significantly higher in the active replication group than in the inactive replication group, while the HBV core‐related antigen level was similarly low between the two groups. Because the serum level of HBV core‐related antigen mainly reflects that of HBe antigen, the low level of HBV core‐related antigen seen after seroconversion in both groups might have contributed to the occurrence of seroconversion. The precore and core promoter mutations which cause diminished excretion of hepatitis B e antigen were significantly more frequent in the active replication group than in the inactive replication group. It was therefore considered that the seroconversion was caused mainly by a decrease in viral replication in the inactive replication group, and mainly by a decrease in HBe antigen production in the active replication group. J. Med. Virol. 78:68–73, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Rapid and simple detection of IFN‐neutralizing antibodies in chronic hepatitis C non‐responsive to IFN‐α
Authors: Jorns Carl , Holzinger Dirk , Thimme Robert , Spangenberg Hans Christian , Weidmann Manfred , Rasenack Jens , Blum Hubert Erich , Haller Otto , Kochs Georg
Published: November 2005

Different mechanisms have been proposed for the failure of interferon (IFN) therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C and multiple sclerosis, for example, the presence of IFN‐neutralizing antibodies. In this study, a novel assay system based on the IFN‐inducible Mx‐promoter was used to detect IFN‐neutralizing antibodies in sera of patients with chronic hepatitis C. To monitor IFN bioactivity in IFN‐treated patients, a real‐time RT‐PCR for MxA gene expression in PBMCs was established. Using these two methods, patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection receiving IFN therapy and patients with treatment induced HCV clearance were monitored. Importantly, neutralizing anti‐IFN antibodies were detected in the sera of 3 of 38 chronically HCV‐infected patients who failed to respond to therapy but none in sera of patients who cleared HCV after IFN therapy. Interestingly, the presence of these antibodies correlated with the lack of MxA induction in PBMCs after initiation of IFN‐α therapy. Retrospective analysis of one patient's sera revealed that the anti‐IFN‐α antibodies had already developed after the first of four unsuccessful IFN therapies, suggesting that neutralizing antibodies may have contributed to the failure of previous IFN treatments. In summary, a novel screening assay was established that may be helpful for testing IFN non‐responders for the presence of clinically relevant anti‐IFN‐α antibodies and for selecting alternative IFN preparations not neutralized by these antibodies. J. Med. Virol. 78:74–82, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Predictive factors of virological non‐response to interferon–ribavirin combination therapy for patients infected with hepatitis C virus of genotype1b and high viral load
Authors: Akuta Norio , Suzuki Fumitaka , Sezaki Hitomi , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Hosaka Tetsuya , Someya Takashi , Kobayashi Masahiro , Saitoh Satoshi , Watahiki Sachiyo , Sato Junko , Kobayashi Mariko , Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: November 2005

Patients with high viral load (≥1.0 × 105 IU/ml) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b do not achieve high sustained virological response rates to interferon (IFN)/ribavirin combination therapy. Previous studies suggested that pretreatment amino acid (aa) substitution patterns in the HCV core region could affect virological non‐response especially in patients who could not achieve HCV‐RNA negativity during treatment. The present study evaluated 167 consecutive Japanese adults with high HCV genotype 1b viral load who received combination therapy for ≥24 weeks. A case‐control study matched for age, sex, genotype, and viral load was conducted to investigate the predictive factors for virological non‐response, especially absolute virological non‐response (patients who could not achieve >2 log decline of HCV RNA from baseline during the initial 24 weeks of therapy). Virological non‐response was identified in 26.3% of patients, and 45.5% of these were absolute virological non‐responders. Multivariate analysis identified ribavirin dose <11.0 mg/kg, moderate‐to‐severe hepatocyte steatosis, and substitutions of aa 70 and/or 91 in the core region as significant independent factors associated with virological non‐response. The majority of absolute virological non‐responders had such substitutions in the core region (95.0%), as well as substitution of glutamine at aa 70 and/or methionine at aa 91 (90.0%). In the present work, such substitutions significantly affected the viral kinetics in virological non‐responders. The results suggest that viral, host, and treatment‐related factors determine the response to IFN/ribavirin combination therapy in patients with high HCV genotype1b viral load, and that amino acid substitution patterns in the core region is potentially useful pretreatment predictor of virological non‐response. J. Med. Virol. 78:83–90, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
A previously unrecognized sixth genotype of GB virus C revealed by analysis of 5′‐untranslated region sequences
Authors: Muerhoff A. Scott , Dawson George J. , Desai Suresh M.
Published: November 2005

GB virus C (GBV‐C) is a positive‐strand RNA virus that infects a large proportion of the world's human population. It has been classified tentatively as a member of the Flaviviridae family and has been shown to exist as a group of five closely related genotypes. Recently, we reported the first full‐length genome sequence of a genotype 5 isolate from South Africa [Muerhoff et al. (2005): J Gen Virol 86: 1729–1735]. As part of the analysis of that sequence, a phylogenetic tree was elucidated from the 5′‐untranslated region (UTR) that showed excellent congruence to the tree produced by analysis of complete open reading frame sequences. When 5′‐UTR analysis was broadened subsequently to include additional isolates from around the globe, a heretofore unrecognized GBV‐C genotype was discovered in Indonesia. When first reported in 2000 [Handajani et al. (2000): J Clin Microbiol 38:662–668], these isolates were described as constituting a novel fifth genotype. However, comparison to isolates from the then‐known fourth and fifth genotypes (from Myanmar/Vietnam and South Africa, respectively) was not performed. A dataset of 121 GBV‐C 5′‐UTR sequences was complied and included representatives of the fourth and fifth genotypes as well as the “novel” Indonesian sequences and demonstrated, with strong support via bootstrap analysis, the existence of a sixth GBV‐C genotype among infected individuals in Indonesia. The discovery of this sixth genotype emphasizes the diverse nature of GBV‐C isolates and may have important implications for the interpretation of studies involving GBV‐C/HIV co‐infected individuals. J. Med. Virol. 78:105–111, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Latent infection of human herpesvirus 7 in CD4+ T lymphocytes
Authors: Miyake Fumi , Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Sun He , Kakimi Akira , Ohashi Masahiro , Akimoto Shiho , Nishiyama Yukihiro , Asano Yoshizo
Published: November 2005

To determine the cell populations in peripheral blood that are infected latently with human herpesvirus 7 (HHV‐7), the real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the quantities of viral DNA in adherent and non‐adherent cells from 71 healthy volunteers. Real‐time PCR, which detected the U31 gene of HHV‐7, was developed to measure viral load. The majority of non‐adherent cells (14/16; 87.5%) contained HHV‐7 DNA, while most of the adherent cells did not (1/16; 6.3%). HHV‐7 viral load in non‐adherent cells was significantly higher than that in adherent cells (P < 0.0001). Then, HHV‐7 DNA load was compared between the CD4‐positive and ‐negative cell fractions derived from the non‐adherent cells of 26 healthy adults. As in the previous experiment, only 2 (7.7%) of the 26 adherent cell specimens contained small amounts of HHV‐7 DNA (27.7 copies/1 × 106 cells and 208.7 copies/1 × 106 cells). In contrast, 88.5% of CD4+ T cell samples (23/26 specimens) were positive for HHV‐7 DNA, ranging from 0.4 to 3,542.8 copies/1 × 106 cells. Viral DNA was detected in only 3 (11.5%) of the 26 CD4− T cell specimens, with 8.4, 63.5, and 74.1 copies/1 × 106 cells. HHV‐7‐positive DNA loads were significantly higher in the CD4+ T cells than those observed in the CD4− T cells (P = 0.0005). The relationship between HHV‐7 viral loads in non‐adherent cells and those in saliva was investigated. Comparison of HHV‐7 DNA load between blood CD4+ T cells and saliva revealed that the HHV‐7 DNA load in saliva correlated with that present in CD4+ T cells (r = 0.415; P = 0.0174). J. Med. Virol. 78:112–116, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Detection of specific human papillomavirus types in paraffin‐embedded sections of cervical carcinomas
Authors: Bryan Janine T. , Taddeo Frank , Skulsky DeeMarie , Jansen Kathrin U. , Frain Barbara M. , Qadadri Brahim , Brown Darron R.
Published: November 2005

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the causative agents of most cervical carcinomas. A complete understanding of the HPV types that cause cervical carcinoma is needed as vaccines are designed. Fresh tissues are not always available for such studies. We therefore sought to determine the feasibility of HPV studies using formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded sections of 56 cervical carcinomas, correlating typing information with the pathology and physical state of the HPV sequences within cells. Sections from each specimen were used to extract and purify DNA. Specific HPV types were identified using a PCR/reverse blot strip assay. Tyramide signal‐amplified, fluorescent DNA in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to localize HPV within cells. Human β‐globin sequences were amplified in DNA from all specimens. HPV sequences from oncogenic types were identified in 52 of 56 (92.9%) by PCR/reverse blot strip assay, and in one additional case using an HPV 16 multiplex PCR assay. HPV 16 was the most commonly detected type, present in most cases as a solitary isolate. Thirty‐ five of 42 HPV 16 or HPV 18 PCR‐positive specimens were also positive in the FISH assay, in most cases in a pattern consistent with viral integration. We conclude that HPV typing from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded sections of cervical carcinomas is possible, with a sensitivity that is similar to that found in studies using fresh tissue. J. Med. Virol. 78:117–124, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Establishment of functional B cell memory against parvovirus B19 capsid proteins may be associated with resolution of persistent infection
Authors: Corcoran A. , Crowley B. , Dewhurst C. , Pizer B.L. , Doyle S.
Published: November 2005

Parvovirus B19 (B19) infection can occur during acute lymphoblastic leukemia and persistent viral infection can occur despite intravenous immunoglobulin administration. Here, evidence is presented that resolution of persistent B19 infection in an acute lymphoblastic leukemia patient may be associated with the simultaneous strengthening of antigen‐specific B cell memory against the B19 capsid protein VP2 and diminution in the memory response against the B19 non‐structural protein 1 (NS1). Determination of antigen‐specific B cell memory status may enhance the serological and molecular analyses of persistent B19 infection. J. Med. Virol. 78:125–128, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Aberrant cellular immune responses in humans infected persistently with parvovirus B19
Authors: Isa Adiba , Norbeck Oscar , Hirbod Taha , Lundqvist Anders , Kasprowicz Victoria , Bowness Paul , Klenerman Paul , Broliden Kristina , Tolfvenstam Thomas
Published: November 2005

A subset of parvovirus B19 (B19) infected patients retains the infection for years, as defined by detection of B19 DNA in bone marrow. Thus far, analysis of B19‐specific humoral immune responses and viral genome variations has not revealed a mechanism for the absent viral clearance. In this study, ex‐vivo cellular immune responses were assessed by enzyme linked immunospot assay mounted against the majority of the translated viral genome. Compared to seropositive healthy individuals, individuals with B19 persistence (2–8 years) showed larger number of responses to the structural proteins (P = 0.0022), whereas responses to the non‐structural protein were of lower magnitude (P = 0.012). These observations provide the first findings of immunological discrepancies between individuals with B19 persistence and healthy individuals, findings that may reflect both failed immunity and antigenic exhaustion. J. Med. Virol. 78:129–133, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Dual infection due to simian G3—human reassortant and human G9 strains of rotavirus in a child and subsequent spread of serotype G9, leading to diarrhea among grandparents
Authors: Awachat Pinki S. , Kelkar Shobhana D.
Published: November 2005

