bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antisperm Contraceptive Vaccines: Where We Are and Where We Are Going?
Authors: Naz Rajesh K.
Published: April 2011

Citation Naz RK. Antisperm contraceptive vaccines: where we are and where we are going? Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66: 5–12

This is a review of current status and future perspectives on the development of antisperm contraceptive vaccines (CV) and immunocontraceptives. The development of antisperm CV is an exciting proposition. There is a strong rationale and recent data indicating that this proposition can translate into reality. The search for novel sperm‐specific antigens/genes, that can be used for CV, continues using various recent developing technologies. Various approaches of proteomics, genomics, reproductive biology, mucosal immunity and vaccinology and several novel technologies such as gene knockout technology, phage display technology, antibody engineering, differential display technique, subtractive hybridization, and hybridoma technology are being used to delineate sperm‐specific antigens and construct CV. Various sperm antigens/genes have been delineated, cloned, and sequenced from various laboratories. Vaccination with these sperm antigens (recombinant/synthetic peptide/DNA) causes a reversible contraceptive effect in females and males of various animal species, by inducing a systemic and local antisperm antibody response. The efficacy is enhanced by combination vaccination, including peptides based on various sperm antigens. Several human novel scFv antibodies with unique complementarity‐determining regions (CDRs), that react with specific well‐defined fertility‐related sperm antigens, have been synthesized. These human infertility‐related antibodies may find application in the development of novel immunocontraceptives. Besides finding the novel sperm antigens, the present and future focus is on enhancing the immunogenicity, bioefficacy, and on obliterating the inter‐individual variability of the immune response, and proceeding for primate and human clinical trials. Multi‐epitope vaccines combining sperm proteins involved in various steps of fertilization cascade have been found to enhance the immunogenicity and bioefficacy of the contraceptive effect. The in vitro synthesis of infertility‐related human scFv antibodies may provide unique once‐a‐month immunocontraceptives, the first of its kind, for human use. The multi‐epitope CV and preformed engineered human antibodies of defined specificity may obliterate the concern related to inter‐individual variability of the immune response.
Comparing modelling approaches at two levels of biological organisation – Climate change impacts on selected Natura 2000 habitats
Authors: Bittner Torsten , Jaeschke Anja , Reineking Björn , Beierkuhnlein Carl
Published: April 2011

Question: Habitats are characterized by their plant species composition. Therefore, climate change impacts on habitats can be assessed by two complementary statistical approaches: either directly by modelling the climate envelope of the habitat, or indirectly by modelling the habitat in terms of its plant species. How do these approaches differ in their projected habitat distribution? What are the consequences for nature conservation?

Location: Europe.

Methods: Potential climate change impacts on the distribution of European protected Natura 2000 sites were modelled for five natural and semi‐natural grassland habitat types, defined by the EU Habitats Directive, using data from the Atlas Florae Europaeae and reports on Natura 2000 sites. We used random forests (RF) and logistic regression (GLM) to model current and potential future distributions for 2050.

Results: All habitats are projected to lose between 22% and 93% of their range in the ‘no dispersal’ scenario. In the ‘unrestricted dispersal’ scenario, almost all habitats gain suitable climate space, between 5% and 100% of their current range. In the direct habitat approach, both model algorithms have high discriminatory performance on test data and are well calibrated. In the indirect species approach, only GLM shows high model performance; RF models are overfitted. Projections of occurrence probabilities differ more strongly between model approaches (‘direct’ versus ‘indirect’) than between model algorithms (GLM versus RF).

Conclusions: Habitats are complex entities. Because of their dynamic nature, particularly in the face of climate change, we suggest modelling the future distribution of habitat types not exclusively based on their current definitions and mapped distributions, but also based on their constituent elements, and in particular their characteristic plant species.
Discovery of a possibly old galaxy at z= 6.027, multiply imaged by the massive cluster Abell 383
Authors: Richard Johan , Kneib Jean-Paul , Ebeling Harald , Stark Daniel P. , Egami Eiichi , Fiedler Andrew K.
Published: April 2011

We report the discovery of a unique z= 6.027 galaxy, multiply imaged by the cluster Abell 383 and detected in new Hubble Space Telescope ACS and WFC3 imaging, as well as in Warm Spitzer observations. This galaxy was selected as a pair of i-dropouts; its suspected high redshift was confirmed by the measurement of a strong Lyman a line in both images using Keck/DEIMOS. Combining Hubble and Spitzer photometry after correcting for contamination by line emission (estimated to be a small effect), we identify a strong Balmer break of 1.5 mag. Taking into account the magnification factor of 11.4 ± 1.9 (2.65 ± 0.17 mag) for the brightest image, the unlensed AB magnitude for the source is 27.2 ± 0.05 in the H band, corresponding to a 0.4 L* galaxy, and 25.7 ± 0.08 at 3.6 µm. The UV slope is consistent with β∼ 2.0, and from the rest-frame UV continuum we measure a current star formation rate of 2.4 ± 1.1 M⊙ yr-1. The unlensed half-light radius is measured to be 300 pc, from which we deduce a star-forming surface density of ∼10 M⊙ yr-1 kpc-2. The Lyman α emission is found to be extended over ∼3 arcsec along the slit, corresponding to ∼5 kpc in the source plane. This can be explained by the presence of a much larger envelope of neutral hydrogen around the star-forming region. Finally, fitting the spectral energy distribution (SED) using seven photometric data points with simple SED models, we derive the following properties: very little reddening, an inferred stellar mass of M*= 6 × 109 M⊙, and an inferred age of ∼800 Myr (corresponding to a redshift of formation of ∼18). The star formation rate of this object was likely much stronger in the past than at the time of observation, suggesting that we may be missing a fraction of galaxies at z∼ 6 which have already faded in rest-frame UV wavelengths.
Cognitive procedural learning in early Alzheimer's disease: Impaired processes and compensatory mechanisms
Authors: Beaunieux H. , Eustache F. , Busson P. , de la Sayette V. , Viader F. , Desgranges B.
Published: April 2011

Introduction. The aim of this study was to study cognitive procedural learning in early Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods. Cognitive procedural learning was assessed using the Tower of Hanoi (TH) task. In order to take account of possible interactions between different systems during cognitive procedural learning, we also measured non‐verbal intellectual functions, working memory, and declarative memory.

Results. Our results showed an apparent preservation of cognitive procedural learning in AD and a deleterious effect of the disease on verbal intelligence and declarative memory. Correlational analyses revealed a difference between AD patients and control participants in the type of processing they applied to the task.

Conclusion. The non‐involvement of declarative memory would appear to be partly responsible for a slowdown in the cognitive procedural dynamics of AD patients. As the AD patients were unable to use their declarative memory, they were still in a problem‐solving mode at the end of the learning protocol and had to implement higher order cognitive processes (i.e., compensatory mechanisms) to perform the procedural task.
The porous boundaries between explicit and implicit memory: behavioral and neural evidence
Authors: Dew Ilana T.Z. , Cabeza Roberto
Published: April 2011

Explicit memoryrefers to the conscious retrieval of past information or experiences, whereas implicit memory refers to an unintentional or nonconscious form of retrieval. Much of the literature in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience has focused on differences between explicit and implicit memory, and the traditional view is that they rely on distinct brain systems. However, the potential interplay between implicit and explicit memory is not always clear. This review draws from behavioral and functional neuroimaging evidence to evaluate three areas in which implicit and explicit memory may be interrelated. First, we discuss views of familiarity‐based recognition in terms of its relationship with implicit memory. Second, we review the challenges of distinguishing between implicit memory and involuntary aware memory, at both behavioral and neural levels. Finally, we examine evidence indicating that implicit and explicit retrieval of relational information may rely on a common neural mechanism. Taken together, these areas indicate that, under certain circumstances, there may be an important and influential relationship between conscious and nonconscious expressions of memory.
Application of Polylactic Acid Coating with Antimicrobials in Reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Stanley on Apples
Authors: Jin Tony , Niemira Brendan A.
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Stanley on apples as affected by application of polylactic acid (PLA) coating with antimicrobials was investigated. Golden Delicious apples were spot inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 or S. Stanley and spray coated with PLA solutions containing lactic acid (LA), disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), sodium benzoate (SB), potassium sorbate (PS), or their combination (LA + EDTA, SB + LA, SB + LA + EDTA). Apples without any coating treatment served as controls. Coating treatments were allowed to dry fully, and the apples were stored at 4 °C for 14 d. Antimicrobial coatings reduced populations of E. coli O157:H7 and S. Stanley by up to 4 log CFU/cm2 at 1 d and 4.7 log CFU/cm2 at 14 d, compared to controls. SB + LA combination had a similar effectiveness as the SB + LA + EDTA combination against both pathogens and was more effective than other coating treatments. Without antimicrobial treatment, E. coli O157:H7 and S. Stanley were able to survive on apples stored at 4 °C for up to 14 d. The antimicrobial PLA coating provides an alternative intervention to reduce the pathogens on apples.

Practical Application:  Antimicrobial PLA coatings provide an alternative method to reduce pathogenic contaminations on fruit surface, and therefore, reduce the risk of food‐borne outbreaks.
Physicochemical Properties of Bread Dough and Finished Bread with Added Pectin Fiber and Phenolic Antioxidants
Authors: Sivam Anusooya S. , Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao , Waterhouse Geoffrey I.N. , Quek SiewYoung , Perera Conrad O.
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  Comparative studies were conducted in this paper to investigate the effects of added dietary fiber (DF) and/or phenolic antioxidants on the properties of bread dough and finished bread. Breads were developed in the absence (control bread), or presence of apple pectin and/or fruit phenolic extracts (treated breads), and subjected to quality evaluation (attributes including color, weight, and volume) and characterization of chemical and rheological properties. Chemical analyses revealed that breads with added phenolic extracts had greater antioxidant activity and higher extractable phenolic content, than control bread and the treated breads with added apple pectin(s). The measured antioxidant activity was mainly derived from the phenolics present in bread. Storage modulus G′ (elasticity) and loss modulus G″ (viscocity) of the treated bread dough with added pectin(s) only were higher than those of control dough. The G′ or G″ of the treated breads incorporated with a combination of a pectin and fruit phenolic extract depended on the type of phenolic extract (that is, apple and blackcurrant extracts behaved differently from kiwifruit extract). The G′ and G″ at the final baking step were higher than those of other stages, indicating an increase in cross‐linking among polymeric molecules and bread particles of high molecular weight. We conclude that the added pectin and/or phenolic extract had influenced bread dough cross‐linking microstructure and bread properties through being involved in the interactions with bread components such as wheat proteins during dough development and bread baking.

Practical Application:  Dietary fibers and phytochemicals (including phenolic antioxidants) have long been recognized as the active nutrients responsible for the health benefits of fruit and vegetables to humans. Interest in incorporating bioactive ingredients such as dietary fiber and phenolic antioxidants into popular foods like bread has grown rapidly, due to the increased consumer health awareness. The added bioactive ingredients may or may not promote the development of bread dough. This paper reports the findings associated with the properties of the functional breads enhanced with apple pectin and apple, blackcurrant, and kiwifruit phenolic extracts. Results of this paper indicate that the success of the development of such functional breads is ultimately determined by the interactions among added bioactive ingredients and other bread components.
CIELAB Coordinates in Response to Berry Skin Anthocyanins and Their Composition in Vitis
Authors: Liang Zhenchang , Sang Min , Fan Peige , Wu Benhong , Wang Lijun , Yang Shuhua , Li Shaohua
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  Berry skin color OIV index, anthocyanin composition, and content of 78 grape cultivars were surveyed using a CIELAB system and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)‐mass spectrometry (MS) coupled with photodiode array detection. There were high correlations between L*, b*, and color, while a* was not a representative parameter. L* and b* values declined as berry skin color OIV became darker, and a* increased as berry skin color OIV became darker in pink and red grape cultivars only. The composition and content of anthocyanins varied widely among the cultivars. Total anthocyanins and types of anthocyanins were significantly correlated with color OIV parameters. Through multiple linear regression analysis, cyanidin derivatives had a positive effect on values of L* and b*. Delphinidin derivatives had positive effects on the value of a*. The CIELAB system gave good results for differentiation of grape berry skin color OIV.
Antimicrobial Activity of Biodegradable Polysaccharide and Protein‐Based Films Containing Active Agents
Authors: Kuorwel Kuorwel K. , Cran Marlene J. , Sonneveld Kees , Miltz Joseph , Bigger Stephen W.
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  Significant interest has emerged in the introduction of food packaging materials manufactured from biodegradable polymers that have the potential to reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional packaging materials. Current technologies in active packaging enable effective antimicrobial (AM) packaging films to be prepared from biodegradable materials that have been modified and/or blended with different compatible materials and/or plasticisers. A wide range of AM films prepared from modified biodegradable materials have the potential to be used for packaging of various food products. This review examines biodegradable polymers derived from polysaccharides and protein‐based materials for their potential use in packaging systems designed for the protection of food products from microbial contamination. A comprehensive table that systematically analyses and categorizes much of the current literature in this area is included in the review.
EBUS‐TBNA in mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathies and/or masses: an Italian case series
Authors: Gurioli Carlo , Ravaglia Claudia , Romagnoli Micaela , Casoni Gianluca , Tomassetti Sara , Nanni Oriana , Poletti Venerino
Published: April 2011

Introduction:  Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is an established method to diagnose hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathies and/or masses. Real‐time endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a method that involves TBNA, and has been shown to increase the diagnostic yield in this context.

Objectives:  A descriptive study has been conducted to test real‐time EBUS in the diagnosis of hilar‐mediastinal lymphadenopathies/masses with a shorter diameter less then 2.5 cm or with a previous negative ‘blind’ TBNA.

Methods:  Consecutive patients referred for EBUS‐TBNA of hilar/mediastinal lymph nodes were included in the study, when a node or mass was detected on a chest computed tomography scan. The primary end point was the number of successful biopsy specimens. Lymph node stations were classified according to the American Thoracic Society scheme.

Results:  Ninety‐four patients (66 males, 28 females) of mean age 62 years (range: 17–86) underwent EBUS‐TBNA: EBUS‐TBNA could be performed in all patients. The procedure was diagnostic in 80 patients (89.4%); positive samples were 73 (52 lung cancer, 18 sarcoidosis and 3 tuberculosis), negative samples were 17, inadequate specimens were obtained in four patients (4.25%) and surgically proven false negative results were found in six cases (6.38%). Biopsy specimens were taken from lymph nodes in region 2L (1 case), 2R (5 cases), 4R (20 cases), 4L (7 cases), 7 (47 cases), 10R (9 cases), 10L (2 cases), 11R (6 cases) and 11L (3 cases). Sensitivity was 92.4%, and specificity was 100%. No complications occurred.

Conclusions:  EBUS‐TBNA is a safe and reliable method for sampling mediastinal lymph nodes.

Please cite this paper as: Gurioli C, Ravaglia C, Romagnoli M, Casoni G, Tomassetti S, Nanni O, Poletti V. EBUS‐TBNA in mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathies and/or masses: an Italian case series. Clin Respir J 2012; 6: 3–8.
Practising Immortality: Schemes for Conquering ‘Time’ during the Ceauşescu Era
Authors: Mocanescu Alice
Published: April 2011

This article analyses the relationship between time, charisma, and the personality cult devoted to Nicolae Ceauşescu in communist Romania. It attempts to explore what schemes and devices were used in order to construct his image as a national leader and how time and charisma were dealt with within the process. Ceauşescu was obsessed with both carving a prominent place for himself in the national pantheon and shaping his posthumous image. This involved, first, the construction of his image in historical perspective – Ceauşescu was portrayed as the last and most important in a long lineage of national heroes. Second, it required an emphasis on the relationship between Ceauşescu and the masses. Third, it meant an attempt at mastering time – at delivering an image of Ceauşescu that would survive the passage of time unaltered. By investigating three mechanisms of cult production (stadium celebrations, architectural construction, and the medium of painting) this paper explores the relationship between constructed charisma, the creation of a national hero, and the issue of time within Ceauşescu's personality cult.
Why Knowledge Should Not Be Typed: An Argument against the Type Solution to the Knowability Paradox
Authors: CARRARA MASSIMILIANO , FASSIO DAVIDE
Published: April 2011

The Knowability Paradox is a logical argument to the effect that, if there are truths not actually known, then there are unknowable truths. Recently, Alexander Paseau and Bernard Linsky have independently suggested a possible way to counter this argument by typing knowledge. In this article, we argue against their proposal that if one abstracts from other possible independent considerations supporting reasons for typing knowledge and considers the motivation for a type‐theoretic approach with respect to the Knowability Paradox alone, there is no substantive philosophical motivation to type knowledge, except that of solving the paradox. Every attempt to independently justify the typing of knowledge is doomed to failure.
Recent advances in optic neuritis related to multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chan Jane W.
Published: April 2011

More advanced methods of detecting and quantifying optic neuritis (ON) in multiple sclerosis have been developed in the past 15 years. This review focuses on developments in optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurement of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and its role in monitoring axonal loss in the course of the disease. New clinical trial methods of measuring visual acuity (VA) include high‐contrast VA testing with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study charts, low‐contrast letter acuity and contrast sensitivity testing. Multi‐focal visual evoked potentials have been used to detect early, subtle visual impairment in ON and early recovery of visual function. New technical developments in OCT may help advance our knowledge in studying the relationship between optic nerve/retinal atrophy and brain atrophy in clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The treatment of CIS patients is still debatable.
Polymorphisms in the ABCB1 Gene in Phenobarbital Responsive and Resistant Idiopathic Epileptic Border Collies
Authors: Alves L. , Hülsmeyer V. , Jaggy A. , Fischer A. , Leeb T. , Drögemüller M.
Published: April 2011

Background: Variation in the ABCB1 gene is believed to play a role in drug resistance in epilepsy.

Hypothesis/Objectives: Variation in the ABCB1 gene encoding the permeability‐glycoprotein could have an influence on phenobarbital (PB) resistance, which occurs with high frequency in idiopathic epileptic Border Collies (BCs).

Animals: Two hundred and thirty‐six client‐owned BCs from Switzerland and Germany including 25 with idiopathic epilepsy, of which 13 were resistant to PB treatment.

Methods: Prospective and retrospective case‐control study. Data were collected retrospectively regarding disease status, antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy, and drug responsiveness. The frequency of a known mutation in the ABCB1 gene (4 base‐pair deletion in the ABCB1 gene [c.296_299del]) was determined in all BCs. Additionally, the ABCB1 coding exons and flanking sequences were completely sequenced to search for additional variation in 41 BCs. Association analyses were performed in 2 case‐control studies: idiopathic epileptic and control BCs and PB‐responsive and resistant idiopathic epileptic BCs.

Results: One of 236 BCs (0.4%) was heterozygous for the mutation in the ABCB1 gene (c.296_299del). A total of 23 variations were identified in the ABCB1 gene: 4 in exons and 19 in introns. The G‐allele of the c.‐6‐180T > G variation in intron 1 was significantly more frequent in epileptic BCs resistant to PB treatment than in epileptic BCs responsive to PB treatment (Praw= .0025).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: A variation in intron 1 of the ABCB1 gene is associated with drug responsiveness in BCs. This might indicate that regulatory mutations affecting the expression level of ABCB1 could exist, which may influence the reaction of a dog to AEDs.
Contemporary Vietnam: Political Opportunities, Conservative Formal Politics, and Patterns of Radical Change
Authors: Fforde Adam
Published: April 2011

This article examines contemporary Vietnamese politics and argues that many opportunities remain for political rethinking. It examines linguistic arguments that point to a perpetuation of traditional Communist ideas in two crucial areas—village elections and the treatment of “policy.” It then juxtaposes this formal conservatism with two areas of tension. First, problems exist in addressing important policy questions related to rural development, poverty, and participation. These suggest that without major rethinking of fundamental political issues, such problems are increasingly hard to address. Second, it examines the context of formal politics, looking at evidence for successful contestation over leadership positions in villages and the rise of informal farmers' groups. Both have often led local officials to simple toleration and accommodation rather than exploitation of such trends to assist their own repositioning in ways that could gain them popular political support. Again, such trends highlight the void in formal political rethinking. Both of these areas of tension create considerable difficulties for donors and external partners, whose approaches are often premised upon both a familiar policy‐driven role for the state in development and ignorance of local political processes.
Toward a Comprehensive Understanding of North Korea's Nuclear Conundrum: The Six Parties in Complex Interdependence from 2002 to 2008
Authors: Kim Ji‐Hyun
Published: April 2011

In order to address the tensions that erupted out of North Korea's nuclear crisis, a multilateral framework, known as the Six‐Party Talks, was arranged between the United States and North Korea along with four other countries in Northeast Asia. On the surface, Washington seems to possess many of the requisite means to win other countries to its side, whereas Pyongyang is widely considered a pariah with little influence over the given issue. However, North Korea has posed strategic challenges to the major powers, including the United States, over the years by accumulating more nuclear materials and conducting nuclear tests in between subsequent negotiations. This study is designed to shed light on the security conundrum caused by North Korea's nuclear crisis. In particular, I seek to examine the differences and compatibilities of the six negotiating parties' major policy objectives and priorities, the effects of which can explain bargaining positions and subsequent negotiated outcomes (or lack thereof) in complex multilateral talks, dealing with North Korea's controversial nuclear program.
The Inhibition of Adrenaline by Spasmolytic Agents
Authors: Graham J D P
Published: April 2011

Isolated segments of duodenum from the duck react to the addition of adrenaline by a biphasic response, contracting and relaxing. Atropine, trasentin 6H, homatropine and neoantergan (2786 R.P.) abolish this contractile response. Hyoscine and hyoscyamine have no effect in concentrations of 105. Rabbit gut is inhibited by adrenaline and l-nor-adrenaline. This action is abolished after neoantergan has been in contact with some segments of gut. Rabbit uterus contracts with adrenaline or neoantergan. In the presence of the latter the former inhibits movement of the uterus. The pressor response to adrenaline and l-nor-adrenaline in spinal cats is inhibited by atropine, trasentin and neoantergan in high doses (atropine sulphate 20ṁ0 mg./kg.). Certain differences between l-adrenaline and l-nor-adrenaline are discussed. A tentative hypothesis is offered to account for the adrenolytic activity found in a wide variety of compounds. This is an extension of MacGregor’s well-known explanation for the reactions of cocaine and adrenaline, based on certain common structural features in the adrenolytic agents discussed.
An Identity Test for Pheniodol
Authors: Foster G E , Williams W D , Ellis B , Petrow V , Snook G F
Published: April 2011

Sir,–During recent work in our laboratories an identification test suitable for routine analysis was required for pheniodol, α-phenyl-β-(4-hydroxy-3:5-diiodophenyl)-propionic acid, but no assistance in this matter was obtained by a survey of the literature. Accordingly, we developed the following test which has proved satisfactory in the hands of several independent workers.

Dissolve 0°5 g. in 15 ml. of 10 per cent. sodium hydroxide solution, warming if necessary. Add 1 g. of zinc dust and boil the mixture under a reflux condenser for 20 minutes. Cool, filter, add excess of dilute hydrochloric acid and collect the α-phenyl-β-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid. Wash with water and re-crystallise the product from alcohol-water mixture. The crystals, after drying at 100°C, melt at 180° to 181°C. The filtrate, from the acid after separation from the original reaction mixture, affords reactions characteristic of iodides.

It is felt that this test may be of interest to your readers.
The Determination of Alkaloids by Exchange of Ions
Authors: Jindra A
Published: April 2011

The development of research on substances serving for the exchange of ions has been going on for about a century. Research workers were at first dependent only on substances of natural origin, but in the years 1910 to 1930 many experiments were made towards preparing suitable synthetic products. In 1935, Adams and Holmes1 prepared a new type of artificial resin, and thus, with this new group of substances, started development along new lines. Griessbach2 examined in detail the composition, action and theory of ion-exchange substances, also their preparation and the determination of their activity, and explained their wide use for metallurgical and chemical purposes, especially as water softeners and salt-removers. In principle we are concerned with two groups of artificial resins. The first includes the condensation products of formaldehyde with aromatic acids, chiefly polyhydric phenols, and natural products of the tannin type, these condensation products serving as exchangers of cations, or eventually of hydrogen ions. The second group is formed by the condensation products of aromatic amines with aldehydes, these products serving for the exchange of anions, including hydroxyl ions. Hesse3 deals, under the heading of chromatographic determination, with the exchange of ions in some detail, from both theoretical and practical standpoints. Similarly, Myers4 sees in the exchange of ions only one of the methods of chromatographic determination (see also Zechmeister5).
Synthetic æstrogens
Authors: Dodds E C
Published: April 2011

The field of chemotherapy in general has shown the large numbers of compounds which can be used for the same purposes. One only has to contemplate the development of the so-called “sulpha” drugs to provide an example of this. The first compound produced by Domagk1 was the complex dye-stuff Prontosil. This substance obtained wide acceptance for the treatment of certain infections, but almost completely disappeared after the brilliant observations of Trefouel, Nitti and Bovet2 that in the rabbit the compound was split at the azo linkage, liberating sulphonamide, and that this simple substance itself was active against certain infections. As we know, this was the start of a whole series of drugs of which there must be by now many hundreds on the market.
The Pharmacological Actions of Erythræa Spicata
Authors: Farrag H F , Sherif M A F
Published: April 2011

The drug produced depression of the toad’s heart at a concentration of 1 in 600 of the extract; below this concentration there was practically no depression. It produced increase in coronary flow in the rabbit’s heart. It produced fall of blood pressure in dogs and dilatation of vessels in toads. It depressed plain muscle. The active principle is glycosidal in nature. It has a very low toxicity.
The Colorimetric Determination of Aneurine by Auerbach’s Method
Authors: Ballard C W , Ballard E J
Published: April 2011

Auerbach’s method for the colorimetric determination of aneurine has been modified. The modified method is of greater precision, is reproducible and permits the use of a calibration curve. The inapplicability of Auerbach’s method to certain tablets has been shown and a more satisfactory method is described.
Anticoagulants
Authors: MacIntosh F C
Published: April 2011

The processes that underly the clotting of blood are still far from adequately understood, in spite of the many facts uncovered by generations of patient investigators. The classical scheme associated with the name of Morawitz1, although neither complete nor universally accepted, is still useful as a summary of the main events. According to this scheme, the plasma contains three essential ingredients of the complete clotting system: these are ionised calcium and the proteins prothrombin and fibrinogen. The addition of a fourth ingredient, thrombokinase (or better thromboplastin, since its enzymic nature is still in doubt) completes the system, and initiates clotting. Thromboplastin is present in the tissues generally and also in the blood platelets. When blood makes contact with tissue fluid, or the platelets are injured by contact with a hydrophilic surface, prothrombin reacts with thromboplastin and with calcium ions to form an enzyme, thrombin: this is the first stage of clotting. In the second stage of clotting thrombin acts upon fibrinogen, changing it into the insoluble protein fibrin, whose threads constitute the matrix of the clot.
The Evaluation of the Bactericidal Activity of Ethylene Glycol and Some of its Monoalkyl Ethers Against Bacterium Coli: Part Vi
Authors: Berry H , Michaels I
Published: April 2011

The course of the disinfection (at 20°C) between Bact. coli and several concentrations of the following ethers of ethylene glycol has been investigated: monomethyl, monoethyl, monopropyl, monobutyl and monohexyl. Several experiments were conducted at every concentration and probit-log. time regressions calculated for all experiments. For every concentration of a substance the sum of squares for the common regression and for the variation in regression was calculated; the error mean square of the regression was also computed. The data for every concentration of each compound have been pooled, and a mean regression has been calculated for each compound. The statistical data from all the calculations for the terms of the regressions for every concentration of the compounds (at 20°C) have been massed and an analysis of variance carried out. The probabilities for the differences between the mean squares of the items in the analysis of variance have been deduced by means of the z distribution. No significant difference could be shown between the variation in regression between concentrations and between tests; these two errors have been pooled in order to establish the error mean square for all the estimations performed. The probit-log. time regression coefficient for every compound has been compared with its standard error; in all cases the ratio was large thereby indicating that b had been estimated satisfactorily. Confidence limits (at P = 0ṁ05) of the probit-log. time regressions have been calculated and a diagram constructed to show the increased precision obtained when many tests are performed at the same concentration.
The Assay of Mercuric Salicylate
Authors: Dombrow M
Published: April 2011

The B.P.C. assay of mercuric salicylate has been shown to give low results, compared with the U.S.P. XI method and a gravimetric sulphide method. A study of the conditions of the B.P.C. method has been made and sources of error revealed. A modification of the B.P.C. method has been proposed which gives results in agreement with the sulphide and U.S.P. XI methods. I am indebted to Mr. C. Morton, B. Sc., Ph.C., Head of the Chelsea School of Pharmacy, for his helpful criticisms.
Indian Henbane: Part I
Authors: Forsdike J L , Johnson B
Published: April 2011

A type of hyoscyamus growing wild in India is described. The species to which this plant should be referred has not yet been determined. This plant may be distinguished from H. niger, when unground, by the shape of the leaves, which are ovate to oblong and much less indented. The powder is distinguishable because the calcium oxalate crystals present are larger than those in H. niger; the presence of any calcium oxalate crystals exceeding 35μ long, or of more than 10 per cent. exceeding 25 μ may be taken as indicating something other than true Hyoscyamus niger. The total alkaloid contents of the specimens examined were, except in one case, less than the minimum required by the British Pharmacopæia for Hyoscyamus. The acid-soluble ash was greater than that usually found in H. niger grown in England, but about equal to that found in H. niger from India. A report of a germination test on the seeds is given. It was found that soaking the seeds for 18 to 24 hours in 2 per cent. w/v solution of hydrogen peroxide before sowing gave the best results. Our thanks are due to Professor Qazilbash, of Islamia College, Peshawar and to Mr. K. C. Chaterjee, of Boots Pure Drug Company (India), Ltd., for the provision of material; to Mr. A. W. Billitt, of Lenton Experimental Station, Nottingham, for carrying out the germination test and for growing the plants; to Dr. R. Melville, of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, for information; and to Mr. H. O. Meek, for helpful criticism. We are indebted to the Directors of Boots Pure Drug Company, for permission to publish this paper.
The Active Constituents of the Vegetable Purgatives Containing Anthracene Derivatives
Authors: Fairbairn J W
Published: April 2011

A review of the published theories which seek to account for the activity of purgative drugs containing anthracene derivatives is given. The relative activity of anthracene derivatives occurring as (a) glycosides, (b) anthranols and (c) anthraquinones, in certain crude drugs has been determined by biological means. A similar investigation of isolated glycosides, anthranols and anthraquinones has been carried out. The results show that the anthracene derivatives are highly active as anthranol glycosides; less active as free anthranols and much less active as free anthraquinones. The more complex aglycone (dianthranol) of sennoside A is more active than the simple anthranol of aloe emodin. The theory is advanced that the sugar moiety of the glycoside not only acts as a “transporter” of the active aglycone, enabling it to reach the large intestine, but is also a “protector” which prevents oxidation of the aglycone to the relatively (orally) inactive anthraquinone. The experiments also show that a determination of “total anthraquinones” irrespective of their form of occurrence will be no guide to biological activity. Further work on the glycoside fraction of these crude drugs is being carried out. I would like especially to thank Mr. T. C. Lou for performing all the bio-assays included in this paper, for preparing the pure anthracene compounds and for much valuable assistance and many useful suggestions during the course of the work. I am also grateful to the Pharmacology Department of this School for facilities for carrying out the bio-assays; and to the Department of Physical Chemistry for the loan of certain spectrophotometric equipment necessary for the colorimetric assays. Acknowledgments are made to Sandoz Products Ltd.*** for the gift of sennosides A and B, and to Mr. A. H. Fenton for the preliminary biological work.
The Variations in Colour of Liquid Extract of Liquorice B.P
Authors: Oakley J H , Stuckey R E
Published: April 2011

A study has been made of the colouring matter extracted from liquorice root and of some of the possible causes of variation in colour of liquid extract of liquorice B.P. It has been shown that the colour variation occurring in samples of extract prepared according to the official instructions may result from the standardisation of the preparation on its content of total water-soluble extractive. The effect of changes in pH value on the colour of liquid extract of liquorice has also been investigated. The authors wish to thank Miss S. M. Stokes for assistance in carrying out the practical work, and the Directors of The British Drug Houses, Ltd., for permission to publish this paper.
The Occurrence of Methyl Compounds in Galenicals
Authors: Brookes H E , Johnson H K
Published: April 2011

The presence of methyl alcohol in galenicals in more than traces is recorded and previous observations confirmed. The source of the methyl alcohol in senega preparations has been closely investigated. The method of the British Pharmacopæia for alcohol content has been shown to be the main contributory cause of the production of methyl alcohol by acid hydrolysis of the senega extractives. In these and other galenicals some preformed methyl alcohol is present. We wish to express our thanks to Mr. D. A. Hughes for his co-operation in the preparation of samples for examination, and to the Directors of Boots Pure Drug Co., Ltd., for permission to publish this work.
Para- Aminosalicylic Acid–Part III
Authors: Drain D J , Goodacre C L , Seymour D E
Published: April 2011

A series of tri-substituted aromatic compounds have been synthesised and their in vitro activities against the tubercle bacillus determined. The results of the study indicate no apparent relationship between structure and activity. The thiosemicarbazone of p-aminosalicylaldehyde has been synthesised and its activity compared with the thiosemicarbazones of p-acetylaminobenzaldehyde and p-methoxybenzaldehyde.
British Pharmaceutical Conference Blackpool, 1949
Authors: Toal J S , Phillips J I
Published: April 2011

A method has been described for the determination of the α-isomer of glycerophosphoric acid. The preparation and properties of pure crystalline α- and β-sodium glycerophosphate have been described. The isolation of “an impurity,” occurring from a side reaction in the primary combination and which seems to approximate to a diester, is reported. Two types of α-calcium glycerophosphate have been prepared: a dihydrate which is unstable in water and a monohydrate which is stable. The properties of the two hydrates of the calcium salt have been investigated and differences in their physical behaviour are reported. The preparation and properties of β-calcium glycerophosphate have been described. Commercial samples of calcium glycerophosphate have been examined and their departure from official standards noted. Suggestions for the official monographs have been made. Special thanks from the authors are due to Dr. D. E. Palin, of Imperial Chemical Industries, Limited, Research Department, Widnes, for his interest in the crystal structure and for discussion of the X-ray diffraction data which he supplied. We also wish to acknowledge the enthusiastic help of our technician, Mr. W. Rone, whose work made much of this paper possible, and we thank the Directors of Evans Medical Supplies, Limited, for permission to publish our work.
The Chemistry of Anti-Pernicious Anaemia Factors
Authors: Beaven G R , Holiday E R , Johnson E A , Ellis B , Mamalis P , Petrow V , Sturgeon B
Published: April 2011

Summary and Conclusions

Evidence is presented for the presence of three chemically related substances, components α, β, and γ, in acid hydrolysates of vitamin B12. Spectroscopic examination of these components has led to their classification as benziminazole derivatives. Spectroscopic comparison with 22 methylated benziminazoles synthesised to serve as model compounds, has resulted in the identification of components α and β as 1:5:6-trisubstituted benziminazoles, and of component γ as a 5:6-disubstituted benziminazole. Preliminary paper chromatographic studies point to the identity of component γ with 5:6-dimethylbenziminazole; from which it is concluded that components α and β are both 1-substituted 5:6-dimethyl-benziminazoles. Spectroscopic and chemical evidence leads to the conclusion that only one 5:6-dimethylbenziminazole residue is released from vitamin B12 on acid hydrolysis and that the benziminazole nucleus exists preformed in the vitamin. It is, therefore, concluded that components α, β, and γ represent successive stages of degradation of a common precursor. The bearing of these results on the biogenesis and structure of vitamin B12 is briefly discussed. It is a pleasure to acknowledge the encouragement of the Directors of The British Drug Houses, Ltd., in this work. Footnote. While preparing this paper for publication we became aware at the meeting of the First International Congress of Biochemistry held at Cambridge in August, 1949, of the findings of Dr. K. Folkers and his colleagues, and at the same session we announced the conclusions we had reached in the work now reported (Holiday and Petrow, J. Pharm. Pharmacol, 1949, 1, 734).
A Linear Optical Density Potentiometer for Use in Photoelectric Spectrophotometry
Authors: Morton C
Published: April 2011

A description is given of a linear optical density potentiometer, interchangeable with the logarithmic density potentiometer incorporated in the Unicam SP500 and Beckman DU photoelectric spectrophotometers. The potentiometer covers the density range 0·0 to 2·0; each of the approximately equal subdivisions of the scale throughout this range represents a density increment of 0·001. The arrangement of the controls is such that, on the completion of the measurement, the density of the solution under investigation is indicated by the appearance of a horizontal row of figures, visible through an aperture in the panel.
The Estimation of Para-Aminosalicylic Acid
Authors: Rao G Kameswara , Natarajan R , Rao K R K , Tayal J N
Published: April 2011

A comparative study of the existing methods of estimation of p-aminosalicylic acid and its compounds has been made and some of their defects pointed out. A method based on both decarboxylation and diazotisation is proposed and its advantages over the existing methods pointed out by a comparative study.
Piperazine Adipate: A New Anthelmintic Agent: Part II. Toxicological and Pharmacological Studies
Authors: Cross B G , David A , Vallance D K
Published: April 2011

An investigation on animals of the toxicological and pharmacological properties of piperazine adipate, a new anthelmintic agent, is reported. It is comparatively non-toxic orally, the LD50 of mice and rats being 11·4 and 7·9 g./kg. respectively. It has a spasmogenic action on isolated intestinal muscle and intestinal muscle in situ when large doses are given. Cardiac, circulatory and respiratory effects were slight, the rapid intravenous injection of large amounts being required to produce a response. 5 It has been safely administered over a prolonged period to rats and rabbits.
Chronic Toxicity Studies on Food Colours
Authors: Allmark M G , Mannell W A , Grice H C
Published: April 2011

New Coccine and Nigrosine, at levels of 0·03, 0·3 and 3·0 per cent in the diet, had no effect on mortality in male or female rats. In groups receiving Malachite Green at levels of 0·3 and 3·0 per cent in the diet there was 100 per cent mortality within the first week of the experiment. Female rats receiving Malachite Green at 0·03 per cent or Nigrosine at 3·0 per cent in the diet showed a significant decrease in growth rate. For the group on Malachite Green this was accompanied by a decrease in food consumption. In both male and female rats receiving Nigrosine at 3·0 per cent in the diet, there was an increase in the organ-body weight ratio for liver and kidneys. Histopathological changes attributed to the toxic effects of the colours were noted in kidneys and testes.
The Application of Infra-Red Spectrophotometry to the Examination of Essential Oils
Authors: Cross A H J , Gunn A H , Stevens S G E
Published: April 2011

Lavender oils in capillary films, in the range 5000 cm.−1 to 650 cm.−1 show peaks at 1310, 1220, 1085 and 855 cm.−1 of diagnostic value for cineole. A quantitative method based on the cineole peak at 1085 cm.−1 in carbon disulphide solution, and using an “Absorbancy Difference” method provides a truer assessment of the cineole content of lavender oils than do the methods currently described. The o-cresol method is inapplicable to oils containing cineole in the presence of esters, and alcohols. The cineole contents of English and spike lavender oils are lower than the published figures based on the formation of complexes. The official, French, English and spike lavender oils might be classified in the pharmacopoeias by their cineole content.
The Preparation and Progestational Activity of Some Alkylated Ethisterones
Authors: David A , Hartley F , Millson D R , Petrow V
Published: April 2011

The preparation and progestational activity of some 6-alkyl, 21-alkyl and 6:21-dialkyl derivatives of ethisterone are described. 6α:21-Dimethylethisterone (XIV), the most potent compound of the series, given by mouth proved to have approximately twelve times the activity of ethisterone in the Clauberg test.