bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surveillance of norovirus infection in a study of sporadic childhood gastroenteritis in South West England and South Wales, during one winter season (1999–2000)
Authors: Froggatt Pippa C. , Barry Vipond I. , Ashley Charles R. , Lambden Paul R. , Clarke Ian N. , Caul E. Owen 
Published: December 2003

AbstractReverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), electron microscopy (EM) and a genotype II specific antigen capture enzyme immunoassay (EIA), (Lordsdale strain) were used to establish the prevalence of Norwalk‐like viruses (NLV) among sporadic cases of childhood gastroenteritis in South West England over a winter season. Samples of 3,172 stools from cases of gastroenteritis in children aged under 7 years sent to the Bristol Public Health Laboratory over the 1999/2000 winter ‘season’ were tested prospectively by EM, EIA and RT‐PCR. The results from sporadic cases were compared with 1,360 samples from 285 outbreaks of gastroenteritis which were sent to the laboratory over the same period. In total NLV was established as the causal agent in 326 cases (10.3%) of sporadic gastroenteritis by one or more of the tests (EM 30 (0.9%), EIA 132 (4.2%) and RT‐PCR 276 (8.7%)). The presence of other enteric viruses was established using EM and rotavirus EIA. Rotaviruses were the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis with 684 cases (21.6%). Other viruses detected included, adenovirus 124 cases (3.9%), astrovirus 97 cases (3.1%) and calicivirus in 7 cases (0.2%). NLV was the second most common viral agent indicating a significant role in cases of sporadic childhood gastroenteritis. J. Med. Virol. 72:307–311, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection and characterization of norovirus outbreaks in Germany: Application of a one‐tube RT‐PCR using a fluorogenic real‐time detection system
Authors: Höhne M. , Schreier E. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractOutbreaks of gastroenteritis caused by Norovirus are an increasing public health problem worldwide. The virus is transmitted by contaminated food and by person‐to‐person. In Germany, a new health reporting system including Norovirus infections has been introduced in 2001. Norovirus outbreaks (73%) diagnosed in our lab occurred in the first half of the year. Phylogenetic analysis shows that 90% belonged to genogroup II (GGII) with the majority related to prototypes Lordsdale/93 and Tarragona/2001. To date, PCR is the most sensitive and specific method for the detection but several procedures are needed to evaluate the amplification product. To minimize the risk of product carryover, a fast and simple procedure with a minimal number of steps are required. A one‐tube RT‐PCR method is described using the real‐time TaqMan‐PCR system. Primer sets and probes for both genogroup I (GGI) and genogroup II (GGII) sequences were developed. The specificity and sensitivity of this method was evaluated on 70 Norovirus positive stool samples of 70 outbreaks in Germany and 34 European samples by comparing the detection rate to those of an in‐house RT‐nested PCR. Overall, 93% of the PCR positive samples have been detected by the TaqMan‐PCR including isolates of four different GGI and seven different GGII genotypes. Using plasmid standards for quantitation, virus loads between 102 and 1010 genomic equivalents/ml stool suspension were found. The advantages of the one‐step RT/TaqMan‐PCR system for detection and quantitation of Norovirus are the high throughput of clinical samples and a decrease of the risk of contamination. J. Med. Virol. 72:312–319, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy for HIV on the anti‐HCV specific humoral immune response
Authors: Herrero‐Martínez Esteban , Sabin Caroline A. , Lee Christine A. , Jones Ian M. , Pillay Deenan , Emery Vincent C. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on HCV replication is controversial, with some studies reporting no effect and others increases, reductions and even clearances of HCV RNA after treatment. In this study, the effect of HAART was investigated on the titre of anti‐HCV specific antibodies and on the relationship between these antibodies and HCV RNA level in a cohort of 24 patients with inherited bleeding disorders. A significant inverse correlation between antibodies to both total HCV proteins and HCV RNA (R = −0.42, P = 0.05) and between antibodies to HCV envelope glycoproteins and HCV RNA (R = −0.54, P = 0.01) was observed pre‐HAART. The relationship disappeared or was obscured after therapy (R = 0.24, P = 0.30 and R = 0.16, P = 0.50, respectively). Thus, we show that HAART affects the HCV specific humoral immune responses without affecting the HCV RNA level. J. Med. Virol. 72:187–193, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterization of coxsackievirus B5 isolates
Authors: Rezig Dorra , Yahia Ahlem Ben , Abdallah Hager Ben , Bahri Olfa , Triki Hinda 
Published: December 2003

AbstractCoxsackie B viruses of serotype 5 are associated frequently with sporadic cases of neurological diseases, epidemics of meningitis, and chronic diseases such as cardiomyopathy and diabetes. In this article, 15 strains of Coxsackievirus B5 isolated from patients with neurological disorders and healthy people were investigated by partial sequencing in the 5′ half of the VP1 region and compared to other published sequences of Coxsackievirus B5, in the same genomic region. All Coxsackievirus B5 sequences showed less than 25% nucleotide difference between each other and a minimum of 27.8% of divergence with prototype sequences from other Coxsackievirus B serotypes. Within the Coxsackievirus B5 group of sequences, four clusters were individualized and may correspond to four genotypes: one genotype with large geographical distribution, containing most recent strains that have circulated from 1984 to 2000, another genotype represented by the prototype Faulkner strain, isolated in the early 1950s, and two intermediate genotypes, comprising strains isolated from 1970 to 1999 and closely related to swine vesicular disease virus. This study confirms the ability of partial sequencing in VP1 to determine serotype and to genetically characterize Coxsackievirus B5 field isolates. It gives a first approach on the molecular epidemiology of these viruses, which have a particular importance in human health. J. Med. Virol. 72:268–274, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The urban heat island in winter at Barrow, Alaska
Authors: Hinkel Kenneth M. , Nelson Frederick E. , Klene Anna E. , Bell Julianne H. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe village of Barrow, Alaska, is the northernmost settlement in the USA and the largest native community in the Arctic. The population has grown from about 300 residents in 1900 to more than 4600 in 2000. In recent decades, a general increase of mean annual and mean winter air temperature has been recorded near the centre of the village, and a concurrent trend of progressively earlier snowmelt in the village has been documented. Satellite observations and data from a nearby climate observatory indicate a corresponding but much weaker snowmelt trend in the surrounding regions of relatively undisturbed tundra. Because the region is underlain by ice‐rich permafrost, there is concern that early snowmelt will increase the thickness of the thawed layer in summer and threaten the structural stability of roads, buildings, and pipelines. Here, we demonstrate the existence of a strong urban heat island (UHI) during winter. Data loggers (54) were installed in the ∼150 km2 study area to monitor hourly air and soil temperature, and daily spatial averages were calculated using the six or seven warmest and coldest sites. During winter (December 2001–March 2002), the urban area averaged 2.2 °C warmer than the hinterland. The strength of the UHI increased as the wind velocity decreased, reaching an average value of 3.2 °C under calm (<2 m s−1) conditions and maximum single‐day magnitude of 6 °C. UHI magnitude generally increased with decreasing air temperature in winter, reflecting the input of anthropogenic heat to maintain interior building temperatures. On a daily basis, the UHI reached its peak intensity in the late evening and early morning. There was a strong positive relation between monthly UHI magnitude and natural gas production/use. Integrated over the period September–May, there was a 9% reduction in accumulated freezing degree days in the urban area. The evidence suggests that urbanization has contributed to early snowmelt in the village. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
A process‐based approach to knowledge‐flow analysis: a case study of a manufacturing firm
Authors: Kim Suyeon , Hwang Hyunseok , Suh Euiho 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe manufacturing industry is usually operated on the basis of business processes, and most workers are familiar with their own processes. The process‐based approach can provide an efficient way to capture and navigate knowledge. In this study, we focus on knowledge that may be missed during knowledge transfer among workers. For this, we propose a method for analysing knowledge flow, which is passed among business processes.As a means of developing a process‐based approach to analysing knowledge flow, a new categorization of knowledge is presented in three dimensions: scope, type, and usage level. Then we propose a process‐based knowledge management framework for analysing knowledge flow, which employs a two‐phase analysis: process analysis and knowledge‐flow analysis. We use process decomposition and process dependency analysis techniques for process analysis. A knowledge‐flow model, represented by a knowledge‐flow diagram, is proposed as a tool for representing knowledge. We formulate several semantics for knowledge‐flow modelling and suggest procedures for knowledge‐flow analysis. The proposed approach is verified and illustrated through a case study of the manufacturing process. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complete assignment of the 1H, 13C, 15N and 19F NMR spectra of nine DL‐phenylalcoholamide anticonvulsants
Authors: Peralta‐Cruz Javier , Meza‐Toledo Sergio Enrique 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe 1H, 13C, 15N and 19F NMR spectra of nine DL‐phenylalcoholamides bearing fluorine and chlorine as substituents of the phenyl ring are reported. All of them are active as anticonvulsants in pentylenetetrazole‐induced seizures. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying residues in natural organic matter through spectral prediction and pattern matching of 2D NMR datasets
Authors: Simpson Andre J. , Lefebvre Brent , Moser Arvin , Williams Antony , Larin Nicolay , Kvasha Mikhail , Kingery William L. , Kelleher Brian 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis paper describes procedures for the generation of 2D NMR databases containing spectra predicted from chemical structures. These databases allow flexible searching via chemical structure, substructure or similarity of structure as well as spectral features. In this paper we use the biopolymer lignin as an example. Lignin is an important and relatively recalcitrant structural biopolymer present in the majority of plant biomass. We demonstrate how an accurate 2D NMR database of ∼600 2D spectra of lignin fragments can be easily constructed, in ∼2 days, and then subsequently show how some of these fragments can be identified in soil extracts through the use of various search tools and pattern recognition techniques. We demonstrate that once identified in one sample, similar residues are easily determined in other soil extracts. In theory, such an approach can be used for the analysis of any organic mixtures. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of the TORO technique of 1H NMR to the structural analysis of cyclic peptide isomers having a slightly distorted symmetry from C2
Authors: Watanabe Eiji , Tamaki Makoto , Yamakura Fumiyuki , Akiyama Minoru 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe extended TORO technique was applied to the structural analysis of endo‐D‐Tyr‐gramicidin S, cyclo(‐Val‐Orn‐Leu‐D‐Phe‐D‐Tyr‐Pro‐Val‐Orn‐Leu‐D‐Phe‐Pro‐), which has a slightly distorted symmetry from C2, by the insertion of D‐Tyr and equivalent α‐proton chemical shifts in the 1H NMR spectrum. All NMR signals of the two dominant isomers of this antibiotic with trans–trans prolines were determined by using the extended TORO technique with TOCSY and ROESY spectra. This technique is generally applicable for distinguishing overlapped signals of α‐ and amide protons from the main chains of peptides. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐empirical calculations of NMR indirect carbon–carbon coupling constants. Part 6: Propellanes
Authors: Krivdin Leonid B. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA full set of carbon–carbon coupling constants have been calculated at the SOPPA level in the series of six most representative propellanes. Special attention was focused on spin–spin couplings involving both bridgehead carbons, and these data were rationalized in terms of the multipath coupling mechanism and hybridization effects. Many unknown couplings in the propellane frameworks were predicted with high reliability. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal cystoscopy in the management of fetal obstructive uropathy: experience in a single European centre
Authors: Welsh Alec , Agarwal Sanjiv , Kumar Sailesh , Smith Richard P. , Fisk Nicholas M. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo audit diagnostic and therapeutic fetal cystoscopy for suspected posterior urethral valves (PUV).MethodsIn 13 fetuses, (14–28 weeks) the bladder was entered with a 1.3 mm embryo‐fetoscope and intravesical findings documented. In 10 fetuses, an attempt was made to treat the obstruction by saline hydro‐ablation (n = 4) and/or guide‐wire passage (n = 9). Renal function was assessed post‐natally at 10 to 34 months.ResultsThe bladder wall was visualised in 12/13 cases and the bladder neck in 11; in 10 cases the upper urethra was entered, and the obstruction visualised in five. PUV were ‘seen’ in 4/9 confirmed cases, but also in one case of urethral atresia, while in two others the degree of resistance to guide‐wire passage suggested atresia or prune belly. Therapeutic attempts were technically successful, at least initially, in 6/10 cases. Of the five cases with confirmed PUV and normal fetal urinary electrolytes, two have acceptable renal function at follow‐up. Hydro‐ablation in one case resulted in resolution of sonographic signs of obstruction, and ablated valves were confirmed post‐natally.ConclusionsSemi‐rigid fetal cystoscopy allows entry into the upper urethra in most obstructive uropathies, although bladder neck angulation precludes visualisation of the site of obstruction in the majority. Guide‐wire passage or hydro‐ablation may allow relatively atraumatic ablation of PUV in utero without the chronic bladder decompression associated with vesico‐amniotic shunting. However, current technical limitations need to be overcome, possibly by the use of flexible or angled fetoscopes, before the role of cystoscopic treatment can be formally evaluated. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Providing letters and audiotapes to supplement a prenatal diagnostic consultation: effects on later distress and recall
Authors: Cope C. D. , Lyons A. C. , Donovan V. , Rylance M. , Kilby M. D. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectivesInformation provided at a mid‐trimester fetal scan aims to improve patients' knowledge and minimize anxiety. This randomized controlled trial conducted at the Fetal Medicine Centre at Birmingham Women's Hospital aimed to assess the relative value of providing

standard information: a consultation and computer‐generated ultrasound report (n = 29);
standard information plus a post scan written non‐technical letter (n = 29);
standard information plus audiotapes of the consultation (n = 29);
standard information plus both non‐technical letters and audiotapes (n = 30).
It also aimed at exploring whether severity of diagnosis (none; mild; moderate‐severe) interacted with the type of information provided to affect subsequent anxiety, depression and recall of information.ParticipantsWomen (n = 550) referred with suspected fetal anomalies (without a previous history of anomaly or known psychiatric illness) were sent information regarding this study. One hundred and seventeen women consented and were randomly assigned to one of four information groups. The groups were similar with regard to age, education and marital status.Main outcome measuresState anxiety and depression were evaluated with the self‐report State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) prior to consultation and two weeks post‐scan. A structured telephone interview assessed recall of information approximately two weeks later.ResultsTwo weeks after the initial consultation, women who received an audiotaped recording of the consultation reported significantly less anxiety than the control group (mean STAI 41.44 [95% CI 35.63–47.26] versus 44.92 [39.32–50.52]; difference = 10.70 [3.56–17.83], p < 0.01). Women who received a non‐technical letter also reported less anxiety than the control group, an effect that approached significance (mean STAI 39.08 [95% CI 32.85–45.30]; difference = 6.48 [0.21–13.16], p = 0.058). There were no differences between the information groups on depression scores or recall of information. Women with a more severe abnormality reported higher anxiety and depression two weeks post‐consultation, and had greater free recall but less cued recall of information.ConclusionsProvision of additional material (particularly an audiotape) following a prenatal scan appears to minimise anxiety compared with standard practice. Provision of audiotapes and non‐technical letters do not appear to affect patient recall. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal midtrimester free β‐HCG and AFP serum levels in spontaneous singleton pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy‐induced hypertension or obstetric cholestasis
Authors: Räty R. , Anttila L. , Virtanen A. , Koskinen P. , Laitinen P. , Mörsky P. , Tiitinen A. , Martikainen H. , Ekblad U. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectivesThe present study aims at finding out whether a connection exists between altered serum free β‐hCG and/or α‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels and the manifestation of specific pregnancy complications [i.e. gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)].MethodsWe compared free β‐hCG and AFP multiples of median (MoM) values in singleton pregnancies. The study population consisted of 117 pregnancies with GDM, 107 with PIH and 24 with ICP. The control group consisted of 1148 singleton pregnancies without any pregnancy complications. All were spontaneously conceived.ResultsIn the group with GDM, both the free β‐hCG (0.72 MoM) and AFP MoM values (0.93) were significantly lower than in controls (β‐hCG 0.97 MoM, p = 0.0063 and AFP 1.01 MoM, p = 0.01). No statistically significant differences in the marker levels were observed between the ICP pregnancies and the control group.ConclusionsGDM has an impact on maternal midtrimester free β‐hCG and AFP levels and may change the DS screening result. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ‘in‐plane’ view of the inter‐ventricular septum. A new approach to the characterization of ventricular septal defects in the fetus
Authors: Paladini Dario , Giovanna Russo Maria , Vassallo Michele , Tartaglione Antonio 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectivesObjectives of this study are (1) to describe how to obtain the in‐plane view of the inter‐ventricular septum, (2) to assess its feasibility in a population of fetuses referred for fetal echocardiography, (3) to demonstrate its effectiveness in the characterization of VSD in the fetus.MethodsThe in‐plane view of the inter‐ventricular septum is conducted in a plane almost perpendicular to that of the long axis of the left ventricle, tilting the transducer towards the right ventricle, paying attention not to ‘enter’ the right ventricular chamber. Its feasibility has been assessed in 41 fetuses referred for fetal echocardiography, by recording the visualization/failure rates by fetal lie and acoustic window. The in‐plane view of the inter‐ventricular septum was then employed in healthy fetuses and diseased fetuses with VSDs.ResultsThe success rates in obtaining the in‐plane view of the inter‐ventricular septum was dependent upon fetal lie; visualization rates were 100, 36 and 0% in case of posterior, lateral and anterior spine, respectively. When used in the anatomic characterization of VSDs, this view provided significant additional information.ConclusionsThe in‐plane view of the inter‐ventricular septum represents a new echocardiographic view that can be used to enhance the assessment of the inter‐ventricular septum of the fetal heart. Its use should be considered whenever the presence of a VSD is suspected during fetal echocardiography, and in these cases it often provides additional information. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medically assisted reproduction and second‐trimester maternal serum marker screening for Down syndrome
Authors: Muller Françoise , Dreux Sophie , Lemeur Alain , Sault Corinne , Desgrès Jean , Bernard Marguerite‐Anne , Giorgetti Claude , Lemay Catherine , Mirallié Sophie , Beauchet Alain 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on total hCG, free ß‐hCG, AFP and unconjugated estriol (uE3) used as markers for second‐trimester Down syndrome maternal serum screening.MethodsSecond‐trimester maternal sera from 1515 singleton pregnancies (970 by IVF, 545 by ICSI) were compared with control sera (21 014 cases). Free ß‐hCG, total hCG, AFP and uE3 were compared between the control group and the medically assisted reproduction groups. The percentages of at‐risk patients (≥1/250) were also compared.ResultsNo differences in values of the maternal serum markers were observed between the medically assisted and control groups. When maternal age was taken into account, the screen‐positive rate for Down syndrome screening did not differ between the two groups.ConclusionPatients undergoing assisted reproduction techniques can be counseled for maternal serum Down syndrome screening with the same efficacy as patients with naturally conceived pregnancies. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.