bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sputum analysis: Non‐invasive early lung cancer detection
Authors: D'Urso Vittorio , Doneddu Valentina , Marchesi Irene , Collodoro Angelo , Pirina Pietro , Giordano Antonio , Bagella Luigi
Published: October 2012

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths over the world, characterized by a very high mortality rate. Molecular technique development tries to focus on early detection of cancers by studying molecular alterations that characterize cancer cells. Worldwide lung cancer research has focused on an ever‐increasing number of molecular elements of carcinogenesis at genetic, epigenetic and protein levels. The non‐invasiveness is the characteristic that all clinical trials on cancer detection should have. Abnormal chest imaging and/or non‐specific symptoms are initial signals of lung cancer that appear in an advanced stage of disease. This fact represents the cause of the low 5‐year survival rate: over 90% of patients dying within 5 years of diagnosis. Since smokers have higher quantity of sputum containing exfoliated cells from the bronchial tree, and the sputum represents the most easily accessible biological fluid and its collection is non‐invasive, analysis of this sample represents a good area of research in early lung cancer diagnosis. Continued cigarette smoking is the cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with an estimated attributable risk factor exceeding 80% in smoking affected individuals. Lung cancer is found in 40–70% of patients with COPD, particularly in severe disease, and it is a common cause of death in these patients. A large prospective trial of almost half a million non‐smokers showed as lung cancer is also common in patients with COPD who have never smoked. This review describes issues related to early lung cancer screening using non‐invasive methods. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is unconventional secretion inhibited during cell division by Cdk1 activity?
Authors: Tang Bor Luen
Published: October 2012

A process of unconventional secretion that is dependent on the Golgi stacking protein GRASP and multiple components of the autophagy machinery has recently been documented for several cytoplasmic and membrane protein. Classical secretion via the exocytic pathway is inhibited during cell division in animal cells, as key membrane compartments, particularly the Golgi, are disassembled and fragmented. The question as to whether unconventional secretion is likewise inhibited during mitosis has not been explored. This mode of secretion supposedly bypasses the Golgi. However, GRASP and Vps34 (a key autophagy protein) are both substrates of the cell cycle regulating cyclin‐dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1), and their activities are apparently inhibited by Cdk1 phosphorylation. Is unconventional secretion therefore similarly inhibited during cell division like conventional secretion? The story may yet turn out to be more complicated. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alpha‐2‐macroglobulin: A physiological guardian
Authors: Rehman Ahmed A. , Ahsan Haseeb , Khan Fahim H.
Published: October 2012

Alpha macroglobulins are large glycoproteins which are present in the body fluids of both invertebrates and vertebrates. Alpha‐2‐macroglobulin (α2M), a key member of alpha macroglobulin superfamily, is a high‐molecular weight homotetrameric glycoprotein. α2M has many diversified and complex functions, but it is primarily known by its ability to inhibit a broad spectrum of proteases without the direct blockage of the protease active site. α2M is also known to be involved in the regulation, transport, and a host of other functions. For example, apart from inhibiting proteinases, it regulates binding of transferrin to its surface receptor, binds defensin and myelin basic protein, etc., binds several important cytokines, including basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and modify their biological activity. α2M also binds a number of hormones and regulates their activity. α2M is said to protect the body against various infections, and hence, can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of a number of diseases. However, this multipurpose antiproteinse is not “fail safe” and could be damaged by reactive species generated endogenously or exogenously, leading to various pathophysiological conditions. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1665–1675, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kidney injury molecule‐1: More than just an injury marker of tubular epithelial cells?
Authors: Lim Ai Ing , Tang Sydney C.W. , Lai Kar Neng , Leung Joseph C.K.
Published: October 2012

Regardless of the original causes and etiology, the progression to renal function declines follows a final common pathway associated with tubulointerstitial injury, in which the proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC) are instrumental. Kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1) is an emerging biomarker, and its expression and release are induced in PTEC upon injury. KIM‐1 plays the role as a double‐edged sword and implicates in the process of kidney injury and healing. Expression of KIM‐1 is also associated with tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. More importantly, KIM‐1 expressing PTEC play the role as the residential phagocytes, contribute to the removal of apoptotic cells and facilitate the regeneration of injured tubules. The precise mechanism of KIM‐1 and its sheded ectodomain on restoration of tubular integrity after injury is not fully understood. Other than PTEC, macrophages (Mø) also implicate in tubular repair. Understanding the crosstalk between Mø and the injured PTEC is essential for designing appropriate methods for controlling the sophisticated machinery in tubular regeneration and healing. This article will review the current findings of KIM‐1, beginning with its basic structure, utility as a biomarker, and possible functions, with focus on the role of KIM‐1 in regeneration and healing of injured PTEC. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulation and experimentation on the gas holdup characteristics of a novel oscillating airlift loop reactor
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhao Xuebing , Cheng Keke , Du Wei , Liu Dehua
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND: The classical airlift loop reactor (ALR) has been widely used in petrochemical, biochemical, energy and environmental processes due to such advantages as simple structure, without motional mechanism, easy sealing and low energy consumption. A novel ALR has been designed using forced periodic reversible ventilation, termed an airlift reversible loop reactor (ARLR).

