bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple surface antigen mutations in five blood donors with occult hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Zaaijer H.L. , Torres P. , Ontañón A. , Ponte L. González , Koppelman M.H.G.M. , Lelie P.N. , Hemert F.J.van , Boot H.J. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractOccult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is characterized by the presence of HBV DNA while the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) remains undetectable. The HBV genomes in five asymptomatic blood donors with occult HBV infection and low viremia (<10 to 1,000 HBV DNA copies/mL, genotype D) were studied. An unusually large number of amino acid mutations was present in the immunodominant a‐determinant of HBsAg (respectively 3, 6, 7, 10, and 10 mutations). Comparison of the HBV genomes in two donors to a consensus HBV genotype D sequence showed a most prominent hotspot of genetic variation in HBV nucleotides 480–570, encoding the HBsAg a‐determinant. The phylogenetic comparison of separate donor HBV genes to the HBV genes of 11 reference strains (genotypes A–H) showed the donor HBV surface genes to form an outgroup, while the HBV polymerase, core and X genes closely cluster with the HBV genotype D reference strain. Maybe the HBV strains in this study represent a natural end‐stage of seemingly cleared HBV infection, in which HBV maintains a low level of possibly non‐infectious replication, after sacrificing its immunologically offending surface antigen, thus avoiding final clearance by the immune system. J. Med. Virol. 80:1344–1349, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis B, C seroprevalence and delta viruses in HIV‐1 Senegalese patients at HAART initiation (retrospective study)
Authors: Diop‐Ndiaye H. , Touré‐Kane C. , Etard J.F. , Lô G. , Diaw PA , Ngom‐Gueye N.F. , Gueye P.M. , Ba‐Fall K. , Ndiaye I. , Sow P.S. , Delaporte E. , Mboup S. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine hepatitis co‐infection in a cohort of HIV infected patients at their inclusion in the Senegalese Initiative of ART Access. B, C, and D Hepatitis viruses serological markers were checked retrospectively on 363 stored plasma. For HBV, the Abbott laboratories equipment IMx was used to detect HBs Ag and anti Core Ab on negative HBs Ag samples. For HDV, anti Delta Ab was performed using the Abbott Murex Kit on all HBs Ag positive samples. For HCV, anti HCV Ab was detected by IMx as double screening test and confirmed by INNO‐LIATM HCV Core of Innogenetics laboratories. The statistical analysis was done with STATA V8. The study population was composed of 164 men and 199 women aged between 16 and 66 years. The immune and virological markers averages at their enrolment were 154 cell/mm3 for TLCD4+ (n = 355 patients) and 4.9 log for viral load (n = 277 patients). HBs Ag was found in 61 patients or 16.8% and the prevalence of anti‐HBc Ab was 83.2% (252/295). 2 patients or 3% on HBs Ag positive sample presents HBV/HDV co‐infection Ab anti HCV was detects in 6 patients or 1.6% after confirmation and 2 patients had triple infection with HBV. These results showed that the prevalence of HBV and HCV in the population of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Senegal is similar to that found in the general population. Our data indicated that hepatitis pathology in the PLwHIV was essentially due to HBV. Further studies are needed to diagnose occult hepatitis in order to set up therapeutic strategies taking into account co‐infections by hepatitis viruses in the ART programmes. J. Med. Virol. 80:1332–1336, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A set of reference sequences for the hepatitis C genotypes 4d, 4f, and 4k covering the full open reading frame
Authors: Kuntzen Thomas , Berical Andrew , Ndjomou Jean , Bennett Phil , Schneidewind Arne , Lennon Niall , Birren Bruce W. , Kuiken Carla , Henn Matthew R. , Simmonds Peter , Allen Todd M. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractInfection with genotype 4 of the Hepatitis C virus is common in Africa and the Mediterranean area, but has also been found at increasing frequencies in injection drug users in Europe and North America. Full length viral sequences to characterize viral diversity and structure have recently become available mostly for subtype 4a, and studies in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, where high proportions of subtype 4a infected patients exist, have begun to establish optimized treatment regimens. However knowledge about other subtype variants of genotype 4 present in less developed African states is lacking. In this study the full coding region from so far poorly characterized variants of HCV genotype 4 was amplified and sequenced using a long range PCR technique. Sequences were analyzed with respect to phylogenetic relationship, possible recombination and prominent sequence characteristics compared to other known HCV strains. We present for the first time two full‐length sequences from the HCV genotype 4k, in addition to five strains from HCV genotypes 4d and 4f. Reference sequences for accurate HCV genotyping are required for optimized treatment, and a better knowledge of the global viral sequence diversity is needed to guide vaccines or new drugs effective in the world wide epidemic. J. Med. Virol. 80:1370–1378, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of hepatitis E virus infection in Swine from Hunan province, China
