bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Primate Foamy Virus Vectors and Packaging Constructs
Authors: Heinkelein Martin , Dressler Marco , Jármy Gergely , Rammling Matthias , Imrich Horst , Thurow Jana , Lindemann Dirk , Rethwilm Axel
Published: July 2002

Foamy virus (FV) vectors that have minimal
cis
-acting sequences and are devoid of residual viral gene expression were constructed and analyzed by using a packaging system based on transient cotransfection of vector and different packaging plasmids. Previous studies indicated (i) that FV
gag
gene expression requires the presence of the R region of the long terminal repeat and (ii) that RNA from packaging constructs is efficiently incorporated into vector particles. Mutants with changes in major 5′ splice donor (SD) site located in the R region identified this sequence element as responsible for regulating
gag
gene expression by an unidentified mechanism. Replacement of the FV 5′ SD with heterologous splice sites enabled expression of the
gag
and
pol
genes. The incorporation of nonvector RNA into vector particles could be reduced to barely detectable levels with constructs in which the human immunodeficiency virus 5′ SD or an unrelated intron sequence was substituted for the FV 5′ untranslated region and in which
gag
expression and
pol
expression were separated on two different plasmids. By this strategy, efficient vector transfer was achieved with constructs that have minimal genetic overlap.
Fusion-Defective Gibbon Ape Leukemia Virus Vectors Can Be Rescued by Homologous but Not Heterologous Soluble Envelope Proteins
Authors: Farrell Karen B. , Ting Yuan-Tsang , Eiden Maribeth V.
Published: July 2002

Murine leukemia virus (MLV)-derived envelope proteins containing alterations in or adjacent to the highly conserved PHQ motif present at the N terminus of the envelope surface subunit (SU) are incorporated into vector particles but are not infectious due to a postbinding block to viral entry. These mutants can be rendered infectious by the addition of soluble receptor-binding domain (RBD) proteins in the culture medium. The RBD proteins that rescue the infectivity of these defective MLV vectors can be derived from the same MLV or from other MLVs that use distinct receptors to mediate entry. We have now constructed functional immunologically reactive gibbon ape leukemia virus (GALV) envelope proteins, tagged with a feline leukemia virus (FeLV)-derived epitope tag, which are efficiently incorporated into infectious particles. Tagged GALV envelope proteins bind specifically to cells expressing the phosphate transporter protein Pit1, demonstrating for the first time that Pit1 is the binding receptor for GALV and not a coreceptor or another type of GALV entry factor. We have also determined that GALV particles bearing SU proteins with an insertion C-terminal to the PHQ motif (GALV I10) bind Pit1 but fail to infect cells. Incubation with soluble GALV RBD renders GALV I10particles infectious, whereas incubation with soluble RBDs from MLV or FeLV-B does not. This finding is consistent with the results obtained by Lauring et al. using FeLV-T, a virus that employs Pit1 as a receptor but requires soluble FeLV RBD for entry. MLV and GALV RBDs are not able to render FeLV-T infectious (A. S. Lauring, M. M. Anderson, and J. Overbaugh, J. Virol. 75:8888-8898, 2001). Together, these results suggest that fusion-defective FeLV-T and GALV are restricted to homologous RBD rescue of infectivity.
Spirocyclic Dipeptides of 1-Amino-1-cyclohexanecarboxylic Acid
Authors: Vinšová Jarmila , Kosař Karel , Kasafírek Evžen
Published: July 2002

Spirocyclic cyclodipeptides with 1-amino-1-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid of the general formula cyclo(-Ach-A-), where A is Gly, L-Ala, D-Ala, L-Val, D-Val, L-Leu, D-Leu, D-Pgl, L-Phe or D-Phe, have been prepared by cyclization of the corresponding linear dipeptide methyl esters. The peptides cyclo(-L- or D-Ala-Ach-), cyclo(-L-Val-Ach-) and cyclo(-D-Leu-Ach-) show higher activity in the Chick Embryotoxicity Screening Test when compared with derivatives containing 1-amino-1-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid or 1-amino-1-cyclobutanecarboxylic acid.
Diels-Alder Self-Addition and Retroaddition of (Cyclopentadienylmethyl)triethoxysilane and Synthesis of its Permethylated Analogue
Authors: Čermák Jan , Kvíčalová Magdalena , Schraml Jan , Čapka Martin
Published: July 2002

Reversible Diels-Alder self-addition of (cyclopentadienylmethyl)triethoxysilane hampering its use as functionalizing agent and the synthesis of a new silica functionalizing agent, (tetramethylcyclopentadienylmethyl)triethoxysilane, are described.
Synthesis of N-Phenylsulfonyl Protected Furo[3,2-b]pyrroles
Authors: Bobošík Vladimír , Krutošíková Alžbeta
Published: July 2002

Protection of nitrogen atom of heterocyclic molecules, such as indole and pyrrole types, enables various reactions of these systems. N-Phenylsulfonyl derivatives, which have been widely used for this purpose, were prepared in the indole series by the reaction of N-sodium and N-lithium salts with benzenesulfonyl chloride. This method requires waterfree and oxygenfree conditions. On the other hand, the phase transfer catalysis conditions used in this work obviates these disadvantages. We therefore selected the latter method for the preparation of variously substituted 4-phenylsulfonylfuro[3,2-b]pyrroles (I - VII) and 1-phenylsulfonylbenzo[b]furo[3,2-b]pyrroles (VIII - IX).
Kinetics and Mechanism of Ligand Substitutionin Triglycinatovanadium(III) by EDTA and NTA in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Ikeda Yasuhisa , Hassan Refat M. , Abd El-Fattah Moustafa M. , Park Yul Y. , Tomiyasu Hiroshi
Published: July 2002

The kinetics of ligand substitution reactions in triglycinatovanadium(III) by EDTA and NTA as multidentate ligands were investigated at a constant ionic strength of 2.5 mol dm-3 spectrophotometrically. The substitutions were second-order reactions, first order in both reactants. Their rate could be expressed in the form r = k [V(gly)3] [EDTA(NTA)] where k = 2.62 .10-2 and 6.96 .10-2 mol-1 dm3 s-1 at 25 °C for EDTA and NTA, respectively. The results obtained at different pH indicated that [H2edta]2- and [Hnta]2- ions were the most reactive species in the substitution. Kinetic parameters have been evaluated and a tentative mechanism of the reaction has been proposed.
Nitrosodicyanomethanide Complexes of Cu(II) and Co(II) with Methylpyrazoles; Nucleophilic Additions and Coligand Isomers
Authors: Hvastijová Mária , Kohout Jiří , Kováčová Darina , Skirl Renate
Published: July 2002

From the M(II) ONC(CN)2--L systems, where M = Cu or Co and L = pyrazole (pz), 3(5)-methylpyrazole (mpz), 3,4,5-trimethylpyrazole (tmpz), or indazole (inz), the following new compounds were prepared: [M{ONC(CN)2}2L4] with M = Cu, L = pz; M = Co, L = pz, mpz, inz; [M{ONC(CN)2}2L2] with M = Cu, L = tmpz, inz; M = Co, L = tmpz; [M{L.ONC(CN)2}2] with M = Cu, L = mpz; M = Co, L = tmpz. All compounds were studied by thermal decomposition and by infrared and electronic spectroscopy, the Cu(II) complexes also by ESR spectroscopy. Six-coordinate octahedral or pseudooctahedral structures were assigned to complexes of all the types. Nitrosodicyanomethanide is nitroso-N-bonded and in the [M{OCN(CN)2}2L2] complexes is involved in the bidentate bridging. The [M{L.ONC(CN)2}2] complexes contain anionic chelate ligands formed by nucleophilic addition of the N(imine)-C(cyano) type in the M(II) coordination sphere. The first coligand isomer pair with Co(II) central atom is presented.
Density Measurements of Annealed Amorphous Polymers
Authors: Lednický František
Published: July 2002

The flotation method of the density measurement was adapted to reach sufficient accuracy with which the differences due to annealing amorphous polymers above their glass transition temperature can be traced. The densities of amorphous poly(methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene increase logarithmically in the course of the annealing, which suggests that some arrangement or ordering takes place. However, the changes are not stable.
One-Pot Esterification and Selective 3α-Acetylation of Cholic and Deoxycholic Acid
Authors: Kuhajda Ksenija , Kandrač Julijan , Cirin-Novta Vera , Miljković Dušan
Published: July 2002

A simple one-pot esterification and selective 3α-acetylation of cholic and deoxycholic acid with selected esters of acetic acid (ethyl, propyl and butyl) in the presence of catalytic amount of 4-toluenesulfonic acid and water has been described. The yields of the obtained esters varied in range of 74-95%.
5-Alkyl-2-pyrazinecarboxamides, 5-Alkyl-2-pyrazinecarbonitriles and 5-Alkyl-2-acetylpyrazines as Synthetic Intermediates for Antiinflammatory Agents
Authors: Opletalová Veronika , Patel Asmita , Boulton Michael , Dundrová Alice , Lacinová Eva , Převorová Marta , Appeltauerová Martina , Coufalová Milada
Published: July 2002

2-Pyrazinecarbonitrile, 2-acetylpyrazine, 5-alkyl-2-pyrazinecarboxamides, 5-alkyl-2-pyrazinecarbonitriles and 5-alkyl-2-acetylpyrazines were prepared as intermediates for use in synthesis of potential antiinflammatory agents. The results of the homolytic alkylation of pyrazinecarboxamide were compared with published data. 2-Acetylpyrazine and its 5-(1,1-dimethylethyl) derivative were screened for biological activity, but no interesting effect was found.
Application of Cyclic Chronopotentiometry to the Study of Slow Charge Transfer Reactions at the DME and the SMDE
Authors: Molina Ángela , González Joaquín , Serna Carmen
Published: July 2002

In this work we apply cyclic chronopotentiometry to analyze charge transfer reactions at spherical electrodes, highlighting the influence of electrode curvature and the formation of amalgam on the potential-time response. Moreover, methods are proposed for determining the formal potential and the kinetic parameters of the electrode reaction. Equations obtained for the dropping mercury electrode are transformed to those corresponding to a static mercury drop electrode and a plane electrode.
Structural Characterization of Bis[N-(o-Hydroxybenzyl-(S)-Leucinato)]cobaltate(III) Anion. Tyrosine-Like Model Complex with Structurally Inequivalent Chelate Rings
Authors: Pakhomova Svetlana , Ondráček Jan , Jursík František
Published: July 2002

[Co(NH3)4(H2O)2]OH . [Co(ohb-(S)-Leu)2] . 2 H2O (ohb, o-hydroxybenzyl) was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction which shows that both ligands in the [Co(ohb-(S)-Leu)2]- anion assume facial coordination mode with all donor atoms trans to each other, proposed on the basis of UV-VIS and 13C NMR spectroscopy, with R,S configuration of secondary N atoms. Compound crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I41 with unit cell dimensions a = 22.173(7), c = 13.270(2) Å, V = 6 524 Å3, Z = 4. Structural data show that both ligands are not equivalent. Bond angles and bond lengths depend on whether secondary N atoms adopt R or S configuration. The average bond lengths are shorter when the ohb-(S)-Leu ligand coordinates with (N)R configuration.
Transformation of Ethene Into Ketones by CO and H2 Over NiMo Sulfide Catalysts
Authors: Vít Zdeněk , Portefaix Jean Louis , Breysse Michéle
Published: July 2002

The reaction of ethene, CO and H2 on NiMo sulfide catalysts at 240-290 °C and at 1 MPa gives ethane, diethyl ketone, propyl ethyl ketone, propanal and diethyl sulfide (DES). The support (carbon, alumina, magnesia and zirconia) influenced the activity of catalysts and the ratio between oxygenated and sulfur products. The carbon supported catalyst was the most active, producing the lowest proportion of DES. The overall oxo selectivity was practically constant in a broad range of ethene conversion. Selectivity into the formation of diethyl ketone increased by lowering the reaction temperature and H2S concentration in the feed. A selectivity of about 25% into diethyl ketone was achieved with a feed containing 0.4% H2S at 240 °C.
Ultrafast Nonadiabatic Dynamics. Theoretical Study of Femtosecond Electron Transfer Processes
Authors: Jortner Joshua , Bixon Mordechai
Published: July 2002

This paper addresses the conceptual framework of femtosecond nonadiabatic dynamics involving electron transfer processes on the time scale of nuclear motion. Coupling and relaxation of a manifold of doorway states into a weakly correlated Franck-Condon quasicontinuum reflects the extension of the validity range of nonadiabatic dynamics for large values of the electronic coupling, transcendenting the vibrational period of nuclear motion. The theory is applied to ultrafast femtosecond electron transfer processes in solution.
Heavy Metal-Binding Peptides and Proteins in Plants. A Review
Authors: Kotrba Pavel , Macek Tomáš , Ruml Tomáš
Published: July 2002

In plants, two kinds of specific metal-binding peptides or proteins are synthesized. Plant metallothioneins (MTs) and MT-like proteins are cysteine-rich translation products of genes inducible in tissue-specific manner during embryogenesis and plant development. In addition, differential expression of MT-like protein genes could be due to variation of external heavy metal concentrations (especially of Cu2+ and Fe2+), influence of various stress factors (heat shock, sucrose starvation, oxidative stress, wounding, plant pathogens). The principal role of plant MTs and MT-like proteins seems to be in homeostasis of essential transition metals rather than in metal detoxification. Phytochelatins (PCs) have general structure (γ-Glu-Cys)n-Xaa, where n = 2-11 and Xaa amino acids Gly, β-Ala, Ser, and Glu which depend on the species; the des-Xaa forms of PC also exist. PCs are synthesized in plants and some yeasts by a constitutive enzyme phytochelatin synthase (active only in the presence of free heavy metal ion) from glutathione or its anologue. Despite the PC capability of forming complexes with transition metal ions (their role in metal homeostasis could not be excluded) and virtually prominent role in Cd2+ detoxification within plant cell, there is no evidence that elevated production of PCs may contribute to differential tolerance and/or could be responsible for the resistance to toxic metals. A review with 172 references.
Planar Tetracoordinate Carbon in Organoboron Compounds: ab initio Computational Study
Authors: Gribanova Tatyana N. , Minyaev Ruslan M. , Minkin Vladimir I.
Published: July 2002

Ab initio MP2(full)/6-311++G** calculations revealed that 1,2-diboraspiro[2.2]pent-4-ene (11) and two of its isomers 14 and 15 possess stable structures with planar tetracoordinate carbon. These compounds and some of their derivatives, 21 and 22, can be regarded as the first computationally found organoboron compounds with the planar tetracoordinate carbon.
Adsorption of Sulfur on the Platinum Electrode Surface in One or More Layers
Authors: Loučka Tomáš
Published: July 2002

The influence of the H2S concentration on the charge required for oxidation of the adsorbed sulfur and on the nonstationary currents passing through the electrode was studied while hydrogen sulfide was introduced into the solution. At higher concentrations, more sulfur atoms are adsorbed on one platinum surface atom. Upon decreasing the concentration one atom of sulfur per one surface atom results and the number of sulfur atoms blocking two surface atoms starts growing gradually.
Preparation and Conformational Analysis of 1,2-Seco Derivatives of 19β,28-Epoxy-18α-oleanane
Authors: Sejbal Jan , Homolová Martina , Tišlerová Iva , Křeček Václav
Published: July 2002

Oxidation of 19β,28-epoxy-18α-oleanan-3-one (1) with chromium(VI) oxide in acetic acid leads to the formation of the 1β,3β;19β,28-diepoxy-3-hydroxy-1,2-seco-18α-oleanano- 2,1α-lactone (2). Its structure follows from spectral data, molecular modelling. Lactone 2 was converted to its acetate 3, methyl 19β,28-epoxy-1,3-dioxo-1,2-seco-18α-oleanan-2-oate (4) and to the stereoisomers at C(3) of methyl 1,3;19β,28-diepoxy-1-oxo-1,2-seco-18α-oleanan-2-oate (6 and 7) and dimethyl 19β,28-epoxy-3-hydroxy-1,2-seco-18α-oleanan-1,2-dioate (8 and 9). Lactone 2 reacts slowly with diazomethane which is indicative for its equilibrium with a small amount of free acid. Alkaline hydrolysis of compound 2 leads to compounds 8 and 9; the reaction involves hydride transfer of a Cannizzaro reaction type. A high rotational barriers were found in compounds 8 and 9. A combination of NMR methods and molecular modelling revealed that most sterically hindered bond in both compounds is the C(1)-C(10) single bond.
N6-Methoxyadenine-Pyrimidine Base Pairs as Substrates for the Mismatch Repair System of Escherichia coli
Authors: Jiricny Josef
Published: July 2002

The availability of nucleoside analogues with ambiguous base-pairing properties would be of considerable value in molecular biology. We have incorporated deoxynebularine [9-(2-deoxy-β-D-ribofuranosyl)purine, P], deoxyinosine [9-(2-deoxy-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-6-hydroxypurine, I) and [9-(2-deoxy-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-6-methoxyaminopurine,MeOA] into hexadecamer oligodeoxyribonucleotides and tested their behaviour in DNA•DNA hybridisationsin vitro, as well as in oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis experimentsin vivo. The results showed that P behaved as an adenine analogue in all assays. Oligonucleotide duplexes containing I/C or I/T base pairs displayed similar thermal stabilities in DNA•DNA hybridisation experiments, however, during DNA synthesisin vitroandin vivo, hypoxanthine behaved strictly as a guanine analogue. OnlyMeOA was truly ambiguous in all assays. The1H NMR spectrum of the nucleoside demonstrated the existence of two distinct tautomeric forms in a ratio ofca8 : 2, implying that the base might pair with both C and T. Indeed, within the context of synthetic hexadecamer duplexes,MeOA/C andMeOA/T pairs brought about a similar thermal destabilisation, with the former base pair being only marginally less favoured. When used as hybridisation probes on single-stranded M13 DNA, theMeOA-containing hexadecamer oligonucleotides were shown to bind with similar efficiencies to target sequences containing either C or T opposite the analogue. Interestingly, whenMeOA is in the template strand during DNA replication, the polymerase III holoenzyme ofE. colireads it predominantly as a G, which indicates thatMeOA exists in B-DNA mostly as theanti-imino tautomer.
Bone marrow transplantation for CD40 ligand deficiency: a single centre experience
Authors: Khawaja K , Gennery A R , Flood T J , Abinun M , Cant A J
Published: July 2002

BACKGROUND

CD40 ligand (CD40L) deficiency is a rare X linked immunodeficiency disorder leading to recurrent bacterial infection, with cryptosporidial enteritis and subsequent hepatic cirrhosis. Bone marrow transplantation offers the only cure.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse retrospectively the outcome of bone marrow transplantation for this condition in one centre.

DESIGN

A retrospective case note analysis was performed, identifying all patients with CD40L deficiency who had undergone bone marrow transplantation between May 1988 and December 2000. Details of pre-existing infection, pretransplantation immunological and infective data, transplant procedure (particularly donor type and HLA match), conditioning regimen, and marrow manipulation were analysed. Post-transplantation data including infective episodes, engraftment details, immune function, complications, and outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

Eight boys (age 1–14 years, median 5.75) had transplants. Six received T cell depleted unrelated donor marrow. Four survive and have normal immune function. Six had previous Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and three had histological liver damage. Survival was associated with younger age at transplantation and normal liver histology.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone marrow transplantation can be curative in CD40L deficiency. Better outcome is associated with younger age at transplantation and normal liver histology.
Nationwide study of haemolytic uraemic syndrome: clinical, microbiological, and epidemiological features
Authors: Elliott E J , Robins-Browne R M , O'Loughlin E V , Bennett-Wood V , Bourke J , Henning P , Hogg G G , Knight J , Powell H , Redmond D ,   Contributors to the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit
Published: July 2002

AIMS

To establish the incidence and aetiology of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) in Australia and compare clinical and microbial characteristics of sporadic and outbreak cases.

METHODS

National active surveillance through the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit with monthly case notification from paediatricians, July 1994 to June 1998. Children under 15 years presenting with microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal impairment were identified.

RESULTS

Ninety eight cases were identified (incidence 0.64 per 105 children <15 years/annum and 1.35 per 105 children <5 years/annum). Eighty four were associated with diarrhoea (64 sporadic, 20 constituting an outbreak) and 14 were atypical. Shiga toxin producingEscherichia coli (STEC) O111:H− was the most common isolate in sporadic HUS and caused the outbreak. However O111:H− isolates from outbreak and sporadic cases differed in phage type and subtyping by DNA electrophoresis. STEC isolates from sporadic cases included O26:H−, O113:H21, O130:H11, OR:H9, O157:H−, ONT:H7, and ONT:H−. STEC O157:H7 was not isolated from any case. Only O111:H− isolates produced both Shiga toxins 1 and 2 and possessed genes encoding E coli attaching and effacing gene (intimin) and enterohemolysin. Outbreak cases had worse gastrointestinal and renal disease at presentation and more extrarenal complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Linking national surveillance with a specialised laboratory service allowed estimation of HUS incidence and provided information on its aetiology. In contrast to North America, Japan, and the British Isles, STEC O157:H7 is rare in Australia; however, non-O157:H7 STEC cause severe disease including outbreaks. Disease severity in outbreak cases may relate to yet unidentified virulence factors of the O111:H− strain isolated.
Effects of massage on physiological restoration, perceived recovery, and repeated sports performance
Authors: Hemmings Brian , Smith Marcus , Graydon Jan , Dyson Rosemary
Published: July 2002

Background—Despite massage being widely used by athletes, little scientific evidence exists to confirm the efficacy of massage for promoting both physiological and psychological recovery after exercise and massage effects on performance.

Aim—To investigate the effect of massage on perceived recovery and blood lactate removal, and also to examine massage effects on repeated boxing performance.

Methods—Eight amateur boxers completed two performances on a boxing ergometer on two occasions in a counterbalanced design. Boxers initially completed performance 1, after which they received a massage or passive rest intervention. Each boxer then gave perceived recovery ratings before completing a second performance, which was a repeated simulation of the first. Heart rates and blood lactate and glucose levels were also assessed before, during, and after all performances.

Results—A repeated measures analysis of variance showed no significant group differences for either performance, although a main effect was found showing a decrement in punching force from performance 1 to performance 2 (p<0.05). A Wilcoxon matched pairs test showed that the massage intervention significantly increased perceptions of recovery (p<0.01) compared with the passive rest intervention. A doubly multivariate multiple analysis of variance showed no differences in blood lactate or glucose following massage or passive rest interventions, although the blood lactate concentration after the second performance was significantly higher following massage (p<0.05).

Conclusions—These findings provide some support for the psychological benefits of massage, but raise questions about the benefit of massage for physiological restoration and repeated sports performance.
Impact of professionalism on injuries in rugby union
Authors: Garraway W M , Lee A J , Hutton S J , Russell E B A W , Macleod D A D
Published: July 2002

Objectives—To measure the frequency and nature of injuries occurring in competitive matches since professionalism was introduced in rugby union.

Methods—The cohort study previously conducted in players from senior rugby clubs in the Scottish Borders in 1993–1994 when rugby union was an entirely amateur sport was repeated in 1997–1998. The same injury definition, outcome criteria, and method of calculating playing hours were used. In total, 803 (84%) of 960 eligible players participated, including all 30 adult players who played professionally for the Scottish Rugby Union or Border Reivers District. The 576 injury episodes in 381 of these players in competitive matches were compared with the 373 injuries in 266 players out of 975 (94 %) who were eligible and registered with the same senior rugby clubs in 1993–1994. Outcomes were the occurrence of injury episodes, days away from playing or training for rugby, and time lost to employment or attendance at school/college as a consequence of being injured.

Results—The proportion of players who were injured almost doubled from 1993–1994 to 1997–1998, despite an overall reduction of 7% of the playing strength of participating clubs. Period prevalence injury rates rose in all age specific groups, particularly in younger players. This translated into an injury episode every 3.4 matches in 1993–94, rising to one in every 2.0 matches in 1997–1998. An injury episode occurred in a professional team for every 59 minutes of competitive play. Professional players sustained a higher proportion of recurrent injuries, particularly in the early part of the season. Some 56% of all their days lost to the game were caused by injuries to the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the knee, hip, and thigh.

Conclusions—The introduction of professionalism in rugby union has coincided with an increase in injuries to both professional and amateur players. To reduce this, attention should be focused on the tackle, where many injuries occur. The International Rugby Board should place a moratorium on the use of protective equipment in competitive matches until its contribution to player morbidity has been fully assessed.
Natural selection to sports, later physical activity habits, and coronary heart disease
Authors: Kujala Urho M , Sarna Seppo , Kaprio Jaakko , Tikkanen Heikki O , Koskenvuo Markku
Published: July 2002

Objectives—To investigate the associations between natural selection to sports at a young age, continuity of physical activity, and occurrence of coronary heart disease.

Design—Prospective cohort study.

Setting—Finland.

Participants—Former top level male athletes participating at a young age (1920–1965) in different types of sport (endurance (n = 166), power speed (n = 235), “other” (n = 834)) and controls healthy at the age of 20 years (n = 743).

Main outcome measures—Data on the occurrence of coronary heart disease were obtained from death certificates, three nationwide registers, and questionnaire studies in 1985 and 1995, and data on later physical activity were obtained from the questionnaires.

Results—In 1985 all groups of former athletes were more physically active than controls (p<0.001). Despite similar total volumes of physical activity, compared with power speed athletes, former endurance athletes participated more often in vigorous activity (p = 0.006) and had less coronary heart disease (adjusted odds ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.17 to 0.73; p = 0.004). In 1985 and 1995, both endurance and other athletes had less coronary heart disease than controls. From 1986 to 1995, the incidence of new coronary heart disease was lower among those who participated in vigorous physical activity in 1985.

Conclusions—Both a previous aptitude for endurance athletic events and continuity of vigorous physical activity seem to be associated with protection against coronary heart disease, but an aptitude for power speed events does not give protection against coronary heart disease.
Mountain biking injuries in rural England
Authors: Jeys L M , Cribb G , Toms A D , Hay S M
Published: July 2002

Background—Off road mountain biking is now an extremely popular recreation and a potent cause of serious injury.

Aim—To establish the morbidity associated with this sport.

Methods—Data were collected prospectively over one year on all patients presenting with an injury caused by either recreational or competitive off road mountain biking.

Results—Eighty four patients were identified, 70 males and 14 females, with a mean age of 22.5 years (range 8–71). Most accidents occurred during the summer months, most commonly in August. Each patient had an average of 1.6 injuries (n = 133) and these were divided into 15 categories, ranging from minor soft tissue to potentially life threatening. Operative intervention was indicated for 19 patients (23%) and several required multiple procedures. The commonest injuries were clavicle fractures (13%), shoulder injuries (12%), and distal radial fractures (11%). However, of a more sinister nature, one patient had a C2/3 dislocation requiring urgent stabilisation, one required a chest drain for a haemopneumothorax, and another required an emergency and life saving nephrectomy.

Conclusion—This sport has recently experienced an explosion in popularity, and, as it carries a significant risk of potentially life threatening injury across all levels of participation, the use of protective equipment to reduce this significant morbidity may be advisable.
Physical activity in Dublin children aged 7–9 years
Authors: Hussey J , Gormley J , Bell C
Published: July 2002

Objectives—To investigate the amount of regular activity and time spent in sedentary occupations in children aged 7–9 years. Sex differences in levels of activity and time and facilities for physical education at school were also examined.

Methods—A 10% sample of Dublin National Schools were selected. Parents of children in second class were surveyed. The questionnaire used was a modification of the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Teachers of second class were questioned about the time and facilities for physical education in schools.

Results—Some 39% of children were participating in hard exercise for at least 20 minutes three or more times a week, with fewer girls (28%) than boys (53%) contributing to this result. A further 57% of children were engaging in at least 20 minutes of light exercise three or more times a week, with no sex differences. Estimated energy expenditure in regular activity was higher in boys than girls. Most (78%) of the children were spending one to three hours a day sedentary in front of a screen.

Conclusions—This study provides comprehensive data on physical activity levels in Dublin schoolchildren aged 7–9 years. The amount of inactivity is of concern. Even at this young age, boys are reported to participate in more physical activity than girls.
Hypothermia during sports swimming in water below 11°C: Table 1
Authors: Keatinge W R , Khartchenko M , Lando N , Lioutov V
Published: July 2002

Objectives—To assess precautions needed to avoid dangerous hypothermia in endurance sports swims in water below 11°C, using rectal temperature, anthropometric measurements, and voluntary swim times during a six day marathon relay swim.

Methods—The time in the water and the decrease in rectal temperature were measured during the longest of three to five relay swims by each of eight experienced swimmers in 9.4–11.0°C water. Height, weight, and four skinfold thicknesses were measured.

Results—Swimmers with less subcutaneous fat terminated their swims after significantly less time in the water than those with thicker skinfold thickness, even though their rectal temperatures were not significantly lower. The lowest rectal temperature recorded was 34.3°C.

Conclusions—Subjective sensation in these experienced swimmers gave reliable guidance on safe durations for swims, and all voluntarily left the water with rectal temperatures that present no threat to people able to rewarm in safe surroundings. Endurance swims in highly competitive conditions or water below 9°C may require continuous temperature monitoring for safety.
Perceptions of retired professional soccer players about the provision of support services before and after retirement
Authors: Drawer S , Fuller CW
Published: July 2002

Objective: To determine the views of retired players about the provision of support services in English professional soccer before and after retirement and to assess the impact of career ending injury on these views.

Method: An anonymous self administered questionnaire was distributed to 500 former players registered with the English Professional Footballers' Association. The questions asked about personal details, current medical status, reasons for retirement, perceptions of the provision and quality of support services, and use of prophylactic treatments while injured.

Results: Of the 500 questionnaires distributed, 185 (37%) were returned. The Professional Footballers' Association provided significantly (p<0.001) more help and advice to retired players on medical, financial, career, and educational matters than any other organisation. Although respondents showed some satisfaction with the provision of medical support, they were significantly (p<0.001) less satisfied with the provision of sports science (23%) and education/welfare (19%) support. Respondents who had retired through injury, however, were more dissatisfied with the provision of all services. Significantly (p<0.001) more respondents agreed with the view that injuries would reduce income earning potential, contribute to medical problems, and restrict the duration of their playing career. Respondents who had been medically diagnosed with osteoarthritis were significantly more likely, at some time, to have regularly received steroid injections while injured.

Conclusion: The results presented are consistent with other evidence that the provision of injury prevention and socioeconomic services at professional soccer clubs is inadequate. The soccer industry should therefore develop a long term strategy for managing the needs of players who are forced to retire through injury.
Beneficial effects of air inclusions on the performance of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) mouthguard material
Authors: Westerman B , Stringfellow P M , Eccleston J A
Published: July 2002

Objective: To investigate the impact characteristics of an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) mouthguard material with regulated air inclusions, which included various air cell volumes and wall thickness between air cells. In particular, the aim was to identify the magnitude and direction of forces within the impacts.

Method: EVA mouthguard material, 4 mm thick and with and without air inclusions, was impacted with a constant force impact pendulum with an energy of 4.4 J and a velocity of 3 m/s. Transmitted forces through the EVA material were measured using an accelerometer, which also allowed the determination of force direction and magnitude within the impacts.

Results: Statistically significant reductions in the transmitted forces were observed with all the air inclusion materials when compared with EVA without air inclusions. Maximum transmitted force through one air inclusion material was reduced by 32%. Force rebound was eliminated in one material, and reduced second force impulses were observed in all the air inclusion materials.

Conclusion: The regulated air inclusions improved the impact characteristics of the EVA mouthguard material, the material most commonly used in mouthguards world wide.
Physical exercise or micronutrient supplementation for the wellbeing of the frail elderly? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chin A Paw M J M , de Jong N , Schouten E G , van Staveren W A , Kok F J
Published: July 2002

Objective: To examine the effects of 17 weeks of physical exercise and micronutrient supplementation on the psychological wellbeing of 139 independently living, frail, elderly subjects (inactive, body mass index ≤25 or experiencing weight loss).

Methods: Participants (mean (SD) age 78.5 (5.7)) were randomly assigned to: (a) comprehensive, moderate intensity, group exercise; (b) daily micronutrient enriched foods (25–100% recommended daily amount); (c) both; (d) neither. A social programme and identical regular foods were offered as attention control and placebo.

Results: At baseline, moderate to low but significant correlations were found between general wellbeing scores and physical fitness (r= 0.28), functional performance (r= 0.37), and blood concentrations of pyridoxine (r= 0.20), folate (r= 0.25), and vitamin D (r= 0.23) (all p values ≤0.02), but not with physical activity levels and other blood vitamin concentrations. General wellbeing score and self rated health were not responsive to 17 weeks of exercise or nutritional intervention.

Conclusion: Psychological wellbeing in frail elderly people was not responsive to 17 weeks of intervention with exercise and/or micronutrient enriched foods. The moderate but significant correlations between wellbeing and physical fitness and several blood vitamin concentrations at baseline suggest that changes in wellbeing may occur after long term interventions.
Loss of transforming growth factor β signalling in the intestine contributes to tissue injury in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Hahm K-B , Im Y-H , Parks T W , Park S-H , Markowitz S , Jung H-Y , Green J , Kim S-J
Published: July 2002

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract caused by an abnormal and uncontrolled immune response to one or more normally occurring gut constituents.

AIM

Given the effects of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) on both the immune system and extracellular matrix, we postulated that alterations in TGF-β signalling in intestinal epithelial cells may play an important role in the development of IBD.

METHODS

TGF-β signalling was inactivated in mouse intestine by expressing a dominant negative mutant form of the TGF-β type II receptor under the control of the mouse intestinal trefoil peptide (ITF)/TFF3 promoter. Transgenic mice (ITF-dnRII) developed spontaneous colitis presenting with diarrhoea, haematochezia, and anal prolapse when not maintained under specific pathogen free (SPF) conditions. Under SPF conditions we induced colitis by mixing dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) in drinking water to examine the significance of loss of TGF-β signalling in the pathogenesis of IBD.

RESULTS

Transgenic mice showed increased susceptibility to DSS induced IBD, and elicited increased expression of major histocompatibility complex class II, generation of autoantibodies against intestinal goblet cells, and increased activity of matrix metalloproteinase in intestinal epithelial cells compared with wild-type littermates challenged with DSS.

CONCLUSIONS

Deficiency of TGF-β signalling specifically in the intestine contributes to the development of IBD. Maintenance of TGF-β signalling may be important in regulating immune homeostasis in the intestine
Infectious health care workers: should patients be told?
Authors: Blatchford Oliver , O'Brien Sarah J , Blatchford Mary , Taylor Avril
Published: July 2002

The risk of transmission of HIV or hepatitis B from infectious health care workers to patients is low. However, inadvertent exposure causes great concern amongst patients of an infected health care worker.

The patients of a Scottish dentist diagnosed hepatitis B e antigen positive were informed by letter of their exposure. A sample of patients was sent a postal questionnaire. Most (56%) respondents reported feeling anxious on receiving the letter but almost all (93%) thought patients should always be informed following treatment by an infectious health care worker, although the risk was very small.

We discuss clinical and ethical factors relating to informing patients following exposure to an infectious health care worker. We suggest that a balance should be struck between patients' wishes to know of risks to which they have been exposed, however small, and the professional view that when risks are negligible, patients need not be informed.
The pursuit of beauty: the enforcement of aesthetics or a freely adopted lifestyle?
Authors: Wijsbek Henri
Published: July 2002

Facelifts, tummy tucks and breast enlargements are no longer the privilege of the rich and the famous. Any woman can have all these and many more cosmetic surgical treatments, and an increasing number of women do. Are they having cosmetic surgery because they are duped by a male-dominated beauty system, or do they genuinely choose these operations themselves? Feminists (and others) give diametrically opposed answers to this question. At the heart of the controversy, or so I claim in this article, lies a conceptual problem about free choice; therefore, the only thing that can settle it is a conceptual analysis of “freedom”. After having briefly outlined the views of both sides of the debate, I offer such an analysis.
Artificial nutrition and hydration in the patient with advanced dementia: is withholding treatment compatible with traditional Judaism?
Authors: Gillick Muriel R
Published: July 2002

Several religious traditions are widely believed to advocate the use of life-sustaining treatment in all circumstances. Hence, many believe that these faiths would require the use of a feeding tube in patients with advanced dementia who have lost interest in or the capacity to swallow food. This article explores whether one such tradition—halachic Judaism—in fact demands the use of artificial nutrition and hydration in this setting. Traditional (halachic) arguments have been advanced holding that treatment can be withheld in persons who are dying, in individuals whose condition causes great suffering, or in the event that the treatment would produce suffering. Individuals with advanced dementia can be considered to be dying, often suffer as a result of their dementia, and are likely to suffer from the use of a feeding tube. Given these observations and the absence of a compelling case for distinguishing between tube feeding and other forms of medical treatment, traditional Judaism appears compatible with withholding artificial nutrition for individuals with advanced dementia.
Professional recommendations: disclosing facts and values
Authors: Baylis Françoise , Downie Jocelyn
Published: July 2002

It is not unusual for patients and their families, when confronted with difficult medical choices, to ask their physicians for advice. This paper outlines the shades of meaning of two questions frequently put to physicians: “What should I do?” and “What would you do?” It is argued that these are not questions about objective matters of fact. Hence, any response to such questions requires an understanding, appreciation, and disclosure of the personal context and values that inform the recommendation. A framework for considering and articulating a response to these questions is suggested, using as a heuristic the phrasing “If I were you…/If it were me…” Journal of Medical Ethics
Ethics, economics, and public financing of health care
Authors: Hurley Jeremiah
Published: July 2002

There is a wide variety of ethical arguments for public financing of health care that share a common structure built on a series of four logically related propositions regarding: (1) the ultimate purpose of a human life or human society; (2) the role of health and its distribution in society in advancing this ultimate purpose; (3) the role of access to or utilisation of health care in maintaining or improving the desired level and distribution of health among members of society, and (4) the role of public financing in ensuring the ethically justified access to and utilisation of health care by members of society. This paper argues that economics has much to contribute to the development of the ethical foundations for publicly financed health care. It focuses in particular on recent economic work to clarify the concepts of access and need and their role in analyses of the just distribution of health care resources, and on the importance of economic analysis of health care and health care insurance markets in demonstrating why public financing is necessary to achieve broad access to and utilisation of health care services.
Economics, health and development: some ethical dilemmas facing the World Bank and the international community
Authors: Wagstaff Adam
Published: July 2002

The World Bank is committed to “work[ing] with countries to improve the health, nutrition and population outcomes of the world's poor, and to protect[ing] the population from the impoverishing effects of illness, malnutrition and high fertility”.1Ethical issues arise in the interpretation of these objectives and in helping countries formulate strategies and policies. It is these ethical issues—which are often not acknowledged by commentators—that are the subject of this paper. It asks why there should be a focus on the poor, and explores the link between improving the health of the poor, and reducing health inequalities between the poor and better-off. It discusses difficult ethical issues at both the global level (including debt relief and the link between country ownership and donor commitment) and the country level (including user fees and whether providing assistance to the non-poor may in the long run be a way of helping the poor).
Preventive detention must be resisted by the medical profession
Authors: White S M
Published: July 2002

A policy of “preventive detention” has recently been debated in the British Parliament. Alarmed by the high-profile criminal activities of people suspected of having dangerous severe personality disorder (DSPD), the government have made clear their intention to “indeterminately but reviewably detain” people with DSPD, after diagnosis by forensic psychiatrists, even if the individuals are yet to commit an offence. Such a policy may improve the safety of the public, but has obvious implications for civil liberties. This essay criticises the morality of the government's intention and rejects the notion that the medical profession could ethically collude with such a policy.
Medical facilities as moral worlds
Authors: Turner L
Published: July 2002

Bioethics is dominated by an emphasis on rule making and quandary solving. Teaching and research in ethics often focuses upon dramatic, controversial issues at the margins of life and death. Much less attention is given to the relationship between moral reflection and the ethos of place. Medical facilities, however, are moral worlds. To discuss the ethos of place is to focus on the character or atmosphere of particular dwellings. Architecture, interior design, and the creation of built environments have moral, spiritual, and aesthetic dimensions. Discussions of “ethics” need to be less oriented to rules and dilemmas, and more attuned to practical matters of everyday social experience. Instead of developing all-encompassing critiques of medical facilities as impersonal, alienating institutions, scholars from various fields need to explore the incremental steps that can make particular settings more decent, humane, and caring.