bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of interleukin‐18 polymorphisms and plasma level with the outcome of chronic HCV infection
Authors: Bouzgarrou N. , Hassen E. , Schvoerer E. , Stoll‐Keller F. , Bahri O. , Gabbouj S. , Cheikh I. , Maamouri N. , Mammi N. , Saffar H. , Trabelsi A. , Triki H. , Chouchane L. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the main cause of chronic liver disease throughout the world, and may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Immunological factors, especially cytokines and some host genetic variations, rather than direct HCV action, seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis of HCV infection. Elevated levels of interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) were described previously for chronically (HCV)‐infected patients. This study is aimed at investigating IL‐18 promoter polymorphisms (−607C/A and −137G/C) in HCV‐infected patients with different disease severities (chronic hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis and HCC) and establishing an association between these polymorphisms and IL‐18 plasma concentration with the outcome of chronic HCV infection. The carriage of at least one C allele at position −607 (CC + CA) was associated with a higher risk of cirrhosis and HCC (P = 0.032). Compared with controls, HCV‐infected patients had significantly higher levels of IL‐18 (P = 0.0001) that correlate with disease severity (P = 0.01, P = 0.001, P = 0.0006, respectively). In conclusion, we supposed a possible implication of IL‐18 promoter polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of chronic HCV infection. J. Med. Virol. 80:607–614, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two‐year prospective study of single infections and co‐infections by respiratory syncytial virus and viruses identified recently in infants with acute respiratory disease
Authors: Canducci Filippo , Debiaggi Maurizia , Sampaolo Michela , Marinozzi Maria Chiara , Berrè Stefano , Terulla Cristina , Gargantini Gianluigi , Cambieri Patrizia , Romero Egidio , Clementi Massimo 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA prospective 2‐year analysis including 322 infant patients with acute respiratory disease (ARD) hospitalized in a pediatric department in northern Italy was carried out to evaluate the role as respiratory pathogens or co‐pathogens of recently identified viruses. The presence of respiratory syncitial virus (RSV), human Metapneumoviruses (hMPVs), human Bocaviruses (hBoVs), and human Coronaviruses (hCoVs) was assayed by molecular detection and clinical symptoms evaluated. Nasopharyngeal aspirates from 150 of the 322 infants (46.6%) tested positive for at least one pathogen. Ninety samples (28.0%) tested positive for RSV RNA (61.5% genotype A and 38.5% genotype B), 46 (14.3%) for hMPV RNA (71.7% subtype A and 28.3% subtype B), 28 (8.7%) for hCoV RNA (39.3% hCoV‐OC43, 35.7% hCoV‐NL63, 21.4% hCoV‐HKU1, and 3.6% hCoV‐229E), and 7 (2.2%) for hBoV DNA (of the 6 typed, 50% subtype 1 and 50% subtype 2); 21/150 samples revealed the presence of 2 or more viruses. Co‐infection rates were higher for hMPVs, hCoVs, and hBoV (38.3%, 46.4%, and 57.1%,) and lower for RSV (23.3%). RSV was associated with the presence of complications (P < 0.001) and hypoxia (P < 0.015). When the presence of RSV alone and the RSV‐hMPV co‐infections were considered, RSV mono‐infected patients resulted to have longer hospitalization and higher hypoxia (P < 0.001). The data highlight that (i) RSV has a central role as a respiratory pathogen of infants, (ii) the wide circulation of recently identified viruses does not reduce the clinical and epidemiological importance of RSV, and that (iii) recently identified agents (hMPVs, hBoVs, and hCoVs) act as primary pathogens or co‐pathogens. J. Med. Virol. 80:716–723, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diversity of hepatitis C virus genotype 1b in Buenos Aires, Argentina: description of a new cluster associated with response to treatment
Authors: Di Lello Federico , Garcia Gabriel , Kott Verónica , Sookoian Silvia , Campos Rodolfo 
Published: February 2008

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b is the most prevalent in Argentina. As observed in most HCV‐genotype 1b described previously worldwide, the population analyzed in this work is growing at exponential rate. Ten out of 22 samples tested comprise a well‐defined cluster. This new cluster appears to be highly susceptible to therapy with non‐pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (80% rate of sustained response). The comparative analysis of amino acid sequences yielded a characteristic pattern for responder samples defined by amino acids S75, V147, V158 (Core region) and AC2217‐8 (NS5A region). In conclusion, this study describes the epidemic spread of genotype 1b in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and shows the emergence of a new cluster that would result from a founder effect of an unusual sequence or a quasispecies variant that evolved through the time. This cluster, which appears to be highly susceptible to therapy, suggests that the virus itself might be more important than individual patient characteristics when responding to treatment. J. Med. Virol. 80:619–627, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transgenic mice replicating hepatitis B virus but lacking expression of the major HBsAg
Authors: Halverscheid Leonie , Mannes Nina K. , Weth Robert , Kleinschmidt Manuela , Schultz Ursula , Reifenberg Kurt , Schirmbeck Reinhold , Nassal Michael , Blum Hubert E. , Reimann Jörg , Geissler Michael 
Published: February 2008

AbstractHepatitis B Virus (HBV) transgenic mice replicating the viral genome at high level but lacking expression of the small envelope protein (HBsAg) have been produced using a terminally redundant viral DNA construct (HBV 1.4). The generation of viable infectious progeny was dependent on sex and age of mice. Viral mRNA was abundant in liver and kidneys and at low levels in other organs of the mice. No viral particles or HBV envelope proteins could be detected in sera of mice. Despite expression of non‐secreted LHBs and MHBs proteins in the liver, there was no accumulation of viral particles in the endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocytes and no necroinflammatory hepatitis was observed. Therefore, these mice represent an excellent model for studies of the role of HBsAg in viral assembly, antiviral immune responses, the further understanding of HBV immunopathogenesis, and the development of antiviral vaccines. J. Med. Virol. 80:583–590, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis E virus: Molecular virology, clinical features, diagnosis, transmission, epidemiology, and prevention
Authors: Mushahwar Isa K. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractHepatitis E virus (HEV), the sole member of the genus Hepevirus in the family of Hepeviridae, is the major cause of several outbreaks of waterborne hepatitis in tropical and subtropical countries and of sporadic cases of viral hepatitis in endemic and industrialized countries. Transmission of HEV occurs predominantly by the fecal‐oral route although parenteral and perinatal routes have been implicated. The overall death rate among young adults and pregnant women is 0.5–3% and 15–20%, respectively. HEV is a small non‐enveloped particle that consists of a polyadenylated single‐strand RNA molecule containing three discontinuous and partially overlapping open reading frames. There are four major genotypes of HEV and a single serotype. At present, there are approximately 1,600 sequences of HEV that are already available at INSDC of both human and animal isolates. Diagnostic and molecular assays have been described for the accurate differentiation of ongoing from remote infection of HEV. Identification and characterization of swine HEV in the United States, Japan, and many other countries and their close relationship to locally characterized human HEV found in the same geographic areas prove that HEV is indeed a zoonotic virus and that domestic swine, wild deer, and boars are reservoirs of HEV in nature. A cell culture system for the propagation of the virus has been described, and a very successful phase 2 vaccine trial has been completed. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the molecular biology, clinical features, transmission, diagnosis, epidemiology, and prevention of HEV. J. Med. Virol. 80:646–658, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of hepatitis B virus genotypes and quantitative HBV DNA in metastasis and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang Yuehua , Wang Zhanhui , An Shengli , Zhou Bin , Zhou Yuanping , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Hou Jinlin 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIdentification of risk factors for recurrence and metastasis of HCC is important for the prognosis of HCC surveillance in chronic HBV infection. In this article, 125 HCC patients recruited were followed up prospectively for tumor metastasis and recurrence for a median of 104 (10–130) weeks. HBV DNA level was detected by LightCycler‐based real‐time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction‐restriction system. HBV genotypes were determined by using PCR restriction‐fragment length polymorphism. BCP and PC mutations were performed by PCR and direct sequencing of amplified products. Among 125 HCC patients, 19 patients were excluded because of the lack of follow‐up data and the remaining 106 patients were followed up of 2 years and entered into analysis. Sixty‐nine patients had tumor metastasis or recurrence during the follow‐up and the cumulative probability of HCC metastasis or recurrence was 65.1%. On multivariate analysis, genotype C and HBV DNA level were the risk factors for HCC recurrence or metastasis. The incidence of recurrence or metastasis increased with baseline HBV DNA level in a dose‐response relationship ranging from 22% for HBV DNA level of less than 3 log10 copies/ml to 80% for HBV DNA level of 5 log10 copies/ml or greater (P = 0.012). Fifty‐seven (74.0%) and 12 (41.4%) patients had metastasis or recurrence in patients with genotype C and B, respectively. The adjusted OR of recurrence or metastasis for genotype C compared with genotype B was 9.755 (P = 0.009). In conclusion, elevated HBV DNA level and genotype C are strong risk predictors of HCC metastasis or recurrence. J. Med. Virol. 80:591–597, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isolation and genetic characterization of hantaviruses carried by Microtus voles in China
