bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic analysis of rubella viruses in vietnam during 2009–2010
Authors: Tran Dinh Nguyen , Pham Ngan Thi Kim , Tran Thi Thuy Trinh , Khamrin Pattara , Thongprachum Aksara , Komase Katsuhiro , Hayakawa Satoshi , Mizuguchi Masashi , Ushijima Hiroshi 
Published: February 2012

AbstractRubella virus (RV) usually causes a mild disease. However, infection during the first trimester of pregnancy often leads to severe birth defects known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Although wild‐type RVs exist and circulate worldwide, their genotypes remain unknown in many countries. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular characteristics of RVs found in Vietnam during the years 2009–2010 and to provide the first data concerning RV genotypes in this country. Throat swab samples were collected between 2009 and 2010 from four CRS cases and nine rubella infection cases visiting one Children's Hospital and one outpatient clinic in Ho Chi Minh City. The 739‐nucleotide coding region of the RV E1 gene recommended by the World Health Organization was amplified by reverse transcriptase PCR, and the resulting DNA fragments were then sequenced. Sequences were assigned to genotypes by phylogenetic analysis with RV reference strains. RV RNA was detected in 11 clinical specimens. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences showed that all 11 strains belonged to 2B genotype. Several variations in amino acids were found, among which five changes were involved in the B and T cell epitopes. These data indicate that viruses of genotype 2B were circulating in Vietnam. The increasing information about RV genotype in Vietnam should aid in the control of rubella infection and CRS in this country. J. Med. Virol. 84:705–710, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crimean‐congo hemorrhagic fever virus–tick survey in endemic areas in Bulgaria
Authors: Gergova Ivanka , Kunchev Metodi , Kamarinchev Bozhin 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe Balkan Peninsula and Bulgaria in particular, is a well‐known endemic region for Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). This study describes the prevalence of Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) among tick populations from areas, previously recognized with emerging cases of CCHF disease in humans. These include regions from the Southeastern (regions of Kardzhali and Haskovo) and Central (region of Stara Zagora) parts of the country. For the period 2006–2010 a total of 911 adult ticks, collected from livestock in endemic areas were studied for presence of CCHFV by an immunofluorescence‐hemocytes assay (IFHA) and a reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The detection rate of CCHFV in the tick population was 2.09%. The prevalence of the virus was determined between 2.01% and 4.83% in the regions of Kardzhali and Haskovo, respectively (Southeastern Bulgaria). In the Central part of the country CCHFV infestation of the ticks was observed in 1.46% (region of Stara Zagora). The results confirmed the mosaic dispersion of CCHFV in the investigated regions. The principal infection vector in the surveyed areas was confirmed to be Hyalomma marginatum marginatum. Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ixodes ricinus were also detected and may play a role in the transmission of CCHFV. Species distribution of CCHFV‐positive ticks was as follows: H. m. marginatum—4.93%; R. sanguineus—2.33%; I. ricinus—1.02%. The combination of IFHA and RT‐PCR that are used in this study are useful tools in the algorithm for monitoring endemic areas in Bulgaria. J. Med. Virol. 84:608–614, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular detection and epidemiology of astrovirus, bocavirus, and sapovirus in Italian children admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis, 2008–2009
Authors: Medici Maria Cristina , Tummolo Fabio , Albonetti Valeria , Abelli Laura Anna , Chezzi Carlo , Calderaro Adriana 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAlthough a number of enteric viruses have been identified in children with acute gastroenteritis, the majority of cases of gastroenteritis remain undiagnosed. In order to provide more insights into the epidemiology of enteric viruses that are not included usually in routine diagnostic tests, cases of childhood sporadic gastroenteritis of unknown etiology requiring hospital admission in Parma, Italy, during 2008–2009, were screened for astrovirus (AstV), sapovirus (SaV), and bocavirus (BoV). The stools of 712 children, negative for rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, enterovirus, and reovirus, were examined by PCR or RT‐PCR for AstV, BoV, and SaV. The prevalence of AstV, BoV, and SaV in the patients examined was 2.1%, 3.2%, 2.4%, respectively, with the viruses being detected mostly