bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lack of Relationship between Occupational Exposure to Carbon Disulfide and Endocrine Dysfunction: A Six‐year Cohort Study of the Japanese Rayon Workers
Authors: Takebayashi Toru , Nishiwaki Yuji , Nomiyama Tetsuo , Uemura Takamoto , Yamauchi Tsuneyuki , Tanaka Shigeru , Sakurai Haruhiko , Omae Kazuyuki ,   for the Japanese Rayon Worker's Health Study Group
Published: March 2004

Lack of Relationship between Occupational Exposure to Carbon Disulfide and Endocrine Dysfunction: A Six‐year Cohort Study of the Japanese Rayon Workers: Toru Takebayashi, et al. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Keio UniversityObjectivesA six‐year prospective cohort study was conducted to clarify whether the current carbon disulfide (CS2) exposure level is low enough to prevent subclinical health impairment and/or to ameliorate health effects due to previous high exposure. This paper describes the follow‐up results, exposure assessment, and effects on the endocrine system.MethodsThe study subjects were 432 male workers exposed to CS2 at one of the 11 rayon factories in Japan and 402 referent workers from the same factories, all of whom were examined in 1992–93. 251 CS2 exposed, 140 former‐exposed and 359 referent workers participated in the follow‐up survey (follow‐up rate 89.9%) in 1998–99. Urinary 2‐thiothiazolidine‐4carboxylic acid (TTCA) at the end of a shift as internal exposure index and the time‐weighted average CS2 concentration as external exposure index were measured twice a year from 1992–1993. By using various blood indices, we evaluated effects on thyroid, hypophysis, and gonad function, as well as effects on glucose metabolism. Information on potential confounding factors, such as age, smoking and alcohol drinking, were collected and adjusted for.ResultsWhen the individual exposure level was represented by arithmetic mean for TTCA and CS2 concentration, geometric means (SD) of CS2 workers were 1.61 (1.91) mg/g.crea and 5.02 (1.84) ppm, respectively. There were no exposure‐related differences in glucose metabolism or any of the endocrinological indices. Conclusions—No biologically significant effects of CS2 were found on endocrine function in Japanese rayon manufacturing workers when the average internal and external exposure levels were maintained below the current occupational exposure limit.
A novel A/G SNP in the −615th position of the dopamine D4 receptor promoter region as a source of misgenotyping of the −616 C/G SNP
Authors: Ronai Z. , Szantai E. , Szmola R. , Nemoda Z. , Szekely A. , Gervai J. , Guttman A. , Sasvari‐Szekely M. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe polymorphic 5′ upstream region of the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) gene containing several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has recently become a focus of association studies in psychiatric genetics. Most SNP genotyping methods are based on the two‐step procedure of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). An alternative technique is a single‐step method of allele‐specific amplification (ASA), previously introduced for genotyping the −521 C/T SNP of the DRD4 promoter region and applied here for the −616 C/G SNP. Parallel genotyping of individuals with the novel ASA method and the conventionally used Ava II RFLP showed a potential underestimation of the −616 GG genotype frequency by the conventional method. Sequencing the dubious samples clearly demonstrated a novel A/G SNP at the −615th position influencing the Ava II digestion and thus resulting in misgenotyping. To avoid this problem, we introduced the Sau96 I RFLP for the −616 C/G genotyping as this restriction enzyme is not sensitive for the −615 A/G sequence variation. Allele (−616 G = 0.48; −616 C = 0.52) and genotype (−616 GG = 0.25; −616 GC = 0.46; −616 CC = 0.29) frequencies were determined by both the novel ASA and the Sau96 I methods. The obtained genotype frequencies corresponded to the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in our healthy Caucasian sample (N = 534, P = 0.168). Using these methods, no association was found between the −616 C/G SNP and personality factors of Cloninger's temperament and character inventory (N = 153) in our population. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Possible epistatic role of ADH7 in the protection against alcoholism
Authors: Osier M.V. , Lu R.‐B. , Pakstis A.J. , Kidd J.R. , Huang S.‐Y. , Kidd Kenneth K. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractIn recent studies of the role of the alcohol dehydrogenase genes (ADH) in alcoholism the ADH1B Arg47His polymorphism appears to affect risk via a protective effect associated with the ADH1B*47His. Here we present evidence for an additional effect from outside the Class I ADH genes, presumably from functional variation at the ADH7 gene. The protective effect is restricted to one of two haplotypes identical at ADH1B but differing at an intronic SNP at ADH7 suggesting epistasis or strong linkage disequilibrium (LD). © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serotonergic polymorphisms and psychotic disorders in populations from North Spain
Authors: Mata I. , Arranz M.J. , Patiño A. , Lai T. , Beperet M. , Sierrasesumaga L. , Clark D. , Perez‐Nievas F. , Richards L. , Ortuño F. , Sham P. , Kerwin R.W. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThere is strong biological evidence relating alterations in the serotonergic system with mental disorders. These alterations may be originated at the DNA level by sequence mutations that alter the functioning of serotonin receptors and transporter. To test this hypothesis we investigated three genetic variants of the 5‐HT2A receptor (−1438G/A, 102T/C and His452Tyr) and two variants of the serotonin transporter (a VNTR in the second intron and a 44 bp insertion/delition in the promoter region of the gene) in a clinical sample recruited in a human isolate and in surrounding areas in Northern Spain (N = 257) and in ethnically matched controls (N = 334). No clear association was found between 5‐HT2A variants and psychosis. However, marginal associations were observed between the 5‐HTT LPR and VNTR variants and psychosis (P ≤ 0.05) indicating a minor contribution to psychosis of genetic alterations in this gene. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
4‐Aryl(benzyl)amino‐4‐heteroarylbut‐1‐enes as Building Blocks in Heterocyclic Synthesis. 4.1 Synthesis of 4, 6‐Dimethyl‐5‐nitro(amino)‐2‐pyridylquinolines and their Antiparasitic Activities
Authors: Kouznetsov Vladimir V. , Vargas Méndez Leonor Y. , Tibaduiza Belsy , Ochoa Carmen , Montero Pereira David , Nogal Ruiz Juan J. , Fernaéndez Portillo Carlos , Muelas Serrano Susana , Gómez Barrio Alicia , Bahsas Alí , Amaro‐Luis Juan 
Published: March 2004

AbstractNew nitro‐ and aminoquinoline derivatives containing a pyridyl nucleus were synthesized from 6, 8‐disubstituted 4‐methyl‐2‐pyridylquinolines, which were prepared from N‐pyridylmethylidenanilines. The anti‐chagasic and trichomonacidal in vitro activity, as well as the cytotoxic properties towards macrophages of some of these compounds were evaluated. Although some of the compounds showed only moderate activity it was possible to establish some structure‐activity relationships.
Synthesis of Furoannelated Analogues of Emivirine (MKC‐442)
Authors: Wamberg Michael , Pedersen Erik B. , Nielsen Claus 
Published: March 2004

AbstractFuroannelated analogues 1‐alkoxymethyl‐7‐phenyl‐5, 7‐dihydro‐1H‐furo[3, 4‐d]‐pyrimidine‐2, 4‐diones of Emivirine (3a, b) were synthesized from the primary alcohols 1‐alkoxymethyl‐6‐benzyl‐5‐hydroxymethyl‐1H‐pyrimidine‐2, 4‐dione (5a, b) using a radical ring closure reaction with Pb(OAc)4. These analogues are conformationally restricted in order to fix the aromatic substituent of Emivirine in nearly the same position as it is in the case when the complex of Emivirine is bound to HIV‐1 RT. However, the anti HIV‐1 activities of 3a, b were considerably lower than those of the lead Emivirine.
Total Synthesis and in Vitro‐Antifungal Activity of (±)‐2‐Methoxytetradecanoic Acid
Authors: Carballeira Néstor M. , Ortiz Denisse , Parang Keykavous , Sardari Soroush 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe marine fatty acid (±)‐2‐methoxytetradecanoic acid was synthesized in two steps (71% overall yield) starting from commercially available methyl‐2‐hydroxy‐tetradecanoate. The title compound was antifungal against Candida albicans (ATCC 14053) in RPMI medium and Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16404) and Cryptococcus neoformans (ATCC 66031) in SDB medium at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 100 mM, which compares to the fungitoxicity of a 2‐iodotetradecanoic acid against the same fungi. The title compound was also five to ten times more cytotoxic than capric acid to C. albicans and A. niger in the tested medium but comparable in cytotoxicity to either capric acid and its 2‐methoxylated analog to C. neoformans. The antifungal activity of (±)‐2‐methoxytetradecanoic acid is explained in terms of inhibition of N‐myristoyltransferase.
Teratogenic effects of bis‐diamine on the developing myocardium
Authors: Okamoto Nobuhiko , Nakagawa Masao , Fujino Hidetoshi , Nishijima Setsuko , Hanato Takashi , Narita Tsutomu , Takeuchi Yoshihiro , Imanaka‐Yoshida Kyoko 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDBis‐diamine induces conotruncal anomalies and disproportional ventricular development in rat embryos when administered to the mother. To evaluate the mechanisms of disproportional ventricular development in the anomalous heart, we analyzed the morphology of the embryonic heart and investigated cardiomyocytic DNA synthesis and apoptosis.METHODSA single dose of 200 mg of bis‐diamine was administered to pregnant rats Wistar on day 9.5 of pregnancy. The embryos were removed on each embryonic day from 10.5 to 18.5. Expression of cardiotrophin‐1 and hepatocyte growth factor was investigated on the sections, and cardiotrophin‐1, hepatocyte growth factor and myocyte enhancer factor 2 mRNA expression was examined by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Myocardial DNA synthesis was investigated using 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine and the labeling index was calculated for each heart. Apoptosis was also analyzed using TUNEL reaction and electrophoresis of DNA fragmentation.RESULTSThe embryos treated with bis‐diamine had conotruncal anomalies associated with thin left ventricular wall in the later stage. The labeling index on embryonic day 15.5 and 16.5 was significantly lower than those in the controls. Hepatocyte growth factor and cardiotrophin‐1 mRNA expression was upregulated on embryonic day 12.5 and 15.5 in bis‐diamine–treated hearts. Fewer apoptotic cells were detected in the hearts of bis‐diamine–treated embryos than in control hearts from embryonic day 14.5 to 16.5.CONCLUSIONSThe ventricular disproportion in the bis‐diamine–treated heart may be caused by the early myocardial differentiation delay and poor proliferation and reduced apoptosis associated with anomalous circulatory condition in the later stage. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human head exposure to a 37 Hz electromagnetic field: Effects on blood pressure, somatosensory perception, and related parameters
Authors: Ghione Sergio , Del Seppia C. , Mezzasalma L. , Emdin M. , Luschi P. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that exposure to an electromagnetic field (EMF) of 37 Hz at a flux density of 80 μT peak enhances nociceptive sensitivity in mice. Here we examined the effects on pain sensitivity and some indexes of cardiovascular regulation mechanisms in humans by measuring electrical cutaneous thresholds, arterial blood pressure, heart rate and its variability, and stress hormones. Pain and tolerance thresholds remained unchanged after sham exposure but significantly decreased after electromagnetic exposure. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher during electromagnetic exposure and heart rate significantly decreased, both during sham and electromagnetic exposure, while the high frequency (150–400 mHz) component of heart rate variability, which is an index of parasympathetic activity, increased as expected during sham exposure but remained unchanged during electromagnetic exposure. Cortisol significantly decreased during sham exposure only. These results show that exposure to an EMF of 37 Hz also alters pain sensitivity in humans and suggest that these effects may be associated with abnormalities in cardiovascular regulation. Bioelectromagnetics 25:167–175, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In situ synthesis of oligonucleotide microarrays
Authors: Gao Xiaolian , Gulari Erdogan , Zhou Xiaochuan 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThis contribution presents a brief overall look of the methods for the preparation of various types of DNA microarrays and a thorough examination of the methods for in situ synthesis of oligonucleotide microarrays. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
Invasive cleavage reactions on DNA‐modified diamond surfaces
Authors: Lu Manchun , Knickerbocker Tanya , Cai Wei , Yang Wensha , Hamers Robert J. , Smith Lloyd M. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractRecently developed DNA‐modified diamond surfaces exhibit excellent chemical stability to high‐temperature incubations in biological buffers. The stability of these surfaces is substantially greater than that of gold or silicon surfaces, using similar surface attachment chemistry. The DNA molecules attached to the diamond surfaces are accessible to enzymes and can be modified in surface enzymatic reactions. An important application of these surfaces is for surface invasive cleavage reactions, in which target DNA strands added to the solution may result in specific cleavage of surface‐bound probe oligonucleotides, permitting analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Our previous work demonstrated the feasibility of performing such cleavage reactions on planar gold surfaces using PCR‐amplified human genomic DNA as target. The sensitivity of detection in this earlier work was substantially limited by a lack of stability of the gold surface employed. In the present work, detection sensitivity is improved by a factor of ∼100 (100 amole of DNA target compared with 10 fmole in the earlier work) by replacing the DNA‐modified gold surface with a more stable DNA‐modified diamond surface. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
Efficient strategies for the conjugation of oligonucleotides to antibodies enabling highly sensitive protein detection
Authors: Kozlov Igor A. , Melnyk Peter C. , Stromsborg Katie E. , Chee Mark S. , Barker David L. , Zhao Chanfeng 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThree methods for the conjugation of oligonucleotides to antibodies and the subsequent application of these conjugates to protein detection at attomole levels in immunoassays are described. The methods are based on chemical modification of both antibody and oligonucleotide. Aldehydes were introduced onto antibodies by modification of primary amines or oxidation of carbohydrate residues. Aldehyde‐ or hydrazine‐modified oligonucleotides were prepared either during phosphoramidite synthesis or by post‐synthesis derivatization. Conjugation between the modified oligonucleotide and antibody resulted in the formation of a hydrazone bond that proved to be stable over long periods of time under physiological conditions. The binding activity of each antibody–oligonucleotide conjugate was determined to be comparable to the corresponding unmodified antibody using a standard sandwich ELISA. Each oligonucleotide contained a unique DNA sequence flanked by universal primers at both ends and was assigned to a specific antibody. Highly sensitive immunoassays were performed by immobilizing analyte for each conjugate onto a solid support with cognate capture antibodies. Binding of the antibody–oligonucleotide conjugate to the immobilized analyte allowed for amplification of the attached DNA. Products of amplification were visualized using gel electrophoresis, thus denoting the presence of bound analyte. The preferred conjugation method was used to generate a set of antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates suitable for high‐sensitivity protein detection. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
Optical spectroscopic differentiation of various equilibrium denatured states of horse cytochrome c
Authors: Xu Qi , Keiderling Timothy A. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThermal unfolding of cytochrome c (cyt c) from several states has been studied using equilibrium spectroscopic techniques. CD in the uv, vibrational circular dichroism, infrared, and uv‐vis absorption spectra measured at various temperatures, pHs, salt concentrations, and GuHCl concentrations are used to show the conformational as well as heme structural differences between native and various denatured states. The difference in thermal denaturation behaviors of cyt c starting from acid denatured, molten globule (MG), and the A and native states are explored. Different final high temperature states were observed for cytochrome c unfolding from four different initial states (native, MG, A, and acid denatured state) by electronic CD, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and vibrational CD (VCD). Consistent with this, different thermal unfolding pathways for the MG and A states are suggested by the FTIR and VCD data for this process. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
Characterization of collagen‐like heterotrimers: Implications for triple‐helix stability
Authors: Berisio Rita , Granata Vincenzo , Vitagliano Luigi , Zagari Adriana 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThis article deals with the effects of proline hydroxylation on collagen triple‐helix stability, an issue that is still under discussion. To investigate the structural determinants of triple‐helix stabilization by hydroxyproline (Hyp), we here characterized spectroscopically triple‐helix heterotrimers containing both chains of (Pro–Pro–Gly)10 and (Pro–Hyp–Gly)10. Results are discussed in relation to the various triple‐helix stabilization mechanisms. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
Tissue integration and biomechanical behaviour of contaminated experimental polypropylene and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene implants
Authors: Bellón J M , García-Carranza A , García-Honduvilla N , Carrera-San Martín A , Buján J 
Published: March 2004

Abstract

Background
Infection is one of the most devastating complications following implantation of a prosthetic material. The aim of this study was to compare the behaviour of two biomaterials contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis, used to repair abdominal wall defects.

Methods
Defects (7 × 5 cm) were created in the anterior abdominal wall of 60 white New Zealand rabbits and repaired using polypropylene or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) prostheses. The site of repair had been previously inoculated with 106 colony-forming units/ml S. aureus or S. epidermidis. Seven and 30 days after implantation, prosthetic specimens were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical and biomechanical analysis.

Results
No significant differences with respect to controls were observed in the S. epidermidis groups. Two animals inoculated with S. aureus died. S. aureus induced the appearance of denuded areas exposing the filaments in the polypropylene prostheses, whereas the ePTFE prostheses showed zones of erosion, disorganized tissue, haemorrhage and necrosis. The biomechanical strength of the contaminated implants was unaltered.

Conclusion
Integration within host tissue was affected in the setting of S. aureus infection but the tensile strength of contaminated prostheses was not significantly reduced.
Prognostic significance of peritoneal minimal residual disease in gastric cancer detected by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Oyama K , Terashima M , Takagane A , Maesawa C 
Published: March 2004

Abstract

Background
A sensitive method for detecting minimal residual disease in the peritoneal cavity by quantifying carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) mRNA using real-time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RQ-RT–PCR) was developed. The clinical value of the method for predicting peritoneal recurrence in patients with gastric cancer was evaluated.

Method
A total of 195 patients with gastric cancer and 20 with asymptomatic cholecystolithiasis were included in the study. CEA mRNA expression in peritoneal washings (p-CEA mRNA) was measured by RQ-RT–PCR and normalized to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA expression. The cut-off level of p-CEA mRNA for gastric cancer was determined by examining p-CEA mRNA levels in patients with asymptomatic cholecystolithiasis.

Results
Fifty-five (28·2 per cent) of the 195 patients were p-CEA mRNA positive. The rate of p-CEA mRNA positivity correlated significantly with clinicopathological factors. In 163 patients who underwent curative surgery, overall survival and disease-free survival were significantly poorer in p-CEA mRNA-positive patients than in p-CEA mRNA-negative patients (P &lt; 0·001). Cox regression analysis revealed that only p-CEA mRNA was a significant independent prognostic factor (P = 0·034). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that p-CEA mRNA was a significant independent risk factor for peritoneal recurrence (P = 0·027).

Conclusion
These results suggest that p-CEA mRNA is a reliable prognostic factor and predictor of peritoneal recurrence in gastric cancer.
Value of updating a systematic review in surgery using individual patient data
Authors: McCormack K , Grant A , Scott N 
Published: March 2004

Abstract

Background
Previous research has highlighted the advantages of individual patient data (IPD) meta-analyses. However, they are resource intensive and take considerable time to complete. The aim of this study was to determine whether the extra investment is justified by greater accuracy or usefulness by means of a case study in surgery.

Methods
An updated review using IPD, where possible, was compared with an earlier version based on aggregate published data to determine whether there were statistically significant changes in estimates of effectiveness for hernia recurrence and persisting pain. Differences related to the type of laparoscopic repair, the type of open repair and methodological quality were also explored.

Results
The results for hernia recurrence changed little. However, the IPD update led to divergent conclusions for persisting pain. The published data implied a statistically significant benefit in favour of open repair, whereas the IPD result implied a statistically significant benefit in favour of laparoscopic repair (P &lt; 0·001). Methodological quality did not account for this difference.

Conclusion
Updating of systematic reviews using IPD can be conducted successfully in surgery. This example led to little change in estimates of effectiveness for hernia recurrence but yielded qualitatively different estimates for persisting pain, an outcome rarely included in the published reports.