bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cloning and expression of surface antigens from occult chronic hepatitis B virus infections and their recognition by commercial detection assays
Authors: Jeantet Damien , Chemin Isabelle , Mandrand Bernard , Tran Albert , Zoulim Fabien , Merle Philippe , Trepo Christian , Kay Alan 
Published: June 2004

AbstractOccult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections show little or no serological markers of viral infection, including the absence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) which is the main marker of ongoing HBV infection. Such infections can be important in the context of blood and/or organ donations. To study whether mutations contribute to HBsAg seronegativity, S gene sequences from such patients were amplified and cloned. Sequencing revealed 12 clones from seven different patients which contained potentially important mutations. The sequences were subcloned into an expression vector and mutant HBsAgs were expressed in cell culture. The capacity of three HBsAg detection assays to recognise the mutant HBsAgs was studied. Three categories were found: mutant HBsAgs that are not recognised by the assays, those that are recognised as well as wild‐type (WT) antigen and an intermediate category where detection of the mutant HBsAgs is reduced with respect to WT. Most of the isolates fall into the second category. Mutations can therefore contribute to HBsAg seronegativity in occult HBV infections, but in most cases the explanation is probably the low level of viral replication. J. Med. Virol. 73:508–515, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Eight genotypes (A–H) of hepatitis B virus infecting patients from San Francisco and their demographic, clinical, and virological characteristics
Authors: Kato Hideaki , Gish Robert G. , Bzowej Natalie , Newsom Margaret , Sugauchi Fuminaka , Tanaka Yasuhito , Kato Takanobu , Orito Etsuro , Usuda Sadakazu , Ueda Ryuzo , Miyakawa Yuzo , Mizokami Masashi 
Published: June 2004

AbstractClinical lines of evidence have been accumulated that hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes have characteristic geographical distributions and distinct clinical impact on liver diseases. The distribution of HBV genotypes was determined with reference to hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in 165 patients with hepatitis B in San Francisco. HBV genotypes were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the unclassified samples were sequenced within the S region for phylogenetic analysis. Genotype A occurred in 60 (36%) patients, B in 16 (10%), C in 56 (34%), D in 19 (12%), E in 1 (1%), F in 1 (1%), G in 8 (5%), and H in 4 (2%). Caucasians were infected predominantly with HBV genotype A (HBV/A) (38 of 57 [67%]), Asians with HBV/C (45 of 63 [71%]), and Hispanics with HBV/F and HBV/H (4 of 9 [44%]). Serum ALT levels were higher in the patients infected with HBV/A (P = 0.03) or HBV/G (P = 0.02) than HBV/C. HBeAg was more frequent in patients infected with HBV/G than HBV/C or HBV/D (7 of 8 [88%] vs. 25 of 56 [45%] or 6 of 19 [32%], P = 0.03 or 0.01). In conclusion, eight genotypes (A–H) were identified in San Francisco in association with various ethnicities and then influenced ALT levels as well as the prevalence of serum HBeAg. HBV genotype H might be identified by combination of preS2 serotpe bksf and HBsAg serotype adw. J. Med. Virol. 73:516–521, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seroprevalence of markers of viral hepatitis in Yemeni healthcare workers
Authors: Shidrawi Ray , Ali Al‐Huraibi Mohammed , Ahmad Al‐Haimi Mohammed , Dayton Ralph , Murray‐Lyon Iain M. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe seroprevalence of viral hepatitis in healthcare workers has important public health implications. To assess the risk factors for the acquisition of viral hepatitis in an unvaccinated cohort from an hyperendemic region, 567 healthcare workers from a large hospital in the capital of the Republic of Yemen were interviewed and tested for serological markers of infection with viral hepatitis. 54/543 (9.9%) tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), 174/543 (32.0%) had positive hepatitis B core antibodies (anti‐HBc), and 19/546 (3.5%) had hepatitis C antibodies (anti‐HCV). Age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06), male sex (OR = 2.0, 1.32–3.03), and occupation (healthcare workers not carrying out exposure prone procedures, OR = 1.61, 1.06–2.44) were found to be independent predictors for the likelihood of detecting either HBsAg or anti‐HBc by multivariate logistic regression analysis. No independent risk factors for anti‐HCV positive status were identified. Our findings support the adoption of universal HBV immunisation programmes and infection control precautions. The absence of known risk factors predicting anti‐HCV positive serostatus suggests the main mode of transmission of hepatitis C in this cohort in the Yemen remains undiscovered. J. Med. Virol. 73:562–565, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Excess hospital admissions for pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart failure during influenza seasons in Hong Kong
Authors: Yap Florence H.Y. , Ho Pak‐Leung , Lam Kwok‐Fai , Chan Paul K.S. , Cheng Yeung‐Hung , Peiris Joseph S.M. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractIt is widely held that Southern China is a hypothetical influenza epicentre for the emergence of pandemic influenza viruses. However, influenza is perceived as a relatively unimportant infection in this part of the world compared with western countries. Hong Kong is situated within the hypothetical epicentre and serves as a sentinel post for the region. In a retrospective study, the influenza‐associated excess hospitalisations in a regional hospital for pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, and asthma in persons aged ≥65 years from 1998 to 2001 were each estimated by a model taking into consideration the confounding effect of other respiratory viral infections, seasonal factors, time trends, and weather and pollution indices. In the regression models, influenza activity is an independent significant factor affecting admission rates for pneumonia, COPD, and heart failure but not that for asthma. The variations in hospital admissions for pneumonia, COPD, and heart failure explained by influenza activity were 38.9, 7.5, and 45.6%, respectively. The adjusted rates of excess influenza‐associated hospital admissions for the three diagnoses combined amounted to 58.5, 20.0, 29.2, and 13.4 per 10,000 populations aged ≥65 years in 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001, respectively. In conclusion, influenza activity is associated significant excess hospital admissions among elderly aged 65 or above in Hong Kong, comparable to the data reported in Western countries. The findings support a wider application of annual influenza vaccination in this region. J. Med. Virol. 73:617–623, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Are false negative direct immnufluorescence assays caused by varicella zoster virus gE mutant strains?
Authors: Taha Yusri A. , Quinlivan Mark , Scott Fiona T. , Leedham‐Green Mary , Hawrami Khidir , Thomas Janice M. , Breuer Judith 
Published: June 2004

AbstractStrains of Varicella zoster virus (VZV) have been described recently in which a single base mutation in the gE epitope abrogates binding of the 3B3 monoclonal antibody, which is widely used for virus detection in diagnostic laboratories. These strains, named VZV‐MSP, are associated with a distinct phenotype in both in vitro culture and in SCID‐hu mice. We investigated the possibility that negative direct immunofluorescence results, using the 3B3 antibody, where the presence of virus was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or tissue culture are due in some cases to the MSP strain of VZV. A total of 249 vesicle fluid specimens from people with suspected shingles were examined using direct immunofluorescence, tissue culture and a nested multiplex PCR for VZV, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) and 2 (HSV‐2). VZV was detected in 218 of 249 (87.6%) cases. Forty‐five confirmed VZV specimens, but with negative (30) or indeterminate (15) immunofluorescence results, were analysed further. PCR was used to amplify a fragment in ORF 68 that encodes the VZV gE ectodmain recognised by 3B3 antibody. The fragments were sequenced and analysed for the single base change G448A (D150N), which is present in VZV‐MSP as compared with the reference Dumas strain. No VZV gE mutant (MSP/MSP‐like) was detected. Overall, PCR was found to be the most sensitive method of confirming VZV infection. False negative VZV immunofluorescence results are unlikely to be due to virus variants. J. Med. Virol. 73:631–635, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stability of ascorbic acid in adapted milk‐based infant formulae during storage
Authors: Manglano Pilar , Farré Rosaura , Lagarda María Jesús , Abellán Pedro , Romero Fernando , Clemente Gonzalo 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA study was made of the effects of storage (for up to 17 months at 22 or 37 °C) on the ascorbic acid contents of four adapted milk‐based infant formulae with the same composition except for the iron salt added (lactate or sulphate) and/or the vitamin E source involved (α‐tocopherol (α‐T) or α‐tocopherol acetate (α‐TAc)). Ascorbic acid was measured by a voltammetric method. The ascorbic acid contents of the formulae ranged from 0.77–0.84 g kg−1 immediately after manufacture to 0.41–0.48 g kg−1 after 17 months of storage. Samples stored at 22 °C had higher ascorbic acid contents than those stored at 37 °C. A multiple regression analysis performed to evaluate ascorbic acid evolution throughout storage/shelf‐life and the effects of storage temperature and the different components of the samples yielded a model explaining 79.71% of the variability in ascorbic acid content. Iron lactate and α‐tocopherol acetate addition afforded the best preservation of ascorbic acid content. The evolution of ascorbic acid was not linear, exhibiting an important decrease in the first month of storage, followed by stabilisation. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
The relationship between gas transport properties and the histology of apple
Authors: Schotsmans Wendy , Verlinden Bert E , Lammertyn Jeroen , Nicolaï Bart M 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe relation between skin resistance to gas diffusion, diffusivity and several histological characteristics of apple cvs Braeburn and Jonica was investigated. Large discrepancies were found between the skin resistance values measured by the efflux method and a diffusion method. It is believed that these discrepancies are due to the invalidity of Graham's law in tightly packed tissue, the existence of internal gas gradients and the types of tissue measured in the two methods. The differences between cultivars in diffusivity of O2 and CO2 in the same tissue were related to differences in intercellular space volume and cell size. The spatial pattern of the diffusivity of oxygen and carbon dioxide could be linked to the number of cells, the cell area, the cell perimeter and the internal free space volume. The considerably lower diffusivity in the skin was believed to be caused by both the skin and the very dense tissue of the outer cortex. Changes in diffusivity during storage coincided with changes in the amount of intercellular space and in the shape of the cells. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of essential oils of cinnamon, clove, lemon grass, oregano and palmarosa on growth of and fumonisin B1 production by Fusarium verticillioides in maize
Authors: Velluti Andrea , Sanchis Vicente , Ramos Antonio J , Marín Sonia 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe ability of cinnamon, clove, lemon grass, oregano and palmarosa essential oils to prevent growth of and fumonisin B1 (FB1) production by Fusarium verticillioides at different water activity (0.95 and 0.995 aw) and temperature (20 and 30 °C) levels in irradiated maize grain was evaluated. All the essential oils inhibited growth of F verticillioides isolates under all conditions tested, but FB1 production was only inhibited at 30 °C and 0.995 aw. Moreover, stimulation of toxin production was found under certain environmental conditions. None of the essential oils showed a significantly greater ability to inhibit FB1 production when compared with the others. At 1000 mg essential oil kg−1 maize the essential oils showed a greater inhibitory effect on growth of F verticillioides than at 500 mg kg−1, but there was no difference in FB1 production between the two levels of essential oil. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Nutritional study of raw and popped seed proteins of Amaranthus caudatus L and Amaranthuscruentus L
Authors: Gamel Tamer H , Linssen Jozef P , Alink Gerrit M , Mosallem Ahmed S , Shekib Lila A 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe nutritional value of raw and popped (similar to popcorn preparation) seed proteins of two amaranth species, Amaranthus caudatus L and A cruentus L, was investigated. After popping, the true protein content in A caudatus and A cruentus decreased by 9 and 13% respectively. Among the amino acids, the loss of tyrosine due to the popping effect was the highest, followed by phenylalanine and methionine. Leucine was the first limiting amino acid in the raw samples, followed by lysine, while the reverse order was observed in the popped samples. The in vivo protein quality of raw and popped seeds was tested with male weanling rats and compared with wheat flour and casein samples. There was no difference between the in vivo digestibility of the raw and the popped seeds, although the in vitro digestibility was slightly higher for the popped samples. The protein efficiency ratio (PER) for all the amaranth seed samples was higher than that for the wheat sample, while the PER for the raw amaranth seed samples was close to that for the casein reference protein. The rat blood serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol for all the amaranth samples were lower than those for the reference protein, while the wheat flour sample showed the lowest values. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Performance of dairy cows fed roasted sunflower seed
Authors: Sarrazin P , Mustafa AF , Chouinard PY , Raghavan GSV , Sotocinal SA 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to determine the effects on milk yield, milk composition, ruminal fermentation and total tract nutrient utilization of feeding roasted whole sunflower seed to dairy cows. Three diets were formulated: a control diet with no sunflower seed (NSF), a raw sunflower seed diet (USF) and a roasted sunflower seed diet (RSF). The level of sunflower seed in USF and RSF was 78 g kg−1 of dry matter (DM). The effects of dietary treatments on yield and composition of milk were determined using nine Holstein cows in three 3 × 3 Latin squares. Three ruminally fistulated cows were used to determine the effects of dietary treatments on ruminal fermentation and total tract nutrient digestibilities. Cows fed sunflower seed diets consumed 8% less (P < 0.05) DM but produced similar amounts of milk as cows fed NSF. However, milk fat content (30.7 vs 33.5 g kg−1) and yield (1.33 vs 1.47 kg day−1) were lower (P < 0.05) for cows fed USF and RSF than for those fed NSF. Supplemental sunflower seed had no effect on concentrations and yields of other milk components. The concentrations of short‐chain (C4:0 to C12:0) and medium‐chain (C14:0 to C16:0) fatty acids were, respectively, 27% and 29% lower (P < 0.05) while those of long‐chain fatty acids (C18:0 to C18:3) were 51% higher (P < 0.05) in the milk of cows fed USF and RSF than for cows fed NSF. Ruminal pH, ammonia N and total volatile fatty acids were not affected by dietary treatments. Feeding sunflower seed (USF or RSF) reduced (P < 0.05) the concentration of acetate and increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of propionate. Total tract nutrient digestibilities were not affected by sunflower seed supplementation or by heat treatment. Supplementing dairy cow diets with unheated or roasted sunflower seed improved the efficiency of milk production and increased concentrations of long‐chain and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Feeding sunflower seed at up to 78 g kg−1 of diet DM had no adverse effects on nutrient utilization. Roasting had no additional benefits on milk yield or milk fatty acid composition. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Grapevine clones discriminated using stilbene synthase–chalcone synthase markers
Authors: Faria Miguel A , Beja‐Pereira Marisa , Martins Antero , Ferreira Margarida A , Nunes Maria Eugénia S 
Published: June 2004

AbstractTouriga Nacional is the most popular Portuguese grapevine cultivar. After twenty years of clonal selection, highly recommended qualitative and productive clones have been identified. In the genus Vitis several molecular markers have been used to characterize genetic diversity at the DNA level, namely microsatellites, ISSR (inter simple sequence repeat), AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism), and stilbene synthase–chalcone synthase (StSy–CHS) markers.In this work a novel pure DNA extraction methodology, which occludes the extract in an agarose matrix, thus allowing the removal of the remaining hydrophilic impurities, was used. An optimized and highly reproducible procedure for the detection of differences among Vitis vinifera L clones using the StSy–CHS gene family primer combination is described. With this methodology, 21 clones and a commercial cultivar, ‘Chardonnay’, were evaluated with three StSy–CHS markers. It was possible to obtain 14% discrimination within Touriga Nacional (TN) clones, identifying two different groups. The polyclonal origin of TN clones was previously verified with eight microsatellite markers. The methodology described could be used for clonal selection of grapevine cultivars. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of iron bioavailability from twenty elite late‐maturing tropical maize varieties using an in vitro digestion/Caco‐2 cell model
Authors: Oikeh Sylvester O , Menkir Abebe , Maziya‐Dixon Bussie , Welch Ross M , Glahn Raymond P 
Published: June 2004

AbstractAn in vitro digestion/Caco‐2 cell model was used to assess iron bioavailability of twenty elite late‐maturing tropical maize varieties grown in three diverse agroecologies in West and Central Africa (WCA). Kernel‐iron concentration of the varieties, averaged across locations, varied from 19.2 to 24.4 mg kg−1, while mean kernel‐zinc concentration ranged between 19.4 and 24.6 mg kg−1. Significant differences in iron bioavailability were observed among varieties, but the environment had no significant effect. Mean bioavailable iron ranged between 14% below and 43% above the reference control variety, TZB‐SR. Variety DMR‐LSR‐Y with the highest concentrations of kernel‐iron and ‐zinc of 24–25 mg kg−1 across the three locations had a similar quantity of bioavailable iron as the reference control, TZB‐SR. In the long run this variety could be potentially effective in reducing iron deficiency because of its high kernel‐iron. The most promising varieties were Mid‐altitude STR synthetic and ACR91SUWAN‐1‐SRC1. They had kernel‐iron and ‐zinc levels of 22–24 mg kg−1 and bioavailable iron 24–36% higher than the reference control, TZB‐SR. Additional research is necessary to determine if the increases in kernel‐iron concentration and bioavailable iron observed in this study can significantly improve the iron status of individuals in WCA at risk for iron deficiency. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Methemoglobin formation during laser induced photothermolysis of vascular skin lesions
Authors: Randeberg L.L. , Bonesrønning J.H. , Dalaker M. , Nelson J.S. , Svaasand L.O. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveMonitoring dynamic changes during laser induced photothermolysis of vascular skin lesions is essential for obtaining an optimal therapeutic result. Rapid photoinduced thermal damage occurs at a threshold temperature of about 70°C. It is therefore, relevant to identify markers to indicate if this threshold temperature has been reached. Methemoglobin, which is formed by a photo‐induced oxidation of hemoglobin, indicates that the temperature has reached this threshold value. This study presents a proof of concept of a method for monitoring the in vivo presence of methemoglobin immediately after laser exposure.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThe present study was designed to investigate the in vivo temperature dependence of hemoglobin absorption in the 450–800 nm spectrum range. In vivo diffuse reflectance measurements of port‐wine stain (PWS) and telangiectasia were performed prior to, and immediately after, laser treatment with a pulsed dye laser (PDL) at 585 nm wavelength.ResultsIn vivo measurements following laser treatment of vascular skin lesions showed an immediate increase in the optical absorption of blood. This effect, caused by thermal stress, is a result of an increased dermal blood volume fraction and methemoglobin formation. The effect is light dose dependent, and reflectance spectra revealed methemoglobin formation in patients treated with fluences above 5 J/cm2 at 585 nm wavelength.ConclusionsIt was proved that methemoglobin can be measured in vivo by reflectance spectroscopy. Measurements of the average methemoglobin concentrations immediately after laser exposure may be a valuable diagnostic tool to verify that the blood temperature has been sufficiently high to induce thermal damage to the vessel wall. Lasers Surg. Med. 34:414–419, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laser‐assisted endoscopic third ventriculostomy for obstructive hydrocephalus: Technique and results in a series of 40 consecutive cases
Authors: Devaux Bertrand C. , Joly Luc‐Marie , Page Philippe , Nataf François , Turak Baris , Beuvon Frederic , Trystram Denis , Roux François‐Xavier 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesTo report a case series of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) using laser in 40 consecutive patients with obstructive hydrocephalus.Study Design/Materials and MethodsUnder stereotactic and endoscopic guidance, multiple perforations in the ventricular floor using a 1.32 μm neodymium–yttrium/aluminum/garnet (Nd–YAG) or a 0.805 μm diode laser unit and removal of intervening coagulated tissue ensued with a 4–6 mm opening between third ventricle and basilar cisterns.ResultsThe procedure could be completed in all cases. A transient complication occurred in five cases. In 39 patients (mean follow‐up 28 months), 31 (79%) had a favorable outcome. Failure occurred in six patients, requiring permanent shunting leading to complete recovery, and two patients remained in a poor clinical status despite ETV.ConclusionsLaser‐assisted ETV is a safe and efficient procedure for the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus. Laser is advantageous in cases of distorted anatomy and may reduce technical failures. Lasers Surg. Med. 34:368–378, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.