Authors: Zou Yang , Wang Jian‐Bo , Gaowa Ha‐Sen , Yao Lai‐Shun , Hu Guang‐Wei , Li Ming‐Hui , Chen Hua‐Xin , Plyusnin Alexander , Shao Renfu , Zhang Yong‐Zhen 
Published: February 2008

AbstractTo gain more insights into hantavirus distribution in China, Microtus fortis were caught in Jilin province and M. maximowiczii in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Hantavirus specific RNA was detected by RT‐PCR in 3 out of 26 M. fortis and 5 out of 64 M. maximowiczii. Two hantaviruses (Fusong‐Mf‐682 and Yakeshi‐Mm‐59) were isolated successfully in cell culture and their S and M segment nucleotide sequences were determined. Phylogenetic analysis of the S and M segment sequences revealed that the Mf‐originated strains from Fusong were closely related to Vladivostok hantavirus (VLAV) with 99% nucleotide identity, but differed from the Yakeshi‐Mm strains, with an amino acid divergence of more than 8.8% for the N protein and 11.8% for the GnGc proteins. Yakeshi‐Mm strains were closely related to the Khabarovsk hantavirus (KHAV) isolated earlier from M. fortis in Khabarovsk, with an amino acid sequence identity of more than 98.4% for the S segment and 95.6% for the M segment. On phylogenetic trees, Yakeshi‐Mm strains clustered together with KHAV and Topografov virus (TOPV) carried by Lemmus sibiricus. The results suggest that the hantavirus carried by M. fortis in China belongs to VLAV type and should be considered as a distinct hantavirus species. They also suggest that M. fortis is the natural host of VLAV (including Fusong‐Mf strains), whereas M. maximowiczii is the natural host of KHAV including Yakeshi‐Mm strains. Thus, in addition to Hantaan, Seoul, Dabieshan and Puumala‐like Hokkaido viruses, at least two other hantaviruses, namely KHAV and VLAV, are circulating in China. J. Med. Virol. 80:680–688, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diversity of human rotavirus G9 among children in Turkey
Authors: Bozdayi Gulendam , Dogan Bora , Dalgic Buket , Bostanci Ilknur , Sari Sinan , Battaloglu Nergis Oner , Rota Seyyal , Dallar Yildiz , Nishizono Akira , Nakagomi Osamu , Ahmed Kamruddin 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBetween September 2004 and December 2005 a prospective study was conducted to understand the epidemiology of rotavirus infection among children with diarrhea attending two hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. Rotavirus was detected in 39.7% of the 322 stool samples and affected mainly children in the age group of 6–23 months. More than 70% and 39% of these cases occurred in children <2 and <1 year of age, respectively. In the temperate climate of Ankara rotavirus infection was prevalent throughout the year. Serotype G1P[8] was dominant followed by G9P[8]. In 38 samples a total of 5 electropherotypes were detected. All G9P[8] were of long electropherotype except one of short electropherotype. A proportion of G1 and G9 strains were in combination with P[6], P[4] or P nontypable. Mixed serotypes were responsible for 2.4% of the infections. A phylogenetic tree constructed with the deduced amino acid sequences of the VP7 gene showed that 16 Turkish G9 strains clustered with rotaviruses of lineage III. One G9 strain formed a new lineage, lineage IV with the Sri Lankan G9 rotaviruses. In the phylogenetic tree of the VP8* gene, the Turkish G9P[6] rotaviruses clustered with human strains of lineage Ia. Increased diversity of the G/P type combination and the presence of infection throughout the year in Turkey was a situation similar to developing countries. The occurrence of rotavirus infection at later age and low level of mixed infections in Turkey represented the situation of developed countries. This study suggests that diverse G9 rotaviruses are emerging in Turkey. J. Med. Virol. 80:733–740, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gradient in Dissolution Capacity of Successively Deposited Cell Wall Layers in Cotton Fibres
Authors: Le Moigne Nicolas , Montes Emilie , Pannetier Catherine , Höfte Herman , Navard Patrick 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe dissolution of cotton fibres has been studied at different development stages before and after the onset of secondary wall deposition in solvents of varying quality. We show that the dissolution of the primary wall is inefficient even in good solvents. In moderately good solvents, the inside of the secondary wall dissolves by fragmentation, whereas the outside of the secondary wall swells. These data demonstrate the existence of a centripetal radial gradient in the dissolution capacity within the fibre, which must be related to age‐dependent structural variation in the cell wall layers.
Analysis of the experimental detection of central nervous system‐related genes in human brain and cerebrospinal fluid datasets
Authors: Mueller Michael , Vizcaíno Juan Antonio , Jones Philip , Côté Richard , Thorneycroft David , Apweiler Rolf , Hermjakob Henning , Martens Lennart 
Published: February 2008

AbstractLarge‐scale and high‐throughput proteomics experiments of specific samples provide substantial amounts of identified proteins and peptides, which increasingly find their way into centralized, public data repositories. These data typically have potential beyond the analyses performed by the original authors, and can therefore provide considerable added value by being reused for specific, unexplored enquiries. We here reanalyze two CNS‐related proteomics datasets, one from the HUPO's Brain Proteome Project, and one from a comprehensive analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in light of the expression of specific splice isoforms from CNS‐related genes. We also evaluate the empirically observed peptides of interest against predictions of their proteotypic character.
Dynamical optical investigation of polymer/fullerene composite solar cells
Authors: Voigt S. , Zhokhavets U. , Al‐Ibrahim Maher , Hoppe H. , Ambacher O. , Gobsch G. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe investigate organic polymer/fullerene (P3HT/PCBM) bulk heterojunction solar cells by means of photoinduced absorption spectroscopy (PIA). The dynamic properties of the charge carriers are studied in the temperature range of 5 K to 200 K by recording the PIA signal in the frequency domain. The mobility and the lifetime of the positive polarons are de‐ termined. The dependence of the short circuit current on the incident light intensity is also investigated. Finally, the properties of annealed and not annealed solar cells are compared. As the most interesting result, the appearance of two polaron species on different time scales is observed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Limitations of a simple quantum mechanical model: Magnetic dichroism in a relativistic one‐electron atom
Authors: Rodríguez J. C. , Kostoglou Ch. , Singer R. , Seib J. , Fähnle M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe magnetic dichroism, i.e., the difference in the absorption coefficient for right‐ and left‐circularly polarized electromagnetic waves, is a relativistic many‐electron effect in a magnetic material. Jenkins and Strange have introduced the most simple and analytically solvable quantum mechanical model which exhibits magnetic dichroism, i.e., the relativistic one‐electron atom in an external magnetic field. We have extended this model by considering the 2p–3d transitions and by taking into account the effect of an additional crystal field. The model predicts near‐zero dichroism for the 2p1/2–3d3/2 transition (L2‐absorption) if the crystal field and the effect of the magnetic field on the core states are neglected, in contrast to the strong dichroism for the L2‐absorption in real materials. The reason for this limitation of the model of Jenkins and Strange is discussed. The j –j mixing of the initial states by the additional crystal field potential has some weak effect on the dichroism. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bilateral, mixed hearing loss with a predominant sensorineural component in Larsen's syndrome
Authors: Ott I O , Issing P R 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground:Larsen's syndrome is primarily known as an orthopaedic disease. However, it has been found to be associated with conductive hearing loss caused by ossicular malformation. The possibility of a sensorineural hearing impairment as an additional part of this syndrome has been rather neglected in the past.Method:Case report and literature review.Patient and results:We present a teenage boy suffering from typical Larsen's syndrome. Despite no history of recurrent middle-ear infections, he showed a bilaterally symmetrical, mixed hearing loss dominated by an extensive sensorineural component. In order to review the corresponding literature, a Medline search was performed using the criteria ‘Larsen's syndrome’ and ‘hearing loss/deficit’.Conclusion:The literature review showed the presented case to be the first sufficiently documented report describing a predominant sensorineural hearing loss in a Larsen's syndrome patient. Although a specific association of Larsen's syndrome with sensorineural hearing loss is still speculative, this case might give grounds for further examinations of this rare finding.
Efficient cooperative search of smart targets using UAV Swarms
Authors: Altshuler Yaniv , Yanovsky Vladimir , Wagner Israel A. , Bruckstein Alfred M. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThis work examines theCooperative Huntersproblem, where a swarm of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) is used for searching one or more “evading targets,” which are moving in a predefined area while trying to avoid a detection by the swarm. By arranging themselves into efficient geometric flight configurations, the UAVs optimize their integrated sensing capabilities, enabling the search of a maximal territory.
Hydrogel‐Perfluorocarbon Composite Scaffold Promotes Oxygen Transport to Immobilized Cells
Authors: Chin Kyuongsik , Khattak Sarwat F. , Bhatia Surita R. , Roberts Susan C. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractCell encapsulation provides cells a three‐dimensional structure to mimic physiological conditions and improve cell signaling, proliferation, and tissue organization as compared to monolayer culture. Encapsulation devices often encounter poor mass transport, especially for oxygen, where critical dissolved levels must be met to ensure both cell survival and functionality. To enhance oxygen transport, we utilized perfluorocarbon (PFC) oxygen vectors, specifically perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) immobilized in an alginate matrix. Metabolic activity of HepG2 liver cells encapsulated in 1% alginate/10% PFOB composite system was 47–104% higher than alginate systems lacking PFOB. A cubic model was developed to understand the oxygen transport mechanism in the alginate/PFOB composite system. The theoretical flux enhancement in alginate systems containing 10% PFOB was 18% higher than in alginate‐only systems. Oxygen uptake rates (OURs) of HepG2 cells were enhanced with 10% PFOB addition under both 20% and 5% O2 boundary conditions, by 8% and 15%, respectively. Model predictions were qualitatively and quantitatively verified with direct experimental OUR measurements using both a perfusion reactor and oxygen sensing plate, demonstrating a greater OUR enhancement under physiological O2 boundary conditions (i.e., 5% O2). Inclusion of PFCs in an encapsulation matrix is a useful strategy for overcoming oxygen limitations and ensuring cell viability and functionality both for large devices (>1 mm) and over extended time periods. Although our results specifically indicate positive enhancements in metabolic activity using the model HepG2 liver system encapsulated in alginate, PFCs could be useful for improving/stabilizing oxygen supply in a wide range of cell types and hydrogels.
Tree-guided Bayesian inference of population structures
Authors: Zhang Yu 
Published: February 2008

AbstractMotivation: Inferring population structures using genetic data sampled from a group of individuals is a challenging task. Many methods either consider a fixed population number or ignore the correlation between populations. As a result, they can lose sensitivity and specificity in detecting subtle stratifications. In addition, when a large number of genetic markers are used, many existing algorithms perform rather inefficiently.Result: We propose a new Bayesian method to infer population structures using multiple unlinked single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Our approach explicitly considers the population correlation through a tree hierarchy, and treat the population number as a random variable. Using both simulated and real datasets of worldwide samples, we demonstrate that an incorporated tree can consistently improve the power in detecting subtle population stratifications. A tree-based model often involves a large number of unknown parameters, and the corresponding estimation procedure can be highly inefficient. We further implement a partition method to analytically integrate out all nuisance parameters in the tree. As a result, our method can analyze large SNP datasets with significantly improved convergence rate.Availability: http://www.stat.psu.edu/~yuzhang/tips.tarContact: yuzhang@stat.psu.eduSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.