in children <3 years of age. AstV strains were characterized by sequencing as types 1, 2, and 4, with a AstV‐1 peak occurring in the 2008 fall–winter season. BoV strains were characterized as types 1, 2, and 3, with BoV‐3 circulating more frequently in the 2008 autumn and winter season and BoV‐2 during March–April 2009. The most common SaVs were GI.2 and GII.1 while GIV and GV SaVs were detected sporadically. Overall, AstV, BoV, and SaV infections accounted for 7.7% of the sporadic cases of acute gastroenteritis with unknown etiology selected for the study. Different virus types and lineages were found to circulate and temporal peaks of virus activity were also demonstrated, suggesting either small clusters of infections or small outbreaks or epidemics in local population. J. Med. Virol. 84:643–650, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiple intra‐familial transmission patterns of hepatitis B virus genotype D in north‐eastern Egypt
Authors: Ragheb Mostafa , Elkady Abeer , Tanaka Yasuhito , Murakami Shuko , Attia Fadia M. , Hassan Adel A. , Hassan Mohamed F. , Shedid Mahmoud M. , Abdel Reheem Hassan B. , Khan Anis , Mizokami Masashi 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe transmission rate of intra‐familial hepatitis B virus (HBV) and mode of transmission were investigated in north eastern Egypt. HBV infection was investigated serologically and confirmed by molecular evolutionary analysis in family members (N = 230) of 55 chronic hepatitis B carriers (index cases). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) prevalence was 12.2% and 23% among family members, respectively. HBsAg carriers were prevalent in the age groups; <10 (16.2%) and 21–30 years (23.3%). The prevalence of HBsAg was significantly higher in the family members of females (19.2%) than males (8.6%) index cases (P = 0.031). HBsAg and anti‐HBc seropositive rates were higher significantly in the offspring of females (23%, 29.8%) than those of the males index cases (4.3%, 9.8%) (P = 0.001, 0.003), as well as higher in the offspring of an infected mother (26.5, 31.8%) than those of an infected father (4.7%, 10.5%) (P = 0.0006, 0.009). No significant difference was found in HBsAg seropositive rates between vaccinated (10.6%) and unvaccinated family members (14.8%). Phylogenetic analysis of the preS2 and S regions of HBV genome showed that the HBV isolates were of subgenotype D1 in nine index cases and 14 family members. HBV familial transmission was confirmed in five of six families with three transmission patterns; maternal, paternal, and sexual. It is concluded that multiple intra‐familial transmission routes of HBV genotype D were determined; including maternal, paternal and horizontal. Universal HBV vaccination should be modified by including the first dose at birth with (HBIG) administration to the newborn of mothers infected with HBV. J. Med. Virol. 84:587–595, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis A virus in patients in the ahwaz region of Iran
Authors: Nejati Ahmad , Makvandi Manochehr , Samarbafzadeh Alireza , Neisi Niloofar , Moradzadegan Hamid 
Published: February 2012

AbstractHepatitis A virus (HAV) is one of the etiologic agents of acute viral hepatitis, an important public health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of HAV in Southwest Iran (Ahwaz). A total of 59 sera were collected from acutely ill patients with anti‐HAV IgM antibodies during 2009 and 2010 were tested also by RT‐PCR targeting the 5′ NCR for molecular diagnosis and examined in the VP1‐2A and VP3‐VP1 regions for genotyping. Twelve (20%) patients were detected VP1‐2A by RT‐PCR and 10 patients had VP3‐VP1. The resulting amplicons were sequenced for genotype identification. All HAV strains were identified as subgenotype IB. Phylogenetic analysis revealed an extensive genetic heterogeneity among the strains. Seven hundred sixty‐five S→F and 788 K→R amino acid substitutions in IRI49 isolate were found. It is concluded that subgenotype 1b is the sole genotype HAV in this region. J. Med. Virol. 84:582–586, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exogenous human immunodeficiency virus‐1 protein, tat, enhances replication of JC virus efficiently in neuroblastoma cell lines
Authors: Nukuzuma Souichi , Kameoka Masanori , Sugiura Shigeki , Nakamichi Kazuo , Nukuzuma Chiyoko , Miyoshi Isao , Takegami Tsutomu 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe high incidence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) among individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is similar to the incidence of other immunocompromised diseases. The pathogenic JC virus (JCV) with rearranged regulatory regions (PML‐type) causes PML, a demyelinating disease in the brains of immunocompromised patients. In a previous study, Tat protein, encoded by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1), markedly enhanced the expression of a reporter gene under control of the JCV late promoter. In order to examine the enhancement of JCV replication by Tat protein, the neuroblastoma cell line IMR‐32 was used because it enables IMR‐32‐adapted JCV. The extent of JCV replication in IMR‐32 cells treated with Tat protein was significantly higher than that in untreated IMR‐32 cells. The enhancement of JCV propagation by Tat protein was also examined using IMR‐32‐derived JCV producing (JCI) cells which continuously produce JCV. Treatment of JCI cells with Tat protein led to a significant increase in the titers of progeny viruses. It has also been shown that Tat protein leads to a decrease in the expression of purine‐rich element binding protein α (Purα) as an important mediator of JCV replication in IMR‐32 cells. Thus, it is probable that Tat protein enhances JCV replication in IMR‐32 cells via the down‐regulation of Purα expression and cell proliferation. To our knowledge, this is the first report that exogenous Tat protein enhances the replication of JCV efficiently in neuroblastoma cell lines. J. Med. Virol. 84:555–561, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of non‐polio enteroviruses from 17 years of virological surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis in the Philippines
Authors: Apostol Lea Necitas , Suzuki Akira , Bautista Analisa , Galang Hazel , Paladin Fem Julia , Fuji Naoko , Lupisan Socorro , Olveda Remigio , Oshitani Hitoshi 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAcute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance has been conducted as part of the World Health Organization (WHO) strategy on poliomyelitis eradication. Aside from poliovirus, which is the target pathogen, isolation, and identification of non‐polio enteroviruses (NPEVs) is also done by neutralization test using pools of antisera which can only identify limited number of NPEVs. In the Philippines, despite the significant number of isolated NPEVs, no information is available with regard to its occurrence, diversity, and pattern of circulation. In this study, a total of 790 NPEVs isolated from stool samples submitted to the National Reference Laboratory from 1992 to 2008 were analyzed; neutralization test was able to type 55% (442) of the isolates. Of the remaining 356 isolates, which were untyped by using neutralization test, 348 isolates were analyzed further by RT‐PCR targeting the VP1 gene. A total of 47 serotypes of NPEV strains were identified using neutralization test and molecular typing, including 28 serotypes of human enterovirus B (HEV‐B), 12 serotypes of HEV‐A, and 7 of HEV‐C. The HEV‐B group (625/790; 79%) constituted the largest proportion of isolates, followed by HEV‐C (108/790; 13.7%), HEV‐A (57/790; 7.2%), and no HEV‐D. Coxsackievirus (CV) B, echovirus (E)6, E11, and E13 were the most frequent isolates. E6, E11, E13, E14, E25, E30, E33, CVA20, and CVA24 were considered as endemic strains, some NPEVs recurred and few serotypes existed only for 1–3 years during the study period. Despite some limitations in this study, plural NPEVs with multiple patterns of circulation in the Philippines for 17 years were identified. J. Med. Virol. 84:624–631, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fatty acid, tocopherol and carotenoid content in herbage and milk affected by sward composition and season of grazing
Authors: Larsen Mette K , Fretté Xavier C , Kristensen Troels , Eriksen Jørgen , Søegaard Karen , Nielsen Jacob H 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: The aim of the present work was to study to what extent grazing large amounts of white clover (WCL), red clover (RCL), lucerne (LUC) or chicory (CHI) was suitable for production of bovine milk with a high milk fat content of tocopherols, carotenoids, α‐linolenic acid and conjugated linoleic acid.RESULTS: WCL, RCL, LUC and CHI swards were established to investigate the influence of herbage composition on the milk quality of grazing dairy cows at three periods. Average milk fat composition showed high concentrations of linolenic acid (12 mg g−1), conjugated linoleic acid (13 mg g−1), carotenoids (6 µg g−1) and α‐tocopherol (21 µg g−1 milk fat). There were minor differences between herbage types and periods, but multivariate analysis of these data showed no clear grouping. Chemical composition of herbage varied with species as well as period, but it was not possible to relate milk and feed contents of specific fatty acids, carotenoids or tocopherols.CONCLUSION: All four herbages tested were suitable for production of milk with a high content of beneficial compounds. Thus any of these herbages could be used in production of such differentiated milk based on a large proportion of grazing in the ration. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of health insurance claim patterns to identify patients using nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bernard Marie‐Agnès , Bénichou Jacques , Blin Patrick , Weill Alain , Bégaud Bernard , Abouelfath Abdelilah , Moore Nicholas , Fourrier‐Réglat Annie ,   on behalf of the CADEUS team
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTPurposeTo determine healthcare claim patterns associated using nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThe CADEUS study randomly identified NSAID users within the French health insurance database. One‐year claims data were extracted, and NSAID indication was obtained from prescribers. Logistic regression was used in a development sample to identify claim patterns predictive of RA and models applied to a validation sample. Analyses were stratified on the dispensation of immunosuppressive agents or specific antirheumatism treatment, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to estimate discriminant power.ResultsNSAID indication was provided for 26 259 of the 45 217 patients included in the CADEUS cohort; it was RA for 956 patients. Two models were constructed using the development sample (n = 13 143), stratifying on the dispensation of an immunosuppressive agent or specific antirheumatism treatment. Discriminant power was high for both models (AUC > 0.80) and was not statistically different from that found when applied to the validation sample (n = 13 116).ConclusionsThe models derived from this study may help to identify patients prescribed NSAIDs who are likely to have RA in claims databases without medical data such as treatment indication. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and optimization of an intumescent flame retardant coating using thermal degradation kinetics and Taguchi's experimental design
Authors: Derakhshesh Zahra , Khorasani Manouchehr , Akhlaghi Shahin , Keyvani Bahram , Alvani Ali Asghar Sabbagh 
Published: February 2012

AbstractTwo supplementary approaches in terms of thermal degradation kinetics and Taguchi's experimental design were employed toward developing a design effort for intumescent coatings. A model intumescent system including ammonium polyphosphate (APP), pentaerythritol (PER), melamine (MEL), thermoplastic acrylic resin and liquid hydrocarbon resin was chosen and then subjected to thermogravimetric analysis and heat insulation tests to provide experimental data. Kinetic analysis of the thermogravimetric data based on the Friedman and Kissinger methods revealed that activation energy (Ea) and reaction order (n) could be used as parameters to accurately judge whether the selected intumescent components represented coordinated thermal characteristics. Examination of the calculated Ea and n values showed that the decomposition of thermoplastic acrylic resin and liquid hydrocarbon resin occurred first and that the APP, PER and MEL components were degraded immediately after. Such a degradation sequence was quite consistent with the functional mechanism of intumescent systems. In addition, simultaneous implementation of analysis of variance and mean effect assessment on the Taguchi data demonstrated that the designed formulation, based on the optimized coupling of 10 g MEL into APP/PER 25 g/11 g, exhibited the highest fireproofing time among the prepared coating samples. The APP content had the most important contribution to the flame retardant behaviour, and APP versus PER interactions showed the highest severity index. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the higher flame retardancy of the optimized sample was related to the presence of a large number of micropores in the expanded charring layer structure. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantum Chemical Studies on the Structure and Performance Properties of 1,3,4,5‐Tetranitropyrazole: A Stable New High Energy Density Molecule
Authors: Ravi Pasupala , Gore Girish M. , Tewari Surya P. , Sikder Arun K. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMolecular orbital calculations were performed for the geometric and electronic structures, band gap, thermodynamic properties, density, detonation velocity, detonation pressure, stability and sensitivity of 1,3,4,5‐tetranitropyrazole (R23). The calculated density (approx. 2060 kg m−3), detonation velocity (approx. 9.242 km s−1) and detonation pressure (approx. 41.30 GPa) of the model compound are appearing to be promising compared to hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinito‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX) and octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐l,3,5,7‐tetrazocine (HMX). Bader’s atoms‐in‐molecules (AIM) analysis was also performed to understand the nature of the intramolecular N⋅⋅⋅O interactions and the strength of trigger XNO2 bonds (where XC, N) of the optimized structure computed from the B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level.
Combustion of Ytterbium Metal
Authors: Koch Ernst‐Christian , Weiser Volker , Roth Evelin , Knapp Sebastian , Kelzenberg Stefan 
Published: February 2012

AbstractYtterbium metal powder burns with a luminous vapor phase diffusion flame in oxygen. Consolidated stoichiometric mixtures with both polytetrafluoroethylene and hexachloroethane upon ignition yield intense luminous flames. With UV/Vis spectroscopy of the combustion flames Yb, YbO, YbCl, and YbF species have been identified contributing to the selective emission in the green spectral range. The flame temperatures of ytterbium combustion in oxygen and with halocarbon based oxidizers are in the same range as for comparable magnesium based systems.
Initial Effect of an Elastic Chest Band during Inspiratory Exercise on Chest Function Improvement in People with Limited Rib Mobility: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Kim Ji‐Hee , Park Hyeon‐Kyu , Jeon Soon‐Young , Oh Duck‐Won , Park Hyun‐Ju , Park Woo‐Joo 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground and PurposeWhile performing respiratory training, an elastic chest band has great benefits for clinical use due to its safety and easy application. However, to our knowledge, there is no published data on the clinical use of an elastic chest band into inspiratory training for people with limited rib mobility. This study aimed to investigate the effects of an elastic chest band integrated into inspiratory exercise for people with decreased chest function.MethodSixteen subjects with limited rib mobility were randomly assigned to either experimental group (EG) or control group (CG), with eight subjects in each group. All subjects received an inspiratory exercise using incentive spirometer for 30 minutes. For the subjects of the EG, an elastic chest band was incorporated into the inspiratory exercises to provide compressive resistance to the chest. The chest function was measured using an electronic spirometer to determine the vital capacity (VC), tidal volume (TV), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), expiratory reserve volume, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV), FEV in 1‐second (FEV1) and the ratio of FEV1 to FVC (FEV1%).ResultsSignificant differences were found for the VC, TV, IRV, FVC and FEV1 between pre‐test and post‐test in the two groups (p < 0.05). Further, the changes in the values of VC (0.47 L vs. 0.22 L), FVC (0.55 L vs. 0.25 L) and FEV1 (0.65% vs. 0.21%) in the EG subjects were significantly greater than those in the CG subjects (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that an elastic chest band combined with inspiratory exercise produces additional positive effect on improving chest function in people with limited rib mobility. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comments on higher‐spin holography
Authors: Bekaert X. , Joung E. , Mourad J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe conjectured holographic duality between vector models with quartic interaction and higher‐spin field theory in the bulk is reviewed, with emphasis on some versions and generalisations (higher dimensions, beyond the singlet sector, etc) which have not been much investigated yet. The strongest form of the conjecture assumes that it holds for any (not necessarily large) number of massless scalar fields and for any value of the coupling constant. Since the quartic interaction is of double‐trace type, the exact duality (for any value of the coupling constant) automatically follows from its validity at the Gaussian fixed point (for vanishing coupling constant). The validity of the latter also implies that unbroken higher spin symmetries should prevent quantum corrections in the bulk.