bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Malaysian cocoa butter during storage
Authors: Hamid Asimah , Damit Alias Awang
Published: March 2004

Malaysian pure prime pressed and deodorised cocoa butters were obtained from local cocoa grinders and analysed for quality deterioration. Approximately 5 kg of each sample was packed in corrugated paper boxes lined with low‐density polyethylene plastic material of thickness 73.2 µm. The water vapour transmission rate and gas transmission rate (for oxygen) of the plastic material were 3.21 g m−2 day−1 (37.8 °C, 90 ± 2% RH) and 71.57 cm3 m−2 day−1 (23.0 °C, 0% RH) respectively. The butters were stored at 15 ± 4 °C and 70 ± 4% RH for up to 24 months. Samples were taken every 2 months and analysed for free fatty acid content, saponification value, iodine value, refractive index and peroxide value. The findings indicated that the free fatty acid content, iodine value and peroxide value of both types of cocoa butter increased with storage duration. The other parameters showed no significant changes. However, the free fatty acid content and peroxide value after 24 months of storage were still below the limits specified in Malaysia. Therefore we conclude that both types of Malaysian cocoa butter are still in good condition after 24 months of storage, with minimal quality deterioration. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Occurrence of ochratoxin A and toxigenic potential of fungal isolates from Spanish grapes
Authors: Bellí Neus , Pardo Ester , Marín Sonia , Farré Gemma , Ramos Antonio J , Sanchis Vicente
Published: March 2004

This paper reports the results from an extensive survey of filamentous fungi isolated from wine‐producing grapes and their capacity to produce ochratoxin A (OTA) on Czapek Yeast Autolysate agar (CYA), in order to assess their potential for producing this toxin in grapes. Grapes were sampled from four Spanish wine‐producing regions during 2001. The fungal infection in berries increased with time, reaching 100% at harvest. A total of 386 isolates of Aspergillus section Nigri and 10 of Aspergillus section Circumdati were isolated and tested for their ability to produce OTA in CYA. 21 strains produced OTA (18 Aspergillus section Nigri and 3 Aspergillus section Circumdati). Aspergillus section Circumdati isolates produced higher amounts of OTA than Aspergillus section Nigri ones, with means of 10.76 µg g−1 CYA and 1.42 µg g−1 CYA, respectively. Despite this, black aspergilli are believed to be highly responsible for the OTA levels found in musts and wines, as it is more widespread in grapes. Musts (n = 40) produced from the grapes collected were analysed. 15% were found to contain OTA, concentrations ranging from 0.091 to 0.813 ng ml−1 (detection limit: 0.07 ng ml−1), but no correlation was found with the ochratoxigenic moulds isolated from grapes. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of Ca2+, K+ and NO3− fertilisation on nutritional quality of pepper
Authors: Flores Pilar , Navarro Josefa M , Garrido Consuelo , Rubio Jose S , Martínez Vicente
Published: March 2004

A study was conducted in order to assess the effect of different fertilisation levels of Ca2+, K+ and NO3− on the bioactive nutrient content in red pepper (Capsicum annuum L) fruits. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, under hydroponic culture. Lycopene, β‐carotene, vitamin C, total phenolic compound, sugar, nitrate and potassium contents and antioxidant activity were determined. Increasing Ca2+ and NO3− concentrations in the root medium increased the lycopene and β‐carotene contents in pepper. Antioxidant activity was determined in the hydrophilic (HAA) and lipophilic (LAA) fractions. HAA was increased by intermediate and high Ca2+ concentrations in the culture medium. However, LAA was raised only by NO3− treatments. Vitamin C, sugar and total phenolic acid contents were not affected by Ca2+ or NO3− treatments. K+ treatments had no effect on nutritional quality of pepper. An increased supply of Ca2+ and NO3− in the culture medium could constitute a useful practice for improving the nutritional attributes of pepper as well as its commercial quality. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Variability in oil content and fatty acid composition of Ethiopian and introduced cultivars of linseed
Authors: Wakjira Adugna , Labuschagne Maryke T , Hugo Arno
Published: March 2004

This study was undertaken to assess the variability in oil content, oil yield and fatty acid composition of 60 linseed cultivars and to identify suitable accessions for use in future breeding and development endeavours in Ethiopia. Mean oil contents ranged from 291 to 359 g kg−1, while oil yields varied between 1443 and 3276 g m−2. Exotic introductions, especially those from Canada such as CDC‐VG, had higher oil contents than the local cultivars. Thus the introduction of exotic materials should be given more emphasis through germplasm exchange programmes. Unsaturated fatty acids were the major components in the oils, varying significantly (P < 0.01) from 859 to 906 g kg−1, while minor saturated fatty acids were present at 84–119 g kg−1. The contents of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids were 148–293, 109–161 and 470–591 g kg−1 respectively. Although accessions with variable linolenic acid contents were identified, this variability was insufficient to develop genotypes with less than 20 g kg−1 linolenic acid for cooking oil through conventional crossing and selection methods. Hence mutation techniques and the introduction of exotic lines should be regarded as alternative approaches to obtain linseed genotypes with low linolenic acid contents. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Ochratoxin A in wines, musts and grape juices from Spain
Authors: Bellí Neus , Marín Sonia , Duaigües Araceli , Ramos Antonio J , Sanchis Vicente
Published: March 2004

A survey on the occurrence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in 240 grape‐based beverages was carried out. Red and white wines from four different Spanish Designations of Origin (n = 160), musts (n = 20), grape juices (n = 10), ordinary wines (n = 20), special wines (Malaga, muscatel, sherry, vermouth, etc) (n = 20) and sparkling wines (n = 10) were assayed for OTA content using immunoaffinity column clean‐up and high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection (detection limit 0.05 µg l−1). Forty‐three (17.9%) of the samples tested contained detectable levels of OTA. The overall mean OTA concentration in red and white wines of Designations of Origin was 0.30 and 0.18 µg l−1 respectively (ranges 0.05–3.19 and 0.05–1.13 µg l−1 respectively). The percentage of wine samples with detectable amounts of OTA was higher for red (18.3%) than for white (10%) wines. OTA was also found in two of 10 red ordinary wines (0.68 and 4.24 µg l−1), whereas none of 10 white ordinary wines contained OTA. The mean OTA amount detected in sparkling wines was 0.44 µg l−1 (range 0.14–0.71 µg l−1). Two of 20 must samples contained OTA at low levels (0.08 and 0.18 µg l−1), while none of 10 grape juice samples contained OTA. Highest amounts of OTA were found in special wines (45%), with a maximum of 15.25 µg l−1 in a muscatel sample. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) and comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) for the chemical profiling of volatile oils in complex herbal mixtures
Authors: Di Xin , Shellie Robert A. , Marriott Philip J. , Huie Carmen W.
Published: March 2004

The coupling of headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) with comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) was shown to be a powerful technique for the rapid sampling and analysis of volatile oils in complex herbal materials. When compared to one‐dimensional (1‐D) GC, the improved analytical capabilities of GC×GC in terms of increased detection sensitivity and separation power were demonstrated by using HS‐SPME/GC×GC for the chemical profiling (fingerprinting) of essential/volatile oils contained in herbal materials of increasing analytical complexity. More than 20 marker compounds belonging to Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) can be observed within the 2‐D contour plots of ginseng itself, a mixture of ginseng and another important herb (P. quinquefolius/Radix angelicae sinensis), as well as a mixture of ginseng and three other herbs (P. quinquefolius /R. angelicae sinensis/R. astragali/R. rehmanniae preparata). Such analytical capabilities should be important towards the authentication and quality control of herbal products, which are receiving increasing attention as alternative medicines worldwide. In particular, the presence of Panax in the herb formulation could be readily identified through its specific peak pattern in the 2‐D GC×GC plot.
Comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography in stop‐flow mode
Authors: Harynuk James , Górecki Tadeusz
Published: March 2004

The theory and proof of concept of a new mode of operation for comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) is presented. In current GC×GC interface designs, the modulation period defines the separation time allowed in the second dimension. In the stop‐flow GC×GC mode, flow in the primary column is periodically stopped for brief periods of time. Consequently, the modulation period for the primary column and the amount of time available for second dimension separation become independent variables. This allows the separations in both the primary and secondary dimensions of the GC×GC system to be carried out under more optimised conditions, allowing extended periods of time for second dimension separations without sacrificing the separation in the primary dimension. This new technique has the potential to offer increased separation power and overall resolution as it is further developed.
The evolution of comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC)
Authors: Górecki Tadeusz , Harynuk James , Panić Ognjen
Published: March 2004

For a technology little over a decade old, comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) has quickly reached the status of one of the most powerful analytical tools for volatile organic compounds. At the heart of any GC×GC system is an interface, which physically connects the primary and the secondary columns and acts to preserve the separation obtained in the first dimension (first column) while allowing additional separation in the second dimension. The paper presents a review of the technology, including fundamental principles of the technique, data processing and interpretation and a timeline of inventive contributions to interface design. In addition, applications of the technique are presented, with a more detailed discussion of selected examples.
Comprehensive multidimensional GC for the characterization of roasted coffee beans
Authors: Mondello Luigi , Casilli Alessandro , Tranchida Peter Quinto , Dugo Paola , Costa Rosaria , Festa Saverio , Dugo Giovanni
Published: March 2004

The present investigation is based on the separation of one of the most complex food matrices: the roasted coffee bean volatile fraction. Analysis of the two main species of coffee (Arabica/Robusta) was achieved through an effective and simple sampling procedure, headspace solid‐phase microextraction (SPME), and the unprecedented resolving power of comprehensive gas chromatography (GC×GC). The combination of these two techniques proved to be a powerful tool for the extraction and separation of coffee volatiles. In fact, thousands of compounds that play various roles in the constitution of coffee aroma profile were resolved in the 2‐D contour plot, each occupying a specific position pinpointed by two retention time coordinates. The potential use of this method for the assessment of coffee quality and the detection of commercial fraud is discussed. The potential of GC×GC for identification and classification of unknowns was also demonstrated, as the formation of characteristic patterns for structurally related compounds was observed in the bidimensional chromatogram. Moreover, reproducibility results were supported by the use of an autosampler for SPME applications that allowed any inaccuracy arising from manual handling to be avoided.
Automated on‐line comprehensive two‐dimensional LC×GC and LC×GC–ToF MS: Instrument design and application to edible oil and fat analysis
Authors: de Koning Sjaak , Janssen Hans‐Gerd , van Deursen Marieke , Brinkman Udo A. Th.
Published: March 2004

After a successful off‐line feasibility study, the automation of comprehensively coupled liquid chromatography and gas chromatography (LC×GC) has been studied. Important aspects to consider when developing automated LG×GC include the relative speeds of the two dimensions, the compatibility of the LC eluent (type and flow rate) with the GC dimension, and the column loadabilities. Because the GC separation is relatively slow, the LC instrument has to be operated in the stop‐flow mode. Two interfaces for transferring large numbers of subsequent LC fractions to the GC were constructed: one based on a six‐port switching valve, and one which uses a dual side‐port syringe. Both interfaces were found to perform fully acceptably. The actual transfer of the LC fraction to the GC was realised using a standard split injector to vaporise the compounds and LC eluent. Gas phase splitting was applied to match LC mass load and GC column loadability. The standard deviations of the peak areas obtained in this way were better than 7% (n = 6). The reliability of the system was demonstrated by the problem‐free analysis of large series of oil and fat samples, with the focus on both intact triglycerides and their fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). Finally, the hyphenation of the automated LC×GC system to a sensitive and rapid‐scanning time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer was realised. By using LC×GC–ToF MS, the information density of the chromatograms could be improved even further, which allowed easy identification of individual compounds as well as compound groups.
Biodegradable Aliphatic Polyester Ionomers
Authors: Han Sang‐Il , Yoo Youngtai , Kim Dong Kook , Im Seung Soon
Published: March 2004

Summary: A series of polyester‐based ionomers containing dimethyl 5‐sulfoisophthalate sodium salt (DMSI) with up to 5 mol‐% diacid units was synthesized by two‐step polycondensation. Furthermore a polylactic acid (PLA) was modified by introducing poly(ethylene‐co‐methacrylic acid) ionomers with different ion groups, such as Na, Li, and Zn, using the melt blending method. This review examines the effect of the ionic group on the dynamic mechanical properties, melt rheology, crystallization behavior, degradation behavior, and biocompatibility with human dermal cells, as well as the nucleating effect of poly(ethylene‐co‐methacrylic acid) ionomer in PLA.

Scanning electron micrograph of human dermal fibroblast proliferated on the surface of PBSi‐5 film at eight days of culture.

image

Scanning electron micrograph of human dermal fibroblast proliferated on the surface of PBSi‐5 film at eight days of culture.
Identification of protein associations in organelles, using mass spectrometry‐based proteomics
Authors: Warnock Dale E. , Fahy Eoin , Taylor Steven W.
Published: March 2004

I.
Introduction
260

 II.
Progress on Mapping Organellar Proteomes and Their Component Protein Complexes
260

A.  Mitochondria
260

    1.  Global Analysis
260

    2.  Directed Analysis
262

    3.  Protein Complexes
263

       a.  Complex V
263

       b.  Complex I
264

       c.  Mitochondrial ribosomal complexes
264

       d.  Other mitochondrial complexes
265

B.  Chloroplasts
265

    1.  Directed Analysis
265

    2.  Protein Complexes
266

       a.  Photosystems I and II antenna proteins
266

       b.  Cytochrome b6f complex
266

       c.  Chloroplast ribosomal complexes
267

C.  Golgi Apparatus
267

    1.  Global Analysis
267

    2.  Protein Complexes
267

       a.  Triton X‐100 insoluble fraction
268

D.  Lysosomes, Peroxisomes, Phagosomes, and Lysosome‐Related Organelles (LROs)
268

    1.  Global Analysis
268

       a.  Lysosomes
268

       b.  Peroxisomes
269

       c.  Phagosomes
269

       d.  LROs
269

    2.  Protein Complexes
270

       a.  Lipid rafts of the endosome/lysosome system
270

E.  Nucleolus
270

    1.  Directed Analysis
270

    2.  Protein Complexes
271

       a.  Nucleolus
271

       b.  Nuclear‐pore complex
271

       c.  Pol II preinitiation complex (PIC)
271

  III.
Organellar Bioinformatics
272

A.  Prediction Strategies
272

B.  Protein–Protein Interaction Databases
274

 IV.
Validation
274

  V.
Concluding Remarks
276

Abbreviations
276

Acknowledgments
277

References
277

Recent literature that highlights the power of using mass spectrometry (MS) for protein identification from preparations of highly purified organelles and other large subcellular structures is covered in this review with an emphasis on techniques that preserve the integrity of the functional protein complexes. Recent advances in distinguishing contaminant proteins from “bonafide” organelle‐localized proteins and the affinity capture of protein complexes are reviewed, as well as bioinformatic strategies to predict protein organellar localization and to integrate protein–protein interaction maps obtained from MS‐affinity capture methods with data obtained from other techniques. Those developments demonstrate that a revolution in cellular biology, fueled by technical advances in MS‐based proteomic techniques, is well underway. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 23:259–280, 2004
Reversible orofacial dyskinesia after ofloxacin treatment
Authors: De Bleecker Jan L. , Vervaet Veerle L. , De Sarro Angela
Published: March 2004

We report on a patient who developed orofacial dyskinesia 3 days after starting ofloxacin treatment. The association of orofacial dyskinesia with other fluoroquinolone antibiotics has been reported rarely, chiefly in the elderly with impaired renal or hepatic function or in overdosed patients. It has been ascribed to interference with GABA‐ergic neurotransmission. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Atypical parkinsonism and motor neuron syndrome in a Biosphere 2 participant: A possible complication of chronic hypoxia and carbon monoxide toxicity?
Authors: Lassinger Brian K. , Kwak Carolyn , Walford Roy L. , Jankovic Joseph
Published: March 2004

Exogenous toxins and chronic hypoxia have been implicated in the etiopathogenesis of a variety of neurological disorders, but it is not always possible to establish a cause–effect relationships. We describe a patient who presented with an unusual gait disorder and progressive motor neuron disease after residing for 2 years within Biosphere 2, a scientifically engineered dome, tightly sealed to allow miniscule exchange of air between its atmosphere and the earth's atmosphere. We postulate that this unusual syndrome resulted from chronic hypoxia possibly coupled with carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide exposure. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Amphetamine‐induced chorea in attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Morgan John C. , Winter W. Christopher , Wooten G. Frederick
Published: March 2004

Attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is treated frequently with stimulants in both children and adults. While tics are occasional complications of stimulant therapy, chorea is reported rarely. We describe an adult ADHD patient who developed chorea upon dose escalation of mixed amphetamine salts, which resolved on discontinuation of the drug. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Clinical evaluation and management of myasthenia gravis
Authors: Keesey John C.
Published: March 2004

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a syndrome of fluctuating skeletal muscle weakness that worsens with use and improves with rest. Eye, facial, oropharyngeal, axial, and limb muscles may be involved in varying combinations and degrees of severity. Its etiology is heterogeneous, divided initially between those rare congenital myasthenic syndromes, which are genetic, and the bulk of MG, which is acquired and autoimmune. The autoimmune conditions are divided in turn between those that possess measurable serum acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies and a smaller group that does not. The latter group includes those MG patients who have serum antibodies to muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK). Therapeutic considerations differ for early‐onset MG, late‐onset MG, and MG associated with the presence of a thymoma. Most MG patients can be treated effectively, but there is still a need for more specific immunological approaches. Muscle Nerve 29: 484–505, 2004
Failure profiles of coherent systems
Authors: Belzunce Félix , Shaked Moshe
Published: March 2004

In this paper we first introduce and study the notion of failure profiles which is based on the concepts of paths and cuts in system reliability. The relationship of failure profiles to two notions of component importance is highlighted, and an expression for the density function of the lifetime of a coherent system, with independent and not necessarily identical component lifetimes, is derived. We then demonstrate the way that failure profiles can be used to establish likelihood ratio orderings of lifetimes of two systems. Finally we use failure profiles to obtain bounds, in the likelihood ratio sense, on the lifetimes of coherent systems with independent and not necessarily identical component lifetimes. The bounds are relatively easy to compute and use. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2004
A positivity‐preserving nonstandard finite difference scheme for the damped wave equation
Authors: Mickens Ronald E. , Jordan P. M.
Published: March 2004

A positivity‐preserving nonstandard finite difference scheme is constructed to solve an initial‐boundary value problem involving heat transfer described by the Maxwell‐Cattaneo thermal conduction law, i.e., a modified form of the classical Fourier flux relation. The resulting heat transport equation is the damped wave equation, a PDE of hyperbolic type. In addition, exact analytical solutions are given, special cases are mentioned, and it is noted that the positivity condition is equivalent to the usual linear stability criteria. Finally, solution profiles are plotted and possible extensions to a delayed diffusion equation and nonlinear reaction‐diffusion systems are discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2004.
Childhood blastic NK cell leukemia successfully treated with L‐asparagenase and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Hyakuna Nobuyuki , Toguchi Suzuka , Higa Takeshi , Okudaira Taeko , Taira Naoya , Masuda Masato , Kitoh Toshiyuki , Ohta Takao
Published: March 2004

Blastic NK cell lymphoma/leukemia is a rare and highly malignant neoplasia in both adults and children. It is characterized by lymphoblastoid morphology without cytoplasmic granules and immature NK cell immunophenotypes (CD56+, CD57−, CD16−). It has predilection for extranodal organ involvement, and the prognosis of affected patients is extremely poor under the current chemotherapy. We present a 14‐year‐old girl who was diagnosed as having blastic NK cell leukemia with mediastinal, pleural, and pericardial involvement. Immunophenotyping of her leukemic cells showed positive for CD2, CD5, CD7, CD34, CD56, HLA‐DR, and cytoplasmic CD3. T cell receptor (TCR) and Immunoglobulin heavy chain genes were not rearranged. She received chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia incorporating L‐asparaginase (L‐asp) which successfully induced complete remission. Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from her HLA‐identical sibling was conducted after two courses of consolidation therapy. Expression of aspargine synthetase (AS) protein in the leukemic cells at diagnosis was examined by an immunocytochemical method. She remains in hematological remission for over 36 months after BMT. The expression of AS protein was negative, suggesting that the leukemic cells were sensitive to L‐asp. Induction and consolidation therapy incorporating L‐asp followed by allo‐BMT might be a promising treatment for child hood blastic NK cell leukemia, but more samples of the rare leukemia need to be studied before any definitive conclusions can be drawn. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Qualitative analysis and HPLC isolation and identification of procyanidins from vicia faba
Authors: Merghem Rachid , Jay Maurice , Brun Nathalie , Voirin Bernard
Published: March 2004

The soluble proanthocyanidins of the coloured seed coats of Vicia faba L. were isolated and separated by solvent partition. The chemical characteristics of the proanthocyanidins were elucidated by total oxidation and partial degradation in the presence of phloroglucinol followed by HPLC analysis. The native extract of proanthocyanidins contained (+)‐gallocatechin, (−)‐epigallocatechin, (+)‐catechin and (−)‐epicatechin units. Oligomeric procyanidins were puriﬁed by chromatography on Sephadex LH‐20 and the accessible compounds were isolated by RP‐HPLC using a Licrospher Li 100 Column. The structures of the puriﬁed oligomeric procyanidins were elucidated using a procedure involving TLC, UV spectroscopy, ESI‐MS and HPLC analysis of the products from the phloroglucinol reaction. The major condensed tannins of Vicia faba comprise six compounds identiﬁed as two A‐type procyanidin dimers, the procyanidin dimers B1, B2 and B3, and a procyanidin trimer. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods of phytochemical standardisation of rhizoma Cimicifugae racemosae
Authors: Panossian A. , Danielyan A. , Mamikonyan G. , Wikman G.
Published: March 2004

The methanolic extract of roots of Cimicifuga racemosa and its methanolysis products have been analysed by GC‐MS. 2‐Hexylcyclopropaneoctanoic acid (9,10‐methylenehexadecanoic acid) was found to be the marker most speciﬁc for the identiﬁcation for this herb. For the phytochemical standardisation of Rhizoma Cimicifugae racemosae, validated methods for the quantitative analysis of formononetin (by TLC‐ﬂuorometry), of isoferulic acid (by GC‐MS of the methyl ester), and of total triterpene glycosides (transformed to coloured complexes and measured photometrically) in roots of C. racemosa have been developed. The contents of formononetin, isoferulic acid and total triterpene glycosides (measured as actein) in the herb ranged from 0.0031 to 0.0035, from 1.22 to 1.35 and from 20.09 to 22.06 mg/g dry weight, respectively. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a one‐step immunochromatographic strip test for the detection of sennosides A and B
Authors: Putalun Waraporn , Morinaga Osamu , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Shoyama Yukihiro
Published: March 2004

An immunochromatographic strip test was developed to detect sennoside A (1) and sennoside B (2) using anti‐1 and anti‐2 monoclonal antibodies. The qualitative assay was based on a competitive immunoassay in which the detector reagent consisted of colloidal gold particles coated with the respective sennoside antibodies. The capture reagents were 1‐ and 2‐human serum albumin (HSA) conjugates immobilised on a nitrocellulose membrane on the test strip. The sample containing 1 and 2, together with detector reagent, passed over the zone where the capture reagents had been immobilised. The analytes in the sample competed for binding to the limited amount of antibodies in the detector reagent with the immobilised 1‐ and 2‐HSA conjugates on the membrane and hence positive samples showed no colour in the capture spot zone. Detection limits for the strip test were 125 ng/mL for both sennosides. The assay system is useful as a rapid and simple screening method for the detection of 1 and 2 in plants, drugs and body ﬂuids. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods for the analysis of cannabinoids in biological materials: a review
Authors: Raharjo Tri J. , Verpoorte Robert
Published: March 2004

Various methods for the analysis of cannabinoids in biological materials, including plant and human body materials, are reviewed. Chromatographic methods, such as TLC, GC and HPLC, and non‐chromatographic methods, mainly immunoassays, are discussed and compared. Chromatography is most commonly used in the analysis of plant material, with GC apparently offering the most advantages. Immunoassays, such as radioim‐munoassay and ﬂuorescence polarisation immunoassay, and enzyme immunoassay methods, such as enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, can be used for human body materials; however, GC‐MS is still necessary for confirmation and accurate quantiﬁcation. Preferred methods are suggested for various speciﬁc purposes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identiﬁcation of the major vanilloid component in Capsicum extract by HPLC‐EC and HPLC‐MS
Authors: Zhou Qin , Zhu Yongxin , Chiang Hwa , Yagiz Kader , Morre D. James , Morre Dorothy M. , Janle Elsa , Kissinger Peter T.
Published: March 2004

A sensitive multi‐channel HPLC‐electrochemical (EC) method has been developed to determine the vanilloid content in the complex Capsicum annuum extract Capsibiol®. Chromatographic separation was achieved within 10 min using a YMC Basic S5 column with a mobile phase containing chloroacetic acid, heptane sulphonic acid and acetonitrile. The multi‐channel detector simultaneously applied four potentials between +500 and +800 mV (referenced to a silver/silver chloride electrode) to four glassy carbon working electrodes. The most abundant (0.94 mg/g) vanilloid analogue in the Capsibiol sample demonstrated an electrochemical reactivity and retention time similar to that of vanillic acid in HPLC‐EC analysis. Its identity was conﬁrmed by HPLC‐MS using a Zorbax SB‐CN column with a mobile phase containing formic acid and methanol. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of potato glycoalkaloids using high‐pressure liquid chromatography–electrospray ionisation/mass spectrometry
Authors: Matsuda Fumio , Morino Keiko , Miyazawa Haruna , Miyashita Masahiro , Miyagawa Hisashi
Published: March 2004

A method for quantifying two toxic glycoalkaloids, α‐solanine and α‐chaconine, in potato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber tissue was developed using HPLC‐electrospray ionisation (ESI)/MS. Potato samples were extracted with 5% aqueous acetic acid, and the extracts were subjected directly to HPLC‐ESI/MS after ﬁltration. By determining the intensities of the protonated molecules of α‐solanine (m/z 868) and α‐chaconine (m/z 852) using selected ion monitoring (positive ion mode), a sensitive assay was attained with detection limits of 38 and 14 ppb for the two glycoalkaloids, respectively. The high sensitivity and selectivity of MS detection effectively reduced the time of analysis thus enabling a high throughput assay of glycoalkaloids in potato tubers. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of inhaled corticosteroids and bone mineral density in a population based study: the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (the HUNT Study)
Authors: Langhammer Arnulf , Norjavaara Ensio , de Verdier Maria Gerhardsson , Johnsen Roar , Bjermer Leif
Published: March 2004

Conflicting results have been reported of the long‐term effects of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on bone. The objective of this study was to compare ICS users and non‐users regarding bone mineral density (BMD) in a large population. A total of 65 225 adults participated in a cross‐sectional study in the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study 1995–1997. Those reporting asthma or asthma‐related symptoms, were invited to have bone densitometry of the forearm, flow volume spirometry and a personal interview. Altogether 4482 women and 4142 men participated, of whom 2113 reported ever use and 6511 never use of ICS. Never‐users of corticosteroids had a mean BMD, adjusted for confounders (age, square age, sex, body mass index, height, physical activity, work load, packyears, family history of osteoporosis and in women number of years since menopause and use of hormone replacement therapy), of 0.493 g/cm2 at the distal site. Subjects having only used ICS or combined with courses of prednisolone, had 0.008 g/cm2 (95%CI: 0.005–0.011) lower BMD whilst users of prednisolone ≥6 months had 0.038 g/cm2 (0.021–0.055) lower level. No dose response association between ICS and BMD, or difference in BMD by type of ICS was found. The association between CS use and BMD was independent of the measuring site. ICS use was associated with lower BMD. The lack of dose response in this study might be due to a narrow dose range or indicates that other characteristics of the patient group are contributing to the observed difference in ICS users compared to never‐users. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of a propensity score to adjust for channelling bias with NSAIDs
Authors: Morant S. V. , Pettitt D. , MacDonald T. M. , Burke T. A. , Goldstein J. L.
Published: March 2004

Purpose

To compare the relative risks of upper GI haemorrhage (UGIH) in users of Newer versus Older, non‐specific NSAIDs when adjusted for channelling bias by regression on individual covariates, a propensity score and both.

Methods

Cohort study of patients prescribed NSAIDs between June 1987 and January 2000. Exposure to Newer and Older non‐specific NSAIDs was identified, and risk factors evaluated for each patient. Results of multiple covariate analyses and the propensity scoring technique to assess potential channelling bias in comparisons between Newer and Older non‐specific NSAIDs were compared.

Results

This study included 7.1 thousand patient years (tpy) exposure to meloxicam, 1.6 tpy exposure to coxibs, and 628 tpy exposure to Older non‐specific NSAIDs. Patients receiving Newer NSAIDs were older, more likely to have a history of GI symptoms, and at higher risk for GI complications. Adjusting for these risk factors reduced the relative risks of UGIH on meloxicam and coxibs versus Older non‐specific NSAIDs to 0.84 (95%CI 0.60, 1.17) and 0.36 (0.14, 0.97) respectively.

Conclusions

Channelling towards high GI risk patients occurred in the prescribing of Newer NSAIDs. Propensity scores highlighted the markedly different risk profiles of users of Newer and Older non‐specific NSAID. Correcting for channelling bias, coxib exposure, but not meloxicam exposure, was associated with less UGIH than Older non‐specific NSAID exposure. In the present study, corrections made by regression on a propensity score and on individual covariates were similar. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlated measures in longitudinal analysis of daily drug use patterns in a general intensive care unit
Authors: Stolker Joost J. , Heerdink Eibert R. , Zitman Frans G. , Leufkens Hubert G. M.
Published: March 2004

Purpose

The objective of the present study is to compare two different study designs (with and without corrections for correlated measures) to identify possible determinants of psychotropic drug use in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

In a logistic regression analysis, odds ratios (OR) were calculated for days in which patients were exposed to psychotropics compared with non‐exposed days. In order to adjust for correlated measures, logistic regression with a logistic binomial model was applied.

Results

We found that adjustment for correlated measures did not result in major changes in the OR. However, with more observations per patient parameter, adjustment for correlation has greater effect.

Conclusions

Adjustment for correlated measures may be useful in longitudinal drug analyses. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and properties of fluorinated polyimides based on 1,4‐bis(4‐amino‐2‐trifluoromethylphenoxy)‐2,5‐di‐tert‐butylbenzene and various aromatic dianhydrides
Authors: Yang Chin‐Ping , Hsiao Feng‐Zhi
Published: March 2004

A novel fluorinated diamine monomer, 1,4‐bis(4‐amino‐2‐trifluoromethylphenoxy)‐2,5‐di‐tert‐butylbenzene (2), was prepared through the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2‐chloro‐5‐nitrobenzotrifluoride and 2,5‐di‐tert‐butylhydroquinone in the presence of potassium carbonate, followed by catalytic reduction with hydrazine and Pd/C. Fluorinated polyimides (5a–5f) were synthesized from diamine 2 and various aromatic dianhydrides (3a–3f) via thermal or chemical imidization. These polymers had inherent viscosities of 0.77–1.01 dL/g. The 5 series polyimides were soluble in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, N,N‐dimethylacetamide, and N,N‐dimethylformamide and were even soluble in dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, and dichloromethane. 5(C) showed cutoff wavelengths between 363 and 404 nm and yellowness index (b*) values of 6.5–40.2. The polyimide films had tensile strengths of 93–114 MPa, elongations to break of 9–12%, and initial moduli of 1.7–2.1 GPa. The glass‐transition temperatures were 255–288 °C. The temperatures of 10% weight loss were all above 460 °C in air or nitrogen atmospheres. In comparison with a nonfluorinated polyimide series based on 1,4‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)‐2,5‐di‐tert‐butylbenzene, the 5 series showed better solubility and lower color intensity, dielectric constants, and moisture absorption. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2272–2284, 2004
Screening for distress in cancer patients: The NCCN rapid‐screening measure
Authors: Hoffman Benson M. , Zevon Michael A. , D'Arrigo Mary C. , Cecchini Tracy B.
Published: March 2004

An Erratum has been published for this article in Psycho–Oncology 13(11) 2004, 792–799.

The present investigation evaluated the NCCN distress management screening measure (DMSM) in a sample of 68 mixed site cancer patients. The DMSM was administered with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and the Brief Symptom Inventory‐18 (BSI‐18). Convergent validity was established by the moderate positive correlation between the DMSM and the BSI and BSI‐18 global severity indices (r=0.59, p<0.001 and r =0.61, p<0.001, respectively). Divergent validity was demonstrated by the lower correlations between the DMSM and the BSI subscales suggestive of psychopathology (e.g. paranoid ideation, obsessive‐compulsive). Receiver operative characteristic (ROC) analyses demonstrated that the DMSM has moderate ability to detect distress identified by the BSI and the BSI‐18 (area under curve=0.74, p<0.001 and 0.80, respectively, p<0.01, respectively). While the ROC curves suggested that the DMSM lacks a single cutoff that maximizes sensitivity and specificity, the use of multiple cutoffs renders the DMSM an effective and very rapid screen for distress among cancer patients. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chronic inflammation in benign prostate hyperplasia is associated with focal upregulation of cyclooxygenase‐2, Bcl‐2, and cell proliferation in the glandular epithelium
Authors: Wang Wanzhong , Bergh Anders , Damber Jan‐Erik
Published: March 2004

Background

Chronic inflammation has been suggested to be linked to the development and progression of prostate cancer. An inflammatory microenvironment may support the development of malignancy by upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). Recent studies have suggested that COX‐2 is upregulated in cancer and in proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA) of the prostate.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to investigate the expression of COX‐2 in prostate epithelium. The relationships between COX‐2 expression and inflammatory cells, proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki‐67), and apoptosis (Bcl‐2) were studied in 45 BPH samples.

Results

COX‐2 expression was detected in prostate luminal epithelial cells in all 45 samples studied. The overall percentage of COX‐2 positive glands was 7.5%, distributed as 0.2% positive glands in normal prostate tissue, 25.7% in postatrophic hyperplasia (PAH), and 11.9% in simple atrophy (SA). The highest proliferation index was found in COX‐2 positive stained epithelium. COX‐2 expression was associated with Bcl‐2 immunostaining in atrophic lesions (P < 0.0001). T lymphocytes and macrophages were the predominant inflammatory cells related to the COX‐2 expression in prostate epithelium.

Conclusions

The data demonstrate that T lymphocytes and macrophages appeared to play an important role in the induction of COX‐2 expression in prostate epithelium, which was associated with increased cell proliferation and possibly, due to overexpression of Bcl‐2, apoptotic resistance. This suggests that pro‐inflammatory cytokines released by adjacent inflammatory cells may induce COX‐2 in the epithelial cells in prostate atrophic lesions. In addition, COX‐2 expressing cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thromboprophylaxis for radical prostatectomy: A comparative analysis of present practice between the USA, the UK, and Ireland
Authors: Galvin David J. , Mulvin David , Quinlan David M.
Published: March 2004

Background

A clinical dilemma exists in the management of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) whereby measures taken to reduce the risk of thrombotic events may adversely affect efforts to limit blood loss. No consensus exists in the literature on the ideal management of thromboprophylaxis in these patients. Our aim is to examine and compare current thromboprophylactic policy and practice between the centres involved in performing RP.

Methods

A questionnaire was forwarded to all urology residency programmes in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, regarding their current practice with respect to thromboprophylaxis in RP. Completed questionnaire were returned by fax and the data entered into a computer database.

Results

An overall response rate of 60% was achieved. The questionnaires demonstrated a significant difference in clinical practice between Urologists in the United States and the United Kingdom. Just 24% of American Urologists use pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in contrast to 100% of British Urologists. There was no difference in the use of non‐pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis is mainly administered by units, mostly in the United Kingdom, doing fewer radical prostatectomies.

Conclusions

While there have been studies advocating the use of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing major pelvic surgery, there is no consensus on it is use in urological practice. This study has demonstrated significant differences in the management of thromboprophylaxis between the USA and the UK/Ireland. Units performing the largest number of radical prostatectomies, mostly in the USA, do not use pharmacological thromboprophylaxis and most do not use compression boots. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Targeting the HGF/SF receptor c‐met using a hammerhead ribozyme transgene reduces in vitro invasion and migration in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Davies Gaynor , Watkins Gareth , Mason Malcolm D. , Jiang Wen G.
Published: March 2004

Background

Hepatocyte growth factor scatter factor (HGF/SF) elicits a number of biological activities including invasion and migration through activation of its tyrosine kinase receptor c‐Met. Over expression of c‐Met has been implicated in prostate cancer development and progression. This study examined the effect of a ribozyme transgene, designed to inhibit human c‐Met expression, and its impact on in vitro invasion and migration in prostate cancer.

Methods

A transgene (Met 560) consisting of U1 snRNA, hammerhead ribozyme, and antisense was cloned into a modified pZeoU1‐EcoSpe vector and transfected into DU‐145 cells. The effect of HGF/SF was tested on prostate cancer cells whose expression of c‐Met had been blocked by way of a ribozyme transgene.

Results

Met 560 stable transfectants (DU‐145+/+) manifested a complete loss of c‐Met expression at mRNA and protein levels. In contrast, control plasmid (DU‐145+/−) and wild‐type DU‐145 cells (DU‐145−/−) had similar levels of c‐Met expression. HGF/SF significantly increased the in vitro invasiveness (mean 47.71 ± SE 7.75; P < 0.01 vs. control 24.14 ± 1.34), and migration (mean 48.44 ± SE 3.51; P < 0.01 vs. control 22.95 ± 1.47) of DU‐145−/− cells, respectively. Similarly, HGF/SF also increased the invasion (62.33 ± 6.34; P < 0.001 vs. control 24.5 ± 2.35) and migration (46.14 ± 2.26; P < 0.01 vs. control 21.82 ± 1.62) of DU‐145+/− cells. In contrast, DU‐145+/+ cells had lost its response to HGF/SF induced invasion (22.33 ± 2.08; P > 0.05 vs. control 23.5 ± 2.11) and migration (24.12 ± 0.86; P > 0.05 vs. control 23.27 ± 0.81).

Conclusions

Targeting the HGF/SF receptor by way of a hammerhead ribozyme encoding antisense to c‐Met, is an effective method to reduce the invasive or migration potential in prostate cancer, and may have important therapeutic implications. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ionizing radiation enhances the therapeutic potential of TRAIL in prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo: Intracellular mechanisms
Authors: Shankar Sharmila , Singh Thiyam Ramsing , Srivastava Rakesh K.
Published: March 2004

Background

We assessed the influence of sequential treatment of ionizing radiation followed by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) on intracellular mechanisms of apoptosis of prostate tumor cells in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Prostate normal and cancer cells were exposed to irradiation and TRAIL. Four‐ to 6‐week‐old athymic nude mice were injected s.c. with PC‐3 tumor cells. Tumor bearing mice were exposed to irradiation and TRAIL, either alone or in combination (TRAIL after 24 hr of irradiation), and tumor growth, apoptosis, and survival of mice were examined. Expressions of death receptors, Bcl‐2 family members, and caspase were measured by Western blotting, ELISA, and ribonuclease protection assay; tumor cellularity was assessed by H&E staining; inhibition of p53 was performed by RNA interference (RNAi) technology, and apoptosis was measured by annexin V/propidium iodide staining, and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase‐mediated nick end labeling assay.

Results

Irradiation significantly augmented TRAIL‐induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells through upregulation of DR5, Bax, and Bak, and induction of caspase activation. Dominant negative FADD and p53 siRNA inhibited the synergistic interaction between irradiation and TRAIL. The pretreatment of cells with irradiation followed by TRAIL significantly enhanced more apoptosis than single agent alone or concurrent treatment. Furthermore, irradiation sensitized TRAIL‐resistant LNCaP cells to undergo apoptosis. The sequential treatment of xenografted mice with irradiation followed by TRAIL‐induced apoptosis through activation of caspase‐3, induction of Bax and Bak, and inhibition of Bcl‐2, and completely eradicated the established tumors with enhanced survival of nude mice.

Conclusion

The sequential treatment with irradiation followed by TRAIL can be used as a viable option to enhance the therapeutic potential of TRAIL in prostate cancer. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of combined androgen ablation on the expression of alpha1A‐adrenergic receptor in the human prostate
Authors: Benaim Elie A. , Karam Jose A. , Soboorian M. Hossein , Roehrborn Claus G. , McConnell John D. , Lin Victor
Published: March 2004

Background

This study was designed to determine whether androgen ablation (AA) affects expression of alpha1A‐adrenergic receptors (AR) in the human prostate.

Methods

Concentrations of alpha1A‐AR mRNA were determined in benign prostatic tissue from patients undergoing surgery after a 3‐month course of combined androgen ablation (CAD) therapy with leuprolide and flutamide, and a matched group of untreated patients with clinical BPH.

Results

Mean concentration of alpha1A‐AR in the AA group was 0.53 ± 0.53 SD (range 0.026–1.55) attomol/mg. Control mean was 0.29 ± 0.22 SD (range 0.02–0.69; P = 0.3, two tailed t‐test). Tissue composition did not statistically differ between the two groups. Expression of alpha1A‐AR correlated with concentration of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC) (r = 0.84, P = 0.001). No significant differences were observed after adjusting for SMMHC content.

Conclusions

A 3‐month course of CAD does not appear to have a significant effect on alpha1A‐AR mRNA expression in the human prostate. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.