bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D receptor distribution in intestines of domesticated sheep Ovis ammon f. aries
Authors: Riner Katharina , Boos Alois , Hässig Michael , Liesegang Annette 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe biologically active form of vitamin D, i.e., 1,25‐dihydroxycholecalciferol or calcitriol, plays an important role in bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis, which is often disturbed at the onset of lactation in high milk‐yielding domestic ruminants. Gene transcription is modulated via vitamin D receptors, but nongenomic effects of vitamin D via membrane receptors have also been described. In the intestines, vitamin D promotes calcium absorption via vitamin D receptors. Vitamin D receptors are of clinical relevance, but have not been systematically assessed within all segments of the intestine in any species. Thus, we present for the first time an immunohistochemical study of the distribution patterns of the vitamin D receptor protein in sheep, which may be the basis for present and future investigations on mineral homeostasis in domestic ruminants. Tissue probes of the intestines were collected from five lambs and five nonlactating and nonpregnant dams, fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and used for the assessment of vitamin D receptor protein. Nuclear vitamin D receptor immunoreaction was scored semiquantitatively and exhibited a segment‐specific distribution pattern. Goblet cells always were devoid of any vitamin D receptor immunoreaction. Surface epithelial cells and enterocytes of the crypt openings generally demonstrated only a weak immunoreaction. Basally and/or intermediately located crypt epithelial cells exhibited stronger immunoreactions in duodenum, jejunum, and colon descendens. This basal/intermediate to superficial gradient was most pronounced in the duodenum and less evident in jejunum and colon descendens and not observed in ileum and cecum. There were no age‐dependent variations in vitamin D receptor protein expression. Results demonstrate that intestinal vitamin D receptor distribution patterns are segment‐specific and strongest immunoreactions correlate with highest intestinal calcium absorptive activities, as reported in literature. Strong expression of vitamin D receptors within the lower half of crypts also suggests a role for calcitriol in epithelial differentiation and cellular homeostasis. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The peristomatic structures of Lithobiomorpha (Myriapoda, Chilopoda): Comparative morphology and phylogenetic significance
Authors: Koch Markus , Edgecombe Gregory D. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA comparative survey of the epipharynx and hypopharynx of lithobiomorph centipedes by light and scanning electron microscopy examines 18 species that sample the major groups of both families, the Lithobiidae and Henicopidae. Cladistic analysis of 11 characters of the peristomatic structures together with 29 additional morphological characters serves as a basis for interpreting the evolution of the lithobiomorph peristomatic structures. Scutigeromorpha is used for outgroup comparison in the framework of a homology scheme for the basic components of the epi‐ and hypopharynx. Compared to other chilopods, the monophyly of Lithobiomorpha is supported by a row of distinctive bottle‐shaped gland openings at the border between the labral and clypeal parts of the epipharynx, as well as by a distinctive shape of the hypopharynx. Paired rows of elongate spines on the clypeal part of the epipharynx are an apomorphic character of Lithobiidae. The transformation of these spine rows into a few groups of branching spines is characteristic for the Monotarsobius group sensu Verhoeff. Similar groups of branching clypeal spines characterize the Anopsobiinae within Henicopidae, whereas Henicopinae possess a dense cluster of short, simple spines instead. The recently described genus Dzhungaria is resolved closer to Henicopinae than to Anopsobiinae, a hypothesis supported by a field of grooves on the medial labral part of the epipharynx. Monophyly of Henicopidae does not receive unique support from the peristomatic structures although two homoplastic characters contribute to this node; among these, the reduction of a median spine field between clypeal and labral parts of the epipharynx to a narrow transverse band also supports a close relationship between the Ezembius group and Hessebius within Lithobiidae. An Ezembius + Hessebius clade is additionally supported by the absence of a transverse bulge between the clypeal and labral parts of the epipharynx, a character otherwise present in all lithobiomorph species studied so far. Lithobius is resolved as polyphyletic, with different species being most closely related to such genera as Australobius, Hessebius and Pleurolithobius. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative trophic morphology in eight species of damselfishes (Pomacentridae)
Authors: Frédérich Bruno , Pilet Arnaud , Parmentier Eric , Vandewalle Pierre 
Published: October 2007

AbstractDamselfishes show significant biodiversity in the coral reefs. To better understand such diversity, an ecomorphological approach was investigated in the trophic morphology of eight species of Pomacentridae (Chromis acares, C. margaritifer, Dascyllus aruanus, D. flavicaudus, Pomacentrus pavo, Plectroglyphidodon johnstonianus, Pl. lacrymatus and Stegastes nigricans) belonging to different trophic guilds (zooplankton, algal, coral polyp feeders and omnivores). Geometric morphometrics were used to quantify size and shape variations in four skeletal units: (1) neurocranium, (2) suspensorium and opercle, (3) mandible and (4) premaxilla. This method allowed us to reveal shape and size differences correlated to functional diversity both within and between trophic guilds. Among zooplanktivores, C. margaritifer, D. aruanus and D. flavicaudus have a high and long supraoccipital crest, short mandibles forming a small mouth and high suspensoria and opercles. These three species can be considered to be suction feeders. In the same guild, C. acares shows opposite characteristics (long and thin mandibles, lengthened neurocranium and suspensorium) and can be considered as a ram feeder. Among herbivores and corallivores, the two species of Plectroglyphidodon and S. nigricans can be considered as grazers. Differences in skeletal shape are mainly related to improving the robustness of some skeletal parts (broad hyomandibular, short and high mandibles). The shapes of P. pavo, which feeds largely on algae, strongly differ from that of the other three grazers exhibiting similar morphological characteristics to C. acares (e.g., long and shallow suspensorium, lengthened neurocranium). This highlights likely differences concerning cutting or scraping method. Finally, no strong correlations exist between size and shapes in the eight studied species. Size difference among species having a very similar shape could be viewed as a factor optimizing resource partitioning. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sperm aggregations in female Agkistrodon piscivorus (Reptilia:Squamata): A histological and ultrastructural investigation
Authors: Siegel Dustin S. , Sever David M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractUpon copulation in female Agkistrodon piscivorus, sperm migrate up the oviduct to sperm storage tubules (SSTs) in the posterior infundibulum. The epithelium of the SSTs is composed of ciliated and secretory cells and differs ultrastructurally from that of the epithelium lining the lumen of the posterior infundibulum. Sperm pass through an area composed primarily of ciliated cells at the opening of each gland before aligning themselves in parallel arrays with their nuclei facing an area composed primarily of secretory cells at the base of the tubules. Sperm are also found embedded inter‐ and intracellularly in the SSTs. The secretory vacuoles in the SSTs become highly electron dense after the start of the fall mating season along with the synthesis of lipid droplets. Histochemical analysis reveals that the alteration in secretory material density is caused by the production of neutral carbohydrates. Some sperm remain in aggregates in the nonglandular section of the posterior uterus until the time of ovulation. However, ultrastructural evidence indicates these sperm degrade before ovulation. Therefore, sperm in posterior aggregates have no role in fertilization of ovulated ova. The data presented here support the hypothesis that infundibular sperm storage is the mode that snakes utilize to sequester viable sperm until ovulation. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful treatment of an entecavir‐resistant hepatitis B virus variant
Authors: Yatsuji Hiromi , Hiraga Nobuhiko , Mori Nami , Hatakeyama Tsuyoshi , Tsuge Masataka , Imamura Michio , Takahashi Shoichi , Fujimoto Yoshifumi , Ochi Hidenori , Abe Hiromi , Maekawa Toshiro , Suzuki Fumitaka , Kumada Hiromitsu , Chayama Kazuaki 
Published: October 2007

