bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection of frozen‐thawed bovine oocytes and subsequent embryo development
Authors: Rho Gyu‐Jin , Lee Sung‐Lim , Kim Yang‐Sil , Yeo Hyun‐Jin , Ock Sun‐A , Balasubramanian S. , Choe Sang‐Young 
Published: June 2004

AbstractOocyte cryopreservation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are advantageous to expand their usefulness in genetic engineering. Oocytes matured for 22 hr were vitrified in droplets of cryoprotectants (3.2 M ethylene glycol (EG), 2.36 M dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 0.6 M sucrose) on copper electron microscope (EM) grids. After being warmed, the oocytes were cultured in IVM medium for an additional 2 hr. Sperm treated with dithiothreitol were utilized for ICSI. Oocytes injected with sperm were activated by combination of ionomycin with cycloheximide (CHX). The ICSI oocytes were compared for the rates of pronuclear formation, development, cell number, and the ratio of ICM to those of fresh ICSI and IVF control. The proportion of 2PN formation was significantly higher in IVF control (Group 1) than those in other treated groups. Among the treated groups a significant lower 2PN formation was observed in IVF‐frozen‐thawed than in ICSI‐fresh and frozen‐thawed groups. Cleavage rates in IVF‐frozen‐thawed and ICSI‐frozen‐thawed groups were significantly lower than those of IVF control and ICSI‐fresh groups. In ICSI groups, the rates of cleavage and blastocyst in fresh oocytes were significantly higher than in frozen‐thawed. Development rates into blastocysts in the ICSI‐fresh and frozen‐thawed groups were significantly lower than that of IVF control. Total cell number was significantly lower in both frozen‐thawed IVF and ICSI groups than those in IVF‐control and ICSI‐fresh groups. However, the rates of the remaining cells that were found in the ICM were significantly higher in both frozen‐thawed IVF and ICSI than in the IVF‐control and ICSI‐fresh groups. The results indicated that frozen‐thawed bovine oocytes were suitable for ICSI procedure. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 449–455, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of terminal sugar residues in the testis of the spotted ray Torpedo marmorata
Authors: Liguoro Annamaria , Prisco Marina , Mennella Clotilde , Ricchiari Loredana , Angelini Francesco , Andreuccetti Piero 
Published: June 2004

AbstractLectins represent a class of proteins/glycoproteins binding specifically to terminal sugar residues. The present investigation aims to identify lectin‐binding sites in testis of Torpedo marmorata. Using a panel of lectins coupled with fluoresceine isothiocyanate, we demonstrated that germ and somatic cells present in Torpedo testis contain glycoconjugates, whose distribution at the level of the surface, the cytoplasm and the nucleus changes during germ cell differentiation. Moreover our observations demonstrate that the germ cells undergoing apoptosis (Prisco et al., 2003a: Mol Reprod Dev 64:341–348) overexpress a residual sugar recognised by WFA lectin that can be considered a specific marker for apoptotic germ cells. Finally, our results indicate that there is a progressive increase in glycosilation during spermatogenesis, especially at the level of the acrosome in the spermatocyte‐spermatid step, and that Leydig cells are differently stained in relation to the spermatogenetic cycle. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 524–530, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of speed of development on mRNA expression pattern in early bovine embryos cultured in vivo or in vitro
Authors: Gutiérrez‐ad´n A. , Rizos D. , Fair T. , Moreira P.N. , Pintado B. , Fuente J. de la , Boland M.P. , Lonergan P. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractRecent data have demonstrated that fast‐cleaving embryos produced in vitro are more likely to develop to blastocyst stage, and that the postfertilization culture system used impacts considerably on the mRNA expression and quality of blastocysts produced. The present study is the first to investigate the relationship between the developmental speed of embryos produced in vivo or in vitro and the temporal transcription pattern. Genes related to important preimplantation events are monitored during the first 4 days of embryo development in embryos with fast or slow development. The set of genes analyzed in the present study characterizes several important physiological processes including: transport and metabolism of fructose (Glut‐5), stress (SOX), mitochondrial activity and detoxification of reactive oxygen species (MnSOD), cell communication (Cx43), maternal recognition of pregnancy (IFN‐τ), imprinting (IGF‐II), apoptosis (Bax), growth factor binding and metabolism (IGF‐IR), and oxidative stress (G6PD). Using real time PCR, we have found that for all the genes analyzed there are differences in mRNA expression between embryos with fast and slow developmental speed produced both in vitro and in vivo. Frequently, genes that may be stress induced such as SOX, MnSOD, BAX, IFτ, and G6PD were highly transcribed in in vitro produced embryos and in embryos with slow developmental speed. On the other side, transcripts from genes related with metabolism, growth, and differentiation (Glut‐5, Cx 43, IGF‐II, and IGF‐IR) were detected in higher amounts in in vivo produced embryos and in embryos with fast developmental speed. Moreover, it is interesting to stand out that for some genetic markers (such as SOX and G6PD) there are in vivo and in vitro differences that can be observed even before materno‐zygotic transition, which probably reflects a differential mRNA degradation. These transcription patterns reflects the embryonic response to the adverse in vitro culture conditions, and connect the low quality of embryos which slow developmental speed produced in vivo and in vitro, with the mRNA expression pattern of some embryonic genes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 441–448, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing the knowledge, attitudes and understanding of type 2 diabetes amongst ethnic groups in Glasgow, Scotland
Authors: Baradaran H , Knill‐Jones R 
Published: June 2004

AbstractType 2 diabetes is a growing public health problem amongst ethnic groups in developed countries. For example, people from the Indian subcontinent living in the UK have a higher rate of type 2 diabetes and a poorer prognosis than that of the host population, but there is a paucity of information about knowledge and attitudes concerning control, complications and the impact of diabetes among ethnic minority groups.We conducted a cross‐sectional study in people with diagnosed type 2 diabetes in ethnic minority groups in Glasgow and a comparison group from the host population. We modified a questionnaire developed by the Diabetes Research and Training Center in Michigan, USA, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. It was administered by the researcher (with translators when needed) to 145 type 2 diabetes patients, including British (n=27), Indian (n=33) and Pakistani (n=85) people living in Glasgow, UK.The mean age was 58.3 (SD=11.9), 51% were male. The mean duration of diabetes was 8.5 (SD=7.4) years. The mean knowledge scores (minimum 3, maximum 25) were 17.7 (95% CI 15.6, 19.6), 14.3 (95% CI 12.4, 16.2), and 13.8 (95% CI 12.8, 14.8) in the British, Indian and Pakistani groups respectively. There were significant differences between the British and each ethnic group (p=0.002). The mean attitude scores about seriousness of type 2 diabetes were similar at 9.8 (95% CI 8.9, 10.6), 8.2 (95% CI 8.0, 9.3), and 9.1 (95% CI 8.8, 9.5) respectively. The mean attitude scores about control and complications were 15.4 (95% CI 14.5, 16.2), 13.2 (95% CI 12.2, 14.1), and 13.9 (95% CI 13.5, 14.2) respectively, with significant differences between the British and each ethnic group (p=0.001).The results indicate that the knowledge of ethnic groups about diabetes is poor. Therefore an appropriate educational intervention is necessary for this group. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of admissions and management of diabetic ketoacidosis in a large teaching hospital
Authors: Dave J , Chatterjee S , Davies M , Higgins K , Morjaria H , McNally P , Lawrence I , Blackledge H 
Published: June 2004

AbstractWe evaluated admissions with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) between April 1997 and March 1999 to Leicester Royal Infirmary, a large teaching hospital with a catchment population of 960 000. Our estimated prevalence of type 1 diabetes was 3360 (350 per 100 000 population/year). We examined whether current standards of care matched our existing protocols and those of other centres. We also studied outcomes to determine whether admissions could be avoided.The total number of medical admissions was 20 664 patients, excluding those direct to the Coronary Care Unit. Diagnosis was confirmed using Accident and Emergency notes, the Hospital Health Informatics Service, the Leicestershire Diabetes Register and the departmental clinical workstation.In total, 46 patients were admitted with confirmed DKA. There were no deaths. Immediate intravenous access and a fluid replacement regimen were established in all patients. Over 80% had their blood glucose and biochemical profiles documented on arrival. Nearly 90% were started on an intravenous insulin regimen with blood glucose monitoring at appropriate intervals. All received potassium. Intercurrent illness was identified in 67%. Prior to admission, 50% had either received a reduced dose of insulin or missed their usual dose. Nearly 50% had missed their last outpatient appointment. A third had had at least one episode of DKA in the previous two years.More than 50% of admissions were preventable. Patient education and a team approach are effective ways of preventing or reducing the severity of future episodes. Increasing levels of awareness about the ‘sick day rule’ among patients and health care providers should reduce repeated admissions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of crosslinked chitosan formed by γ irradiation in the presence of carbontetrachloride as a sensitizer
Authors: Ramnani S. P. , Chaudhari C. V. , Patil N. D. , Sabharwal S. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractSynthesis of crosslinked chitosan using γ irradiation in the presence of carbon tetrachloride as a sensitizer is carried out. The resultant crosslinked product, which is yellow in color, is characterized by elemental analysis, which shows the presence of chlorine. Crosslinked chitosan on hydrolysis with alkali results in the formation of another product that retains the crosslinked structure but does not have chlorine in it. Gel formatting characteristics of both these products have been studied. The crosslinked chitosan and its hydrolysis product are further characterized by various physical methods such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and thermogravimetry. Based on the results, a probable mechanism of crosslinking whereby chitosan chains are crosslinked by a >CCl2 group is suggested. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3897–3909, 2004
Preparation of novel macromonomers and study of their polymerization
Authors: Deng Guohua , Chen Yongming 
Published: June 2004

AbstractNovel macromonomers of polystyrene and poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) containing a methacryloyl group as a polymerizable unit and two chains of the same length were prepared in two steps: the synthesis of the precursors through the atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene and tert‐butyl acrylate initiated by 1‐hydroxymethyl‐1,1‐di[(2‐bromoisobutyryloxy)methyl] ethane and the esterification of the hydroxyl group in the precursors with methacryloyl chloride. The molecular weight and polydispersity of the macromonomers were controllable because of the living nature of the atom transfer radical polymerization. Gel permeation chromatography, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, and hydrolysis confirmed the structure of the novel macromonomers. The homopolymerization and copolymerization of the macromonomers were investigated to prepare branched copolymers in which two chains were grafted from every repeating unit. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3887–3896, 2004
Photocrosslinkable smart terpolymers responding to pH, temperature, and ionic strength
Authors: Szczubiałka Krzysztof , Moczek Łukasz , Błaszkiewicz Sebastian , Nowakowska Maria 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA series of copolymers of acrylic acid, N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), and cinnamoyloxyethyl acrylate were synthesized and studied. The polymers were responsive to four stimuli: UV light, temperature, pH, and ionic strength. The polymeric cinnamoyl chromophores underwent efficient photodimerization with concomitant photocrosslinking of the polymeric micelles. Because of the content of NIPAM, the terpolymers displayed a lower critical solution temperature, which could be controlled by the polymer composition, pH, and ionic strength. The ability to respond to the pH resulted from the content of acrylic carboxyl groups, which became protonated at low pHs. The changes in the polymer properties due to the application of the aforementioned stimuli were studied with pyrene and perylene as fluorescent probes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3879–3886, 2004
Explaining racial differences in prostate cancer in the United States: Sociology or biology?
Authors: Freedland Stephen J. , Isaacs William B. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBlack men in the United States have the highest incidence and mortality from prostate cancer in the world. Even after adjusting for stage at diagnosis, black men have higher mortality rates than white men. Multiple reasons have been postulated to explain these findings including access to care, attitudes about care, socioeconomic and education differences, differences in type and aggressiveness of treatment, dietary, and genetic differences. While each reason may contribute to the higher incidence or higher mortality, likely combinations of reasons will best explain all the findings. Racial differences in socioeconomic status have been well established and we review the significance of these findings in relationship to prostate cancer. Also, with recent advances in the understanding of genetic variation in the human genome, in general, and in the genes involved in pathways relevant to prostate cancer biology, in particular, a number of genes with alleles which differ in frequency between black and white men have been proposed as a genetic cause or contributor to the increased prostate cancer risk in black men. However, the clinical significance of these genetic differences is not fully known. Finally, we conclude with some thoughts as to how to integrate the findings from sociological as well as biological studies and touch upon methods to reduce the disparate burden of prostate cancer among blacks in the United States. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New epitope peptides derived from parathyroid hormone‐related protein which have the capacity to induce prostate cancer‐reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes in HLA‐A2+ prostate cancer patients
Authors: Yao Akihisa , Harada Mamoru , Matsueda Satoko , Ishihara Yuki , Shomura Hiroki , Takao Yukari , Noguchi Masanori , Matsuoka Kei , Hara Isao , Kamidono Sadao , Itoh Kyogo 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDParathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) is produced by cancer cells and has been suggested to be responsible for malignancy‐associated hypercalcemia and osteolysis after bone metatsases. Therefore, PTHrP is a promising target in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer.METHODSSeven PTHrP‐derived peptides were prepared based on the HLA‐A2 binding motif. These peptide candidates were screened by their ability to induce peptide‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and their ability to be recognized by immunoglobulin G (IgG).RESULTSBoth the PTHrP59–67 and PTHrP42–51 peptides were found to efficiently induce peptide‐specific CTLs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HLA‐A2+ prostate cancer patients with several HLA‐A2 subtypes. These CTLs showed HLA‐A2‐restricted cytotoxicity toward prostate cancer cells. IgG reactive to the PTHrP42–51 peptide was frequently detected in prostate cancer patients.CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that these two new PTHrP peptides will be useful in the peptide‐based immunotherapy of HLA‐A2+ prostate cancer patients, especially those with bone metastases. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased CD59 protein expression predicts a PSA relapse in patients after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Xu Chuanliang , Jung Monika , Burkhardt Mick , Stephan Carsten , Schnorr Dietmar , Loening Stefan , Jung Klaus , Dietel Manfred , Kristiansen Glen 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDHuman protectin (CD59) is a regulator of complement activation that inhibits complement‐mediated cell lysis, and thus might confer immune resistance to tumor cells. CD59 expression has been described in a variety of human malignancies, including breast cancer. Since a comprehensive investigation of CD59 expression in prostate cancer has not been conducted yet, we aimed to determine the significance of CD59 expression in prostate cancer.METHODSEighty‐six primary adenocarcinomas of the prostate were immunostained using a monoclonal CD59 antibody (clone MEM‐43) and a standard detection system. The immunoreactivity of the tumor was evaluated as low versus high for statistical analysis. Additionally, CD59 mRNA levels were determined by real‐time PCR in matched (tumor/normal) microdissected tissues from 26 cases.RESULTSCytoplasmic CD59 immunoreactivity was found in epithelia of prostate cancer, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, benign hyperplasia, atrophic, and normal glands. High rates of CD59 expression were noted in 36% of prostate cancer cases and were significantly associated with tumor pT stage (P = 0.043), Gleason grade (P = 0.013) and earlier biochemical (PSA) relapse in Kaplan–Meier analysis (P = 0.0013). On RNA level, we found an upregulation in 19.2% (five cases), although the general rate of CD59 transcript was significantly lower in tumor tissue (P = 0.03).CONCLUSIONCD59 protein is strongly expressed in 36% of adenocarcinomas of the prostate and and is associated with disease progression and adverse patient prognosis. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell‐physiological effects of elastin derived (VGVAPG)n oligomers in a unicellular model system
Authors: Köhidai László , Kun Lídia , Éva Pállinger , Csaba György , Mihala Nikolett , Majer Zsuzsa , Süli‐Vargha Helga 
Published: June 2004

AbstractElastin is one of the most significant components of the extracellular matrix, which supports the stretchiness of the blood vessels via its helical structure and cross‐links. Enzymatic decomposition of this protein could induce chemotactic responses of cell populations in the surrounding tissues by several peptide sequences, e.g. XGXXPG. In our present work the VGVAPG variant and its oligomers were studied. The objective of the experiments was to learn (i) whether the chemotactic effect of these peptides is general in different levels of phylogeny; (ii) whether increasing the number of monomer units influences the chemotactic behaviour of the cell? The trimer had the strongest chemoattractant effect in a wide concentration range (10−12–10−7 M), while the monomer and the pentamer were chemorepellent. All tri‐, tetra‐, penta‐ and hexamers could chemotactically select subpopulations with a high chemotactic responsiveness to the identical peptide, in the long term. With regard to its repellent effect, the pentamer had a negative effect on phagocytosis. All six oligomers had a growth‐promoter effect in Tetrahymena. The characteristic cell‐physiological effects of VGVAPG oligomers signal that molecules of the extracellular matrix can induce identical responses even in lower levels of phylogeny, e.g. in the Ciliates. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geometrical and conformational preferences of the 9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl‐amino moiety
Authors: Broda Małgorzata Anna , Mazur Liliana , Kozioł Anna Eugenia , Rzeszotarska Barbara 
Published: June 2004

AbstractStructural parameters, originating from x‐ray crystallographic data, have been compiled for 13 derivatives of amino acids, peptides and related compounds, which contain a total of 14 Fmoc‐NH– moieties. For these moieties, molecular geometries and conformations—described by the ω0, θ1, θ2 and θ3′ torsion angles—were analysed and compared with the corresponding parameters for the Z‐NH– and Boc‐NH– moieties (290 and 553, respectively). To gain a deeper insight into the conformational features of the Fmoc‐NH– moiety, ab initio free molecule calculations were performed for fully relaxed minima. Also the potential energy surface as a function of the torsion angles (θ3′, θ2) was generated. The conformational features of the Fmoc‐NH– moiety: (i) two possible values for the angle ω0 (∼180° or, rarely, ∼0° ) and (ii) the angle θ1 = 180° ± 15°, are common to the Z‐NH– and Boc‐NH– systems. By contrast, the θ2 and θ3 angles in the Fmoc, Z and Boc groups differ essentially. In the Fmoc groups θ2 mostly has values of 180° ± 30° and values up |115°| seem to be forbidden, whereas fewer than half of the Z groups adopt θ2 ∼ 180° and the remainder have θ2 in the range of |90° ± 20°|. On the other hand, the Boc methyl groups are staggered. The θ3 values observed for Fmoc are limited to the regions of 180° ± 20° and |60° ± 20°|, while for the Z group a variety of θ3 occurs. The orientation of the fluorenyl vs the urethane function is mostly trans. Our results suggest a lower conformational flexibility for the Fmoc group compared with that of the Z group. Our calculations confirm that the observed conformational features for the Fmoc‐NH– moiety are inherent properties. The Fmoc‐NH– moiety in crystals involves the participation of its OC–NH functionality in hydrogen bonds. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of two LysB29 specifically labelled fluorescent derivatives of human insulin
Authors: Ciencialová Alice , Žáková Lenka , Jiráček Jiří , Barthová Jana , Barth Tomislav 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe preparation and characterization of two novel LysB29 selectively labelled fluorescent derivatives of human insulin are described. Two probes were chosen: 4‐chloro‐7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole (NBD) and 7‐methoxycoumarin‐4‐acetic acid (MCA), which have a relatively small, compact structure and are able to react with amino groups to form highly fluorescent derivatives. The combination of solid phase peptide synthesis and enzymatic semisynthesis was chosen for preparation of these fluorescent derivatives. Using two different protocols of solid‐phase peptide synthesis, two fluorescent octapeptides were prepared corresponding to the position B23–B30 of human insulin, each with a different fluorescent label, NBD or MCA, on the ε‐amino group of lysine. Then, the fluorescent octapeptides were coupled to desoctapeptide‐(B23–B30)‐insulin by a trypsin catalysed reaction. The receptor binding affinities of two novel fluorescent derivatives of human insulin with NBD and MCA (HI‐NBD and HI‐MCA) were determined on rat adipose tissue plasma membranes. Both fluorescent insulins, HI‐NBD and HI‐MCA, had only slightly reduced binding affinity and will be used for studying the interaction of insulin with its receptor. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.