bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Graft copolymerization ofN‐vinyl‐pyrrolidone and acrylamide on cellulose derivatives: synthesis, characterization and study of their biological effect
Authors: Flefel Eman M. , Ibrahim Maha M. , El‐Zawawy Waleed K. , Ali Amal M. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractGraft copolymers of carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose with N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and acrylamide have been synthesized by grafting copolymer of N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and acrylamide onto a mixture of carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose by a solution polymerization technique using a redox initiation system. The graft copolymers were characterized by 13C‐NMR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. These graft copolymers have been tested for their biodegradability and biological activity. None of the graft copolymer solutions shows any microbial degradation up to 10 days. The reported results are evidence of the possibility of anti‐fungi effect. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photo‐alignment material with azobenzene‐functionalized polymer linked in film
Authors: Watanabe Hirohmi , Miyagawa Nobukazu , Takahara Shigeru , Yamaoka Tsuguo 
Published: September 2002

AbstractApplication of a new azo‐polymer as a photo‐alignment material for liquid crystals (LCs) was demonstrated. 4‐(Vinyloxyethyloxy)azobenzene (VAZO), which has thermally reactive vinyl ether groups, reacted with the OH groups of poly(4‐hydroxystyrene) (PHS) during the baking process. The azo‐attached polymer (PHS‐VAZO) film showed anisotropic spectra after exposure to 365‐nm linear polarized light (LPL) unlike the VAZO‐doped poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) film. The anisotropy of the film was small at high concentration of the azo‐chromophore because of thermal randomization of the polarized state. In the evaluation of photo‐alignment of the LC, the LC hybrid cell using the PHS‐VAZO film achieved high LC alignment. The azo‐attached polymer using the thermal reaction of vinyl ethers is useful for a photo‐alignment material. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid method for determining malondialdehyde as secondary oxidation product in palm olein system by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Mirghani M. E. S. , Man Y. B. Che , Jinap S. , Baharin B. S. , Bakar J. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractA simple and rapid Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic method has been developed for the quantitative determination of malondialdehyde as secondary oxidation product in a palm olein system. The FTIR method was based on a sodium chloride transmission cell and utilised a partial least square statistical approach to derive a calibration model. The frequency region combinations that gave good calibration were 2900–2800, and 1800–1600 cm−1. The precision and accuracy, in the range 0–60 µmol malondialdehyde/kg oil, were comparable to those of the modified distillation method with a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.9891 and standard error of calibration of 1.49. The calibration was cross‐validated and produced an r2 of 0.9786 and standard error of prediction of 2.136. The results showed that the FTIR method is versatile, efficient and accurate, and suitable for routine quality control analysis with the result obtainable in about 2 min from a sample of less than 2 mL. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early second trimester prenatal diagnosis of Neu‐Laxova syndrome
Authors: Driggers R. W. , Isbister S. , McShane C. , Stone K. , Blakemore K. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractNeu‐Laxova is a rare, uniformly lethal, autosomal recessive condition with characteristic limb posturing, facial dysmorphic features, and central nervous system abnormalities. Forty‐two cases of Neu‐Laxova syndrome have been reported, with only four of these diagnosed prenatally. Three of the four cases were diagnosed at or after 32 weeks' gestation. The fourth case was diagnosed at 22 weeks' gestation in a patient who was followed with serial ultrasound studies due to having a prior affected child. At 19 weeks' gestation, we present the earliest reported prenatal diagnosis of Neu‐Laxova syndrome in a primigravida with a non‐informative family history. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of a lethal form of Netherton syndrome by SPINK5 mutation analysis
Authors: Bitoun E. , Bodemer C. , Amiel J. , de Prost Y. , Stoll C. , Calvas P. , Hovnanian A. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractNetherton syndrome (NS) is a severe autosomal recessive ichthyosis with no specific treatment or prenatal diagnosis available at present. The recent identification of SPINK5, which encodes a serine protease inhibitor, as the defective gene enables DNA‐based prenatal diagnosis to be carried out. Here we report the first direct molecular prenatal diagnosis of a lethal form due to a recurrent SPINK5 mutation in three consanguineous Turkish families. XmnI restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing demonstrated that each deceased affected child was homozygous for mutation 153delT inherited from each parent. Analysis of fetal DNA from amniotic fluid cells in Family 1 and from a chorionic villus sampling in Family 3 showed that the fetus was heterozygous for 153delT in both cases. The pregnancies were carried to term and the newborns were unaffected. In Family 2, fetal DNA analysis from chorionic villus biopsy showed in a first pregnancy that the fetus was homozygous for 153delT. The pregnancy was terminated at 13 weeks and DNA analysis of fetal keratinocytes confirmed the prenatal prediction. In a second pregnancy in Family 2, fetal DNA analysis showed heterozygosity for 153delT, and the pregnancy was continued. Direct SPINK5 mutation analysis in families at risk for NS represents the first early, rapid and reliable method for prenatal diagnosis of this life‐threatening form of ichthyosis. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Usefulness of automated chromatography for rapid fetal blood analysis for second trimester prenatal diagnosis of β‐thalassemia
Authors: Wadia Mahrukh R. , Phanasgaokar Supriya P. , Nadkarni Anita H. , Surve Reema R. , Gorakshakar Ajit C. , B. Colah Roshan , Mohanty Dipika 
Published: September 2002

AbstractPrenatal diagnosis of β‐thalassemia is now ideally done in the first trimester of pregnancy by chorionic villus tissue DNA analysis. Nevertheless, fetal blood analysis in the second trimester is required either when the mutation in both parents cannot be characterised or when the couple comes late for investigations. We evaluated the usefulness of analysis of fetal blood on the Biorad Variant Hemoglobin Testing System using the β‐thalassemia short programme in comparison with the conventional globin biosynthesis in 58 pregnancies. The β/α biosynthesis ratios in 13 homozygous fetuses ranged from 0 to 0.03 and the adult hemoglobin (HbA) levels by automated chromatography varied from 0% to 0.4%. The normal or heterozygous fetuses had β/α ratios of >0.04 and HbA levels ranging from 2.1% to 10.6%. In 17 fetuses we also correlated the β gene mutations with the predicted genotypes using automated high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Follow‐up of 18 unaffected fetuses using the Variant System at birth showed a significant increase in HbA levels. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal, neonatal cord, and maternal plasma concentrations of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)
Authors: Walther Thomas , Faber Renaldo , Maul Björn , Schultheiss Heinz‐Peter , Siems Wolf‐E. , Stepan Holger 
Published: September 2002

AbstractObjectivesAngiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE), a component of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), catalyses the degradation of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. It was the aim of the present study to measure ACE activity in human fetal blood and to determine its changes with advancing gestational age.MethodsFetal blood was sampled by cordocentesis from six control fetuses and six fetuses with Rh isoimmunisation. Cord blood was sampled from six preterm neonates, 15 neonates after spontaneous delivery at term and six neonates at term after caesarean section. In addition, maternal ACE values were determined. ACE activity was measured using the miniaturised fluorimetric method.ResultsIn normal fetuses (13.31±1.41 nmol HL/min/ml) and fetuses with Rh isoimmunisation (13.08±2.00 nmol HL/min/ml) ACE activity was significantly higher than in corresponding maternal plasma (10.39±0.93 nmol HL/min/ml, p<0.05). Neonatal cord blood of preterm newborns (10.43±0.69 nmol HL/min/ml) and term newborns (8.99±0.49 nmol HL/min/ml) showed a significantly decreased ACE activity compared to the fetal controls.ConclusionWe conclude that the high fetal ACE activity and the stringent regulation with advancing gestational age indicate the physiological importance of the enzyme during prenatal development. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of ventricular aneurysm: a report of two cases and a review
Authors: Pipitone Salvatore , Sperandeo Velio , Mongiovi Maurizio , Roberto Grillo , Centineo Giuseppe 
Published: September 2002

AbstractVentricular aneurysms have rarely been reported prenatally. Their prognosis is variable depending on factors such as early detection, their relative size in comparison to the ventricular cavity, growth on follow‐up, and signs of cardiac failure. In view of the fact that it may be useful to report on additional cases in order to make available further information on aetiology, prognosis and neonatal management, we hereby report on two cases of ventricular aneurysm with good mid‐term prognosis. One case of apical aneurysm of the left ventricle was associated with a muscular ventricular septal defect, the features of which are compatible with a fetal myocardial infarction and ventricular septal rupture in absence of coronary artery anomalies as demonstrated by catheterisation. Another case of sub‐tricuspidal aneurysm of the right ventricle associated with mitral prolapse appears to be a component of diffuse connective dysplasia. Despite the early gestational age at diagnosis, the large size of the aneurysm and the associated defect, both the infants were asymptomatic in infancy prompting a conservative management. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Womens' preference in Down syndrome screening
Authors: de Graaf Irene M. , Tijmstra Tjeerd , Bleker Otto P. , van Lith Jan M. M. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the knowledge of pregnant women about prenatal tests, and what tests they would choose if offered. Also, the preference of pregnant women for second‐trimester or first‐trimester screening was assessed.Patients and methodsPregnant women receiving antenatal care in a decentralized primary care system (n=80), and pregnant women that were offered a prenatal diagnosis at the Academic Medical Centre (n=195), were asked to complete a questionnaire.ResultsThe response rate was over 80%. Most women in both groups preferred a screening test for Down syndrome to be performed in the first trimester of pregnancy. A combination of nuchal translucency measurement and first‐trimester serum screening was the option of choice. The screening possibilities for Down syndrome were less well known to the women in the low‐risk group compared with the women in the high‐risk group. The offer of a prenatal screening test would have been declined by more than 30% of women at low risk for carrying a fetus with Down syndrome.ConclusionsOur results show that women prefer screening for Down syndrome to be performed in the first trimester of pregnancy, using both serum and ultrasound tests. In women at low risk for Down syndrome the knowledge of prenatal screening methods was less, as well as the acceptance of prenatal screening being lower. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of ethnic origin on nuchal translucency at 10–14 weeks of gestation
Authors: Chen Min , Hang Lam Yung , Hoi Yin Tang Mary , Peng Lee Chin , Yuen Sin Sai , Tang Rebecca , Soo Wong Hong , Fun Wong Sai 
Published: September 2002

AbstractIntroductionFetal nuchal translucency (NT) increases with gestation and is affected by fetal posture and fetal gender. A recent report suggested that there might also be ethnic differences. We investigated the effect of ethnic origin on NT in an Asian population.MethodsNT was measured at 10–14 weeks. The measurements were converted into multiples of the median (MoM) for gestational day. The risk of Down syndrome was calculated by combining NT and maternal age. Cases affected by chromosomal and major structural abnormalities were excluded. NT measurements of different ethnic groups were compared.ResultsBetween January 1997 and October 2001, 16 981 pregnancies with known ethnic origin and normal fetal outcome were analysed. Median NT MoM (95% CI) of the Filipinos was 1.07 (1.04–1.11). This was significantly higher than that of the Chinese, 1.01 (1.01–1.02); other Asians (Indians, Pakistanis and Nepalese), 0.96 (0.94–0.99), and Caucasians, 0.98 (0.93–1.06) (p<0.05, respectively; Mann–Whitney U‐test). An NT risk cut‐off of 1:180 would classify 5% of the Chinese, 4.6% of the Caucasians, 5.6% of the Filipinos and 4.2% of the other Asians as screen‐positive. There were no statistically significant differences between these screen‐positive rates (p>0.05, Chi‐square test).ConclusionAlthough there were statistically significant differences in NT measurements between different ethnic groups, it was clinically insignificant, as reflected by similar screen‐positive rates. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In utero sonographic diagnosis of a communicating enteric duplication cyst in a giant omphalocele
Authors: Tseng Jenn‐Jhy , Chou Min‐Min , Shih‐Chu Ho Esther 
Published: September 2002