RESULTS: Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation and experimental validation, the mass transfer characteristics of the ARLR were studied. The simulation results predicted the experimental data well, especially at low ventilation capacity. The oscillation period had significant effects on gas holdup and the mass transfer coefficient of the ARLR. When ventilation capacity was increased from 0.22 to 3.49 vvm, compared with central airlift and annular airlift reactors, ARLR increased the mass transfer coefficient by 9–31% and 10–58%, respectively, according to simulation results, and by 11–25% and 14–58%, respectively, according to experimental data.

CONCLUSION: The results showed that the ARLR could significantly enhance gas holdup and mass transfer coefficient compared with traditional central airlift and annular airlift reactors. Results indicated that the optimum oscillation period decreased with increase of ventilation capacity. ARLR has the potential for application in aerobic fermentation. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydrothermal catalytic production of fuels and chemicals from aquatic biomass
Authors: Yeh Thomas M. , Dickinson Jacob G. , Franck Allison , Linic Suljo , Thompson Levi T. , Savage Phillip E.
Published: October 2012

One of the promising avenues for biomass processing is the use of water as a reaction medium for wet or aquatic biomass. This review focuses on the hydrothermal catalytic production of fuels and chemicals from aquatic biomass. Two different regimes for conversion of aquatic biomass in hydrothermal conditions are discussed in detail. The first is hydrothermal liquefaction, and the second is hydrothermal gasification. The goals of these processes are to produce liquid‐fuel‐range hydrocarbons and methane or hydrogen, respectively. The catalytic upgrading of biocrude resulting from noncatalytic liquefaction and the stability and degradation of catalysts in high temperature water are also discussed. The review concludes with a brief discussion of the outlook for and opportunities within the field of hydrothermal catalytic valorization of biomass. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of LC/MS to determine specific activity variation in a series of sulfonamide tracers from the [35S]methane sulfonate reagent
Authors: Schenk David J. , Hesk Dave , Marques Rosemary , Helmy Roy , Cheung Patty
Published: October 2012

The specific activities for a series of S‐35 tracers were found to vary from the decay‐corrected specific activity of the labeled reagent. If not known before the stock solution preparation and binding assay, this variation would have resulted in performing the assay at approximately two to three times over the targeted concentration, thereby leading to considerable error in the calculated binding and related conclusions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sampling requirements in DCE‐MRI based analysis of high grade gliomas: Simulations and clinical results
Authors: Larsson Christopher , Kleppestø Magne , Rasmussen Inge , Salo Raimo , Vardal Jonas , Brandal Petter , Bjørnerud Atle
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of variations in temporal resolution and total measurement times on the estimations of kinetic parameters derived from dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI in patients with high‐grade gliomas (HGGs).

Materials and Methods:

DCE‐MRI with high temporal resolution (dynamic sampling time (Ts) = 2.1 s and 3.4 s) and total sampling time (Tacq) of 5.2 min was acquired in 101 examinations from 15 patients. Using the modified Tofts model Ktrans, kep ve and vp were estimated. The effects of increasing Ts and reducing Tacq on the estimated kinetic parameters were estimated through down‐sampling and data truncation, and the results were compared with numerical simulations.

Results:

There was an overall dependence of all four kinetic parameters on Ts and Tacq. Increasing Ts resulted in under‐estimation of Ktrans and over‐estimation of Vp, whereas kep and Ve varied in a less predictable manner. Reducing Tacq resulted in over‐estimation of Ktrans and kep and under‐estimation of vp and ve. Increasing Ts and reducing Tacq resulted in increased relative error for all four parameters.

Conclusion:

Estimated Ktrans, Kep, and Ve in HGGs were within 15% of the high sampling rate reference values for Ts<20 s. Increasing Ts and reducing Tacq leads to reduced precision of the estimated values. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:818–829. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long echo time proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy for estimating relative measures of lipid unsaturation at 3 T
Authors: Troitskaia Alice , Fallone B. Gino , Yahya Atiyah
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

To examine the behavior of lipid olefinic and diallylic resonances as a function of PRESS (point resolved spectroscopy) echo time (TE) to determine an optimal long TE value for their measurement at 3 T.

Materials and Methods:

Experiments were conducted on nine oils (almond, canola, cod liver, corn, linseed, peanut, sesame, sunflower, and walnut oil) and on vertebral and tibial bone marrow in vivo at 3 T. The methylene (or methyl + methylene), diallylic, and olefinic resonances were measured with PRESS with multiple TEs.

Results:

J‐coupling evolution effects on the olefinic and diallylic peaks appeared to be minimized when TE = 200 msec. The TE = 200 msec olefinic/methylene and diallylic/methylene peak area ratios calculated for each oil correlated well with ratios deduced from oil compositions in the literature (R2 = 0.92 and 0.98 for the olefinic and diallylic protons, respectively). In addition, the relative amounts of bone marrow unsaturation of vertebral and tibial bone marrow inferred from the TE = 200 msec olefinic/(methyl + methylene) peak area ratio agreed with values estimated from the literature.

Conclusion:

A PRESS sequence with a long TE value of 200 msec is suitable for determining relative amounts of lipid unsaturation at 3 T. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:944–949. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diffusion‐weighted imaging of the healthy pancreas: ADC values are age and gender dependent
Authors: Herrmann Jochen , Schoennagel Bjoern P. , Roesch Magdalena , Busch Jasmin D. , Derlin Thorsten , Doh Laura K. , Petersen Kay U. , Graessner Joachim , Adam Gerhard , Habermann Christian R.
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

To investigate the healthy pancreas with diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) for characterization of age and gender‐related differences in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty six volunteers were prospectively enrolled (33 male, 33 female; range 1.4 to 83.7 years of age) and echo‐planar DWI of the pancreas was performed. ADC values were measured in the pancreas head, body, and tail using a pixel‐by‐pixel approach. Effects of age and gender on ADC values were analyzed using a two‐factorial multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).

Results:

ADC values correlated inversely with the age of the volunteers. The mean global pancreatic ADC values (× 10−3 mm2/s) in the age groups 0–20 years, 21–40 years, and > 40 years were 1.18 ± 0.19, 1.07 ± 0.13, and 0.99 ± 0.18, respectively. Female individuals had higher mean global ADC values than male (1.13 ± 0.14 versus 1.02 ± 0.18 × 10−3 mm2/s). MANOVA showed significant effects of age (P value 0.022, eta2 = 0.13) and gender (P value 0.001, eta2 = 0.28) on ADC values.

Conclusion:

Pancreatic ADC values decline with ageing and show significant gender differences with higher mean values in females. The awareness of baseline values adjusted to age and gender will be important for correct interpretation of individual cases and design of future studies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:886–891. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unusual substitutions in HIV‐1 Vif from children infected perinatally without progression to AIDS for more than 8 years without therapy
Authors: De Maio Federico A. , Rocco Carlos A. , Aulicino Paula C. , Bologna Rosa , Mangano Andrea , Sen Luisa
Published: October 2012

The HIV‐1 vif gene encodes for an accessory protein that is central for virus replication due mainly to its capacity to counteract the antiviral action of host APOBEC3 restriction factors. In order to evaluate whether HIV‐1 vif alterations account for a delayed progression to AIDS in children infected perinatally, the vif genes from a group of 11 patients who exhibited an extremely slow disease progression (slow progressors) were studied by direct sequencing. In addition, the vif genes from a group of 93 children with typical disease progression (typical progressors) were analyzed for comparison. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that sequences from slow progressors did not have a common origin, discarding a shared ancestor of reduced virulence. There were no differences in the diversity between the vif genes from slow and typical progressors. No gross defects showing a clear distinction among sequences from both groups of children were found. However, in the deduced Vif proteins, changes V13I, V55T, and L81M were observed only in sequences from slow progressors. By analyzing sequences stored in databases, these mutations were determined as unusual substitutions occurring at highly conserved Vif sites across different HIV‐1 clades, but were observed with an increased frequency in sequences from elite controllers. These mutations were in the Vif regions reported as relevant for protein activity. These findings suggest that the Vif sequences from slow progressors carry unusual substitutions, which may alter the protein function and may contribute to viral attenuation. J. Med. Virol. 84:1844–1852, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C in riverside communities of the Tucuruí Dam, Pará, Brazil
Authors: de Almeida Marcella Kelly Costa , dos Santos Kemper Nunes , Fecury Amanda Alves , de Oliveira Cláudia Suellen Ferro , Freitas Andrei Silva , Quaresma Juarez Antonio Simões , Fuzii Hellen Thais , Martins Luisa Caricio
Published: October 2012

Epidemiologically, the relevance of infection caused by hepatitis viruses is related mainly to their wide geographic distribution and the large number of infected individuals in all parts of the world. In this study, 668 residents from the islands around the Tucuruí Dam were selected. Blood samples were collected for investigation of serological markers (HBsAg, total anti‐HBc, anti‐HBS, and anti‐HCV) by enzyme immunoassays. HCV‐positive subjects were tested using RT‐PCR and RFLP for the identification of viral genotypes. Among the 668 subjects studied, 1.9% were HBsAg positive, 28% were total anti‐HBc positive, and 41.9% were anti‐HBs positive. The anti‐HBs marker alone (vaccine response) was detected in 25.7% of the volunteers. Anti‐HCV antibody was detected in 2.2% of the subjects and genotype 1 was the predominant genotype (70%). The results indicate an intermediate level of HBV and HCV endemicity in the region studied, as well as low HBV vaccination coverage. J. Med. Virol. 84:1907–1912, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low IgG avidity and ultrasound fetal abnormality predict congenital cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Sonoyama Ayako , Ebina Yasuhiko , Morioka Ichiro , Tanimura Kenji , Morizane Mayumi , Tairaku Shinya , Minematsu Toshio , Inoue Naoki , Yamada Hideto
Published: October 2012

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes congenital infection with high mortality and morbidity rates in affected neonates. The aim of this study was to assess whether prenatal clinical or laboratory findings in pregnant women who had high risks for primary CMV infection predicted the presence of congenital infection. Fifty pregnant women who had serum CMV IgG and positive or borderline tests for serum CMV IgM were included in this prospective study. Serum IgG avidity was measured, and PCR was conducted for CMV DNA in maternal serum, urine, and uterine cervical secretion. All neonates underwent PCR testing for CMV DNA in the urine for the presence of congenital infection. Risk factors were compared between congenital infection group and group without congenital infection. As a result, nine neonates (18%) were diagnosed as having congenital infection. The frequencies of ultrasound fetal abnormality and positive test for CMV DNA in cervical secretion, CMV IgM titer and IgM/IgG ratio in the congenital infection group were significantly higher than those in the group without congenital infection. Conversely, IgG avidity index in the congenital infection group was significantly lower than that in the group without congenital infection. By multivariate logistic regression analyses, IgG avidity index (Odds ratio 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83–0.99) and ultrasound fetal abnormality (291.22, 2.72–31125.05), were selected independently as significant signs predictive of congenital CMV infection. Among pregnant women with positive or borderline tests for CMV IgM, when they have findings of low serum CMV IgG avidity or ultrasound fetal abnormality, the probability of congenital CMV infection may increase. J. Med. Virol. 84:1928–1933, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genotyping of rotaviruses detected in children admitted to hospital from Faisalabad Region, Pakistan
Authors: Iftikhar Tayyba , Butt Asghar , Nawaz Khurram , Sarwar Yasra , Ali Aamir , Mustafa Tanveer , Haque Abdul
Published: October 2012

Rotavirus infection is very common in developing countries and occurs at least once in children under the age of 5 years. The rate of detection of rotavirus infection in various age groups (0–5 years) in patients with gastroenteritis admitted to hospital from the Faisalabad region, Pakistan is reported. Out of 300 fecal samples, 189 (57.3%) were positive for rotavirus by immunoassay. Patients aged 7–12 months (35.4%) were infected most commonly followed by the age group 0–6 months (28%). Different genotypes of rotavirus were identified by hemi‐nested RT‐PCR. The most common genotype was G1P[8] (25.3%), followed by G1P[6] (21.1%). Other genotypes were G1P[9], G2P[6], G9P[10]), G3P[8] (1.5%), and G9P[11] (1%). There were two (1%) cases of mixed G genotype, one patient with two genotypes G1, G10 and another patient with 3 genotypes G1, G10, and G12. There were 6 (3.1%) cases of mixed P genotypes, 3 P[4], P[11] and 3 P[8], P[11]. These results provide an outline of rotavirus infection in this area for the first time. J. Med. Virol. 84:2003–2007, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A single nucleotide polymorphism in IL28B affects viral evolution of hepatitis C quasispecies after pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy
Authors: Yuan Hejun , Adams‐Huet Beverley , Petersen Tianna , Attar Nahid , Lee William M. , Jain Mamta K.
Published: October 2012

Interleukin‐28B (IL28B) polymorphisms are associated with viral response to peginterferon and ribavirin (RBV) in chronic hepatitis C (HCV). Their recognition represents a breakthrough in the understanding of the role of the host in viral eradication. How these polymorphisms determine viral eradication is unknown. The IL‐28B variants are hypothesized to have a differential impact on HCV quasispecies evolution during treatment with pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) and RBV. In this study, HCV RNA levels were measured at early time points in 33 naïve genotype 1 hepatitis C patients and clonal analysis of the entire NS5A region was performed on sera from baseline and Day 7. Site rs12979860 polymorphisms were determined by direct sequencing of PCR products and classified into CC, CT, and TT and were identified in 13, 11, and 9 patients, respectively. The CC polymorphism more commonly was seen in Whites versus Blacks [12/21 (57%) vs. 1/12 (8%), P = 0.009] and HIV‐infected versus mono‐infected [13/25 (52%) vs. 0/8 (0%), P = 0.009]. Patients with CC and non‐CC had similar baseline viral loads. More patients with the CC polymorphism had amino acid substitutions in NS5A compared to non‐CC patients. Despite similar baseline viral diversity, by Day 7, significantly more patients with CC had higher non‐synonymous substitution values compared to non‐CC (P = 0.02). Chronic hepatitis C patients with the CC IL28B polymorphism have a higher number of amino acid substitutions in the NS5A region and early viral evolution due to greater interferon induced selective pressure during this critical period of treatment. J. Med. Virol. 84:1913–1919, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship between beta‐herpesviruses reactivation and development of complications after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Chapenko Svetlana , Trociukas Ilze , Donina Simona , Chistyakov Maksim , Sultanova Alina , Gravelsina Sabine , Lejniece Sandra , Murovska Modra
Published: October 2012

The relationship between beta‐herpesviruses reactivation and the development of complications after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation was investigated. Viral genomic sequences were detected by the polymerase chain reaction, virus‐specific antibodies by ELISA, and human herpesvirus (HHV)‐6 variants by restriction endonuclease analysis. Virus reactivation, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, soluble IL‐2 receptor (sIL‐2R), IL‐2, and IL‐4 were compared with clinical features in 44 patients before and after transplantation. Anti‐CMV and anti‐HHV‐6 antibodies were found in 70.5% and 81.8% of patients, respectively. The frequency of plasma viremia was significantly higher in patients after transplantation (41% vs. 11.4%). Reactivation of more than one virus was identified in 55.6% of patients and reactivation of HHV‐7 alone in 44.4%. In cases of concurrent infection, HHV‐7 was reactivated before HHV‐6, and both HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 were reactivated before CMV. There was a significant increase in HHV‐6 load in peripheral blood leukocytes DNA during viremia. In all cases HHV‐6B variant was detected. Complications after transplantation occurred in 27.3% of patients and virus reactivation was detected in all patients with complications. The significant increases in the rate of HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 reactivation and in serum levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and sIL‐2R, as well as aggravated immunosuppression, suggest that both viruses were involved in the complications after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, via their immunomodulatory activity. The kinetics of reactivation suggests a potential role of HHV‐7 as a co‐factor of HHV‐6 reactivation, and of both HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 as co‐factors of CMV reactivation. J. Med. Virol. 84:1953–1960, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of age and CD4+ T cell counts on the prevalence of genital human papillomavirus infection among HIV‐seropositive men who have sex with men in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Shu‐Hsing , Chu Fang‐Yeh , Lin Yu‐Shiang , Hsueh Yu‐Mei
Published: October 2012

This study aimed to examine the baseline prevalence of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐seropositive men who have sex with men in Taiwan and to determine the association of age and CD4+ T cell counts with HPV infection. In 2010, 305 men who have sex with men infected with HIV and 100 HIV‐seronegative men who have sex with men were recruited. Genital swabs were collected and 37 HPV genotypes were detected using linear array HPV genotyping. HPV infection was present in 45.3% of the patients infected with HIV and in 18% of the HIV‐negative subjects (P < 0.001). HPV types 52, 51, and 16 were the most commonly identified oncogenic types. Oncogenic HPV types were identified in 31.2% of the patients infected with HIV and in 13% of the seronegative subjects (P < 0.001). Adjusted odd ratios (ORs) for the detection of any HPV type were 2.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–5.9) for men who have sex with men aged 30–34 and 2.1 (95% CI, 1.1–4.3) for those aged >35 compared with that for those aged <25. ORs were 2.8 (95% CI, 1.0–7.4) for a CD4+ T cell count of 200–350 cells/µl and 8.5 (95% CI, 2.9–24.5) for a CD4+ T cell count of <200 cells/µl compared with that for seronegative subjects. In conclusion, this novel HPV study, carried out in Northern Taiwan on men who have sex with men, revealed that age and immune state were associated significantly and independently with HPV infection. J. Med. Virol. 84:1876–1883, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performances of four fourth‐generation human immunodeficiency virus‐1 screening assays
Authors: Song Eun Young , Hur Mina , Roh Eun Youn , Park Myoung Hee , Moon Hee‐Won , Yun Yeo Min
Published: October 2012

Fourth‐generation human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) screening assays have improved sensitivity, but vary in performance characteristics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate four different fourth‐generation HIV‐1 assays. These assays included the AxSYM HIV Ag/Ab Combo (Abbott diagnostics, Delkenheim, Germany), ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo (Abbott), Elecsys 2010 HIV Combi (Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany), and Elecsys HIV Combi PT (Roche). A total of 1,306 samples that included 1,225 clinical samples and 81 samples consisting of seroconversion panels, an HIV‐1 p24 antigen sensitivity panel, and dilution series of HIV‐1 lysates and HIV‐1 antibodies were tested. All of the assays had sensitivities of 100% on clinical samples. The specificities of the AxSYM, ARCHITECT, Elecsys 2010 HIV Combi, and Elecsys HIV Combi PT were 99.6, 99.6, 99.0, and 99.5%, respectively. Of the 81 samples with different levels of HIV antigen or antibody and/or subtypes, Elecsys HIV Combi PT and ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo showed better analytical sensitivities than the other two assays. In summary, the performance characteristics of AxSYM, ARCHITECT, and Elecsys HIV Combi PT were comparable and satisfactory for clinical samples. ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo and Elecsys HIV Combi PT have the higher analytical sensitivities, and would be preferable for reducing the window period. J. Med. Virol. 84:1884–1888, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulated effects of climate change and acid deposition on soil chemical conditions in a Masson Pine forest of SW China
Authors: Yu Pengtao , Sogn Trine A. , Wang Yanhui , Mulder Jan , Feger Karl‐Heinz , Zhu Jianhua
Published: October 2012

In SW China, acid deposition has been associated with forest damage such as defoliation and mortality due to serious soil acidification. These effects may be exacerbated by ongoing climate change. Understanding the integrated effects of climate change and acid deposition on soil chemistry of forest ecosystems is the key to alleviate forest damage and recover forest health. In particular, the long‐term development of integrated effects is unclear and, thus, prevents setting up cost‐effective controls of atmospheric deposition for improved forest‐health management. We employed the Nutrient Cycling Model (NuCM) to predict the changes of soil chemistry in a Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) forest at Tie‐Shan‐Ping (nearby Chongqing, the biggest city in SW China) under two scenarios of climate change and five scenarios of atmospheric deposition. Field‐monitoring data were used to calibrate and validate the NuCM model. It is shown that the maintaining of current acid deposition both in its quantity and composition would not enhance soil acidification although it would take further 20 years to reach a steady state with higher SO$ _4^{2-} $ and Ca2+ concentrations in soil solution. This simulated trend is in contradiction to the decrease of soil pH observed in field during last several decades. The possible reason of this may be the obviously elevated deposition of Ca2+, which may help to raise the pH of soil solution but occurred only in recent several years following the rapid increase of local construction industry. However, this enhanced Ca2+ input may not be maintained for long time. A decreased S input would lead to some positive effects on soil chemistry such as the increase of soil base saturation. A high N deposition has implicated the forest ecosystem to be saturated with N, and increased N input will further aggravate soil acidification and nutrient imbalances. The future climate change projected by IPCC, i.e., the increase of temperature and rainfall may slightly enhance the negative effect of increased N input. The integrated effect of climate change and N‐deposition increase may counteract the positive effects of decreased S input to a considerable degree. This supports the need for a rigorous implementation of new technology to decrease the emission of both S and N.
A comparative study to distinguish the vineyard of origin by NIRS using entire grapes, skins and seeds
Authors: Ferrer‐Gallego Raúl , Hernández‐Hierro José Miguel , Rivas‐Gonzalo Julián C , Escribano‐Bailón M Teresa
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND: Interest in high‐quality products with a clear geographical origin is increasing. For the wine industry and market sector, identity preservation is of fundamental importance owing to the large number of geographical classifications. Nowadays, there is a growing demand for analytical methods for tracing grapes and wines. In the oenological sector, infrared spectroscopy is becoming an attractive tool allowing simultaneous measurement of several analytical parameters and enabling real‐time decision making.

RESULTS: Discriminant partial least squares, a supervised pattern recognition technique, was employed to discriminate between vineyards of origin using the near‐infrared spectra of intact grapes, skins or seeds. In order to compare the three sample presentations, a receiver operating characteristic curve was used. The best results were obtained using intact grape seeds, with prediction rates of samples correctly classified of about 95%, although the good results obtained with entire grapes (about 93% of samples correctly classified) and the simplicity of use of the fibre optic probe could advise using entire grape presentation for comprehensive studies.

CONCLUSION: The procedure reported here seems to have excellent potential for a fast and reasonably inexpensive analysis of the origin of samples. It is noted that such classification can be made at any time of ripening. This paper provides information of interest to develop new and extensive models in the future. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical characterisation of kernels, kernel meals and oils from Jatropha cordata and Jatropha cardiophylla seeds
Authors: Gámez‐Meza Nohemí , Alday‐Lara Perla P , Makkar Harinder PS , Becker Klaus , Medina‐Juárez Luis A
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND

Jatropha cordata and Jatropha cardiophylla are native to northwestern Mexico and are adapted to arid and semi‐arid conditions (<500 mm of precipitation and temperatures from 8 to 45 °C). The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of J. cordata and J. cardiophylla kernels and oils as well as antinutrients in the defatted kernel meals of these species.

RESULTS

Kernels of J. cordata and J. cardiophylla seeds analysed in this study were rich in crude protein (283 and 289 g kg−1 respectively) and lipid (517 and 537 g kg−1 respectively). The main fatty acids in J. cordata and J. cardiophylla oils were linoleic and oleic acids. High levels of trypsin inhibitor and phytates and low levels of saponins were present in the meals. The phorbol ester contents in J. cordata and J. cardiophylla kernel meals were 2.73 and 1.46 mg g−1 respectively.

CONCLUSION

For both J. cordata and J. cardiophylla it could be inferred that (a) the oil and kernel meal were toxic and the kernel meal could be used as livestock feed only after detoxification, (b) the oil could be used for non‐alimentary purposes, i.e. biodiesel production, and (c) the seed or oil could be used for isolating various bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of drug‐induced sleep endoscopy and lateral cephalometry in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: George Jonathan R. , Chung Sooyoun , Nielsen Ib , Goldberg Andrew N. , Miller Arthur , Kezirian Eric J.
Published: October 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To evaluate the association between findings from drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and lateral cephalometry in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Study Design:

Cross‐sectional.

Methods:

This was a consecutive series of subjects with OSA who underwent DISE and lateral cephalometry. DISE findings were characterized according to the region/degree of obstruction as well as the VOTE classification (velum, oropharyngeal lateral walls, tongue, and epiglottis). The primary measurements from lateral cephalometry images were sella‐nasion‐point A angle, sella‐nasion‐point B angle, distance from the posterior nasal spine–tip of palate, posterior airway space, and mandibular plane to hyoid (MPH) distance, although additional airway measurements were taken. Descriptive statistics summarized DISE and lateral cephalometry findings, and χ2 and t tests examined potential associations between their findings.

Results:

Among the 55 subjects, most demonstrated velum‐related obstruction, although obstruction related to other structures was also common. Lateral cephalometry findings were within population norms with the exception of an increased MPH and decreased airway 4 and airway 5 measurements. There was little association between DISE and lateral cephalometry findings, although significant associations were identified between tongue‐related obstruction and airway measurements posterior to the tongue base.

Conclusions:

DISE and lateral cephalometry are largely distinct airway evaluation techniques in OSA. The use of these techniques remains complementary. Laryngoscope, 2012
Clinical characteristics of children with cochlear nerve dysplasias
Authors: Levi Jessica , Ames Julie , Bacik Katie , Drake Colin , Morlet Thierry , O'Reilly Robert C.
Published: October 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To describe the clinical and audiometric characteristics of children with cochlear nerve dysplasia (CND).

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review of clinical database of children with inner ear anomalies treated at a tertiary care children's hospital.

Methods:

Institutional review board–approved retrospective review from June 30, 2006, to July 1, 2011; 18 children were identified with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of CND defined as a cochlear nerve 50% smaller than the adjacent facial nerve.

Results:

Of the 18 patients, nine were girls and nine were boys. Average age at time of MRI diagnosis of CND was 4.6 years. Twelve children had cochlear nerve aplasia, and six had hypoplasia. Three were affected bilaterally: two with aplasia and one with hypoplasia. Unilateral dysplasia was found in 15 children; of these, 60% occurred on the left side. Other inner ear anomalies were found in 50%, including all patients with bilateral CND. Severe‐to‐profound hearing loss was found in the involved ear(s) in 14 of 18 patients, including all bilateral patients. Of the 18 patients tested, 13 (72%) had an audiometric profile of auditory neuropathy/dys‐synchrony syndrome (auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder [ANSD]). Comorbid conditions were present in 56% of patients. Two patients were syndromic. Family history of hearing loss was present in 11% of patients.

Conclusions:

Many patients with CND have ANSD, and more than half have comorbidities. Approximately half of affected patients have other inner ear anomalies in the involved ears. Unilateral CND may be more common on the left side. Laryngoscope, 2013
Nuclear epidermal growth factor receptor and p16 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Husain Hatim , Psyrri Amanda , Markovic Ana , Rampias Theodore , Pectasides Eirini , Wang Hao , Slebos Robbert , Yarbrough Wendell G. , Burtness Barbara , Chung Christine H.
Published: October 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and p16 (a surrogate marker of human papillomavirus [HPV] infection) expression are strong prognostic factors in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Study Design:

We examined expression levels of total and nuclear EGFR as well as p16 status based on evidence that nuclear EGFR may have a role in DNA damage repair.

Methods:

An HPV‐negative (SQ20B) and an HPV‐positive (UMSCC47) HNSCC cell line were examined for EGFR and γH2AX expression. A tissue microarray containing 123 cores obtained from 101 HNSCC tumors was analyzed for EGFR expression by automated quantitative analysis and p16 expression by immunohistochemical staining, and these results were correlated with available clinical data.

Results:

SQ20B had higher EGFR expression than UMSCC47. Nuclear localization of EGFR on activation with transforming growth factor‐α was observed in SQ20B, but not in UMSCC47. SQ20B also had increased γH2AX foci compared to UMSCC47, suggesting that SQ20B has more DNA damage compared to UMSCC47. Total and nuclear EGFR was reliably obtained from 80 of 101 patients. p16 levels were determined in 87 of 101 patients. p16 levels were strongly associated with the oropharyngeal subsite and poorly differentiated histology. Expression of total and nuclear EGFR was higher in p16‐negative tumors compared to p16‐positive tumors (Wilcoxon rank test, P = .038 and P = .014, respectively).

Conclusions:

Further studies are required to determine a mechanistic link between these two prognostic factors and the significance of EGFR localization to nucleus in DNA damage repair pathway activation. Laryngoscope, 2012
Cholestatic hepatitis C following liver transplantation: An outcome-based histological definition, clinical predictors, and prognosis
Authors: Verna Elizabeth C. , Abdelmessih Rita , Salomao Marcela A. , Lefkowitch Jay , Moreira Roger K. , Brown Robert S.
Published: October 2012

Cholestatic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a rare form of recurrent HCV following liver transplantation (LT) without specific diagnostic criteria. An outcome-based method to improve its diagnosis and a description of its prognosis are needed. All 1-year post-LT protocol liver biopsy samples and biopsy samples initially reported to show cholestatic HCV from patients transplanted with HCV between February 2002 and December 2009 were reviewed for the inflammation grade, the fibrosis stage, and 4 cholestatic HCV features: ductular proliferation, canalicular cholestasis with or without intracellular cholestasis, hepatocyte swelling with or without lobular disarray, and sinusoidal/pericellular fibrosis. We used patient and graft survival to define histological criteria for cholestatic HCV, and compared the clinical features of these patients to those of patients with minimal or significant post-LT fibrosis. One hundred seventy-nine patients were analyzed, the median age was 56 years, and 73% were male. Patients with 3 or more of the 4 cholestatic HCV criteria had significantly worse survival (log-rank P < 0.001) regardless of the fibrosis stage, and this was used as our novel definition of cholestatic HCV. Using this definition, we found that 27 patients (15%) had cholestatic HCV, 53 (30%) had significant fibrosis (stage ≥ 2/4), and 99 (55%) had minimal fibrosis (stage < 2/4). The final model for clinical predictors of cholestatic HCV included donor age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.37 per decade, P = 0.04] and previous rejection (Banff grade ≥ 5; OR = 4.19, P = 0.002). Total bilirubin was the strongest laboratory predictor of cholestatic HCV (area under the curve = 0.93), whereas the HCV viral load was not a significant predictor. The final model of post-LT survival included the pathology group {cholestatic HCV [hazard ratio (HR) = 6.07, P < 0.001] and significant fibrosis (HR = 2.53, P = 0.02)}, donor age (HR = 1.49 per decade, P < 0.001), and cold ischemia time (HR = 1.11 per hour, P = 0.02). In conclusion, we propose diagnostic criteria for cholestatic HCV that include specific criteria (the presence of at least 3 of the 4 histopathological features on biopsy) and other supportive and exclusionary criteria. Older donor age and rejection increase the risk of cholestatic HCV, and an elevation in the total bilirubin level may help to identify these patients. These criteria must be validated prospectively. Liver Transpl 19:78–88, 2013. © 2012 AASLD.
Bacterial diversity in different regions of gastrointestinal tract of Giant African Snail (Achatina fulica)
Authors: Pawar Kiran D. , Banskar Sunil , Rane Shailendra D. , Charan Shakti S. , Kulkarni Girish J. , Sawant Shailesh S. , Ghate Hemant V. , Patole Milind S. , Shouche Yogesh S.
Published: October 2012

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract of invasive land snail Achatina fulica is known to harbor metabolically active bacterial communities. In this study, we assessed the bacterial diversity in the different regions of GI tract of Giant African snail, A. fulica by culture‐independent and culture‐dependent methods. Five 16S rRNA gene libraries from different regions of GI tract of active snails indicated that sequences affiliated to phylum γ‐Proteobacteria dominated the esophagus, crop, intestine, and rectum libraries, whereas sequences affiliated to Tenericutes dominated the stomach library. On phylogenetic analysis, 30, 27, 9, 27, and 25 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from esophagus, crop, stomach, intestine, and rectum libraries were identified, respectively. Estimations of the total bacterial diversity covered along with environmental cluster analysis showed highest bacterial diversity in the esophagus and lowest in the stomach. Thirty‐three distinct bacterial isolates were obtained, which belonged to 12 genera of two major bacterial phyla namely γ‐Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Among these, Lactococcus lactis and Kurthia gibsonii were the dominant bacteria present in all GI tract regions. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis indicated significant differences in bacterial load in different GI tract regions of active and estivating snails. The difference in the bacterial load between the intestines of active and estivating snail was maximum. Principal component analysis (PCA) of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism suggested that bacterial community structure changes only in intestine when snail enters estivation state.
Design innovations and baseline findings in a long‐term Parkinson's trial: The national institute of neurological disorders and stroke exploratory trials in Parkinson's Disease Long‐Term Study–1
Authors: Elm Jordan J. ,   The NINDS NET‐PD Investigators
Published: October 2012

Based on the preclinical data and the results of a phase II futility study, creatine was selected for an efficacy trial in Parkinson's disease (PD). We present the design rationale and a description of the study cohort at baseline. A randomized, multicenter, double‐blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled phase III study of creatine (10 g daily) in participants with early, treated PD, the Long‐term Study–1 (LS‐1), is being conducted by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Exploratory Trials in Parkinson's Disease network. The study utilizes a global statistical test (GST) encompassing five clinical rating scales to provide a multidimensional assessment of disease progression. A total of 1,741 PD participants from 45 sites in the United States and Canada were randomized 1:1 to either 10 g of creatine/day or matching placebo. Participants are being evaluated for a minimum of 5 years. The LS‐1 baseline cohort includes participants treated with dopaminergic therapy and generally mild PD. LS‐1 represents the largest cohort of patients with early treated PD ever enrolled in a clinical trial. The GST approach should provide high power to test the hypothesis that daily administration of creatine (10 g/day) is more effective than placebo in slowing clinical decline in PD between baseline and the 5‐year follow‐up visit against the background of dopaminergic therapy and best PD care. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Pine nut allergy: Clinical features and major allergens characterization
Authors: Cabanillas Beatriz , Cheng Hsiaopo , Grimm Casey C. , Hurlburt Barry K. , Rodríguez Julia , Crespo Jesús F. , Maleki Soheila J.
Published: October 2012

Scope

The aims of this study were to evaluate IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity to pine nut with details of clinical reactions and to characterize major pine nut allergens.

Methods and results

The study included ten consecutive teenagers and adults diagnosed with IgE‐mediated clinical allergy to pine nut. Two major pine nut allergens were purified and identified and the secondary structures and susceptibility to digestion were characterized. Severe reactions represent 80% of allergic reactions to pine nut in this study. Moreover, 70% of the patients were monosensitized to this nut. Two major allergens with molecular weights of 6 and 50 kDa were purified and identified as albumin and vicilin, respectively. The 6 kDa protein (albumin), rich in α‐helix content, was far more stable to peptic and tryptic digestion as compared with 50 kDa protein (vicilin), which was quickly broken down. The secondary structure of the purified 50 kDa protein showed 41% β‐sheet, 5% α‐helix, and 54% random coil and/or loops.

Conclusion

Eighty percent of allergic reactions to pine nut in the ten patients included in this study were severe. Most patients (70%) were monosensitized to this nut. Two major allergens with molecular weights of 6 and 50 kDa were purified and identified as albumin and vicilin, respectively.
Stereostructure of mycoheptin A2
Authors: Płosiński Marcin , Laskowski Tomasz , Sowiński Paweł , Pawlak Jan
Published: October 2012

The absolute configurations of all the stereogenic centers of the antibiotic mycoheptin A2 were established upon previously elaborated general procedure, consisting of DQF‐COSY, NOESY, ROESY, HSQC and HMBC experiments as major tools. The structure of mycoheptin A2 without stereochemistry of its aglycone has been reported before. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.