bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of polyaniline conductive composites with diene‐rubber or polyphenylacetylene
Authors: Cataldo Franco , Maltese Paolo 
Published: August 2002

AbstractWe describe the preparation of polyaniline (PANI‐EB) by aniline oxidation with KIO3 and the purification of the resulting dedoped polymer by an acetone extraction step to eliminate undesired by‐products from polyaniline, which could generate some safety concerns in the application and use of PANI. Excellent homogeneous and electrically conducting composite films can be prepared from chloroform solutions of purified PANI doped with camphorsulfonic acid in presence of cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene as the film‐forming agent. These films have been characterized by FT‐IR and UV‐VIS‐NIR spectroscopy. A method to synthesisze PANI directly doped with dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) is also reported. DBSA‐doped‐PANI was then used to prepare composites with polyphenylacetylene (PPA) by growing homogeneous films from chloroform solution. These films were conductive and were studied by FT‐IR and UV‐VIS‐NIR spectroscopy. In view of the application of these composites as gas sensors or in “electronic noses”, a short discussion is presented about the criteria used in the selection of the chemical nature of the host polymer where doped PANI is included to confer electrical conductivity. The interaction between the molecules to be detected and the polymeric sensing surface is discussed in terms of physisorption, chemisorption and charge‐transfer‐complex formation. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amnion rupture sequence in a first trimester missed abortion
Authors: Philipp Tom , Kalousek Dagmar K. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractWe report the diagnosis of amnion rupture sequence made by sonography and fetoscopy during the first trimester of gestation in a case of missed abortion. The investigation revealed a demised fetus with the characteristics of 9 weeks of development. The early fetus had an amnion adhesion at the tip of the nose and strands of amnion wrapped around the terminal phalanges of both feet. No defects in addition to the face and limb involvement were identified. The karyotype was normal: 46,XX. In the reported case, fetoscopy allowed confirmation of the sonographic diagnosis of an amnion rupture sequence in the first trimester of gestation and consequently helped to clarify the cause of abortion in this case of early fetal demise. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrops fetalis in three male fetuses of a female with incontinentia pigmenti
Authors: Dufke Andreas , Vollmer Brigitte , Kendziorra Heidemarie , Mackensen‐Haen Susanne , Orth Ulrike , Orlikowsky Thorsten , Gal Andreas 
Published: August 2002

AbstractObjectivesCareful investigation of hydrops fetalis (HF) is important with regard to genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis. HF is known to be associated with various genetic disorders. To date there has been only one report of a male fetus in whom incontinentia pigmenti (IP) was associated with generalised oedema. We describe a family who had a girl with clinical signs of IP after three consecutive miscarriages of three male fetuses due to HF.ResultsMolecular genetic analysis showed a mutation in the NEMO/IKKχ gene in the girl and the mother, which confirmed the diagnosis of IP in both cases. In the two fetuses that could be investigated, inheritance of the affected maternal X chromosome could be demonstrated retrospectively by linkage analysis.ConclusionThe present findings suggest that IP might be an X‐linked dominant trait causing HF in male fetuses. In cases of recurrent HF in male fetuses, minimal signs of IP in the maternal line should therefore be carefully investigated in order to be able to perform mutational analysis and to offer appropriate genetic counselling. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Split‐hand/split‐foot malformation with paternal mutation in the p63 gene
Authors: Witters Ingrid , Van Bokhoven Hans , Goossens A. , Van Assche Frans‐André , Fryns Jean‐Pierre 
Published: August 2002

AbstractWe report the prenatal diagnosis at 16 weeks' gestation of bilateral split‐hand/split‐foot malformation (SHSFM) with severe lobster claw deformity of hands and feet in a male fetus without associated malformations. A minor manifestation of SHSFM was present in the father with only mild bilateral foot involvement (syndactyly I–II; cleft II–III; left cutaneous syndactyly III–IV). Mutation analysis of the p63 gene on chromosome 3q27 showed a missense mutation 577A→G (predicting amino acid substitution K193E) in the father. This mutation has not been reported so far in SHSFM but resembles the previously reported 580A→G (predicting amino acid substitution K194E) in a family with SHSFM. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between congenital foot anomalies and gestational age at amniocentesis
Authors: Yoon G. , Chernos J. , Sibbald B. , Lowry R.B. , Connors G. , Simrose R. , Bernier F.P. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractObjectivesOur objectives were to confirm the reported association between early amniocentesis and congenital foot anomalies as well as to report, for the first time, on the outcome of amniocenteses performed during the 13th and 14th weeks of gestation.MethodsWe conducted a triple cohort retrospective study of 4457 amniocenteses. Cohort definitions: early amniocentesis (EA), 11 weeks and 0/7 days to 12 weeks to 6/7 days; early midtrimester amniocentesis (EMA), 13 weeks and 0/7 days to 14 weeks and 6/7 days; and midtrimester amniocentesis (MA), 15 weeks and 0/7 days to 19 weeks and 6/7 days. Outcome measures were obtained by searching the Alberta Congenital Anomalies Surveillance System (ACASS) database for children born with foot anomalies represented by International Classification of Diseases version 9 (ICD‐9) codes 754.5, 754.6 and 754.7.ResultsIncidences of congenital foot anomalies were: EA 11/980 (1.1%), EMA 11/2515 (0.4%), and MA 1/962 (0.1%). There is a significant difference between the EA and EMA cohorts (p=0.019) and between the EA and MA cohorts (p=0.003); however, these data suggest there is no difference between EMA and MA cohorts (p=0.11).ConclusionsOur incidence of congenital foot anomalies of 1.1% for women who underwent EA is similar to previously reported data, which further validates this association; however, our data also suggest that the foot anomaly risk may be limited to amniocenteses performed before the 13th week of gestation. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minor sonographic signs of trisomy 21 at 15–20 weeks' gestation in fetuses born without malformations: a prospective study
Authors: Viora E. , Errante G. , Bastonero S. , Sciarrone A. , Campogrande M. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA prospective study was performed on 2119 pregnancies that underwent genetic amniocentesis. Indications for amniocentesis were either maternal age (⩾35) or triple‐test results (risk⩾1/380).The study covered a 36‐month period and assessed the prevalence of minor ultrasound markers both in fetuses with Down syndrome and normal control fetuses at 15–19 week' gestation.Only fetuses with normal karyotype or trisomy 21 were considered.Six minor sonographic markers were considered: nuchal thickness, pyelectasia, femur observed/expected and humerus observed/expected ratios, bowel echogenicity, and choroid plexus cysts. One or more ultrasound soft markers were present in 23 out of 33 fetuses with Down syndrome (70%) and in 572 out of 2069 normal fetuses (28%). Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), a collaborative activity of clinical genetic departments and IVF centres
Authors: Geraedts Joep P. M. , Harper Joyce , Braude Peter , Sermon Karen , Veiga Anna , Gianaroli Luca , Agan Noelle , Munné Santiago , Gitlin Sue , Blenow Elisabeth , de Boer Kylie , Hussey Nicole , Kanavakis Emmanuel , Lee Soo‐Huan , Viville Stéphane , Krey Lewis , Ray Pierre , Emiliani Serena , Hsien Liu Yung , Vermeulen Stefan 
Published: August 2002

AbstractAn Erratum has been published for this article in Prenatal Diagnosis 22 (5) 2002, 451.Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) requires the combined efforts of geneticists and workers in the field of reproductive medicine. This was studied on the basis of a questionnaire, sent to 35 members of the PGD Consortium of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). A reply was obtained from 20 centres. They represent the majority of activities in the field of PGD in the world.It is obvious that many of the activities (in vitro fertilisation, embryo culture and biopsy) take place in IVF units while others (counselling and diagnosis) are the responsibility of genetic diagnostic centres. The distances between both units vary considerably.In all but one centre sex determination is offered. Aneuploidy screening is offered in 13 out of 20 centres. PGD of translocations and other structural chromosome abnormalities is offered in all but one centre. The number of monogenic diseases offered varies considerably.In comparison to prenatal diagnosis PGD is more expensive. The majority of these costs are due to the IVF or ICSI procedure. The charges for PGD vary between about € 600 and € 4000. In 16 out of 20 centres the parents to be must sign an informed consent form. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis for familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP)
