bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C genotype distribution and homology among geographically disparate injecting drug users in Afghanistan
Authors: Sanders‐Buell Eric , Rutvisuttinunt Wiriya , Todd Catherine S. , Nasir Abdul , Bradfield Andrea , Lei Esther , Poltavee Kultida , Savadsuk Hathairat , Kim Jerome H. , Scott Paul T. , de Souza Mark , Tovanabutra Sodsai 
Published: May 2013

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is high among injecting drug users in Afghanistan, but transmission dynamics are poorly understood. Samples from HCV‐infected injecting drug users were sequenced to determine circulating genotypes and potential transmission linkages. Serum samples were obtained from injecting drug user participants in Hirat, Jalalabad, and Mazar‐i‐Sharif between 2006 and 2008 with reactive anti‐HCV rapid tests. Specimens with detected HCV viremia were amplified and underwent sequence analysis. Of 113 samples evaluated, 25 samples (35.2%) were only typeable in NS5B, nine samples (12.7%) were only typeable in CE1, and 37 samples (52.1%) were genotyped in both regions. Of those with typeable HCV, all were Afghan males with a mean age of 31.1 (standard deviation [SD] ± 8.0) years and mean duration of injecting of 3.9 (SD ± 4.3) years. Most reported residence outside Afghanistan in the last decade (90.1%) and prior incarceration (76.8%). HCV genotypes detected were: 1a, (35.2%, n = 25), 3a (62.0%, n = 44), and 1b (2.8%, n = 2). Cluster formation was detected in NS5B and CE1 and were generally from within the same city. All participants within clusters reported being a refugee in Iran compared to 93.5% of those outside clusters. Only 22.2% (4/11) of those within clusters had been refugees in Pakistan and these four individuals had also been refugees in Iran. Predominance of genotype 3a and the association between HCV viremia and having been a refugee in Iran potentially reflects migration between Afghanistan and Iran among IDUs from Mazar‐i‐Sharif and Hirat and carry implications for harm reduction programs for this migratory population. J. Med. Virol. 85:1170–1179, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simple and rapid human papillomavirus genotyping method by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis with two restriction enzymes
Authors: Chen Linghan , Watanabe Ken , Haruyama Takahiro , Kobayashi Nobuyuki 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCervical cancer, the third most common cancer that affects women worldwide, is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and is treatable when detected at an early stage. To date, more than 100 different HPV types have been described, and the development of simple, low‐cost, and accurate methods to distinguish HPV genotypes is highly warranted. In this study, an HPV genotyping assay based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was evaluated. This method involved the use of MY09/11 primers followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with the restriction enzymes HpyCH4V and NlaIII. Cervical specimens preserved using CytoRich Blue fluid were collected from 1,134 female volunteers for HPV detection, and 1,111 valid samples were amplified using PCR. The PCR method was sensitive enough to detect 25 copies of HPV18, and three copies of HPV16. Out of 202 PCR‐positive samples, HPV genotypes were determined in 189 samples (93.6%) by this RFLP method. Results were then evaluated further by capillary sequencing method. Concordant results between the two tests were as high as 96.0%. Thirteen samples, which tested negative with RFLP, were verified as non‐specific amplifications with PCR. In conclusion, this PCR‐RFLP method using restriction enzymes HpyCH4V and NlaIII is simple, non‐labor intensive, and is applicable for the inexpensive determination of HPV genotypes in clinical samples. J. Med. Virol. 85:1229–1234, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of duplex real‐time RT‐PCR based on Taqman technology for detecting simultaneously the genome of pan‐enterovirus and enterovirus 71
Authors: Hwang Seoyeon , Kang Byunghak , Hong Jiyoung , Kim Ahyoun , Kim Hyejin , Kim Kisang , Cheon Doo‐Sung 
Published: May 2013

AbstractHuman enterovirus (EV) 71 is the main etiological agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). It is associated with neurological complications, and caused fatalities during recent outbreaks in the Asia–Pacific region. Infections caused by EV71 could lead to many complications, ranging from brainstem encephalitis to pulmonary oedema, resulting in high mortality. In this study, a duplex real‐time RT‐PCR assay was developed in order to simultaneously detect pan‐EV and EV71. EV71‐specific primers and probes were designed based on the highly conserved VP1 region of EV71. Five EV71 strains were detected as positive, and no positive fluorescence signal was observed in the duplex real‐time RT‐PCR for other viral RNA, which showed 100% specificity for the selected panel, and no cross‐reactions were observed in this duplex real‐time RT‐PCR. The EV71‐specific duplex real‐time RT‐PCR was more sensitive than conventional RT‐PCR, and detected viral titers that were 10‐fold lower than those measured by the latter. Of the 381 HFMD clinical specimens, 196 (51.4%) cases were pan‐EV‐positive, of which 170 (86.7%) were EV71‐positive when tested by pan‐EV and EV71‐specific duplex real‐time RT‐PCR. EV71‐specific duplex real‐time RT‐PCR offers a rapid and sensitive method to detect EV71 from clinical specimens, and will allow quarantine measures to be taken more effectively during outbreaks. J. Med. Virol. 85:1274–1279, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection and molecular characterisation of noroviruses in hospitalised children in Malawi, 1997–2007
Authors: Trainor Eamonn , Lopman Ben , Iturriza‐Gomara Miren , Dove Winifred , Ngwira Bagrey , Nakagomi Osamu , Nakagomi Toyoko , Parashar Umesh , Cunliffe Nigel 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDespite the increasing recognition of noroviruses as major pathogens associated with community‐acquired diarrhoea in children, there are few studies from Africa. Long‐term surveillance studies of rotavirus gastroenteritis in Malawian children have provided an opportunity to undertake a study of the importance and epidemiological features of norovirus infection in this population. Faecal specimens were collected from children <5 years of age admitted to hospital with acute diarrhoea, as well as from a comparison group of diarrhoea‐free children, in Blantyre, Malawi between 1997 and 2007. Norovirus was detected using real‐time PCR and strains genotyped by nucleotide sequence analysis. Norovirus was detected in 220/1,941 (11.3%) faecal specimens, comprising genogroup GI (1.8%), GII (9.4%) and mixed GI/GII (0.1%). The median age of children with norovirus was 6 months (range, 0–48 months). Norovirus was detected throughout the year, with peaks at the end of the rainy season (March) and towards the end of the dry season (August–November). Norovirus GII.4 was the most commonly detected genotype accounting for 70% of strains characterised, followed by GII.2 (6%), GII.6 (4%) and GII.12 (4%). Sub typing of GII.4 noroviruses demonstrated local circulation of strains prior to their subsequent detection in association with global epidemics of gastroenteritis. The prevalence of norovirus in children without diarrhoea was similar to the level in cases. This largest study to date of norovirus infection in African children indicates the potential role of paediatric surveillance in predicting the emergence of norovirus strains with global epidemic potential. J. Med. Virol. 85:1299–1306, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prospective evaluation of E6/E7 mRNA detection by the NucliSENS Easy Q HPV assay in a stepwise protocol
Authors: Padalko Elizaveta , Van Renterghem Lieve , Bamelis Mieke , De Mey Anja , Sturtewagen Yolande , Vastenavond Hilde , Weyers Steven , Praet Marleen 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe objective of the study was to evaluate prospectively the added value of E6/E7 mRNA detection in a stepwise protocol. A total of 1,422 samples were collected over a period of 17 months. The samples were referred for human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping if they showed cytological evidence of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, low‐ or high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. If one or more of HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, or 45 were present, mRNA was analyzed by the NucliSENS EasyQ HPV assay. The genotypical distribution of high‐risk HPV was very heterogeneous; HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, and 45 represented 20.2%, 3.4%, 10.8%, 3.4%, and 3.8% of HPV‐positive samples, respectively. Follow‐up data were available for 35 patients. Although over the half (51.4%) of follow‐up samples showing HPV DNA/mRNA consensus evolved to cervical intraepithelial neoplastic lesions, 25.7% showed no progression to neoplasia despite mRNA positivity. However, the major concern was the group (14.3%) that showed progression to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia despite mRNA negativity: all but one of these cases had a high‐risk HPV genotype other than the five included in the NucliSENS EasyQ HPV assay. Markedly, 66.7% of the discordant samples between colposcopy and histology that underestimated the degree of cervical dysplasia were found in this group. Close monitoring of high‐risk HPV DNA‐positive/mRNA‐negative cases remains necessary, which leads to questions about the added value of the evaluated protocol. J. Med. Virol. 85:1242–1249, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetics of relapse after pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Brochot Etienne , Riachi Ghassan , Plantier Jean‐Christophe , Guillemard Catherine , Vabret Astrid , Mathurin Philippe , Nguyen‐Khac Eric , Duverlie Gilles ,   for the G4 group
Published: May 2013

AbstractTo optimize standard treatment of chronic hepatitis C in responder patients who have achieved undetectable viral load, a prospective study was conducted to determine the factors and kinetics of virologic relapse. Responder patients were monitored 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks after the end of treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Forty‐seven of the 154 patients (30.5%) relapsed. Relapse was significantly associated with absence of rapid virologic response (RVR), retreatment, higher baseline viral load, older age, and lower weight‐based dose of pegylated interferon. Relapse was more frequent in patients failing to achieve a RVR after receiving pegylated interferon alpha 2a < 2.5 µg/week or alpha 2b < 1.5 µg/week (P = 0.002). Among patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 with non‐CC IL‐28B polymorphism (rs12979860), viral decay during treatment was lower in relapsers (P = 0.003 at week 4). Relapse was detected at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12 after the end of treatment for 5, 8, 10, and 6 patients infected with HCV genotype 1, respectively. Positive predictive values for sustained virologic response were 70.9%, 80.2%, 91.9%, and 98.8% at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12, respectively. Only one patient relapsed beyond 24 weeks. Closer follow‐up and treatment adaptation in patients failing to achieve RVR may decrease the relapse rate in slower responders and heavier patients. Monitoring viral load as early as 1 month after the end of treatment could be useful to assess virologic response. J. Med. Virol. 85:1191–1198, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic variation in NOS2A is associated with a sustained virological response to peginterferon plus ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C in Taiwanese Chinese
Authors: Lim Yun‐Ping , Peng Cheng‐Yuan , Liao Wen‐Ling , Hung Dong‐Zong , Tien Ni , Chen Cing‐Yu , Chang Shih‐Yu , Chang Ching‐Yao , Tsai Fuu‐Jen , Wan Lei 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate whether genetic polymorphisms of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene NOS2A could be associated with a sustained virological response (SVR) among patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotypes 1 and 2 (HCV‐1 and HCV‐2) who were treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin (PEG‐IFNα‐RBV). We analyzed the associations between SVR to PEG‐IFNα‐RBV therapy and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in NOS2A. This study included Taiwanese Chinese patients infected with either HCV‐1 (n = 265) or HCV‐2 (n = 195) with or without a SVR. Among the NOS2A SNPs examined, the combination of genotypes A/A and A/G of rs2248814 was inversely correlated with SVR in patients infected with HCV‐1 (P = 0.0048), particularly in males (P = 0.0281). This effect was not observed in patients infected with HCV‐2. The AC NOS2A haplotype comprising two SNPs (rs2248814 and rs2072324) was found to be associated with SVR, and its presence may decrease the chances for a successful outcome of treatment of patients infected with HCV‐1 (P = 0.0053). HCV‐1 infected patients who carried the A‐C diplotype will have a lower success rate of achieving a SVR (P = 0.0117). In addition, a multivariate logistic regression model for predicting a SVR revealed that the presence of the A‐C diplotype interactively affected the outcome of PEG‐IFNα‐RBV treatment. The presence of NOS2A SNPs and the association with SVR showed that NOS2A polymorphisms may influence the therapeutic outcomes of patients infected with HCV‐1 under standard of care treatment. J. Med. Virol. 85:1206–1214, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatitis B virus reverse transcriptase mutations in treatment Naïve chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Singla Bhupesh , Chakraborti Anuradha , Sharma Bal Krishan , Kapil Shweta , Chawla Yogesh K. , Arora Sunil K. , Das Ashim , Dhiman Radha K. , Duseja Ajay 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMutations in the reverse transcriptase (RT) region of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome lead to decreased susceptibility to nucleos(t)ide analogs approved for treatment of HBV infection. The aim of this study was to detect and analyze pre‐existing HBV RT mutations in treatment naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B. Seventy one chronic HBV treatment naïve patients were enrolled from January 2009 to June 2011. HBV RT sequence analysis was done by using direct bidirectional sequencing of semi‐nested PCR products. HBV genotypes were determined by multiplex PCR. Genotype D was found in 64 patients (90.1%) followed by genotype C and A which were present in 5 (7.0%) and 2 (2.8%) patients respectively. The results of the RT sequence analysis showed mutations in 34 (47.9%) patients. The rtH248N mutation was the most common mutation, accounting for 47.1% patients. Other common mutations included rtD263E/S, rtM129L, rtF122L/V/I, rtS135Y/H, rtQ149K, rtL91I, rtH126R, rtC256S/G, rtY257W, rtS259T and rtE271D, which were present in 26.5% (9/34), 29.4% (10/34), 20.6% (7/34), 20.6% (7/34), 20.6% (7/34), 17.6% (6/34), 14.7% (5/34), 14.7% (5/34), 11.8% (4/34), 11.8% (4/34) and 11.8% (4/34) patients respectively. The known primary drug resistance mutations were found in 3 (8.8%) patients. The present study shows the presence of RT amino acid substitutions in treatment‐naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B, which may decrease susceptibility to available oral antiviral drugs. On the basis of the finding of this study, genotypic testing is recommended before the start of therapy in naïve patients, so that suitable antiviral drugs can be prescribed. J. Med. Virol. 85:1155–1162, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Verification of marine forecasts using an objective area forecast verification system
