Diastereoselective formation of 2-aryl-3-arenesulfonyl 4-ethyl-1,3-oxazolidines: an X-ray crystallographic and 1H NMR study

N-Arylsulfonamides of (R)- and (S)-2-amino-1-butanol, on condensation with aromatic aldehydes produced diastereomerically pure 2-aryl-3-arenesulfonyl 4-ethyl-1,3-oxazolidines. The absolute configurations of one enantiomeric pair have been determined from two fully refined X-ray structures, supplemented by nmr data.

Deviant disabilities: the exclusion of drug and alcohol addiction from the Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010, in keeping with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, excludes those identified as drug and alcohol ‘addicted’ from the scope of provisions prohibiting discrimination against disabled people. This article addresses the significance of, and justification for, this exclusion. It begins with a legislative background to the relevant limitation and subsequently examines its rationale according to prevailing legal, medical and sociological discourses. The article then considers the relevance of the discussion for disability rights. Although ‘addiction’, or the preferred term, ‘substance dependence’, is classified as a disability for international systems of disease classification, the relevance of substance dependence for discussion on disability rights, and of disability for discussion on substance dependence, has largely escaped critical comment.

Synthesis of prebiotic galactooligosaccharides from lactose using bifidobacterial β-galactosidase (BbgIV) immobilised on DEAE-Cellulose, Q-Sepharose and amino-ethyl agarose

The bifidobacterial β-galactosidase BbgIV was immobilised on DEAE-Cellulose and Q-Sepharose via ionic binding and on amino-ethyl- and glyoxal-agarose via covalent attachment, and was then used to catalyse the synthesis of galactooligosaccharides (GOS). The immobilisation yield exceeded 90 % using ionic binding, while it was low using aminoethyl agarose (25 – 28 %) and very low using glyoxal agarose (< 3 %). This was due to the mild conditions and absence of chemical reagents in ionic binding, compared to covalent attachment. The maximum GOS yield obtained using DEAE-Cellulose and Q-Sepharose was similar to that obtained using free BbgIV (49 – 53 %), indicating the absence of diffusion limitation and mass transfer issues. For amino-ethyl agarose, however, the GOS yield obtained was lower (42 – 44 %) compared to that obtained using free BbgIV. All the supports tried significantly (P < 0.05) increased the BbgIV operational stability and the GOS synthesis productivity up to 55 °C. Besides, six successive GOS synthesis batches were performed using BbgIV immobilised on Q-Sepharose; all resulted in similar GOS yields, indicating the possibility of developing a robust synthesis process. Overall, the GOS synthesis operation performance using BbgIV was improved by immobilising the enzyme onto solid supports, in particular on Q-Sepharose

Redox- and glucose-responsive hydrogels from poly(vinyl alcohol) and 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid

Novel redox- and glucose-responsive hydrogels have been synthesized by simple mixing of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid (MPBA) in aqueous solutions (pH > 9) in an oxidative aqueous media. These hydrogels are produced through the formation of disulfide linkages between MPBA molecules in an oxidative environment (oxygen dissolved in solution or hydrogen peroxide added to the reaction mixture) and complexation via dynamic covalent bonds between PVA and MPBA dimer. These hydrogels show degradation in solutions of l-glutathione and d-glucose.

Interactions between uncoupling protein 2 gene polymorphisms, obesity and alcohol intake on liver function: a large meta-analysed population-based study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Given the role of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in the accumulation of fat in the hepatocytes and in the enhancement of protective mechanisms in acute ethanol intake, we hypothesised that UCP2 polymorphisms are likely to cause liver disease through their interactions with obesity and alcohol intake. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the interaction between tagging polymorphisms in the UCP2 gene (rs2306819, rs599277 and rs659366), alcohol intake and obesity traits such as BMI and waist circumference (WC) on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) in a large meta-analysis of data sets from three populations (n=20 242). DESIGN AND METHODS: The study populations included the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (n=4996), Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (n=1883) and LifeLines Cohort Study (n=13 363). Interactions between the polymorphisms and obesity and alcohol intake on dichotomised ALT and GGT levels were assessed using logistic regression and the likelihood ratio test. RESULTS: In the meta-analysis of the three cohorts, none of the three UCP2 polymorphisms were associated with GGT or ALT levels. There was no evidence for interaction between the polymorphisms and alcohol intake on GGT and ALT levels. In contrast, the association of WC and BMI with GGT levels varied by rs659366 genotype (Pinteraction=0.03 and 0.007, respectively; adjusted for age, gender, high alcohol intake, diabetes, hypertension and serum lipid concentrations). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our findings in 20 242 individuals suggest that UCP2 gene polymorphisms may cause liver dysfunction through the interaction with body fat rather than alcohol intake.

Rainfastness of poly(vinyl alcohol) deposits on Vicia faba leaf surfaces: from laboratory-scale washing to simulated rain

Rainfastness is the ability of agrochemical deposits to resist wash-off by rain and other related environmental phenomena. This work reports laboratory-scale and raintower studies of the rainfastness of fluorescently labeled poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) using fluorescent microscopy combined with image analysis. Samples of hydrolyzed PVA exhibit improved rainfastness over a threshold molecular weight, which correlates with PVA film dissolution, swelling, and crystalline properties. It was also established that the rainfastness of PVA scaled with the molecular weight over this threshold. These PVA samples were further characterized in order to determine the effect of the crystallinity on rainfastness. The quantification of rainfastness is of great interest to the field of agrochemical formulation development in order to improve the efficacy of pesticides and their adjuvants.

Educating and motivating adolescents who are deaf or hard of hearing with drug and alcohol addiction: Components of a curriculum that links adolescents to appropriate treatment

This paper highlights the components necessary for a drug and alcohol addiction curricula to educate, motivate, and link adolescents who are deaf or hard of hearing using oral communication to appropriate treatment.

Film forming solutions based on gelatin and poly(vinyl alcohol) blends: Thermal and rheological characterizations

The objective of this work was to study the theological and thermal properties of film forming solutions (FFS) based on blends of gelatin and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The effect of the PVA concentration and plasticizer presence on the flow behavior, and viscoelastic and thermal properties of FFS was studied by steady-shear flow and oscillatory experiments, and also, by microcalorimetry. The FB presented Newtonian behavior at 30 degrees C, and the viscosity was not affected neither by the PVA concentration nor by the plasticizer. All FFS presented a phase transition during tests applying temperature scanning. It was verified that the PVA affected the viscoelastic properties of FFS by dilution of gelatin. This behavior was confirmed by microcalorimetric analysis. The behaviors of the storage (G`) and loss (G ``) moduli as a function of frequency of FFS obtained at 5 degrees C were typical of physical gels; with the G` higher than the G ``. The strength of the gels was affected by the PVA concentration. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of films based on blends of gelatin and poly(vinyl alcohol) cross linked with glutaraldehyde

Both gelatin and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) can be cross linked with glutaraldehyde (GLU). In the case of gelatin, the GLU reacts with each e-NH2 functional group of adjacent lysine residues, while for PVA, the GLU reacts with two adjacent hydroxyl groups, forming acetal bridges. Thus it can be considered possible to cross link adjacent macromolecules of gelatin and PVA using GLU. In this context, the aims of this work were the development of biodegradable films based on blends of gelatin and poly(vinyl alcohol) cross linked with GLU, and the characterization of some of their main physical and functional properties. All the films were produced from film-forming solutions (FFS) containing 2 g macromolecules (PVA + gelatin)/100 g FFS, 25 g glycerol/100 g macromolecules, and 4 g GLU (25% solution)/100 g FFS. The FFS were prepared with two concentrations of PVA (20 or 50 g PVA/100 g macromolecules) and two reaction temperatures: 90 or 55 degrees C, applied for 30 min. The films were obtained after drying (30 degrees C/24 h) and conditioning at 25 degrees C and 58% of relative humidity for 7 days, and were then characterized. The results for the color parameters, mechanical properties, phase transitions and infrared spectra showed that some chemical modifications occurred, principally for the gelatin. However, in general, all the characteristics of the films were either typical of films based on blends of these macromolecules without cross linking, or slightly higher. A greater improvement in the properties of this material was probably not observed due to the crystallinity of the PVA, which has a melting point above 90 degrees C. The presence of microcrystals in the polymer chain probably reduced macromolecular mobility, hindering the reaction. Thus more research is necessary to produce biodegradable films with improved properties. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study of some physical properties of biodegradable films based on blends of gelatin and poly(vinyl alcohol) using a response-surface methodology

The aim of this work was to study the effect of the hydrolysis degree (HD) and the concentration (C(PVA)) Of two types of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and of the type (glycerol and sorbitol) and the concentration (C(P)) of plasticizers on some physical properties of biodegradable films based on blends of gelatin and PVA Using a response-surface methodology. The films were prepared with a film forming solutions (FFS) with 2 g of macromolecules (gelatin+PVA)/100 g de FFS. The responses analyzed were the mechanical properties, the solubility, the moisture Content. the color difference and the opacity. The linear model was statistically significant and predictive for puncture force and deformation. elongation at break, solubility in water, Moisture content and opacity. The CPVA affected strongly the elongation at break of the films. The interaction of the HD and the C(P) affected this property. Moreover. the puncture force was affected slightly by the C(PVA). Concerning the Solubility in water, the reduction of the HD increased it and this effect was greater for high CPVA Values. In general. the most important effect observed in the physical properties of the films was that of the plasticizer type and concentration. The PVA hydrolysis degree and concentration have an important effect only for the elongation at break, puncture deformation and solubility in water. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermomechanical properties of biodegradable films based on blends of gelatin and poly(vinyl alcohol)

The aim of this work was to study the effect of the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) concentration on the thermal and viscoelastic properties of films based on blends of gelatin and PVA using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic-mechanical analysis (DMA). One glass transition was observed between 43 and 49 degrees C on the DSC curves obtained in the first scanning of the blended films, followed by fusion of the crystalline portion between 116 and 134 degrees C. However, the DMA results showed that only the films with 10% PVA had a single peak in the tan 5 spectrum. However, when the PVA concentration was increased the dynamic mechanical spectra showed two peaks on the tan 6 curves, indicating two T(g)s. Despite this phase separation behavior the Gordon and Taylor model was successfully applied to correlate T, as a function of film composition, thus determining k = 7.47. In the DMA frequency tests, the DMA spectra showed that the storage modulus values decreased with increasing temperature. The master curves for the PVA-gelatin films were obtained applying the TTS principle (T(r) = 100 degrees C). The WLF model was thus applied allowing for the determination of the constants C(1) and C(2). The values of these constants increased with increasing PVA concentrations in the blend: C(1) = 49-66 and C(2) = 463-480. These values were used to calculate the fractional free volume of the films at the T(g) and the thermal expansion coefficient of the films above the T(g). (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biodegradable Films Based on Blends of Gelatin and Poly (Vinyl Alcohol): Effect of PVA Type or Concentration on Some Physical Properties of Films

The aim of this work was to develop biodegradable films based on blends of gelatin and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), without a plasticizer. Firstly, the effect of five types of PVA with different degree of hydrolysis (DH) on the physical properties of films elaborated with blends containing 23.1% PVA was studied. One PVA type was then chosen for the study of the effect of the PVA concentration on the mechanical properties, color, opacity, gloss, and water solubility of the films. The five types of PVA studied allowed for films with different characteristics, but with no direct relationship with the DH of the PVA. Therefore, the PVA Celvol (R) 418 with a DH = 91.8% was chosen for the second part, because they produced films with greater tensile strength. The PVA concentration affected all studied properties of films. These results could be explained by the results of the DSC and FTIR analyses, which showed that some interactions between the gelatin and the PVA occurred depending on the PVA concentration, affecting the crystallinity of the films.

Determinants of Accelerated Small Intestinal Transit in Alcohol-Related Chronic Pancreatitis

Patients with chronic pancreatitis may have abnormal gastrointestinal transit, but the factors underlying these abnormalities are poorly understood. Gastrointestinal transit was assessed, in 40 male outpatients with alcohol-related chronic pancreatitis and 18 controls, by scintigraphy after a liquid meal labeled with (99m)technetium-phytate. Blood and urinary glucose, fecal fat excretion, nutritional status, and cardiovascular autonomic function were determined in all patients. The influence of diabetes mellitus, malabsorption, malnutrition, and autonomic neuropathy on abnormal gastrointestinal transit was assessed by univariate analysis and Bayesian multiple regression analysis. Accelerated gastrointestinal transit was found in 11 patients who showed abnormally rapid arrival of the meal marker to the cecum. Univariate and Bayesian analysis showed that diabetes mellitus and autonomic neuropathy had significant influences on rapid transit, which was not associated with either malabsorption or malnutrition. In conclusion, rapid gastrointestinal transit in patients with alcohol-related chronic pancreatitis is related to diabetes mellitus and autonomic neuropathy.

Stability and interface properties of thin cellulose ester films adsorbed from acetone and ethyl acetate solutions

Stability and interface properties of cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) films adsorbed from acetone or ethyl acetate onto Si wafers have been investigated by means of contact angle measurements and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Surface energy (gamma(total)(S)) values determined for CAP adsorbed from acetone are larger than those from ethyl acetate. In the case of CAB films adsorbed from ethyl acetate and acetone were similar. Dewetting was observed by AFM only for CAP films prepared from ethyl acetate. Positive values of effective Hamaker constant (A(eff)) were found only for CAP prepared from ethyl acetate, corroborating with dewetting phenomena observed by AFM. Oil the contrary, negative values of A(eff) were determined for CAP and CAB prepared from acetone and for CAB prepared from ethyl acetate, Corroborating with experimental observations. Sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectra indicated that CAP and CAB films prepared from ethyl acetate present more alkyl groups oriented perpendicularly to the polymer-air interface than those films prepared from acetone. Such preferential orientation corroborates with macroscopic contact angle measurements. Moreover, SFG spectra showed that acetone hinds strongly to Si wafers, creating a new surface for CAP and CAB films. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.