bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The respiratory effects of occupational polypropylene flock exposure
Authors: Atis S. , Tutluoglu B. , Levent E. , Ozturk C. , Tunaci A. , Sahin K. , Saral A. , Oktay I. , Kanik A. , Nemery B. 
Published: January 2005

The present study evaluated the possible effects of exposure to polypropylene flock on respiratory health and serum cytokines in a cross-sectional study of workers from a plant in Turkey.A total of 50 polypropylene flocking workers were compared to a control group of 45 subjects. All subjects filled out a respiratory questionnaire and underwent a physical examination, a chest radiograph and pulmonary function testing, including single breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DL,CO). Serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured. Additionally, high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest was performed in 10 exposed workers with lowDL,CO.Work-related respiratory symptoms were reported in 26% of the exposed subjects and in 13.3% of the controls. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of respiratory symptoms increased 3.6 fold in polypropylene flocking workers when compared to controls. Parameters of the study group, including per cent predicted: forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, forced mid-expiratory flow 25–75% andDL,CO, were significantly lower than in controls. Multivariate analyses showed that being a polypropylene flocking worker was a predictive factor for impairment of pulmonary function. Serum IL-8 and TNF-α levels were increased in the study group compared with the controls. HRCT revealed peribronchial thickening and diffuse ground glass attenuation in some subjects.The present study suggests the presence of subtle or the beginning of interstitial lung disease in these polypropylene flocking workers.
Pulmonary fibrosis in an individual occupationally exposed to inhaled indium-tin oxide
Authors: Homma S. , Miyamoto A. , Sakamoto S. , Kishi K. , Motoi N. , Yoshimura K. 
Published: January 2005

Despite the increasing industrial use of indium-tin oxide (ITO) to manufacture flat-panel displays, such as liquid-crystal displays or plasma display panels for televisions, little is known about the potential health hazard induced by occupational exposure to indium compounds.The current study describes a case of fibrotic lung disease that developed after a 4-yr exposure to ITO. The pathology of the lung demonstrated pulmonary fibrosis with the presence of cholesterol granulomas.In conclusion, more attention needs to be paid to the possible toxic effects of indium compounds, and maximum healthcare measures should be taken to protect industry workers from these toxicities.
Cardiopulmonary effects of iloprost in experimental acute lung injury
Authors: Dembinski R. , Brackhahn W. , Henzler D. , Rott A. , Bensberg R. , Kuhlen R. , Rossaint R. 
Published: January 2005

Iloprost, a prostacyclin analogue with a prolonged plasma half-life has beneficial effects in chronic pulmonary hypertension, whereas the effects in acute lung injury (ALI) are unknown. The present study was performed to evaluate the cardiopulmonary effects of iloprost in experimental ALI.ALI was induced in 18 pigs by repeated lung lavage. Animals were randomised to controls,i.v.or inhaled iloprost for 15 min. Haemodynamics, gas exchange and ventilation–perfusion distribution were measured at the end of iloprost application and after 1 and 2 h.As a short-term effect, bothi.v.and inhaled iloprost significantly decreased pulmonary artery pressure without major effects on gas exchange or systemic haemodynamics. After 1 and 2 h, a reduction of pulmonary hypertension was no longer present. As a long-term effect, inhaled, but noti.v., iloprost decreased pulmonary shunt and significantly improved gas exchange after 1 and 2 h.In conclusion, the single application of iloprost revealed short-term pulmonary vasodilation without other major cardiopulmonary effects. However, inhaled iloprost improved gas exchange due to a decrease of pulmonary shunt as a long-term effect, possibly as a result of a reduction of lung oedema formation.
Role of Meltrin α (ADAM12) in Obesity Induced by High- Fat Diet
Authors: Masaki Megumi , Kurisaki Tomohiro , Shirakawa Kamon , Sehara-Fujisawa Atsuko 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Meltrin α is a member of the metalloprotease-disintegrin (ADAM) family. In this paper we demonstrate that meltrin α is involved in the development of white adipose tissue. Compared with wild-type mice, meltrin α−/− mice displayed moderate resistance to weight gain induced by a high-fat diet, mainly because of an impaired increase in the number of adipocytes. There was no obvious difference in adipocyte size between wild-type and meltrin α−/− mice, suggesting normal maturation of adipocytes of the latter under a high-fat diet. Embryonic fibroblasts and stromal-vascular cells lacking meltrin α exhibited impaired cell proliferation upon adipogenic stimulation, which was accompanied by moderate defects in adipose differentiation. Addition of culture medium conditioned with wild-type cells in an early phase of adipose differentiation did not restore the defects in the meltrin α−/− cells. These results uncover the involvement of meltrin α in the development of obesity and in adipogenic cell proliferation.
Effects of KiSS-1 Peptide, the Natural Ligand of GPR54, on Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Secretion in the Rat
Authors: Navarro V. M. , Castellano J. M. , Fernández-Fernández R. , Tovar S. , Roa J. , Mayen A. , Barreiro M. L. , Casanueva F. F. , Aguilar E. , Dieguez C. , Pinilla L. , Tena-Sempere M. 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
KiSS-1 was originally identified as a metastasis suppressor gene encoding an array of structurally related peptides, namely kisspeptins, which acting through the G protein-coupled receptor GPR54 are able to inhibit tumor progression. Unexpectedly, a reproductive facet of this newly discovered system has recently arisen, and characterization of the role of the KiSS-1/GPR54 system in the neuroendocrine control of gonadotropin secretion has been initiated. However, such studies have been so far mostly restricted to LH, and very little is known about the actual contribution of this system in the regulation of FSH release. To address this issue, the effects of KiSS-1 peptide on FSH secretion were monitored in vivo and in vitro under different experimental conditions. Intracerebroventricular administration of KiSS-1 peptide significantly stimulated FSH secretion in prepubertal and adult rats. Yet, dose-response analyses in vivo demonstrated an ED50 value for the FSH-releasing effects of KiSS-1 of 400 pmol, i.e. approximately 100-fold higher than that of LH. In addition, systemic (ip and iv) injection of KiSS-1 significantly stimulated FSH secretion in vivo. However, KiSS-1 failed to elicit basal FSH release directly at the pituitary level, although it moderately enhanced GnRH-stimulated FSH secretion in vitro. Finally, mechanistic studies revealed that the ability of KiSS-1 to elicit FSH secretion was abolished by the blockade of endogenous GnRH actions, but it was persistently observed in different models of leptin insufficiency and after blockade of endogenous excitatory amino acid and nitric oxide pathways, i.e. relevant signals in the neuroendocrine control of gonadotropin secretion. In summary, our results extend previous recent observations on the role of KiSS-1 in the control of LH secretion and provide solid evidence for a stimulatory effect of KiSS-1 on FSH release, acting at central level. Overall, it is proposed that the KiSS-1/GPR54 system is a novel, pivotal downstream element in the neuroendocrine network governing gonadotropin secretion.
Growth of surface flaws induced by the environment and machining stresses in unalloyed uranium
Authors: Wallwork A , Burnell G , Morris S , Rowe A , Clarke I , Clayton A 
Published: January 2005

Computer modelling techniques are used to predict the distribution of residual stresses in a machined uranium surface. The predictions are used to address the ageing of uranium exposed to inert gas based environments in terms of microcrack initiation and subsequent propagation. Metallographic observations of microcracking are used as the basis for the initial assessment of ageing behaviour. It is proposed that the near-surface residual stress field produced by machining influences the occurrence of microcracking. It is also suggested that corrosion-induced surface features act as initiation sites for microcracks, which begin to propagate by an environmentally assisted mechanism when the surface features reach a critical depth within the residual stress field of between 5 and 10 μm. However, the majority of the microcracks appear to arrest at about 150 μm. This behaviour is discussed in terms of the predicted threshold stress intensity for crack nucleation, uranium metallurgy, and the possible effects of crack coalescence on growth.
Long-term ventilation of the middle ear using a subannular tympanotomy technique: a follow-up study
Authors: Jassar P. , Coatesworth A. , Strachan D.R. 
Published: January 2005

The results of a nine-year series of patients who underwent long-term middle ear ventilation using a tympanotomy technique are presented. The original series of 26 cases was published in 1995. The same series has now expanded to 37 cases, which form the basis of this follow-up study. In contrast to the original series we found a high spontaneous extrusion rate (68 per cent) and in 27 per cent of cases complications necessitated removal of the subannular T tube. In favour of the technique was a low perforation rate after extrusion or removal (eight per cent). Although only nine per cent underwent re-ventilation this is unlikely to represent resolution of the middle ear effusion in the remaining cases.We conclude that the adverse effects of the subannular tympanotomy technique for long-term ventilation of the middle ear outweigh the benefits when compared with the traditional technique of placing a T tube through a myringotomy incision.
Reduction of the incidence and severity of collagen‐induced arthritis by constitutive Nur77 expression in the T cell lineage
Authors: De Silva Swanthri , Han Shuhua , Zhang Xuejun , Huston David P. , Winoto Astar , Zheng Biao 
Published: January 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that constitutive expression of Nur77 in the T cell lineage will suppress the development and pathogenesis of collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) and to understand the mechanisms by which Nur77 overexpression influences the arthritogenic response to type II collagen (CII).MethodsNur77‐transgenic and wild‐type C57BL/6 mice were immunized with CII and were monitored for the development and severity of arthritis. Pathologic changes were examined by histology and radiography. The effects of Nur77 overexpression on immune responses were evaluated by cytokine production in vitro and serum levels of CII‐specific antibodies. Sensitivity of T cells to apoptosis induction was analyzed in vitro following stimulation with anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody or glucocorticoid.ResultsThe incidence and severity of CIA was significantly decreased in Nur77‐transgenic mice compared with wild‐type controls. Attenuation of the disease was associated with increased apoptosis induction in transgenic T cells and decreased production of CII‐specific IgG2a antibodies in transgenic mice. Overexpression of Nur77 in the T cell compartment did not affect Th1/Th2 cytokine production or balance.ConclusionNur77 overexpression in the T cell lineage attenuates the development and progression of CIA, probably by promoting activation‐induced T cell apoptosis and by inhibiting CII‐specific antibody production.
Oszillierende Weltmodelle versus Urknallmodelle. Das oszillierende Weltmodell Friedmanns, die Ablehnung der Anfangssingularität durch russische Kosmologen und die Zustimmung der katholischen Kirche zur Urknalltheorie Lemaîtres und Hawkings
Authors: Jung Tobias 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe Russian mathematician and physicist Friedmann and the Belgian priest and physicist Lemaître were the first to consider non‐static world models in the framework of Einstein's general theory of relativity. Friedmann seemed to favour a periodic, oscillating cosmological model. His investigations were taken up by Russian cosmologists in the 1960s. They stated that the singularities present in many of the Friedmann‐Lemaître cosmological models seemed to be artificial and were ascribed to the assumption of a highly symmetric distribution of cosmic matter. Their disapproval of singularities seems to be in accord with Soviet ideological requirements during that time like atheism and dialectic materialism. They had to retract their statements after Hawking had proved his singularity theorems and after the microwave background had been discovered. Hawking followed the line of thought which was initiated by Lemaître in the early 1930s. Lemaître had combined for the first time quantum physics and relativistic cosmology and had developed his idea of the primeval atom, a beginning of the universe in a dense state with just one quantum containing the whole mass of the universe. Pope Pius XII brought together this primeval atom and God as the Creator of the universe and declared in 1951 that big bang cosmology is compatible with the Bible. Not surprisingly Hawking was awarded the Pius XI medal by the Vatican in 1975 for his contributions to big bang cosmology.
A Unified Orbital Model of Delocalised and Localised Currents in Monocycles, from Annulenes to Azabora‐heterocycles
Authors: Soncini Alessandro , Domene Carmen , Engelberts Jeroen J. , Fowler Patrick W. , Rassat André , van Lenthe Joop H. , Havenith Remco W. A. , Jenneskens Leonardus W. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractWhy are some (4n+2)π systems aromatic, and some not? The ipsocentric approach to the calculation of the current density induced in a molecule by an external magnetic field predicts a four‐electron diatropic (aromatic) ring current for (4n+2)π carbocycles and a two‐electron paratropic (antiaromatic) current for (4n)π carbocycles. With the inclusion of an electronegativity parameter, an ipsocentric frontier‐orbital model also predicts the transition from delocalised currents in carbocycles to nitrogen‐localised currents in alternating azabora‐heterocycles, which rationalises the differences in (magnetic) aromaticity between these isoelectronic π‐conjugated systems. Ab initio valence‐bond calculations confirm the localisation predicted by the naïve model, and coupled‐Hartree–Fock calculations give current‐density maps that exhibit the predicted delocalised‐to‐localised/carbocycle–heterocycle transition.
Synthesis of Supramolecular Polymers by Ionic Self‐Assembly of Oppositely Charged Dyes
Authors: Guan Ying , Yu Shu‐Hong , Antonietti Markus , Böttcher Christoph , Faul Charl F. J. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractA new type of supramolecular polymer was prepared by ionic self‐assembly (ISA) from two oppositely charged dyes; a perylenediimide and a copper–phthalocyanine derivative. Coulomb coupling stabilizes the whole structure, and a combination of charge‐transfer interactions and discotic stacking facilitates the exclusive formation of one‐dimensional polymeric chains. The supramolecular dye‐polymers have a large association constant (2.4×107 L mol−1), high molecular weight, and high mechanical stability. The use of cryo‐transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM) confirmed the existence of extended fibers of width 2.4 nm. Further image analysis revealed slight undulation and faint segmentation of the fibers, and density maxima were observed at a regular interval of 3.6 nm along the fiber axis. The fiber‐like structure (and aggregate of fibers) is also found in the solid state, as shown by the results of mineralization contrasting experiments, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X‐ray analyses. A structural model is proposed, in which the structural subunits, arranged in a side‐by‐side conformation, form a stacked structure.
Investigation of a tartaric acid‐based linear polyamide and dimer as chiral selectors in liquid chromatography
Authors: Oxelbark Joakim , Gidlund Peter 
Published: January 2005

AbstractA twin selector for enantioselective liquid chromatography based on O,O′‐bis(dimethyl)benzoyl tartaric diamide was synthesized and compared to commercially available Kromasil CHI‐DMB (O,O′‐bis(dimethyl)benzoyl tartaric diamide). A linear polyamide based on the same tartaric acid derivative was also synthesized, immobilized on silica, and evaluated as stationary phase. The twin selector was immobilized as a brush‐type phase, with similar bonding chemistry as in Kromasil CHI‐DMB. It was shown to exhibit lower resolution power than Kromasil CHI‐DMB. However, retention and separation factors obtained on the respective sorbents were shown to exhibit interdependence. CD spectra of the twin selector give no indication that the respective branches interact in the solvent mixtures employed for chromatography. The linear polyamide showed lower enantioselectivity and higher retention than Kromasil CHI‐DMB. Chirality 17:79–84, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enantioselective synthesis of chiral sulfinates using chiral diamines
Authors: Nakamura Shuichi , Tateyama Motoaki , Sugimoto Hideki , Nakagawa Masaya , Watanabe Yoshihiko , Shibata Norio , Toru Takeshi 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe reaction of p‐toluenesulfinyl chloride with alcohols in the presence of chiral diamines was examined. Chiral sulfinates were obtained in good yields with enantioselectivity up to 76% ee. Chirality 17:85–88, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The FDA perspective on the development of stereoisomers
Authors: De Camp Wilson H. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe current regulatory position of the Food and Drug Administration is discussed with regard to the approval of racemates and pure stereoisomers. Circumstances in which stereochemically sensitive analytical methods are necessay to ensure the safety and efficacy of a drug are described. Regulatory guidelines are interpreted for applications for the approval of a pure enantiomer in which the racemate is marketed, for the approval of eitehr a racemate or a pure enantiomer in which neither is marketed, and for clinical investigations to compare the safety and efficacy of a racemate and its enantiomers. Examples of te basis for such regulation are drawn from historical situations (thalidomide, benoxaprofen) as well as currently marketed drugs (arylproionic acids, disopyramide, indacrinone).
A general criterion for molecular recognition: Implications for chiral interactions
Authors: Topiol S. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractA general criterion is formulated for molecular recognition. The criterion for recognition is the ineqality of the distance matrices of complexes of different compounds with a resolving agent under ambient experimental conditions. It is shown how this criterion provides for an objective, cell‐defined, and simple explanation for recognition of chiral compounds. This approach may be used to explain models (e.g., three‐point of attachment1) and relationships for chiral recognition. It is also shown how one‐, two‐, or three‐point mechanisms are equivalent in this formalism and could result in chiral recognition. Examples are used to illustrate how the so called one‐ or two‐point mechanisms may be operative in many experimental findings. Symmetry rreqirements of resolving agents may also be derived from considerations of distance matrices. Finally, the reciprocal relationship of chiral resolving agents is easily derived from the present method of analysis.
Improved performance of the second generation α1‐AGP columns: Applications to the routine assay of plasma levels of alfuzosin hydrochloride
Authors: Krstulovic A. M. , Vende J. L. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractDescribed is a direct enantioselective separation of the enantiomers of alfuzosin hydrochloride on the second generation α1‐AGP column which offers improved efficiency, shorter analysis, and improved stability with respect to the first generation columns. The method has been applied to the analysis of drug substance in rat plasma. This highly efficient extraction method and the use of fluorimetric detection result in selective and sensitive determination of the enantiomers. The analytical validation parameters demonstrate the applicability of this method to pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies.
The interaction of the enantiomers of carvedilol with α1‐ and β1‐adrenoceptors
Authors: Nichols Andrew J. , Sulpizio Anthony C. , Ashton Daryl J. , Hieble J. Paul , Ruffolo Robert R. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe stereoselectivity of carvedilol, a novel β‐adrenoceptor antagonist and vasodilator with one asymmetric carbon atom, was examined at α1‐ and β1‐adrenoceptors in vitro and in vivo. (−)‐(S)‐Carvedilol is a potent, competitive antagonist of the β1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated positive chronotropic response to isoproterenol in guinea pig atrium, with a dissociation constant (KB) of 0.4 nM. (+)‐(R)‐Carvedilol was more than 100‐fold less potent than the (−)‐S‐enantiomer as an antagonist of β;1‐andrenoceptors, having a KB of approximately 45 nM. Consistent with these findings (−)‐(S)‐carvedilol (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) produced a 25‐fold rightward shift in the β1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated positive chronotropic response to isoproterenol in pithed rats, whereas the (+)‐R‐enantiomer had no β1‐adrenoceptor blocking activity in vivo at this dose. In contrast to the marked degree of stereoselectivity observed at βl1‐adrenoceptors, both (−)‐(S)‐ and (+)‐(R)‐carvedilol produced equal antagonism of the α1‐‐‐‐adrenoceptor‐mediated vasoconstrictor response to norepinephrine in rabbit aorta, with KB values of 14 and 16 nM, respectively. Furthermore, in the pithed rat, the α1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated pressor dose–response curve to cirazoline was shifted approximately 6‐fold to the right by both the (+)‐R‐ and (−)‐S‐enantiomers of carvedilol at a dose of 1 mg/kg, i.v. In anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats, (−)‐(S)‐carvedilol was 6‐fold more potent as an antihypertensive than (+)‐(R)‐carvedilol. The vasodilator and acute antihypertensive activity of carvedilol results from α1‐andrenoceptor blockade produced by both enantiomers, and the concomitant β1‐adrenoceptor blockade produced by the (−)‐S‐enantiomer, which prevents reflex tachycardia that can offset the antihypertensive response, leading to greater overall antihypertensive potency of (−)‐(S)‐carvedilol relative to the (+)‐R‐enantiomer. These data also suggest that distinct regions of the carvedilol molecule are responsible for blocking α1‐ and β1‐adrenoceptors, with β1‐adrenoceptor blockade resulting from an area of the molecule containing the asymmetric carbon atom, specifically the carbazolyloxy propanolamine moiety, and α1‐adrenoceptor blockade resulting from a part of the molecule that does not contain the asymmetric carbon atom, most likely the phenoxyethylamine moiety.
Crystal structure and absolute configuration of (+)546‐[copy4Cl2]HDBT: An example of torsional isomerism
Authors: Payne N. C. , Thachuk M. E. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe crystal structure and absolute configuration of the (−)589‐dibenzoylmonohydrogentartrate salt of the cation [Co(pyridine)4Cl2]+ have been determined from a three‐dimensional X‐ray analysis. Single crystals were grown from dimethylsulfoxide: space group P212121, Z = 4, and cell dimensions a = 21.463(4), b = 23.112(3), and c = 7.490(1) Å. Full‐matrix least‐squares refinement on F converged at R = 0.075, 196 variables and 2029 observations. The cation has pseudotetragonal coordinate geometry, with axial Cl and equatorial N atoms. The dihedral angles between the pyridine ligands and the equatorial plane are 47(1), 39(1), 50(1), and 45(1)° and torsional isomerism is responsible for the solid‐state chiroptical properties of the cation. The preferential crystallization of the P atropisomer of the cation is attributed to a general electrostatic attraction between cation and anion.