Authors: Li Xiuji , Zhao Chenyan , Harrison Tim J. , Song Aijing , Fan Jinping , Zhang Jingang , Wang Youchun 
Published: June 2008

AbstractNine hundred and four serum samples were collected from pigs from 16 pig farms in China's Hunan province and tested for anti‐hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibody and the HEV capsid antigen using EIAs. Of the 904 samples, 617 (68.3%) and 57 (6.3%) were positive for anti‐HEV antibody and antigen, respectively. The prevalence of HEV antibodies and detection of antigen varied significantly among pigs from different farms (P < 0.01). The positivity rate for anti‐HEV antibody and occurrence of high titer antibody were significantly higher in pigs above, than in those below, 3 months of age, whilst the detection of antigen did not differ significantly between the two groups. Based on these data, 481 serum samples that were positive for HEV antigen or with an S/CO ≤10 for anti‐HEV were tested for HEV RNA using real‐time RT‐PCR; 28 of 481 (5.8%) were positive. The positivity rate of HEV RNA was much higher for the HEV antigen positive sera (40.1%) than the anti‐HEV antibody positive (1.4%) or negative (1.1%), antigen negative samples. Sixteen of the 28 samples were positive for HEV RNA using nested RT‐PCR and their products were cloned and sequenced. These 16 isolates belonged to HEV genotype 4, including 12 that did not belong to any subtype of HEV genotype 4 reported previously. Thus, the infection rate of HEV in pigs is high and the HEV antigen has a close relationship with HEV RNA. The HEV genotype infecting the pigs was genotype 4 and a novel subtype may exist in Hunan province. J. Med. Virol. 80:1391–1396, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of irrigation and vegetation activity on early Indian summer monsoon variability
Authors: Lee Eungul , Chase Thomas N. , Rajagopalan Balaji , Barry Roger G. , Biggs Trent W. , Lawrence Peter J. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe examined the effects of land cover change over the Indian subcontinent during pre‐monsoon season (March, April, and May—MAM) on early Indian summer monsoon (ISM) rainfall using observed Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and July precipitation for the period of 1982–2003. MAM NDVI anomalies have increased in the Indian subcontinent and the increases are significantly correlated with increases in the irrigated area, not preceding rainfall. July rainfall significantly decreased in central and southern India, and the decrease is statistically related to the increase in the preceding MAM NDVI anomalies. Decreased July surface temperature in the Indian subcontinent (an expected result of increased evapotranspiration due to irrigation and increased vegetation) leads to a reduced land–sea thermal contrast, which is one of the factors driving the monsoon, and therefore weakens the monsoon circulation. A weak early ISM appears to be at least partially a result of irrigation and the resultant increased vegetation and crop activity prior to the monsoon. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Unilateral versus bilateral stage I neuromodulator lead placement for the treatment of refractory voiding dysfunction
Authors: Pham Khanh , Guralnick Michael L. , O'Connor R. Corey 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAimsTo determine if bilateral S3 lead placement during the stage I trial period improves the “success” rate for advancing to stage II (permanent) sacral neuromodulator placement.MethodsA retrospective chart review of 124 (20 male and 104 female) patients undergoing stage I sacral neuromodulation (InterStim®, Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) implantation for the treatment of refractory voiding dysfunction was performed. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on unilateral versus bilateral stage I lead placement in the S3 foramina. Both groups were then evaluated and compared with regards to overall “success”, defined as progression from stage I to stage II placement.ResultsFifty‐five (44%) patients underwent unilateral stage I lead placement and 69 (56%) received bilateral S3 leads. Successful stage I trials were reported in 32/55 (58%) and 53/69 (76%) of unilateral and bilateral cohorts, respectively (P = 0.03). Five wound infections were reported—2 (3.6%) following unilateral and 3 (4.3%) after bilateral stage I lead placement. No other complications were encountered.ConclusionsBilateral stage I neuromodulation trial provides a significantly higher rate of improvement in refractory voiding symptoms to allow for the progress to stage II implantation. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:779–781, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a device to standardize leak point pressure experiments in rats
Authors: Shoffstall Andrew J. , Zaszczurynski Paul J. , Butler Robert S. , Damaser Margot S. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAimsThe objective of this study was to test a custom device aimed at increasing repeatability of abdominal leak point pressure (LPP) measurements in rodents.MethodsThe device consisted of a soft‐tipped force applicator with a force sensor which was moved in the vertical direction by a linear actuator, laser crosshairs for accurate positioning, and a hand‐held wired remote control system. One expert and two novice experimenters acquired LPP measurements using manual and device methods by applying a gradually increasing force with the finger or the device, respectively, until a leak was visually observed at the urethral meatus. The device was tested at fast, medium, and slow speeds. A leak sensor was also tested to determine presence of a leak and reaction time of the user. The change in bladder pressure due to the externally applied force (LPP) was the primary outcome.ResultsThere were no significant differences in mean LPP value when compared across experiments (expert, novice), method (manual, device), or speeds. The pooled variance of LPP was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared to the manual method when using the device at medium speed; however the slower speed showed no further improvement over the medium speed. The wet sensor detected leaks 385 ± 187 msec earlier than users' reaction.ConclusionsUse of the device can decrease variability of the experiment but does not alter mean values. Reaction time, inherent in both the manual and device methods, has the potential for a significant impact on LPP outcomes. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:553–558, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variability and repeatability of perineal sound recording in a population of healthy male volunteers
Authors: Idzenga Tim 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectivesIn a population of 16 healthy male volunteers we studied the variability and repeatability of perineal sound recording as a non‐invasive method for diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction.Materials and MethodsThe volunteers had a flat age‐distribution (22–62 years), a median IPSS‐score of 1 (range: 0–18) and voided at least 10 times. From each perineal sound recording the frequency spectrum was calculated and characterized by its weighted average frequency, standard deviation and skewness. We assessed the variability of these parameters using the Kruskal–Wallis test, differences between volunteers using Dunn's test and the repeatability by the normalized standard deviation of the differences between pairs of recordings in each volunteer.ResultsFor each parameter the variability within volunteers was significantly smaller than the variability between volunteers (Kruskal–Wallis, P < 0.05). For each parameter more than one volunteer was significantly different from three or more volunteers (Dunn's test, P < 0.05). The repeatability of each parameter was comparable to that of the maximum flow rate.ConclusionPerineal sound recording gives repeatable results, which are significantly different between volunteers. In combination with the earlier published results from model‐experiments the present results increase the probability that perineal sound recording can be used as a very simple and cheap method to non‐invasively diagnose BOO. Clinical testing of this method is therefore strongly indicated. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:802–806, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cardiac myofilaments: from proteome to pathophysiology
Authors: Jin Wenhai , Brown Anna T. , Murphy Anne M. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis review addresses the functional consequences of altered post‐translational modifications of cardiac myofilament proteins in cardiac diseases such as heart failure and ischemia. The modifications of thick and thin filament proteins as well as titin are addressed. Understanding the functional consequences of altered protein modifications is an essential step in the development of targeted therapies for common cardiac diseases.
An application of the 2‐nitrobenzenesulfenyl method to proteomic profiling of human colorectal carcinoma: A novel approach for biomarker discovery
Authors: Watanabe Makoto , Takemasa Ichiro , Kawaguchi Naomasa , Miyake Masakazu , Nishimura Noriko , Matsubara Toshiya , Matsuo Ei‐ichi , Sekimoto Mitsugu , Nagai Katsuya , Matsuura Nariaki , Monden Morito , Nishimura Osamu 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIn the development of novel biomarkers, the proteomic approach is advantageous because using it the cancer‐associated proteins can be directly identified. We previously developed a 2‐nitrobenzenesulfenyl (NBS) method to improve quantitative proteome analysis. Here, we applied this method to proteomic profiling of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) to identify novel proteins with altered expression in CRC. Each pair of tumor and normal tissue specimens from 12 CRC patients was analyzed, and approximately 5000 NBS‐labeled paired peaks were quantified. Peaks with altered signal intensities (>1.5‐fold) and occurring frequently in the samples (>70%) were selected, and 128 proteins were identified by MS/MS analyses as differentially expressed proteins in CRC tissues. Many proteins were newly revealed to be CRC related; 30 were reported in earlier studies of CRC. Six proteins that were up‐regulated in CRC (ZYX, RAN, RCN1, AHCY, LGALS1, and VIM) were further characterized and validated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. All six were found to be CRC‐localized, either in cancer cells or in stroma cells near the cancer cells. These results indicate that the proteins identified in this study are novel candidates for CRC markers, and that the NBS method is useful in proteome mining to discover novel biomarkers.
A novel role for proteomics in the discovery of cell‐surface markers on stem cells: Scratching the surface
Authors: Gundry Rebekah L. , Boheler Kenneth R. , Van Eyk Jennifer E. , Wollscheid Bernd 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe concept of cell‐based therapy has been advocated as a novel approach for treating diseases or conditions where regeneration of cells, tissue and/or potentially organs is required. A promising source for cell‐replacement therapies is provided by stem cells, but the success of this approach will ultimately rely on the ability to isolate primary stem or progenitor cells. Cell‐surface protein markers will play a critical role in this step. Current methodologies for the identification of cell‐surface protein markers rely primarily on antibody availability and flow cytometry, but many cell‐surface proteins remain undetectable. Proteomic technologies now offer the possibility to specifically identify and investigate the cell‐surface subproteome in a quantitative and discovery‐driven manner. Once a cell surface protein marker panel has been identified by MS and the antibodies become available, the panel should permit the identification, tracking, and/or isolation of stem or progenitor cells that may be appropriate for therapeutics. This review provides a context for the use of proteomics in discovering new cell‐surface markers for stem cells.
Mitochondria: A mirror into cellular dysfunction in heart disease
Authors: White Melanie Y. , Edwards Alistair V. G. , Cordwell Stuart J. , Van Eyk Jennifer E. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractCardiovascular (CV) disease is the single most significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The emerging global impact of CV disease means that the goals of early diagnosis and a wider range of treatment options are now increasingly pertinent. As such, there is a greater need to understand the molecular mechanisms involved and potential targets for intervention. Mitochondrial function is important for physiological maintenance of the cell, and when this function is altered, the cell can begin to suffer. Given the broad range and significant impacts of the cellular processes regulated by the mitochondria, it becomes important to understand the roles of the proteins associated with this organelle. Proteomic investigations of the mitochondria are hampered by the intrinsic properties of the organelle, including hydrophobic mitochondrial membranes; high proportion of basic proteins (pIgreater than 8.0); and the relative dynamic range issues of the mitochondria. For these reasons, many proteomic studies investigate the mitochondria as a discrete subproteome. Once this has been achieved, the alterations that result in functional changes with CV disease can be observed. Those alterations that lead to changes in mitochondrial function, signaling and morphology, which have significant implications for the cardiomyocyte in the development of CV disease, are discussed.