AbstractEmergence of a lamivudine (LAM)‐resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV) with amino acid substitutions in the YMDD motif is a well‐documented problem during long‐term LAM therapy. Entecavir (ETV) is a new drug approved for treatment of HBV infection with or without LAM‐resistant mutants. This report describes an ETV‐resistant strain of HBV, which emerged after prolonged ETV therapy in a patient who did not respond to LAM therapy. Direct sequence analysis of the ETV‐resistant strain showed appearance of amino acid substitution rtS202G in the reverse transcriptase (RT) domain, together with rtL180M + M204V substitution that had developed at the emergence of LAM‐resistant mutant. In vitro analysis demonstrated that the rtL180M + M204V + S202G mutant strain displayed a 200‐fold and a 5‐fold reduction in susceptibility to ETV compared with the wild‐ type and the rtL180M + M204V mutant strain, respectively. Adefovir was effective against the ETV‐resistant strain both in vitro and during the clinical course. In conclusion, this study showed that virological and biochemical breakthrough due to ETV could occur in patients infected with LAM‐resistant HBV and confirmed that the addition of rtS202G substitution to the rtL180M + M204V mutant strain is responsible for ETV resistance and we could treat the resistant mutant successfully. J. Med. Virol. 79:1811–1817, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of strain‐specific antibody responses during primary and secondary infections with respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Scott Paul D. , Ochola Rachel , Sande Charles , Ngama Mwanajuma , Okiro Emelda A. , Medley Graham F. , Nokes D. James , Cane Patricia A. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants. RSV repeatedly reinfects individuals: this may be due in part to the variability of the attachment (G) glycoprotein and changes in this protein have been shown to be under positive selection. Infants experiencing their primary infection show a genotype‐specific antibody response with respect to the variable regions of the G protein. A prospective study of RSV infections in a birth cohort in rural Kenya identified infants experiencing repeat infections with RSV. The serum antibody responses of these infants were investigated with respect to their anti‐RSV reactions in an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the specificity of the response to a variable region of the G protein by ELISA and immunoblotting using bacterially expressed polypeptides representative of the currently circulating strains of RSV. The results presented here confirm that the primary antibody response to the variable regions of the G protein is generally genotype‐specific, but show that the response may become cross‐reactive (at least within group A viruses) during secondary infections even where the secondary infection is of the same genotype as the initial infection. Also, some infants who did not mount a detectable antibody response to whole RSV antigens during their primary infection nevertheless showed genotype‐specific responses to the G protein. In conclusion, the strain‐specific nature of the serum antibody response to the variable regions of the G protein of RSV observed in primary infections can become cross‐reactive in subsequent reinfections. J. Med. Virol. 79:1943–1950, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of enteric viruses on gastroenteritis in Albania: Epidemiological and molecular analysis
Authors: Fabiana Arrivi , Donia Domenica , Gabrieli Rosanna , Petrinca Anna Rita , Cenko Fabian , Bebeci Durim , Altan Anna Maria Doro , Buonomo Ersilia , Divizia Maurizio 
Published: October 2007

AbstractGastroenteritis is one of the most important diseases in developing country and viral infections are well documented. To understand better the epidemiological aspect of gastroenteritis in Albania and especially viral gastroenteritis, one‐year study was carried out with the cooperation of physicians working in the Paediatric Hospital in University Hospital Center “Mother Thereza” in Tirana. Three hundred thirteen stool samples were collected from children with diarrhoea and a questionnaire was filled by the health personnel for each child. Analysis of the questionnaires revealed that overcrowding families and the limited availability of drinking water at home were risk factors for gastroenteritis. All the tests for enteroviruses were carried out using the molecular methods. One hundred and forty‐seven out of three hundred thirteen stool samples showed a specific amplification band for one of the enteric viruses: astrovirus, adenovirus, rotavirus, and norovirus with an overall positive specimen rate of 46.9%. Rotavirus was the most frequent virus identified in 105 out of 147 samples (71.4%), astrovirus in 5 (3.4%), norovirus in 19 (12.9%), and enteric adenovirus in 18 (12.3%) samples. Double infection was present only in 14 samples (9.5%). The data suggest an evident circulation of viruses involved in gastroenteritis with a higher prevalence of rotavirus. J. Med. Virol. 79:1844–1849, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular variants of human papillomavirus type 16 and 18 and risk for cervical Neoplasia in Portugal