Cultivation of rotavirus from day 1 and 3 fecal specimens of a child yielded simian SA11‐human reassortant, G3P[8] and AU32 like G9P[8] rotavirus strains, respectively. Diarrhea developed in the grandfather by sheer hospital visits, and in the grandmother, after wiping the vomit of the grandfather. AU32 like G9 strains were isolated from the grandparents also. Rotavirus specific IgM developed in all the three patients. A fourfold rise in G9 neutralizing antibodies was observed in the child and grandmother. The child's mother had asymptomatic rotavirus infection. The study highlights the potential of G9 serotype to spread from children to adults. J. Med. Virol. 78:134–138, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Frequency of hepatitis B virus ‘a’ determinant variants in unselected Spanish chronic carriers
Authors: Avellón Ana , Echevarria José M.
Published: November 2005

The prevalence in the population of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) variants that may impair diagnosis, or allow the virus to escape vaccine‐induced immunity or passive immunoglobulin therapy is unknown. A genome fragment encoding HBsAg amino acids 112–212 was amplified and sequenced from the sera of 272 unselected DNA‐positive, HBV‐chronic carriers from Spain. The genotype and the HBsAg subtype were predicted from the sequences. Analysis of amino‐acid positions 112–157 revealed single or multiple substitutions in 39% of the carriers studied. Mutations were not detected for residues 121, 135, 137, 139, 140, 141, 142, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153, 155, 156, and 157. Substitutions reported previously to be in association with failures of diagnostic tests or with vaccine or immunoglobulin therapy escape were found in 12.5%, 6.6%, and 9.2% of carriers, respectively. Met133Thr (2.2%); Gln129His, Met133Ile, Phe/Tyr134Asn (1.8%); Phe/Tyr134Leu, Gly145Ala (1.5%), and Pro120Thr (1.1%) were the most frequent. Other substitutions, including Gly145Arg (0.4%), were found at a frequency of less than 1%. Samples containing HBV mutants were tested with three commercial assays for HBsAg screening. Almost all the mutants reacted to the upper cut‐off values of the assays, but six samples with weak reactivity with one or more of the methods were also found. Thus, HBV mutants with a potential impact on clinical and public health issues are moderately frequent among chronic carriers from Spain, although their influence on the performance of diagnostic tests seems to be slight. J. Med. Virol. 78:24–36, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Expression of insulin‐like growth factor binding proteins in healing tendon lesions
Authors: Dahlgren Linda A. , Mohammed Hussni O. , Nixon Alan J.
Published: November 2005

The treatment of overuse tendon injuries with exogenous growth factors such as insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) may facilitate an improved return to sustained athletic function. The biological effects of IGF‐I are exerted under the control of a complex of IGF receptors, binding proteins, and proteases. This IGF system includes a family of six structurally related high‐affinity IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) that protect IGF‐I from local proteases and restrict access of IGF‐I to its receptor. This study describes the expression of the IGFBPs in flexor tendon after acute injury and during healing over time. Collagenase‐induced lesions were created in the tensile region of theflexor digitorum superficialistendon of both forelimbs of 14 horses. Tendons were harvested from euthanatized horses 1, 2, 4, 8, or 24 weeks following injury. Gene expression was quantitated by fluorescent real‐time PCR, and protein expression was evaluated by Western ligand blot (WLB). Message for IGFBPs 2 to 6 was expressed in both normal and healing tendon. No IGFBP‐1 mRNA was detected in equine tendon. Message expression for IGFBP‐2, ‐3, and ‐4 increased following injury, whereas message expression for IGFBP‐5 and ‐6 decreased. Protein expression for IGFBP‐2, ‐3, and ‐4 was detected by WLB in normal tendon and showed a marked increase following injury. Protein for IGFBP‐5 and ‐6 was not detectable by WLB in normal or healing tendon. The results of this study document the IGFBP response of flexor tendons to injury and healing, which provides information necessary for the design of protocols that may enhance tendon healing through manipulation of IGF‐I ligand and binding protein levels. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical trial evaluating the treatment of plantar fasciitis with an extracoporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) device: A North American confirmatory study
Authors: Kudo Patricia , Dainty Katie , Clarfield Michael , Coughlin Larry , Lavoie Pauline , Lebrun Constance
Published: November 2005

Despite numerous publications and clinical trials, the results of treatment of recalcitrant chronic plantar fasciitis with extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) still remain equivocal as to whether or not this treatment provides relief from the pain associated with this condition. The objective of this study was to determine whether extracorporeal shock wave therapy can safely and effectively relieve the pain associated with chronic plantar fasciitis compared to placebo treatment, as demonstrated by pain with walking in the morning. This was set in a multicenter, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, confirmatory clinical study undertaken in four outpatient orthopedic clinics. The patients, 114 adult subjects with chronic plantar fasciitis, recalcitrant to conservative therapies for at least 6 months, were randomized to two groups. Treatment consisted of approximately 3,800 total shock waves (±10) reaching an approximated total energy delivery of 1,300 mJ/mm2 (ED+) in a single session versus placebo treatment. This study demonstrated a statistically significant difference between treatment groups in the change from baseline to 3 months in the primary efficacy outcome of pain during the first few minutes of walking measured by a visual analog scale. There was also a statistically significant difference between treatments in the number of participants whose changes in Visual Analog Scale scores met the study definition of success at both 6 weeks and 3 months posttreatment; and between treatment groups in the change from baseline to 3 months posttreatment in the Roles and Maudsley Score. The results of this study confirm that ESWT administered with the Dornier Epos Ultra is a safe and effective treatment for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Exposure of mouse preosteoblasts to pulsed electromagnetic fields reduces the amount of mature, type I collagen in the extracellular matrix
Authors: Sakai Yoshitada , Patterson Thomas E. , Ibiwoye Michael O. , Midura Ronald J. , Zborowski Maciej , Grabiner Mark D. , Wolfman Alan
Published: November 2005

We tested the hypothesis that exposure of a mouse preosteoblast cell line to pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) would affect components of the extracellular matrix. We report that exposure of MC3T3‐E1 cells to a single PEMF waveform significantly reduced the amount of mature, α1(I) collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the conditioned medium, without affecting the amount of total ECM protein. This decrease was not due to changes in the steady‐state level of Col1A1 mRNA or to degradation of mature collagen. We then tested the effect of three distinct PEMF waveforms, two orthogonal coil orientations, and two waveform amplitude levels on the amount of α1(I) collagen in the conditioned medium. A sequence of factorial ANOVAs and stepwise regression modeling revealed that the period (duration) of the individual pulses accounted for a significant proportion of the variance associated with the amount of α1(I) collagen in the conditioned medium. The total variance accounted for, however, was small (R2 = 0.155, p < 0.001 and R2 = 0.172, p < 0.001, in the horizontal and vertical orientations, respectively). The positive and negative regression coefficients for the coil orientations revealed that the influence of pulse period was significantly different for the orthogonal coil orientations (p < 0.001). The findings imply that the dominant influence of PEMF on the amount of mature, α1(I) collagen in the ECM is related to variables other than those expressed in the time‐amplitude domain. The results provide objective direction toward identifying waveform characteristics that contribute to the observed between‐waveform differences with regard to collagen. Advances in this area may lead toward improving waveforms and waveform delivery protocols. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Low intensity pulsed ultrasound accelerated bone remodeling during consolidation stage of distraction osteogenesis
Authors: Chan Chun Wai , Qin Ling , Lee Kwong Man , Zhang Ming , Cheng Jack Chun Yiu , Leung Kwok Sui
Published: November 2005

Bone regeneration in distraction osteogenesis occurs under tensile stress with axial rhythmic distraction after osteotomy. In this study, we evaluated if the low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) was also effective on enhancement of bone remodeling during consolidation stage of distraction osteogenesis. Open osteotomy of seventeen 18‐week‐old female New Zealand rabbit tibiae were performed. The distraction was applied with the rate of 1 mm per day. LIPUS (30 mW/cm2, 1.5 MHz) was delivered for 20 min per day during 4‐week consolidation stage (n = 10). The animals without treatment served as sham group (n = 7). Plain X‐ray, peripheral quantitative computational tomography (pQCT), and torsional test were performed. Results showed that smaller radiolucent interzone of LIPUS treatment group was gradually occupied by calcified tissue in plain X‐ray at week 2. The bone mineral density (BMD) measured on radiographs increased by 9.18% in the LIPUS group. Bone mineral content (BMC), hard callus volume, and bone strength index (BSI) measured by pQCT were 83%, 116%, and 94%, respectively, in LIPUS group that were significantly greater than those of the controls. At the 4th week, LIPUS‐treated callus showed the development of neocorticalization in the proximal and distal region. The BMC, hard callus volume, and BSI of LIPUS group decreased and was not significantly different from control. This was also confirmed by the maximum torque of LIPUS‐treated callus (1424.2 ± 457.3 N · mm) obtained at week 4, which did not differ from that of the sham group (1968.8 ± 895.1 N · mm). In conclusion, the effective period of LIPUS treatment was at the initial stage of consolidation, with accelerated bone formation and remodeling. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Triacylglycerol analysis of pequi (Caryocar brasiliensis Camb.) oil by electrospray and tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Segall Sérgio D , Artz William E , Raslan Délio S , Ferraz Vany P , Takahashi Jacqueline A
Published: November 2005

Electrospray ionization liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify the fatty acid and triacylglycerol (TAG) composition of pequi (Caryocar brasiliensis Camb.) oil. The fatty acid composition was relatively simple; the oil contained approximately 442 and 517 g kg−1 of palmitic and oleic acids respectively. Linoleic and stearic acids were found in much smaller amounts. The TAG composition of pequi oil is also relatively simple with trioleoyl glycerol (OOO, 56 g kg−1), palmitoyl dioleoyl glycerol (POO, 466 g kg−1) and dipalmitoyl oleoyl glycerol (POP, 452 g kg−1) comprising 974 g kg−1 of the total. Dioleoyl stearoyl glycerol (OOS) was found in small amounts (5.2 g kg−1). All TAGs were identified via sodium adduct molecular ions [M + Na]+, where M is the TAG in question. Tandem mass analysis provided a very useful fragmentation pattern showing both sodium adduct diacylglycerol ions and diacylglycerol ions with the neutral loss of fatty acid residues. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydrophilic Core‐Shell Microspheres: A Suitable Support for Controlled Attachment of Proteins and Biomedical Diagnostics
Authors: Basinska Teresa
Published: November 2005

Summary: Functional hydrophilic microspheres (latex particles) have found various applications in life sciences and in medicine – particularly in latex diagnostic tests. This paper presents a comprehensive review of studies on latex particles with a hydrophilic interfacial layer composed of various hydrophilic polymers with reactive groups at the ends of macromolecules or at each monomeric unit along the chain. Typical examples of these hydrophilic polymers are poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methyl methacrylate), poly(acrylic acid), poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide), polysaccharides, poly(ethylene oxide) and polyglycidol. Hydrophilic microspheres with different morphologies (uniform or core‐shell, see Figure) have been synthesized by emulsion and dispersion polymerizations. The chemical structure of polymers which constitute the interfacial layer of microspheres has been investigated using a variety of instrumental techniques (such as XPS, SSIMS and NMR) and analytical methods based on specific chemical reactions suitable for the determination of particular functional groups. Microspheres are exposed to contact with proteins in the majority of medical applications. This paper presents examples of studies on the attachment of these biomacromolecules to microspheres. The relation between the structure of the interfacial layer of microspheres and the ability of these particles for the covalent binding of proteins is discussed. Several examples of diagnostic tests, in which hydrophilic microspheres with adsorbed or covalently immobilized proteins were used as reagents, are presented. The paper also contains a short review of the application of magnetic hydrophilic particles for protein separation. Examples of hydrophilic latex particles used for hemoperfusion or heavy metal ion separation are presented.

Hydrophilic microspheres with uniform or core‐shell morphologies.

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Hydrophilic microspheres with uniform or core‐shell morphologies.
Measuring aid costs: what has been learnt and what still needs to be learnt
Authors: Amis Philip , Green Lara , Hubbard Michael
Published: November 2005

This short article reviews recent efforts to measure the costs to recipient governments of how aid is managed. Overall measurement of transaction costs was found to be impractical, so the focus of empirical work shifted to ranking categories of perceived costs. Results indicated that recipient governments find the lack of fit of donor approaches with their own to be more burdensome than the administrative costs of dealing with multiple donors. Subsequent surveys have monitored changes in alignment and harmonisation. While there is clear progress in defining and assessing indicators of donor behaviour, two issues stand out for urgent attention. First, the need to give priority in future surveys to assessing changes in capacity of recipient governments, since capacity underlies alignment. Second, the need for conceptually consistent and reliable international data on aid flows, particularly to enable quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of different types of aid. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aid disbursement delays: measures, causes, solutions
Authors: Leurs Robert
Published: November 2005

Aid disbursement delays are a significant problem for donors and partner governments around the world, yet there appear to be no agreed definitions or measurement criteria, very little data and hardly any coverage in the literature on development aid. This article addresses some of the definitional and measurement questions involved, and illustrates both the scale and the perceived significance of disbursement delays. It also outlines possible causes and solutions. The article concludes that a strategy which focuses on managing the negative consequences of aid disbursement delays is likely to be more effective than one based on an attempted resolution of its many causes. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bolivia: making government leadership in donor coordination work
Authors: Nickson Andrew
Published: November 2005

This article addresses the extent to which concepts of ‘partnership’ and ‘ownership’ of aid are understood differently by donors and local partners even in a country such as Bolivia where central government underwent a growing commitment to improved governance from the mid‐1990s through poverty reduction, decentralisation and citizen participation. The introduction of two basket‐funding initiatives is testimony to the growing confidence of the donor community in the emerging national ownership of the overall development process. Yet informational and motivational asymmetries, by creating perverse incentives, militate against the spread of basket funding, undermining the shift to national ownership and sustainability. Similarly, even though relations with the donor community were excellent, sector‐level donor coordination is a surprisingly recent phenomenon. Government officials frequently reported the same kind of administrative burdens that are found in many other aid recipient countries. In addition, conditionalities of multilateral agencies embedded in structural adjustment and subsequent HIPC membership imposed a major burden on the government. They often caused delays in disbursements, especially where loans are disbursed in tranches subject to compliance with non‐project specific conditions. Finally, the article draws attention to the contested meaning of ‘national ownership’ itself in a country with marked ethnic and social divisions, a factor that contributed to a marked decline in political stability and other governance indicators in 2003. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vietnam: the benefits of a strong consultative framework
Authors: Bartholomew Ann , Lister Stephen
Published: November 2005

During the 1990s Vietnam's economic reforms led to rapid growth and dramatic poverty reduction, attracting more donors and higher levels of aid. As this happened, bottlenecks and the transaction costs of aid became more apparent and led to efforts at harmonisation. However, the task has been complicated by donors' distrust of government's low standards of transparency and accountability but respect for its poverty reduction performance and macroeconomic management record. As a result donors have concentrated first on harmonisation with each other while supporting institutional reforms. They have done this through the unusually extensive donor‐government consultative machinery, with its biannual Consultative Group (CG) meetings and a large number of sectoral and topical partnership groups. The article assesses the role this machinery plays, concluding that its vitality results from mutual commitment and its unusual extent from the number of sectors addressed. The collaboration between government and donors may face greater challenges in the future if economic growth slows, the reform agenda stalls or inequality increases. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.