bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization, and biological activity of N‐(4‐acetylphenyl)maleimide and its oxime, carbazone, thiosemicarbazone derivatives and their polymers
Authors: Soykan Cengiz , Erol İbrahim
Published: May 2003

A new type of maleimide monomer, N‐(4‐acetylphenyl)maleimide (NAPMI), was synthesized. The oxime, carbazone, and thiosemicarbazone derivatives of NAPMI were prepared with hydroxylamine hydrochloride, semicarbazide hydrochloride, and thiosemicarbazide hydrochloride, respectively. Radical homopolymerization of NAPMI and its derivatives were prepared at 60 °C in dimethyl sulfoxide solution with azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator. The monomers and theirs homopolymers were characterized with Fourier transform infrared and NMR techniques. The glass‐transition temperatures, thermal stability, and ultraviolet stability of the polymers are compared. The activation energies of the thermal degradation of polymers were calculated by the Kissinger method. The antibacterial and antifungal effects of the monomers and polymers were also investigated on various bacteria and fungi. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 1942–1951, 2003
Strontium‐based initiator system for ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic esters
Authors: Tang Zhaohui , Chen Xuesi , Liang Qizhi , Bian Xinchao , Yang Lixin , Piao Longhai , Jing Xiabin
Published: May 2003

An amino isopropoxyl strontium (Sr‐PO) initiator, which was prepared by the reaction of propylene oxide with liquid strontium ammoniate solution, was used to carry out the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters to obtain aliphatic polyesters, such as poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA). The Sr‐PO initiator demonstrated an effective initiating activity for the ROP of ε‐caprolactone (ε‐CL) and L‐lactide (LLA) under mild conditions and adjusted the molecular weight by the ratio of monomer to Sr‐PO initiator. Block copolymer PCL‐b‐PLLA was prepared by sequential polymerization of ε‐CL and LLA, which was demonstrated by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and gel permeation chromatography. The chemical structure of Sr‐PO initiator was confirmed by elemental analysis of Sr and N, 1H NMR analysis of the end groups in ε‐CL oligomer, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The end groups of PCL were hydroxyl and isopropoxycarbonyl, and FTIR spectroscopy showed the coordination between Sr‐PO initiator and model monomer γ‐butyrolactone. These experimental facts indicated that the ROP of cyclic esters followed a coordination‐insertion mechanism, and cyclic esters exclusively inserted into the Sr–O bond. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 1934–1941, 2003
Densely grafted polyisocyanides synthesized by two types of polymerization techniques
Authors: Tian Yanqing , Li Yi , Iyoda Tomokazu
Published: May 2003

A series of novel polyisocyanide‐graft‐polystyrenes and polyisocyanide‐graft‐[polystyrene‐block‐poly(butyl acrylate)]s were synthesized through the grafting‐through and grafting‐from routes with two types of living polymerization techniques: polymerization with the Pd–Pt μ‐ethynediyl dinuclear complex as the initiator and catalyst for the polyisocyanide backbone and atom transfer radical polymerization for the grafted side chain. Through the introduction of a chiral center at the side chain of the polyisocyanide backbone, helical grafted and graft block polyisocyanides were prepared through the grafting‐from method. All of the obtained polymers exhibited polydispersities in the range of 1.07–1.41. This might have been the first time grafted polyisocyanides were prepared, especially helical grafted polyisocyanides, through the operation of two living polymerization techniques. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 1871–1880, 2003
Complexation of linear and poly(ethylene oxide)‐grafted poly(methacryl oxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride) with poly(ethylene oxide‐block‐sodium methacrylate)
Authors: Andersson Toni , Holappa Susanna , Aseyev Vladimir , Tenhu Heikki
Published: May 2003

The interactions between oppositely charged polyelectrolytes were studied in saline aqueous solutions as functions of the temperature and the salt and polymer concentrations. The polyanion was a diblock copolymer composed of a poly(ethylene oxide) block and a poly(sodium methacrylate) block. Two polycations were used, the homopolymer poly(methacryl oxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride) and its poly(ethylene oxide)‐grafted analogue. By dynamic light scattering and turbidity measurements, it was observed that the salt concentration, temperature, and counterion size had a significant effect on the formation of the polymer complexes in aqueous solutions. At a fixed salt concentration and a fixed temperature, it was possible to form completely soluble complexes of an ionic polymer in aqueous solutions between poly(ethylene oxide)‐grafted poly(methacryl oxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride)and the polyanion with a poly(ethylene oxide) block at a 1:1 anion/cation ratio. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 1904–1914, 2003
Preparation and characterization of highly polar polymeric sorbents from styrene–divinylbenzene and vinylpyridine–divinylbenzene for the solid‐phase extraction of polar organic pollutants
Authors: Fontanals Núria , Marcé Rosa Maria , Galià Marina , Borrull Francesc
Published: May 2003

This article explores the synthesis of styrene–divinylbenzene resins with different surface areas and the influence of these surface areas on their performance in the solid‐phase extraction of polar compounds from water samples. As expected, increasing the surface areas increases the retention capability of polar compounds. To improve the retention properties, we have used 4‐vinylpyridine instead of styrene in the polymerization and evaluated the influence of the sorbent polarity and surface area on the retention properties. We have found that a compromise is required between the percentage of 4‐vinylpyridine, which increases the polarity of the sorbent, and the percentage of divinylbenzene, which increases the surface area. In the solid‐phase extraction of polar compounds, the results are best for a polymer containing 2.14% N and having a surface area of 710 m2/g. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 1927–1933, 2003
Sulfuration and reversion reactions of brominated poly(isobutylene‐co‐isoprene)
Authors: Parent J. Scott , White Greg D. F. , Thom Darren J. , Whitney Ralph A. , Hopkins William
Published: May 2003

The sulfuration and reversion products of brominated poly(isobutylene‐co‐isoprene) (BIIR) were characterized through the use of a model compound, brominated 2,2,4,8,8‐pentamethyl‐4‐nonene (BPMN). The reaction of BPMN with S8 produced bisallylic polysulfides of various ranks, yielding sulfur bromide intermediates that likely contributed to the rapid oxidation of allylic sulfides into thiophenes. Reductive cure reversion to pentamethylnonene was also observed in the latter stages of vulcanization. The reaction of 2,2′‐dithiobisbenzothiazole with BIIR and BPMN produced a stable adduct that reduced the concentration of allylic bromide available for vulcanization. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 1915–1926, 2003
Assembly of amphiphilic poly[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine] with cholesteryl moieties as terminal groups
Authors: Sugiyama Kazuo , Shiraishi Kohei , Matsumoto Takako
Published: May 2003

Poly[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine]s (PMPCs) with one pendant cholesteryl moiety at the polymer end (PMPC‐Chol‐I and PMPC‐Chol‐II) and two pendant cholesteryl moieties at both polymer ends as terminal groups (PMPC‐2Chol‐I and PMPC‐2Chol‐II) were prepared by the radical polymerization of 2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine initiated with 4,4′‐azobis[(3‐cholesteryl)‐4‐cyanopentanoate] in the presence of 2‐mercaptoethanol or thiocholesterol as chain‐transfer reagents, respectively. The self‐organization of PMPC‐Chol and PMPC‐2Chol was analyzed with fluorescence and 1H NMR measurements. The critical micelle concentrations of PMPC‐Chol‐I with a degree of polymerization (Pn) of 91 and of PMPC‐2Chol‐I with a Pn value of 165 were 250 and 27 mg L−1, respectively. The blood compatibility of PMPC‐2Chol was evaluated from the Michaelis constant (Km) for the enzymatic reaction of thrombin and a synthetic substrate, S‐2238, in the presence of PMPC‐2Chol. Km was 0.07, 0.05, and 0.56 for PMPC‐2Chol‐I with Pn = 165, PMPC‐2Chol‐II with Pn = 38, and PMPC (an intrinsic viscosity of 0.54 dL g−1) initiated with 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronnitrile in the absence of chain transfer agent, respectively. A mixture of PMPC‐2Chol‐II and cholesterol as a drug model formed a lamellar type of complex with an interplanar spacing of d = 35.2 Å. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 1992–2000, 2003
Synthesis of autophotosensitive hyperbranched polyimides based on 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride and 1,3,5‐tris(4‐aminophenoxy)benzene via end capping of the terminal anhydride groups by ortho‐alkyl aniline
Authors: Chen Huan , Yin Jie
Published: May 2003

Benzophenone‐containing, anhydride‐terminated hyperbranched poly(amic acid)s were end‐capped by ortho‐alkyl aniline in situ and then chemically imidized, yielding autophotosensitive hyperbranched polyimides. The polyimides were soluble in strong polar solvents, such as N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, N‐dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed their excellent thermal stability, with a 5 wt % thermal loss temperature in the range of 527–548 °C and a10 wt % thermal loss temperature in the range of 562–583 °C. The strong absorption of the polyimide films in ultraviolet–visible spectra at 365 nm indicated that the hyperbranched polyimides were patternable. Highly resolved images with a line width of 6 μm were developed by ultraviolet exposure of the polymer films. A well‐defined image with lines as thin as 3 μm was also patterned, but the lines were rounded at the edges. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2026–2035, 2003
Synthesis and characterization of novel fluorinated polyimides based on 2,7‐bis(4‐amino‐2‐trifluoromethylphenoxy)naphthalene
Authors: Hsiao Sheng‐Huei , Yang Chin‐Ping , Chung Cheng‐Lin
Published: May 2003

A new trifluoromethyl‐substituted bis(ether amine) monomer, 2,7‐bis(4‐amino‐2‐trifluoromethylphenoxy)naphthalene, was synthesized. It led to a series of novel fluorinated polyimides by thermal and chemical imidization routes when reacted with various commercially available aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides. Most of the polyimides obtained from both routes were soluble in many organic solvents, such as N,N‐dimethylacetamide. All the polyimides could afford transparent, flexible, and strong films with low moisture absorptions of 0.3–0.6%, low dielectric constants of 2.52–3.27 at 10 kHz, and an ultraviolet–visible absorption cutoff wavelength at 377–436 nm. The glass‐transition temperatures of the polyimides were in the range of 244–297 °C, and the 5% weight‐loss temperatures were higher than 550 °C. For a comparative study, a series of analogous polyimides based on 2,7‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)naphthalene were also prepared and characterized. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2001–2018, 2003
Dark‐cure studies of cationic photopolymerizations of epoxides: Characterization of the active center lifetime and kinetic rate constants
Authors: Sipani Vishal , Scranton Alec B.
Published: May 2003

We have characterized the effective rate constants for termination/trapping (kt/t) and propagation (kp) for solvent‐free cationic photopolymerizations of phenyl glycidyl ether for conversions up to 50%. We have performed dark‐cure experiments in which active centers are produced photochemically for a specified period of time until the initiating light is shuttered off, and then the polymerization rate is monitored in the dark. This method is especially well suited for characterizing cationic polymerizations because of the long active center lifetimes. Our analysis provides profiles of the instantaneous kinetic rate constants as functions of conversion (or time). For photopolymerizations of phenyl glycidyl ether initiated with iodonium photoinitiators, kt/t and kp remain essentially invariant for conversions up to 50%. For the photoinitiator (tolycumyl) iodonium tetrakis (pentafluorophenyl) borate (IPB), the values of kt/t at 50 and 60 °C are 0.027 and 0.033 min−1, respectively. The corresponding values of kt/t for diaryliodonium hexafluoroantimonate (IHA) are 0.041 and 0.068 min−1. The values of kp at 50 °C for IPB and IHA are 0.6 and 0.4 L mol−1 s−1, respectively. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2064–2072, 2003
Cocrystallization phenomena in piperazine‐based copolyamides as examined by differential scanning calorimetry, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and solid‐state NMR
Authors: Vanhaecht Bert , Devroede Jan , Willem Rudolph , Biesemans Monique , Goonewardena Wyjayanthi , Rastogi Sanjay , Hoffmann Sven , Klein Philip G. , Koning Cor E.
Published: May 2003

Copolyamides 2.14/piperazine.14 with variable built‐in ratios of 1,2‐ethylenediamine (1,2‐EDA) and piperazine (pip) were synthesized by solution polycondensation. The built‐in ratio of both diamine comonomers was determined with solution 13C NMR analysis. The gradual replacement of 1,2‐EDA units by cycloaliphatic pip units in polyamide 2.14 resulted in a progressively decreased melting (Tm) and crystallization temperature of the obtained copolyamides. Apparently, the Tm raising effect of the incorporation of rigid cycloaliphatic moieties is overruled by the simultaneous Tm reduction caused by a decreasing hydrogen‐bond density. Indications for cocrystallization of 2.14 and pip.14 repeating units were obtained by the thermal analysis of copolyamides 2.14/pip.14 and of a blend of both homopolyamides. A preliminary wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction study pointed to the same conclusion. Solid‐state NMR spectroscopy was used to investigate the influence of the composition on the percentage of the rigid phase of the copolyamides and delivered additional indications for cocrystallization. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2082–2094, 2003
Metal‐template synthesis of cyclic epoxide–amine oligomers: Uncrosslinked epoxide–amine addition polymers, 47
Authors: Klee Joachim E. , Hägele Klaus , Przybylski Michael
Published: May 2003

The addition reaction of 2,2‐bis‐[4‐(2,3‐epoxypropoxy)‐phenyl]‐propane (DGEBA) and preformed complexes of metal ions and disecondary diamines led to a large quantity of cyclic epoxide–amine oligomers. As shown by gel permeation chromatographic analysis, cycles of n = 1, 2, and 3 were formed. Functional epoxide end groups of the prepared oligomers were completely missing in the IR and 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra. In the fast atom bombardment and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectra, the molecular ions of the n = 1, 2, 3 cycles of DGEBA and N,N′‐dibenzyl‐5‐oxanonanediamine‐1,9 were detected at m/z = 680, 1361, and 2042. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2047–2052, 2003
Reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by p‐chlorobenzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate
Authors: Ucan Recep , Tunca Umit , Hizal Gurkan
Published: May 2003

The controlled polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in bulk was initiated with p‐chlorobenzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate (1) and Cu(II) or Cu(I)/Cu(II)/N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldietylene triamine (PMDETA) complex system at various temperatures (20, 60, and 90 °C). The proposed polymerization mechanism is based on the Meerwein‐type arylation reaction followed by a reverse atom transfer radical polymerization. In this mechanism, aryl radicals formed by the reaction with 1 and Cu(I) and/or PMDETA initiated the polymerization of MMA. The polymerization is controlled up to a molecular weight of 46,000 at 90 °C. Chain extension was carried out to confirm the controlled manner of the polymerization system. In all polymerization systems, the polydispersity index and initiator efficiency ranged from 1.10–1.57 to 0.10–0.21, respectively. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2019–2025, 2003
Highly active methyl methacrylate polymerization catalysts obtained from bis(3,5‐dinitro‐salicylaldiminate)nickel(II) complexes and methylaluminoxane
Authors: Carlini Carlo , Martinelli Marco , Raspolli Galletti Anna Maria , Sbrana Glauco
Published: May 2003

The homopolymerization of methyl methacrylate was investigated with bis(salicylaldiminate)nickel(II) complexes, such as bis[3,5‐dinitro‐N(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)salicylaldiminate]nickel(II) (IIIa) and bis[3,5‐dinitro‐N(phenyl)salicylaldiminate]nickel(II) (IIIb), and with methylaluminoxane (MAO) as an activator. In particular, the effect of the Al/Ni molar ratio on the catalytic activity and on the properties of the resulting poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was checked. The maximum activity was ascertained when an Al/Ni molar ratio equal to about 100 was used. However, the productivity of the catalytic systems was rather low. When the IIIa/MAO catalytic system was prepared under an ethylene atmosphere, an extremely high activity was observed, a productivity value of up to around 150,000 g of PMMA/(mol of Ni × h) being obtained, the highest ever found with nickel‐based catalysts. No appreciable presence of ethylene counits in the polymeric products was also ascertained. When the IIIb/MAO system was used, similar results were found, and high molecular weight PMMAs were obtained, despite the absence of bulky isopropyl substituents in positions ortho and ortho′ to the N‐aryl moiety of the salicylaldiminate ligand. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2117–2124, 2003
A Re‐Evaluation of the Particle Size of Dow “Monodisperse” Latex Samples After an Elapsed Time of 47–54 Years
Authors: Davidson John A. , Ramic Anthony J. , Kornbrekke Ralph
Published: May 2003

The particle size of Dow polystyrene latex 580G lot #3584, LS‐057‐A, and LS‐063‐A were recently redetermined by electron microscopy. Sample 580G had been polymerized in 1948, while both LS‐057‐A and LS‐063‐A date back prior to 1955. The lot 580G material that we examined had gradually increased in size over the years and was badly contaminated. A second generation of fine particles was present which may be of non‐latex origin. On the other hand, both LS‐057‐A and LS‐063‐A showed no change in particle diameter. Both of these samples had been stored at high dilution (ca. 1.5×10−4 g/cm3) and at room temperature. This work suggests that a low solids level is very important for archival storage, in so far as it essentially negates water loss through evaporation. The “drying out” of standard latex samples supplied in 10 cm3 or similar quantities has long been known to limit their shelf life, and consequently the utility of these materials. Sample LS‐057‐A was also examined by QELS, which gives a measurement of particle diameter that is sensitive to agglomeration. This technique yielded a diameter ca. 18% larger than that obtained by TEM. However, upon re‐dispersion using ultrasonication, very good agreement was obtained. Two badly sedimented Duke monodisperse latexes also gave satisfactory agreement with the manufacturer's stated diameter after ultrasonic re‐dispersion, suggesting the utility of this method of re‐dispersion.
Application of the Maximum Entropy Formalism on Sprays Produced by Ultrasonic Atomizers
Authors: Dumouchel Christophe , Sindayihebura Daniel , Bolle Léon
Published: May 2003

A recent application of the Maximum Entropy Formalism on liquid atomization problems led to the development of a mathematical volume‐based drop‐size distribution. This function, which depends on three parameters, is a reduction of the four‐parameter generalized Gamma function. The aim of the present work is to investigate the relevance of the three parameters in the characterization of liquid atomization processes. To achieve this, a variety of experimental drop‐size distributions of ultrasonic sprays were analyzed with the mathematical function. Firstly, it is found that the mathematical drop‐size distribution is very suitable to represent the volume‐based drop‐size distribution of ultrasonic sprays. Furthermore, it is seen that when considering the three parameters introduced by the function, one of them is constant for all the situations investigated, and the other two are linked to a non‐dimensional group that includes the main parameters controlling the drop production. These results are very important, since they suggest a possible development of physical models of primary atomization based on the M.E.F., which would allow for the prediction of the spray drop‐size distribution. Thusfar, such a model does not exist.
Characterization of Nano‐Particles Using Laser‐Induced Incandescence
Authors: Leipertz Alfred , Dankers Stefan
Published: May 2003

Laser‐induced incandescence (LII) is introduced as a valuable tool for the characterization of nanoparticles. This optical measurement technique is based on the heating of the particles by a short laser pulse and the subsequent detection of the thermal radiation. It has been applied successfully for the investigation of soot in different fields of application, which is described here in the form of an overview with a focus on work done at the LTT‐Erlangen during the last 10 years. In laboratory flames the soot primary particle size, volume concentration, and relative aggregate size have been determined in combination with the number density of primary particles. Furthermore, the primary particle sizes of carbon blacks have been measured in situ and online under laboratory conditions and also in production reactors. Measurements with different types of commercially available carbon black powders, which were dispersed in a measurement chamber yielded a good correlation between LII results and the specified product properties. Particle diameters determined by LII in a furnace black reactor correlate very well with the CTAB‐absorption number, which is a measure for the specific surface area. It turned out that the LII method is not affected by variations of the aggregate structure of the investigated carbon blacks. The LII signal also contains information on the primary particle size distribution, which can be reconstructed by the evaluation of the signal decay time at, at least, two different time intervals. Additionally, soot mass concentrations have been determined inside diesel engines and online measurements were performed in the exhaust gas of such engines for various engine conditions simultaneously providing information about primary particle size, soot volume, and number concentration. The LII results exhibit good correlation with traditional measurement techniques, e.g., filter smoke number measurements. In addition to the soot measurements, primarily tests with other nanoparticles like TiO2 or metal particles are encouraging regarding the applicability of the technique for the characterization of such different types of nanoparticles.
The Fundamentals of Particle Size Analysis by Transmission Fluctuation Spectrometry.
Authors: Shen Jianqi , Riebel Ulrich
Published: May 2003

A transmission signal measured on a flowing suspension of particles with a high spatial and temporal resolution shows significant fluctuations, which contain the complete information on particle size distribution and particle concentration. In Parts 1 and 2, the basic properties of signal fluctuations were studied for temporal averaging by a gliding time window and for spatial averaging by a circular beam of uniform intensity. However, the experimental implementation of such conditions is difficult. Now, the theory is extended for Gaussian beams of variable diameter and averaging by signal filtering in the frequency domain. This provides the basis for an experimental implementation by transmission of a laser beam and analog signal processing by an array of low pass filters.
What is the role of tests of lung function in the management of infants with lung disease?
Authors: Godfrey S. , Bar‐Yishay E. , Avital A. , Springer C.
Published: May 2003

This review considers whether there is a role for lung function tests in the clinical management of infants with lung disease. The purpose of testing lung function in older subjects, the tests available for infants, and the practical problems of testing lung function in infants are considered. After reviewing all the facts, we suggest that there are four situations in which lung function testing should be recommended for infants, as follows: 1) the infant who presents with unexplained tachypnea, hypoxia, cough, or respiratory distress in whom a definitive diagnosis is not apparent from physical examination and other, less difficult investigations; 2) the infant with severe, continuous, chronic obstructive lung disease who does not respond to an adequate clinical trial of combined corticosteroid and bronchodilator therapy; 3) the infant with known respiratory disease of uncertain severity in whom there is need to justify management decisions; and 4) research and development. A review of 62 recent publications to determine how lung function tests are being used at the present time showed that they are being used overwhelmingly for research. The role of lung function testing in the clinical management of infants has not been established, and research is needed to clarify this situation. We suggest that such studies should explore the role of lung function tests in infants with specific symptoms, signs, or diagnoses, taking into account information from other types of investigation and the cost/benefit/risk ratios. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:1–9. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Familial neonatal pneumothorax associated with transient tachypnea of the newborn
Authors: Kugelman Amir , Riskin Arieh , Weinger‐Abend Marta , Bader David
Published: May 2003

We describe neonatal spontaneous pneumothorax associated with transient tachypnea of the newborn in siblings of two families. Familial spontaneous pneumothorax is extremely rare in neonates. Was our observation just an incidental finding, or is there a familial predisposition to spontaneous pneumothorax? Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:69–72. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psychogenic cough in a schoolboy: Evaluation using an ambulatory cough recorder
Authors: McGarvey Lorcan P.A. , Warke Timothy J. , McNiff Cathal , Heaney Liam G. , MacMahon Joseph
Published: May 2003

Psychogenic cough occurs most commonly in patients under 18 years of age. Making the diagnosis on clinical features alone is problematic, and it is usually a diagnosis of exclusion after several negative clinical investigations. We report on the case of a 13‐year‐old schoolboy with a 3‐month history of persistent dry cough with no other associated symptoms. Clinical examination and investigations revealed no abnormality, and empirical trials of antiasthma and antacid medications proved unsuccessful. An objective assessment of his cough frequency was made using an ambulatory cough monitor. A large number of cough episodes were recorded during the day, but during the time he was in bed there were very few episodes recorded. This suggested a diagnosis of psychogenic cough, and he underwent behavior modification therapy under the guidance of a clinical psychologist, with good result. Objective cough monitoring may therefore improve the evaluation and management of chronic cough. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:73–75. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Echocardiographic parameters in adolescents with sleep‐related breathing disorders
Authors: Sánchez‐Armengol Ángeles , Rodríguez‐Puras María J. , Fuentes‐Pradera María A. , Quintana‐Gallego Esther , Borja‐Urbano Guadalupe , Cayuela Aurelio , Capote Francisco
Published: May 2003

Few data are known about the effects of sleep‐related breathing disorders (SRBD) on the cardiovascular system in adolescents. Forty healthy adolescents (mean age, 13.7 ± 1.6 years) answered a questionnaire regarding symptoms of sleep‐related breathing disorders (SRBD) and underwent a cardiorespiratory polygraphy and echocardiography. Echocardiographic data in snorers with polygraphic abnormalities suggestive of SRBD (positive group, n = 29) were compared with the results in nonsnorers without polygraphic abnormalities (n = 11) who were included in the control group. Ventricular dimensions and indices of left ventricular systolic function were within normal limits and were not significantly different between the two groups. Indices of left ventricular diastolic function were also within normal limits, but isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) was significantly longer among the positive group (72.5 ± 8.4 msec) than among the controls (65.1 ± 7.9 msec) (P = 0.018). Multiple regression analysis showed that posterior wall thickness was predicted by a model that included cardiac events related with respiratory events and/or desaturations, and respiratory disturbance index (RDI) in supine position. Deceleration of early diastolic flow was predicted by RDI, percentage of total recording time with SaO2 < 90% (CT90), and age; the variability of isovolumetric relaxation time was predicted by a model that included RDI in supine position. We found a significant relationship between polygraphic parameters suggestive of SRBD and echocardiographic measurements of ventricular dimensions and diastolic function. Also, echocardiographic parameters suggestive of some degree of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction were found in snoring adolescents with polygraphic abnormalities. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:27–33. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Majority of children aged 3 years and above can reliably inhale through the Clickhaler
Authors: Iqbal Shaique M. , Ritson Sue , Buck Helen , Ellis Sally , Everard Mark L.
Published: May 2003

Guidelines suggest that pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDI) plus spacers are the delivery system of choice for children. However, they are bulky, which makes them inconvenient. It was suggested that the smaller dry‐powder inhalers (DPIs) may be suitable for delivering short‐acting bronchodilators to preschool children. This study considered whether preschool children could reliably generate sufficient inspiratory flows to use the Clickhaler DPI. Twenty‐seven asthmatic and 34 nonasthmatic children, aged 2–5 years, were recruited. Following training, they were asked to inhale four times through a Clickhaler flow monitoring system, twice “steadily” and twice “forcefully.” Inspiratory flow data were collected during each inhalation. Of the 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐year‐old asthmatics, 62.5, 100, and 100%, respectively, could reliably differentiate between inhaling and exhaling through the DPI. For nonasthmatics, the figures were 66, 60, and 88%, respectively. All but one of the children who understood the instructions generated a PIF of greater than 15 l/min (range, 13.9–88.3 l/min and 21.2–84.5 l/min in asthmatic and nonasthmatic children, respectively). These data indicate that the majority of children aged 3 years and above could reliably inhale rather than exhale through a dry‐powder inhaler, and that they generate inspiratory flows sufficient to use the Clickhaler effectively. The results indicate that the device could be a suitable delivery system for β2‐agonists in preschool children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:63–68. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary gas trapping increases in asthmatic children and adolescents in the supine position
Authors: Gustafsson Per M.
Published: May 2003

This study aimed to see if gas trapping or ventilation inhomogeneity during tidal breathing increases in young asthmatic subjects when recumbent over a period of 1 hr. Ten asthmatic children and teenagers and 12 control subjects performed tidal breathing multiple‐breath N2‐washout in the sitting position and immediately, 30 min, and 60 min after assuming the supine position. The asthma group also performed the same lung function tests on another day, but then remained in the sitting position throughout. When assuming the supine position, both groups showed significant falls in vital capacity (4–8%) and in functinal residual capacity (FRC) (>20%). Gas trapping increased significantly after 30 and 60 min in the supine position only in the asthma group, but other indices of ventilation inhomogeneity did not change with body position. When in the supine position, the trapped gas volume was on average 10% of FRC in the asthma group, which was twice as much as when sitting and three times higher than in supine control subjects. It is concluded that assuming the supine position leads to increased gas trapping in young asthmatics but not in healthy subjects; this could be one of several mechanisms that contribute to nocturnal worsening of asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:34–42. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Duration of effect of intravenous antibiotics on spirometry and sputum cytokines in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Cunningham Steven , McColm Janet R. , Mallinson Aileen , Boyd Ingrid , Marshall Tom G.
Published: May 2003

Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are a mainstay of therapy in children with cystic fibrosis. It is unclear, however, over what period associated improvements in pulmonary function are maintained, and to what extent the underlying inflammatory process is impeded in children admitted for a course of IV antibiotics. This was a prospective, interventional study of 14 children (median age, 14 years; interquartile range, 10–14) with cystic fibrosis who were regular sputum producers and who required admission for a 2‐week course of IV antibiotics. Children performed spirometry and provided a sputum sample prior to starting IV antibiotics and then weekly for 6 weeks, the first 2 weeks of which IV antibiotics were given. Sputum IL‐8, TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐10, MIP1‐α, and elastase were measured. Seven children were asked to repeat the protocol in a subsequent exacerbation to assess similarities in response to therapy. Significant improvements were seen in forced expired volume in 1 sec (FEV1) in association with IV antibiotics (27% relative improvement in predicted from baseline to end of week 1, median FEV1 41.3% increasing to 52.2%), but this continued only 1 week following cessation of antibiotics. Although IL‐8 demonstrated a trend for reduction in association with antibiotics, no significant profile was demonstrated for any of the cytokines assessed. IL‐10 was detectable in 64% of samples (all <100 pg/ml). In children with two episodes assessed, although there was a close correlation of FEV1 and FVC between exacerbations (before antibiotics), no significant correlation was seen for IL‐8, TNF‐α, or IL‐10 measured in both sets of samples at any sample point (indeed, a discordant response was seen between sample points in the two exacerbations). Although FEV1 temporarily improves in response to admission for IV antibiotics, no such response is seen in sputum cytokine values. In addition, assessment of cytokines in subsequent exacerbations does not show a similar pattern of response to treatment. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:43–48. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Follow‐up of compliance with tuberculosis treatment in children: Monitoring by urine tests
Authors: Palanduz AyşE , Gultekin Derya , Kayaalp Nimet
Published: May 2003

This study was designed to follow up patient compliance by detection of antituberculous drugsx in urine during the course of treatment. It was conducted in the Outpatient Clinic of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Sisli Etfal Hospital (Istanbul, Turkey). In total, 45 children with pulmonary tuberculosis participated. Patients were seen twice in the first month and once a month thereafter during the 6‐month course of treatment. The second urine of the day was collected at each visit. Urine was tested for isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RIF), and pyrazinamide (PZA). In the presence of these drugs or their metabolites, the addition of certain chemicals caused a color change in the urine. On day 15 of treatment, urine tested positive for INH in 82% of patients, for RIF in 67%, and for PZA in 73%. At the end of the second month, the ratio of adherence was 96, 89, and 96% for each drug, respectively. All patients were found to be adherent at months 5 and 6. We recommend detection of antituberculous drugs in urine to assess compliance to treatment. Once the defaulting patients were identified, adherence was improved by repeatedly providing patient education throughout the treatment. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:55–57. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of androgen receptor coactivators in normal and cancer prostate tissues and cultured cell lines
Authors: Mestayer C. , Blanchère M. , Jaubert F. , Dufour B. , Mowszowicz I.
Published: May 2003

BACKGROUND

In prostate cancer cell lines, androgen receptor (AR) coactivators modulate the transcriptional activity of AR. However, very little is known about their expression in normal prostate tissue and during progression to cancer.

METHODS

AR and coactivators ARA54, ARA55, ARA70, and SRC1 RNA were analyzed by RT‐PCR in normal and tumoral tissues of the same prostate, in prostate cell lines, and after hormonal treatments of prostate epithelial cells.

RESULTS

AR‐coactivators were expressed in normal and tumoral tissues and in cultured prostate cells; only ARA55 expression was decreased in tumoral relative to normal tissue of all seven prostates analyzed. It was not expressed in LNCaP and DU145 cancer cells and low in PNT2 immortalized cells in which all coactivator's expression were down regulated by DHT and up regulated by E2. In addition, coactivator's expression was increased in hyperplastic relative to normal prostate fibroblasts.

CONCLUSIONS

ARA55 is both an AR coactivator and a focal adhesion protein (Hic‐5). Its role in the progression of prostate carcinoma may therefore involve these two different functions. Its decrease in cancer tissue suggests that it plays a different role than that expected, namely, facilitate cell proliferation and therefore mobility and metastasis. Prostate 56: 192–200, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Response of patients with advanced prostatic cancer to administration of somatostatin analog RC‐160 (vapreotide) at the time of relapse
Authors: Barcena David González , Schally Andrew V. , Buenfil Manuel Vadillo , Morales Adolfo Cortez , L Victor Hernández , Cardenas‐Cornejo Imelda , Schally Ana Maria Comaru
Published: May 2003

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of administration of the somatostatin analog RC‐160 (vapreotide) at the time of relapse in patients with androgen independent prostate cancer.

METHODS

Our study included 13 patients with biopsy‐proven prostate cancer, stage D3. Eight patients had been treated with a depot formulation of the agonist D‐Trp‐6‐LH‐RH, with a median remission time of 68 (range 48–102 months). Five patients were initially treated by surgical orchiectomy, but relapsed after a median time of 33 months (range 17–91 months). A new remission period with a median duration of 10 months (range 2–29 months) was induced with Ketoconazole in the orchiectomy group. At the relapse time, all the patients received 1 mg of vapreotide t.i.d., by subcutaneous route, in addition to D‐Trp‐6‐LH‐RH, or Ketoconazole in the orchiectomy group.

RESULTS

Eight of 13 patients demonstrated clinical improvement after 3 months of therapy with vapreotide, six showing a decrease in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) from 234.5 ± 308.5 to 68.2 ± 60.5 ng/ml (mean decline 71 ± 8%; P < 0.05). Two additional patients presented a fall in serum prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP). Responding patients showed a decrease in the bone pain score from 2.62 ± 0.48 to 0.37 ± 0.69 and an increase in the Karnofsky performance status from 72.3 ± 4.21 to 83.6 ± 23.2 (P < 0.05). In accord with the ECOG criteria, two patients had a complete response; four had partial response, and two had a stable response. Four patients did not respond and one was not evaluable. Two patients died in remission, one at 16 months due to myocardial infarction and the other at 24 months due to pneumonia. Three patients relapsed at 5, 17, and 19 months respectively. Three patients who have been followed‐up for more than 3 years continued in remission (79, 45, and 45 months) respectively. Vapreotide was well tolerated, only three patients having transitory mild diarrhea.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that therapy with the somatostatin analog vapreotide at the time of relapse can induce objective clinical responses in some patients with prostate cancer who are refractory to androgen ablation induced by LH‐RH analogs or orchiectomy. Prostate 56: 183–191, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic value of circulating prostate cells in patients with a rising PSA after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Tombal Bertrand , Cangh Paul J. Van , Loric Sylvain , Gala Jean‐Luc
Published: May 2003

BACKGROUND

To predict poor outcome in patients with a biochemical recurrence (rising PSA) after radical prostatectomy (RP), urologists rely primarily on Gleason score, PSA doubling time, and time from surgery to biochemical (i.e., PSA) recurrence. In the present study, we assess the value of RT‐PCR detection circulating prostate cells in blood of patients with a rising PSA.

METHODS

RNA from blood samples was obtained from 55 patients with a rising PSA and from 45 patients without evidence of biochemical failure (PSA < 0.1 ng/ml). Both groups were matched for age, Gleason score, pT stage, and interval between radical prostatectomy and PCR testing.

RESULTS

PSA positive cells were detected in 1/45 (2%) patients without a PSA recurrence and 19/55 (34%) patients with a PSA recurrence. In the rising PSA group, mean PSA doubling time was significantly shorter in patients with positive RT‐PCR (5 months) than in patients with negative RT‐PCR (16 months; P = 0.001). An earlier onset of recurrence was also detected in patients with a positive RT‐PCR (31 months for positive RT‐PCR vs. 50 months for negative RT‐PCR) but this result did not achieve statistical significance (P = 0.102). Salvage radiation therapy was administered in 15 patients. Three of the five patients with a positive RT‐PCR progressed during radiotherapy whereas 7 of the 10 patients with a negative RT‐PCR obtained a complete response and none have progressed.

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary results suggest that RT‐PCR detection of prostate cells in blood of patients after RP correlates with rapidly progressing biochemical failure after RP. Prostate 56: 163–170, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent trends in mortality from benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Levi Fabio , Lucchini Franca , Negri Eva , Boyle Peter , Vecchia Carlo La
Published: May 2003

BACKGROUND

We have considered trends in mortality from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) over the last decades in Europe and, for comparative purposes, the USA and Japan.

METHODS

Cancer death certification data for benign prostatic hyperplasia were derived from the World Health Organisation database.

RESULTS

Between the early 1950s and the late 1990s, overall mortality from BPH in the European Union (EU) fell from 5.9 to 3.5 per million, and the decline since the late 1950s was over 96%. Comparable falls were observed in the USA and Japan, and BPH mortality rates in the late 1990s were lower than in the EU (1.8/106 in the USA, 1.4 in Japan). BPH mortality trends were downwards also in the Eastern Europe, although rates in the late 1990s were about fourfold higher than in the EU.

CONCLUSION

BPH rates have been steadily declining in developed countries. The excess BPH mortality in Eastern Europe indicates the scope for further reduction too. Prostate 56: 207–211, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A low‐fat diet and/or strenuous exercise alters the IGF axis in vivo and reduces prostate tumor cell growth in vitro
Authors: Barnard R. James , Ngo Tung H. , Leung Pak‐Shan , Aronson William J. , Golding Lawrence A.
Published: May 2003

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is the most common solid‐tumor cancer in US males but is rare in Asian males. When Asian men adopt the US lifestyle, clinical prostate cancer increases greatly. Epidemiological data from men in the US indicate that regular activity may reduce the risk for prostate cancer.

METHODS

Serum was obtained from three groups of similar‐aged men, Control, Diet and Exercise, and Exercise alone were used to stimulate LNCaP cells in culture. Growth and apoptosis of tumor cells were measured. Serum samples were also used to measure insulin, IGF‐1, IGFBP‐1.

RESULTS

The Diet and Exercise and the Exercise alone groups had lower serum insulin and IGF‐1 but higher IGFBP‐1 compared to Controls. LNCaP cell growth was reduced in both groups compared to Control and there was a major increase in apoptosis of tumor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

A low‐fat diet and/or intensive exercise results in change in serum hormones and growth factors in vivo that can reduce growth and induce apoptosis of LNCaP prostate tumor cells in vitro. Prostate 56: 201–206, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Establishment of a prostatic small‐cell carcinoma cell line (SO‐MI)
Authors: Okada Hiroshi , Shirakawa Toshiro , Miyake Hideaki , Gotoh Akinobu , Fujisawa Masato , Arakawa Soichi , Kamidono Sadao
Published: May 2003

BACKGROUND

Prostatic small‐cell carcinoma is an extremely rare, highly aggressive disease. We established a cell line from this tumor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tumor tissue obtained from a 24‐year‐old Japanese man was used to establish the cell line. Cultured cells and tumors transplanted into nude mice were characterized by histologic, immunohistologic, immunocytologic, and molecular biologic methods.

RESULTS

An immortal culture cell line (SO‐MI) was successfully established. SO‐MI cells adhered weakly to plastic surfaces in vitro, showing a 52‐ to 72‐hr doubling time. SO‐MI cells were heterotopically and orthotopically transplantable in nude mice. The cells were immunoreactive for NSE, chromogranin A, and NCAM, but not for ACTH, calcitonin, serotonin, gastrin, insulin, glucagons, LCA, EMA, PAP, PSA, androgen receptor, and p53. SO‐MI cells secreted NSE in vitro and in vivo. SO‐MI cells at passage 30 contained 50–59 chromosomes with a modal number of 55. PCR suggested that the p53 gene was deleted in SO‐MI cells. RT‐PCR detected no mRNA encoding androgen receptor in these cells.

CONCLUSIONS

SO‐MI cells retain the neuroendocrine nature of the original tumor, and should be useful in studying possible etiologies and new treatments. Prostate 56: 231–238, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prostatic androgen repressed message‐1 (PARM‐1) may play a role in prostatic cell immortalisation
Authors: Cornet Anne M. , Hanon Emmanuel , Reiter Eric R. , Bruyninx Marc , Nguyen Viet Ha , Hennuy Benoît R. , Hennen Georges P. , Closset Jean L.
Published: May 2003

BACKGROUND

Prostatic androgen‐repressed message‐1 (PARM‐1) has been cloned from the prostate. The transcript of the PARM‐1 gene is overexpressed during regression of the prostate after androgen withdrawal. The regulation of PARM‐1 by androgens is limited to this organ. We have studied the effects of PARM‐1 overexpression in malignant prostate cells.

METHODS

The PARM‐1 cDNA was introduced into the rat cancer cell line MAT LyLu along with a doxycycline‐dependent regulator.

RESULTS

Maximal expression of PARM‐1 (fivefold induction) was achieved by incubating the cells with 2 μM doxycycline for 48 hr. A study investigating the effect of PARM‐1 overexpression on the transcription of 588 genes has shown that the TLP1 gene (encoding rat telomerase protein component 1) was the most up‐regulated (fourfold). In addition, a dose‐dependent increase in telomerase activity was observed in cells overexpressing PARM‐1. In vivo, the androgen‐deprived prostate showed an increased TLP1 level and increased telomerase activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased telomerase activity is often associated with the immortalisation of cancer cell lines, particularly prostatic ones. This could mean that PARM‐1 is involved, via increased telomerase activity, in a survival program enabling certain prostatic cells to resist apoptosis, thus conferring a selective advantage to pre‐cancerous or cancerous cells. Prostate 56: 220–230, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.