Authors: Sharpe Michael A. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTMany meteorological service providers issue forecasts that contain short summary statements. These forecasts attempt to capture all the expected conditions during a forecast period. The area forecast verification system has been developed to verify these forecasts when they are issued in pre‐determined geographical areas. This system verifies forecasts by comparing them with gridded nowcast model analysis fields. Results are presented for the wind speed component of the shipping forecast and the inshore waters forecast. Both of these products are issued by the UK Met Office on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Like most summary forecasts these products contain hand written text. This text is carefully interpreted into a series of invariant sub‐periods. These sub‐periods are then compared to the nowcast model analysis fields. During each forecast sub‐period all available hourly nowcast model analyses are accumulated to create an observation distribution within that sub‐period. Verification is performed using a contingency table approach which is specifically designed to reflect the distribution formed by the observations within each sub‐period of the forecast. Various performance measures are calculated including the Gerrity skill score – which is weighted according to the priorities of the customer. Shipping forecasts issued during the 12 month period ending on 31 August 2011 had a proportion correct to within ± 1 Beaufort Force of 0.886 and a Gerrity skill score of 0.823. Inshore waters forecasts issued during this period had a proportion correct to within ± 1 Beaufort Force of 0.940 and a Gerrity skill score of 0.848. Analysis indicates that both forecasts tend to exaggerate the wind speeds and often neglect to include the lower Beaufort Force categories. © 2013 British Crown copyright, the Met Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Progress and challenges in forecast verification
Authors: Ebert E. , Wilson L. , Weigel A. , Mittermaier M. , Nurmi P. , Gill P. , Göber M. , Joslyn S. , Brown B. , Fowler T. , Watkins A. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTVerification scientists and practitioners came together at the 5th International Verification Methods Workshop in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2011 to discuss methods for evaluating forecasts within a wide variety of applications. Progress has been made in many areas including improved verification reporting, wider use of diagnostic verification, development of new scores and techniques for difficult problems, and evaluation of forecasts for applications using meteorological information. There are many interesting challenges, particularly the improvement of methods to verify high resolution ensemble forecasts, seamless predictions spanning multiple spatial and temporal scales, and multivariate forecasts. Greater efforts are needed to make best use of new observations, forge greater links between data assimilation and verification, and develop better and more intuitive forecast verification products for end‐users. Copyright © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
Changing WIC changes what children eat
Authors: Chiasson M.A. , Findley S.E. , Sekhobo J.P. , Scheinmann R. , Edmunds L.S. , Faly A.S. , McLeod N.J. 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveThis study assessed the impact of revisions to the USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food packages on nutritional behavior and obesity in children 0‐ to 4‐years‐old participating in the New York State (NYS) WIC program. In January 2009, NYS was the first to implement these revisions, which added fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and replaced whole milk with low(1%)‐/nonfat milk for children 2‐ to 4‐year‐old.Design and MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, >3.5 million administrative records in the NYS WIC Statewide Information System (WICSIS) were analyzed at 6‐month intervals from July to December 2008 (pre‐implementation) through July to December 2011. Behavioral data in WICSIS were obtained from parent interview by WIC staff at mandatory certification and recertification visits.ResultsComparing July to December in 2008 and 2011, increases were observed in breastfeeding initiation (72.2‐77.5%); delaying introduction of solid foods until after 4 months of age (90.1‐93.8%); daily fruit (87.0‐91.6%), vegetable (78.1‐80.8%), and whole grain consumption (59.0‐64.4%) by children aged 1‐4 years; and switches from whole milk to low‐/nonfat milk by children aged 2‐4 years (66.4‐69.4%). In 1‐year‐old children, the proportion ≥95th percentile weight‐for‐recumbent length decreased from 15.1 to 14.2%; the proportion of children 2‐ to 4‐year‐old with body mass index (BMI) ≥95th percentile decreased from 14.6 to 14.2%.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that positive changes in dietary intake and reductions in obesity followed implementation of the USDA‐mandated cost‐neutral revisions to the WIC food package for the hundreds of thousands of young children participating in the NYS WIC program.
Prevalence of Sensory Modulation Disorder among Puerto Rican Preschoolers: An Analysis Focused on Socioeconomic Status Variables
Authors: Román‐Oyola Rosa , Reynolds Stacey 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe purposes of this study were to determine the prevalence of sensory modulation disorder (SMD) in a sample of Puerto Rican preschoolers and to examine differences in the prevalence of SMD based on socioeconomic status (SES) variables. Caregivers of children from Head Start programs and private preschools were recruited from three regions in Puerto Rico (PR) to participate in the study. Each caregiver completed a Short Sensory Profile (SSP) and a demographic data sheet. Total scores on the SSP were used to establish diagnosis of SMD. The total sample included 141 participants (response rate of 64%). Prevalence of SMD among the total PR sample (19.9%) was higher than previously reported estimates on the US mainland (5–16%). Statistical results indicated no difference in the overall prevalence of SMD based on SES. However, significant differences in scores based on caregivers' educational degree were found on the SSP sub‐domain of Movement sensitivity and Under‐responsive/seeks sensation; differences in scores based on caregiver household income were also found for the SSP sub‐domain of Under‐responsive/seeks. Although SMD appears to be prevalent in preschoolers in PR, variables associated with SES do not appear to contribute to an overall SMD diagnosis. However, additional research linking specific sub‐domains of SMD to SES variables may be warranted. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in smart materials: Stimuli‐responsive hydrogel thin films
Authors: White Evan M. , Yatvin Jeremy , Grubbs Joe B. , Bilbrey Jenna A. , Locklin Jason 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThis review highlights recent developments in the field of stimuli‐responsive hydrogels, focusing primarily on thin films, with a thickness range between 100 nm to 10 μm. The theory and dynamics of hydrogel swelling is reviewed, followed by specific applications. Gels are classified based on the active stimulus—mechanical, chemical, pH, heat, and light—and fabrication methods, design constraints, and novel stimuli‐responses are discussed. Often, these materials display large physiochemical reactions to a relatively small stimulus. Noteworthy materials larger than 10 μm, but with response times on the order of seconds to minutes are also discussed. Hydrogels have the potential to advance the fields of medicine and polymer science as useful substrates for “smart” devices. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1084–1099
Investigation of ZnO:Al window layer of Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film solar cells prepared by non‐vacuum processing
Authors: Aizawa Takumi , Tanaka Kunihiko , Tagami Kota , Uchiki Hisao 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin film solar cells have been fabricated using sol‐gel sulfurizing method under non‐vacuum processing. The solar cells structure is Al/ZnO:Al/CdS/ CZTS/Mo/Soda Lime Glass(SLG) substrate. In our previous reports, the surface of CZTS got rougher as the particle diameter increased. In addition, there were many spots where CZTS layer was not coated enough by ZnO:Al window layer. In this report, in order to improve conversion efficiency of the CZTS solar cells, we focus on the ZnO:Al layer and the effect of an increase in the number of ZnO:Al coating repetition and the dependence on drying time and temperature for ZnO:Al were investigated. Optimized conversion efficiency of 3.61% was achieved with 15 coating repetition of ZnO:Al layer coated at 350 °C and dried for 3 min. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)