bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of a novel therapeutic target for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: A role for the neurotensin‐neurotensin receptor 1 oncogenic signaling pathway
Authors: Shimizu Satoya , Tsukada Jun , Sugimoto Takashi , Kikkawa Naoko , Sasaki Keita , Chazono Hideaki , Hanazawa Toyoyuki , Okamoto Yoshitaka , Seki Naohiko 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDistant metastasis is a major factor associated with poor prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), but little is known of its molecular mechanisms. New markers that predict clinical outcome, in particular the ability of primary tumors to develop metastatic tumors, are urgently needed. Based on a genome‐wide gene expression analysis using clinical specimens of HNSCC, we narrowed our focus to the analysis of the neurotensin (NTS) and neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) oncogenic signal pathways. Kaplan‐Meier curves and log rank tests revealed that high mRNA expression levels of NTS and NTSR1 had a significant adverse effect on metastasis‐free survival rate, suggesting a contribution of this pathway in HNSCC cancer progression. In HNSCC cells, which expressed NTSR1, a NTS agonist promoted cellular invasion, migration and induction of several mRNAs, such as interleukin 8 and matrix metalloproteinase 1 transcripts. In addition, knock down of NTSR1 expression with small interfering RNAs resulted in reduction of cellular invasion and migration in HNSCC cell lines. Our findings suggest a critical role for the NTS and NTSR1 oncogenic pathways in invasion and migration of HNSCC cells during the metastatic process. Our study raises the possibility that NTS and NTSR1 could be a useful predictive marker of poor prognosis in patients with HNSCC and a molecular therapeutic target in antimetastatic strategies for HNSCCs. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measurement matters for modelling US import prices
Authors: Thomas Charles P. , Marquez Jaime 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe focus on capturing the increasingly important role that emerging economies play in determining US import prices. Emerging‐market producers differ from others in two respects: (1) their cost structure is well below that of developed‐market producers, and (2) their wide profit margins induce pricing policies that seek to exhaust production capacity. We argue that these features have dampened the short‐run responses of import prices to changes in the value of the dollar but that they have not altered the associated long‐run response. To capture these considerations, we develop a new method to measure foreign prices and adopt a formulation that differentiates between short‐ and long‐run responses. Our econometric work asks two questions: First, can one replicate the literature's dispersion of pass‐through estimates? Second, is there any evidence of a change in the dynamic response of import prices to changes in the exchange value of the dollar? To address the first question, we estimate the parameters of our models using several alternative measures of US and foreign prices, dynamic specifications, and sample periods. We find that these alternative inputs translate into a large range of parameter estimates, a finding that helps to rationalizing the existing dispersion of estimates. To address the second question, we compute the implied dynamic adjustment of import prices to a change in the value of the dollar using parameters estimated from two samples: 1974–2000 and 1974–2005. The long‐run response of import prices is similar regardless of which sample is used—roughly one‐half of the change in the exchange rate is passed through to import prices. However, the short—run response is quite sensitive to the sample period. Specifically, the short‐run response based on data through 2005 is smaller than the short‐run response based on data through 2000. We argue that one force behind the change in dynamics of the import‐price process is the greater presence of producers from emerging economies and that their effect on import prices can be captured with their measure of foreign prices. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implications of production sharing on exchange rate pass‐through
Authors: Ghosh Amit 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis paper presents a theoretical model to analyse exchange rate pass‐through when there is cross‐border production sharing. With production sharing, between two nations, we have pass‐through at two different levels, one at the level of the imported parts and components used in making the final good and the other at the level of the final good. We find the higher the pricing‐to‐market at the intermediate good level, the lower the pass‐through for the final good. The model is further extended to analyse three‐country production sharing, substitution between two alternate sources of imported inputs. Finally, we draw some policy implications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disease recognition by infrared and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Krafft Christoph , Steiner Gerald , Beleites Claudia , Salzer Reiner 
