bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extranodal marginal zone B cell lymphomas of the uvea: an analysis of 13 cases
Authors: Coupland Sarah E. , Foss Hans‐Dieter , Hidayat Ahmed A. , Cockerham Glenn C. , Hummel Michael , Stein Harald
Published: October 2002

The majority of primary lymphoproliferative lesions of the uvea represent low‐grade B cell lymphomas and often display a prominent plasmacellular differentiation. The purpose of the current study was to classify the uveal lymphoproliferations according to the REAL classification; examine the immune profile of the plasmacellular differentiated tumour cells using the plasma cell‐related antigens multiple myeloma oncogene‐1‐protein (MUM1), Vs38c, CD38 and CD138; and to compare this profile with that of mature reactive plasma cells. Following fixation, 13 lymphoproliferative lesions of the uvea were categorized on the basis of their morphology and immunophenotype according to the REAL classification. Included in the immunohistochemistry were B cell‐specific activator protein (BSAP), MUM1, Vs38c, CD38 and CD138. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was also performed on DNA extracted from paraffin sections for the detection of gene rearrangements of the heavy immunoglobulin chain (IgH). All of the 13 uveal tract lymphoproliferative lesions represented malignant lymphoma of B cell non‐Hodgkin type and could be diagnosed as ‘extranodal marginal zone B cell lymphomas’ (EMZL). The degree of plasmacellular differentiation varied between the tumours. In contrast to their non‐plasmacytoid counterparts, the ‘plasmacytoid’ EMZL tumour cells were negative for the B cell markers CD20 and BSAP, and demonstrated heterogeneous positivity for the markers MUM1, Vs38c, CD38 and CD138. The most consistent marker was MUM1, being observed in all tumours. Co‐expression of all plasma cell markers was observed in four (31%) uveal EMZL. Loss of CD138 expression was observed in six (46%) tumours, of Vs38c expression in five (38%) and of CD38 in one (7%) tumour. Although the diagnosis of malignant lymphoma was unequivocally based on morphological and immunophenotypical features, the molecular analysis was able to demonstrate clonal B cell populations in only one uveal EMZL. All uveal lymphoid proliferations investigated represented EMZL, with the corresponding morphology and immunophenotype as seen in EMZL in other extranodal locations. MUM1, followed by CD38 expression, were the most constant plasma cell antigens in the plasmacytoid EMZL tumour cells, with both Vs38c and CD138 positivity being lost in many tumours. Aberrant immune profiles of plasma cell‐related antigens may be of help in the establishment of malignancy in uveal lymphoproliferative lesions, particularly where interpretation of light chain expression and/or PCR results is difficult. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in myosin heavy chain and its localization in rat heart in association with hypobaric hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Nakanishi Kuniaki , Nakata Yasuko , Kanazawa Fumiko , Imamura Shin‐ichiro , Matsuoka Rumiko , Osada Hiroshi , Kawai Toshiaki , Uenoyama Maki , Aurues Takashi , Ikeda Tomosumi
Published: October 2002

Experimental pulmonary hypertension induced in a hypobaric hypoxic environment (HHE) is characterized by structural remodelling of the heart. In rat cardiac ventricles, pressure and volume overload are well known to be associated with changes in cardiac myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms. To study the effects of HHE on the MHC profile in the ventricles, 83 male Wistar rats were housed in a chamber at the equivalent of 5500 m altitude for 1–8 weeks. Pulmonary arterial pressure, right ventricular free wall (RVFW) weight, the ratio of RVFW weight over body weight (BW), the ratio of left ventricular free wall (LVFW) weight over BW, and myocyte diameter in both ventricles showed significant increases after 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 week, 6 weeks, and 4 weeks of HHE, respectively. Semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction revealed that β‐MHC mRNA expression was increased significantly in both ventricles at 6 and 8 weeks of HHE, whereas α‐MHC mRNA expression was decreased significantly at 6 and 8 weeks of HHE in the right ventricle (RV) and at 6 weeks of HHE in the left ventricle (LV). The percentage of myosin containing the β‐MHC isoform was increased significantly at 4–8 weeks of HHE in RV and at 6 weeks of HHE in LV. In situ hybridization showed that the area of strong staining for β‐MHC mRNA was increased in both ventricles at 8 weeks of HHE, and showed a decrease from RVFW to cardiac septum, and from cardiac septum to LVFW. These results suggest that HHE has a significant effect on the expression of both MHC mRNA and protein in the heart, particularly in RV. These changes may reflect a role for cardiac MHC in the response to pulmonary hypertension in HHE. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mucin gene expression in intraductal papillary‐mucinous pancreatic tumours and related lesions
Authors: Terris Benoît , Dubois Sylvie , Buisine Marie‐Pierre , Sauvanet Alain , Ruszniewski Philippe , Aubert Jean‐Pierre , Porchet Nicole , Couvelard Anne , Degott Claude , Fléjou Jean‐Francois
Published: October 2002

