bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐performance liquid chromatographic method with ultraviolet detection for the determination of dapsone and its hydroxylated metabolite in human plasma
Authors: Kwadijk S. , Toraño J. Sastre
Published: August 2002

A validated high‐performance liquid chromatographic method with ultraviolet detection for the quantitative determination of dapsone (4,4′‐diaminodifenyl sulfone, DDS) and a metabolite, hydroxylaminodapsone (4‐amino‐4‐hydroxylaminodiphenyl sulfone, DDS‐NOH), in human plasma is described. Human plasma was deproteinized with acetone and the clear supernatant solution after centrifugation was evaporated to dryness under a gentle stream of nitrogen at 70°C. The residue was dissolved in a mixture of HPLC eluent and acetone (18:5 v/v) and an aliquot of this solution (50 µL) was injected onto the HPLC column. Dapsone, hydroxylaminodapsone and diazoxide as internal standard, were separated within 10 min by isocratic elution with water:acetonitrile:glacial acetic acid:triethylamine (80:20:1.0:0.5 by volume) as eluent. Detection was by ultraviolet at the wavelength of 295 nm. The within‐day repeatability coefficients of variation were 3–5% for dapsone (0.301–20.0 mg/L, n = 5) and 3–5% for hydroxylaminodapsone (0.0948–6.32 mg/L, n = 5), whereas the between‐day repeatability coefficients of variation were 3–8% (0.301–20.0 mg/L, n = 5) for dapsone and 4–10% for hydroxylaminodapsone (0.0948–6.32 mg/L, n = 5). The mean recoveries ­were 92–107% (0.301–20.0 mg/L, n = 2), 80–82% (0.0948–6.32 mg/L, n = 2) and 88% (0.0200 mg/mL, n = 5), for dapsone, hydroxylaminodapsone and diazoxide, respectively. The average correlation coefficient of the calibration curve was 0.99988 (n = 5) for dapsone at a concentration range of 0.301–20.0 mg/L, whereas the average correlation coefficient of the hydroxylaminodapsone calibration curve was 0.99981 (n = 5) at a concentration range of 0.0948–6.32 mg/L. The limits of detection were 0.00200 and 0.0470 mg/L for dapsone and hydroxylaminodapsone, respectively. The method is suitable for drug level monitoring and for pharmacokinetic studies. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Removal of poliovirus type 1 from a protein mixture using an immunoaffinity chromatography column
Authors: Cameron‐Smith Rachel , Harbour Colin
Published: August 2002

An immunoaffinity matrix was prepared using human polyclonal antibody (Intragam®) attached to Sepharose® 4B activated with CNBr. The immunoaffinity matrix was then assessed with regard to its capacity to remove viruses. The challenge virus, poliovirus type 1 was loaded in high titre in either PBS or a preparation derived from human plasma known as supernatant II + III. This fraction is depleted of IgG and is used to prepare human albumin. It was shown that an average greater than 5 logs of spiked virus were removed in one passage through the column. This type of approach may prove useful as a viral removal method in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Problem in diagnostic imaging: Mediastinal venous anomalies
Authors: Pilcher J. M. , Padhani A. R.
Published: August 2002

This article presents as a diagnostic problem a rare mediastinal venous anomaly detected in a patient with a primary intrathoracic tumor. Its appearance on computed tomography (CT) is discussed and compared with that of other developmental mediastinal venous anomalies. The individual CT characteristics of these anomalies and their clinical significance with respect to the management of patients with cancer are also reviewed. Clin. Anat. 14:218–226, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the Clinical Anatomy Program in the Medical School of Porto by two cohorts of students
Authors: Tavares M.A.F. , Silva M.C.
Published: August 2002

The discipline of Clinical Anatomy, as introduced in the Medical School of Porto in academic year 1995/96, involved major changes in the way we teach anatomy to medical students, by adopting a clinically oriented approach. A questionnaire was designed to evaluate the opinion of second‐year medical students enrolled in the program concerning main aspects of the discipline in two consecutive years; 84% of the students returned the questionnaire in 1996/97, and 70% in 1997/98. Students were asked about the level of their approval of the organization of the discipline, the role of the teaching staff, lectures, practical sessions, educational media, and continuous and summative assessments. For items replicated in both academic years, the means of the sum of scores in each year were compared (Student's t‐distribution). Whenever a significant difference was found, changes in individual items were tested (chi‐square distribution). The evaluation of the discipline in each of the two years was highly favorable for most of the parameters analyzed. Clin. Anat. 15:56–61, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Software quality and software process improvement course based on interaction with the local software industry
Authors: Jaccheri M. Letizia
Published: August 2002

This study describes a redesigned course in software quality and software process improvement. The course encompasses lectures and project work in groups. Part of this work project is done in collaboration with the local software industry. The proposed interaction pattern with industry is the main contribution of this work. This interaction model is based on research questions, presentations from industry, and subsequent presentations and document writing by students. Both the other related courses in software quality and process and other software engineering courses in which industry interaction is required can adopt this interaction model. The study also presents related work by surveying general industry interaction patterns and courses, which provide process and quality education. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 9: 265–272, 2001; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com.); DOI 10.1002/cae.10000
Interactive software for analysis and synthesis of passive filters and its educational applications
Authors: de Assunção Eudes Pimentel , Cardoso Renato Barreto , Afonso Guilherme , Barbosa Vladimir D. S. , Abdalla Humberto
Published: August 2002

This article describes an educational environment for the analysis and synthesis of passive filters in lumped parameters that combines the advantages of the multimedia tutorials with the simulation software. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 9: 193–207, 2001; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com.); DOI 10.1002/cae.10007
The young women's network: a case study in community development
Authors: Steginga S. K. , Dunn J.
Published: August 2002

While young women have been found to be at additional risk for psychological morbidity after a breast cancer diagnosis, their specific needs in relation to support are not well described. A community development approach was utilized to develop the Young Women's Network, a peer support programme for young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer that addresses their specific psychological and social needs. Central to this approach was the key role of the target group in both the definition of the problem and the generation of the solutions. This article describes the steps involved in developing this programme and guidelines for health professionals and community members who may wish to replicate either the Young Women's Network or this particular approach to programme development. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of some antioxidant vitamin‐ and trace element‐supplemented diets on activities of SOD, CAT, GSH‐Px and LPO levels in chicken tissues
Authors: Öztürk‐Ürek Raziye , Bozkaya Lütfiye Arzu , Tarhan Leman
Published: August 2002

The effect of diets containing antioxidant vitamins and trace elements on chicken tissue activities of SOD, CAT, GSH‐Px and of LPO levels was investigated. Chickens, 45 weeks of age were divided into six groups: control group, Cu group (13.2 mg Cu kg−1 diet); Se group (0.07 mg Se kg−l diet); vitamin E group (70 mg DL‐α‐tocopherol acetate kg−1 diet) and a constant level vitamin C, 200 mg kg−1 diet); vitamin A group (240 mg retinol acetate kg−1 diet) and vitamin C group (500 mg ascorbic acid kg−1 diet).

Significant variation of these antioxidant enzyme activities and LPO levels according to gender was demonstrated statistically. In the Cu group, CuZnSOD activity in the liver, erythrocyte, kidney and heart significantly increased by 75, 40, 12, 12% respectively (P<0.05). MnSOD activity in the heart, liver, kidney and brain of the vitamin C and in the heart of Cu group were found to be increased by approximately 15%, while in liver tissue of the Cu group it was reduced by 19% (P<0.05). GSH‐Px activities in the Se, vitamin E and C groups were significantly increased, conversely LPO levels decreased (P<0.001). CAT activities in the liver and heart of the vitamin C group were significantly decreased (by 32%), but in kidney tissue only that of the Cu group was increased from 30.2 ± 4.767 to 144.49 ± 6.93 U mg−1 P<0.001. The resistance to stress of the vitamin E and C groups, which had significantly increased activities of antioxidant enzymes and decreased lipid peroxide levels, were determined in 60% moisture medium at 45°C. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of vitamin A and insulin on the antioxidative state of diabetic rat heart: a comparison study with combination treatment
Authors: Zobalı Fulya , Avcı Aslıhan , Canbolat Orhan , Karasu Çimen
Published: August 2002

Because elevated oxidative stress may exacerbate cardiovascular complications of diabetes mellitus, the current study aimed to investigate the effects of treatment with either vitamin A, an antioxidant, or with insulin on lipid peroxidation products and antioxidant enzyme activities of diabetic rat heart. Also to evaluate whether a combination of vitamin A and insulin exerts more beneficial effects than treatment with each agent alone. Rats were made diabetic with a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg kg−1 i.p.). Two days after STZ‐injection, one group of diabetic rats was treated with vitamin A (retinol acetate, 30 mg kg−1 day−1 i.o.) for 12 weeks. A second group of diabetic rats was untreated for 6 weeks and then treated for another 6 weeks with insulin (8–10 IU rat−1 day−1 s.c.). Both therapies were applied to another group of diabetic rats for assessment of combined therapy with vitamin A plus insulin. Hearts from 12‐week untreated diabetic animals showed about a four‐fold increase in the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), indicative of increased lipid peroxidation. This was accompanied by approximately 100% increase in both catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) enzyme activities. Therapy with insulin alone caused a small but significant improvement in plasma TBARS as well as GSHPx activities, but no significant change in plasma catalase in diabetic animals. Diabetes‐induced disturbance in TBARS was almost completely prevented by vitamin A therapy. Although, a similar degree of activities for GSHPx was determined in diabetic animals treated with each agent alone, combination therapy was found to be more effective than single therapies in the recovery of GSHPx of diabetic heart. In contrast to insulin single therapy, vitamin A alone significantly prevented an increase in catalase activity of diabetic heart, and a combination of these agents did not supply any further benefit. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was not found significantly different among the experimental groups. STZ‐diabetes also resulted in less plasma retinol and retinol‐binding protein (RBP), which was significantly improved by insulin single therapy while vitamin A used alone, failed to increase plasma retinol and RBP levels of diabetic animals. Our findings suggest that single therapy with insulin is unable to preclude oxidative reactions in diabetic heart to the same extent as obtained by vitamin A therapy alone, in spite of allowing recovery of normal growth rate and improved vitamin A metabolism in diabetic rats. A combination of insulin with vitamin A may provide more benefits than use of either agent alone in the treatment of general characteristics of diabetes and the maintenance of antioxidant defence of diabetic heart and thus in the reduction of peroxidative stress‐induced cardiac injury. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of the selenium level with GSH‐Px activity in the liver of mice treated with 7,12 DMBA
Authors: Batcioglu Kadir , Ozturk Cetin , Karagozler Alev , Karatas Fikret
Published: August 2002

In this study, the relationship between selenium (Se) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) levels was investigated in 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (7,12‐DMBA)‐treated mouse liver. The potential mammary carcinogen 7,12‐DMBA, was injected intraperitoneally (20 mg kg−1 day−1) into 10–12 month old female mice. After 21 days of application the mice were sacrificed and GSHPx and Se levels of liver homogenates were measured. Se and GSHPx levels in 7,12‐DMBA‐treated mice were significantly lower than those of controls (p < 0.05). The control group exhibited 0.9 ± 0.066 U mg−1 protein and 0.86 ± 0.058 p.p.m. levels of GSHPx and Se respectively. The 7,12‐DMBA‐treated group had significantly (p < 0.05) decreased GSHPx and Se levels (0.42 ± 0.062 U mg−1 protein and 0.69 ± 0.034 p.p.m. respectively). The results show a direct relationship between Se and GSHPx activity and a negative correlation between antioxidant capacity and existence of a carcinogen in metabolism. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age‐related decline in postextrasystolic potentiation in patients with aortic stenosis
Authors: D'Agate David J. , Snyder Craig A. , Marzo Kevin P. , Lazar Jason M.
Published: August 2002

In aortic stenosis (AS), postextrasystolic potentiation (PESP), a measure of contractile reserve, has been demonstrated by an increased aortic valve gradient (AVG) after a ventricular extrasystole (VE). We studied age‐related changes in PESP in 20 consecutive patients (age, 65–89 years) with significant AS (aortic area ≤ 1.0 cm2) on cardiac catheterization with VE on AVG pressure recording. Hemodynamics and LV systolic time intervals were averaged from three consecutive beats and from the post‐VE beat. Changes (Δ) in AVG, pre‐ejection period/LV ejection time ratio (PEP/LVET), aortic diastolic pressures (AoDP), and LV end‐diastolic pressures (LVEDP) were calculated. Age was inversely correlated with ΔAVG (r = −0.84, P = 0.0001), with ΔPEP/LVET (r = −0.87, P = 0.0001), and with ΔAoDP (r = −0.89, P = 0.0001), but not with ΔLVEDP (r = 0.23, P = 0.31). On multivariate analysis, only age was associated with ΔAVG (r2 = 0.72, P = 0.0001). There was an age‐related decline in PESP in patients with AS, which was accompanied by changes in contractile reserve and afterload reduction, but independent of preload reserve. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;55:23–27. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Catheter therapy of Swiss cheese ventricular septal defects using the Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder
Authors: Waight David J. , Bacha Emile A. , Kahana Madelyn , Cao Qi‐Ling , Heitschmidt Mary , Hijazi Ziyad M.
Published: August 2002

The medical and surgical management of patients with multiple muscular ventricular septal defects (VSDs) is associated with morbidity and mortality. Three children with Swiss cheese VSDs were treated with transcatheter occlusion of their multiple defects using the Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder. Seventeen defects were closed in five catheterization procedures. One patient had three devices placed in two procedures, the second had five defects closed in one procedure, and the third had nine defects closed in two procedures. Two patients had previously been treated with pulmonary artery banding and required subsequent surgical band removal. There was immediate reduction in the left‐to‐right shunting and clinical improvement in all patients. Complications included the need for blood transfusion during the two longest procedures and tricuspid valve regurgitation in one. Transcatheter occlusion of multiple VSDs is an acceptable alternative or adjunct to surgical therapy for these complex patients. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;55:355–361. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Left main crumpling during left anterior descending angioplasty: Hitherto unreported location for the “accordion effect”
Authors: Alvarez José A.G. , Leiva Gustavo , Manavella Bibiana , Cosentino J.J. Adolfo
Published: August 2002

Vessel wall shortening and deformity due to “arterial telescoping” is a not infrequent reversible phenomenon that occurs during coronary angioplasty and is associated with the advancement of a stiff wire through elongated and tortuous segments, with straightening of the artery and deep guiding catheter introduction beyond the coronary ostium. We present the first described case of the accordion effect involving the left main coronary artery. On detecting arterial crumpling, it is essential to make a differential diagnosis between the accordion syndrome and PTCA potential complications (spasm, thrombosis and dissection), to avoid further therapeutic intervention. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;52:363–367. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Agreement between coronary flow velocity reserve and stress echocardiography in intermediate‐severity coronary stenoses
Authors: Duffy Stephen J. , Gelman John S. , Peverill Roger E. , Greentree Michèle A. , Harper Richard W. , Meredith Ian T.
Published: August 2002

Visual and quantitative assessments of percent diameter stenosis on coronary angiography correlate poorly with functional testing, particularly in intermediate‐severity (40%–70%) lesions, yet are frequently relied on to make decisions regarding revascularization. Coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) and relative CFVR (RCFVR) are promising methods for on‐line functional assessment of lesion severity in the catheterization laboratory. We sought to determine the agreement between maximal, mean, and relative CFVR and stress echocardiography in intermediate‐severity stenoses. The results of exercise or dobutamine stress echocardiography and CFVR measured by intracoronary Doppler were compared in 28 patients referred for assessment of intermediate‐severity stenoses, using 15 patients with either angiographically normal coronary arteries or diameter stenoses > 70% as reference groups. CFVR was measured at least three times in response to a bolus of adenosine in the target vessel distal to the stenosis. RCFVR (target/normal vessel CFVR) was also measured in 27 patients. Maximal, mean (of three measures), and relative CFVR were calculated. CFVR ≥ 2.0 and RCFVR ≥ 0.75 were accepted as normal. A minority (29%) of patients in the intermediate‐severity stenosis group had a positive test by either method. There was good to very good agreement between stress echocardiography and maximal CFVR (84%, κ = 0.62, P < 0.0001) and RCFVR (81%, κ = 0.59, P < 0.001) across the entire patient cohort, though in the intermediate subgroup concordance was only fair. Using the mean (of three measures of) CFVR for the same comparison improved the agreement in the intermediate subgroup to good (86%, κ = 0.58, P = 0.002), and in the entire cohort the agreement was very good (88%, κ = 0.74, P < 0.0001). There was only fair correlation between measures of CFVR and percent coronary stenosis. CFVR improved from 1.8 ± 0.8 to 2.7 ± 0.7 after percutaneous intervention (n = 12, P < 0.0001). These results suggest that there is good agreement between CFVR and stress echocardiography across a wide range of coronary lesion severity. The mean of three CFVR measurements distal to the target vessel stenosis increases diagnostic accuracy. Intracoronary Doppler flow velocity measurements at the time of cardiac catheterization may facilitate improved decision‐making by providing the ability to assess the functional significance of coronary stenoses on‐line. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;53:29–38. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Significance of balloon imprint during coronary angioplasty
Authors: Ilia Reuben , Cafri Carlos , Weinstein Jean Marc , Abu‐Ful Akram , Merkin Miri , Yaroslavtsev Sergei , Gilutz Harel , Appelbaum Azai
Published: August 2002

Balloon imprint during angioplasty is often seen, but not at all inflations. We prospectively studied 235 consecutive patients undergoing 282 PTCAs during a 4‐month period, who were divided into two groups: those with balloon imprint during inflation (159 patients, 190 lesions; 67%) and those without (76 patients, 92 lesions; 33%). Clinical and lesion characteristics and immediate outcome were compared. Patients undergoing urgent PTCA had less balloon imprint than those undergoing nonurgent PTCA (14.2% vs. 28.3%; P < 0.005). Although not reaching statistical significance, younger patients and diabetic patients tended toward less balloon imprint (P < 0.06). Patients with observed imprint had less visible thrombus at lesion site (31.1% vs. 42.4%; P < 0.05), and a tendency without statistical significance toward more dissections but less acute closure was observed (P < 0.07). In addition, more stents were implanted in the imprint group (79.5% vs. 66.3%; P < 0.02). Patients needing pressure > 6 atm to break the imprint had more eccentric lesions (68% vs. 27.1%; P < 0.000) and more dissections (13.9% vs. 5.1%; P < 0.03) than those needing lower pressure. Patient and lesion characteristics may determine the appearance of balloon imprint at PTCA, which in turn influences the procedure and its immediate outcome. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;53:331–333. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angiographic analysis of immediate and long‐term results of PTCR vs. PTCA in complex lesions (COBRA study)
Authors: Dietz Ulrich , Rupprecht Hans‐Juergen , Ekinci Okan , Dill Thorsten , Erbel Raimund , Kuck Karl‐Heinz , Abdollahnia Reza , Rippin Gerd , Meyer Juergen , Hamm Christian
Published: August 2002

We conducted a prospective, randomized trial to compare immediate and long‐term effects of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and high‐frequency rotational atherectomy (PTCR) in patients with angiographically predefined complex coronary artery lesions (AHA type B2 and C). The relation of lesion characteristics to procedural results is reported in this angiographic analysis. Patients were randomly assigned to balloon angioplasty (n = 250 patients) or rotational atherectomy (n = 252 patients). Quantitative coronary angiography could be performed in 447 patients to evaluate immediate results and in 293 patients with a 6‐month angiographic follow‐up. Procedural success was comparable in the PTCR and in the PTCA group (80% vs. 76%, P = 0.260). The need for stent implantation due to a residual stenosis >50% or a bail‐out situation was significantly higher in the PTCA group (9.7% vs. 2.0%, P = 0.001). In both treatment groups, diameter stenosis was effectively reduced and MLD increased. The acute gain did not differ between the two groups. At 6‐month control, the restenosis rate was comparable in the PTCR and in the PTCA group (37% vs. 35%, P = 0.658), whereas diameter stenosis was significantly more severe in the PTCR group than in the PTCA group (52% vs. 46%, P = 0.039) and, correspondingly, the MLD was significantly smaller in the PTCR group (1.29 mm vs. 1.44 mm, P = 0.031). Late loss was about the same in both groups, however, net gain and net gain index were significantly higher in the PTCA group (0.82 mm vs. 0.64 mm, P = 0.008; and 31% vs. 24%, P = 0.009). Analysis of procedural results for various lesion characteristics revealed no significant difference between treatment groups. In this randomized trial, complex coronary artery lesions were treated with comparable results for angiographic and procedural success and the restenosis rate by both, PTCA and PTCR. Late loss, however, was significantly higher and net gain significantly smaller after PTCR. Stents, although infrequently used, had a relevant impact on immediate PTCA results but not on late results. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;53:359–367. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Safety of magnetic resonance imaging immediately following Palmaz stent implant: A report of three cases
Authors: Rutledge Jennifer M. , Vick G. Wesley , Mullins Charles E. , Grifka Ronald G.
Published: August 2002

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide important information on patients with congenital heart defects. There is some reluctance to perform MRI acutely following intravascular stent implant, due to concerns of distortion or movement of the stent in the magnetic field. We report on three patients who underwent MRI evaluation less than 14 days following Palmaz stent implant in the pulmonary arteries and superior vena cava, with no acute adverse outcome or long‐term problems. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;53:519–523. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incremental doses of intracoronary adenosine for the assessment of coronary velocity reserve for clinical decision making
Authors: Di Segni Elio , Higano Stuart T. , Rihal Charanjit S. , Holmes David R. , Lennon Ryan , Lerman Amir
Published: August 2002

Achievement of maximal vasodilatation of the coronary microcirculation is a prerequisite for the measurement of coronary flow reserve (CFR). The present study was designed to address the hypothesis that intracoronary adenosine yields more complete vasodilation of the coronary microcirculation when incremental doses are used, resulting in higher and more accurate coronary flow reserve measurements. Four hundred and fifty‐seven patients were divided in two groups; group I (319 patients) comprised patients without angiographic evidence of significant coronary artery disease, while group II (138 patients) comprised patients with intermediate coronary stenoses (between 40% and 70% diameter stenosis). Coronary velocity reserve (CVR, a surrogate measurement for CFR) was measured during cardiac catheterization using a Doppler‐tipped guidewire. Incremental doses of intracoronary adenosine (12 to 54 μg for the left coronary artery and 6 to 42 μg for the right coronary artery) were administered. There was a significant difference between the initial dose of adenosine and the subsequent incremental doses. Of a total of 479 observations, only 192 (40%) had the maximal CVR value at the first dose. Thirty‐nine percent of the patients in group I and 27% in group II with an initial CVR value < 2.5 increased CVR to ≥ 2.5 with incremental doses of adenosine. This study suggests that incremental doses of adenosine should be used to achieve maximal CVR for the assessment of the functional significance of coronary lesions. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;54:34–40. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A randomized trial comparing the hand‐mounted JoStent with the premounted Multi‐Link Duet stent in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Mehilli Julinda , Kastrati Adnan , Dirschinger Josef , Dotzer Franz , Schühlen Helmut , Fleckenstein Martin , Neumann Franz‐Josef , Schömig Albert
Published: August 2002

The objective of this multicenter randomized study was to compare the angiographic and clinical results achieved 1 year after coronary placement of two stent models: the hand‐mounted JoStent and the premounted Multi‐Link Duet stent. We included 505 patients who were randomly assigned to receive either the hand‐mounted JoStent (n = 252) or the premounted Multi‐Link Duet stent (n = 253). The primary endpoint of the study, late lumen loss, measured 1.12 mm in the JoStent group and 1.17 mm in the Multi‐Link Duet group. These values were statistically equivalent (P = 0.02 from the equivalence test). No significant difference was observed in the incidence of restenosis, 24.2% in the JoStent and 25.2% in the Multi‐Link Duet stent group, and target vessel revascularization, 13.9% in the JoStent and 15.4% in the Multi‐Link Duet patients. In conclusion, the hand‐mounted JoStent and the premounted Multi‐Link Duet stent enable excellent procedural success rates and equally favorable 1‐year angiographic and clinical outcomes. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;54:414–419. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What do the parents of tomorrow know about child care? A survey of 14–16 year olds
Authors: Blair Mitch , Nandasoma Mangalani , Crown Nicola
Published: August 2002

What do the parents of tomorrow know about child care? This study aimed to obtain a baseline measurement of child care knowledge, to ascertain any differences in knowledge between adolescents with and without mild to moderate learning difficulties (MLD). In addition, we were interested to establish the effect of school nurse health education health input on knowledge in the learning difficulties subgroup. Assessment was by self‐completed questionnaire and interview of a random sample of 14–16 year olds attending mainstream and special schools. Sixty pupils from secondary school and 33 from a MLD school took part in the study. Pupil knowledge in basic parenting and child care was dependent on the type of school attended, reading ability of those attending the MLD school and the provision of health education in the special school by the school nurse. No associations were found between pupils knowledge and their gender, family position or family size. Pupils from both schools scored lower in the areas of health service organisation and personnel, health promotion and management of common childhood conditions. Adolescents have insufficient knowledge of basic child care and services available for new parents. The effect of school based health education in these areas is promising. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implications for nursing of the new national curriculum in personal, social and health education and education in citizenship
Authors: Mill Therese
Published: August 2002

This article examines implications for nursing of the recent Government initiative to revise the National Curriculum in personal, social and health education (PSHE) in primary and secondary schools and to provide education in Citizenship for children and young people. Health education is but one strand of child health promotion which is rightly the concern of multidisciplinary team members. This initiative crosses the boundaries of health, education and social policy. It presents the challenge of new health promotion roles for child health nurses working in partnership with teachers in schools where the central focus will be empowerment of children and young people to fill their potential for achievement. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent applications of stereoselective chromatography
Authors: Szymura‐Oleksiak Joanna , Bojarski Jacek , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y.
Published: August 2002

Some recent applications of stereoselective chromatography in the fields of clinical pharmacy, drug analysis, food, and natural products are reviewed. The review is documented with up‐to‐date literature, which will assist further expansion of research in these areas. Chirality 14:417–435, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is (9Z)‐“meso”‐zeaxanthin optically active?
Authors: Lutnæs Bjart Frode , Gautun Odd Reidar , Liaaen‐Jensen Synnøve
Published: August 2002

The question raised in the title was answered. (3R, 3′S)‐meso‐Zeaxanthin was submitted to iodine catalyzed photochemical stereoisomerisation. The enantiomeric (9Z) and (9′Z) geometrical isomers were isolated by semipreparative HPLC and separated as diastereomeric dicarbamates on a chiral column only. Cleavage of the carbamate could not be effected. CD‐Spectra of (1″S, 1″S)‐ and (1″R, 1″R)‐dicarbamates of geometrical isomers of (3R, 3′R)‐ and (3R, 3′S)‐meso‐zeaxanthin were systematically studied and the contribution from the carbamate moieties revealed. It was concluded that (9Z, 3R, 3′S)‐“meso”‐zeaxanthin, in spite of having no symmetry elements, is optically inactive. The result has been rationalised in line with the current hypothesis on the origin of carotenoid CD spectra. Chirality 13:224–229, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Induced circular dichroism in solid‐state inclusion compounds
Authors: Tanaka Koichi , Kato Masako , Toda Fumio
Published: August 2002

In order to measure the circular dichroism (CD) spectrum in the solid state of a chiral compound which has no chromophore, an induced CD spectral method was developed by measuring the spectrum of the inclusion crystal of the chiral compound with a simple achiral aromatic host compound in the Nujol mulls. Chirality 13:347–350, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative analysis of the behavior of Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae: stringency of pteridine reception
Authors: Rifkin Jared L.
Published: August 2002

A convenient, sensitive, quantitative assay for the measurement of chemotaxis of populations of D. discoideum vegetative amoebae is presented. A strategy for determining the boundary of the bulk of a population of migrating amoebae was devised and is described. This assay employs a dynamic gradient and is independent of deaminase activity. Measurements of chemoattractant capabilities of various pteridines, folates, and mixtures of folate fragments are reported. 2‐Amino 4‐quinazolinone, a pterin analog without the pyrazine ring nitrogens, is chemotactic. Lumazine, deaminated pterin, inhibits chemotaxis towards pterin but not towards folic acid. Deaminofolic acid is a chemoattractant as are mixtures of lumazine plus aminobenzoylglutamic acid or deaminopteroic acid plus various amino acids. Separately, the components of these mixtures exhibit no ability to stimulate chemotaxis. These mixtures are of fragments that together comprise most of the folate structure. Our results are in accord with separate receptors for pterin vs. folic acid and with a high stringency for pterin reception but a relative tolerance for folate reception. The possibility of using such mixtures to investigate the requirements of various parts of the folate structure for competent signalling is discussed. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 51:39–48, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Axonemal activity relative to the 2D/3D‐waveform conversion of the flagellum
Authors: Cibert C.
Published: August 2002

The waveform of the flagellum of the sea urchin spermatozoon is mainly planar, but its 3D‐properties were evoked for dynamic reasons and described as helical. In 1975, the apparent twisting pattern of the sea urchin axoneme was described [Gibbons I. 1975. The molecular basis of flagellar motility in sea urchin spermatozoa. In: Inoué S, Stephens R, editors. Molecular and cellular movement. New York: Raven Press, p. 207–232.] and was considered to be one of the main elements involved in axonemal behaviour. Recently, planar, quasi‐planar, and helical waveforms were observed when the flagellum of sea urchin sperm cells was submitted to an increase in viscosity. The quasi‐planar conformation seemed to be due to the alternating torsion of the inter‐bend segments [Woolley D, Vernon G. 2001. A study of helical and planar waves on sea urchin sperm flagella, with a theory of how they are generated. J. Exp. Biol. 204:1333–1345]. These three waveforms, which are due to a change in axonemal activity, are possibly used by the sperm cells to adapt their movement to variations in the physico‐chemical characteristics of the medium (seawater) in which the cells normally swim. We constructed a simple model to describe qualitatively the central shear (between the axonemal doublets and the central pair) and the tangential shear (between the doublets themselves). In this model, the 3D‐bending is resolved into components in two perpendicular planes and each of the nine planes of inter‐doublet interaction defines a potential bending plane that is independently regulated. These shears were calculated for the three waveforms and their inter‐conversion. This allowed us to propose that axoneme is resolved in successive modules delineated by abscissas where the sliding is always nil. We discuss these data concerning the axonemal machinery, and especially the alternating activity of opposite sides of (two) neutral surface(s) that seem(s) to be responsible for this inter‐conversion, and for the possible twist of the axoneme during the beating. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 51:89–111, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential expression and localization of neuronal intermediate filament proteins within newly developing neurites in dissociated cultures of Xenopus laevis embryonic spinal cord
Authors: Undamatla Jayanthi , Szaro Ben G.
Published: August 2002

The molecular subunit composition of neurofilaments (NFs) progressively changes during axon development. In developing Xenopus laevis spinal cord, peripherin emerges at the earliest stages of neurite outgrowth. NF‐M and XNIF (an α‐internexin‐like protein) appear later, as axons continue to elongate, and NF‐L is expressed after axons contact muscle. Because NFs are the most abundant component of the vertebrate axonal cytoskeleton, we must understand why these changes occur before we can fully comprehend how the cytoskeleton regulates axon growth and morphology. Knowing where these proteins are localized within developing neurites and how their expression changes with cell contact is essential for this understanding. Thus, we examined by immunofluorescence the expression and localization of these NF subunits within dissociated cultures of newly differentiating spinal cord neurons. In young neurites, peripherin was most abundant in distal neuritic segments, especially near branch points and extending into the central domain of the growth cone. In contrast, XNIF and NF‐M were usually either absent from very young neurites or exhibited a proximal to distal gradient of decreasing intensity. In older neurites, XNIF and NF‐M expression increased, whereas that of peripherin declined. All three of these proteins became more evenly distributed along the neurites, with some branches staining more intensely than others. At 24 h, NF‐L appeared, and in 48‐h cultures, its expression, along with that of NF‐M, was greater in neurites contacting muscle cells, arguing that the upregulation of these two subunits is dependent on contact with target cells. Moreover, this contact had no effect on XNIF or peripherin expression. Our findings are consistent with a model in which peripherin plays an important structural role in growth cones, XNIF and NF‐M help consolidate the intermediate filament cytoskeleton beginning in the proximal neurite, and increased levels of NF‐L and NF‐M help further solidify the cytoskeleton of axons that successfully reach their targets. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 49:16–32, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Full‐wave analysis of planar radiofrequency coils and coil arrays with assumed current distribution
Authors: Wright Steven M.
Published: August 2002

For the analysis of single radiofrequency (RF) surface coils at frequencies commonly used for magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, magnetostatic analysis often provides sufficiently accurate results. However, the availability of higher field whole body magnets and the widespread use of RF coil arrays have demonstrated the need for more accurate solutions. While more advanced approaches are available, such as the finite‐element method or integral equation methods, commercial codes are not widely available and the techniques can be difficult to implement. This paper presents a computationally and analytically simple full‐wave analysis method to determine the self and mutual impedances and magnetic fields of planar RF coils and coil arrays. The approach is formulated in the spectral domain and results in a computationally efficient method that includes the conductivity and permittivity of a planar load. Thus, high‐field shielding effects are included. As described here, the method requires knowledge of the current distribution on the coils, which can be assumed to be constant in the case of simple rectangular or circular coil elements or determined from other methods such as equivalent circuit analysis in the case of more complicated structures. Complete expressions for the calculation of self and mutual impedances and the magnetic fields of circular and rectangular coils are provided. Examples are shown which demonstrate effects not modeled by quasistatics, including shielding effects and frequency‐dependent field asymmetries. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts in Magnetic Resonance (Magn Reson Engineering) 15: 2–14, 2002.
Prophylactic growth factor‐primed donor lymphocyte infusion using cells reserved at the time of transplantation after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in patients with high‐risk hematologic malignancies
Authors: Sohn Sang‐Kyun , Jung Jin‐Tae , Kim Dong‐Hwan , Lee Nan‐Young , Seo Kwang‐Woon , Chae Yee‐Soo , Park Soung‐Won , Kim Jong‐Gwang , Suh Jang‐Soo , Lee Kyu‐Bo
Published: August 2002

BACKGROUND

Standard allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) offers only a small chance of cure for most adult patients with advanced hematologic malignancies. The authors postulated that allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) followed by prophylactic growth factor‐primed donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) with cells reserved at harvest would maximize the graft‐versus‐tumor effects in patients with hematologic malignancies who had a high risk of recurrence.

METHODS

Seventeen patients with hematologic malignancies who had a high risk of recurrence were allocated on an intent‐to‐treat basis to allogeneic PBSCT from human leukocyte antigen‐matched sibling donors followed by prophylactic growth factor‐primed DLI of cells reserved at harvest for transplantation.

RESULTS

The median age was 37 years (range, 19–56 years). All donors underwent two or more apheresis procedures. The median numbers of mononuclear cells (MNCs), CD34 positive (CD34+) cells, and CD3+ cells, respectively, that were collected for 17 donors were 9.0 × 108 MNCs/kg (range, 4.9–14.4 × 108 MNCs/kg), 13.0 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg (range, 2.4–75.2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg), and 5.8 × 108 CD3+ cells/kg (range, 3.3–9.9 × 108 CD3+ cells/kg) for a mean number of 2.35 apheresis procedures (range, 2.0–4.0 procedures). The median numbers of MNCs and CD3+ cells that were cryopreserved were 2.1 × 108 MNCs/kg (range, 0.0–4.4 × 108 MNCs/kg) and 1.4 × 108 CD3+ cells/kg (range, 0.0–3.5 × 108 CD3+ cells/kg). Seven of 17 patients received additional PBSCs, with a median of 5.0 × 107 CD3+ cells/kg (range, 3.0–9.9 CD3+ cells/kg) between Day 41 and Day 120. The reasons for inability to administer additional PBSCs in 10 patients included early death (n = 4 patients), severe graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) (n = 3 patients), disease recurrence (n = 2 patients), and harvest failure (n = 1 patient). Of seven patients, two patients died of recurrence, and one died of cytomegalovirus pneumonitis. The surviving four patients were free of disease when last assessed (median follow‐up, 597 days) but were suffering from chronic GVHD (one patient had limited GVHD, and three patients had extensive GVHD).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors suggest that allogeneic PBSCT with prophylactic growth factor‐primed DLI may be a potentially curative strategy for the treatment of hematologic malignancies in patients with a high risk of recurrence. Their approach may offer the additional advantage of collecting enough cells at harvest for the potential use of DLI, which is easy, convenient for donors, and cost effective. Cancer 2002;94:18–24. © 2002 American Cancer Society.
Circulating tumor cells in the peripheral blood and bone marrow of patients with ovarian carcinoma do not predict prognosis
Authors: Marth Christian , Kisic Jelena , Kærn Janne , Tropé Claes , Fodstad Øystein
Published: August 2002

BACKGROUND

Ovarian carcinoma is apparently restricted for a long time to the peritoneal cavity. However, about 50% of patients with a surgically documented complete intraabdominal response experience later recurrence. Occult hematogenous micrometastases are common to most epithelial malignancies and have recently been found in 30% of bone marrow samples of ovarian carcinoma patients, as examined by immunocytochemistry. Moreover, these findings were associated with poor progression‐free and overall survival. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the possible prognostic significance of tumor cells detected in the peripheral blood and bone marrow of ovarian carcinoma patients by an immunomagnetic method.

METHODS

In a total of 90 patients with histologically proven epithelial ovarian carcinoma, blood and (in 73 cases) bone marrow samples were taken. Tumor cells were identified by a microbead coated with the antibody MOC‐31, which recognizes an epitope regularly expressed on ovarian carcinoma cells.

RESULTS

The authors detected carcinoma cells in the bone marrow in 21% of ovarian carcinoma patients, and in the peripheral blood in 12% of patients. Mean overall survival was 25 and 28 months for patients with or without circulating tumor cells, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Ovarian carcinoma cells seem to reach peripheral circulation more frequently than expected. However, in contrast to an earlier report, detection of tumor cells in the bone marrow and/or blood was not associated with poor prognosis in ovarian carcinoma patients. This discrepancy remains unexplained, but characterization of circulating ovarian carcinoma cells for their malignant and metastatic capacity is clearly warranted. Cancer 2002;94:707–12. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10250
Detection of cell free Epstein–Barr virus DNA in sera from patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Hsiao Jenn‐Ren , Jin Yin‐Tai , Tsai Sen‐Tien
Published: August 2002

BACKGROUND

The detection of tumor‐derived DNA within the circulation of patients with malignant disease using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based strategies has opened a new avenue for the diagnosis and monitoring of these patients. Because of the universal association of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) with the nonsquamous type of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC; World Health Organization types II and III), the detection of cell free EBV DNA in sera from patients with NPC may be a valuable tool for monitoring the progress of tumors or to provide advanced warning of tumor recurrence.

METHODS

Serum samples were obtained from different patients, and cell free EBV DNA was detected with a conventional PCR approach. A total of 134 patients were sampled, including 36 patients with primary NPC, 28 control patients, 18 patients suffering from locoregional recurrence, 7 patients with distant metastasis, and 45 patients with NPC in clinical remission. A conventional PCR approach employing standard 35‐cycle and 50‐cycle reactions was used to detect cell free EBV genomes. Results from the two PCR cycles were compared to provide a semiquantitative picture of the relative quantity of EBV genome in each serum sample.

RESULTS

The EBV DNA detection rates, i.e., the rates of positive detection, for 35‐cycle and 50‐cycle PCR analyses, respectively, were 38.9% and 75% for patients with primary NPC, 3.5% and 10.7% for control patients, 27.8% and 88.9% for patients with locoregional disease recurrence, 71.4% and 100% for patients with distant metastasis, and 7.1% and 36.5% for patients with disease in clinical remission. The rates of positive detection among patients with active disease all appeared to be significantly greater compared with the rates among patients with disease in clinical remission. Longitudinal data for six patients with recurrent tumors revealed a close correlation between the relative quantity of circulating cell free EBV genomes and the disease course of these patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the 50‐cycle PCR analysis for detecting recurrent disease were 92%, 63.5%, 42.6%, and 96.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that, by using a 50‐cycle PCR‐based approach, high sensitivity and high negative predictive value for detecting recurrent disease can be obtained from the detection of the cell free EBV genome in sera from patients with NPC. The 50‐cycle PCR analysis, therefore, may provide a simple, clinically useful adjuvant method for monitoring patients with NPC. Cancer 2002;94:723–9. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10251