bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variability of gB and gH genes of human herpesvirus‐6 among clinical specimens
Authors: Achour Abla , Malet Isabelle , Le Gal Frédéric , Dehée Axelle , Gautheret‐Dejean Agnès , Bonnafous Pascale , Agut Henri 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe isolates of human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6), a betaherpesvirus closely related to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), are classified as either variants A (HHV‐6A) or B (HHV‐6B) but their intravariant variability has not been studied extensively so far. The full‐length genes of envelope glycoproteins gB and gH from 40 distinct HHV‐6‐DNA‐positive specimens and 11 laboratory strains were amplified using PCR, and their nucleotide sequence determined. Nucleotide divergences were observed at 156 (6.2%) and 98 (4.7%) positions in the case of gB and gH genes respectively. Phylogenetic analysis, including reference strain sequences, confirmed the unambiguous distinction between HHV‐6A and HHV‐6B for both genes. In the case of HHV‐6B isolates, two subgroups of gB gene (designated as gB‐B1 and gB‐B2) and two subgroups of gH gene (gH‐B1 and gH‐B2) were identified but the phylogenetic trees of both genes were not fully congruent with each other. The analysis of gB and gH protein sequences showed that 26 and 39 critical amino acid changes respectively permitted the unambiguous distinction between HHV‐6A and HHV‐6B. Among HHV‐6B isolates, gB and gH gene subgroups were characterized by specific amino acid signatures made of six, and two residues respectively. The linkage unbalance between amino acid signatures as well as the distribution of crucial nucleotide changes strongly suggested the occurrence of intravariant recombination within gB gene among HHV‐6B isolates. These results indicate that, as in the case of HCMV, homologous recombination may contribute to the genetic variability of HHV‐6. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1211–1221, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outbreaks of hepatitis A in England and Wales associated with two co‐circulating hepatitis A virus strains
Authors: Ngui Siew‐Lin , Granerod Julia , Jewes Linda A. , Crowcroft Natasha S. , Teo Chong‐Gee 
Published: May 2008

AbstractDuring 2002, an upsurge in frequency of hepatitis A outbreaks among injecting drug users was observed in England and Wales. As lack of risk factor information and the high mobility of the cases made linkage of outbreaks difficult, the relationship of nucleotide sequences in the VP1/2PA junction of the hepatitis A virus (HAV) genome amplified from serum of case‐patients was investigated. A total of 204 HAV RNA positive sera obtained from a network of 23 laboratories were studied. Comparison of the sequences identified two principal strains: ES1 (n = 95) belonging to type IB, and ES2 (n = 72) to type IIIA. Of the remaining samples, 15 were type IA, 11 were type IB and 11 were type IIIA. ES1 predominated in Doncaster and other towns in Trent and northern England, and ES2 in the Midlands and southern England; the difference in geographical distribution between these two strains was significant (P < 0.0001). In comparison to the sporadic cases, cases infected by either ES1 or ES2 tended to be younger, injecting drug users, people in contact with injecting drug users, or those with a history of incarceration in prisons or homelessness (P < 0.0001). Cases infected by ES1 tended to be younger than those by ES2 (P < 0.0001). The association of the outbreaks to two geographically restricted strains implicates two principal transmission pathways associated with injecting behavior. Identifying these routes may be conducive to preventing further outbreaks. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1181–1188, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficient neutralizing activity of cocktailed recombinant human antibodies against hepatitis a virus infection in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Cao Jingyuan , Meng Shufang , Li Chuan , Ji Yan , Meng Qingling , Zhang Quanfu , Liu Feng , Li Jiandong , Bi Shengli , Li Dexin , Liang Mifang 
Published: May 2008