Authors: Pista Angela , Oliveira Ana , Barateiro Andreia , Costa Helena , Verdasca Nuno , Paixão Maria Teresa 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPersistent high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is considered as the central cause of invasive cervical cancer. Specific HPV 16 and 18 sequence variations were associated with an increased risk for progression. The purpose of this study was to analyze intratypic variations of HPV 16 and 18 within the E6 gene, MY09/11 and LCR regions, and to evaluate the risk of these variants for cervical neoplasia among Portuguese women. Cervical samples from 187 HPV 16‐positive and 41 HPV 18‐positive women with normal epithelium, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or invasive cervical cancer were amplified by type‐specific PCR, followed by sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Sixteen new HPV 16 and 18 patterns are described in this paper. European HPV 16 variants were the most frequent (74.3%), particularly Ep‐T350 (44.4%), followed by African (16.1%), and Asian‐American (9.6%). Non‐European HPV 16 variants were more frequent in pre‐invasive lesions than in normal tissue and low‐grade lesions. However, when analyzed separately, only African variants were associated significantly with an increased risk for cervical cancer. For HPV 18, the AsAi variant showed a trend, which was not statistically significant to an enhanced oncogenicity. European variants seemed to be significantly associated with a lower risk for cervical cancer development. The distribution of HPV 16 and 18 variants was not related to age or race among women living in the same geographical region. Knowledge of variants will be important for risk determination as well as for designing primers or probes for HPV detection methods, and for appropriate cervical cancer prevention strategies. J. Med. Virol. 79:1889–1897, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic diversity of noroviruses and sapoviruses in children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Authors: Khamrin Pattara , Maneekarn Niwat , Peerakome Supatra , Tonusin Supin , Malasao Rungnapa , Mizuguchi Masashi , Okitsu Shoko , Ushijima Hiroshi 
Published: October 2007

AbstractHuman caliciviruses, including norovirus (NoV) and sapovirus (SaV), are recognized as common pathogens that cause acute viral gastroenteritis in children and adults throughout the world. To gain an overview of molecular epidemiology of human caliciviruses in children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 2002 to 2004, NoV and SaV were detected and characterized molecularly for identification of their genotypes. From a total of 248 fecal specimens collected, 35 (14.1%) were positive for NoV GII genogroup. Among the 35 NoV GII, GII/4 was the most predominant genotype (22 strains), followed by GII/3 (7 strains), GII/1 (2 strains), GII/7 (2 strains), GII/2 (1 strain), and GII/16 (1 strain). In addition, only three specimens (1.2%) were positive for SaV, each of which was classified into two different genogroups. One isolate was clustered with GIV genogroup, while the other two belonged to two distinct genotypes of the SaV GI cluster, GI/1 and GI/2 genotypes. This study demonstrated that human caliciviruses are important enteric viruses that caused acute gastroenteritis in the hospitalized children in Chiang Mai, Thailand from 2002 to 2004. Moreover, a great genetic diversities of NoV and SaV were observed. J. Med. Virol. 79:1921–1926, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis C virus does not infect muscle, the intervertebral disk, or the meniscus in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Bartolomé Javier , Rodríguez‐Iñigo Elena , Erice Alejo , Vidal Sonia , Castillo Inmaculada , Carreño Vicente 
Published: October 2007

AbstractChronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with several extrahepatic manifestations, including neuromuscular and joint disorders, and HCV RNA has been detected in muscle fibers of patients with myosistis and chronic hepatitis C. However, whether HCV infects muscle cells in patients without myosistis is unknown. The presence of HCV in other sites of the musculoskeletal system has not been investigated. In the present study the presence of HCV RNA was sought in muscle (2 cases), intervertebral disk (1 case) and meniscus (1 case) samples from patients with chronic hepatitis C. HCV RNA was not detected by reverse transcription and real‐time polymerase chain reaction in any of the samples tested. In conclusion, the results do not support a direct role of HCV in musculoskeletal disorders associated with chronic hepatitis C. J. Med. Virol. 79:1818–1820, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemiological survey of enterovirus infections occurring in Taiwan between 2000 and 2005: Analysis of sentinel physician surveillance data
Authors: Tseng Fan‐Chen , Huang Han‐Chin , Chi Chia‐Yu , Lin Tsuey‐Li , Liu Ching‐Chuan , Jian Jhih‐Wei , Hsu Li‐Ching , Wu Ho‐Sheng , Yang Jyh‐Yuan , Chang Ya‐Wen , Wang Hsuan‐Chen , Hsu Yun‐Wei , Su Ih‐Jen , Wang Jen‐Ren 
Published: October 2007

AbstractEnterovirus (EV) infections are common. There are more than 60 known serotypes, and each has different epidemiologic or medical importance. Over 700 physicians from 75% of basic administrative units of Taiwan participated in the “Sentinel Physician Surveillance of Infectious Disease” and reported weekly to the Center for Disease Control—Taiwan with data on various infections. Data of laboratory‐confirmed EV infections from this surveillance between 2000 and 2005 was analyzed. EV serotypes were determined by immunofluorescence staining and/or viral VP1 sequence analysis. A total of 12,236 EV cases, or approximately1,300–2,500 per year, were identified, and 52% of the cases occurred between April and July. The median age was 3 years, and 57.6% of patients were male. Coxsackievirus A (CA) 16 and EV71, which primarily manifest as hand‐foot‐and‐mouth disease, were the most prevalent serotypes every year except 2004. Other prevalent serotypes and associated symptoms varied from year to year. Echovirus (E) 30 and E6, which are associated with aseptic meningitis, were prevalent in 2001 and 2002, CA4 and CA10, which cause herpangina, were predominant in 2004, and coxsackievirus B (CB) 4 and CB3, which are associated with neonatal febrile disease, were most common in 2004 and 2005, respectively. Some of these epidemics overlapped with outbreaks of the same serotypes in other Asian Pacific countries. Of all serotypes, EV71 was associated with the highest number of severe complications in patients. Surveying the epidemic pattern, disease spectra, and severity associated with each EV serotype provided important information for public health and medical personnel. J. Med. Virol. 79:1850–1860, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among HIV‐infected pregnant women in Uganda and Rwanda
Authors: Pirillo Maria F. , Bassani Luciana , Germinario Elena A.P. , Mancini Maria Grazia , Vyankandondera Joseph , Okong Pius , Vella Stefano , Giuliano Marina 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA retrospective survey to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections was conducted on the samples of 247 African HIV‐1 positive pregnant women who had participated to a mother‐to‐child prevention trial carried out in urban settings in Kampala, Uganda and Kigali, Rwanda. Hepatitis B markers studied were HBs antigen (HBsAg) and, if positive after confirmatory testing, HBe antigen/anti‐HBe antibodies and HBV DNA. A fourth generation HCV enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was used for primary HCV screening. Positive samples were analyzed further with a second different EIA. Both for HBV and for HCV the use of confirmatory tests allowed the removal of frequent false‐positive screening results. HBsAg was found in 10/246 women (seroprevalence 4.1%, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.7–6.8): 8/164 (4.9%) in Uganda and 2/82 (2.4%) in Rwanda. HBe Ag was found in 33% of HBsAg‐positive patients and HBV DNA was quantifiable in 71%. Anti‐HCV antibodies were found in 5/247 women (seroprevalence 2.0% 95%CI 0.3–3.9): 1/165 (0.6%) in Uganda and 4/82 (4.9%) in Rwanda. There was no interrelation between HCV and HBV markers. There was no difference between patients with and without co‐infection with HBV or HCV with regards to CD4+ cell count. Overall, hepatitis B and C co‐infection was relatively infrequent in this group of pregnant women. However, since approximately 6% of HIV‐positive women in these countries had a co‐infection with one hepatitis virus, caution should be used in the monitoring of possible hepatotoxicity related to antiretroviral drugs in these populations. J. Med. Virol. 79:1797–1801, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.