bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective database analysis on the effectiveness of typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs in an outpatient clinic setting
Authors: Akkaya Cengiz , Sarandol Asli , Cangur Sengul , Kirli Selcuk
Published: September 2007

Objective

To report the outcomes of a retrospective database analysis to compare the effectiveness of atypical and typical antipsychotic drugs.

Methods

Medical records of patients admitted to the psychiatry outpatient clinic between January 1998 and October 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. Data obtained from patient records were noted on a special form assessing four aspects of the treatment history: socio‐demographic features, disease characteristics, initial treatment at the time of admission, and course of treatment. Patient groups (typical/atypical and Risperidone/Haloperidol/Olanzapine) were compared for time to all‐cause medication discontinuation and rate of discontinuation.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in the duration of treatment between patients using atypical (n = 150) and typical (n = 124) antipsychotics. The duration of treatment was significantly longer in patients on Haloperidol (n = 91) compared with those on Risperidone (n = 63). Rates of discontinuation over 18 months were 59.3% for patients on atypical antipsychotics and 57.3% for those on typical antipsychotics, and 68.3% for patients on Risperidone, 51.6% for patients on Haloperidol and 54.3% for patients on Olanzapine.

Conclusion

Despite our hypothesis patients with chronic schizophrenia discontinued their atypical and typical antipsychotics, at a high rate with no significant difference indicating substantial limitations in the effectiveness of these drugs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of chemistry and stable isotopes in groundwater of Chaobai and Yongding River basin, North China Plain
Authors: Aji K. , Tang C. , Song X. , Kondoh A. , Sakura Y. , Yu J. , Kaneko S.
Published: September 2007

To identify the groundwater flow system in the North China Plain, the chemical and stable isotopes of the groundwater and surface water were analysed along the Chaobai River and Yongding River basin. According to the field survey, the study area in the North China Plain was classified hydrogeologically into three parts: mountain, piedmont alluvial fan and lowland areas.

The change of electrical conductance and pH values coincided with groundwater flow from mountain to lowland areas. The following groundwater types are recognized: CaHCO3 and CaMgHCO3 in mountain areas, CaMgHCO3 and NaKHCO3 in piedmont alluvial fan areas, and HCO3Na in lowland areas.

The stable isotope distribution of groundwater in the study area also has a good corresponding relation with other chemical characteristics. Stable isotope signatures reveal a major recharge from precipitation and surface water in the mountain areas. Chemical and stable isotope analysis data suggest that mountain and piedmont alluvial fan areas were the major recharge zones and the lowland areas belong to the main discharge zone. Precipitation and surface water were the major sources for groundwater in the North China Plain. Stable isotopic enrichment of groundwater near the dam area in front of the piedmont alluvial fan areas shows that the dam water infiltrated to the ground after evaporation.

As a result, from the stable isotope analysis, isotope value of groundwater tends to deplete from sea level (horizontal ground surface) to both top of the mountain and the bottom of the lowland areas in symmetrically. This suggests that groundwater in the study area is controlled by the altitude effect. Shallow groundwater in the study area belongs to the local flow system and deep groundwater part of the regional flow system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes and variation in the discharge regime of the Upper Suriname River Basin and its relationship with the tropical Pacific and Atlantic SST anomalies
Authors: Nurmohamed Riad , Naipal Sieuwnath , Becker Cor
Published: September 2007

Long‐term changes and variability in river flows in the tropical Upper Suriname River Basin in Suriname (2–6°N, 54–58°W) are analysed, including the relation to sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the tropical Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. To analyse variability, lag correlation and statistical properties of the data series are used. Long‐term changes are analysed using parametric and non‐parametric statistical techniques. The analyses are performed for the period 1952–1985. The results show that both river discharge series at Semoisie and Pokigron are non‐stationary and have a negative trend. The negative rainfall trend in the centre of Suriname may be responsible for the negative trend in the annual river discharges in the basin. The highest correlation (Pearson's coefficient c) is obtained when the Tropical North Atlantic (TNA) SSTs lags the monthly discharges at Pokigron by 3–4 months (c = 0·7) and when the Tropical South Atlantic (TSA) SSTs lags the discharges by 4 months (c = − 0·7). It also follows that the high (low) monthly flows, from April–August (September–March) are associated with increasing (decreasing) SSTs in the TNA and with decreasing (increasing) SSTs in the TSA. The results also reveal that years with low (high) discharges are more related to warmer (colder) SSTs during the year in the TNA region and a southward displacement of the Inter‐Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). However, the Pacific El Niño (La Niña) events may also be responsible for low (high) flow years in this basin. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suspended sediment dynamics at high and low storm flows in two small watersheds
Authors: Salant Nira L. , Hassan Marwan A. , Alonso Carlos V.
Published: September 2007

A record spanning almost 20 years of suspended sediment and discharge measurements on two reaches of an agricultural watershed is used to assess the influence of in‐channel sediment supplies and bed composition on suspended sediment concentrations (SSC). We analyse discharge‐SSC relationships from two small streams of similar hydrology, climate and land use but widely different bed compositions (one dominated by sand, the other by gravel). Given that sand‐dominated systems have more fine sediment available for transport, we use bed composition and the relative proportion of surface sand and gravel to be representative of in‐channel sediment supply. Both high flow events and lower flows associated with onset and late recessional storm flow (‘low flows’) are analysed in order to distinguish external from in‐channel sources of sediment and to assess the relationship between low flows and sediment supply. We find that SSC during low flows is affected by changes to sediment supply, not just discharge capacity, indicated by the variation in the discharge‐SSC relationship both within and between low flows. Results also demonstrate that suspended sediment and discharge dynamics differ between reaches; high bed sand fractions provide a steady supply of sediment that is quickly replenished, resulting in more frequent sediment‐mobilizing low flow and relatively constant SSC between floods. In contrast, SSC of a gravel‐dominated reach vary widely between events, with high SSC generally associated with only one or two high‐flow events. Results lend support to the idea that fine sediment is both more available and more easily transported from sand‐dominated streambeds, especially during low flows, providing evidence that bed composition and in‐channel sediment supplies may play important roles in the mobilization and transport of fine sediment. In addition, the analysis of low‐flow conditions, an approach unique to this study, provides insight into alternative and potentially significant factors that control fine sediment dynamics. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of the calcium to phosphate ratio of tetracalcium phosphate on the properties of calcium phosphate bone cement
Authors: Burguera Elena F. , Guitian Francisco , Chow Laurence C.
Published: September 2007

Six different tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) products were synthesized by solid state reaction at high temperature by varying the overall calcium to phosphate ratio of the synthesis mixture. The objective was to evaluate the effect of the calcium to phosphate ratio on a TTCP‐dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) cement. The resulting six TTCP‐DCPD cement mixtures were characterized using X‐ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and pH measurements. Setting times and compressive strength (CS) were also measured. Using the TTCP product with a Ca/P ratio of 2.0 resulted in low strength values (25.61 MPa) when distilled water was used as the setting liquid, even though conversion to hydroxyapatite was not prevented, as confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. The suspected CaO presence in this TTCP may have affected the cohesiveness of the cement mixture but not the cement setting reaction, however no direct evidence of CaO presence was found. Lower Ca/P ratio products yielded cements with CS values ranging from 46.7 MPa for Ca/P ratio of 1.90 to 38.32 MPa for Ca/P ratio of 1.85. When a dilute sodium phosphate solution was used as the setting liquid, CS values were 15.3% lower than those obtained with water as the setting liquid. Setting times ranged from 18 to 22 min when water was the cement liquid and from 7 to 8 min when sodium phosphate solution was used, and the calcium to phosphate ratio did not have a marked effect on this property. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Investigation on clotting and hemolysis characteristics of heparin‐immobilized polyether sulfones biomembrane
Authors: Hou Changjun , Yuan Quan , Huo Danqun , Zheng Shujia , Zhan Dongli
Published: September 2007

In this study, a novel heparin‐immobilized polyethersulfone (PES) was synthesized. PES was initially sulfonated with chlorosulfonic acid and then 1,6‐hexanediamine was grafted to the SO3H groups of sulfonated PES, which subsequently reacted with heparin through a covalent bond by using (1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC) as catalyst. The hydrophobic/hydrophilic property was characterized by measuring the water contact angle. The data shows decline from 62.29° ± 1.2° to 47.86° ± 0.3° for water and 86.79° ± 0.8° to 68.34° ± 1.0° for glycerol, which indicates an enhancement of hydrophilicity. Plasma hemolysis assay shows a comparatively low hemolysis ratio of 1.04%, which is below permissible limit of 5%. A higher content of dissociated blood cells and Ca2+ concentration was found in red blood cell counting and coagulation factor IV test in heparinized PES. Plasma recalcification time of 360 s also offers positive evidence that heparinized PES seems to have a good anticoagulation property. This new heparin‐immobilized PES biomaterials may have the potential for biomedical applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Quantitative spatial distribution of sirolimus and polymers in drug‐eluting stents using confocal Raman microscopy
Authors: Balss K.M. , Llanos G. , Papandreou G. , Maryanoff C.A.
Published: September 2007

Raman spectroscopy was used to differentiate each component found in the CYPHER® Sirolimus‐eluting Coronary Stent. The unique spectral features identified for each component were then used to develop three separate calibration curves to describe the solid phase distribution found on drug‐polymer coated stents. The calibration curves were obtained by analyzing confocal Raman spectral depth profiles from a set of 16 unique formulations of drug‐polymer coatings sprayed onto stents and planar substrates. The sirolimus model was linear from 0 to 100 wt % of drug. The individual polymer calibration curves for poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) [PEVA] and poly(n‐butyl methacrylate) [PBMA] were also linear from 0 to 100 wt %. The calibration curves were tested on three independent drug‐polymer coated stents. The sirolimus calibration predicted the drug content within 1 wt % of the laboratory assay value. The polymer calibrations predicted the content within 7 wt % of the formulation solution content. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectra from five formulations confirmed a linear response to changes in sirolimus and polymer content. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Assessment of silicone gel breast implant biodurability by NMR and EDS techniques
Authors: Taylor R. B. , Eldred D. E. , Kim G. , Curtis J. M. , Brandon H. J. , Klykken P. C.
Published: September 2007

In a study using explanted gel breast implants and appropriate nonimplanted controls, we examined silicone biodurability after long‐term implantation. Using NMR spectroscopy, as well as NMR relaxometry measurements (T2), no evidence of hydrolysis or other chemical degradation of the cross‐linked silicone matrix was observed in specimens from an early breast implant model (Cronin) explanted after 32 years in vivo or a more recent Silastic® II model after 13 years in vivo. In addition, no appreciable differences were seen in T2 relaxation times comparing explanted breast implants to suitably‐matched nonimplanted controls, further underscoring the biostability of the cross‐linked silicone shell and gel. Our T2 data and resultant interpretations differ from a 2004 report by the NMR lab at the University of Münster, highlighting the importance of suitable nonimplanted controls and sample preparation. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was also performed, confirming the persistence of a fluorosilicone layer inside the elastomer shells of Silastic II implants. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Development of a novel endothelial cell‐seeded endovascular stent for intracranial aneurysm therapy
Authors: Zhu Wei , Tian Yanlong , Zhou Liang‐Fu , Wang Yang , Song Donglei , Mao Ying , Yang Guo‐Yuan
Published: September 2007

The metallic stent has been widely used in endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms and arterial stenosis. Endothelialization at the neck of the aneurysm or stenotic lesion after stent deployment plays a pivotal role in preventing aneurysm recurrence, as well as local thrombus formation and restenosis. To deliver autologous endothelial cells and to promote the endothelialization on the luminal wall of the parent artery, we established an endothelial cell‐seeded intracranial stent device. Endothelial cells were isolated from canine jugular vein and identified by FACS assay and immunohistochemistry. We demonstrated that the seeded endothelial cells formed a confluent endothelial layer on the stent's surface. After being brushed with 100 dyne/cm2of shear stress, we found that this endothelial layer remained intact for at least 48 h on the heparinized polymer coated stent, rather than the poly‐lactic‐acid coated stent (p< 0.05). The results suggest that an autologous endothelial cell‐seeded stent may be a feasible and optimal tool for endothelial delivery during stenting and may overcome some limitations of the traditional bare stent in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms and arterial stenosis. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Doxycycline sustained release from brushite cements for the treatment of periodontal diseases
Authors: Tamimi Faleh , Torres Jesús , Bettini Ruggero , Ruggera Francesca , Rueda Carmen , López‐Ponce Manuel , Lopez‐Cabarcos Enrique
Published: September 2007

Doxycycline (DOXY) is a wide spectrum antibiotic used in the treatment of dental, periodontal, and bone infections. Brushite cements are calcium phosphate biomaterials especially interesting for bone regeneration processes. In this work, we describe the preparation of a brushite cement containing DOXY and the drug release from the cement. DOXY solutions were mixed with the cement powder and after a 50% burst release in the first 12 h, a slow and controlled release was achieved over 3.5 days. The release of DOXY hyclate was controlled by both, diffusion and Ca2+ interaction. Formation of DOXY‐Ca2+ chelates was detected in the cement structure using solid state fluorescence. The brushite cement loaded with DOXY hyclate had antibacterial activity against periodontal pathogens: Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Bacteroides frosthytus. This new biomaterial may be helpful for the treatment of periodontal diseases. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Prediction of protein loop conformations using multiscale modeling methods with physical energy scoring functions
Authors: Olson Mark A. , Feig Michael , Brooks Charles L.
Published: September 2007

This article examines ab initio methods for the prediction of protein loops by a computational strategy of multiscale conformational sampling and physical energy scoring functions. Our approach consists of initial sampling of loop conformations from lattice‐based low‐resolution models followed by refinement using all‐atom simulations. To allow enhanced conformational sampling, the replica exchange method was implemented. Physical energy functions based on CHARMM19 and CHARMM22 parameterizations with generalized Born (GB) solvent models were applied in scoring loop conformations extracted from the lattice simulations and, in the case of all‐atom simulations, the ensemble of conformations were generated and scored with these models. Predictions are reported for 25 loop segments, each eight residues long and taken from a diverse set of 22 protein structures. We find that the simulations generally sampled conformations with low global root‐mean‐square‐deviation (RMSD) for loop backbone coordinates from the known structures, whereas clustering conformations in RMSD space and scoring detected less favorable loop structures. Specifically, the lattice simulations sampled basins that exhibited an average global RMSD of 2.21 ± 1.42 Å, whereas clustering and scoring the loop conformations determined an RMSD of 3.72 ± 1.91 Å. Using CHARMM19/GB to refine the lattice conformations improved the sampling RMSD to 1.57 ± 0.98 Å and detection to 2.58 ± 1.48 Å. We found that further improvement could be gained from extending the upper temperature in the all‐atom refinement from 400 to 800 K, where the results typically yield a reduction of ∼ 1 Å or greater in the RMSD of the detected loop. Overall, CHARMM19 with a simple pairwise GB solvent model is more efficient at sampling low‐RMSD loop basins than CHARMM22 with a higher‐resolution modified analytical GB model; however, the latter simulation method provides a more accurate description of the all‐atom energy surface, yet demands a much greater computational cost. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Charge parameterization of the metal centers in cytochrome c oxidase
Authors: Johansson Mikael P. , Kaila Ville R. I. , Laakkonen Liisa
Published: September 2007

Reliable atomic point charges are of key importance for a correct description of the electrostatic interactions when performing classical, force field based simulations. Here, we present a systematic procedure for point charge derivation, based on quantum mechanical methodology suited for the systems at hand. A notable difference to previous procedures is to include an outer region around the actual system of interest. At the cost of increasing the system sizes, here up to 265 atoms, including the surroundings achieves near‐neutrality for the systems as well as structural stability, important factors for reliable charge distributions. In addition, the common problem of converting between CH bonds and CC bonds at the border vanishes. We apply the procedure to the four redox‐active metal centers of cytochrome c oxidase: CuA, haem a, haem a3, and CuB. Several relevant charge and ligand states are considered. Charges for two different force fields, CHARMM and AMBER, are presented. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Insertion of C50 into single‐walled carbon nanotubes: Selectivity in interwall spacing and C50 isomers
Authors: Zhou Zhen , Zhao Jijun , Schleyer Paul von Ragué , Chen Zhongfang
Published: September 2007

The structures and electronic properties of nanoscale “peapods,” i.e., C50 fullerenes inside single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), were computationally investigated by density functional theory (DFT). Both zigzag and armchair SWCNTs with diameters larger than 1.17 nm can encapsulate C50 fullerenes exothermically. Among the SWCNTs considered, (9,9) and (16,0) SWCNTs are the best sheaths for both D3 and D5h isomers of C50, corresponding to 0.32–0.34 nm tube‐C50 distances. The orientation of C50 inside nanotubes also affects the insertion energies, which depend on the actual tube‐fullerene distances. The insertion of D3 and D5h isomers of C50 is somewhat selective; the less stable D5h isomer can be encapsulated more favorably inside SWCNTs at same tube‐C50 spacing. Because of the weak tube‐C50 interaction, the geometric and electronic structures of the peapods do not change greatly for the most stable configurations, but the selectivity in the interwall spacing and isomer encapsulation can be useful in separating various carbon fullerenes and their isomers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Evaluation of enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw pretreated by atmospheric glycerol autocatalysis
Authors: Sun Fubao , Chen Hongzhang
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Because ethanol organosolv pulping requires high pressure and is highly volatile, an atmospheric autocatalytic glycerol organosolv pretreatment process has been investigated. Enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw pretreated using this method was evaluated to explore a novel, economically competitive and environmentally friendly pretreatment technology for bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass. The method also provides economical utilization of industrial glycerol, helping to cope with the challenge of the excess production of glycerol and to further defray the cost of biodiesel production.

RESULTS: With preliminary optimization of the parameters in the pretreatment process, pretreatment performed at 240 °C for 4 h with the glycerol addition of 15 g g−1 dry feedstock and wash at 80 °C led to high recovery of cellulose (95%) and good removal of lignin (>70%), which formed, respectively, 80% and 10% of the pulp. The enzymatic hydrolysis of the pretreated wheat straw yielded 90% of theoretically achievable sugar after 24 h and 92% after 48 h.

CONCLUSION: Atmospheric autocatalytic glycerol organosolv pretreatment removed significant amounts of hemicellulose and lignin without affecting good cellulose recovery. The proposed novel strategy increased the susceptible of wheat straw to enzyme attack and led to enzymatic hydrolysis that was comparable with that achieved using ethanol organosolv pretreatment. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Adiponectin gene therapy of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice using hydrodynamic injection
Authors: Fukushima Masayoshi , Hattori Yoshiyuki , Tsukada Hideo , Koga Kimiko , Kajiwara Eiichi , Kawano Kumi , Kobayashi Tsuneo , Kamata Katsuo , Maitani Yoshie
Published: September 2007

Background

Adiponectin (Adipo), an adipocyte hormone involved in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, has already been identified as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes. However, successful delivery of Adipo to the receptors is difficult due to their peptide characteristics. Receptors for Adipo are abundantly expressed in the liver and skeletal muscle.

Methods

Uptake of 2‐(N‐(7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazol‐4‐yl)amino)‐2‐deoxyglucose (2‐NBDG) in hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells expressing Adipo was examined. Adipo‐expressing plasmid DNA (10–50 µg) in saline solution (0.1 ml/g body weight) was rapidly injected into the tail vein of 4‐week‐old diabetic mice after 4–6 weeks of treatment with streptozotocin (STZ). Uptake of glucose in diabetic mice also was measured using a planar positron imaging system featuring 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose.

Results

HepG2 cells expressing Adipo exhibited significantly increased 2‐NBDG uptake compared with cells transfected with control plasmid even in the absence of insulin. STZ‐induced diabetic mice showed decreased serum Adipo levels compared with non‐diabetic mice. A single hydrodynamic injection of 10–50 µg Adipo‐expressing plasmid DNA into diabetic mice led to approximately 10‐15‐fold elevation in serum Adipo levels, and resulted in decreased serum levels of glucose and triglyceride. As well as exhibiting higher levels of Adipo expression, diabetic mice also had higher hepatic glucose uptake than similar mice injected with control plasmid.

Conclusions

We report that STZ‐induced diabetic mice exhibited decreased Adipo levels and hyperglycemia which may be alleviated by hydrodynamic injection of the Adipo gene. This type of gene delivery system to the liver offers a different approach in developing novel treatments for type 1 and 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage glycosaminoglycan: Basic principles, imaging technique, and clinical applications
Authors: Gray Martha L. , Burstein Deborah , Kim Young‐Jo , Maroudas Alice
Published: September 2007

Many new therapeutic strategies have been and are being developed to prevent, correct, or slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Our ability to evaluate the efficacy of these techniques, or to determine the situations for which they might provide the most benefit, critically depends on diagnostic measures that can serve as proxies for the present or predicted state of the cartilage. We focus here on a body of work surrounding the development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to noninvasively image the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentration of articular cartilage. These techniques are based on the concept of fixed charge in cartilage resulting from the glycosaminoglycans. Starting with sodium MRI, and the subsequent development of delayed gadolinium‐enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) based on proton MRI, these techniques permit “visualization” of the charged GAG distribution in cartilage in vitro or in vivo. The dGEMRIC technique has been used in preliminary clinical studies to understand treatment strategies and to monitor disease, and as such is allowing studies that a decade ago would have been impossible. This new technical capability offers the promises of speeding development of effective therapies and focusing their use in areas where they can be most successful. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:281–291, 2008
Phenolics of Vaccinium berries and other fruit crops
Authors: Kalt Wilhelmina , MacKinnon Shawna , McDonald Jane , Vinqvist Melinda , Craft Cheryl , Howell Amy
Published: September 2007

The concentrations and profiles of phenolics of selected fruit crops common in the Western diet, including several Vaccinium species, were examined to better understand how these crops may be useful sources of phenolic phytochemicals. Vaccinium fruit had a high phenolic concentration compared to non‐Vaccinium fruit. Some Vaccinium fruit were particularly rich in certain phenolic subgroups, especially anthocyanins and pro‐anthocyanidins. Among the pro‐anthocyanidin oligomers measured using fluorometric and mass spectroscopic detection, the trimers and tetramers were most abundant, while pro‐anthocyanidins with a degree of polymerization greater than 8 were least abundant. As biomedical studies determine which phenolic structures are associated with particular bioactivities, information on the phenolic concentration and profile of selected species will be useful in developing specific uses for fruit crops in human health. Methods were compared to assess the usefulness of simpler versus more sophisticated means of phenolic analysis. The phenolic components of fruit extracts were purified approximately 20‐fold, and not qualitatively altered, by C18 solid‐phase extraction. However, fruit extracts obtained from C18 solid‐phase extraction differed in their relative abundance of phenolic components. Colorimetric and HPLC‐DAD measures of phenolic concentration were correlated (R2 = 0.79), as was pro‐anthocyanidin concentration detected fluorometrically and by mass spectrometry (R2 = 0.44). Copyright © 2007 Crown in the right of Canada and Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of breed type, housing and feeding system on performance of growing pigs managed under organic conditions
Authors: Kelly Hilary RC , Browning Helen M , Day Jon EL , Martins Anne , Pearce Gareth P , Stopes Christopher , Edwards Sandra A
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: There is a need for information on the performance and carcass quality of pigs under different organic management systems. This study compared Duroc‐sired progeny from three maternal breed types when kept either at pasture or in housing with an outdoor run and offered ad libitum concentrate either alone or with fodder beet or grass/clover silage as additional forage.

RESULTS: Liveweight gain, feed intake and the proportion of forages consumed did not differ between genotypes. Carcass fatness of progeny was lowest for a ‘modern’ genotype (Camborough 12) and highest for a ‘traditional’ purebred genotype (Saddleback), with a ‘crossbred traditional’ genotype (Saddleback × Duroc) being intermediate (11.4, 14.3 and 13.4 mm P2 respectively, standard error of mean (SEM) 0.27, P < 0.001). With a cereal‐based concentrate available ad libitum, intake of forages was low (<2% of dry matter intake). Although growth rate did not differ between housing systems, daily feed intake was greater at pasture (2.47 vs 2.22 kg meal equivalent, SEM 0.05, P < 0.001), giving poorer feed efficiency (P < 0.01). Pastured animals consumed less additional forage and had a higher killing‐out % but similar carcass fatness.

CONCLUSION: For organic pig production to be financially sustainable, disadvantages arising from the genotype and/or rearing system chosen need to be offset by a market premium for the pigs produced. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative TOF‐SIMS and MALDI TOF‐MS analysis on different chromatographic planar substrates
Authors: Talian Ivan , Orinák Andrej , Preisler Jan , Heile Andreas , Onofrejová Lucie , Kaniansky Dušan , Arlinghaus Heinrich F.
Published: September 2007

A comparison is made between two high resolution, surface‐based, mass spectrometric methods: time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF‐MS) in indication of abietic and gibberellic acids molecular profiles on different chromatographic thin layers. The analytes were applied to silica gel chromatographic thin layers with SIMS on‐line interfacing channel, monolithic silica gel ultra‐thin layers, and thin layers specifically designed for direct Raman spectroscopic analysis. Two MALDI matrices were used in this research: ferulic acid and 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid. The silica gel SIMS‐interfacing channel strongly supported formation of numerous different MALDI MS fragments with abietic and gibberellic acids, and ferulic acid matrix. The most intense fragments belonged to [M–OH]+ and [M]+ ions from ferulic acid. Intense conjugates were detected with gibberellic acid. The MALDI MS spectrum from the monolithic silica gel surface showed very low analyte signal intensity and it was not possible to obtain MALDI spectra from a Raman spectroscopy treated chromatographic layer. The MALDI TOF MS gibberellic acid fragmentation profile was shielded by the matrix used and was accompanied by poor analyte identification. The most useful TOF‐SIMS analytical signal response was obtained from analytes separated on monolithic silica gel and a SIMS‐interfacing modified silica gel surface. New horizons with nanostructured surfaces call for high resolution MS methods (which cannot readily be miniaturised like many optical and electrochemical methods) to be integrated in chip and nanoscale detection systems.
Multiresidue determination of thermolabile insecticides in cereal products by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry: Evaluation with on‐column injection and conventional hot splitless injection
Authors: Zheng Ping , Hu Yan‐Yun , Sheng Xuan , Zhang Lei , Sun Hao , Sheng Guo‐Ping
Published: September 2007

This communication presents a study on the simultaneous determination of thermolabile N‐methylcarbamate and organophosphorus insecticides in cereal products by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The thermal stability of the multiple insecticides was evaluated with conventional hot splitless injection and on‐column injection. The results obtained by GC–MS with these two injection techniques were compared in terms of the recovery, the limit of detection, the limit of qualification, and the reproducibility. With on‐column injection, the pesticide recoveries in cereal samples were better than 82%, with relative standard deviations lower than 5.4%. The limits of qualification for most insecticides were in the range of 0.009–0.08 mg/kg, i. e. lower than the maximum residue limits established for insecticides in cereal products by the European Union. The long‐term stability using on‐column injection for analysis of insecticides in real samples was evaluated and normal chromatographic performance could be obtained within 50 analyses. The results revealed that it was possible for application of on‐column injection in the analysis of thermolabile multiple insecticides in food sample after comprehensive sample clean‐up, despite the highly contaminated nature of the column system.
The rapid detection and identification of the impurities of simvastatin using high resolution sub 2 μm particle LC coupled to hybrid quadrupole time of flight MS operating with alternating high–low collision energy
Authors: Plumb Robert S. , Jones Michael D. , Rainville Paul , Castro‐Perez Jose M.
Published: September 2007

The profiling and identification of impurities in raw pharmaceuticals or finished drug product is an essential part of the pharmaceutical manufacturing process. Critical to this process is the ability to confirm known, expected impurities and identify new impurities. LC coupled to electrospray MS is a powerful tool that has been employed for the identification of impurities, natural products, drug metabolites, and proteins. In this study, we show how sub 2 μm porous particle LC has been coupled to hybrid quadrupole orthogonal TOF mass spectrometer to profile and identify the impurities of the common cholesterol lowering drug simvastatin. The hybrid quadrupole TOF mass spectrometer was operated by alternating the collision cell energies to allow for the rapid, facile conformation of the identity of impurities. Using this process it was possible to identify all of the common impurities of simvastatin in a single 10 min run. During the analysis a new impurity of simvastatin was detected and identified as the saturated ring form of simvastatin.
Sponsor hospitality at the Olympic Games: an analysis of the implications for tourism
Authors: Brown Graham
Published: September 2007

The study examined the impact on tourism of sponsor hospitality programmes at the Sydney Olympic Games. With preferential access to resources accorded to Olympic sponsors, new tourism networks were created. The role of the media, interpersonal communication and implicit messages using Olympic symbols are discussed. A survey of people invited by Olympic sponsors to attend the Sydney Olympic Games found that 80% of guests had not previously visited Australia. Positive evaluations of their experience at the Olympic Games, attending events and visiting the host city, created a desire to return and to recommend the destination to others. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Planning transport for special events: a conceptual framework and future agenda for research
Authors: Robbins Derek , Dickinson Janet , Calver Steven
Published: September 2007

Facilitating successful access to special events is key to their success, yet a transport and events research agenda is still to emerge and transport is often peripheral to the tourism destination management literature. This paper uses a conceptual framework to analyse the transport implications of holding special events. The paper concludes with comment on where and when it is best to host events from a transport perspective and mechanisms to facilitate more sustainable travel choices to events within destination areas. The paper prepares the ground for further analysis and develops a future agenda for research. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Planning for the great unknown: the challenge of promoting spectator‐driven sports event tourism
Authors: Wright Richard Keith
Published: September 2007

Sports event tourism has rapidly evolved into one of the most fashionable facets of the 21st Century. As a result, staging high‐profile fixtures are increasingly being seen as a prominent method of strengthening a destination's domestic and international image. Despite the plethora of academic interest in special event management, there remains an apparent lack of knowledge surrounding the role played by public sector tourism planners. This paper examines narratives from representatives of New Zealand‐based regional tourism organisations responsible for maximising the local benefits associated with hosting the 2005 British and Irish Lions Tour. While the ‘once in a lifetime’ nature of the six‐week nationwide series was undoubtedly its biggest selling point, it was equally to blame for a multitude of hurdles encountered by regional operators. The findings identify a host of logistical and resource‐based challenges, along with the manner in which such threats were overcome. Several recommendations are introduced, highlighting the need for consistent, yet flexible, approaches to regional sport event planning. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors for Parkinson's disease and impaired olfaction in relatives of patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Siderowf Andrew , Jennings Danna , Connolly James , Doty Richard L. , Marek Kenneth , Stern Matthew B.
Published: September 2007

Our objective was to assess the association between risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD) and abnormal olfaction in first‐degree relatives of patients with PD. Factors including lower cigarette smoking and lower caffeine consumption have been associated with increased risk of PD. Idiopathic hyposmia has also been associated with an increased risk of PD. The relationship between risk factors for PD and impaired olfactory function has not been evaluated in relatives of PD patients. We conducted a mail survey of odor identification ability in 173 first‐degree relatives of PD patients using the 40‐item University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). Respondents also completed a questionnaire inquiring about risk factors for PD including caffeine consumption, tobacco use, exercise, and exposures to heavy metals, well‐water, and pesticides. There was a direct relationship between olfactory performance and lifetime caffeine intake. After adjustment for age, gender, and smoking status, subjects who reported drinking 2 to 3 cups of caffeinated beverages per day (2.6 points higher 95% CI: 0.5, 4.5) and 4 or more cups per day (3.7 points higher, 95% CI: 0.6, 6.7) had significantly better UPSIT scores than those who consumed less than 1 cup per day. There was no significant relationship between olfactory performance and other risk factors. In conclusion, abnormal olfaction is associated with significantly lower lifetime caffeine consumption in first‐degree relatives of PD patients. Further research is warranted to determine whether a history of lower caffeine consumption confers additional risk for the development of PD in hyposmic relatives of PD patients. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
The international cooperative ataxia rating scale in Machado‐Joseph disease. Comparison with the unified multiple system atrophy rating scale
Authors: D'Abreu Anelyssa , Franca Marcondes , Lopes‐Cendes Iscia , Cendes Fernando
Published: September 2007

Our purpose was to evaluate and compare the international cooperative ataxia rating scale (ICARS) and the unified multiple system atrophy rating scale (UMSARS) in patients with Machado‐Joseph disease (MJD). We assessed 52 consecutive subjects with MJD using each scale. Both scales had adequate internal consistency (α > 0.90), except for the oculomotor (OD) subscore (α = 0.08). Patients with dystonia had the highest scores in both scales, and symptoms other than ataxia clearly confounded the total ICARS score. There was a very strong correlation between the ICARS and UMSARS‐II (motor function), and the correlations between the ICARS and UMSARS‐I (r = 0.79) (history) and UMSARS‐IV (r = 0.69) (disability) were also statistically significant. We found no significant changes in scores after a mean interval of 7.7 months, although there was after a mean interval of 13.3 months. We conclude that the total ICARS score is a reliable method for longitudinal evaluation of ataxia in MJD, but a disease specific scale should be developed. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Cranial deformations in an Iron Age population from Münsingen‐Rain, Switzerland
Authors: Kutterer A. , Alt K. W.
Published: September 2007

The aim of this paper is an examination of cranial fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and deformations in the prehistoric population of Münsingen‐Rain (La Tène period, Switzerland). The material consists of 76 skulls. Three cases of craniosynostosis, one scaphocephalic skull with complete obliteration of the sagittal suture and two plagiocephalic skulls were identified. CT scans showed that premature closure of the frontosphenoidal suture caused these plagiocephalies. For three asymmetrically deformed skulls, differential diagnosis indicates torticollis (wry neck). Another four skulls exhibit strongly developed asymmetries of the cranium and mandible, but an aetiological diagnosis was not possible. In order to evaluate the degree of fluctuating asymmetry of the population, landmarks of the skulls were digitally measured in 3D and angle calculations were made. A reference group of 30 skulls was used for comparison. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drug prescribing pattern at the medical outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Enwere O. Okezie , Falade Catherine O. , Salako Babatunde L.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Assessment of drug use patterns with World Health Organization (WHO) Drug Use Indicators is becoming increasingly necessary towards promoting rational drug use in the developing countries. This study aimed at assessing the drug prescription pattern at the Medical Outpatient Clinic (MOP), University College Hospital, Ibadan, using some WHO core drug use indicators.

Methods

One thousand four hundred and forty‐seven patient encounters were reviewed prospectively over a 2‐month period. Data were collected from patient case files immediately following consultation in each of the seven subspecialty clinics at the MOP. Prescribed medications were then reviewed for some drug use indicators including cost of medications. Cost was based on the current hospital pharmacy drug‐pricing list.

Results

One thousand three hundred and seven (90.3%) prescriptions from 1447 patient encounters were reviewed. One hundred and forty (9.7%) encounters did not have prescriptions written out. The overall average number of drugs prescribed was 3.2 ± 1.47. Average percentage of drugs prescribed by generic names was 49.5% ± 31.2, while average percentage of drugs prescribed from the hospital essential drug list was 96% ± 14.0. The average cost of medications to patients/day was N = 126.0 ± 136.0 approximately $0.9 (USD). Results varied between subspecialties.

Conclusion

The low percentage prescription of drugs by their generic name is responsible for the high cost of drugs to patients. Drug use studies are a necessary tool for assessing prescribing patterns in hospitals, recognizing areas for improvement and improving drug prescribing practices in these facilities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyethylene nanocomposites by gas‐phase polymerization of ethylene in the presence of a nanosilica‐supported zirconocene catalyst system
Authors: Reddy Chaganti Srinivasa , Ratna Debdatta , Das Chapal Kumar
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Much of the current research related to the development of in situ nanocomposites of olefins by polymerizing them with metallocenes in the presence of surface‐treated fillers is carried out in the slurry phase. In slurry‐phase methods a large amount of solvent is required and there is always a need of purification of the final product due to the possibility of traces of solvents present in the product. To overcome these drawbacks, to perform solvent‐free metallocene‐catalysed polymerizations with in situ incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles, we have used a gas‐phase polymerization technique as this does not require solvents and also utilizes monomer feed stocks efficiently.

RESULTS: The catalyst used for the synthesis of in situ polyethylene nanocomposites by gas‐phase polymerization was nanosilica‐supported zirconocene. The fillers used were Cloisite‐20A, kaolin and nanosilica. Three different in situ polyethylene nanocomposites, i.e. Cloisite‐20A‐filled polyethylene (CFPE), kaolin‐filled polyethylene (KFPE) and nanosilica‐filled polyethylene (SFPE), were prepared by gas‐phase polymerization. The nanocomposites were obtained in the form of fine powder. The polyethylene content in the developed nanocomposites is in the orthorhombic crystalline phase. Using our approach, it is observed that the nanofillers are completely encapsulated by a thin layer of polyethylene. Significantly higher molecular weight polyethylene was formed in the case of KFPE in comparison to CFPE and SFPE. The thermal decomposition temperature, melting temperature and enthalpy are also observed to be higher for KFPE.

CONCLUSIONS: The gas‐phase polymerization technique has been successfully carried out for the synthesis of in situ polyethylene nanocomposites. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Multi‐addressable supramolecular gels based on linear amino acid and bisthienylcyclopentene
Authors: Sevez Guillaume , Gan Jiaan , Pan Jianfeng , Sallenave Xavier , Colin Annie , Saadoui Hassan , Saleh Ahmed , Vögtle Fritz , Pozzo Jean‐Luc
Published: September 2007

1,2‐Bisthienylperfluorocyclopentenes covalently linked to two aggregative side‐arms derived from 11‐aminoundecanoic acid have been designed to self‐assemble leading to the formation of supramolecular gels which could be reversibly and independently revealed or suppressed upon acidity, temperature changes and also light irradiation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermally reversible novel photochromic dihydroindoles
Authors: Eguchi Nobutaka , Ubukata Takashi , Yokoyama Yasushi
Published: September 2007

Thermally reversible novel photochromic 4,5‐ and 6,7‐dihydroindoles possessing a hexafluoropropano‐bridge, a spiro‐adamantane moiety and a phenyl group were synthesized and their photochemical forward as well as thermal back reactions were investigated. While the open coloured form of 4,5‐dihydroindole had an absorption maximum at 417 nm in toluene, that of 6,7‐dihydroindole at 553 nm. Although the thermal back reaction of the former took about 2 h at r.t., that of the latter completed within a few minutes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.