Published: July 2008

AbstractInfrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy are emerging biophotonic tools to recognize various diseases. The current review gives an overview of the experimental techniques, data‐classification algorithms and applications to assess soft tissues, hard tissues and body fluids. The methodology section presents the principles to combine vibrational spectroscopy with microscopy, lateral information and fiber‐optic probes. A crucial step is the classification of spectral data by a variety of algorithms. We discuss unsupervised algorithms such as cluster analysis or principal component analysis and supervised algorithms such as linear discriminant analysis, soft independent modeling of class analogies, artificial neural networks support vector machines, Bayesian classification, partial least‐squares regression and ensemble methods. The selected topics include tumors of epithelial tissue, brain tumors, prion diseases, bone diseases, atherosclerosis, kidney stones and gallstones, skin tumors, diabetes and osteoarthritis. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Biosorption: critical review of scientific rationale, environmental importance and significance for pollution treatment
Authors: Gadd Geoffrey Michael 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBiosorption may be simply defined asthe removal of substances from solution by biological material. Such substances can be organic and inorganic, and in gaseous, soluble or insoluble forms. Biosorption is a physico‐chemical process and includes such mechanisms as absorption, adsorption, ion exchange, surface complexation and precipitation. Biosorption is a property of both living and dead organisms (and their components) and has been heralded as a promising biotechnology for pollutant removal from solution, and/or pollutant recovery, for a number of years, because of its efficiency, simplicity, analogous operation to conventional ion exchange technology, and availability of biomass. Most biosorption studies have carried out on microbial systems, chiefly bacteria, microalgae and fungi, and with toxic metals and radionuclides, including actinides like uranium and thorium. However, practically all biological material has an affinity for metal species and a considerable amount of other research exists with macroalgae (seaweeds) as well as plant and animal biomass, waste organic sludges, and many other wastes or derived bio‐products. While most biosorption research concerns metals and related substances, including radionuclides, the term is now applied to particulates and all manner of organic substances as well. However, despite continuing dramatic increases in published research on biosorption, there has been little or no exploitation in an industrial context. This article critically reviews aspects of biosorption research regarding the benefits, disadvantages, and future potential of biosorption as an industrial process, the rationale, scope and scientific value of biosorption research, and the significance of biosorption in other waste treatment processes and in the environment. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Macrogeographic genetic variation in broad‐snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris)
Authors: Villela Priscilla Marqui Schmidt , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann , Piña Carlos Ignacio , Verdade Luciano M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBroad‐snouted caiman's (Caiman latirostris) geographic distribution comprises one of the widest latitudinal ranges among all crocodilians. In this study we analyzed the relationship between geographic distance (along the species latitudinal range) and genetic differentiation using DNA microsatellite loci developed for C. latirostris and Alligator mississippiensis. The results suggest that there is a consistent relationship between geographic distance and genetic differentiation; however, other biogeographical factors seem to be relevant. The Atlantic Chain (Serra do Mar) seems to be an effective geographic barrier, as well as the relatively narrow (≤1.5 km) sea channel between Cardoso Island and the continent. In addition, coastal populations seem to have been well connected in recent geological time (Pleistocene 16,000 years ago) all along the eastern Brazilian coast. Further studies should focus on the São Francisco River drainage, which is still poorly known for this species. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:628–636, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Envelope protein variability among HBV‐Infected asymptomatic carriers and immunized children with breakthrough infections