AbstractEnteric duplications are rare lesions, and relatively few cases have been diagnosed prenatally. We present, to our knowledge, the first case of an associated communicating ileal duplication cyst in a huge omphalocele diagnosed prenatally. The prenatal ultrasound findings revealed four features of the cystic lesion including peristaltic movements of the cystic wall, communication between the cyst and normal bowel lumen, intra‐cystic echogenic contents, and echogenic mesenteric tissue (fat) close to the cyst. These distinct characteristics helped us to make a firm in utero diagnosis. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolated mild fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly: a retrospective analysis of 26 cases
Authors: Mercier A. , Eurin D. , Mercier P. Y. , Verspyck E. , Marpeau L. , Marret S. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractWe retrospectively studied 26 fetuses with isolated mild cerebral ventriculomegaly diagnosed between 1992 and 1998 and defined by a lateral ventricular atrial diameter of 10–15 mm without any other cerebral anomaly. Our objectives were to determine maternal risk factors, to evaluate complementary investigations, to assess developmental prognosis and to propose possible management. During pregnancy 10/26 patients had regressive ventriculomegalies, ten remained borderline at birth and six were confirmed postnatally. No maternal risk factors were identified. Prenatal investigations were carried out in 69% of cases but in only a few cases supplied any information. Postnatal examinations revealed one case of Down syndrome and one of porencephaly. Four children were lost to follow‐up. In the 22 other cases, four had developmental delay. Early and unexplained mild ventriculomegaly appears to have a good prognosis. If ventriculomegaly is persistent, prenatal management should be carried out to investigate chromosomal abnormalities, viral infection, and fetal cerebral parenchymal damage. A long postnatal clinical follow‐up is required. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Restrictive dermopathy and fetal behaviour
Authors: Mulder E. J. H. , Beemer F. A. , Stoutenbeek Ph. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractWe report three siblings from consecutive pregnancies affected with restrictive dermopathy (RD). During the second pregnancy, fetal behavioural development and growth were studied extensively using ultrasound at 1–4 week intervals. Dramatic and sudden changes occurred in fetal body movements and growth but not until the end of the second trimester of pregnancy. Prominent at that time were prolonged periods of fetal quiescence and very low heart rate variability, together with abnormally executed body movements of short duration. Retarded femoral development and jerky abrupt fetal body movements (abnormal movement quality) were already present in the early second trimester of pregnancy. Facial anomalies emerged despite the presence of fetal mouth movements. The clinical features of RD were only partly explained by present knowledge of skin development and the fetal akinesia deformation sequence hypothesis. Quantitative assessment of fetal movements proved to be a poor early marker for antenatal diagnosis of this disorder. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid and radical amniodrainage in the treatment of severe twin–twin transfusion syndrome†
Authors: Jauniaux Eric , Holmes Anna , Hyett Jon , Yates Robert , Rodeck Charles 
Published: September 2002

AbstractWe have evaluated the role of a rapid and radical method of amniodrainage in the treatment of severe twin–twin transfusion. The outcome of 15 patients with severe twin–twin transfusion for which a amniodrainage was performed by means of a vacuum bottle system was compared with the outcome of 15 patients with a similar condition, matched for gestational age at the time of the initial procedure and drained using a standard procedure. In the study group the amniodrainage ended when no amniotic fluid could be aspirated, whereas the women in the standard group were drained with a syringe system and the fluid was removed until the deepest amniotic fluid pool was <8 cm. At the initial procedure, the mean volume of amniotic fluid drained was significantly (p<0.05) higher (3252 vs 2153 ml) and the length of the procedure significantly (p<0.001) shorter (21 vs 41 min) in the study group than in the standard group. The mean post‐procedure amniotic fluid index was significantly (p<0.001) smaller (2.9 vs 7.7 cm) after radical amniodrainage than after the standard amniodrainage. The mean number of procedures was significantly (p<0.001) lower (1.5 vs 5.6) in the study group compared to the standard group. In the study group the mean placental thickness increased significantly (p<0.001) from 9 mm before the procedure to 49 mm after, and the overall perinatal survival rate was 80% and the proportion of pregnancies with at least one survivor was 93%. The present data indicate that early, rapid and radical amniodrainage is an effective and low‐cost therapy for severe twin–twin transfusion syndrome. Compared to the standard amniodrainage technique it also appears to reduce the need for multiple procedures. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis in three cases of iniencephaly with unusual postmortem findings
Authors: Balcı Sevim , Aypar Ebru , Altınok Gülçin , Boduroğlu Koray , Beksaç M. Sinan 
Published: September 2002

AbstractIniencephaly is a rare and lethal congenital malformation of the neural tube characterized by occipital bone defect, cervical dysraphism, fixed retroflexion of the fetal head and severe lordosis of the cervicothoracic spine. The etiology is unknown. Prenatally diagnosed cases of iniencephaly are rare because careful and early ultrasonographic evaluation is necessary. We present three cases of iniencephaly prenatally diagnosed by sonography at 20–22 weeks' gestation in which therapeutic abortion was induced. The sonographic findings were compatible with the postmortem findings. The present cases of iniencephaly were found to carry unusual associated malformations such as two lobes in the right lung and chorangiosis of the placenta. Only hypoplastic lungs have been reported by previous authors. We also studied the 677C→T mutation on the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene in the parents in one of the present cases. The mother was found to be heterozygous for the 677CT polymorphism. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complete karyotype discrepancy between placental and fetal cells in a case of ring chromosome 18
Authors: Fischer Wolfgang , Dermitzel Anette , Osmers Rüdiger , Pruggmayer Michael 
Published: September 2002

AbstractA case of complete karyotype discrepancy between cultured chorionic villi and amniotic in addition to fetal cells is reported. Ring chromosome 18 and monosomy 18 mosaicism was detected after amniocentesis. The pregnancy was terminated in the 23rd gestational week. Cytogenetic analysis of cultured umbilical cord tissue after termination confirmed the finding of ring chromosome 18/monosomy 18 mosaicism. In cultured umbilical blood lymphocytes monosomic cells 45,‐18 were not detected and the karyotype was 46,XY,r(18). In contrast, short‐term and long‐term cultured chorionic villi showed a normal male karyotype of 46,XY. Ultrasonographic examination revealed amniotic band syndrome and scoliosis in the caudal region of the spine. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oral corticosteroids produced excellent healing in a diabetic foot ulcer: a case of pyoderma gangrenosum of the foot
Authors: Norris Andrea , Teo Hong Gip , Stephens WP , Muston H 
Published: September 2002

AbstractA case of pyoderma gangrenosum is described, affecting the foot of a diabetic patient. Initial appearances were suggestive of bacterial secondary infection complicating athlete's foot. Within three days of oral corticosteroid therapy the lesion had virtually healed. The diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum should be considered in diabetic patients with atypical ulcerative skin lesions, particularly those sterile on culture. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of a monetary incentive on primary care prescribing in Ireland: changes in prescribing patterns in one health board 1990–1995
Authors: Walley T. , Murphy M. , Codd M. , Johnston Z. , Quirke T. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractBackgroundIn an attempt to curb the rapidly rising costs of primary care prescribing in Ireland, the government introduced a financial incentive scheme in 1993, to encourage general practitioners to restrain their prescribing.PurposeTo investigate the effects of a financial incentive scheme on GP prescribing in Ireland on prescribing costs and volume, and on some specific therapeutic areas.MethodsPrescribing for 3 years before (1990–1992) and 3 years (1993–1995) after the introduction of incentives, based on a defined cohort of 233 general practitioners in the area of one health board. GPs were divided into tertiles based on their performance against their prescribing budgets into ‘savers’ (generally underspent and received incentive payments), modest overspenders and large overspenders.ResultsSavers were always lower cost prescribers than the other groups. They contained their rate and costs of prescribing in contrast to the other groups, e.g. percentage rise in prescribing costs in the year after the introduction of the scheme − 7.9%, + 1.2% and + 7.3% respectively, (P< 0.05) for savers, modest overspenders and large overspenders respectively. This effect was short lived however and was gone by the third year of the study.ConclusionsThe financial incentives had a marked effect on prescribing volume and cost on some practices who could achieve targets and hence incentive payments. The incentives had little effect on high spending practices. Such incentive schemes need careful evaluation if they are not to become perverse to the good health of patients. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.