bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1998 National Clinical Pharmacy Services Study
Authors: Raehl Cynthia L. , Bond C. A.
Published: June 2004

This study determined the extent of hospital‐based clinical pharmacy services in 950 United States acute care, general, medical‐surgical, and pediatric hospitals with 50 or more licensed beds in 1998 and compared results with data from similar national surveys in 1989, 1992, and 1995. Fifteen clinical pharmacy services were assessed to determine pharmacists' specific patient care responsibilities. Two services increased substantially over both the 9‐year period and between 1995 and 1998: drug therapy protocol management and clinical pharmacokinetics consultations, which were offered in 70% and 80% of hospitals in 1998, respectively. Pharmacists' provision of in‐service programs decreased 6% between 1995 and 1998, whereas other services remained constant. Pharmacists conducted clinical research in 14% of hospitals in 1998, averaging 7.2 ± 19.7 protocols/department annually; total budget was $224,572 ± 753,321; and mean clinical research funding increased 2.3‐fold between 1995 and 1998. Clinical pharmacy services continue to expand, with pharmacists providing higher‐level direct patient care related to drug therapy management and pharmacokinetics consultations.
Fluconazole‐Induced Agranulocytosis with Eosinophilia
Authors: Wong‐Beringer Annie , Shriner Kimberly
Published: June 2004

Fluconazole is a commonly prescribed antifungal agent with a favorable safety profile. A patient experienced agranulocytosis and eosinophilia associated with the drug. Similar bone marrow‐suppressive effect due to the azoles is rarely described in the English‐language literature.
Anterior uveitis as a complication of treatment with high dose cytosine‐arabinoside
Authors: Planer David , Cukierman Tali , Liebster Diana , Ilsar Michael , Chajek‐Shaul Tova
Published: June 2004

We present a case of a 21‐year‐old woman suffering from diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma who developed acute anterior uveitis shortly after completing chemotherapeutic course with HYPER‐CVAD protocol (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and dexamethasone) alternating with methotrexate and high‐dose cytosine‐arabinoside (HIDAC), with poor adherence to recommended prophylactic treatment with saline eye drops. Complete resolution of her symptoms was achieved within a few days of treatment with topical steroids. To our knowledge this is the first report of acute anterior uveitis secondary to treatment with HIDAC. Differential diagnosis and a suggested mechanism are discussed. Am. J. Hematol. 76:304–306, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficacy of HPA‐1a (PlA1)‐negative platelets in a patient with post‐transfusion purpura
Authors: Loren Alison Wakoff , Abrams Charles S.
Published: June 2004

Post‐transfusion purpura (PTP) is a rare form of alloimmune thrombocytopenia that is self‐limited but which carries a 10–15% mortality related to fatal hemorrhage. Immunomodulatory therapies such as plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIg) can shorten the duration of thrombocytopenia. However, in a bleeding patient with PTP, more urgent therapy may be required. Textbooks of hematology [1–3] as well as reports in the literature [4,5] suggest that patients do not respond to platelet transfusions. We report a case of PTP in a patient homozygous for HPA‐1b who suffered an intracranial hemorrhage. The patient was treated with IVIg and plasmapheresis. Because of her life‐threatening bleeding, we also transfused the patient with HPA‐1a‐negative platelets. These transfusions consistently resulted in transient improvements in her platelet counts and may have limited the degree of intracranial bleeding. Our experience suggests that transfusion of platelets that lack the offending epitope in patients with PTP may be efficacious. Am. J. Hematol. 76:258–262, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk of thrombosis in patients with malignancy and heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Opatrny Lucie , Warner Margaret N.
Published: June 2004

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a common immunological drug reaction. After exposure to heparin, some patients develop heparin dependent antibodies with no evidence of thrombosis, while others are at risk of thrombocytopenia, thrombosis, limb loss, and death. We conducted a retrospective chart review on all patients serologically positive for HIT by HPIA ELISA in a single tertiary‐care hospital, to determine whether patients with malignancy had an increased risk of thrombotic complications. Medical records of 55 patients who tested positive for HIT and met clinical criteria for HIT were analyzed. All patients had been treated with unfractionated heparin. Malignancy was diagnosed in 11 patients, either at surgery or post‐mortem examination. A higher rate of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism was observed in patients with HIT and malignant disease when compared to patients with no underlying malignancy (odds ratio 13.6, 95% CI 2.9–63.8). Am. J. Hematol. 76:240–244, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Usefulness of FDG‐PET to diagnose intravascular lymphomatosis presenting as fever of unknown origin
Authors: Hoshino A. , Kawada E. , Ukita T. , Itoh K. , Sakamoto H. , Fujita K. , Mantani N. , Kogure T. , Tamura J.
Published: June 2004

Intravascular lymphomatosis (IVL) is a rare systemic disease characterized by proliferation of lymphoid cells within the lumina of small arteries, veins, and capillaries. Diagnosis requires skin, liver, lung, bone marrow, renal, meningeal, or brain vessel biopsy but is often made only when the illness has progressed or post mortem because early involvement of organs was not evident. We report a case of IVL presenting as fever of unknown origin (FUO). In this case, gallium scintigraphy and computed tomography (CT) showed no evidence of malignancy, whereas 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) showed increased FDG uptake in the sternum, left and right vertebra, humerus, femur, and especially ilium. The diagnosis was made on iliac bone marrow biopsy examination. FDG‐PET was useful for the detection of spread of disease in a patient with IVL suffering from FUO. Am. J. Hematol. 76:236–239, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prospective screening of 205 patients with ITP, including diagnosis, serological markers, and the relationship between platelet counts, endogenous thrombopoietin, and circulating antithrombopoietin antibodies
Authors: Aledort Louis M. , Hayward Catherine P.M. , Chen Mon‐Gy , Nichol Janet L. , Bussel James
Published: June 2004

Immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) is characterized by destruction of circulating platelets and the presence of antiplatelet antibodies. Many of the current immunomodulatory therapies act by reducing platelet destruction and usually do not have a lasting effect. This prospective, exploratory study characterized patients with ITP by identifying their demographic and comorbid clinical factors, use of treatments, serologic markers of autoimmunity, and possible relationships between platelet counts, concentrations of endogenous thrombopoietin (eTPO), and the presence of circulating anti‐TPO antibodies. Data including medical history and laboratory evaluations were collected at a single patient visit on 205 patients (19 children, 186 adults). Reported histories revealed a 5% rate of thrombotic/ischemic events. Autoimmune markers including direct antiglobulin test and antinuclear antibodies were found more frequently than in the normal population; antiplatelet antibody testing was not done. eTPO concentrations were comparable to concentrations found in healthy volunteers. Our study confirmed that no significant inverse correlation occurred between circulating concentrations of eTPO and platelet counts in patients with ITP (Spearman r = −0.15). Two of the 205 patients tested (1%) had neutralizing activity of recombinant human TPO in a biological assay; however, this activity was confirmed to be anti‐TPO antibody in only 1 patient. Am. J. Hematol. 76:205–213, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vasoactive factors in sickle cell disease: In vitro evidence for endothelin‐1‐mediated vasoconstriction
Authors: Ergul Sitki , Brunson Chris Y. , Hutchinson Jim , Tawfik Amany , Kutlar Abdullah , Webb R. Clinton , Ergul Adviye
Published: June 2004

While systemic plasma endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) levels are increased during acute crisis in sickle cell disease, the relative levels of potent vasoactive factors that contribute to the regulation of vascular function, such as ET‐1, NO, and cell‐free hemoglobin, during the course of periodic vaso‐occlusive episodes remain unclear. Moreover, whether and to what extent sickling‐induced release of ET‐1 alters vascular tone is not completely understood. To investigate the sequential changes in circulating vasoactive factors, we measured plasma ET‐1, NO metabolites (NOx), and cell‐free hemoglobin (Hb) before (steady‐state), during (crisis), and after a vaso‐occlusive (post‐crisis) episode. Steady‐state ET‐1 levels (fmol/mL) increased from 2.3 ± 0.4 to 11.0 ± 1.4 and 4.2 ± 1.0 during crisis and post‐crisis periods, respectively. There was no significant difference in plasma NOx levels. Cell‐free Hb levels were significantly higher in sickle cell patients in all phases as compared to the control group, and especially during crisis cell‐free Hb levels were elevated by 4‐fold (209,000 ± 31,000 vs. 46,000 ± 5,300 ng/mL in steady‐state). Conditioned medium from human pulmonary artery endothelial cells exposed to sickled erythrocytes prepared by deoxygenation induced contraction of aortic rings, and this effect was blocked by an ETA receptor antagonist. These findings indicate that ET‐1 is the predominant contractile factor released by cultured endothelial cells upon exposure to deoxygenated sickled SS erythrocytes and ET‐1–NO–NO scavenger balance is altered in favor of vasoconstriction during an acute episode in SCD. Am. J. Hematol. 76:245–251, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sweet's syndrome associated with sargramostim (granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor) treatment
Authors: Kumar Geetika , Bernstein Jack M. , Waibel Jill S. , Baumann Michael A.
Published: June 2004

Sweet's syndrome is an acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis that is a known complication of the administration of filgrastim, a drug that causes increased neutrophil proliferation and differentiation. This complication has not previously been reported during treatment with sargramostim, a hematopoietic cytokine with activity that overlaps filgrastim. We report a case of Sweet's syndrome in association with sargramostim treatment following chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia. A suspected second episode occurred after subsequent chemotherapy and sargramostim treatment. Physicians should be aware of this possible association because the signs and symptoms of Sweet's syndrome are easily mistaken as being due to infection. Am. J. Hematol. 76:283–285, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primary trabeculodysgenesis in association with neonatal Marfan syndrome
Authors: Whitelaw Charlotte M. , Anwar Samira , Adès Lesley C. , Gole Glen A. , Elder James E. , Savarirayan Ravi
Published: June 2004

We present the clinical and ophthalmological findings in two infants with neonatal Marfan syndrome (nMFS) and primary trabeculodysgenesis (PT). Fibrillin 1 (FBN1) mutations were confirmed in both cases. Numerous eye anomalies have been recognized in infants with nMFS, but PT has not been reported previously. Our report expands the phenotype of nMFS, and highlights the importance of early and careful ophthalmological assessment of these infants. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterization of a cryptic 2q37 deletion in a patient with Albright hereditary osteodystrophy‐like phenotype
Authors: Chassaing N. , De Mas P. , Tauber M. , Vincent M.C. , Julia S. , Bourrouillou G. , Calvas P. , Bieth E.
Published: June 2004

The Albright hereditary osteodystrophy‐like (AHO‐like) syndrome was recently defined as a rare dysmorphic syndrome including brachymetaphalangism and mental retardation. This phenotype occurs in Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) but unlike it, the level of the Gs alpha protein activity is not reduced. To date 59 patients with these clinical and biochemical features have been reported, and for the majority of them (57/59) a cytogenetically visible 2q37 deletion has been observed. We report a new case of typical AHO‐like syndrome with normal karyotype. Using the polymorphic marker D2S125 we found a loss of heterozygosity suggestive of a de novo 2q37 deletion of maternal origin. This hypothesis was confirmed by FISH analysis with a subtelomeric 2q probe containing the D2S90 marker. Genotypic analysis allowed us to map the proximal breakpoint of the subtelomeric deletion within an interval delimited by D2S2338 (present) and D2S2253 (deleted). This 2q subtelomeric deletion as small as 4 Mb is to date the smallest one observed in association with a typical AHO‐like phenotype, and allows us to move the centromeric boundary of the AHO‐like critical region by 750 kb towards the 2q telomere. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Catalytic Markovnikov and anti‐Markovnikov Functionalization of Alkenes and Alkynes: Recent Developments and Trends
Authors: Beller Matthias , Seayad Jayasree , Tillack Annegret , Jiao Haijun
Published: June 2004

The regioselective functionalization of terminal alkenes and alkynes is of utmost importance for the synthesis of a wide variety of organic products. Based on the original observation by Vladimir Markovnikov—the pioneer of this field of research—in the 19th century, the possible regioisomeric products are classified as Markovnikov or anti‐Markovnikov products. Contrary to traditional belief, it is nowadays possible to control the regiochemistry of various additions of nucleophiles to alkenes and alkynes by applying different transition‐metal catalysts. Recent developments in this area of selective functionalization of alkenes and alkynes are reviewed.
Palladium Oxidase Catalysis: Selective Oxidation of Organic Chemicals by Direct Dioxygen‐Coupled Turnover
Authors: Stahl Shannon S.
Published: June 2004

Selective aerobic oxidation of organic molecules is a fundamental and practical challenge in modern chemistry. Effective solutions to this problem must overcome the intrinsic reactivity and selectivity challenges posed by the chemistry of molecular oxygen, and they must find application in diverse classes of oxidation reactions. Palladium oxidase catalysis combines the versatility of PdII‐mediated oxidation of organic substrates with dioxygen‐coupled oxidation of the reduced palladium catalyst to enable a broad range of selective aerobic oxidation reactions. Recent developments revealed that cocatalysts (e.g. CuII, polyoxometalates, and benzoquinone) are not essential for efficient oxidation of Pd0 by molecular oxygen. Oxidatively stable ligands play an important role in these reactions by minimizing catalyst decomposition, promoting the direct reaction between palladium and dioxygen, modulating organic substrate reactivity and permitting asymmetric catalysis.
Effects of increased muscle mass on mouse sagittal suture morphology and mechanics
Authors: Byron Craig D. , Borke James , Yu Jack , Pashley David , Wingard Christopher J. , Hamrick Mark
Published: June 2004

The purpose of this study is to test predicted form–function relationships between cranial suture complexity and masticatory muscle mass and biomechanics in a mouse model. Specifically, to test the hypothesis that increased masticatory muscle mass increases sagittal suture complexity, we measured the fractal dimension (FD), temporalis mass, and temporalis bite force in myostatin‐deficient (GDF8−/−) mice and wild‐type CD‐1 mice (all male, 6 months old). Myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle mass, and myostatin‐deficient mice show a marked increase in muscle mass compared to normal mice. We predicted that increased sagittal suture complexity would decrease suture stiffness. The data presented here demonstrate that increased suture complexity (measured as FD) was observed in a hypermuscular mouse model (GDF8−/−) with significantly increased temporalis muscle mass and bite forces. Hypermuscular mice were also found to possess suture connective tissue that was less stiff (i.e., underwent more displacement before failure occurred) when loaded in tension. By decreasing stiffness, suture complexity apparently helps to dissipate mechanical loads within the cranium that are related to chewing. These results suggest that cranial suture connective tissue locally adapts to functional demands of the biomechanical suture environment. As such, cranial sutures provide a novel model for studies in connective tissue mechanotransduction. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fibroblast growth and H‐7 protein kinase inhibitor response monitored in microimpedance sensor arrays
Authors: Nguyen Duc D. , Huang Xiaoqiu , Greve David W. , Domach Michael M.
Published: June 2004

Functional genomic studies and drug candidate testing both require high throughput, parallel experimentation strategies to screen for variable cellular behaviors. In this article we describe the use of an impedance sensing electrode array that is capable of sensing cell “presence” as well as the extent of cell (focal) attachment to the substrate. The signals provided by mouse fibroblasts on a sensing structure containing four different sized electrodes are reported. In the absence of cells, each electrode's impedance was found to depend as expected on electrode size and frequency. The impedance increased by several‐fold when fibroblasts attached and spread out over time. More notably, the sensors also detected the cellular response to the protein kinase C inhibitor, H‐7. H‐7 inhibits actomyosin contractility; thereafter, the loss of focal adhesion complexes occurs. The sensors, in turn, detected an impedance decrease after H‐7 addition and an increase in impedance after H‐7 removal. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification and characterization of Cu2O‐ and ZnO‐binding polypeptides by Escherichia coli cell surface display: toward an understanding of metal oxide binding
Authors: Thai Corrine K. , Dai Haixia , Sastry M. S. R. , Sarikaya Mehmet , Schwartz Daniel T. , Baneyx François
Published: June 2004

We have used the FliTrx cell surface display system to identify disulfide‐constrained dodecapeptides binding to the semiconducting metal oxides Cu2O and ZnO. Sequence analysis of the inserts revealed that the two populations exhibit similar, yet subtly different patterns of amino acid usage. Both sets of binders were enriched in arginine, tryptophan, and glycine with a higher degree of positional preference in the case of Cu2O binders. Tyrosine, proline, and serine were underrepresented in both populations. Peptides binding electrodeposited Cu2O or ZnO with high avidity could be subdivided into two classes based on pI and hydrophilicity. In the hydrophilic and positively charged Class I binders, the Arg–X–X–Arg tetrapeptide appears to be implicated in metal oxide binding, whereas Arg–Arg and Arg–Lys pairs allow for discrimination between Cu2O and ZnO. Molecular dynamics simulations of the disulfide‐constrained peptides suggest that the aforementioned motifs are important to properly orient two basic residues that are likely to contact the metal oxides. The implications of our results in understanding the rules governing the interaction between peptides and inorganic compounds and in their use for the design of hybrid nanoarchitectures are discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis from adenocarcinoid of appendiceal origin
Authors: Mahteme H , Sugarbaker P H
Published: June 2004

Background

Mucinous peritoneal carcinomatosis arising from appendiceal adenocarcinoid is uncommon and treatment options have been poorly defined. This study examined the effect of combined cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy on survival in these patients.

Methods

Of 810 patients with peritoneal malignancy of appendiceal origin treated by cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy, 22 patients (mean age 45 years; 17 women) had adenocarcinoid.

Results

The overall median survival was 18·5 (range 3·2–95·1) months, with 2- and 5-year survival rates of 39 and 25 per cent respectively. Survival after combined surgery and chemotherapy depended on the Peritoneal Cancer Index (P = 0·008) and the extent of cytoreduction (P = 0·007).

Conclusion

Peritoneal carcinomatosis from adenocarcinoid of appendiceal origin is as invasive as peritoneal surface malignancy from colorectal adenocarcinoma. Patients in whom complete or near-complete surgical removal is possible should be considered for cytoreduction in combination with intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials assessing spinal cord stimulation for inoperable critical leg ischaemia
Authors: Ubbink D T , Vermeulen H , Spincemaille G H J J , Gersbach P A , Berg P , Amann W
Published: June 2004

Background

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may have a place in the treatment of patients with inoperable chronic critical leg ischaemia.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed of all controlled studies comparing SCS in addition to any form of conservative treatment for inoperable chronic critical leg ischaemia. Main endpoints were limb salvage, pain relief and clinical situation. Systematic methodological appraisal and data extraction were performed by independent reviewers.

Results

Of the 18 reports found, nine trials, comprising 444 patients, matched the selection criteria. After pooling, limb salvage at 12 months appeared significantly greater in the SCS group (risk difference (RD) − 0·13 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) − 0·04 to − 0·22)). Significant pain relief occurred in both treatment groups, but patients who received SCS required significantly less analgesia and reached Fontaine stage 2 more often than those who did not have SCS (RD 0·33 (95 per cent c.i. 0·19 to 0·47)). Complications of SCS were problems of implantation (8·2 per cent), changes in stimulation requiring reintervention (14·8 per cent) and infection (2·9 per cent).

Conclusion

The addition of SCS to standard conservative treatment improves limb salvage, ischaemic pain and the general clinical situation in patients with inoperable chronic critical leg ischaemia. These benefits should be weighed against the cost and the (minor) complications associated with the technique.
Interleukin 6 production during abdominal aortic aneurysm repair arises from the gastrointestinal tract and not the legs
Authors: Norwood M G A , Bown M J , Sutton A J , Nicholson M L , Sayers R D
Published: June 2004

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is associated with a systemic inflammatory response. This inflammatory response probably arises as a result of an ischaemia–reperfusion injury to the legs and gastrointestinal tract. In this study the relative contributions of these areas to the inflammatory response were assessed during elective AAA repair.

Methods

Blood was sampled from the femoral vein, portal vein and radial artery of 14 patients undergoing elective AAA repair at five time points during the procedure. Plasma was snap-frozen for subsequent batch analysis of interleukin (IL) 6.

Results

The plasma IL-6 concentration rose steadily throughout the procedure at all three locations. The increase in plasma IL-6 was significantly greater in the portal vein than in the radial artery during ischaemia (P = 0·020). The plasma IL-6 concentration was also significantly higher in the portal vein than in the femoral vein (P < 0·001) and radial artery (P < 0·001) during reperfusion. There were no significant differences between radial artery and femoral vein IL-6 levels at any time point.

Conclusion

Ischaemia and reperfusion during AAA repair were associated with a marked increase in IL-6 concentration in the portal vein, suggesting that IL-6 was produced by the gastrointestinal tract.
A randomized, controlled trial of aerobic exercise for treatment‐related fatigue in men receiving radical external beam radiotherapy for localized prostate carcinoma
Authors: Windsor Phyllis M. , Nicol Kathleen F. , Potter Joan
Published: June 2004

BACKGROUND

Advice to rest and take things easy if patients become fatigued during radiotherapy may be detrimental. Aerobic walking improves physical functioning and has been an intervention for chemotherapy‐related fatigue. A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was performed to determine whether aerobic exercise would reduce the incidence of fatigue and prevent deterioration in physical functioning during radiotherapy for localized prostate carcinoma.

METHODS

Sixty‐six men were randomized before they received radical radiotherapy for localized prostate carcinoma, with 33 men randomized to an exercise group and 33 men randomized to a control group. Outcome measures were fatigue and distance walked in a modified shuttle test before and after radiotherapy.

RESULTS

There were no significant between group differences noted with regard to fatigue scores at baseline (P = 0.55) or after 4 weeks of radiotherapy (P = 0.18). Men in the control group had significant increases in fatigue scores from baseline to the end of radiotherapy (P = 0.013), with no significant increases observed in the exercise group (P = 0.203). A nonsignificant reduction (2.4%) in shuttle test distance at the end of radiotherapy was observed in the control group; however, in the exercise group, there was a significant increase (13.2%) in distance walked (P = 0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS

Men who followed advice to rest and take things easy if they became fatigued demonstrated a slight deterioration in physical functioning and a significant increase in fatigue at the end of radiotherapy. Home‐based, moderate‐intensity walking produced a significant improvement in physical functioning with no significant increase in fatigue. Improved physical functioning may be necessary to combat radiation fatigue. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Decrease in mitochondrial oxidative protein damage parameters in the streptozotocin‐diabetic rat
Authors: Kayalı Refik , Çakatay Ufuk , Telci Ayşegül , Akçay Tülay , Sivas Ahmet , Altuǧ Tuncay
Published: June 2004

Background

Many authors have shown that hyperglycemia leads to an increase in oxidative protein damage in diabetes. The aim of this study was to reveal the susceptibility of mitochondria from liver, pancreas, kidney, and skeletal muscle of diabetic Sprague–Dawley rats, a model of type 1 diabetes, to oxidative protein damage.

Methods

Mitochondrial fractions were obtained by differential centrifugation. To show the effect of hyperglycemia in promoting oxidative protein damage, we determined mitochondrial protein carbonyl, total thiol, nitrotyrosine, advanced oxidation protein products, and lipid hydroperoxide levels. The levels of the studied markers, except nitrotyrosine, were determined by colorimetric methods. Nitrotyrosine levels were measured by ELISA. All values were compared with those of the controls by using the Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results

Nitrotyrosine and lipid hydroperoxide levels were decreased and other parameters were not changed in liver mitochondria of diabetic rats. Protein carbonyl, nitrotyrosine, advanced oxidation protein products, and lipid hydroperoxide levels were decreased and total thiol levels were not changed in pancreas mitochondria of diabetic rats. Only advanced oxidation protein products and lipid hydroperoxide levels were decreased in kidney mitochondria of diabetic rats. The levels of the same parameters were not significantly different in muscle mitochondria of diabetic rats.

Conclusions

The decrease in mitochondrial oxidative protein damage in diabetes may correspond to either an increase in antioxidant defense mechanisms or a different adaptive response of the cells to the increased extramitochondrial oxidative stress in diabetes. The mitochondrial oxidative protein damage‐lowering mechanisms in diabetes remain to be clarified. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the self‐dual 𝔽5‐codes constructed from Hadamard matrices of order 24
Authors: Harada Masaaki
Published: June 2004

There are exactly 60 inequivalent Hadamard matrices of order 24. In this note, we give a classification of the self‐dual 𝔽5‐codes of length 48 constructed from the Hadamard matrices of order 24. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Splitting balanced incomplete block designs with block size 3 × 2
Authors: Du Beiliang
Published: June 2004

Splitting balanced incomplete block designs were first formulated by Ogata, Kurosawa, Stinson, and Saido recently in the investigation of authentication codes. This article investigates the existence of splitting balanced incomplete block designs, i.e., (v, 3k, λ)‐splitting BIBDs; we give the spectrum of (v, 3 × 2, λ)‐splitting BIBDs. As an application, we obtain an infinite class of 2‐splittingA‐codes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polyoma virus middle‐T‐transformed PECAM‐1 deficient mouse brain endothelial cells proliferate rapidly in culture and form hemangiomas in mice
Authors: Rothermel Terri A. , Engelhardt Britta , Sheibani Nader
Published: June 2004

Wild‐type mouse brain endothelial (bEND) cells transformed with the polyoma virus middle‐T proliferate rapidly in culture and form hemangiomas in mice. These cells express high levels of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1), a molecule shown to be important during hemangioma formation. In this study, we have examined the ability of polyoma virus middle‐T‐transformed mouse bEND cells prepared from PECAM‐1−/− mice to proliferate in culture and form hemangiomas in mice. We show that these cells express a number of endothelial cell markers and share a similar morphology with PECAM‐1+/+ bEND cells. PECAM‐1−/− bEND cells exhibit a limited ability to form tubes in Matrigel and rapidly form hemangioma when injected into nude mice, very similar to PECAM‐1+/+ bEND cells. These cells, however, have increased proliferation, slower migration, altered endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression, and are less adherent when compared to PECAM‐1+/+ bEND cells. Therefore, lack of PECAM‐1 expression impacts polyoma middle‐T‐transformed endothelial cell proliferative, adhesive, and migratory properties without impacting their ability to rapidly form hemangiomas in mice or poorly organize to capillary‐like structures in Matrigel. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kinetics and mechanistic analysis of caustic magnesia hydration
Authors: Rocha Sônia DF , Mansur Marcelo B , Ciminelli Virgínia ST
Published: June 2004

The kinetics of magnesia hydration to produce magnesium hydroxide is crucial for process design and control, and for the production of an Mg(OH)2 powder with desirable particle morphology. In this study, highly pure magnesia has been hydrated in a batch reactor. The effects of the following variables were evaluated experimentally: temperature (308–363 K), reaction time (0.5–5 h), initial slurry density (1–25%wt) and particle size in the ranges −212 + 75 µm and −45 + 38 µm. Experimental data indicate increasing magnesia hydration rates with increasing temperature, as expected. In addition, it has been observed that the hydration of magnesia increases significantly up to about 4–5%wt initial slurry density, stabilising afterwards. On the other hand, the reaction was almost unaffected when magnesia with different particle sizes were hydrated because of similar specific surface areas involved. A reaction mechanism to explain the oxide dissolution and the hydroxide precipitation has been proposed, assuming no significant change in the initial solids size and dissolution rate as the controlling step. The calculated activation energy value of 62.3 kJ mol−1 corroborates the mechanism proposed in this study and compares well with values previously reported in the literature. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Ozonation of 1,3,6‐naphthalenetrisulfonic acid in presence of heavy metals
Authors: Sánchez‐Polo M , Rivera‐Utrilla J
Published: June 2004

A study was conducted of the mechanisms by which heavy metals, commonly present in industrial effluents, increase the purification effectiveness of ozone in the removal of organic contaminants of low biodegradability. For this purpose, the ozonation of 1,3,6‐naphthalenetrisulfonic acid (NTS) in the presence of Ni(II), Fe(II), Mn(II), Zn(II), Sr(II), Cr(III), Cd(II), Hg(II), and Cu(II) was examined. The presence of small amounts of Mn(II), Fe(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), and Cr(III) was observed in the system, increasing the degradation rate of the NTS and transforming the dissolved organic matter into CO2. The mineralization of the organic matter was highly favored, especially in the first minutes of treatment. The results obtained appear to indicate that the activity of the metals in the NTS ozonation process is related to their reduction potential. Thus, metals susceptible to oxidation by ozone are potential promoters of NTS ozonation. The presence of Fe(II) or Mn(II) during NTS ozonation increased its degradation rate by 79% and 72% respectively. Moreover, the reaction kinetics of metal oxidation with ozone controls the increase in the purification effectiveness of these systems. The presence of radical scavengers (tert‐butanol or bicarbonate) in the medium during the promoted ozonation of NTS showed a negative effect on this process, and the NTS degradation rate decreased with an increasing concentration of these inhibitors in the system. These results confirm that the degradation of NTS by ozone in the presence of heavy metals occurs by a radical mechanism. O3/Zn(II) and O3/Fe(II) systems were applied to the decontamination of urban waste waters. The presence of Zn(II) or Fe(II) during the ozonation produced a reduction during the first 5 min of treatment of 20% or 44%, respectively, in the concentration of dissolved organic matter present in the system. These results show that ozonation in the presence of heavy metals is a highly promising system for the purification of waste waters and industrial effluents. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐rate clarification of municipal wastewaters: a brief appraisal
Authors: Imasuen Emmuel , Judd Simon , Sauvignet Philippe
Published: June 2004

Pilot‐plant studies on the treatment of three wastewaters (biological aerated flooded filter (BAFF) backwash water, post‐primary settling tank effluent and BAFF effluent) have been conducted using a ballasted sedimentation process (ACTIFLO®) coupled with ferric chloride and polyaluminium chloride (PACl) coagulants. The response of the process to shock loads of high solids concentrations was also investigated. Results showed over 80% turbidity, 70% suspended solids, and 50% COD removals to be achievable at rise rates in excess of 80 m h−1 and dose rates of 10–20 mg dm−3 Fe. Slightly improved performance was attained using PACL at half the weight concentration (but about the same molar concentration) as that of Fe. No pH adjustment was necessary and process performance was not significantly influenced by changes in hydraulic loading rate. Effluent quality was largely unaffected by shock organic loads provided coagulant dosing was commensurately increased. Non‐ideal flow through the plant was apparent from the measured residence time, which was ∼25% less than that calculated for plug flow. Clarification data were comparable to those reported for other high‐rate clarification (HRC) processes, with somewhat improved performance in terms of hydraulic retention time and coagulant use. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Pancyclic arcs and connectivity in tournaments
Authors: Havet F.
Published: June 2004

A tournament is an orientation of the edges of a complete graph. An arc is pancyclic in a tournament T if it is contained in a cycle of length l, for every 3 ≤ l ≤ |T|. Let p(T) denote the number of pancyclic arcs in a tournament T. In 4, Moon showed that for every non‐trivial strong tournament T, p(T) ≥ 3. Actually, he proved a somewhat stronger result: for any non‐trivial strong tournament h(T) ≥ 3 where h(T) is the maximum number of pancyclic arcs contained in the same hamiltonian cycle of T. Moreover, Moon characterized the tournaments with h(T) = 3. All these tournaments are not 2‐strong. In this paper, we investigate relationship between the functions p(T) and h(T) and the connectivity of the tournament T. Let pk(n) := min {p(T), T k‐strong tournament of order n} and hk(n) := min{h(T), T k‐strong tournament of order n}. We conjecture that (for k ≥ 2) there exists a constant αk> 0 such that pk(n) ≥ αkn and hk(n) ≥ 2k+1. In this paper, we establish the later conjecture when k = 2. We then characterized the tournaments with h(T) = 4 and those with p(T) = 4. We also prove that for k ≥ 2, pk(n) ≥ 2k+3. At last, we characterize the tournaments having exactly five pancyclic arcs. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 47: 87–110, 2004
Determination of the Crystal Structure of Syndiotactic 3,4‐Poly(2‐methyl‐1,3‐butadiene) by Molecular Mechanics and X‐Ray Diffraction
Authors: Pirozzi Beniamino , Napolitano Roberto , Petraccone Vittorio , Esposito Simona
Published: June 2004

Summary: The crystal structure of syndiotactic 3,4‐poly(2‐methyl‐1,3‐butadiene) has been determined by the joint use of molecular mechanics and X‐ray diffraction. Molecular mechanics calculations have been performed both on the isolated chain and on the crystal by the use of various force fields. The energy minimizations predict a model of the crystal structure. The calculated X‐ray powder diffraction pattern is in good agreement with the experimental one. This model has been refined in order to obtain the best agreement with all the experimental data. The space group is Pbcm and the parameters of the unit cell are a = 6.6 Å, b = 13.2 Å, c = 5.27 Å. The presence of defects in the crystal has been taken into account. Analogies and differences with the crystal structure of syndiotactic 1,2‐poly(1,3‐butadiene) are discussed.

X‐ray fiber diffraction pattern of syndiotactic 3,4‐poly(2‐methyl‐1,3‐butadiene).

magnified image

X‐ray fiber diffraction pattern of syndiotactic 3,4‐poly(2‐methyl‐1,3‐butadiene).
Aggressive bladder carcinoma in a child
Authors: Lezama‐del Valle Pablo , Jerkins Gerald R. , Rao Bhaskar N. , Santana Victor M. , Fuller Christine , Merchant Thomas E.
Published: June 2004

The brief report describes an unusual case of high grade bladder neoplasm with divergent differentiation in a 31 month‐old child. The presentation included hematuria with tissue fragments and the tumor was confined to the bladder. The tumor behaved aggressively despite radical cystectomy, chemotherapy with agents known to be effective against epithelial and mesenchymal tumors and radiation therapy. Although rare, most malignant bladder neoplasms in children are low grade and present in early stages. Sarcomatoid differentiation in the setting of high‐grade urothelial carcinoma portends a poor prognosis. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and polymerization of anthracene‐based itaconimides
Authors: Grigoras Mircea , Colotin Georgiana , Antonoaia Nicoleta Cristina
Published: June 2004

Two new anthracene‐based itaconimides, ie N‐(1‐ and 2‐anthryl) itaconimides, were synthesized by the reaction of aromatic amines with itaconic anhydride, followed by itaconamic acid imidization. The same reaction failed in the case of anthracene‐ring substitution at the position 9′. Radical and thermal polymerization of N‐(1‐ and 2‐anthryl) itaconimides led to polymers with anthracene pendant groups. No self‐polymerization by Diels–Alder cycloaddition of the itaconic function (dienophile) and anthracene nucleus (diene) was observed, as is the case for N‐(anthryl) maleimides and citraconimides. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and evaluation of nanocomposites of polyfuran with Al2O3 and montmorillonite clay
Authors: Ballav Nirmalya , Biswas Mukul
Published: June 2004

High yield oxidative polymerization of furan was accomplished in CHCl3 solvent at 0 °C. A nanocomposite of polyfuran (PF)–Al2O3 was prepared through polymerization of furan in a suspension of nanodimensional Al2O3 in CHCl3 at 0 °C. High yield polymerization of furan was also achieved in montmorillonite clay (MMT) without any extraneous oxidant. The formation of PF was confirmed by FTIR and elemental analysis. Thermogravimetric analyses revealed the following trends in thermal stability: PF < PF–Al2O3 < Al2O3 and PF < PF–MMT < MMT. Scanning electron microscopy showed the average particles sizes to be ca 51 nm and ca 40 nm for PF–Al2O3 and PF–MMT composites, respectively. The occurrence of a peak at 19.84 Å in the X‐ray diffraction pattern of the PF–MMT composite was indicative of the intercalation of PF in MMT lamellae. Transmission electron microscopic analyses for the PF–MMT composite also showed incorporation of PF moieties in‐between the MMT layers. The dc conductivity values (S cm−1) of PF–FeCl3, PF–Al2O3–FeCl3, PF–MMT and PF–MMT–FeCl3 systems were in the order of 10−6, 10−7, 10−8 and 10−7, respectively, and the values were significantly enhanced compared to the dc conductivity value of PF homopolymers (10−11). Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
The morphology and thermal properties of multi‐walled carbon nanotube and poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) composite
Authors: Lai Mingfang , Li Jing , Yang Jun , Liu Jingjiang , Tong Xin , Cheng Huiming
Published: June 2004

Nanocomposites based on poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were prepared by solution processing. Ultrasonic energy was used to uniformly disperse MWNTs in solutions and to incorporate them into composites. Microscopic observation reveals that polymer‐coated MWNTs dispersed homogenously in the PHBV matrix. The thermal properties and the crystallization behavior of the composites were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, the nucleant effect of MWNTs on the crystallization of PHBV was confirmed, and carbon nanotubes were found to enhanced the thermal stability of PHBV in nitrogen. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of clay on the morphology of blends of poly(propylene) and polyamide 6/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Feng Meng , Gong Fangling , Zhao Chungui , Chen Guangming , Zhang Shimin , Yang Mingshu
Published: June 2004

PP/NPA6 blends composed of poly(propylene) (PP) and polyamide 6/clay nanocomposites (NPA6) were prepared by twin‐screw extrusion and melt‐drawn into ribbons by a ribbon extrusion process. The influence of clay on the morphology of PP/NPA6 ribbons was investigated by means of field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The results show that at low clay content (3, 5 wt%), NPA6 exhibited continuous lamellar structure in PP as pristine PA6 did in a PP/PA6 blend, but at a higher clay content (10 wt%) only ellipsoids or elongated ellipsoids were observed. In order to explain the morphological difference, two factors, ie the compatibilization effect and melt rheology, have been taken into consideration. It has been found that both factors, and probably mainly the variation in melt rheology, were responsible for the morphological difference in the PP/NPA6 blends with different clay contents under the extensional flow field. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate onto cellulose initiated by potassium ditelluratoargentate(III)
Authors: Liu Yinghai , Yang Lanying , Shi Zengqian , Li Junbo
Published: June 2004

A novel redox system, potassium ditelluratoargentate(III) (DTA)–cellulose, was employed to initiate the graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate onto cellulose in alkali aqueous solution. Grafting parameters, such as total conversion, grafting efficiency and grafting yield, were evaluated comparatively. The dependence of these parameters on temperature, reaction time, initiator concentration and ratio of monomer to cellulose was also investigated. Graft copolymers with high grafting parameters were obtained, which indicated that the DTA–cellulose redox pair is an efficient initiator for cellulose grafting. The proof of grafting was obtained from gravimetric analysis and infrared spectra. A tentative mechanism involving a two‐step single‐electron‐transfer process of DTA is proposed to explain the generation of radicals and initiation. Thermogravimetry, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were also carried out to study the thermal stability, crystallinity and morphology of the grafted copolymers. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
A unified representation of multiprotein complex data for modeling interaction networks
Authors: Ding Chris , He Xiaofeng , Meraz Richard F. , Holbrook Stephen R.
Published: June 2004

The protein interaction network presents one perspective for understanding cellular processes. Recent experiments employing high‐throughput mass spectrometric characterizations have resulted in large data sets of physiologically relevant multiprotein complexes. We present a unified representation of such data sets based on an underlying bipartite graph model that is an advance over existing models of the network. Our unified representation allows for weighting of connections between proteins shared in more than one complex, as well as addressing the higher level organization that occurs when the network is viewed as consisting of protein complexes that share components. This representation also allows for the application of the rigorous MinMaxCut graph clustering algorithm for the determination of relevant protein modules in the networks. Statistically significant annotations of clusters in the protein–protein and complex–complex networks using terms from the Gene Ontology indicate that this method will be useful for posing hypotheses about uncharacterized components of protein complexes or uncharacterized relationships between protein complexes. Proteins 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toward the detection and validation of repeats in protein structure
Authors: Murray Kevin B. , Taylor William R. , Thornton Janet M.
Published: June 2004

We present a method called DAVROS to detect, localize, and validate repeating motifs in protein structure allowing for insertions and deletions. DAVROS uses the score matrix from a structural alignment program (SAP) to search for repeating motifs using an algorithm based on concepts from signal processing and the statistical properties of the alignments. The method was tested against a nonredundant Protein Data Bank, and each chain was assigned a score. For the top 50 chains ranked by score, 70% contain repeating motifs detected without error. These represent 14 types of fold covering α, β, and αβ protein classes. A second data set comprising protein chains in different sequence families for triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) barrel, leucine‐rich repeat (LRR), trefoil, and α–α barrel folds was used to assess the ability of DAVROS to detect all motifs within a specific fold. For the second test set, the percentage of motifs detected was highest for the LRR chains (88.7%) and least for the TIM barrels (60%). This variability results from the regularity of the LRR motif compared to the αβ units of the TIM barrel, which generally have many more indels. These reduce the strength of the repeat signal in the SAP matrix, making repeat detection more difficult. Proteins 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.