Authors: Mendy Maimuna , D'Mello Felicity , Kanellos Theophanis , Oliver Stefan , Whittle Hilton , Howard Colin R. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA detailed study of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface variants and their role in breakthrough infections has been conducted in The Gambia, West Africa. Samples from 1856 vaccinated subjects were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Evidence of infection was found in 11% (22/192) of subjects with breakthrough infections and 18 (81.8%) were also positive for HBV DNA following PCR analysis. A cohort of 58 unvaccinated carriers which also included 11 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma was also investigated in order to establish the prevalence of surface variants in the unvaccinated population. Analysis of the S gene from HBV PCR‐positive subjects (n = 64) revealed little variation in the S gene of these subjects. Twenty‐four S protein sequences (37.5%) were identical and a further 22 sequences differed by only a single amino acid. The K141E variant found in previous work was not detected and little variation was observed in the immunodominant “a” determinant; a single change was found in one vaccinated patient (Q129H) and nine changes detected among six unvaccinated carriers. This study showed that breakthrough HBV infection in vaccinated Gambians is mainly caused by the wild type genoytype E strain and that immune escape mutants are uncommon. However, HBV mutants may play a role in establishing infection later in life when anti‐HBs antibodies have begun to decline. Further investigation is required to determine the cause of these breakthrough infections and whether they contribute to the establishment of the carrier state. J. Med. Virol. 80:1537–1546, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum concentrations of ribavirin and pegylated interferon and viral responses in patients infected with HIV and HCV
Authors: Nicot Florence , Legrand‐Abravanel Florence , Lafont Thierry , Dubois Martine , Sauné Karine , Pasquier Christophe , Chatelut Etienne , Izopet Jacques 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects a substantial proportion of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Patients infected with both HCV and HIV respond poorly to anti‐HCV treatment with pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin. But few data are available on the influence of ribavirin and interferon concentrations on treatment outcome for these patients. This study investigated the relationship between the serum pegylated interferon and ribavirin concentrations 3 and 6 months after treatment initiation, and treatment outcome in 35 HCV‐HIV coinfected patients. The pegylated interferon and ribavirin concentrations at months 3 and 6 were similar. The pegylated interferon concentrations at 3 months in responders and nonresponders were similar. However, responders tended to have higher ribavirin concentrations (2,322 ng/ml) than nonresponders (1,833 ng/ml; P = 0.08). Responders infected with HCV genotype 1 or 4 had higher ribavirin concentrations (2,672 ng/ml) than did similarly infected nonresponders (1,758 ng/ml; P = 0.04). ROC curve analysis showed that a ribavirin concentration of 2,300 ng/ml was the best threshold for predicting a nonresponse (ROC area = 0.80 ± 0.12). Thus ribavirin concentrations influence treatment outcome in HIV patients infected with HCV genotype 1 or 4. Monitoring ribavirin concentrations could help adapt ribavirin concentrations and improve the sustained virological response. J. Med. Virol. 80:1523–1529, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dissection of the CMV specific T‐cell response is required for optimized cardiac transplant monitoring
Authors: Kirchner Alexander , Hoffmeister Bodo , Cherepnev‐G Georgy , Fuhrmann Stephan , Streitz Mathias , Lachmann Raskit , Bunde Torsten , Meij Pauline , Schönemann Constanze , Hetzer Roland , Lehmkuhl Hans B. , Volkmer‐Engert Rudolf , Volk Hans‐Dieter , Gratama Jan W. , Kern Florian 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDespite the success of antivirals in preventing clinically overt CMV disease in cardiac allograft recipients, sub‐clinical active CMV infection remains a major concern because of its association with allograft rejection and vasculopathy. The measurement of CMV specific T‐cell responses is a promising approach to assessing this situation. For simplicity, class‐I MHC/peptide‐multimers staining CD8 T‐cells directly are often used but this ignores a much wider range of responses including the whole