bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applications of proteomic methodologies to human pregnancy research: A growing gestation approaching delivery?
Authors: Shankar Renu , Cullinane Fiona , Brennecke Shaun Patrick , Moses Eric Keith 
Published: May 2004

AbstractMaternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality rates are significantly higher in pregnancies complicated by preterm labor, pre‐eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Decades of research have not translated into a clear understanding of the underlying pathophysiologies or effective identification of women who are at high risk of developing these complications. Often the severity of these diseases does not correlate with the clinical symptoms, and current diagnostic methods are unable to accurately predict the conditions prior to clinical presentation. Though several potential markers have been proposed for each of these disorders, to date none have proven clinical utility. Emerging proteomic technology is only beginning to be employed in pregnancy research. A comprehensive analysis of gestational tissues can be expected to contribute to the elucidation of the complex molecular mechanisms of pregnancy and related complications. Comparison of the expression profiles of normal and pathogenic tissues and biofluids may also highlight novel candidate marker proteins that have so far remained undetected. More interestingly, rapidly evolving technologies using sophisticated bioinformatic tools are demonstrating their potential in disease diagnostics by using overall protein profiles to detect diseases. The clinical significance of these methodological advances is enormous. Early diagnosis together with improved understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms can enhance outcomes and increase effective management and therapeutic options.
Proteomic approaches in endometriosis research
Authors: Poliness Anne E. , Healey Martin G. , Brennecke Shaun P. , Moses Eric K. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractTo date, the quest to develop a noninvasive diagnostic test for endometriosis has mostly concentrated on the levels of cytokines and growth factors that are involved in inflammation, angioneogenesis and tissue remodeling, present in serum, peritoneal fluid, endometrium and endometriotic lesions. As this has not yet translated into the development of such a diagnostic test, proteomic techniques are now being employed to identify proteins that are potential biomarkers for the disease. As proteomics allows the comprehensive analysis of complex fluid and tissue samples with good sensitivity and resolution, it has promise in delivering markers associated with endometriosis. Once identified, the challenge will be in translating these markers into a clinically useful test for endometriosis, as the pathophysiology of this disease is unknown and likely to be complex and multifactorial. Also, with variation between individuals and the influences of steroid hormones during the menstrual cycle, it could be difficult to validate findings relating to a single protein or small groups of proteins differentially expressed in the disease state. Proteomic profiling, using mass spectrometry in combination with sophisticated bioinformatics software to identify protein patterns, may be where a significant clinical diagnostic contribution can be made.
Block copolymer nanoparticles of controlled sizes via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization
Authors: Carrillo Alvaro , Kane Ravi S. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThis article describes the formation and characterization of self‐assembled nanoparticles of controlled sizes based on amphiphilic block copolymers synthesized by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization. We synthesized a novel hydrophobic derivative of norbornene; this monomer could be polymerized using Grubbs' catalyst [Cl2Ru(CHPh)(PCy3)2] forming polymers of controlled molecular weight. We synthesized amphiphilic block copolymers of controlled composition and showed that they assemble into nanoparticles of controlled size. The nanoparticles were characterized using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Tuning the composition of the block copolymer enables the tuning of the diameters of the nanoparticles in the 30‐ to 80‐nm range. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3352–3359, 2004
Facile synthesis and characterization of the copolymers and their pure nanoparticles from aniline with 4‐sulfonic diphenylamine
Authors: Li Xin‐Gui , Zhou Hai‐Jun , Huang Mei‐Rong , Zhu Mei‐Fang , Chen Yan‐Mo 
Published: May 2004

AbstractCopolymer nanoparticles from aniline (AN) and 4‐sulfonic diphenylamine (SDP) were simply synthesized for the first time by an oxidative precipitation polymerization with inorganic oxidants in an acidic aqueous medium without any external emulsifier or stabilizer. The polymerization yield, intrinsic viscosity, solubility, solvatochromism, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability of the copolymers were systematically studied through changes in the AN/SDP ratio, polymerization temperature, oxidant species, monomer/oxidant ratio, and acidic medium. The molecular structure of the copolymers was characterized with elemental analysis, IR, and ultraviolet–visible spectra. The polymers exhibited very good solubility in polar solvents, water, and NH4OH, and this was mainly attributable to the presence of sulfonic acid side groups. The electrical conductivity of the copolymers increased greatly, from 6.00 × 10−4 to 2.55 × 10−1 S/cm, with increasing AN content. The size of the copolymer particles, determined by laser particle analysis and atomic force microscopy (AFM), strongly depended on the polymer state and oxidant/monomer ratio. Pure dedoped particles of the AN/SDP (50/50) copolymer at an oxidant/monomer ratio of 1/2 exhibited minimum length/diameter ratios of 62/44 and 45/30 nm by AFM and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The copolymers showed typical four‐step weight‐loss behavior in nitrogen and air and higher thermostability in nitrogen. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3380–3394, 2004
Ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight‐polyethylene‐fiber surface treatment by electron‐beam‐irradiation‐induced graft polymerization and its effect on adhesion in a styrene–butadiene rubber matrix
Authors: Sakurai K. , Kondo Y. , Miyazaki K. , Okamoto T. , Irie S. , Sasaki T. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractAiming to develop a high‐performance fiber‐reinforced rubber from styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR), we applied a special technique using electron‐beam (EB)‐irradiation‐induced graft polymerization to ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight‐polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers. The molecular interaction between the grafted UHMWPE fibers and an SBR matrix was studied through the evaluation of the adhesive behavior of the fibers in the SBR matrix. Although UHMWPE was chemically inert, two monomers, styrene and N‐vinyl formamide (NVF), were examined for graft polymerization onto the UHMWPE fiber surface. Styrene was not effective, but NVF was graft‐polymerized onto the UHMWPE fibers with this special method. A methanol/water mixture and dioxane were used as solvents for NVF, and the effects of the solvents on the grafting percentage of NVF were also examined. The methanol/water mixture was more effective. A grafting percentage of 16.4% was the highest obtained. This improved the adhesive force threefold with respect to that of untreated UHMWPE fibers. These results demonstrated that EB irradiation enabled graft polymerization to occur even on the inert surface of UHMWPE fibers. However, the mechanical properties of the fibers could be compromised according to the dose of EB irradiation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 2595–2603, 2004
Antioxidant activity of three extracts of Morus nigra
Authors: Naderi Gholam Ali , Asgary Seddigheh , Sarraf‐Zadegan Nizal , Oroojy Heshmatallah , Afshin‐Nia Farsad 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe antioxidant effect of three different extracts of Morus nigra fruit (fruit juice, hydroalcoholic and polyphenolic) on haemoglobin glycosylation, peroxidative damage to human erythrocytes, liver hepatooytes of rats and human low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) were studied. The results show that all three extracts inhibited haemoglobin glycosylation induced by glucose to differing degrees. The haemolysis of human erythrocytes induced by hydrogen peroxide was also inhibited. The production of malondialdehyde (MDA) during peroxidative damage to plasma membranes of isolated rat hepatocytes induced by tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (tBH) was also inhibited. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation of LDL induced by copper (II) ion was achieved during the study.The results suggest that Morus nigra fruit has a protective action against peroxidative damage to biomembranes and biomolecules. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the anticarcinogenic activity of Swertia chirata Buch.Ham, an Indian medicinal plant, on DMBA‐induced mouse skin carcinogenesis model
Authors: Saha Prosenjit , Mandal Suvra , Das Ashes , Das Prabhas C. , Das Sukta 
Published: May 2004

AbstractConsiderable attention has been focused on plants which are sources of natural anti‐oxidant compounds, because most of them have a modulatory role on physiological functions and biotransformation reactions involved in the detoxiﬁcation process. Such compounds are likely to afford protection from cytotoxic, genotoxic and metabolic actions of environmental toxicant thereby reducing the risk for cancer. The present study reports the anticarcinogenic activity of Swertia chirata Buch.Ham, an Indian medicinal plant. All the four detoxiﬁcation enzymes studied viz, GST, GPx, SOD and CAT were found to be activated in different degrees following treatment with infusion of Swertia chirata, its crude extract and a puriﬁed ‘Amarogentin’ rich extract. The activation of the enzymes was accompanied by signiﬁcant reduction in lipid peroxidation and inhibition of incidence as well as multiplicity of Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced papillomas. The effect of S.chirata on apoptosis and cell proliferation was also studied in mice skin exposed to DMBA. Both the crude and puriﬁed extracts signiﬁcantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. This is the ﬁrst report of its kind and the observation suggests the chemopreventive potential of Swertia chirata. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevention of bone loss by oil extract of garlic (Allium sativum Linn.) in an ovariectomized rat model of osteoporosis
Authors: Mukherjee M. , Das A. S. , Mitra S. , Mitra C. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe effects of oil extract of garlic (Allium sativum Linn.) on different primary and secondary osteoporotic marker changes were tested in an ovariectomized rat model of osteoporosis. Experiments were performed on three different rat models: sham‐operated control, ovariectomized and ovariectomized supplemented with garlic oil. In ovariectomized group, there has been a signiﬁcant increase in different relative organ weights compared to sham‐operated control, while the uterine weight was found to be decreased. Supplementation with oil extract of garlic could effectively reverse these changes. Also low bone densities that developed in the ovariectomized group were signiﬁcantly recovered in the garlic oil supplemented group. In our study, the development of high rate of bone turnover and osteoporosis in the ovariectomized animals were conﬁrmed by signiﬁcant alteration of serum alkaline phosphatase activity, serum tartrate resistant acid phosphatase activity, urinary excretion of calcium, phosphate, hydroxyproline and urinary calcium to creatinine ratio, when compared with the sham‐operated control group. Garlic oil extract supplementation, apart from its unique inﬂuence in lowering blood cholesterol, could also prevent ovariectomy‐induced rise in all the above‐mentioned marker changes. The results of this study emphasize that oil extract of garlic possibly has a positive role in suppressing ovariectomy‐induced bone resorption. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nimbidin suppresses functions of macrophages and neutrophils: relevance to its antiinﬂammatory mechanisms
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Sarwar Alam M. , Athar M. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractNimbidin is a mixture of tetranortriterpenes and is the major active principle of the seed oil of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae) possessing potent antiinﬂammatory and antiarthritic activities. The present study revealed that nimbidin signiﬁcantly inhibited some of the functions of macrophages and neutrophils relevant to the inﬂammatory response following both in vivo and in vitro exposure. Oral administration of 5–25 mg/kg nimbidin to rats for 3 consecutive days signiﬁcantly inhibited the migration of macrophages to their peritoneal cavities in response to inﬂammatory stimuli and also inhibited phagocytosis and phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA) stimulated respiratory burst in these cells. In vitro exposure of rat peritoneal macrophages to nimbidin also inhibited phagocytosis and PMA stimulated respiratory burst in these cells. Nimbidin also inhibited nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated macrophages following in vitro exposure, whereas interleukin 1 (IL‐1) was only weakly inhibited. Probing the mechanism of NO inhibition revealed that nimbidin ameliorated the induction of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) without any inhibition in its catalytic activity. In addition, nimbidin also attenuated degranulation in neutrophils assessed in terms of release of β‐glucuronidase, myeloperoxidase and lysozyme. The results suggest that nimbidin suppresses the functions of macrophages and neutrophils relevant to inﬂammation. Thus nimbidin can be valuable in treating inﬂammation/inﬂammatory diseases. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An investigation on the role of 3‐hydroxykynurenine in pigment formation by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Vogliardi Susanna , Bertazzo Antonella , Comai Stefano , Costa Carlo V. L. , Allegri Graziella , Seraglia Roberta , Traldi Pietro 
Published: May 2004

AbstractIn order to investigate the role of tryptophan and its metabolites in biogenesis of melanins, a study on the enzymatic reaction of 3‐hydroxykynurenine with tyrosinase and peroxidase was performed. The reaction at different pH values was monitored by sampling at different times, with ultrafiltration used before analysis by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS). The data obtained in this way showed that oligomerization processes take place with both enzymes, but with different behaviour, also depending on pH. 3‐Hydroxykynurenine in the presence of tyrosinase at pH 6.0 leads to formation of xanthommatin, and at pH 8.0 hydroxanthommatin is formed in the first step of the reaction followed by formation of black‐brown pigments. In contrast, the formation of oligomerization products by peroxidase action is observed in high yields under both acidic and basic conditions; however, at pH 6.0, a more extensive oligomerization process is observed. Thus peroxidase is able to activate oligomerization analogous to that observed in the case of tyrosinase without depending on the variation of pH. Due to the early formation of decarboxylated hydroxykynurenine, hydroxanthommatin and decarboxylated hydroxanthommatin, the enzymatic reaction leads to mixed oligomers, which can be considered as precursors of new pathways in pigment production. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry system for the analysis of δ2H, δ17O and δ18O of small (120 μg) water samples in atmospheric applications
Authors: Franz Peter , Röckmann Thomas 
Published: May 2004

AbstractA new continuous‐flow system for the analysis of the complete stable isotopic composition of water vapor has been developed. The sample size is reduced to only 120 μg (≡120 nL of liquid substance) of water, yielding precisions of about 0.7, 1.3 and 7‰ for δ17O, δ18O and δ2H, respectively. The total time for the analysis of a sample is about 150 min including purging times. Oxidized steel surfaces can be a source of memory effects which can be corrected for. The system is predestined for atmospheric applications in the tropopause region, as the sample can be directly introduced into the system from a cryogenic trap. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular architecture of poly[(R,S)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐6‐hydroxyhexanoate] and poly[(R,S)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐(R,S)‐2‐hydroxyhexanoate] oligomers investigated by electrospray ionization ion‐trap multistage mass spectrometry
Authors: Adamus Grażyna , Montaudo Maurizio S. , Montaudo Giorgio , Kowalczuk Marek 
Published: May 2004

AbstractA series of aliphatic copolyesters was obtained from (R,S)‐β‐butyrolactone and two isomeric hydroxy acids, 6‐hydroxyhexanoic and (R,S)‐2‐hydroxyhexanoic acids. The reactions were conducted in bulk without catalyst. Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MSn) was used for molecular characterization of these copolyester oligomers. The mass spectra of the copolyesters studied have enabled identification of their molecular structures including chemical nature of the end groups (hydroxyl and carboxylate). The compositions of the oligocopolyesters and their sequence distributions were determined based on measurement of the relative intensities of the individual oligocopolyester peaks in the ESI mass spectra. The mass spectra (MS1) provided information on composition and sequence distribution, and small deviations from Bernoulli statistics were detected. The arrangement of co‐monomer structural units along the oligopolyester chains was verified by MS/MS experiments and investigation of the fragmentation pathways. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incongruent dissolution of chromite in lithium tetraborate flux
Authors: Merkle Roland K. W. , Loubser Maggi , Gräser Peter P. H. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractDuring lithium tetraborate fluxing, chromite undergoes incongruent dissolution, in which high proportions of aluminium, magnesium and titanium are dissolved in the flux while some iron remains behind in a residual chromium‐rich phase. Increasing the time and flux/sample ratio improve the dissolution of chromite. Errors in XRF analysis due to incomplete dissolution of chromite in lithium tetraborate flux will have the largest effects for chromium and lesser, although still serious, effects for iron. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zur Kristallstruktur von Ba3Al2F12
Authors: Kaiser V. , Babel D. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBei der Darstellung von BaMnAlF7 erhielten wir als Nebenprodukt Einkristalle von Ba3Al2F12 (a = 1020, 3(2), b = 988, 5(1), c = 952, 2(1) pm, Raumgruppe Pnnm, Z = 4). Die erneute Verfeinerung bestätigte die schon bekannte Struktur, lieferte aber verbesserte Ergebnisse (R1′ = 0, 028 bzw. wR2 = 0, 06 für 1908 bzw. 2717 Reflexe), die hinsichtlich der Abstandsverhältnisse im tetrameren Anion [Al4F20]8— (Mittelwert Al—F: 180, 1 pm) gedeutet werden. Der Aufbau des kationischen Gerüsts [Ba3F2]4+ wird diskutiert.
Multiply Borylated Arenes: X‐ray Crystal Structure Analyses and Quantum Chemical Calculations
Authors: Haberecht Monika C. , Heilmann Julia B. , Haghiri Alireza , Bolte Michael , Bats Jan W. , Lerner Hans‐Wolfram , Holthausen Max C. , Wagner Matthias 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOptimised synthesis procedures and results of X‐ray single crystal structure analyses for 4‐(dibromoboryl)toluene, 1, 3‐bis(dibromoboryl)benzene, 1, 4‐bis(dibromoboryl)benzene, and 1, 3, 5‐tris(dibromoboryl)benzene are reported. These compounds have also been studied by Hartree‐Fock (HF), density functional theory (DFT), and Mßller‐Plesset second‐order perturbation (MP2) methods in combination with the polarized double‐ζ valence (SVP) and polarized triple‐ζ valence (TZVP) basis sets of Ahlrichs and coworkers. A comparison of the quantum chemical results for optimised geometries and computed NMR chemical shifts with experiment is presented to test the quality of the various methods for this class of compounds. All DFT methods tested yield optimised geometries within the experimental error bars of 3σ for bond lengths, whereas larger deviations among the methods are observed for computed NMR chemical shifts. This calibration recommends the B3LYP/SVP combination as a reliable and computationally efficient level of theory to assess the structures and absolute and relative 1H‐, 13C‐ and 11B NMR shift values of borylated aromatic compounds in future investigations.
Preparation and Crystal Structure Analyses of Compounds in the Systems HgO/MXO4/H2O (M = Co, Zn, Cd; X = S, Se)
Authors: Weil Matthias 
Published: May 2004

AbstractDuring phase formation experiments under hydrothermal conditions (250 °C, 5d) in the systems HgO/MXO4/H2O (M = Co, Zn, Cd; X = S, Se), single crystals of the mercuric compounds (CdSO4)2(HgO)2H2O (I), (CdSeO4)2(HgO)2H2O (II), (CdSeO4)Hg(OH)2 (III), (CoSO4)2(HgO)2H2O (IV), (ZnSO4)2(HgO)2H2O (V), (ZnSeO4)2(HgO)2H2O (VI), and the mixed‐valent (ZnSeIVO3)(ZnSeVIO4)HgI2(OH)2 (VII) were obtained. The crystal structure determinations from X‐ray diffraction data revealed four unique structure types for these compounds. I and II crystallise isotypically in space group P2/n (a ≈ 7.85, b ≈ 6.28, c ≈ 10.5Å, β ≈ 102°), compound III crystallises in space group C2/m (a = 10.540(2), b = 9.0120(8), c = 6.1330(12)Å, β = 100.45(3)°), and the isotypic compounds IV, V and VI crystallise in space group Pbcm (a ≈ 6.15, b ≈ 11.3, c ≈ 13.1Å). Common with these three structure types are distorted octahedral [MO6] and tetrahedral XO4 building units which are organised in a layered assembly. Within the layers H bonding of OH groups or H2O molecules of the [MO6] octahedra leads to an additional stabilisation. Adjacent layers are separated by mercury atoms which are linearly bonded to two O atoms at short distances, forming either interconnecting [O‐Hg‐O] units which are part of [O‐Hg‐O]∞ zig‐zag chains, or single [HO‐Hg‐OH] units (realised in compound III). VII is the only compound with mercury in oxidation state +1. It crystallises in space group C2/m (a = 17.342(3), b = 6.1939(10), c = 4.4713(8)Å, β = 90.154(3)°) and is made up of Hg22+ dumbbells, [ZnO4(OH)2] octahedra, and statistically distributed SeVIO4 and SeIVO3 groups as the main building units.
Synthesen und Kristallstrukturen von Cu‐ und Ag‐Komplexen mit Dithiophosphinat‐ und Trithiophosphonat‐Liganden
Authors: Fenske Dieter , Rothenberger Alexander , Shafaei Fallah Maryam 
Published: May 2004

AbstractDurch Reaktionen von CuI‐ und AgI‐Salzen mit Diphenyldithiophosphinsäuretrimethylsilylester in Gegenwart von tertiären Phosphanen erhält man die Komplexe [Cu(μ‐S)SPPh2(PR3)]2 (R = Me 1a, iPr 1b), [Ag(μ‐S)SPPh2(PnPr3)]2 (2), [Ag(S2PPh2)(PEt3)]2 (3) und [Cu8(μ8‐S)(S2PPh2)6] (4). Bei Verwendung von Phenyltrithiophosphonsäuretrimethylsilylester wird die Käfigverbindung [(PhPS3)2Cu4(PMe3)5] (5) gebildet. Die Verbindungen wurden mit Hilfe der Röntgenstrukturanalyse charakterisiert.
Causes and consequences of unwanted pregnancy from Asian women's perspectives
Authors: Kabir Sandra M. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractShortcomings of contraceptives and of family planning delivery systems are major reasons for unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion in Third World countries. Family planning and health programs should provide empathetic counseling for contraceptive choices and pregnancy termination, adjust management systems and procedures to facilitate women's access to services and information, and offer comprehensive services to meet their multiple reproductive health needs.