bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservative treatment of invasive bladder carcinoma by transurethral resection, protracted intravenous infusion chemotherapy, and hyperfractionated radiotherapy
Authors: Danesi Donatella Tirindelli , Arcangeli Giorgio , Cruciani Enrico , Altavista Pierluigi , Mecozzi Antonella , Saracino Bianca , Orefici Filina
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND

Organ preservation has been investigated in patients with muscle‐invasive bladder carcinoma over the past decades as an alternative to radical cystectomy. The majority of studies reported that trimodal schedules, including transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURB), radiotherapy (RT), and chemotherapy, are a feasible and safe organ‐sparing approach without deferring the survival probability. However, to the authors' knowledge the best combination of RT and chemotherapy has yet to be well defined. The current study evaluated the long‐term results of a schedule of concurrent cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) administered as protracted intravenous infusions (PVI) during hyperfractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) with organ‐sparing intent in patients with infiltrating transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (TCCB).

METHODS

Seventy‐seven patients with a classification of T2–T4aN0M0 TCCB were enrolled in the current study. After a complete TURB and bladder mapping, 42 of 77 patients underwent 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy. All 77 patients underwent HFRT and a schedule of cisplatin (4–6 mg/m2 per day) and 5‐FU (180–220 mg/m2 per day) as concomitant PVI (radiochemotherapy [RCT]). Six to 8 weeks after RCT, patient response was evaluated by computed tomography scan, urine cytology, and TURB. Patients who achieved a complete response (CR) were followed at regular intervals. For patients with residual or recurrent invasive tumor, salvage cystectomy was recommended.

RESULTS

Seventy‐two patients were evaluable for response: 65 achieved a CR (90.3%) and 7 (9.7%) achieved a partial response. No significant difference was observed for the different prognostic factors with the exception of stage of disease (T2 [95.7%] vs. T3–T4a [80.0%]; P = 0.04). The observed toxicity, mainly hematologic, was higher among the patients who received induction chemotherapy compared with the patients who did not receive induction chemotherapy, even though the difference was not statistically significant. After a median follow‐up of 82.2 months (range, 30–138 months), 44 of 65 (57.1%) patients who achieved a CR were alive. Of these 44 patients, 33 had tumor‐free bladders. The 5‐year overall, bladder‐intact, tumor‐specific, disease‐free, and cystectomy‐free survival rates for all 77 patients were 58.5%, 46.6%, 75.0%, 53.5%, and 76.1%, respectively. No associations were observed in overall and tumor‐specific survival with different prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined treatment appeared to provide high response rates and can be offered as an alternative option to radical cystectomy in selected patients who refuse or are unsuitable for surgery. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Long‐term follow‐up results of hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (Hyper‐CVAD), a dose‐intensive regimen, in adult acute lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Kantarjian Hagop , Thomas Deborah , O'Brien Susan , Cortes Jorge , Giles Francis , Jeha Sima , Bueso‐Ramos Carlos E. , Pierce Sherry , Shan Jianqin , Koller Charles , Beran Miloslav , Keating Michael , Freireich Emil J.
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND

Modern intensive chemotherapy regimens have improved the prognosis for patients with adult acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). With these regimens, the complete response rates are now reported to be > 80%, and the long‐term survival rates range from 30% to 45%. The current analysis updated the long‐term results with the original hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (Hyper‐CVAD) program, with a median follow‐up time of 63 months.

METHODS

Between 1992 and 2000, 288 patients were treated with Hyper‐CVAD. The median age of the patients was 40 years, and 59 patients (20%) were ≥ age 60 years. The incidence of Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)‐positive ALL was 17%, and the incidence of of T‐cell ALL was 13%.

RESULTS

A complete response (CR) was achieved in 92% of patients. The induction mortality rate was 5% (2% if the patient's age was < 60 years, and 15% if the patient's age was ≥ 60 years). With a median follow‐up time of 63 months, the 5‐year survival rate was 38% and the 5‐year CR duration rate was 38%. Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors for CR duration identified the following adverse factors: age ≥ 45 years, leukocytosis ≥ 50 × 109/L, poor performance status (an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score of 3–4), Ph‐positive disease, French–American–British L2 morphology, > 1 course to achieve CR, and Day 14 bone marrow blasts > 5%. Patients were divided into low‐risk (risk score 0–1; 37%), intermediate risk (risk score 2–3; 36%), and poor‐risk groups (risk score ≥ 4; 27%) with 5‐year CR duration rates of 52%, 37%, and 10%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the previous VAD regimens, Hyper‐CVAD was associated with significantly better CR rates, CR duration, and survival. The long‐term follow‐up results of Hyper‐CVAD were favorable. Comparison of Hyper‐CVAD with other established adult ALL regimens is warranted. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Use of unphased multilocus genotype data in indirect association studies
Authors: Clayton David , Chapman Juliet , Cooper Jason
Published: October 2004

It is usually assumed that detection of a disease susceptability gene via marker polymorphisms in linkage disequilibrium with it is facilitated by consideration of marker haplotypes. However, capture of the marker haplotype information requires resolution of gametic phase, and this must usually be inferred statistically. Recently, we questioned the value of the marker haplotype information, and suggested that certain analyses of multivariate marker data, not based on haplotypes explicitly and not requiring resolution of gametic phase, are often more powerful than analyses based on haplotypes. Here, we review this work and assess more carefully the situations in which our conclusions might apply. We also relate these analyses to alternative approaches to haplotype analysis, namely those based on haplotype similarity and those inspired by cladistics. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Agreement between dementia patient report and proxy reports using the Nottingham Health Profile
Authors: Boyer F. , Novella J.‐L. , Morrone I. , Jolly D. , Blanchard F.
Published: October 2004

Objective

The aim of the study was to examine the agreement between patient reports and their proxy reports (family and care provider proxies) on Health Status in a sample of patients with dementia.

