bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a polyelectrolyte complex ­(PEC) composed of chitin derivatives ­and chitosan, which promotes the rat ­calvarial osteoblast differentiation
Authors: Hamano Takaichi , Chiba Daido , Nakatsuka Katsuhiro , Nagahata Misao , Teramoto Akira , Kondo Yoshiyuki , Hachimori Akira , Abe Koji
Published: August 2002

Rat osteoblasts (rOB) isolated from rat calvaria were cultured on polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) composed of phosphated and carboxymethylated chitin (PCHN and CCHN) as a polyanion, and chitosan (CS) as a polycation to evaluate the effects of these PECs on rOB differentiation. Aggregates of rOB were observed on PPEC (CS‐PCHN) after 4 days of culture, and on CPEC (CS‐CCHN) after 2 days of culture. Furthermore, rOB growth on PECs was inhibited by aggregation. In contrast, the rOB in the tissue culture dish did not produce aggregates on the same culture day as those on the PECs, and growth was not inhibited. The alkaline phosphatase activity, which is used as an initial differentiation marker for osteoblastic cells, increased after rOB aggregation was observed on PECs. Furthermore, after 5 days of culture, the positive stain area of Von Kossa was only observed in the aggregates, and osteocalcin mRNA was expressed on each of the PECs. These results suggest that the rOB differentiation was induced earlier by PECs than with other tissue culture materials. This early inducement of rOB differentiation appears to be attributable to the formation of aggregates on PECs. In other words, the inducement of aggregation by PECs plays an important role in rOB mineralization. These studies suggest that PEC has the ability to control rOB proliferation and differentiation. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship among drug delivery behavior, degradation behavior and morphology of copolylactones derived from glycolide, l‐lactide and ε‐caprolactone
Authors: Cai Qing , Bei Jianzhong , Wang Shenguo
Published: August 2002

A series of copolylactones was synthesized by ring‐opening copolymerization of glycolide, L‐lactide and ϵ‐caprolactone, using stannous octoate as catalyst. The in vitro degradation behaviors of them were studied and data demonstrated different degradation rates which mainly depended on the compositions. Investigation of the 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu) release from these copolylactones revealed that the composition, degradation rate and the morphology of the polymeric matrix played an important role on the drug release kinetics. A sustained 5‐Fu release without initial time lag was obtained from random poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide‐co‐caprolactone) (r‐PGLC) drug carrier, and it differed from the cases of polylactide (PLA) or random poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA), which usually showed an initial time lag or biphasic drug release behavior. It was due to the low glass transition temperature (T
g) of the r‐PGLC and the drug would diffuse faster in rubbery state under the experimental temperature. Furthermore, a significant change in the drug release behavior of r‐PGLC was observed when the temperatures were changed around the T
g of the drug carrier, which implied that the drug release behavior could be regulated by adjusting the morphology of the drug carrier. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Palladium complexes of side‐chain liquid crystal polymers with T‐shaped two‐dimensional mesogenic units
Authors: Zhang S. Y. , Deng G. , Li Z. F. , Cao S. K. , Zhou Q. F.
Published: August 2002

A series of liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) with T‐shaped two‐dimensional mesogenic units were synthesized via solution polycondensation. The LCPs were used as ligand polymers to coordinate with palladium dichloride, by which a series of polymeric palladium complexes were prepared. The liquid crystalline behaviors of the compounds were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, polarized microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The entire palladium complexes went to liquid crystal phase when heated to their melting temperature (T
m), and a threaded texture was observed. The melting point of all the complexes changes regularly with the increase of the end alkoxy group length and the flexible spacer unit in the ligand polymer. It is worth noting that some of the complexes without end substituent groups in the ligand polymer were also found to show liquid crystal behaviors, which would be a subject for further investigation. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Further lipophilic flavonols in Vellozia graminifolia (Velloziaceae) by high temperature gas chromatography: quick detection of new compounds
Authors: Branco Alexsandro , Pereira Alberto dos Santos , Cardoso Jari Nobrega , Neto Francisco Radler de Aquino , Pinto Angelo C. , Braz‐Filho Raimundo
Published: August 2002

Further lipophilic flavonols present in Vellozia graminifolia have been determined by high temperature high resolution gas chromatography (HTHRGC) and by HTHRGC coupled to mass spectrometry (MS). These methods resulted in the detection, isolation and characterisation of a monoisoprenylated flavonol 3,5,4′‐trimethoxy‐3′‐hydroxy‐6,7‐(2″‐isopropenyldihydrofurano)flavone from the ethyl acetate extract of the whole plant. The structural elucidation was accomplished using spectral data, including two‐dimensional NMR, and on chemical transformations. Both HTHRGC and HTHRGC‐MS were shown to be alternative and extremely valuable methods for the quick screening of flavonoid aglycones and other chemical metabolites of the Velloziaceae. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Separation of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids by micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Kuo Ching‐Hua , Sun Shao‐Wen
Published: August 2002

The micellar electrokinetic chromatographic (MEKC) separation of seven bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids has been developed. The effects of various separating factors were studied. Optimum separation was achieved using a buffer (pH 9.2) of 20 mM sodium borate and 20 mM sodium dihydrogen phosphate buffer containing 55 mM sodium cholate; the optimum voltage and injection time were 21 kV and 0.05 min, respectively. Highest peak efficiency was obtained when the analytes were dissolved in 10 mM sodium dodecyl sulphate as sample matrix for injection. The elution order of the bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids was related to their lipophilicity. The resolution, run time and detection limits of the MEKC method were compared with those of an HPLC method developed previously. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of fetal cells in intrauterine lavage samples collected in the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Cioni Riccardo , Bussani Cecilia , Scarselli Benedetta , Barciulli Francesco , Bucciantini Sandra , Simi Paolo , Fogli Antonella , Scarselli Gianfranco
Published: August 2002

Objectives

The aim of the present study was first to evaluate the presence of fetal cells in transcervical cell (TCC) samples collected by intrauterine lavage in the first trimester of pregnancy, and then to compare different methods for the detection of these cells.

Methods

TCC samples were collected by intrauterine lavage before termination of pregnancy (TOP) from 81 pregnant women between 7 and 12 weeks of gestation. Samples of placental tissue were collected from each patient at TOP, whereas maternal peripheral blood samples were obtained in 57 cases. DNA extracted from 81 lavage and the corresponding placental samples was amplified by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using primers for SRY and HUMARA genes. All 81 lavage samples were also analysed by fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) using direct‐labelled probes for X chromosome alpha‐satellite (DXZ1, Xp11.1‐q11.1) and Y chromosome alpha‐satellite (DYZ3, Yp11.1‐q11.1) regions. In 57 cases, a quantitative fluorescent (QF) PCR assay, involving the use of two small tandem repeat (STR) markers (D21S11, D21S14.11) specific to chromosome 21 was employed to analyse DNA extracted from placental tissue, lavage and maternal blood samples.

Results

PCR analysis revealed that 40/81 placental samples were from male pregnancies. Correct sexing was achieved with the PCR technique in 30/40 (75%) lavage samples retrieved from pregnant women with male conceptuses and in all 41 (100%) samples collected from pregnancies with female fetuses. With the FISH analysis, nuclei bearing X and Y signals were observed in 32/40 cases (80%) from known male pregnancies, the rate of fetal cells ranging between 2% and 95%, whereas nuclei showing X and Y signals were not detected in any of the 41 lavage samples from known female pregnancies. Paternal peaks were present in 30/57 (52.6%) lavage samples tested by QF‐PCR.

Conclusion

The results suggest that fetal cells can be found, at a significant rate, in a very high proportion of intrauterine lavage samples. Therefore, this sampling technique can be regarded as a promising tool towards minimally invasive prenatal diagnosis. The FISH and PCR methods showed a similar efficiency in detecting fetal cells. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid interphase analysis for prenatal diagnosis of translocation carriers using subtelomeric probes
Authors: Pettenati Mark J. , Von Kap‐Herr Chris , Jackle Bethy , Bobby Peggy , Mowrey Philip , Schwartz Stuart , Nagesh Rao P. , Rosnes Jon
Published: August 2002

Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has become an accepted laboratory technique for the rapid and preliminary prenatal assessment of chromosome aneuploidy. The introduction of subtelomeric FISH probes now allows for the molecular–cytogenetic analysis of terminal chromosome rearrangements. In a prospective study, we examined the prenatal use of subtelomeric probes on interphase cells to rapidly detect the carrier status of a fetus when a parent carried a known reciprocal or Robertsonian chromosome translocation. Three of the cases were identified as being abnormal. All cases were confirmed by routine cytogenetic analysis. These findings clearly demonstrated the utility of this technique and these probes to rapidly and correctly identify balanced and unbalanced chromosome anomalies of a fetus that could result from parental translocations. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Klippel–Trenaunay–Weber (KTW) syndrome: the use of in utero magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a prospective diagnosis
Authors: Martin W. L. , Ismail K. M. K. , Brace V. , McPherson L. , Chapman S. , Kilby M. D.
Published: August 2002

The diagnosis of the Klippel–Trenaunay–Weber (KTW) syndrome is rarely made antenatally. We report the use of both ultrasound and in utero magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the prenatal diagnosis of this syndrome. This is the first report of the use of prenatal MRI in the diagnosis of this condition. There was concordance in the findings of both modalities, with limb hypertrophy, and multiple haemangiomata – both subcutaneous and internally – demonstrated with ultrasound and MRI. The patient elected to terminate the pregnancy because of associated oligohydramnios and a small fetal chest noted at 20 weeks. The postmortem examination confirmed the antenatal diagnosis. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitudes towards diabetes and its care: Evaluation before, immediately post‐course and ≥1 year after a practical, international inter‐disciplinary course for diabetes teams.
Authors: Rossing Peter , Andersen Henning , Hesselholdt Lone , Thorsteinsson Birger , Reimers Jesper , Binder Christian , Nerup Jørn , Mandrup‐Poulsen Thomas
Published: August 2002

The objective of the study was to evaluate differences in attitudes to diabetes and its management among diabetes health care professionals, and to evaluate whether these attitudes could be persistently modified by participation in courses in practical diabetology.

The courses emphasize self‐care, inter‐disciplinary teamwork and applicability of acquired knowledge. Pre‐ and immediate post‐course evaluation as well as a ≥1 year post‐course follow‐up of attitudes to 12 general but central statements concerning diabetes and its management was performed for 144 participants (80 physicians, 52 nurses and 12 other team members) from 28 countries. Both pre‐ and post‐course attitudes to the statements varied considerably even among experienced diabetes professionals. In general, a shift in attitudes in the intended direction was observed at the immediate post‐course test. These changes were to a large extent maintained more than one year post‐course although a large variability persisted. We conclude that international and inter‐disciplinary education of health professionals is feasible and successful despite major linguistic and cultural barriers. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The challenge of pregnancy in the DIDMOAD syndrome
Authors: Gallagher A. , Hutchison R.S. , Kelly W.F.
Published: August 2002

DIDMOAD syndrome includes diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy and deafness.

Pregnancies in the DIDMOAD syndrome are rare, and successful pregnancies are extremely rare. Despite the full DIDMOAD syndrome including diabetes mellitus for 30 years, our patient had a successful pregnancy, delivering an infant weighing 1740 g at 32 weeks with an uncomplicated postnatal course. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proactive safety surveillance
Authors: Bortnichak Edward A. , Wise Robert P. , Salive Marcel E. , Tilson Hugh H.
Published: August 2002

Growth in health information systems presents opportunities to enhance postmarketing safety surveillance of medical products. Spontaneous suspected side effect reports provide the foundation, but we need to ‘proactively’ improve their quality and our strategies to seek signals. In our more familiar ‘reactive’ mode, we examine hypotheses from inquiries or publicity. Such responsive evaluations remain essential but may miss latent information on unsuspected risks. Efficient techniques to disclose hidden clusters and associations may emerge through adaptation of approaches from industrial quality control and other disciplines. Data‐driven techniques like exploratory analysis, control charts, and time series modeling may help in sifting through accumulated data and in screening consecutive submissions to discern hints of new product hazards or of more specific understanding about previously identified potential side effects. We also need to cultivate non‐spontaneous data for hypothesis generation as well as testing, the systematic epidemiologic evaluation of questions and concerns. This hypothesis testing function will assume greater importance if proactive safety surveillance methods yield larger numbers of putatively positive findings. Whether from spontaneous reports or other sources, signals that could have arisen by chance alone usually represent only clues to potential hazards until or unless they can be verified through independent studies. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organizational context and taxonomy of health care databases
Authors: Shatin Deborah
Published: August 2002

An understanding of the organizational context and taxonomy of health care databases is essential to appropriately use these data sources for research purposes. Characteristics of the organizational structure of the specific health care setting, including the model type, financial arrangement, and provider access, have implications for accessing and using this data effectively. Additionally, the benefit coverage environment may affect the utility of health care databases to address specific research questions. Coverage considerations that affect pharmacoepidemiologic research include eligibility, the nature of the pharmacy benefit, and regulatory aspects of the treatment under consideration. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethical issues in pharmacoepidemiologic research using Saskatchewan administrative health care utilization data
Authors: Rawson Nigel S. B.
Published: August 2002

Purpose

To describe the process of obtaining access to the administrative health care utilization data of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan and the ethical issues involved.

Methods

The report focuses on the process of obtaining data for two recent studies. In the first, associations between aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis and prior drug use were evaluated, while the second is an examination of anti‐arrhythmia drug utilization. In these studies, data from files containing computerized information on prescription drug use, hospitalizations, physician services and cancer registrations were linked together and also with information from hospital charts, physician records and death registrations.

Results

Data on individual patients are available from the Saskatchewan datafiles after the removal of identifying variables, and access to external information from hospitals, physicians, death registrations and the patients themselves is possible. However, researchers must accept that data considered to be only indirectly relevant to the objectives of the study or which, due to small numbers, may potentially identify either patients or physicians will only be released in aggregate form.

Conclusions

Access to the Saskatchewan datafiles and to external information from hospitals, physicians and death registrations is normally straightforward. Restrictions that are applied are discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systemic conditions for performance of pharmacoepidemiologic studies in Slovenia
Authors: Primozic Stanislav , Kos Mitja , Mrhar Ales , Ravnik Igor
Published: August 2002

In Slovenia, the national health insurance system covers almost the whole population. The average patient receives six to seven prescriptions per year with an average value of 15 USD per prescription. This paper presents the systemic conditions necessary for the performance of pharmacoepidemiologic studies. A recent study addressing the use of antiepileptic drugs is an example. The current law on Personal Data Protection, which is compliant with EU Directive 95/46/EC, prevents infringement of personal integrity resulting from inappropriate use of personal data or inappropriate management and use of databases containing personal data. Since July 2000, the Law on Health Care Related Databases has defined the databases and the ways data can be acquired, processed, transferred, and exchanged among persons authorized to perform health care services. When gathering additional data not currently contained in the health care‐related databases defined by the law, written consent from participants is required, and study documentation must be submitted for approval to the national Medical Ethics Committee. The main legislation covering clinical and pharmacoepidemiologic research is the Medicinal Products and Medical Devices Act of 1999, together with its by‐laws, which is also in accordance with EU Directives. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photovoltaic residential electrification: a case study on solar battery charging stations in Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Rosana Rodrigues , Zilles Roberto
Published: August 2002

Solar battery charging stations (SBCSs) were initially conceived to bring the price per household of electrification within the capacity to pay of the rural poor, and to foster the establishment of community businesses supplying the modest electricity demands of end users far from the grid in an entrepreneur‐based electrification model. The great foreseen advantages of SBCS were security of payment for the electricity service and operation under much higher system final yields and capacity factors. However, an analysis of the annual costs of SBCSs indicates that they are in reality more expensive alternative than solar home systems (SHSs) owing to the shorter lifetime of batteries. Moreover, battery transport for recharging and lower energy capacity, among other drawbacks, make users opt for the added convenience of a SHS. A financial analysis of a general case study is presented, with SBCS and SHS designed to offer equal electricity services. The local field experience is that after one and a half years SBCSs were replaced by SHSs. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antisocial behavior and the prediction of violence: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Derzon James H.
Published: August 2002

Youthful antisocial behavior is often viewed as a precursor to later violent and threatening behavior. Olweus (1979) reported aggressive reaction patterns in males that over time approached the stability of intelligence. While Olweus did not examine violent behavior directly, his study is often cited as evidence for the stability of violence. To examine the evidence for this assertion, this study synthesized the evidence from 82 reports of 58 prospective studies that followed individuals over some period of their life span. After correcting effect sizes for exogenous study features, the grand mean correlation of antisocial and substance misusing behaviors with later crimes against persons was estimated to be r = .33, a far cry from the stability of intelligence. Because these predictors are often used to select people into intervention, this study estimated the conditional error rates associated with identification for preventive intervention. Overall, selection failed to identify 66% of those who displayed later violence, while on average, 60% of those engaging in antisocial or substance‐using behavior were not later violent. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A structure–reactivity correlation with three slopes in the elimination kinetics of 2–substituted ethyl N,N‐dimethylcarbamates in the gas phase
Authors: Chuchani Gabriel , Nunñez Oswaldo , Marcano Norka , Napolitano Suvighey , Rodriguez Henry , Domínguez Marianella , Ascanio Judany , Rotinov Alexandra , Domínguez Rosa M. , Herize Armando
Published: August 2002

The elimination kinetics of 17 2‐substituted ethyl N,N‐dimethylcarbamates in the gas phase were determined in the temperature range of 269.5–420.2 °C and the pressure range of 24–186 Torr. The reactions in a static system and in the presence of a free radical inhibitor are homogeneous and unimolecular and follow a first‐order rate law. The kinetics and thermodynamic parameters are described. The use of several structure‐reactivity relationship methods meaningless results, except for Taft σ* values. Three good slopes are originated at σ*(CH3) = 0.00. Slope a: the 2‐substituted alkyl groups gave a good straight line when log (k/kCH3) vs σ* values (ρ* = − 1.94 ± 0.30, r = 0.977 at 360 °C) were plotted. Slope b: Polar2 substituents gave an approximate straight line with ρ* = − 0.12 ± 0.02, r = 0.936 at 360 °C. Slope c : the correlation of multiple bonded and electron‐withdrawing substituents interposed by a methylene group at the 2‐position of ethyl N,N‐dimethylcarbamate was found to give a very good straight line wirh ρ* = 0.49 ± 0.02, r = 0.991 at 360 °C. Mechanisms are suggested on the basis of these relationships. The point position of the substituents phenyl (C6H5) and isopropenyl [CH2C(CH3)] at the 2‐position was found to fall far above the three slopes of the lines. These results are interpreted in terms of neighboring group participation of these substituents in the elimination process of the carbamates. However, the acidity of the benzylic and allylic Cβ‐H bond for a six‐membered cyclic transition state may not be ignored. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of solvent on the inversion of pyramidal sulfonium and selenonium compounds
Authors: Wiegrefe Andreas , Brinkmann Thomas , Uzar Horst C.
Published: August 2002

The effects of temperature and solvent on the cis–trans equilibrium and isomerization rates of different cyclic sulfonium and selenonium compounds were investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy. A non‐dissociative process was considered to be the most probable mechanism for inversion of configuration. While the temperature had no apparent effect on the equilibrium, in which the trans‐diastereoisomer dominated in all cases, changing the solvent from dimethylformamide to acetonitrile and to water led to increasing amounts of the cis‐diastereoisomer. Additionally, the rate of stereomutation of the thiolanium compound was slowed by a factor of 2 and that of the selenolanium compound by a factor of 85. While the pyramidal (vertex) inversion is the most probable mechanism for the sulfonium compounds investigated, some evidence is presented that indicates that the selenonium compound could isomerize via an edge inversion mechanism. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics and mechanisms of the acid‐catalyzed hydrolyses of N‐(4‐Substitued‐arylsulf inyl)phthalimides
Authors: Kutuk Halil , Bekdemir Yunus , Soydas Yasemin
Published: August 2002

The acid‐catalyzed hydrolyses of N‐(4‐substituted‐arylsulf inyl)phthalimides were studied in aqueous solutions of perchloric and sulfuric acids at 50.0 ± 0.1 and of hydrochloric acid at 40.0 ± 0.1 °C. Analysis of the data by the Cox–Yates excess acidity method and substituent, temperature and solvent isotope effects indicate hydrolysis by an A2 mechanism at low acidity. At higher acidities a changeover to an A1 mechanism is observed. Copyright­© 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solid‐state bilayer formation from a dialkyl‐substituted lariat ether that forms stable vesicles in aqueous suspension
Authors: Wall Stephen L. De , Barbour Leonard J. , Gokel George W.
Published: August 2002

Previously established aggregate formation by alkyl‐substituted crown ethers is considered with respect to the solid state structure of N,N′‐didodecyldiaza‐18‐crown‐6 (7), which was determined as its NaI complex (7ċNaIċH2O). The complex forms a bilayer structure that was used as a benchmark for understanding the formation of aggregates and their inclusion volumes. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A theoretical study on the inclusion complexation of cyclodextrins with radical cations and anions
Authors: Mu Ting‐Wei , Liu Lei , Li Xiao‐Song , Guo Qing‐Xiang
Published: August 2002

PM3 and B3LYP/3‐21G(d) calculations were performed on the inclusion complexation of cyclodextrins (CD) with radical ions. The calculations reproduced the experimental observations that the complexation of α‐CD with 1,4‐dicyanobenzene was weaker than with its radical anion, and that the complexation of β‐CD with phenothiazine was weaker than with its radical cation. On the other hand, calculations showed that the complexation of α‐CD with p‐nitrophenolate was stronger than with its radical anion and the complexation of β‐CD with viologen was stronger than with its radical cation. The different magnitudes of the interactions between the charged species and CD or water were proposed to cause such behaviors. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New solvents for cellulose: Hydrazine/thiocyanate salt system
Authors: Hattori Kazuyuki , Cuculo John A. , Hudson Samuel M.
Published: August 2002

The hydrazine/thiocyanate system was found to be an excellent solvent for cellulose. The solubility and solution properties were investigated. Even at room temperature, the combinations of hydrazine and lithium, sodium, and potassium thiocyanate had high dissolution power for cellulose, up to an 18% (w/w) maximum, unrelated to the polymorph, whereas a combination with ammonium thiocyanate exhibited a solubility difference among celluloses I, II, and III. The effect of the temperature cycling of the system for the rapid dissolution of cellulose was investigated thermodynamically. In these systems, a high concentration of salts was necessary to effect the cellulose dissolution; this suggested that an undissociated salt–solvent complex played an important role in the cellulose dissolution as implied by electroconductivity measurements of the hydrazine/salt system. Gel and liquid‐crystal formation was observed in all systems above 4 and 6% (w/w) cellulose concentrations, respectively. The values of both critical concentrations were quite similar to those observed in the ammonia/ammonium thiocyanate system studied earlier in our laboratories. The gelation temperature was between approximately 10 and 50 °C, depending on the salt and cellulose concentration. The dependence of the cellulose solubility on the degree of polymerization was also examined. It is suggested that these solvent systems have great potential for the fiber and film formation of cellulose. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 601–611, 2002; DOI 10.1002/pola.10135
Synthesis and characterization of thiophene‐substituted N‐phenyl maleimide polymers by photoinduced radical polymerization
Authors: Cianga Luminita , Yagci Yusuf
Published: August 2002

Two types of novel functionalized N‐[4‐(4′‐hydroxyphenyloxycarbonyl)phenyl]maleimide and N‐(4‐{[2‐(3‐thienyl)acetyl]oxyphenyl}oxycarbonylphenyl)maleimide (MIThi) were synthesized starting from 4‐maleimido benzoic acid. Photoinduced radical homopolymerization of MIThi and its copolymerization with styrene were performed at room temperature to give linear polymers containing pendant thienyl moieties using ω,ω‐dimethoxy‐ω‐phenylacetophenone as an initiator. Copolymers' compositions and the equilibrium constant (K) for electron donor–acceptor complex formation suggest an alternating nature of the copolymerization. The monomer reactivity ratios and Alfrey–Price Q,e values were also determined. The thermal behavior of the new synthesized monomers and polymers was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 995–1004, 2002
Needle ice observations from the high Drakensberg, Lesotho
Authors: Grab S.
Published: August 2002

Near‐surface ground thermal conditions are a delayed response to changing air temperature and may result in needle ice development when air temperatures are above 0 °C and ground temperatures below 0 °C. It is difficult, therefore, to predict needle ice development based only on climatological data. Observations indicate that temporally restricted growth phases produce shorter needle ice lengths than longer growth phases. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Les conditions thermiques proches de la surface du sol évoluent avec retard après un changement de la température de l'air, aussi des pipkrakes peuvent se développer quand la température de l'air est supérieure à 0 °C et que la température du sol est inférieure à 0 °C. Il est difficile, en conséquence, de prédire le développement des pipkrakes d'après les seules données climatologiques. Des observations indiquent que de courtes phases de croissance produisent des pipkrakes de longueur plus réduite que des phases de croissance de plus grande durée. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) therapy in an MBL‐deficient patient with severe cystic fibrosis lung disease
Authors: Garred Peter , Pressler Tacjana , Lanng Susanne , Madsen Hans O. , Moser Claus , Laursen Inga , Balstrup Flemming , Koch Claus , Koch Christian
Published: August 2002

Deficiency of mannose‐binding lectin has been shown to be a risk factor for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. We, therefore, decided to treat a patient with CF, mannose‐binding lectin deficiency, severe bronchopulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, and rapid deterioration of lung function with purified mannose‐binding lectin in an attempt to ameliorate the course of the lung disease. The mannose‐binding lectin used originated from pooled human donor plasma and was given as an intravenous infusion twice a week for a period of 3 months.

The patients's clinical condition was stabilized during the treatment period, but was not improved. No adverse events were observed. However, the lung function assessed as percent forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1%) and percent forced vital capacirt (FVC%) correlated significantly with the mannose‐binding serum lectin levels (rho = + 0.68, P = 0.008, and rho = + 0.73, P = 0.004). Additionally, an inverse correlation with the acute phase‐reactant C‐reactive protein and the proinflammatory cytokine IL‐6 was observed (rho = −0.49, P = 0.007 and rho = −0.41, P = 0.04, respectively).

The results emphasize the importance of mannose‐binding lectin as a secondary disease modifier in CF. Moreover, purified mannose‐binding lectin can safely be administered to chronically ill patients, and may be a potential treatment in CF and other diseases in which mannose‐binding lectin deficiency plays a pathophysiological role. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2002; 33:201–207. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bronchoalveolar inflammation following airway infection in preterm infants with chronic lung disease
Authors: Groneck Peter , Schmale Julia , Soditt Volker , Stützer Hartmut , Götze‐Speer Bettina , Speer Christian P.
Published: August 2002

Chronic lung disease (CLD) of the newborn is associated with pulmonary inflammation. However, the origin of this inflammation is not known. We evaluated the impact of airway infection on bronchoalveolar inflammation in mechanically ventilated preterm infant at risk for CLD (n = 68). Mean and maximum concentrations of the inflammatory mediators (IM) interleukin‐1 and interleukin‐8 were assayed in the tracheobronchial aspirate fluid (TAF) of neonates with perinatal airway infection (Ureaplasma urealyticum, or bacteria), postnatal nosocomial airway infection, or respiratory disease without airway infection from days 1–10 of postnatal age.

Patients with CLD (n = 23;) exhibited increased levels of IM in TAF compared to neonates without CLD. Within the three subgroups, concentrations of IM were increased in CLD patients with perinatal infection and in CLD patients with respiratory disease without airway infection, but not in CLD patients with nosocomial airway infection. Although airway colonization with Gram‐negative bacteria was more frequently found in CLD patients within the first month of life, there were no differences between levels of IM in patients colonized with Gram‐negative bacteria or coagulase‐negative staphyloccoci.

We conclude that perinatal infections with Ureaplasma urealyticum or bacteria and respiratory disease without infection, but not nosocomial airway infection, contribute to the bronchopulmonary inflammatory response in neonates with CLD. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2001; 31:331–338. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lung function testing in infants with cystic fibrosis: Lessons from the past and future directions
Authors: Gappa Monika , Ranganathan Sarath C. , Stocks Janet
Published: August 2002

Despite the increasing awareness of the need to identify early pulmonary changes in cystic fibrosis (CF) noninvasively, the role of lung function testing in infancy and early childhood remains less clear than in older children with CF. The aim of this review is to summarize available data, discuss the information gained from these publications, and put this information into perspective with more recent developments of lung function testing in both infants and older children with CF. While some of the available data have been the foundation of the current level of understanding of respiratory physiology in CF, interpretation of other data has been hampered by differences between centers with regard to the methods and equipment used, patient selection, small number of subjects, and lack of appropriate reference data. A structured multicenter approach based on recently published recommendations for the measurement of lung function in infancy, together with pursuit of recent developments such as assessment of raised lung volume flow volume curves and ventilation inhomogeneity may help to more effectively utilize lung function tests in infants in the future. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2001; 32:228–245. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risks and complications of nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage in a pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Morrow B. , Argent A.
Published: August 2002

This paper aims to document the risks and complications of nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (NB‐BAL) in 35 mechanically ventilated patients with diffuse severe pneumonia in a single pediatric intensive care unit. A prospective collection of data on patients' ventilatory settings and oxygen requirements before NB‐BAL, and oxyhemoglobin saturations and heart rate readings before, during, and after the procedure were taken on each patient.

The major complication of NB‐BAL was arterial desaturation, which was more severe and prolonged in patients with poor oxygenation indices and PaO2/FiO2 ratios. The diagnostic yield of the procedure was high at 69%. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2001; 32:378–384. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of cernitin pollen‐extract on experimental nonbacterial prostatitis in rats
Authors: Kamijo Toshiyuki , Sato Shigeru , Kitamura Tadaichi
Published: August 2002

Background

The treatment for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (NBP) has not been established. Cernitin pollen‐extract (CN‐009) is reported to have therapeutic effects for NBP. The effects and mechanisms of CN‐009 were investigated.

Methods

Ten‐month‐old rats were used with administration of estradiol after castration, which were similar to human NBP histologically. Since CN‐009 consists of T‐60 and GBX, these drugs were administered, respectively. The prostate was evaluated histopathologically including glandular damage (epithelial score), stromal ratio and immunohistochemical assays for epithelial function (PAP), stromal evaluation (Vimentin), cell proliferation (PCNA) and apoptosis (deoxyuridine triphosphate biotin nick end‐labeling (TUNEL)).

Results

Controls revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation. CN‐009 showed diminished these damages. Epithelial score was better (P < 0.01) and PAP positive materials were more abundant in CN‐009 and GBX than in Controls. The stromal ratio was lower in CN‐009 (P < 0.01) and T‐60 (P < 0.05). There was no difference for PCNA positive cells in the epithelium and stroma, and TUNEL positive cells in epithelium. While, the number of TUNEL positive cells in the stroma of CN‐009 and T‐60 increased (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that CN‐009 protects acinar epithelial cells mainly by GBX and also inhibits stromal proliferation in association with enhanced apoptosis mainly by T‐60. Prostate 49:122–131, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hamming distance geometry of a protein conformational space: Application to the clustering of a 4‐ns molecular dynamics trajectory of the HIV‐1 integrase catalytic core
Authors: Laboulais Cyril , Ouali Mohammed , Le Bret Marc , Gabarro‐Arpa Jacques
Published: August 2002

Protein structures can be encoded into binary sequences (Gabarro‐Arpa et al., Comput Chem 2000;24:693–698) these are used to define a Hamming distance in conformational space: the distance between two different molecular conformations is the number of different bits in their sequences. Each bit in the sequence arises from a partition of conformational space in two halves. Thus, the information encoded in the binary sequences is also used to characterize the regions of conformational space visited by the system. We apply this distance and their associated geometric structures to the clustering and analysis of conformations sampled during a 4‐ns molecular dynamics simulation of the HIV‐1 integrase catalytic core. The cluster analysis of the simulation shows a division of the trajectory into two segments of 2.6 and 1.4 ns length, which are qualitatively different: the data points to the fact that equilibration is only reached at the end of the first segment. The Hamming distance is compared also to the r.m.s. deviation measure. The analysis of the cases studied so far shows that under the same conditions the two measures behave quite differently, and that the Hamming distance appears to be more robust than the r.m.s. deviation. Proteins 2002;47:169–179. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Properties and applications of the (2‐nitrofluoren‐9‐yl)methoxycarbonyl group
Authors: Henkel Bernd , Bayer Ernst
Published: August 2002

This paper presents a new protecting group, the (2‐nitrofluoren‐9‐yl)methoxycarbonyl group. Investigations on the properties of this new modification of the Fmoc‐system, such as the solvent‐dependant photochemical cleavage, and enhanced lability towards bases, are described, as well as UV‐kinetic measurements of the cleavage reaction. In addition, the incorporation of the (2‐nitrofluoren‐9‐yl)methoxycarbonyl group into two peptides, and a sequence‐dependant photochemical cleavage reaction are reported. Copyright © 2001 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
N‐Terminal domain of HTLV‐I integrase. Complexation and conformational studies of the zinc finger
Authors: Bertola Françoise , Manigand Claude , Picard Philippe , Goetz Michael , Schmitter Jean‐Marie , Precigoux Gilles
Published: August 2002

The HTLV‐I integrase N‐terminal domain [50‐residue peptide (IN50)], and a 35‐residue truncated peptide formed by residues 9–43 (IN35) have been synthesized by solid‐phase peptide synthesis. Formation of the 50‐residue zinc finger type structure through a HHCC motif has been proved by UV‐visible absorption spectroscopy. Its stability was demonstrated by an original method using RP‐HPLC. Similar experiments performed on the 35‐residue peptide showed that the truncation does not prevent zinc complex formation but rather that it significantly influences its stability. As evidenced by CD spectroscopy, the 50‐residue zinc finger is unordered in aqueous solution but adopts a partially helical conformation when trifluoroethanol is added. These results are in agreement with our secondary structure predictions and demonstrate that the HTLV‐I integrase N‐terminal domain is likely to be composed of an helical region (residues 28–42) and a β‐strand (residues 20–23), associated with a HHCC zinc‐binding motif. Size‐exclusion chromatography showed that the structured zinc finger dimerizes through the helical region. Copyright © 2000 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cα‐hydroxymethyl methionine: synthesis, optical resolution and crystal structure of its (+)‐Nα‐benzoyl derivative
Authors: Witkowska Renata , Kaczmarek Krzysztof , Crisma Marco , Toniolo Claudio , Zabrocki Janusz
Published: August 2002

(R,S)‐Methionine was transformed into Cα‐hydroxymethyl methionine by a route involving Cα‐hydroxymethylation of 2‐phenyl‐4‐methylthioethyl‐5‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydro‐1,3‐oxazole. The absolute configuration of (−)‐Cα‐hydroxymethyl methionine was elucidated to be (S) by chemical correlation with (S) (−)‐Cα‐ethyl serine. Absolute structure determination (by single crystal X‐ray diffraction) on Nα‐benzoyl‐Cα‐hydroxymethyl methionine confirmed the (R)‐configuration for the (+)‐enantiomer. In addition, the X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that the Cα,α‐disubstituted glycyl residue adopts the fully extended (C5) conformation. Copyright © 2001 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study of prostane in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Upadhyay Lokesh , Tripathi K. , Kulkarni Kala S.
Published: August 2002

A clinical trial was conducted in a study group of 70 males diagnosed with symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) (synonym of benign prostatic hyperplasia). They were administered Prostane, a herbal formulation, at a dose of two tablets a day for 1 year and monitored every 4 months during the study period. Analysis of the results showed an improvement in the symptom score of the American Urological Association symptom index rating. There was total relief in pain and haematuria in all the patients (100%); dribbling of urine decreased in 67%, dysuria in 50%, urgency in 60% and hesitancy in 40%. Blood urea levels were within the normal range in 70% of the patients and in the range 31–40 mg/dL in the remaining patients of the study group. Serum prostate specific antigen levels returned to normal in 56% of patients and were in the range 4.1–5.0 ng/mL in 25% of patients. There was a decrease in prostate specific antigen values which were >6 ng/mL in 9 patients at the commencement of the trial. Uroflowmetry studies showed that the peak flow increased from 12.6 to 30.7 s (p<0.001) and the void volume from 60.72 to 660 mL (p<0.001), the latent period reduced from 12.78 s to 2.61 s; the flow time from 57.01 s to 20.17 s and the residual volume from 620 mL to 20 mL (p<0.001). From these results, it is evident that Prostane was effective in alleviating symptoms, reducing prostate specific antigen values and normalizing uroflow dynamics in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of azoxymethane‐induced aberrant crypt foci formation in rat colorectum by whole leaf Aloe arborescens Miller var. natalensis berger
Authors: Shimpo Kan , Chihara Takeshi , Beppu Hidehiko , Ida Chikako , Kaneko Takaaki , Nagatsu Toshiharu , Kuzuya Hiroshi
Published: August 2002

We examined the modifying effect of whole‐leaf Aloe arborescens Miller var. natalensis Berger (designated as ‘ALOE’) on azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF), putative preneoplastic lesions, in the rat colorectum. Male F344 rats (4 weeks old) were fed the basal diet, or experimental diets containing 1% or 5% ALOE for 5 weeks. One week later, all rats except those in the vehicle‐treated groups were injected s.c. with AOM (15 mg/kg, once weekly for 3 weeks). At 9 weeks of age, all the rats were killed, and the colorectum and liver were evaluated for ACF and cytosolic quinone reductase (QR; a phase 2 enzyme), respectively. In rats given AOM and ALOE (1% or 5% in diet) the numbers of ACF/colorectum, aberrant crypts/colorectum, aberrant crypts/focus and large ACF/colorectum were significantly decreased compared with those of rats given AOM alone (all p < 0.01). No ACF were found in rats treated without AOM. In addition, ALOE significantly increased cytosolic QR activity in the liver (p < 0.01). These results indicated that ALOE inhibited the development of AOM‐induced ACF in the rat colorectum, with increased QR activity in the liver, and therefore suggested that ALOE might have a chemopreventive effect against colon carcinogenesis at least in the initiation stage. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SunghyangJungki‐San Ga Pogongyoung inhibits IL‐1 mediated tumour necrosis factor‐α secretion in astrocytes
Authors: Kim Hyung‐Min , Hong Seung‐Heon , Lee Ok‐Youn , Kang Hyung‐Won , Lee Ceon‐Mok , Lim Kyu‐Sang , Lee Kang‐Chang , Park Seung‐Taeck , Lee Seung Jae , Lyu Yeoung‐Su , An Nyeon‐Hyoung
Published: August 2002

Astrocytes play an important role in initiating and modulating inflammatory responses within the central nervous system (CNS). Extensive studies in rodents have shown that substance P induces inflammatory cytokine production in astrocytes. In this study we have examined whether an aqueous extract of SunghyangJungki‐San Ga Pogongyoung (SSGP) inhibits the secretion of TNF‐α from primary cultures of rat astrocytes. SSGP (10–1000 μg/mL) significantly inhibited the TNF‐α secretion by astrocytes ­stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and substance P (SP). Interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) has been shown to elevate TNF‐α secretion from LPS‐stimulated astrocytes while having no effect on astrocytes in the absence of LPS. We therefore examined whether IL‐1 mediated inhibition of TNF‐α secretion from ­primary astrocytes by SSGP. Treatment with SSGP (10–1000 μg/mL) to astrocytes stimulated with both LPS and SP decreased IL‐1 secretion significantly. Moreover, the secretion of TNF‐α by LPS and SP in astrocytes was progressively inhibited with an increasing amount of IL‐1 neutralizing antibody. Our results suggest that SSGP may inhibit TNF‐α secretion by inhibiting IL‐1 secretion and that SSGP has an antiinflammatory activity in the CNS. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proposed active constituents of Dipladenia martiana
Authors: de Carvalho Mário Geraldo , Carvalho Cranchi Daniela , Kingston David G. I. , Werle Alceni A.
Published: August 2002

3β‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosylsitosterol, pomolic acid, ursolic acid, epicatechin, kaempferol, kaempferol‐3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (astragalin), quercetin‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside, quercetin‐7‐O‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside and quebrachitol were isolated by chromatographic fractionation of the methanol extract from the aerial parts of Dipladenia martiana (Apocynaceae). The hexane extract yielded lupeol and sitostenone. These compounds are likely to be responsible for the therapeutic effects. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.