bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutations in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) of Hepatitis B virus genotype C in North China
Authors: Shi Ying , Wei Feili , Hu Dongmei , Li Qing , Smith Davey , Li Ning , Chen Dexi 
Published: October 2012

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) can evolve by mutations in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) of the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) to permit its escape from neutralization by antibodies such as HBV surface antibody (anti‐HBs) and from host immune responses. This study investigated the prevalence and pattern of MHR mutations in North China and the clinical correlations of these mutations. The MHRs of 161 HBsAg‐positive patients were amplified using nested PCR, and directly sequenced to identify MHR mutations. It was showed that among the 161 patients infected with HBV genotype C in North China, the overall frequency of MHR mutation was 46.6%. Furthermore, MHR mutations were associated with high white blood cell counts (P = 0.025), high bilirubin levels (P = 0.048), and cirrhosis (P = 0.010). The most frequent mutations in patients with both HBsAg‐positive and anti‐HBs‐positive were located in subregion 1 and 3 of MHR, specifically, residue Q101 (29.9%) and I126 (70.6%), which was different from the mutation pattern found in Western Europe and the United States. Taken together, these data indicated important virological and clinical aspects of HBV evolution in terms of the surface gene of genotype C, which might be important for its response to the currently available HBV vaccine. J. Med. Virol. 84:1901–1906, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elevated post‐transfusion serum transaminase values associated with a highly significant trend for increasing prevalence of anti‐Vesivirus antibody in Korean patients
Authors: Lee Heetae , Cho You‐Hee , Park Jeong Su , Kim Eui‐Chong , Smith Alvin W. , Ko GwangPyo 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA highly significant increase in anti‐Vesivirus (family Caliciviridae) antibody prevalence, along the axis from healthy blood donors; donors with elevated transaminase; patients with clinical hepatitis; and patients with post‐transfusion/dialysis hepatitis, has been reported in human sera from the USA and Europe. Asian samples have now been tested retrospectively using serology and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) with a Vesivirus partial‐capsid antigen expressed as a fusion protein. Anti‐vesiviral antibodies were measured by optical densities (OD650) and compared in patients separated by age, gender and Groups A–F as follows: Control Group A, an Experimental Group B, which was divided further into Group C, patients with elevated enzymes (alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (γ‐GT); Group D, patients receiving transfused blood; Group E, patients with high enzyme levels after transfusion; and Group F, hepatitis B and C positive patients. Using multivariate logistic regression analyses, a significantly greater proportion of patients receiving transfusion(s), were positive for anti‐Vesivirus antibody compared with non‐transfused patients (P = 0.008; OR: 3.86, 95% CI: 1.43–10.43). Also, anti‐Vesivirus antibody was significantly associated with elevated biochemical liver function tests: ALT ≥120 IU or AST ≥ 120 IU (P = 0.017; OR: 4.23, 95% CI: 1.30–13.80). In the blood transfusion group, anti‐Vesivirus antibody was significantly correlated with high enzyme levels (ALT, P = 0.018; AST, P = 0.010; γ‐GT, P = 0.020). These data provide serologic evidence of vesiviral transfusion–transmission‐associated disease, which could include infection of any organ system where cytopathology resulted in high levels of either ALT or AST. J. Med. Virol. 84:1943–1952, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytomegalovirus‐associated cerebral sinus vein thrombosis
Authors: Sherman Shany , Justo Dan , Engel Tal , Yossepowitch Orit , Bregman Noa , Gadoth Avi , Paran Yael 
Published: October 2012

AbstractCytomegalovirus (CMV)‐associated thrombosis has been reported many times in the medical literature, and most patients had deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism. CMV‐associated cerebral sinus vein thrombosis has been reported only twice. We present an immunocompetent patient with CMV‐associated cerebral sinus vein thrombosis and no other thrombosis risk factors. This is another example of the pro‐thrombotic features of CMV. Physicians should be alert for symptoms and signs of acute CMV infection in patients with thrombosis. J. Med. Virol. 84:1934–1936, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seeds of doubt: Re‐assessing the impact of grain P concentrations on seedling vigor
Authors: Rose Terry J. , Pariasca‐Tanaka Juan , Rose Michael T. , Mori Asako , Wissuwa Matthias 
Published: October 2012

AbstractInterest in developing crop varieties with low grain phosphorus (P) in order to minimize the removal of P from fields in harvested grain has been limited due to the view that a low‐P grain trait may impair subsequent seedling vigor. This perception is based on relatively few studies, which typically investigated seedling growth on infertile soils, and used seed that may have differed in attributes other than P concentration. To investigate whether these anomalies cast sufficient doubt to warrant renewed research in this field, we compared the growth of rice seedlings from seed low in P obtained from P‐starved plants (P‐starved seed) vs. high‐P seeds (obtained from P‐fertilized plants) in P‐deficient and P‐replete soils. While plants from high‐P seed were superior in the P‐deficient soil, plants grown from P‐starved seed overcame an initial lull in early vigor to obtain similar biomass at maturity as plants grown from high‐P seed. Subsequent experiments were undertaken using high‐P seed vs. seed low in P from a range of rice genotypes that was not obtained from P‐stressed plants (low‐P seed): There was no reduction in seedling vigor or biomass and grain yields at maturity of plants from low‐P seeds in low‐P soil compared to plants from high‐P seed, though responses were genotype‐specific. The results suggest that multiple factors can confound the results of seed P × seedling vigor studies, and that a renewed research effort to define the minimum P levels in seeds required for adequate seedling growth across a range of environments is warranted.
Occurrence and contribution of alkyl methoxypyrazines in wine tainted by Harmonia axyridis and Coccinella septempunctata
Authors: Botezatu Andreea I , Kotseridis Yorgos , Inglis Debbie , Pickering Gary J 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Ladybug taint (LBT) is a wine fault caused by the inadvertent incorporation of ladybeetles to the wine during the winemaking process. Harmonia axyridis, also known as the multicolored Asian lady‐beetle (MALB), was the only species considered responsible for causing the taint. A second species, Coccinella septempunctata (7 Spot), has recently also been implicated. The main objectives of this study were to identify and quantify the compounds associated with ladybug taint of white and red wine from these two Coccinellidae species (Harmonia axyridis and Coccinella septempunctata), and determine the most odor‐active compounds in LBT‐affected wines.RESULTS: Results show that Coccinellidae can contribute dimethyl, isopropyl, secbutyl and isobutyl methoxypyrazine to wine when they are processed with grapes, and that the methoxypyrazine composition varies between MALB and 7 Spot. Isopropyl methoxypyrazine is the major contributor to LBT in wines produced with these ladybeetle species, although secbutyl and isobutyl methoxypyrazine may contribute in MALB‐ and 7 Spot‐affected wines, respectively. Finally, dimethyl methoxypyrazine is reported for the first time in wines not affected by Coccinellidae; the global significance and prevalence of this compound in wine remains to be determined.CONCLUSION: Both Harmonia axyridis and Coccinella septempunctata can contribute alkyl methoxypyrazines, and particularly isopropyl methoxypyrazine, to wine at concentrations that can have a negative impact on wine quality. These findings will allow grape growers and winemakers to be more aware of the risks posed by 7 Spot beetles, and to take the appropriate preventative and remedial actions. Furthermore, this is the first time dimethyl methoxypyrazine is reported in wine, either as an endogenous or Coccinellidae‐derived odorant. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of micronisation of pre‐conditioned cowpeas on cooking time and sensory properties of cooked cowpeas
Authors: Kayitesi Eugénie , Duodu Kwaku Gyebi , Minnaar Amanda , de Kock Henriette L 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Cowpea is mostly utilised as cooked whole seeds. This is often achieved only after boiling for up to 2 h, resulting in high energy consumption and a long time for food preparation. Micronisation of pre‐conditioned cowpeas reduces their cooking time. Micronisation changes the physicochemical properties of cowpea seeds, which may affect the sensory properties of cooked cowpeas. Consumer acceptance and utilisation of micronised cowpeas depend on their sensory properties. Micronised and unmicronised samples of Blackeye, Bechuana white, Glenda and Dr Saunders cowpeas were subjected to cooking time, descriptive sensory and colour analyses.RESULTS: Micronisation significantly reduced cowpea cooking time by 28–49%. There were significant (P < 0.05) increases in roasted aroma and flavour, mushy texture and splitting in all micronised samples. Bechuana white was more mushy and split than others. There were significant decreases in firmness, mealiness and coarseness after micronisation for all cowpea types. Micronised cowpeas were darker (lower L* values) than unmicronised cooked cowpeas. Darkening was more evident in light‐coloured than dark‐coloured cowpeas.CONCLUSION: Micronisation reduces cowpea cooking time but also affects sensory properties of cowpeas such as introducing roasted flavours that may not be familiar to consumers. This might have an influence on consumer acceptance of micronised cowpeas. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Is livestock production prepared for an electrically paralysed world?
Authors: Lassen Brian 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPolitics, insolvency, increased technological complexity and solar flares are factors that currently present uncomfortably real threats to our increasing dependency on electricity. In some scenarios, there may be no warning before electronic and mechanical help will cease to function. Industrial food production appears to be particularly vulnerable. Making preparations for an electrically paralysed period may not only be prudent, and a matter of national security, but might also push scientific efforts in agricultural production past energy reduction and towards more resilient and sustainable options. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
A simple method for the determination of bioactive antioxidants in virgin olive oils
Authors: Garcia Barbara , Coelho Joana , Costa Marlene , Pinto Joana , Paiva‐Martins Fátima 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe importance of olive polyphenols as bioactive compounds has grown in recent years as a result of intensive research on their anticancer, antiatherosclerotic and antihypertensive activities. However, there is currently no official method for determining the content of polyphenols in olive oils because of the technical difficulties in their determination. Here a simple method for the analysis of extra virgin olive oil o‐diphenols by visible spectrometry is proposed and compared with the traditional method of solid phase extraction followed by colorimetric determination using sodium molybdate or Folin–Ciocalteu reagent or by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis using UV detection. This new approach to determining total o‐diphenolic compounds exploits the oxidation of o‐diphenols to quinones in a basic medium.ResultsPreliminary results showed a better correlation between the total o‐diphenol determination by HPLC and by the proposed method (R2 = 0.9229) than between the total o‐diphenol determination by HPLC and by the molybdate colorimetric method (R2 = 0.8689). A good correlation was also observed between the total phenolic content determined by HPLC and by the proposed method (R2 = 0.8196), but this correlation was a little lower than the one obtained between the HPLC method and the Folin–Ciocalteu method (R2 = 0.8752).ConclusionThe proposed method involves very little sample manipulation, requires inexpensive reagents and can be performed in less than 40 min for several samples at the same time, using olive oil samples of only 1–2 g. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The efficacy of cutanplast nasal packing after endoscopic sinus surgery: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Cho Kyu‐Sup , Shin Seung‐Kuk , Lee Jung‐Hoon , Kim Joo‐Yeon , Koo Soo‐Kweon , Kim Yong‐Wan , Kim Min‐Jung , Roh Hwan‐Jung 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Absorbable packing materials are commonly used after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Cutanplast is a novel gelatin sponge with a powerful hemostatic effect that is rapidly absorbed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Cutanplast in patients following ESS.Study Design:A multicenter, prospective, randomized, double‐blind, paired, controlled trial.Methods:One hundred adult patients with chronic sinusitis requiring the same extent of ESS were included. Patients were excluded if they were undergoing septoplasty, turbinate surgery, revision surgery, and taking anticoagulants. Following surgery, one nasal cavity was packed with Cutanplast and the other one with Merocel. Hemostatic properties, patient discomfort while the packing was in situ, patient pain on removal, degree of bleeding on removal, time required to control bleeding after removal, the cost of the pack, and postoperative wound healing were evaluated.Results:Both packs were effective at preventing postoperative hemorrhage. However, Cutanplast was significantly more comfortable while in situ (mean difference, 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75‐1.25) and less painful on removal of the pack (mean difference, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.85‐1.71). The Merocel pack was associated with significantly more bleeding on removal (mean difference, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.61‐2.29), therefore much time was needed to control hemorrhage (mean difference, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.31‐1.45). There was no significant difference in the cost of the pack used and outcome measure of wound healing.Conclusions:Cutanplast nasal pack results in significantly less pain and less bleeding compared to Merocel pack. Laryngoscope, 2013
Cartographic Procedure for the Analysis of Aeolian Erosion Hazard in Natural Parks (Central System, Spain)
Authors: Martínez‐Graña A. M. , Goy J. L. , Zazo C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractCartographic analysis of the hazard of erosion is a useful tool for the planning and management of natural parks, helping to establish measures for protection and correction. Such parks, which offer spectacular landscape views and natural beauty, must be conserved with all their resources. Accordingly, park managers must have the cartographic tools for hazard planning, which is necessary for the rational and sustainable handling of human activities and the establishment of preventive and corrective measures. The present work describes a cartographic procedure using GIS that determines the risk of aeolian erosion. The method was applied to two protected natural parks in the central mountain system in Spain. This cartographic method revealed a weak risk of hazard of erosion in low‐lying areas or valley floors, with increasing risk in areas of deflation. These areas were explored by mapping geomorphological domains and slopes, characterising different surficial deposits: colluvium, piedmonts, debris cone, alluvial fans and river terraces. Aeolian erosion on cultivated surfaces with gentle slopes was observed to be low, but in sectors with little agricultural activity and undulated reliefs, the hazard of erosion is important owing to the high analytical and textural erodibility and scant vegetation cover of these sectors. These parameters were studied on the basis of the mapping of soils and soil profiles. Additionally, the cartography of vegetation and the wind index in the cartographic procedure allowed for the different degrees of aeolian erosion to be better quantified. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Craig interpolation for semilinear substructural logics
Authors: Marchioni Enrico , Metcalfe George 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe Craig interpolation property is investigated for substructural logics whose algebraic semantics are varieties of semilinear (subdirect products of linearly ordered) pointed commutative residuated lattices. It is shown that Craig interpolation fails for certain classes of these logics with weakening if the corresponding algebras are not idempotent. A complete characterization is then given of axiomatic extensions of the “R‐mingle with unit” logic (corresponding to varieties of Sugihara monoids) that have the Craig interpolation property. This latter characterization is obtained using a model‐theoretic quantifier elimination strategy to determine the varieties of Sugihara monoids admitting the amalgamation property.
Reversible freezing of gait caused by dural arteriovenous fistula and congestion of the globus pallidus
Authors: Shahar Tal , Gadoth Avi , Nossek Erez , Giladi Nir , Ram Zvi , Maimon Shimon 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground:Freezing of gait (FOG) is defined as an episodic inability to generate effective stepping in the absence of any known cause other than parkinsonism or high‐level gait disorders.Methods:We present a 59‐year‐old male with acute, progressive episodes of FOG. Imaging studies revealed a dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) associated with edema of the globus pallidus interna (GPi). Cerebral angiography confirmed the diagnosis of DAVF and demonstrated an occluded straight sinus and a retrograde blood flow of deep cerebral veins.Results:After endovascular closure of the DAVF, a major improvement of FOG was observed concomitant with striking near resolution of GPi congestion.Conclusions:This reversal of the clinical course, correlated with changes in imaging studies, suggests a major role of the GPi in the pathology of FOG. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Production of Polyclonal Antibody Against Madecassoside and Development of Immunoassay Methods for Analysis of Triterpene Glycosides in Centella asiatica
Authors: Tassanawat Patcharin , Putalun Waraporn , Yusakul Gorawit , Sritularak Boonchoo , Juengwatanatrakul Thaweesak , Tanaka Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTIntroductionCentella asiatica (L.) Urban consists of two major triterpene glycosides, asiaticoside (AS) and madecassoside (MA), as active components used for wound healing and enhancing memory.ObjectiveTo produce a polyclonal antibody against madecassoside (MA‐PAb) and develop enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Eastern blotting methods for quantitative analysis of triterpene glycosides in Centella asiatica.MethodsAn ELISA method was developed using polyclonal antibody against MA. An Eastern blotting method on the PES membrane was established for determination of MA and AS. The immunoassays were validated for sensitivity, precision, specificity and accuracy.ResultsThe prepared MA‐PAb shows specificity to MA and AS. The measuring range of triterpene glycosides was 0.39–50 µg/mL using the ELISA method. An Eastern blotting method was developed for determining individual MA and AS, which could be detected in the range of 62.5–500 ng. The limit of detection for MA and AS was 31.25 ng. The two methods developed showed good specificity, precision, and accuracy, and also correlated with high‐performance liquid chromatography.ConclusionThese immunoassays have several advantages that include high sensitivity as well as being rapid and facile for determination of the triterpene glycosides in C. asiatica. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative study of silicon‐containing cycloaliphatic epoxides between different chemical structures and curing mechanisms for potential light‐emitting diode encapsulation applications
Authors: Liu Wanshuang , Wang Zhonggang 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to systematically investigate the curing behavior of three novel di‐ and trifunctional silicon‐containing cycloaliphatic epoxy resins by both anhydride and cationic ring‐opening polymerization methods as well as the viscoelasticity, thermal stability, water absorption and optical properties of the cured products. Differential scanning calorimetry curves show that, relative to anhydride curing, cationic polymerization can decrease the curing temperature to below 120 °C, and the reaction exothermic peaks become very narrow and sharp, exhibiting rapid curing characteristics at moderately low temperature. In addition, the differences between the anhydride and cationic curing methods bring about interesting variations in physical properties for the cured products which are well related to their chemical structures, polymerization mechanism, crosslinking density, segmental flexibility and inter‐segmental distance. The excellent transparency, rapid cationic curing rate, good thermal stability and high glass transition temperature of over 275 °C make this series of epoxy resins promising candidates for light‐emitting diode encapsulation applications. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Lactic acid‐ and carbonate‐based crosslinked polymeric micelles for drug delivery
Authors: Danquah Michael , Fujiwara Tomoko , Mahato Ram I. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractOur objective was to synthesize and evaluate lactic acid‐ and carbonate‐based biodegradable core‐ and core‐corona crosslinkable copolymers for anticancer drug delivery. Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(carbonate‐co‐lactide‐co‐5‐methyl‐5‐allyloxycarbonyl‐1,3‐dioxane‐2‐one) [mPEG‐b‐P(CB‐co‐LA‐co‐MAC)] and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(acryloyl carbonate)‐b‐poly(carbonate‐co‐lactide) [mPEG‐b‐PMAC‐b‐P(CB‐co‐LA)] copolymers were synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization of LA, CB, and MAC using mPEG as an macroinitiator and 1,8‐diazabicycloundec‐7‐ene as a catalyst. These amphiphilic copolymers which exhibited low polydispersity and critical micelle concentration values (0.8–1 mg/L) were used to prepare micelles with or without drug and stabilized by crosslinking via radical polymerization of double bonds introduced in the core and interface to improve stability. mPEG114‐b‐P(CB8‐co‐LA35‐co‐MAC2.5) had a higher drug encapsulation efficiency (78.72% ± 0.15%) compared to mPEG114‐b‐PMAC2.5‐b‐P(CB9‐co‐LA39) (20.29% ± 0.11%).1H NMR and IR spectroscopy confirmed successful crosslinking (∼70%) while light scattering and transmission electron microscopy were used to determine micelle size and morphology. Crosslinked micelles demonstrated enhanced stability against extensive dilution with aqueous solvents and in the presence of physiological simulating serum concentration. Furthermore, bicalutamide‐loaded crosslinked micelles were more potent compared to non‐crosslinked micelles in inhibiting LNCaP cell proliferation irrespective of polymer type. Finally, these results suggest crosslinked micelles to be promising drug delivery vehicles for chemotherapy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013