bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syntheses of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(dimethyl siloxane) graft copolymers and their surface enrichment of their blend with acrylate adhesive copolymers
Authors: Lee Yongjun , Akiba Isamu , Akiyama Saburo
Published: October 2002

Several types of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(dimethyl siloxane) graft copolymers (PMMA‐g‐PDMS) were synthesized using macromonomer technology. Three types of PMMA‐g‐PDMS with different PDMS chain length were obtained. The effect of siloxane chain length on surface segregation of PMMA‐g‐PDMS/poly(2‐ethylhexyl acrylate‐co‐acrylic acid‐co‐vinyl acetate)[P(2EHA‐AA‐VAc)] blends was investigated. The blends of PMMA‐g‐PDMS with P(2EHA‐AA‐VAc) showed surface segregations of PDMS components. The surface enrichments of PDMS in the blends depended on the PDMS chain length, significantly. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1736–1740, 2002
Spectral and electrochemical studies on blends of polyaniline and cellulose esters
Authors: Marques A. P. , Brett C. M. A. , Burrows H. D. , Monkman A. P. , Retimal B.
Published: October 2002

Blends of chemically prepared polyaniline emeraldine base (PANi) with cellulose esters were studied as films by UV–visible spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The cellulose esters used were acetate, propionate, acetate butyrate, and acetate hydrogen phthalate. Films were prepared by casting from N‐methylpyrrolidone or formic acid, and the effect of doping by acids on their spectral and electrochemical properties was studied. Similar behavior was observed with the acetate, propionate, or acetate butyrate, with spectral changes on adding acid due to protonation of the PANi. In agreement with previous studies, kinetic measurements on PANi in a cellulose acetate matrix shows a relatively slow spectral change on protonation. In contrast, with cellulose acetate hydrogen phthalate (CAHP), no changes were observed on adding acid, and it is suggested that the hydrogen phthalate group acts as proton donor. This was mirrored by the cyclic voltammetry behavior in hydrochloric acid solution. Electrochemical studies on films of PANi/CAHP blends in different relative proportions in sulfuric acid solution show a marked dependence on the solvent used for casting, with higher currents and better electrical conductivity being observed in films prepared from N‐methylpyrrolidone. This is shown to be due to the presence of PANi particles in the films. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2182–2188, 2002
Preparation and characterization of poly‐DL‐lactide–poly(ethylene glycol) microspheres containing λDNA
Authors: Deng Xianmo , Liu Yu , Yuan Minlong , Li Xiaohong , Liu Li , Jia W. X.
Published: October 2002

Polylactide (PLA) and a block copolymer, poly‐DL‐lactide–poly(ethylene glycol) (PELA) were synthesized by bulk ring‐opening polymerization initiated by stannous chloride. A linear DNA molecule, λDNA, was used as the model DNA. PLA, PELA, λDNA‐loaded PLA and PELA microspheres were prepared by the solvent‐extraction method based on the formation of multiple w1/o/w2 emulsion. The particle‐size distribution, surface morphology, and DNA loading characterized the microspheres. The mean diameter of λDNA‐loaded PELA microspheres was proved to be 3.5 μm. The integrity of the λDNA molecules, after preparing the microspheres, was determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. The result suggested that most of the λDNA molecules could retain their integrity after being encapsulated by PELA. The PELA microspheres could also prevent λDNA from being degraded by DNase. The in vitro degradation and release of PLA, PELA, and λDNA‐loaded PELA microspheres were carried out in a pH 7.4 buffer solution at 37°C. Quantitatively, evaluating the molecular weight reduction, the mass loss, the particle‐size changes, and the particle‐size distribution changes also monitored the degree of degradation. The release profile was assessed by measurement of the amount of λDNA present in the release medium at determined intervals. The degradation profiles of the PELA microspheres were quite different from those of the PLA microspheres. The introduction of the hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) domain in PLA and the presence of λDNA within the microspheres exhibit the apparent influence on the degradation and release profiles. A biphasic release profile was proved, that is, an initial burst release during the first days, then a gradual release. It was demonstrated that the PELA microspheres could be used potentially as a controlled release‐delivery system for λDNA. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2557–2566, 2002
Thermal properties and morphology of noncrosslinking linear low‐density polyethylene‐grafted acrylic acid
Authors: Zhanhai Yao , Ying Gao , Jinghua Yin
Published: October 2002

Noncrosslinking linear low‐density polyethylene‐grafted acrylic acid (LLDPE‐g‐AA) was prepared by melt‐reactive extrusion in our laboratory. The thermal behavior of LLDPE‐g‐AA was investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Compared with neat linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE), melting temperature (Tm) of LLDPE‐g‐AA increased a little, the crystallization temperature (Tc) increased about 4°C, and the melting enthalpy (ΔHm) decreased with an increase in acrylic acid content. Isothermal crystallization kinetics of LLDPE and LLDPE‐g‐AA samples were carried out by using DSC. The overall crystallization rate of LLDPE was smaller than that of grafted samples. It showed that the grafted acrylic acid monomer onto LLDPE acted as a nucleating agent. Crystal morphologies of LLDPE‐g‐AA and LLDPE were examined by using SEM. Spherulite sizes of LLDPE‐g‐AA samples were lower than that of LLDPE. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2626–2630, 2002
Electrochemistry of the films of a novel class C60 covalently linked PPV derivative: Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance study in acetonitrile solutions of tetra‐n‐butylammonium cations
Authors: Liu Ying , Fan Louzhen , Li Yongfang , Xiao Shengxiong , Li Yuliang
Published: October 2002

The electrochemical behaviors of a novel class C60 covalently linked PPV derivatives (i.e., PPV‐1‐C60 and PPV‐2‐C60) in thin solid films as well as in solutions are reported. The first cathodic peak potentials of PPV‐1‐C60 and PPV‐2‐C60 have positive shifts by 30 and 50 mV, respectively, compared to pristine C60 in formal cyclic voltammetry (CV). Simultaneous CV and piezoelectric microgravimetry of the drop‐coated thin solid films of PPV‐1‐C60 and PPV‐2‐C60 in acetonitrile solutions of TBA+ counteractions are strongly influenced by the structure of the polymer‐C60, including the length of the chain macromolecule and the steric hindrance effect. In addition, the atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of PPV‐1‐C60 and PPV‐2‐C60 films deposited on Au/quartz electrode both exhibit even distribution. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2737–2741, 2002
Phase behavior and density of polysulfone in binary fluid mixtures of tetrahydrofuran and carbon dioxide under high pressure: Miscibility windows
Authors: Zhang Wei , Kiran Erdogan
Published: October 2002

Mixtures of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were identified as new solvent systems for polysulfone. The miscibility and density of polysulfone in binary fluid mixtures of THF and CO2 were investigated from 300 to 425 K at pressures up to 70 MPa. The influence of the CO2 and polysulfone concentrations was studied, with the concentrations of the other two components kept constant. At a 4.5 wt % polymer concentration, the demixing pressures in a 10 wt % CO2 and 90 wt % THF mixture increased with temperature (310–425 K) from 15 to 40 MPa. With increasing CO2 concentration (from ca. 10 to 14 wt %), a significant increase (from 15 to 70 MPa at 310 K) was observed in the demixing pressures. Furthermore, with an increasing amount of CO2, the nature of the phase boundary shifted from lower critical solution temperature behavior to upper critical solution temperature behavior. The influence of the polymer concentration was studied in the 0–5 wt % range at two CO2 levels, with solvent compositions of 10 wt % CO2 and 90 wt % THF and 13 wt % CO2 and 87 wt % THF. The system with a higher level of CO2 (13 wt %) showed highly unusual phase behavior: on pressure–composition and temperature–composition diagrams, the system displayed two distinct regions of miscibility. In the system with 10 wt % CO2, the distinct regions of miscibility that were observed in the system with 13 wt % CO2 partially overlapped and led to a W‐shape phase boundary. The densities of the polymer solutions were measured from the one‐phase region through the demixing point into the two‐phase region at a constant temperature. No significant change in density was found around the phase boundary; this indicated that the coexisting phases had similar densities, as is often the case with liquid–liquid phase separation in polymer solutions under high pressure. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2357–2362, 2002
Proton‐conductive membranes of sulfonated polyphenylsulfone
Authors: Dyck A. , Fritsch D. , Nunes S. P.
Published: October 2002

Polyphenylsulfone was sulfonated by two different methods: reaction with SO3 and reaction with (CH3)3SiSO3Cl. The products were characterized, and the advantages of both methods are discussed. Much more homogeneous products were obtained from the reaction with (CH3)3SiSO3Cl, along with better control of the sulfonation degree. An alternative method of membrane preparation led to an asymmetric structure, which allowed the combination of high mechanical stability and high proton conductance. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2820–2827, 2002
Epitope‐specific recognition of type II collagen by rheumatoid arthritis antibodies is shared with recognition by antibodies that are arthritogenic in collagen‐induced arthritis in the mouse
Authors: Burkhardt Harald , Koller Tobias , Engström Åke , Nandakumar Kutty Selva , Turnay Javier , Kraetsch Hans G. , Kalden Joachim R. , Holmdahl Rikard
Published: October 2002

Objective

To analyze the fine specificity of IgG autoantibodies in sera from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients for type II collagen (CII) epitopes that are arthritogenic in collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA), a relevant murine model of RA.

Methods

For enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis of conformation‐dependent autoantibody binding, recombinant chimeric collagens that harbor the respective CII epitopes as an insertion within the frame of a constant type X collagen triple helix were constructed. In addition, synthetic peptides mimicking the native collagen structures were applied for the first time in the ELISA assessment of humoral CII autoimmunity.

Results

The pathogenicity of IgG responses to certain CII determinants in CIA was demonstrated by arthritis development in BALB/c mice upon the combined transfer of 2 mouse monoclonal antibodies specific for precisely mapped conformational CII epitopes (amino acid residues 359–369 [C1III] and 551–564 [J1]), whereas antibodies to another epitope (F4) were not arthritogenic. To test whether human autoimmune responses are similarly directed to these conserved CII determinants, serum IgG was analyzed. The prevalence of sera with increased IgG binding to the C1III epitope was significantly higher in RA compared with sera from healthy donors or from patients with other rheumatic conditions, e.g., osteoarthritis (OA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or relapsing polychondritis (RP), whereas levels of antibodies specific for the nonarthritogenic F4 epitope were associated with OA rather than RA.

Conclusion

Autoimmunity to CII, although detectable in different rheumatic conditions, differs in fine specificity between distinct disease entities. In RA, in contrast to degenerative joint disease, RP, and SLE, autoantibody responses are directed to an evolutionary conserved CII structure that is also targeted by pathogenic autoimmune responses in murine models of arthritis.
The insulin‐like growth factor binding proteins in uncultured human cartilage: Increases in insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3 during osteoarthritis
Authors: Morales Teresa I.
Published: October 2002

Objective

To assess changes in the insulin‐like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) in uncultured cartilage during stages of osteoarthritis (OA), and to determine if OA cartilage is capable of autocrine secretion of IGFBPs.

Methods

Articular cartilage was dissected from fibrillated and nonfibrillated sites of 11 human femoral heads, and extracted in buffer containing 8M urea. IGFBPs were identified by immunoprecipitation and subsequent analysis by 125I–IGF‐2 Western ligand blotting (WLB), radioimmunoassay, or 2‐site immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). IGFBPs were assessed in cartilage extracts by WLB. IGFBP‐3 content was determined by IRMA and synthesis by metabolic labeling with 35S‐cysteine in organ cultures.

Results

Sample grouping into 3 distinct OA strata was supported by gross pathology of the femoral heads, histologic grading of cartilage slices, and biochemical analysis of the glycosaminoglycan and protein content of the extracts. Group I was normal/mild OA, group II was intermediate OA, and group III was severe OA. IGFBP‐2 was present in all samples, IGFBP‐4 in sporadic samples, and BP‐3 in group II–III samples. By IRMA, group I had a mean ± SD of 6.26 ± 2.6 ng IGFBP‐3/mg soluble protein (IGFBP‐3) (n = 6), group II had a mean ± SD 14 ± 7.5 IGFBP‐3 (n = 10), and group III had a mean ± SD 17.03 ± 8.94 IGFBP‐3 (n = 6). Analysis of variance showed group differences (F[3,19] = 3.84, P = 0.04), and post hoc tests revealed that IGFBP‐3 levels were higher for group III versus group I (P = 0.04). OA cartilage synthesized IGFBP‐3.

Conclusion

Increases in net cartilage content of IGFBP‐3 occurred in intact OA cartilage, reaching statistically significant elevation in severe disease. There was autocrine IGFBP‐3 production in OA cartilage.
Lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor 1 mediates leukocyte infiltration and articular cartilage destruction in rat zymosan‐induced arthritis
Authors: Nakagawa Takefumi , Akagi Masao , Hoshikawa Hajime , Chen Mingyi , Yasuda Tadashi , Mukai Shogo , Ohsawa Kunitaka , Masaki Tomoh , Nakamura Takashi , Sawamura Tatsuya
Published: October 2002

Objective

The relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis has been recognized for >20 years. This study aimed to elucidate the roles of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL; one of the main pathogenic factors of atherosclerosis) and its endothelial receptor, lectin‐like ox‐LDL receptor 1 (LOX‐1), in arthritic joints using a rat zymosan‐induced arthritis (ZIA) model.

Methods

LOX‐1 expression and ox‐LDL accumulation in arthritic joints were detected by immunohistochemistry using specific mouse anti–LOX‐1 and anti–ox‐LDL monoclonal antibodies, respectively. To elucidate the effects of the expressed LOX‐1 on arthritis, ZIA rats were treated with anti–LOX‐1 antibody or normal mouse IgG. The severity of arthritis was analyzed by joint swelling. Cell infiltration, synovial hyperplasia, and proteoglycan losses were also determined by histologic scoring. Proinflammatory cytokine and nitrite levels in serum and joint fluid were also measured.

Results

Immunohistochemical study of ZIA demonstrated LOX‐1 expression on synovial endothelium and postcapillary venules at 6 hours after the induction of inflammation, with maximum expression detected at 24 hours. LOX‐1 was also expressed weakly on both joint cartilage and synovium. Ox‐LDL, a ligand of LOX‐1, was also detected in articular chondrocytes. Administration of anti–LOX‐1 antibody, which blocks LOX‐1 activity, suppressed joint swelling (by 33.5%), leukocyte infiltration, and joint nitrite accumulation at 24 hours, as well as cartilage destruction at 7 days, compared with control rats.

Conclusion

LOX‐1 induction in arthritic joints might play a role in promoting joint inflammation and cartilage destruction by mediating leukocyte infiltration into the arthritic joints of ZIA rats.
A re‐examination of melioration and rational choice
Authors: Tunney Richard J. , Shanks David R.
Published: October 2002

We examined how people allocate choices between two alternatives when the payoff from each alternative varied as a function of the allocation of recent choices. On any one trial alternative A had a higher immediate payoff than alternative B, but across all trials B had a higher overall payoff than A. Rational choice theory requires that participants allocate all their responses to the alternative with the greatest overall payoff irrespective of which has the higher immediate payoff. Melioration, in contrast, proposes that participants are motivated to choose the alternative with the higher immediate payoff, irrespective of the consequences for future returns. We report four experiments in which we varied the nature of the payoffs. Participants exhibited self‐control consistent with rational choice theory when payoffs varied in magnitude, but exhibited impulsiveness consistent with melioration when the payoffs varied in probability. Finally, we show that impulsivity when payoffs varied in probability can be overcome following un‐reinforced practice. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mushroom stem cells
Authors: Money Nicholas P.
Published: October 2002

Contrary to the rarity of totipotent cells in animals, almost every cell formed by a fungus can function as a “stem cell”. The multicellular fruiting bodies of basidiomycete fungi consist of the same kind of filamentous hyphae that form the feeding phase, or mycelium, of the organism, and visible cellular differentiation is almost nonexistent. Mushroom primordia develop from masses of converging hyphae, and the stipe (or stem), cap, and gills are clearly demarcated within the embryonic fruiting body long before the organ expands and unfolds through water uptake and cell wall loosening.a

Though frequent references are made to gilled mushrooms in this article, the totipotent nature of fruiting body cells and lack of meristems is also applicable to basidiomycetes that spread their spore‐producing tissues inside tubes (e.g., boletes), over spines and rippled surfaces, or form spores in cavities within the fruiting body.

Even in the mature mushroom, every hypha retains its totipotency. Among animals, only sponges exhibit a similar degree of developmental flexibility, which is interesting, because these simple metazoans may be relatively close relatives of fungi. BioEssays 24:949–952, 2002. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increasingly complex: New players enter the Wnt signaling network
Authors: Pandur Petra , Maurus Daniel , Kühl Michael
Published: October 2002

Wnt proteins can activate different intracellular signaling cascades in various organisms by interacting with receptors of the Frizzled family. The first identified Wnt signaling pathway, the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, has been studied in much detail and is highly conserved among species. As to non‐canonical Wnt pathways, the current situation is more nebulous partly because the intracellular mediators of this pathway are not yet fully understood and, in some cases, even identified. However, there are increasing data that prove the existence of non‐canonical Wnt signaling and demonstrate its involvement in different developmental processes. In vertebrates, Wnt‐11 and Wnt‐5A can activate the Wnt/JNK pathway, which resembles the planar cell polarity pathway in Drosophila. The Wnt/Ca2+‐pathway has only been described in Xenopus and zebrafish so far and it is unclear whether it also exists in other organisms. Two recent papers provide us with new insight into non‐canonical Wnt signaling by (1) presenting a new intracellular mediator of non‐canonical signaling in Xenopus1 and (2) implicating the existence of an additional non‐canonical Wnt signaling pathway in flies.2 BioEssays 24:881–884, 2002. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel strategies for targeting the dimerization interface of HIV protease with cross‐linked interfacial peptides
Authors: Bowman Michael J. , Chmielewski Jean
Published: October 2002

As the prevalence of AIDS continues to grow, and current therapeutic agents begin to lose efficacy, the need for alternative treatments to combat HIV has become significantly greater. Targeting the highly conserved dimerization interface of HIV protease (PR) with interfacial peptides has been shown to reduce the activity of the enzyme due to generation of inactive monomers. The potency of these peptide‐based inhibitors has been dramatically increased by cross‐linking the interfacial sequences derived from HIV PR. This review focuses on a variety of strategies to develop potent, low‐molecular‐weight dimerization inhibitors of HIV PR. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 66: 126–133, 2002
Inhibition of proteolysis and other posttranslational modifications with substrate‐targeted inhibitors
Authors: Kodadek Thomas
Published: October 2002

This article reviews the concept of developing protease inhibitors that target the substrate polypeptide rather than the enzyme. Substrate‐targeted inhibitors have the potential to be more specific than even the most highly selective enzyme‐targeted inhibitors because essentially all proteases process multiple substrates. The challenge in developing substrate‐targeted protease inhibitors centers on the development of high‐affinity binding agents for short stretches of amino acids (linear epitopes). Recent experimental progress toward this goal and a number of other potential solutions are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 66: 134–140, 2002
Ethics issues in security hospitals
Authors: Weinstein Henry C.
Published: October 2002

The term ‘security hospital’ is used for a variety of facilities including forensic hospitals and prison hospitals, which, because of their mission, the nature of their work, and the populations they serve—or because of the authority under which they operate—place the staff at considerable risk of ethical violations related to either clinical care or to forensic activities. The problem of divided loyalties is of special concern in security hospitals. Ethics principles particularly at risk are confidentiality and informed consent. Where there are cultural disparities between the staff and the patients, differences in background, socioeconomic class, education, and other types of diversity, cultural awareness is required and must be reflected in appropriate treatment and evaluation. To counteract the risks of ethical violations, a security hospital should create an ethical climate and develop means to anticipate, prevent, and deal with ethical violations. These might include detailed and specific policies and procedures, programs of orientation, education, consultation, and liaison as well as its own ethics committee. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safeguarding disabled children in residential settings: what we know and what we don't know
Authors: Paul Alina , Cawson Pat
Published: October 2002

Research in America, Canada, Australia and Britain has revealed that disabled children are particularly vulnerable to abuse. Their likelihood of attending residential institutions, their dependency on others for personal care and the lack of opportunities for them to alert others to maltreatment or comprehend the nature of abusive acts all increase levels of risk. Over the last decade, there has been increasing public and professional concern about the abuse of children in residential establishments, resulting in a number of inquiries. However, the abuse of disabled children in residential settings has received little attention. Despite residential schools, care homes and respite care being widely used by disabled children, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the standards of child protection in these establishments. This article explores the research literature revealing the vulnerability of disabled children to abuse when living away from home, what measures can be taken to help protect them and the limitations of available data as a basis for planning child protection measures. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early changes in coronary flow physiology after balloon angioplasty or stenting: A 24‐hour Doppler flow velocity study
Authors: Dupouy Patrick , Aptecar Eduardo , Pelle Gabriel , Boudali Lotfi , Teiger Emmanuel , Lanoue Isabelle , Veyssière F. , Garot Philippe , Pernès Jean Marc , Hovasse Thomas , Kern Morton J. , Randé Jean Luc Dubois
Published: October 2002

To evaluate early changes in myocardial microcirculation after balloon or stent coronary angioplasty, we studied 57 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty with a Doppler‐tipped guidewire, with (n = 26) or without stenting. Postprocedural quantitative coronary angiography and coronary flow velocity were measured after 10 min and 24 hr. As compared to stenting, no stenting was associated with a higher postprocedural stenosis rate (21% ± 13% vs. 12% ± 10%; P < 0.05), smaller coronary velocity reserve (CVR; 2.2 ± 0.4 vs. 2.5 ± 0.7; P = 0.04), and smaller relative CVR (0.8 ± 0.2 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3; P = 0.001). At 24 hr, CVR and relative CVR in the unstented group increased to the level in the stented group, mainly because of a decrease in basal average peak velocity (APV). Overall, there was a significant negative linear relation between CVR and APV variations during the 24‐hr period. In the subgroups with persistent abnormalities, CVR variation was closely related to the basal APV/reference APV ratio. In conclusion, coronary reserve normalization can occur within 24 hr after coronary angioplasty and is closely dependent on postangioplasty APV. Myocardial distal resistances should be considered when interpreting postangioplasty CVR. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:191–198. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of intra‐aortic balloon counterpulsation with different balloon volumes on cardiac performance in humans
Authors: Cohen Marc , Fasseas Panayotis , Singh Varinder P. , McBride Ruth , Orford James L. , Kussmaul William G.
Published: October 2002

Intra‐aortic balloon (IAB) counterpulsation can augment the cardiac output. However, the effect of different IAB volumes on cardiac performance has not been adequately evaluated in humans. Eighty‐two patients (52 males [63%]; mean age, 65 ± 12 years; mean body surface area [BSA], 1.8 ± 0.2 m2) had IAB counterpulsation for cardiogenic shock, refractory angina, and preoperatively for high‐risk cardiac surgery. Cardiac hemodynamics were prospectively studied during IAB with inflation volumes of 32 vs. 40 cc. Hemodynamic data collected included aortic pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, systemic and mixed venous oxygen saturations, and cardiac output (by Fick). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was used to obtain both velocity time integrals (VTIs) and the area of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). Left ventricular stroke volume was then calculated as LVOT area × VTI. Cardiac output (CO) determined by the Fick method and VTI did not differ significantly (P = NS) between the two inflation volumes (y = 0.002 + 0.97×). In a subgroup of 33 patients with BSA ≤ 1.8 m2, the CO (by VTI) was slightly lower with IAB inflation volume of 32 vs. 40 cc (P = 0.05). Overall, smaller IAB inflation volumes do not affect the hemodynamic improvement seen during IAB counterpulsation. However, in patients with smaller BSA, larger inflation volumes may further augment CO. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:199–204. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Initial clinical experience with distal protection using the FilterWire in patients undergoing coronary artery and saphenous vein graft percutaneous intervention
Authors: Popma Jeffrey J. , Cox Nicholas , Hauptmann K. Eugene , Reifart Nicolaus , Virmani Renu , Emira Khaled , Murphy Sabina , Gibson C. Michael , Grube Eberhard
Published: October 2002

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of saphenous vein grafts (SVG) and native coronary arteries may be associated with embolization of particulate debris into the distal microcirculation. The FilterWire uses a polyurethane filter bag contained on a radiopaque loop to trap embolic debris during native vessel and SVG intervention. The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility and safety of the FilterWire during PCI and to examine the size and content of the particulate debris captured during SVG and native vessel intervention. Early angiographic, in‐hospital, and 30‐day clinical outcomes were reviewed in 35 patients with 36 lesions treated with the FilterWire during PCI. Lesions were located in 22 (61%) native coronary arteries and in 14 (39%) SVGs. Multivessel coronary artery disease was present in 75% of patients. Lesions were complex (ACC/AHA complexity B2 or C) in 81% of cases. The FilterWire was successfully delivered and deployed distal to the site of coronary intervention in 92% of lesions, including 95% of native vessels and 82% of SVG lesions. Embolic debris was entrapped in 82% of these cases. The average particulate debris had a mean major axis of 490 μm (range, 45–3,302 μm) and minor axis of 226 μm (range, 33–1,677 μm). Although reduced flow was common (36.1%) when the FilterWire was in place, there were no sustained episodes of abrupt closure and only one (2.8%) patient developed sustained no‐reflow after FilterWire removal. Distal branch vessel embolization was found in four (11.1%) cases. Major adverse cardiac events occurred in 5 (14%) of 35 patients treated with the device, although 2 of these patients were evolving an acute myocardial infarction at the time of the procedure; in patients meeting the prospectively defined inclusion criteria, the major adverse cardiac event was 6%. These results suggest that the FilterWire is a feasible and safe method of collecting particulate debris released during SVG and native vessel coronary intervention. Its benefit over conventional therapy and other distal protection devices is currently under study. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:125–134. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enantiomeric recognition of amino acids using a chiral spiropyran derivative
Authors: Tsubaki Kazunori , Mukoyoshi Koichiro , Morikawa Hiroshi , Kinoshita Takayoshi , Fuji Kaoru
Published: October 2002

An optically active spiropyran 1 with a binaphthol moiety as a chiral source was synthesized. The colored merocyanine form of (R)‐1 obtained by the UV irradiation remained in the presence of D‐amino acids longer than with L‐amino acids. Chirality 14:713–715, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exo‐selective asymmetric diels‐alder reaction of acrylate ester
Authors: Kawamura Masato , Kudo Kazuaki
Published: October 2002

Diels‐Alder reaction of 2‐acryloyloxy‐2′‐(2‐pyridylazo)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl with cyclopentadiene in the presence of an equimolar amount of tin(IV) chloride showed unusual exo‐selectivity with a high degree of diastereofacial differentiation. Chirality 14:727–730, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Must patients with advanced cancer choose between a Phase I trial and hospice?
Authors: Casarett David J. , Karlawish Jason H. T. , Henry Michelle I. , Hirschman Karen B.
Published: October 2002

BACKGROUND

Phase I oncology trials offer no meaningful chance for direct medical benefit and they may prevent patients with advanced cancer from receiving palliative care in a hospice program. However, it is not known whether dual enrollment in a Phase I trial and hospice is feasible.

METHODS

Five hundred thirty‐four Phase I trials were identified in a national online database, of which 179 (34%) accepted patients with a life expectancy of less than 6 months. Of these, 50 were selected randomly. Their principal investigators were surveyed by fax, with follow‐up telephone calls and e‐mails. Ninety‐two hospices were selected randomly from a national database. Surveys were conducted by telephone with intake coordinators. Principal investigators were asked whether patients enrolled in hospice could also enroll in their trials if they were eligible in all other respects. Hospice intake coordinators were asked whether a patient with advanced cancer who met hospice eligibility criteria could also enroll in a Phase I trial.

RESULTS

Surveys were completed by 45 of 50 principal investigators (90%) and by 89 of 92 hospices (97%). Although both groups were in favor of dual enrollment, principal investigators (41 of 45; 91%) were more likely to support dual enrollment than hospices (60 of 89; 67%; chi‐square test, P = 0.004). Most hospices that did not support dual enrollment cited reasons that were based on concerns about payment or misunderstandings about the nature of Phase I trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Most hospices and Phase I principal investigators believe that eligible patients should be allowed to enroll simultaneously in hospice and Phase I trials. These results suggest that the choice between hospice and a Phase I trial is a false dilemma and that greater collaboration in this area is needed. Cancer 2002;95:1601–4. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10820
Efficacy of low‐dose topotecan in second‐line treatment for patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Gronlund Bo , Hansen Heine H. , Høgdall Claus , Engelholm Svend A.
Published: October 2002

BACKGROUND

The high incidence of dose‐limiting myelosuppresion using the U.S. Food and Drug Administration‐approved topotecan dose of 1.5 mg/m2 for 5 days every 3 weeks may have limited its utility in the treatment of patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma. The objective of the study was to evaluate the treatment results and toxicity of a low‐dose topotecan regimen as second‐line treatment for patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 203 consecutive patients with primary epithelial ovarian carcinoma who were referred to the Finsen Center during the period from June, 1996 to June, 2000. Eligibility criteria included histopathologically documented, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stage IC–IV epithelial ovarian carcinoma; first‐line treatment with paclitaxel and a platinum compound; and second‐line treatment with topotecan (1.0 mg/m2 intravenously for 5 days every 3 weeks). Efficacy and toxicity were compared with published results from pivotal trials using the approved dose of topotecan of 1.5 mg/m2 for the same indication.

RESULTS

A total of 56 patients received second‐line treatment with the reduced‐dose topotecan regimen because of refractory, persistent, or recurrent disease. In the subgroup of patients with platinum‐resistant and paclitaxel‐resistant disease (n = 43 patients), the response rate of 11.6% (95% confidence interval [95%CI], 3.9–25.1%) was similar to the response rate of 12.4% (95%CI, 6.9–19.9%) in a pivotal trial using standard‐dose topotecan. In patients with platinum‐resistant and paclitaxel‐resistant disease, the median progression free survival and overall survival from the first day of second‐line topotecan treatment were 2.7 months (range, 0.7–19.5 months) and 6.0 months (range, 1.0–32.8 months), respectively. In a multivariate Cox analysis, the initial performance status (0 vs. 1–2; P = 0.040; hazard ratio [HR], 2.05) and the performance status at the time of second‐line treatment (0 vs. 1–2; P < 0.001; HR, 4.50) were identified as independent prognostic factors for overall survival from the start of second‐line treatment. Grade 4 neutropenia was noted in only 5.1% of reduced‐dose topotecan cycles (95%CI, 2.8–8.4%) compared with 33% and 57% of standard‐dose cycles in pivotal studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Topotecan at a dose of 1.0 mg/m2 has similar efficacy based on response rate and lower toxicity compared with the approved schedule of 1.5 mg/m2 for 5 days every 3 weeks in second‐line treatment for patients with platinum‐resistant and paclitaxel‐resistant epithelial ovarian carcinoma. However, a comparison of different topotecan doses and schedules preferably should be made in a randomized setting in well‐characterized populations with regard to established prognostic factors. Cancer 2002;95:1656–62. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10838
Transcriptional expression profiles of oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Méndez Eduardo , Cheng Chun , Farwell D. Gregory , Ricks Sherianne , Agoff S. Nicholas , Futran Neal D. , Weymuller Ernest A. , Maronian Nicole C. , Zhao Lue Ping , Chen Chu
Published: October 2002

BACKGROUND

Currently, the classification of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) depends heavily on the clinical and pathologic examination of tissue. This system can lead to the classification of potentially heterogeneous tumors into single groups when they may have different degrees of aggressiveness. No system to date has incorporated genetic changes as a factor by which to classify OSCC tumors.

METHODS

To test the hypothesis that OSCC has a genome‐wide genetic expression profile that differs from normal oral tissue and that transcriptional expression profiling can be used to characterize the heterogeneity among tumors, the authors examined the genetic expression profiles of 26 invasive squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity and oropharynx, 2 premalignant lesions, and 18 normal oral tissue samples using oligonucleotide arrays that contained probes representing approximately 7000 full‐length human genes.

RESULTS

Using hierarchical clustering analysis, the data show that oral carcinomas are distinguishable from normal oral tissue based on genome‐wide transcriptional expression patterns. However, there is genetic expression profile heterogeneity among tumors of a particular histopathologic grade and stage. In addition, using a statistical approach that integrated normalization and regression analysis, the authors found 314 genes that were expressed differentially in the OSCC samples with statistical significance (P ≤ 0.05). Of these, 239 genes were overexpressed in the OSCC samples, whereas 75 genes were down‐regulated.

CONCLUSIONS

No statistically significant differences in gene expression were found between early‐stage disease and late‐stage disease or between metastatic tumors and nonmetastatic tumors. The implications of these findings for the prediction of clinical outcome and for the discovery of new OSCC tumor markers are discussed. Cancer 2002;95:1482–94. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10875
Characterization of 11 human sarcoma cell strains
Authors: Hu Mei , Nicolson Garth L. , Trent Jonathan C. , Yu Dihua , Zhang Lianglin , Lang Aiqing , Killary Ann , Ellis Lee M. , Bucana Corazon D. , Pollock Raphael E.
Published: October 2002

BACKGROUND

Human sarcomas have a propensity for aggressive local invasion and early pulmonary metastasis. Frequently, deaths are due to uncontrolled pulmonary metastases. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate cytogenetics, tumorigenicity, metastatic potential, and production of angiogenic factors in human sarcoma cell strains. A secondary purpose was to establish low passage cell strains for studying new therapeutic approaches.

METHODS

The authors established 11 cell strains from human sarcoma surgical specimens and characterized their in vitro tumor properties, including growth in soft agar, expression of angiogenic growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and basic‐fibroblast growth factor [bFGF]), and cytogenetics.

RESULTS

All of the cell strains remained diploid. All exhibited the ability to grow in soft agar and expressed both VEGF as well as bFGF. In addition, 6 of the 11 established sarcoma cell strains were tumorigenic, 5 of which spontaneously metastasized to the lungs in nude mice. Four of the five cell strains that yielded lung metastases were derived from lung metastases in patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The 11 cell strains, which were derived from diverse sarcoma histologies, will provide a model for studying not only metastatic progression but also the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of new therapeutic modalities for human sarcomas. Cancer 2002;95:1569–76. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10879
Correlated morphological and chemical phenotyping in myenteric type V neurons of porcine ileum
Authors: Brehmer Axel , Schrödl Falk , Neuhuber Winfried
Published: October 2002

The study was aimed at the immunohistochemical characterization of myenteric Stach type V neurons of the pig ileum that were not included in the widely used Dogiel classification. So far, this conspicuous population has been defined morphologically on the basis of silver‐impregnated specimens only. By using neurofilament immunohistochemistry, type V neurons that occur singly or in aggregates could be identified unequivocally and could be distinguished from other smoothly contoured myenteric neurons, i.e., type II and type IV. Double‐labeling immunohistochemistry revealed a number of potentially neuroactive substances or their synthesizing enzymes to be present in type V neurons. Choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity (‐ir) was found in all type V neurons, whereas neuronal nitric oxide synthase was detected in none. Leu‐enkephalin‐ir was found within 92.3%, somatostatin (SOM)‐ir within 91.1%, calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP)‐ir within 80.6% and met‐enkephalin‐ir within 74.7% of type V neurons. Triple‐labeling immunohistochemistry was applied to address the question of a specific chemical coding for myenteric type V neurons. In contrast to other combinations of neuroactive substances/enzymes that were found in both type V and other, nontype V neurons, SOM/CGRP‐ir was the only combination observed exclusively within type V neurons. Both substances were colocalized in 79.3% of type V neurons. This colocalization discriminates four‐fifths of the type V neurons chemically from both type II neurons (CGRP positive, SOM negative) and type IV neurons (CGRP negative, SOM positive), which both share, at first glance, a similar morphology with type V neurons. These results further support the concept of a close correlation between morphologically defined neuronal type and chemical coding and, it is likely, also function in the enteric nervous system of larger mammals. J. Comp. Neurol. 453:1–9, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synaptic vesicle protein synaptoporin is differently expressed by subpopulations of mouse hippocampal neurons
Authors: Singec Ilyas , Knoth Rolf , Ditter Margarethe , Hagemeyer Christoph E. , Rosenbrock Holger , Frotscher Michael , Volk Benedikt
Published: October 2002

In the hippocampus, the synaptic vesicle protein synaptoporin (SPO) has been reported to be exclusively enriched in the granule cell axons, the mossy fibers. In this study, we show that in adult rats and mice SPO immunoreactivity (IR) is also detectable in strata oriens, radiatum, and lacunosum‐moleculare of CA1–CA3, as well as perisomatically in the hippocampus proper and fascia dentata. In situ hybridization confirmed that SPO mRNA was present in granule cells and CA3 pyramidal cells but not in CA1 pyramidal cells. Importantly, cells scattered throughout the hippocampal layers resembling the distribution of interneurons were found to synthesize high amounts of SPO mRNA, too. Thus, these findings indicate that SPO expression in the hippocampus was underestimated until now. Moreover, double‐labeling immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy revealed selective colocalization of SPO and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD 65), a marker for γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic terminals. To identify SPO expressing interneurons, in situ hybridization was combined with immunocytochemistry against parvalbumin (PV), calbindin (CB), calretinin (CR), cholecystokinin (CCK), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). We found that SPO transcripts were differentially expressed by various interneuron subpopulations in the hippocampus of C57Bl/6 mice (PV 44.2%, CB 46.3%, CR 19.3%, CCK 38.6%, VIP 59.9%). Immunoelectron microscopy for SPO labeled synaptic vesicle profiles in distinct symmetric and asymmetric synapses. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that hippocampal principal cells and interneurons display a variety of synaptic vesicles that are likely to contribute to the functional characteristics of their output synapses. J. Comp. Neurol. 452:139–153, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell block findings from Residual PreservCyt™ samples in unsatisfactory ThinPrep® Paps: No additional benefit
Authors: Kabbani Wareef , Raisanen Jack , Thomas Shala , Saboorian M. Hossein , Ashfaq Raheela
Published: October 2002

Our objective was to determine whether cell blocks (CB) performed on unsatisfactory ThinPrep Pap Test™ residual samples rendered additional clinically significant pathologic findings not detected in the original ThinPrep® Pap smears. One hundred consecutive ThinPrep® Paps categorized as unsatisfactory were selected for this study. The cytologic diagnosis of unsatisfactory was based on lack of cellularity (squamous) or complete obscuring blood or inflammation. Residual PreservCyt™ samples from these consecutive unsatisfactory ThinPrep® Paps were used to prepare a cell block, using the inverted filter technique. One hematoxylin‐eosin (H&E)‐stained slide was prepared and evaluated. The amount and the cellular changes were noted for all smear constituents and compared with the original slides. The average patient age was 32 ± 11 yr. The ThinPrep® Pap was performed as a follow‐up on a previous abnormal smear (12%), pregnancy (25%), abnormal bleeding (22%), or previous unsatisfactory ThinPrep® Pap (5%), or as routine screening (36%). Variable amounts of endocervical cells, endometrial cells, and metaplastic cells, as well as a variable number of squamous epithelial cells, were present in 89%, 9%, 50%, and 35% in the CB method vs. ThinPrep®, respectively. Abnormal cellular changes were noted in 15% of patients (9% with LSIL, and 6% with atypia of undetermined significance); 9 patients with squamous dysplasia had a previous abnormal ThinPrep® Pap. A follow‐up Pap smear and/or cervical biopsy were performed in 10 of the 15 patients with abnormal cytology detected on CB method revealing: LSIL (1 patient), HSIL (1 patient), ASCUS (1 patient), and within normal limits (7 patients). The findings indicate that the preparation of a CB does not contribute significantly. Importantly, no carcinomas or HSILs were identified on CB preparations. Since a large majority of lesions identified were LSILs, a repeat Pap smear in these cases represented a more cost‐effective strategy than cell block preparation, although a cell block preparation may be useful in selected cases. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2002;27:238–243. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.