bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting adverse neonatal outcome in severe fetal compromise: A pivotal role for estimated fetal weight Z scores
Authors: Moreira de Sa Renato Augusto , Salomon Laurent J. , Carvalho Paulo Roberto N. , Lopes Laudelino Marques , Ville Yves 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo identify significant predictors for adverse neonatal outcome in severe by compromised fetuses.MethodsConsecutive premature fetuses at between 25 and 32 weeks' with severe placental insufficiency were examined prospectively. Inclusion criteria were: singletons; normal anatomy; abnormal umbilical artery Doppler pulsatility index; abnormal cerebroplacental ratio; middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (PI) ⩽2 standard deviations. We considered as independent potential predicting variables: absent or reversed end diastolic flow in umbilical artery, abnormal ductus venosus S/A ratio, absent or reversed flow during atrial contraction in the ductus venosus, and estimated fetal weight (EFW) Z score. Outcome parameters were: neonatal mortality and severe neonatal morbidity (Periventricular‐Intraventricular Hemorrhage grade 03 or 04, Retinopathy of Prematurity stage 3 or 4, Periventricular Leukomalacia or Broncopulmonary Dysplasia).ResultsUnivariate analysis for all potential predicting variables was performed. EFW Z score index showed the strongest association with mortality and there was no fetal death or Retinopathy of Prematurity in the group with EFW Z‐score index below lower limit. There was no case of Cystic Periventricular Leukomalatia in these analyses. The area under receiver‐operator characteristic curve was significant for EFW Z‐score index.ConclusionOur study suggests that EFW Z score is the strongest predictor of adverse neonatal outcome in severely compromised fetuses. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of xeroderma pigmentosum and trichothiodystrophy in 76 pregnancies at risk
Authors: Kleijer Wim J. , van der Sterre Marianne L. T. , Garritsen Victor H. , Raams Anja , Jaspers Nicolaas G. J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveEvaluation of results in a consecutive series of 76 prenatal diagnoses for xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) and trichothiodystrophy (TTD) made since 1977.MethodsUV‐induced DNA repair synthesis was assessed by the autoradiographic measurement of the incorporation of 3H‐thymidine.ResultsXP was diagnosed in 19 of the 76 investigated pregnancies at risk; cultured chorionic villus (CV) cells were used in 33 pregnancies with ten affected fetuses and cultured amniocytes in 43 pregnancies with nine affected fetuses. In four cases, CVS results were corroborated by subsequent investigation of amniocytes because maternal cell contamination in the CV cell culture was either present or could not be excluded. Uncertain results in two other cases with intermediate DNA repair capacity and severe maternal cell contamination required further investigation. Median time needed for cell culture and analysis was 25 days. To reduce intra‐assay variations, a modification of the DNA repair synthesis assay has recently been developed. In this assay, patients and controls are investigated simultaneously in mixed cultures of cells labelled with polystyrene beads.ConclusionReliable prenatal diagnosis for XP and TTD can be made by the demonstration of clearly reduced UV‐induced DNA repair synthesis due to defective global genome nucleotide excision repair. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanocomposites of poly(L‐lysine) and single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Kim Jong‐Beom , Premkumar Thathan , Giani Olivia , Robin Jean‐Jaques , Schue Francois , Geckeler Kurt E 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Single‐walled carbon nanotubes have inspired research owing to their promise in a broad range of applications. The dispersion of carbon nanotubes is of key importance for the utilization of this interesting material for various potential applications.RESULTS: A novel and simple method was developed to fabricate polymer composites with single‐walled carbon nanotubes based on a solid‐state reaction, in which the nanotubes were reacted with poly(L‐lysine) using high‐speed vibration milling. Fourier transform infrared and UV‐visible spectroscopy as well as thermogravimetry were employed to characterize the novel composites. The morphology and the dispersion of the carbon nanotubes were determined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy.CONCLUSION: The resulting composites were dispersable in water and are expected to have great potential for both molecular‐level studies and device applications of nanotubes. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Effective biosynthesis of poly(3‐hydoxy‐ butyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) with high 4‐hydroxybutyrate fractions by Wautersia eutropha in the presence of α‐amino acids
