bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gd(III)‐EPTPAC16, a new self‐assembling potential liver MRI contrast agent:in vitrocharacterization andin vivoanimal imaging studies
Authors: Torres Suzana , Prata Maria I. M. , Santos Ana C. , André João P. , Martins José A. , Helm Lothar , Tóth Éva , García‐Martín Maria L. , Rodrigues Tiago B. , López‐Larrubia Pilar , Cerdán Sebastián , Geraldes Carlos F. G. C. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe recently reported amphiphilic chelate, [Gd(EPTPAC16)(H2O)]2−, forms supramolecular aggregates in aqueous solution by self‐assembly of the monomers with a relaxometrically determined critical micellar concentration (CMC) of 0.34 mM. The effect of sonication on the aggregate size was characterized by dynamic light scattering and relaxometry, indicating the presence of premicellar aggregates and an overall decrease in aggregate size and polydispersity upon sonication, slightly below the CMC. {[153Sm](EPTPAC16)(H2O)}2−radiotracer was evaluatedin vivofromγscintigraphy and biodistribution in Wistar rats. It was found to depend strongly on the sample concentration, below or above the CMC, and its sonication, in a way that correlates with the effect of the same factors on the size of the aggregates formed in solution. Below CMC, the very large aggregates of the [153Sm]3+‐labeled chelate were persistently and mainly taken up by the lungs, and also by the macrophage‐rich liver and spleen. Sonication of this solution led to loss of the lung uptake. Above CMC, the metal chelate was mainly taken up by the liver, with very little uptake by the spleen and lungs.In vivo, dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI evaluation of the micellar [Gd(EPTPAC16)(H2O)]2−compound in Wistar rats showed a persistent hepatic positive‐contrast effect inT1‐weighted images, qualitatively similar to the clinically established GdIII‐based hepatobiliary‐selective agents. No enhancement effect was observed in the lungs because of the scarcity of mobile protons in this organ, despite the scintigraphic evidence of significant lung retention of the [153Sm]3+‐labeled chelate at concentrations below the CMC. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glass bead grafting with poly(carboxylic acid) polymers and maleic anhydride copolymers
Authors: Zengin H. , Siddiqui J. A. , Ottenbrite R. M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractGlass beads were etched with acids and bases to increase the surface porosity and the number of silanol groups that could be used for grafting materials to the surfaces. The pretreated glass beads were functionalized using 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) coupling agent and then further chemically modified by reacting the carboxyl groups of carboxylic acid polymers with the amino groups of the pregrafted APS. Several carboxylic acid polymers and poly(maleic anhydride) copolymers, such as poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA), poly(styrene‐alt‐maleic anhydride) (PSMA), and poly(ethylene‐alt‐maleic anhydride) (PEMA) were grafted onto the bead surface. The chemical modifications were investigated and characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy, particle size analysis, and tensiometry for contact angle and porosity changes. The amount of APS and the different polymer grafted on the surface was determined from thermal gravimetric analysis and elemental analysis data. Spectroscopic studies and elemental analysis data showed that carboxylic acid polymers and maleic anhydride copolymers were chemically attached to the glass bead surface. The improved surface properties of surface modified glass beads were determined by measuring water and hexane penetration rates and contact angle. Contact angles increased and porosity decreased as the molecular weights of the polymer increased. The contact angles increased with the hydrophobicity of the attached polymer. The surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and showed an increase in roughness for etched glass beads. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in clinically isolated syndromes and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Fiorini Michele , Zanusso Gianluigi , Benedetti Maria Donata , Righetti Pier Giorgio , Monaco Salvatore 
Published: August 2007

AbstractA panel of three cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers for clinically isolated syndromes (CIS) and multiple sclerosis (MS), based on SDS‐PAGE, 2‐D maps, and immunoblot results, is here proposed. No individual marker has any specificity, though, since they appear in a number of other neurological diseases. However the set of three, with the respective modulation sign (up‐regulated or maintained at constant level), appears to be unique for MS. These proteins are: tau protein (levels remaining constant and undistinguishable from controls, contrary to up‐ and downregulation in other neurological disorders); 14‐3‐3 protein (strong upregulation of distinct isoforms) and cystatin C (changing in accordance to disease stage and progression). As an additional evidence, one can rely in the pattern of isoforms of 14‐3‐3, as obtained by 2‐D maps and Western blot analysis: this pattern further distinguishes the variation of this protein from other neurological syndromes, notably sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD), motor neuron diseases and other dementias. In contrast, a similar qualitative and quantitative upregulation of 14‐3‐3 is observed in Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), a demyelinating condition affecting the peripheral nervous system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time in which such a panel of biomarkers is reported in MS.
Protein microarray platforms for clinical proteomics
Authors: Pollard Harvey B. , Srivastava Meera , Eidelman Ofer , Jozwik Catherine , Rothwell Stephen W. , Mueller Gregory P. , Jacobowitz David M. , Darling Thomas , Guggino William B. , Wright Jerry , Zeitlin Pamela L. , Paweletz Cloud P. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractProteomics for clinical applications is presently in a state of transition. It has become clear that the classical approaches based on 2‐DE and/or MS need to be complemented by different kinds of technologies. The well‐known problems include sample complexity, sensitivity, quantitation, reproducibility, and analysis time. We suggest that the new technologies for clinical proteomics can be supported by antibody‐centric protein microarray platforms. These platforms presently include antibody microarrays and lysate, or reverse capture/reverse phase protein microarrays. Other forms of these arrays are in less mature developmental stages, including ORF and self assembling protein microarrays. Bioinformatic support for interpreting these arrays is becoming more available as the whole field of systems biology begins to mature. The present set of applications for these platforms is profoundly focused on certain common cancers, immunology, and cystic fibrosis. However, we predict that many more disease entities will become studied as knowledge of the power and availability of these platforms becomes more widely established. We anticipate that these platforms will eventually evolve to accommodate label‐free detection technologies, human genome‐scale numbers of analytes, and increases in analytic and bioinformatic speeds.
Characterization of the self‐reactive decomposition of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide in three different diluents
Authors: Wang Y.‐W. , Duh Y.‐S. , Shu C.‐M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractSelf‐reactive decompositions associated with the exothermic behavior of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) solutions with three diluents of H2O, tert‐butanol, and nonane were investigated. We used two calorimeters, Differential Scanning Calorimeter and Vent Sizing Package 2, to characterize the inherent thermal hazards of TBHP solutions. By thermal analysis, various heats of decomposition of TBHP in water, in nonane, and in tert‐butanol solutions were determined to be 1622.4, 1438.8, and 753.2 J/g of TBHP, respectively. Adiabatic runaway data, such as exothermic onset temperature, maximum self‐heat rate, maximum pressure rate, adiabatic time to maximum rate, and noncondensable pressure, were obtained using a VSP2. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 2007
Gelatinization and Pasting Properties of Waxy and Non‐waxy Rice Starches
Authors: Park In‐Myoung , Ibáñez Ana Maria , Zhong Fang , Shoemaker Charles F. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractGelatinization and pasting properties of diverse rice types grown in two locations were examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rotational rheometry, respectively. The data were compared to previously reported molecular starch properties for these samples: specifically, amylose content, starch molecular weight (Mw), and amylopectin side‐chain‐length distributions. Significant correlations were observed between amylose content, starch Mw, and the weight degree of polymerization of the long side chains of amylopectin F1(DPw) and many of the gelatinization and pasting properties measured. Higher amylose content corresponded with increased gelatinization onset (To) and peak temperatures (Tp), pasting onset and peak temperatures, and decreased peak and trough viscosity. Starch Mw correlated negatively with To, Tp, pasting onset, and peak temperature and positively with peak, trough, final, and breakdown viscosity. Amylopectin with DPw 59‐78 of F1(DPw) correlated with increased To, Tp, pasting onset and peak temperature, and decreased peak, trough, final and breakdown viscosity. Pasting properties were also somewhat related to DPw 21 of shorter side chains of amylopectin (F2(DPw)). Significant correlations between F2(DPw) and peak, final, and breakdown viscosity were observed (r = −0.447*, −0.391*, −0.388*, peak, final, and breakdown viscosity, respectively).
Viscosity, Swelling and Starch Leaching During the Early Stages of Pasting of Normal and Waxy Rice Starch Suspensions Containing Different Milk Protein Ingredients
Authors: Noisuwan Angkana , Hemar Yacine , Bronlund John E. , Wilkinson Brian , Williams Martin A. K. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe effects of three milk protein ingredients, sodium caseinate (NaCAS), whey protein isolate (WPI) and skim milk powder (SMP), on the swelling and leaching behaviour of normal and waxy rice starch solutions, during the early stages of pasting, were investigated. It was found that the swelling onset temperature for both starches was increased by NaCAS and SMP but was not affected by WPI. Furthermore, onset temperature determined by the swelling measurements was lower than the onset temperature determined from viscosity measurements. However, the calculated viscometric onset temperature, using the Maron‐Pierce equation and the results of the swelling measurements, was found to be in very good agreement with the measured viscometric onset temperature. This study also showed that the quantity of leached polysaccharides during the early stages of starch pasting was very small, indicating that significant leaching of polysaccharides during pasting primarily occurs after the break‐up of the sheared starch granules.
Ultrasound Effects on the Structure and Chemical Reactivity of Cornstarch Granules
Authors: Huang Qiang , Li Lin , Fu Xiong 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe changes of structure and chemical reactivity of ultrasound‐treated cornstarch (UTCS) granules are presented and discussed. It was found by polarized light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) that the crystalline structure of UTCS granules did not change, but the amorphous area was slightly destroyed. Pores or channels were detected in the UTCS granules. X‐ray diffraction revealed that UTCS had the A‐type crystalline pattern of native cornstarch, which were not markedly changed. The gelatinization temperature and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔH) of UTCS first increased and then slightly dropped with increasing degree of hydrolysis (DH). An increase in the DH of UTCS from 0 to 3.1 % resulted in an insignificant change in the degree of substitution (DS) and reaction efficiency (RE). Further increases in the degree of hydrolysis up to 15.7 % resulted in an obvious increase in the DS and RE, but increase in the DH to even higher values drastically decreased DS and RE. Compared with hydroxypropylated cornstarch, the pasting temperature of hydroxypropylated UTCS increased, but UTCS exhibited a lower maximum viscosity. The breakdown of hydroxypropylated starch paste was reduced after ultrasonic treatment before hydroxypropylation. The setback value increased after ultrasonic pretreatment when the degree of hydrolysis was < 7.8 % but decreased at DH > 7.8 %.
Prospective evaluation of the risk of pre‐eclampsia using logistic regression analysis
Authors: Simonazzi G. , Vicenzi C. , Rizzo M. A. , Farina A. , Gabrielli S. , Arcelli D. , Pilu G. , Sekizawa A. , Rizzo N. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo calculate the risk of developing pre‐eclampsia (PET) in a consecutive series of low‐risk women at 18–24 weeks' gestation, using recently published logistic regression models.MethodsThis was a prospective study, with complete follow‐up, in a consecutive series of unselected low‐risk singleton pregnancies. Uterine artery pulsatility index as well as a combination of maternal factors were recorded at 18–24 weeks' gestation. The distribution of the estimated risks for the 16 PET patients was compared with that obtained for 136 women who had a normal pregnancy, as assessed by routine testing. A receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the detection rate at fixed false‐positive rates (FPRs) of 5%, 10% and 20% and the corresponding odds cut‐offs.ResultsJust 1/16 (6.2%) women with PET developed the disease before the 34th week of gestation. Using the ‘All PET’ logistic regression model, for 16 PET cases the overall median odds was 1 : 1454, higher compared with that of 1 : 41635 estimated for controls. Using the ‘PET ≥ 34 weeks’ model, the median odds of the 15 women who developed PET late was 1 : 3405, compared with 1 : 40785 for controls. In the case of PET before 34 weeks, the risk was 1 : 426373 vs. 1 : 4159823126 estimated for controls (‘PET < 34 weeks’ model). Detection rates for the All PET model were 18%, 50% and 62% at a FPR of 5%, 10% and 20%, respectively. For the PET ≥ 34 weeks model these detection rates were 6%, 46% and 60%, respectively.ConclusionEven though the individual odds estimation is too low to represent the real risk of PET, the recently published logistic regression models detected more than 60% of PET at a FPR of 20% for both All PET and PET ≥ 34 weeks models. Using these models in clinical practice does not seem to give any significant improvement over Doppler alone in the prediction of PET, but the use of a PET‐specific odds instead of an actual Doppler value alone seems to be useful for clinical management. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computerized fetal heart rate analysis, Doppler ultrasound and biophysical profile score in the prediction of acid–base status of growth‐restricted fetuses
Authors: Turan S. , Turan O. M. , Berg C. , Moyano D. , Bhide A. , Bower S. , Thilaganathan B. , Gembruch U. , Nicolaides K. , Harman C. , Baschat A. A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the performance of non‐stress test (NST), computerized fetal heart rate analysis (cCTG), biophysical profile scoring (BPS) and arterial and venous Doppler ultrasound investigation in the prediction of acid–base status in fetal growth restriction.MethodsGrowth‐restricted fetuses, defined by abdominal circumference < 5th percentile and umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index > 95th percentile, were tested by NST, cCTG, BPS, and UA, middle cerebral artery (MCA), ductus venosus (DV) and umbilical vein (UV) Doppler investigation. The short‐term variation (STV) of the fetal heart rate was calculated using the Oxford Sonicaid 8002 cCTG system. Relationships between antenatal test results and cord artery pH < 7.20 were investigated, using correlation, parametric and non‐parametric tests.ResultsFifty‐six of 58 patients (96.6%) received complete assessment of all variables. All were delivered by pre‐labor Cesarean section at a median gestational age of 30 + 6 weeks. The UA pulsatility index (PI) was negatively correlated with the cCTG STV (Pearson correlation − 0.29, P < 0.05). The DV PI was negatively correlated with the pH (Pearson correlation − 0.30, P < 0.02). The cCTG mean minute variation and pH were not significantly correlated (Pearson correlation 0.13, P = 0.34). UV pulsations identified the highest proportion of neonates with a low birth pH (9/17, 53%), the highest number of false positives among patients with an abnormal BPS, abnormal DV Doppler and a STV < 3.5 ms, and also stratified false negatives among patients with an equivocal or normal BPS. Abnormal DV Doppler correctly identified false positives among patients with an abnormal BPS. cCTG reduced the rate of an equivocal BPS from 16% to 7.1% when substituted for the traditional NST. Elevated DV Doppler index and umbilical venous pulsations predicted a low pH with 73% sensitivity and 90% specificity (P = 0.008).ConclusionIn fetal growth restriction with placental insufficiency, venous Doppler investigation provides the best prediction of acid–base status. The cCTG performs best when combined with venous Doppler or as a substitute for the traditional NST in the BPS. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound assessment of endometrial morphology and vascularity to predict endometrial malignancy in women with postmenopausal bleeding and sonographic endometrial thickness ≥ 4.5 mm
Authors: Opolskiene G. , Sladkevicius P. , Valentin L. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo determine which endometrial morphology characteristics as assessed by gray‐scale ultrasound and which endometrial vessel characteristics as assessed by power Doppler ultrasound are useful for discriminating between benign and malignant endometrium in women with postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) and sonographic endometrial thickness ≥ 4.5 mm and to develop logistic regression models to calculate the individual risk of endometrial malignancy in women with PMB, endometrial thickness ≥ 4.5 mm, good visibility of the endometrium and detectable Doppler signals in the endometrium.MethodsOf 223 consecutive patients with PMB and sonographic endometrial thickness ≥ 4.5 mm, 120 fulfilled our inclusion criteria. They underwent transvaginal gray‐scale and power Doppler ultrasound examination, which was videotaped for later analysis by two examiners with more than 15 years' experience in gynecological ultrasonography. They independently assessed endometrial morphology and vascularity using predetermined criteria. Their agreed‐upon description was compared with the histological diagnosis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. The best diagnostic test was defined as the one with the largest area under the receiver–operating characteristics curve (AUC).ResultsThirty (25%) endometria were malignant. Inter‐observer agreement for the description of endometrial morphology and vascularity was moderate to good (Kappa 0.49–0.78). The best ultrasound variables to predict malignancy were heterogeneous endometrial echogenicity (AUC 0.83), endometrial thickness (AUC 0.80), and irregular branching of endometrial blood vessels (AUC 0.77). A logistic regression model including endometrial thickness and heterogeneous endometrial echogenicity had an AUC of 0.91. Its mathematically best risk cut‐off yielded a positive likelihood ratio of 4.4, and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.1. Adding Doppler information to the model improved diagnostic performance marginally (AUC 0.92).ConclusionsIn selected high‐risk women with PMB and an endometrial thickness of ≥ 4.5 mm, calculation of the individual risk of endometrial malignancy using regression models including gray‐scale and Doppler characteristics can be used to tailor management. These models would need to be tested prospectively before introduction into clinical practice. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonographic visualization of the middle phalanx of the fetal fifth digit between 13 and 17 weeks of gestation
Authors: Zalel Y. , Achiron R. , Kivilevitch Z. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo assess in utero visualization of the middle phalanx of the fifth digit (MPFD) between 13 and 17 weeks of gestation.MethodsThis was a prospective cross‐sectional study in which women attending for fetal sonographic examination between 13 + 0 and 17 + 6 weeks of gestation were evaluated for the presence of the middle phalanx of the fifth digit (MPFD). A total of 682 fetuses with normal findings on first‐trimester anatomical examination were recruited. Using transvaginal multifrequency 4–8 and 5–9 MHz probes, the fifth finger was examined in both axial and lateral views until optimal visualization of the MPFD was achieved.ResultsThe MPFD was visualized in 14.3% (2/14) of cases at 13 weeks, 70.3% (154/219) at 14 weeks, 82.2% (240/292) at 15 weeks, 97.4% (111/114) at 16 weeks and 100% (43/43) at 17 weeks of gestation.ConclusionsUltrasound visualization of the MPFD gradually increases during the 13‐ to 17‐week period. This emphasizes the limited role of non‐ossification of the MPFD as a sonographic marker of Down syndrome before 17 weeks of gestation. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tandem mass spectrometric determination of succinylacetone in dried blood spots enables presymptomatic detection in a case of hepatorenal tyrosinaemia
Authors: Weigel J. F. W. , Janzen N. , Pfäffle R. W. , Thiery J. , Kiess W. , Ceglarek U. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryTyrosinaemia type I, or fumarylacetoacetase deficiency, causes hepatorenal damage by accumulation of fumarylacetoacetate. Patients are generally in good condition at birth, but are at risk of developing serious metabolic crises with liver failure and hepatic coma. An early start of treatment with NTBC and a tyrosine‐balanced diet can prevent harm to the patients. The application of tandem mass spectrometry to newborn screening allows for easy determination of tyrosine to detect the presence of hypertyrosinaemia in the neonate, but most patients with tyrosinaemia type I do not present with high tyrosine levels at the time of newborn screening. We report on a 7‐week‐old girl presenting with acute hepatopathy and severe coagulopathy due to tyrosinaemia type I. The metabolic screening, which was performed by tandem mass spectrometry at the age of 48 h, had revealed normal values for tyrosine and methionine that were well within ranges observed in the general population and equally normal ratios of methionine/tyrosine and tyrosine/serine. In this patient even lowering the cut‐off levels for tyrosine and methionine would not have provided better sensitivity. Residual blood spots from the newborn screening filter paper were retrospectively analysed using a specific mass‐spectrometric method for the detection of succinylacetone and revealed a 5‐fold elevated succinylacetone concentration. This indicates that identification of all newborns with hepatorenal tyrosinaemia is only possible by determination of succinylacetone as part of the newborn screening process.