AbstractHepatitis A virus (HAV) is the major pathogen responsible for acute infectious hepatitis A, a disease that is prevalent worldwide. Although HAV immunization effectively prevents infection, primary immunizations must be administered at least 2 weeks prior to HAV exposure. In contrast, passive immunization with pooled human immunoglobulin (Ig) can provide immediate and rapid protection from HAV infection. Because the use of human sera‐derived Igs carries the risk of contamination, we sought to develop recombinant HAV‐neutralizing human antibodies. We prepared a combinatorial phage display library of recombinant human anti‐HAV antibodies from RNA extracted from the blood lymphocytes of a convalescent hepatitis A patient. Two recombinant human IgG antibodies, HAIgG16 and HAIgG78, were screened from the antibody library by their ability to bind with high affinity to purified, inactivated HAV virions. These antibodies recognized different epitopes of the HAV virion capsid, and competed with both patient sera and well‐characterized neutralizing mouse monoclonal antibodies. A cocktailed mixture of HAIgG16 and HAIgG78 at a 3:1 ratio was prepared to compare its combined biological activity with that conferred by each antibody individually. The cocktailed antibodies displayed a stronger neutralizing activity in vitro than that observed with either HAIgG16 and HAIgG78 alone. To determine the in vivo neutralizing abilities of these antibodies, rhesus monkeys were inoculated with cocktailed antibodies and challenged with HAV. Whereas control animals developed hepatitis A and seroconverted to the HAV antibody, animals receiving cocktailed antibodies were protected either from viral infection or from developing clinical hepatitis. These results demonstrate that recombinant human antibody preparations could be used to prevent or treat early‐stage HAV infection. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1171–1180, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oral mucosal reactivation rates of herpesviruses among HIV‐1 seropositive persons
Authors: Griffin Elizabeth , Krantz Elizabeth , Selke Stacy , Huang Meei‐Li , Wald Anna 
Published: May 2008

AbstractHerpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus and Epstein‐Barr virus infections are prevalent among HIV‐1 infected persons. The relationships between salivary shedding of these herpesviruses have not been characterized. Salivary samples were collected on a median of 61 consecutive days from 41 HIV‐1 seropositive persons and tested for HSV‐1, HSV‐2, CMV and EBV. HSV was detected on 5%, CMV on 19% and EBV on 71% of the days of sampling. HSV shedding was not related to CMV or EBV shedding rates. Persons with EBV shedding rates >40% had CMV DNA detected in their saliva significantly more often than those with EBV shedding rates ≤40% (P = 0.008). The odds of detecting CMV were greater on days with HSV (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4, 4.4) or EBV (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.9, 7.9) shedding. No significant associations between HSV shedding rates and CD4 count, plasma HIV‐1 RNA or HAART were observed. Increasing plasma HIV‐1 RNA was associated with greater frequency (P = 0.01) and quantity (P < 0.001) of EBV shedding. Among persons not receiving HAART, CD4 counts >200 cells/mm3 were associated with lower frequency (P = 0.02) and quantity (P = 0.03) of CMV compared with CD4 counts ≤200 cells/mm3. These data suggest that separate factors influence mucosal shedding of each of the three classes of herpesviruses but that virological interactions between the pathogens also exist. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1153–1159, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monitoring and controlling intramedullary pressure increase in long bone instrumentation: A study on sheep
Authors: Smith Paul N. , Leditschke Anne , McMahon Damian , Sample Roxanne R. , Perriman Diana , Prins Anne , Brüssel Thomas , Li Rachel W. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIntramedullary reamed nailing causes elevation in intramedullary pressure and extravazation of intramedullary contents into the venous blood system. This study investigated the effect of an intramedullary suction system, recently developed in our laboratory, on the pressure and fat extravazation in isolated bovine bone and a sheep model. During reaming, the pressure with and without suction was recorded at each step of the procedure. Hemodynamic parameters of mean arterial blood pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary arterial CO2 (PaCO2), heart rate, and oxygen saturation were monitored. Blood and lung tissue samples were collected for the examination of medullary fat intravazation. The increases of intramedullary pressure were dramatically reduced in the suction group (p < 0.05) in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. PaCO2 was significantly lower in the suction group than nonsuction group (32 vs. 40 mmHg, respectively, p = 0.02), while oxygen saturation was higher in the suction group (99 vs. 91 mmHg, respectively, p = 0.009). Histological data revealed a significant higher count of fat emboli in sheep lung tissue in the nonsuction group. Total lipids in lung specimens was lower in the suction group (7.6 mg/g tissue) than in the nonsuction group (13.6 mg/g, p = 0.04). The suction system appears to control the surge in intramedullary pressure and therefore prevent fat embolism. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1327–1333, 2008
Chondrogenic differentiation capacity of human mesenchymal progenitor cells derived from subchondral cortico‐spongious bone
Authors: Neumann Katja , Dehne Tilo , Endres Michaela , Erggelet Christoph , Kaps Christian , Ringe Jochen , Sittinger Michael 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMicrofracture is frequently used to repair articular cartilage defects and allows mesenchymal progenitors to migrate from subchondral bone into the defect and form cartilaginous repair tissue. The aim of our study was to analyze the cell surface antigen pattern and the differentiation capacity of cells derived from human subchondral bone. Human progenitor cells were derived from subchondral cortico‐spongious bone and grown in the presence of human serum. Stem cell‐related cell surface antigens were analyzed by flowcytometry. Cortico‐spongious progenitor (CSP) cells showed presence of CD73, CD90, CD105, and STRO‐1. Multilineage differentiation potential of CSP cells was documented by histological staining and by gene expression analysis of osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic marker genes. CSP cells formed a mineralized matrix as demonstrated by von Kossa staining and showed induction of osteocalcin, independent of osteogenic stimulation. During adipogenic differentiation, the adipogenic marker genes fatty acid binding protein 4 and peroxisome proliferative activated receptor γ were induced. Immunohistochemical staining of cartilage‐specific type II collagen and induction of the chondrocytic marker genes cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, aggrecan, and types II and IX collagen confirmed TGFβ3‐mediated chondrogenic lineage development. CSP cells from subchondral bone, as known from microfracture, are multipotent stem cell‐like mesenchymal progenitors with a high chondrogenic differentiation potential. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1449–1456, 2008
Effect of surface topography on removal of cortical bone screws in a novel sheep model
Authors: Pearce Alexandra I. , Pearce Simon G. , Schwieger Karsten , Milz Stefan , Schneider Erich , Archer Charles W. , Richards R. Goeff 
Published: May 2008

AbstractDifficulty in removing implants used in trauma patients can be a complication, and increased bone–implant adhesion likely is a major contributing factor. In vitro studies have shown that surface morphology of implant materials has the ability to influence cellular responses, with polished surfaces decreasing the potential for mineralization. This study examined the effect of polishing commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and the titanium alloy TAN on the removal torque and percentage bone–implant contact in cortical and cancellous bone of sheep. Polishing had a significant effect on both removal torque and percentage bone–implant contact, with the polished implants demonstrating a lower removal torque in both cortical and cancellous bone. Polished cpTi and stainless steel were similar in terms of surface roughness and removal torque. However, polished TAN, which was not as smooth as polished cpTi, did not show the same low level for reducing removal torque. Improved polishing of TAN should reduce the removal torque further. The results of the study show that polishing is promising in improving the ease of implant removal after fracture fixation and repair. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1377–1383, 2008
Comparison of analytical methods for the quality control of a new formulation containing soy extract and melatonin
Authors: Saracino Maria Addolorata , Mercolini Laura , Musenga Alessandro , Bugamelli Francesca , Raggi Maria Augusta 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThree analytical methods have been developed and compared for the quality control of a new formulation (Soymen GN® capsules) containing soy extract and melatonin for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. The first method is based on MEKC with diode‐array detection, using a mixture of basic carbonate buffer (95%) and methanol (5%), containing 55 mM SDS, as the BGE. The second method is an HPLC method with UV detection at 260 nm. The third method is an HPLC method coupled to amperometric detection which is carried out at an oxidation potential of +0.8 V. In both HPLC systems, the chromatographic separation is obtained on an RP C18 column using a mixture of ACN and an acidic phosphate buffer (25:75 v/v) as the mobile phase. A feasible pretreatment procedure with a methanol/water mixture has been implemented to achieve the quantitative extraction of the main soy isoflavones and of melatonin from the capsules. The results obtained with the three methods are in good agreement with each other and satisfactory in terms of linearity (r2 >0.9996), precision (RSD <5.4%) and accuracy (recovery >97%). Thus, each of the three analytical methods seems to be suitable for the simultaneous analysis of the main soy isoflavones and melatonin in the new commercial formulation.
Phase optimized liquid chromatography as an instrument for steroid analysis
Authors: Kuehnle Maximilian , Rehbein Jens , Holtin Karsten , Dietrich Benjamin , Gradl Manuela , Yeman Helen , Albert Klaus 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA new method using phase optimized LC (POPLC) for the analysis of steroids is described. The retention factors and the theoretical plate numbers of different steroids were determined for four different stationary phases. Based on these values, an optimal stationary phase composition and the resultant chromatogram have been calculated by an optimization software and compared to the measured data. It is demonstrated that these predicted data show only little differences to the experimental results. Furthermore, it is shown that the overall selectivity of the optimal stationary phase composition is much better than the selectivity of any individual stationary phase.
Purification and preparation of compounds from an extract of Scutellaria barbata D. Don using preparative parallel high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Wang Yanping , Xue Xingya , Xiao Yuansheng , Zhang Feifang , Xu Qing , Liang Xinmiao 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPreparative parallel high performance liquid chromatography combined with solvent partition and other pretreatments were adopted to separate and purify compounds from an extract of Scutellaria barbata D. Don. Mass‐triggered fraction collection allowed the rapid and precise isolation of target compounds. Twelve compounds were isolated from the extract of S. barbata D. Don, their purity in area percent was determined by HPLC analysis, and the structures of seven compounds were further identified with HPLC/ESI‐MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR, among which 4‐(3,4‐dihydroxy‐phenyl)‐but‐3‐en‐2‐one, acacetin‐7‐diglucuronide, and luteolin‐7‐diglucuronide were the first to be identified from this plant. The results demonstrated that multi‐channel parallel preparative HPLC/UV/MS is an efficient method for isolation and purification of compounds from natural products.
Elucidation of fatty acid profiles in vegetable oils exploiting group‐type patterning and enhanced sensitivity of comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography
Authors: Tranchida Peter Quinto , Giannino Agostino , Mondello Monica , Sciarrone Danilo , Dugo Paola , Dugo Giovanni , Mondello Luigi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe present research is focused on the use of comprehensive 2‐D GC (GC×GC) for the thorough elucidation of fatty acid (FA) profiles contained in vegetable oils; the samples analysed consisted of extra‐virgin olive oil and refined hazelnut oil. The enhanced sensitivity and the formation of group‐type patterns provided by GC×GC enabled the identification and quantification of both well‐known and rather unexpected FAs contained in the lipid matrices. Peak assignment was, in most cases, supported by using pure standard compounds. Of particular interest was the identification of a series of odd‐numbered FAs in both samples. The results attained to demonstrate the usefulness of GC×GC also for the analysis of supposedly low‐complex samples.