Authors: Kimura Hiroshi , Ohura Takeshi , Matsumoto Taisuke , Ikarashi Takuya 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Biopolymers produced by microbes are in demand as their biodegradable and biocompatible properties make them suitable for disposable products and for potential use as biomaterials for medical applications. The effective microbial production of copolyesters of 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 4‐hydroxybutyrate(4HB) with high molar fractions of 4HB unit by a wild‐type Wautersia eutropha H16 was investigated in culture media containing 4‐hydroxybutyric acid (4HBA) and different carbon substrates in the presence of various α‐amino acids.RESULTS: The addition of carbon sources such as glucose, fructose and acetic acid to the culture medium containing 4HBA in the presence of α‐amino acids resulted in the production of random poly(3HB‐co‐4HB) with compositions of up to 77 mol% 4HB unit, but the yields of copolyesters with 60–77 mol% 4HB units were less than 15 wt% of dried cell weights. In contrast, when carbon sources such as propionic acid and butyric acid were used as the co‐substrates of 4HBA in the presence of α‐amino acids, poly(3HB‐co‐4HB) copolyesters with compositions of 72–86 mol% 4HB were produced at maximally 47.2 wt% of dried cell weight (11.3 g L−1) and the molar conversion yield of 4HBA to 4HB fraction in copolyesters was as high as 31.4 mol%. Further, poly(3HB‐co‐4HB) copolyesters with compositions of 93–96 mol% 4HB were isolated at up to 35.2 wt% of dried cell weights by fractionation of the above copolymers with chloroform/n‐hexane.CONCLUSION: The productivity of copolyesters with over 80 mol% 4HB fractions was as high as 0.146 g L−1 h−1 (3.51 g L−1 for 24 h) by flask batch cultivation. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Luminescence properties of poly‐ (phenylene vinylene) derivatives
Authors: Ton‐That Cuong , Stockton Geoff , Phillips Matthew R , Nguyen Thien‐Phap , Huang Chun Hao , Cojocaru Ala 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Conjugated polymers, especially those of the poly(phenylene vinylene) (PPV) family, are promising candidates as emission material in light‐emitting devices. The aim of this work was to investigate the dependence of the luminescence properties of PPV‐based derivatives on their polymer structure, especially side groups.RESULTS: Three PPV derivatives, BEHPPV, MEHPPV and MEHSPPV, were synthesised and characterised by photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopies in the temperature range 10–300 K. PL and CL spectra of the polymers exhibit similar luminescence peaks, which undergo a blue shift with increasing temperature. The shift in wavelength is accompanied by variations in the relative intensities of emission peaks. Both BEHPPV and MEHPPV display emission characteristics of the PPV backbone, but the peak of MEHPPV shifts to a longer wavelength in comparison with the corresponding peak of BEHPPV at the same temperature. The luminescence spectra of MEHSPPV, which has a sulfanyl incorporated in the side chain, are considerably different from those of the two other derivatives.CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that the luminescence properties depend strongly on the chain conformations of the conjugated backbone, which are affected by polymer side chains. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydration, entropy, and energy relationships for periodate oxidations
Authors: Taylor Jay E. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPeriodate oxidations of ethanediol and pinacol each occur in two phases; these are (1) formation and (2) decomposition of the intermediate complex. In phase (1), an increase in acidity gives ${\rm IO}_4^{-} \to {\rm H}_5 {\rm IO}_6 \to {\rm H}_6 {\rm IO}_6^{+}$. The rate of oxidation of ethanediol decreases with increasing acidity, whereas the rate of oxidation of pinacol maximizes with H5IO6. For both glycols, the activation energy increases and ΔSact decreases with increasing acidity. In phase (2), the energy of activation is essentially constant with pH, whereas the rate decreases, and the entropy of activation decreases modestly as pH decreases. The latter correlates with the nonhomogeniuty of product formation. Rates for 3‐chloro‐1,2‐propanediol are also listed. Pentaerythritol forms an inactive complex with ${\rm IO}_4^{{-} }$ or H5IO6 indicating the importance of chelation in the formation of the intermediate complex. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How do women who choose not to participate in population‐based cervical cancer screening reason about their decision?
Authors: Blomberg Karin , Ternestedt Britt‐Marie , Törnberg Sven , Tishelman Carol 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn Stockholm, Sweden, women are invited to a cost‐free population‐based cervical cancer screening programme (PCCSP) at regular intervals. Despite this, many women choose not to attend screening at all or to take opportunistic tests instead. This study explores how women who actively declined participation in the PCCSP reasoned about their choice. Qualitative telephone interviews and fax messages from women who actively declined participation in the PCCSP were analysed inductively. The manner in which women defined and conceptualized distinctions between, and the roles and responsibilities of, both private and public spheres were found to be central in explanations of decision making. Factors related to women's decisions not to participate in screening at all include a lack of confidence in the benefits of screening, previous negative health care and preventive experiences, a belief in one's own ability to discern health changes or a belief that one was not at risk for cervical cancer, as well as a number of unconventional standpoints on social and political issues. Women who chose not to participate in the organized PCCSP, but who did use private opportunistic screening, generally motivated this with direct or indirect criticism of the screening programme itself. Not only was the examination itself sensitive but also all facets of the PCCSP, from invitation letter on, were found to influence women's decisions. Using Jepson et al.'s ethical framework to peruse the evidence‐base underlying women's ‘informed decision‐making’ about CCS is suggested to be more constructive than discussing potential participants' knowledge versus lack of knowledge. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatic prediction of protein interactions with large scale motion
Authors: Schneidman‐Duhovny Dina , Nussinov Ruth , Wolfson Haim J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractProteins often change their conformation upon binding to other molecules. Taking these conformational changes into account in docking is an extremely difficult task: the larger the scale of the motion the harder it is to predict the structure of the association complex. Here, we present a fully automated method for flexible docking with large scale motion in one of the docked molecules. The method automatically identifies hinge regions and rigid parts and then docks the input molecules while explicitly considering the hinges and possible protein motions. Proteins 2007. ©2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Altered pesticide use on transgenic crops and the associated general impact from an environmental perspective
Authors: Kleter Gijs A , Bhula Raj , Bodnaruk Kevin , Carazo Elizabeth , Felsot Allan S , Harris Caroline A , Katayama Arata , Kuiper Harry A , Racke Kenneth D , Rubin Baruch , Shevah Yehuda , Stephenson Gerald R , Tanaka Keiji , Unsworth John , Wauchope R Donald , Wong Sue‐Sun 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe large‐scale commercial cultivation of transgenic crops has undergone a steady increase since their introduction 10 years ago. Most of these crops bear introduced traits that are of agronomic importance, such as herbicide or insect resistance. These traits are likely to impact upon the use of pesticides on these crops, as well as the pesticide market as a whole. Organizations like USDA‐ERS and NCFAP monitor the changes in crop pest management associated with the adoption of transgenic crops. As part of an IUPAC project on this topic, recent data are reviewed regarding the alterations in pesticide use that have been observed in practice. Most results indicate a decrease in the amounts of active ingredients applied to transgenic crops compared with conventional crops. In addition, a generic environmental indicator—the environmental impact quotient (EIQ)—has been applied by these authors and others to estimate the environmental consequences of the altered pesticide use on transgenic crops. The results show that the predicted environmental impact decreases in transgenic crops. With the advent of new types of agronomic trait and crops that have been genetically modified, it is useful to take also their potential environmental impacts into account. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Organophosphate insecticides and acaricides antagonise bifenazate toxicity through esterase inhibition in Tetranychus urticae
Authors: Van Leeuwen Thomas , Van Pottelberge Steven , Nauen Ralf , Tirry Luc 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Bifenazate is a carbazate acaricide known for its potency, particularly against tetranychid mite species such as the two‐spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). It was recently shown that the compound needs to be activated by an S,S,S‐tributyl‐phosphorotrithioate (DEF)‐sensitive mechanism in spider mites to display full acaricidal efficacy. The ability of well‐known organophosphates and carbamates to inhibit the activation of bifenazate and thus compromise its acaricidal potential was tested.RESULTS: Esterase activity determined in vivo after pre‐exposure of mites with organophosphates and carbamates revealed–depending on the compound–varying esterase inhibition nicely correlated with the ability of the individual compound to antagonise bifenazate action on mites.CONCLUSIONS: The findings illustrate that organophosphates and carbamates interfere with bifenazate efficacy, most probably by inhibiting carboxylesterases responsible for the activation of the pro‐drug. As a result of the strong antagonism, mixtures of bifenazate with carbamates or organophosphates should not be used under field conditions. Moreover, there exists a real threat in repeatedly applying organophosphates and bifenazate. The present study again illustrates how important mode of action information is for the proper planning of resistance management strategies. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Fmoc‐based solid phase chemical synthesis of 71‐meric neuregulin 1‐β1, an epidermal growth factor‐like domain
Authors: Kakizawa Taeko , Koide‐Yoshida Shizuyo , Kimura Tooru , Uchimura Hiromasa , Hayashi Yoshio , Saito Kazuki , Kiso Yoshiaki 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe human neuregulin 1‐β1 (NRG1‐β1, amino acid residues 176–246) was chemically synthesized by Fmoc‐based solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) followed by folding in a redox buffer. The biological activity of the synthesized NRG1‐β1 was confirmed by ligand‐induced tyrosine phosphorylation on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing ErbB‐4. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Bowman‐Birk trypsin inhibitor with antiproliferative activity from Hokkaido large black soybeans
Authors: Ho Vincent S. M. , NG T. B. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA trypsin inhibitor, with an N‐terminal sequence highly homologous to those of 8‐kDa Bowman‐Birk trypsin inhibitors, was isolated from the seeds of Hokkaido large black soybeans. The trypsin inhibitor was unadsorbed on SP‐Sepharose but adsorbed on DEAE‐cellulose and Mono Q. It inhibited proliferation in breast cancer (MCF‐7) cells and hepatoma (Hep G2) cells with an IC50 of 35 and 140 µM, respectively. The trypsin inhibitory activity of the inhibitor was completely preserved after exposure to temperatures up to 100 °C for 30 min and to the pH range 2–13 for the same duration. The trypsin inhibitor inhibited HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase with an IC50 of 38 µM, but was devoid of antifungal activity toward Fusarium oxysporum and Mycosphaerella arachidicola. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of ZnS shell on the Raman spectra from CdSe nanorods
Authors: Lange Holger , Machón María , Artemyev Mikhail , Woggon Ulrike , Thomsen Christian 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWe investigated the influence of an epitaxially grown ZnS shell on the phonon spectra of CdSe nanorods of different sizes. The CdSe related Raman peaks shift with addition of a ZnS shell. The longitudinal optical phonon shifts slightly due to strain and the low‐energy shoulder shifts stronger, which can be explained within a model for surface optical phonons. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ameliorative effects of pycnogenol® on carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatic oxidative damage in rats
Authors: Ahn Tai‐Hwan , Yang Young‐Su , Lee Jong‐Chan , Moon Chang‐Jong , Kim Sung‐Ho , Jun Woojin , Park Seung‐Chun , Kim Jong‐Choon 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis study evaluated the putative antioxidant activity of Pycnogenol® (PYC) against CCl4‐induced hepatic oxidative damage in Sprague‐Dawley rats. A single oral dose of CCl4 (1.25 mL/kg) produced significantly increased levels of serum aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities. In addition, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and decreased catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activities were observed in the hepatic tissues. However, concomitant administration with PYC (10 or 20 mg/kg) significantly improved CCl4‐induced hepatic injury, as evidenced by the decline of serum AST and ALT activities in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, PYC reduced MDA concentration and increased GSH levels and catalase, SOD and GST activities in hepatic tissues, indicating that concomitant administration with PYC efficiently prevent the CCl4‐induced oxidative damage in rats. The free radical scavenging assay showed that PYC has a dose‐dependent scavenging activity against 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals. These results indicate that PYC has an antioxidant effect against CCl4‐induced hepatic oxidative damage and is useful as a hepatoprotective agent against various liver diseases induced by oxidative stress. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness and safety of Devil's Claw tablets in patients with general rheumatic disorders
Authors: Warnock Mary , McBean Douglas , Suter Andreas , Tan Jen , Whittaker Patricia 
Published: September 2007

AbstractArthritis and other rheumatic conditions (AORC) are the leading cause of disability, are associated with poor quality of life and incur considerable direct and indirect costs. It is considered that the instance of AORC will continue to increase. To assess the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of Harpagophytum (Bioforce) in the treatment of AORC, a single group open study of 8 weeks duration (259 patients) was performed in the United Kingdom. Effectiveness was assessed by numeric rating scales, the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index and the Algofunctional Hand Osteoarthritis Index. Tolerance was measured by a numeric rating scale and safety by self‐reporting, blood analysis and liver function tests. Quality of life was measured by SF‐12 questionnaire. There were statistically significant (p < 0.0001) improvements in patient assessment of global pain, stiffness and function. There were also statistically significant reductions in mean pain scores for hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee and back pain. Quality of life measurements (SF‐12) were significantly increased from baseline and 60% patients either reduced or stopped concomitant pain medication. Harpagophytum is an effective and well‐tolerated serious treatment option for mild to moderate degenerative rheumatic disorders providing improved quality of life measure. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiviral effects of Glycyrrhiza species
Authors: Fiore Cristina , Eisenhut Michael , Krausse Rea , Ragazzi Eugenio , Pellati Donatella , Armanini Decio , Bielenberg Jens 
Published: September 2007

AbstractHistorical sources for the use of Glycyrrhiza species include ancient manuscripts from China, India and Greece. They all mention its use for symptoms of viral respiratory tract infections and hepatitis. Randomized controlled trials confirmed that the Glycyrrhiza glabra derived compound glycyrrhizin and its derivatives reduced hepatocellular damage in chronic hepatitis B and C. In hepatitis C virus‐induced cirrhosis the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma was reduced. Animal studies demonstrated a reduction of mortality and viral activity in herpes simplex virus encephalitis and influenza A virus pneumonia. In vitro studies revealed antiviral activity against HIV‐1, SARS related coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, arboviruses, vaccinia virus and vesicular stomatitis virus.Mechanisms for antiviral activity of Glycyrrhiza spp. include reduced transport to the membrane and sialylation of hepatitis B virus surface antigen, reduction of membrane fluidity leading to inhibition of fusion of the viral membrane of HIV‐1 with the cell, induction of interferon gamma in T‐cells, inhibition of phosphorylating enzymes in vesicular stomatitis virus infection and reduction of viral latency.Future research needs to explore the potency of compounds derived from licorice in prevention and treatment of influenza A virus pneumonia and as an adjuvant treatment in patients infected with HIV resistant to antiretroviral drugs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effect of phlorotannin components phloroglucinol and eckol on radiation‐induced intestinal injury in mice
Authors: Moon Changjong , Kim Sung‐Ho , Kim Jong‐Choon , Hyun Jin Won , Lee Nam Ho , Park Jae Woo , Shin Taekyun 
Published: September 2007

AbstractComponents of phlorotannin, which were extracted from Ecklonia species, have been reported to have in vitro radioprotective and antioxidative effects. The radioprotective effects of two of the components of phlorotannin, phloroglucinol and eckol, in intestinal stem cells were examined by evaluating their effects on jejunal crypt survival and apoptosis in gamma‐irradiated mice. Pretreating the mice (i.p. 20 mg/kg of body weight at 12 and 36 h before irradiation) prior to irradiation with either phloroglucinol or eckol significantly improved the survival of the jejunal crypt (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01 vs irradiation controls at 3.5 days after 8 Gy irradiation, respectively). The administration of phloroglucinol and eckol prior to irradiation protected the intestinal crypts from radiation‐induced apoptosis (p < 0.05 vs irradiation controls at 12 h after 1 Gy irradiation). Although the mechanism for this inhibitory effect remains unknown, these results showed that phloroglucinol and eckol might be useful radioprotectors that can defend intestinal stem cells against the oxidative damage caused by gamma‐irradiation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.