bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of genotype 4 hepatitis E virus strains from a patient with acute hepatitis E and farm pigs in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Wibawa I. Dewa Nyoman , Suryadarma I.G.A. , Mulyanto  , Tsuda Fumio , Matsumoto Yasunobu , Ninomiya Masashi , Takahashi Masaharu , Okamoto Hiroaki 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA previous study revealed that antibodies to hepatitis E virus (HEV) (anti‐HEV) are highly prevalent among healthy individuals and farm pigs in Bali, Indonesia, and suggested that HEV infection may occur via zoonosis among Balinese people. However, there were no reports of acute hepatitis E in Bali. To elucidate whether Balinese HEV strains recovered from infected humans and pigs have significant sequence similarity, serum samples obtained from 57 patients (age, mean ± standard deviation, 31.1 ± 11.9 years) with sporadic acute hepatitis and from one hundred and one 2‐ or 3‐month‐old farm pigs in Bali were tested for anti‐HEV and HEV RNA. Among the 57 patients, 2 (3.5%) had high‐titer IgM/IgA class anti‐HEV antibodies and one of them had detectable HEV RNA (BaliE03‐46). Overall, 58 pigs (57.4%) tested positive for anti‐HEV, while 5 pigs (5.0%) had detectable HEV RNA. Based on the 412‐nucleotide sequence within open reading frame 2, the BaliE03‐46 isolate and the 5 swine HEV isolates recovered from the viremic pigs were phylogenetically classified in genotype 4, but were only 77.3–90.8% identical to the genotype 4 HEV isolates reported thus far in China, India, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The BaliE03‐46 isolate of human origin shared high identities of 97.3–98.3% with 4 of the 5 Balinese swine isolates, but differed by 16.1% from the remaining swine isolate. These results suggest that indigenous HEV strains of genotype 4 with marked heterogeneity are circulating in Bali, Indonesia, and that pigs are reservoirs of HEV for Balinese people who have a habit of ingesting uncooked pigs. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1138–1146, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of the full‐length genome of hepatitis E virus isolates obtained from farm pigs in Mongolia
Authors: Lorenzo Felipe R. , Tsatsralt‐Od Bira , Ganbat Sanjaa , Takahashi Masaharu , Okamoto Hiroaki 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAlthough no outbreaks of hepatitis E have been reported in Mongolia, a significant proportion of the general population had antibodies to hepatitis E virus (HEV). To investigate whether pigs are possible reservoirs of HEV in Mongolia, serum samples obtained from 243 2‐ or 3‐month‐old pigs on four swine farms surrounding Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, were tested for the presence of anti‐HEV antibodies and HEV RNA. Overall, 223 pigs (91.8%) tested positive for anti‐HEV, while 89 pigs (36.6%) had detectable HEV RNA. The 89 HEV isolates obtained from the viremic pigs were 78.7–100% identical to each other, and 80.9–85.9% similar to the prototype genotype 3 HEV isolate (US1) in the 412‐nucleotide (nt) sequence within open reading frame 2. They were classified into two novel phylogenetic groups within genotype 3, differing by 16.4–21.3%. The swMN06‐A1288 and swMN06‐C1056 isolates, representing each of the two clusters within genotype 3, had a genomic length of nucleotides (nt) 7,222 nt and 7,223 nt, respectively, excluding the poly(A) tail, and shared only 81.6% over the entire genome. Upon comparison with the 25‐reported genotype 3 HEV isolates over the entire genome, swMN06‐A1288 had identities of merely up to 84.9%, while swMN06‐C1056 of only up to 85.9%. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the remote relatedness of the Mongolian swine isolates to the genotype 3 HEV isolates reported thus far. These results indicate that farm pigs in Mongolia are frequently infected with presumably indigenous HEV strains of genotype 3 and could be a source of HEV infections in humans in Mongolia. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1128–1137, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology characterization of the urinary excretion of polyomavirus in healthy individuals from portugal—a Southern European population
Authors: Rodrigues Carla , Pinto Daniela , Medeiros Rui 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe human polyomaviruses—BKV and JCV—are members of Polyomaviridae family and after primary infections they persist as latent infection especially in the kidneys. BKV reactivation is mainly related to urinary tract diseases and JCV reactivation can induce the disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. The aim of our study was to characterize the excretion of polyomaviruses in urine samples of healthy individuals from a Portuguese population. We analyzed 498 DNA samples using PCR‐RFLP, the sequence amplified consisted in 176 or 173 bp within the antigen T region. Our results indicate that 23.9% of the samples were positive for JCV, 1.8% positive for BKV and 74.3% of the individuals were negative for both viruses. We observed an increased prevalence of JCV shedding in male individuals in comparison to female (P = 0.026). Furthermore, the shedding of both polyomaviruses was influenced by the age of individuals with a significant increase in individuals with more than 56 years old (P = 0.005). Our results show that the shedding of polyomavirus in urine of healthy individuals is highly variable between genders, is influenced by age and differs from region to region. Further studies are needed to evaluate the prevalence of polyomaviruses in healthy individuals, in order to understand the biological behaviour of these viruses. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1194–1198, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polyomavirus BK non‐coding control region rearrangements in health and disease
Authors: Sharma Preety M. , Gupta Gaurav , Vats Abhay , Shapiro Ron , Randhawa Parmjeet S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundBK virus is an increasingly recognized pathogen in transplanted patients. DNA sequencing of this virus shows considerable genomic variability.MethodsTo understand the clinical significance of rearrangements in the non‐coding control region (NCCR) of BK virus (BKV), we report a meta‐analysis of 507 sequences, including 40 sequences generated in our own laboratory, for associations between rearrangements and disease, tissue tropism, geographic origin, and viral genotype.ResultsNCCR rearrangements were less frequent in (a) asymptomatic BKV viruria compared to patients viral nephropathy (1.7% vs. 22.5%), and (b) viral genotype 1 compared to other genotypes (2.4% vs. 11.2%). Rearrangements were commoner in malignancy (78.6%), and Norwegians (45.7%), and less common in East Indians (0%), and Japanese (4.3%). A surprising number of rearranged sequences were reported from mononuclear cells of healthy subjects, whereas most plasma sequences were archetypal. This difference could not be related to potential recombinase activity in lymphocytes, as consensus recombination signal sequences could not be found in the NCCR region.ConclusionsNCCR rearrangements are neither required nor a sufficient condition to produce clinical disease. BKV nephropathy and hemorrhagic cystitis are not associated with any unique NCCR configuration or nucleotide sequence. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1199–1207, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection and molecular characterization of human group C rotaviruses in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, between 1986 and 2005
Authors: Kuzuya Mitsutaka , Fujii Ritsushi , Hamano Masako , Nishijima Michiko , Ogura Hajime 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA survey of human group C rotaviruses (CHRVs) was conducted in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, over a period of 19 years between 1986 and 2005. The presence of CHRVs was screened by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using CHRV‐specific monoclonal antibodies and confirmed by reverse transcription‐PCR. Of the 3,722 fecal specimens from sporadic cases of gastroenteritis, 44 specimens (1.2%) were positive for CHRV. The CHRV isolates were detected periodically but continuously, and the rates of positivity changed from one rotavirus season to the next. Moreover, the isolates were mainly detected in April and May, and the mean age of the patients infected with CHRV was 5.27 years. The genome electropherotypes (E types) of the isolates were classified into three patterns, and the dominant pattern changed from year to year. Nucleotide sequences of the VP7 and VP4 genes of 16 strains, which were representatives of 70 isolates from sporadic cases and outbreaks, were determined and analyzed. Although the VP7 and VP4 genes of the strains were closely related to each other, a phylogenetic analysis suggested that each of the VP7 and VP4 genes of the strains were grouped into three genetic lineages. Moreover, the strains could be divided into five types based on the combination of the E type and the genetic lineages of the VP7 and VP4 genes. These results indicate that CHRVs generally exist in Okayama Prefecture and that CHRVs with various genomic backgrounds prevailed in a limited area. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1219–1228, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of effect of a booster dose of influenza vaccine in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Tanzi Elisabetta , Amendola Antonella , Pariani Elena , Zappa Alessandra , Colzani Daniela , Logias Franco , Perego Angelo , Zanetti Alessandro R. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractTo assess whether the administration of a booster dose of influenza vaccine may enhance immune response in hemodialysis patients, 58 subjects were given two doses of the 2003/2004 season influenza vaccine, 1 month apart. “European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products” (EMEA) criteria were fully met in terms of percentage of response and of mean‐fold increase of hemagglutination inhibiting (HI) antibody titer, but not in terms of seroprotection rates (HI antibody titers ≥1:40). The second vaccine administration did not result in additional increase in seroprotection rate or in geometric mean titers. Protective immune response against the epidemic A/H3N2 Fujian‐like strain, antigenically distant from that included in the vaccine (A/Panama/2007/99) was observed in 94.7% of vaccinees protected against the A/H3N2 vaccine strain 1 month after immunization. No adverse reactions were reported during follow‐up. The study findings suggest that immune response to influenza vaccination may be suboptimal in hemodialysis patients and that the administration of an additional second dose of vaccine does not improve the humoral response. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1176–1179, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selected bioactivities of Vaccinium berries and other fruit crops in relation to their phenolic contents
Authors: Kalt Wilhelmina , Howell Amy B , MacKinnon Shawna L , Goldman Irwin L 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAntioxidant activity, urinary tract protective activity, and cardioprotective anti‐platelet effects are among the bioactivities associated with dietary phenolics. These bioactivities were measured in vitro in fruit extracts from seven Vaccinium species and five non‐Vaccinium species to determine their relationship to total phenolic content and to anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin content. Berries belonging to the genus Vaccinium were particularly high in antioxidant activity and urinary tract protective anti‐adhesion activity, while anti‐platelet activity varied among species. There was a positive relationship between antioxidant activity (using the oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC) assay) and both the total phenolic (R2 = 0.76) and anthocyanin content (R2 = 0.43) of the fruit, although there was no relationship between ORAC and proanthocyanidin content. There were no relationships between anti‐adhesion activity and total phenolic content, anthocyanin content, or proanthocyanidin content. Likewise, no relationships were observed between anti‐platelet activity and total phenolic content, anthocyanin content, or proanthocyanidin content. These results suggest that while antioxidant properties are characteristic of all fruit phenolics, in vitro anti‐adhesion and anti‐platelet bioactivities may be due to less abundant phenolic subgroups. Copyright © 2007 Crown in the right of Canada and Society of Chemical Industry
Lycopene content and antioxidant activity of fresh and processed tomatoes and in vitro bioavailability of lycopene
Authors: Karakaya Sibel , Yılmaz Nilüfer 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Lycopene, a phytochemical, has attracted a great deal of interest over the past few years. This has triggered research on the biological properties of lycopene and on the numerous factors that control these properties. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate lycopene content and antioxidant activity of fresh, sun‐dried and canned tomatoes. In addition, in vitro bioavailability of lycopene was determined.RESULTS: Lycopene contents of fresh, sun‐dried and canned tomatoes were found to be 1.74, 5.51 and 3.55 mg 100 g−1, respectively, on a fresh wet basis. The highest lycopene bioavailability was obtained for sun‐dried tomatoes (58.05%) and this was followed by fresh (28.67%) and canned tomatoes (21.83%). Fresh tomatoes showed the highest antioxidant activity against ABTS radical oxidation. This was followed by sun‐dried tomatoes and canned tomatoes. The inhibition effect of intestinal dialysates of the samples on ABTS radical oxidation was between 51.34% and 92.96%.CONCLUSION: Maintenance antioxidant activity and existence of lycopene following an in vitro digestion process were the main findings, which might contribute forthcoming studies in this scientific field. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of uric acid in plasma and allantoic fluid of chicken embryos by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Matějčková Jana , Tůma Petr , Samcová Eva , Zemanová Zdeňka 
Published: June 2007

AbstractCapillary electrophoresis with diode array detection (DAD) was used to determine uric acid (UA) in chicken plasma and the allantoic fluid of chicken embryos. Complete separation of uric and ascorbic acids was attained in less than 10 min in the optimized BGE containing 60 mM MES + 30 mM Tris + 0.001% (w/v) polybrene (pH 6.1). The limit of UA detection (0.2 mg/L) was found to be low enough for sensitive analysis of native plasma and allantoic fluid samples. Range of linearity (1–200 mg/L), repeatability for peak area (CV <4.1%) and migration time (CV <2.5%), as well as recovery of UA from biological samples (97–100%), were found to be satisfactory. The method was applied to detect the elevated UA concentrations (hyperuricemia) in chicken embryos with induced unilateral renal agenesis. CE/DAD analysis of the chicken plasma can be carried out with a relatively small volume of samples (1 μL).
Factor structure of PTSD symptoms among west and central African refugees
Authors: Rasmussen Andrew , Smith Hawthorne , Keller Allen S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAlthough trauma is widespread in Africa, Africans are unrepresented in the literature on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The authors used confirmatory factor analysis of responses to the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire to model PTSD symptom structure in a sample of African refugees presenting at a U.S. torture treatment clinic. They tested four models that are proposed in the literature and one based on their clinical experience in which some symptoms of hyperarousal were integrated into intrusion. Their findings support a preference for a 4‐factor aroused intrusion model. Discussion focuses on interpretation of models, the role of numbing and avoidance, and the limitations of Euro American symptoms in non‐Euro American populations.
PTSD symptoms, substance use, and vipassana meditation among incarcerated individuals
Authors: Simpson T. L. , Kaysen D. , Bowen S. , MacPherson L. M. , Chawla N. , Blume A. , Marlatt G. A. , Larimer M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe present study evaluated whether Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptom severity was associated with participation and treatment outcomes comparing a Vipassana meditation course to treatment as usual in an incarcerated sample. This study utilizes secondary data. The original study demonstrated that Vipassana meditation is associated with reductions in substance use. The present study found that PTSD symptom severity did not differ significantly between those who did and did not volunteer to take the course. Participation in the Vipassana course was associated with significantly greater reductions in substance use than treatment as usual, regardless of PTSD symptom severity levels. These results suggest that Vipassana meditation is worthy of further study for those with comorbid PTSD and substance use problems.
Left hand preference is related to posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Choudhary Carolyn J. , O'Carroll Ronan E. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractPrevious studies have found an increased prevalence of mixed/left handedness in male combat veterans and children with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examined lateral preference and screened for possible PTSD using a self‐completion instrument in a general population sample (N = 596). Fifty‐one individuals met all criteria for possible diagnosis of PTSD and, significantly, this group contained relatively more left handers; this effect was associated with strong left‐handedness, rather than weak or mixed handedness. Left handers were found to have significantly higher scores in arousal symptoms of PTSD. This study extends previous findings to a civilian population and to women and suggests the association with left handedness may be a robust finding in people with PTSD.
