bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drug utilisation 90% profiles—a useful tool for quality assessment of prescribing in primary health care in Stockholm
Authors: Wettermark Björn , Pehrsson Åke , Jinnerot Dane , Bergman Ulf 
Published: September 2003

AbstractPurposeTo analyse strengths and weaknesses of a simple method for assessing the general quality of drug prescribing and to study the acceptance of the method among general practitioners (GPs).MethodsPrescriptions dispensed during October–December 1999 and 2000, respectively, were analysed for 38 Primary Health Care centres (PHC) in Stockholm participating in an intervention project with the aim of increasing cost‐consciousness among GPs. Focus was on quality of prescribing rather than on costs. Prescribing profiles focusing on the number of drugs constituting 90% of the volume (= DU90%) and the adherence to local drug committee guideline within this segment were presented for the prescribers. The credibility and usefulness of the method was evaluated by a questionnaire.ResultAmong the PHCs, the total number of drugs prescribed varied between 358 and 674. The number of drugs in the DU90%‐segment varied between 117 and 194. The adherence to guideline within this segment varied between 56% and 74% and increased over time. The prescribers found the DU90%‐profiles clear and relevant and considered the method to be a useful tool for improving the quality of drug prescribing.ConclusionProviding DU90%‐profiles with guideline adherence as feedback was shown to be a valuable tool in general practice for assessing the overall quality in prescribing and to form the basis for more disease‐ or patient‐specific analyses. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Benzodiazepine utilization patterns in Alzheimer's disease patients
Authors: Lagnaoui Rajaa , Moore Nicholas , Moride Yola , Miremont‐Salamé Ghada , Bégaud Bernard 
Published: September 2003

AbstractBackgroundBenzodiazepines (BZD) are commonly prescribed in the elderly. Persons with dementia may be at a greater risk of adverse reactions of BZD such as cognitive impairment.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of BZD use in Alzheimer's disease patients and to examine patient and drug‐characteristics associated with this use.DesignCross‐sectional study.ParticipantsFive thousand community‐dwelling and institutionalized patients initiating a treatment with tacrine for a mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and included in the tacrine‐study (Paco cohort).MeasurementsPatient characteristics and BZD use recorded at the inclusion.Main outcomeUse of BZD during the 3 months prior to inclusion.ResultsThe 3‐month prevalence of ever use of BZD was 20%. After controlling for age and gender, there was a non‐significant inverse association between BZD use and a score of Mini‐Mental Status Evaluation (MMSE) below 24 (OR: 0.88, 95%CI: 0.71–1.09), and significant inverse association with an increased number of chronic conditions (OR: 0.73, 95%CI: 0.58–0.91). Higher use of BZD was associated with higher level of overall drug consumption (OR: 2.3, 95%CI: 1.97–2.80).ConclusionAlzheimer's disease patients are frequently prescribed BZD. A low score of MMSE (< 24) is associated with a decreased use of BZD. These results suggest important differences in BZD use patterns among persons with Alzheimer's disease.. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A case‐control study of acetaminophen use in relation to the risk of first myocardial infarction in men
Authors: Rosenberg Lynn , Rao R. Sowmya , Palmer Julie R. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractPurposeExperimental evidence raises the possibility that acetaminophen use could reduce the risk of myocardial infarction (MI). We assessed the relation of acetaminophen use, and also of aspirin use, to first MI in a case‐control study.MethodsData on analgesic use and other factors were collected in a hospital‐based case‐control study of first MI in men under 55 years of age conducted from 1980 to 1983. We compared 2035 men with first MIs to 2656 control men admitted for conditions unrelated to analgesic use. Odds ratios (ORs) for acetaminophen use relative to nonuse were estimated with logistic regression analysis, controlling for major MI risk factors.ResultsThe OR was 0.9 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.6–1.3) for acetaminophen use at least once a week for at least 3 months, 0.7 (95%CI: 0.4–1.1) for daily use for at least 3 months, and 0.5 (95%CI: 0.2–1.6) for daily use for at least 5 years. In analyses of aspirin use, the OR was 0.9 (95%CI: 0.7–1.2) for use at least once a week for at least 3 moths, 0.9 (95%CI: 0.6–1.2) for daily use lasting at least 3 months, 0.6 (95%CI: 0.4–1.1) for daily use for at least 5 years, and 0.4 (95%CI: 0.2–1.0) for daily use for at least 10 years.ConclusionsWhile our results raise the possibility of a protective effect of long‐term regular acetaminophen use against first MI, they are compatible with no effect. The data suggest a potential protective effect of long‐term regular aspirin use. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A five‐year evaluation of reports of overdose with indinavir sulfate
Authors: Lehman Heidi P. , Benson Joan O. , Beninger Paul R. , Anderson Charles A. , Blumenthal Steven J. , Sharrar Robert G. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractMethodsAnalysis of indinavir overdose reports in Merck & Co., Inc.'s safety database through the first 5 years following US licensure of indinavir. Reports were classified as acute (single high dose in excess of 2400 mg), chronic (multiple extra doses, not exceeding 2400 mg per dose), single extra dose (not exceeding 2400 mg) and dose not reported.ResultsSeventy‐nine reports of indinavir overdose were reviewed (15 acute, 43 chronic, 13 single extra dose and 8 dose not reported). A total of 52/79 (66%) reports were associated with adverse events. For acute overdose reports with adverse events, indinavir doses ranged from 2.8 g to 48 g (median 6 g; mean 13 g); for acute overdose reports without adverse events, indinavir doses ranged from 4 g to 80 g (median 56 g; mean 45 g). Adverse events following acute and chronic exposures were similar; the most commonly reported adverse events included nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and nephrolithiasis. Of the 52 patients with adverse events, 39 recovered, 6 had not recovered at the time of reporting and no information regarding outcome was provided in 7 reports.ConclusionsOverdose with indinavir was associated with adverse events in the majority of reports. These were most commonly gastrointestinal and renal events, and were generally consistent with the known safety profile of indinavir. The majority of patients recovered. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface topography and surface chemistry of radiation‐patterned P(tBuMA)—analysis by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Watson Gregory S , Blach Jolanta A , Nicolau Dan V , Pham Duy K , Wright Jon , Myhra Sverre 
Published: September 2003

AbstractPoly‐(tert‐butyl methacrylate) (P(tBuMA)) thin‐film surfaces were patterned by UV radiation at doses in the range 10–100 mJ cm−2, in order to induce laterally differentiated surface chemistry with µm resolution. The most likely pathway for the radiation chemistry predicts a transition from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity. Outcomes of analysis by atomic force microscopy under air ambient conditions were consistent with that prediction. Topographic and lateral force imaging, in combination with friction loop analysis, revealed shrinkage and increased friction arising from exposure. Force versus distance analysis revealed greater adhesion in hydrophilic regions, due to greater meniscus force acting on the tip. The thickness of adsorbed moisture, increased by a factor of 2.5 from ca 0.8 nm for the unirradiated surface, as a result of greater hydrophilicity induced by radiation. The latter observation shows that the increased friction was due principally to the greater normal force on the tip from an additional meniscus force. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Oligo(ethylene oxide) side‐chain steric screening effects on conductimetric properties of grafted poly(4‐vinylpyridinium) salts in aqueous solutions
Authors: Benmansour K , Mansri A , François J 
Published: September 2003

AbstractA set of poly[N‐oligo(ethylene oxide)yl 4‐vinylpyridinium tosylate] (P4VOEOOTs) has been prepared by spontaneous polymerization of 4‐vinylpyridine. This method gives a grafted polyelectrolyte having a positive charge on every backbone pyridinic moiety. The P4VP15Ts, P4VP164Ts, P4VP350Ts and P4VP750Ts aqueous solution conductivities were determined in the concentration range from 6 × 10−4 to 10−2 M at 25 °C. The variation of the conductivity versus concentration of the investigated system exhibits typical polyelectrolyte behaviour. The polyelectrolyte mobility was found to be dependent on the oligo(ethylene oxide) (OEO) side‐chain length. Manning's rod‐like model fails to describe these results. A simple steric effect is proposed to explain the influence of the OEO length. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Clay‐reinforced epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Ratna D , Manoj N R , Varley R , Singh Raman R K , Simon G P 
Published: September 2003

AbstractEpoxy/clay nanocomposites were prepared using a conventional diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy, cured with diethyltoluene diamine (DETDA). The nanocomposites were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis. A modest increase in glass transition temperature and significant increase in storage modulus were achieved as a result of incorporation of clay. The formation of nanocomposite was confirmed by wide‐angle X‐ray analysis. The higher impact strength of the nanocomposite compared the DGEBA matrix was explained in terms of with the morphology observed by SEM.© 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Control of morphologies and mechanical properties of thermoplastic‐modified epoxy matrices by addition of a second thermoplastic
Authors: Peña G , Eceiza A , Valea A , Remiro P , Oyanguren P , Mondragon I 
Published: September 2003

AbstractTernary mixtures based on stoichiometric mixtures of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) and 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) and two miscible thermoplastics, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and the poly(hydroxy ether of bisphenol‐A) (phenoxy), were investigated by optical microscopy (OM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Mechanical testing was used to study the ultimate behavior. All the modified epoxy mixtures were heterogeneous. DMA has been shown to be an excellent technique for detecting the morphologies generated after curing when the loss modulus is used for analysis. Morphology varied with the thermoplastic content on the mixtures. The addition of a second thermoplastic in small amounts changed the morphological features from particulated to co‐continuous and from that to phase‐inverted morphologies. A significant increase in fracture toughness was observed above all for the mixtures with some level of co‐continuity within the epoxy‐rich matrix. Phase inversion led to poor strength and also fracture toughness. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Dilute solution viscosity properties of high molar mass poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐itaconic acid)
Authors: Devasia Renjith , Reghunadhan Nair CP , Ninan KN 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe intrinsic viscosities [η] and viscosity constants of high molar mass poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐itaconic acid) copolymer in DMF were obtained by the methods of Huggin, Fuoss, Martin and Schulz‐Blaschke. The values of [η] by averaging procedures suggested by Sakai were close to those from Huggins method. There was an abnormal positive deviation from the rectilinearity of the reduced viscosity (ηred) versus concentration (c) plot in all the cases in the dilute regime, which was attributed to the polyelectrolytic effect. This was further confirmed by the analysis by Fuoss method. The deviation from the Huggins dependence is discussed for a good solvent (DMF) alone and in the presence of a non‐solvent, methanol. The deviation cross‐over points c′ and c″ changed with molecular weight, and the concentration range greater than c″ and less than c* was taken for a more reliable determination of intrinsic viscosity. The non‐solvent played a key role in determining the polymer–polymer interactions. The Huggins coefficient increased and the cross‐over points c′ and c″ shifted to higher concentration regime as the mixed solvent became poorer. The inter‐ and intra‐polymer interactions increased in the presence of methanol. In poor solvent, the enhanced intramolecular interactions caused the polymer to shrink in size, causing a reduction in [η] and hydrodynamic volume. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigation on the crystal structure of proteins and their complexes in solution from combined TEM techniques and solubility measurements: the case of endo‐1,3(4)‐β‐glucanase
Authors: Guyot Ferréol V , Hagnerelle X , Gaunand A , Larquet E , Caussette M , Lindet B 
Published: September 2003

AbstractEndo‐1,3(4)‐β‐glucanase was crystallized from a crude extract of protein solution by addition of a salt A+, X−. Optical microscopy showed needle‐shaped polydisperse crystals with a mean size of 10 µm. Using transmission electron microscopy with specific settings allows one to characterize the ordered arrays of a thin protein crystal and to determine the parameters of the crystal lattice. The results suggest that the unit cell of a endo‐1,3(4)‐β‐glucanase crystal may consist in the association of a given number of these proteins. Such oligomers have already been seen for other proteins. The solubility of endo‐1,3(4)‐β‐glucanase in aqueous solution was determined for several X− concentrations using BCA assay (titration of the total protein in solution) and electrophoresis. The new data are in agreement with a new simple model based on equilibrium between the oligomer in solution and neutral and charged X− complexes of the protein in the monomer state. The model provides a new approach to the usual salting‐in/salting‐out description of protein solubility. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
1‐amino‐4,5‐8‐naphthalenetricarboxylic acid‐1,8‐lactam‐4,5‐imide‐containing macrocycles: synthesis, molecular modelling and polymerization
Authors: Ponce Patricia , Fomina Lioudmila , García Patricia , Fomine Serguei 
Published: September 2003

AbstractNovel macrocycles containing 1‐amino‐4,5‐8‐naphthalenetricarboxylic acid‐1,8‐lactam‐4,5‐imide and 1,4,5‐8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic bisimide fragments were synthesized by the high‐temperature pseudo‐high‐dilution acylation of the corresponding diols with isophthaloyl chloride, 4,4′‐ and 2,2′‐dichlorocarbonyl biphenyls with up to 60% yield. An important side‐reaction that impedes cyclization was found to be the reaction of diol OH groups with HCl during the acetylation. The ring strain in synthesized macrocyles and model cycles was estimated using the isodesmic reaction approach at the B3LYP/6–311 + G(d,p)//HF/3–21G level of theory. Lactamimide‐containing macrocycles were found to be more strained than bisimide‐containing macrocycles. The ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of synthesized macrocycles in the molten state shows that the driving force of this process is the strain release on ring‐opening. The ROP of lactamimide‐containing macrocycles was found to be an efficient way to obtain lactamimide‐containing polymers, which are otherwise difficult to synthesize. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Atom transfer radical polymerization of (R)‐2‐methacryloyloxy‐2′‐methoxy‐1,1′‐binaphthalene
Authors: Xue Hong , Xu Yong‐An , Ding Jin‐Ying , Gao Lian‐Xun , Ding Meng‐Xian 
Published: September 2003

AbstractAtom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of (R)‐2‐methacryloyloxy‐2′‐methoxy‐1,1′‐binaphthalene ((R)‐MAMBN) mediated by different amine ligands, copper(I) chloride and ethyl 2‐bromopropionate in different solvents, and reverse ATRP of (R)‐MAMBN were studied. It was shown that optically active polymers were obtained, with poor control of the molecular weights, and low polydispersities. Specific rotation of the polymers increased with increasing molecular weights. By comparison with (R)‐MAMBN, poly((R)‐MAMBN)s exhibits higher specific rotation and a positive Cotton effect. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Monomer reactivity ratios for lauryl methacrylate–isobutyl methacrylate in bulk free radical copolymerization
Authors: Habibi A , Vasheghani‐Farahani E , Semsarzadeh MA , Sadaghiani K 
Published: September 2003

AbstractStatistical copolymers of isobutyl methacrylate and lauryl methacrylate were prepared by free radical bulk copolymerization at 70 °C using 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator. The synthesis of these copolymers was investigated over a wide composition range at low conversion levels. Copolymer compositions were determined from the C, H and O contents obtained by elemental analysis. The monomer reactivity ratios and the 95% individual confidence intervals and 95% joint confidence intervals were calculated by the Fineman–Ross, Ezrielev–Brokhina‐Roskin, Kelen and Tüdös, Extended Kelen and Tüdös methods and a linear iterative method proposed by Mao and Huglin. The estimation process was performed by applying non‐linear techniques based on Marquardt optimization, ordinary least‐squares (OLS) and generalized least‐squares approaches and the results were compared. Monomer reactivity ratios and monomer partition coefficients were also analysed on the basis of the bootstrap models by applying the non‐linear least‐squares approach. Good agreement between experimental and calculated copolymer compositions was obtained. The results show that this copolymerization system is strictly describable by the simple bootstrap terminal model (SBTM) and accurate monomer reactivity ratios can be obtained. The monomer sequence distributions were also calculated using the monomer reactivity ratios obtained from SBTM. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Microwave dielectric relaxation and molecular dynamics in binary mixtures of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)–poly(ethylene glycol)s in non‐polar solvent
Authors: Sengwa RJ 
Published: September 2003

AbstractDielectric relaxation study of binary mixtures of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) (Mw = 40 000 g mol−1) and poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) (Mn = 200, 400 and 600 g mol−1) with concentration variation was carried out in dilute solutions of benzene at 10.1 GHz and 35 °C. The average relaxation time τo, corresponding to segmental motion τ1 and group rotations τ2 was determined for PVP–PEGs mixtures. A comparison of these mixtures relaxation times was made with the relaxation times of PEGs in benzene solvent. The evaluated τo values of PVP–PEGs mixtures in benzene solution are assigned to the reorientation of PEG molecules. It has been observed that the τo value of PVP–PEG200 mixtures increases with increasing concentration of PVP but their values are small in comparison with the τo value of PEG200 molecules. In the case of PVP–PEG400 and PVP–PEG600 mixtures, the evaluated values of τo are greater than the corresponding τo values of PEG400 and PEG600 molecules in benzene solvent. The variation in τo values in these systems has been discussed by considering the stretching effect in the PEGs molecular chains in PVP–PEGs mixtures in benzene solutions. The high value of distribution parameter α (≈0.4 to 0.7) suggests that in these mixtures there is a large contribution of segmental motion and group rotations to the relaxation processes. The nature of the formation of hydrogen‐bonded PVP–PEG complex heterogeneous network due to hydrogen bonding between carbonyl groups of PVP monomer units and terminal hydroxyl groups of PEGs is discussed. Furthermore, the elongation behaviour of PVP–PEG complex networks in benzene solvent and the molecular dynamics in the mixture due to breaking and reforming of hydrogen bonds has been explored by comparing the evaluated relaxation times and the Kirkwood correlation factor of pure PEG molecules for their possible use in drug control release systems. The relaxation times of these mixtures are independent of their viscosity, but the elongation of the mixture network is influenced by the PEG chain length and the number of hydroxyl groups in comparison with the number of carbonyl groups in the mixtures. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and characterization of nanocomposites of silicon dioxide and polyurethane and epoxy resin interpenetrating network
Authors: Zhang Hongwen , Wang Bing , Li Hongtu , Jiang Yan , Wang Jingyuan 
Published: September 2003

AbstractNanocomposites with varying concentrations of nanosized silicon dioxide particles were prepared by adding nanosilica to interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN)s of polyurethane and epoxy resin (PU/EP). The PU/EP IPNs and nanocomposites were studied by dynamic mechanical analysis, scanning electronic microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. The result showed that adding nanosize silicon dioxide can improve the properties of compatibility, damping and phase structure of IPN matrices. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and properties of cationic polyacrylamide containing pyridine quaternary salt
Authors: Gao Baojiao , Lv Yuexian , Jiu Hongfang 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe copolymer P(AM‐co‐4VP) of acrylamide (AM) and 4‐vinylpyridine (4VP) was synthesized by radical copolymerization in solution, and then the copolymer was quaternarized using dimethyl sulfate to produce cationic P(AM‐co‐4VP) (CPAV), a cationic polyacrylamide containing quaternary pyridine salt. Two series of CPAV have been synthesized. The structure and composition of the copolymer and the cationic copolymer were characterized by their FTIR, 1H NMR and ultraviolet spectra Flocculation and corrosion inhibition properties of the cationic copolymer were studied in detail and effects of cationic degree and molecular weight on the flocculation and corrosion inhibition properties were discussed. The results showed that cationic polyacrylamide containing quaternary pyridine salt possesses excellent flocculation, corrosion inhibition and other functions. The higher the degree of cationization, the better are these functions, and the molecular weight also effects the functions significantly. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Studies on high density polyethylene (HDPE) functionalized by ultraviolet irradiation and its application
Authors: Wu Shishan , Zhang Jun , Xu Xi 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe structure and properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE) functionalized by ultraviolet irradiation at different light intensities in air were studied by electron analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, contact angle with water, differential scanning calorimetry and mechanical properties measurement. The results show that oxygen‐containing groups such as CO, C—O and C(O)O were introduced onto the molecular chain of HDPE following irradiation, and the rate and efficiency of HDPE functionalization increased with enhancement of irradiation intensity. After irradiation, the melting temperature, contact angle with water and notched impact strength of HDPE decreased, the degree of crystallinity increased, and their variation amplitude increased with irradiation intensity. Compared with HDPE, the yield strength of HDPE irradiated at lower light intensity (32 W m−2 and 45 W m−2) increases monotonically with irradiation time, and the yield strength of HDPE irradiated at higher light intensity (78 W m−2) increases up to 48 h and then decreased with further increase in irradiation time. The irradiated HDPE behaved as a compatibilizer in HDPE/polycarbonate (PC) blends, and the interface bonding between HDPE and PC was ameliorated. After adding 20 wt% HDPE irradiated at 78 W m−2 irradiation intensity for 24 h to HDPE/PC blends, the tensile yield strength and notched Izod impact strength of the blend were increased from 26.3 MPa and 51 J m−1 to 30.2 MPa and 158 J m−1, respectively. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry