bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of bone mass by growth hormone
Authors: Olney Robert C.
Published: July 2003

Growth hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone secreted from the pituitary gland under the control of the hypothalamus. It has a many actions in the body, including regulating a number of metabolic pathways. Some, but not all, of its effects are mediated through insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I). Both GH and IGF‐I play significant roles in the regulation of growth and bone metabolism and hence are regulators of bone mass. Bone mass increases steadily through childhood, peaking in the mid 20s. Subsequently, there is a slow decline that accelerates in late life. During childhood, the accumulation in bone mass is a combination of bone growth and bone remodeling. Bone remodeling is the process of new bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. GH directly and through IGF‐I stimulates osteoblast proliferation and activity, promoting bone formation. It also stimulates osteoclast differentiation and activity, promoting bone resorption. The result is an increase in the overall rate of bone remodeling, with a net effect of bone accumulation. The absence of GH results in a reduced rate of bone remodeling and a gradual loss of bone mineral density. Bone growth primarily occurs at the epiphyseal growth plates and is the result of the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes. GH has direct effects on these chondrocytes, but primarily regulates this function through IGF‐I, which stimulates the proliferation of and matrix production by these cells. GH deficiency severely limits bone growth and hence the accumulation of bone mass. GH deficiency is not an uncommon complication in oncology and has long‐term effects on bone health. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;41:228–234. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT) in children and adolescents: Skeletal impact
Authors: Mukherjee Annice , Shalet Stephen M.
Published: July 2003

In addition to its well‐established effects on linear growth in childhood and adolescence, growth hormone has both direct and indirect actions on bone remodelling and homeostasis. In this review the limitations of methods of assessment of bone mineral density are highlighted. The influence of growth hormone deficiency of childhood‐onset, on bone mineral accretion and, the specific skeletal implications of GHD in long‐term survivors of childhood cancers, are discussed. Specific influential factors, which affect peak bone mass achievement and therefore skeletal health in later life, are evaluated. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;41:235–242. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A general high‐order finite element formulation for shells at large strains and finite rotations
Authors: Başar Y. , Hanskötter U. , Schwab Ch.
Published: July 2003

For hyperelastic shells with finite rotations and large strains a p‐finite element formulation is presented accommodating general kinematic assumptions, interpolation polynomials and particularly general three‐dimensional hyperelastic constitutive laws. This goal is achieved by hierarchical, high‐order shell models. The tangent stiffness matrices for the hierarchical shell models are derived by computer algebra. Both non‐hierarchical, nodal as well as hierarchical element shape functions are admissible. Numerical experiments show the high‐order formulation to be less prone to locking effects. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An iterative defect‐correction type meshless method for acoustics
Authors: Lacroix V. , Bouillard Ph. , Villon P.
Published: July 2003

Accurate numerical simulation of acoustic wave propagation is still an open problem, particularly for medium frequencies. We have thus formulated a new numerical method better suited to the acoustical problem: the element‐free Galerkin method (EFGM) improved by appropriate basis functions computed by a defect correction approach.

One of the EFGM advantages is that the shape functions are customizable. Indeed, we can construct the basis of the approximation with terms that are suited to the problem which has to be solved. Acoustical problems, in cavities Ω with boundary T, are governed by the Helmholtz equation completed with appropriate boundary conditions. As the pressure p(x,y) is a complex variable, it can always be expressed as a function of cosθ(x,y) and sinθ(x,y) where θ(x,y) is the phase of the wave in each point (x,y). If the exact distribution θ(x,y) of the phase is known and if a meshless basis {1, cosθ(x,y), sinθ (x,y) } is used, then the exact solution of the acoustic problem can be obtained.

Obviously, in real‐life cases, the distribution of the phase is unknown. The aim of our work is to resolve, as a first step, the acoustic problem by using a polynomial basis to obtain a first approximation of the pressure field p(x,y). As a second step, from p(x,y) we compute the distribution of the phase θ(x,y) and we introduce it in the meshless basis in order to compute a second approximated pressure field p(x,y). From p(x,y), a new distribution of the phase is computed in order to obtain a third approximated pressure field and so on until a convergence criterion, concerning the pressure or the phase, is obtained. So, an iterative defect‐correction type meshless method has been developed to compute the pressure field in Ω.

This work will show the efficiency of this meshless method in terms of accuracy and in terms of computational time. We will also compare the performance of this method with the classical finite element method. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational design of swarms
Authors: Zohdi T. I.
Published: July 2003

In this work, a method for the rapid computational design and simulation of multiparticle swarms is developed. Specifically, a non‐convex optimization strategy is constructed, based on genetic algorithms, to design desired swarm‐like behaviour. To allow rapid evaluation of various swarm design performances, a temporally‐adaptive iterative scheme is developed to determine the positions, velocities and accelerations of members of the swarm. The overall purpose of such an approach is to facilitate rapid decision making for the dynamics of large numbers of interacting objects, whose goal is to reach a target guarded by obstacles in a minimum amount of time. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cn continuous modelling of smooth contact surfaces using NURBS and application to 2D problems
Authors: Stadler M. , Holzapfel G. A. , Korelc J.
Published: July 2003

This paper presents a strategy for the finite element implementation of Cn continuous contact surfaces for deformable bodies undergoing finite deformations, whereby n represents an arbitrary level of continuity. The proposed novel approach avoids the non‐physical oscillations of contact forces which are induced by the traditional enforcement of kinematic contact constraints via faceted surfaces discretizing the interacting boundaries. In particular, for certain problems, the level of continuity may influence the rate of convergence significantly within a non‐linear solution scheme. A hierarchical tree data structure is proposed for an efficient search algorithm to find the neighbour elements on adaptively refined meshes, which are involved in the smoothing process of a particular finite element. The same data structure is used for the automatic detection of the contact surfaces of a body. Three representative numerical examples demonstrate the increased rate of convergence, the ability to trace the actual surface more accurately and the prevention of pressure jumps of the proposed method. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New crack‐tip elements for XFEM and applications to cohesive cracks
Authors: Zi Goangseup , Belytschko Ted
Published: July 2003

An extended finite element method scheme for a static cohesive crack is developed with a new formulation for elements containing crack tips. This method can treat arbitrary cracks independent of the mesh and crack growth without remeshing. All cracked elements are enriched by the sign function so that no blending of the local partition of unity is required. This method is able to treat the entire crack with only one type of enrichment function, including the elements containing the crack tip. This scheme is applied to linear 3‐node triangular elements and quadratic 6‐node triangular elements. To ensure smooth crack closing of the cohesive crack, the stress projection normal to the crack tip is imposed to be equal to the material strength. The equilibrium equation and the traction condition are solved by the Newton–Raphson method to obtain the nodal displacements and the external load simultaneously. The results obtained by the new extended finite element method are compared to reference solutions and show excellent agreement. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Qualitative and quantitative determination of yohimbine in authentic yohimbe bark and in commercial aphrodisiacs by HPLC‐UV‐API/MS methods
Authors: Zanolari Boris , Ndjoko Karine , Ioset Jean‐Robert , Marston Andrew , Hostettmann Kurt
Published: July 2003

The development and validation of a rapid qualitative and quantitative method based on an HPLC‐UV‐MS technique with atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation and electrospray ionisation for the analysis of yohimbine in a number of commercial aphrodisiac products is reported. HPLC with multiple‐stage mass spectrometry experiments allowed the identification of the target compound and increased the selectivity of complex analyses such as those involved with multi‐botanical preparations. The precision and the robustness of the method were improved by the use of two internal standards: codeine for UV detection and deuterium‐labelled yohimbine for MS detection. Twenty commercial aphrodisiac preparations were analysed and the amount of yohimbine measured and expressed as the maximal dose per day suggested on product labels ranged from 1.32 to 23.16 mg. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation of high‐quality RNA from white spruce tissue using a three‐stage purification method and subsequent cloning of a transcript from the PR‐10 gene family
Authors: Mattheus Nathalie , Ekramoddoullah Abul K. M. , Lee Stephen P.
Published: July 2003

Isolation of PinmIII cDNA homologues from white spruce tissues required a rigorous RNA extraction protocol developed following assessment of three previously reported conifer RNA extraction protocols. Total RNA was extracted via several purification steps designed to minimize binding of phenolics to nucleic acids and was then subjected to caesium chloride ultra‐centrifugation. This procedure produced consistently high‐quality, intact RNA from both needles and roots with spectrophotometric ratios of approximately 2.0 for both 260/280 nm and 260/230 nm. Total RNA was obtained from the roots of cold‐hardened white spruce seedlings for cDNA library construction. More than 2 million recombinant phage particles were generated from 5 µg of a poly(A)+RNA fraction, and ca. 1.3 million cDNA particles were amplified for storage. Approximately 500,000 primary recombinant clones were screened with an heterologous PinmIII cDNA sequence yielding a unique clone, picg1, that was very similar to members of the PR10 gene family. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemiluminescence inhibition assay for folic acid using flow injection analysis
Authors: Song Zhenghua , Wang Lin
Published: July 2003

A new flow injection method for the determination of folic acid is described. A fast oxidation reaction occurred when folic acid was mixed with potassium ferricyanide generating ferrocyanide which then inhibited the chemiluminescent reaction of ferricyanide and luminol in alkaline medium. The decrease of chemiluminescence intensity was correlated with the folic acid concentration in the range 0.1–21 µg/mL; the detection limit for the assay was 0.03 µg/mL (3σ). A complete analysis of folic acid, including sampling and washing, could be performed within 2 min with a relative standard deviation of less than 4.0%. The proposed method has been applied successfully to the determination of folic acid in pharmaceutical preparations Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fractionation of grape tannins and analysis by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Perret Camille , Pezet Roger , Tabacchi Raphael
Published: July 2003

Polymeric tannins, extracted from grape berries (Gamay variety), were fractionated according to their mean degree of polymerisation (mDP) on a styrene–divinylbenzene phase eluted with a gradient of methanol:chloroform. Increasing the percentage of methanol led to the solubilisation of higher molecular weight tannins. The mean mDP of each collected fraction was determined by acid‐catalysed degradation in the presence of a nucleophilic reagent. The fractionation method produced a linear gradient of mDP varying between 1.84 and 19.34. The fractions were partially characterised by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF/MS). The spectra showed a complex mixture of proanthocyanidins and galloylated proanthocyanidins up to 4000 amu. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supercritical fluid extraction of naringin from the peel of Citrus paradisi
Authors: Giannuzzo Amelia N. , Boggetti Héctor J. , Nazareno Mónica A. , Mishima Horacio T.
Published: July 2003

The highest yield (14.4 g/kg) of naringin, the major flavonoid from the peel of Citrus paradisi L., that could be achieved by supercritical fluid extraction was obtained using supercritical carbon dioxide modified with 15% ethanol and fresh (rather than dried) peels at 95 bar and 58.6°C. This yield is higher than that attained by the conventional technique of maceration, and close to those obtained by reflux and Soxhlet methods. Furthermore, supercritical fluid extraction consumes less solvent and provides a shorter extraction time than conventional extraction methods. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple differential pulse polarographic method for the determination of thymoquinone in black seed oil
Authors: Michelitsch Astrid , Rittmannsberger Anna
Published: July 2003

A reliable and simple differential pulse polarographic method is described for the determination of thymoquinone in black seed oil. The polarographic behaviour of thymoquinone was examined in various buffer systems over the pH range 5.0–10.0. Thymoquinone is reduced in a single, reversible peak at the dropping mercury electrode. The differential pulse polarogram showed a distinct peak in Sörensen buffer:methanol (3:7, v/v; pH 8.5) at a peak potential of −0.095 V (vs. silver/silver chloride electrode), and a plot of peak height against concentration was found to be linear over the range 0.2–15.0 µg/mL (R = 0.9998). The limit of detection was calculated to be 0.054 µg/mL. The polarographic method has been applied to determine thymoquinone in two black seed oil preparations available on the Austrian pharmaceutical market. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical polymorphism of the essential oils from populations of Thymus caespititius grown on the islands Pico, Faial and Graciosa (Azores)
Authors: Pereira S. I. , Santos P. A. G. , Barroso J. G. , Figueiredo A. C. , Pedro L. G. , Salgueiro L. R. , Deans S. G. , Scheffer J. J. C.
Published: July 2003

The compositions of the essential oils isolated from the aerial parts of 11 populations of Thymus caespititius collected during the ﬂowering phase on Pico, Faial and Graciosa (Azores) were studied by GC and GC‐MS. The monoterpene fraction was dominant in all the oils analysed (55–90%) and consisted mainly of oxygen‐containing compounds (44–79%). Sesquiterpenes represented an important fraction of the oils from the populations grown on Graciosa (13–28%). In contrast, this fraction was rather small in the oils from the populations grown on Pico and Faial (6–11%). Despite this, oxygen‐containing compounds (4–18%) were always dominant. Cluster analysis of all identiﬁed oil components grouped the oils into three main clusters that corresponded with their main components. The oils from the 11 populations studied showed a clear chemical polymorphism that, in some cases, was more evident among populations growing on the same island than among those from different islands. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring seasonal variation in apple fruit volatile emissions in situ using solid‐phase microextraction
Authors: Hern Alan , Dorn Silvia
Published: July 2003

Emissions of volatiles from apple fruits (Malus domestica Borkh.) were monitored in situ over the course of a growing season (from early June to mid September) for two apple varieties, Golden Delicious and Maigold. Results indicate a characteristic time‐course of volatile emissions as the sampling date was a statistically signiﬁcant factor for nine of the 13 compounds considered. The amounts of volatiles collected were greatest early and late in the season. The temporal effect on emissions was generally much larger than the effect of variety, which was signiﬁcant for only four of the 13 compounds considered. The possible sources of variation which are not explained by the statistical models are discussed, and it is considered that they are most likely related to differences in the emissions from individual fruits. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enantiomeric differentiation of bornyl acetate by 13C‐NMR using a chiral lanthanide shift reagent
Authors: Baldovini Nicolas , Tomi Félix , Casanova Joseph
Published: July 2003

The enantiomeric differentiation of bornyl acetate was carried out by 13C‐NMR spectroscopy using a chiral lanthanide shift reagent. The technique was successfully applied to the determination of the enantiomer of bornyl acetate present in the essential oil of Inula graveolens. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal variability of phytoplankton at Varna Bay (Black Sea)
Authors: Moncheva Snejana , Gorinstein Shela , Shtereva Galina , Toledo Fernando , Arancibia Patricia , Booth William A. , Goshev Ivan , Weisz Moshe , Trakhtenberg Simon
Published: July 2003

Intrinsic ﬂuorescence and SDS‐PAGE analysis were employed to study the seasonal qualitative and quantitative changes of phytoplankton composition at Varna Bay (Black Sea). Variation in the maximum emission wavelength (λmax) of the phytoplankton proteins (398 nm in the summer and 340 nm in the spring) was observed. In addition, a decrease in ﬂuorescence intensity, and a shift in λmax as a result of changes in phytoplankton protein stability, according to the season, was noted. Similarly, SDS‐PAGE analysis showed different protein patterns for each season, for example in summertime the major protein constituents were of 14, 37, 48 and 70 kDa, while in the springtime the sizes ranged between 38 and 48 kDa. In general, higher carbohydrate and protein contents correlated with larger phytoplankton biomass found during the summer. The dominant species, the Bacillariophyceae and Dinophyceae, were found to be present in the water body in an alternate pattern. All of these changes could be accounted for by the adaptation of the organism to seasonal variations that modify the sea environment at Varna Bay. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lipids of the hexane extract from the roots of medicinal boraginaceous species
Authors: Papageorgiou Vassilios P. , Assimopoulou Andreana N.
Published: July 2003

The chemical compositions of hexane extracts of the lipid fraction of the roots of the medicinal Boraginaceous species Alkanna tinctoria, Onosma heterophylla, Macrotomia densiﬂora and Onosma hispidium are presented and their phytochemical relevance evaluated. The predominating fatty acids in all of the root lipids were stearic, palmitic, oleic, linoleic and γ‐linolenic acids, while the latter and stearidonic acid predominated in the seeds and leaves of various Boraginaceous species. The indigenous presence of methyl, ethyl and isopropyl esters of fatty acids, reported for the ﬁrst time in the roots of higher plants, is considered to be of particular importance in the biosynthesis of fatty substances. The results suggest the use of fatty acids as chemotaxonomic markers for Boraginaceous species and the utilisation of Boraginaceous species as new commercial sources for fatty acids with valuable medicinal and nutritional properties. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current awareness in prenatal diagnosis
Authors:   John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published: July 2003

In order to keep subscribers up‐to‐date with the latest developments in their field, John Wiley & Sons are providing a current awareness service in each issue of the journal. The bibliography contains newly published material in the field of prenatal diagnosis. Each bibliography is divided into 17 sections: 1 Books, Reviews & Symposia; 2 General Interest; 3 Normal Fetal Development; 4 Gametogenesis and Pre‐implantation Diagnosis; 5 First Trimester Diagnosis; 6 Second Trimester Diagnosis; 7 Fetal Diagnosis by Ultrasound and Other Imaging; 8 Maternal Screening; 9 Screening for Carriers of Genetic Abnormality; 10 Technological Developments; 11 Confined Placental Mosaicism and Uniparental Disomy; 12 Molecular Cytogenetics; 13 Fetal Cells in Maternal Circulation; 14 Fetal Therapy; 15 Psychosocial Aspects; 16 Epidemiology and Environmental Factors; 17 Developmental Pathology. Within each section, articles are listed in alphabetical order with respect to author. If, in the preceding period, no publications are located relevant to any one of these headings, that section will be omitted
Prenatal diagnosis of triple X using fetal cells obtained by endocervical lavage
Authors: Xi Zhao Xiao , Suzumori Kaoru , Sato Takeshi
Published: July 2003

Prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidies currently relies on invasive procedures such as chorionic villous sampling and amniocentesis. These methods can provide an accurate diagnosis of the fetal karyotype but are relatively invasive. Here, we report a case of the prenatal detection of triple X using fetal cells obtained by lavage of the endocervical canal prior to amniocentesis, following ultrasound diagnosis of hydrops fetalis. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Caliber of the coronary sinus in fetuses with cardiac defects with and without left persistent superior vena cava and in growth‐restricted fetuses with heart‐sparing effect
Authors: Chaoui R. , Heling K. S. , Kalache K. D.
Published: July 2003

Objective

To assess reference ranges for fetal coronary sinus (CS) diameter and to compare them with values from fetuses showing heart defects with and without left superior vena cava (LSVC) as well as with severe intrauterine growth retardation and heart‐sparing effect on color Doppler.

Methods

The coronary sinus was visualized on two‐dimensional ultrasound in a plane slightly caudal to the apical four‐chamber view. For the normal range of the size of the CS in relation to gestational age, data was collected from 108/114 (95%) normal fetuses with good visualization between 20 weeks' gestation and term. Abnormal conditions comprised two groups: group 1 consisted of 52 fetuses with heart anomalies, including three subgroups: 11 fetuses with isolated LSVC emptying into the coronary sinus, 12 fetuses with LSVC associated with structural heart defects and 29 fetuses with structural heart defects but without LSVC. Group 2 consisted of 11 fetuses with severe intrauterine growth retardation and dilated coronary arteries as seen by color Doppler ultrasound.

Results

Under normal conditions, there was a significant increase in the CS diameter with advancing gestational age (1.2–2.7 mm). Significant dilatation was found only in the two groups with LSVC (range 2.7–6.5 mm), independent of whether the finding was isolated or associated with cardiac defects.

Conclusion

CS visualization and measurements are easily feasible in the human fetus in the apical four‐chamber view. Significant dilatation of the CS is a sign of LSVC. The examiner should be aware of this condition as such dilatation is commonly falsely diagnosed as atrial or atrioventricular septal defect. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining nuchal translucency and serum markers in prenatal screening for Down syndrome in twin pregnancies
Authors: Wald Nicholas J. , Rish Simon , Hackshaw Allan K.
Published: July 2003

A method is described to combine the ultrasound marker nuchal translucency (NT) with serum markers so that they can be used together in prenatal screening for Down syndrome in twin pregnancies. For monochorionic twin pregnancies (taken as monozygous), the two fetus‐specific NT measurements are averaged before risk is calculated and before the contribution of the serum markers is incorporated. For dichorionic twin pregnancies (taken as dizygous), the risk for each fetus based on the individual NT measurements is calculated, the two fetus‐specific risks are added together, and then the contribution of the serum markers is incorporated. In this way, all the screening markers can be used in combination to produce a pregnancy‐specific ‘pseudo‐risk’, rather than a fetus‐specific pseudo‐risk. We refer to pseudo‐risk because in the absence of sufficient data on the screening markers in affected twin pregnancies, a true risk estimate cannot be calculated. Tentative estimates are given of screening performance in twins using NT, the combined test (NT with first‐trimester serum markers), and the integrated test (NT with first‐ and second‐trimester serum markers), all interpreted with maternal age. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Histopathological findings of the nose of Down syndrome abortuses
Authors: Wong S. F. , Ng W. F. , Ho L. C.
Published: July 2003

Recent reports of absent nasal bone in fetuses with Down syndrome have sparked much interest in the use of this finding for the screening of Down syndrome. We describe the histopathological findings of nasal bones of two fetuses with Down syndrome, one with absence and the other with normal ossification of the nasal bone. We propose that histopathological examination of the nasal bone could improve the accuracy of diagnosis of nasal hypoplasia among Down syndrome abortuses. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal toxoplasmosis and negative amniocentesis: necessity of an ultrasound follow‐up
Authors: Gay‐Andrieu Françoise , Marty Pierre , Pialat Jean , Sournies Gilles , de Laforte Thierry Drier , Peyron François
Published: July 2003

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis relies on the PCR test on amniotic fluid and ultrasound follow‐up of the fetus. We report two cases of toxoplasma infection during the first trimester of gestation with a discrepant diagnosis of fetal infection. PCR performed more than four weeks after the estimated date of contamination was negative. Ultrasound follow‐up was normal up to the third trimester when major hydrocephalus was detected, leading to pregnancy termination. In both cases, post‐mortem examination revealed a diffuse infection with severe brain lesions. These observations confirm the necessity to continue a monthly ultrasound follow‐up, even if amniocentesis is negative, in case of fetal toxoplasma infection in pregnancy. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coping with termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormality in a supportive environment
Authors: Geerinck‐Vercammen C. R. , Kanhai H. H. H.
Published: July 2003

Objectives

To study the feelings of parents during and after termination of pregnancy (TOP) for fetal anomalies.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted before TOP, after six weeks and six months after TOP. The study group consisted of 89 couples, treated at our institution between 1994 and 1998, who terminated their pregnancy in the second and third trimester. Eighty‐six of them participated in at least one of the three interviews.

Results

Most parents were able to cope with the decisions they had to make, although a struggle between reason and emotion often occurred. Seeing the dead baby and saying farewell gave all parents a good feeling afterward. Feelings such as doubt, guilt, failure, shame, anger, anxiety and relief were experienced during the period of TOP and the following weeks but practically disappeared after six months; these feelings were more prevalent in women. Most of the couples mentioned that their relationship grew closer as a result of the loss and the grief. Relatives offered good support to most parents in the first weeks after delivery, but parents felt that this support lasted too short a time.

Conclusions

Seeing the child and saying farewell and the medical and psychosocial support received from professional caregivers were of great value for the interviewees. Parents found the interviews helpful in the grieving process. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health professionals' reports of information given to parents following the prenatal diagnosis of sex chromosome anomalies and outcomes of pregnancies: a pilot study
Authors: Hall Sue , Abramsky Lenore , Marteau Theresa M.
Published: July 2003

Objectives

To examine the association between the information health professionals report providing parents about sex chromosome anomalies (SCAs) and the outcomes of affected pregnancies.

Methods

Telephone interviews were conducted with health professionals who disclosed the prenatal diagnosis of an SCA to parents. The statements they reported providing to parents about the condition were coded as positive, neutral or negative. Outcomes of the pregnancies were obtained from medical records.

Results

Six of the 23 pregnancies were terminated. Health professionals reported giving parents of these six cases a greater amount of negative information about an SCA than did the health professionals reporting on the information given to the parents who continued with their pregnancies. Health professionals reported giving a similar amount of positive and neutral information to both groups of parents.

Conclusion

The results of this pilot study suggest that there is a positive association between the amount of negative information parents are given initially about a sex chromosome anomaly and the decision to terminate the affected pregnancy. This study is limited by its small sample size and reliance on health professionals' self‐reports of information provided to parents. Larger, prospective studies in which consultations are tape‐recorded and linked to parents' subsequent decision making and adjustment are needed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐trimester diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta associated with encephalocele by conventional and three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Ruano Rodrigo , Picone Olivier , Benachi Alexandra , Grebille Anne‐Gaelle , Martinovic Jelena , Dumez Yves , Dommergues Marc
Published: July 2003

To illustrate the three‐dimensional sonographic features of a rare genetic disorder, we report on prenatal diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta congenita associated with encephalocele at 13 weeks of gestation, using conventional and three‐dimensional ultrasound. Because the parents were first‐degree cousins and on the basis of the family history, a recessive autosomal inheritance was suspected. Of seven previous pregnancies, five were unaffected and two had been terminated in the second trimester owing to a similar abnormality (one affected boy and one affected girl). In the case we present, the diagnosis was made on the basis of two‐dimensional ultrasound performed by physicians aware of the history; the quality of three‐dimensional ultrasound imaging suggests that this technique might have contributed toward establishing a precise diagnosis in the absence of a positive family history. Besides, the global view provided by three‐dimensional surface‐rendering images made the parents more confident of the accuracy of the diagnosis. Although osteogenesis imperfecta congenita is generally considered as autosomal dominant, the case we report suggests that it may be inherited in a recessive autosomal fashion at least when associated with encephalocele. Three‐dimensional ultrasound confirmed the conventional two‐dimensional examination and was helpful in convincing the parents of the accuracy of the diagnosis. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Residual risk for cytogenetic abnormalities after prenatal diagnosis by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
Authors: Homer Jeanne , Bhatt Sucheta , Huang Bing , Thangavelu Maya
Published: July 2003

Results from conventional cytogenetic studies on 21 609 amniotic fluid specimens were analyzed retrospectively to determine the residual risk for a cytogenetic abnormality if interphase FISH, capable of only detecting aneuploidy for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y, was performed and did not reveal an abnormality. Detection rates (the probability of detecting a cytogenetic abnormality when an abnormality is present) and residual risks (the likelihood of a cytogenetic abnormality, in view of normal interphase FISH results) were calculated for the four major clinical indications for prenatal diagnosis (advanced maternal age, abnormal maternal serum screen indicating increased risk for trisomy 18 or trisomy 21, abnormal maternal serum screen indicating increased risk for neural tube defects and ultrasound abnormality). Differences in detection rates were observed to depend on clinical indication and presence or absence of ultrasound abnormalities. The detection rate ranged from 18.2 to 82.6% depending on the clinical indication. The detection rates of abnormalities significant to the pregnancy being evaluated (i.e. abnormalities excluding familial balanced rearrangements and familial markers) were between 28.6 and 86.4%. The presence of ultrasound abnormalities increased the detection rate from 72.2 to 92.5% for advanced maternal age and from 78.6 to 91.3% for abnormal maternal serum screen, indicating increased risk for trisomy 18 or trisomy 21. With regard to residual risk, the risk for a clinically significant abnormality decreased from 0.9–10.1%, prior to the interphase FISH assay, to a residual risk of 0.6–1.5% following a normal interphase FISH result in the 4 groups studied. Providing patients with detection rates and residual risks, most relevant to their situation (clinical indication and presence or absence of ultrasound abnormality) during counseling, could help them better understand the advantages and limitations of interphase FISH in their prenatal diagnostic evaluation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular genetic prenatal diagnosis for a case of autosomal recessive spondylocostal dysostosis
Authors: Whittock Neil V. , Turnpenny Peter D. , Tuerlings Joep , Ellard Sian
Published: July 2003

Autosomal recessive spondylocostal dysostosis type 1 (ARSCD1) is a member of the heterogeneous group of disorders termed the spondylocostal dysostoses that are characterized by multiple vertebral segmentation defects and rib anomalies. In these patients, the entire vertebral column is malformed and is replaced by multiple hemivertebrae giving rise to truncal shortening, abdominal protrusion and non‐progressive spinal curvature. Genetic studies have shown that some cases of ARSCD are due to mutations in the somitogenesis gene, Delta‐like 3 (DLL3), that encodes a ligand for the Notch signalling pathway—ARSCD type 1. To date, 17 different DLL3 gene mutations have been reported. A consanguineous family of Turkish origin with ARSCD type 1 due to a homozygous DLL3 mutation requested genetic prenatal diagnosis. Using DNA from a chorionic villus sample, both linkage analysis of the DLL3/19q region and direct sequencing for the familial mutation demonstrated that the unborn fetus was an unaffected carrier. This is the first case of molecular genetic prenatal diagnosis in any form of SCD. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A further case of confined placental mosaicism for trisomy 2 associated with adverse pregnancy outcome
Authors: Roberts Eileen , Dunlop J. , Davis G. S. , Churchill D. , Davison E. V.
Published: July 2003

Objectives

To add to the knowledge base concerning confined placental mosaicism for trisomy 2.

Methods

Cytogenetic study of a late CVS referred for hyperechogenic bowel and raised AFP, and cytogenetic and molecular genetic study of a follow‐up amniocentesis. Ultrasound monitoring at regular intervals following the CVS result.

Results

All cells examined from direct and cultured CVS showed a 47,XY,+2 karyotype. Amniocentesis showed a mosaic 47,XY,+2[8]/46,XY[81] karyotype. Uniparental disomy (UPD) studies on the amniotic fluid showed normal biparental inheritance. The pregnancy developed oligohydramnios and IUGR and resulted in a 26‐week liveborn male infant with a 46,XY karyotype, which died after 3 days because of complications of severe prematurity. Placental villi post delivery showed only the 47,XY,+2 cell line.

Conclusions

This case represents a further example of confined placental mosaicism (CPM) for trisomy 2 associated with oligohydramnios, IUGR and poor pregnancy outcome. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of 5p deletion syndrome following abnormally low maternal serum human chorionic gonadotrophin
Authors: Weiss Amir , Shalev Stavit , Weiner Ehud , Shneor Yona , Shalev Eliezer
Published: July 2003

Prenatal diagnosis of 5p deletion syndrome, or cri du chat, following an abnormally low measurement of a screening of serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), is reported. Karyotyping following amniocentesis revealed a terminal deletion in the short arm of one chromosome 5. The pregnancy was electively terminated. 5p deletion syndrome has been described with abnormally high hCG levels and normal hCG levels. This is the first report of its association with abnormally low levels. The association between chromosomal abnormalities and hCG is discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Very low alpha‐fetoprotein in Down syndrome maternal serum screening
Authors: Muller Françoise , Dreux Sophie , Sault Corinne , Galland Armelle , Puissant Hugues , Couplet Gisèle , Lemay Catherine , Larcher Marie‐Estelle , Renom Gilles ,   for the ABA Group
Published: July 2003

Objective

To establish the frequency of very low maternal serum AFP and to differentiate congenital AFP deficiency from those diseases known to be associated with low AFP.

Methods

AFP values below 2 µg/L and borderline values up to 3 µg/L were retrospectively analysed in 839 773 singleton pregnancies included in a programme for routine screening of trisomy 21 maternal serum markers.

Results

Serum AFP was undetectable (≤2 µg/L) in 8 cases, giving a frequency of 1/105 000. The calculated risk of Down syndrome was ≥1/250 in 5 cases. Fetal karyotype was normal. Seven of these pregnancies went to term (39–41 weeks) uneventfully, and birth weight was normal (3050–4110 g). In the 8th case, fetal death occurred at 35 weeks due to severe maternal diabetes. AFP levels between 2.1 and 3.0 µg/L were noted in 7 other cases. The calculated risk of Down syndrome was ≥1/250 in 5 cases, and fetal karyotype was normal. Pregnancies went to term in 4 cases (33–41 weeks), and birth weight was normal (3000–3380 g). In 3 cases, low hCG (<0.6 MoM) was associated with low AFP, and fetal death occurred at 15 to 16 weeks.

Conclusion

Once technical errors have been excluded (repeat assay in a second run, calcium assayed to exclude the interference of EDTA for fluorimetric methods, dilution to exclude interfering antibodies, running on an alternative analyser, checking a second sample), very low second‐trimester maternal serum AFP should prompt ultrasound examination in order to check fetal viability. Congenital AFP deficiency, an extremely rare disorder (1/100 000), should be suspected. It has no consequences for fetal and infant development, and parents should be reassured. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased total cell‐free DNA in the serum of pregnant women carrying a fetus affected by trisomy 21
Authors: Spencer Kevin , de Kok J. B. , Swinkels D. W.
Published: July 2003

Objective

Analysis of the levels of cell‐free fetal and total DNA in serum of women carrying a male fetus affected by trisomy 21, and comparison of these levels with those in women carrying a normal male fetus.

Methods

DNA was extracted from archived second‐trimester maternal serum samples collected as part of a prenatal screening program. A total of 10 cases with trisomy 21 male fetuses were compared with 10 controls (male fetuses) with samples matched for duration of storage and gestational age. Real‐time quantitative PCR of the SRY and albumin genes was used to quantify fetal and total DNA respectively.

Results

The median fetal DNA level in the group of 10 pregnancies with trisomy 21 was 31.98 cell‐equivalents per mL compared to 34.06 in the control group. The difference was not significant. The median total DNA level in women with a trisomy 21 fetus was significantly higher (P = 0.029) than that in controls (36 152.6 vs 5832.81 cell‐equivalents per mL).

Conclusions

Although we could not confirm previous studies of an increased amount of fetal DNA in pregnancies affected by trisomy 21, we did find increased levels of total DNA. The possible reasons for these observations are discussed with respect to previous findings. Larger studies are needed to elucidate the true value, if any, of measurement of fetal and total DNA in maternal serum in the context of prenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined first‐ and second‐trimester screening for Down syndrome: an evaluation of proMBP as a marker
Authors: Rode Line , Wøjdemann Karen R. , Shalmi Anne‐Cathrine , Olesen Larsen Severin , Sundberg Karin , Nørgaard‐Pedersen Bent , Christiansen Michael , Tabor Ann
Published: July 2003

Objectives

To estimate the screening performance of different combinations of first‐ and second‐trimester markers, including a new marker, the proform of eosinophil major basic protein (proMBP).

Methods

The population comprised 195 singleton pregnancies with a normal outcome enrolled in the Copenhagen First Trimester Study, in which a serum sample was available from both the first and the second trimester. The performance of different marker combinations was estimated by receiver–operator–characteristics (ROC) analysis using a Monte Carlo simulation and distributions of log10MoM markers and their correlations, derived from our normal material and Down syndrome cases from the literature.

Results

Using a fixed screen‐positive rate (SPR) of 5%, the first‐trimester combined test [nuchal translucency (NT), PAPP‐A and free β‐hCG] yielded a detection rate (DR) of 76%, and the integrated test (NT, PAPP‐A, AFP, hCG, uE3 and inhibin A) yielded a DR of 86%. With a DR of 90%, the best combination was the first‐trimester β‐hCG and NT with the second‐trimester proMBP and AFP. ProMBP combined with the triple test increased the DR from 62 to 83%, whereas the addition of inhibin A only increased the DR to 69%.

Conclusion

These results suggest that proMBP may be an important new marker in Down syndrome screening and, in particular, a good substitute for inhibin A. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functionalization of polymeric organolithium compounds with formaldehyde
Authors: Quirk Roderic P. , Guo Ya , Wesdemiotis Chrys , Arnould Mark A.
Published: July 2003

Functionalizations of poly(styryl)lithium (PSLi), poly(butadienyl)lithium (PBDLi), and poly(isoprenyl)lithium (PILi) with formaldehyde were investigated in benzene solutions at room temperature. Dimer and unfunctionalized products, in addition to the expected products, were found in the PSLi functionalization with formaldehyde. The byproducts were analyzed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) and showed evidence for Cannizzaro reactions and electron‐transfer reactions. A molecular weight dependence of the dimer formation was found for PSLi functionalizations for number‐average molecular weights of less than 20,000; the dimer formation decreased as the molecular weight increased. Changing the reaction conditions did not eliminate dimer formation in the PSLi functionalization. The reactions of PBDLi and PILi with formaldehyde effected quantitative functionalizations, as determined by SEC, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MALDI‐TOF MS, quantitative column chromatography, and end‐group titration. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2435–2453, 2003
Mechanical property and biodegradability of solution‐cast films prepared from amphiphilic polylactide‐grafted dextran
Authors: Ouchi Tatsuro , Kontani Tomohiro , Ohya Yuichi
Published: July 2003

Polylactide (PLA)‐grafted dextran was synthesized with a trimethylsilyl protection method to produce novel biodegradable, biomedical materials. PLA‐grafted dextrans with various lengths and numbers of graft chains were synthesized. The properties of solution‐cast films prepared from PLA‐grafted dextrans were investigated with thermal and dynamic mechanical analyses. The graft‐copolymer films exhibited lower glass‐transition temperatures, melting temperatures (Tm's), and crystallinities as well as higher viscosity properties as compared with poly‐L‐lactide film. The Tm and crystallinity and mechanical properties at 37 °C could be adjusted by controlling the molecular structure such as the lengths and numbers of graft chains. Furthermore, the biodegradability of PLA‐grafted dextran films was investigated through the weight change of film and the molecular weight change of polymer during the in vitro degradation test. PLA‐grafted dextrans exhibited different degradation behavior from poly‐L‐lactide with the introduction of a polysaccharide segment and branched structure as well as the change of end‐functional group. The degradation rate of PLA‐grafted dextran and the cast film prepared from PLA‐grafted dextran could be adjusted by controlling the sugar content or the length of graft chains. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2462–2468, 2003
Seeded semicontinuous emulsion copolymerization of methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, and phosphonated methacrylates: Kinetics and morphology
Authors: Gaboyard Manuel , Jeanmaire Thomas , Pichot Christian , Hervaud Yves , Boutevin Bernard
Published: July 2003

A series of methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, and phosphonated methacrylate (MAPHOS) copolymers were prepared by seeded semicontinuous emulsion polymerization under monomer‐starved conditions by varying the amount and nature of phosphonated methacrylates (diester, monoacid, and diacid). The effects on the kinetics, molecular weight distribution, and particle size distribution were investigated. The molecular weights and particle growth were affected by the amount of acidic MAPHOS in the recipe. Secondary nucleation occurred above a critical concentration of acidic MAPHOS (5 wt %). Characterization of the latices by elemental analysis provided information on the phosphonic acid location and showed that phosphonic oligomers were formed in the aqueous phase. Particle size data and electrophoretic behavior of the latex afforded a discussion on the particle surface morphology. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2469–2480, 2003
Synthesis and properties of bismaleimide‐modified novolak resin/silsesquioxane nanocomposites
Authors: Lu Guotao , Huang Ying , Yan Yehai , Zhao Tong , Yu Yunzhao
Published: July 2003

Bismaleimide‐modified novolak resin/silsesquioxane (BMI‐PN/SiO3/2) nanocomposites were prepared by the sol–gel process. The reactions in the sol–gel synthesis were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was found by field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy studies that the particle size of the dispersed phase was about 100 nm, and there existed particle aggregates. The proportion of bismaleimide in the BMI‐PN/SiO3/2 nanocomposites showed an important effect on the thermal properties of the composites, as demonstrated by thermogravimetric analysis and dynamical mechanical analysis. Major improvements in the glass‐transition temperature and the heat resistance of the material were achieved by the introduction of the nanosized SiO3/2 inorganic phase, and the modulus at high temperatures was improved too. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2599–2606, 2003