bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ergot alkaloids in cereal products
Authors: Bürk Gisela , Höbel Werner , Richt Anita
Published: March 2006

The danger of ergot alkaloids has been well known for centuries. The origin and toxicology of these compounds have been clarified and flour mills assure us that they have mastered the problem technologically. Nevertheless, one can find food products with sometimes relatively high contents of these toxic alkaloids. Here we report on our experiences and results of an LC‐MS/MS‐method which we have developed to determine ergot alkaloids and which was applied to commercial products during the past two years.
Modulation of oxidative cell damage by reconstituted mixtures of phenolic apple juice extracts in human colon cell lines
Authors: Schaefer Sandra , Baum Matthias , Eisenbrand Gerhard , Janzowski Christine
Published: March 2006

Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are associated with a lower risk of tumour induction in the intestine and other sites. Apple juice with high amounts of antioxidative phenolics might protect the intestine against reactive oxygen species‐mediated cell damage. We investigated to which extent the preventive effectiveness of polyphenolic juice extracts is governed by the amounts of five major constituents (rutin, phloridzin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and epicatechin). In human colon cell lines (Caco‐2, HT29), reconstituted mixtures of these phenolics were investigated in comparison to the original juice extracts, originating from cider and table apples. Parameters studied were (oxidative) DNA damage (Comet assay), cellular redox status (dichlorofluorescein assay) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). The TEAC of the reconstituted mixtures was higher compared to the respective original extracts (4.7–7.3 mM vs. 3.6–4.2 mM Trolox). After 24 h cell incubation, menadione‐induced (oxidative) DNA damage was more effectively reduced by the reconstituted mixtures (1–100 μg/mL, 24 h), as compared to the original extracts. In contrast, the cellular ROS level was reduced to a rather similar extent by original extracts and reconstituted mixtures. The results lead to the conclusion that the selected constituents in their authentic proportions substantially account for the antioxidative effectiveness of phenolic apple juice extracts.
Preparative isolation of isoflavones from soy and red clover
Authors: Stürtz Melanie , Lander Vera , Schmid Wolfgang , Winterhalter Peter
Published: March 2006

Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of isoflavones occurring in soy (Glycine max L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) to alleviate climacteric complaints. They have also shown beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and in the prevention of osteoporosis. As a result, several companies offer nutraceuticals based on soy or red clover extracts. The aim of the present study was the isolation of pure isoflavones on a preparative scale, in order to obtain standards for biological tests and for the quantification of isoflavones in nutraceuticals and foods. High‐speed countercurrent chromatography, a special type of liquid–liquid partition chromatography, was applied to the preparative isolation of isoflavones. By using this technique the major monoglucosylated and acetylated isoflavones from soy extracts were obtained after a cleaning‐up step on Amberlite XAD‐7 material. Furthermore, it was possible to isolate isoflavone aglycones as well as glycosides from a red clover extract. Purity and identity of the isolated isoflavones were confirmed by HPLC with DAD, HPLC‐ESI multiple‐MS, and NMR spectroscopy.
Studies on apple and blueberry fruit constituents: Do the polyphenols reach the colon after ingestion?
Authors: Kahle Kathrin , Kraus Michael , Scheppach Wolfgang , Ackermann Matthias , Ridder Friederike , Richling Elke
Published: March 2006

The aim of our studies was to determine the amount of polyphenols reaching the colon after oral intake of apple juice and blueberries. After a polyphenol‐free diet healthy ileostomy volunteers consumed a polyphenol‐rich cloudy apple juice while others consumed anthocyanin‐rich blueberries. Ileostomy effluent was collected and polyphenols were identified using HPLC‐DAD as well as HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS; quantification was performed with HPLC‐DAD. Most of the orally administered apple polyphenols were absorbed from or metabolized in the small intestine. Between 0 and 33% of the oral dose was recovered in the ileostomy bags with a maximum of excretion after 2 h. A higher amount of the blueberry anthocyanins under study (up to 85%, depending on the sugar moiety) were determined in the ileostomy bags and therefore would reach the colon under physiological circumstances. Such structure‐related availability has to be considered when polyphenols are used in model systems to study potential preventive effects in colorectal diseases.
Rule‐of‐thumb adjustment of sample sizes to accommodate dropouts in a two‐stage analysis of repeated measurements
Authors: Overall John E. , Tonidandel Scott , Starbuck Robert R.
Published: March 2006

