bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beta‐carotene in multivitamins and the possible risk of lung cancer among smokers versus former smokers
Authors: Tanvetyanon Tawee , Bepler Gerold 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBACKGROUNDSome studies have suggested that beta‐carotene supplementation may increase the risk of lung cancer, particularly among smokers or former smokers. Beta‐carotene, a provitamin A, is available in multivitamins. In the current study, the authors investigated the risk of lung cancer associated with beta‐carotene in smokers or former smokers and surveyed the beta‐carotene content in national brand multivitamins.METHODSThe authors systemically reviewed the published literature using a search of the MEDLINE database and performed a meta‐analysis of large randomized trials that reported on the effect of beta‐carotene supplementation on the incidence of lung cancer among smokers or former smokers. A sample of multivitamins was evaluated for their beta‐carotene content and the suggested daily dosage.RESULTSFour studies contributing 109,394 subjects were available for analysis. The average daily beta‐carotene dosage in these trials ranged from 20 to 30 mg daily. Among current smokers, beta‐carotene supplementation was found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (odds ratio [OR], 1.24; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.10–1.39). Among former smokers, there was no significant increase noted (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.84–1.45). In a sample of 47 common multivitamins, beta‐carotene was present in 70% of the identified formulas. The median dosage of beta‐carotene was 0.3 mg (range, 0–17.2 mg) daily. The beta‐carotene content was found to be significantly higher among multivitamins sold to improve visual health than among other multivitamins, with a median daily dosage of 3 mg (range, 0–24 mg).CONCLUSIONSHigh‐dose beta‐carotene supplementation appears to increase the risk of lung cancer among current smokers. Although beta‐carotene was prevalent in multivitamins, high‐dose beta‐carotene was observed among multivitamin formulas sold to promote visual health. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Hydrothermal Synthesis, Structural Characterisations, and Photoluminescence Properties of Four Inorganic‐Organic Hybrid Compounds in the Indium/Gallium Iodate Family
Authors: Liu Xiaomin , Li Guanghua , Hu Bin , Yu Yang , Hu Yawei , Bi Minghui , Shi Zhan , Feng Shouhua 
Published: April 2008

AbstractFour inorganic‐organic hybrid compounds with the formulae In2(IO3)6(H2O)(2,2′‐bipy)·H2O (1), In2(IO3)6(H2O)(1,10‐phen)·H2O (2), Ga(IO3)3(2,2′‐bipy)·HIO3 (3) and Ga(IO3)3(1,10‐phen)·H2O (4) were hydrothermally synthesised at 100 °C over 7 d and subsequently characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The bidentate diamine ligands 2,2′‐bipy and 1,10‐phen in the In/I/O system give rise to the compounds In2(IO3)6(H2O)(2,2′‐bipy)·H2O and In2(IO3)6(H2O)(1,10‐phen)·H2O which crystallise in the monoclinic space group P21/c. Using the same bidentate diamine ligands, namely 2,2′‐bipy and 1,10‐phen, in the Ga/I/O system led to the formationof Ga(IO3)3(2,2′‐bipy)·HIO3 and Ga(IO3)3(1,10‐phen)·H2O which crystallise in the monoclinic space group P21/n. Both, In2(IO3)6(H2O)(2,2′‐bipy)·H2O and In2(IO3)6(H2O)(1,10‐phen)·H2O possess 2D layered structures, with the former consisting of [In(H2O)(IO3)5]2– clusters and [In(IO3)(2,2′‐bipy)]2+ chains and the latter consisting of [In(H2O)(IO3)5]2– clusters and [In(IO3)(1,10‐phen)]2+ chains. Compound Ga(IO3)3(2,2′‐bipy)·HIO3 is a 1D ribbon built up from [IO3] pyramids, [GaO4N2] octahedra and distinct [I2O6] units and featuring interesting left and right helical chains. Compound Ga(IO3)3(1,10‐phen)·H2O has a 1D chain‐like structure constructed from the alternation of [GaO4N2] octahedra and [IO3] pyramids. By comparatively studying the photoluminescence properties of these compounds, we may conclude that the photoluminescence originates from ligand‐centred π‐π* transitions. The synthesised products were further characterised by powder X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, IR spectroscopy, ICP and elemental analysis.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Palladium‐Catalyzed Hydrostannylation of α‐Heteroalkynes and Alkynyl Esters in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Cai Mingzhong , Wang Yongguang , Hao Wenyan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPalladium‐catalyzed hydrostannylation reactions of α‐heteroalkynes and alkynyl esters were achieved with high regio‐ and stereoselectively in the ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]) at 60 °C in high yields. Our system not only avoids the use of highly toxic benzene or volatile THF as solvent but also solves the basic problem of palladium catalyst reuse.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Applicability of pushover methods for the seismic analysis of single‐column bent viaducts
Authors: Isaković Tatjana , Lazaro Mauro Pompeyo Nino , Fischinger Matej 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAn overview of the applicability of a typical single‐mode pushover method (the N2 method) and two typical multi‐mode pushover methods (the modal pushover analysis (MPA) and incremental response spectrum analysis (IRSA) methods) for the analysis of single column bent viaducts in the transverse direction is presented. Previous research, which was limited to relatively short viaducts supported by few columns, has been extended to longer viaducts with more bents.The single‐mode N2 method is accurate enough for bridges where the effective modal mass of the fundamental mode is at least 80% of the total mass. The applicability of this method depends on (a) the ratio of the stiffness of the superstructure to that of the bents and (b) the strength of the bents. In short bridges with few columns, the accuracy of the N2 method increases as the seismic intensity increases, whereas in long viaducts (e.g. viaducts with lengths greater than 500 m) the method is in general less effective.In the case of the analyzed moderately irregular long viaducts, which are common in construction design practice, the MPA method performed well. For the analysis of bridges where the modes change significantly, depending on the seismic intensity, the IRSA method is in principle more appropriate, unless a viaduct is torsionally sensitive. In such cases, all simplified methods should be used with care. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of drug‐loaded electrospun aligned fibrous threads for suture applications
Authors: He Chuang‐Long , Huang Zheng‐Ming , Han Xiao‐Jian 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn this work, drug‐loaded fibers and threads were successfully fabricated by combining electrospinning with aligned fibers collection. Two different electrospinning processes, that is, blend and coaxial electrospinning, to incorporate a model drug tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) into poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) fibers have been used and compared with each other. The resulting composite ultrafine fibers and threads were characterized through scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and tensile testing. It has been shown that average diameters of the fibers made from the same polymer concentration depended on the processing method. The blend TCH/PLLA fibers showed the smallest fiber diameter, whereas neat PLLA fibers and core‐shell TCH‐PLLA fibers showed a larger proximal average diameter. Higher rotating speed of a wheel collector is helpful for obtaining better‐aligned fibers. Both the polymer and the drug in the electrospun fibers have poor crystalline property. In vitro release study indicated that threads made from the core‐shell fibers could suppress the initial burst release and provide a sustained drug release useful for the release of growth factor or other therapeutic drugs. On the other hand, the threads from the blend fibers produced a large initial burst release that may be used to prevent bacteria infection. A combination of these results suggests that electrospinning technique provides a novel way to fabricate medical agents‐loaded fibrous threads for tissue suturing and tissue regeneration applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Directional conductivity in SWNT‐collagen‐fibrin composite biomaterials through strain‐induced matrix alignment
Authors: Voge Christopher M. , Kariolis Mihalis , MacDonald Rebecca A. , Stegemann Jan P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractComposite biomaterials incorporating fibroblast cells, collagen Type I, fibrin, and 2 wt % carboxylated SWNT were created, and their properties were compared with similar control constructs without SWNT. Alignment of the matrix was stimulated by application of 8% cyclic strain for three 12‐h periods over three days. All constructs underwent cell‐mediated gel compaction to 15–20% of their initial volume, which was not affected by SWNT loading. Mechanical strain increased the rate of compaction, and strained constructs were significantly more compacted than unstrained controls by day 3. Cell viability and morphology were similar in both control and SWNT‐loaded constructs, but unstrained samples exhibited a more stellate appearance with more numerous cellular projections. Application of mechanical strain caused clear alignment of both the cells and matrix in the direction of the applied strain. Bioimpedance measurements showed that SWNT loading increased the electrical conductivity of composite constructs, and that mechanically‐induced alignment of the matrix/SWNT caused a further increase in conductivity. These results demonstrate that SWNT can be used to augment the electrical properties of 3D protein hydrogels, and that anisotropy in the matrix further enhances these properties. Such electrically conductive biopolymers may have a variety of applications in tissue engineering and biosensor development. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Almost regular edge colorings and regular decompositions of complete graphs
Authors: Bryant Darryn , Maenhaut Barbara 
Published: April 2008

AbstractFor k = 1 and k = 2, we prove that the obvious necessary numerical conditions for packing t pairwise edge‐disjoint k‐regular subgraphs of specified orders m1,m2,… ,mt in the complete graph of order n are also sufficient. To do so, we present an edge‐coloring technique which also yields new proofs of various known results on graph factorizations. For example, a new construction for Hamilton cycle decompositions of complete graphs is given. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 16: 499–506, 2008
Zidovudine with nevirapine for the prevention of HIV mother‐to‐child transmission reduces nevirapine resistance in mothers from the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: van Zyl G.U. , Claassen M. , Engelbrecht S. , Laten J.D. , Cotton M.F. , Theron G.B. , Preiser W. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn the Western Cape province of South Africa, an intensified regimen for the prevention‐of‐mother‐to‐child‐transmission‐of‐HIV consisting of zidovudine (AZT) from 34 weeks of pregnancy plus single dose (sd) nevirapine (NVP) during labor was instituted in 2004. The newborn baby receives a single dose of NVP and AZT for 7 days. Similar strategies in Thailand and Africa have been shown to be more effective in reducing transmission than NVP alone. The use of sd NVP only for the prevention‐of‐mother‐to‐child‐transmission‐of‐HIV has a high risk of inducing resistance (25–69%) with an average of 35.7% by a recent meta‐analysis and has been shown to adversely affect non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)‐based antiretroviral therapy when initiated within 6 months. In this study the prevalence of resistance to NVP and AZT in mothers who had received the intensified regimen was measured. Specimens collected from mothers were genotyped by in‐house PCR and sequencing. In specimens obtained within 60 days of delivery, acquired NVP resistance mutations were detected in 13 of 76 patients (17.1%, 95% confidence interval: 8.7–25.6%), which appears to be lower than in studies with sd NVP alone (37.5%, 95% confidence interval: 23.0–50.6%). J. Med. Virol. 80:942–946, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever in Pakistan
Authors: Rai Mohammad A. , Khanani Mohammad R. , Warraich Haider J. , Hayat Abbas , Ali Syed H. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractCrimean‐Congo virus, the causative agent of Crimean‐Congo Virus Fever (CCVF) is endemic in Pakistan. Cases are documented sporadically ever year, mostly at and around the time of Eid‐ul‐Adha, an Islamic festival, celebrated on day 10 through 13 of the 12th month of each lunar calendar year. At this time of the year in Pakistan, livestock are brought down to the urban areas from the rural parts of the country. Animals are housed in open spaces and private houses until they are slaughtered during the 3 days of Eid‐ul‐Adha. This allows the CCHF virus, which is carried by a tick that inhabits the animal hide, to be transmitted through unprotected contact with live animals as well as through contact with animal blood subsequent to its slaughter. In this report, a typical case of CCVF is described that was encountered in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. A number of issues pertaining to the management of recurrent outbreaks of CCVF in the country are discussed. J. Med. Virol. 80:1004–1006, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cervical and oral human papillomavirus types in HIV‐1 positive and negative women with cervical disease in South Africa
Authors: Marais Dianne J. , Passmore Jo‐Ann S. , Denny Lynette , Sampson Candice , Allan Bruce R. , Williamson Anna‐Lise 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis study tested cervical and oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in HIV‐1 seropositive (HIV+) and seronegative (HIV−) women to determine any association between infections at both sites and the difference in prevalence of the HPV types infecting these women. Participants were 115 women referred to a colposcopy clinic after diagnosis of abnormal cervical cytology. The women showed low grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1) or high grade disease (CIN2/3) or no CIN based on colposcopy and histology. Typing of HPV in cervical and oral cells was by Roche linear array and included direct sequencing on selected oral samples. Cervical HPV prevalence was 86.5% and 97.1% in HIV− and HIV+ women respectively. With the exception of HPV‐45, prominent in HIV+ women, the hierarchy of predominant types were similar in HIV− and HIV+ women. HPV‐16 was most prevalent in both HIV+ (41.7%) and HIV− women (38.5%) with CIN2/3. Significantly more HIV+ women had multiple cervical (>1) infections than HIV− women (36.1% vs. 88.2%, P < 0.001) and more oral HPV infections (45.5% and 25% respectively; P = 0.04). The most prevalent oral HPV types were HPV‐33, ‐11, and ‐72. The majority of women did not have concordant oral and cervical HPV types, reflecting possible independence of infection at the two sites. HIV immune suppression did not impact significantly on the predominant types of cervical HPV infection (except for HPV‐45). HIV+ women had more multiple HPV infections and those with severe cervical disease a similar prevalence of HIV‐16 but a lower HPV‐18 prevalence than HIV− women. J. Med. Virol. 80:953–959, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monitoring of adenovirus from conjunctival scrapings in Japan during 2005–2006
Authors: Matsui Kiyohiko , Shimizu Hideaki , Yoshida Atsushi , Nagaoka Emi , Nishio Osamu , Okuda Kenji 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA total of 189 conjunctival scrapings were collected from patients in Tokyo, Japan by monitoring adenovirus infection in community‐based clinics during 2005 and 2006. Of the 189 samples, 155 (82%) had adenoviruses detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The serotypes were determined by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis, using a combination of endonucleases, such as HhaI, AluI, and HaeIII, and neutralization tests (NTs). PCR‐RFLP identified five serotypes: serotype 3: 16.8%, serotype 4: 9.7%, serotype 8: 34.8%, serotype 11: 23.2%, and serotype 37: 15.5%. Adenovirus 8 was the most common serotype identified. A subset consisting of 25 isolates identified as adenovirus 8 from this study plus 25 isolates from Kawasaki were analyzed using PCR sequencing of the hexon gene. Compared with prototype adenovirus serotype 8 and serotype 9 derived in Tokyo and Kawasaki, these isolates shared 61.7–62.8% and 80.5–82.7% amino acid homology, respectively, suggesting that a variant adenovirus serotype 8 was involved in this outbreak, and is different from the prototype adenovirus 8 virus. This variant had not been detected in Japan prior to 1996 and appears to be the most common adenovirus type 8 involved in cases of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis in Japan at present. J. Med. Virol. 80:997–1003, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What is the role of serology for the study of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the age of molecular biology?
Authors: Galli Claudio , Orlandini Elisa , Penzo Luigi , Badiale Renzo , Caltran Giacomo , Valverde Sara , Gessoni Gianluca 
Published: April 2008

AbstractTo assess quantitative serology in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, testing by novel immunoassays has been carried out on 202 specimens from untreated patients and in 83 samples from 10 patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with lamivudine. Serum samples were assayed for quantitative HBsAg, in comparison with quantitative HBV‐DNA, and for anti‐HBc IgM and the avidity index (AI) of total anti‐HBc antibodies. The AI was high (mean: 0.93 ± 0.19) in all groups, confirming the consistency of this procedure in chronic HBV infections. A low‐level positivity (2–28 Paul‐Ehrlich units/ml) for IgM anti‐HBc was detectable both in HBeAg‐positive and in HBeAg‐negative untreated chronic hepatitis cases (mean S/CO values by the Abbott Architect assay: 0.51 ± 0.12 and 0.48 ± 0.10, respectively; correlation between assays: r = 0.685), while treated patients (mean: 0.20 ± 0.15) and inactive carriers (mean: 0.17 ± 0.21), were generally negative for IgM. The levels of HBsAg (IU/ml) showed a weak correlation with HBV‐DNA (IU/ml). A difference in HBsAg levels was found between inactive carriers (1,935 ± 2,887 IU/ml) and chronic hepatitis B cases, either treated (5,199 ± 9,259 IU/ml) or untreated (14,596 ± 15,227 IU/ml). Pre‐treatment levels of HBsAg in patients undergoing lamivudine treatment were correlated with a sustained response to therapy over 13–33 months (mean: 27.3) of follow‐up: mean HBsAg values were 1,576 + 1,487 IU/ml in five responders and 6,063 + 5,142 in five nonresponders or breakthrough responders (P < 0.05). The availability of standardized quantitative immunoassays for HBsAg and anti‐HBc IgM may be considered in addition to quantitative HBV‐DNA in the staging and monitoring of chronic HBV infection. J. Med. Virol. 80:974–979, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human cytomegalovirus and Epstein–Barr virus in apical and marginal periodontitis: A role in pathology?
Authors: Sunde Pia Titterud , Olsen Ingar , Enersen Morten , Beiske Klaus , Grinde Bjørn 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPeriodontitis is presumably caused by bacterial infection, but it has been shown recently that affected tissue often contains human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). The present study was initiated to evaluate the role of these viruses in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. HCMV and EBV were quantified in 40 apical and 25 marginal periodontitis samples using real time PCR. In situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry was carried out on apical samples to detect viral presence within cells. A possible association with relevant bacteria was examined. Of the apical periodontitis samples, 50% contained EBV, while none contained HCMV. Of the marginal periodontitis samples, 40% were positive for EBV and 12% for HCMV. With one exception, however, the amount of virus was close to the detection limits. EBV was only detected in 1 out of 15 healthy periodontium samples. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were all negative. Significant associations were found between periodontal EBV and the presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Although there was an obvious association of the virus with clinical samples, it seems unlikely that these viruses play a major role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis of the average patient. Their presence may reflect that the clinical samples contain more blood or saliva compared to controls, or an accumulation of lymphoid cells harboring virus in the inflamed tissue. J. Med. Virol. 80:1007–1011, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improvement in the tribological properties of imidazolium‐derived ionic liquids by additive technology
Authors: Minami Ichiro , Watanabe Naoko , Nanao Hidetaka , Mori Shigeyuki , Fukumoto Kenta , Ohno Hiroyuki 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMolecular design of wear‐preventing and friction‐reducing additives for ionic liquids is described. The tribological properties of carboxylic acid‐derived additives were evaluated by a ball‐on‐flat type tribotest under reciprocating motion. Tetraalkylammonium and tetraalkylphosphonium salts of N‐benzyl‐protected aspartic acid were dissolved in 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium‐derived ionic liquids. They prevented wear remarkably and reduced friction fairly. Influences of alkyl group in imidazolium molecule on additive response were observed. In tetraalkylammonium‐derived ionic liquids, the additive reduced wear but did not reduce friction under these conditions. The salt of N‐acetyl‐protected glutamic acid prevented wear, but did not reduce friction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.