bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preimplantation genetic diagnostic protocols for α‐ and β‐thalassaemias using multiplex fluorescent PCR
Authors: Piyamongkol Wirawit , Harper Joyce C. , Delhanty Joy D. A. , Wells Dagan 
Published: August 2002

AbstractHaemoglobinopathies including α‐ and β‐thalassaemia are the world's most common class of single gene disorder. Prenatal diagnosis (PND) for β‐thalassaemia has been proven to be an effective strategy for controlling the incidence of new cases and is widely used in several countries where the disease is common. Successful preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) protocols for β‐thalassaemia have been introduced using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), single‐stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). However, contamination and allele dropout (ADO) remain an important concern for all of these strategies. In the present study two PGD protocols for detecting β‐thalassaemia mutations (codon 41‐42 and IVSI‐110) and one for α‐thalassaemia (SEA mutation) have been designed and tested. These methods contain failsafe mechanisms to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis due to ADO or contamination and utilise multiplex fluorescent PCR (F‐PCR). Interestingly, amplification efficiency and ADO were significantly affected by the choice of DNA polymerase and the freshness of the single cells used. The close similarity between the DNA sequences of β‐globin and δ‐globin was also found to be an important issue that necessitated careful design of primers for the β‐globin gene. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A negative second trimester triple test and absence of specific ultrasonographic markers may decrease the need for genetic amniocentesis in advanced maternal age by 60%
Authors: Rosen D. J. D. , Kedar I. , Amiel A. , Ben‐Tovim T. , Petel Y. , Kaneti H. , Tohar M. , Fejgin M. D. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractObjectiveA study was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of combining a second trimester triple test and targeted ultrasound in order to detect Down syndrome in women undergoing amniocentesis over 35 years of age.MethodsWomen over 35 years of age underwent a triple test and an ultrasound examination for chromosomal markers immediately prior to genetic amniocentesis.ResultsOne thousand and six women were examined. Four hundred and thirty seven were triple test‐positive and in 195 cases ultrasonographic abnormalities were observed. Thirteen had Down syndrome and eight had other chromosomal abnormalities. All women with Down syndrome babies were triple test‐positive and seven also had ultrasonographic markers. Three of eight women who had babies with chromosomal aberrations other then Down syndrome were also triple test‐positive.ConclusionsThe use of the triple test as a screening tool in our population would reduce the number of amniocenteses by 60%, while no cases of Down syndrome would be missed. Ultrasonographic markers have added little to this population. Three non‐Down syndrome chromosomal abnormalities and two Down syndrome mosaic cases would be missed by this approach. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biochemical screening for Down syndrome in pregnancies following renal transplantation
Authors: Karidas C. N. , Michailidis G. D. , Spencer K. , Economides D. L. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the performance of the double marker test [free β‐human chorionic gonadotrophin (β‐hCG) and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP)] as a screening test for Down syndrome in pregnant patients who had a prior renal transplant.DesignA retrospective study.SettingThe Fetal Medicine Unit, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.MethodsDetailed records of 14 post‐renal transplant pregnancies were obtained from the Renal Unit of our hospital where the patients were followed up. The serum concentrations of urea, creatinine, free β‐hCG and AFP at the time of the double marker test were recorded, with a cut‐off point of 1:250 for the double marker test. A control group of 14 normal pregnancies matched for age, parity and gestational age was used. The Mann‐Whitney U‐test and t‐tests of unequal variance were applied to compare parameters of the study and the control groups.ResultsTwo patients in each group were high risk for Down syndrome and amniocentesis revealed normal karyotype. No babies with Down syndrome were delivered in either group. Regression analysis showed significant correlation between free β‐hCG and urea concentrations (p<0.001) and free β‐hCG and creatinine concentrations (p<0.001), but not for AFP.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that residual renal function alterations persisting after renal transplantation can affect the levels of free β‐hCG and AFP, thus resulting in false‐positive screening for Down syndrome. First trimester nuchal translucency (NT) measurement in combination with second trimester ultrasonographic markers can be used in these patients, or alternatively the free β‐hCG levels should be corrected according to the serum creatinine levels. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systems for evaluation of new drugs in the United Kingdom
Authors: Beard Keith 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe cost of drugs represents 10% of the National Health Service (NHS) budget in the UK and this fraction is increasing. Because the NHS is centrally funded and because there is a budgetary limit, prioritization in health care is required. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence in England and Wales and the Health Technology Board for Scotland have been established with the aim (among others) of ensuring that the NHS secures maximum health gain from available resources by focusing on treatments with clear evidence of cost effectiveness. Reconciling the interests of those responsible for financing the service with the interests of patients and other concerned parties might prove difficult. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacogenetics and pharmacoepidemiology
Authors: Jones Judith K. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThis paper seeks to stimulate consideration of the short‐ and long‐term possibilities raised by research into pharmacogenetics and pharmacoepidemiology, to identify potential tissue databanks linked to population data, and to summarize our ethical responsibilities. Short term, we might identify selected disorders or risk factors, such as for drug‐associated serious events, and might find selected target populations. Long term, we might incorporate genomics techniques into population data and map genetic risk factors for diseases and drug responses. Tissue specimens that might be linked to clinical data lie in certain data resources: clinical trials, ad hoc cohorts, case registries, and cross‐sectional and longitudinal population samples. Specific areas must be addressed in research using human tissue and genetic material, including the ethical threat to privacy. We must avoid misuse of genetic information by breaching confidentiality and putting at risk specific genetically identifiable groups. The National Bioethics Advisory Commission recently addressed the issue of serum and tissue data banks in a published report summarized in this paper. Social, methodologic, and ethical issues relate to any protocol using serum and tissue, and indicate a need for broad educational efforts. We must set guidelines as pharmacogenetics research becomes a dimension of pharmacoepidemiology. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of anti‐asthmatic drugs in children: results of a community‐based survey in Germany
Authors: Beimfohr C. , Maziak W. , von Mutius E. , Hense H. W. , Leupold W. , Hirsch T. , Keil U. , Weiland S. K. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractPurposeTo describe the use of anti‐asthma drugs in children in the general population and in children with asthma using data from two large surveys in Germany.MethodsCommunity‐based random sample of 5–7 and 9–11‐year‐old children in Dresden and Munich were studied in 1995/96 by parental questionnaires using the Phase II protocol of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). A total of 11 094 children participated in the surveys (response rate 83%).ResultsIn all children, inhaled β2‐agonists were used most frequently during the last 12 months (2.6%), followed by inhaled cromolyns (2.5%), oral β2‐agonists (1.5%), and inhaled steroids (0.9%). Drug use was significantly higher among boys than girls and in older children compared to younger ones (P < 0.05 for both). Among children with current asthma, 47% had used inhaled β2‐agonists, 43% inhaled cromolyns, 22% oral β2‐agonists, and 16% inhaled steroids. Inhaled steroids were used significantly more often in Dresden (21.7%) than in Munich (11.2%) (P < 0.05).ConclusionsAmong anti‐asthma drugs, agents used for symptomatic relief were the most frequently reported followed by inhaled anti‐inflammatory agents. Most of the anti‐inflammatory drugs used were SCG, which may indicate under‐treatment with inhaled steroids. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of the Minimum Pricing Policy and introduction of brand (generic) substitution into the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia
Authors: McManus Peter , Birkett Donald J , Dudley John , Stevens Alan 
Published: August 2002

AbstractPurposeTo describe the effects of introducing the Minimum Pricing Policy (MPP) and generic (brand) substitution in 1990 and 1994 respectively on the dispensing of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescriptions both at the aggregate and individual patient level.MethodsThe relative proportion of prescriptions with a brand premium and those at benchmark was examined 4 years after introduction of the MPP and again 5 years later after generic substitution by pharmacists was permitted. To determine the impact of a price signal at the individual level, case studies involving a patient tracking methodology were conducted on two drugs (fluoxetine and ranitidine) that received a brand premium.ResultsFrom a zero base when the MPP was introduced in 1990, there were 5.4 million prescriptions (17%) dispensed for benchmark products 4 years later in 1994. At this stage generic (brand) substitution by pharmacists was then permitted and the market share of benchmark brands increased to 45% (25.2 million) by 1999. In the patient tracking studies, a significantly lower proportion of patients was still taking the premium brand of fluoxetine 3 months after the introduction of a price signal compared with patients taking paroxetine which did not have a generic competitor. This was also the case for the premium brand of ranitidine when compared to famotidine. The size of the price signal also had a marked effect on dispensing behaviour with the drug with the larger premium (fluoxetine) showing a significantly greater switch away from the premium brand to the benchmark product.ConclusionsThe introduction in 1990 of the Minimum Pricing Policy without allowing generic substitution had a relatively small impact on the selection of medicines within the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. However the effect of generic substitution at the pharmacist level, which was introduced in December 1994, resulted in a marked increase in the percentage of eligible PBS items dispensed at benchmark. Case studies showed a larger premium resulted in a greater shift of patients from drugs with a brand premium to the benchmark alternative. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using databases for studying and comparing health care costs and resource use
Authors: Melfi Catherine A. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractData sources such as medical insurance claims are increasingly used in health outcomes research. We present opportunities and limitations associated with the use of such data for conducting studies of health care costs and resource use. We also provide examples on using databases for conducting research when the primary objective is to study costs or resource use. This information is intended to be helpful to experienced health services researchers and to those new to the field of either outcomes research or cost effectiveness research. We examine the reasons for using databases to study costs and resource use, desirable attributes of databases used for this purpose, potential pitfalls, other issues associated with conducting cost and resource use studies with databases, and appropriate methods for this research. Through examples and references, we examine issues to be considered in each of these areas, and make recommendations. Strengths and limitations of databases are indicated. Research using claims data to determine health care cost and resource use should be carried out responsibly. Limitations must be acknowledged for research using databases, and appropriate methods must be used. Still, databases represent a rich opportunity to conduct research in health care costs and resource use, and much can be learned using databases. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parenteral ketorolac and risk of myocardial infarction
Authors: Kimmel Stephen E. , Berlin Jesse A. , Kinman Judith L. , Hennessy Sean , Feldman Harold , Carson Jeffrey L. , Strom Brian L. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractPurposeTo examine the effects of ketorolac, a non‐aspirin non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NANSAID) with anti‐platelet properties, on the risk of in‐hospital myocardial infarction (MI).MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed among hospitalized patients given 10 219 courses of parenteral ketorolac and patients given 10 145 courses of parenteral opioids, without ketorolac, in 35 hospitals. Patients were matched by hospital, admitting service, and date of study drug initiation. Any MI documented in the chart that occurred during the drug course and up to 3 days after the last dose was recorded by trained abstractors.ResultsMI occurred in 18 (0.2%) ketorolac and 45 (0.4%) opioid courses (odds ratio (OR) 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23–0.69). This negative association persisted in multivariable analysis adjusting for age, sex, history of diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular disease, and administration of antiplatelet agents (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.24–0.73). The association also persisted in numerous analyses excluding patients who may have been treated with analgesics for ischemic pain, and when restricting events to those occurring while on the drug (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.17–0.69).ConclusionThese results are consistent with a protective effect of ketorolac against MI. Future research that implements uniform screening for and independent validation of MIs as well as eliminates possible confounding by indication is the next logical step in confirming these findings. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inappropriate prescriptions for the aging population of the United States: an analysis of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 1997
Authors: Huang Boji , Bachmann Kenneth A. , He Xuming , Chen Randi , McAllister Jennifer S. , Wang Tongtong 
Published: August 2002

AbstractPurposeGenerally, elderly patients in the United States tend to consume more prescriptions than younger adults. The purpose of the study is to examine nationwide prescription patterns for elderly patients who visited physicians' offices in 1997.MethodsThe database of a nationwide sample survey of practicing physicians participating in the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 1997 was used. Inappropriate medicines for the elderly were identified using previously published and widely accepted criteria.ResultsDuring 1997, patients aged 65 years or older made more than 191 million visits to physicians' offices in the United States. Four or more prescriptions per visit were issued with the following frequencies: 17.7% for females; 16.4% for males; 17.0% for Whites, 22.7% for Blacks, and 6.1% for other minorities including American Asians, Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts and Pacific Islanders. The frequencies with which at least one inappropriate medication per visit was prescribed were: 10.8% for females; 8.9% for males; 10.3% for Whites; 9.7% for Blacks; and 1.9% for other minorities.DiscussionFour or more prescriptions issued per visit and inappropriate prescriptions for the elderly in the United States were evident, and may put a vulnerable aging population at risk of adverse drug events. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The melt extensibility of polypropylene
Authors: Muke S , Ivanov I , Kao N , Bhattacharya S N 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA Göttfert Rheotens melt strength tester was used to measure the melt strength of several commercially available polypropylene (PP) samples. The melt strengths of the polymer melts investigated were relatively low, in the range 1–10 cN, and were found to be strongly dependent on the extrusion (extrusion flowrate and melt temperature) and drawing (draw distance and draw rate) parameters of the test. A two‐parameter exponential relationship was found between the melt strength of the polymers and the extrusion rate. The melt strength dependence on extrusion rate was defined by a constant parameter, B, which was in the range of 0.003–0.02 and strongly related to the polydispersity of the polymer. An equilibrium melt strength value was found as the extrusion rate tends to zero and was independent of draw distance. Arrhenius temperature dependent flow activation energies determined from the melt strength test were 32–42 kJ mol−1, agreeing with literature values cited for the narrower polydisperse polymers. The relatively low melt strength of conventional linear PPs was enhanced by melt blending with a commercial modifier, EP1, which was a blend of 50 wt% oligocyclopentadiene and 50 wt% PP. Above concentrations of 40 wt% EP1 the melt became phase separated and showed very different behaviour in melt strength. The transient initial stretching and draw ratio at the onset of instability for the Rheotens tensile flow curve were successfully correlated to the melt strength plateau.© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of novel superabsorbing copolymers for agricultural and horticultural applications
Authors: Mohana Raju K , Padmanabha Raju M 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA series of novel superabsorbent copolymers (SAPs) based on monomers acrylamide, calcium acrylate and sodium acrylate have been prepared using ammonium persulfate as initiator and N,N‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide (MBA) as crosslinking agent; the monomer concentration, MBA concentration and initiator concentration were varied. The experimental results show that the SAPs have good absorbency both in water and NaCl solutions. The copolymers were characterized by IR spectroscopy. Water retention in soil is enhanced by use of these superabsorbents. The effect of SAPs on the growth of bean plants is reported. SAPs may be of use as water management materials for agricultural and horticultural purposes in desert and drought‐prone areas.© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Pan‐milling mixing – a novel approach to forming polymer blends and controlling their morphology
Authors: Chen Zhe , Wang Qi 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA novel technique (pan‐milling mixing) was developed to control the morphology and thus enhance the mechanical properties of polypropylene/polyamide 6 (PP/PA6) systems. Through pan‐milling at ambient temperature, PP/PA6 pellets of particle size 2–4 mm can be effectively pulverized to well‐mixed micrometre fine powders in the solid state. During pan‐milling of mixtures of PP and PA6, the polymer molecules undergo chain scission and form copolymers that compatibilize the two polymers in situ. By press moulding the finely mixed PP/PA6 powder obtained at a temperature between the melting points of PA6 and PP (for example 200 °C), a blend can be obtained in which the PA6 powder, retained throughout the process in the solid state, is well dispersed in the PP matrix. The mechanical properties of the system are much better than that of PP/PA6 blends prepared by common twin screw extrusion mixing and injection moulding. Tensile strengths of the fine PA6 particle filled PP/PA6 (70/30) blend is 29.3 MPa, which is 6.1 MPa higher than that of a conventionally prepared PP/PA6 blend. The Izod notched impact strength of a fine PA6 particle‐filled PP/PA6 (70/30) blend is 6.34 kJ m−2, which is 1.72 kJ m−2 higher than that of a conventionally prepared PP/PA6 blend. Morphological analysis shows that the domain size of PA6 in the system is much smaller than that of the PP/PA6 blend, and can be controlled by the processing conditions such as temperature.© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and biological activity of medium range molecular weight polymers containing exo‐3,6‐epoxy‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydrophthalimidocaproic acid
Authors: Lee Neung‐Ju , Kang Nam‐In , Cho Won‐Jei , Kim Seon‐Hee , Kang Kyung‐Tae , Theodorakis Emmanuel A 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA new monomer, exo‐3,6‐epoxy‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydrophthalimidocaproic acid (ETCA), was prepared by reaction of maleimidocaproic acid and furan. The homopolymer of ETCA and its copolymers with acrylic acid (AA) or with vinyl acetate (VAc) were obtained by photopolymerizations using 2,2‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenylacetophenone as an initiator at 25 °C. The synthesized ETCA and its polymers were identified by FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopies. The apparent average molecular weights and polydispersity indices determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) were as follows: Mn = 9600 g mol−1, Mw = 9800 g mol−1, Mw/Mn = 1.1 for poly(ETCA); Mn = 14 300 g mol−1, Mw = 16 200 g mol−1, Mw/Mn = 1.2 for poly(ETCA‐co‐AA); Mn = 17 900 g mol−1, Mw = 18 300 g mol−1, Mw/Mn = 1.1 for poly(ETCA‐co‐VAc). The in vitro cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds against mouse mammary carcinoma and human histiocytic lymphoma cancer cell lines decreased in the following order: 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) ≥ ETCA > polymers. The in vivo antitumour activity of the polymers against Balb/C mice bearing sarcoma 180 tumour cells was greater than that of 5‐FU at all doses tested.© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Testing of fluorescent DC lamps for Solar Home Systems
Authors: Narvarte Luis , Muñoz Javier , Lorenzo Eduardo 
Published: August 2002

AbstractWith the advent of the Universal Technical Standard for Solar Home Systems, procedures to test the compliance of SHS fluorescent lamps with the standard have been developed. Definition of the laboratory testing procedures is a necessary step in any lamp quality assurance procedure. Particular attention has been paid to test simplicity and to affordability, in order to facilitate local application of the testing procedures, for example by the organisations which carry out electrification programmes. The set of test procedures has been applied to a representative collection of 42 lamps from many different countries, directly acquired in the current photovoltaic rural electrification market. Tests apply to: lamp resistance under normal operating conditions; lamp reliability under extreme conditions; under abnormal conditions; and lamp luminosity. Results are discussed and some recommendations for updating the relevant standard are given. The selected technical standard, together with the proposed testing procedures, form the basis of a complete quality assurance tool that can be applied locally in normal electrical laboratories. Full testing of a lamp requires less than one month, which is very reasonable on the context of quality assurance programmes. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.