bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of Zn contents on phase composition, chemical stability and cellular bioactivity in Zn–Ca–Si system ceramics
Authors: Wu Chengtie , Ramaswamy Yogambha , Chang Jiang , Woods Joy , Chen Yiqing , Zreiqat Hala 
Published: May 2008

AbstractCa–Si system ceramics, in particular CaSiO3 ceramics, are regarded as potential bioactive bone repair/regeneration material. However, their high dissolution rate limits their biological applications. The aim of this study was to incorporate Zinc (Zn) into the Ca–Si system ceramics to produce part (at 10 and 20% Zn) or complete (at 50% Zn) new crystal phase (hardystonite: Ca2ZnSi2O7) with improved chemical stability and cellular activity. Zn–Ca–Si ceramics with four Zn contents (0, 10, 20, and 50%) were successfully prepared by sintering sol–gel‐derived Zn–Ca–Si powder compacts. A new pure crystal phase Ca2ZnSi2O7 was formed only when 50% Zn was added. The chemical stability of Zn–Ca–Si ceramics was evaluated by soaking in simulating body fluid (SBF), and the ion release from ceramics and the change in pH values of the SBF were measured. Their ability to form apatite in SBF was determined by analyzing the surface phase composition and morphology of the ceramics using X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicated that, with the increase of Zn contents, the chemical stability of ceramics increased while the apatite‐formation ability decreased. The ability of Zn–Ca–Si ceramics to support attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of the human bone osteoblastic‐like cells (HOB) was assessed using SEM, MTS, and alkaline phosphate activity assays, respectively. Zn–Ca–Si ceramics supported HOB attachment and their proliferation increased with the increase of Zn content. ALP activity of HOB on Zn–Ca–Si ceramics with 50% Zn (Ca2ZnSi2O7) was the highest among the levels obtained for the four ceramics tested. Taken together, Ca2ZnSi2O7 ceramics possessed the best chemical stability and cellular bioactivity in Zn containing Ca–Si ceramics, indicating their potential application in skeletal tissue regeneration. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Reduction and suppression of methemoglobin loaded in the polymeric nanoparticles intended for blood substitutes
Authors: Zhang Xiaolan , Liu Changsheng , Yuan Yuan , Shan Xiaoqian , Sheng Yan , Xu Feng 
Published: May 2008

AbstractOxidation of hemoglobin (Hb) to nonfunctional methemoglobin (metHb) is a main challenge for the fabrication of an ideal Hb‐based blood substitute. In this study, a novel nonenzymatic reduction and suppression route, combined with a fast prereduction, optimized double emulsion preparation, and a second sustaining postreduction, was developed to control the metHb in Hb‐loaded nanoparticles (HbP) with porous microstructure to a desirable level. In the prereduction, the metHb in the raw Hb was effectively reduced from over 90% to 1.2% using sodium dithionite following gel filtration separation. During the preparation, higher the emulsion strength performed, higher was the extent of Hb oxidized. PEGylated polymer and addition of miscible solvent, such as acetonitrile, into the oil phase could pronouncedly suppress metHb formation. The resultant metHb level in HbP under the optimal fabrication was about 5.6%, which could be further reduced to 1.4% by the model reducing agents in human plasma with the help of superoxide dismutatse and catalase system, which are capable of sustaining postreduction. The oxygen dissociation curve of the HbP was close to that of native Hb, indicating that the oxygen‐carrying ability of the Hb, despite initially losing this function due to the severe oxidation, recovered and retained well. The results achieved are promising for the fabrication of blood substitutes with controlled metHb level, which can fulfill the binding/delivering oxygen to tissues in vivo for future trials. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Effective CCTV and the challenge of constructing legitimate suspicion using remote visual images
Authors: Williams David 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis paper compares the effectiveness of public CCTV systems according to meta‐reviews, with what might be expected based upon theoretical predictions. The apparent gulf between practice and prediction is explored in the light of the challenges faced by CCTV operators in terms of effective target selection. In addition, counter‐intuitive reactions by members of the public to situational symbols of crime deterrence may also undermine the efficacy of CCTV. Evidence is introduced and reviewed that suggests CCTV operators may employ implicit profiles to select targets. Essentially, young, scruffy males who appear to be loitering are disproportionately targeted compared with their base rate use of surveyed areas. However, the extent to which such a profile is diagnostic of criminal intent or behaviour is unclear. Such profiles may represent little more than ‘pattern matching’ within an impoverished visual medium. Finally, suggestions for future research and effective CCTV operator practice are offered in order to improve target selection. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triangulation mobility of auto‐theft offenders
Authors: Westerberg Kelly , Grant Tim , Bond John W. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis research paper presents an examination of the journey to and from crime for auto‐theft offenders in the UK. For 852 offences, ‘wheel’ distances are calculated for triangles formed by offenders' home location, theft location, and vehicle disposal location. The study demonstrates typical isosceles mobility triangles; distances travelled to and from home locations are roughly equal, whereas distances between theft and disposal points were shorter. Distances travelled by offenders under 17 years old and offences involving drug and drink were shown to be shorter than comparison groups. Prolific offenders tend to travel further, although there is significant variation in this subgroup. Explanations and implications are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GB virus type C infection in hemodialysis patients considering co‐infection with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Hosseini‐Moghaddam S.M. , Keyvani H. , Samadi M. , Alavian S.M. , Mahdavimazdeh M. , Daneshvar S. , Razzaghi Z. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractGB virus type C is a well‐known viral agent with capability of infecting patients undergoing hemodialysis. Liver enzyme levels in infected individuals have been reported to remain within the normal range. Simultaneous infection of GBV‐C and other viral agents may occur due to common routes of transmission. A total of 104 hemodialysis patients living in Tehran were included in this case‐control study (53 patients with HCV infection, group I; and 51 with no HCV infection, group II). Diagnosis was made by detection Anti‐E2 protein using ELISA and HCV–RNA using RT‐PCR. History of HBV‐infection, organ transplantation, depression, malignancies, chemotherapy, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders and chronic cutaneous disorders were considered. Patients were evaluated for high‐ risk behaviors such as intravenous drug injection, addiction or substance abuse. A total of 14 patients (13.6%) were GBV‐C‐infected. Four of them were co‐infected with HCV. All patients with GBV‐C infection had viral genotype 2. Thirteen patients (12%) had a history of multiple blood transfusions. Mean (±SD) age of GBV‐C‐infected patients was 48.7 ± 13.8 years. Among GBV‐C infected patients, three patients had a history of organ transplantation and three had a co‐morbidity of diabetes mellitus. This study as the first case‐control study to evaluate the association between GBV‐C and HCV infection, to our knowledge, shows hemodialysis patients living in Tehran are infected with GBV‐C with intermediate level of frequency. The association of GBV‐C transmission with other viral blood‐borne agents might be necessary. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1260–1263, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sequential evolution of genotype GII.4 norovirus variants causing gastroenteritis outbreaks from 2001 to 2006 in Eastern Spain
Authors: Buesa Javier , Montava Rebeca , Abu‐Mallouh Reem , Fos Marta , Ribes Juan M. , Bartolomé Rosa , Vanaclocha Herme , Torner Núria , Domínguez Àngela 
Published: May 2008

AbstractNoroviruses are the most common cause of outbreaks of viral gastroenteritis worldwide. Norovirus outbreaks were surveyed in Catalonia and the region of Valencia (Eastern Spain) between January 2001 and December 2006 as part of the European Union funded network “Food‐borne viruses in Europe”. During this time the etiology and epidemiological features of 194 outbreaks of acute non‐bacterial gastroenteritis were investigated and norovirus was identified as causing 169 (87.1%) of them. Molecular epidemiology of viral strains was studied by RT‐PCR and sequencing part of the RNA polymerase gene in ORF1 from 153 outbreak strains. The most commonly identified norovirus genotype was GII.4 (71.9% of the characterized outbreak strains), which is also the predominant genotype worldwide. During this survey five genetic variants of GII.4 genotype have been sequentially detected and identified as 1996, 2002, 2004, 2006a, and 2006b variants. The transition from one variant to a new one always took place over a short period of time, and thereafter the replacement of strains circulating previously was observed. These new GII.4 variants may have arisen as a consequence of viral evasion from the host immune responses, although apparently there is a lack of long‐term immunity after norovirus infections. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1288–1295, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison between the clinical and laboratory features of enterovirus and West Nile virus infections
Authors: Middleton Joanna , Lee Bonita E. , Fox Julie D. , Tilley Peter A.G. , Robinson Joan L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe seasonality and clinical features of enterovirus (EV) infections overlap with those of West Nile virus (WNV). The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of EV detection in patients being tested for WNV and to look for features that could be used to distinguish between infections with these two viruses. Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) for EV was performed on all plasma samples submitted for WNV testing in 2003 and 2004. Demographics, clinical features, and laboratory results for patients with documented EV viremia were compared with those for patients with confirmed WNV infection (as diagnosed by NAT and/or serology). NAT for EV was positive on 50 of 1,784 serum or plasma samples submitted for WNV testing (2.8%). Clinical information was compared for 45 patients with EV viremia and 214 patients with WNV infection. Patients with EV viremia were younger and less likely to have heart disease or a travel history (P < 0.05). The EV viremia cases were distributed throughout the whole province while the WNV cases were predominantly in the southern part of the province. Symptoms were remarkably similar, although patients with WNV infection were more likely to have anorexia, dizziness, rash, and cranial nerve palsy (P < 0.05). There are no consistent differences in the features of WNV infection and enteroviral viremia so diagnostic tests for both viruses should be performed when WNV is present in local mosquitoes. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1252–1259, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of erythrovirus genotypes in the myocardium of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kühl U. , Lassner D. , Pauschinger M. , Gross U.M. , Seeberg B. , Noutsias M. , Poller W. , Schultheiss H.‐P. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractParvovirus B19 (PVB19) is a member of the human erythrovirus family detected frequently in endomyocardial biopsies from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Human erythroviruses cluster into three genotypes 1–3 which share a high degree of homology between major structural proteins and may cause indistinguishable infections clinically and serologically. In human cardiac tissue erythrovirus genotypes other than PVB19 have not yet been reported. Three hundred seventeen consecutive patients with symptomatic dilated cardiomyopathy (median left ventricular ejection fraction: 28.6%, range 5–45%) who underwent endomyocardial biopsy for the elucidation of the etiology, were analyzed using a new consensus PCR assay designed for the detection of the three erythrovirus genotype sequences. Endomyocardial biopsies of 151 (47.6%) patients were erythrovirus‐positive. Genotype 1 specific sequences were detected in 43/151 (28.5%) of positive biopsy samples, whereas genotype 2‐specific sequences so far considered rare in human disease and not yet been described in human heart tissue was identified in 108/151 (71.5%) of virus‐positive endomyocardial biopsies with a preference in patients above 50 years of age. In spite of younger age, systolic left ventricular dysfunction of genotype 1‐positive patients was significantly reduced as compared to genotype 2‐positive patients (24.4 ± 10.4% vs. 31.0 ± 9.5%, P = 0.0001) at the initial presentation. The data show that two genetically distinct erythrovirus variants with a different age distribution are detectable in endomyocardial biopsies of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. The erythrovirus genotype 2, not described previously in human heart tissue, is highly prevalent in the heart but the less prevalent genotype 1 is associated with more severe disturbed cardiac function. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1243–1251, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of, and risk factors for Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus infection among blood donors in Brazil: A multi‐center serosurvey
Authors: Nascimento Maria Claudia , de Souza Vanda Akico , Sumita Laura Masami , Freire Wilton , Weiss Helen A. , Sabino Ester C. , Franceschi Silvia , Pannuti Claudio Sergio , Mayaud Philippe 
Published: May 2008

AbstractKaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is endemic in the Amazon and rare in southern regions of Brazil. However, geographical distribution and epidemiological correlates of infection in this large country are still poorly defined. To estimate the seroprevalence of, and risk factors for, KSHV infection in Brazil, a multi‐center study was conducted among 3,493 first‐time voluntary unpaid blood donors from Salvador, Sao Paulo and Manaus. Antibodies against KSHV were detected using a whole‐virus ELISA validated prior to the serosurvey. Antibodies against the latency‐associated nuclear antigen (LANA) were detected by immuno‐fluorescence assay (IFA) among ELISA‐positive sera and a random sample of ELISA‐negative sera. Overall, seroprevalence of KSHV by whole‐virus ELISA was 21.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 20–23.4%) in men and 31.7% (95% CI: 29–34.3%) in women (P < 0.0001). KSHV antibodies were detected by IFA‐LANA in 3% (95% CI: 2–4.3%) of 867 ELISA‐positive samples and in none of 365 randomly selected ELISA‐negative samples. In multivariate analysis, KSHV seroprevalence by whole‐virus ELISA was independently associated with female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.4–1.9); residence in the Amazon (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2–1.8; compared to Salvador); Caucasian ethnicity (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.6) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV‐2) infection (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.6). KSHV seroprevalence did not significantly increase with age, nor was it associated with self‐reported sexual behavior. KSHV seroprevalence is high among Brazilian blood donors, particularly from the Amazon region. This study supports the co‐existence of sexual and non‐sexual routes of KSHV transmission in this population. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1202–1210, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HPV prevalence among healthy Italian male sexual partners of women with cervical HPV infection
Authors: Benevolo Maria , Mottolese Marcella , Marandino Ferdinando , Carosi Mariantonia , Diodoro Maria Grazia , Sentinelli Steno , Visca Paolo , Rollo Francesca , Mariani Luciano , Vocaturo Giuseppe , Sindico Roberto , Terrenato Irene , Donnorso Raffaele Perrone , Vocaturo Amina 
Published: May 2008

AbstractGenital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the causative agent of cervical cancer and is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Only limited and controversial data are available regarding HPV transmission in male sexual partners of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and the genotype distribution of HPV in penile scrapings of a series of Italian men, who had no visible penile lesions and were partners of women who were affected, or had been affected previously by cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or who were infected with HPV. The concordance of the viral group in the infected partners was determined. A total of 77 penile scrapings were screened for HPV infection by the polymerase chain reaction, while 59 cervicovaginal brushings of their female partners were tested. 35% of evaluable male samples and 64% of female sexual partners were found to be HPV positive. In the 55 simultaneously evaluable couples, a concordance of 45% was found, 11 couples (20%) with both partners being HPV negative and 14 couples (25%) with both partners HPV positive (P = 0.001). Six out of the 14 couples (43%), where both partners were HPV positive, harbored the same HPV genotype group. These data, although preliminary, could support further the hypothesis that male HPV infection is more frequent in sexual partners of HPV positive or women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia indicating that men could represent an important source of HPV transmission between sex partners. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1275–1281, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of the performance of different HPV genotyping methods for detecting genital HPV types
Authors: Klug Stefanie J. , Molijn Anco , Schopp Betti , Holz Barbara , Iftner Angelika , Quint Wim , J.F. Snijders Peter , Petry Karl‐Ulrich , Kjær Susanne Krüger , Munk Christian , Iftner Thomas 
Published: May 2008

AbstractClassification of high‐risk HPV types for cervical cancer screening depends on epidemiological studies defining HPV type‐specific risk. The genotyping tests that are used, are however, not uniform with regard to type‐specific detection rates making comparisons between different studies difficult. To overcome the lack of a “gold standard” four tests were evaluated crosswise using 824 cervical smears pretested by HC2. The tests evaluated were the L1‐PCR‐based assays PGMY09/11 LBA, HPV DNA Chip and SPF LiPA and an E1 consensus PCR followed by cycle sequencing (E1‐PCR). A subset of 265 samples was tested in addition with the GP5+/6+ reverse line blot assay. Differences were noted in the sensitivity and range for specific HPV types, e.g. with detection rates for HPV53 ranging from 2.3% to 11.6%. HPV16 was the most prevalent type detected by all tests except for the SPF‐10 LiPa, which detected HPV31 more often. Kappa values calculated ranged from poor (k = 0.20) to intermediate (k = 0.54) for HPV positivity, but were higher for high‐risk type positivity (k = 0.31–0.61) and best for recognition of HPV16 (k = 0.53–0.72). The analytical sensitivity of the tests ranged between 15% and 97% for individual types and specificity was highly dependent on which test system was used as “gold standard” for the analysis. The results of histology were used for calculation of clinical sensitivity and specificity. E1‐PCR, PGMY09/11 LBA and SPF‐10 LiPA had a high clinical sensitivity (>95%) for the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or higher, whereas the HPV DNA Chip reached only 84.1%. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1264–1274, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of genetic lineages of human metapneumovirus in Croatia during the winter season 2005/2006
Authors: Ljubin‐Sternak Sunčanica , Šantak Maja , Čepin‐Bogović Jasna , Baće Ana , Vojnović Gordana , Mlinarić‐Galinović Gordana , Forčić Dubravko , Draženović Vladimir , Falsey Ann R. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractHuman metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an important respiratory pathogen, especially among young children. The genetic characteristics of HMPV circulating in Croatia have not been studied so far. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of HMPV infection in hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) in the season 2005/2006 in Croatia, as well as to perform the genotypic analysis of detected HMPV strains. From December 1 to March 31 nasopharyngeal secretions (NPSs) were collected from 402 inpatients up to 5 years of age with ARTI. NPSs were tested by real‐time RT‐PCR assay targeting the nucleoprotein (N) gene of HMPV. HMPV infection was detected in 33 patients (8.2%). To perform the phylogenetic study, partial nucleotide sequences were obtained for HMPV fusion (F) gene of 30 HMPV positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed the circulation of two main genetic lineages (A and B), with B lineages being prevalent. It also showed the existence of two sublineages within the group B (B1 and B2) and three subclusters within lineage A (A1, A2a and A2b). Further molecular analysis revealed point mutations in HMPV strains of sublineage B1. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1282–1287, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outbreak studies of a GII‐3 and a GII‐4 norovirus revealed an association between HBGA phenotypes and viral infection
Authors: Tan Ming , Jin Miao , Xie Huaping , Duan Zhaojun , Jiang Xi , Fang Zhaoyin 
Published: May 2008

AbstractNoroviruses are the major viral pathogen of epidemic acute gastroenteritis. Two outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis that occurred in China in 2003 and 2006, caused by a GII‐4 and a GII‐3 strain, respectively, were studied to investigate potential association between viral infection and histo‐blood types of hosts. The histo‐blood group antigen (HBGA) phenotypes of 146 subjects (16 from the GII‐3 and 130 from the GII‐4 outbreaks) were determined in a saliva‐based EIA. Our results showed that the secretor status of individuals was strongly associated with infection in the two outbreaks (P = 0.0007, OR = 0.044, 95% CI, 0.003–0.765); none of the nonsecretor in either outbreak developed symptomatic infection. The infection rate of individuals with the ABH and Lewis blood types varied between the two outbreaks. In the GII‐4 outbreak, association of ABH blood types with noroviral infection (P = 0.001, Chi‐square = 16.13) has been observed, in which the type A individuals had an increased risk of infection [61% in the symptomatic group (n = 41) vs. 30% in the asymptomatic group (n = 89), P = 0.0001], while the type O individuals showed a decreased infection rate (17% vs. 48% in the two groups, P = 0.0048). In the GII‐3 outbreak, however, individuals with the H antigen only appeared to have a higher rate of infection (33% vs. 14%, P = 0.059). Our study provided further evidence in the association between noroviral infection and the HBGA types of hosts. While the nonsecretor phenotype appears naturally resistant to these two strains, additional determinants on the HBGAs also may play roles in host range of the two strains. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1296–1301, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.