Method

Ninety‐nine patients with mild to moderate dementia and proxies completed the 38‐item Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) questionnaire.

Results

Completion rates for the different NHP dimensions ranged from 78 to 90% for the dementia subjects. Inter‐rater agreement between different proxies and subject was from moderate to good for physical assessment (ICCs from 0.54 to 0.78 for physical mobility scales). Patient/family proxy concordance was moderate to good for five out of six dimensions (physical mobility, social isolation, pain, energy, sleep) and poor for emotional reaction. Family proxies systematically reported lower functioning than did patients in the four subscales assessing: physical mobility (p < 0.0001), energy (p < 0.005), social isolation (p < 0.01) and sleep (p < 0.03). Care provider proxies only estimated physical mobility as lower (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Age and physical status of the patient significantly affected agreement in patient‐care provider proxy ratings. Thus, caution is appropriate when resorting to proxies to estimate the Health Status of a dementia patient. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavioural and psychological syndromes in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Mirakhur A. , Craig D. , Hart D. J. , Mcllroy S. P. , Passmore A. P.
Published: October 2004

Objectives

The origins of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia are still poorly understood. By focusing on piecemeal behaviours as opposed to more robust syndrome change valid biological correlates may be overlooked. Our understanding of BPSD via the identification of neuropsychiatric syndromes.

Methods

We recruited 435 subjects from old age psychiatry and elderly care memory outpatient clinics fulfilling the criteria for diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease. Behavioural and psychological symptoms were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Principal components factor analysis was carried out on the composite scores of the 12 symptom domains to identify behavioural syndromes (factors). Results were confirmed by performing three different rotations: Varimax, Equamax and Quartimax.

Results

Four factors were identified (which accounted for 57% of the variance): ‘affect’ factor—depression/dysphoria, anxiety, irritability/lability and agitation/aggression; ‘physical behaviour’ factor—apathy, aberrant motor behaviour, sleep disturbance and appetite/eating disturbance; ‘psychosis’ factor—delusions and hallucinations; ‘hypomania’ factor—disinhibition and elation/euphoria. These groups were unchanged when different methods of rotation were used.

Conclusions

We report novel observations that agitation/aggression/irritability cluster within a depressive symptom factor and apathy is found within a physical behaviour factor. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between non‐cognitive symptoms and functional impairment in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Mok W. Y. W. , Chu L. W. , Chung C. P. , Chan N. Y. , Hui S. L.
Published: October 2004

Objective

Cognitive impairment is an important determinant for functional impairment in Alzheimer's disease. The role of non‐cognitive symptom is uncertain. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of non‐cognitive symptoms as predictive factors for functional outcome in A.D.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. Subjects were recruited from the Memory Clinic in Queen Mary Hospital over a two years period. Patients with diagnosis of probable A.D. by NINCDS‐ADRDA were identified. Demographic data, Folstein Mini‐Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), Neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI), Barthel activities of daily living (ADL) as well as Lawton's Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) were retrieved.

Results

100 patients were identified. Univariate analysis identified statistically significant correlation between hallucination and disinhibition score with Barthel Index (r = −0.43, p < 0.001; r = −0.30, p = 0.002 respectively); hallucination and aberrant motor act score with Lawton's IADL (r = −0.21, p = 0.038; r = −0.21, p = 0.038). MMSE was statistical significantly correlated with the above two functional scores. NPI was not statistical significantly correlated with any one of the functional measures. Multivariate regression analyses showed that hallucination score was an independent predictive factors for the Barthel index but not for the Lawton's IADL. MMSE score was identified to be independent predictive factor for all functional measures.

Conclusions

Global cognitive impairment and hallucination was an important independent predictive factor for functional outcomes. Screening hallucination during the course of A.D. would be helpful. Further studies are needed to show the benefit of treatment of hallucination on the improvement of functional outcomes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring disability in patients with neurodegenerative disease using the ‘Yesterday Interview’
Authors: Lomax Claire L. , Brown Richard G. , Howard Robert J.
Published: October 2004

Objectives

To illustrate the use of time‐budget methodology as a means of measuring disability within the framework of the World Health Organisation (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in a mixed group of patients with neurodegenerative disease.

