bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical screening for chromosomal disorders and neural tube defects (NTD): is adjustment of maternal alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) still appropriate in insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)?
Authors: Sancken Ulrich , Bartels Iris 
Published: August 2002

AbstractMaternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) has been reported to be decreased in insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The objective of the present study was to reinvestigate this finding in detail. Maternal serum levels of AFP, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and unconjugated estriol (uE3) in 114 diabetic women, of whom 84 had IDDM, were compared to those of 19,251 control pregnancies in the second trimester (15th to 20th gestational weeks). The mean body weight at the date of sampling was 73.7 kg in all diabetic women, 72.7 kg in women with IDDM and 68.3 kg in non‐diabetic women, respectively. Body weights were significantly (p<0.001) elevated in all diabetic pregnancies. Using weight‐adjusted MoM (multiple of the median) values no statistical difference of serum levels in diabetic and non‐diabetic pregnant women was found. Median MoM levels were 1.01 (hCG), 1.01 (uE3), 1.06 (AFP) in all diabetic women, and 0.95 (hCG), 0.96 (uE3), 0.96 (AFP) in women with IDDM, respectively. Ignoring adjustment for maternal weight leads to a reduction of all serum parameters in diabetic pregnancies. However, median MoM values of all three analytes are not statistically different when compared to non‐diabetic pregnancies. This finding is contrary to the results of former studies from the 1970s and 1980s. It is concluded that progress in insulin adjustment and blood glucose surveillance of diabetic patients on the whole has balanced out serum levels. Therefore adjustment of serum AFP values for diabetic status no longer seems reasonable. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Musculoskeletal disease in diabetes
Authors: Browne Duncan L. , McCrae Fiona C. , Shaw Ken M. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe musculoskeletal complications of diabetes are frequently neglected in the clinical consultation. Hyperglycaemia, insulin levels and genetic variations have been implicated in the pathogenesis of skeletal abnormalities seen with diabetes. Several musculoskeletal conditions are seen almost exclusively with diabetes whilst others are seen more frequently. Links between the musculoskeletal and microvascular complications of diabetes have been suggested. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comprehensive patient‐held record for diabetes. Part one: initial development of the Diabetes Databank
Authors: Bridgford Anna , Davis Timothy M. E. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractTo develop a comprehensive patient‐held diabetes record, a prototype ‘databank’ was designed by a multi‐disciplinary group, issued to 115 patients from a community‐based multi‐ethnic sample (the Fremantle Diabetes Study), and evaluated after 6 months (Phase 1). The prototype was pocket‐sized with color‐coded, loose‐leaf sections covering diabetes and other conditions. Of 92 patients contactable at the end of Phase 1 (80% of the original sample), 84% supported the databank concept, 52% thought it aided diabetes control, and 39% felt it directly benefited management. Although blood glucose testing and recording increased (P<0.01), mean HbA1c levels were similar before and after Phase 1. Approximately 50% of Phase 1 patients took the databank to appointments. Information was recorded at two‐thirds of these visits. Forgetfulness was the major reason for non‐use. A comprehensive patient‐held record was supported by most patients and their feedback was used to produce a modified version for larger scale assessment by patients and health care workers in Phase 2. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The dietetic treatment of obesity
Authors: Beattie Alison H. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractObesity has a direct, proportional link to morbidity and mortality, and despite the proven medical benefits of weight loss treatment failure rates are high. Historical approaches to weight management within the health service have focused solely on dietary issues. It is now widely accepted that dietary advice given in isolation is ineffective in inducing and sustaining significant weight loss. Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disease and any successful weight management programme should provide tailored dietary advice and facilitate permanent behavioural and lifestyle change. In addition, realistic goals (10% body weight loss) should be recommended. Exercise and physical activity suggested should be geared to individual capabilities. This article addresses how dietitians are treating obesity and what factors other than traditional diet sheets are essential components of a weight management programme. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Databases for outcomes research: what has 10 years of experience taught us?
Authors: Bosco Lynn 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThis paper describes how the mission of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is being executed through the many programs that it has developed and implemented. The Evidence‐based Practice Center program was developed to provide systematic reviews on common and expensive conditions and health technologies and to ensure that this information is used to improve health care outcomes and costs. The National Guidelines Clearinghouse provides an internet‐based source of clinical practice guidelines that are produced by clinical specialty organizations for the primary purpose of improving health care delivery and outcomes. Relevant to this symposium on databases, AHRQ has supported the development of databases to track hospital utilization on a state‐by‐state basis. The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) allows comparisons between states and within regions of individual states. New initiatives have been launched to evaluate interventions across systems rather than focusing on the individual patient (Translating Research into Practice—TRIP). The Centers for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERTs) program was developed to conduct real world evaluations to better understand the benefits and risks of single and combined therapy. Both programs further the mission of the AHRQ to improve the outcomes and quality of health care, with additional focus on the cost‐effectiveness, patient safety, and increasing access to care for all. Information on programs developed by the AHRQ is available in more detail at the Agency Web site http://www.ahrq.gov. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Miscible blends of styrene–cinnamic acid copolymers with poly(ethyl methacrylate)
Authors: Bouslah Naima , Amrani Farouk 
Published: August 2002

AbstractDifferential scanning calorimetry and inverse gas chromatography have been used to investigate the miscibility behaviour of blends of poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) with styrene–cinnamic acid statistical copolymers PSCA5, PSCA8, PSCA23 having compositions of, respectively, 5, 8 and 23 mol% of cinnamic acid. Several probes with different chemical nature and polarity have been used to determine the polymer–solute and polymer–polymer interaction parameters. DSC and CPGI measurements indicate that poly(ethyl methacrylate) is miscible with each poly[(styrene)‐co‐(cinnamic acid)] copolymer as established from the observation of a single composition‐dependent glass transition temperature. This deduction is corroborated by the IGC data; comparison of the experimental retention volume of the blend with the algebraic average retention volumes of the pure components, together with negative values of the apparent polymer–polymer interaction parameter, establish the miscibility of the studied systems. Furthermore, the polymer–polymer interaction parameters are found to show marked probe dependence; this is discussed in terms of the Δχ effect. As indicated by the variation of the glass transition temperature with blend composition, the application of the Kwei and the Schneider approaches to the calorimetric results suggests the occurrence of strong specific interactions within the blends; the strength of these intermolecular interactions increases with the cinnamic acid content in the PSCA copolymer.© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Catalytic properties of novel cyclodextrin dimers in the hydrolytic cleavage of p‐nitrophenyl alkanoates
Authors: Luo Mei‐Ming , Xie Ru‐Gang , Xia Ping‐Fang , Tao Ling , Yuan De‐Qi , Zhao Hua‐Ming 
Published: August 2002

AbstractNovel cyclodextrin (CD) dimers (3a–c) linked by multidentate ligands were prepared by reacting 6‐deoxy‐6‐(hydroxyethylamino)‐β‐CD (2) with p‐ and m‐bis(bromomethyl)benzene and 2,6‐bis(bromomethyl)pyridine, respectively. The catalytic properties of 2, 3b and 3c in the hydrolytic cleavage of p‐nitrophenyl alkanoates, namely acetate (PNPA), butanoate (PNPB), hexanoate (PNPH) and octanoate (PNPO), were examined. CD dimers 3b and 3c showed modest rate enhancements around neutrality. Although the catalytic rate constants (kc) in the presence of 3b or 3c did not vary significantly with the chain length of the esters, the Michaelis constants, KM, for ‘long‐chain’ esters (PNPH and PNPO) were much smaller than those for ‘short‐chain’ esters (PHPA and PNPB), and consequently the selectivity factors (kc/KM) for ‘long‐chain’ esters were much larger than those for ‘short chain’ esters, indicating that the CD dimers had good dimensional recognition ability and substrate selectivity in the hydrolytic cleavage of p‐nitrophenyl alkanoates. Addition of Cu2+ to the reaction media did not have much impact on KM, but led to an appreciable increase in kc, and therefore increases in kc/ku and kc/KM. The monomeric CD compound 2 showed essentially no selectivity in the hydrolysis of these esters. Kinetic consequences are briefly interpreted. Copyright ­© 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemistry and technology of 2‐alkenyl azlactones
Authors: Heilmann Steven M. , Rasmussen Jerald K. , Krepski Larry R. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe chronology of 2‐alkenyl azlactone research at 3M is discussed in terms of its origination; consideration of economics, overall safety, and opportunities for patent protection; elaboration of the chemistry; and, finally, applying lessons learned toward the development of commercial technologies. The chemistry is dominated by the presence of three electrophilic reaction centers and a readily polymerizable 2‐alkenyl group. Technological development has been focused in four general areas: acrylamide monomers, acrylamide materials, azlactone materials, and polymer modification. Application areas disinclude lithographic printing plates, contact lens materials, adhesives, dispersants for printing inks, and supports for immobilizing enzymes. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 39: 3655–3677, 2001
Thermotropic liquid‐crystalline polyesters of 4,4′‐biphenol and phenyl‐substituted 4,4′‐biphenols with 4,4′‐oxybisbenzoic acid
Authors: Bhowmik Pradip K. , Han Haesook , Cebe James J. , Burchett Ronald A. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA series of thermotropic polyesters, derived from 4,4′‐biphenol (BP), 3‐phenyl‐4,4′‐biphenol (MPBP), and 3,3′‐bis(phenyl)‐4,4′‐biphenol (DPBP), 4,4′‐oxybisbenzoic acid (4,4′‐OBBA), and other aromatic dicarboxylic acids as comonomers, were prepared by melt polycondensation and were characterized for their thermotropic liquid‐crystalline (LC) properties with a variety of experimental techniques. The homopolymer of BP with 4,4′‐OBBA and its copolymers with either 50 mol % terephthalic acid or 2,6‐naphthalenedicarboxylic acid had relatively high values of the crystal‐to‐nematic transition (448–460 °C), above which each of them formed a nematic LC phase. In contrast, the homopolymers of MPBP and DPBP had low fusion temperatures and low isotropization temperatures and formed nematic melts above the fusion temperatures. Each of these two polymers also exhibited two glass‐transition temperatures, which were associated with vitrified noncrystalline (amorphous) regions and vitrified LC domains, as obtained directly from melt polycondensation. As expected, they had higher glass‐transition temperatures (176–211 °C) than other LC polyesters and had excellent thermal stability (516–567 °C). The fluorescence properties of the homopolymer of DPBP with 4,4′‐OBBA, which was soluble in common organic solvents such as chloroform and tetrahydrofuran, were also included in this study. For example, it had an absorption spectrum (λmax = 259 and 292 nm), an excitation spectrum (λex = 258 and 292 nm with monitoring at 350 nm), and an emission spectrum (λem = 378 nm with excitation at 330 nm) in chloroform. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 141–155, 2002
Controlling molecular mobility and ductile–brittle transitions of polycarbonate copolymers
Authors: Wu Jinhuang , Xiao Chaodong , Yee Albert F. , Klug Christopher A. , Schaefer Jacob 
Published: August 2002

AbstractTo control molecular mobility and study its effects on mechanical properties, we synthesized two series of poly(ester carbonate) and polycarbonate copolymers with different linkages: (Bxt)n (x = 3, 5, 7, 9) and (BxT)n (x = 1, 3, 5, 7, 9), where t represents the terephthalate, T represents the tetramethyl bisphenol A carbonate linkages, and B is the conventional bisphenol‐A (BPA) carbonate. These two series of materials have distinct differences in their relaxation behaviors and chain mobility, as indicated by the π‐flip motion of the phenylene rings in the Bx blocks. Uniaxial tensile tests of the copolymers indicate that the brittle–ductile transition (BDT) temperatures of the copolymers are correlated to whether the γ‐relaxation peaks due to the Bx sequence is fully established. The materials possessing more fully established low‐temperature γ peaks give rise to a lower BDT. Also, the locations of the γ peaks are correlated to the ring flips of the Bx blocks of polymer chains. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 1730–1740, 2001
Miscibility of polycarbonates with copolymers containing cyclohexylmethacrylate
Authors: Park D. S. , Kim J. H. , Kim M. J. , Kim C. K. , Lee J. W. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractWe prepared various copolymers containing styrene and methacrylates to examine their miscibility with polycarbonates such as bisphenol A polycarbonate (PC), dimethylpolycarbonate (DMPC), and tetramethylpolycarbonate (TMPC). Among the various copolymers examined, poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐cyclohexylmethacrylate) [P(MMA–CHMA)] copolymers containing proper amounts of cyclohexylmethacrylate (CHMA) formed miscible blends with PC and DMPC, whereas TMPC did not form a miscible blend with P(MMA–CHMA). However, TMPC was miscible with poly(styrene‐co‐cyclohexylmethacrylate) [P(S–CHMA)] copolymers containing less than about 40 wt % CHMA, whereas PC and DMPC were always immiscible with P(S–CHMA). Miscible blends exhibited lower critical solution temperature (LCST)‐type phase behavior. Binary interaction energies were calculated from the observed phase boundaries with lattice–fluid theory combined with a binary interaction model. The quantitative interaction energy of each binary pair indicated that the phenyl ring substitution of polycarbonate with methyl groups did not lead to interactions that were favorable for miscibility with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and CHMA, but it did lead to favorable interactions with styrene. The addition of CHMA to MMA initially increased the LCST but ultimately led to immiscibility with PC and DMPC; however, addition of CHMA to styrene always decreased the LCST with TMPC. The increased LCST of PC or DMPC blends stemmed from intramolecular repulsion between MMA and CHMA, whereas the decreased LCST of TMPC/P(S–CHMA) blends with CHMA content came from negative interaction energy between styrene and CHMA. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 1948–1955, 2001
Confocal microscopy studies of shear‐induced coalescence in blends of poly(butyl methacrylate) and poly(2‐ethylhexyl methacrylate)
Authors: Vorobyova Olga , Winnik Mitchell A. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThis article reports the results of confocal fluorescence microscopy studies of shear‐induced coalescence in binary blends of poly(2‐ethylhexyl methacrylate) (PEHMA; 90 wt %) and poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA; 10 wt %). We prepared the blends by casting a mixture of latex dispersions of the components onto a substrate and allowing the film to dry under ambient conditions. The initial morphology of the film was a dispersion of 120‐nm PBMA spheres in a continuous PEHMA matrix. One‐fifth of the PBMA particles were labeled with anthracene, the emission of which we observed with confocal microscopy. The blends were sheared in a parallel‐plate rheometer at 80 and 100 °C for 1 and 10 h. Careful image analysis allowed us to estimate the mean size of the dispersed phase and the width of the size distribution. The results were compared with the theoretical limits of Wu and Taylor. After 10 h of shearing, the mean particle size decreased and the particle distribution became narrower in comparison with the results obtained after 1 h of shearing. We explain this result by inferring that before the sample reached steady‐state morphology, its rate of coalescence was greater than the rate of particle breakup. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 2317–2332, 2001
Phase‐separated, conducting composites from polyaniline and benzobisthiazole rigid‐rod polymer
Authors: Tan Loon‐Seng , Simko Sharon R. , Bai Shih Jung , Vaia Richard A. , Taylor Barney E. , Houtz Marlene D. , Alexander Max D. , Spry Robert J. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractAs an alternative method for processing polyaniline (PANI) from its conducting (protonated) state, vacuum casting of PANI from a methanesulfonic acid (MSA) solution provided films with electrical conductivity values of about 130–150 S/cm. In addition, we similarly prepared blended films of PANI · MSA and poly(p‐phenylene benzobisthiazole) (PBZT). This process eliminated the need for a subsequent protonation step and had the additional advantage that the conjugated PBZT may provide alternative conducting pathways. Conductivity values of the composite films ranged from 100 pS/cm to 124 S/cm, and the films displayed critical concentration behavior with a PANI threshold concentration of 2.75% and a critical exponent of 4. Transmission electron micrographs displayed phase‐separated regions with PANI forming a continuous network at high concentrations. Thermogravimetric analysis results demonstrated the thermal and thermooxidative stability advantage of the blends due to the PBZT component. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 2539–2548, 2001
Prospective longitudinal study of urinary eosinophil protein X in children with asthma and chronic cough
Authors: Labbé André , Aublet‐Cuvelier Bruno , Jouaville Lionel , Beaugeon G. , Fiani Lilia , Petit Isabelle , Ouchchane Lemlih , Doly M. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractAirway inflammation is the principal abnormality in asthma and many other respiratory diseases. Eosinophils are the cells primarily involved in this process. The aim of this study was to analyze sequential changes in urinary eosinophil protein X (EPX) a biological marker of eosinophil activation in asthmatic children and chronic coughers, and to confirm the importance of such changes in evaluating the inflammatory process once regular treatment was initiated.Eighty‐eight asthmatic children (AC), 33 children with chronic cough (CC), and 34 control children were included in the study. All those with respiratory disease underwent allergy tests (serum total IgE, serum‐specific IgE for common allergens, peripheral blood eosinophil (PBE), and skin prick tests) and a pulmonary function test (PFT), and had chest X‐ray and serum eosinophil cationic protein (s‐ECP) and urinary EPX assays. All subjects attended the outpatient clinic every 3 months, irrespective of the treatment prescribed following inclusion in this investigation.At baseline, urinary EPX concentrations were higher in children with asthma and those with chronic cough than in controls (mean 171.1 and 131.3, respectively, vs. 60.2 μg/mmol creatinine, P < 0.001). CC children had lower eosinophil counts (0.25 vs. 0.39×109/L, P < 0.02) than those with asthma. There was no significant difference between the AC and CC groups in urinary EPX and s‐ECP levels. s‐ECP concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in atopic vs. nonatopic patients (44 vs. 29.9 ng/mL), but no significant difference was observed for urinary EPX. Concentrations of urinary EPX were significantly correlated with s‐ECP levels (r = 0.24, P < 0.025) and with PBE (r = 0.38, P < 0.01). No correlation was found between urinary EPX values and PFT results. In AC receiving inhaled steroids after the start of the study, there was a significant reduction after 3 months in urinary EPX (−54, P < 0.02). In contrast, there was no significant change in PBE levels.Urinary EPX concentrations are sensitive, noninvasive technique that could be useful to the clinician in the evaluation of manifestations of airway inflammation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2001; 31:354–362. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cystic fibrosis in three children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Holmgren N.L. , Faro Albert , Gondor M.I. , Orenstein D.M. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractCystic fibrosis (CF) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are two common causes of chronic lung disease in children. Patients with BPD or CF often have recurrent respiratory symptoms, failure to thrive, and/or metabolic alkalosis during infancy and childhood. Thus, recognizing the diagnosis of CF in an infant with BPD can be difficult. We present three infants with both BPD and CF. The infants shared a history of respiratory distress and prolonged oxygen requirements. All three also had difficulty gaining weight, even after pancreatic enzyme supplementation was instituted. Metabolic alkalosis was observed in two infants. Previous studies in children with CF suggest that early diagnosis may impact both lung health and nutritional status. A high index of suspicion is necessary for clinicians to identify these children early and intervene with appropriate therapy. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2001; 31:474–477. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.