Water-soluble aryl-extended calix[4]pyrroles with unperturbed aromatic cavities: synthesis and binding studies.

We report the synthesis of a novel, water-soluble aryl-extended calix[4]pyrrole receptor. The water-solubilising groups are placed at the lower rim of the receptor, leaving the binding pocket unperturbed and open for modification. Binding studies were performed with a series of pyridine N-oxides. These studies revealed the ability of the receptor to bind neutral and charged N-oxides in basified water with stability constants higher than 10(4) M(-1).

Evidence-based recommendations on automated external defibrillator training for children and young people in Flanders-Belgium.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to identify the most relevant literature on skills, attitude and behaviour of children and young people towards the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and then develop recommendations according to the principles of evidence-based practice. These recommendations were to serve as a basis for educational materials which would ensure that the implementation of AED-training within schools and youth organisations would be a simple process. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using a specific research question: "Are children of different ages able/willing to use an AED after a training compared to another/no training?". A guideline development panel meeting was organised to formulate practice guidelines. The panel consisted of experts from different fields (medicine, education and psychology) and representatives of the end users (teachers and youth leaders). RESULTS: The systematic literature search identified five studies concerning AED skills by children and young people, and two studies concerning the attitudes and behaviour of children and young people towards the use of an AED. The guideline development panel carefully examined the available scientific evidence, took into consideration the skills and attitudes of children and young people, including the psychological consequences of managing a potentially life-saving situation and formulated evidence-based recommendations and good practice points. CONCLUSION: Based on these recommendations, an education programme and new educational materials have been developed by the Belgian Red Cross-Flanders. In this way school staff and youth leaders are properly supported to teach first aid techniques to children and young people (6-18 years).

Critical evaluation of 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activity measurement in intact isolated rat hepatocytes.

In the determination of 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activity in intact isolated rat hepatocytes various factors influence the assay, including: the decay of 7-ethoxycoumarin fluorescence which is temperature and pH dependent; the measured fluorescence which has to be adjusted for the inner filter effect; glucose addition to the medium which influences the activity; all organic solvents which inhibit the enzymic activity, with dimethylformamide provoking the smallest effect (partial competitive inhibition); the enzymic reaction which is inhibited by the product of reaction; and the presence of bovine serum albumin in the medium which affects the enzymic activity. Biphasic kinetics are observed for the O-deethylation of ethoxycoumarin in intact isolated rat hepatocytes. For the high-affinity component, Km and Vmax values are 5 microM and 43 pmol/min X 10(6) cells and for the low-affinity component are 414 microM and 915 pmol/min X 10(6) cells. Addition of the substrate in dimethylformamide or omitting bovine serum albumin from the medium cause important changes in these kinetic parameters.