Methods

A semi‐structured interview method (the ‘Yesterday Interview’) was used to reconstruct the preceding 24‐hour period in terms of activity, social and environmental context, and subjective enjoyment. Data were collected on 40 elderly control subjects and a sample of 99 community based patients diagnosed with either Parkinson's disease without or with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Dementia with Lewy bodies, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy or Multiple System Atrophy. All participants were seen in their own home. The results were translated hierarchically into the ICF framework of disability domains, and further into a higher level formulation based on the constructs of discretionary/obligatory activity.

Results

Disability profiles were obtained for the patient group as a whole and for the individual disorders. Restricted patterns of time‐use were noted across a range of domains encompassing both obligatory and discretionary activity, and accompanied by a significant increase in passive activity such as day‐time sleeping or sitting in front of the television. The data also illustrated the restrictions in both the social and environmental contexts of the patient's lives, and the diminished levels of subjective enjoyment associated with their pattern of daily time‐use. With the exception of time spent on discretionary activities, these various indices were significantly associated with standard clinical measures disability.

Conclusions

With further studies to assess reliability and validity, time‐use and contextual data obtained from structured interviews may provide a useful means of measuring disability within the ICF framework in patients with degenerative neurological disease. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Macrophagic response to human mesenchymal stem cell and poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) implantation in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice
Authors: Xia Zhidao , Ye Hua , Choong Cleo , Ferguson David J. P. , Platt Nick , Cui Zhanfeng , Triffitt James T.
Published: October 2004

Nonobese diabetic, severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice are extensively used to assess in vivo potentials for human cellular differentiation, development, and neophysiology. They are not only deficient in T and B cells, but also exhibit macrophage dysfunction and an absence of circulating complement. However, the survival of engrafted human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is limited and minimal mature bone tissue develops from implanted hMSCs in this model. The aim of the present study was to investigate the response to such implants in NOD/SCID mice. To this end, hMSCs genetically marked with enhanced green fluorescent protein, a biodegradable polymer, poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL), and a bioconstruct incorporating the enhanced green fluorescent protein‐labeled hMSCs with PCL after culture together for 3 weeks in vitro, were implanted into NOD/SCID mice and followed for up to 10 weeks. Monocytes/macrophages appeared to be the major invading cell type in all the implants and remained in the materials regardless of whether or not hMSCs were present over the time periods studied. When the hMSCs were implanted without the PCL scaffold, host macrophage invasion was also observed with the majority of hMSCs being eliminated within 2 weeks. Multinuclear giant cells or foreign body giant cells were seen in the cases of PCL implantation. These cells slowly infiltrated into the central core of the materials over a 10‐week period of implantation with neutrophils and mast cells also being observed. In conclusion, in NOD/SCID mice, monocytes/macrophages still effectively respond to the implantation of xenografts and biopolymers with functional migration, phagocytosis, adhesion, foreign body recognition and formation of multinuclear giant cells, or foreign body giant cells. Thus, these animals still retain a level of innate immune responsiveness to these implantations and in addition may provoke a physiological environment that is unsuitable for extensive intramembranous ossification by engrafted hMSCs. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 71A: 538–548, 2004
Poly (acrylic acid) chitosan interpolymer complexes for stomach controlled antibiotic delivery
Authors: de la Torre Paloma M. , Torrado Guillermo , Torrado Santiago
Published: October 2004

The aim of this study was to develop a stomach‐specific drug delivery system to increase the efficacy of amoxicillin against Helicobacter pylori. Polyacrylic acid (PAA), chitosan (CS), and amoxicillin (A) were employed to obtain polyionic complexes. The design of the hydrogel delivery system was based on the swellable approach; with a floating feature to prolong the Gastric Residence Time (GRT). The polyionic complex (PAA:CS:A 2.5:5:2) showed a sustained drug release profile in enzyme‐free simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and pH 4.0. A pH independent swelling‐eroding pattern with adequate maximum swelling ratios of 17.76 and 13.42 was obtained at in SGF and pH 4.0, respectively, with similar eroding profiles in both pH media. This network carrier provides an amoxicillin protective effect towards the hydrolytic degradation in SGF. The in vivo study was performed on healthy volunteers, using the [13C] octanoic acid breath test. The proposed hydrogel showed a prolonged GRT of up to 3 h. The preliminary results from this study suggest that amoxicillin polyionic complexes have potential for improving local antibiotic therapy against H. pylori. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 72B: 191–197, 2005
Ribonucleotide activation by enzyme ribonucleotide reductase: Understanding the role of the enzyme
Authors: Cerqueira Nuno M. F. S. A. , Fernandes Pedro Alexandrino , Eriksson Leif A. , Ramos Maria João
Published: October 2004

This article focuses on the first step of the catalytic mechanism for the reduction of ribonucleotides catalyzed by the enzyme Ribonucleotide Reductase (RNR). This corresponds to the activation of the substrate. In this work a large model of the active site region involving 130 atoms was used instead of the minimal gas phase models used in previous works. The ONIOM method was employed to deal with such a large system. The results gave additional information, which previous small models could not provide, allowing a much clearer evaluation of the role of the enzyme in this step. Enzyme–substrate interaction energies, specific transition state stabilization, and substrate steric strain energies were obtained. It was concluded that the transition state is stabilized in 4.0 kcal/mol by specific enzyme–substrate interactions. However, this stabilization is cancelled by the cost in conformational energy for the enzyme to adopt the transition state geometry; the overall result is that the enzyme machinery does not lead to a rate enhancement in this step. It was also found that the substrate binds to the active site with almost no steric strain, emphasizing the complementarity and specificity of the RNR active site for nucleotide binding. The main role of the enzyme at the very beginning of the catalytic cycle was concluded to be to impose stereospecifity upon substrate activation and to protect the enzyme radical from the solvent, rather than to be an reaction rate enhancement. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 25: 2031–2037, 2004
Implementation and testing of stable, fast implicit solvation in molecular dynamics using the smooth‐permittivity finite difference Poisson–Boltzmann method
Authors: Prabhu Ninad V. , Zhu Peijuan , Sharp Kim A.
Published: October 2004

A fast stable finite difference Poisson–Boltzmann (FDPB) model for implicit solvation in molecular dynamics simulations was developed using the smooth permittivity FDPB method implemented in the OpenEye ZAP libraries. This was interfaced with two widely used molecular dynamics packages, AMBER and CHARMM. Using the CHARMM‐ZAP software combination, the implicit solvent model was tested on eight proteins differing in size, structure, and cofactors: calmodulin, horseradish peroxidase (with and without substrate analogue bound), lipid carrier protein, flavodoxin, ubiquitin, cytochrome c, and a de novo designed 3‐helix bundle. The stability and accuracy of the implicit solvent simulations was assessed by examining root‐mean‐squared deviations from crystal structure. This measure was compared with that of a standard explicit water solvent model. In addition we compared experimental and calculated NMR order parameters to obtain a residue level assessment of the accuracy of MD‐ZAP for simulating dynamic quantities. Overall, the agreement of the implicit solvent model with experiment was as good as that of explicit water simulations. The implicit solvent method was up to eight times faster than the explicit water simulations, and approximately four times slower than a vacuum simulation (i.e., with no solvent treatment). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 25: 2049–2064, 2004
Amniotic membrane transplantation in ocular surface disorders
Authors: Tosi Gian Marco , Massaro‐Giordano Mina , Caporossi Aldo , Toti Paolo
Published: October 2004

Chronic ocular surface disorders, which can result in severe functional impairment, have been viewed for decades as untreatable diseases. In 1995, the reintroduction of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT), either alone or associated with limbal stem cell transplantation, has offered new hope of using tissue and cell therapy strategies to repair ocular surface disorders. Amniotic membrane (AM) has been found to exert its effects by acting as a substrate for the growth of ocular surface epithelia, by suppressing inflammation and scarring and by serving as an anti‐microbial barrier. Moreover, AM has recently been used as a substrate for ex vivo expansion of corneal epithelial cells for ocular surface reconstruction. Notwithstanding the substantial agreement among Authors regarding its clinical efficacy, there are still many uncertainties regarding the fate of grafted AM and consequently the mechanisms through which it exerts its long‐term effects. Further studies including controlled clinical trials with numerous cases are required to understand which ocular surface conditions are certain to benefit from AM transplantation and how its mechanical properties interact with the mediators produced to favor ocular surface reconstruction. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nitric oxide specifically reduces the permeability of Cx37‐containing gap junctions to small molecules
Authors: Kameritsch Petra , Khandoga Natascha , Nagel Wolfram , Hundhausen Christina , Lidington Darcy , Pohl Ulrich
Published: October 2004

Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) plays a significant role in the vascular system. Regulation of GJIC is a dynamic process, with alterations in connexin (Cx) protein expression and post‐translational modification as contributing mechanisms. We hypothesized that the endothelial autacoid nitric oxide (NO) would reduce dye coupling in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In our subsequent experiments, we sought to isolate the specific Cx isoform(s) targeted by NO or NO‐activated signaling pathways. Since HUVEC cells variably express three Cx (Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43), this latter aim required the use of transfected HeLa cells (HeLaCx37, HeLaCx43), which do not express Cx proteins in their wild type form. Dye coupling was measured by injecting fluorescent dye (e.g., Alexa Fluor 488) into a single cell and determining the number of stained adjacent cells. Application of the NO donor SNAP (2 μM, 20 min) reduced dye coupling in HUVEC by 30%. In HeLa cells, SNAP did not reduce dye transfer of cells expressing Cx43, but decreased the dye transfer from Cx37‐expressing cells to Cx43‐expressing cells by 76%. The effect of SNAP on dye coupling was not mediated via cGMP. In contrast to its effect on dye coupling, SNAP had no effect on electrical coupling, measured by a double patch clamp in whole cell mode. Our results demonstrate that NO inhibits the intercellular transfer of small molecules by a specific influence on Cx37, suggesting a potential role of NO in controlling certain aspects of vascular GJIC. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photo‐oxidation of cyanide in aqueous solution by the UV/H2O2 process
Authors: Malhotra Sarla , Pandit M , Kapoor JC , Tyagi DK
Published: October 2004

Photo‐oxidation of cyanide was studied in aqueous solution using a low‐pressure ultra‐violet (UV) lamp along with H2O2 as an oxidant. It was observed that by UV alone, cyanide degradation was slow but when H2O2 was used with UV, the degradation rate became faster and complete degradation occurred in 40 min. The rate of degradation increased as the lamp wattage was increased. It was also observed that cyanide oxidation is dependent on initial H2O2 concentration and the optimum dose of H2O2 was found to be 35.3 mmol dm−3. Photo‐oxidation reactions were carried out at alkaline pH values (10–11) as at acidic pH values, cyanide ions form highly toxic HCN gas which is volatile and difficult to oxidise. By the UV/H2O2 process, using a 25 W low‐pressure UV lamp and at alkaline pH of 10.5 with an H2O2 dose of 35.3 mmol dm−3, cyanide (100 mg dm−3) was completely degraded in 40 min when air was bubbled through the reactor, but when pure oxygen was bubbled the time reduced to 25 min. The cyanide degradation reaction pathway has been established. It was found that cyanide was first oxidised to cyanate and later the cyanate was oxidised to carbon dioxide and nitrogen. The kinetics of cyanide oxidation were found to be pseudo‐first order and the rate constant estimated to be 9.9 × 10−2min−1 at 40 °C. The power required for complete degradation of 1 kg of cyanide was found to be 167 kWh (kilowatt hour). Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Kraft lignin degradation products for tanning and dyeing of leather
Authors: Suparno Ono , Covington Anthony D , Evans Christine S
Published: October 2004

Kraft lignin degradation by a biomimetic system was investigated, using hemin as a catalyst and hydrogen peroxide as an oxidising agent, which mimics the catalytic mechanism of lignin peroxidase (LiP) to produce phenolic compounds. The degradation products were identified using spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS): 2‐methoxyphenol, 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, vanillin and vanillic acid were produced and their formaldehyde polymerisation products used for tanning hide powders. The denaturation (shrinkage) temperature of hide powder was raised to 80 °C through hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the polymers and the collagenic hide powder. For dyeing of hide powder, the lignin degradation products were reacted with laccase (a polyphenol oxidase): 2‐methoxyphenol gave the darkest colour. These products have potential to be used as raw materials for tanning and dyeing of animal skins. Therefore, value can be added to this industrial byproduct and reduce its environmental impact. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative evaluation of full‐scale UASB reactors treating alcohol distillery wastewaters in terms of performance and methanogenic activity
Authors: Ince Orhan , Kolukirik Mustafa , Oz Nilgun Ayman , Ince Bahar Kasapgil
Published: October 2004

In this study, two full‐scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors, namely TUASB and CUASB, at the wastewater treatment plants of the Tekirdaǧ Alcohol (Raki) and Canakkale Alcohol (Cognac) distilleries were investigated in terms of performance, acetoclastic methanogenic capacity and microbial composition. The results were compared with a previously studied other UASB reactor (IUASB) at the wastewater treatment plant of the Istanbul Alcohol (Raki) Distillery from which the two reactors (TUASB and CUASB) were seeded. The IUASB reactor performed well achieving COD removal efficiencies of no lower than 85% at organic logding rates (OLRs) in the range of 6–11 kg COD m−3 day−1 between 1996 and 2001. During the last one year of operation, between 2000 and 2001, performance of the CUASB reactor in terms of COD removal efficiency was 70–80% at OLRs in a range of 1–4.5 kg COD m−3 day−1 whereas it was 60–80% at OLRs in a range of 2.5–8.5 kg COD m−3 day−1 in the TUASB reactor. At the end of year 2000, specific methanogenic activity (SMA) tests were carried out to determine potential loading capacity and optimum operating conditions of the IUASB, CUASB and TUASB reactors. The potential methane production (PMP) rates of the CUASB, IUASB and TUASB reactors were measured as 230 cm3 CH4 gVSS−1 day−1, 350 cm3 CH4 gVSS−1 day−1 and 376 cm3 CH4 gVSS−1 day−1 respectively. When the PMP rates were compared with actual methane production (AMP) rates obtained from the three UASB reactors, AMP/PMP ratios were evaluated to be 0.18, 0.12 and 0.13 for CUASB, TUASB and IUASB reactors respectively. This showed that the CUASB, TUASB and IUASB reactors were using only 18%, 12% and 13% of their potential acetoclastic methanogenic capacity respectively. These results can be interpreted that the three UASB reactors were underloaded compared with their potential acetoclastic methanogenic capacities. It was, therefore, recommended that the three UASB reactors should be loaded at higher organic loading rates or sludge withdrawn in order to maintain an AMP/PMP ratio of 0.6–0.7, which can ensure desired reactor performance with safer operation. Results of epifluoresence microscopic examinations showed that the percentage of total autofluorescent methanogens was approximately 30% of the total population in sludges from the TUASB and IUASB reactors whereas it was 20% in sludge from the CUASB reactor. The two UASB reactors treating raki distillery wastewaters contained sludges having a higher percentage of autofluorescent methanogenic population and higher acetoclastic methanogenic activity. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Ozonation of CI Reactive Black 5 using rotating packed bed and stirred tank reactor
Authors: Chen Yi‐Hung , Chang Ching‐Yuan , Su Wei‐Ling , Chiu Chun‐Yu , Yu Yue‐Hwa , Chiang Pen‐Chi , Chang Chiung‐Fen , Shie Je‐Lueng , Chiou Chyow‐San , Chiang Sally IM
Published: October 2004

This study investigates the ozonation of CI Reactive Black 5 (RB5) by using the rotating packed bed (RPB) and completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR) as ozone contactors. The RPB, which provides high gravitational force by adjusting the rotational speed, was employed as a novel ozone contactor. The same ozone dosage was separately introduced into either the RPB or the CSTR for the investigation, while the experimental solution was continuously circulated within the apparatus consisting of the RPB and CSTR. The decolorization and mineralization efficiencies of RB5 in the course of ozonation are compared for these two methods. Moreover, the dissolved and off‐gas ozone concentrations were simultaneously monitored for the further analysis. As a result, the ozone mass transfer rate per unit volume of the RPB was significantly higher because of its higher mass transfer coefficient and gas–liquid concentration driving force. Furthermore, ozonation kinetics was found to be independent of the gravitational magnitude of an ozone gas–liquid contactor. Therefore, the results suggest employing RPBs as ozone‐contacting devices with the advantage of volume reduction. The experimental results, which can be used for further modeling of the ozonation process in the RPB, also show the requirement of correct design for the RPB. Consequently, the present study is useful for the understanding of practical application of RPBs. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
D‐Lactic acid production from waste cardboard
Authors: Yáñez Remedios , Alonso José Luis , Parajó Juan Carlos
Published: October 2004

The effects caused by alkaline treatment on the susceptibility of waste cardboard to enzymatic hydrolysis have been studied. Optimised conditions leading to extensive saccharification of both cellulose (870 g kg−1 conversion) and hemicelluloses (845 g kg−1 conversion) were identified. Samples treated under selected operational conditions were employed for producing D‐lactic acid by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) in media containing cellulases, β‐glucosidase and Lactobacillus coryniformis ssp torquens cells. SSF fed‐batch experiments led to D‐lactic acid concentrations up to 23.4 g dm−3 at a product yield of 514 g lactic acid kg−1 of potential glucose and a volumetric productivity of 0.48 g dm−3 h−1. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of cosurfactant in microemulsion systems for color removal from textile wastewater
Authors: Beltrame Leocadia Terezinha Cordeiro , de Castro Dantas Tereza Neuma , Dantas Neto Afonso Avelino , de Barros Neto Eduardo Lins , Silva Lima Felipe Fialho
Published: October 2004

Microemulsion systems have proved very efficient in color removal from textile wastewater using n‐butyl alcohol as cosurfactant. The cosurfactant has a very important role in microemulsified systems, as it is responsible for their stability, mainly in systems formed by ionic surfactants. Although very efficient, n‐butyl alcohol is partially soluble in water, which would permit its passage to the effluent. In this work, isoamyl and octyl alcohols, due to their lower solubility in water, were used as cosurfactants to evaluate their influence in color removal. The colorimetry system used was the CIE L*a*b* (CIELAB) color space and CIE L*a*b* color difference (ΔE*ab). The wastewater used in this study was the reactive exhausted dye liquor from a dye house (first discharge) containing Procion Yellow H‐E4R (CI Reactive Yellow 84), Procion Blue H‐ERD (CI Reactive Blue 160) and Procion Red H‐E3B (CI Reactive Red 120). The obtained results were modeled using an experimental planning (the Scheffé net) and evaluated through isoresponse diagrams by correlation graphs between experimental values and those obtained by the models with an error lower than 4%. All the optimized systems were very efficient and more than 94% of the dyes contained in the effluent were removed. The microemulsion load capacity was determined using a synthetic solution containing, the same dyes present in the reactive exhausted dyebath, but 200 times concentrated, and the dyes extraction was more than 99.6%. By comparing n‐butyl, isoamyl and octyl alcohols, it was observed that the system using isoamyl alcohol presented slightly better color removal and much higher load capacity than the n‐butyl and octyl alcohols. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of chitins produced by chemical and bioprocessing methods
Authors: Beaney Paul , Lizardi‐Mendoza Jaime , Healy Michael
Published: October 2004

Lactic acid fermentation was used to extract chitin from prawn shell (Nephrops norvegicus) at two different scales of operation. The fermentation products were characterized and compared with chitin extracted from the same source by a chemical method. Chitosans produced from the obtained chitins were evaluated in terms of their intrinsic viscosity, molecular weight and degree of acetylation (DA). The fermentation removed 690 g kg−1 and 770 g kg−1 of inorganic matter, 490 and 440 g kg−1 of protein and 540 and 770 g kg−1 of lipids from the shells at laboratory and pilot plant scales, respectively. However, the functional properties such as the DA of the chitin, the molecular weight and the DA of the chitosans were similar to those obtained for the chemically‐obtained chitin and its chitosan. Despite the incomplete extraction of chitin this biological process could be useful to produce chitin and chitosan in a more environment‐friendly approach. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Obtaining 1‐heptene from 1‐heptyne semihydrogenation with an anchored rhodium complex on different supports as catalyst
Authors: Quiroga Mónica , Liprandi Domingo , L'Argentière Pablo , Cagnola Edgardo
Published: October 2004

The complex [RhCl(NH2(CH2)12CH3)3] was tested for the semihydrogenation of 1‐heptyne in homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions. γ‐Al2O3and two different commercial activated carbons (RX‐3 EXTRA and GF‐45) were used as supports. The results were, then, compared with those previously reported for the [PdCl2(NH2(CH2)12CH3)2] complex supported or unsupported, and with the results obtained with the classic Lindlar catalyst. The complex was characterised by FTIR and elemental analysis. The pure species and the supported one were also characterised by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results determined by the latter technique suggest that the active species is the complex itself, which is stable under the reaction conditions. The supported rhodium tetra‐coordinated complex shows higher activity and selectivity than the same complex unsupported, and also than the classic Lindlar catalyst. Moreover, among the rhodium‐supported complexes the one immobilised on RX‐3 EXTRA has a better performance than that heterogenised on GF‐45, and this one has a better activity and selectivity than the γ‐Al2O3anchored complex. Our results also show that under the same operational conditions (temperature, hydrogen pressure and metal/substrate weight ratio) the rhodium complex, unsupported or supported, has a better performance than the corresponding palladium complex. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Immunohistochemistry of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and protein nitration in the striatum of the aged rat
Authors: del Moral María Luisa , Esteban Francisco José , Hernández Raquel , Blanco Santos , Molina Francisco Javier , Martínez‐Lara Esther , Siles Eva , Viedma Gloria , Ruiz Alharilla , Pedrosa Juan Angel , Peinado María Angeles
Published: October 2004

To ascertain the possible implications of the nitric oxide (NO•) producing system in striatal senescence, and by using immunohistochemistry and image‐processing approaches, we describe the presence of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the NADPH‐diaphorase (NADPH‐d) histochemical marker, and nitrotyrosine‐derived complexes (N‐Tyr) in the striatum of adult and aged rats. The results showed neuronal NOS immunoreactive (nNOS‐IR) aspiny medium‐sized neurons and nervous fibres in both age groups, with no variation in the percentage of immunoreactive area but a significant decrease in the intensity and in the number of somata with age, which were not related to the observed increase with age of the striatal bundles of the white matter. In addition, NADPH‐d activity was detected in neurons with morphology similar to that of the nNOS‐IR cells; a decrease in the percentage of area per field and in the number of cells, but an increase in the intensity of staining for the NADPH‐d histochemical marker, were detected with age. The number of neuronal NADPH‐d somata was higher than for the nNOS‐IR ones in both age groups. Moreover, N‐Tyr‐IR complexes were observed in cells (neurons and glia) and fibres, with a significant increase in the percentage of the area of immunoreaction, related to the increase of white matter, but a decrease in intensity for the aged group. On the other hand, we did not detect the inducible isoform (iNOS) either in adult or in aged rats. Taken together, these results support the contention that NADPH‐d staining is not such an unambiguous marker for nNOS, and that increased protein nitration may participate in striatal aging. Microsc. Res. Tech. 64:304–311, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of ovarian nuclei with the parameter of power ratio
Authors: Wu Hai‐Shan , Gil Joan , Deligdisch Liane , Kalir Tamara
Published: October 2004

The nucleoli and chromatin clumps of ovarian cells contain important features in discriminating malignant cells from normal ones. In geometric properties, the ovarian nucleoli and chromatin clumps appear as irregularly shaped dark spots in the nuclear images from specimens immunohistochemically stained with antibody to Mib‐1. Malignant cells often have more active and larger nucleoli and chromatin clumps. However, estimating the size of the nucleoli or chromatin clumps is a difficult task since it is not easy to recognize and accurately separate the regions of nucleoli and chromatin clumps from the rest of the nuclei that are highly irregular and variant in contents and intensities. In this paper, we develop a method to derive a parameter called power ratio that is proportionally related to the size of nucleoli and chromatin clumps based on an ideal nuclear model without the region segmentation of nucleoli or chromatin clumps. Results of characterization of the parameter and comparison between malignant and normal cells are provided. Microsc. Res. Tech. 64:287–292, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microstructure of MmM5/Mg multi‐layer hydrogen storage films prepared by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Ouyang L.Z. , Wang H. , Zhu M. , Zou J. , Chung C.Y.
Published: October 2004

Multi‐layer hydrogen storage thin films with Mg and MmNi3.5(CoAlMn)1.5 (here Mm denotes La‐rich mischmetal) as alternative layers were prepared by direct current magnetron sputtering. Transmission electron microscopy investigation shows that the microstructure of the MmNi3.5(CoAlMn)1.5 and Mg layers are significantly different although their deposition conditions are the same. The MmNi3.5(CoAlMn)1.5 layer is composed of two regions: one is an amorphous region approximately 4 nm thick at the bottom of the layer and the other is a nanocrystalline region on top of the amorphous region. The Mg layer is also composed of two regions: one is a randomly orientated nanocrystalline region 50 nm thick at the bottom of the layer and the other is a columnar crystallite region on top of the nanocrystalline region. These Mg columnar crystallites have their [001] directions parallel to the growth direction and the average lateral size of these columnar crystallites is about 100 nm. A growth mechanism of the multi‐layer thin films is discussed based on the experiment results. Microsc. Res. Tech. 64:323–329, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of carotenoids in ripe jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) kernel and study of their bioconversion in rats
Authors: Chandrika UG , Jansz ER , Warnasuriya ND
Published: October 2004

Vitamin A deficiency is of public health importance in Sri Lanka. Carotenoids are a significant source of provitamin A. The objective of this study was to analyse the carotenoid composition of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus sinhala: Waraka) kernel using MPLC and visible spectrophotometry and to determine the bioavailability and bioconversion of carotenoids present in jackfruit kernel by monitoring (i) the growth and (ii) levels of retinol and carotenoids in the liver and serum of Wistar rats provided with jackfruit incorporated into a standard daily diet. Carotenoid pigments were extracted using petroleum ether/methanol and saponified using 10% methanolic potassium hydroxide. Six carotenoids were detected in jackfruit kernel. The carotenes β‐carotene, α‐carotene, β‐zeacarotene, α‐zeacarotene and β‐carotene‐5,6‐epoxide and a dicarboxylic carotenoid, crocetin, were identified, corresponding theoretically to 141.6 retinol equivalents (RE) per 100 g. Our study indicated that jackfruit is a good source of provitamin A carotenoids, though not as good as papaya. Serum retinol concentrations in rats supplemented with jackfruit carotenoids were significantly higher (p = 0.008) compared with the control group. The same was true for liver retinol (p = 0.006). Quantification was carried out by RP‐HPLC. These results show that the biological conversion of provitamin A in jackfruit kernel appears satisfactory. Thus increased consumption of ripe jackfruit could be advocated as part of a strategy to prevent and control vitamin A deficiency in Sri Lanka. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of enzymatic aroma release on the volatile compounds of white wines presenting different aroma potentials
Authors: Rocha Sílvia M , Coutinho Paula , Delgadillo Ivonne , Cardoso António Dias , Coimbra Manuel A
Published: October 2004

Wines from Maria Gomes (Fernão Pires) and Bical varieties were treated with an enzymatic preparation, Lallzyme de Lalvin, with β‐glucosidase, pectinase, arabinosidase and rhamnosidase activity. The reference and enzyme‐treated wines were submitted to a process of continuous liquid–liquid extraction with dichloromethane and analysed by GC‐MS. The volatile contents of the wines were 199 and 188 mg l−1, respectively, for Maria Gomes and Bical. Both varieties contained aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, terpenoids, esters, aliphatic acids and lactones. Enzymatically treated wines showed an increase of 9% in the total amount of volatile compounds of Maria Gomes, due, mainly, to the increase of geraniol (67%), terpendiols (96%), phenols and aromatic alcohols (26%) and esters (32%). Some of them were within their perception limits and may have a contribution to the floral and fruity notes. Conversely, no significant modifications were introduced by enzymatic treatment in the total amount of volatile compounds of Bical wine. The presence of aromatic alcohols in significant amounts, which may represent an interesting characteristic in Bical wines, was not increased by the treatment used. This study with two white varieties grown in the same Appellation shows that the effectiveness of aroma release by enzymatic treatment, using a broad range of enzymatic activities, is closely dependent on the varietal aroma potential, knowledge of which is a key determinant for full exploitation of wine qualities. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Leaf:fruit ratio and irrigation supply affect seasonal changes in minerals, organic acids and sugars of mango fruit
Authors: Léchaudel Mathieu , Joas Jacques , Caro Yanis , Génard Michel , Jannoyer Magalie
Published: October 2004

To determine the effects of assimilate and water supply on the determination of mango fruit quality, the seasonal variations of minerals, acids and sugar concentrations were investigated over two successive years. To manipulate the assimilate supply, selected branches were girdled to provide ratios of 10, 25, 50 and 100 leaves per fruit. Irrigation was managed to provide two types of water supply treatments. Fruit growth rate was greater when increasing the leaf:fruit ratio. Structural dry matter content and total dry matter content of flesh were higher in fruit with higher leaf:fruit ratios. Treatments had no effect on the structural to total dry matter ratio of flesh. Potassium and magnesium to structural dry weight ratios were not affected by treatments, whereas the calcium to structural dry weight ratio was higher in the flesh of fruit grown under low leaf:fruit ratios. Low assimilate supply increased the ratios of malic and citric acid to structural dry weight. This treatment had little effect on acid concentrations. Glucose and fructose to structural dry weight ratios were higher when assimilate supply was lower. Low leaf:fruit ratios increased fructose concentration but not glucose concentration. Irrigation treatment strongly affected fructose concentration. Sucrose concentration, based either on structural dry matter or on fresh matter, was significantly increased by higher leaf‐to‐fruit ratios. When the fruit was close to maturity, levels of sucrose storage and starch breakdown were positively correlated with assimilate supply. Levels of starch breakdown were correlated with irrigation supply. The effects of these treatments on sugar concentrations may change fruit taste. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry