bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genotyping of human rotaviruses circulating among children with diarrhea in Valencia, Venezuela
Authors: Vizzi Esmeralda , Piñeros Oscar , González Germán Gabriel , Zambrano José L. , Ludert Juan E. , Liprandi Ferdinando 
Published: October 2011

AbstractRotavirus infection is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis during childhood worldwide, especially in developing countries. Two rotavirus vaccines are available for childhood immunization programs. Evaluation of the vaccine performance will benefit from knowledge of the epidemiological features of rotavirus infection in regional settings. Limited information on the molecular characteristics of the rotavirus types circulating in Venezuela is available. Eighty seven (89.7%) of the 97 ELISA rotavirus positive stool samples collected from children with diarrhea aged <5 years during 2003 in Valencia (Carabobo State), were G‐, P‐ and NSP4‐genotyped by RT‐PCR and/or automated sequencing. Four common combinations, G3P[8]/NSP4‐E1, G2P[4]/NSP4‐E2, G9P[8]/NSP4‐E1, and G1P[8]/NSP4‐E1 were responsible for 50.6%, 35.6%, 5.7%, and 1.1%, respectively of cases of rotavirus diarrhea, most of them (66%) in children ≤12 months. One uncommon G8P[14]/NSP4‐E2 strain was also detected. Temporal fluctuation of genotype distribution occurred, but no differences by age, diarrhea severity score, sex, treatment type or patient medical attention were observed, except for the G3P[8]/NSP4‐E1, associated with a more severe dehydration than any other type (P < 0.01). The results confirm the broad diversity among rotavirus strains circulating in Venezuela prior to vaccine implementation, showing the predominance of G3, significant proportion of G2 and moderate circulation of G9 strains. Epidemiological surveillance is needed to detect the emergence of new genotypes that could escape protection induced by vaccination. J. Med. Virol. 83:2225–2232, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Merkel cell polyomavirus DNA in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients with respiratory disease
Authors: Abedi Kiasari Bahman , Vallely Pamela J. , Klapper Paul E. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMerkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) was identified originally in association with a rare but aggressive skin cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma. The virus has since been found in the respiratory tract of some patients with respiratory disease. However, the role of MCPyV in the causation of respiratory disease has not been established. To determine the prevalence of MCPyV in 305 respiratory samples from immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients and evaluate their contribution to respiratory diseases, specimens were screened for MCPyV using single, multiplex, or real‐time PCR; co‐infection with other viruses was examined. Of the 305 samples tested, 10 (3.27%) were positive for MCPyV. The virus was found in two groups of patients: in 6 (2%) nasopharyngeal aspirate samples from children aged 26 days to 7 months who were immunocompetent; and in 4 (1.3%) of nasopharyngeal aspirate samples taken from patients aged 41 to 69 years who were severely immunosuppressed from leukemia or transplant therapy. Both groups had upper or lower respiratory tract infection. Co‐infections with other viruses were found in 30% of the MCPyV positive samples. The data present a pattern of infection similar to that seen with the polyomaviruses JC and BK in which the virus is acquired during childhood, probably by the respiratory route. The viruses then establish latency and become reactivated in the event of immunosuppression. J. Med. Virol. 83:2220–2224, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatitis A Virus genotype and its correlation with the clinical outcome of acute hepatitis A in Korea: 2006–2008
Authors: Yun Haesun , Lee Hyeok Jin , Jang Je‐Hyuck , Kim Jeong Sim , Lee Sang Hyub , Kim Jin‐Wook , Park Sang Jong , Park Young Min , Hwang Seong Gyu , Rim Kyu Sung , Kang Sook‐Kyoung , Lee Hyun Seok , Jeong Sook‐Hyang 
Published: October 2011

AbstractKorea has recently experienced a nationwide outbreak of hepatitis A. This study aimed to investigate hepatitis A virus (HAV) genotypes and to compare clinical features between patients infected with HAV genotype IA and those with genotype IIIA. From September 2006 to August 2008, 595 patients with symptomatic hepatitis A were enrolled prospectively in four hospitals in Korea. Among them, 556 patients participated in this study by providing serum or stool samples for genotypic analysis. HAV RNA was detected in 499 patients (89.7%). Major genotypes included IA (n = 244, 48.9%) and IIIA (n = 244, 48.9%), and the remaining genotype was IB (n = 11, 2.2%). From September 2006 to August 2007, the distribution of genotypes IA and IIIA were 64.6% and 35.6%, respectively, which changed to 42.3% and 54.6%, respectively, from September 2007 to August 2008, indicating change of circulating HAV genotypes in the study period from IA to IIIA. Major patterns of amino acid substitution in the VP3/VP1 junction region were observed at position 512 (P → L) in genotype IA and at 520 (R → K) in genotype IIIA. Patients with genotype IIIA infection showed significantly higher aminotransferase levels, prothrombin time, and leukocyte count, with more severe symptoms than those with genotype IA at the time of admission. These results suggest the occurrence of a change of circulating HAV genotypes in recent community‐wide outbreaks of hepatitis A in Korea, and genotype IIIA infection, compared with genotype IA infection, might show more severe clinical manifestations. J. Med. Virol. 83:2073–2081, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of a UL111a real‐time PCR and pp65 antigenemia for the detection of cytomegalovirus
Authors: Beckmann Christiane , Dumoulin Alexis , Rinaldo Christine Hanssen , Hirsch Hans H. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractSurveillance of cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication in transplant patients is crucial for the success of transplantation. To compare a CMV pp65 antigenemia (pp65Ag) and a quantitative real‐time PCR targeting the CMV‐UL111a (UL111aPCR), all whole blood samples taken between July 2008 and October 2009 were identified which had been analyzed prospectively by both assays in parallel. Discordant results were re‐analyzed using a published CMV duplex PCR targeting regions UL55 and UL123exon4. Of 720 samples from 81 transplant patients, CMV replication was detected in 244 specimens (34%) by the UL111aPCR (median, 1,019 geq/ml), compared to 113 (16%) detected by the pp65Ag (median, 2/250,000 leukocytes). Concordant UL111aPCR/pp65Ag results were obtained in 561 (78%) samples, being positive in 99 (14%), and negative in 462 (64%). As a rule of thumb, 1 pp65Ag‐positive cell per 250,000 leukocytes corresponded to 1,000 geq/ml CMV DNA of whole blood. Discordant results were found in 159 samples (22%), being UL111aPCR‐positive/pp65Ag‐negative in 145 (91%; median, 650 geq/ml), or UL111aPCR‐negative/pp65Ag‐positive in 14 (9%; median, 1/250,000 cells). Using the duplex PCR targeting the CMV UL55 and the UL123‐exon4 genes, 131 of 139 (94%) discordant UL111aPCR‐positives (median UL111aPCR, 639 geq/ml; median UL55PCR, 715 geq/ml; median UL123PCR, 1,103 geq/ml) were confirmed. Of 14 discordant pp65Ag‐positives, duplex PCR was also negative in 8, and of low copy number in 6. Thus, CMV UL111aPCR provides more sensitive quantitation of CMV replication than pp65Ag, however, discordant results can occur at very low viral loads. J. Med. Virol. 83:2143–2150, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A rapid and efficient method BK polyomavirus genotyping by high‐resolution melting analysis
Authors: Matsuda Yasuhiro , Qazi Yasir , Iwaki Yuichi 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA small percentage of renal patients become infected with the BK polyomavirus (BKV), a pathogenic virus that causes BKV‐associated nephropathy (BKVN), after kidney transplantation. This study presents a simple, rapid, high‐throughput method for BKV genotyping using high‐resolution melt analysis (HRMA). Using this novel method, BKV genotypes were analyzed in 49 samples taken from BKV‐positive renal transplantation patients for classification into 1 of 3 genotypes: GI‐1 (subgroups Ia, Ib1, and Ic), GI‐2 (subgroup Ib2), and GII‐IV (subtypes II, III, and IV). HRMA was performed to compare each sample sequence to a reference sequence that contained a combination of 2 of the 3 genotype groups, and the findings validated by conventional DNA sequencing. Of the 49 samples, 20 samples were classified as GI‐1, 18 as GI‐2, and 11 as GII‐IV, suggesting that the predominant BKV strain (77.6%) in these patients was subtype I (GI‐1 and GI‐2). The HRMA method presented here is a time‐saving, reliable, and low‐cost procedure that can be developed as a diagnostic tool in the detection of the specific BKV genotypes associated with BKVN. J. Med. Virol. 83:2128–2134, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enteric viruses in healthy children in cameroon: Viral load and genotyping of norovirus strains
Authors: Ayukekbong James , Lindh Magnus , Nenonen Nancy , Tah Ferdinand , Nkuo‐Akenji Theresa , Bergström Tomas 
Published: October 2011

AbstractData regarding prevalence of noroviruses (NoVs) among asymptomatic persons are scarce. The current study carried out on samples from Cameroon describes the asymptomatic shedding of NoVs and other enteric viruses in healthy children and in adults infected with HIV but lacking symptoms of gastroenteritis. Enteric viruses were common with a prevalence of 53.7% in the children, and 35.5% in the adult participants. Multiple enteric viruses (2–5 agents) were detected in fecal samples from 65% of the children, and co‐infection with NoV was demonstrated in almost all cases of multiple infections. NoV viral loads in the healthy children were within disease causing range and significantly higher than those observed in the adults (P < 0.01). Sequencing and genotyping of NoV strains by phylogeny showed a marked diversity within two distinct genogroups, GI and GII, and strains clustered with genotypes GI.3, GII.17, GII.8, and GII.4. Genetic similarities to recent outbreak strains from other continents suggest a rapid circulation of NoVs that includes healthy children, who may constitute a reservoir for pathogenic NoVs. J. Med. Virol. 83:2135–2142, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fine‐scale regional climate patterns in the Guianas, tropical South America, based on observations and reanalysis data
Authors: Bovolo C. Isabella , Pereira Ryan , Parkin Geoff , Kilsby Chris , Wagner Thomas 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe dense, intact rainforests of the Guianas (northern Amazonia) are important for the regulation of the local and regional climate, but preclude easy access so a large data gap exists. The rainforest–savannah boundary may also be particularly susceptible to increasing pressures from ecosystem exploitation and climate change. It is important therefore to establish a baseline climate regime so that the impacts of any future change can be determined. Currently this area is not covered by the publicly available climate data sets, so interpolated data sets are not an accurate representation of the climate of this area, emphasizing the need for a more detailed analysis in this region. Here, we collate the available data sets and use these to derive maps of observed precipitation and temperature across the region. To overcome the limitations in the inadequate observational data sets, we also test and use the ECMWF ERA‐40 reanalysis data set for the period 1958–2001 at a ∼125 km2 (1.125°) resolution. Mean differences (biases) and annual average spatial correlations are examined between modelled and observed time series comparing the seasonal cycles and the yearly, monthly and monthly anomaly time series. The results show that with the exception of sub‐grid resolution mountain environments, reanalysis data for the Guianas provide a consistent and relatively accurate spatial distribution of temperature. Precipitation is modelled less accurately, with best results for the average timings, length and severity of the dry periods. This study provides consistent and quantitative details on the spatial variations in seasonality, particularly in areas lacking observations, thereby advancing beyond previous studies. Precipitation is highly variable in the region so care must be taken when averaging modelled data over large geographical areas for comparisons with gridded data sets based on few observations. This is the first comprehensive study of the recent historical climate and its variability in this area. Copyright © 2011 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2011 The Royal Meteorological Society
The bio‐tribological properties of anti‐adhesive agents commonly used during tendon repair
Authors: McGonagle Lorcan , Jones Michael D. , Dowson Duncan , Theobald Peter S. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractFrictional resistance to tendon gliding is minimized by surrounding loose areolar tissue. During periods of prolonged immobilization, for example, post‐tendon‐repair, adhesions can form between these two adjacent tissues, thereby limiting tendon function. Anti‐adhesive agents can be applied during surgery to prevent adhesion formation, whilst reportedly providing some reduction in friction during in vitro tendon‐bony pulley investigations. This bio‐tribological study evaluates whether application of these agents can improve the lubrication between the tendon and surrounding tissue, thus potentially reducing the risk of re‐rupturing the tendon at the repair site. The use of bovine synovial fluid (BSF) enabled an approximation of the in vivo lubrication regime, and subsequent comparison of the performance of three synthetic agents (50 mg/ml 5‐fluorouracil; 5 mg/ml hyaluronic acid; ADCON–T/N). Coefficient of friction data was recorded and then compared with the Stribeck curve. BSF generated a fluid film that separated the two surfaces, giving rise to optimal lubrication conditions. This efficient regime was also generated following application of each anti‐adhesion agent. The use of phosphate‐buffered saline solution in generating only a boundary lubrication regime highlighted the effectiveness of the agents in reducing friction. Hyaluronic acid (5 mg/ml) was marginally deemed the most effective anti‐adhesive agent at lubricating the tendon. Subsequently, it is concluded that the application of anti‐adhesive agents post‐surgery has secondary, tribological benefits that serve to reduce friction, and thus potentially the risk of failure, at the tendon repair site. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:775–780, 2012
A phase I/II clinical trial of preoperative short‐course carbon‐ion radiotherapy for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus
Authors: Akutsu Yasunori , Yasuda Shigeo , Nagata Matsuo , Izumi Yosuke , Okazumi Shinichi , Shimada Hideaki , Nakatani Yukio , Tsujii Hirohiko , Kamada Tadashi , Yamada Shigeru , Matsubara Hisahiro 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackgroundCarbon‐ion radiotherapy (CIR) has been under development. We report the results of a phase I/II clinical trial of preoperative CIR for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).MethodsThirty‐one thoracic ESCC patients were enrolled. They were first treated with CIR. The radiation dose was escalated from the initial dose of 28.8 GyE up to 36.8. Four to 8 weeks after CIR followed by clinical evaluation of the therapy, surgery was performed. Thereafter, a pathological evaluation was made.ResultsAcute toxicity was not seen except in one case (3.2%), and there were no late toxicities. Throughout the study period, there were no cases of withdrawal due to the effects of preoperative CIR. Twelve out of 31 (38.7%) patients achieved a clinical complete response (CR) and 13 patients (41.9%) achieved a partial response. Twelve out of 31 patients (38.7%) achieved a pathological CR. The overall 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival rates in the stage I cases were 91%, 81%, and 61%, and was 100%, 85%, and 77% for the stage II, and 71%, 43%, and 29% for the stage III cases, respectively.ConclusionsCIR showed strong local tumor control and is highly effective as a neoadjuvant therapy without severe adverse events. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:750–755. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermoresponsive Polymer Colloids for Drug Delivery and Cancer Therapy
Authors: Abulateefeh Samer R. , Spain Sebastian G. , Aylott Jonathan W. , Chan Weng C. , Garnett Martin C. , Alexander Cameron 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMany difficulties in treating cancer arise from the problems in directing highly cytotoxic agents to the deseased tissues, cells and intracellular compartments. Many drug delivery systems have been devised to address this problem, including those that show a change in properties in response to a temperature stimulus. In particular, colloidal materials based on thermoresponsive polymers offer a means to transport drugs selectively into tumour tissues that are hyperthermic, either intrinsically or through the application of clinical procedures such as localised heating. In this paper, the key attributes of thermoresponsive polymer colloids are considered, a number of important recent examples are discussed and the possible future developments of these materials are evaluated.magnified image
Absolutely continuous spectrum for random Schrödinger operators on the Bethe strip
Authors: Klein Abel , Sadel Christian 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe Bethe strip of width m is the cartesian product \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathbb {B}\times \lbrace 1,\ldots ,m\rbrace$\end{document}, where \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathbb {B}$\end{document} is the Bethe lattice (Cayley tree). We prove that Anderson models on the Bethe strip have “extended states” for small disorder. More precisely, we consider Anderson‐like Hamiltonians \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$H_\lambda =\frac{1}{2} \Delta \otimes 1 + 1 \otimes A\,+\,\lambda \mathcal {V}$\end{document} on a Bethe strip with connectivity K ≥ 2, where A is an m × m symmetric matrix, \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathcal {V}$\end{document} is a random matrix potential, and λ is the disorder parameter. Given any closed interval \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$I\subset \big (\!-\!\sqrt{K}+a_{{\rm max}},\sqrt{K}+a_{\rm {min}}\big )$\end{document}, where amin and amax are the smallest and largest eigenvalues of the matrix A, we prove that for λ small the random Schrödinger operator Hλ has purely absolutely continuous spectrum in I with probability one and its integrated density of states is continuously differentiable on the interval I.
Microarray meta‐analysis defines global angiogenesis‐related gene expression signatures in human carcinomas
Authors: Anders Mario , Fehlker Marion , Wang Qing , Wissmann Christoph , Pilarsky Christian , Kemmner Wolfgang , Höcker Michael 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAngiogenesis is a prerequisite for progression of cancers. The number of genes linked to angiogenesis suggests the existence of complex gene‐networks, which remain to be elucidated. To identify angiogenesis genes deregulated in carcinomas, we performed a meta‐profiling analysis of published gene expression microarray studies. Own microarray and quantitative RT‐PCR data were obtained from a colorectal carcinoma cohort. Applying highly stringent inclusion criteria, 15 cancer array studies were suitable for our analysis. These studies provided 789 tumor specimens and 190 samples of healthy tissues yielding a total of approx. 1,000,000 gene expression measurements. Meta‐analysis on the expression of 480 angiogenesis‐related genes in 10 cancer types identified a characteristic, entity‐independent “global” cancer expression signature of 25 angiogenesis‐related genes showing high frequency down‐regulation when compared to corresponding healthy tissues. Furthermore, we characterized 25 genes displaying frequent up‐regulation, yet less often than the 25 down‐regulated genes. Comparative inter‐study cross‐validation revealed that both signatures discriminate cancers from healthy tissues with high accuracy in independent test sets. Moreover, own microarray data of colorectal carcinomas confirmed the specific and sensitive discriminating potential of both signatures. These results were validated by quantitative RT‐PCR for eight genes displaying the highest differences in the microarray analysis. Our study for the first time defines global gene expression signatures linked to angiogenesis in carcinomas. Our findings suggest that gene down‐regulation may represent a central aspect of tumor angiogenesis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inhibition of NOTCH3 signalling significantly enhances sensitivity to cisplatin in EBV‐associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Man Cheuk‐Him , Wei‐Man Lun Samantha , Wai‐Ying Hui Jan , To Ka‐Fai , Choy Kwong‐Wai , Wing‐Hung Chan Anthony , Chow Chit , Tin‐Yun Chung Grace , Tsao Sai‐Wah , Tak‐Chun Yip Timothy , Busson Pierre , Lo Kwok‐Wai 
Published: October 2011

AbstractNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an EBV‐associated epithelial malignancy which is prevalent in south‐east Asia and southern China. Despite the multiple genetic and epigenetic changes reported, the contribution of dysregulated signalling pathways to this distinct type of head and neck cancer is not well understood. Here we demonstrate the up‐regulation of NOTCH ligands (JAG1 or DLL4) and effector (HEY1) in the majority of EBV‐positive tumour lines and primary tumours. Among the NOTCH receptors, NOTCH3 was over‐expressed in all EBV‐positive tumour lines and 92.5% of primary tumours. Aberrant activation of NOTCH3 signalling was consistently detected in all these samples. These findings imply that NOTCH3 may play an crucial role in the development of NPC. By NOTCH3 specific siRNA, NOTCH3 signalling was suppressed and thereby significant growth inhibition and apoptosis induction occurred in NPC cells. Down‐regulation of a number of targets involved in cell proliferation, eg CCND1, C‐MYC,NFKB1, and survival, eg BCL2, BCL‐XL, SURVIVIN, was confirmed in the NOTCH3 knockdown NPC cells. Importantly, NOTCH3 knockdown highly enhanced the sensitivity of NPC cells to cisplatin treatment. Furthermore, we revealed that the ability of NPC cells to form spheroids in vitro and tumours in nude mice was also significantly decreased after knockdown of NICD3 expression. These findings indicate that activation of NOTCH3 pathway is a critical oncogenic event in NPC tumourigenesis. Targeting NOTCH3 signalling may serve as a potential therapeutic approach for treating patients suffering from EBV‐associated NPC. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.