Recent contributions to the statistical literature have provided elegant model‐based solutions to the problem of estimating sample sizes for testing the significance of differences in mean rates of change across repeated measures in controlled longitudinal studies with differentially correlated error and missing data due to dropouts. However, the mathematical complexity and model specificity of these solutions make them generally inaccessible to most applied researchers who actually design and undertake treatment evaluation research in psychiatry. In contrast, this article relies on a simple two‐stage analysis in which dropout‐weighted slope coefficients fitted to the available repeated measurements for each subject separately serve as the dependent variable for a familiar ANCOVA test of significance for differences in mean rates of change. This article is about how a sample of size that is estimated or calculated to provide desired power for testing that hypothesis without considering dropouts can be adjusted appropriately to take dropouts into account. Empirical results support the conclusion that, whatever reasonable level of power would be provided by a given sample size in the absence of dropouts, essentially the same power can be realized in the presence of dropouts simply by adding to the original dropout‐free sample size the number of subjects who would be expected to drop from a sample of that original size under conditions of the proposed study. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Italian Preadolescent Mental Health Project (PrISMA): rationale and methods
Authors: Frigerio Alessandra , Vanzin Laura , Pastore Valentina , Nobile Maria , Giorda Roberto , Marino Cecilia , Molteni Massimo , Rucci Paola , Ammaniti Massimo , Lucarelli Loredana , Lenti Carlo , Walder Mauro , Martinuzzi Andrea , Carlet Ombretta , Muratori Filippo , Milone Annarita , Zuddas Alessandro , Cavolina Pina , Nardocci Franco , Tullini Andrea , Morosini Pierluigi , Polidori Gabriella , De Girolamo Giovanni
Published: March 2006

The Italian preadolescent mental health project (PrISMA – Progetto Italiano Salute Mentale Adolescenti) is the first Italian study designed to estimate the prevalence of mental disorders in preadolescents (10–14 years old) living in urban areas, and to analyse the demographic and biological correlates of emotional and behavioural problems. This paper describes the rationale, methods and the analysis plan of the project.

The design of the study used a two‐stage sampling procedure, one screening stage of emotional and behavioural problems in a large sample of subjects attending public and private schools and a second stage of diagnostic assessment in a sample including all high scorers and a proportion of low scorers. In the screening stage, parents of preadolescents were asked to fill in the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), whereas in the second stage preadolescents and their parents were administered the Development and Well Being Assessment for the assessment of mental disorders together with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and two scales (C‐GAS and HoNOSCA) designed to evaluate the functioning of the preadolescent in different areas. Genetic samples were collected during the screening stage, after parents gave their informed written consent. The findings of this study are expected to allow an adequate planning of interventions for the prevention and the treatment of mental disorders in preadolescence as well as efficient health services. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving methods of assessing natural killer cell cytotoxicity
Authors: Sephton Sandra E. , Kraemer Helena C. , Neri Eric , Stites Daniel P. , Weissbecker Inka , Spiegel David
Published: March 2006

Natural killer (NK) cells are a class of lymphocytes important in immune resistance to viral and other serious diseases. The cytotoxic function, or ‘killing activity’ of NK cells has become important in studies of the effects of stress and other psychosocial factors on physical health. Unfortunately, research on NK cell function has been plagued by discrepancies in the methods of interpreting NK cytotoxicity data. We briefly review some of the variations in measuring NK cell activity and present a new model for interpreting these results, introducing maximal target cell lysis (A) and the slope of the cytolytic curve (k) as parameters that attempt to make full use of the information and the statistical power in NK cell cytotoxicity data. Examples of these interpretation methods are presented using NK cytotoxicity data from a group of metastatic breast cancer patients. This approach will be useful in applications of NK cell measurement in psychoneuroimmunology research. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of agency‐based and self‐report methods of measuring services across an urban environment by a drug‐abusing homeless population
Authors: Pollio David E. , North Carol S. , Eyrich Karin M. , Foster Douglas A. , Spitznagel Edward L.
Published: March 2006

The purpose of this paper is to advance the methodology for studying service assessment by comparing self‐report and agency‐generated methods. This study compares 30‐day self‐reported service use for homeless individuals (N = 229) randomly recruited from a single urban environment (St Louis, Missouri) with similar data collected from a broad array of service agencies providing homeless, substance abuse and outpatient mental health services across the same environment. Comparisons were made between self‐report and agency‐based data on shelter use, outpatient mental health service use (case management, psychiatric treatment, group therapy), outpatient substance abuse service use (case management, counselling, group therapy) and drop‐in/day treatment use. Consistently low levels of kappa scores (all under 0.4) and correlation coefficients (only shelter use demonstrated significant agreement) were found. Findings demonstrated that the two methods of collecting service data are generally not concordant at the individual level. Certain demographic characteristics (increased age, being male, non‐white ethnicity) and diagnoses (cocaine abuse/dependence, mania, schizophrenia) were associated with decreased reliability between the two methods of data collection. The two methods of assessment appeared to capture overlapping but not identical information. Each method of assessment has different utility to researchers and providers wishing to assess service use. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification, molecular cloning, and cellular distribution of the rat homolog of minichromosome maintenance protein 7 (MCM7) in the rat testis
Authors: Com Emmanuelle , Rolland Antoine D. , Guerrois Myriam , Aubry Florence , Jégou Bernard , Vallet‐Erdtmann Virginie , Pineau Charles
Published: March 2006

As part of a program to decipher the rat testicular proteome, we studied spermatogonia and identified numerous proteins including the human homolog of the Minichromosome Maintenance Protein 7 (MCM7). MCM7 has been implicated in DNA replication in various species, but had not been detected in the testis. Here we describe the cellular distribution of MCM7 transcripts and protein, and their testicular ontogenetic expression. The full‐length coding region of the rat MCM7 was also characterized. Northern blot analyses showed that MCM7 transcripts are more abundant in the testis than other organs and confirmed the presence of the 2.4 kb MCM7 transcript at all ages studied. Interestingly, two additional transcripts of 3.2 and 1.6 kb were found from 26 days post partum onwards, when spermatocytes and spermatids accumulate within the tubules. This was confirmed in isolated cell types: the three MCM7 transcripts were observed in meiotic and post‐meiotic germ cells. The 3.2 kb isoform has an extended 5′ untranslated region (UTR) and the 1.6 kb transcript is the result of alternative splicing of five exons. Western blot and immunohistochemistry experiments evidenced abundant MCM7 in proliferating gonocytes and Sertoli cells in the fetal testis. In the adult testis, an intense signal was observed in spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes. We conclude that the Mcm7 is one example of genes that are differently transcribed and translated in somatic and spermatogenetic cells in mammals. Further work is required to determine the roles of MCM7 in spermatogonia and germ lineage. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elasto–acoustic and acoustic–acoustic coupling on non‐matching grids
Authors: Flemisch B. , Kaltenbacher M. , Wohlmuth B. I.
Published: March 2006

Flexible discretization techniques for the approximative solution of coupled wave propagation problems are investigated, focussing on aero–acoustic and elasto–acoustic coupling. In particular, the advantages of using non‐matching grids are presented, when one subregion has to be resolved by a substantially finer grid than the other subregion. For the elasto–acoustic coupling, the problem formulation remains essentially the same as for the matching situation, while for the aero–acoustic coupling, the formulation is enhanced with Lagrange multipliers within the framework of mortar finite element methods. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the flexibility and applicability of the approach. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic solution of unbounded domains using finite element method: discrete Green's functions in frequency domain
Authors: Boroomand B. , Mossaiby F.
Published: March 2006

In this paper we present a new approach for finite element solution of time‐harmonic wave problems on unbounded domains. As representatives of the wave problems, discrete Green's functions are evaluated in finite element sense. The finite element mesh is considered to be of repeatable pattern (cell) constructed in rectangular co‐ordinates. The system of FE equations is therefore reduced to a set of well‐known dispersion equations by using a spectral solution approach. The spectral wave bases are constructed directly from the FE dispersion equations. Radiation condition is satisfied by selecting the wave bases so that the wave information is transmitted in appropriate directions at the cell level. Dirichlet/Neumann boundary conditions are defined at the edges of a quadrant of the main domain while using the axes of symmetry of the problem. A new discrete transformation method, recently proposed by the authors, is used to satisfy the boundary conditions. Comprehensive studies are made for showing the validity, accuracy and convergence of the solutions. The results of the benchmark problems indicate that the proposed method can be used to evaluate discrete Green's functions whose analytical forms are not available. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approximation of multivariate functions and evaluation of particular solutions using Chebyshev polynomial and trigonometric basis functions
Authors: Reutskiy S. Y. , Chen C. S.
Published: March 2006

A two‐stage numerical procedure using Chebyshev polynomials and trigonometric functions is proposed to approximate the source term of a given partial differential equation. The purpose of such numerical schemes is crucial for the evaluation of particular solutions of a large class of partial differential equations. Our proposed scheme provides a highly efficient and accurate approximation of multivariate functions and particular solution of certain partial differential equations simultaneously. Numerical results on the approximation of eight two‐dimensional test functions and their derivatives are given. To demonstrate that the scheme for the approximation of functions can be easily extended to evaluate the particular solution of certain partial differential equations, we solve a modified Helmholtz equation. Near machine precision can be achieved for all these test problems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of orthotropic thick plates by meshless local Petrov–Galerkin (MLPG) method
Authors: Sladek J. , Sladek V. , Zhang Ch. , Krivacek J. , Wen P. H.
Published: March 2006

A meshless local Petrov–Galerkin (MLPG) method is applied to solve static and dynamic problems of orthotropic plates described by the Reissner–Mindlin theory. Analysis of a thick orthotropic plate resting on the Winkler elastic foundation is given too. A weak formulation for the set of governing equations in the Reissner–Mindlin theory with a unit test function is transformed into local integral equations on local subdomains in the mean surface of the plate. Nodal points are randomly spread on the surface of the plate and each node is surrounded by a circular subdomain to which local integral equations are applied. The meshless approximation based on the Moving Least–Squares (MLS) method is employed in the numerical implementation. The present computational method is applicable also to plates with varying thickness. Numerical results for simply supported and clamped plates are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enriched reproducing kernel particle method for piezoelectric structures with arbitrary interfaces
Authors: Liu C. W. , Taciroglu E.
Published: March 2006

A formulation based on enriched reproducing kernel particle method is proposed for analysing non‐homogenous piezoelectric structures with arbitrarily shaped material interfaces. The interfaces are represented using a set of cubic spline segments, each of which is defined by the co‐ordinates and the slopes of its two end‐nodes. Special enrichment functions are introduced within the reproducing kernel particle method, in order to capture discontinuities of strain and electric fields at the material interfaces. Several validation examples are provided to demonstrate the veracity and the utility of the proposed numerical method. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
CBS‐based stabilization in explicit solid dynamics
Authors: Rojek Jerzy , Oñate Eugenio , Taylor Robert L.
Published: March 2006

The characteristic‐based split (CBS) stabilization procedure developed originally in fluid mechanics has been adapted successfully to solid mechanics problems. The CBS algorithm has been implemented within a finite element program using an explicit time integration scheme. Volumetric locking of linear triangular and tetrahedral elements has been successfully eliminated. The performance of the numerical algorithm is illustrated with numerical results. Comparisons with an alternative stabilization technique based on the finite calculus method also are given. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrodynamics and transport in estuaries and rivers by the CBS finite element method
Authors: Ortiz P. , Zienkiewicz O. C. , Szmelter J.
Published: March 2006

This paper presents an extension of the numerical solution of the shallow water equations by the characteristic split (CBS) finite element method to hydraulic engineering problems in estuaries and rivers. A nearly implicit version is formulated and tested and an efficient procedure to implement practical open boundary conditions in the CBS is proposed. This work includes a real numerical application for long term prediction of water quality in terms of salinity concentration in an estuary/river system to improve farmland irrigation given the detailed tidal/fresh water dynamics involved. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical comparison of CBS and SGS as stabilization techniques for the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Codina R. , Coppola‐Owen H. , Nithiarasu P. , Liu C.‐B.
Published: March 2006

In this work, we present numerical comparisons of some stabilization methods for the incompressible Navier–Stokes. The first is the characteristic‐based split (CBS). It combines the characteristic Galerkin method to deal with convection‐dominated flows with a classical splitting technique, which in some cases allows us to use equal velocity–pressure interpolations. The other two approaches are particular cases of the subgrid scale (SGS) method. The first, obtained after an algebraic approximation of the subgrid scales, is very similar to the popular Galerkin/least‐squares (GLS) method, whereas in the second, the subscales are assumed to be orthogonal to the finite element space. It is shown that all these formulations display similar stabilization mechanisms, provided the stabilization parameter of the SGS methods is identified with the time step of the CBS approach. This paper provides the numerical experiments for the comparison of formulations made by Codina and Zienkiewicz in a previous article. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The boundary recovery and sliver elimination algorithms of three‐dimensional constrained Delaunay triangulation
Authors: Guan Zhenqun , Song Chao , Gu Yuanxian
Published: March 2006

A boundary recovery and sliver elimination algorithm of the three‐dimensional constrained Delaunay triangulation is proposed for finite element mesh generation. The boundary recovery algorithm includes two main procedures: geometrical recovery procedure and topological recovery procedure. Combining the advantages of the edges/faces swappings algorithm and edges/faces splittings algorithm presented respectively by George and Weatherill, the geometrical recovery procedure can recover the missing boundaries and guarantee the geometry conformity by introducing fewer Steiner points. The topological recovery procedure includes two phases: ‘dressing wound’ and smoothing, which will overcome topology inconsistency between 3D domain boundary triangles and the volume mesh. In order to solve the problem of sliver elements in the three‐dimensional Delaunay triangulation, a method named sliver decomposition is proposed. By extending the algorithm proposed by Canvendish, the presented method deals with sliver elements by using local decomposition or mergence operation. In this way, sliver elements could be eliminated thoroughly and the mesh quality could be improved in great deal. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of finite difference schemes near an inflow boundary
Authors: Sousa E.
Published: March 2006

Numerical schemes for a convection–diffusion problem defined on the whole real line have been derived by Morton and Sobey (IMA J. Numer. Anal. 1993; 13:141–160) using the exact evolution operator through one time step. In this paper we derive new numerical schemes by using the exact evolution operator for a convection–diffusion problem defined on the half‐line. We obtain a third‐order method that requires the use of a numerical boundary condition which is also derived using the same evolution operator. We determine whether there are advantages from the point of view of stability and accuracy in using these new schemes, when compared with similar methods obtained for the whole line. We conclude that the third‐order scheme provides gains in terms of stability and although it does not improve the practical accuracy of existing methods faraway from the inflow boundary, it does improve the accuracy next to the inflow boundary. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum cystatin C is a suitable marker for routine monitoring of renal function in pediatric cancer patients, especially of very young age
Authors: Lankisch P. , Wessalowski R. , Maisonneuve P. , Haghgu M. , Hermsen D. , Kramm C.M.
Published: March 2006

Background

Monitoring renal function is crucial in children undergoing chemotherapy. To date, a combination of routine serum creatinine (SCR) monitoring with occasional determination of creatinine clearance ratio (CCR) is widely used as clinical standard for this purpose. Both methods have their limitations regarding diagnostic value (SCR) or practicability (CCR), especially in young children. Diagnostic alternatives, such as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation formulas have not been proved to be superior. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether serum cystatin C (CysC) may have a diagnostic impact on pediatric patients.

Procedure

CysC, SCR, several GFR estimation formulas (Counahan–Barratt, Ghazali–Barratt, Schwartz, Shull, Traub), and CCR were studied in 80 pediatric cancer patients (age range: 0.17–17.9 years) during their chemotherapy. Special attention was given to children under the age of 3 in whom accurate urine collection for CCR is difficult.

Results

All parameters correlated similarly well with CCR. Total accuracy was 66% and 67% for CysC and SCR, respectively. In very young children (<3 years), correlation with CCR was for CysC r = −0.74 with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.646, and for SCR r = −0.27 with AUC = 0.594. Total accuracy was 60% for CysC, 50% for SCR.

Conclusions

CysC represents a suitable marker for monitoring renal function in pediatric cancer patients. In young children (<3 years), CysC may have a better diagnostic value than SCR. Future studies should show if CysC can improve renal monitoring by replacing SCR, especially in very young children. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cerebellar medullomyoblastoma with melanotic tubular structures
Authors: Nozza Paolo , Milanaccio Claudia , Piatelli Gianluca , Rossi Andrea , Raso Alessandro , Cama Armando , Garré Maria L. , Pietsch Torsten
Published: March 2006

This report describes a midline cerebellar primitive neuroectodermal tumor with muscular differentiation, that is, medullomyoblastoma with melanotic tubular structures, which developed in the cerebellar vermis in a 23‐month‐old male. Rhabdomyoblastic differentiation consisted both of striated muscle fibers and undifferentiated cells showing immunoreactivity for desmin and myogenic transcription factors. The presence of melanotic epithelial structures raised the issue of a teratomatous tumor. This case demonstrates the occurrence of this very rare tumor in early childhood as well as the utility of a careful search for the presence of myogenic and/or melanotic features in medulloblastomas. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:183–185. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trends in eye cancer mortality among children in Brazil, 1980–2002
Authors: Ribeiro Karina de Cássia Braga , Antoneli Célia Beatriz Gianotti
Published: March 2006

Background

In the last few decades mortality from childhood cancers has shown substantial declines in industrialized countries, with smaller favorable trends in South America.

Objective

This study describes mortality trends in childhood eye cancer in Brazil from 1980 to 2002.

Procedure

Age‐specific eye cancer death rates (0–4, 5–9, and 10–14 years) were calculated according to gender. Age‐standardized mortality rates for children under 15 years were obtained through the direct method, using the 1960 world population as the standard. Trends in mortality were modeled using linear regression methods, with the age‐standardized mortality coefficient (3‐year centered moving average) as the dependent variable and the calendar year as the independent variable.

Results

The age‐standardized mortality rates among the boys decreased from 0.14/100,000 habitants in 1981 and 1985 to 0.06 in 1994, whereas the observed corresponding decline among girls was from 0.17/100,000 habitants in 1982 and 1983 to 0.07 in 2001. Statistically significant declining trends in eye cancer mortality rates were observed for boys (r2 adjusted = 0.54, P < 0.001) and also for girls (r2 adjusted = 0.53, P < 0.001). When only subsite retina was analyzed a statistically significant decrease in mortality coefficients was also noted for males (r2 adjusted = 0.55, P < 0.001) and females (r2 adjusted = 0.32, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

A consistent decrease in eye cancer mortality rates was noted in Brazil. In the absence of changes in incidence rates, this decline could be attributed to the improvement in treatment protocols and survival. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:296–305. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A cost‐utility analysis of treatment for acute childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
Authors: O'Brien Sarah H. , Ritchey A. Kim , Smith Kenneth J.
Published: March 2006

Background

The primary objective in the treatment of acute pediatric idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is to rapidly increase the platelet count.

Methods

We built a decision analytic model to evaluate the cost‐utility of four commonly used treatment strategies: intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) 0.8 g/kg, anti‐D 75 mcg/kg, methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg for 3 days), and prednisone (4 mg/kg/day for 4 days). In our baseline model, all children were hospitalized upon presentation, and discharged once the platelet count reached ≥20,000. We performed a literature search to estimate time to platelet count ≥20,000 for each strategy, as well as the probability of side effects. We obtained cost data and quality of life measures from institutional and published data sources.

Results

Total cost of one‐time treatment for a 20 kg child was $786 with prednisone, $1,346 with methylprednisolone, $2,035 with anti‐D, and $2,492 with IVIG. The strategies of IVIG and methylprednisolone were less effective and more expensive than anti‐D and prednisone, respectively. Although anti‐D caused the most rapid rise in platelet counts, the incremental cost‐utility ratio (costs incurred by using anti‐D instead of prednisone divided by health benefit of using anti‐D instead of prednisone) was $7,616 per day of severe thrombocytopenia avoided, primarily due to the much higher medication cost of anti‐D. Utilizing an outpatient model, the cost difference between anti‐D and prednisone was even more striking.

Conclusions

The clinical benefit of anti‐D is offset by a substantial cost increase. Although often overlooked in favor of newer agents, a brief course of high‐dose prednisone is an inexpensive and effective treatment for acute ITP. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:173–180. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of glucose metabolism abnormalities and cardiovascular co‐morbidity in the US elderly adult population
Authors: Varas‐Lorenzo Cristina , Rueda de Castro Ana Maria , Maguire Andrew , Miret Montserrat
Published: March 2006

Purpose

To estimate the prevalence of glucose metabolism abnormalities, including diabetes, and its associated cardiovascular risk factors and co‐morbidity in the US elderly population.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis of data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988–1994) in adults aged 65 years and more. The 1997 American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the 1998 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were used to classify the subject's glucose metabolism status. The 2‐hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed only among those participants aged 40 to 74 years.

Results

The age‐adjusted prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was 12.5% (95% CI: 11.4%–13.6%) among US adults aged 65 years or more. According to the ADA definition 40% of men and 28% of women were affected by some degree of glucose metabolism impairment. According to the WHO definition, 55% of men and 50% of women aged 65 to 74 years were affected by glucose metabolism abnormalities. Mexican‐Americans were the most affected under both definitions (51% and 77%, respectively). Overall, 72% of elderly diagnosed diabetics had hypertension, 28% had coronary heart disease (CHD), 47% suffered from cardiovascular disease and 80% of them presented known CHD or multiple coronary risk factors, other than age, level of LDL‐cholesterol and diabetes. Under both definitions, a trend towards a worsening coronary risk profile with increased glucose metabolism impairment was observed.

Conclusion

A notable proportion of elderly people is affected by some degree of glucose metabolism impairment which in turn is associated with cardiovascular co‐morbidity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of beta‐blocker therapy on quality of life in heart failure patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dobre Daniela , van Jaarsveld Cornelia H. M. , deJongste Mike J. L. , Haaijer Ruskamp Flora M. , Ranchor Adelita V.
Published: March 2006

Purpose

To assess the impact of β‐blocker therapy on quality of life (QoL) in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients receiving optimal standard medication.

Methods

Randomised controlled trials (RCT) assessing QoL with a generic or disease specific instrument were identified by searching Medline, Embase, Pascual, Cochrane Controlled Trial database, and the bibliographies of the published articles. Studies published between 1985 and 2002 were included, regardless of language of publication. Cochrane Review Manager 4.2 software was used to analyse the data and standardised mean difference (SMD) was calculated to assess the effect on QoL.

Results

A total of 9 trials involving 1954 patients fit into the inclusion criteria for the analysis. QoL improved more in the β‐blocker group compared to the control arm, but the SMD did not reach statistical significance (SMD, 0.07; 95%CI [−0.16, 0.02]; p = 0.13). Subgroup analysis, per type of β‐blocker and various treatment follow‐up showed similar results.

Conclusions

In this meta‐analysis there is evidence that β‐blocker therapy, on top of standard medication, does not impair QoL. Clinicians may add β‐blockers to standard therapy without concerns of impairing QoL in patients with CHF. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The personality‐identity interplay in emerging adult women: convergent findings from complementary analyses
Authors: Luyckx Koen , Soenens Bart , Goossens Luc
Published: March 2006

The present study examined whether identity development occurs in tandem with personality development in emerging adulthood. Three‐wave longitudinal data on a sample of 351 female college students were used to answer questions about stability and change, direction of effects, and interrelated developmental trajectories. Four identity dimensions (i.e. commitment making, exploration in breadth, identification with commitment, and exploration in depth) and the Big Five were assessed. Identity and personality were found to be meaningfully related at the level of both the time‐specific adjacent measures and the underlying developmental trajectories with various degrees of convergence. Cross‐lagged analyses substantiated reciprocal influences and Latent Growth Curve Modelling substantiated common developmental pathways that partially mirrored the concurrent relations. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disinhibitory trait profile and its relation to Cluster B personality disorder features and substance use problems
Authors: Taylor Jeanette , Reeves Mark , James Lisa , Bobadilla Leonardo
Published: March 2006

Certain personality and motivational traits may present vulnerability towards disinhibitory psychopathology (e.g. antisocial personality disorder, substance abuse). Cluster analysis was used to separately group 306 women and 274 men on impulsivity, Constraint, Negative Emotionality, behavioural activation system (BAS), and behavioural inhibition system (BIS) scores. As expected, a ‘disinhibited’ group with low Constraint, high impulsivity, weak BIS, and strong BAS emerged that showed elevated drug use problems, and histrionic and antisocial personality disorder features across gender. A ‘high affectivity’ group with high Negative Emotionality and strong BIS also showed elevated drug use problems and personality disorder features. Results suggested that two different trait profiles are associated with disinhibitory psychopathology and both may present vulnerability toward the development of such disorders. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Humour's role in the relation between attributional style and dysphoria
Authors: Hugelshofer Daniela S. , Kwon Paul , Reff Robert C. , Olson Megan L.
Published: March 2006

The present study empirically investigated the role of adaptive and maladaptive components of humour in the relation between attributional style and dysphoria. Four hundred eighteen students (134 male, 282 female; 2 respondents did not indicate gender) completed questionnaires measuring attributional style, humour styles and depressive symptoms. Among men and women, higher levels of affiliative and self‐enhancing humour, and lower levels of self‐defeating humour, were each associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Additionally, higher levels of affiliative humour provided a buffer against the deleterious effects of a negative attributional style in men, but not women. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and fungicidal activity of N‐2‐(3‐methoxy‐4‐propargyloxy)phenethyl amides. Part II: Anti‐oomycetic mandelamides
Authors: Lamberth Clemens , Cederbaum Fredrik , Jeanguenat Andre , Kempf Hans‐Joachim , Zeller Martin , Zeun Ronald
Published: March 2006

Novel types of anti‐oomycetic compounds have been designed and prepared. The synthetic approach to these mandelamides is outlined. Biological data demonstrate their high efficacy against important plant diseases such as tomato and potato late blight (Phytophthora infestans De Bary) and grape downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola Berliner & de Toni). Structure–activity relationship studies are discussed. The new development product mandipropamid is presented. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of enzymatically resistant nociceptin‐related peptides containing a carbamic acid residue
Authors: Ligeti Melinda , Bösze Szilvia , CsÁmpai Antal , GündÜz Özge , Al‐khrasani Mahmud , Rónai András z. , Medzihradszky‐Schweiger Hedvig , Benyhe Sándor , Borsodi Anna , Hudecz Ferenc , Magyar Anna
Published: March 2006

Nociceptin, a 17‐amino acid peptide (FGGFTGARKSARKLANQ, N/OFQ), is the endogenous ligand of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptor. This receptor–ligand system is involved in various physiological as well as pathophysiological mechanisms, but owing to the peptidic structure, it is rapidly degraded by enzymes. The enzymatic digestion of nociceptin involves mainly aminopeptidases and yields Noc(2‐17)‐OH and other smaller fragments. We aimed at increasing the enzymatic stability against aminopeptidases in the case of peptide Noc(1‐13)‐NH2, which possesses the minimum sequence capable of interacting with the NOP receptor. Therefore we developed a new procedure for the synthesis of peptides with the carbamic acid residue [·‐NH‐CH(R)‐CO‐NH‐CO‐NH‐CH(Q)‐CO‐·]. A set of four carbamic acid‐nociceptin derivatives were produced. The carbamic acid residue was incorporated into the inner part of the peptides, building on solid phase, by using a suitable dipeptide fragment with carbamic acid residue produced by a simple and efficient three‐step solution phase procedure. Enzymatic stability of carbamic acid peptides was studied in the presence of aminopeptidase M (AP‐M) and in rat brain membrane homogenate. The receptor‐binding properties were also studied by radioligand binding assay on crude rat brain membranes and the activity of the ligands were analyzed on isolated mousevas deferens(MVD) tissues. We found that incorporation of the carbamic acid residue into theN‐terminal part of nociceptin significantly increases the resistance against AP‐M. We observed the decrease of binding affinities to the NOP receptor in case of the peptides modified in theN‐terminal portion. Consequently, the incorporation of the carbamic acid residue into peptides can be proposed as a promising and reasonable tool for increasing enzymatic stability, where the native molecule is less sensitive for carbamic acid residue–related structural change. Copyright © 2006 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural determination of cyclitol derivatives by fast‐atom bombardment tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Gil Ji Hye , Seo JungJu , Kim Kang‐Jin , Jung Jee H. , Jung Ok‐Sang , Kim Min‐Sun , Hong Jongki
Published: March 2006

Three cyclitol derivatives were isolated from the marine sponge Sarcotragus sp. by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography and analyzed by fast‐atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB‐MS). Their structural elucidation was carried out with FAB tandem mass spectrometry (FAB‐MS/MS). FAB‐MS spectra produced a significant abundance of the sodium adducts [M+Na]+ and [M+2Na–H]+ from a mixture of m‐NBA and NaI. In addition, trifluoroacetylation of the cyclitol derivatives was used for confirmation of the presence of the cyclitol ring. High abundance [M–5H+5CF3CO+Na]+ ions were observed in the FAB‐MS spectra of the trifluoroacetyl‐cyclitol derivatives. Collision‐induced dissociation (CID) of the [M+Na]+ ions produced diverse product ions via a series of dissociative processes. Charge‐remote fragmentation (CRF) patterns of [M+Na]+ ions were very useful for the identification of product ions which are characteristic for the cyclitol ring and long hydrocarbon chains substituted at the glycerol backbone. Moreover, the CID‐MS/MS spectra of the [M+Na]+ ions yielded characteristic product ions at m/z 53, 83, 113, 155 and 171 for the cyclitol moiety, and at m/z 213, 229 and 245 for the glycerol backbone attached to the cyclitol ring. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid and highly sensitive liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitation of buspirone in human plasma: application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Cho Sung‐Hee , Lee Heon‐Woo , Im Ho‐Taek , Park Wan‐Su , Choi Young‐Wook , Rew Jae‐Hwan , Lee Kyung‐Tae
Published: March 2006

A rapid and sensitive method for the quantitation of buspirone in human plasma by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS/MS) was developed. Plasma samples were treated by liquid‐liquid extraction with methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE). The chromatographic separation was performed isocratically on a reversed‐phase Shiseido C18 column (50 mm × 2.0 mm, 3 µm) with a mobile phase of acetonitrile/0.1% acetic acid (1:1, v/v). The acquisition was performed in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, monitoring the transitions m/z 386 → 122 for buspirone and m/z 409 → 238 for amlodipine (the internal standard). The method was validated to determine its specificity, recovery, limit of quantitation, accuracy and precision. The lower limit of quantitation was 0.02 ng/mL with a relative standard deviation of less than 10%. The present method provides an accurate, precise and sensitive tool for buspirone and was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in eight subjects. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Particle formation by infrared laser ablation of glycerol: implications for ion formation
Authors: Jackson Shelley N. , Kim Jae‐Kuk , Laboy Jorge L. , Murray Kermit K.
Published: March 2006

The quantity and size distribution of micrometer‐sized particles ejected from thin films of glycerol were measured using light scattering particle sizing. Thin glycerol films were irradiated at atmospheric pressure with an infrared optical parametric oscillator at wavelengths between 2.95 and 3.1 µm. Particulate material resulting from the ablation was sampled directly into a particle‐sizing instrument and particles with diameters greater than 500 nm were detected and sized by light scattering. The fluence threshold for particle formation was between 2000 and 3000 J/m2 for all laser wavelengths. At threshold, fewer than 100 particles/cm3 were detected and this value increased to several thousand particles/cm3 at twice the threshold fluence. The average size of the coarse particles ranged from 900 nm to 1.6 µm at threshold and decreased by 10–20% at twice the threshold fluence. The coarse particle formation observations were compared with ion formation behavior in matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization and interpreted in terms of a photomechanical mechanism for material ablation and ion formation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potentials of ion trap collisional spectrometry for liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry determination of buprenorphine and nor‐buprenorphine in urine, blood and hair samples
Authors: Favretto Donata , Frison Giampietro , Vogliardi Susanna , Ferrara Santo Davide
Published: March 2006

A liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS/MS) method has been developed for the analysis of buprenorphine (BUP) and nor‐buprenorphine (NBUP) in biological fluids. Analytes are isolated from urine and blood, after addition of d4‐buprenorphine (d4‐BUP) as internal standard, by solid‐phase extraction. Preparation of hair involves external decontamination, mechanical pulverization, overnight incubation in acidic medium, and neutralization prior to extraction. Enzymatic hydrolysis with β‐glucuronidase may be performed to distinguish between free and total BUP. Chromatographic separation is accomplished by gradient elution on a cyanopropyl 2.1 × 150 mm column. Positive ion ESI and MS analyses are carried out in an ion trap mass spectrometer. The use of this mass analyzer allows effective collisional experiments to be performed on ESI‐generated MH+ species. Abundant product ions are produced, which can be monitored together with precursor ions without losing sensitivity. Thus, assay selectivity is definitely increased with respect to LC/ESI‐MS/MS methods in which only precursor ions are monitored. The method has good linearity (calibration curves were linear in the range 0.1–10 ng/mL in urine and blood, in the range 10–160 pg/mg in hair) and limits of detection of 0.05 ng/mL for both BUP and NBUP in blood and urine samples, of 4 pg/mg for both analytes in hair. Both intra‐ and inter‐assay precision and accuracy were satisfactory at three concentrations studied: relative standard deviations were <13.7% in urine, <17.3% in blood, <17.8% in hair; percent deviation of the mean from the true value was always <10.5% in urine and blood, <16.1% in hair. The method can be used to determine both analytes in the urine and hair of drug addicts on replacement therapy, and in post‐mortem blood specimens when there is suspicion of drug‐related death. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.