bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new isolate of hepatitis B virus from the Philippines possibly representing a new subgenotype C6
Authors: Cavinta Lolita , Sun Jianguang , May Anja , Yin Jianhua , von Meltzer Markus , Radtke Monika , Barzaga Nina G. , Cao Guangwen , Schaefer Stephan 
Published: April 2009

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes and subgenotypes show distinct geographical prevalence. A genotyping analysis of 28 samples from asymptomatic HBV carriers from the Philippines gave a distribution of HBV genotypes as expected from a previous study: 54% B (15/28), C5 18% (5/28), 14% D (4/28), 7% A1 (2/28). In addition, 7% (2/28) of the samples showed a double infection with genotypes B and D. One of the isolates sequenced completely, ph105, did not group into one of the known subgenotypes after phylogenetic analysis. Ph105 formed a separate clade in genotype C. With a genome length of 3,215 nt. and a serological subtype adr, ph105 exhibited the main features of most genotype C strains. However, ph105 differed by 4.1–7.2% from HBV subgenotypes C1 to C5 when comparing the nucleotide sequence of whole genomes. With only 4.1% difference ph105 was most closely related to subgenotype C2. SimPlot analysis gave no indication for recombination with known HBV genotypes. Ph105 fulfils all criteria for a new subgenotype C6. J. Med. Virol. 81:983–987, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Validation of a sensitive and specific real‐time PCR for detection and quantitation of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA in plasma of chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Takkenberg R.B. , Zaaijer H.L. , Molenkamp R. , Menting S. , Terpstra V. , Weegink C.J. , Dijkgraaf M.G.W. , Jansen P.L.M. , Reesink H.W. , Beld M.G.H.M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) serves as a template for viral replication and plays a role in persistence of HBV infection. The origin and significance of cccDNA in plasma however, is not well understood. A sensitive, specific, and reproducible real‐time PCR for detection and quantitation of cccDNA in plasma of chronic hepatitis B patients was developed and validated. Four HBV DNA reference panels, and 96 plasma samples of chronic hepatitis B patients were analyzed. Results were compared with total HBV DNA levels, individual ALT levels and the Histology Activity Index (HAI). This cccDNA assay had a lower limit of detection at 15 copies/PCR, a lower limit of quantitation at 91 copies/PCR and a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.98 (P < 0.0001). cccDNA was detected in two of four international panels. Significant correlation was found between cccDNA and total HBV DNA levels in both panels (R = 0.96, and R = 0.43) and in samples of the chronic hepatitis B patients (R = 0.88, P < 0.0001). In 57% of these samples cccDNA was detectable. Mean level of cccDNA was 0.16% of total HBV load. Plasma cccDNA levels were higher in HBeAg positive samples than in HBeAg negative samples (4.91 log copies/ml vs. 3.88 log copies/ml, P < 0.0001). Levels of total HBV DNA and HBV genotype did not influence cccDNA detection. ALT levels and HAI‐score were not correlated with plasma cccDNA levels. These findings suggest that cccDNA levels in plasma are not the result of increased hepatocyte degeneration, but indicate that other mechanisms might be responsible. J. Med. Virol. 81:988–995, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of IL‐4 589 C/T promoter and IL‐4RαI50V receptor polymorphism with susceptibility to HIV‐1 infection in North Indians
Authors: Chatterjee Animesh , Rathore Anurag , Dhole Tapan N. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe clinical course and outcome of HIV‐1 infection are highly variable among individuals. Interleukin 4 (IL‐4) is a key T helper 2 cytokine with various immune‐modulating functions including induction of immunoglobulin E (IgE) production in B cells, downregulation of CCR5 and upregulation of CXCR4, the main co‐receptors for HIV. Our objective is to investigate whether single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL‐4 promoter 589 C/T and IL‐4 Rα I50V affect the susceptibility to HIV infection and its progression to AIDS in North Indian individuals. The study population consisted of 180 HIV‐1 seropositive (HSP) stratified on the basis of disease severity (stage I, II, III), 50 HIV‐1 exposed seronegative (HES), and 305 HIV‐1 seronegative (HSN) individuals. The subjects were genotyped for IL‐4 589 C/T promoter polymorphism and IL‐4 Rα I50V by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism. The results showed that IL‐4 589 C/T was not associated with the risk of HIV infection and disease progression. However, the IL‐4Rα I50 allele and genotype was significantly increased in HSP compared to HSN and HSP and was associated with risk of HIV infection. The frequency of IL‐4Rα I50 allele in the HSP group was higher than in HSN (76.11 vs. 64.75%; P = 0.000; OR = 1.734) and HES (76.11% vs. 62.00%; P = 0.007; OR = 1.953). Homozygous IL‐4Rα I50I genotype was significantly increased in HSP group compared with HSN (58.88% vs. 44.26%; P = 0.002; OR = 1.804) and HES (58.88% vs. 42.00%; P = 0.038; OR = 1.978). The present study for the first time suggests an association of IL‐4Rα I50 allele with increased likelihood of HIV‐1 infection in North Indian population. Further studies are required to confirm these findings and understand the effect of IL‐4Rα polymorphism on the outcome of HIV‐1 infection. J. Med. Virol. 81:959–965, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serological evidence for long‐term epstein–barr virus reactivation in children living in a holoendemic malaria region of Kenya
Authors: Piriou Erwan , Kimmel Rhonda , Chelimo Kiprotich , Middeldorp Jaap M. , Odada Peter Sumba , Ploutz‐Snyder Robert , Moormann Ann M. , Rochford Rosemary 
Published: April 2009

AbstractTo study the long term the effects of chronic exposure to P. falciparum malaria on Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) reactivation in children, EBV‐specific antibody levels were measured in a cross‐sectional survey of two groups of Kenyan children with divergent malaria exposure, varying in age from 1 to 14 years. A total of 169 children were analyzed within three age groups (1–4 years, 5–9 years and 10–14 years). Using a Luminex assay, elevated levels of IgG to EBV lytic and latent antigens were observed in children from the holoendemic malaria area; these remained elevated for each age group studied. In comparison, children from the sporadic malaria area had lower levels of EBV‐specific IgG antibodies and these levels declined across age groups. These data suggest that chronic exposure to malaria may lead to long‐term EBV reactivation. J. Med. Virol. 81:1088–1093, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Frequent detection of hepatitis B virus DNA in hepatocellular carcinoma of patients with sustained virologic response for hepatitis C virus
Authors: Tamori Akihiro , Hayashi Takehiro , Shinzaki Mayumi , Kobayashi Sawako , Iwai Shuji , Enomoto Masaru , Morikawa Hiroyasu , Sakaguchi Hiroki , Shiomi Susumu , Takemura Shigekazu , Kubo Shoji , Kawada Norifumi 
Published: April 2009

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops several years after the eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by interferon therapy. Risk factors for the development of HCC are only partly understood. To elucidate the role of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in hepatocarcinogenesis in patients with sustained virologic response, the prevalences of HBV‐related makers were examined. Study group comprised 16 patients with sustained virologic response (group A) and 50 with HCV (group B). Anti‐HBc and anti‐HBs in serum were examined by enzyme‐linked immunoassay. HBV DNA in liver was examined by nested polymerase chain reaction, using primers specific for genes encoding for HBx, HBsAg, HBcAg, and HBV cccDNA. Sequence of the amplified HBV DNA for ‘a’ determinant of HBsAg was determined in HCC. Anti‐HBc was positive in 10 of 16 in group A and 25 of 50 in group B. HBV DNA in liver was detected in 12 of 16 in group A and 21 of 50 in group B (P = 0.044). In group A, HBV DNA in liver was detected frequently in patients without cirrhosis and in those with a longer period from the time of HCV eradication to the development of HCC. Mutation in ‘a’ determinant of HBsAg was found in three HCC of group A. Occult HBV infection may be one of the most important risk factors in hepatocarcinogenesis of Japanese patients with sustained virologic response. J. Med. Virol. 81:1009–1014, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Case report: Clearance of hepatitis C virus after changing the HAART regimen in a patient infected with hepatitis C virus and the human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Endo Tomoyuki , Fujimoto Katsuya , Nishio Mitsufumi , Yamamoto Satoshi , Obara Masato , Sato Norihiro , Koike Takao 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains uncertain. This report describes the case of a man with hemophilia with HIV–HCV coinfection with persistent disappearance of HCV RNA after changing the HAART regimen. He had been treated with zidovudine, lamivudine, and indinavir for initial HAART and the HIV RNA level had been undetectable for more than 8 years. He had suffered from chronic active hepatitis. The HAART regimen was changed to emtricitabine/tenofovir, atazanavir, and ritonavir because the patient preferred a once daily regimen. The HCV RNA level fell immediately and thereafter became undetectable by quantitative and qualitative assay at 5 and 7 months after the change of the HAART regimen, respectively. In contrast to other reported cases, he experienced neither increase of CD4+ T cells count nor ALT flare‐ups before HCV RNA clearance. The HCV RNA disappearance in this case may be due to the direct effect of HAART against HCV rather than restoration of cellular immunity to HCV. J. Med. Virol. 81:979–982, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sequence‐specific detection method for reverse transcription, loop‐mediated isothermal amplification of HIV‐1
Authors: Curtis Kelly A. , Rudolph Donna L. , Owen S. Michele 
Published: April 2009

AbstractHIV diagnosis at the point‐of‐care or in resource‐limited settings poses considerable challenges due to time and cost limitations. Currently, nucleic acid‐based tests are the only reliable method for diagnosing recent infections during the window period post‐infection and pre‐seroconversion, but these tests are only suitable for well‐equipped laboratory settings. The reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) technology exhibits characteristics that are ideal for the development of a rapid, cost‐effective nucleic acid‐based test for detection of HIV DNA and RNA. In this study, a sequence‐specific detection method was developed for immediate, naked‐eye visualization of RT‐LAMP products with high sensitivity and specificity. The rapid detection method was incorporated into the HIV‐1‐specific RT‐LAMP assay and validated using minute volumes of whole blood from HIV‐1‐infected individuals. Together with the minimal sample preparation time and one‐step, isothermal amplification reaction, the sequence‐specific detection method adds to the overall versatility of the RT‐LAMP assay and enhances the applicability for use at point‐of‐care or resource‐limited sites. J. Med. Virol. 81:966–972, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification‐based diagnostic assay for monkeypox virus infections
Authors: Iizuka Itoe , Saijo Masayuki , Shiota Tomoyuki , Ami Yasushi , Suzaki Yuriko , Nagata Noriyo , Hasegawa Hideki , Sakai Kouji , Fukushi Shuetsu , Mizutani Tetsuya , Ogata Momoko , Nakauchi Mina , Kurane Ichiro , Mizuguchi Masashi , Morikawa Shigeru 
Published: April 2009

AbstractMonkeypox virus (MPXV) causes a smallpox‐like disease in non‐human primates and humans. This infection is endemic to central and western Africa. MPXV is divided into two genetically different groups, Congo Basin and West African MPXV, with the former being the more virulent. A real‐time quantitative MPXV genome amplification system was developed for the diagnosis of MPXV infections using loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology. Primers used for genome amplification of Congo Basin (C‐LAMP), West African (W‐LAMP), and both Congo Basin and West African (COM‐LAMP) MPXV by LAMP were designed according to the nucleotide sequences of the Congo Basin‐specific D14L gene, the West African‐specific partial ATI gene, and the partial ATI gene that is shared by both groups, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the LAMP were evaluated with nested PCR using peripheral blood and throat swab specimens collected from Congo Basin MPXV or West African MPXV‐infected monkeys. The sensitivity and specificity of COM‐LAMP, C‐LAMP, and W‐LAMP were 80% (45/56) and 100% (64/64); 79% (19/24) and 100% (24/24); and 72% (23/32) and 100% (40/40), respectively. The viremia level determined by LAMP assays increased with increases in the severity of the monkeypox‐associated symptoms. The newly developed LAMP assay was confirmed to be a rapid, quantifiable, and highly sensitive and specific system effective in the diagnosis of MPXV infections. The LAMP assays made it possible to discriminate between Congo Basin and West African MPXV. The LAMP developed in this study is useful not only for diagnosis of but also for the assessment of MPXV infections. J. Med. Virol. 81:1102–1108, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis E virus in Hong Kong
Authors: Tai Amy L.S. , Cheng Peter K.C. , Ip S.M. , Wong Rebecca M.C. , Lim Wilina W.L. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractHepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the major causes of acute and self‐limiting hepatitis in human. In Hong Kong, the number of notifications increased from 26 to 62 from year 2001 to 2007. This study describes the molecular epidemiology of HEV in Hong Kong in order to determine the movement and distribution of HEV. HEV in 171 serum samples from HEV IgM positive cases from year 2001 to 2007 were amplified using RT‐PCR and subjected to nucleotide sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis showed 162 of 171 HEV detected cases (94.7%) belonged to genotype IV and 8 (4.7%) to genotype I. Interestingly, a cluster of 10 cases in year 2007 that had the same sequence of HEV was identified. Epidemiological data however did not detect any relationship between these cases. Since zoonotic transmission is a well known route of HEV infection, close monitoring of the circulating HEV strains in human and food source animals may help to provide additional information on the transmission of HEV and possible source of infection in Hong Kong. J. Med. Virol. 81:1062–1068, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HCV genotypes in Sicily: Is there any evidence of a shift?
Authors: Pizzillo Paola , Almasio Piero Luigi , Ferraro Donatella , Craxì Antonio , Di Stefano Rosa 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe distribution of HCV strains in any area is characterized by a relative prevalence of one genotype, and a number of less prevalent types. In some Western countries a change from the prevalent HCV genotype 1 to genotypes 3 and 4 has been reported in the last decade. In order to assess possible variations of the distribution of HCV genotypes in Sicily, a southern region of Italy, a hospital‐based cohort, collected prospectively, of 3,209 subjects with chronic HCV infection was surveyed, comparing the distribution of HCV genotypes during two consecutive periods, from 1997 to 2002 and from 2003 to 2007, according to age and gender. The results show that genotype 1b, which has been historically the most prevalent in Sicily, is still predominant, followed more distantly by genotypes 2 and 3a. However, a cohort effect for these genotypes was seen when comparing the two time periods. Genotype 1b decreased slowly over the last decade, due to the death of the people infected, leading to a proportional increase of the other genotypes. No evidence was found in support of a major increase in the prevalence of other genotypes, such as genotype 4, in relation to migration patterns. J. Med. Virol. 81:1040–1046, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Specific mutations in the enhancer II/core promoter/precore regions of hepatitis B virus subgenotype C2 in Korean patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Ja Kyung , Chang Hye Young , Lee Jung Min , Baatarkhuu Oidov , Yoon Young Joon , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Chon Chae Yoon , Ahn Sang Hoon 
Published: April 2009

AbstractRecently, hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes and mutations have been reported to be related to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This cross‐sectional case–control study examined the relationship between HCC and mutations in the enhancer II/core promoter and precore regions of HBV by comparing 135 Korean HCC patients infected with HBV genotype C2 (HBV/C2; HCC group) with 135 age‐, sex‐, and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status‐matched patients without HCC (non‐ HCC group). Age and sex were also matched between HBeAg‐positive and ‐negative patients. The prevalence of T1653, A1689, V1753, T1762/A1764, T1846, A1850, C1858, and A1896 mutations was evaluated in this population. The prevalence of the T1653 mutation in the box α region, the A1689 mutation in between the box α and β regions, and the T1762/A1764 mutations in the basal core promoter region was significantly higher in the HCC group compared to the non‐HCC group (8.9% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.017; 19.3% vs. 4.4%, P < 0.001; and 60.7% vs. 22.2%; P < 0.001). Among HBeAg‐negative patients, the frequency of the T1653 mutation was higher in the HCC group. Regardless of HBeAg status, the prevalence of the A1689, and T1762/A1764 mutations was higher in the HCC group than in the non‐HCC group. However, no association was observed between mutations in the precore region and HCC. Upon multivariate analysis, the presence of the T1653, A1689, and T1762/A1764 mutations was an independent predictive factor for HCC. The addition of the T1653 or A1689 mutation to T1762/A1764 increased the risk of HCC. In conclusion, the T1653, A1689, and/or T1762/A1764 mutations were associated with the development of HCC in Korean patients infected with HBV/C2. J. Med. Virol. 81:1002–1008, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ABCB1 is predominantly expressed in human fetal neural stem/progenitor cells at an early development stage
Authors: Yamamoto Atsuyo , Shofuda Tomoko , Islam Mohammed Omedul , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Yamasaki Mami , Okano Hideyuki , Kanemura Yonehiro 
Published: April 2009

AbstractABCB1 is a human ABC transporter originally characterized by its ability to cause resistance to chemotherapy drugs in cancer cells, and later found to be functionally expressed in human neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) in vitro. Here, we performed a detailed examination of ABCB1's expression on human NSPCs in vitro and in human fetal brain tissues, and analyzed the cellular properties of the human NSPCs expressing ABCB1. We confirmed that ABCB1 was expressed on the surface of human NSPCs, and its level correlated well with those of Nestin and CD133. The population of fluorescence‐activated cell sorter–sorted human NSPCs expressing high levels of ABCB1 showed enrichment of proliferating cells, higher expression of 246 genes (e.g., RGS6, IGFBP7, GFAP, TNC, Hes1), and lower expression of 71 genes (e.g., STMN2, DLX5, BASP1, DCX, CD24) compared with human NSPCs expressing low or no ABCB1. In situ, ABCB1 was selectively expressed in cells in the ventricular or subventricular regions of lateral ventricles that expressed Nestin in human development. These findings suggest that ABCB1 is predominantly expressed in immature human fetal NSPCs in vitro and at early developmental stages in vivo, and that it may be a useful marker for human NSPCs. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GC/MS analysis and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of essential oil of Eucalyptus radiata
Authors: Bendaoud Houcine , Bouajila Jalloul , Rhouma Ali , Savagnac Arlette , Romdhane Mehrez 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The essential oil from Eucalyptus radiata leaves collected in Tunisia was extracted by steam distillation and analysed by gas chromatography/flame ionisation detection and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Its antioxidant and antiradical properties were evaluated by the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. The antimicrobial activity of the oil was examined in vitro against two plant‐pathogenic bacteria (four strains each of Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi) and two plant‐pathogenic fungi (Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia solani).RESULTS: Thirty‐five compounds were identified and quantified in the essential oil, the major ones being 1,8‐cineole (69.53%), α‐pinene (11.94%) and trans‐pinocarveol (4.81%). Medium antioxidant activity was found in the ABTS assay (IC50 = 484.3 ± 17.3 mg L−1), whereas no significant free radical‐scavenging activity was detected in the DPPH assay (IC50 > 10 000 mg L−1). The antimicrobial assays showed that the oil exhibited a high level of activity against A. tumefaciens and R. solani, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging between 750 and 1000 µL L−1. However, it was less efficient against P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi and F. solani.CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the essential oil of E. radiata, with a high content of terpenic compounds, exhibits significant antimicrobial activity against strains of A. tumefaciens and the fungus R. solani and may therefore be useful for their control. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical composition and physical characteristics of water caltrop during growth
Authors: Chiang Po‐Yuan , Li Po‐Hsien , Huang Chien‐Chun , Wang Chiun R 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to monitor the chemical composition and physical and morphological characteristics of two varieties of water caltrop during growth in order to determine the optimal harvesting time.RESULTS: The dry matter, starch and amylose contents and α‐amylase activity of fruits of both water caltrop varieties increased during the growth period. Mature fruits contained 142–156 g starch kg−1 fresh sample and provided 684–697 kcal total energy kg−1 fresh sample. Dry matter content and bulk density increased significantly from 67 to 207 g kg−1 and from 0.57 to 1.58 g ml−1 respectively as growth progressed. Morphological analysis showed that the size and number of starch granules increased as growth progressed. Moreover, both varieties contained substantial amounts of essential amino acids, most of which appeared to be superior to the FAO/WHO reference pattern.CONCLUSION: According to the chemical composition and physical characteristics of water caltrop determined in this study, the optimal harvesting time is 42 days after fruit development. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry