bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment for cancer of the oesophagus and gastric cardia in Hebei, China
Authors: Liu J F , Wang Q Z , Hou J
Published: January 2004

Background

Southern Hebei Province has one of the highest incidences of oesophageal cancer in the world. This study describes a single-centre experience with oesophagectomy for this condition.

Methods

The reported articles on surgical treatment for cancer of the oesophagus and gastric cardia from a single department between September 1952 and December 2000 were summarized and the results compared.

Results

Between September 1952 and December 2000, the resectability rate increased from 78·8 to 96·0 per cent for oesophageal cancer and from 69·6 to 94·8 per cent for cancer of the cardia. The surgical mortality rate decreased from 4·6 to 1·1 per cent. There was little change in the overall 5-year survival rate; it increased from 21·2 to 23·9 per cent for patients with oesophageal cancer and from 15·2 to 17·6 per cent for those with cancer of the cardia.

Conclusion

The rate of postoperative complications and deaths following oesophagectomy for cancer has fallen steadily over the past five decades but long-term survival remains disappointing. Improved survival is likely to be dependent on earlier diagnosis and adjunctive therapies.
Trials in surgery
Authors: Lilford R , Braunholtz D , Harris J , Gill T
Published: January 2004

Background

Trials in surgery pose some special problems. This paper examines these with reference to 10 years of methodological research sponsored by the UK National Health Service Research and Development programme.

Methods

Solutions to common problems encountered in surgical studies were considered, such as issues of blinding, dependence of results on technical skill and continued evolution of technology.

Results

Numerous methodological developments are described, including the tracker trial concept in which trial design can be adapted to take account of technical developments and interim results. The governance of trials, solutions to ethical conundra and the rising importance of databases are also discussed.

Conclusion

Like surgery itself, the methodological toolkit for evaluation of surgical procedures continues to evolve. The rules of statistical and scientific probity provide plenty of scope for imaginative design solutions for surgical trials.
Focused parathyroid surgery with intraoperative parathyroid hormone measurement as a day-case procedure
Authors: Gurnell E M , Thomas S K , McFarlane I , Munday I , Balan K K , Berman L , Chatterjee V K K , Wishart G C
Published: January 2004

Background

This study assessed the feasibility, efficacy and safety of focused parathyroidectomy combined with intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) measurement in a day-case setting.

Methods

Over 28 months 50 consecutive patients (mean age 63 (range 33–92) years) with clear evidence of unifocal disease on sestamibi scanning or ultrasonography underwent unilateral neck exploration via a small lateral incision. Blood samples for measurement of IOPTH were taken at induction of anaesthesia, before adenoma excision and after adenoma excision (at 5, 10 and 20 min). Ten patients were discharged within 23 h and 40 patients on the day of surgery.

Results

A solitary adenoma was identified in all but one patient, with a mean operating time of 30 (range 16–57) min. After parathyroidectomy, IOPTH levels fell appropriately except in one patient with multiglandular hyperplasia. No patient developed symptomatic hypocalcaemia during the 2 weeks after operation, enabling cessation of oral supplements. All patients remained normocalcaemic on follow-up (mean 26 (range 8–84) weeks) and histological examination confirmed parathyroid adenoma (48 patients), hyperplasia (one) or carcinoma (one).

Conclusion

After accurate preoperative localization of uniglandular disease, patients with primary hyperparathyroidism may be managed successfully and safely by focused parathyroidectomy with IOPTH measurement as a day-case procedure.
Meta-analysis of the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of appendicitis
Authors: Andersson R E B
Published: January 2004

Background

The importance of specific elements in the clinical diagnosis of appendicitis is controversial. This review analyses the diagnostic value of elements of disease history, clinical findings and laboratory test results in suspected appendicitis.

Methods

A systematic Medline search was made of all published studies on the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of appendicitis in patients admitted to hospital with suspected disease. Meta-analyses of receiver–operator characteristic (ROC) areas, and positive and negative likelihood ratios, of 28 diagnostic variables described in 24 studies are presented.

Results

Inflammatory response variables (granulocyte count, proportion of polymorphonuclear blood cells, white blood cell count and C-reactive protein concentration), descriptors of peritoneal irritation (rebound and percussion tenderness, guarding and rigidity) and migration of pain were the strongest discriminators, with ROC areas of 0·78 to 0·68. The discriminatory power of the inflammatory variables was particularly strong for perforated appendicitis, with ROC areas of 0·85 to 0·87. Appendicitis was likely when two or more inflammatory variables were increased and unlikely when all were normal.

Conclusion

Although all clinical and laboratory variables are weak discriminators individually, they achieve a high discriminatory power when combined. Laboratory examination of the inflammatory response, clinical descriptors of peritoneal irritation, and a history of migration of pain yield the most important diagnostic information and should be included in any diagnostic assessment.
Letter 3 (for Letters 1 and 2 see Br J Surg 2003; 90: 1451 – 1452): Cold provocation testing and hand-arm vibration syndrome — an audit of the results of the Department of Trade and Industry scheme for the evaluation of miners (Br J Surg 2003; 90: 1076-1079)
Authors: Coughlin P
Published: January 2004

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses can be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk) or by post. All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length. Letters submitted by post should be typed on A4-sized paper in double spacing and should be accompanied by a disk.
Identification of Physical Phenomena Governing Nucleate Boiling Heat Transfer of Binary Mixtures
Authors: Kern J. , Stephan P.
Published: January 2004

A model based on first principles is presented to compute nucleate boiling heat transfer coefficients. It includes microscale heat and mass transfer phenomena in the so‐called micro region, i.e., the thin film area where the liquid vapor phase interface approaches the wall. The model is verified by comparing calculated to measured heat transfer coefficients. Parameter studies allowed to identify physical phenomena governing the typical reduction of binary mixture heat transfer coefficients compared to the ideal heat transfer coefficient, i.e., the molar average of the heat transfer coefficients of the two pure components of the mixture. These are bubble site density and departure diameter that deviate from the corresponding values of the two pure components. Furthermore, overall heat transfer is decreased by strong concentration gradients in the micro region.
Advances in Direct Contact Evaporator Design
Authors: Lage P.L.C. , Campos F.B.
Published: January 2004

Direct contact evaporators are nonisothermal bubble columns where a hot gas, usually obtained by combustion, is used to heat and vaporize the solvent of a given solution that needs to be concentrated. The design of such equipment has been relied on experimental data or on a simplified method that assumes that the gas leaves the evaporator at equilibrium with the liquid phase, giving no information about the necessary bubbling height to attain such equilibrium conditions. Recent advances in the heat and mass transfer processes during the formation and ascension of superheated bubbles together with simple mass and energy balances in the liquid phase and gas distributor system were used to develop a more detailed design procedure. The accuracy of both design procedures are compared to available experimental data in a direct contact evaporator operating in semibatch mode. The new design method agreed well with the experimental data.
Kinetic Studies of the Electrochemical Treatment of Nitrate and Nitrite Ions on Iridium‐Modified Carbon Fiber Electrodes
Authors: De D. , Kalu E.E. , Tarjan P.P. , Englehardt J.D.
Published: January 2004

Electrochemical reductions of nitrate and nitrite ions in neutral solution were studied using an Ir‐deposited carbon fiber electrode. The objective of the study was to set up a process to remove nitrate and nitrite ions from industrial and municipal wastes as well as from the nitrate and nitrite ion enriched water supplies. Since nitrate and nitrite ion reduction kinetics is very slow on plain carbon, the iridium‐modified fibers showed a significant reduction of nitrate and nitrite ions. Nitrogen and ammonia were identified as the two major gaseous products of the reduction process. A first‐order inhibition kinetics model is proposed and was used to analyze the nitrate and nitrite ion reduction kinetics. The reduction rates of nitrate and nitrite ions were favored at higher cathode potential (cf. –950 mV and –850 mV) in a solution of pH = 7.0 with hydrogen evolution efficiency increasing with cathodic potential. A simple model for the batch re‐circulation process was developed for the reduction of nitrate ion at surface‐modified fiber electrode. There was a good agreement between the model predictions and experimental results.
Solubility of CO2 in Aqueous Piperazine and its Modeling using the Kent‐Eisenberg Approach
Authors: Aroua M.K. , Mohd Salleh R.
Published: January 2004

A systematic investigation of the equilibrium solubility of CO2 in aqueous piperazine solutions was conducted in a double‐jacketed stirred cell reactor. The solubilities of CO2 in the solution were measured at 20, 30, 40, and 50 °C with CO2 partial pressures ranging from 0.4–95 kPa. Generally the aqueous piperazine solution exhibits the same characteristics as conventional alkanolamines. Increasing the CO2 partial pressure increases the gas loading, however increasing the temperature or concentration decreases the CO2 loading. The values of the CO2 loading obtained confirm that the piperazine forms stable carbamates. The equilibrium solubility data were analyzed using a Kent‐Eisenberg approach. Representation of the model is generally in good agreement with that of the experimental data, especially at high temperature.
Micellar Chromatography
Authors: García Diez L. , Bart H.‐J. , Szymanowski J.
Published: January 2004

Micellar liquid chromatography (MLC) is an alternative to conventional liquid chromatography, using micellar solutions instead of mixtures of water and organic solvents as mobile phase. These micellar solutions allow controlling retention by changing surfactant concentration and thus micelle concentration. MLC was studied for the separation of phenol using a reversed‐phase column and sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles as micellar mobile phase.
Fatty acid and 3‐hydroxy fatty acid composition of two Hypericum species from Turkey
Authors: Özen Hasan Çetin , Başshan Mehmet , Keskin Cumali , Toker Zuhal
Published: January 2004

The fatty acid compositions of flowering tops of Hypericum perforatum L. and Hypericum retusum Aucher (Guttiferae) were analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The major components were C16:0 (24.87%), C18:3 n‐3 (21.94%), 3‐OH‐C18:0 (18.46%) and 3‐OH‐C14:0 (14.22%) for H. perforatumL. and 3‐OH‐C14:0 (28.29%), C18:0 (16.47%) and C16:0 (14.17%) for H. retusum Aucher. Besides widespread plant fatty acids, 3‐hydroxy fatty acids, namely 3‐hydroxytetradecanoic acid (3‐OH‐C14:0) and 3‐hydroxyoctadecanoic acid (3‐OH‐C18:0) were also obtained.
Dietary n‐3 fatty acids reduce the delayed hypersensitivity reaction and antibody production more than n‐6 fatty acids in broiler birds
Authors: Selvaraj Ramesh Kumar , Cherian Gita
Published: January 2004

The splenocyte fatty acid profile and immune response of broiler chickens were investigated. One hundred and twenty day‐old broiler chicks were fed diets containing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (Diet I), sunflower oil (Diet II), flaxseed oil (Diet III) or fish oil (Diet IV). The total lipid content of the diets was 3.5%. Body weight and feed intake was higher (P <0.05) in Diet IV compared to Diets I, II and III. Birds fed Diet III and IV had a higher content of n‐3 fatty acids in splenocytes than those fed Diets I and II. Serum anti‐BSA immunoglobulin content was higher (P <0.05) in birds fed Diets III and IV, compared to those fed Diets I and II. Delayed type hypersensitivity response, measured as the wing web skin swelling reaction (thickness) to Mycobacterium butyricum injection (s.c.), increased (P <0.05) from 0.71 and 0.98 mm in Diets IV and III, respectively, to 1.19 and 1.41 mm in Diets I and II, respectively. The number of CD4+ and CD8+ blood lymphocytes and CD4+, CD8+ and IgM+ splenocytes did not differ (P >0.05) between treatment groups. N‐3 fatty acids increased production performances and antibody mediated responses, while n‐6 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid increased cell mediated responses in broiler birds.
Characterization of vegetable oils‐alumina membranes interactions by diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Hafidi Abdellatif , Anglaret Eric , Pioch Daniel , Ajana Hamid
Published: January 2004

Adsorption of vegetable oil components, either as pure molecules or as mixtures, on alumina membranes was investigated by diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. All tested compounds displayed very similar spectra. Triolein and diolein physically adsorb onto alumina by hydrogen bonding with the carbonyl groups of the carboxylic ester and surface hydroxyls. Monolein most likely interacts with glycerol hydroxyls, while phospholipids appear to adsorb either by the ester carbonyl or charged phosphate group. Due to the catalytic properties of alumina some hydrolysis takes place during treatments. The resulting oleic acid, most likely chemisorbs by ionic interactions with the carboxylic C=O bond of the alumina. The fact that no change in the symmetric and asymmetric CH2 stretches is noticed in comparison with the free (unbound) form indicates that the molecules are not parallel, but at an angle to the surface. When alumina comes into contact with increasing amounts of crude vegetable oils a broadening of the band at 3280 cm‐1 indicates an increasing adsorption of molecules with free hydroxyls, such as mono‐ and di‐acylglycerols or phospholipids. Among all oil components, sodium oleate seems to adsorb preferentially to alumina. However, a subsequent adsorption of a lipidic monolayer at the membrane surface or even inside the pores, is not consistent with the drastic flux reduction observed in previous studies during microfiltration, and could only initiate formation or/and deposition of macromolecular structures inside membrane pores.
Synthesis of Oxacycles by Tandem Radical Addition−Cyclization Reactions
Authors: Sibi Mukund P. , Patil Kalyani , Rheault Tara R.
Published: January 2004

β‐Alkoxyalkylidenemalonates undergo tandem radical addition−cyclization reactions to provide oxacycles of different ring sizes in good chemical efficiency. A variety of nucleophilic radicals participate in the addition−cyclization reactions, and the reaction requires the use of lanthanide triflates as Lewis acids. Compound 9 gave the 5‐exo cyclization product 13 in 80 % yield and greater than 50:1 diastereoselectivity favoring the trans isomer. Radical addition−cyclization reactions using substrate 26, in which the 5‐exo pathway was blocked, gave exclusively the 6‐endo products 27−32 in good yields (68−88 %) and moderate to good selectivity (1.2:1 to 14:1). Generally, 7‐endo cyclization dominated over the 6‐exo mode. Addition of various nucleophilic radicals to substrate 33 using ytterbium triflate as a Lewis acid gave the 7‐endo products 34−39 in moderate to good yield (49−75 %). Substrate 41, in which the 6‐exo pathway was blocked, gave the 7‐endo products 42−47 cleanly. The diastereoselectivities in these cyclizations were dependent on the size of the radical; bulky radicals gave lower selectivities. Radical addition−cyclization using 48 gave the 8‐endo products 49−53 in good yield (58−86 %). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Absolute Conformation Revisited: Experimental Approach
Authors: Ōki Michinori , Toyota Shinji
Published: January 2004

We propose that the term “absolute conformation” be used when one of the chiroptical properties is correlated with one of a pair of enantiomeric conformations. We present examples of compounds for which absolute conformations are known, as well as their syntheses, enantiomer resolution, and determination of absolute conformations, and discuss specifications of those conformations. The examples were selected from molecules for which one conformation is optically inactive but, by internal rotation about a C(sp3)−C(sp3) bond, optically active conformers are produced. There are some problems, which we discuss as Future Problems, that arise when conformations are taken into account, even though the classical treatment of stereochemistry is well established in such areas. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Cyrmenins, Novel Antifungal Peptides Containing a Nitrogen‐Linked β‐Methoxyacrylate Pharmacophore: Isolation and Structural Elucidation
Authors: Leibold Thomas , Sasse Florenz , Reichenbach Hans , Höfle Gerhard
Published: January 2004

The novel antifungal metabolites cyrmenin A, B1, and B2 (1−3) were isolated from Archangium gephyra and Cystobacter armeniaca strains (myxobacteria). The cyrmenins are modified N‐acyldipeptide esters containing a didehydroalanine, a 3‐O‐methyl‐didehydroserine and a (2E,4Z)‐undecadienoic or ‐dodecadienoic acid residue. These compounds represent the first bacterial counterparts of strobilurins that are characterized by an α‐substituted β‐methoxyacrylate pharmacophore. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Dinuclear Metal Complexes Based on all‐cis‐2,4,6‐Triaminocyclohexane‐1,3,5‐triol as Catalysts for Cleavage of Phosphate Esters
Authors: Mancin Fabrizio , Rampazzo Enrico , Tecilla Paolo , Tonellato Umberto
Published: January 2004

Two dimetallic ligands 2 and 3 for transition metal ions were obtained by connecting two all‐cis‐2,4,6‐triamino‐cyclohexane‐1,3,5‐triol (TACI, 1) subunits via 1,3‐ or 1,4‐xylyl linkers. Their dimetallic CuII and ZnII complexes were investigated as catalysts for the cleavage of the phosphate diesters 2,4‐dinitrophenyl ethyl phosphate (DNPEP) and 2‐hydroxypropyl p‐nitrophenyl phosphate (HPNP) and the triester 2,4‐dinitrophenyl diethyl phosphate (DNPDEP). The results of a comparative kinetic study using the monometallic complexes of TACI as a reference indicate that the CuII complexes of 2 and 3 are virtually inert; this finding is ascribed to the formation of intra‐complex μ‐hydroxo bridges that prevent the required interactions with the substrate. On the other hand, the dimetallic ZnII complexes produce remarkable accelerations, particularly in the case of the HPNP transesterification. The dimetallic systems are more efficient than the TACI·ZnII complex in promoting the hydrolysis of HPNP at pH values close to neutrality (7.0−7.8). In this case, the effects of cooperativity between the two metal centers were highlighted in a detailed kinetic study; the catalytic efficiency seems to be related to the stronger binding of the substrate to the dimetallic ZnII complexes. Additionally, in this case, although to a much lesser extent than in the case of the CuII counterparts, the formation of μ‐hydroxo bridges apparently hampers the catalytic efficiency, as indicated also by the observation that the activity of the dimetallic complexes increases as the distance between the two metal centers increases, which, thus, thwarts the formation of intermetallic bridges. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Organometallics in Cyanine Chemistry − Synthesis, Reactivity and Photophysical Properties of some Heptamethine Merocyanine Dyes
Authors: Viteva Lilia , Gospodova Tzveta , Stefanovsky Yuri , Petrova Krasimira , Timtcheva Iliana , Mazières Marie‐Rose , Wolf Jean‐Gerard
Published: January 2004

A one‐pot reaction between lithium reagents of ketones and pentamethine cyanine dyes affords a series of seven‐carbon merocyanines in good to excellent yields. In subsequent reactions with “soft” organolithium reagents they can be easily converted into anionic cyanine dyes, oxonols. The synthetic potential and limitations of this reaction are discussed. Absorption and fluorescence behavior of the studied merocyanines were found to depend on their substitution patterns and the solvent used. Based on the relationship between the absorption maxima and ET(30) (= solvent polarity parameter) constants, a different nature of the absorbing state in protic and non‐protic solvents can be assumed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Hydrostannylation of Propargylic Alcohols Using Mixed Tin Hydrides
Authors: Thiele Christina M. , Mitchell Terence N.
Published: January 2004

The hydrostannylation of a series of alkynols and propargylic ethers with mixed tin hydrides Bu2SnHCl and Bu2SnHBr has been studied. These highly reactive tin hydrides undergo radical chain reactions at low to ambient temperatures (−78 °C to 25 °C). Their higher Lewis acidity (in comparison with the most commonly used hydrostannylation reagent Bu3SnH) leads to much better regio‐ and stereoselectivities irrespective of the size and nature of the substituents in the propargylic position. Hydrostannylation of terminal propargylic alcohols and ethers gives almost solely (> 90 %) the products of anti‐addition; these are stabilized by intramolecular coordination. When non‐terminal propargylic alcohols are used, the isomerisation to the thermodynamically favoured syn‐addition product, which normally takes place in free radical hydrostannylations, can be prevented by choosing appropriate reaction conditions. Hydrostannylation of allyl propargyl ether shows that these reagents are highly chemoselective towards C−C triple bonds. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Ring‐Expansion of MCPs in the Presence of DIAD or DEAD and Lewis Acids
Authors: Shao Li‐Xiong , Shi Min
Published: January 2004

Treatment of methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs) with DIAD or DEAD in MeCN under mild conditions in the presence of Lewis acid Zr(OTf)4 gave the cyclobutanone ring‐expansion products in good to high yields based on the employed DIAD or DEAD. From a deuterium labeling experiment, the oxygen atom is derived from ambient water. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
The C‐4 Configuration as a Probe for the Study of Glycosidation Reactions
Authors: Bülow Anne , Meyer Tine , Olszewski Tomasz Krzysztof , Bols Mikael
Published: January 2004

The difference in the electron‐withdrawing powers of axial and equatorial OBn was used as a probe to investigate the glycosidation reaction. The reactivity of perbenzylated glucosyl and galactosyl donors were compared under a range of glycosidation conditions that involved variations in catalyst, solvent, and glycosyl acceptor. Generally, the galactosyl donor had a reactivity four to five times higher than the glucosyl donor, which is in accord with the transition state having positive character. In certain cases, however, particularly when triflate was present, equal reactivity of glucosyl and galactosyl donors were found. The results are explained in terms of changes in the rate‐determining steps. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Point‐Fluorinated Pheromone Analogues of Eldana saccharina
Authors: Itoh Toshiyuki , Kudo Kazutoshi , Yokota Kazuhisa , Tanaka Naoko , Hayase Shuichi , Renou Michel
Published: January 2004

Substitution of fluorine atoms on an organic molecule makes it possible to modify the molecular orbital and electron density of the surface without changing its molecular shape. Point‐fluorinated analogues of the sex pheromone of the male African sugarcane borer were synthesized in optically active forms and their pheromone activities were investigated using an EAG test. The EAG activity of these point‐fluorinated pheromone analogues indicates that the point of fluorination has a critical influence on the pheromone activity. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Studies on the Origin of 1,5‐anti Induction in Boron‐Mediated Aldol Reactions
Authors: Stocker Bridget L. , Teesdale‐Spittle Paul , Hoberg John O.
Published: January 2004

A model for the origin of selectivity in boron‐mediated 1,5‐anti‐aldols is presented. This model involves π‐stacking between the boron enolate and a remote aromatic ring. A short, facile method for the synthesis of the C‐12 to C‐22 segment of peloruside A and its 1,5‐anti‐aldol coupling using the proposed model is also presented. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Decelerating Effect of Alkynes in the Oxidative Addition of Phenyl Iodide to Palladium(0) Complexes in Palladium‐Catalyzed Multicomponent Reactions and Sonogashira Reactions
Authors: Amatore Christian , Bensalem Samia , Ghalem Said , Jutand Anny , Medjour Youcef
Published: January 2004

The oxidative addition of PhI to [Pd0(PPh3)4] in DMF is slower when performed in the presence of the terminal alkynes (PhC≡CH, EtO2C−C≡CH) that are reagents in palladiumcatalyzed Sonogashira or multicomponent reactions. The concentration of the reactive [Pd0(PPh3)2] complex decreases because of its partial coordination to the alkyne to form [(η2‐RC≡CH)Pd0(PPh3)2] (R = Ph, EtCO2), which is in equilibrium with [Pd0(PPh3)2]. The complex [(η2‐PhC≡CH)Pd0(PPh3)2] was found to be unreactive whereas [(η2‐EtO2C− C≡CH)Pd0(PPh3)2] was found to be the unique reactive complex at high concentrations of EtO2C−C≡CH. As has been reported for alkenes, terminal alkynes play an unexpected role because they interfere in the oxidative addition before their usual reactions in the carbopalladation and transmetallation steps that follow it. Decreasing the rate of the fast oxidative addition with PhI may promote the efficiency of the catalytic cycle by bringing its rate closer to that of the slower carbopalladation or transmetallation steps. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
The Three‐Component Reaction between Isatin, α‐Amino Acids, and Dipolarophiles
Authors: Rehn Stanley , Bergman Jan , Stensland Birgitta
Published: January 2004

3‐Spiro[pyrrolidino‐oxindoles] were prepared in high yields from a three‐component reaction between isatin, an α‐amino acid, and a dipolarophile. BothN‐substituted andN‐unsubstituted α‐amino acids were used as the amine component. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
The essential oils composition of Phlomis herba‐venti L. leaves and ﬂowers of Iranian origin
Authors: Morteza‐Semnani Katayoun , Azadbakht Mohammad , Goodarzi Afsaneh
Published: January 2004

The composition of the essential oils obtained from the dried leaves and ﬂowers of Phlomis herba‐venti L. (Labiatae) was analysed by GC and GC–MS. The major constituents of the leaf essential oil were germacrene D (33.9%), hexadecanoic acid (12.9%) and α‐pinene (9.4%). The major constituents of the ﬂower essential oil were hexadecanoic acid (33.1%), 6,10,14‐trimethylpentadecan‐2‐one (16.2%), 3‐methyltetradecane (6.7%) and germacrene D (6.7%). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Volatile constituents of Malay rose apple [Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. & Perry]
Authors: Pino Jorge A. , Marbot Rolando , Rosado Arístides , Vázquez Carlos
Published: January 2004

The volatile constituents of Malay rose apple fruits [Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. & Perry] growing in Cuba were analysed by GC–MS and GC; 133 compounds were identiﬁed in the aroma concentrate, of which 2‐phenylethanol and its esters (2‐phenylethyl acetate, 2‐phenylethyl isopentanoate, 2‐phenylethyl benzoate and 2‐phenylethyl phenylacetate) were found to be the major constituents. By correlating odour thresholds with the concentrations of volatiles (odour unit values), the relative contribution of individual compounds in fruit aroma was assessed. The exotic aroma character of Malay rose apple is the interaction of rose (2‐phenylethanol and its esters) and herbaceous (1‐octen‐3‐ol) notes contributing to the complexity of the aroma. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constituents of the essential oils of four micropropagated Solidago species
Authors: Kalemba Danuta , Thiem Barbara
Published: January 2004

In vitro shoot culture of four Solidago species, S.virgaurea L., S.canadensis L., S.gigantea Ait. and S.graminifolia (L.) Salisb. were established from aseptically germinated seedlings. Proliferated axillary shoots were multiplied rapidly on Murashige and Skoog's medium, supplemented with 9.3 µm kinetin and 11.4 µm indole‐3‐acetic acid. Rooted plantlets were transferred to the soil, then grown in the ﬁeld. Aerial parts were collected from clonal‐propagated Solidago species during the ﬂowering stage. The essential oils, obtained from air‐dried plant material by hydrodistillation, were studied by GC and GC–MS. Slight differences were found in the yield and composition of essential oils between the micropropagated plants and wild plants growing in natural sites. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inﬂuence of transplanting time on essential oil yield and composition in Artemisia annua plants grown under the climatic conditions of sub‐tropical north India
Authors: Haider Flora , Dwivedi Premdutt , Singh Sarita , Naqvi Ali Arif , Bagchi Gurudas
Published: January 2004

The yield and composition of the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of inﬂorescences from different populations of Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae), transplanted during different months, was analysed using a combination of GC and GC–MS. Oil yield was found to range from 0.5 to as high as 1.6% (w/v), in which 24 constituents were identiﬁed, representing 84.4–92.2% of the total oil. Camphor was identiﬁed as the most abundant component in all the samples examined, followed by 1,8‐cineole, except in June‐transplanted plants, where b‐caryophyllene was found to be the second most abundant compound. Camphor and 1,8‐cineole alone constituted 44.7–65% of the total oil. The percentage occurrence of rest of the compounds was found to vary in different populations. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of aroma‐active compounds of Abies nephrolepis (Khingan ﬁr) needles using aroma extract dilution analysis
Authors: Yu Eun Jeong , Kim Tae Hwan , Kim Kyoung Heon , Lee Hyong Joo
Published: January 2004

Volatile components in the needles of Abies nephrolepis (Khingan ﬁr), a conifer native to Korea, were extracted by simultaneous distillation–extraction. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry using two types of capillary column with different polarities (DB‐5MS and DB‐WAX) revealed that α‐pinene (23.2%) is the most abundant compound, followed by limonene (12.7%), bornyl acetate (9.9%) and β‐caryophyllene (10.8%). Aroma‐active compounds of A. nephrolepis were determined using gas chromatography–olfactometry by aroma extract dilution analysis. a‐Pinene showed the highest ﬂavour dilution factors, ranging from 38 to 39 with characteristic pine aroma. (Z)‐3‐Hexenal and γ‐terpinene were also identiﬁed as important aroma‐active compounds. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The persistence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia: the Cache County Study
Authors: Steinberg Martin , Tschanz JoAnn T. , Corcoran Christopher , Steffens David C. , Norton Maria C. , Lyketsos Constantine G. , Breitner John C.S.
Published: January 2004

Objective

To estimate the 18‐month persistence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia in a population‐based sample, and to compare the severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms at baseline to the severity at 18‐month follow‐up.

Methods

A population‐based sample of 329 residents of Cache County, Utah, diagnosed with dementia was rated on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Of the 204 participants with neuropsychiatric symptoms at baseline (defined as total NPI score >0), NPI data were obtained approximately 18 months later on 117 who were alive and available for follow‐up.

Results

Eighty‐one percent of those with neuropsychiatric symptoms at baseline (defined as total NPI score>0) continued to have at least one symptom at follow‐up. Sixty‐seven percent of participants with a clinically significant total NPI score (defined as ≥;4) at baseline continued to have a clinically significant total NPI score at follow‐up. Among the ten neuropsychiatric domains assessed at baseline, delusions persisted in 65.5% of individuals, followed by depression (58.3%), and aberrant motor behavior (55.6%), while hallucinations and disinhibition persisted in only 25.0% and 11.1% respectively. In participants who were symptomatic at both baseline and follow‐up, the mean severity scores at the two observation points were comparable in all ten neuropsychiatric domains.

Conclusions

Neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia overall were highly persistent. Among those in whom symptoms did persist, symptom severity a year and a half later appeared to be comparable. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poor mental and physical health differentially contributes to disability in hospitalized geriatric patients of different ages
Authors: Marengoni Alessandra , Agüero‐Torres Hedda , Cossi Stefania , Ghisla Maria Karin , De Martinis Monica , Leonardi Roberto , Fratiglioni Laura
Published: January 2004

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between depressive symptoms, cognition and somatic diseases on functional status of geriatric patients at hospital discharge.

Method

Patients 65+ years consecutively admitted to the acute care geriatric ward of the Internal Medicine Department I, Civil Hospital of Brescia, Italy, from February 1998 to December 2000 (n = 830) were examined. Functional disability was defined as need of physical assistance in at least one of the basic Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The Greenfield Index of Disease Severity (IDS) and the Geriatric Index of Comorbidity (GIC) were used to measure number and severity of diseases. The Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) assessed cognitive status and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) measured depressive symptoms.

Results

Prevalence of functional disability at discharge was 29.3% in the younger age group (65–74 years) and 55.2% in the older age group (75+ years). Using logistic regression models, older age, poorer cognitive status, and depressive symptoms were independently associated with functional disability in the younger and older age group, respectively. Additionally cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms showed an additive association with disability, especially in younger patients, while comorbidity was correlated with functional status only in the oldest old, in particular among those who were cognitively impaired.

Conclusion

Functional disability after acute hospitalization is highly prevalent in geriatric patients. Depressive symptoms, comorbidity, and cognitive impairment often coexist, interact and are differentially associated with function depending on age. Considering that depressive symptoms are a modifiable problem, their detection in hospital settings may help clinicians in targeting subjects at high risk of functional disability. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Knowledge of Alzheimer's disease in four ethnic groups of older adults
Authors: Ayalon Liat , Areán Patricia A.
Published: January 2004

Objectives

The present study evaluated knowledge of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in four ethnic groups of older adults.

Methods

Ninety‐six Anglo, 37 Latino, 30 Asian, and 30 African American older adults completed a short survey about AD.

Results

Results indicated that Anglo older adults are significantly more knowledgeable about AD than African American, Asian, and Latino older adults. Level of education partially accounted for differences in knowledge of AD between Latino to Anglo older adults. After controlling for age, number of years of speaking English was associated with knowledge of AD in Asian older adults.

Conclusions

The results suggest that certain ethnic minority groups do not have sufficient information about AD, and this may explain the lack of AD service use by minorities. Extensive evaluation of barriers to knowledge of AD is needed in order to specifically target minority groups and educate them about AD and the importance of early intervention. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15) detects changes in depressive symptoms after a major negative life event. The Leiden 85‐plus Study
Authors: Vinkers David J. , Gussekloo Jacobijn , Stek Max L. , Westendorp Rudi G. J. , van der Mast Roos C.
Published: January 2004

Background

The 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15) is a widely used screening instrument for depressive symptoms in the elderly, but its ability to detect alterations in depressive symptoms over time has not been established.

Objective

To assess the change of the GDS‐15 score after a major negative life event.

Methods

Within the Leiden 85‐plus Study, we prospectively followed a population‐based cohort of 599 subjects from 85 years onwards. The GDS‐15 was applied annually to participants with a Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score above 18 points. The change in GDS‐15 score of 32 subjects who had lost their partner during follow‐up was compared with a control group of 32 subjects who had not lost their partner, matched for age, sex, and initial GDS‐15 score.

Results

At baseline, 241 subjects lived together with a partner. During a mean follow‐up of 3.2 years, 55 participants (23%) lost their partner. Of those, 32 subjects completed the GDS‐15 before and after the loss of their partner. All subjects reported the bereavement to be a major negative life event. The mean increase of the GDS‐15 score after the death of a partner was 1.2 points (paired t‐test, p = 0.013). This was significantly higher than the mean change of −0.06 points in the matched control group (independent t‐test, p = 0.032), and independent of sex, level of education, pre‐bereavement GDS‐15 score, and time period since the loss of a partner.

Conclusion

This study shows that the GDS‐15 detects change in depressive symptoms after loss of a partner, a negative life event that is the most important risk factor for depression in the elderly. Therefore, it may be concluded that the GDS‐15 has the ability to measure longitudinal alterations in depressive symptomatology. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do caregiver management strategies influence patient behaviour in dementia?
Authors: de Vugt Marjolein E. , Stevens Fred , Aalten Pauline , Lousberg Richel , Jaspers Niek , Winkens Ieke , Jolles Jellemer , Verhey Frans R. J.
Published: January 2004

Objectives

Little is known about the effectiveness of caregiver management strategies on the functioning of the demented patient. However, identification of specific caregiver strategies may provide useful information on the management and manifestation of behavioural problems in dementia.

Methods

Ninety‐nine patients with dementia and their informal caregivers were followed up for one year. Interviews were used to assess differences in caregiver management strategies. Behavioural disturbances in the patient were measured with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Repeated measures analysis were carried out to investigate the relationship between caregiver management strategies and patient behaviour.

Results

Three caregiver management strategies were identified, based on whether caregivers accepted, or not, the caregiving situation and dementia related problems. Caregivers characterized by non‐acceptance were typified as ‘Non‐adapters’; caregivers characterized by acceptance were further subdivided into two groups typified as ‘Nurturers’ and ‘Supporters’. Caregiver characteristics such as sex, education and personality were important determinants of management strategies. MANOVA showed that non‐adapters reported significantly more hyperactivity symptoms in patients and felt less competent than did supporters.

Conclusions

Caregiver management strategies would appear to be associated with behavioural problems in dementia, and are important in predicting patient behaviour and caregiver burden. Intervention programmes should aim at teaching caregivers adequate management strategies. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized placebo‐controlled trial of donepezil in cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Leroi Iracema , Brandt Jason , Reich Stephen G. , Lyketsos Constantine G. , Grill Stephen , Thompson Richard , Marsh Laura
Published: January 2004

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, as a treatment for cognitive impairment and dementia in patients with Parkinson' s disease (PD).

Methods

Using a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled design, nine patients received placebo and seven patients received donepezil (2.5–10 mg/day) for a mean (SD) duration of 15.2 (3.4) weeks. The primary efficacy outcomes were derived from a neuropsychological battery that assessed global cognitive status as well as memory, attention, psychomotor speed, and visuospatial and executive functions. Secondary efficacy outcomes were psychiatric symptom and activities of daily living ratings. Primary safety measures were motor signs and assessments of adverse effects.

Results

Patients on donepezil showed selective and significant (p<0.05) improvement on the memory subscale of the Dementia Rating Scale. There was also a trend toward improvement on a measure of psychomotor speed and attention. There were no group differences in psychiatric status, motor function, or activities of daily living as measured at baseline or end‐point. Adverse effects resulted in premature withdrawal of four patients on donepezil, two for peripheral cholinergic effects and one for increased parkinsonism. Side effects were associated with dosage increases.

Conclusion

Donepezil has a beneficial effect on memory and may improve other cognitive deficits in patients with PD and cognitive impairment. However, variable tolerability in our sample underscores the need for careful monitoring when prescribing donepezil to patients with PD, especially with dosage increases. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A randomized, placebo‐controlled study of the efficacy and safety of sertraline in the treatment of the behavioral manifestations of Alzheimer's disease in outpatients treated with donepezil
Authors: Finkel Sanford I. , Mintzer Jacobo E. , Dysken Maurice , Krishnan K. R. R. , Burt Tal , McRae Thomas
Published: January 2004

Objective

To examine the safety and efficacy of sertraline augmentation therapy in the treatment of behavioral manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in outpatients treated with donepezil.

Methods and materials

Patients with probable or possible AD, and a Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) total score >5 (with a severity score ≥2 in at least one domain), were treated with donepezil (5–10 mg) for 8 weeks, then randomly assigned to 12 weeks of double‐blind augmentation therapy with either sertraline (50–200 mg) or placebo. Primary efficacy measures were the 12‐item Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and the Clinical Global Impression Improvement (CGI‐I) and Severity (CGI‐S) scales.

Results

24 patients were treated with donepezil+sertraline and 120 patients with donepezil+placebo. There were no statistically significant differences at endpoint on any of the three primary efficacy measures. However, a linear mixed model analysis found modest but statistically significantly greater improvements in the CGI‐I score on donepezil+sertraline. Moreover, in a sub‐group of patients with moderate‐to‐severe behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, 60% of patients on sertraline vs 40% on placebo (p = 0.006) achieved a response (defined as ≥;50% reduction in a four‐item NPI‐behavioral subscale). One adverse event (diarrhea) was significantly (p < 0.05) more common in the donepezil+sertraline group compared to the donepezil+placebo group.

Conclusion

Sertraline augmentation was well‐tolerated in this sample of AD outpatients. In addition, post hoc analyses demonstrated a modest but statistically significant advantage of sertraline over placebo augmentation in mixed model analyses and a clinically and statistically significant advantage in a subgroup of patients with moderate‐to‐severe behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cationic and mesoionic 1,3‐thiazolo‐[3,2‐c]quinazoline derivatives
Authors: Wasfy A. A. F.
Published: January 2004

4‐Allylthio‐2‐arylquinazolines 4a–c undergo cyclization by action of bromine to furnish 5‐aryl‐3‐bromomethyl‐2,3‐dihydrothiazolo[3,2‐c]quinazolin‐4‐ium bromides 5a–c. Compounds 5a–c undergo ring opening by action of water under acid catalysis to afford the corresponding dibromide derivatives 6a–c. Bromination of 3‐allyl‐2‐aryl‐4(3H)quinazolinethiones 7a–c leads to 5‐aryl‐2‐bromomethyl‐2,3‐dihydrothiazolo[3,2‐c]quinazolin‐4‐ium bromides 8a–c. However, anhydro‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐aryl‐1,3‐thiazolo[3,2‐c]quinazolin‐4‐ium hydroxide 10a–c were prepared by the cyclodehydration of the corresponding thioglycolic acids 9a–c with Ac2O. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 14:576–580, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.10148
Studies on quinazolines, part IV: Fused mesoionic heterocycles from 3‐amino‐2‐aryl‐4(3H)‐quinazolinethiones
Authors: Wasfy A. A. F.
Published: January 2004

The 3‐amino‐4(3H)‐quinazolinethiones 2a–c react with phenyl isothiocyanate in DMF, giving N,N‐disubstituted thioureas 3a–c. When 2a–c are treated with phenyl isothiocyanate in dry acetonitrile in the presence of triethylamine, the mesoionic compounds 4a–c are isolated. The methiodide 5a reacts with carbon nucleophiles such as malononitrile and/or ethyl cyanoacetate in the presence of triethylamine to give the corresponding 1,2,4‐triazoles 6a,b. On the other hand, compounds 2a–c react with CS2–K2CO3 combination to furnish 1,3,4‐thiadiazolo[3,2‐c]‐4‐quinazolinium‐2‐mercaptides 7a–c. Treatment of the methiodide 8a with malononitrile in the presence of potassium t‐butoxide provides a mixture of 2‐[2‐(2‐nitrophenyl)‐3H‐quinazolin‐4‐ylidene]malononitrile 9 (24%) and 2‐amino‐5‐(2‐nirophenyl)pyrazolo[1,5‐c]quinazoline‐1‐carbonitrile 10(40%). The reaction between Schiff bases 11 derived from 2a and phenacyl bromide yields 2‐benzoyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazino[3,2‐c]quinazolin‐5‐ium bromide derivatives 12a,b. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 14:581–586, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.10172