Authors: Carvalho F. , Sousa M. , Fernandes S. , Silva J. , Saraiva M. J. , Barros A. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractPreimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was developed more than a decade ago to offer an alternative to prenatal diagnosis for couples at risk of transmitting an inherited disease to their offspring. Portuguese‐type familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP type I), is an autosomal dominant disease presenting an inherited mutation in the gene encoding the plasma protein transthyretin (TTR). We here report the first protocol for single‐cell detection of the Met30 mutation in FAP type I and its application to PGD. A nested PCR reaction for exon 2 of the TTR gene was developed. The PCR product was then analysed by restriction enzyme analysis and SSCP allowing the detection of the point mutation. Ten clinical cycles were performed in seven couples. From the 93 metaphase II (MII) injected oocytes, 82 were normally fertilized and 78 were biopsied. A positive signal in the nested PCR reaction was obtained in 61 blastomeres, corresponding to a DNA amplification efficiency of 78.2%. No allele dropout (ADO) or contamination were detected. A biochemical pregnancy was obtained in three cases and a clinical pregnancy in one couple is actually in normal evolution. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of Jarcho–Levin syndrome at 12 weeks' gestation by nuchal translucency screening and three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Hull Andrew D. , James Gina , Pretorius Dolores H. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractJarcho–Levin syndrome (JLS) or spondylothoracic dysotosis causes early newborn death from respiratory insufficiency. Prenatal diagnosis is possible using fetal ultrasound, but requires a high level of suspicion and definitive diagnosis may be delayed well into the second trimester. We present a case in which a combination of three‐dimensional ultrasound and measurement of nuchal translucency thickness allowed successful detection of recurrent JLS at 12 weeks' gestation. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesomelic campomelia, polydactyly and Dandy–Walker cyst in siblings
Authors: Guschmann Michael , Horn Denise , Entezami Michael , Urban Maik , Hänel Susanne , Kunze Jürgen , Vogel Martin 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe present report describes two fetuses, one female and one male, with thus far undescribed skeletal malformations. The mother was a gravida 2, para 0. Both pregnancies were terminated in the second trimester because of multiple congenital anomalies diagnosed ultrasonographically resembling a short rib‐polydactyly syndrome. Both fetuses were found to have postaxial hexadactyly of the hands and feet, marked bilateral campomelia of the forearm and shank bones, and a Dandy–Walker cyst. In addition, the fourth ventricle was dilated in the first sibling and the second sibling had an inverse intestinal malrotation. A literature search failed to reveal similar observations. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How large studies may mislead: the HOPE Study
Authors: Taylor Roy 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe HOPE study is widely believed to indicate that anyone over the age of 55 years with a major cardiovascular risk factor should receive prophylactic therapy with ramipril but detailed inspection of the characteristics of the patient groups suggest problems of randomisation. There was a consistent over‐representation in the placebo group of patients with each of the most potent risk factors for cardiovascular events: previous history of myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease, previous stoke, angina, hypertension and elevated lipids. Moreover, there was an excess of males in the placebo group. The composite end point was of death from cardiovascular cause, myocardial infarction or stoke, and 651 patients in the ramipril group and 827 in the placebo group were affected. This gave an excess of primary endpoints in the placebo group of 176 cases. However, at baseline, there was an excess in the placebo group of individuals with previous ischaemic heart disease (95), peripheral vascular disease (119), previous stroke (13) and hypertension (69). Heart failure surprisingly occurred in similar numbers in the ramipril and placebo groups (81 vs. 79) respectively. The claim that this particular ACE inhibitor protects against cardiovascular disease is unfounded because of baseline imbalance in risk. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Causes of obesity
Authors: P.H. Wilding John 
Published: August 2002

AbstractObesity is an increasingly common problem that is recognised a disease by the WHO. It is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes because it causes insulin resistance and is associated with physical inactivity. Obesity develops when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure over a prolonged period of time, leading to an accumulation of body fat. Body weight is regulated by the hypothalamus, and there have been many recent advances in understanding of energy balance that might help understand why some individuals develop obesity, and lead to new treatments. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of obesity. The recent identification of rare single gene defects that cause severe early onset obesity, such as deficiency of the hormone leptin, demonstrate that genetic factors can be powerful determinates of body mass. However, obesity has been increasing rapidly throughout the world in the last two decades, so it seems unlikely that this change has a genetic basis. It seems more plausible that the increasing weight of most populations is an appropriate biological response to an abnormal environment, characterised by easy availability of cheap, energy dense food, coupled with a massive decline in physical activity levels in the population. The challenge in preventing type 2 diabetes is to reverse these trends, and help those already obese to adopt a lifestyle that encourages weight loss, including a healthy diet and greater physical activity. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ulcer complications associated with anti‐inflammatory drug use. What is the extent of the disease burden?
Authors: Langman M. J. S. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractInformation on the intake of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and on aspirin taken regularly by patients with peptic ulcer bleeding aged 60 years and over was used in conjunction with data measuring the overall frequency of hospital admissions with ulcer bleeding in England and Wales to determine the annual burden of disease imposed by particular treatment strategies. Over 40% of the calculated 8528 episodes of ulcer bleeding in those aged 60 years and over, and over 40% of the estimated 981 deaths each year would seem to be causally related to the treatments. Substitution of the NSAID with the lowest associated risk would be expected to reduce the frequency of non‐aspirin NSAID‐associated episodes of ulcer bleeding, and deaths, each by over 70%. Use of the lowest conventional dose of regular prophylactic aspirin (75 mg) would also be expected to reduce the frequency of treatment‐related episodes, and deaths, by nearly 30%. Both strategies employed together would be expected to reduce NSAID and regular aspirin‐related bleeding ulcer admissions from 4121 to less than 2184, and deaths from 523 to less than 250. Substitution of completely safe anti‐inflammatory analgesics and anti‐platelet drugs would be expected to reduce admissions from 4121 to 1072, and deaths from 523 to 123. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Benzodiazepine use in patients hospitalized in a department of internal medicine: frequency and clinical correlates
Authors: Lagnaoui Rajaa , Moore Nicholas , Longy‐Boursier Maïté , Baumevieille Marie , Bégaud Bernard 
Published: August 2002

AbstractPurposeMisuse and overuse of benzodiazepines (BZD) are common. Several studies have shown that benzodiazepines are frequently used in hospitalized patients, but fewer studies have been conducted to investigate whether BZD use increases during the hospital stay or whether patients have already taken BZD before admission.Objectiveto assess the prevalence of benzodiazepine use in hospitalized patients and to determine characteristics associated with this use.MethodsProspective study over a 4‐month period based on all admissions to a department of internal medicine. The main outcome was the prevalence of benzodiazepine use at admission, during hospital stay and at discharge.ResultsOf 444 patients admitted, 147 (33%) used at least one benzodiazepine which was in 75% of the cases, short‐elimination half‐life BZD used as hypnotic. Of 105 (23.6%) patients using BZD at admission, 23 (5.2%) stopped BZD during hospital stay or when leaving hospital. The in‐hospital prevalence of BZD use was 30% (133 patients). In 28 (6.3%) patients without BZD at baseline, BZD was introduced during the hospital stay then stopped at discharge in 18 (4%) patients. The prevalence of BZD use at discharge was 23.9% (106 patients). In multivariate analyses, BZD use was significantly associated with number of drugs taken during hospitalization (OR:1.13; 95% CI: 1.03–1.24), and current neuropsychiatric diseases (OR:2.12; 95% CI: 0.86–5.23), but not with gender, age or length of stay.ConclusionPrevalence of BZD use appeared to be fairly high among hospitalized patients. There were very few new BZD users during hospital stay, most of whom were stopped at discharge. Most treatments were started before hospital, and continued during and after hospital stay without clear reevaluation. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer‐aided design of selective COX‐2 inhibitors: comparative molecular field analysis and docking studies of some 3,4‐diaryloxazolone derivatives
Authors: Desiraju G. R. , Sarma J. A. R. P. , Raveendra D. , Gopalakrishnan B. , Thilagavathi R. , Sobhia M. E. , Subramanya H. S. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe recent discovery of a second, inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase, COX‐2, has stimulated the search for highly selective non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These NSAIDs have the ability to treat pain and inflammation caused by arthritis with less risk of gastrointestinal or renal toxicity. We report here the results of 3D‐quantitative structure–activity relationship and docking studies, performed on a series of 3,4‐diaryloxazolones. Comparative moleculer field analysis studies provided a good model with cross‐validated and conventional r2 values of 0.688 and 0.969 respectively for 24 analogues in the training set with six components. Docking studies with both COX‐1 and COX‐2 indicate good selectivity for COX‐2. The binding energies between COX‐2 and some of the most active oxazolones are comparable to those of celecoxib or rofecoxib. These compounds adopt similar orientations and form similar sets of hydrogen bonds involving the sulfonyl group of the ligand and His 90, Leu 352, Ser 353, Arg 513, Phe 518 and Ser 530 residues of the receptor. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalysis of poly(urethane imidine) copolymer formation from amine‐blocked isocyanate and bisphthalide
Authors: Iyer N. Padmanabha , Gnanarajan T. Philip , Radhakrishnan Ganga 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe catalysis of imidine formation between an amine‐blocked polyurethane prepolymer and bisphthalide was studied with a series of metal alkoxides, phenoxides, and organotin compounds and tertiary amines. The carbon dioxide released during the reaction was followed for monitoring of the reaction. The metal alkoxides and phenoxides catalyzed the imidine formation reaction but did not catalyze the deblocking reaction, whereas the organotin compounds and tertiary amines showed no catalytic activity in the reaction between isocyanate and phthalide. With tin catalysts, the imidine formation reaction depended on the deblocking of the blocked prepolymer, but it was independent of deblocking with amine catalysts. The resultant poly(urethane imidine) copolymers were characterized with Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, gel permeation chromatography, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques. The thermal stability of polyurethane increased significantly with the incorporation of imidine groups. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 39: 4236–4242, 2001
Preparation of aromatic polyimides highly soluble in conventional solvents
Authors: Huang Wei , Yan Deyue , Lu Qinghua , Tao Ping 
Published: August 2002

AbstractSeveral highly soluble polyimides were synthesized from various aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides and an aromatic diamine containing tert‐butyl pendent groups [4,4′‐methylenebis(2‐tert‐butylaniline)]. All the polyimides showed excellent solubility in common solvents such as chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, and dioxane at room temperature. The number‐average molecular weight ranged from 3.6 × 104 to 1.3 × 105 according to gel permeation chromatography relative to a polystyrene standard, and the polydispersity index was between 1.9 and 2.5. The glass‐transition temperatures of the resulting polyimides ranged from 213 to 325 °C, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry, and little weight loss was observed up to 450 °C in N2 by thermogravimetric analysis. These experimental data indicated that the tert‐butyl pendent groups reduced the interactions among polymer chains to improve their solubility in organic solvents without the loss of thermal stability. Transparent and flexible films of these polyimides were obtained via casting from solution. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 229–234, 2002