Intraductal papillary‐mucinous tumours (IPMTs) of the pancreas are heterogeneous proliferations characterized by a malignant potential. The molecular mechanisms underlying the tumourigenesis process are not well understood. Recently, it has been shown that IPMTs secreting the mucin antigen MUC2 have a better prognosis, but the complete pattern of MUC gene expression has not yet been established. The aims of this study were to evaluate the mucin gene expression in 57 IPMTs and eight related lesions surgically resected and to relate MUC gene expression to the histological diagnosis. In situ hybridization (ISH) was performed in 28 cases with probes specific for the MUC1, MUC2, MUC3, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC5B, MUC6, and MUC7 genes. An immunohistochemical analysis was carried in all 65 cases and in 90 conventional ductal adenocarcinomas of the pancreas using MUC1, MUC2, and MUC5AC antibodies. IPMTs of adenoma (dysplasia) type exhibited high expression of MUC2 (93%), MUC5AC (97%), and, to a lesser extent, of MUC4 (71%), all of which were also observed in colloid carcinomas associated with IPMTs. In contrast, IPMTs with simple hyperplasia, intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasms, and pyloric glandular adenomas exhibited little or no expression of MUC2. The mucin expression profile supports the existence of two types of invasive tumour associated with IPMTs: a colloid and an ordinary form. The latter shows a pattern similar to the conventional ductal adenocarcinomas with a loss of MUC2 and a gain of MUC1 and has a greater tendency to metastasize. In conclusion, the altered expression of mucin, characteristic of IPMT of adenoma type and of colloid carcinomas, may contribute to the better clinical outcome of these neoplasms, compared to conventional pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lack of in vivo blockade of Fas‐ and TNFR1‐mediated hepatocyte apoptosis by the hepatitis C virus
Authors: Rubbia‐Brandt Laura , Taylor Sophia , Gindre Patrizia , Quadri Rafael , Abid Karim , Spahr Laurent , Negro Francesco
Published: October 2002

In vitro data have shown that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein binds to protein members of the tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily. Since this interaction could be relevant to HCV persistence and oncogenesis, this study assessed whether HCV may interfere with the apoptotic cascade in vivo. Apoptosis (by TUNEL) and Fas and TNFR1 expression (by immunohistochemistry) were scored in the liver of 60 chronic hepatitis C patients. Results were compared with the liver disease grading and staging scores and the HCV replication level in serum and liver. Apoptotic hepatocytes were stained in 29 cases. Fas was expressed in 35 cases and TNFR1 in 21, 15 patients (25%) being negative for both receptors. Overall, the numbers of TUNEL‐, Fas‐ and TNFR‐positive hepatocytes did not correlate with the extent of intrahepatic CD8+ T‐lymphocyte infiltration, the grading and staging of liver disease, or the serum or liver HCV RNA levels. Furthermore, when patients expressing either Fas or TNFR1 were stratified according to serum HCV RNA levels, cases with detectable hepatocyte apoptosis had higher HCV viraemias. In conclusion, an HCV‐mediated, in vivo blockade of hepatocyte apoptosis via the Fas‐ or TNFR1‐dependent pathways seems unlikely. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional allelic loss detected at the protein level in archival human tumours using allele‐specific E‐cadherin monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Becker Karl‐Friedrich , Kremmer Elisabeth , Eulitz Manfred , Schulz Stephan , Mages Jörg , Handschuh Gabriele , Wheelock Margaret J. , Cleton‐Jansen Anne‐Marie , Höfler Heinz , Becker Ingrid
Published: October 2002

Immunohistochemical analysis has been used to show that expression of the homophilic cell‐to‐cell adhesion molecule, E‐cadherin, is frequently altered in human cancers, including gastric and breast carcinoma. Besides genetic down‐regulation, structural mutations such as in‐frame deletions of exon 8 and exon 9 were frequently found; these may affect the binding of monoclonal antibodies used for immunohistochemical analysis. In this study it was found that antibodies HECD‐1 and E9, two monoclonal antibodies often used in E‐cadherin immunoanalysis, react with epitopes present at least in part in exon 8 and exon 9, respectively. This study generated and characterized a mutation‐specific monoclonal antibody, E‐cad delta 8‐1, reacting with the mutant protein lacking exon 8 but not with the wild‐type molecule. By using E‐cad delta 8‐1 and HECD‐1, it was possible separately to analyse the immunoreactivity of mutant and normal E‐cadherin proteins, respectively, in an allele‐specific manner in archival material. A similar analysis was performed using E9 and the previously characterized mutation‐specific antibody E‐cad delta 9‐1. Typically, in gastric and breast cancer harbouring E‐cadherin splice site gene mutations, the mutant proteins were expressed but the wild‐type protein was not detected in malignant tissues. These results indicate that variant‐specific monoclonal antibodies can be used to identify differentially expressed E‐cadherin proteins. For immunohistochemical analysis of E‐cadherin, at least two different monoclonal antibodies should be used to exclude alterations of the epitopes resulting in failure to detect a mutant protein. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Different expression of hepatitis B surface antigen between hepatocellular carcinoma and its surrounding liver tissue, studied using a tissue microarray
Authors: Wang Yi , Wu Meng‐Chao , Sham Jonathan S. T. , Tai Lai‐Shan , Fang Yan , Wu Wei‐Qing , Xie Dan , Guan Xin‐Yuan
Published: October 2002

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and is highly associated with chronic liver disease, including hepatitis B viral infection. In order to study the association between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and HCC development, tissue microarrays were used to detect the expression of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in 194 HCCs and their surrounding liver tissues, using anti‐HBsAg monoclonal antibody. The results showed that the expression of HBsAg is significantly lower in tumour tissue than in non‐tumour tissue. Among the 138 cases with positive serum HBsAg, expression of HBsAg was more frequently detected in non‐tumour tissue (103 cases, 75%) than in tumour tissue (11 cases, 8%). RT‐PCR and Southern blot analysis were performed to explore the mechanism of the decreased expression of HBsAg in tumour cells. The RT‐PCR results showed that absence or decreased expression of the HBV S gene was detected in 3/15 (20%) and 6/15 (40%) HCCs, respectively. Integration of HBV in 23 pairs of HCCs and their matched non‐tumour liver tissues was studied by Southern blot. The results showed that the integrated HBV S gene sequence was detected in 19/23 tumours (83%) and 1/23 non‐tumour tissues (4%), whereas the free replicative virus form was observed in 3/23 tumours (13%) and 14/23 non‐tumour tissues (61%). These findings suggest that HBsAg‐negative results in tumour tissues were directly related to HBV DNA insertion and provide new insights into the involvement of HBsAg in hepatocarcinogenesis. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Embryonic stem cells
Authors: Bishop Anne E. , Buttery Lee D. K. , Polak Julia M.
Published: October 2002

The capacity of embryonic stem cells for virtually unlimited self‐renewal and differentiation capacity has opened up the prospect of widespread applications in biomedical research and regenerative medicine. For the latter, the cells provide hope that it will be possible to overcome the problems of donor tissue shortage and also, by making the cells immunocompatible with the recipient, implant rejection. Four years after the first derivation of human pluripotent cell lines from pre‐implantation embryos, a great deal has been learnt about their biology and how differentiation can be encouraged towards particular cell lineages. However, considerable research is needed, not least into means to enrich and purify derivative cell lineages, before clinical trials can be considered. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protection of the Peyer's patch‐associated crypt and villus epithelium against methotrexate‐induced damage is based on its distinct regulation of proliferation
Authors: Renes Ingrid B. , Verburg Melissa , Bulsing Nathalie P. , Ferdinandusse Sacha , Büller Hans A. , Dekker Jan , Einerhand Alexandra W. C.
Published: October 2002

The crypt and villus epithelium associated with Peyer's patches (PPs) is largely spared from methotrexate (MTX)‐induced damage, compared with the non‐patch (NP) epithelium. To assess the mechanism(s) preventing damage to the PP epithelium after MTX treatment, epithelial proliferation, apoptosis, and cell functions were studied in a rat‐MTX model. Small intestinal segments containing PPs were excised after MTX treatment. Epithelial proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by detection of incorporated BrdU and cleaved caspase‐3, respectively. Epithelial functions were determined by the expression of cell type‐specific gene products at mRNA and protein level. Before and after MTX treatment, the number of BrdU‐positive cells was higher in PP crypts than in NP crypts. BrdU incorporation was diminished in NP crypts, while in PP crypts incorporation was hardly affected. In PP and NP crypts, similar and increased levels of cleaved caspase‐3‐positive cells were observed after MTX. The enterocyte markers, sucrase‐isomaltase, sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 1, glucose transporters 2 and 5, and intestinal and liver fatty acid binding protein, were down‐regulated after MTX in NP epithelium but not in PP epithelium. In contrast, expression of the goblet cell markers, Muc2 and trefoil factor 3, and the Paneth cell marker, lysozyme, was maintained after MTX in both PP and NP epithelium. In conclusion, as MTX‐induced apoptosis was similar in PP and NP crypts, the protection of the PP epithelium seems to be based on differences in the regulation of epithelial proliferation. Enterocyte function in the PP epithelium was unaffected by MTX treatment. Goblet and Paneth cell function was maintained in both NP and PP epithelium. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prostatic stem cells
Authors: Foster C. S. , Dodson A. , Karavana V. , Smith P. H. , Ke Y.
Published: October 2002

Multipotent cells within the epithelial compartment, together with phenotypically ‘plastic’ mesenchyma cells (stromal stem cells), provide a repository of protected genetic information from which the structure, stability and functionality of the prostate gland can be maintained. However, mere preservation of cells in a non‐dividing state is insufficient to provide the necessary reservoir of information from which the structure and function of the prostate gland can be retained or recreated. Rather, there is a constant dynamic interaction, at the level of information exchange, between stem cells (whether epithelial or mesenchymal) and their surrounding environment (both humoral and physical). Thus, with respect to epithelial stem cells, these reside within environmental ‘niches’ which allow their controlled and limited proliferation while preserving genomic integrity. Similar ‘mesenchymal niches’ are also predicted to occur, although not yet identified, thus providing the multipotent source from which the full spectrum of stromal phenotypes might be regenerated. Recent data from studies of the haematopoietic and hepato‐biliary systems indicate that the potential scope of stem cells far exceeds the immediate phenotypic complement of those tissues within which they originate, being dependent upon their precise environment as well as their genomic integrity. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis for aneuploidy screening in early human embryos: a review
Authors: Wilton Leeanda
Published: October 2002

Embryonic aneuploidies may be responsible for pregnancy failure in many IVF patients. In recent years, fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) for multiple chromosomes has been used to document a high frequency of chromosomal errors and aneuploidy in human preimplantation embryos and, after embryo biopsy, to select embryos that are more likely to implant. Such studies suggest that women with recurrent miscarriage and advanced maternal age may benefit most from preimplantation genetic diagnosis with aneuploidy screening (PGD‐AS). The success of PGD‐AS is likely to be enhanced by new technologies, such as comparative genomic hybridisation, which enable full karyotyping of single cells. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First application of preimplantation genetic diagnosis to neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)
Authors: Abou‐Sleiman P. M. , Apessos A. , Harper J. C. , Serhal P. , Winston R. M. L. , Delhanty J. D. A.
Published: October 2002

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a dominantly inherited cancer predisposition syndrome that is caused bymutations in the NF2 gene. We report here the first clinical preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) forNF2. A protocol was developed to simultaneously amplify the mutation and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located within the gene. The mutation and polymorphism were analysed by simultaneous fluorescent single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) on an automated DNA sequencer. The mutation, carried by the male partner, was a single base pair substitution affecting a splice site in intron 4 of the gene. The female partner was infertile due to polycystic ovary syndrome and would require IVF to conceive. The couple was found to be informative at a linked intragenic SNP situated in the 5′ untranslated region of the gene. The SNP was included in the assay to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis due to allele dropout (ADO). The couple underwent three cycles of treatment during which a total of 43 blastomeres were biopsied from 31 embryos. Amplification at both loci was obtained in 35 cells (81%). A total of five embryos were transferred, two in the first cycle, two in the second and one in the third. No pregnancy ensued. The results of the diagnoses indicated that, in this couple, the inheritance of the mutation may be non‐Mendelian. Out of a total of 32 embryos tested only four were found not to carry the mutation. The reasons for this apparent skew remain unknown. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prescription behaviours of office‐based doctors to standardized common cold patients in Korea
Authors: Cho H. J. , Kim C. B.
Published: October 2002

Purpose

To investigate real pictures of prescription behaviours of office‐based doctors in Korea, especially focusing on the prescription of oral antibiotics and injections.

Methods

Prescription information was collected from 18 standardized patients (SPs) with the symptoms of the common cold who visited doctors' office.

Results

For these patients antibiotics were prescribed by 96 doctors (64.7%) out of 148 and the rate of antibiotic prescription increased with age of doctors, increasing number of medicines, and cost of medicines. Analgesics were most frequently prescribed (91.8%), and gastrointestinal drugs (81.6%), antitussivies (61.2%), antithistamines (61.2%), decongestants (59.2%), mucolytics (51.0%) and proteolytic enzymes (32.7%) followed. More than half of the doctors intended to give injections to the patients, which was higher among internists and doctors prescribed more medicines.

Conclusions

Antibiotics and injections were frequently prescribed for mild common colds in Korea. Action to ensure judicious use of antibiotics and injection is urgent. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Humor Styles Questionnaire: personality and educational correlates in Belgian high school and college students
Authors: Saroglou Vassilis , Scariot Christel
Published: October 2002

Studies often treat sense of humour as a unidimensional construct. Recently, however, four different humour styles have been hypothesized and validated by the Humor Styles Questionnaire (HSQ). In the present two studies, first, the HSQ received cross‐cultural validation among French‐speaking Belgian students (94 high school and 87 college students). Second, apart from some similarities (Extraversion, low need for closure), the four humour styles were found to be differently related to personality. Social and self‐enhancing humour styles were positively related to Agreeableness, Openness, and self‐esteem, whereas hostile humour was negatively related to Agreeableness and Conscientiousness. Self‐defeating humour was negatively related to Emotional Stability, Conscientiousness, security in attachment, and self‐esteem. Finally, students' humour styles were neither direct nor indirect predictors of school performance, but self‐defeating and hostile humour styles were typical of students with low school motivation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The structure of Estonian personal values: a lexical approach
Authors: Aavik Toivo , Allik Jüri
Published: October 2002

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the variety of value describing words and interrelation of value categories in the Estonian language. To accomplish this aim, a psycholexical approach was adopted, during which a set of 560 value‐related words was selected from the Estonian Orthological Dictionary and the results were compared with the Schwartz Values Survey (SVS). When principal‐component analysis was applied on the self‐ratings of a reduced list of 78 value‐related words, six factors emerged and were labelled as benevolence, self‐enhancement, broadmindedness, hedonism, conservatism, and self‐realization. However, all these themes are interrelated and load on a singular secondary dimension. The constructs measured by SVS and the value categories in Estonian were only partially interchangeable; moderate correlations imply an imperfect correspondence: each theme was related to many categories on the other questionnaire. However, a significant general structure refers to the same two‐dimensional level of higher‐order values described by Schwartz in 1992. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of poly(aryl ether sulfone)‐graft‐polystyrene and poly(aryl ether sulfone)‐graft‐[polystyrene‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate)] through atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Xiao Guyu , Zhu Shenmin , Yan Deyue , Xu Jialian
Published: October 2002

A new graft copolymers poly(aryl ether sulfone)‐graft‐polystyrene (PSF‐g‐PS) and poly(aryl ether sulfone)‐graft‐[polystyrene‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate)] (PSF‐g‐(PS‐b‐PMMA)) were successfully prepared via atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP) catalyzed by FeCl2/isophthalic acid in N,N‐dimethyl formamide. The products were characterized by GPC, DSC, IR, TGA and NMR. The characterization data indicated that the graft copolymerization was accomplished via conventional ATRP mechanism. The effect of chloride content of the macroinitiator on the graft copolymerization was investigated. Only one glass transition temperature (Tg) was detected by DSC for the graft copolymer PSF‐g‐PS and two glass transition temperatures were observed in the DSC curve of PSF‐g‐(PS‐b‐PMMA). The presence of PSF in PSF‐b‐PS or PSF‐g‐(PS‐b‐PMMA) was found to improve thermal stabilities.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Kinetic behaviour of styrene–2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate copolymerisation in microemulsion
Authors: Sanghvi Paresh G , Pokhriyal Naveen Kumar , Devi Surekha
Published: October 2002

The copolymerisation of styrene and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2‐HEMA) in a three‐component oil‐in‐water microemulsion containing sodium dodecylsulfate as emulsifier was investigated as a function of temperature and concentration of potassium persulfate or hydrogen peroxide/ascorbic acid as initiator. Stable and transparent poly(styrene–2‐HEMA) latexes were produced. The latexes were characterised for particle size and number of particles by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The isolated products were characterised by 1H NMR as well as by thermal analysis. The overall size of particles was observed to be in the range 22–38 nm. Attempts are made to examine the suitability of the existing mathematical models for homopolymerisation to account for the copolymerisation of styrene and 2‐HEMA.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Kinetic investigations of the reactions of hindered­phenols with N‐fluoro‐1,4‐diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane­salt analogues
Authors: Stavber Stojan , Jereb Marjan , Zupan Marko
Published: October 2002

The kinetics of reactions of hindered phenols (2,4,6‐trimethylphenol, 2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenol and 2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenol) with 1‐fluoro‐4‐chloromethyl‐1,4‐diazoniabicyclo [2.2.2]octane bis(tetrafluoroborate) (Selectfluor™, F‐TEDA‐BF4) in acetonitrile in the absence or presence of various sources of external nucleophile (alcohols, water, trifluoroacetic acid) were studied. The reactions exhibited overall second‐order kinetics, whereas products formation was strongly dependent on reaction conditions. Fluorination took place in neat MeCN; in the presence of water or alcohols, para quinols or para quinol ethers were formed exclusively; under acidic conditions (TFA), Ritter‐type amidation was found to be the predominant process. Values for second‐order rate constants k2 were found to be dependent on the structure of the target phenol and decreased with bulkiness of the substrate. Methanol slightly increased the rate, whereas water decreased it considerably. Activation enthalpies (between 72 and 78 kJ mol−1) and activation entropies (between −5 and −42 J mol−1 K−1) were obtained. Activation entropies were found to be higher for less‐hindered substrates, indicating that the rate‐determining steps were mainly regulated by steric factors. Grunwald–Winstein correlation of log k2 with solvent ionizing power Y revealed a relatively small correlation factor m. An electron‐transfer‐type process following the rate‐determining formation of substrate–reagent complex was postulated as the key step of the reaction pathway. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tautomerism studies of 3‐(ω‐sulphoalkylamino)benzoic acids. Substituent effects
Authors: Jesús Marcelo Nunes de , Hioka Noboru , Costa Willian Ferreira da , Maionchi Florângela
Published: October 2002

Two SAABA [3‐ and 4‐(ω‐sulphoalkylamino)benzoic acid] derivatives, 3‐(3‐sulphopropylamino)benzoic acid and 3‐(4‐sulphobutylamino)benzoic acid, were studied by a potentiometric method to determine two macroscopic constants (K and K) for each derivative. The combination of these values with 13C NMR spectroscopic titration data was used to determine their tautomeric (KT) microscopic constants at 25.0 °C and ionic strength 1.00 mol dm−3 (KCl). From these results, it was possible to estimate the other microscopic constants and consequently the Hammett substituent constants (σm) for two m‐aminoalkylsulphonates and the electronic effects of two alkylsulphonate substituents separately. For the m‐aminoalkylsulphonate substituents the σm values are −0.12 for m‐aminopropylsulphonate and −0.27 for m‐aminobutylsulphonate, and therefore the electron‐donating effect prevails when three methylene units are present. On the other hand, in alkylsulphonate substituents, this effect prevails only for four methylene units. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ring‐opening polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactam and ϵ‐caprolactone via microwave irradiation
Authors: Fang Xiaomei , Simone Christopher D. , Vaccaro Eleonora , Huang Samuel J. , Scola Daniel A.
Published: October 2002

A novel process for synthesizing nylon‐6 and poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) by microwave irradiation of the respective monomers, ϵ‐caprolactam and ϵ‐caprolactone, is described. The ring opening of ϵ‐caprolactam to produce nylon‐6 was performed in a microwave oven by the forward power being controlled to about 90–135 W in the presence of an ω‐aminocaproic acid catalyst (10 mol %) and for periods of 1–3 h at temperatures varying from 250 to 280 °C. The ring opening of ϵ‐caprolactone to produce poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) was performed in a microwave oven by the forward power being controlled to about 70–100 W for a period of 2 h in the presence of stannous octoate with and without 1,4‐butanediol over a temperature range of 150–200 °C. The yields, conditions of the reactions, and properties of the products generated relative to the thermal processes are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 2264–2275, 2002
Vinyltitanium as an initiator for the polymerization of acetylene
Authors: Takagi Yasuhiro , Saeki Naoko , Tsubouchi Akira , Murakami Hisashi , Kumagai Yoshinao , Takeda Takeshi
Published: October 2002

The preparation of lustrous conducting polyacetylene films by the polymerization of acetylene with vinyltitanium species as initiators was studied. Organotitanium species were generated by the alkylation of titanium vinylcarbene complexes with tert‐butyl chloride. Solid‐state 13C NMR and IR analyses of the obtained polyacetylene indicated that polyacetylene with a trans configuration was produced. The use of titanocene(II) species Cp2Ti[P(OEt)3]2 and titanium vinylcarbene complexes for the preparation of polyacetylene films was also studied. The morphology of the films and the mechanisms of polymerization are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 2663–2669, 2002
Cocrystallization in blends of random tetrafluoroethylene fluorinated copolymers: The effect of the chain structure and crystallization conditions
Authors: Pucciariello Rachele , Villani Vincenzo , Ruiz De Ballesteros Odda
Published: October 2002

The possibility of the cocrystallization of random fluorinated tetrafluoroethylene copolymers was investigated with differential scanning calorimetry and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering. In particular, mixtures composed of poly(tetrafluoroethylene)‐co‐(hexafluoropropylene) containing 8 or 1 mol % comonomer or poly(tetrafluoroethylene)‐co‐perfluoromethylvinylether (2–10 mol % comonomer) were examined. The extent of cocrystallization was determined by the difference in the comonomer content, being higher when the difference was lower, and it was favored when quenching from the melt state was adopted. Nevertheless, a key to determining the extent of cocrystallization was the behavior of counits with respect to inclusion or exclusion from the crystal lattice: when the components were different with respect to this behavior, they were not likely to be miscible in the crystal state even if the difference in the comonomer content was low. Moreover, the similarity in the crystallization rates between the components played an important role: the cocrystallization decreased as the difference in the crystallization rate increased until, when the difference became high enough, the blend became immiscible. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 1477–1489, 2002
Effect of amino and polysiloxane groups on the chemical adsorption of polymers containing thiophosphate at the oil/metal interface under extreme pressure
Authors: Ni Sheng‐Chung , Kuo Ping‐Lin
Published: October 2002

Copolymers that separately contained thiophosphate–polysiloxane, thiophosphate–amino, and thiophosphate–polysiloxane–amino groups were synthesized and characterized. The performances of these synthesized copolymers on metal surfaces under a high load and rotary velocity were examined by the measurement of the oil temperature, frictional coefficient, and electrical contact resistance between two metal surfaces. The configuration of the adsorption layer was studied with energy‐dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Copolymers that contained amino–thiophosphate groups reduced the frictional coefficient between two metal surfaces and markedly limit the increase in the oil temperature. Notably, a higher content of polysiloxane groups in the copolymer corresponded to an increased operating time to establish the adsorption layer on the metal surface. However, a higher content of amino groups reduced the time required for the layer to form. The adsorption layers that formed on the metal surfaces were investigated by EDS as phosphides produced by a chemical reaction of the thiophosphate‐containing copolymer with the metal surface. These adsorption layers on the metal surface were directly observed with SEM. The layer that formed on the metal surface of copolymers containing less polysiloxane and more amino groups was the thickest layer for all the synthesized copolymers. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 1795–1803, 2002
Isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of nylon‐46
Authors: Zhang Qingxin , Zhang Zhihao , Zhang Hongfang , Mo Zhishen
Published: October 2002

Isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of nylon‐46 were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry. The equilibrium melting enthalpy and the equilibrium melting temperature of nylon‐46 were determined to be 155.58 J/g and 307.10 °C, respectively. The isothermal crystallization process was described by the Avrami equation. The lateral surface free energy and the end surface free energy of nylon‐46 were calculated to be 8.28 and 138.54 erg/cm2, respectively. The work of chain folding was determined to be 7.12 kcal/mol. The activation energies were determined to be 568.25 and 337.80 kJ/mol for isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization, respectively. A convenient method was applied to describe the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of nylon‐46 by a combination of the Avrami and Ozawa equations. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 1784–1793, 2002
Crystalline poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene): Structure and solubility of gas molecules
Authors: Zanuy David , Alemán Carlos , Muñoz‐Guerra Sebastián
Published: October 2002

Monte Carlo (MC) simulations have been used to study the crystal structure of isotactic poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene). Four different tetragonal packing models, each one containing two right‐handed and two left‐handed 7/2 helices, have been considered in an investigation of the up‐and‐down chain statistical disorder proposed on the basis of X‐ray data. Simulations have been performed with the isotropic united‐atom parameterization of the AMBER force field. The influence on the more stable packing models of the force‐field parameterization has been investigated with respect to the anisotropic united‐atom and all‐atom models. Results reveal that packing consisting of two upward and two downward helices arranged at random is more stable than packing with three or four helices with the same sense. Furthermore, the fiber period length for the 7/2 helix is predicted to be 0.56 Å larger than that experimentally determined. The microstructures generated from MC simulations have been employed to study the solubility of gas molecules (He, H2, Ar, O2, CH4, and CO2) with Widom's test‐particle insertion method. Special attention has been paid to the solubility of CH4 and CO2 because experimental data are available for these penetrants, the latter being described by both spherical and explicit models. The results are in good agreement with experimental measures only when a suitable model is used for the penetrant. The solubility of gas molecules in crystalline poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene) has been correlated with that measured for the crystal phases of other helical polymers. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 2037–2049, 2002
Degradation of talus‐derived rock glaciers in the Upper Engadin, Swiss Alps
Authors: Ikeda Atsushi , Matsuoka Norikazu
Published: October 2002

Active and inactive rock glaciers differ from relict rock glaciers in the presence of subsurface permafrost, as indicated by high seismic velocity, high DC resistivity and low bottom temperature of the winter snow cover. The lack of vegetation on the frontal slope and negative mean annual surface temperatures (MAST) distinguish active rock glaciers from inactive rock glaciers. Increasing MAST induces melting of ice‐rich permafrost, which is followed by the subsidence of rock glaciers. As a result, convex‐up transverse profiles are replaced by flat or depressed profiles. Permafrost degradation inactivates rock glaciers by decreasing shear stress, within or at the base of the deforming ice/rock mixture, causing stabilization and declination of the frontal slope. Relict rock glaciers are usually associated with soil development over the surficial clasts, which is responsible for further declination of the frontal slope and a more rounded topography. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytokine secretion in children with acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and wheeze
Authors: Esposito Susanna , Droghetti Roberta , Bosis Samantha , Claut Laura , Marchisio Paola , Principi Nicola
Published: October 2002

The aim of this study was to evaluate cytokine secretion in children with acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and wheeze. We studied 25 patients aged 2–14 years with an acute episode of wheezing (15 with acute M. pneumoniae infection) and 16 healthy controls of similar gender and age (8 with laboratory evidence of asymptomatic acute M. pneumoniae infection). Serum interleukin (IL)‐2, interferon (IFN)‐γ, IL‐4, and IL‐5 concentrations were measured in samples obtained at enrollment, using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits.

In the presence of wheezing, IL‐5 concentrations were significantly higher in subjects with acute M. pneumoniae infection (33.415 ± 22.138 pg/mL) than in those without such infection (2.320 ± 1.846 pg/mL, P < 0.0001). The children with acute M. pneumoniae infection and wheeze had higher IL‐5 concentrations (33.415±22.138 pg/mL) than those with asymptomatic acute infection and without wheeze (1.740 ± 2.299 pg/mL, P < 0.0001). No significant between‐group differences were observed in terms of IL‐2, IFN‐γ, or IL‐4 levels, or the prevalence of atopy.

Our results show that children with wheezing and acute M. pneumoniae infection have a specific cytokine profile characterized by a significant increase in serum levels of IL‐5. This immune response may be important for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms by which this pathogen contributes to the development of wheeze‐related symptoms, and for identifying new treatment strategies. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2002; 34:122–127. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peripheral blood lymphopenia and neutrophilia in children with severe respiratory syncytial virus disease
Authors: O'Donnell Diarmuid R. , Carrington David
Published: October 2002

It is not known why respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is associated with prolonged sequelae in many children. Measles virus (also a paramyxovirus), acute stress in sepsis, and cardiac bypass all cause lymphopenia.

Using a retrospective analysis of records of children in Bristol with RSV infections over 5 years, we found that children with RSV had lower lymphocyte counts than unstressed, stable children prior to cardiac surgery. Children who required intensive care had the lowest lymphocyte counts. Neutrophil counts were raised in RSV‐infected children.

These data may offer an insight into pathological mechanisms, and suggest new research avenues. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2002; 34:128–130. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alcaligenes infection in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Tan Kenneth , Conway Steven P. , Brownlee Keith G. , Etherington Christine , Peckham Daniel G.
Published: October 2002

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic Alcaligenes species infection of the respiratory tract on the clinical status of patients with cystic fibrosis. We conducted a retrospective case‐controlled study. The microbiological records of all patients attending the Leeds Regional Pediatric and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Units from 1992–1999 were examined. Chronic Alcaligenes infection was defined as a positive sputum culture on at least three occasions over a 6‐month period. These patients were compared with controls matched for age, gender, respiratory function, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection status. Respiratory function tests, anthropometric data, Shwachman‐Kulczycki score, Northern chest x‐ray score, intravenous and nebulized antibiotic treatment, and corticosteroid treatment were compared from 2 years before to 2 years after Alcaligenes infection.

From a clinic population of 557, 13 (2.3%) fulfilled the criteria for chronic infection. The median age at acquisition of infection was 17.2 years (range, 6.5–33.6). There was no significant difference in the changes of percentage predicted values for FEV1, FVC, FEF25–75, or Shwachman‐Kulczycki and Northern chest x‐ray scores, or in weight, height, and body mass index z‐scores between Alcaligenes‐infected cases and controls. There was also no significant difference in the use of antibiotics (intravenous and nebulized) or corticosteroids (inhaled and oral).

We conclude that in our clinic, chronic infection with Alcaligenes species was uncommon. Chronically infected patients showed no excess deterioration in clinical or pulmonary function status from 2 years before to 2 years after primary acquisition. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2002; 34:101–104. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of β2‐agonist treatment and spirometry on exhaled nitric oxide in healthy children and children with asthma
Authors: Kissoon Niranjan , Duckworth Laurie J. , Blake Kathryn V. , Murphy Suzanne P. , Lima John J.
Published: October 2002

We set out to determine the effect of spirometry and bronchodilator therapy on exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) values in children. We hypothesized that there will be no difference on FENO values pre‐ and postspirometry and following bronchodilator therapy. Sixteen children [(mean = 14.4 ± 1.2 years; range, 12–18 years; healthy controls (n = 6); asthmatics on inhaled steroids (n = 5); and asthmatics on no steroids (n = 5)] had exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) measurements on 4 consecutive days as follows: pre‐ and postspirometry (day 1); pre‐ and postalbuterol metered dose inhaler (MDI) therapy (day 2); pre‐ and postspirometry and albuterol MDI therapy (day 3); and pre‐ and postspirometry and placebo MDI (day 4). FENO was measured with a chemiluminescence analyzer, using the single vital capacity exhalation technique at an exhalation flow of 50 mL/sec.

There were no statistically significant differences in FENO values pre‐ and poststudy maneuvers under all experimental conditions in healthy children. However, in healthy children, clinically relevant (>10%) differences from baseline were observed on day 1 (3–18 min) and day 4 at 18 min. In children with asthma, FENO values increased significantly by 11–19% from pretreatment levels at 8 and 18 min, postbronchodilator on day 2, and 12–17% at 8 and 18 min post bronchodilator and spirometry on day 3. Spirometry and treatment with a placebo (day 4) resulted in a decrease in FENO values by 11% at 3 min postbaseline in patients on inhaled steroids. The changes observed were similar in children on vs. off inhaled steroids, and also in well‐controlled vs. poorly controlled asthma.

We conclude that FENO values should be obtained consistently either pre‐ and at a specific time postalbuterol treatment or spirometry. Alternatively, changes in FENO values should be interpreted in relationship to the timing of these maneuvers. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2002; 34:203–208. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of proliferation of PC‐3 human prostate cancer by antagonists of growth hormone–releasing hormone: Lack of correlation with the levels of serum IGF‐I and expression of tumoral IGF‐II and vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Plonowski Artur , Schally Andrew V. , Letsch Markus , Krupa Magdalena , Hebert Francine , Busto Rebeca , Groot Kate , Varga Jozsef L.
Published: October 2002

BACKGROUND

Antagonists of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) such as JV‐1‐38 can inhibit androgen‐independent prostate cancer directly by several mechanisms and/or indirectly by suppressing growth hormone/insulin‐like growth factor‐I (GH/IGF‐I) axis. To shed more light on the mechanisms involved, the effects of JV‐1‐38 on PC‐3 human prostate cancer were compared with those of somatostatin analog RC‐160 in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

Nude mice bearing PC‐3 tumors received JV‐1‐38 (20 μg), RC‐160 (50 μg) or a combination of JV‐1‐38 and RC‐160. The concentration of IGF‐I in serum and the expression of mRNA for IGF‐II and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in tumor tissue were investigated.

RESULTS

In vivo, the final volume of PC‐3 tumors treated with JV‐1‐38 was significantly lowered by 49% (P < 0.01), whereas RC‐160 exerted only 30% inhibition (NS), compared with controls. Combined use of both compounds augmented tumor inhibition to 63% (P < 0.001). Serum IGF‐I levels were decreased only in mice treated with RC‐160. JV‐1‐38 suppressed mRNA for IGF‐II in PC‐3 tumors by 42%, whereas RC‐160 alone or in combination with JV‐1‐38 caused a 65% reduction. JV‐1‐38 and RC‐160 used as single drugs decreased the expression of VEGF by 50%, and their combination caused a 63% reduction. In vitro, JV‐1‐38 inhibited the proliferation of PC‐3 cells by 39%. This effect could be partially reversed by addition of IGF‐I to the serum‐free medium. RC‐160 alone did not affect the PC‐3 cell growth in vitro, but in combination with JV‐1‐38 it augmented the antiproliferative effect of the GH‐RH antagonist to 72%. Exposure to JV‐1‐38 in vitro reduced the expression of mRNA for IGF‐II in PC‐3 cells by 55% but did not change VEGF mRNA levels, whereas RC‐160 had no effect.

CONCLUSIONS

The antiproliferative effect of JV‐1‐38 was not associated with the suppression of serum IGF‐I and was only partially correlated with the expression of IGF‐II and VEGF in PC‐3 tumors, suggesting that other mechanisms play a role in the antitumor action of GHRH antagonists. Nevertheless, the stronger inhibition of tumor growth after combined treatment with JV‐1‐38 and RC‐160 indicates that the interference with multiple local stimulatory factors leads to an enhanced inhibition of prostate cancer. Prostate 52:173–182, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Signal transduction in the photoactive yellow protein. I. Photon absorption and the isomerization of the chromophore
Authors: Groenhof Gerrit , Lensink Marc F. , Berendsen Herman J. C. , Snijders Jaap G. , Mark Alan E.
Published: October 2002

Molecular dynamics simulation techniques together with time‐dependent density functional theory calculations have been used to investigate the effect of photon absorption by a 4‐hydroxy‐cinnamic acid chromophore on the structural properties of the photoactive yellow protein (PYP) from Ectothiorodospira halophila. The calculations suggest that the protein not only modifies the absorption spectrum of the chromophore but also regulates the subsequent isomerization of the chromophore by stabilizing the isomerization transition state. Although signaling from PYP is thought to involve partial unfolding of the protein, the mechanical effects accompanying isomerization do not appear to directly destabilize the protein. Proteins 2002;48:202–211. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.