bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional outbreak of mumps due to genotype H in Korea in 1999
Authors: Lee Joo‐Yeon , Na Byoung‐Kuk , Kim Jee‐Hee , Lee Jin‐Soo , Park Jong‐Won , Shin Gu‐Choul , Cho Hae‐Wol , Lee Ho‐Dong , Gou Un‐Yeong , Yang Byoung‐Kuk , Kim Joon , Kang Chun , Kim Woo‐Joo 
Published: March 2004

AbstractSerological and virological studies were carried out of a mumps outbreak which occurred in one region, Yoeju County, Southeast of Seoul in Korea from September to December, 1999. Sera from 736 children at 8–13 years of age of patients with mumps and healthy children were tested for mumps‐specific antibodies by enzyme immunoassay. The overall IgM positive rate was 7.6% (56/736), compared with 69.8% (514/736) for IgG. Of the 49 children with both IgG and IgM, 32 were also confirmed by both clinical and serological diagnosis. IgM antibodies were detected even in the samples collected up to 3 months after the onset of symptoms. Although 436 children had been vaccinated before the outbreak, 27 (6.2%) were found to be IgM positive, particularly 6 (4.4%) of 136 were positive serologically despite a second‐dose vaccinees. Sequence analysis of the small hydrophobic (SH) gene of 4 mumps viruses isolated from 42 saliva specimens revealed that these were related to the genotype H, but distinguishable from European strains. This is the first study on the outbreak due to mumps virus genotype H and provides information to assess the understanding of recent outbreaks of mumps in Korea. J. Med. Virol. 73:85–90, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic variation in clinical varicella‐zoster virus isolates collected in Ireland between 2002 and 2003
Authors: Carr Michael J. , McCormack Grace P. , Crowley Brendan 
Published: March 2004

AbstractAnalysis of genetic variation in 16 varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) isolates selected at random and circulating in the Irish population between March 2002 and February 2003 was carried out. A 919 bp fragment of the glycoprotein E gene (open reading frame 68) encompassing codon 150, at which a non‐synonymous mutation defines the escape mutant VZV‐MSP, and including two other epitope regions e1 and c1, was sequenced. No new single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected, indicating stability of these epitopes in clinical isolates of VZV. However, when four informative polymorphic markers consisting of defined regions from genes 1, 21, 50, and 54 were sequenced 14 variable nucleotide positions were identified. Phylogenetic analysis showed the presence of three highly supported clades A, B, and C circulating in the Irish population. Approximately one third (6/16; 37.5%) of the Irish VZV isolates in this study belonged to genotype C, 4/16 (25%) to genotype A, and 4/16 (25%) to genotype B. A smaller number 2/16 (12.5%) belonged to genotype J1. This indicates remarkable heterogeneity in the Irish population given the small sample size. No evidence was found to suggest any of the 16 isolates was a recombinant. These findings have implications for the model of geographic isolation of VZV clades to certain regions as the circulating Irish VZV population appears to comprise approximately equal numbers of each of the main genotypes. This data is inconsistent with a model of strict geographical separation of VZV genotypes and suggests that VZV diversity is more pronounced in certain areas than had been thought previously. J. Med. Virol. 73:131–136, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative evaluation of measles virus specific TaqMan PCR and conventional PCR using synthetic and natural RNA templates
Authors: Ozoemena L.C. , Minor P.D. , Afzal M.A. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractComparative evaluation of TaqMan RT‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology developed during this study with the conventional RT‐PCR‐nested PCR methodology developed earlier, using measles virus RNA templates derived from synthetic and natural sources against a number of primer sets belonging to various regions of the genome, revealed the existence of similar assay thresholds for both methods. An exception to this finding was, however, noted using primer sets of the N and M genes regions with RNA templates extracted from the wild type measles virus strain where the nested PCR method proved to be 10‐ to 100‐fold more sensitive than the end points established with the N gene specific TaqMan RT‐PCR method with synthetic RNA templates. These differences were not evident when the same primer sets were evaluated with RNA templates extracted from a brain sample of SSPE patient. These findings indicate that the genetic make up of measles virus strain in any given clinical specimen, in relation to the amplifying primers/probe sequences, can have impact on the overall sensitivity and specificity of the methodology applied. Both methods are equally suitable for the molecular detection of measles virus sequences in clinical specimens, although the TaqMan RT‐PCR method may be preferred due to its advantages of contamination control, automation, and real‐time product quantitation. J. Med. Virol. 73:79–84, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trends in HIV prevalence among drug‐users attending public drug‐treatment centres in Italy: 1990–2000
Authors: Suligoi Barbara , Magliochetti Natalia , Nicoletti Giovanni , Pezzotti Patrizio , Rezza Giovanni 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe occurrence of HIV infection among drug‐users in Italy between 1990 and 2000 is described; the data concern drug‐users attending a nation‐wide network consisting of 510 public drug‐treatment centres. We included only individuals with written documentation of an HIV‐test result. Of the 1,299,972 attendees, 54.5% had a documented HIV‐test result. The overall HIV prevalence among those with a test result was 19.8%. The annual prevalence decreased from 30.8% in 1990 to 15.8% in 2000 (chi‐square for linear trend P < 0.0001); the decrease was more evident between 1990 and 1996, whereas the prevalence apparently levelled‐off after 1996. The annual prevalence was significantly higher among females compared to males throughout the study period. The annual prevalence was consistently three to four times higher for prior attendees, compared to new entrants. Although information on whether or not the attendees injected drugs was not available for the entire study period, the proportion of attendees with a documented HIV‐test result can be considered as an approximation of the proportion who inject drugs. Although HIV infection was widespread among injecting drug‐users in Italy beginning in the mid‐1980s, since the early 1990s it has been somewhat contained. However, the levelling‐off of the prevalence after 1996 may conceal an increase in the number of new infections and should be more thoroughly investigated. Aggregated national‐level data, despite their limitations, represent a reliable tool for monitoring the temporal trend of HIV prevalence among injecting drug‐users in Italy. J. Med. Virol. 73:1–6, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anti‐envelope 1 and 2 immune response in chronic hepatitis C patients: Effects of hepatitis B virus co‐infection and interferon treatment
Authors: Zampino Rosa , Marrone Aldo , Mangoni Emanuele Durante , Santarpia Lucio , Sica Antonello , Tripodi Marie‐Francoise , Utili Riccardo , Ruggiero Giuseppe , Adinolfi Luigi Elio 
Published: March 2004

AbstractAntibodies against envelope glycoprotein 1 and 2 (anti‐E1/E2) have been suggested to influence HCV replication levels. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) may interfere with hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. At present there are no data on anti‐E1/E2 antibody responses or on the effect of interferon (IFN) treatment in HBV–HCV co‐infection. Accordingly, we evaluated serum anti‐E1/E2 antibodies in 50 patients (median age, 26.5; males, 30) with chronic hepatitis, 38 with HCV and 12 with HBV–HCV co‐infection, who had undergone α‐IFN treatment. Before starting IFN, the HCV group showed higher HCV‐RNA levels (bDNA assay) than the HBV–HCV group (median 3.75 vs. 0.64 × 106 Eq/ml, respectively; P < 0.05). Similarly, the anti‐E2 levels (EIA assay) were higher in the HCV group than in the HBV–HCV (mean ± SD, 53.8 ± 54.58 vs. 24.5 ± 41.50 U/ml, respectively; P < 0.02), and the prevalence of anti‐E2 was also higher in the HCV group (94 vs. 58%, respectively; P < 0.007). No correlation was found between anti‐E1/E2 antibodies and the HCV‐RNA levels. The prevalence of E1/E2 antibodies was similar in the different HCV genotypes. Higher baseline levels of anti‐E2 antibodies and a decrease or disappearance of anti‐E2 antibodies during IFN were associated with IFN sustained response in both groups, whereas no reduction in the anti‐E1/E2 levels was observed in non‐responders. The data show that HBV co‐infection influences both HCV replication and the anti‐E1/E2 antibody production. High pre‐treatment levels of anti‐E2 antibodies and their decrease or disappearance during interferon treatment are often associated with HCV clearance in sustained responders, irrespective of the HCV genotype. J. Med. Virol. 73:33–37, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterisation of penciclovir resistant acyclovir sensitive herpes simplex virus type 2 isolated from an AIDS patient
Authors: Pardeiro Mercedes , Cuenca‐Estrella Manuel , Fernández‐Clúa Miguel A. , Santos‐O'Connor Francisco , Tabarés Enrique , Gadea Ignacio 
Published: March 2004

AbstractA heterogeneous herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV‐2) population was characterised from an AIDS patient with relapsing genital ulcer. The isolate had an unusual antiviral spectrum, showing resistance to penciclovir and susceptibility to acyclovir. Two viral populations were plaque purified, one resistant and the other susceptible to both antiviral drugs. The resistant clone was deficient in thymidine kinase (TK) activity and a nucleotide substitution, thymine for cytosine, at position 153 was identified in its TK gene. This mutation resulted in an amino acid change, arginine to tryptophan, in the ATP binding site. In the deficient mutant, a loss of virulence was observed in mice. J. Med. Virol. 73:60–64, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High rate and changing molecular epidemiology pattern of norovirus infections in sporadic cases and outbreaks of gastroenteritis in Hong Kong
Authors: Lau Chi‐Shan , Wong Derek A. , Tong Louis K.L. , Lo Janice Y.C. , Ma Agnes M.C. , Cheng Peter K.C. , Lim Wilina W.L. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractNoroviruses (Norwalk‐like viruses (NLV)) are recognised as major causes of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Numerous studies had been carried out on the molecular epidemiology of norovirus in outbreaks but relatively few on sporadic cases. In this study, the molecular epidemiology of noroviruses in sporadic and outbreak cases of acute gastroenteritis in Hong Kong was examined over a 12‐month period from July 2001 to June 2002. Specimens from three groups of patients were used in this study. Nine hundred ninety‐five specimens from patients enrolled in the Acute Diarrhoeal Diseases Surveillance Programme of the Department of Health, Hong Kong Government; 735 clinical specimens from hospital patients with acute gastroenteritis, and 122 specimens from 44 norovirus outbreaks. Ninety‐two (9.2%) surveillance specimens were positive for norovirus RNA by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), compared to 123 (16.7%) clinical and 101 (82.8%) outbreak specimens. For the first 6 months of the study period, the predominant strain was the Bristol strain that belongs to genogroup II (GII). In the latter 6 months of the study, genogroup I (GI) and strains belonging to other clusters of GII were seen more commonly. The vast majority of strains belonging to the Bristol virus cluster were closely related to the 95/96‐US subset that was associated with pandemic infection from 1995 onwards. This study clearly establishes the importance of norovirus as a cause of sporadic cases of acute gastroenteritis in all age groups in Hong Kong. J. Med. Virol. 73:113–117, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PCR‐probe capture hybridization assay and statistical model for SEN virus prevalence estimation
Authors: Tanaka Yasuhito , Pfeiffer Ruth , Yeo Anthony E.T. , Mizokami Masashi , Edlin Brian R. , Castle Philip , O'Brien Thomas R. , Alter Harvey J. , Shih J. Wai‐Kuo 
Published: March 2004

AbstractSEN viruses (SENV) are newly discovered blood‐borne single‐stranded circular DNA viruses that may play a role in liver disease. To date, no serologic assays are available for the detection of SENV antigens or antibodies. We report on a rapid and sensitive molecular assay for the detection of four SENV strains (SENV‐A, ‐C, ‐D, ‐H). This method uses PCR with universal primers and microwell capture hybridization with type‐specific probes. Cut‐off points to define “infected” based on chemiluminescence readings were determined from a statistical mixture model applied to samples from 300 injection drug users (IDUs) in San Francisco. Based on the estimated cut‐off points, we examined the prevalence of SENV infection among 232 healthy US blood donors and assessed sensitivity and specificity of the assay in a small validation sample of infected individuals with partial sequence information. J. Med. Virol. 73:123–130, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Insulin‐like growth factor 1 prevents neuronal cell death induced by corticosterone through activation of the PI3k/Akt pathway
Authors: Nitta Atsumi , Zheng Wen‐Hua , Quirion Rémi 
Published: March 2004

AbstractCorticosterone (CORT) is well known to induce neuronal damage in various brain regions including the hippocampus, but the precise mechanism(s) of action underlying these effects has yet to be fully established. Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) is a trophic factor promoting cell survival by the activation of the phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt kinase pathway. We report that IGF‐1 prevents neuronal cell death induced by CORT, likely via the stimulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in primary hippocampal cultured neurons. CORT induced neuronal cell death at a minimal concentration of 50 nM. IGF‐1 (10 nM) prevented cell death induced by CORT under serum‐free conditions. The neuroprotective effect of IGF‐1 was accompanied by reversal of the Akt pathway inhibition induced by CORT. The PI3 kinase inhibitor, LY29004, inhibited the neuroprotective effect of IGF‐1 whereas the MEK (MAPK kinase) inhibitor PD98059, an upstream blocker of mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase, had no effect. These results suggest that IGF‐1 can prevent neuronal cell death induced by CORT in hippocampal neurons by modulating the activity of the PI3K/Akt pathway. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential regulation of neurotrophin expression in basal forebrain astrocytes by neuronal signals
Authors: Wu Hai , Friedman Wilma J. , Dreyfus Cheryl F. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractNerve growth factor (NGF), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophin‐3 (NT3) promote the function and/or survival of basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic neurons in vivo and in culture. The neurotrophin source is commonly thought to be targets of cholinergic neurons and the possibility that local glial sources support cholinergic neurons has not been well examined. These sources, however, may be critical to BF neurons before or even after they reach their targets. We investigated neurotrophin expression in BF astrocytes and its regulation by neural signals. Solution hybridization and immunocytochemical assays revealed that NGF, BDNF, and NT3 mRNA and proteins were expressed in cultured BF astrocytes. To investigate roles of neuronal signals in neurotrophin regulation, effects of K+, glutamate, and the cholinergic agonist carbachol were examined. These stimuli affected neurotrophin expression differentially. KCl increased BDNF mRNA but did not alter NGF or NT3 mRNA. The effect was blocked by nifedipine, suggesting that it was mediated by L‐type voltage‐dependent calcium currents. Carbachol also increased BDNF mRNA levels without changing NGF or NT3. Effects were blocked by the muscarinic antagonist, atropine. In contrast, glutamate increased both NGF and BDNF mRNA. NT3 mRNA again was unaffected. The metabotropic agonist trans‐(1S,3R)‐1‐amino‐1,3‐cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid (trans‐ACPD) reproduced glutamate effects, whereas kainate or N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) plus glycine did not. Lack of antagonism by ionotropic antagonists and blockade of glutamate effects by metabotropic antagonists confirmed metabotropic mediation. We suggest that BF astrocytes are local sources of neurotrophins for BF cholinergic neurons during development and are regulated differentially by specific neuronal signals. Critical neuronal‐glial interactions may underlie basal forebrain function. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a model of seizure‐induced hippocampal injury with features of programmed cell death in the BALB/c mouse
Authors: Shinoda Sachiko , Araki Tomohiro , Lan Jing‐Quan , Schindler Clara K. , Simon Roger P. , Taki Waro , Henshall David C. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractAlthough mice are amenable to gene knockout, they have not been exploited in the setting of seizure‐induced neurodegeneration due to the resistance to injury of key mouse strains. We refined and developed models of seizure‐induced neuronal death in the C57BL/6 and BALB/c strains by focally evoking seizures using intra‐amygdala kainic acid. Seizures in adult male BALB/c mice, or C57BL/6 mice as reference, caused ipsilateral death of CA1 and CA3 neurons within the hippocampus. Termination of seizures by lorazepam was more effective than diazepam in both strains, largely restricting neuronal loss to the CA3 sector. Electroencephalography (EEG) recordings defined injurious and non‐injurious seizure patterns, which could not be separated adequately by behavioral observation alone. Degenerating neurons in the hippocampus were positive for DNA fragmentation and approximately a third of these exhibited morphologic features of programmed cell death. Western blot analysis revealed the cleavage of caspase‐8 after seizures in both strains. These data refine our C57BL/6 model and establish a companion model of focally evoked limbic seizures in the BALB/c mouse that provides further evidence for activation of programmed cell death after seizures. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of key Anglo‐Saxon manuscripts (8–11th centuries) in the British Library: pigment identification by Raman microscopy
Authors: Brown Katherine L. , Clark Robin J. H. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractSeven important and valuable Anglo‐Saxon manuscripts of the 8–11th centuries and held at the British Library, London, were analysed by Raman microscopy in order to establish and compare their palettes. They are the Vespasian Psalter (Cotton MS Vespasian A1), Harley MS 7653, the Royal Prayer Book (Royal MS 2 A xx), the Royal Bible (Royal MS 1E vi), the Eadui Psalter (Arundel MS 155), the Grimbald Gospels (Add. MS 34890) and the Psychomachia by Prudentius (Cotton Cleopatra C viii). The overall palette of the manuscripts studied includes carbon, indigo, lazurite, orpiment, red lead, red ochre, verdigris, vergaut and white lead. Lazurite appears not to have been used until 920 AD and vermilion until the 12th century. Chalk and gypsum appear occasionally, probably as extenders, with gold and sometimes silver used to illuminate the most expensive manuscripts. Raman microscopy proves to be a very effective technique for the identification of inorganic pigments on manuscripts, and is much more reliable than optical microscopy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐destructive Raman study of the glazing technique in lustre potteries and faience (9–14th centuries): silver ions, nanoclusters, microstructure and processing
Authors: Colomban Philippe , Truong Catherine 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe oldest known nanotechnology dates back to the fabrication of the first lustre potteries. A lustre is a thin film formed just below the surface of medieval Islamic glazed potteries which contains silver and/or copper in the metallic and ionic form. Raman studies of the lustre films of different ceramics excavated from Fustât (near Cairo, Egypt, 11–12th century) or from the Silk Road (Termez, 13–14th centuries) showed that they associate many layers of different compositions (with or without cassiterite). Energy‐dispersive spectroscopic analysis shows that all studied glazes are Ca‐ (and K)‐rich, nearly free of Al silicates, with some addition of lead. Comparison is made with a copy of three‐colour Tang ceramics made in Bassorah or Baghdad, in the 9th century, which is among the first known ‘faiences’, i.e. ceramics enamelled with an Sn‐containing glaze. Surprisingly, Sn is not present in the form of a cassiterite (SnO2) precipitate but as a Ca,K‐rich salt. Composition analysis and Raman spectra show that all glazes have been processed with similar technology. The distribution of elemental Ag and Cu is very heterogeneous in the lustre decor. The main Raman signature (50–100 cm−1 peaks) of the lustre film is assigned to Ag+ ions. The additional low‐wavenumber features could be due to the Ag0 [or (Agn)m+] nanocluster modes. It is clear that the lustre colour arises from the combination of iridescence (diffraction) and absorption/diffusion. Raman criteria are proposed for a sample classification as a function of processing (cassiterite content, processing temperature). The glazing technique is discussed on the basis of experimental evidence and ancient potters' reports. Exothermic burning of acetate residus is proposed as the key step for the preparation of polychrome lustre. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three English manuscripts post‐1066 AD: pigment identification and palette comparisons by Raman microscopy
Authors: Brown Katherine L. , Clark Robin J. H. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThree distinguished English manuscripts post‐1066 AD, viz. Add. Ms 42555, the Abingdon Apocalypse, Add. Ms 24686, the Alphonso Psalter, and Harley Ms 7026, the Lovell Lectionary, were analysed by Raman microscopy in order to establish the identities of the pigments used in each case. Palette comparisons were made with those of earlier Anglo‐Saxon manuscripts. The palette of the Abingdon Apocalypse contains carbon, chalk, indigo, lazurite, orpiment, red lead, verdigris, vermilion and white lead. The palette of the Alphonso Psalter is closely similar, one notable difference being that azurite replaces indigo; this identification by Raman microscopy of azurite indicates the earliest established usage of this pigment (ca 1300 AD) on an English manuscript. The palette of the Lovell Lectionary does not include chalk, indigo or red lead, but notably does include lead tin yellow type I in its later parts, which date from ca 1450 AD, indicating the earliest established usage of this pigment on an English manuscript. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pressure effects on the inhomogeneities of environmentally sensitive polymer gels
Authors: Shibayama Mitsuhiro , Takata Shinichi , Nakamoto Chikanobu 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe effects of pressure at gel preparation on the inhomogeneities were investigated by small‐angle neutron scattering. Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) gels, known as thermosensitive polymer gels undergoing volume transition, were prepared at various pressures ranging from 0.1 to 300 MPa. The scattering intensity increased with increasing Pprep, up to 200 MPa, then decreased by further increase in Pprep. The degree of inhomogeneities evaluated by the ratio of the static and dynamic correlators exhibited a similar behavior to that of the ensemble average light scattered intensity, <I>E. The physical meaning of the gel inhomogeneities is discussed from the viewpoint of swelling thermodynamics. It will be shown that the increase in the swelling degree is due not to an increase in the miscibility of PNIPA with water but to the increase in inhomogeneities.