Radial growth response ofHedera helixto hydrological changes and climatic variability in the Rhine floodplain
Authors: Heuzé Patricia , Dupouey Jean‐Luc , Schnitzler Annik 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis paper presents a dendrochronological study of Common Ivy in alluvial environment. Our objective was to analyse the response of ivy plants to hydrological and climatic variations. The study was carried out in three forests: Rhinau, which is regularly flooded; Erstein, where floods were eliminated with the canalization of the Rhine River in 1967 and Heiteren, an upland forest. Multivariate models performed for each forest showed that the response of ivy to temperature, precipitation and water table level depended on the hydrological history of the site. In the flooded forest of Rhinau, ground water depth in June and July, that is at the time when floods usually occur, was one of the main factors stimulating growth while in Erstein, rises of the ground water levels stimulated growth only when they occurred in winter, that is when the water table is normally the lowest in the year. In the driest forest of Heiteren, growth was stimulated by hot summer temperatures coupled with rainfall from May to July. In the two riparian forests ivy displayed a positive response to increasing temperatures in February and March. The ability to take advantage of early temperature increases may be a particularly important aspect of ivy ecology in deciduous forests. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between Coercivity and Microstructural Changes During DR Treatment in the HDDR‐processed NdFeCoB Alloy
Authors: Nishiuchi Takeshi , Hirosawa Satoshi , Nakamura Masaki , Kakimoto Masatoshi , Kawabayashi Takeshi , Araki Hideki , Shirai Yasuharu 
Published: June 2008

AbstractRelationship between coercivity and microstructural changes during desorption‐recombination (DR) treatment in the hydrogenation‐decomposition‐desorption‐recombination (HDDR) processed NdFeCoB alloy has been studied by a combination of different experimental methods. In the early DR stage, coercivity was very small and after a certain period of the DR treatment, the coercivity abruptly increased. The corresponding changes in positron lifetime spectrum, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum, and thermal desorption spectrum (TDS) were measured. The changes suggest that an Nd‐rich phase formed among recombined Nd2(Fe,Co)14B grains in the DR treatment plays an important role for the onset of coercivity in the Nd‐Fe‐Co‐B HDDR‐processed alloy. Copyright © 2008 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Planar Hall Effect and Magnetic Anisotropy in a Mn δ‐doped GaAs/p‐AlGaAs Heterostructure
Authors: Nazmul Ahsan M. , Lin Hung‐Ta , Ohya Shinobu , Tanaka Masaaki 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe have studied the planar Hall effect (PHE) in a Mn δ‐doped GaAs‐based heterostructure consisting of Mn δ‐doped GaAs and p‐type AlGaAs. Distinct and large PHE, and a specific in‐plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy were observed below the ferromagnetic transition temperature (TC). This uniaxial in‐plane magnetic anisotropy is found dominant over the biaxial cubic anisotropy, and is clearly identified by the angular dependence of PHE. This observation is quantitatively discussed in terms of two models of magnetization reversal; the coherent rotation model and the domain‐wall motion model. The model calculation fit to the experimental results make it possible to determine the uniaxial and cubic anisotropy fields and examine the behavior of magnetization reversal. Copyright © 2008 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Method of Generalization of State Space Construction for Multirobots with Different Sensor Configurations
Authors: Shibuya Takeshi , Hamagami Tomoki 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe goal of this study is to develop heterogeneous mobile robots, which realize cooperative actions to accomplish each task in an environment. An important part of achieving the goal is that the agent controlling the robots can realize suitable state space automatically. In particular, domestic robots equipped with low‐cost, discrete simple range sensors have difficulties in the efficient learning of environment because the deviation of sensor configuration in each robot causes serious problems in which the learning policies cannot be shared among them. To overcome this problem, a new method of constructing effective state space with low dependence on sensor configurations is conducted. The method consists of two parts: (i) abstracting surrounding environment by rectangles, and (ii) generalization of state space by classifying with self organization map (SOM). Simulation experiments show that the state space that has been constructed by an agent with 10 sensors can be reused for the agent with another sensor configuration. © 2008 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.