bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cancer Therapy and Polymorphisms of Cytochromes P450
Authors: MacLeod Stewart L. , Nowell Susan , Massengill Joyce , Jazieh Abdul , McClure Gail , Plaxco Jason , Kadlubar Fred F. , Lang Nicholas P. 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are important in the
metabolism of some endogenous compounds, environmental
and dietary xenobiotics and many drugs.
Many of these enzymes have genetic polymorphisms
that produce significant changes in metabolic activity,
however the function of other polymorphisms is unknown.
Genetic polymorphisms have important influences
on variability in human pharmacokinetics, including
intra-individual differences in drug toxicity,
drug interactions and response to chemotherapy.
Other factors that influence drug metabolism include
differences in enzyme expression due to differences in
age, gender, smoking status, exposure to dietary or
environmental xenobiotics or co-administration of
other drugs. In addition, some xenobiotics and drugs
can directly inhibit or induce the activity of CYPs. All of
these factors can produce differences in metabolic capacities
among individuals which can produce toxicity
in some patients and sub-effective dosing in others.
Maximum clinical benefit will require a more complete
understanding of the influence of these polymorphisms
on allele function and their interaction with inducers
and inhibitors of enzyme expression or activity.
This effort will permit the pharmacogenetic screening
of patients before the administration of drugs and result
in the identification of individuals who are prone
to adverse reactions or poor response, resulting in
more effective individualized therapy.
Hypervariable Region 1 of Hepatitis C Virus Genome and Response to Interferon Therapy
Authors: Grahovac Blaženka , Bingulac-Popović Jasna , Vucelić Boris , Hrstić Irena , Ostojić Rajko , Dražić Vesna , Balija Melita , Grgičević Damir 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
The relationship between the complexity of the hypervariable
region 1 (HVR1) quasispecies of hepatitis C
virus (HCV) and responsiveness to interferon-α (IFN)
therapy was studied in patients with chronic hepatitis
C. Twelve HCV-RNA-positive patients were treated
daily with high dose IFN and ribavirin for 4 weeks, and
then with IFN 3 MIU (Million International Units) TIW
(three times per week) and ribavirin for 6 months. The
HVR1 quasispecies complexity was analyzed by
nested polymerase chain reaction-mediated single-strand
conformation polymorphism (SSCP). The baseline
HCV-RNA levels in the study group ranged from
106 to 107 copies/ml. All patients exhibited HCV genotype
1 b. Initial SSCP analysis revealed four (33.3%) patients
with a low complexity pattern (SSCP bands ≤4)
and eight (66.6%) patients with high complexity pattern
(SSCP bands >4). After 4 weeks of IFN therapy,
one patient became HCV negative, and among those
remaining positive, the HCV-RNA levels decreased by 2
to 3 logs and the number of SSCP decreased by 2 to 3
bands per sample. After 6 months of IFN therapy, five
(41.7%) patients became HCV-RNA-negative. Seven
(58.3%) patients did not respond to IFN therapy with
sustained viral load from 103 to 105 copies/ml, and high
complexity SSCP patterns. Our data support the HVR
quasispecies complexity to be an independent predictive
factor for IFN responsiveness in patients infected
with HCV.
Influence of Glutathione S-Transferase M1 and T1 Genotypes on Larynx Cancer Risk among Korean Smokers
Authors: Hong Young-Joon , Lee Jin-Kyung , Lee Guk-Haeng , Hong Seok-Il 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoenzymes are involved
in the detoxification of major carcinogens present
in tobacco smoke. It is thus conceivable that deficiency
in GST activity due to homozygous deletions of
the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes (the null genotypes) may
modulate susceptibility to smoking-induced cancers.
The influence of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes
on larynx cancer risk among the Korean population
were evaluated using peripheral blood DNA from 82
larynx cancer patients and 63 healthy controls, all of
whom were male current smokers. Increased larynx
cancer risk was related to the GSTM1 null genotype
(odds ratio (OR)=3.53, 95% confidence interval
(CI)=1.27−9.83). The OR associated with the GSTT1 null
genotype was also increased, but did not reach statistical
significance (OR=1.83, 95% CI=0.70−4.79). Individuals
lacking both the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes were at
a significantly higher risk for larynx cancer than individuals
with both genes present (OR=4.04, 95%
CI=1.33−12.30). These data confirm that the GSTM1
null genotype is an important risk modifier for larynx
cancer among Korean smokers and combined GSTM1
and GSTT1 null genotypes could be a useful predictor
of genetic susceptibility to larynx cancer.
CYP2D6 Genotyping in Patients on Psychoactive Drug Therapy
Authors: Topić Elizabeta , Štefanović Mario , Ivanišević Ana Maria , Blazinić Franciska , Čulav Jadranka , Skočilić Željko 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
The polymorphic isoenzyme CYP2D6 has a major role in
the oxidative metabolism of many deal of psychoactive
drugs. Its six mutant alleles (null alleles *3, *4, *5, *6, *7
and *8) encode for inactive enzyme molecules. A carrier
of two mutant alleles is considered a poor metabolizer
phenotype, while a carrier of only one damaged allele is
considered an intermediate metabolizer phenotype.
The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of null
alleles in a group of psychiatric patients suffering from
depression (n=49) and schizophrenia (n=86) in comparison
with healthy individuals (n=145) by the method of
multiplex allele specific PCR. Only CYP2D6*3,*4 and *6
mutant alleles were found in the study subjects. No significant
difference between the depression and control
groups was found for allele prevalence, genotype or
phenotype distribution (p>0.05). However, a significant
difference was observed between schizophrenic patients
and controls for allele frequency (p=0.002), genotype
distribution (p=0.016), and phenotype prevalence
(p=0.018). The odds ratio of 2.542 for 2D6*4 suggested a
significant association between this allele and schizophrenia,
significantly contributing to poor metabolizer
phenotype (odds ratio=5.020). The relationship between
CYP2D6 gene polymorphism and side effects in
schizophrenic patients undergoing long-term psychoactive
drug therapy was investigated. A significant
difference was obtained for allele prevalence (p=0.002),
genotype (p=0.029), and phenotype (p=0.002) distribution
between patients without and with side effects. A
relative risk of 2.626 and 5.333 for 2D6*4 and 2D6*6,
respectively, and of 7.08 for poor metabolizer phenotype
suggested a significant association between the hereditary
susceptibility for a particular type of drug metabolism
(defect alleles) and side effects. These preliminary
r e s u l t s suggest that the CYP2D6 genotyping appears to
be useful for predicting risks for side effects of psychoactive
drugs in schizophrenic patients, but their usefulness
should be further explored.
Genotyping of CYP2D6 in Parkinsons's Disease
Authors: Štefanovic Mario , Topić Elizabeta , Ivanišević Ana Maria , Relja Maja , Koršić Marta 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Parkinson's disease is characterized by progressive
degradation of dopaminergic neurons. Cytochrome
P450 CYP2D6 enzyme is one of the most investigated
and highly polymorphic isoforms, which metabolizes
many drugs and is also involved in the metabolism of
dopamine. Using allele-specific multiplex PCR, we
genotyped 186 subjects for CYP2D6 *3, *4, *6, *7, and
*8 alleles in order to estimate allelic, genotype and
predicted phenotype frequencies in the control and patient
groups, and to investigate the possible statistical
difference between Parkinson's disease patients
(n=41) and healthy controls (n=145). Parkinson's disease
patients were further divided into two subgroups
according to Hoehn and Yahr staging of the disease
(HY), i.e. groups with HY stage less than 2.5 (HY <2.5;
n=27) and more than 2.5 (HY >2.5; n=14). A subgroup of
Parkinson's disease patients exhibiting side effects
such as “on-off” phenomenon and dyskinesia (both
suggesting favorable response to therapy) were compared
with a subgroup of patients showing no such response.
The preliminary results of this study showed
that only the prevalence of CYP2D6 *4 allele differed
significantly between the PD patients and control
group (20.7% vs. 11.0%; p=0.027; RR=2.1, 95%CI
1.113−3.994). In the HY >2.5 subgroup, the CYP2D6*4
allelic difference was even greater (25.0% vs. 11.0% in
controls; p=0.062, RR=2.69, 95%CI 1.090−6.624). Genotype
frequencies differed only in the HY >2.5 subgroup,
however with a level of significance of p=0.095.
Rapid Analysis of CGG Repeat Length in the FMR1 Gene
Authors: Poon Priscilla M.K. , Zhao Zheng , Wu Xiang-qian , Ni Yu-xing , Pang Chi-Pui 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
The number of trinucleotide CGG repeats at the 5′ untranslated
region of the FMR1 gene is associated with
the fragile X syndrome of mental retardation. We
screened for the CGG repeat length in the FMR1 gene
of the X-chromosomes from unrelated normal Chinese
subjects recruited in Hong Kong and Dalian, a southern
and a northern Chinese city respectively. These
cities are about 3000 km apart and the residents have
few historical interactions. Genomic DNA was
analysed by PCR and detected by Southern hybridisation
with a radiolabelled (CGG)5 probe for the CGG repeat
number. A different distribution pattern of CGG
allele size from the Caucasians is observed. It is a bimodal
pattern with the most common CGG repeats allele
at 29 against 30 in the Caucasians. Among the
Hong Kong subjects, five alleles of more than 50 CGG
repeats were detected, and four of those were in heterozygous
females. There was no difference in the repeat
patterns in subjects from the two cities, suggesting
no genotypic variation in FMR1 between northern
and southern Chinese.
Evaluation of a Fully Automated Assay to Measure C-Telopeptide of Type I Collagen in Serum
Authors: Pagani Franca , Bonetti Graziella , Stefini Francesca , Panteghini Mauro 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
The measurement of the degradation product of the C-telopeptide
of type I collagen in serum (s-βCTX) has
been evaluated in the form of an automated chemiluminometric
assay. The between-day coefficients of
variation ranged between 2.6 and 6.0% over the concentration
range 0.12 to 3.25 μg/l. The s-βCTX value
correlated well with alternative serum C-telopeptide
(r = 0.983) and urine deoxypyridinoline (r = 0.729) measurements.
A significant inverse correlation was found
between the s-βCTX measurement and creatinine
clearance in patients with renal disease.
Molecular Methods for the Characterization and Identification of the Dry Rot Fungus Serpula lacrymans
Authors: Schmidt Olaf 
Published: October 2004

Summary
Novel methods developed for characterization and identification of wood-inhabiting fungi
target molecules of the organisms such as proteins and nucleic acids and use mycelial interaction,
mating, antibodies, electrophoretic protein patterns, oligonucleotide primers and
DNA sequencing. The article reviews the respective work on the dry rot fungus Serpula
lacrymans in the Hamburg institute and also covers the international literature.
Ultrastructural Changes in the Compound Middle Lamella of Pinus thunbergii During Lignification and Lignin Removal
Authors: Hafrén Jonas , Fujino Takeshi , Itoh Takao , Westermark Ulla , Terashima Noritsugu 
Published: October 2004

SummaryThe structure of the middle lamella inPinus thunbergiihas been studied by the rapid-freeze deep-etching (RFDE) technique in combination with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ultrastructure of the compound middle lamella was studied in the early phases of the development of woody tissue in the cambial and differentiating xylem, before the heavy incrustation with lignin had occurred. Lignified middle lamella in the xylem was studied both directly and after delignification. It was found that the structure of the unlignified middle lamella in the cambium/developing xylem consists of a fine irregular network probably containing pectin and hemicellulose. As a result of lignin incrustation, the middle lamella becomes increasingly dense and the surface structure of the fully lignified middle lamella appeared to be compact and partly covered with globular structures. After delignification of the lignified middle lamella a thin network with a different structure was revealed. This network probably mainly consists of hemicellulose. No microfibrils of the type that occurs in the primary and secondary walls were found in the middle lamella.
Comparison of the Antifungal Activity of Cadinane Skeletal Sesquiterpenoids from Taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides Hayata) Heartwood
Authors: Chang Shang-Tzen , Wang Sheng-Yang , Wu Chi-Lin , Chen Pin-Fun , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung 
Published: October 2004

Summary
The antifungal activity of cadinane skeletal sesquiterpenoids from Taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides
Hayata) heartwood is demonstrated. Using spectral analyses, the absolute structures of three main cadinanes,
T-cadinol, T-muurolol, and α-cadinol, all isolated from Taiwania with HPLC, were identified.
The amount of these cadinanes was also quantified using GC. The results showed that the total amount
of cadinanes extracted from heartwood with n-C6H14 was 6.49 mg per kg of wood. This was much more
than the essential oils collected by water distillation from leaves (0.04 mg/kg), sapwood (0.36 mg/kg),
or heartwood (1.77 mg/kg). Moreover, results obtained from the antifungal assays demonstrated that αcadinol
exhibited the highest antifungal index for both Coriolus versicolor and Laetiporus sulphureus,
followed by T-cadinol and T-muurolol. As a matter of fact, α-cadinol completely inhibited the growth of
C. versicolor and L. sulphureus at the level as low as 100 ppm. Further comparison of the molecular configuration
of these cadinanes reveals that cadinane skeletal sesquiterpenoids with an equatorial hydroxyl
group at C-9 and a trans configuration at the ring junction, such as the case for α-cadinol, exhibited
the strongest antifungal activity.
Characterization of the Polyphenolics Related to the Colour of Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata Donn) Heartwood
Authors: Johansson C. Ingemar , Saddler John N. , Beatson Rodger P. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
Three quarters of the western red cedar's heartwood colour is due to a polymeric material easily isolated
by methanol extraction. The nature of this polymer has not been fully investigated and published
information is contradictory. Our initial examination of the coloured polymer by pyrolysis-gas chromatography,
combined with mass spectrometry, indicated that the polymer was guaiacyl in nature and
thus similar to softwood lignin. However, analysis by infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of
both lignin and lignan like moieties. To clarify this issue a more detailed analysis was conducted using
nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR, 31P NMR, 13C NMR). Analysis of the spectra and
comparison with the spectra of plicatic acid and a product from mild acid treatment of plicatic acid, indicated
that the polymeric fraction was derived almost entirely from lignans. During polymer formation,
the highly reactive pyrocatechol moiety in the plicatic acid is destroyed, leaving a guaiacyl-like polymer.
The reaction mechanism appears to proceed via an ortho-quinone intermediate followed by polymerization.
Influence of Botanical Species and Geographical Origin on the Content of Low Molecular Weight Phenolic Compounds of Woods Used in Portuguese Cooperage
Authors: Canas Sara , Leandro M. Conceição , Spranger M. Isabel , Belchior A. Pedro 
Published: October 2004

SummaryThe influence of botanical species (QuercusandCastanea sativa) and geographical origin (Portugal—three different sites, France and North America) on the qualitative and quantitative content of some extractable low molecular weight phenolic compounds was assessed by HPLC. Chestnut wood had the highest total content of low molecular weight phenolic compounds, followed by the Portuguese oaks and the French oaks, whereas the American oak had the lowest content of these compounds. The contents of phenolic acids, phenolic aldehydes, scopoletin and umbelliferone were significantly different among the studied woods. Both the botanical species and the geographical origin affect the content of low molecular weight organic compounds of woods used in Portuguese cooperage. The results also show that the botanical species seem to be more important than the geographical origin to explain the difference in the wood phenolic composition. So, the separation of trees according to their origin is of considerable interest for coopers and winemakers to choose wisely the woods for the ageing of brandies.
Effect of Oxygen Pressure on the Oxidation of Syringyl Alcohol Initiated by Manganese(III) Acetate
Authors: Sugimoto Tomoko , Morishita Tomoyuki , Matsumoto Yuji , Meshitsuka Gyosuke 
Published: October 2004

Summary
A simple phenolic lignin model compound (syringyl alcohol, SA) was subjected to the reaction with a
one-electron oxidizing reagent, Mn3+ (manganese(III) acetate), in a weakly acidic aqueous medium or in
acetic acid medium under various oxygen pressure (0 to 1.0 MPa). Yields of the reaction products, especially
that of methanol, were used to evaluate the progress of oxidation reaction and the difference of
oxidation mechanism due to the presence of molecular oxygen. The difference in the oxygen pressure
did not result in any detectable difference in reaction products, suggesting that molecular oxygen did not
participate in the oxidation process which were initiated by one-electron abstraction from phenolic
hydroxyl group. Contrary to this, a clear effect of oxygen pressure on the methanol yield was observed
when methanol was determined after the reaction mixture being subjected to the alkali post-treatment.
This is attributed to the generation of some active species from the reaction of Mn2+ with molecular oxygen
and to the simple oxygen-alkali oxidation.
The Effects of the Order of Chemical Addition on the Peroxide Bleaching of an Oxygen-Delignified Softwood Kraft Pulp
Authors: Lapierre Luc , Berry Richard , Bouchard Jean 
Published: October 2004

Summary
In pulp bleaching, while the peroxide-stage chemical charges and the physical operating conditions have
been optimized, little attention has been given to the order in which these chemicals are added. We
assessed the effects of chemicals, individually and combined, and the effects of the order of addition of
these chemicals on peroxide bleaching performance in an acid-treated pulp and in a chelated pulp. We
found that adding magnesium to an acid-treated pulp is essential for good peroxide bleaching, while
adding magnesium to a chelated pulp provides only a marginal improvement in most additions. But
adding magnesium and sodium hydroxide, or sodium hydroxide and magnesium sequentially into a
bleaching solution before adding the solution into pulp, causes inefficient peroxide bleaching. This is
particularly the case with a chelated pulp. This inefficiency can be avoided if a chelant is added between
the additions of magnesium and sodium hydroxide. Magnesium is substantially more effective when in
a complex form with either the pulp or a chelant, and the optimum concentration of magnesium for use
in peroxide bleaching can be determined by following the peroxide residual.
Effects of Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Treatment on the Structure and Properties of Wood
Authors: Navi Parviz , Girardet Fred 
Published: October 2004

Summary
A process has been developed for densifying wood by thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) means. The
resulting product is then called THM densified wood. Small specimens of different wood species, with
or without knots, were densified in their radial, tangential and transversal directions. Tests on THM densified
wood show significant improvement in mechanical properties. THM densified wood is less hygroscopic
and more stable, with almost no shape memory. We have shown that the shear strength of wood
in its grain direction increases more than tenfold by THM treatment. This article gives testing results and
micrographs of THM densified wood, and discusses the physical nature of different mechanisms intervening
at the wood cell wall level during the thermo-hydro-mechanical process.
Improvement of Heartwood Color of Black-Colored Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) by UV Irradiation after Smoke Heating
Authors: Ishiguri Futoshi , Saitoh Kikuko , Andoh Minoru , Abe Zensaku , Yokota Shinso , Yoshizawa Nobuo 
Published: October 2004

Summary
Black-colored heartwood of sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) logs with bark attached were smoked,
heated, and smoke-heated separately to improve the heartwood color. After each treatment, changes of
heartwood color, amounts of extracts (hot water, 1 % sodium hydroxide, and ethanol-toluene), metal ions
(sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium), and pH were examined. In addition, changes of heartwood
color by UV irradiation (wavelength at 254 nm and 365 nm) also were studied. Heating and smoke-heating
of logs prevented blackening of the heartwood, leading to a yellow-white heartwood color,
whereas smoking did not largely change the heartwood color. Almost no differences in the amounts of
extracts and metal ions were found in the control and treated woods. Thermal and smoke treatments
decreased the pH from the original 8.1 to 6.0 and 7.4, respectively. The results obtained suggest that the
changes of pH by both heating and smoking relate to the heartwood color changes in black-colored sugi.
In the heated and smoke-heated woods, redness and yellowness were increased by the subsequent UV
irradiation at 365 nm, whereas brightness was decreased. Apparently, the heartwood color of black-colored
sugi was changed from yellow-white to red by the UV irradiation, the red color being the normal
heartwood color of sugi. However, UV irradiation did not cause significant changes in the heartwood
color in the control and smoked woods. These results suggest that UV irradiation of the thermally treated
wood showing the resulting yellow-white color recovered the redness as found in normal red-colored
heartwood, which seems to be caused by chemical changes of pigments under a weak acidic condition
in the black-colored heartwood of sugi.
Analysis of the Wood Sorption Isotherm Using the Theory of Micropore Volume Filling
Authors: Loskutov Sergei R. 
Published: October 2004

Summary
Dubinin's theory of micropore volume filling was used to describe the isotherms of water resorption and
desorption by natural wood of twelve species and chemically modified birch wood. The analysis showed
that each wood sample is characterized by its own pair of the main equation parameters. The correlation
between these parameters was also determined. The resorption/desorption characteristic which is a combination
of the main equation parameters of the above mentioned theory was revealed to be invariable
for all the studied examples of natural wood. It can be used for estimation of wood substance disturbances
caused by chemical modification and probably anthropogenic factors effecting during wood formation.
The thermal coefficient as a function of relative vapor pressure was found. This dependence and
the main equation of the theory of micropore volume filling can be used to calculate sorption equilibrium
for wood/water system under the limited set of experimental data.