bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-aggregated Intercalation of Dicationic Tetraphenylporphyrinatoantimony(V) Complexes into Smectite Clay Layers
Authors: Shiragami Tsutomu , Nabeshima Keiko , Matsumoto Jin , Yasuda Masahide , Inoue Haruo
Published: May 2003

Adsorption and intercalation of +2 charged cationic [3-(trimethylammonio)propoxo(methoxo)(tetraphenylporphyrinato)antimony(V)]2+ (1a) into an artificially synthesized smectite clay were studied. The red shift of Soret band in UV-spectra for 1a in an aqueous colloidal clay solution and analyses of X-ray diffraction of the obtained complex between 1a and the clay indicate the intercalation of 1a into the clay interlayer. Ammonium cationic part on an axial ligand led to the effective non-aggregated intercalation of 1a into the clay.
Conversion of a Hydroperoxo Complex, (TpiPr2)(py)Pd-OOH, into a Cyclic Alkylperoxo Complex, [HB(pziPr2)2(pz-3-CMe2-5-i-Pr)](py)Pd-OO, Catalyzed by Cu(II) Species [TpiPr2: Hydrotris(3,5-diisopropylpyrazolyl)borato]
Authors: Kujime Masato , Hikichi Shiro , Akita Munetaka
Published: May 2003

Treatment of a hydroperoxopalladium complex, (TpiPr2)(py)Pd-OOH, with a catalytic amount of a Cu(II) species resulted in peroxidation of the methine moiety of an isopropyl group proximal to the metal center to give a cyclic alkylperoxopalladium complex.
Fast Removal of Basic Dyes by a Novel Magnetic Nano-adsorbent
Authors: Liao Min-Hung , Wu Kun-Yang , Chen Dong-Hwang
Published: May 2003

A novel magnetic nano-adsorbent, prepared by covalently binding polyacrylic acid onto Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles, possessed high ion-exchange capacity and was successfully used for the fast removal of crystal violet.
Double Strand DNA Cleavage by a Dinuclear Cu(II) Complex
Authors: Kim Jung Hee , Kim Soo Hyun
Published: May 2003

A dinuclear Cu(II) complex with 1,3-bis(1,4,7-triaza-1-cyclononyl)propane cleaved plasmid DNA to relaxed circular and linear forms at pH 7.3 and 30 °C. Under the same conditions, double strand cleavage by the corresponding mononuclear Cu(II)([9]aneN3) complex was negligible.
Structure and Luminescence Properties of the Tetradentate β-Diketonate–Europium(III) Complexes
Authors: Yuan Jingli , Sueda Shinji , Somazawa Ryosuke , Matsumoto Keiichiro , Matsumoto Kazuko
Published: May 2003

The luminescence properties of Eu3+ complexes with a series of tetradentate β-diketones were compared and it was found that the Eu3+ complexes of bis(β-diketonyl)-o-terphenyl type ligands have stronger luminescence. The crystal structure determination of the Eu3+ complex with 4,4″-bis(4,4,4-trifluoro-1,3-dioxobutyl)-o-terphenyl (H2btbt) showed that the complex is dinuclear having a unique cage structure.
Synthesis of Novel Liquid Crystals which Possess gem-Difluorocyclopropane Moieties
Authors: Itoh Toshiyuki , Ishida Nanae , Ohashi Masakazu , Asep Riswoko , Nohira Hiroyuki
Published: May 2003

Synthesis of two types of novel chiral liquid crystal molecules that possess a gem-difluorocyclopropane moiety has been accomplished and their properties of liquid crystal were examined.
Enhancement of Peroxygenase Activity of Horse Heart Myoglobin by Modification of Heme-propionate Side Chains
Authors: Hayashi Takashi , Matsuda Takaaki , Hisaeda Yoshio
Published: May 2003

A myoglobin reconstituted with an artificially created heme having two benzene moieties bound at the terminal of two heme-propionates shows a clear enhancement in peroxygenase activity toward thioether and styrene oxidations due to the expanding hydrophobic heme pocket.
Raman Spectra, Crystal Polymorphism, and Structure of a Prototype Ionic-liquid [bmim]Cl
Authors: Hayashi Satoshi , Ozawa Ryosuke , Hamaguchi Hiro-o
Published: May 2003

A prototype ionic-liquid [bmim]Cl shows crystal polymorphism, having two crystal forms, Crystal (1) and Crystal (2), characterized by distinct X-ray powder patterns and Raman spectra. Two sets of characteristic Raman bands of Crystals (1) and (2), which are mutually exclusive with each other, do coexist in the spectrum of liquid [bmim]Cl. It seems that two distinct structures of the [bmim]+ ion, one corresponding to that in Crystal (1) and the other to that in Crystal (2), exist simultaneously in the ionic liquid state.
Spontaneously Induced Reduction of Trivalent Ytterbium in Synthesized Crystal of Calcite
Authors: Tsuno Hiroshi , Kagi Hiroyuki , Takahashi Yoshio , Akagi Tasuku , Nomura Masaharu
Published: May 2003

XANES spectra showed the occurrence of divalent ytterbium in the synthetic calcite (CaCO3). Approximately 15% ytterbium ion existed as divalent in calcite, although ytterbium ion was trivalent in the starting solutions.
Use of OTC and Herbal Products in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Pharand Chantal , Ackman Margaret L , Jackevicius Cynthia A , Paradiso-Hardy Fran L , Pearson Glen J
Published: May 2003

BACKGROUND:

The use of nonprescription and herbal products by the public is rising, resulting in an increased potential for adverse reactions or drug interactions in cardiac patients.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the utilization patterns for nonprescription medications and herbal products in patients with cardiovascular disease across Canada.

