bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of a metastatogenic tumor cell type by neurotransmitters and its pharmacological inhibition by established drugs
Authors: Lang Kerstin , Drell Theodore L. , Lindecke Antje , Niggemann Bernd , Kaltschmidt Christian , Zaenker Kurt S. , Entschladen Frank
Published: June 2004

The active migration of tumor cells, a crucial requirement for metastasis development and cancer progression, is regulated by signal substances including neurotransmitters. We investigated the migration of tumor cells within a three‐dimensional collagen matrix using time‐lapse videomicroscopy and computer‐assisted analysis of the migration path. Tumor cell migration is induced by norepinephrine, dopamine and substance P. We show that this induced migration, using MDA‐MB‐468 breast and PC‐3 prostate carcinoma cells, can be inhibited by using specific, clinically established receptor antagonists to the β2‐adrenoceptor, the D2 receptor, or the neurokinin‐1 receptor, respectively. All of the investigated neurotransmitters significantly activated the cyclic adenosine‐monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB). Furthermore, microarray analysis revealed changes of gene expression toward a highly motile tumor cell type, including an upregulation of the α2 integrin, which is an essential adhesion receptor for collagen in migration. The gene for the tumor suppressor gelsolin was downregulated. These 2 critical alterations were confirmed on the protein level by flow‐cytometry and immunoblotting, respectively. Neurotransmitters thus induce a metastatogenic tumor cell type by directly regulating gene expression and increased migratory activity, which can be prevented by established neurotransmitter antagonists. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fenretinide induces sustained‐activation of JNK/p38 MAPK and apoptosis in a reactive oxygen species‐dependent manner in neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Osone Shinya , Hosoi Hajime , Kuwahara Yasumichi , Matsumoto Yoshifumi , Iehara Tomoko , Sugimoto Tohru
Published: June 2004

Fenretinide, which mediates apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells, is being considered as a novel therapeutic for neuroblastoma. The cytotoxic mechanisms of fenretinide, however, have not been fully elucidated. Sustained‐activation of JNK and p38 MAPK signaling has been shown recently to have a pivotal role in stress‐induced apoptosis. Whether fenretinide activates the signaling in neuroblastoma cells is not known. In the present study, fenretinide induced sustained‐activation of both JNK and p38 MAPK in neuroblastoma cells. Pretreatment with the antioxidant L‐ascorbic acid almost completely inhibited the accumulation of fenretinide‐induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), activation of JNK and p38 MAPK and apoptosis. Intracellular ROS production and activation of stress signaling was not altered by fenretinide in resistant neuroblastoma cells. Our study demonstrates that in neuroblastoma cells, fenretinide induces sustained‐activation of JNK and p38 MAPK in an ROS‐dependent manner and indicates that JNK and p38 MAPK signaling might mediate fenretinide‐induced apoptosis. Our results also indicate that suppression of the fenretinide‐induced ROS productive system and the downstream JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways causes neuroblastoma cells to become resistant to fenretinide. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro tobramycin elution analysis from a novel β‐tricalcium phosphate–silicate‐xerogel biodegradable drug‐delivery system
Authors: DiCicco Michael , Goldfinger Aaron , Guirand Felix , Abdullah Aquill , Jansen Susan A.
Published: June 2004

This in vitro research analyzed local tobramycin elution characteristics from a novel, biodegradable drug delivery system, consisting of a β‐TCP bone substitute, VITOSS™, encapsulated with silicate xerogel prepared by the sol‐gel process. Tobramycin elution from silicate‐xerogel‐encapsulated VITOSS was compared directly with non‐silicate‐xerogel‐encapsulated VITOSS to assess whether xerogels are effective in delivering greater tobramycin quantities in a controllable, sustained manner crucial for microbial inhibition. Tobramycin elution characteristics indicate an initial release maximum during the first 24 h that diminishes gradually several days after impregnation. The copious tobramycin quantity eluted from the VITOSS/silicate‐xerogel systems is attributed to various factors: the intrinsic ultraporosity and hydrophilicity of VITOSS, the ability of tobramycin to completely dissolve in aqueous media, tobramycin complexation with highly polar SO salts that further assist dissolution, and ionic exchanges between VITOSS and the environment. Silicate‐xerogel–encapsulated VITOSS eluted 60.65 and 61.31% of impregnated tobramycin, whereas non‐silicate‐xerogel–encapsulated VITOSS eluted approximately one‐third less impregnated tobramycin, at 21.53 and 23.60%. These results suggest that silicate xerogel optimizes tobramycin elution because of its apparent biodegradability. This mechanism occurs through xerogel superficial acidic sites undergoing exchanges with various ions present in the leaching buffer. Tobramycin elution kinetics were evaluated, and demonstrate that first‐order elution rate constants are considerably less when silicate xerogels are employed, following a more uniform exponential decay‐type mechanism, thus bolstering controlled release. Overall, tobramycin elution rates adhere to linear‐type Higuchi release profiles. Elution rate constants are initially first order, and taper into zero‐order elution kinetics in the latter stages of release. Because VITOSS and silicate xerogel are completely biodegradable, essentially all impregnated tobramycin will be delivered to the surgical site after implantation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 70B: 1–20, 2004
The effects of curing history on residual stresses in bone cement during hip arthroplasty
Authors: Li Chaodi , Wang Ying , Mason James
Published: June 2004

During cement curing in total hip arthroplasty, residual stresses are introduced in the cement mantle as a result of curing shrinkage, thermal shrinkage, and geometrical constraints. These high residual stresses are capable of initiating cracks in the mantle of cemented hip replacements. The purpose of this study was to determine the residual stresses in the cemented hip replacements. The finite element method was developed to predict the residual stresses built up in joint arthroplasties. Experimental tests were then performed to validate the numerical methodology. Then the effects of curing history on the residual stress distribution were investigated with finite element simulations. Results showed that the predictions of the thermal shrinkage residual stresses by the developed method agreed with the experimental tests very well. The residual stress buildup was shown to depend on the curing history. By preheating the prosthesis stem prior to implantation, a desired low‐level residual stress at the critical prosthesis–cement interface was obtained. As a result, this article provides a numerical tool for the quantitative simulation of residual stress and for examining and refining new designs computationally. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 70B: 30–36, 2004
Design of braided composite cardiovascular catheters based on required axial, flexural, and torsional rigidities
Authors: Carey Jason , Fahim Atef , Munro Michael
Published: June 2004

Cardiovascular catheterization is a common medical procedure. A single braided catheter with different rigidities at the proximal and distal ends can, if properly designed, provide the necessary control and flexibility and thus replace the current two‐piece (external catheter/internal guidewire) system. An analytical model based on classical laminate plate theory was developed in order to predict the elastic properties of angle‐plied, single‐overlap two‐dimensional fiber composite tubular braids, which are required for the determination of the axial, flexural, and torsional rigidities. In this work the analytical model has been used to design one‐piece cardiovascular catheters with axial, flexural, and torsional rigidities similar to those values for existing two‐piece catheters, thus validating the model as a tool for designing braided cardiovascular catheters. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 70B: 73–81, 2004
Retardation of setting of plaster of Paris by organic acids: Understanding the mechanism through molecular modeling
Authors: Hill Jörg‐Rüdiger , Plank Johann
Published: June 2004

To develop an understanding of the action of specific formulations, the growth of gypsum crystals under the influence of retardation agents (tartaric and citric acid) has been studied using molecular modeling. Surface energies of gypsum and plaster crystal faces were calculated using established protocols. The crystal morphology predicted for gypsum crystals in the absence of retardation agents is in excellent agreement with experiment. The simulations show that only in an alkaline environment is the crystal morphology of gypsum changed by retardation agents. The simulations provide a detailed description of retardation, for example, the specific mechanisms by which tartaric and citric acid retard setting of gypsum and how they differ. At high pH meso, D(−), and L(+) tartaric acid inhibit both the growth of gypsum and the dissolution of plaster while at low pH tartaric acid and citric acid will principally inhibit the growth of gypsum. The simulations provide a molecular rationalization for a range of experimental observations and a basis for the selection of alternate retardation agents. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 25: 1438–1448, 2004
Improving the efficiency and convergence of geometry optimization with the polarizable continuum model: New energy gradients and molecular surface tessellation
Authors: Li Hui , Jensen Jan H.
Published: June 2004

New equations are derived and implemented for efficient and accurate computation of solvation energy derivatives for the conductor‐like polarizable continuum model (C‐PCM) and the isotropic integral equation formalism polarizable continuum model (IEF‐PCM). Two new molecular surface tessellation procedures GEPOL‐RT and GEPOL‐AS that generate near continuous potential energy surfaces are proposed for PCM geometry optimization. The combined use of these new techniques leads to efficient and convergent geometry optimizations with the PCMs. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 25: 1449–1462, 2004
Accurate description of van der Waals complexes by density functional theory including empirical corrections
Authors: Grimme Stefan
Published: June 2004

An empirical method to account for van der Waals interactions in practical calculations with the density functional theory (termed DFT‐D) is tested for a wide variety of molecular complexes. As in previous schemes, the dispersive energy is described by damped interatomic potentials of the form C6R−6. The use of pure, gradient‐corrected density functionals (BLYP and PBE), together with the resolution‐of‐the‐identity (RI) approximation for the Coulomb operator, allows very efficient computations for large systems. Opposed to previous work, extended AO basis sets of polarized TZV or QZV quality are employed, which reduces the basis set superposition error to a negligible extend. By using a global scaling factor for the atomic C6 coefficients, the functional dependence of the results could be strongly reduced. The “double counting” of correlation effects for strongly bound complexes is found to be insignificant if steep damping functions are employed. The method is applied to a total of 29 complexes of atoms and small molecules (Ne, CH4, NH3, H2O, CH3F, N2, F2, formic acid, ethene, and ethine) with each other and with benzene, to benzene, naphthalene, pyrene, and coronene dimers, the naphthalene trimer, coronene · H2O and four H‐bonded and stacked DNA base pairs (AT and GC). In almost all cases, very good agreement with reliable theoretical or experimental results for binding energies and intermolecular distances is obtained. For stacked aromatic systems and the important base pairs, the DFT‐D‐BLYP model seems to be even superior to standard MP2 treatments that systematically overbind. The good results obtained suggest the approach as a practical tool to describe the properties of many important van der Waals systems in chemistry. Furthermore, the DFT‐D data may either be used to calibrate much simpler (e.g., force‐field) potentials or the optimized structures can be used as input for more accurate ab initio calculations of the interaction energies. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 25: 1463–1473, 2004
Optimised synthesis of the 15N‐labelled insecticide phosmet (1)
Authors: Sinderhauf Katrin , Schwack Wolfgang
Published: June 2004

A simple strategy for the small‐scale synthesis of the 15N‐labelled insecticide phosmet has been developed, starting from 15N‐phthalimide‐K. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of a non‐equilibrated solid phase microextraction method to quantitatively determine the off‐notes in mint and other essential oils
Authors: Coleman WM , Lawrence BM , Craven SH
Published: June 2004

The undesirable top notes or off‐notes found in mint, clary sage, and cedarwood oils could be quantitatively determined using a non‐equilibrated solid phase microextraction/gas chromatography/selected ion monitoring/mass spectrometry (SPME/GC/SIM‐MS) technique. Using the low threshold components, dimethyl sulfide, 2‐methylpropanal, 2‐methylbutanal, and 3‐methylbutanal, which are associated with the off‐notes of these oils, their levels could be reproducibly quantitatively determined. The highest level of off‐notes was found in a sample of Scotch spearmint oil where the levels of the four constituents were, dimethyl sulfide (238 µg g−1), 2‐methylpropanal (286 µg g−1), 2‐methylbutanal (1048 µg g−1) and 3‐methylbutanal (1489 µg g−1). These quantitative results in combination with sensory evaluations could provide for a powerful overall assessment of essential oil quality. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Rice kernel phenolic content and its relationship with antiradical efficiency
Authors: Goffman FD , Bergman CJ
Published: June 2004

Plant phenolics exert beneficial effects on human health and may also prevent oxidative deterioration of food. Two field experiments were carried out for characterising phenolics in rice. The first assay was conducted in 1999 and 2000 in Beaumont, TX and included five light‐brown, two purple and 10 red pericarp coloured cultivars. ‘Bran colour’ was highly statistically significant for both bran phenolic concentration and antiradical efficiency (p < 0.001). ‘Year’ and its interaction with bran colour were not significant for the analysed traits, suggesting that seasonal differences and their interactions may not affect phenolic content or antiradical efficiency. The accessions ranged from 3.1 to 45.4 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) g−1 bran and from 10.0 to 345.3 µM trolox equivalents (TE) g−1 bran for total phenolic content and antiradical efficiency respectively. The light‐brown bran genotypes exhibited the lowest values for phenolic content and antiradical efficiency, whereas red bran ones displayed ca 10 times higher total phenolic content and more than 50 times higher tannin content than light‐brown ones. The two purple lines showed either low or high values for the studied traits. Antiradical efficiency of rice bran extracts was highly positively correlated with total phenolic content (r = 0.99***), suggesting that phenolics are the main compounds responsible for the free radical‐scavenging activity in rice bran extracts. In the second field experiment (Stuttgart, AR, 2001 and Beaumont, TX, 2000), 133 coloured rice cultivars were analysed for total phenolic content in whole grain. The accessions showed a large variation for total phenolics, ranging from 0.69 to 2.74 mg GAE g−1 grain. The data confirmed previous results suggesting bran colour as the main factor affecting phenolic concentration in rice kernel and seasonal effects and their interactions as not significant. The results also confirm that within red and purple bran groups can be found the highest phenolic concentrations in rice kernel. Published in 2004 for SCI by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insular dopamine D2 receptors and novelty seeking personality in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kaasinen Valtteri , Aalto Sargo , Någren Kjell , Rinne Juha O.
Published: June 2004

Novelty seeking is a temperament trait characterized by impulsiveness and exploratory behavior. Dopamine has been suggested to be the primary neurotransmitter modulator of novelty seeking, and in young healthy subjects, a correlation between increased novelty seeking and decreased insular cortical dopamine D2 receptor availability has been reported. The proposed link between dopamine deficiency and reduction in novelty seeking in Parkinson's disease is controversial. The present study examined whether a link between insular D2 receptor availability and novelty seeking can be replicated in Parkinson's disease patients. [11C]FLB 457 positron emission tomography imaging was carried out in 28 patients with Parkinson's disease, and the data were analyzed using voxel‐based statistical analysis. The results demonstrated a negative correlation between the novelty seeking score and the dopamine D2 availability bilaterally in the insular cortex (corrected P = 0.001; r = −0.74 [right hemisphere]; r = −0.66 [left hemisphere]). The results provide further support for a relationship between novelty seeking and insular D2 receptors. They indicate that the association is cross‐cultural, independent of age, and unaffected by dopaminergic degeneration. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Clinical features of adult GM1 gangliosidosis: Report of three Indian patients and review of 40 cases
Authors: Muthane Uday , Chickabasaviah Yasha , Kaneski Chris , Shankar Susurla K. , Narayanappa Gayathri , Christopher Rita , Govindappa Srikanth Subbamma
Published: June 2004

Deficiency of enzyme acid β‐galactosidase causes GM1 gangliosidosis. Patients with adult GM1 gangliosidosis typically present with generalized dystonia. We describe clinical, bone marrow, and radiological features of adult GM1 gangliosidosis to help improve its recognition. We report 3 Indian patients and review of reports between 1981 and October 2002. The disease frequently is reported in the Japanese literature (75%). Patients are normal at birth and have normal early motor and mental development. Onset is within the first decade with abnormal gait, or worsening of speech is an initial symptom. Dystonia occurs in 97% of patients. Facial dystonia described as “facial grimacing” observed in ∼90% could be an important clinical clue. Dysarthria/anarthria (97%) is frequent, and eye movements are normal. Bone marrow examination may show Gaucher‐like foam cells (39%). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) frequently (90.9%) shows bilateral symmetrical putamenal hyperintensities on T2‐weighted and proton density images. Diagnosis is confirmed by demonstrating deficiency of β‐galactosidase. Adult (Type 3) GM1 Gangliosidosis commonly presents with generalized dystonia with prominent facial dystonia, severe speech disturbances, and normal eye movements. Bone marrow frequently shows Gaucher‐like foam cells. MRI shows typical lesions in the putamen. Deficiency of β‐galactosidase in fibroblasts confirms the diagnosis. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Amantadine for levodopa‐induced choreic dyskinesia in compound heterozygotes for GCH1 mutations
Authors: Furukawa Yoshiaki , Filiano James J. , Kish Stephen J.
Published: June 2004

Amantadine suppressed severe levodopa‐induced choreic dyskinesia, which developed at initiation of levodopa therapy, in two siblings manifesting dystonia with motor delay phenotype of GTP cyclohydrolase I deficiency caused by compound heterozygous GCH1 mutations. Our finding suggests a beneficial effect of amantadine on this type of dyskinesia frequently observed in relatively severe dopamine‐deficient metabolic disorders. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Elevated concentration of cerebrospinal fluid tissue transglutaminase in Parkinson's disease indicating apoptosis
Authors: Vermes Istvan , Jansen Steur Ernst N.H. , Jirikowski Gustav F. , Haanen Clemens
Published: June 2004

Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) is activated during the apoptotic cell death cascade and plays a key role in the formation of apoptotic bodies. We found significant elevation of tTG concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 54 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) compared with that measured in 34 control subjects, thus showing increased neural cell apoptosis in patients with PD. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Global solvability for the Kirchhoff equations in exterior domains of dimension larger than three
Authors: Yamazaki Taeko
Published: June 2004

We consider the unique global solvability of initial (boundary) value problem for the Kirchhoff equations in exterior domains or in the whole Euclidean space for dimension larger than three. The following sufficient condition is known: initial data is sufficiently small in some weighted Sobolev spaces for the whole space case; the generalized Fourier transform of the initial data is sufficiently small in some weighted Sobolev spaces for the exterior domain case. The purpose of this paper is to give sufficient conditions on the usual Sobolev norm of the initial data, by showing that the global solvability for this equation follows from a time decay estimate of the solution of the linear wave equation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Error estimates for mixed finite element approximations of the viscoelasticity wave equation
Authors: Gao Liping , Liang Dong , Zhang Bo
Published: June 2004

This paper studies mixed finite element approximations to the solution of the viscoelasticity wave equation. Two new transformations are introduced and a corresponding system of first‐order differential‐integral equations is derived. The semi‐discrete and full‐discrete mixed finite element methods are then proposed for the problem based on the Raviart–Thomas–Nedelec spaces. The optimal error estimates in L2‐norm are obtained for the semi‐discrete and full‐discrete mixed approximations of the general viscoelasticity wave equation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A unified model incorporating yield, burn‐in, and reliability
Authors: Kim Kyungmee O. , Kuo Way
Published: June 2004

The correlated improvement in yield and reliability has been observed in the case studies on integrated circuits and electronic assemblies. This paper presents a model that incorporates yield and reliability with the addition of a burn‐in step to explain their correlated improvement. The proposed model includes as special cases several yield and reliability models that have been previously published and thus provides a unifying framework. The model is used to derive a condition for which yield functions can be multiplied to obtain the overall yield. Yield and reliability are compared as a function of operation time, and an analytical condition for burn‐in to be effective is also obtained. Finally, Poisson and negative binomial defects models are further considered to investigate how reliability is based on yield. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2004.
Bivariate models from univariate life distributions: A characterization cum modeling approach
Authors: Roy Dilip
Published: June 2004

Bivariate life distribution models are of importance for studying interdependent components. We present a generic approach by introducing a new concept of characterized model in stead of a characterized distribution. It strikes a balance between characterization and modeling approaches to eliminate their individual limitations and incorporate their respective strengths. The proposed model, being a characterized one, admits many important properties irrespective of the choice of marginal distributions. The retention of univariate IFR, DFR, IFRA, DFRA, NBU, and NWU class properties in the bivariate setup has been ensured along with some results on series combinations and convolution. No other models, available in the literature, can ensure simultaneous retention of these fundamental and extremely important class properties. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2004
QF‐PCR‐based prenatal detection of aneuploidy in a southeast Asian population
Authors: Quaife R. , Wong L. F. , Tan S. Y. , Chua W. Y. , Lim S. S. , Hammersley C. J. N. , Yeo H. L.
Published: June 2004

Objectives

We have investigated the efficacy of using quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF‐PCR) for the prenatal recognition of aneuploidy in chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y. A total of 1115 samples, from mainly southeast Asian patients, were analysed and compared in a blind trial to the results previously obtained cytogenetically.

Methods

A multiplex PCR involving 15 short tandem repeat (STR) sequences was used. The probability of two or more of these markers being informative was calculated, and this required the multiplex PCR to be modified.

Results

The QF‐PCR and previous cytogenetic results concurred, except for two products of conception (POC). One of these may be a case of complete uniparental disomy that was not recognized cytogenetically. The other was tetraploid, and as such appeared normal using QF‐PCR. A mosaic trisomy 18 was correctly identified. The population sample was of a mainly Chinese, ethnic origin, and the allele frequency, size and heterozygosity appeared more restricted than the population groups analysed hitherto.

Conclusion

The QF‐PCR methodology is an efficient cost‐effective method of screening for major chromosome aneuploidy, and, for certain referral categories, could be used alone. It also appears to be applicable to patients of different ethnic origins. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of de novo trisomy 1(q21‐qter)der(Y)t(Y;1) in a malformed live born
Authors: Fernández‐Novoa M. C. , Vargas M. T. , Granell M. R. , Carreto P.
Published: June 2004

Objectives

To present the prenatal diagnosis case of pure trisomy 1q21‐qter with translocation to chromosome Y in all cells analysed.

Case

Amniocentesis for chromosomal analysis was performed at 15 gestational weeks because it showed a fetal nuchal thickness by ultrasound examination. GTG banding and FISH analysis were carried out.

Results

In spite of the unfavourable fetal prognosis, the couple decided to continue the gestation. Ultrasonographic controls performed between the 20th and 34th weeks showed a male fetus with multiple abnormalities. The propositus was born at 35 weeks' gestation, surviving 40 min.

Conclusion

Our patient's clinical anomalies were compared with two cases of trisomy 1q in all cells and five mosaicisms with the object of defining this syndrome, which we consider important for future genetic counselling. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of slow‐rate ventricular tachycardia using fetal electrocardiography
Authors: Yumoto Yasuo , Satoh Shoji , Koga Tsuyoshi , Nagata Hideaki , Nagamatsu Rie , Nakano Hitoo
Published: June 2004

Objectives

We report a case in which fetal ventricular tachycardia (VT) could be diagnosed, in utero, using a transabdominal fetal electrocardiogram (fECG) with motion‐mode (M‐mode) echocardiography.

Methods

The fetus was referred at 32 weeks' gestation due to tricuspid atresia. The fetal cardiotocogram demonstrated paroxysmal tachycardia with a ventricular rate of 155 to 160 bpm within the confines of normal sinus rhythm.

Results

M‐mode echocardiography showed atrioventricular dissociation with a rather slow ventricular rate. To identify the level of the ectopic focus for tachyarrhythmias, we attempted to detect the electrical signals of the fetal heart and succeeded in recording the fECG. Morphological assessment of the fECG allowed for the extraction of both the normal QRS complex and apparently dissimilar ectopic QRS beat, which has a different polarity despite a relatively similar width.

Conclusion

Consequently, the case proved to have VT at a slow rate, probably originating from the focus near the atrioventricular junction inside the ventricle. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adverse outcome of isolated fetal intra‐abdominal umbilical vein varix despite close monitoring
Authors: Valsky D. V. , Rosenak D. , Hochner‐Celnikier D. , Porat S. , Yagel S.
Published: June 2004

Background and Objectives

Fetal intra‐abdominal umbilical vein (FIUV) varix—a focal dilatation of the umbilical vein—is an uncommon entity. Outcome varies from spontaneous resolution to fetal death. We describe here the experience of our center with this perplexing entity.

Methods

Case series review of seven cases of isolated FIUV treated in a tertiary care center from 2000 to 2003.

Results

We describe seven cases of isolated FIUV varix with varying natural history, follow‐up strategies, and fetal outcome. In one of the cases, intrauterine fetal demise occurred despite close follow‐up.

Conclusions

We suggest that the course of FIUV is unpredictable, with a high fetal mortality rate. Close fetal monitoring with early delivery at 34 weeks' gestation should be advocated. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy using haplotype analysis and collagen VI immunocytochemistry
Authors: Brockington Martin , Brown Susan C. , Lampe Anne , Yuva Yeliz , Feng Lucy , Jimenez‐Mallebrera Cecilia , Sewry Caroline A. , Flanigan Kevin M. , Bushby Kate , Muntoni Francesco
Published: June 2004

Objectives

Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD) is a recessively inherited condition characterised by proximal joint contractures, marked distal joint hyperextensibility, rigidity of the spine and early respiratory failure. Recently, mutations in the genes encoding the subunits of collagen VI have been identified in this disease. We undertook two prenatal diagnoses for UCMD in a consanguineous family where the disease was consistent with linkage to the COL6A3 locus and immunolabelling of collagen VI in the proband's skeletal muscle was severely reduced.

Methods

Both haplotype analysis and collagen VI immunolabelling were used to determine the status of the fetuses.

Results

Haplotype analysis of DNA extracted from chorionic villus samples (CVS) from the initial at‐risk pregnancy with markers encompassing COL6A3 demonstrated that this fetus had inherited the same haplotypes as the affected child, and immunolabelling of the at‐risk CVS demonstrated the virtual absence of collagen VI. A second latter fetus inherited neither of the at‐risk haplotypes and collagen VI expression in the CVS was normal. During the second pregnancy, a homozygous G > A change in the last nucleotide of exon 27 of COL6A3 was identified in the proband, substantiating the results obtained from haplotype analysis and collagen VI immunolabelling.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that haplotype analysis in combination with immunocytochemistry is a rapid and reliable method for prenatal diagnosis of UCMD, provided the family is genetically informative and reduced collagen VI expression in the proband has been demonstrated. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal serum levels of placental proteins after in vitro fertilisation and their implications for prenatal screening
Authors: Bersinger N. A. , Wunder D. , Vanderlick F. , Chanson A. , Pescia G. , Janecek P. , Boillat E. , Birkhäuser M. H.
Published: June 2004

Objectives

To determine whether the serum levels of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A), pregnancy‐specific β1‐glycoprotein (SP1), placental lactogen (hPL) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) are different in pregnancies obtained after in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET) in comparison to spontaneous pregnancies. Assessment of the need to establish normal medians for biochemical trisomy screening in IVF pregnancies.

Methods

The population comprised 96 IVF‐ET pregnancies, of which 79 came from fresh gonadotrophin‐stimulated cycles and 17 from embryo transfers without gonadotrophin stimulation (natural cycle IVF, frozen embryo transfers), and 156 spontaneous pregnancies. A single blood sample was obtained between 7 + 0 and 16 + 3 weeks. PAPP‐A, SP1, hPL and hCG were quantified and the levels compared between gonadotrophin‐stimulated IVF, steroid‐only‐ or non‐stimulated IVF, and controls with respect to gestational age using non‐parametric statistical analysis.

Results

PAPP‐A and hPL levels were reduced after stimulated IVF in early gestation (before 10 pregnancy weeks); SP1 followed the same trend without reaching statistical significance. hCG tended to be increased after IVF treatment including non‐gonadotrophin‐stimulation cycles, and also beyond 10 pregnancy weeks.

Conclusion

Reduced PAPP‐A with increased hCG yields an increased risk in screening for foetal trisomy 21. We confirm recently published observations but do not recommend the establishment of normal medians for IVF pregnancies since the extent of the deviations is varying according to the different stimulation protocols and dosages of gonadotrophins used. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of interstitially satellited 6p
Authors: Chen Chih‐Ping , Chern Schu‐Rern , Lee Chen‐Chi , Chen Wen‐Lin , Wang Wayseen
Published: June 2004

Objectives

To present the prenatal diagnosis of de novo interstitially satellited 6p and a review of the literature.

Case

An amniocentesis was performed at 18 weeks' gestation because of paternal balanced translocation, t(6;14)(p22;p12). Family history of the father showed the derivative chromosomes to be transmitted through at least two generations with three members affected with partial trisomy 6p (6p22 → 6pter).

Results

Cytogenetic analysis of the cultured amniocytes revealed an interstitial insertion of a nucleolar organizer region (NOR) in 6p22 and a karyotype of 46,XX, rec(6)ins(6;14)t(6;14)(6pter → 6p22::14p12 →14p12::6p22 → 6qter). Level II ultrasound examinations revealed normal findings. The parents opted to terminate the pregnancy. A 650‐g fetus was delivered at 23 weeks' gestation without any gross abnormalities. Cytogenetic analysis of the cord blood lymphocytes confirmed the prenatal diagnosis.

Conclusions

The present case provides evidence that a de novo interstitial insertion of a NOR into a nonacrocentric chromosome can be derived from a parental balanced reciprocal translocation involving the satellite stalk region of an acrocentric chromosome. The NOR‐inserted chromosome seems to be a harmless variant. However, a de novo interstitial NOR translocation can be pathogenic if there is genomic disruption at the site of translocation, which should be included in genetic counseling and perinatal investigation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Azo initiator selection to control the curing order in dimethacrylate/epoxy interpenetrating polymer networks
Authors: Dean Katherine M , Cook Wayne D
Published: June 2004

Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopic studies have been undertaken of the cure of interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) formed with imidazole‐cured diglycidyl ether bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) and with either diethoxylated bisphenol‐A dimethacrylate (DEBPADM) or bisphenol‐A diglycidyl dimethacrylate (bisGMA), polymerized by a range of azo initiators (AIBN64, VAZ088, VR110 and AZO168). Due to the differing decomposition rates of the azo initiators, the neat dimethacrylate resin either cured faster than (with AIBN64 and VAZO88), or similar to (VR110), or slower than (AZO168), the neat epoxy resin. In the neat DGEBA/1‐methyl imidazole (1‐MeI), DEBPADM/AIBN64, DEBPADM/VAZO88 and DEBPADM/VR110 resins, close to full cure was achieved. For the neat, high‐temperature DEBPADM/AZO168 resin, full cure was not attained, possibly due to the compromise between using a high enough temperature for azo decomposition while avoiding depolymerization or decomposition of the methacrylate polymer. IPN cure studies showed that, by appropriate initiator selection, it was possible to interchange the order of cure of the components within the IPN so that either the dimethacrylate or epoxy cured first. In the isothermal cure of the 50:50 DEBPADM/AIBN64:DGEBA/1‐Mel IPN system, the cure rate of both species was less than in the parent resins, due to a dilution effect. For this system, the dimethacrylate cured first and to high conversion, due to plasticization by the unreacted epoxy, but the subsequent cure of the more slowly polymerizing epoxy component was restricted by the high crosslink density developed in the IPN. After post‐curing, however, high conversion of both reactive groups was observed and the fully cured IPN exhibited a single high‐temperature Tg, close to the Tg values of the parent resins. In the higher‐temperature, isothermal cure of the 50:50 DEBPADM/VR110:DGEBA/1‐Mel IPN system, the reactive groups cured at a similar rate and so the final conversions of both groups were restricted, while in the 50:50 DEBPADM/AZO168:DGEBA/1‐Mel system it was the epoxy which cured first. Both of these higher‐temperature azo‐initiated IPN systems exhibited single Tgs, indicating a single‐phase structure; however, the Tgs are significantly lower than expected, due to plasticization by residual methacrylate monomer and/or degradation products resulting from the high cure temperature. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of moisture content on mechanical properties, thermal and structural stability and extrudate texture of poly(vinyl chloride)/wood sawdust composites
Authors: Sombatsompop N , Chaochanchaikul K
Published: June 2004

Mechanical properties and thermal and structural changes of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/wood sawdust composites were assessed with respect to the effect of moisture content, varying from 0.33 to 3.00 % by weight in the composite, for three different wood sawdust contents. The swell ratio and texture characteristics of the composite extrudates were also evaluated. Unique explanations were given to describe changes in the composite properties in terms of molecular interactions between PVC, cellulosic sawdust and moisture, such as dipole–dipole interactions, interfacial defects and bonding, fibre swelling, and moisture evaporation. The results suggest that at low moisture content the tensile modulus decreased and elongation at break of the composites increased with moisture content, the effect being reversed for high moisture content. Tensile strength decreased with increasing moisture content up to 1–2 %, and then unexpectedly increased at higher moisture contents. The effect of moisture content on flexural properties of the composite was similar to that on tensile properties. Impact strength of the composites was considerably improved with moisture content at low sawdust contents (16.7 wt%), and was independent of the moisture content at higher sawdust contents (28.6 and 37.5 wt%). A decrease in decomposition temperature with an increase in polyene content was evidenced with increasing moisture content, while the glass transition temperature did not change with varying moisture content. The extrudate swell ratio increased with the shear rate but remained unaffected by moisture content. The bubbling and peeling‐off in the composite extrudate occurred as a result of the evaporation of water molecules and the application of a high shear rate. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Predicting mortality of phosphine‐resistant adults of Sitophilus oryzae (L) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in relation to changing phosphine concentration
Authors: Daglish Gregory J , Kopittke Rosemary A , Cameron Megan C , Pavic Hervoika
Published: June 2004

Adults of a phosphine‐resistant strain of Sitophilus oryzae (L) were exposed to constant phosphine concentrations of 0.0035–0.9 mg litre−1 for periods of between 20 and 168 h at 25 °C, and the effects of time and concentration on mortality were quantified. Adults were also exposed to a series of treatments lasting 48, 72 or 168 h at 25 °C, during which the concentration of phosphine was varied. The aim of this study was to determine whether equations from experiments using constant concentrations could be used to predict the efficacy of changing phosphine concentrations against adults of S oryzae. A probit plane without interaction, in which the logarithms of time (t) and concentration (C) were variables, described the effects of concentration and time on mortality in experiments with constant concentrations. A derived equation of the form Cnt = k gave excellent predictions of toxicity when applied to data from changing concentration experiments. The results suggest that for resistant S oryzae adults there is nothing inherently different between constant and changing concentration regimes, and that data collected from fixed concentrations can be used to develop equations for predicting mortality in fumigations in which phosphine concentration changes. This approach could simplify the prediction of efficacy of typical fumigations in which concentrations tend to rise and then fall over a period of days. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Degradation and leaching potential of pesticides in biobed systems
Authors: Fogg Paul , Boxall Alistair BA , Walker Allan , Jukes Andrew
Published: June 2004

Biobeds provide a potential solution to pesticide contamination of surface waters arising from the farmyard. Previous work has shown that biobeds can effectively treat spills and splashes of pesticide. This study investigated the potential for biobeds to treat much larger volumes and amounts of pesticide waste not only arising from spills but also from washing processes. Two systems were assessed using a range of pesticides at the semi‐field scale, ie a lined biobed system and an unlined system. Studies using the lined biobeds demonstrated that water management was crucial, with biobeds needing to be covered to exclude rain‐water. Once covered, the top of the biobed became hydrophobic, restricting moisture loss and resulting in saturated conditions at depth. The drying out of the top layer coincided with a measured decrease in microbial biomass in the treated biobeds. Applied pesticides were effectively retained within the 0–5 cm layer. Whilst all pesticides tested degraded, low moisture content and microbial activity meant degradation rates were low. Studies using unlined biobeds showed that only the most mobile pesticides leached, and for these >99% was removed by the system, with a significant proportion degraded within 9 months. Peak concentrations of the two most mobile pesticides did however exceeded the limits that are likely to be required by regulatory bodies. However, it is thought that these limits could be reached by optimisation of the system. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative activity of Choristoneura fumiferana nucleopolyhedrovirus propagated in different hosts
Authors: Ebling Peter M
Published: June 2004

The biological activity of the Ireland strain of Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem) nucleopolyhedrovirus (CfMNPV) propagated in different hosts was determined to provide the basis upon which genetically modified CfMNPV, or other naturally occurring isolates, should be compared. Occlusion bodies (OB) derived from CF‐203 cells were significantly larger and more pathogenic than those propagated in vivo when tested against the fifth larval instar of C fumiferana (Clem) and C occidentalis Freeman. The dose‐responses (LD50 and LD95, expressed as occlusion bodies per larva) of C fumiferana larvae to in vitro‐propagated OBs were 274 and 5785, respectively. The values of LD50 and LD95 to C occidentalis larvae were 19 and 118, respectively. There were no significant differences in pathogenicity or size when OBs propagated in C fumiferana larvae were tested against either insect species, nor were there significant differences for OBs propagated in C occidentalis larvae. The LD50 and LD95 of in vivo‐produced OBs to C fumiferana were 925 and 61 988, respectively. The LD50 and LD95 to C occidentalis were 50 and 453, respectively. OBs propagated in vitro had a mean volume of 13.13 µm3, whereas those propagated in vivo ranged from 0.84 to 1.41 µm3. The median survival time‐responses (ST50) of fifth‐instar C fumiferana or C occidentalis larvae to OBs propagated in vivo were not significantly different from those propagated in vitro at the dosage levels tested. Values of ST50 of C fumiferana larvae to in vitro‐ and in vivo‐produced OBs at dosages causing less than 50% mortality ranged from 9.6 to 9.8 days post‐inoculation (dpi), whereas a LD95 dose resulted in ST50 values ranging from 7.3 to 7.7 days. ST50 values of C occidentalis larvae at dosages causing less than 50% mortality ranged from 9.8 to 10.2 dpi, whereas a LD95 dose resulted in ST50 values ranging from 9.5 to 9.8 dpi. The median feeding cessation time‐response (FT50) of fifth‐instar C fumiferana larvae to OBs propagated in vitro (5.7 days) was not significantly different from the FT50 of those propagated in vivo in either insect species (5.3 and 5.7 days) at the dosage level tested (LD95). No significant differences in FT50 values were observed between OBs propagated in either larval host. The FT50 of C occidentalis larvae to OBs propagated in vitro (7.7 days) was not significantly different from that to those propagated in vivo in C occidentalis larvae (7.6 days), but somewhat different (7.2 days) from that to those propagated in C fumiferana larvae. Results indicate that CfMNPV can be propagated in vivo in either C fumiferana or C occidentalis larvae (or sequentially through both) without alteration in infectivity, although the use of the CF‐203 cell line yields the most biologically active OBs. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of biodegradable aluminium carboxymethylcellulose matrices for mosquito larvicides
Authors: Mathew Nisha , Kalyanasundaram Muthuswami
Published: June 2004

The use of ecofriendly biodegradable controlled‐release formulations of mosquito larvicides could reduce the frequency of application and losses due to degradation of the insecticide compared with conventional formulations. Among the 20 matrices developed by entrapping the organophosphorus mosquito larvicide, fenthion, in carboxymethylcellulose ionotropically cross‐linked with aluminium ions which were studied for release profiles, two matrices, CRF3b and CRF5b, were found to be stable for 16 and 14 weeks under simulated field conditions. The average concentration of fenthion released per week ranged from 0.06 to 3.5 mg litre−1 for CRF3b and 0.09 to 2.72 mg litre−1 for CRF5b. Of these two formulations, CRF3b was the more stable, maintaining the concentration of the active ingredient at the level required to effect mosquito control. The cumulative release of fenthion per pellet was 80% from CRF3b and 72% from CRF5b. Based on the study with fenthion, two similar matrices for triflumuron, a benzoylphenylurea insect growth regulator, STAR3b and STAR5b were developed. These matrices were stable up to 16 weeks with the average concentration of triflumuron released per week ranging from 0.05 to 3.44 mg litre−1 for STAR3b and 0.07 to 2.71 mg litre−1 for STAR5b. The cumulative release of triflumuron per pellet was 75% from STAR3b and 76% from STAR5b. From the results of this study under simulated conditions, it is estimated that the application of four pellets of either fenthion or triflumuron per square metre of the breeding surface may play a useful role in controlling Culex quinquefasciatus Say in larval habitats for about 4 months. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry