bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of monosize/cationic nanoparticle synthesis and their interaction with genomic DNA
Authors: Güven G. , Pişkin E. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractMonosized poly(styrene/poly(ethylene glycol) ethyl ether methacrylate/N‐[3‐(dimethyl‐amino)propyl]methacrylamide) [poly(St/PEG‐EEM/DMAPM)] monosize cationic nanoparticles were produced by emulsifier‐free microemulsion polymerization conducted in the presence of a cationic initiator, 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionamidine)dihydrochloride (V‐50), in which polymerization temperature, time and pH were changed. Particle sizes and surface charge densities were measured with a Zeta Sizer. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was also used for measurement of particle size. The nanoparticles with the minimum size of 77.6 nm and with quite narrow size distributions (PI  =  0.125), and with a zeta potential of about 54.4 mV (cationic) were produced by this method. The optimal temperature, time and pH were 60°C, 3 hr and 2.5–3.0, respectively. It was possible to bind about 200 mg DNA per gram of nanoparticles at room temperature, in 2 hr in the pH range 3–8. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic intra‐tumour heterogeneity in epithelial ovarian cancer and its implications for molecular diagnosis of tumours
Authors: Khalique L , Ayhan A , Weale ME , Jacobs IJ , Ramus SJ , Gayther SA 
Published: December 2006

AbstractGenetic analysis of solid tumours using DNA or cDNA expression microarrays may enable individualized treatment based on the profiles of genetic changes that are identified from each patient. This could result in better response to adjuvant chemotherapy and, consequently, improved clinical outcome. So far, most research studies that have tested the efficacy of such an approach have sampled only single areas of neoplastic tissue from tumours; this assumes that the genetic profile within solid tumours is homogeneous throughout. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of genetic intra‐tumour heterogeneity (ITH) within a series of epithelial ovarian cancers. Several different regions (five to eight regions) of tumour tissue from 16 grade 3, serous epithelial ovarian cancers were analysed for genetic alterations using a combination of microsatellite analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, in order to establish the extent of ITH. Maximum parsimony tree analysis was applied to the genetic data from each tumour to evaluate the clonal relationship between different regions within tumours. Extensive ITH was identified within all ovarian cancers using both microsatellite and SNP analysis. Evolutionary analysis of microsatellite data suggested that the origin of all tumours was monoclonal, but that subsequent clonal divergence created mixed populations of genetically distinct cells within the tumour. SNP analysis suggested that ITH was not restricted to random genetic changes, but affected genes that have an important functional role in ovarian cancer development. The frequent occurrence of ITH within epithelial ovarian cancers may have implications for the interpretation of genetic data generated from emerging technologies such as DNA and mRNA expression microarrays, and their use in the clinical management of patients with ovarian cancer. The basis of genetic ITH and the possible implications for molecular approaches to clinical diagnosis of ovarian cancers may apply to other tumour types. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human placental lactogen is a first‐trimester maternal serum marker of Down syndrome
Authors: Christiansen Michael , Sørensen Tina Lindvig , Nørgaard‐Pedersen Bent 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundHuman placental lactogen (hPL) is synthesised by the placenta and found in maternal serum. We analysed the potential of hPL as a first‐trimester maternal serum‐screening marker for fetal Down syndrome (DS).Materials and MethodshPL was quantified by ELISA in 47 DS pregnancies and 136 controls in gestational weeks 8–13. Distributions of log multiples of the median (MoMs) were established. The quantity of hPL in DS screening was estimated using Monte Carlo simulation methods.ResultsThe mean log10 MoM hPL was − 0.1995 (SD: 0.1993) in affected and 0.0026 (SD: 0.2129) in control pregnancies. This corresponds to a MoM of 0.63 in DS pregnancies. hPL correlated significantly with log10 MoM values of hCGβ (r = 0.320) and PAPP‐A (r = 0.590) in controls, but not with hCGβ (r = 0.228) or PAPP‐A (r = 0.090) in DS pregnancies. The inclusion of hPL in the double test (PAPP‐A + hCGβ) increased the detection rate from 67 to 75% for a false‐positive rate of 5%.ConclusionhPL is a DS screening marker that is applicable at weeks 9–13 and could be included in multiple marker first‐trimester screening for DS. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐invasive prenatal detection of achondroplasia in size‐fractionated cell‐free DNA by MALDI‐TOF MS assay
Authors: Li Ying , Page‐Christiaens Godelieve C. M. L. , Gille Johan J. P. , Holzgreve Wolfgang , Hahn Sinuhe 
Published: December 2006

AbstractAchondroplasia is the most common form of short‐limbed dwarfism in humans and is caused by mutations in the FGFR3 gene. Currently, prenatal diagnosis of this disorder relies on invasive procedures. Recent studies have shown that fetal single gene point mutations could be detected in cell‐free DNA (cf‐DNA) from maternal plasma by either the matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) assay with single allele base extension reaction (SABER) approach or the size fractionation of cf‐DNA in maternal plasma. Here, we combined the two approaches to non‐invasively examine the fetal G1138A mutation in maternal plasma.cf‐DNA was extracted from maternal plasma samples obtained from two pregnant women at risk for achondroplasia. The fetal G1138A mutation was determined by the analysis of size‐fractionated cf‐DNA in maternal plasma using MALDI‐TOF MS with SABER approach and homogenous MassEXTEND (hME) assay, respectively.The fetal G1138A mutation was detectable in the two achondroplasia‐affected pregnancies by the analysis of cf‐DNA in maternal plasma using MALDI‐TOF MS. However, the size‐fractionation approach led to a more precise detection of the fetal mutation in both analyses.This analysis would be suitable for non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis of diseases caused by fetal single gene point mutations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
False positives in the prenatal ultrasound screening of fetal structural anomalies
Authors: Martinez‐Zamora M. Angels , Borrell Antoni , Borobio Virginia , Gonce Anna , Perez Marimer , Botet Francesc , Nadal Alfons , Albert Asteria , Puerto Bienvenido , Fortuny Albert 
Published: December 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the false‐positive diagnoses of prenatal ultrasound screening of fetal structural anomalies.MethodsPregnancies with fetal structural anomalies either detected prenatally in our center or referred to us, were registered, evaluated, and followed‐up prospectively by a multidisciplinary Congenital Defects Committee. After postnatal follow‐up was completed, cases were assigned as true positives, false positives or false negatives and categorized by anatomical systems. Pregnancies referred with a nonconfirmed suspicion of anomaly were not included. The false‐positive diagnoses were analyzed.ResultsFrom 1994 to 2004, 903 new registry entries of fetuses structurally abnormal at ultrasound with a complete follow‐up were included in the Committee database. There were 76 false positives, accounting for 9.3% of all the prenatally established diagnoses. The urinary tract anomalies were the most frequent false‐positive diagnoses found (n = 25; accounting for 8.7% of the urinary tract defects), but the genital anomalies showed the higher rate of no confirmation (n = 5; 15.2%). The specific anomalies most commonly not confirmed were renal pyelectasis (n = 9), cerebral ventriculomegaly (n = 9), abdominal cysts (n = 7) and short limbs (n = 7).ConclusionSeveral prenatally diagnosed anomalies would benefit from prudent counseling, because they may be normal variants or transient findings. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal cardiomyopathy—in utero evaluation and clinical significance
Authors: Yinon Yoav , Yagel Simcha , Hegesh Juluis , Weisz Boaz , Mazaki‐Tovi Shali , Lipitz Shlomo , Achiron Reuven 
Published: December 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the prenatal diagnosis and outcome of fetal cardiomyopathy (CM).MethodsThe charts, photographs and videotapes of all fetuses with CM, who were assessed during pregnancy at two referral centers, were reviewed.ResultsThe diagnosis of CM was established in 12 fetuses. All had structurally normal hearts, and all cases were diagnosed after 23 weeks of gestation, following normal early fetal echocardiogram. Three clusters of fetal CM appeared:

Familial—two sib fetuses of a mother, who is a second generation of CM. Both had dilated CM and pathological findings were consistent with the diagnosis of endocardial fibroelastosis.
Secondary—CM that was induced by another factor.
Idiopathic—six cases of CM without an underlying specific etiology
Three women elected to terminate their pregnancy. Among the nine who delivered, four had a favorable outcome with normal cardiac function at the age of 1 month, in which three belonged to the secondary category, and five cases were complicated by fetal/infant death.ConclusionsCM may develop during fetal life and might be diagnosed by prenatal echocardiography. Normal cardiac findings in a midtrimester fetus do not exclude subsequent development of CM. Detailed prenatal sonographic examination may aid in determining the neonatal outcome. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal anxiety and ultrasound markers for aneuploidy in a multiethnic population
Authors: Lee M. J. , Roman A. S. , Lusskin S. , Chen D. , Dulay A. , Funai E. F. , Monteagudo A. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractObjectiveDiscussion of isolated ultrasound (US) markers for fetal aneuploidy can provoke significant patient anxiety. The objective of this study is to quantify maternal anxiety associated with the detection of these markers.MethodsAll patients undergoing routine second‐trimester US examination for fetal anatomical survey over a one‐year period were administered the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for Adults before and after the procedure. Women with isolated fetal markers for aneuploidy were notified of the findings but discouraged from pursuing amniocentesis. Rates of normal US examination, aneuploidy markers, anomalies, amniocentesis, and pregnancy outcomes were assessed across the ethnic groups. Pre‐ and post‐ultrasound STAI surveys were scored and standardized with previously established norms. Student t‐tests, Chi‐square, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used where appropriate.ResultsAmong the 798 patients tested, 57% were Hispanic, 30% were Asian, 6% were Black, and 7% were White. Maternal anxiety level was decreased in women after a normal US. The anxiety level increased with aneuploidy markers and was the highest with anomalies. Aneuploidy markers were more common among Hispanic and Asian fetuses, without any associated aneuploidy. Women with isolated aneuploidy markers underwent amniocentesis as often as women with advanced maternal age.ConclusionThe detection and communication of isolated aneuploidy markers is associated with increased maternal anxiety and unnecessary amniocentesis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of small‐for‐gestational‐age twins with absent/reversed end diastolic flow in the umbilical artery: outcome of a policy of daily biophysical profile (BPP)
Authors: Kennelly Máiréad M. , Sturgiss Stephen N. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate a strategy of daily biophysical profile (BPP) for pregnancies with small‐for‐gestational‐age twins and with absent or reversed end diastolic flow (AREDF) in the umbilical artery of one twin and to assess the latency interval between detection and delivery in monochorionic (MC) and dichorionic (DC) twin pregnancy.MethodsA search of the Fetal Medicine Database was carried out between 2000 and 2005 at a single tertiary centre to identify all cases with AREDF in the umbilical artery with one small‐for‐gestational‐age twin. Active monitoring with daily BPP was undertaken, once the estimated fetal weights (EFW) was ≥ 500 g and at a gestational age of ≥ 24 weeks in both twins. Delivery was timed on the basis of an abnormal BPP, two equivocal BPP within 12 h or gestational age of ≥ 32+0 weeks.ResultsTwenty‐two MC and 17 DC twin pregnancies were identified. There were no fetal losses in the viable actively monitored MC (19) and DC (13) twins. There was a longer latency interval in the MC group at 21.7 days versus 14.4 days in the DC group (p = 0.13). Delivery was indicated for an abnormal BPP (57.8% MC vs 30.8% DC).ConclusionsA strategy of daily BPP can be used to monitor preterm twin fetuses with AREDF, prolonging pregnancy with an acceptable perinatal outcome. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Major brain lesions by intrauterine herpes simplex virus infection: MRI contribution
Authors: Duin L. K. , Willekes C. , Baldewijns M. M. L. , Robben S. G. F. , Offermans J. , Vles J. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe majority of neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections are acquired at birth as a consequence of direct fetal contact with the infected birth canal or through an ascending infection after premature rupture of the amniotic membranes. Intrauterine transmission of HSV infection from mother to the fetus is rare; in only 5% of the cases it occurs from haematogenous transplacental dissemination.We present a case of transplacental intrauterine HSV infection after a primary maternal HSV infection in the first trimester of pregnancy. The diagnosis was assessed by viral culture and serologic tests. Ultrasound imaging revealed fetal brain damage in the third trimester. Finally, the MRI showed the devastating extensiveness of the HSV infection, which was beyond the expectation based on the ultrasound images. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopic and theoretical investigation of capillary‐induced keto–enol tautomerism of phenacyl benzoylpyridinium‐type photoinitiators
Authors: Yonet Nihan , Bicak Niyazi , Yurtsever Mine , Yagci Yusuf 
Published: December 2006

AbstractPhenacyl benzoylpyridinium (PBP) salts are effective photoinitiatiors for cationic polymerization. In this study, it is shown that PBP salts are stable in their keto forms, and undergo a reversible keto–enol tautomerization reaction when a capillary action is applied. Spectroscopic and theoretical methods are used to explain the existence of the enol forms in the capillary tube. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry Society of Chemical Industry
Dispersion of soybean stock‐based nanofiber in a plastic matrix
Authors: Wang Bei , Sain Mohini 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe focus of this work is the study of the dispersion mechanism of soybean stock‐based nanofibers in a plastic matrix. The cellulose nanofibers were extracted from soybean stock by chemo‐mechanical treatments. These are bundles of cellulose nanofibers with a diameter ranging between 50 and 100 nm and lengths of thousands of nanometers. These nanofibers were characterized by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. X‐ray diffraction studies showed that the soybean stock nanofibers had a relative percentage crystallinity of about 48%. Selective chemical treatments increased the cellulose content of soybean stock nanofibers from 41 to 61%. The matrix polymers used in this project were poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and polyethylene (PE). The mechanical properties of nanofiber‐reinforced PVA film demonstrated a 4‐ to 5‐fold increase in tensile strength, as compared to the untreated fiber‐blend‐PVA film. One of the problems encountered in the use of nanoreinforcements lies in the difficulty in ensuring good dispersion of the filler in the composite material. Improved dispersion level of nanofibers within a thermoplastic was achieved by adding ethylene‐acrylic oligomer emulsion as a dispersant. In the solid phase of nanofiber‐blend‐PE composites, the compression‐molded samples showed that improved mechanical properties were achieved with coated nanofibers. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Low‐temperature photopolymerization and post‐cure characteristics of acrylates
Authors: Gao Xia , Nie Jun 
Published: December 2006

AbstractNear‐infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the post‐cure characteristics of acrylates polymerized from − 75 °C up to room temperature. The results obtained showed that the double bond conversion increased with increasing initiator concentration. Post‐cure was much more striking for samples cured at lower temperatures. The chemical structure of monomer and photoinitiator had a great effect on the post‐cure process. The greater the functionality, the lower the final double bond conversion and the more distinct the post‐cure effect. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry Society of Chemical Industry
Copolymerization of propylene with p‐allyltoluene using metallocene catalysts
Authors: Wu Chunhong , Li Huayi , Feng Yuqi , Hu Youliang 
Published: December 2006

AbstractCopolymerization of propylene with p‐allyltoluene (p‐AT) was performed using two metallocene catalysts, rac‐ethylenebis(indenyl)zirconium dichloride and rac‐dimethylsilylenebis[1‐(2‐methyl‐4‐phenylindenyl)]zirconium dichloride. The effects of the polymerization conditions, such as the amount of p‐AT in the feed and polymerization temperature, on the properties of the copolymers and the activity of the catalysts were investigated. With increasing p‐AT feed, the incorporation of p‐AT increased, but the activity of the metallocene catalyst, the melting temperature (Tm) and the number‐average molecular weight of the copolymers decreased. Higher polymerization temperature tended to enhance the activity of the metallocene catalyst and the incorporation of p‐AT. The copolymers produced using the two metallocene catalysts were characterized with 1H NMR, 13C NMR and differential scanning calorimetry; the results showed that the copolymers had a random structure. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry Society of Chemical Industry
Structural protein analysis of the polyvalent staphylococcal bacteriophage 812
Authors: Eyer Luděk , Pantůček Roman , Zdráhal Zbyněk , Konečná Hana , Kašpárek Petr , Růžičková Vladislava , Hernychová Lenka , Preisler Jan , Doškař Jiří 
Published: December 2006

AbstractPhage 812 is a polyvalent phage with a very broad host range in the genus Staphylococcus, which makes it a suitable candidate for phage therapy of staphylococcal infections. This proteomic study, combining the results of both 1‐DE and 2‐DE followed by PMF, led to the identification of 24 virion proteins. Twenty new proteins, not yet identified by proteome analysis of closely related staphylococcal phages K and G1 were identified using this approach. Fifteen proteins were assigned unambiguously to the head–tail genome module; the remaining nine proteins are encoded by genes of the left or right arms of the phage genome. As expected, the most abundant proteins in the electrophoretic patterns are the major capsid protein, the major tail sheath protein and proteins identical to ORF 50 and ORF 95 of phage K, although their function is only putative. Identification of these 20 new proteins contributes substantially to a detailed characterization of phage virions, knowledge of which is necessary for rational phage therapy.
Overexpression of CLIC1 in human gastric carcinoma and its clinicopathological significance
Authors: Chen Chi‐De , Wang Chia‐Siu , Huang Ya‐Hui , Chien Kun‐Yi , Liang Ying , Chen Wei‐Jan , Lin Kwang‐Huei 
Published: December 2006

AbstractGastric cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and the fifth leading cause of cancer‐related death in Taiwan. Identification of biomarkers is essential to improve patient survival. Fifty aberrantly expressed proteins were identified using 2‐DE combined with MALDI TOF MS and were grouped based on their function. The overexpression of proteins was confirmed using real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis. The clinicopathological correlations and prognostic significance of these aberrantly expressed proteins were evaluated to determine the novel gastric cancer biomarkers. In this study, expression of chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) is significantly up‐regulated in 67.9% of gastric patients and was selected for further study. The CLIC1 expression in tumor tissues was increased by 1.95‐fold (range, 0.01–6.19‐fold) compared with that expressed by adjacent noncancerous mucosa. Elevated CLIC1 expression was strongly correlated with lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion, perineural invasion, and pathological staging. Additionally, the 5‐year survival rate for the low CLIC1 expression group (n = 28; <1.72‐fold) was higher than that for the high CLIC1 expression group (n = 28; ≥1.72‐fold) (log rank, p = 0.0300). Experimental results indicate that overexpression of CLIC1 is a potential prognostic marker for gastric cancer.
Kinetic analysis of the cross reaction between dithioester and alkoxyamine by a Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Ao Yong , He Junpo , Han Xueqin , Liu Yang , Wang Xiaojun , Fan Deqin , Xu Jiangtao , Yang Yuliang 
Published: December 2006

AbstractA model reaction of dithioester and alkoxyamine is proposed to probe the reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) process. The kinetics of the model reaction is analyzed and compared with that of pure alkoxyamine homolysis with a Monte Carlo simulation. Although the pure alkoxyamine obeys the law of persistent radical effect, the model reaction results in higher concentration of the persistent radical during the main period of the reaction. However, for a very fast RAFT process or a very low addition rate constant, the time dependence of the persistent radical concentration is quite close to that of pure alkoxyamine. Furthermore, the cross termination between the intermediate and alkyl radicals causes a retardation effect for the model reaction when the intermediate is relatively long‐lived. The Monte Carlo simulation indicates that it is feasible to measure the individual rate constants of the RAFT process, such as the rate constant of addition, with a large excess of alkoxyamine. In addition, the special feature of the system with different leaving groups in the alkoxyamine and dithioester is also discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 374–387, 2007