bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological and cytogenetic analysis of intact oocytes and blocked zygotes
Authors: Benkhalifa M. , Kahraman S. , Caserta D. , Domez E. , Qumsiyeh M. B. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractWe examined cytological and cytogenetic parameters of 1076 oocytes and 385 zygotes that failed to develop post in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Out of 1076 oocytes, 894 (83%) arrested oocytes showed a first polar body and were thus assumed arrested at metaphase II while the remainder showed no polar body. In the group of oocytes with a polar body, 20.5% had an abnormal karyotype. Cytologically, premature sperm chromosome condensation was noted in 28.3% of uncleaved oocytes. This high PCC can be explained by the different grades of oocyte maturity from one center to another. Oocytes from older women showed no increased aneuploidy but did show increased premature chromosome condensation.Analysis by classical technique of 220 uncleaved zygotes showed 91 with highly condensed chromosomes, 53 with asynchrony of condensation, 31 with pulverized chromosomes, and 45 arrested at the first somatic metaphase. Out of 385 arrested zygotes, 165 were explored by in situ hybridization. FISH using a set of 7 chromosome‐specific probes showed aneuploidy in the chromosomes analyzed (13, 16, 18, 21, 22, X, Y) in 21.8% of blocked zygotes (19–25% depending on morphology). Extrapolating to other chromosomes, we expect that a vast majority of blocked zygotes and oocytes probably carry chromosome abnormalities. These data demonstrate the contributions of chromosome disorder in early embryo development blocking and implantation failure. Certainly, the issue of cytoplasm and nuclear immaturity and their relation to each other and to chromosome abnormalities provides a fertile area for future investigation in ART. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of expressed sequence tags preferentially expressed in human placentas by in silico subtraction
Authors: Miner David , Rajkovic Aleksandar 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjectivesTo identify expressed sequence tag (EST) clusters preferentially expressed in placentas.MethodsThe National Center for Biotechnology's online UniGene database contains 14 placenta libraries. In silico (computer‐based) subtraction compared placenta libraries against the remaining libraries to identify transcripts preferentially expressed in placentas. For known genes, placental expression or their use in prenatal diagnosis was then explored online using LocusLink and PubMed.ResultsPlacentas preferentially expressed 475 EST clusters. Of these, 18 EST clusters with no known function were expressed exclusively in placentas. Of the remaining 457 EST clusters, 90 showed preferential placental expression by ≥25 times. Of these 90, literature searches on the 45 EST clusters with known functions showed 44 linked to placental physiology or proposed as markers for prenatal diagnosis [i.e. β‐hCG, pregnancy‐specific glycoproteins, human placental lactogens, pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A)]. Selected genes with known function in pregnancy but whose preferential placental expression fell below the factor of 25 threshold were also identified.ConclusionIn silico subtraction identified 44 previously studied genes involved in placental physiology as well as 63 EST clusters preferentially expressed in placental tissue, which may serve as targets for future studies seeking novel markers for prenatal diagnosis or to better understand placental genetics. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Down syndrome serum screening results to predict low birthweight
Authors: Huang T. , Alberman E. , Watt H. C. , Wald N. J. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the use of prenatal maternal serum screening results for Down syndrome, for the prediction of low (<2500 g) and very low (<1500 g) birthweight.DesignRecord linkage of maternal serum screening results with the corresponding birth records.Participants42 259 women whose pregnancies had been screened for the risk of Down syndrome.SettingThree East London maternity units, between February 1989 and August 1998.ResultsEstimates were made of the effectiveness of single markers only for the prediction of low birthweight, and of multiple markers together with mother's weight and smoking habit. As reported previously, high levels of the single markers alpha‐fetoprotein and total human chorionic gonadotrophin, inhibin A, and low levels of unconjugated oestriol were associated with low birthweight. However, the best prediction was obtained when multiple serum markers comprising alpha‐fetoprotein, unconjugated oestriol, and inhibin A were used in combination together with mother's weight and adjustment for smoking habit. For a false‐positive rate of 5%, this combination predicted 23% of low birthweight and 39% of very low birthweight babies, possibly the best method of prediction to date.ConclusionPrediction of low birthweight derived from Down syndrome screening could be used, for little extra cost, to advise on place of delivery or to select candidates for randomised clinical trials of low birthweight prevention. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model for the pressure‐dependent permeation of small molecules through a polymer membrane
Authors: Burlakov V. M. , Nörenberg H. , Briggs G. A. D. , Tsukahara Y. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe pressure‐dependent permeation of heavy noble gases through oriented polypropylene (OPP) is explained with a phenomenological model based on the hopping‐like migration of particles over a network of trapping sites with random site energies. The main mechanism behind the pressure dependence of the permeation is related to a decrease in the average activation energy of diffusion upon the gas sorption. This decrease is achieved because of a saturation of the deep traps, which reduces the mass transport to a network of shallow traps. In this way, fast‐diffusion channels with lower activation energy are created. The model is suitable for the description of the transient permeation of a gas through a polymer, as illustrated for the permeation of noble gases through an OPP membrane. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1308–1315, 2003
Protrusion and deformation of an elastic particle at an advancing front interface
Authors: Montiel Raúl , Alexander‐Katz Roberto 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe response of an elastic particle to an extensional field close to an advancing liquid–gas interface in a capillary was examined both from an experimental and theoretical viewpoint. Experimental evidence is given on both the protrusion and deformation of an elastic particle at an advancing front interface. To interpret our experimental results, we followed and extended Hoffman's approach to the case of deformable particles. A hybrid approach was followed where the height of the bump was calculated theoretically as an equilibrium between capillary and drag forces for a given deformation of the particle, whereas the latter was supplied by an independent experimental measurement. For an elastic particle, the height of the bump goes through a maximum and further on decay almost linearly when plotted against the dimensionless parameter introduced by Hoffman. The difference between the theoretical prediction and the experimental data is discussed in relation to the asymmetry of the bump profiles observed in the experiment that could be responsible for a larger contribution of capillary forces from those calculated. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1362–1374, 2003
Drawing of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers in the presence of supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Garcia‐Leiner Manuel , Song John , Lesser Alan J. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe drawing behavior of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) is compared to that in air at different temperatures. The temperature substantially influences the drawing properties in air, whereas in scCO2, a constant draw stress and tensile strength are observed. Differential scanning calorimetry shows an apparent development of a hexagonal phase along with a significant increase in the crystallinity of air‐drawn samples with increasing temperature. The existence of this phase is not confirmed by wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, which instead shows that air‐drawn samples crystallize in an internally constrained manner. In contrast, scCO2 allows crystals to grow without constraints through a possible crystal–crystal transformation, increasing the processing temperature to 110 °C. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1375–1383, 2003
Crystalline structure and thermal behavior of nylon‐10,14
Authors: Li Yongjin , Yan Deyue , Zhang Guosheng 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe structure and morphology of a novel polyamide, nylon‐10,14, and its lamellar crystals from dilute solution were examined by transmission electron microscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). Both the electron‐diffraction pattern and WAXD data demonstrated that nylon‐10,14 adopts the structure of a triclinic lattice similar to that of the traditional nylon‐66 but with a corresponding increase of the c parameter to 3.23 nm. In addition, the thermal behavior of melt‐crystallized nylon‐10,14 was investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The glass‐transition temperature of nylon‐10,14 determined by the DMA data was 46.6°C. DSC indicated that the multiple melting behavior of isothermally crystallized nylon‐10,14 probably results from the melt and recrystallization mechanism. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1422–1427, 2003
An interactive process model of psychosocial support needs for women living with breast cancer
Authors: Marlow Beth , Cartmill Tania , Cieplucha Holly , Lowrie Sarah 
Published: May 2003

AbstractPsychosocial support is acknowledged as an important aspect of the care and recovery process for women diagnosed with breast cancer. To develop an understanding of support needs, a series of focus groups were conducted with a total of 80 Australian women living with breast cancer. The psychosocial needs identified in discussion were summarised into four main categories, Organisation of Care, Sense of Control, Validation of Experience and Feeling of Reassurance. From these themes an interactive model of psychosocial support needs was developed. As a process model it demonstrates that the provision of effective support is, necessarily, an integrated, not a piecemeal, process. The categories of support are broad, and are made more inclusive through interactions with each other, providing room to accommodate individual needs and styles of adjustment. The model is not esoteric or complicated – it is an accessible overview of the process for both client and helper. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research interests in the field of behavioral, psychosocial, and policy cancer research
Authors: Nehl Eric J. , Blanchard Chris M. , Stafford Jeremy S. , Ainsworth Stuart , Baker Frank 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe growth of research in behavioral, psychosocial, and policy aspects of cancer is quite evident through examination of the literature. Although it is necessary to recognize the importance of past achievements in these areas, it is equally essential to identify the current interests and future areas that will form a new research agenda. The present study is the first attempt to shed light on these issues by surveying a group of behavioral, psychosocial and policy researchers from 1997 (n=714) and 2002 (n=1102). Questions were posed that dealt with current and future research interests. Results indicate a stable core of research interests in the field, as well as changing trends in interest that may affect the direction of future research. Prevention and detection, psychosocial issues, and quality of life were clearly the most recognized research interests. Emerging areas of research interest seem to be special populations and health care delivery. Examination of these findings may help with research planning, funding allocation, management, beginning researcher education, and practice. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical evaluation of Acalypha ointment in the treatment of superﬁcial fungal skin diseases
Authors: Oyelami O. A. , Onayemi O. , Oladimeji F. A. , Ogundaini A. O. , Olugbade T. A. , Onawunmi G. O. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractIn an open non‐comparative study to evaluate the efﬁcacy and safety of Acalypha wilkesiana ointment in superﬁcial fungal skin diseases, 32 Nigerian patients with clinical and mycological evidence of superﬁcial mycoses were recruited. Twelve patients defaulted and were lost to follow up, while one patient withdrew because of intolerable excoriation at the site of the lesion. Of the 19 patients that completed the trial, clinical cure was achieved in 73.3% of the patients. The ointment was very efﬁcacious in the treatment of Tinea pedis, Pityriasis versicolor and Candida intetrigo where the cure rate was 100% in each condition. It is recommended that Acalypha ointment can be used for the treatment of these superﬁcial mycoses. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiviral potency of mistletoe (Viscum album ssp. album) extracts against human parainﬂuenza virus type 2 in Vero cells
Authors: Karagöz Ali , Önay Evren , Arda Nazlı , Kuru Avni 
Published: May 2003

AbstractVarious extracts from the leaves of mistletoe (Viscum album L. ssp. album) were investigated for their antiviral activity on human parainﬂuenza virus type 2 (HPIV‐2) growth in Vero cells. Plant extracts were prepared using distilled water, 50% ethanol, petroleum ether, chloroform and acetone. The 50% effective dose (ED50) of aqueous extract for HPIV‐2 replication was 0.53 ± 0.12 µg/mL, and the antiviral index (AI), which was based on the ratio of the 50% inhibitory concentration (CD50) for host cell viability to the ED50 for parainﬂuenza virus replication, was 10.05. The aqueous extract was found to be the most selective inhibitor. Furthermore, the aqueous extract at a concentration of 1 µg/mL was found to inhibit HPIV‐2 replication and the virus production was suppressed to more than 99% without any toxic effect on host cells. The chloroform extract was also found to be moderately active. In an effort to further analyse the mechanism of antiviral activity, the effectiveness of the aqueous extract on different steps of virus replication was examined. The antiviral activity could neither be attributed to the direct inactivation of the HPIV‐2 nor to the inhibition of adsorption to Vero cells. The active aqueous extract has shown a dose‐dependent antiviral activity on virus replication. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening of 25 compounds isolated from Phyllanthus species for anti‐human hepatitis B virus in vitro
Authors: Huang Ray‐Ling , Huang Yu‐Ling , Ou Jun‐Chih , Chen Chien‐Chih , Hsu Feng‐Lin , Chang Chungming 
Published: May 2003

AbstractUsing an HBV‐producing cell line and inhibition of the expression of the HBsAg and HBeAg as antiviral indicators, a study was conducted on 25 compounds isolated from four Phyllanthus (Euphorbiaceae) plants, including P. amarus Schum. & Thonn., P. multiﬂorus Willd., P. tenellus Roxb. and P. virgatus Forst. f.. It was found that niranthin (1), nirtetralin (3), hinokinin (5) and geraniin (13) at the non‐cytotoxic concentration of 50 µm, suppressed effectively both HBsAg and HBeAg expression, with the highest inhibition at 74.3%, 45.3%; 69.6%, 33.9%; 68.1%, 52.3%; 32.1%, 46.6%, respectively. Of these, niranthin (1) showed the best anti‐HBsAg activity, while the most potent anti‐HBeAg activity was observed with hinokinin (5). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pilot study on the clinical effects of dietary supplementation With Enzogenol®, a flavonoid extract of pine bark and vitamin C
Authors: Shand Brett , Strey Chris , Scott Russell , Morrison Zarnia , Gieseg Steven 
Published: May 2003

AbstractFlavonoids are naturally occurring plant compounds with established in vitro antioxidant properties and potential cardioprotective effects. We carried out a 12‐week pilot study on the effects of dietary supplementation with an extract of bioﬂavonoids prepared from the bark of Pinus radiata trees [Enzogenol®] containing added vitamin C. Data was collected from 24 healthy subjects aged between 55–75 years at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks and included, routine biochemical and haematological indices, and anthropometric, blood pressure, forearm blood ﬂow and haemorheological measurements. Enzogenol® supplementation at a dosage of 480 mg/day of pine bark extract and 240 mg/day vitamin C did not result in changes in any biochemical or haematological indice and was associated with a signiﬁcant reduction in the means of body weight, percentage body fat, systolic blood pressure and plasma viscosity. Basal and hyperaemic blood ﬂow in forearm resistance vessels measured by plethysmography increased signiﬁcantly during the study. The ﬁndings of this pilot study indicate that dietary supplementation with Enzogenol® is safe and well tolerated and is associated with a number of beneﬁcial effects on a range of established cardiovascular risk factors. These changes need to be validated by a placebo‐controlled study but are consistent with other studies that have reported beneﬁcial clinical effects following supplementation with bioﬂavonoids. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory effect of Adonis amurensis components on tube‐like formation of human umbilical venous cells
Authors: You Young‐Jae , Kim Yong , Nam Nguyen‐Hai , Ahn Byung‐Zun 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAntiangiogenic activity‐guided fractionation and isolation carried out on the methanol extract of Adonis amurensis led to the identiﬁcation of three compounds, namely cymarin, cymarol, and cymarilic acid. Amongst the three compounds, cymarilic acid was isolated from this plant for the ﬁrst time. This compound showed no signiﬁcant cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines but was found to be strongly inhibitory toward tube formation induced by human umbilical venous endothelial (HUVE) cells. Cymarin and cymarol exhibited potent cytotoxicity against a human solid tumor cell line A549 (human lung carcinoma), while being inactive on murine leukemic cells (L1210). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptogenic activity of a novel withanolide‐free aqueous fraction from the roots of Withania somnifera Dun. (Part II)
Authors: Singh B. , Chandan B. K. , Gupta D. K. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractIn the Indian traditional system of medicine Withania somnifera Dun. is widely regarded as the Indian Ginseng. A new withanolide‐free hydrosoluble fraction was isolated from the roots of Withania somnifera Dun. and was evaluated for putative antistress activity against a battery of tests to delineate the activity of this fraction. The latter fraction exhibited signiﬁcant antistress activity in a dose‐related manner (Singh et al., 2001) and was further studied against chemical and physical induced stress in rats and mice. The extract of Withania somnifera root (a commercial preparation available locally) was also used to compare the results. A preliminary acute toxicity study in mice showed a good margin of safety with a high therapeutic index. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory activity on lipid peroxidation of extracts from marine brown alga
Authors: Mori Jun , Matsunaga Takayuki , Takahashi Satoshi , Hasegawa Chika , Saito Haruo 
Published: May 2003

AbstractSeveral extracts from marine brown alga Sargassum micracanthum (Kuetzing) Endlicher were screened for their inhibitory activity on lipid peroxidation. In an in vitro study, methanol extract (Sm‐M), chloroform/ methanol (3:1) extract and ethyl acetate fraction of Sm‐M inhibited lipid peroxidation in rat liver homo‐genates. The IC50 values were 0.70, 0.70 and 0.37 µg/mL, respectively. These inhibitions were stronger than vitamine C and E. These extracts showed reductive activity on DPPH, the IC50 values were 34, 37 and 11 µg/mL, respectively. In an in vivo study, Sm‐M had the effect on CCl4 induced liver injury in rats and Sm‐M (120–1200 mg/kg, p.o.) lowered dose‐dependently the level of lipid peroxidation in liver. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reporter gene assays and their applications to bioassays of natural products
Authors: New D. C. , Miller‐Martini D. M. , Wong Y. H. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractMedicinal plants represent precious resources from which bioactive compounds can be isolated and developed into invaluable therapeutic agents. With the advent of modern drug discovery technologies such as combinatorial chemistry and high‐throughput drug screening platforms, there is an increasing interest in utilizing medicinal plants as a source of drug leads. A wide spectrum of bioassays can be employed for the detection of bioactivity in extracts, fractions, as well as puriﬁed compounds of herbal origin. Amongst the different types of bioassays, reporter gene assays are highly versatile and reliable. The present review provides an overview of the most popular reporter genes in terms of their basic methodology, capacities and limitations. The different types of intracellular and extracellular reporter gene products and their potential applications in bioassays of natural products are also discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytotoxic constituents of Brachistus stramoniifolius
Authors: Fang Liqiong , Chai Hee‐Byung , Castillo Juan J. , Soejarto Djaja D. , Farnsworth Norman R. , Cordell Geoffrey A. , Pezzuto John M. , Kinghorn A. Douglas 
Published: May 2003

AbstractPhytochemical investigation of Brachistus stramoniifolius (Kunth) Miers (formerly Witheringia stramoniifolia Kunth) (Solanaceae) was initiated following primary biological screening and in view of the absence of prior phytochemical studies conducted on this species. Fractionation of an ethyl acetate extract from the roots of the plant, guided by in vitro cytotoxic activity using cultured KB (human nasopharyngeal carcinoma) cells, led to the isolation of three known compounds of the 13,14‐seco‐16,24‐cyclosteroid type, physalins B (1), F (2) and H (3). Their structures were characterized by comparison of their physical and spectral data to published values, with 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments being performed to assure unambiguous resonance assignments. Biological evaluation of these three compounds against a panel of human and murine cancer cell lines demonstrated their broad cytotoxic activity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uterine artery embolization in a 10‐week cervical pregnancy with coexisting fibroids
Authors: Has R. , Balci N.C. , İbrahimoğlu L. , Rozanes İ , Topuz S. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractA 36‐year‐old woman, gravid 3, para 1, abortus 1, was admitted to our department at 10 weeks and 4 days of gestation with the diagnosis of cervical pregnancy and multiple uterine fibroids. After admission she underwent angiographic embolization of bilateral uterine arteries followed by intraamniotic 70‐mg methotrexate injection. Despite being given a second dose of methotrexate injection 1 week later, the gestational sac did not resolve spontaneously, thus vacuum evacuation and curettage of the cervical canal was required on the 15th day of embolization. The patient was discharged in good condition. She had no complaints by post‐operative at month 11, except amenorrhea. Her uterine fibroids markedly decreased in size after the procedure. As a result, embolization of uterine arteries provided surgical evacuation of cervical pregnancy with minimal hemorrhage, and the patient's potential fertility was preserved, but a long‐term amenorrhea was observed.