bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of peroxiredoxins in bovine oocytes and embryos produced in vitro
Authors: Leyens Gregory , Knoops Bernard , Donnay Isabelle 
Published: August 2004

AbstractPeroxiredoxins (PRDXs) form a family of peroxidases involved in antioxidant protection and cell signaling. Due to their peroxide reductase activity, these enzymes might be involved in fine‐tuning peroxide levels in embryos during in vitro production. In this study, RT‐PCR was used to examine the expression of the six PRDX isoforms (PRDX1 to PRDX6) in bovine oocytes and embryos. PRDXs were detected in oocytes both before and after in vitro maturation. Besides, PRDX6 was up‐regulated after maturation. Single embryos were analyzed from the two‐cell to the blastocyst stages. PRDX1 and PRDX5 transcripts were detected throughout development. PRDX2, PRDX3, and PRDX6 were not expressed around the 9‐ to 16‐cell stage. PRDX4 transcripts were weakly detected in pools of embryos from the 9‐ to 16‐cell stage onwards. In situ immunodetection of PRDX5, which was previously reported to exhibit the widest subcellular distribution among PRDXs in adult mammalian cells, showed a mitochondrial distribution pattern in the bovine embryo. Finally, the potential modulation by oxidative stress of PRDX expression around the major embryonic genome activation was evaluated by culturing embryos under 20% O2 instead of 5%. No significant difference in the pattern of PRDX expression was observed under 20% O2. In conclusion, our data show for the first time that PRDXs are expressed in mammalian oocytes and early embryos. Moreover, the bovine transcripts exhibit various patterns of expression that might be related to the potential role of PRDXs in oocyte maturation and embryo development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 69: 243–251, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The generalized global basis (GGB) method
Authors: Waisman H. , Fish J. , Tuminaro R. S. , Shadid J. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractIn this work, we present the generalized global basis (GGB) method aimed at enhancing performance of multilevel solvers for difficult systems such as those arising from indefinite and non‐symmetric matrices. The GGB method is based on the global basis (GB) method (Int J Numer Methods Eng 2000; 49:439–460, 461–478), which constructs an auxiliary coarse model from the largest eigenvalues of the iteration matrix. The GGB method projects these modes which would cause slow convergence to a coarse problem which is then used to eliminate these modes. Numerical examples show that best performance is obtained when GGB is accelerated by GMRES and used for problems with multiple right‐hand sides. In addition, it is demonstrated that GGB method can enhance restarted GMRES strategies by retention of subspace information. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐CD52 antibody, alemtuzumab, binds to Langerhans cells in Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Jordan Michael B. , McClain Kenneth L. , Yan Xiaotian , Hicks John , Jaffe Ronald 
Published: August 2004

AbstractBackgroundThe humanized anti‐CD52 monoclonal antibody, alemtuzumab (or Campath‐1H), has been shown to potently deplete lymphocytes in human patients. It has been used to successfully treat graft versus host disease and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). CD52 is expressed on normal lymphocytes, monocytes, and some dendritic cell subsets. However, normal Langerhans cells (LC's) in the skin do not bind alemtuzumab. We sought to determine whether the pathologic LC's of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) express CD52 and thus could be targeted by this antibody.MethodsImmunohistochemistry was performed on both frozen and fixed/paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens using either Campath‐1G (the parental rat isotype) or Campath‐1H (the humanized version of Campath in clinical use).ResultsBoth Campath‐1H and Campath‐1G were found to bind to the pathologic LC's in LCH, but not the normal LC's of skin. Specific staining was demonstrated in all (13 of 13) LCH specimens examined, though staining was somewhat variable among specimens, and tended to be weaker in paraffin‐embedded specimens.ConclusionsExpression of CD52 by the pathologic LC's seen in LCH suggests that alemtuzumab may represent a new, targeted therapy for this disease. Such therapy is particularly needed for patients with refractory, high‐risk disease. Further investigation of the possible clinical use of this antibody in these patients is warranted. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteomic analysis of mitochondrial proteins in cardiomyocytes from chronic stressed rat
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Hua , Qian Ling‐Jia , Gong Jing‐Bo , Shen Jing , Zhang Xue‐Min , Qian Xiao‐Hong 
Published: August 2004

AbstractChronic restraint stress induces cardiac dysfunction as well as cardiomyocyte injury including severe ultrastructural alteration and cell death, but its mechanism and molecular basis remain unclear. Mitochondria play a key role in regulating cell life. For exploring mitochondrial proteins which correlate with stress‐induced injury, two‐dimensional electrophoresis and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) were applied. After comparing the protein profiles of myocardial mitochondria between a chronic restraint stress group and a control group, 11 protein spots were found altered, seven of which were identified by MALDI‐TOF MS. Among the seven proteins, five proteins involved in the Krebs cycle and lipid metabolism in mitochondria decreased after chronic restraint stress. They were identified as carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2, mitochondrial acyl‐CoA thioesterase 1, isocitrate dehydrogenase 3 (NAD+) alpha, fumarate hydratase 1 and pyruvate dehydrogenase beta. The last two proteins, creatine kinase and prohibitin, increased after chronic restraint stress. Biochemical tests for energy metabolism in mitochondria also supported the proteomic results. These findings provide clues for understanding the mechanism of dysfunction or injury in cardiomyocytes induced by chronic stress.
Living polymerization of styrene initiated by mercaptan/ε‐caprolactam
Authors: Hu Yu‐Hsiang , Chen Chuh‐Yung , Wang Chen‐Chien , Huang Yao‐Hui , Wang Shao‐Ping 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe bulk polymerization of styrene initiated by ϵ‐caprolactam (CL) and n‐dodecyl mercaptan (RSH) has been explored. This novel polymerization system shows living characteristics. For example, the molecular weight of the resulting polymers increases with conversion, and the system has the ability to form diblock copolymers and so forth. The polymer chain end contains thiol and lactam structures, which we have investigated with Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR techniques. Electron spin resonance spectra and theoretical calculations by the Hartree–Fock methods have been used to examine the mechanism. The results reveal that the initial polymerization starts from thiol via a chain‐transfer reaction, and the propagation proceeds by the insertion of a monomer between the terminal group and the intermediate structure of lactam. Finally, the polymerization kinetics have been examined. The polymerization rate varies linearly with the concentration of CL and RSH, and this confirms the mechanism. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 4976–4993, 2004
Novice and expert teachers' conceptions of learners' prior knowledge
Authors: Meyer Helen 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThis study presents comparative case studies of preservice and first‐year teachers' and expert teachers' conceptions of the concept of prior knowledge. Kelly's (The Psychology of Personal Construct, New York: W.W. Norton, 1955) theory of personal constructs as discussed by Akerson, Flick, and Lederman (Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 2000, 37, 363–385) in relationship to prior knowledge underpins the study. Six teachers were selected to participate in the case studies based upon their level experience teaching science and their willingness to take part. The comparative case studies of the novice and expert teachers provide insights into (a) how novice and expert teachers understand the concept of prior knowledge and (b) how they use this knowledge to make instructional decisions. Data collection consisted of interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. Findings suggest that novice teachers hold insufficient conceptions of prior knowledge and its role in instruction to effectively implement constructivist teaching practices. While expert teachers hold a complex conception of prior knowledge and make use of their students' prior knowledge in significant ways during instruction. A second finding was an apparent mismatch between the novice teachers' beliefs about their urban students' life experiences and prior knowledge and the wealth of knowledge the expert teachers found to draw upon. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 88:970–983, 2004
Treatment of fetal heart block with maternal steroid therapy: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Breur J. M. P. J. , Visser G. H. A. , Kruize A. A. , Stoutenbeek P. , Meijboom E. J. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe presence of maternal autoantibodies to SS‐A/Ro and/or SS‐B/La is associated with the development of fetal heart block. There are data suggesting that maternal treatment with steroids might reverse heart block. We report on a pregnancy in a mother with secondary Sjögren syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus with presence of autoantibodies to SS‐A/Ro and SS‐B/La, which was complicated by the development of incomplete fetal heart block. Oral dexamethasone treatment could not prevent progression to complete heart block and was associated with a number of complications.A review of the literature revealed 19 studies (including ours) in which 93 cases of fetal heart block were treated with maternal steroid therapy. Complete heart block proved irreversible in all cases; and of 13 fetuses with incomplete heart block which received maternal steroid therapy, three had a reduction in their degree of block and one reverted to sinus rhythm. Maternal steroid therapy, initiated early in pregnancy and potentially preventing the onset of heart block, did not decrease the incidence of heart block in nine studies with 43 cases. Furthermore, the literature review revealed numerous serious side effects of maternal steroid administration during pregnancy. Data on these potential side effects are lacking in the 28 studies discussed in this review.Maternal dexamethasone therapy to prevent or treat fetal heart block remains, in our opinion, a questionable intervention and can as yet not be recommended in the clinical situation. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics, associations and outcome of absent pulmonary valve syndrome in the fetus
Authors: Volpe P. , Paladini D. , Marasini M. , Buonadonna A. L. , Russo M. G. , Caruso G. , Marzullo A. , Arciprete P. , Martinelli P. , Gentile M. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjectivesTo assess in a population of 21 fetuses diagnosed with absent pulmonary valve syndrome (APVS) the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis, the incidence of extracardiac and chromosomal anomalies and the perinatal outcome.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study of 21 fetuses with a confirmed diagnosis of APVS. All of them underwent fetal echocardiography and a detailed anatomical scan. Karyotyping was performed in 20/21 cases, with fluorescent in‐situ hybridization analysis to detect the 22q11 microdeletion performed in 16/21 cases. The following variables were retrieved from databases and evaluated: indication for referral, gestational age at diagnosis, presence of cardiomegaly, branch pulmonary dilatation, associated anomalies or intrauterine growth restriction, and fetal/neonatal outcome. Autopsy reports and postnatal surgical/medical files were available for confirmation in all cases.ResultsPrenatal diagnosis of APVS proved correct in all cases, with only three cases occurring not in association with tetralogy of Fallot. Additional cardiovascular anomalies were present in five cases (24%). Extracardiac anomalies were found in nine cases (42.8%), and were associated with chromosomal anomalies in five cases (24%). The 22q11 microdeletion was present in 4/16 cases (25%). Fetal/neonatal outcome was as follows: nine terminations of pregnancy, three intrauterine deaths, six postnatal deaths. The remaining three (14.3%) neonates were alive after surgery. Cardiomegaly and marked branch pulmonary dilatation were present in 16 and 15 cases, respectively, and were associated with bronchomalacia in virtually all cases.ConclusionsAPVS can be reliably diagnosed and characterized prenatally. The association with major chromosomal anomalies or 22q11 microdeletion is consistent with previous findings. The relatively poor survival rate is due to the high rate of terminations, associated genetic anomalies and bronchomalacia. Bronchomalacia is present in the overwhelming majority of cases featuring cardiomegaly and marked branch pulmonary dilatation. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EDXRF and TXRF analysis of elemental size distributions and environmental mobility of airborne particles in the city of Riga, Latvia
Authors: Viksna Arturs , Selin Lindgren Eva , Standzenieks Paulis , Jacobsson Jan 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAirborne particles were investigated in the central part of Riga during October 2000. Mass, black carbon and elemental concentrations of airborne particles were measured on Teflon filters from a dichotomous impactor, which samples fine (<2.5 µm) and coarse (2.5–10 µm) fractions of particles. In order to obtain more detailed information on the size distributions of different elements, a seven‐stage Batelle cascade impactor was used, in which quartz plates treated with silicone grease were utilized as backing for the different stages. Total reflection x‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) and energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry were used for elemental analysis on the quartz plates and Teflon filters. The environmentally mobile part of the fine particle elements in the aerosol was determined by subtraction of x‐ray spectra measured before and after sequential leaching of the aerosol filters. The results of the different measurements show that naturally generated street dust and soil particles are dominant in coarse particles, whereas particles generated by human activities are dominant in the size fraction <0.5 µm. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of polypeptide GalNAc‐transferases in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Cheng Lamei , Wang Xianyou , Tan Mengqun , Zhou Xiaoying , Wang Qiru 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe members of the UDP‐GalNAc:polypeptide N‐acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (pp‐GalNAc‐T) family, which transfer GalNAc to polypeptide serine and threonine residues, initiate mucin‐type O‐linked glycosylation. There are at least 13 functionally characterized members of this family in humans, but no studies have been reported of pp‐GalNAc‐T isoforms in hematopoietic cells. We isolated and purified CD34+ hematopoietic cells from adult bone marrow by magnetic cell sorting and induced them to differentiate into megakaryocytic lineage cells using an optimal combination of hematopoietic growth factors in serum‐free liquid medium. RT‐PCR revealed that CD34+ cells expressed pp‐GalNAc‐T1, T2, T3, T4, T6, T7, T10, T11 and T14, but not pp‐GalNAc‐T8, T9, T12 and T13. The megakaryocytic lineage cells showed significant increases in the expression of pp‐GalNAc‐T3, T8, T9, T10 and T13, but pp‐GalNAc‐T11 and T14 became undetectable. In summary, many pp‐GalNAc‐T isoforms were expressed in CD34+ cells but the expression pattern changed during differentiation into megakaryocytes. The expression patterns of pp‐GalNAc‐Ts may be necessary to ensure proper O‐glycosylation of mucin‐type proteins expressed in CD34+ and megakaryocytic cells.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation does not potentiate antidepressant treatment
Authors: Poulet E. , Brunelin J. , Boeuve C. , Lerond J. , D’Amato T. , Dalery J. , Saoud M. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractIn a double blind controlled study, rTMS results in a similar antidepressant effect to sham in combination with paroxetine. Both groups had the same delay in scale’s scores improvement. rTMS seems not to be efficient as an add-on treatment to pharmacological medication in non-resistant major depression.
An association study between polymorphisms in three genes of 14-3-3 (tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein) family and paranoid schizophrenia in northern Chinese population
Authors: Jia Yanbin , Yu Xin , Zhang Boyu , Yuan Yanbo , Xu Qi , Shen Yucun , Shen Yan 
Published: August 2004

AbstractWe performed an association study between three SNPs in the genes of 14-3-3 family and paranoid schizophrenia. SNP rs983583 G/A in the YWHAZ gene showed significant association with paranoid schizophrenia. Our study indicated that the YWHAZ gene was a potential susceptibility gene for paranoid schizophrenia in the population studied.
Aging‐related increase in oxidative stress correlates with developmental pattern of beta‐secretase activity and beta‐amyloid plaque formation in transgenic Tg2576 mice with Alzheimer‐like pathology
Authors: Apelt Jenny , Bigl Marina , Wunderlich Patrick , Schliebs Reinhard 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe molecular mechanisms of β‐amyloidogenesis in sporadic Alzheimer's disease are still poorly understood. To reveal whether aging‐associated increases in brain oxidative stress and inflammation may trigger onset or progression of β‐amyloid deposition, a transgenic mouse (Tg2576) that express the Swedish double mutation of human amyloid precursor protein (APP) was used as animal model to study the developmental pattern of markers of oxidative stress and APP processing. In Tg2576 mouse brain, cortical levels of soluble β‐amyloid (1–40) and (1–42) steadily increased with age, but significant deposition of fibrillary β‐amyloid in cortical areas did not occur before postnatal age of 10 months. The slope of increase in cerebral cortical β‐secretase (BACE1) activities in Tg2576 mice between ages of 9 and 13 months was significantly higher as compared to that of the α‐secretase, while the expression level of BACE1 protein and mRNA did not change with age. The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in cortical tissue from Tg2576 mice steadily increased from postnatal age 9–12 months. The levels of cortical nitric oxide, and reactive nitrogen species demonstrated peak values around 9 months of age, while the level of interleukin‐1β steadily increased from postnatal month 13 onwards. The developmental temporal coincidence of increased levels of reactive nitrogen species and antioxidative enzymes with the onset of β‐amyloid plaque deposition provides further evidence that developmentally and aging‐induced alterations in brain oxidative status exhibit a major factor in triggering enhanced production and deposition of β‐amyloid, and potentially predispose to Alzheimer's disease.
Beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin in cervicovaginal secretions and preterm delivery
Authors: Garshasbi A. , Ghazanfari T. , Faghih Zadeh S. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjectives: To determine whether concentrations of β‐HCG in cervicovaginal secretions could predict spontaneous preterm birth (SPB) in asymptomatic high risk pregnancies. Methods: A cohort study was undertaken with cervicovaginal samples collected from 540 pregnant women between 20 to 28 weeks of gestation. Levels of β‐HCG were measured by ELISA test. Results: There was 3.2‐fold increase in cervicovaginal β‐HCG concentrations among patients with SPB vs. term delivery. A single cervicovaginal β‐HCG >77.8mIU/ml, between 20 and 28 weeks’ gestation, identified patients with subsequent SPB vs. term delivery with sensitivity of 87.5% (95% CI: 47.4–97.9) and a specificity of 97% (95% CI: 86.5–99.4) with positive and negative predictive values of 88.5% and 98%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression indicates that cervicovaginal β‐HCG level >77.8mIU/ml was an independent predictor of SPB (adjusted odds ratio 19.97, 95% CI: 10.65–37.45). Conclusions: Cervicovaginal β‐HCG is a sensitive and specific predictor of patients with subsequent preterm delivery.
Repeat induced abortions and contraceptive practices among unmarried young women seeking an abortion in China
Authors: Cheng Y. , Gno X. , Li Y. , Li S. , Qu A. , Kang B. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the rates of repeated abortion and contraceptive use among unmarried young women seeking an abortion in China.MethodsWe used an anonymous self‐administered questionnaire at abortion clinics in Beijing, Changsha, and Dalian from January to September 2000.ResultsOf 4547 unmarried young women seeking an abortion, 33.0% reported having had one previous induced abortion. Of those who had had more than one abortion, only 29.7% used a contraceptive method at their first sexual intercourse after the procedure; and of the 446 women who chose contraception, 41.3% used the traditional methods of withdrawal or rhythm. Although 65.0% of the young women had used condoms at least once, only 9.6% did so consistently and correctly; 47.7% of the current pregnancies were associated with nonuse of any contraceptive, and 52.3% were related to contraceptive failure.ConclusionThe rate of unmarried young women seeking repeated abortions was high in China on 2000. The rate of consistent condom use was low, and the rate of contraceptive failure was higher.
Expression of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase in Laryngeal Tissues
Authors: Franco Ramon A , Wasinwong Yongyuth 
Published: August 2004

ProblemTelomerase is believed to play a major role in transforming cells (immortalization) to carcinoma. Its activity has been detected in 90% of human cancers. We evaluated telomerase activity in laryngeal carcinoma patients who underwent surgery for cure through the immunohistochemical detection of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Telomerase activity is correlated to hTERT expression.MethodsPatients were divided into 2 groups (those who were cured and those who had recurrences) and the (height) percentage of the thickness of the epithelium with hTERT positive cells and the percentage of hTERT positive cells per high‐powered field (HPF) was compared. Twenty‐three carcinoma specimens (14 cured and 9 recurrence) were stained with hTERT antibody.ResultsThe positive hTERT expression (85.7%) in the cured specimens was not statistically significant when compared to the recurrence specimens (100%) (P = 0.50). The minimum height and minimum percentage of positive cells per HPF in the cured group was zero. However, the minimum height in the recurrence group was 55.0%, and the minimum percentage of positive cells per HPF was 52.3%. Furthermore, we evaluated the hTERT expression of the normal epithelium surrounding the carcinomas and found no differences between the cured and recurrence groups (P = 0.46).ConclusionIn conclusion, although hTERT expression could not positively predict the patient's outcome (cure versus recurrence), those specimens with less than 50% height involvement or percentage of positive hTERT staining cells per HPF tended to be cured from the treatment. Larger sample sizes are necessary to establish the predictive ability of hTERT expression in cancer.SignificanceTelomerase activity has been detected in over 90% of all human cancers. hTERT and Telomerase levels may be predictive of cure in cancer. A multi‐institutional trial has been started to increase the number of samples to increase the statistical power and possibly arrive at a definitive answer to this important question.SupportNone reported.