Dendrimer Effects on Peptide and Protein Fibrillation
Authors: Heegaard Peter M. H. , Boas Ulrik , Otzen Daniel E. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractDendrimers are synthetic, symmetrically branched polymers that can be manufactured to a high degree of definition and therefore present themselves as monodisperse entities. Flexible and globular in shape and compartementalized into a partly inaccessible interior and a highly exposed surface, they offer numerous possibilities for interactions with and responses to biological macromolecules and biostructures including cell membranes and proteins. By way of their multiple functional surface groups, they allow the design of surfaces carrying a multitude of biological motifs and/or charges giving rise to quite significant biological and physico‐chemical effects. Here we describe the surprising ability of dendrimers to interact with and perturb polypeptide conformations, particularly efficiently towards amyloid structures; that is, the structures of highly insoluble polypeptide aggregates involved in a range of serious and irreversibly progressive pathological conditions (protein‐misfolding diseases). Interesting as this may be, the interaction of dendrimers with such generic peptidic aggregates also offers a new perspective on the molecular mechanisms governing assembly and disassembly of amyloid structures and thereby on determinants of protein and peptide folding. Despite the potent disaggregative nature of various dendrimers, they have variable effects on the stability of different proteins, suggesting that they do not act as generic denaturants, but rather exert their effects via specific interactions with individual parts of each protein.magnified image
Monolithic Media Prepared Via Electron Beam Curing for Proteins Separation and Flow‐Through Catalysis
Authors: Bandari Rajendar , Knolle Wolfgang , Prager‐Duschke Andrea , Gläsel Hans‐Jürgen , Buchmeiser Michael R. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA novel approach to acrylate/methacrylate‐based monolithic systems via electron‐beam (EB) initiated polymerization is described. The thus obtained monolithic columns were found suitable for the analytical scale separation of proteins. The novel concept of monolith synthesis was successfully extended to the synthesis of large diameter (20 mm × 300 mm id) monolithic columns applying EB irradiation in a pulsed mode. A homogeneous structure in terms of particle size and porous structure was again realized throughout the entire monolith. Functionalization of the monolithic columns was accomplished via copolymerization of a functional monomer, N,N‐dipyrid‐2‐ylmethacryl amide. The thus obtained functional monoliths were loaded with Pd (II) and used for the Heck‐coupling of styrene with iodobenzene in a continuous process.magnified image
Synthesis of ABC‐Triblock Peptide‐Polymer Conjugates for the Positioning of Peptide Segments within Block Copolymer Aggregates
Authors: ten Cate Mattijs G. J. , Börner Hans G. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe synthesis of amphiphilic ABC‐triblock peptide‐polymer conjugates comprising a central oligopeptide segment and terminal hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as well as hydrophobic poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) blocks is described. In aqueous solution, the amphiphilic segments of these functional conjugates direct the self‐assembly into block copolymer micelles, while the functional oligopeptide is positioned at the hydrophilic and hydrophobic interface. For that the conjugate PEO‐Arg10 was synthesized using solid‐phase supported peptide synthesis techniques (SPPS). The supported precursor conjugate was functionalized at the amino‐terminus of the peptide segment with a chain‐transfer moiety for RAFT polymerization. Subsequently, the AB macro‐CTA was liberated from the support and used to polymerize BA homogenously in solution. The RAFT radical polymerization process allowed controlling the molecular weight of the PBA‐block, leading to amphiphilic ABC‐conjugates with low polydispersities. The triblock peptide‐polymer conjugate assembles in water into micellar aggregates, as was shown by light scattering and AFM. The molecular architecture of the ABC‐triblock conjugate controls the positioning of the functional but expensive oligopeptide‐segment within the aggregates, while the inexpensive synthetic polymer blocks are determining the aggregation behavior. Considering the design of the conjugate, the central Arg10 segment can be expected to be positioned at the interface between the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic polymer blocks, resulting in the formation of a functional domain with precisely controllable functionalities.magnified image
Structure‐to‐Properties Relationship of Aliphatic Hyperbranched Polyesters
Authors: Žagar Ema , Huskić Miroslav , Žigon Majda 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe investigated the effects of annealing on the rearrangement of the H‐bond network microstructure and its influence on the thermal and rheological properties of the second pseudo‐generation hyperbranched (HB) polyester based on 2,2‐bis(methylol)propionic acid (Boltorn H20) in comparison to the fourth pseudo‐generation HB polyester (Boltorn H40). During annealing the hydroxyl groups of HB polyesters form H‐bonds with other hydroxyl or carbonyl groups. The formation of OH…OH H‐bonds is favored at shorter annealing times, higher annealing temperatures, and for low pseudo‐generation HB polyester, which has a low average molar mass, degree of branching, and core functionality. At temperatures up to 80 °C, Boltorn H20 indicates faster and more extensive H‐bond formation as compared to Boltorn H40. This is reflected in its larger cleavage enthalpies and higher elastic contribution to the viscoelastic response. At 90 °C and above, the process of H‐bond formation is delayed. Therefore, Boltorn H20 exhibits only viscous behavior in rheological measurements, and in DSC curves it shows strong exothermic transitions while heating the sample.magnified image