bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defective hepatitis B virus DNA is not associated with disease status but is reduced by polymerase mutations associated with drug resistance
Authors: Preiss Scott , Littlejohn Margaret , Angus Peter , Thompson Alex , Desmond Paul , Lewin Sharon R. , Sasadeusz Joe , Matthews Gail , Dore Gregory J. , Shaw Tim , Sozzi Vitini , Yuen Lilly , Lau George , Ayres Anna , Thio Chloe , Avihingsanon Anchalee , Ruxrungtham Kiat , Locarnini Stephen , Revill Peter A. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Defective hepatitis B virus DNA (dDNA) is reverse-transcribed from spliced hepatitis B virus (HBV) pregenomic messenger RNA (pgRNA) and has been identified in patients with chronic HBV (CH-B). The major 2.2-kb spliced pgRNA encodes a novel HBV gene product, the hepatitis B splice protein (HBSP) via a deletion and frame shift within the polymerase. Although spliced RNA and HBSP expression have been associated with increased HBV DNA levels and liver fibrosis, the role of dDNA in HBV-associated disease is largely undefined. Our aims were to (1) compare the relative proportions of dDNA (% dDNA) in a range of HBV-infected serum samples, including patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HBV coinfection and HBV-monoinfected persons with differing severities of liver disease, and (2) determine the effect of mutations associated with drug resistance on defective DNA production. Defective DNA was detected in 90% of persons with CH-B. There was no significant difference in the relative abundance of dDNA between the monoinfected and HIV/HBV-coinfected groups. We also found no association between the % dDNA and alanine aminotransferase, hepatitis B e antigen status, HBV DNA levels, fibrosis levels, compensated or decompensated liver cirrhosis, genotype, or drug treatment. However, the % dDNA was significantly lower in individuals infected with lamivudine-resistant (LMV-R) HBV compared with wild-type HBV (

P

< 0.0001), indicating that antiviral drug resistance alters the balance between defective and genomic length DNA in circulation. Experiments

in vitro

using HBV encoding LMV-R mutations confirmed these results.

Conclusion:

Our results identified no association between dDNA and parameters associated with disease status and suggested that the relative abundance of dDNA is largely dependent on the integrity of the HBV polymerase and is unrelated to the severity of liver disease. (Hepatology 2008.)
Identification of CYP2D6 null variants among long‐stay, chronic psychiatric inpatients: Is it strictly necessary?
Authors: Fernández‐Santander Ana , Santiago Catalina , Díez‐Durán Sarai , González María , de Castro Emilia , Guijarro Jorge , Bandrés Fernando , Lucia Alejandro , Gómez‐Gallego Félix 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe identified the null variants *3,*4,*5,*6,*7 and *8 of the CYP2D6 gene [encoding for cytochrome P450 (debrisoquine hydroxylase)] in a group of 84 chronic‐stay psychiatric inpatients with severe schizophrenia or related disorders and receiving treatment with one or more CYP2D6 substrates for years. We also studied a group of 100 healthy controls of similar ethnic origin (Spanish Caucasians). Three patients were poor metabolizers (PMs) for antipsychotic drugs according to their CYP2D6 genotype (i.e. homozygous for the *4 allele) but they exhibited no adverse drug reaction over the years despite chronic treatment with CYP2D6 substrates. We suggest that CYP2D6 genetic screening is more useful in other type of psychiatric patients, particularly in younger ones starting treatment protocols. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Groundwater flow modelling of Kwa Ibo River watershed, southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Igboekwe M. U. , Gurunadha Rao V. V. S. , Okwueze E. E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractGroundwater flow modelling of the Kwa Ibo River watershed in Abia State of Nigeria is presented in this paper with the aim of assessing the degree of interaction between the Kwa Ibo River and the groundwater regime of the thick sandy aquifer. The local geology of the area comprises the Quaternary to recent Benin Formation. Potential aquifer zones that were delineated earlier using geoelectrical resistivity soundings and borehole data for the area formed the basis for groundwater flow modelling. The watershed has been modelled with a grid of 65 rows by 43 columns and with two layers. Lateral inflow from the north has been simulated with constant heads at the Government College, Umuahia, and outflow at Usaka Elegu in the south. The Kwa Ibo River traverses the middle of the watershed from north to south. The river‐stage data at Umudike, Amawom, Ntalakwu and Usaka Elegu have been used for assigning surface water levels and riverbed elevations in the model. Permeability distribution was found to vary from 3 to 14·5 m day−1. Natural recharge due to rainfall formed the main input to the aquifer system, and abstraction from wells was the main output. A steady‐state groundwater flow simulation was carried out and calibrated against the May 1980 water levels using 26 observation wells. The model computations have converged after 123 iterations. Under the transient‐state calibration, the highest rainfall (and hence groundwater recharge) over the 10‐year study period was recorded in 1996, whereas the lowest was recorded in 1991. The computed groundwater balance of 55 274 m3 day−1 was comparable to that estimated from field investigations. Results from the modelling show that abstraction is much less than groundwater recharge. Hence there is the possibility for additional groundwater exploitation in the watershed through drilling of boreholes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Groundwater exchange with two small alpine lakes in the Canadian Rockies
Authors: Roy James W. , Hayashi Masaki 
Published: April 2008

AbstractRecent studies have shown that groundwater can play an important role in the water balances of alpine lakes. However, a number of uncertainties remain, including (i) whether substantial groundwater exchange is common or rare, (ii) what types of interactions may occur, and (iii) what are the important factors affecting groundwater exchange. This understanding is important for predictions of hydrology, water chemistry and ecology patterns and interactions in the headwaters of mountain watersheds. These questions were addressed for the Lake O'Hara watershed in the Canadian Rockies, using lake water balances applied to two alpine lakes. The results were compared to those of a previously published water balance for the larger Lake O'Hara. Groundwater was a major component of the water balance in both lakes, but the type of groundwater interactions differed despite the lakes being similar in size and located only 500 m apart. The water balance for Opabin Lake was dominated by the groundwater components, with alternating periods of substantial groundwater inflow and outflow. Meanwhile, groundwater inflows were much greater than outflows for Hungabee Lake, with net groundwater fluxes of similar magnitude as the incoming streams. The study results suggest that both groundwater inflow and outflow occurred through a moraine field for Opabin Lake, while groundwater inflow occurred from a talus slope to Hungabee Lake. Thus, the presence of coarse overburden deposits in contact with alpine lakes is a potentially important factor affecting groundwater exchange, which in turn affects the hydrology and ecology of mountain watersheds. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada.
Effects of prescribed burnings on soil hydrological parameters
Authors: Vadilonga T. , Úbeda X. , Germann P. F. , Lorca M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPrescribed burning is a forest management tool to reduce forest fire hazards. It is largely applied in the USA and is gaining importance worldwide, particularly in Europe. However, its effects on soils still have to be better understood. This study analyses the effects of two types of prescribed burnings (i.e. low and high burn severities of up to 200 °C and at or above 400 °C) on soil hydrophobicity, infiltration, and water storage capacity of top soils. Prescribed burnings were performed on four different plots in southern and western Catalonia, Spain. Soil samples were collected before and after burning to assess water repellency with the water drop penetration time (WDPT). Three rainfall simulations before burning and three after burning were executed on areas of 1 m2, and soil water contents at four to five depths were measured every 4 min during and after rainfall simulations using time domain reflectometry equipment (TDR). Following burning at both severities, water storage capacity of the top soil decreased between 1·7 and 5·4%vol on all four plots. No significant changes in volume flux density and velocity of the wetting fronts were discernible. Water drop penetration times increased moderately at the soil surface of the plots that were exposed to the high burn severity, and decreased slightly when burn severity was low. On two of the four plots the presence of partially moist organic litter prevented the underlying soil from excessive heating. Changes in hydrophobicity and water storage capacity of the top soil did not affect infiltration. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toughness decrease of PLA‐PHBHHx blend films upon surface‐confined photopolymerization
Authors: Rasal Rahul M. , Hirt Douglas E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe present research investigates the effect of photoinduced grafting reaction on the bulk properties of melt processed poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLA)‐poly[(3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐co‐(3‐hydroxyhexanoate)] (PHBHHx) blend films. PLA‐PHBHHx blend films, comprising 10 wt % PHBHHx showed a remarkable toughness improvement. From dynamic mechanical analysis of melt processed PLA‐PHBHHx blend films, the blend appears to be noncompatible. Unfortunately, PLA‐PHBHHx blend films underwent rapid physical aging as characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, resulting in a significant toughness loss. Physically aged films regained the original toughness on annealing at 60°C for 30 min. Annealed PLA‐PHBHHx blend films also underwent physical aging leading to a significant toughness loss. Hydrophilic monomers like acrylic acid and acrylamide were successfully photopolymerized from the film surface using a sequential, two‐step photografting approach. The resultant films were characterized using water contact angle goniometry, ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy, and mechanical testing. PLA‐PHBHHx blend films lost their toughness significantly on surface modification and this was assigned to UV‐assisted solvent induced crystallization as characterized using wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction analyses. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Fabrication and in vitro degradation of porous fumarate‐based polymer/alumoxane nanocomposite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Mistry Amit S. , Cheng Stacy H. , Yeh Tiffany , Christenson Elizabeth , Jansen John A. , Mikos Antonios G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn this work, the fabrication and in vitro degradation of porous fumarate‐based/alumoxane nanocomposites were evaluated for their potential as bone tissue engineering scaffolds. The biodegradable polymer poly (propylene fumarate)/propylene fumarate‐diacrylate (PPF/PF‐DA), a macrocomposite composed of PPF/PF‐DA and boehmite microparticles, and a nanocomposite composed of PPF/PF‐DA and surface‐modified alumoxane nanoparticles were used to fabricate porous scaffolds by photo‐crosslinking and salt‐leaching. Scaffolds then underwent 12 weeks of in vitro degradation in phosphate buffered saline at 37°C. The presence of boehmite microparticles and alumoxane nanoparticles in the polymer inhibited scaffold shrinkage during crosslinking. Furthermore, the incorporation of alumoxane nanoparticles into the polymer limited salt‐leaching, perhaps due to tighter crosslinking within the nanocomposite. Analysis of crosslinking revealed that the acrylate and overall double bond conversions in the nanocomposite were higher than in the PPF/PF‐DA polymer alone, though these differences were not significant. During 12 weeks of in vitro degradation, the nanocomposite lost 5.3% ± 2.4% of its mass but maintained its compressive mechanical properties and porous architecture. The addition of alumoxane nanoparticles into the fumarate‐based polymer did not significantly affect the degradation of the nanocomposite compared with the other materials in terms of mass loss, compressive properties, and porous structure. These results demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating degradable nanocomposite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering by photo‐crosslinking and salt‐leaching mixtures of fumarate‐based polymers, alumoxane nanoparticles, and salt microparticles. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Long‐term follow up of initial clinical cases with NF‐κB decoy oligodeoxynucleotide transfection at the site of coronary stenting
Authors: Egashira Kensuke , Suzuki Jun‐ichi , Ito Hiroshi , Aoki Motokuni , Isobe Mitsuaki , Morishita Ryuichi 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackgroundAn essential transcription factor for inflammation, nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB), plays a pivotal role for restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of NF‐κB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) to prevent restenosis, we initiated an open‐label phase I/IIa clinical trial.MethodsSeventeen patients who were suffering from angina with organic coronary stenosis were treated with NF‐κB decoy ODN after PCI using bare metal stents.ResultsAlthough the average coronary stenosis was 90.8 ± 7.0% before the stent implantation, the stenosis improved to 1.4 ± 5.9% after the intervention. Serum MCP‐1 levels were significantly suppressed in NF‐κB decoy ODN treated patients compared to those in non‐treated patients on day 3 after the PCI. Ticlopidine treatment was employed, since clopidogrel was not launched in Japan. Six months after the PCI and decoy ODN transfection, significant restenosis was found in only 1 of the 17 patients, and the average restenosis rate was 39.6 ± 22.3%. No in‐stent thrombosis was found and no significant systemic adverse effect occurred in any of the patients in this observation period.ConclusionsThese results suggest the clinical usefulness and safety of the NF‐κB decoy ODN transfer after PCI, although further placebo control trials are necessary. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serologic and genetic characterization analyses of a highly pathogenic influenza virus (H5N1) isolated from an infected man in Shenzhen
Authors: Cheng Xiaowen , Wu Chunli , He Jianfan , Lv Xing , Zhang Shunxiang , Zhou Li , Wang Jingwen , Deng Riqiang , Long Qingxing , Wang Xunzhang , Cheng Jinquan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractHighly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus caused a wave of outbreaks in China during 2005–2006, resulting in a total of 20 cases of human infection in 14 provinces of China. On June16, 2006, a case of H5N1 human infection was confirmed in Shenzhen. The virus isolated from the patient, A/Guangdong/2/06, was characterized genetically and the relationship between the tracheal virus load and the antibody titer of the infected man was analyzed. Serological analysis confirmed that the patient's neutralizating antibodies had been generated 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms. The patient's serum antibodies could efficiently neutralize A/Guandong/2/06 infectivity in vitro. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the H5N1 virus of Shenzhen belonged to subclade 2.3.4, which contained viruses that were mainly responsible for the outbreaks in domestic poultry and in the cases of human infection in southern China. Homology and molecular characterization analysis revealed that all the segments of Shenzhen H5N1 virus still belonged to avian segments. Several specific amino acid residue mutations were detected. J. Med. Virol. 80:1058–1064, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DNA microarray technology for simultaneous detection and species identification of seven human herpes viruses
Authors: Zheng Zhi‐Bei , Wu Yi‐Dong , Yu Xi‐Lin , Shang Shi‐Qiang 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe aim of the study was to develop a multiplex PCR‐based DNA microarray technology for simultaneous detection and species identification of seven human herpes viruses, namely herpes simplex virus type 1, type 2 (HSV‐1, HSV‐2), varicella‐zoster virus (VZV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human herpes virus 6 (HHV‐6A, HHV‐6B), and to apply this technology to accurate diagnosis of herpesvirus‐associated diseases. Primers and oligonucleotide probes were designed and synthesized based on the highly conserved regions of the DNA polymerase gene in human herpes viruses. DNA microarrays were made by printing the oligonucleotide probes onto special glass slides. After amplification and labeling with CY5, the PCR products were hybridized with the DNA microarrays and species identified. Sixty‐one cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and 132 blood specimens were analyzed by this technique, and the results were compared with those of TaqMan PCR. Several specimens were sequenced further after cloning. The PCR products of the seven human herpes viruses ranged from 224 to 252 bp, and could be species identified with DNA microarrays. The detection limits were 101 copies/µl for each virus. And the test showed no cross‐reaction to DNA extracted from S. aureus, E. coli, hepatitis B virus, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans and human genome. Among 132 blood and 61 CSF specimens, 55 were tested positive for human herpes virus DNA. Compared with the results of TaqMan PCR, the sensitivity and specificity of the DNA microarray technology was 96.2% and 99.3%, respectively. This multiplex PCR‐based DNA microarray technology, which is rapid, specific and sensitive, serves as an effective technique for simultaneous detection and species identification of seven human herpes viruses. J. Med. Virol. 80:1042–1050, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic characterization of hantaviruses isolated from Guizhou, China: Evidence for spillover and reassortment in nature
Authors: Zou Yang , Hu Jing , Wang Zhao‐Xiao , Wang Ding‐Ming , Yu Chun , Zhou Jing‐Zhu , Fu Zhen F. , Zhang Yong‐Zhen 
Published: April 2008

AbstractTo gain more insights into the epidemiology of hantaviruses in the Guizhou province, China, rodents were captured in Guizhou during the period from 2001 to 2003. In addition, serum sample was collected from one patient. Virus isolation was attempted from human serum and rodent samples. Four hantaviruses were isolated successfully in cell culture from one human, two A. agrarius, and one R. norvegicus. The nucleotide sequences for the entire S and M and partial L segment were determined from these four isolates as well as six viruses isolated in 1980s. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the S segment from all isolates belong to the Hantaan virus (HTNV) clade, regardless of the sources from which they were derived. According to the S sequences, these viruses could be divided into three distinct phylogroups, showing geographical clustering. Analysis of the entire M and the partial L segment sequences demonstrated that 8 out of the 10 isolates belong to the HTNV clade. However, two isolates (CGRn8316 and CGRn9415) isolated from R. norvegicus belong to the Seoul virus (SEOV) clade. In addition, these two isolates were distinct from other known members of SEOV clade. Together, the data suggest that at least three groups of HTNV are co‐circulating and one new variant of SEOV may be present in Guizhou. Our results also suggest that HTNV from A. agrarius spilled over to R. norvegicus and natural reassortment between HTNV and SEOV occurred during or after the spillover. J. Med. Virol. 80:1033–1041, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occurrence rate and genotype distribution of the JC virus (JCV) in a sample from the Polish population
Authors: Kmieciak Dariusz , Dębicki Szymon , Trzeciak Wiesław H. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe JC virus (JCV) is a common human virus persisting in renal tissue. In immunocompromised individuals it may reactivate and cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). JCV has also been implicated in cancerogenesis, leading to various brain tumors and cancers of gastrointestinal tract. In this study the JCV excretion in urine of 113 healthy Polish donors was analyzed. A 215‐bp region of the viral gene coding for a major capsid protein VP1 was PCR‐amplified and detected in 52 individuals (46.0%). The occurrence rate increased with age and was highest in the group of over 60‐year‐old donors (63.6%). Sequence analysis of the VP1 gene fragment revealed the following distribution of JCV genotypes in the investigated group: 1A, 31 (59.6%); 1B, 13 (25.0%); 2A, 2 (3.8%); and 2C, 6 samples (11.5%). The frequency and distribution of the JCV genotypes in the Polish population resembles that in other European countries, with the most abundant genotype 1 (84.6%). However, while in those countries the second most frequent genotype was usually 4, in the investigated group genotype 4 was not detected. J. Med. Virol. 80:1079–1083, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non‐structural protein NSP2 induces heterotypic antibody responses during primary rotavirus infection and reinfection in children
Authors: Kirkwood Carl D. , Boniface Karen , Richardson Simone , Taraporewala Zenobia F. , Patton John T. , Bishop Ruth F. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractRotaviruses are the single most important causes of severe acute diarrhoea in children worldwide. Despite success in developing vaccines, there is still a lack of knowledge about many components of the immune response, particularly those to non‐structural proteins. This study established radioimmunoprecipitation (RIP) assays using labeled G1P[8], G2P[4], and G4P[6] human rotaviruses to examine the spectrum and duration of rotavirus antibodies in sera collected sequentially for 18–36 months from 27 children after hospitalization for primary rotavirus gastroenteritis. Five children experienced rotavirus re‐infections. Primary responses detected to non‐structural protein NSP2 declined to baseline after 100–150 days. Responses were heterotypic between NSP2 of G1P[8] and G4P[8] rotaviruses. Re‐infections after 465–786 days boosted antibody levels to NSP2of both serotypes, together with the appearance of anti‐NSP2 to G2P[4], even though there was no evidence of infection with this serotype. We developed an enzyme‐immunoassay to measure sequential levels of anti‐NSP2 IgG and IgA, using recombinant (heterotypic) NSP2 derived from SA11 (G3P[2]). Anti‐NSP2 IgG and IgA were detected in sera from 23/23 (100%) and 18/24 (75%) of children after primary infection, declined to baseline after 100–150 days, were boosted after rotavirus re‐infections, and again declined to baseline 150 days later. Anti‐NSP2 IgA was also detected after primary infection, in duodenal juice from 14/16 (87%), and faecal extract from 11/19 (57%) of children. Sequential estimation of anti‐NSP2 EIA levels in sera could be a sensitive index of rotavirus infection and re‐infection. The potential of anti‐NSP2 to limit viral replication after re‐infection deserves further study. J. Med. Virol. 80:1090–1098, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.