bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CYP2D6 Genotyping in Patients on Psychoactive Drug Therapy
Authors: Topić Elizabeta , Štefanović Mario , Ivanišević Ana Maria , Blazinić Franciska , Čulav Jadranka , Skočilić Željko
Published: October 2004

The polymorphic isoenzyme CYP2D6 has a major role in
the oxidative metabolism of many deal of psychoactive
drugs. Its six mutant alleles (null alleles *3, *4, *5, *6, *7
and *8) encode for inactive enzyme molecules. A carrier
of two mutant alleles is considered a poor metabolizer
phenotype, while a carrier of only one damaged allele is
considered an intermediate metabolizer phenotype.
The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of null
alleles in a group of psychiatric patients suffering from
depression (n=49) and schizophrenia (n=86) in comparison
with healthy individuals (n=145) by the method of
multiplex allele specific PCR. Only CYP2D6*3,*4 and *6
mutant alleles were found in the study subjects. No significant
difference between the depression and control
groups was found for allele prevalence, genotype or
phenotype distribution (p>0.05). However, a significant
difference was observed between schizophrenic patients
and controls for allele frequency (p=0.002), genotype
distribution (p=0.016), and phenotype prevalence
(p=0.018). The odds ratio of 2.542 for 2D6*4 suggested a
significant association between this allele and schizophrenia,
significantly contributing to poor metabolizer
phenotype (odds ratio=5.020). The relationship between
CYP2D6 gene polymorphism and side effects in
schizophrenic patients undergoing long-term psychoactive
drug therapy was investigated. A significant
difference was obtained for allele prevalence (p=0.002),
genotype (p=0.029), and phenotype (p=0.002) distribution
between patients without and with side effects. A
relative risk of 2.626 and 5.333 for 2D6*4 and 2D6*6,
respectively, and of 7.08 for poor metabolizer phenotype
suggested a significant association between the hereditary
susceptibility for a particular type of drug metabolism
(defect alleles) and side effects. These preliminary
r e s u l t s suggest that the CYP2D6 genotyping appears to
be useful for predicting risks for side effects of psychoactive
drugs in schizophrenic patients, but their usefulness
should be further explored.
Genotyping of CYP2D6 in Parkinsons's Disease
Authors: Štefanovic Mario , Topić Elizabeta , Ivanišević Ana Maria , Relja Maja , Koršić Marta
Published: October 2004

Parkinson's disease is characterized by progressive
degradation of dopaminergic neurons. Cytochrome
P450 CYP2D6 enzyme is one of the most investigated
and highly polymorphic isoforms, which metabolizes
many drugs and is also involved in the metabolism of
dopamine. Using allele-specific multiplex PCR, we
genotyped 186 subjects for CYP2D6 *3, *4, *6, *7, and
*8 alleles in order to estimate allelic, genotype and
predicted phenotype frequencies in the control and patient
groups, and to investigate the possible statistical
difference between Parkinson's disease patients
(n=41) and healthy controls (n=145). Parkinson's disease
patients were further divided into two subgroups
according to Hoehn and Yahr staging of the disease
(HY), i.e. groups with HY stage less than 2.5 (HY <2.5;
n=27) and more than 2.5 (HY >2.5; n=14). A subgroup of
Parkinson's disease patients exhibiting side effects
such as “on-off” phenomenon and dyskinesia (both
suggesting favorable response to therapy) were compared
with a subgroup of patients showing no such response.
The preliminary results of this study showed
that only the prevalence of CYP2D6 *4 allele differed
significantly between the PD patients and control
group (20.7% vs. 11.0%; p=0.027; RR=2.1, 95%CI
1.113−3.994). In the HY >2.5 subgroup, the CYP2D6*4
allelic difference was even greater (25.0% vs. 11.0% in
controls; p=0.062, RR=2.69, 95%CI 1.090−6.624). Genotype
frequencies differed only in the HY >2.5 subgroup,
however with a level of significance of p=0.095.
Rapid Analysis of CGG Repeat Length in the FMR1 Gene
Authors: Poon Priscilla M.K. , Zhao Zheng , Wu Xiang-qian , Ni Yu-xing , Pang Chi-Pui
Published: October 2004

The number of trinucleotide CGG repeats at the 5′ untranslated
region of the FMR1 gene is associated with
the fragile X syndrome of mental retardation. We
screened for the CGG repeat length in the FMR1 gene
of the X-chromosomes from unrelated normal Chinese
subjects recruited in Hong Kong and Dalian, a southern
and a northern Chinese city respectively. These
cities are about 3000 km apart and the residents have
few historical interactions. Genomic DNA was
analysed by PCR and detected by Southern hybridisation
with a radiolabelled (CGG)5 probe for the CGG repeat
number. A different distribution pattern of CGG
allele size from the Caucasians is observed. It is a bimodal
pattern with the most common CGG repeats allele
at 29 against 30 in the Caucasians. Among the
Hong Kong subjects, five alleles of more than 50 CGG
repeats were detected, and four of those were in heterozygous
females. There was no difference in the repeat
patterns in subjects from the two cities, suggesting
no genotypic variation in FMR1 between northern
and southern Chinese.
Evaluation of a Fully Automated Assay to Measure C-Telopeptide of Type I Collagen in Serum
Authors: Pagani Franca , Bonetti Graziella , Stefini Francesca , Panteghini Mauro
Published: October 2004

The measurement of the degradation product of the C-telopeptide
of type I collagen in serum (s-βCTX) has
been evaluated in the form of an automated chemiluminometric
assay. The between-day coefficients of
variation ranged between 2.6 and 6.0% over the concentration
range 0.12 to 3.25 μg/l. The s-βCTX value
correlated well with alternative serum C-telopeptide
(r = 0.983) and urine deoxypyridinoline (r = 0.729) measurements.
A significant inverse correlation was found
between the s-βCTX measurement and creatinine
clearance in patients with renal disease.
Molecular Methods for the Characterization and Identification of the Dry Rot Fungus Serpula lacrymans
Authors: Schmidt Olaf
Published: October 2004

Novel methods developed for characterization and identification of wood-inhabiting fungi
target molecules of the organisms such as proteins and nucleic acids and use mycelial interaction,
mating, antibodies, electrophoretic protein patterns, oligonucleotide primers and
DNA sequencing. The article reviews the respective work on the dry rot fungus Serpula
lacrymans in the Hamburg institute and also covers the international literature.
Ultrastructural Changes in the Compound Middle Lamella of Pinus thunbergii During Lignification and Lignin Removal
Authors: Hafrén Jonas , Fujino Takeshi , Itoh Takao , Westermark Ulla , Terashima Noritsugu
Published: October 2004

The structure of the middle lamella inPinus thunbergiihas been studied by the rapid-freeze deep-etching (RFDE) technique in combination with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ultrastructure of the compound middle lamella was studied in the early phases of the development of woody tissue in the cambial and differentiating xylem, before the heavy incrustation with lignin had occurred. Lignified middle lamella in the xylem was studied both directly and after delignification. It was found that the structure of the unlignified middle lamella in the cambium/developing xylem consists of a fine irregular network probably containing pectin and hemicellulose. As a result of lignin incrustation, the middle lamella becomes increasingly dense and the surface structure of the fully lignified middle lamella appeared to be compact and partly covered with globular structures. After delignification of the lignified middle lamella a thin network with a different structure was revealed. This network probably mainly consists of hemicellulose. No microfibrils of the type that occurs in the primary and secondary walls were found in the middle lamella.
Comparison of the Antifungal Activity of Cadinane Skeletal Sesquiterpenoids from Taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides Hayata) Heartwood
Authors: Chang Shang-Tzen , Wang Sheng-Yang , Wu Chi-Lin , Chen Pin-Fun , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung
Published: October 2004

The antifungal activity of cadinane skeletal sesquiterpenoids from Taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides
Hayata) heartwood is demonstrated. Using spectral analyses, the absolute structures of three main cadinanes,
T-cadinol, T-muurolol, and α-cadinol, all isolated from Taiwania with HPLC, were identified.
The amount of these cadinanes was also quantified using GC. The results showed that the total amount
of cadinanes extracted from heartwood with n-C6H14 was 6.49 mg per kg of wood. This was much more
than the essential oils collected by water distillation from leaves (0.04 mg/kg), sapwood (0.36 mg/kg),
or heartwood (1.77 mg/kg). Moreover, results obtained from the antifungal assays demonstrated that αcadinol
exhibited the highest antifungal index for both Coriolus versicolor and Laetiporus sulphureus,
followed by T-cadinol and T-muurolol. As a matter of fact, α-cadinol completely inhibited the growth of
C. versicolor and L. sulphureus at the level as low as 100 ppm. Further comparison of the molecular configuration
of these cadinanes reveals that cadinane skeletal sesquiterpenoids with an equatorial hydroxyl
group at C-9 and a trans configuration at the ring junction, such as the case for α-cadinol, exhibited
the strongest antifungal activity.
Characterization of the Polyphenolics Related to the Colour of Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata Donn) Heartwood
Authors: Johansson C. Ingemar , Saddler John N. , Beatson Rodger P.
Published: October 2004

Three quarters of the western red cedar's heartwood colour is due to a polymeric material easily isolated
by methanol extraction. The nature of this polymer has not been fully investigated and published
information is contradictory. Our initial examination of the coloured polymer by pyrolysis-gas chromatography,
combined with mass spectrometry, indicated that the polymer was guaiacyl in nature and
thus similar to softwood lignin. However, analysis by infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of
both lignin and lignan like moieties. To clarify this issue a more detailed analysis was conducted using
nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR, 31P NMR, 13C NMR). Analysis of the spectra and
comparison with the spectra of plicatic acid and a product from mild acid treatment of plicatic acid, indicated
that the polymeric fraction was derived almost entirely from lignans. During polymer formation,
the highly reactive pyrocatechol moiety in the plicatic acid is destroyed, leaving a guaiacyl-like polymer.
The reaction mechanism appears to proceed via an ortho-quinone intermediate followed by polymerization.
Influence of Botanical Species and Geographical Origin on the Content of Low Molecular Weight Phenolic Compounds of Woods Used in Portuguese Cooperage
Authors: Canas Sara , Leandro M. Conceição , Spranger M. Isabel , Belchior A. Pedro
Published: October 2004

The influence of botanical species (QuercusandCastanea sativa) and geographical origin (Portugal—three different sites, France and North America) on the qualitative and quantitative content of some extractable low molecular weight phenolic compounds was assessed by HPLC. Chestnut wood had the highest total content of low molecular weight phenolic compounds, followed by the Portuguese oaks and the French oaks, whereas the American oak had the lowest content of these compounds. The contents of phenolic acids, phenolic aldehydes, scopoletin and umbelliferone were significantly different among the studied woods. Both the botanical species and the geographical origin affect the content of low molecular weight organic compounds of woods used in Portuguese cooperage. The results also show that the botanical species seem to be more important than the geographical origin to explain the difference in the wood phenolic composition. So, the separation of trees according to their origin is of considerable interest for coopers and winemakers to choose wisely the woods for the ageing of brandies.
Effect of Oxygen Pressure on the Oxidation of Syringyl Alcohol Initiated by Manganese(III) Acetate
Authors: Sugimoto Tomoko , Morishita Tomoyuki , Matsumoto Yuji , Meshitsuka Gyosuke
Published: October 2004

A simple phenolic lignin model compound (syringyl alcohol, SA) was subjected to the reaction with a
one-electron oxidizing reagent, Mn3+ (manganese(III) acetate), in a weakly acidic aqueous medium or in
acetic acid medium under various oxygen pressure (0 to 1.0 MPa). Yields of the reaction products, especially
that of methanol, were used to evaluate the progress of oxidation reaction and the difference of
oxidation mechanism due to the presence of molecular oxygen. The difference in the oxygen pressure
did not result in any detectable difference in reaction products, suggesting that molecular oxygen did not
participate in the oxidation process which were initiated by one-electron abstraction from phenolic
hydroxyl group. Contrary to this, a clear effect of oxygen pressure on the methanol yield was observed
when methanol was determined after the reaction mixture being subjected to the alkali post-treatment.
This is attributed to the generation of some active species from the reaction of Mn2+ with molecular oxygen
and to the simple oxygen-alkali oxidation.
The Effects of the Order of Chemical Addition on the Peroxide Bleaching of an Oxygen-Delignified Softwood Kraft Pulp
Authors: Lapierre Luc , Berry Richard , Bouchard Jean
Published: October 2004

In pulp bleaching, while the peroxide-stage chemical charges and the physical operating conditions have
been optimized, little attention has been given to the order in which these chemicals are added. We
assessed the effects of chemicals, individually and combined, and the effects of the order of addition of
these chemicals on peroxide bleaching performance in an acid-treated pulp and in a chelated pulp. We
found that adding magnesium to an acid-treated pulp is essential for good peroxide bleaching, while
adding magnesium to a chelated pulp provides only a marginal improvement in most additions. But
adding magnesium and sodium hydroxide, or sodium hydroxide and magnesium sequentially into a
bleaching solution before adding the solution into pulp, causes inefficient peroxide bleaching. This is
particularly the case with a chelated pulp. This inefficiency can be avoided if a chelant is added between
the additions of magnesium and sodium hydroxide. Magnesium is substantially more effective when in
a complex form with either the pulp or a chelant, and the optimum concentration of magnesium for use
in peroxide bleaching can be determined by following the peroxide residual.
Effects of Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Treatment on the Structure and Properties of Wood
Authors: Navi Parviz , Girardet Fred
Published: October 2004

A process has been developed for densifying wood by thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) means. The
resulting product is then called THM densified wood. Small specimens of different wood species, with
or without knots, were densified in their radial, tangential and transversal directions. Tests on THM densified
wood show significant improvement in mechanical properties. THM densified wood is less hygroscopic
and more stable, with almost no shape memory. We have shown that the shear strength of wood
in its grain direction increases more than tenfold by THM treatment. This article gives testing results and
micrographs of THM densified wood, and discusses the physical nature of different mechanisms intervening
at the wood cell wall level during the thermo-hydro-mechanical process.
Improvement of Heartwood Color of Black-Colored Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) by UV Irradiation after Smoke Heating
Authors: Ishiguri Futoshi , Saitoh Kikuko , Andoh Minoru , Abe Zensaku , Yokota Shinso , Yoshizawa Nobuo
Published: October 2004

Black-colored heartwood of sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) logs with bark attached were smoked,
heated, and smoke-heated separately to improve the heartwood color. After each treatment, changes of
heartwood color, amounts of extracts (hot water, 1 % sodium hydroxide, and ethanol-toluene), metal ions
(sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium), and pH were examined. In addition, changes of heartwood
color by UV irradiation (wavelength at 254 nm and 365 nm) also were studied. Heating and smoke-heating
of logs prevented blackening of the heartwood, leading to a yellow-white heartwood color,
whereas smoking did not largely change the heartwood color. Almost no differences in the amounts of
extracts and metal ions were found in the control and treated woods. Thermal and smoke treatments
decreased the pH from the original 8.1 to 6.0 and 7.4, respectively. The results obtained suggest that the
changes of pH by both heating and smoking relate to the heartwood color changes in black-colored sugi.
In the heated and smoke-heated woods, redness and yellowness were increased by the subsequent UV
irradiation at 365 nm, whereas brightness was decreased. Apparently, the heartwood color of black-colored
sugi was changed from yellow-white to red by the UV irradiation, the red color being the normal
heartwood color of sugi. However, UV irradiation did not cause significant changes in the heartwood
color in the control and smoked woods. These results suggest that UV irradiation of the thermally treated
wood showing the resulting yellow-white color recovered the redness as found in normal red-colored
heartwood, which seems to be caused by chemical changes of pigments under a weak acidic condition
in the black-colored heartwood of sugi.
Analysis of the Wood Sorption Isotherm Using the Theory of Micropore Volume Filling
Authors: Loskutov Sergei R.
Published: October 2004

Dubinin's theory of micropore volume filling was used to describe the isotherms of water resorption and
desorption by natural wood of twelve species and chemically modified birch wood. The analysis showed
that each wood sample is characterized by its own pair of the main equation parameters. The correlation
between these parameters was also determined. The resorption/desorption characteristic which is a combination
of the main equation parameters of the above mentioned theory was revealed to be invariable
for all the studied examples of natural wood. It can be used for estimation of wood substance disturbances
caused by chemical modification and probably anthropogenic factors effecting during wood formation.
The thermal coefficient as a function of relative vapor pressure was found. This dependence and
the main equation of the theory of micropore volume filling can be used to calculate sorption equilibrium
for wood/water system under the limited set of experimental data.
Stabilizing Effect of Chromated Salt Treatment on the Green Color of Ma Bamboo (Dendrocalamus latiflorus)
Authors: Chang Shang-Tzen , Wu Jyh-Horng
Published: October 2004

Processed bamboo culms capable of maintaining the greenish color in their skin have increased economic value. The use of protectors to preserve the green color and to improve the color fastness of bamboo culms has, therefore, attracted great interest in the industry. In this paper three exposure tests, including accelerated UV lightfastness, outdoor weathering, and indoor exposure, were used to evaluate the color fastness of ma bamboo (Dendrocalamus latiflorusMunro) treated with chromium based reagents. Experimental results revealed that bamboo culms treated with CCP (chromated copper phosphate) or CP (chromated phosphate), both homemade by the authors, exhibited excellent color fastness. Among all inorganic salt-treated bamboo culms the CP-treated samples had the brighter greenish skin and also provided the best green color fastness. It was further noticed that ultraviolet light plays an important role on the color conversion of CrO3-treated bamboo. The green color becomes significantly enhanced with increased exposure time.
Dielectrically Observed Consequences of Microbial Treatment of Wood and Bamboo
Authors: Khan Muhammad Abdullah , Rizvi Tasneem Zahra , Abdullah Naheed , Zaheer Muhammad Yar , Iqbal Muhammad Zafar , Sadiq Shoaib
Published: October 2004

Changes in dielectric constant and loss factor of two different species of wood namely Sheesham (Dalbergia
Sissoo) and Bamboo (Bambusa sp) are reported in the frequency range 30 Hz–3 MHz following
their microbial treatment with Coriolus versicolor. Comparison of dielectric data of C. versicolor treated
and untreated wood obtained in oven dried samples and in the samples exposed to atmospheric moisture
for more than 2 weeks reflect the alteration in chemical composition of the wood after C. versicolor
treatment and its associated altered hydration behaviour. In all the experiments described here the
principal feature of the frequency dependent dielectric response is a low frequency dispersion in ∈
∣
and
∈
∥
and a weak loss peak observed at a higher frequency. The low frequency dispersion is attributed to
localised hopping of charge carriers between neighbouring sites and the higher frequency peak to the
reorientation of polar sub molecular species of constituent molecules.
Comparative Studies of Hemicelluloses Solubilized during the Treatments of Maize Stems with Peroxymonosulfuric Acid, Peroxyformic Acid, Peracetic Acid, and Hydrogen Peroxide. Part 1. Yield and Chemical Characterization
Authors: Sun RunCang , Tomkinson J. , Geng Z. C. , Wang N. J.
Published: October 2004

Treatment of the water-extracted maize stems with peroxymonosulfuric acid at 20 °C for 144 h, peroxyformic
acid at 80°C for 6 h, peracetic acid at 50°C for 6 h, and 2% hydrogen peroxide at 45°C for 12
h at pH 1.5, 4.4, 9.5, 11.5, 12.0, and 12.6, respectively, solubilized 47.1%, 91.3%, 33.3%, 16.6%,
15.9%, 17.4%, 86.2%, 87.7%, and 91.3% of the original lignin, and hydrolysed or dissolved 12.1%,
99.1%, 4.5%, 2.7%, 3.1%, 3.1%, 63.3%, 64.7%, and 83.0% of the original hemicelluloses, respectively.
Substantial lignins and hemicelluloses were degraded or released during the treatment with peroxyformic
acid and alkaline peroxide at pH ≥ 11.5, while an insignificant effect on delignification and
hemicellulose solubilization was observed by using peroxymonosulfuric acid, peracetic acid, and hydrogen
peroxide in acidic, natural, and weak alkaline media. The optimum condition for extraction of hemicelluloses
was found to use 2% H2O2 at 45°C for 12 h at pH 11.5–12.0, which yielded 63.3–64.7% of
the original hemicelluloses having much lighter color than those obtained by peroxymonosulfuric acid
and peracetic acid under conditions used and 2% H2O2 at pH 1.5, 4.4, 9.5, and 12.6. Xylose and arabinose
were the major sugar constituents in these hemicellulose preparations, whereas glucose, galactose,
mannose, rhamnose, and fucose were present as minor components. The α-ether linkages between lignin
and hemicelluloses in the cell wall of maize stems were substantially cleaved during the treatment with
2% H2O2 at pH ≥11.5 as shown by a minimal amount of associated lignin (2.9–3.9%), rich in syringyl
units, in the solubilized hemicelluloses.
Eucalyptus globulus Kraft Pulp Residual Lignins. Part 1. Effects of Extraction Methods upon Lignin Structure
Authors: Duarte Ana Paula , Robert Danielle , Lachenal Dominique
Published: October 2004

Residual lignins of Eucalyptus globulus kraft pulp were shown to be structurally different depending
upon the type of extraction chosen. Enzymatic hydrolysis releases a residual lignin with a well preserved
etherified structure but substantially contaminated by protein and carbohydrate moieties coming from
the enzyme. Moreover, the extraction yield is poor and obviously it does not work as well as in the case
of softwood kraft pulp. The residual lignin extracted by acid hydrolysis has less etherified units and more
free phenolic functions than that of the enzymatic hydrolysis. It contains some unsaturated structures but
no carbohydrate contaminants. Comparison with Milled Wood Lignin (MWL) treated under the acid
hydrolysis conditions shows that ether splitting occurs during this extraction. The different residual
lignin fractions were characterised by HPSEC, FT-IR, 13C NMR and sugar analysis.
Lignin Behavior During the Autocatalyzed Methanol Pulping of Eucalyptus globulus Changes in Molecular Weight and Functionality
Authors: Gilarranz Miguel A. , Rodríguez Francisco , Oliet Mercedes
Published: October 2004

The molecular weight distribution and functional group contents (phenolic and carbonyl) of lignin samples
from the autocatalyzed pulping of Eucalyptus globulus wood were determined. A total of 17 pulping
runs were carried out at different conditions according to a surface response design experimental
matrix (central composite). The influence of pulping temperature (170–200°C), pulping time
(40–120 min) and methanol concentration (30–70%, w/w) on the characteristics of the isolated lignins
was studied. Empirical models were developed and used to predict the lignin properties as a function of
the cooking conditions. Under high temperature, long cooking time and low alcohol concentration, a rise
in functional groups content and a drop in molecular weight of lignin
Lignin Degradation in Oxygen Delignification Catalysed by [PMo7V5O40]8- Polyanion. Part I. Study on Wood Lignin
Authors: Evtuguin D.V. , Neto C. Pascoal , Rocha J.
Published: October 2004

The behaviour of lignin in wood delignification by oxygen in acidic media in the presence of the molybdovanadophosphate
heteropolyanion [PMO7V5O40]8−as studied using wet chemistry methods, solid
and liquid state 13C NMR spectroscopy. Lignin is oxidised by [PMO7V5O40]8− almost completely to
carbon dioxide, with a minor yield of intermediate low-molecular weight aromatic products. The analysis
of the reaction products shows that the lignin acidolysis and homolysis involving the oxygen participation
in oxidation take place. The residual lignin in the wood residue is more “condensed” and richer
in guaiacyl structural units than that in the initial wood. The analysis of “condensed” structures issued
from permanganate oxidation of residual lignins suggests that these are formed predominantly by acid-catalysed
reactions. The use of an organic solvent, such as ethanol, in the pulping solution favours the
oxidative delignification, protecting the lignin against competing reactions (condensation).
Biobleaching of Pulp with Dioxygen in the Laccase-Mediator System. Part 1. Kinetics of Delignification
Authors: Balakshin Mikhail , Chen Chen-Loung , Gratzl Josef S. , Kirkman Adrianna G. , Jakob Harald
Published: October 2004

Kinetics of pine kraft-AQ pulp delignification with the laccase-mediator system (LMS) and the effects of variable factors on the delignification were studied. The delignification was conducted in acetate buffer solution at pH 4.5 and at 40°C under atmospheric pressure. Only a part of the residual lignin could be removed in one-stage processes. Kinetics of kappa number reduction follows a pseudo-second order rate law with pulp consistency of 10 %, mediator charge of 0.1 mmole HOBT/g pulp and laccase charage of 10 UCorioluslaccase/g pulp. Kinetics of dioxygen uptake follows a pseudo-first order rate law up to first 8 hours of the reaction and a pseudo-zero order rate law at the reaction time of 8–24 hours. The amounts of dioxygen consumed per removal of one C9-unit equivalent of residual lignin is rather high, 1.5–2.5 mole, and increases with increasing reaction time. Experimental data show that side reactions between the Laccase-Mediator System and products of oxidative degradation of lignin strongly inhibit the delignification either by chemical or physical means or both. Removal of the degraded lignin fragments by alkaline extraction effectively restores the delignification of pulp with LMS. A four-stage process consisting of consecutive treatment of pulp with dioxygen-laccase-HOBT (LMS) followed by alkaline extraction (E), (LMS-E)4, decreased kappa number of a pine kraft-AQ pulp from 21.8 to less than 5. On the basis of the kinetic data, the mechanism of the pulp delignification with LMS is discussed.
Degradation of Model Compounds for Cellulose and Lignocellulosic Pulp during Ozonation in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Olkkonen Carola , Tylli Henrik , Forsskåhl Ingegerd , Fuhrmann Agneta , Hausalo Tiina , Tamminen Tarja , Hortling Bo , Janson Jan
Published: October 2004

Ozonations of methylpyranosides, as model compounds for cellulose, were performed in unbuffered
aqueous solution at room temperature. The degradation of the pyranosides was followed spectrophotometrically
and with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as a function of ozonation time.
The substrates studied were the α- and β-anomers of methyl-D-glucopyranoside, methyl-D-mannopyranoside
and methyl-D-xylopyranoside. Methyl-α-D-xylopyranoside degraded more slowly than the other
compounds, whereas the rate of degradation was fastest for methyl-β-D-mannopyranoside. In general
the degradation of the α-anomers was slower than that of the corresponding β-anomers. HPLC and gas
chromatography—mass selective (GC-MS) analyses of the ozonated glucopyranoside samples showed
that monosaccharides, lactones, furanosides and acidic compounds are formed during ozonation.

A lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC), containing a D-xylose unit connected to an aromatic part
through a βglycosidic bond, was used as a model compound for lignocellulosic pulp. The degradation
of this compound during ozonation was also investigated. The results from UV analyses showed that the
reaction was extremely fast at the beginning and that the degradation of benzene structures in the lignin
mimicking part of the LCC was very rapid. The degradation of the carbohydrate part was slower. This
suggests that lignin provides some protection for the cellulose in lignin-containing pulps against attack
by ozone. IR and NMR analyses of the freeze-dried ozonated LCC samples showed further that C=O
structures are produced during ozonation.
Application of a Catalyst in Peroxide Bleaching of Eucalyptus Kraft Pulp
Authors: Kühne L. , Odermatt J. , Wachter T.
Published: October 2004

A binuclear [Mn(III)Mn(IV)(μ-O)2(μ-CH3COO)L](ClO4−)2 complex with L = 1,2 Bis-(4,7-dimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl)-ethane, described as a selective catalyst in hydrogen peroxide bleaching of
softwood pulps, was tested in hardwood kraft pulp bleaching. The catalyst application gave rise to a higher
consumption of peroxide which resulted in higher pulp brightness. The delignification improvement
caused by the catalyst was shown to be much lower compared to catalysed peroxide bleaching of softwood
kraft pulp. In contrast to the results of softwood pulp bleaching no selectivity improvements could
be found when using the catalyst in bleaching of eucalyptus kraft pulp.
Kinetic Study on Delignification of Kraft-AQ Pine Pulp with Hydrogen Peroxide Catalyzed by Mn(IV)-Me4DTNE
Authors: Cui Yu , Puthson Pratuang , Chen Chen-Loung , Gratzl Josef S. , Kirkman Adrianna G.
Published: October 2004

The kinetics of delignification of a kraft-AQ southern pine pulp with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by
[LMn(IV)(μ-O)3Mn(IV)](ClO4)2 (1), where L = 1,2-bis(4,7-dimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl)ethane
was studied. The degree of delignification was significantly improved by using the catalyst. The pulp
was bleached for 2 hours at 80°C, in 10% consistency with 2% NaOH, 4% H2O2 and 60 ppm catalyst
charges on pulp (O.D.). Kappa number of the pulp was reduced from 31.6 to 16.8 corresponding to a
degree of delignification of approximately 4%, while GE brightness was increased from 24.2 to 44.7.
At the same time, viscosity of the resulting pulp was reduced from 31.1 mPa•s to 20.1 mPa•s compared
to the reduction from 31.1 mPa•s to 20.1 mPa•s in the uncatalyzed bleaching under the same reaction
condition. This indicates that the degradation of the carbohydrates was moderate in the catalyzed bleaching
compared to the uncatalyzed bleaching. The delignification was found to follow pseudo first order
kinetics with respect to kappa number, i.e., residual lignin, in the initial phase and quickly slowed down
after 30 minutes (residual phase) under all the reaction temperatures investigated. The delignification
rate constants in the initial phase were 0.17, 0.18, and 0.21 min−1 at 50, 60, and 80°C, respectively.
Degree of delignification at the delignification time of 30 minutes is approximately 40% at 80°C. The
possible delignification mechanism was discussed on the basis of the kinetic studies and lignin model
compound experiments.
Monoterpenes in Scots Pine and Norway Spruce and their Emission during Kiln Drying
Authors: Englund Finn , Nussbaum Ralph M.
Published: October 2004

Scots pine (Pinus silvestris) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) were dried in a laboratory kiln, using
conventional schedules with temperatures up to 60°C as well as schedules reaching 110°C. The losses
of terpenes, which completely dominate the fugitive emissions from kiln drying of softwoods, were estimated
by extraction of pooled subsamples from each batch, before and after drying. The original contents
of terpenes were found to be in the ranges of 0.4–0.5% in pine sapwood, 0.8–1.1% in pine heartwood,
and 0.02–0.08% in spruce, all calculated relative to the dry weight of the wood. The emissions
from pine corresponded to 25–50% of the original content and those from spruce to 10–50%. High temperature
drying in the laboratory was accompanied by larger losses, but this tendency was not found in
the full-scale drying of spruce. No consistent difference was found between timber from the north of
Sweden and from the south. Sampling of the vent exhaust fumes did not give results of sufficient reliability
to confirm the extraction analyses.
The Dimensional Stabilisation of Maritime Pine Sapwood (Pinus pinaster) by Chemical Reaction with Organosilicon Compounds
Authors: Sèbe Gilles , Jéso Bernard De
Published: October 2004

The dimensional stabilisation imparted to Maritime pine sapwood by chemical modification with
hydrophobic organosilicon compounds was investigated. Modification was performed via esterification,
using different chemically synthesised models bearing trimethylsilyl groups: 3-trimethylsilylpropanoic
anhydride (I), 2-trimethylsilylmethylglutaric anhydride (II) and trimethylsilylethenone (III). Grafting
was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy as well as 13C and 29Si NMR CP MAS analysis and was located
into the wood cell walls. The dimensional stabilisation induced by I and II appeared to be stable during
three oven-dry/water-soak cycles and, for a given number of hydroxyl blocked, to be superior to that
imparted by acetylation. The graft from III, however, was found to hydrolyse progressively into an acetyl
group via a metallotropic rearrangement. Further investigation on the hygroscopicity and swelling behaviour
of modified wood from I and II indicated that dimensional stabilisation was attributable to a bulking
effect rather than a change in substrate hygroscopicity. The bulky grafts from I and II were, in particular,
thought to locally over-swell the wood cell wall, revealing regions with new water-accessible
hydroxyl groups.
Comparative Studies of Hemicelluloses Solubilized during the Treatments of Maize Stems with Peroxymonosulfuric Acid, Peroxyformic Acid, Peracetic Acid, and Hydrogen Peroxide. Part 2. Spectroscopic and Thermal Characterizations
Authors: Sun Runcang , Tomkinson J. , Geng Z. C. , Wang N. J.
Published: October 2004

Ten hemicellulosic preparations, obtained by treatments of the water-extracted maize stems with peroxymonosulfuric
acid, peroxyformic acid, peracetic acid, and 2% hydrogen peroxide under the conditions
given, respectively, were investigated by gel permeation chromatography and spectroscopic techniques
such as Fourier transform infrared and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance. Under an optimum
extracting condition (2% H2O2, 45°C, 12 h, pH 11.5–12.0), the hemicelluloses obtained represented
63.3–64.7 % of the original hemicelluloses and had high weight-average molar mass between 69060 and
54740 g mol−1. The most obvious feature was found that the alkaline peroxide treatment of the stems
under the conditions used did not affect the overall structure of the hemicelluloses. The thermal stability
of the hemicelluloses was found to increase slightly with increasing molar mass. All the hemicellulosic
preparations were, however, to varying degree thermally unstable at temperature above 180°C.
Hemicellulase Activity of Aerobic Fungal Cellulases
Authors: Lawoko M. , Nutt A. , Henriksson H. , Gellerstedt G. , Henriksson G.
Published: October 2004

Cellulases isolated fromTrichoderma reeseiandPhanerochaete chrysosporiumwere screened for hemicellulolytic, pectinolytic and cellulolytic activity using locust bean mannan, birchwood xylan, citrus fruit pectin and carboxymethylated cellulose (CMC) as substrates. The purpose of this work was to choose appropriate enzymes to include in a “miniature cellulase system” with minimal hemicellulase activity for the preparation of lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs). The endoglucanases showed CMC activity whereas activity towards the substrate was not detected for the CBHs. Xylanase activity was observed for EG I and EG 38 whereas mannanase activity was observed for EG 44. None of the enzymes degraded pectin. The results suggest that CBH I, CBH II, CBH 58, EG II and EG III are good candidates for the effective preparation of LCCs. The possible biological function for the hemicellulolytic activity of cellulases is discussed.
Molecular Dynamics of Cellulose-Water Systems Investigated by NMR Relaxation Method
Authors: Banas K. , Blicharska B. , Dietrich W. , Kluza M.
Published: October 2004

On the basis of the proton NMR relaxation time dependencies on temperature and frequency in cellulose
pulp a simple two-motion model of molecular dynamics has been proposed. The parameters, activation
energies and correlation times, describing the model may be correlated with structure features
such as level of crystallinity of cellulose with different origin, as well as degree of paper devastation.
Predicting the Macromolecular Structure and Properties of Lignin and Comparison with Synthetically Produced Polymers
Authors: Russell Wendy R. , Forrester Alex R. , Chesson Andrew
Published: October 2004

Determining the structure of the plant polymer lignin is not feasible because of the heterogeneous structure
of this polymer and the difficulties encountered in its extraction. Therefore, computational chemistry
can provide information, which may otherwise be unavailable. Based on experimental results, computational
chemistry was used to mimic the processes involved in lignin formation. Synthetic polymers
also were prepared from the three major lignin precursors and their physical properties were shown to
give good correlation with computational models constructed to represent these polymers. Both computational
and experimental results, demonstrated that the higher the degree of methoxylation, the more
flexible the polymer and this was shown to be dependent on the type of inter-unit linkage. Using the
same experimentally derived parameters, a model was constructed to represent a generalised lignin. This
model was shown to be a flexible, closely packed structure and this was attributed to the predominance
of 8-O-4 linkages, which allowed closer stacking of the aromatic rings.
Dissociation of Phenolic Groups in Kraft Lignin at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Norgren Magnus , Lindström Birger
Published: October 2004

The dissociation of the phenolic groups in a polydisperse, low molecular weight kraft lignin (Indulin AT)
was studied in alkaline aqueous solutions in the temperature interval 21–70 °C, using a UV-spectrophotometric
method. It was found that at a constant concentration of hydroxide ions, the degree of dissociation
was decreasing when the temperature was elevated. Dissociation curves and apparent pΚ
0 values
were also calculated for the polydisperse sample at the same conditions, using the van't Hoff and the
Poisson-Boltzmann equations. At degrees of dissociation exceeding α ≈ 0.4, the outcome of the theoretical
approach showed to be in good agreement with the experimentally obtained results. Furthermore,
calculations were performed for different molecular weights of kraft lignin and from this it was found
that the apparent pΚ
0 is shifted to higher values by increasing molecular weight, due to an increased electrostatic
attraction of the hydrogen ions, which is arising from a less curved surface.

Predictions of the dissociation behavior at temperatures reached in the kraft process were performed
and under these conditions, higher molecular weight lignin fragments seem never to reach the point of
complete dissociation.

It was also found that an increase in temperature results in phase separation in kraft lignin solutions
with high ionic strengths and pH values close to the pΚ
a of the phenolic groups.
Physico-Chemical Characterization of a Fractionated Kraft Lignin
Authors: Norgren Magnus , Lindström Birger
Published: October 2004

A kraft lignin was leached from a softwood pulp and fractionated by ultrafiltration. The fractions were
characterized in respect to phenolic group content, molecular weight distributions and self-diffusion
coefficients. The 1H-Pulsed Field Gradient (PFG) NMR self-diffusion measurements and the High-Pressure
Size Exclusion Chromatography (HPSEC) analysis of the fractions, were seen to correlate fairly
well.

From the self-diffusion measurements, the mass-weighted median hydrodynamic radii of the diffusants
in the fractions, were calculated assuming spherical fragments.

Furthermore, the content of phenolic groups in the fractions, was found to decrease by increasing
hydrodynamic radius and molecular weight, but the calculated median surface charge densities of the
macromolecules, were determined to be constant in the range of oligomers up to at least 65 structural
units.
Self-Assembly of Pulp Derivatives as Amphiphilic Compounds: Verification of Molecular Association and Complexation with Low and High Molecular Mass Compounds
Authors: Uraki Y. , Hanzaki A. , Hashida K. , Sano Y.
Published: October 2004

Acetic acid pulps (AAPs) have been converted to amphiphiles by hydroxypropylation. The resulting
hydroxypropyl derivatives (HP-AAPs) formed self-aggregates in water. The interaction of HP-AAP molecules
was investigated by a viscometric method. The reduced viscosity (η
sp/c) of HP-AAP in both water
and chloroform was increased remarkably above a concentration of 0.1%. This implies that HP-AAP
molecules strongly interact with each other, caused by the hydrophobic interaction of residual lignins in
water and by hydrogen bonding of polysaccharides in chloroform. The self-aggregates adsorb water-soluble
fluorescent agents. The highest adsorption capacity was observed at the lowest pH among three pH
conditions investigated. They also solubilized sparingly water-soluble fluorescent agents in water in larger
amounts than did sodium dodecyl sulfate when used as a surfactant. These results suggest that the self-aggregates
of HP-AAP adsorb low molecular mass compounds as inclusion compounds. To clarify the
interaction of HP-AAP with biopolymers as high molecular mass compounds, the change in the activity
of papain, a protease, in phosphate buffer (pH 6.2) was examined in the presence and absence of HP-AAP.
HP-AAP acted as an inhibitor of papain at the initial stage of mixing. After mixing for 24 hours,
however, the papain activity was revived and preserved for 6 days. In contrast, the papain activity vanished
in the absence of HP-AAP after 24 hours because of autolysis. Therefore, HP-AAP protects papain
against autolysis, resulting from tight complexation with the biopolymer.
Formic Acid-Peroxyformic Acid Pulping of Aspen Wood: An Optimization Study
Authors: Abad S. , Santos V. , Parajó J. C.
Published: October 2004

Populus tremula* Populus tremuloides wood samples were subjected to three-stage pulping in formic
acid media with hydrogen peroxide addition, according to the Milox process. By means of three incomplete,
second-order, centered, factorial designs, the effects of selected operational variables on the composition
and technical properties of pulps were assessed for optimization purposes. Under the best conditions
assayed, a pulp with 2.30% lignin, 87.0 % cellulose and 3.25% xylan was obtained at 53.2%
pulp yield. Good SCAN viscosity (826 ml/g), reduced Kappa number (9.0) and satisfactory alkaline
resistance (R-10 = 89.0; R-18 = 91.0) proved the potentiality of the selected pulp for dissolving pulp
production.
Marker paraneoplastischer neurologischer Erkrankungen / Markers of paraneoplastic neurologic disorders
Authors: Voltz Raymond
Published: October 2004

Zusammenfassung Paraneoplastische neurologische Erkrankungen sind relativ seltene, aber sicher häufiger übersehene Krankheitsbilder. Meist entsteht die neurologische Symptomatik, bevor ein Tumor diagnostiziert werden kann. Daher sind Marker für den Kliniker wichtig, welche einerseits die paraneoplastische Ätiologie eines neurologischen Syndroms bestätigen und andererseits helfen, den Begleittumor rasch zu diagnostizieren. Aufgrund der begleitenden Immunreaktion sind diese Tumore oft begrenzt und somit schwer zu diagnostizieren; die Tumortherapie stellt aber immer noch die wesentliche Therapiemaßnahme für die Patienten dar.
Diagnostic work-up of iron deficiency / Diagnostisches Vorgehen bei Eisenmangel
Authors: Metzgeroth Georgia , Hastka Jan
Published: October 2004

Abstract Iron deficiency (ID) is defined as a diminished total body iron content. Three degrees of severity have been defined: storage iron depletion (stage I), iron-deficient erythropoiesis (stage II), and iron deficiency anemia (stage III). When assessing the patient’s iron status, it is important to bear in mind that each of the various iron tests indicate something different in terms of ID. As they detect different stages of ID, the parameters efficiently complement each other to characterize the iron status in the individual patient. Of particular clinical interest are newer iron tests of the iron-deficient erythropoiesis: zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), hypochrome erythrocytes (Hypo) and reticulocyte hemoglobin (CHr). Supervising the final step of the heme production, ZPP can be used as a reliable and inexpensive screening test of the whole iron metabolism. sTfR measurement is a useful tool to distinguish between real iron deficiency and functional iron deficiency in anemia of chronic disorders. Hypo and CHr seem to be the best parameters to diagnose ID in hemodialysis patients treated with recombinant human erythropoietin.
Durchflußzytometrische Typisierung der B-Zell Non-Hodgkin-Lymphome / Flow cytometric typing of B-cell Non Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Bettelheim Peter , Diem Heinz , Nebe Thomas
Published: October 2004

Zusammenfassung Die durchflußzytometrische Analyse von B-Zell-Lymphomen ist neben der zytologischen Beurteilung und der Histopathologie in der Diagnostik dieser vielfältigen Erkrankungen eine Routineuntersuchung. Sie eignet sich insbesondere bei den chronisch lymphoproliferativen Erkrankungen vom B-Zelltyp, bei denen zu einem hohen Prozentsatz Zellen des Lymphoms im Blut bzw. Knochenmark (KM) nachgewiesen werden können, zur näheren Klassifikation. Mittels eines Antikörperpanels können entsprechend der WHO-Klassifikation der Non-Hodgkin-Lymphome (NHL) vom B-Zelltyp bestimmte Entitäten voneinander abgegrenzt werden. Im folgenden Beitrag werden die Markerprofile der einzelnen Entitäten der B-zelligen NHL dargestellt und besprochen.

Die durchflußzytometrische Methode eignet sich aber nicht nur zur Subklassifikation von Lymphomen, sondern ist auch in der Lage, eine minimale Resterkrankung zu erkennen. Darüber hinaus weisen bestimmte Strukturen wie CD38 und ZAP-70 eine Assoziation mit dem klinischen Verlauf auf. Andere Moleküle wie CD20 und CD52 wiederum sind Targetstrukturen für therapeutische Ansätze.