bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreased Fecal Corticosterone Levels Due to Domestication: A Comparison Between the White‐Backed Munia (Lonchura striata) and Its Domesticated Strain, the Bengalese Finch (Lonchura striata var. domestica) With a Suggestion for Complex Song Evolution
Authors: Suzuki Kenta , Yamada Hiroko , Kobayashi Tetsuya , Okanoya Kazuo 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe Bengalese finch (BF; Lonchura striata var. domestica) is a domesticated strain of the white‐backed munia (WBM; Lonchura striata). Environmental stresses activate the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and release corticosterone (CORT). We hypothesized that domesticated songbirds have reduced CORT levels because of reduced levels of environmental stresses (compared to wild conditions) and reductions in the role of CORT, which is necessary for survival in the wild. However, no study has examined the effects of domestication on songbird CORT levels. To explore the domestication effects, we compared CORT levels between domesticated BFs and their wild ancestors WBMs. We also compared CORT levels between bought and aviary‐raised BFs, and between wild‐caught and captive‐raised WBMs to examine the influence of being raised. However, blood collection causes stress, which affects endocrine dynamics and makes continuous sampling difficult in small birds. Therefore, we used a non‐invasive method to measure fecal CORT. Parallelism between diluted fecal extracts and a CORT standard, extraction efficiency, and ACTH challenge demonstrated the effectiveness of this method. This study demonstrates that BFs have lower fecal CORT than do WBMs, regardless of whether the WBMs were wild‐caught or captive‐raised. In addition, BFs sing more complex songs than WBMs. Considerable evidence suggests that song complexity is related to CORT levels. Previously, we found that the corticosteroid receptors were expressed in song‐control areas of the BF brain. Based on these results, we hypothesize that reduced CORT levels through domestication might be one factor allowing for the development of more complex songs in BFs. J. Exp. Zool. 317A:561–570, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinematics and Center of Mass Mechanics During Terrestrial Locomotion in Northern Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus, Charadriiformes)
Authors: Nyakatura J.A. , Andrada E. , Grimm N. , Weise H. , Fischer M.S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAvian bipedalism is best studied in derived walking/running specialists. Here, we use kinematics and center of mass (CoM) mechanical energy patterns to investigate gait transitions of lapwings—migratory birds that forage on the ground, and therefore may need a trade‐off between the functional demands of terrestrial locomotion and long distance flights. The animals ran on a treadmill while high‐speed X‐ray videos were recorded within the sustainable speed range. Instantaneous CoM mechanics were computed from integrating kinematics and body segment properties. Lapwings exhibit similar locomotor characteristics to specialized walking/running birds, but have less distinct gaits. At slow speeds no clear separation between vaulting (i.e., walking) and bouncing (i.e., running) energy patterns exists. Mechanical energy recovery of non‐bouncing gaits correlates poorly with speed and suggests inefficient use of the inverted pendulum mechanism. Speed ranges of gaits overlap considerably, especially those of grounded running, a gait with CoM mechanics indicative of running but without an aerial phase, and aerial phase running, with no preferential gait at most speeds. Compliant limb morphology and grounded running in birds can be regarded as an evolutionary constraint, but lapwings effectively make use of advantages offered by this gait for a great fraction of their speed range. Thus, effective usage of grounded running during terrestrial locomotion is suggested generally to be a part of striding avian bipedalism—even in species not specialized in walking/running locomotion.J. Exp. Zool. 317A:580–594, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On a Conjecture on a Laplacian Matrix with Distinct Integral Spectrum
Authors: Goldberger Assaf , Neumann Michael 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn a paper Fallat et al. (J Graph Theory 50 (2005), 162–174) consider the question of the existence of simple graphs on n vertices whose Laplacian matrix has an integral spectrum consisting of simple eigenvalues only in the range , 0 always being, automatically, one of the eigenvalues. They completely characterize the case when n is one of the eigenvalues, but for the case when n is not, they conjecture that there are no such graphs. In that paper it is shown that, indeed, there are no such graphs for . In this paper we show that the conjecture is true for We actually consider the nonexistence of graphs whose Laplacians are realized by more general spectra , with , , , , and , subject to certain trace conditions. We show that, indeed, for sufficiently large n such graphs do not exist. Our methods are both graph theoretical and algebraic. In certain cases we refine the Cauchy interlacing theorem. Finally, rather than work with Laplacians which have nonpositive off‐Diagonal entries, we transform the problems to the realizability of spectra of nonnegative matrices which we term anti‐Laplacians.
(WHY) HAVE PRO‐POOR POLICIES FAILED AFRICA'S WORKING POOR?
Authors: Lyons Michal , Brown Alison , Msoka Colman 
Published: August 2012

AbstractGlobalisation, liberalisation and urbanisation have contributed to a rapid growth of urban informal economies in sub‐Saharan Africa. Commerce has become a dominant feature of national economies, and street vending has become a prime source of employment for poor urban dwellers, yet most work illegally, and evictions and harassment are common. The paper examines the process and impacts of three pro‐poor reform agendas in Tanzania, each representing a different ideology of reform, and draws on survey results from 2007 and 2011 to assess their potential to legitimate the activities of street vendors and to ameliorate their relations with the state. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular and phylogenetic analyses of human Parvovirus B19 isolated from Brazilian patients with sickle cell disease and β‐thalassemia major and healthy blood donors
Authors: Slavov Svetoslav Nanev , Haddad Simone Kashima , Silva‐Pinto Ana Cristina , Amarilla Alberto Anastacio , Alfonso Helda Liz , Aquino Victor Hugo , Covas Dimas Tadeu 
Published: August 2012

AbstractHuman Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a recognized cause of life‐threatening conditions among patients with hemoglobinopathies. This study investigates B19V infection in patients with sickle cell disease and β‐thalassemia using different experimental approaches. A total of 183 individuals (144 with sickle cell disease and 39 with β‐thalassemia major) and 100 healthy blood donors were examined for B19V using anti‐B19V IgG enzyme immunoassay, quantitative PCR, DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Viremia was documented in 18.6% of patients and 1% of donors, and was generally characterized by low viral load (VL); however, acute infections were also observed. Anti‐B19V IgG was detected in 65.9% of patients with sickle cell disease and in 60% of donors, whereas the patients with thalassemia exhibited relatively low seroreactivity. The seroprevalence varied among the different age groups. In patients, it progressively increased with age, whereas in donors it reached a plateau. Based on partial NS1 fragments, all isolates detected were classified as subgenotype 1A with a tendency to elicit genetically complex infections. Interestingly, quasispecies occurred in the plasma of not only patients but also donors with even higher heterogeneity. The partial NS1 sequence examined did not exhibit positive selection. Quantitation of B19V with a conservative probe is a technically and practically useful approach. The extensive spread of B19V subgenotype 1A in patients and donors and its recent introduction into the countryside of the São Paulo State, Brazil were demonstrated; however, it is difficult to establish a relationship between viral sequences and the clinical outcomes of the infection. J. Med. Virol. 84:1652–1665, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatitis C virus: The role of molecular mimicry in response to interferon treatment
Authors: Uzicanin Samra , Hu Yu‐Wen , Alsousi Husam , Pelchat Martin , Rocheleau Lynda , Nair Rama C. , Brown Earl G. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractChronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the major causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. In order for HCV to persist, the virus must escape immune recognition or inhibit the host immune response. The NS5A protein contains the interferon sensitivity‐determining region (ISDR) and is able to repress dsRNA‐dependent protein kinase (PKR) thus influencing the response to interferon (IFN) therapy. Patients who respond to IFN therapy have stronger antibody reactivity against the NS5A compared to IFN non‐responders. Therefore, given the possible role for the ISDR in IFN resistance and differential antibody reactivity, it is possible that variation in ISDR may be involved in viral immune escape and development of persistent HCV infection employing aspects of host mimicry. In this study, pre‐treatment samples obtained from HCV infected patients were used to investigate the effect of different NS5A ISDR variants on the IFN antiviral response and their involvement in immune evasion. The NS5A was identified as a homologue of the variable region of immunoglobulins (Ig). The IFN resistant genotypes had higher levels of similarity to Ig compared to IFN sensitive genotypes. Expression of NS5A‐6003 (HCV genotype 1b) and NS5A‐6074 (HCV genotype 2a) was able to rescue vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) from IFN inhibition and restore luciferase activity. A correlation between Ig‐like NS5A structure and also antibody response with the outcome of IFN treatment was observed. J. Med. Virol. 84:1571–1585, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes in Thailand
Authors: Louisirirotchanakul Suda , Olinger Christophe M. , Arunkaewchaemsri Panida , Poovorawan Yong , Kanoksinsombat Chinda , Thongme Chittima , Sa‐nguanmoo Pattaratida , Krasae Sasithorn , Theamboonlert Apiradee , Oota Sineenart , Fongsatitkul Ladda , Puapairoj Chintana , Promwong Charuporn , Weber Bernard 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPhylogenetic analysis was performed on hepatitis B virus (HBV) strains obtained from 86 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive donors from Thailand originating throughout the country. Based on theSgene, 87.5% of strains were of genotype C while 10.5% were of genotype B, with all genotype B strains obtained from patients originating from the central or the south Thailand. No genotype B strains were found in the north of Thailand. Surprisingly, one patient was infected with a genotype H strain while another patient was infected with a genotype G strain. Complete genome sequencing and recombination analysis identified the latter as being a genotype G and C2 recombinant with the breakpoint around nucleotide position 700. The origin of the genotype G fragment was not identifiable while the genotype C2 fragment most likely came from strains circulating in Laos or Malaysia. The performance of different HBsAg diagnostic kits and HBV nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) was evaluated. The genotype H and G/C2 recombination did not interfere with HBV detection. J. Med. Virol. 84:1541–1547, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatitis C virus infection among drug addicts in Italy
Authors: Stroffolini T. , D'Egidio P.F. , Aceti A. , Filippini P. , Puoti M. , Leonardi C. , Almasio P.L. ,   the DAVIS (Drug Addicted, HCV Prevalence in Italy: an Epidemiological, Observational, Cross‐Sectional, Multicenter Study) participating centers
Published: August 2012

AbstractThere is a lack of updated nationwide records regarding hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among drug addicts in Italy. The prevalence and characteristics of HCV infection in a national sample of drug addicts in Italy were determined. Five hundred forty‐three drug addicts (mean age 35.3 years, 85.1% males), selected from 25 Italian Centers for Substance Dependence were enrolled to be evaluated for anti‐HCV, HCV‐RNA, HCV genotype, HBV markers, anti‐HDV, and anti‐HIV during the period of April–November 2009. Anti‐HCV prevalence was 63.9%. HCV‐RNA was detected in 68.3% of patients positive for anti‐HCV. Genotypes 1 and 3 prevailed (49.3% and 39.7%, respectively). However, 9.3% of the subjects had genotype 4, a rate over threefold higher than the one observed in 1996 among drug addicts in central Italy. Needle sharing was the strongest independent predictor of the likelihood to contract an HCV infection (OR 8.9; 95% CI: 5.0–16.0). Only 19.3% of subjects received antiviral treatment for HCV. The prevalence of HBsAg and HIV positivity was 2.8% and 3.1%, respectively. The pattern of HBV markers showed that nearly one‐third of subjects had been vaccinated, while 42.3% were negative for any marker of HCV. The prevalence of HCV infection is high among drug addicts in Italy. The incidence of Genotype 4 is increasing and this may lead to the spreading of the disease to the general population in the near future. Efforts should be made to improve the rate of antiviral treatment for drug addicts with HCV infection and vaccination against hepatitis B. J. Med. Virol. 84:1608–1612, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Universal Influenza A and B Duplex Real‐time RT‐PCR Assay
Authors: Lee Hong Kai , Loh Tze Ping , Lee Chun Kiat , Tang Julian Wei‐Tze , Chiu Lily , Koay Evelyn Siew‐Chuan 
Published: August 2012

AbstractA high throughput universal influenza A and B duplex real‐time RT‐PCR was developed to meet effectively the heightened surveillance and diagnostic needs essential in managing influenza infections and outbreaks. Primers and probes, designed to target highly conserved regions of the matrix protein of influenza A and the nucleoprotein of influenza B, were optimized using the high‐throughput LightCycler 480 II system. Analytical sensitivity and specificity were characterized using RNA transcripts diluted serially, archived non‐influenza respiratory viruses, and proficiency test samples. Eighty‐nine clinical samples were tested in parallel against existing influenza A and B monoplex assays. Once validated, the duplex assay was applied prospectively on 2,458 clinical specimens that were later subtyped. In April 2011, the emergence of an influenza B variant necessitated the inclusion of an additional modified probe for influenza B and revalidation of the revised protocol. The lower detection limits of the assay were 50 copies/PCR. There was no cross‐reactivity against any non‐influenza respiratory virus and all proficiency testing materials were identified correctly. The parallel testing revealed a 98.9% overall agreement. Routine application of the assay revealed high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of influenza A/H1N1/2009, A/H3N2 and influenza B. Assay Cq values correlated well between the pre‐ and post‐revision protocols for influenza A (r2 = 0.998) and B (r2 = 0.999). The revised protocol detected three additional novel influenza B variant cases in 200 specimens reported previously as influenza B negative. This in‐house assay offers a highly sensitive and specific option for laboratories seeking to expand their influenza testing capacity. J. Med. Virol. 84:1646–1651, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IL28B polymorphism is not associated with HCV protease diversity in patients co‐infected with HIV and HCV treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin
Authors: Osinusi Anu , Chary Aarthi , Winters Mark A. , Naggie Susanna , Masur Henry , Polis Michael A. , Kottilil Shyam , Holodniy Mark 
Published: August 2012

AbstractRecent studies have demonstrated that IL28B polymorphisms predict therapeutic responses in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐treated patients; however, the effect on HCV viral diversity, particularly on the HCV protease gene, is not clear. This study sought to evaluate the effect of IL28B polymorphisms on HCV diversity at NS3/4 protease region, which may influence therapeutic response to an HCV protease inhibitor based regimen. Twenty‐two patients co‐infected with HIV and HCV genotype 1, treatment‐naïve on stable HIV antiretroviral therapy initiating interferon‐based treatment were evaluated. Plasma HCV NS3 gene diversity was analyzed by clonal analysis at baseline and end of treatment. IL28B (rs12979860) genotypes were tested for associations with virologic outcomes and diversity parameters. There was similar baseline NS3 diversity in patients with CC (favorable) genotype compared to those with CT/TT (unfavorable) genotypes. There was no significant association between IL28B genotype and baseline NS3 nucleotide p‐distance, dS‐dN, amino acid p‐distance, or nucleotide changes. Among patients without a sustained virologic response, between baseline and follow‐up there was a significant trend towards decreased diversity after treatment among patients with favorable genotype, which was not observed in unfavorable genotypes. In patients treated with peginterferon/ribavirin therapy, IL28B polymorphism was not associated with enhanced NS3 diversity at baseline. Among non‐SVR patients with the less favorable genotype, there was no change in diversity after treatment. This suggests that IL28B genotype is unlikely to have a negative impact on subsequent HCV PI efficacy in patients co‐infected with HIV and HCV patients who have previously failed HCV therapy. J. Med. Virol. 84:1522–1527, 2012. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Increased circulation of hepatitis A virus genotype IIIA over the last decade in St Petersburg, Russia
Authors: Mukomolov Sergey , Kontio Mia , Zheleznova Nina , Jokinen Sari , Sinayskaya Eugenia , Stalevskaya Anna , Davidkin Irja 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe current study, covering the period 2004–2009, is a part of long‐term monitoring for hepatitis A virus (HAV) strains circulating in St Petersburg, Russia. The HAV RNA was isolated directly from the sera of hepatitis A patients and RT‐PCR was carried out using primer pairs for VP1/2A and VP1 genomic regions. PCR products were sequenced and 324 nucleotides from VP1/2A and 332 from the VP1 region were used for phylogenetic analysis. The results show that the IA subtype was the most common circulating subtype during the follow‐up period, as found in the previous study: almost 90% of the isolated HAV strains belonged to the IA subtype. The large hepatitis A food‐borne outbreak in St Petersburg in 2005 was caused by HAV IA. However, the proportion of HAV isolates belonging to subtype IIIA significantly increased in the period 2001–2009 (7.9%) compared to the period 1997–2000 (none found). The subtype IIIA was first found in St Petersburg in 2001 among a group of intravenous drug users. The increase in its circulation during the decade suggests that this previously unusual genotype has been permanently introduced into the general population of St Petersburg. These results indicate the usefulness of molecular epidemiological methods for studying changes in the circulation of HAV strains. J. Med. Virol. 84:1528–1534, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence of transmitted HIV‐1 drug resistance among female sex workers and men who have sex with men in El Salvador, Central America
Authors: Murillo Wendy , Lorenzana de Rivera Ivette , Albert Jan , Guardado María Elena , Nieto Ana Isabel , Paz‐Bailey Gabriela 
Published: August 2012

AbstractTransmitted drug resistance has important implications for the successful use and management of therapy among persons infected with HIV. We estimated the prevalence of transmitted drug resistance in 145 samples from female sex workers (n = 47) and men who have sex with men (n = 98) in El Salvador. Samples were collected during March to September 2008, using a respondent driven sampling. The HIV‐1 pol gene was sequenced to identify drug resistance mutations and transmitted drug resistance was scored as recommended by World Health Organization. Specimens were classified as recent or established infections using the Immunoglobulin G‐Capture BED‐Enzyme Immunoassay. The overall prevalence of transmitted drug resistance was 9.4% (95% CI: 4.7–16.1%), and was 5.9% for non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, 4.2% for nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and 0.8% for protease inhibitors. Transmitted drug resistance prevalence was 10.3% (95% CI: 2.8–24.2%) among female sex workers, and 9.0% (95% CI: 3.6–17.6%) among men who have sex with men. Nineteen patients were classified as having recent infection (16.2%, 95% CI: 10.1–24.2%), while 98 patients (83.8%, 95% CI: 75.8–89.9%) were classified as having established infections. Transmitted drug resistance among recent and established infections was similar at 10.5% and 9.2%, respectively. This study shows that the prevalence of transmitted drug resistance is moderate among female sex workers and men who have sex with men in El Salvador. These results highlight the importance of transmitted drug resistance surveillance in a representative sample of recently infected patients following the World Health Organization guidelines. J. Med. Virol. 84:1514–1521, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Circulation of HIV‐1 subtype A within the subtype C HIV‐1 epidemic in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Ragupathy Viswanath , Casado Concepción , Jacob Saramma Mini , Samuel Narasappa Mathew , Lopez‐Galindez C. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe HIV‐1 epidemic in India is caused mainly by subtype C viruses that are transmitted sexually and by injecting drug use. The state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India has an HIV‐1 median prevalence of 16.8% among injecting drug users, 6.6% in men who have sex with men, and 4.6% in female sex workers. In the rural district of Namakkal, a prevalence >3% was detected among antenatal women. The goal of this study was to determine the HIV‐1 molecular epidemiology in Tamil Nadu. Blood samples were collected from 40 high‐risk HIV‐seropositive individuals from Chennai and Namakkal. HIV‐1 subtype was determined by envelope nucleotide sequencing. Among the samples studied, 85% were subtype C, however, a cluster of subtype A samples (12.5%) and one subtype E recombinant form CRF01_AE (close to the Thailand strains) were detected. The average genetic distance of subtype C samples from Chennai and Namakkal were 9.44 ± 0.77% and 11.8 ± 0.7%, respectively indicating an evolved epidemic. This pilot study confirmed that subtype C was predominant in these regions but an outbreak of subtype A was detected in Namakkal. These results stress the importance of periodic monitoring of circulating HIV‐1 subtypes in South India. J. Med. Virol. 84:1507–1513, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor exerts antinociceptive effects by reducing excitability of colon‐projecting dorsal root ganglion neurons in the colorectal distention‐evoked visceral pain model
Authors: Li Qianpeng , Zhang Xirong , Liu Kejing , Gong Liping , Li Jingxin , Yao Wei , Liu Chuanyong , Yu Shuyan , Li Yan , Yao Zhenyu , Ma Xuelian 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe mechanism underlying visceral pain is still largely unclear. Recently, much attention has focused on a potential modulatory role of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in visceral pain. In the present study, we investigated the expression of BDNF in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) primary sensory neurons and its role in a colorectal distention (CRD)‐induced model of visceral pain. Results obtained from enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) revealed that BDNF protein was upregulated after CRD. An abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) assay confirmed that BDNF played an antinociceptive role in this model. Application of BDNF directly to DRG neurons decreased their hypersensitivity when evoked by CRD. Pretreatment with k252a partially blocked the effect of BDNF. These findings suggest that BDNF might be a novel analgesic agent for the treatment of visceral pain. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.