bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vaccination with a DNA vaccine based on human PSCA and HSP70 adjuvant enhances the antigen‐specific CD8+ T‐cell response and inhibits the PSCA+ tumors growth in mice
Authors: Zhang Xiaopeng , Yu Changming , Zhao Jian , Fu Ling , Yi Shaoqiong , Liu Shuling , Yu Ting , Chen Wei 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundDNA vaccines have been shown to be an effective approach to induce antigen‐specific cellular and humoral immunity. However, the lower immune intensity in clinical trials limits the application of DNA vaccine. Here we intend to develop a new DNA vaccine based on prostate stem‐cell antigen (PSCA), which has been suggested as a potential target for prostate cancer therapy, and enhance the DNA vaccine potency with heat shock proteins (HSPs) as adjuvant.MethodsA series of DNA plasmids encoding human PSCA, human HSP70 and their conjugates was constructed and injected into male mice intramuscularly (i.m.). To evaluate the immune responses and therapeutic efficacy of these plasmids, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐restricted PSCA and HSP70‐specific epitopes were predicted and a mouse model with a human PSCA‐expressing tumor was constructed.ResultsThe result showed that mice vaccinated with PSCA‐HSP plasmids generated the strongest PSCA‐specific CD8+ T‐cell immune response, but the CD4+ TH1 and TH2 cell immune responses were similar with those vaccinated with other HSP‐adjuvant PSCA plasmids or only PSCA DNA. The immunity of HSP70 was also observed and the mice i.m. injected with PSCA+ HSP mixed plasmids generated the lowest anti‐HSP antibodies. Furthermore, these vaccinations inhibited the growth of PSCA‐expressing tumors and prolonged mouse survival.ConclusionsThese observations emphasize and extend the potential of the human HSP70 gene as adjuvant for DNA vaccines, and the vaccine based on PSCA and HSP70 is of potential value for treating prostate cancer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease and reverse transcriptase mutation patterns among treatment‐naive patients in different stages of infection in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Varella Rafael Brandão , Ferreira Selma Baía , de Castro Márcia Braga , Zalis Mariano Gustavo , Tavares Marisa Dias 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe presence of genetic mutations in HIV‐1‐positive untreated individuals and its contribution to treatment failure, either in an individual or on a population basis, remains an important concern. The goal was to analyze and compare HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and protease (PR) genes of untreated individuals with chronic and recent infections. Fifty‐one chronic infected individuals for whom initiation of antiretroviral treatment had been recommended and 20 individuals with recent documented HIV‐1 seroconversion had their plasma viral RNA extracted and the PR and RT genes sequenced in order to determine subtype, presence of genetic polymorphisms and mutations associated with resistance to antiretroviral drugs. All 20 recent seroconvertors were infected with subtype B viruses. Of the 51 chronically infected patients, 40 (78.4%), 7 (13.7%), and 2 (3.9%) were infected with subtypes B, F, and C, respectively. Two (3.9%) hybrid forms were also observed in two individuals with chronic infection: D/B and D/F. Despite seroconversion stage, type and quantity of mutations were similar to both groups (P = 0.961). This group also presented the only (1.4%) drug‐resistance mutation (M184V) among all samples investigated. In summary, the present study shows a high occurrence of equivalent polymorphisms unrelated to drug resistance in samples collected from untreated HIV‐1‐ infected individuals in different seroconversion status, and suggests low primary resistance mutations. Results also indicate that non‐B subtypes circulating in Rio de Janeiro have specific Brazilian non‐synonymous mutations. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1033–1039, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anti‐norovirus polyclonal antibody and its potential for development of an antigen‐ELISA
Authors: Okame Michio , Shiota Tomoyuki , Hansman Grant , Takagi Makiko , Yagyu Fumihiro , Takanashi Sayaka , Phan Tung Gia , Shimizu Yuko , Kohno Hideki , Okitsu Shoko , Ushijima Hiroshi 
Published: June 2007

AbstractNorovirus (NoV) capsid proteins were expressed as virus‐like particles (VLPs) by using recombinant baculovirus in insect cells, which had 5 genotypes in genogroup I and 11 genotypes in genogroup II, and the VLPs were used as immunogens. Polyclonal antibody against the VLP of GII/3 genotype showed broad‐range cross‐reactivity, reacting not only with intra‐genogroup strains, but also inter‐genogroup strains, by antibody‐ELISA using 16 kinds of VLPs. Furthermore, antigen‐ELISA was conducted in sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the polyclonal antibody for capturing antigens, and three kinds of monoclonal antibodies against the VLP of GII/4 genotype for detecting antigens. This format successfully detected eight genotypes of NoV from clinical specimens and proved that polyclonal antibody, which has broad‐range cross‐reactivity, was capable of detecting various types of genotypes from clinical specimens. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1180–1186, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generation of inducible hepatitis C virus transgenic mouse lines
Authors: Ernst Evelyn , Schönig Kai , Bugert Joachim J. , Bläker Hendrik , Pfaff Eberhard , Stremmel Wolfgang , Encke Jens 
Published: June 2007

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) is the causative agent of most cases of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) affecting more than 170 million people world‐wide. Progress in elucidating the nature of HCV and the development of new therapeutic strategies is hampered fundamentally by the absence of adequate small animal models simulating natural HCV infection. The creation of conditional mouse lines with the tetracycline‐controlled gene expression system holds new perspectives for simulation of wild‐type HCV infection in a small animal model. Transgenic mice were established with tetracycline‐inducible coexpression of HCV core or HCV open reading frame (ORF) and luciferase. In long‐term induction experiments, mice were examined for immunopathological changes after expression of HCV proteins. Inducible and liver‐specific expression of transgenes was detected by Western blot, immunoprecipitation, luciferase assay and in vivo imaging of bioluminescence of luciferase in genetically modified mice. Ectopic expression levels were determined quantitatively in the liver, kidney, heart and spleen of mice in the induced and non‐induced state. During long‐term induction an elevation of aminotransaminases (ALT) was observed only in HCV core/ORF‐expressing mice, but HCV‐specific immune response was not confirmed by in vitro immunological assays. The histology of liver sections provided evidence of steatosis, which was correlated with an inflammatory response. The inducible HCV‐transgenic mouse lines provide further evidence of liver pathogenesis in the presence of inflammation during liver‐specific expression of HCV proteins and offer new insights into the effects of temporally and spatially controlled protein expression of HCV. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1103–1112, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic characteristics of hepatitis B virus genotypes as a factor for interferon‐induced HBeAg clearance
Authors: Hou Jinlin , Schilling Ralf , Janssen Harry L. A. , Hansen Bettina E. , Heijtink Rudolf , Sablon Erwin , Williams Roger , Lau George K.K. , Schalm Solko W. , Naoumov Nikolai V. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe factors determining the responsiveness of different hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes to interferon treatment are not fully understood. We investigated the relationship between HBV genetic characteristics and the outcome of short (16 weeks) or prolonged (32 weeks) treatment with standard interferon‐alpha in a prospectively followed cohort of 103 patients across Europe with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B. INNO‐LiPA assays and HBV DNA sequencing were used to determine HBV genotypes, mutations in the core promoter and precore/core regions. After 16‐weeks interferon‐alpha treatment, the rate of HBeAg clearance was higher in genotype A versus all other genotypes (P = 0.014), or genotype D alone (P = 0.05). The HBV genome analysis revealed that: (i) after 16‐weeks treatment, an HBV subpopulation with core promoter mutations emerged or increased (P < 0.001) only in genotype A; (ii) the core gene of genotype A has the lowest number of amino acid variations in comparison with genotypes B, C, or D. Logistic regression analysis identified genotype A as a positive predictor of short (16 weeks) treatment response (P = 0.001; odds ratio 6.19, 95 confidence interval 1.94–19.8), having a greater impact than baseline HBV DNA or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. In contrast, the response to prolonged interferon‐alpha treatment was not different between HBV genotypes. These results suggest that HBV genotype A responds earlier to interferon treatment than other genotypes, which is associated with its molecular characteristics. The optimal duration of interferon‐based therapies in chronic hepatitis B may vary between different HBV genotypes. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1055–1063, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occult HBV infection may represent a major risk factor of non‐response to antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Mrani S. , Chemin I. , Menouar K. , Guillaud O. , Pradat P. , Borghi G. , Trabaud M.A. , Chevallier P. , Chevallier M. , Zoulim F. , Trépo C. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractOccult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is common in chronic hepatitis C patient. However, its significance and consequences are still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of occult HBV among HCV chronic carriers in France and to assess its impact on liver histology and response to antiviral therapy. To this end a cohort of 203 patients with chronic hepatitis C without hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) has been examined. Serum HBV‐DNA was detected using a highly sensitive PCR with primers located in the S and X genes. HBV viraemia levels were further determined by real‐time PCR. Results showed that 47 of 203 (23%) patients had occult HBV infection with a low HBV load (102–104 copies/ml) but significantly higher HCV‐RNA titers (P < 0.05). No significant difference in age, gender, serum ALT level, HCV genotypes, and the presence of anti‐HBc was observed between patients with or without HBV‐DNA. When compared histologically, patients with occult HBV infection had higher activity (A2‐A3 in 53% vs. 38%, P < 0.01) and more advanced fibrosis (60% vs. 33%, P < 0.001) than HBV‐DNA negative cases. Sustained response to combination therapy against Chronic hepatitis C was achieved in 11 (28%) of 40 HBV‐DNA positive cases, compared with 65 (45%) of the 144 HBV‐DNA negative cases (P < 0.05). Among the 144 HBV‐DNA negative HCV patients those with genotype 1 responded less frequently to therapy as compared to other genotypes infected patients (38% vs. 55%, P < 0.05). Surprisingly, when considering all patients studied, irrespective to the HBV‐DNA status no significant difference was observed in response to combination therapy regarding HCV genotypes (39% vs. 44%, P > 0.05). In conclusion, HBV‐DNA is found in 1/4 of French chronic hepatitis C patients regardless of the presence of anti‐HBc. Such an occult HBV co‐infection is associated with more severe liver disease, higher HCV viral load and decreased response to antiviral therapy irrespective of HCV genotypes. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1075–1081, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urban/rural atmospheric water vapour pressure differences and urban moisture excess in Krefeld, Germany
Authors: Kuttler Wilhelm , Weber Stephan , Schonnefeld Judith , Hesselschwerdt Alexandra 
Published: June 2007

AbstractUrban/rural humidity differences were analysed by means of a climate station pair in Krefeld (51° 20′N, 6° 33′E), Germany, during the period from 11/2001 to 10/2002, on the basis of hourly averages of water vapour pressure. Focus was put upon on the examination of frequency, timing and duration of the Urban Moisture Excess (UME) (Δeu−r > 0 hPa). It was found that the urban site was more humid (0 hPa < Δeu−r⩽0.5 hPa; weak UME) in 31.4% of the cases investigated and was only rarely significantly more humid (Δeu−r > 0.5 hPa; intense UME) in 4.6%. Weak and intense UME occur during every month of the year with different frequencies per month. A diurnal course of UME was found for summer but not for winter. Weak and intense UME events show frequency maxima in the second half of the night. Most of them are characterized by durations of 1 hour, in few cases several hours duration were observed for weak (up to 14 h) and intense UME (up to 12 h).The main reason for formation of UME events might be that the surface dew point at the rural station was reached more often, earlier and lasted longer in comparison to the urban environment. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Nitrogen fertiliser source effects on the growth and mineral nutrition of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Houdusse Fabrice , Garnica María , García‐Mina Jose María 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: The presence of stable mixed nitrogen forms (such as nitrate/ammonium/urea or nitrate/urea) in the soil solution is due to the use of nitrification and/or urease inhibitors in urea‐based fertilisers. However, there is no specific information in the literature comparing the efficiency of these urea mixed nitrogen forms as a nitrogen source for plants with that of nitrate and ammonium/nitrate. The aim of this study was to compare the effects on plant growth and mineral nutrition of different nitrogen forms, including mixed nitrogen forms containing urea.RESULTS: The results indicated that for both wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) the growth of plants fed mixed nitrogen forms containing urea was generally similar to that of plants receiving nitrate and nitrate/ammonium. Only in the case of pepper did ammonium/urea nutrition cause a significant decrease in plant growth. The presence of nitrate corrected the negative effects of mixed nitrogen forms containing ammonium and/or urea on the growth of pepper plants.CONCLUSION: Mixed nitrogen forms containing urea did not cause any negative effect on plant growth or mineral nutrition. In fact, plants fed mixed nitrogen forms containing urea had higher shoot concentrations of potassium, phosphorus, iron and boron than plants receiving nitrate. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Confirmatory factor analysis of the PTSD checklist in the elderly
Authors: Schinka John A. , Brown Lisa M. , Borenstein Amy R. , Mortimer James A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe authors examined the psychometric characteristics and factor structure of the Civilian Version of the PTSD Checklist (PCL‐C; F. W. Weathers, B. T. Litz, J. A. Huska, & T. Keane, 1994) in elderly survivors, aged 66–90, of the 2004 Florida hurricane disasters. Confirmatory factor analyses of nine models of PCL‐C structure revealed the strongest support for a 4‐factor model consisting of reexperiencing, avoidance, numbing, and arousal dimensions. Future studies will be facilitated by the knowledge that the PCL‐C 4‐factor model appears to apply across the adult age range and a variety of posttraumatic stress disorder‐producing conditions.
Factor structure and concurrent validity of the world assumptions scale
Authors: Elklit Ask , Shevlin Mark , Solomon Zahava , Dekel Rachel 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe factor structure of the World Assumptions Scale (WAS) was assessed by means of confirmatory factor analysis. The sample was comprised of 1,710 participants who had been exposed to trauma that resulted in whiplash. Four alternative models were specified and estimated using LISREL 8.72. A correlated 8‐factor solution was the best explanation of the sample data. The estimates of reliability of eight subscales of the WAS ranged from .48 to .82. Scores from five subscales correlated significantly with trauma severity as measured by the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, although the magnitude of the correlations was low to modest, ranging from .08 to −.43. It is suggested that the WAS has adequate psychometric properties for use in both clinical and research settings.
Dissociative symptoms and the acute stress disorder diagnosis in children and adolescents: A replication of the Harvey and Bryant (1999) study
Authors: Meiser‐Stedman Richard , Dalgleish Tim , Yule Patrick Smith and William , Bryant Bridget , Ehlers Anke , Mayou Richard A. , Winston Nancy Kassam‐Adams and Flaura 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAcute stress disorder (ASD) is a good predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder in adult populations, although the emphasis on dissociation symptoms within the diagnosis has been questioned. Recent studies suggest that ASD may also have application to children and adolescents. The present study examined properties of ASD within youth. A large (N = 367) multisite sample of 6‐ to 17‐year‐old children and adolescents exposed to motor vehicle accidents completed interviews or self‐report questionnaires regarding their acute stress symptoms. The study found evidence supporting the suggestion that the dissociative criterion of ASD is excessively strict in youth, and that there is less overlap between dissociative symptoms than in adults. The implications of these findings for how ASD is applied to youth are discussed.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic growth among Israeli ex‐pows
Authors: Solomon Zahava , Dekel Rachel 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn this article, the authors present a prospective study that dealt with pathological (posttraumatic stress disorder; PTSD) and salutary (posttraumatic growth; PTG) outcomes of captivity and the correlates of those outcomes among a sample of ex‐prisoners of war (POWs) and a control group of combat veterans. Posttraumatic stress disorder and its correlates were assessed in 1991 and 2003, and PTG was assessed in 2003. The results indicate that ex‐POWs exhibited higher levels of PTSD and PTG than did the controls. In addition, both linear and quadratic associations between PTSD and PTG were found. The authors discuss some unresolved issues related to assessment of PTG and salutary outcomes, and outline directions for future research.
Psychological symptoms of Turkish children and adolescents after the 1999 earthquake: Exposure, gender, location, and time duration
Authors: Şahin Nesrin Hisli , Batıgün Ayşegül Durak , Yılmaz Banu 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe authors describe their study of posttraumatic stress symptoms of children and adolescents after the 1999 earthquakes in Turkey. The rate of possible PTSD cases is also presented. The findings are reported as the results of two different studies. Location had a main effect on almost all of the dependent variables for both samples. The posttraumatic stress symptom scores for both groups significantly decreased 3 months after the initial assessment. The best predictors of the perceived posttraumatic stress symptoms for both children and adolescents were found to be perceived negative school performance and exposure.
Prevalence and psychological correlates of complicated grief among bereaved adults 2.5–3.5 years after September 11th attacks
Authors: Neria Yuval , Gross Raz , Litz Brett , Maguen Shira , Insel Beverly , Seirmarco Gretchen , Rosenfeld Helena , Suh Eun Jung , Kishon Ronit , Cook Joan , Marshall Randall D. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA Web‐based survey of adults who experienced loss during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks was conducted to examine the prevalence and correlates of complicated grief (CG) 2.5–3.5 years after the attacks. Forty‐three percent of a study group of 704 bereaved adults across the United States screened positive for CG. In multivariate analyses, CG was associated with female gender, loss of a child, death of deceased at the World Trade Center, and live exposure to coverage of the attacks on television. Posttraumatic stress disorder, major depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and increase in post‐9/11 smoking were common among participants with CG. A majority of the participants with CG reported receiving grief counseling and psychiatric medication after 9/11. Clinical and policy implications are discussed.
Correlates of acute stress disorder in cancer patients
Authors: Kangas Maria , Henry Jane L. , Bryant Richard A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis study investigated the correlates of acute stress disorder (ASD) following a diagnosis of cancer. Adults diagnosed with first onset head, neck, or lung malignancy (N= 82) were assessed within one month of diagnosis using the ASD Interview, and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV to index the incidence of ASD and other affective disorders following their cancer diagnosis. Participants were also administered questionnaires that assessed dissociative symptoms, coping strategies, and quality of life. Acute stress disorder was diagnosed in 28% of participants. Acute stress disorder severity was associated with gender, elevated dissociative responses, trait anxiety, and preoccupation with one's diagnosis, and a decline in cognitive functioning. This study provides evidence for identifying recently diagnosed cancer patients who may benefit from psychological assistance.
Cellular Uptake Behavior of Unfunctionalized and Functionalized PBCA Particles Prepared in a Miniemulsion
Authors: Weiss Clemens K. , Lorenz Myriam R. , Landfester Katharina , Mailänder Volker 
Published: June 2007

AbstractFluorescent dye labeled unfunctionalized and functionalized poly(n‐butylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles were prepared using a miniemulsion technique. Amino acid and methoxyPEG functionalization could be introduced by using aqueous solutions as an initiator for the anionic polymerization in the heterophase. All the particles prepared had sizes smaller than 250 nm and negative ζ‐potentials. The molar mass distribution of the polymer was dependent on the acid used as the continuous phase and the initiator solution applied. Cells of three lines (HeLa, Jurkat and mesenchymal stem cells) were incubated with the particles. The molar mass of the polymer determined the onset and extent of apoptosis, and the total uptake was determined by the size and functionalization of the particles. Different uptake kinetics were obtained with HeLa and Jurkat cells after incubation with the same particle batch. The intracellular particle distribution, visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy, did not show significant differences for either of the cell lines or particle batches.magnified image
Optimal price promotion in the presence of asymmetric reference‐price effects
Authors: Fibich Gadi , Gavious Arieh , Lowengart Oded 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn this study we demonstrate how a reference price may affect the degree of price rigidity/flexibility. For this, we construct a model of reference‐price formation, which we use to analyze the effect of asymmetric reference price (cut ‘effects’) on the profitability of price promotions. We derive explicit expressions for the additional profits earned during a promotional period due to consumer perception of a ‘gain’, and for the post‐promotion loss of potential profits due to consumer perception of a ‘loss’. We show that when effects of losses on demand are greater than effects of gains (‘loss aversion’), price promotions always lead to a decline in profits. When, however, effects of gains are larger than those of losses, price promotions, as well as reverse price promotions (i.e. price increase) can be profitable. In the latter case we calculate the optimal depth and duration of a price promotion. We also show that reference price can affect price rigidity and flexibility. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.