CD4 T‐cell compartment. CD4 T‐cells, however, were recently shown to be critical to reducing CMV load early after transplantation. To determine how extensive T‐cell responses to CMV are, the responses to two dominant CMV proteins, IE‐1 and pp65, were dissected in detail accounting for T‐cell lineage, frequencies, epitope recognition and changes over time in more than 25 heart transplant recipients. Cross‐sectional results from over 30 healthy CMV‐carriers were analyzed for comparison. Responses were unexpectedly complex, with considerable inter‐individual variation in terms of dominance, breadth, and recognized epitopes. Whereas the use of MHC/peptide‐multimers for clinical CD8 T‐cell response monitoring alone can be justified in some situations, short term T‐cell activation combined with intracellular cytokine staining was clearly found to be of more general usefulness. The performance of IFN‐gamma, TNF‐alpha, or IL‐2 as single read‐outs in identifying activated T‐cells was examined and confirmed that the frequently used IFN‐gamma was best suited. These results should be used to inform the design of clinically applicable and diagnostically useful approaches to monitoring CMV specific responses in heart transplant recipients. J. Med. Virol. 80:1604–1614, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Failure to confirm HIV infection in two end‐stage HIV/AIDS patients using a popular commercial line immunoassay
Authors: Tang Julian W. , Wong Bonnie C.K. , Lam Edman , Tai Vivien , Lee Nelson , Cockram Clive S. , Chan Paul K.S. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractImmunoassays using either viral lysate (Western blot) or recombinant/synthetic antigen (immunoblot) for anti‐HIV capture are still the preferred method to confirm HIV infection. Two cases of HIV‐1‐infected patients presented with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐defining illnesses. Laboratory tests were performed using multiple commercial HIV test kits on multiple sera from both patients over several weeks. Both patients were strongly positive on the anti‐HIV/p24 antigen combined screening assay. Yet, HIV‐1 infection could not be confirmed using a popular commercial immunoassay. Eventually, HIV infection was confirmed using an alternative commercial Western blot assay as well as an HIV quantitative PCR test. In laboratories without nucleic acid testing (NAT) for HIV, indeterminate results may delay confirmation of HIV infection, if commercial line immunoassays alone are available. Some end‐stage HIV/AIDS patients may not produce antibodies to specific HIV antigens and may therefore give indeterminant or negative results on some immunoassays, depending on the type of antigen used. This report highlights the utility of having NAT available when diagnosing difficult cases of HIV infection, especially in light of the recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention move towards more universal, routine, HIV testing. J. Med. Virol. 80:1515–1522, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence for zoonotic transmission of group C rotaviruses among children in Belém, Brazil
Authors: Gabbay Yvone B. , Borges Alessandra A. , Oliveira Darleise S. , Linhares Alexandre C. , Mascarenhas Joana D.P. , Barardi Célia R.M. , Simões Cláudia M.O. , Wang Yuhuan , Glass Roger I. , Jiang Baoming 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe prevalence and potential zoonotic transmission of group C rotavirus (RVC) were examined by testing fecal samples collected from children during a longitudinal study that was carried out in the outskirts of Belém, Brazil, from December 1982 to March 1986. The study involved a group of 30 children who were followed from birth to 3 years. Of the 77 samples tested from 29 children, 5 (6.5%) were positive for human and 3 (4%) for porcine RVC by using nested PCR assay with primers specific for VP6 gene of human or porcine RVC and by Southern hybridization using a probe specific for VP6 gene of both human and porcine RVC. In addition, a total of 59 fecal specimens from the 30th child were tested, 1 (1.7%) and 14 (23.7%) were positive for human and porcine RVC, respectively. Partial nucleotide sequences of VP6 gene demonstrated that the six human strains detected in Brazil were homologous with other human RVC, and 14 of the 17 porcine RVC strains examined showed a complete homology among themselves but differed slightly from the porcine Cowden strain, suggesting that a single porcine RVC strain was circulating in Belém. This study is the first to provide evidence for transmission of RVC from swine to human. They also indicate that both human and porcine RVC were endemic in Belém. J. Med. Virol. 80:1666–1674, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical and psychosocial correlates of post‐herpetic neuralgia
Authors: Volpi A. , Gatti A. , Pica F. , Bellino S. , Marsella L.T. , Sabato A.F. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPost‐herpetic neuralgia is the most challenging and debilitating complication of herpes zoster in the immunocompetent host. Because the effect of treatment is disappointing once the syndrome has developed, it is important to know which factors predict post‐herpetic neuralgia occurrence to facilitate selection of herpes zoster patients with a higher risk of developing neuralgia and undertake preventative strategies. The present study aimed at identifying demographic, clinical and psychosocial correlates of post‐herpetic neuralgia in a sample of 219 immunocompetent patients, who were examined by dermatologists in private practice in Italy and who completed a questionnaire designed to evaluate their clinical and psychosocial profile at the time of clinical diagnosis of herpes zoster and at a follow‐up visit 6 months later. In a univariate analysis, post‐herpetic neuralgia was associated significantly with older age, longer duration of prodromal pain, greater acute pain intensity, greater extent of rash, presence of abnormal sensations and use of systemic antiviral therapy. Compared to the values at herpes zoster onset, at the follow‐up visit patients with post‐herpetic neuralgia presented with similar high mean scores of pain intensity, anxiety and depression and greatly reduced quality of life, whereas patients without neuralgia presented with improved scores. In a multivariate model, older age, greater acute pain intensity, greater extent of rash and longer duration of prodromal pain were independently associated with post‐herpetic neuralgia. The results of this study may help physicians to identify patients with a higher risk of developing post‐herpetic neuralgia and undertaking preventative strategies. J. Med. Virol. 80:1646–1652, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among intravenous drug users in Korea
Authors: Yun Haesun , Kim Daijin , Kim Soyeon , Kang Sujin , Jeong Seunghee , Cheon Yonghoon , Joe Keunho , Gwon Do‐Hoon , Cho Sung‐Nam , Jee Youngmee 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAlthough intravenous drug users are a well‐known route of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission, there is no data on the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among intravenous drug users in Korea. In order to describe the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection, and to determine HCV genotypes in the population, serum samples were collected from 107 intravenous drug users during 2005–2006. Fifty‐seven percent (n = 61) were HCV RNA positive and 51% (n = 55) were HBV DNA positive. Co‐infection of HBV and HCV were found in 23% (n = 25). HCV genotypes 1b, 2a/2c, 2, 2b, and 3a were found in 38% (n = 23), 44% (n = 27), 8% (n = 5), 2% (n = 1), and 3% (n = 2), respectively. Moreover, mixed infections of genotypes 1b and 2a/2c were found in 5% (n = 3). When the number of patients with HCV genotype 1b compared with that of patients with genotype 2a/2c, HBV DNA titer was not significantly different by independent t‐test (t = −0.881, P = 0.392 > 0.05) between the two patient groups. These results suggest that the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among intravenous drug users is high showing over 50% in Korea and a strategic prevention program should be performed in this group to prevent further infection into local community. J. Med. Virol. 80:1570–1575, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outbreak of rotavirus variant P[8] in Seoul, South Korea
Authors: Lee Jae‐In , Song Mi‐Ok , Chung Ju‐Young , Han Tae‐Hee , Ahn Young‐Min , Seo Jeong‐Wan , Kim Moo‐Sang , Kim Min‐Young , Kim Won‐Yong , Lee Chan‐hee 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAn epidemiologic study was performed to determine the genetic variability of rotaviruses in Seoul, South Korea. In 3,174 stool specimens from children with acute diarrhea at five referral hospitals, 571 (18%) possessed the antigen of group A rotavirus detectable by ELISA—10.8% in 2004 and 28.1% in 2005. VP7 genotyping revealed that the G3 type was found in 25.6% of all typed isolates, G4 in 23.8%, G2 in 21.6%, and G1 in 17.6%. VP4 genotyping showed that the P[8] type was detected in 66.7%, P[6] in 15.6%, P[4] in 13.0%, and P[9] in 0.2%. Because the variant P[8] type could not be amplified initially by conventional P typing primers (1T‐1), PCR were performed using newly designed 1T‐1S primer, which revealed that 307 specimens were the variant P[8] type. Uncommon combinations such as G4P[6] and G2P[8] were also found with relatively high prevalence, 14.6% and 12.8%, respectively. Variant P[8] types were associated with an outbreak of rotavirus in 2005. J. Med. Virol. 80:1661–1665, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.