METHODS:

Patients admitted to 8 teaching hospitals during the winter of 1998/1999 were interviewed by a pharmacist using a structured survey instrument.

RESULTS:

Interviews were conducted with 306 patients (mean age 66 y; 60% men). The majority (74%) had coronary artery disease; however, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and arrhythmias were also common. The most common product categories used were pain relievers (51%), single-entity vitamin/mineral (38%), multivitamin/mineral (23%), antacids (21%), laxatives (17%), and herbals (17%). As compared with western (28%) and central Canada (26%), fewer patients in the Atlantic region (11%) reported daily use of multivitamin/mineral products. Overall, the usage of specific single-entity vitamin/mineral products was most commonly vitamin E (24%), vitamin C (16%), calcium (9%), and B vitamins (8%). Central Canada reported the highest rates (25%) of daily or weekly use of herbal products. The most common herbal products used were garlic (13%), cayenne pepper (2%), and ginseng (2%). More than half of the patients consulted with their pharmacist at least occasionally regarding the use of these products.

CONCLUSIONS:

Canadian patients with cardiovascular disease commonly report the use of herbal products and vitamins. Allied health professionals need to be aware of the widespread use of these products and their potential for adverse reactions and drug interactions.
High‐Brightness Blue Light‐Emitting Polymer Diodes via Anode Modification Using a Self‐Assembled Monolayer
Authors: Yan H. , Huang Q. , Cui J. , Veinot J.G.C. , Kern M.M. , Marks T.J.
Published: May 2003

Device perfomance of a blue‐emitting polyfluorene‐based single‐layer light‐emitting diode are considerably enhanced by the inclusion of a self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) of a hole‐transporting material (see Figure). The SAM of silyl‐functionalized triarylamine (TPD‐Si2) is inserted between the ITO anode and the active layer, offering improved hole injection, low visible absorption, and high stability.
Nanoporous Gold Films Created Using Templates Formed from Self‐Assembled Structures of Inorganic–Block Copolymer Micelles
Authors: Haupt M. , Miller S. , Glass R. , Arnold M. , Sauer R. , Thonke K. , Möller M. , Spatz J.P.
Published: May 2003

A multistep procedure for creating nanohole‐patterned gold films (see Figure) is presented. The steps include the self‐assembly of metal‐loaded polystyrene‐block‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) micelles on GaAs substrates, hydrogen gas plasma treatment, directional reactive ion etching, and gold sputtering. The size and separation of holes resemble that of the gold cluster pattern.
Improving the search environment: Informed decision making in the search for statistical information
Authors: Haas Stephanie W.
Published: May 2003

A search for information can be viewed as a series of decisions made by the searcher. Two dimensions of the search environment affect a user's decisions: the user's knowledge, and the configuration of the information retrieval system. Drawing on previous findings on users' lack of search or domain knowledge, this article investigates what the user needs to know to make informed search decisions at the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Web site, which provides statistical information on labor and related topics. Its extensive Web site is a rich collection of statistical information, ranging from individual statistics such as the current Consumer Price Index (CPI), to a large statistical database called LABSTAT that can be queried to construct a table or time series on the fly. Two models of the search environment and the query process in LABSTAT are presented. They provide complementary views of the decision points at which help may be needed, and also suggest useful help content. Extensive examples based on the industry concept illustrate how the information could assist users' search decisions. The article concludes with a discussion of the role of help facilities in Web searching, and the interesting question of how to initiate the provision of help.
Rapid immunohistochemical detection of lymph node micrometastasis during operation for upper gastrointestinal carcinoma
Authors: Matsumoto M , Natsugoe S , Ishigami S , Uenosono Y , Takao S , Aikou T
Published: May 2003

Background

The intraoperative diagnosis of lymph node micrometastasis (LNM) may help guide the area of appropriate lymph node dissection. This study aimed to evaluate the rapid immunohistochemical detection of LNMs using frozen sections during operation for gastro-oesophageal cancer.

Methods

Rapid immunostaining with anticytokeratin (AE1/AE3) antibody was compared with conventional immunostaining. A total of 210 lymph nodes obtained from 47 patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and from 32 with gastric adenocarcinoma were examined during operation. Lymph nodes were frozen, sectioned, and examined by histological and immunohistochemical methods.

Results

It took 30 min to complete the rapid immunostaining procedure; the expression of cytokeratin by rapid immunostaining was similar to that by conventional immunostaining. The incidence of lymph node metastasis detected by histological and immunohistochemical examination was 17 and 23 per cent respectively. LNM was solely detected in 12 lymph nodes by immunostaining: three micrometastases and nine with tumour cell microinvolvement.

Conclusion

Intraoperative rapid immunostaining is a simple and useful technique for detecting LNMs. Further study should investigate the role of rapid immunostaining during cancer surgery to select appropriate areas for lymphadenectomy.
Systematic review of the quality of surgical mortality monitoring
Authors: Russell E M , Bruce J , Krukowski Z H
Published: May 2003

Background

Mortality is the most tightly defined and used adverse event for audit and performance monitoring in surgery. However, to identify cause and therefore scope for improvement, accurate and timely data are required. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the quality of measurement, reporting and monitoring of mortality as an outcome after surgery.

Methods

A systematic review of published literature was undertaken for the 7-year interval 1993–1999. Grey and unpublished literature was obtained through the Royal College of Surgeons of England, from UK national audits and routine national hospital data collections.

Results

Eligible monitoring systems included six UK national surgical audits, and cardiac and vascular surgery monitoring systems from North America and the UK. The definitions of ‘surgical death’ varied in several respects and deaths after discharge from hospital were rarely ascertained unless there was routine linkage to national death registers. There were very few published studies on validation of the completeness and accuracy of the data collection.

Conclusion

A comprehensive data collection system is needed for improving clinical performance, with ownership, but not necessarily data collection, resting with the surgeons concerned. Recording of risk factors and deaths after discharge from hospital is essential, whatever data collection system is used.
Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Beard J D
Published: May 2003

The case in favour of screening is made
Randomized clinical study of Gastrografin® administration in patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction
Authors: Biondo S , Parés D , Mora L , Martí Ragué J , Kreisler E , Jaurrieta E
Published: May 2003

Background

Oral Gastrografin® has been used to differentiate partial from complete small bowel obstruction (SBO). It may have a therapeutic effect and predict the need for early surgery in adhesive SBO. The aim of this study was to determine whether contrast examination in the management of SBO allows an early oral intake and reduces hospital stay.

Methods

Eighty-three patients admitted between February 2000 and November 2001 with 90 episodes of symptoms and signs suggestive of postoperative adhesive SBO were randomized into two groups, a control group and Gastrografin® group. Patients in the control group were treated conservatively. If symptoms of strangulation developed or the obstruction did not resolve spontaneously after 4–5 days, a laparotomy was performed. Patients in the Gastrografin® group received 100 ml Gastrografin®. Those in whom the contrast medium reached the colon in 24 h were considered to have partial SBO, and were fed orally. If Gastrografin® failed to reach the colon and the patient did not improve in the following 24 h a laparotomy was performed.

Results

Conservative treatment was successful in 77 episodes (85·6 per cent) and 13 (14·4 per cent) required operation. Among patients treated conservatively, hospital stay was shorter in the Gastrografin® group (P < 0·001). All patients in whom contrast medium reached the colon tolerated an early oral diet. Gastrografin® did not reduce the need for operation (P = 1·000). No patient died in either group.

Conclusion

Oral Gastrografin® helps in the management of patients with adhesive SBO and allows a shorter hospital stay.
‘Lean’ surgery through changes in surgical work flow
Authors: Herfarth C
Published: May 2003

Managing the future
Glutamate receptor subunit 3 (GluR3) immunoreactivity delineates a subpopulation of parvalbumin‐containing interneurons in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Moga Diana E. , Janssen William G.M. , Vissavajjhala Prabhakar , Czelusniak Sharon M. , Moran Thomas M. , Hof Patrick R. , Morrison John H.
Published: May 2003

Rasmussen's encephalitis is a childhood disease resulting in intractable seizures associated with hippocampal and neocortical inflammation. An autoantibody against the GluR3 subunit of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionic acid (AMPA) receptors is implicated in the pathophysiology of Rasmussen's encephalitis. AMPA receptors mediate excitatory neurotransmission in the brain and contain combinations of four subunits (GluR1–4). Although the distributions of GluR1, GluR2, and GluR4 are known in some detail, the cellular distribution of GluR3 in the mammalian brain remains to be described. We developed and characterized a GluR3‐specific monoclonal antibody and quantified the cellular distribution of GluR3 in CA1 of the rat hippocampus. GluR3 immunoreactivity was detected in all pyramidal neurons and astrocytes and in most interneurons. We quantified the intensity of GluR3 immunoreactivity in interneuron subtypes defined by their calcium‐binding protein content. GluR3 immunofluorescence, but not GluR1 or GluR2 immunofluorescence, was significantly elevated in somata of parvalbumin‐containing interneurons compared to pyramidal somata. Strikingly, increased GluR3 immunofluorescence was not observed in calbindin‐ and calretinin‐containing interneurons. Furthermore, 24% of parvalbumin‐containing interneurons could be distinguished from surrounding neurons based on their intense GluR3 immunoreactivity. This subpopulation had significantly elevated GluR3 immunoreactivity compared to the rest of parvalbumin‐containing interneurons. Electron microscopy revealed enriched GluR3 immunoreactivity in parvalbumin‐containing perikarya at cytoplasmic and postsynaptic sites. Parvalbumin‐containing interneurons, potent inhibitors of cortical pyramidal neurons, are vulnerable in the brains of epileptic patients. Our findings suggest that the somata of these interneurons are enriched in GluR3, which may render them vulnerable to pathological states such as epilepsy and Rasmussen's encephalitis. J. Comp. Neurol. 462:15–28, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HOXB13 homeodomain protein is cytoplasmic throughout fetal skin development
Authors: Kömüves László G. , Ma Xiao‐Kui , Stelnicki Eric , Rozenfeld Sophia , Oda Yuko , Largman Corey
Published: May 2003

Substantial evidence suggests that HOX homeobox genes regulate aspects of body development, including hair formation. We initially isolated the HOXB13 gene from human fetal skin in experiments designed to identify candidate genes that regulate scarless fetal wound healing. Although the HOX homeodomain proteins have been proposed to function as transcription factors, we have demonstrated previously that substantial fractions of the HOXB6 and HOXB4 proteins are localized to the cytoplasm throughout epidermal development. The purpose of the current study was to identify HOXB13 protein expression patterns in developing skin to elucidate potential mechanisms by which this protein might regulate aspects of tissue development and healing. HOXB13 protein expression was detected throughout the developing epidermis, with weaker signal observed in the early developing dermis. Epidermal HOXB13 signal was detected over the entire body surface, but surprisingly, essentially all of the signal was cytoplasmic in developing skin. Low‐level HOXB13 protein expression was detected in adult skin and within the telogen hair follicle, and a portion of the residual signal in adult epidermis was nuclear. Expression in hyperproliferative skin conditions remained cytoplasmic with the exception of epidermis associated with Kaposi's sarcoma, which showed strong HOXB13 expression that was partially localized to the nucleus. Developmental Dynamics 227:192–202, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression and neural control of follistatin versus myostatin genes during regeneration of mouse soleus
Authors: Armand Anne‐Sophie , Della Gaspera Bruno , Launay Thierry , Charbonnier Frederic , Gallien Claude L. , Chanoine Christophe
Published: May 2003

Follistatin and myostatin are two secreted proteins involved in the control of muscle mass during development. These two proteins have opposite effects on muscle growth, as documented by genetic models. The aims of this work were to analyze in mouse, by using in situ hybridization, the spatial and temporal expression patterns of follistatin and myostatin mRNAs during soleus regeneration after cardiotoxin injury, and to investigate the influence of innervation on the accumulation of these two transcripts. Follistatin transcripts could be detected in activated satellite cells as early as the first stages of regeneration and were transiently expressed in forming myotubes. In contrast, myostatin mRNAs accumulated persistently throughout the regeneration process as well as in adult control soleus. Denervation significantly affected both follistatin and myostatin transcript accumulation, but in opposite ways. Muscle denervation persistently reduced the levels of myostatin transcripts as early as the young myotube stage, whereas the levels of follistatin mRNA were strongly increased in the small myotubes in the late stages of regeneration. These results are discussed with regard to the potential functions of both follistatin, as a positive regulator of muscle differentiation, and myostatin, as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. We suggest that the belated up‐regulation of the follistatin mRNA level in the small myotubes of the regenerating soleus as well as the down‐regulation of the myostatin transcript level after denervation contribute to the differentiation process in denervated regenerating muscle. Developmental Dynamics 227:256–265, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Easy Access to Derivatives of 2‐(Hydroxymethyl)propane‐1,2,3‐triol (Isoerythritol) with up to Four Separately Addressable Functionalities
Authors: Friedrich Marko , Savchenko Andrei I. , Wächtler Andreas , de Meijere Armin
Published: May 2003

5‐Methylene‐2‐oxo[1,3,2]dioxathiane (2) was obtained in 91% yield from 2‐methylenepropane‐1,3‐diol (1) and thionyl chloride. The cyclic sulfite 2 reacts with a variety of nucleophiles to give formally monosubstituted products 3 of the diol 1 in 62−77% yield. Oxidation of 2 with RuCl3/NaIO4 yields the diprotected tetraol 5‐(hydroxymethyl)‐2,2‐dioxo[1,3,2]dioxathian‐5‐ol (7) in 86% yield, which can be used to easily access tetrafunctional derivatives of 2‐(hydroxymethyl)propane‐1,2,3‐triol (isoerythritol); for example, acetylation with acetic anhydride furnishes in 96% yield the primary acetate 11, which reacts with potassium cyanide and sodium azide to give the 2‐cyano‐ and 2‐(azidomethyl)propane‐1,2,3‐triol monoacetates 12a,b (78 and 82% yield, respectively). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Contribution of DFT Calculations to the Understanding of an Asymmetric Reaction, the Hydrogen Transfer Reduction of Ketones by a Rhodium(I) Complex
Authors: Delbecq Françoise , Guiral Vincent , Sautet Philippe
Published: May 2003

The density functional theory (DFT) calculations presented here allow us to understand the mechanism of an asymmetric reaction, the hydride transfer reduction of acetophenone by a RhI complex bearing a chiral diamine ligand, RhH(diam)(COD). The mechanism which accounts for the enantioselectivity is a concerted one, where both the hydride and one hydrogen carried by a nitrogen are transferred simultaneously to the ketone. The two diastereoisomeric transition states leading to the R and S alcohols have been determined, the former being the most stable. The activation free energies, the kinetic constants and the enantiomeric excesses ee have been calculated, giving values in good agreement with the experiments. Two conditions ensure the enantioselectivity. The first is the existence of a unique isomer of the starting complex, which is achieved by the presence of bulky substituents on the diamine asymmetric carbons. The second is the presence of one hydrogen on the diamine nitrogens (secondary amines) and the existence of a C2 axis for the diamine ligand, which means that only one of these hydrogens points in the same direction as the Rh−H bond, a condition necessary for a low‐energy concerted transfer. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Enantioselective Synthesis of Clavepictine Analogues and Evaluation of Their Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Agami Claude , Couty François , Evano Gwilherm , Darro Francis , Kiss Robert
Published: May 2003

Six analogues (labeled 27 to 32) of a cytotoxic alkaloid isolated from the tunicate Clavelina picta were synthesized from an acyl oxazolidine. The absolute stereochemistry of the targeted analogues derived from (R)‐phenyl glycinol and the relative stereochemistries of three of the four stereocentres present in the molecule were set up by stereocontrolled additions to transient iminium ions. The main features of this synthesis include (i) a high level of stereocontrol for all the steps involving the arrangement of relative stereochemistries, (ii) a divergent introduction of the side chain at the end of the synthesis, allowing the easy preparation of the different analogues, and (iii) an original step involving an intramolecular alkylation of an aminonitrile moiety that enabled the efficient construction of the quinolizidine core to take place. Together with the cytotoxic activities of the six analogues, those of three reference compounds (etoposide, adriamycin and irinothecan) were determined by means of the colorimetric MTT assay on four human‐cancer cell lines. Compound 31 had a cytotoxic effect on the four human‐cancer cell lines in dose ranges similar to etoposide and irinothecan. Compound 30 also had a significant cytotoxic effect on all four of the human‐cancer cell lines under study, but these activities were weaker than those induced by compound 31. Compound 29 had a significant cytotoxic effect on three of the four human‐cancer cell lines, and compounds 27, 28 and 32 had no cytotoxic effect (except compound 27 with respect to the A549 model at the highest dose) on the four human models under study. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Novel Thermally Induced Rearrangement of a Propargylallene to a Furofuran Derivative in the Solid State
Authors: Tanaka Koichi , Tomomori Akihiro , Scott Janet L.
Published: May 2003

When colorless prisms of propargylallene 1 were heated at 192−200 °C, 1 changed to dark copper‐brown crystals of furofuran derivative 2 without any melting. The solid‐state mechanism of the reaction was studied by DSC, FT‐IR and X‐ray analyses. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Novel human endothelial cell‐engineered polyurethane biomaterials for cardiovascular biomedical applications
Authors: Wang Dong‐an , Feng Lin‐xian , Ji Jian , Sun Yong‐hong , Zheng Xiao‐xiang , Elisseeff Jennifer H.
Published: May 2003

A tri‐block coupling‐polymer composed of 4,4′‐methylenediphenyl diisocyanate and poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO), abbreviated MPEO, was used as the template surface‐modifying additive (SMA), based on which selected amino acids (lysine, arginine, glycin, and aspartic acid) and RGD peptide were respectively conjugated as functional endgroups of the PEO spacer‐arms through sulfonyl chloride‐activation routes. After the immobilization of biofunctional factors, the SMA‐MPEO derivatives were noncovalently introduced onto the biomedical poly(ether urethane) (PEU) surfaces by physical blending methods. The SMA synthesis and PEU surface modification were monitored and analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection‐infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were collected and harvested manually by collagenase digestion. The cell culture was performed respectively on the MPEO derivative‐modified PEU surfaces and also on the surfaces of the commercially available polystyrene cell‐culture plates (TCPS) for control. The cell adhesion rates and cell proliferation rates of the in vitro cultivated HUVEC were measured using flow cytometry. The individual cell viability rates were determined with MTT assay. The cell morphologies of the living HUVECs were investigated by optical inverted microscopy, and more detailed information was acquired from scanning electrical microscopy. The results indicated that the efficacy of SMA functional endgroups was the dominant factor for HUVEC compatibility; the proper‐sized PEO spacers (Mw 2 k) could support and mobilize the functional endgroups, optimizing the surface (interface) environment for the cell growth. As the endgroups of the SMA‐MPEO derivatives and the bio‐functional factors, the basic amino acids (lysine and arginine) demonstrated similar performances to that of the widely acknowledged cell growth‐promoter, RGD peptide, which were superior to TCPS. Therefore, these MPEO derivative‐modified PEU materials are promising to serve as novel polymeric permanent implants or interventional devices for cardiovascular biomedical applications. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 65A: 498–510, 2003
Overexpression of cyclin D1 inhibits TNF‐induced growth arrest
Authors: Moneo Victoria , Guijarro Maria del Valle , Link Wolfgang , Carnero Amancio
Published: May 2003

Although activated macrophages destroy cancer cells more effectively than normal cells, the facility to escape activated macrophages is a characteristic of tumor cells. One of the mechanisms responsible for the specific killing of tumor cells by macrophages is the production of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF). Therefore, resistance to TNF may provide such cancer cells a selective advantage against host elimination. In the present work we explore the possibility that cyclin D1 overrides the cytostatic effect of TNF. We show that TNF induces p21waf1 protein in malignant melanoma A375 cells and its binding to CDK2/4 and 6 proteins, and thereby inhibiting the activity of these complexes. This inhibition leads the cells to a G1 arrest. Overexpression of cyclin D1 in these cells makes them insensitive to TNF treatment with the recovery of CDK activity, however, is unable to overcome the inhibitory action of etoposide blocking the cells on G2/M. The bypass of TNF‐induced G1 arrest seems to be related to the increase in the stability of cyclin D bound CDK complexes, increasing the total amount of CDK2/4 and 6 complexes and leading to a functional down titration of the p21waf1 molecules. In these conditions the TNF‐induced increase of p21waf1 is not sufficient to inhibit the high amount of cyclin D‐bound complexes. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that a reduction in the levels of p21waf1 protein, induced by the expression of a mRNA antisense against p21waf1, is also able to bypass of TNF‐induced arrest. Our results confirm that p21waf1 has an essential role in TNF‐induced arrest and that the deregulation of cyclin D1 may be one of the mechanisms to escape physiological signals to restrict tumoral growth. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flavonoids inhibit VEGF/bFGF‐induced angiogenesis in vitro by inhibiting the matrix‐degrading proteases
Authors: Kim Myoung H.
Published: May 2003

Flavonoids have been proposed to act as chemopreventive agents in numerous epidemiological studies and have been shown to inhibit angiogenesis and proliferation of tumor cells and endothelial cells in vitro. Angiogenesis requires tightly controlled extracellular matrix degradation mediated by extracellular proteolytic enzymes including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and serine proteases, in particular, the urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA)‐plasmin system. In this study, we have investigated the antiangiogenic mechanism of the flavonoids, genistein, apigenin, and 3‐hydroxyflavone in a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) model. The stimulation of serum‐starved HUVECs with vascular endothelial growth factor/basic fibroblast growth factor (VEGF/bFGF) caused marked increase in MMP‐1 production and induced the pro‐MMP‐2 activation accompanied by the increase in MT1‐MMP expression. However, pretreatment with flavonoids before VEGF/bFGF stimulation completely abolished the VEGF/bFGF‐stimulated increase in MMP‐1 and MT1‐MMP expression and pro‐MMP‐2 activation. Genistein blocked VEGF/bFGF‐stimulated increase in TIMP‐1 expression and decrease in TIMP‐2 expression. Apigenin and 3‐hydroxyflavone further decreased TIMP‐1 expression below basal level and completely abolished TIMP‐2 expression. VEGF and bFGF stimulation also significantly induced uPA expression, most strikingly the level of 33 kDa uPA, and increased the expression of PA inhibitor (PAI)‐1. Genistein, apigenin, and 3‐hydroxyflavone effectively blocked the generation of 33 kDa uPA, and further decreased the activity of the 55 kDa uPA and the expression of PAI‐1 below the basal level. In conclusion, these data suggest that genistein, apigenin, and 3‐hydroxyflavone inhibit in vitro angiogenesis, in part via preventing VEGF/bFGF‐induced MMP‐1 and uPA expression and the activation of pro‐MMP‐2, and via modulating their inhibitors, TIMP‐1 and ‐2, and PAI‐1. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PCR detection of clonal IgH and TCR gene rearrangements at the end of induction as a non‐remission criterion in children with ALL: Comparison with standard morphologic analysis and risk group classification
Authors: Scrideli Carlos Alberto , Queiroz Rosane Gomes de Paula , Bernardes José Eduardo , Valera Elvis Terci , Tone Luiz Gonzaga
Published: May 2003

Background

The initial response to induction therapy is currently considered one of the most important prognostic factors in acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALL). A series of methods for the detection of submicroscopic levels of residual disease in patients with ALL mainly based on PCR and immunophenotyping has been developed, demonstrating that the presence of high levels of residual disease at the end of induction therapy is an important, independent prognostic factor. We determined the usefulness of PCR detection of minimal residual disease using consensus primers as a non‐remission criterion.

Procedure

Bone marrow samples obtained from 49 children with ALL were analyzed at diagnosis and at the end of induction therapy for the detection of clonal IgH, TCRδ, and TCRγ rearrangements by PCR. The results were compared with those obtained by standard morphologic analysis and risk group classification.

Results

Patients who had clonality detected at the end of induction showed a significantly higher recurrence rate and lower event‐free survival than those without detected clonality (24.9% vs. 89.7%) (P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that detection of clonality at the end of induction was the most important, independent prognostic factor when associated with age, number of white blood cells, and immunophenotyping.

Conclusions

PCR detection of clonality using consensus primers is a relatively simple technique that is able to identify patients with a high chance of recurrence, and shows a higher sensitivity and a better prognostic value than standard morphologic analysis and risk group classification, defining a new remission criterion. However, further multicentric prospective studies using this technique employing a larger number of cases are necessary to confirm these findings. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;41:10–16. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid LightCycler assay for identification of the Perforin codon 374 Trp → stop mutation in patients and families with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
Authors: Stadt Udo zur , Kabisch Hartmut , Janka Gritta , Schneider E. Marion
Published: May 2003

Background

Recently, point mutations in the Perforin gene on chromosome 10q21 have been described to be the cause of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in a subset of patients. Small deletions, missense, or nonsense mutations were found in both coding exons of the gene. One mutation was found apparently independently in different families of Turkish origin. This Trp374stop mutation is located within a cystein‐rich epidermal growth factor (EGF) precursor type domain in exon 3 of the Perforin gene.

Procedure

To detect this mutation, we developed a rapid “fluorescence resonance energy transfer” (FRET) assay on the LightCycler based on the different melting behavior of mutated and wild‐type sequences.

Results

In seven out of 20 analyzed patients with defined HLH history, this Trp374stop mutation was detectable within the different genotypes. Additionally, one out of 90 alleles tested in 45 healthy Turkish controls had this mutation.

Discussion

We present a rapid and reliable test for the most common Perforin (Trp374stop) mutation in HLH suitable for genetic testing and prenatal diagnosis. The mutation was detected in a large proportion of Turkish patients. Furthermore, a rapid and precise diagnosis of HLH will shorten the initiation of therapy in this subset of patients. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;41:26–29. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis of anthraquinone glycosides from madder roots
Authors: Derksen Goverdina C. H. , Naayer Martijn , van Beek Teris A. , Capelle Anthony , Haaksman Ingrid K. , van Doren Henk A. , de Groot Æde
Published: May 2003

For the production of a commercially useful dye extract from madder, the glycoside ruberythric acid has to be hydrolysed to the aglycone alizarin which is the main dye component. An intrinsic problem is the simultaneous hydrolysis of the glycoside lucidin primeveroside to the unwanted mutagenic aglycone lucidin. Madder root was treated with strong acid, strong base or enzymes to convert ruberythric acid into alizarin and the anthraquinone compositions of the suspensions were analysed by HPLC. A cheap and easy method to hydrolyse ruberythric acid in madder root to alizarin without the formation of lucidin turned out to be the stirring of dried madder roots in water at room temperature for 90 min: this gave a suspension containing pseudopurpurin, munjistin, alizarin and nordamnacanthal. Native enzymes are responsible for the hydrolysis, after which lucidin is converted to nordamnacanthal by an endogenous oxidase. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ionic content in plant extracts determined by ion chromatography with conductivity detection
Authors: Cataldi Tommaso R. I. , Margiotta Giovanna , Del Fiore Antonella , Bufo Sabino A.
Published: May 2003

A simple method is described for the determination of the ionic content of vegetable samples by ion chromatography with suppressed conductivity detection. Extracts of leaves of cucumber (Cucumis sativus), leaves and cotyledons of watermelon (Citrullus lanantus), cotyledons of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo), and leaves and roots of olive (Olea europaea) obtained at room temperature yielded chromatographic profiles with substantial differences in the relative contents of Cl−, NO3−, HPO42− and SO42− as well as of Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+. Although NO3−, Cl− and K+ were common to each extracted sample and accounted for most of the ions present, two additional anion peaks (i.e. malate and oxalate) were detected. Among the vegetable tissues investigated, olive roots contained a considerable amount of oxalate (37 mg/g dry weight), while Na+, which is present in very low amount in extracted samples of leaves and cotyledons, represented ca. 30% of the cationic content of olive roots. In all the examined tissue extracts, K+ was the main cation (16–55 mg/g dry weight) and NO3−, Cl− and HPO42− were the main inorganic anions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of colchicine and related alkaloids from seeds of Colchicum autumnale L.
Authors: Ellington Ernesto , Bastida Jaume , Viladomat Francesc , Codina Carles
Published: May 2003

A method for the extraction of the alkaloids colchicine, 3‐demethylcolchicine and colchicoside from seeds of Colchicum autumnale by supercritical carbon dioxide has been established. Several parameters such as pressure, temperature, percentage of modifier and extraction time have been examined. Two extraction steps with constant carbon dioxide density (0.90 g/mL) and flux (1.5 mL/min) were required to extract the alkaloids in 110 min using 3% methanol as modifier. The quantitative determination of the alkaloids was performed by HPLC; the percentages of recovery were higher than 98% for the three alkaloids. This extraction procedure was compared with a conventional method involving maceration and sonication, and the same levels of alkaloids were obtained in each case. The supercritical carbon dioxide method is, however, very efficient, more rapid and more environmentally friendly than conventional methods. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Issues relating to the early or earlier use of insulin in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Home PD , Boulton AJM , Jimenez J , Landgraf R , Osterbrink B , Christiansen JS
Published: May 2003

Insulin therapy is increasingly being considered earlier in the management of people with type 2 diabetes. Its ability to achieve appropriate levels of glycaemic control and to maintain that control in the long term is not shared by other treatment options. The benefits of preventing deterioration to poorer levels of blood glucose control in order to avoid late complications of diabetes are now well established. Insulin also has a well‐established safety profile. In spite of these and other advantages, a number of factors such as risk of hypoglycaemia, weight gain and, more controversially, the possibility of insulin‐associated atherogenicity have been perceived as potential risks limiting its earlier use. Other factors, such as availability, needle phobia, dietary restriction, employment issues and economic considerations may also be seen as possible barriers.

This review aims to address these issues in turn and, against this background, highlight the potential of earlier initiation of insulin therapy in the management of type 2 diabetes. It also attempts to identify which patients might benefit most from such a strategy. It is concluded that, in general, any possible risks or barriers (real or perceived) to the use of insulin should not discourage its early or earlier integration into the management of type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Will the Diabetes NSF deliver? The Editorial Board's views, part 2
Authors: Foster Ali
Published: May 2003

In the January/February 2001 issue, Practical Diabetes International published a ‘wish list’ for the National Service Framework for Diabetes. Two years later, with the Delivery Strategy only just published, have those wishes come true? Ali Foster gives her views. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diabetic hand disease
Authors: Paisey RB , Hundia V , Khan A , Halpin D
Published: May 2003

The combination of peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy and increased susceptibility to infection are responsible for diabetic foot problems. In patients with evidence of diabetic foot disease, it is important to take measures to keep good care of the hands, which can also be compromised. The hand is a common site for acupuncture. This case report demonstrates serious limb threatening complications following acupuncture treatment for pain from rheumatoid arthritis and sensory neuropathy. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pyrolysis of polyaromatic heterocyclics
Authors: Wrasidlo Wolfgang , Empey Richard
Published: May 2003

The oxidative and thermal degradation of some polyaromatic heterocyclics in air and helium has been studied by dynamic thermogravimetry to 1400°C. Decomposition characteristics are the result of polymer structure, molecular weight, and method of preparation. Decomposition in air follows first‐order rate laws, while degradation under inert conditions does not appear to follow simple rate laws. The activation energies for the decomposition in air are between 30 and 35 kcal./mole for most polymers investigated. Carbonaceous polymer residues at 1400°C. are present in varying quantities.
Theoretical depolymerization kinetics. IV. Effect of a volatile fraction on the degradation of an initial “most probable” polymer
Authors: Boyd Richard H.
Published: May 2003

The effect of volatilization of molecules larger than monomer has been introduced into the solution of the Simha, Wall, and Blatz kinetic equations for the degradation of a high polymer with an initial “most probable” distribution. Equations describing the rate of sample weight and average molecular weight change result. They differ from the previous “most probable” equations primarily in the presence of an additive term representing the random splitting near the chain ends due to bond scission or transfer attack. Equations are also obtained for the rate of formation of each volatile species and hence the product distribution. The effect of volatilization of larger fragments is discussed in detail for the special case of random scission initiation. The product distribution is discussed for two special cases.
Base‐catalyzed polymerization of acryloyl‐ and methacryloyl‐α‐amino acid amides
Authors: Iwakura Yoshio , Toda Fujio , Torii Yoshinori , Sekii Reiko
Published: May 2003

N‐Acryloylglycinamide, N‐methacryloylglycinamide, N‐acryloyl‐DL‐ and L‐alaninamide, and N‐methacryloyl‐DL‐ and ‐L‐alaninamide were polymerized by basic catalysts. Polymers with low viscosities were obtained. Automatic amino acid analyses of the hydrolyzates of these polymers indicated that a hydrogen transfer from the terminal amide group took place along with vinyl polymerization. Hydrogen transfer from the secondary amide group was also observed. The ratio of the hydrogen transfer and the vinyl polymerizations was determined by results of automatic amino acid analyses.
Radical and anionic homopolymerization of maleimide and N‐n‐butylmaleimide
Authors: Nakayama Y. , Smets G.
Published: May 2003

The rate of homopolymerization of maleimide has been measured in dimethylformamide solution at 60°C. in the presence of azobisisobutyronitrile; it has been compared to that of N‐n‐butylmaleimide. The overall rates of polymerization are equal to Rp = k[M]1.1–1.2 [In]0.8 for maleimide, and Rp = k'[M] [In]0.5 for the N‐substituted imide. The difference of behavior has been interpreted on the basis of an intramolecular tautomery of the terminal group of the maleimide growing chain and the formation of a resonance‐stabilized succinimidyl radical. The relative ease of polymerization of these monomers and of maleic anhydride has been discussed. In the presence of sodium tert‐butoxide at 20°C. in dimethylformamide solutions, maleimide polymerizes with hydrogen isomerization. The percentage of N‐substituted isomerized units was evaluated at 70–75% by measurement of the rate of hydrolysis in 0.005N sodium hydroxide and comparison with succinimide and N‐butylsuccinimide. N‐n‐butylmaleimide undergoes ring opening together with anionic polymerization in the presence of sodium tert‐butoxide at 20°C. and butyllithium at ‐40°C. Unlike the radical‐initiated polymerization, it was impossible to obtain anionic copolymers of maleimide and N‐butylmaleimide with acrylonitrile and methyl methacrylate.
Cohesive energy densities of polymers from turbidimetric titrations
Authors: Suh K. W. , Clarke D. H.
Published: May 2003

Turbidimetric titrations have been made on polystyrene and poly‐o‐chlorostyrene in a series of solvents to deduce the solubility parameters of polymers from the Flory‐Huggins interaction parameter χ. The assigned solubility parameter for polystyrene agrees well with the reported values obtained from swelling measurements. Brief discussion of the exceptional behavior in the solvent powers of paraffins is given.
Cationic polymerization of α,β‐disubstituted olefins. Part II. Cationic polymerization of propenyl N‐butyl ether
Authors: Mizote A. , Kusudo S. , Higashimura T. , Okamura S.
Published: May 2003

The cationic polymerization of propenyl n‐butyl ether (PBE) in methylene chloride with boron fluoride etherate at −78°C. has been studied. The copolymerization of PBE with vinyl n‐butyl ether (VBE) showed that both the isomers are more reactive than VBE, and their monomer reactivity ratios were found to be:
Kinetics of polymerization of styrene initiated by substituted benzoyl peroxides. IV. Decomposition induced by substituted diethylanilines
Authors: O'driscoll Kenneth F.
Published: May 2003

Equilibrium complex formation between symmetrically substituted benzoyl peroxides and ring‐substituted N,N‐diethylanilines has been quantitatively measured. From the results the rate constant for the unimolecular decomposition of the complexes, producing an initiating free radical, is found to be approximately 1012 exp {(–25 X 103)/RT}. The data obtained are consistent with a previously postulated mechanism for radical production in the presence of vinyl monomers.