Kinetics of inhibition of peroxidase activity of myeloperoxidase by quercetin
Authors: Momić Tatjana , Vujčić Zoran , Vasić Vesna 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe inhibition of myeloperoxidase (MPO), isolated from human neutrophils, by quercetin was investigated by following peroxidase activity of the enzyme using o‐dianisidine as the substrate. The inhibition parameters (IC50) were obtained by graphical analysis of the inhibition curves. A reaction mechanism, which involved the enzyme inhibition by quercetin and H2O2 in excess, was proposed. The rate and equilibrium constants for the proposed reaction path were calculated from experimental data. Kinetic analysis in noninhibiting H2O2 concentration range in the absence and the presence of quercetin revealed that the reaction mechanism underwent Michaelis–Menten kinetics. K and V values indicated that quercetin was a mixed inhibitor of MPO activity. The initial reaction rates were recalculated using the obtained results. Calculated curves fitted the experimental results within the range of experimental error. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 384–394, 2008
Spectrometric study of solute–solvent interactions for the solvolysis of chloropentaamine cobalt(III) complex in binary aqueous mixtures
Authors: El‐Subruiti Gehan M. , Younes Ghassan O. , Zeitouni Farah S. , Amira Mohamed F. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractKinetic studies of solvent structure effects and solute–solvent interactions on the solvolysis of [Co(NH3)5Cl]2+ complex ion have been investigated spectrophotometrically in binary aqueous mixtures. Three cosolvents were used (acetonitrile, dimethylsulfoxide, and urea) over a wide range of temperatures. Nonlinear plots were found for log(rate constant) against the reciprocal of the relative permitivity of the medium. The enthalpy and entropy of activation (ΔH# and ΔS#) exhibited extrema in the same composition region where the physical properties indicate sharp changes in the structure of the solvent, confirming that the solvent structure is an important factor in determining the solvolytic reactivity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 416–422, 2008
Firm‐specific knowledge and competitive advantage: evidence and KM practices
Authors: Andreu Rafael , Baiget Joan , Canals Agustí 
Published: May 2008

AbstractFirm‐specific, idiosyncratic knowledge is increasingly being recognized as a possible source of competitive advantage in today's business world, where more traditional sources seem to become less effective, to the extent of suggesting new approaches to strategy theory and even to the theory of the firm. This is routinely confirmed by the preliminary results from an on‐going study of knowledge management (KM) approaches and practices used in Spanish firms. In this study, several senior management respondents unambiguously consider firm‐specific knowledge very important for their firms' competitiveness, although they recognize, not surprisingly, that general purpose knowledge is also needed and in a higher proportion. However, when the specific KM practices used are analysed, it turns out that the majority of them do not seem to be particularly well geared to firm‐specific knowledge development and usage, and neither for the effectiveness of the associated learning activities and processes. This suggests what could be a fundamental mismatch between the type of knowledge involved and appropriate KM practices. In this paper we present preliminary evidence stemming from the aforementioned study, make an attempt to characterize the kind of mismatches detected, and suggest ideas for further research on the practical and theoretical implications of the results obtained. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defining a knowledge strategy framework for process aligned organizations: an IBM case
Authors: McLaughlin Stephen , Paton Robert A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMany organizations struggling to capitalize on their knowledge assets tend to let their knowledge management systems emerge from existing IT systems and infrastructure. Within a complex business environment this can cause a mismatch between how knowledge assets are, and should be managed. In order to help organizations develop dynamic and effective KM systems, the authors' suggest that organizations need to re‐think how knowledge is created and shared around their core business processes. To be more specific the author's contend that for organizations where inter/intra organizational collaboration is vital to overall end‐to‐end performance, such as in a supply chain, organizations need to consider first the relationship between what the authors see as four key components. These are knowledge strategy, core process optimization, core process performance and knowledge barriers. This paper will explain why these components are important, and the relationship between them. The findings put forward in this paper are based on research concerned with improving process performance through knowledge transfer. The research follows a critical theory approach to identify best knowledge transfer practice across complex organizations. The research is exploratory in nature and a case study methodology is used to support this line of inductive theory building. The findings presented are based on data collated within, and across IBM's integrated supply chain. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of a public sector organizational unit using strategic and operational analysis tools
Authors: Brady Malcolm 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis paper reports on a project which analyzed the processes carried out by a unit within a public sector organization. The method used a combination of strategic and operational analysis tools. This combination proved to be complementary and effective in practice. The outcome of the study suggests that where a process analysis project has strategic considerations, as many do, then the use of strategic as well as operational analysis tools should be considered. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organizational governance of knowledge and learning
Authors: Strong Bruce , Davenport Thomas H. , Prusak Laurence 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMany organizations are making a substantial investment in their knowledge and learning functions. Unfortunately, often these organizations don't realize an optimal level of return from this investment because their programs are poorly governed. We describe what the governance of knowledge and learning is, and based upon a research study that we performed, suggest which forms of governance work best in practice. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.