20 Years of ICF-International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Uses and Applications around the World

The International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) was approved in 2001 and, since then, several studies reported the increased interest about its use in different sectors. A recent overview that summarizes its applications is lacking. This study aims to provide an updated overview about 20 years of ICF application through an international online questionnaire, developed by the byline authors, and sent to each World Health Organization Collaborating Centers of the Family of International Classifications (WHO-FIC CCs). Data was collected during October 2020 and December 2021 and descriptive content analyses were used to report main results. Results show how, in most of the respondent countries represented by WHO-FIC CCs, ICF was mainly used in clinical practice, policy development and social policy, and in education areas. Despite its applications in different sectors, ICF use is not mandatory in most countries but, where used, it provides a biopsychosocial framework for policy development in health, functioning and disability. The study provides information about the needs related to ICF applications, that can be useful to organize targeted intervention plans. Furthermore, this survey methodology can be re-proposed periodically to monitor the use of the ICF in the future.

A Superconducting Magnet UCN Trap for Precise Neutron Lifetime Measurements

Finite-element methods along with Monte Carlo simulations were used to design a magnetic storage device for ultracold neutrons (UCN) to measure their lifetime. A setup was determined which should make it possible to confine UCN with negligible losses and detect the protons emerging from β-decay with high efficiency: stacked superconducting solenoids create the magnetic storage field, an electrostatic extraction field inside the storage volume assures high proton collection efficiency. Alongside with the optimization of the magnetic and electrostatic design, the properties of the trap were investigated through extensive Monte Carlo simulation.

Modelling study of protein kinase inhibitors: binding mode of staurosporine and origin of the selectivity of CGP 52411

A model for the binding mode of the potent protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine is proposed. Using the information provided by the crystal structure of the cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase, it is suggested that staurosporine, despite a seemingly unrelated chemical structure, exploits the same key hydrogen-bond interactions as ATP, the cofactor of the protein kinases, in its binding mode. The structure-activity relationship of the inhibitor and a docking analysis give strong support to this hypothesis. The selectivity of the dianilinophthalimide inhibitor CGP 52411 towards the EGF-receptor protein tyrosine kinase is rationalized on the basis of the model. It is proposed that this selectivity originates in the occupancy, by one of the anilino moieties of the inhibitor, of the region of the enzyme cleft that normally binds the ribose ring of ATP, which appears to possess a marked lipophilic character in this kinase.

4,5-bis(4-fluoroanilino)phthalimide: A selective inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor signal transduction pathway with potent in vivo antitumor activity

Deregulated signal transduction via the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor family of tyrosine protein kinase growth factor receptors is associated with proliferative diseases such as cancer and psoriasis. In an attempt to selectively block signal transduction from the EGF receptor, we have synthesized a new class of dianilino-phthalimide tyrosine protein kinase inhibitors with selectivity for the EGF receptor tyrosine protein kinase. 4, 5-Dianilino-phthalimide (DAPH 1) was metabolized in vitro by mouse liver fractions and in vivo. The major metabolite has been identified as 4-(4-hydroxyanilino)-5-anilino-phthalimide. To specifically block this biotransformation (hydroxylation), we have synthesized 4,5-bis(4-fluoroanilino)phthalimide (DAPH 2), a potent and selective EGF receptor tyrosine protein kinase inhibitor. DAPH 2 inhibits the EGF receptor and protein kinase C beta2 enzymes with equal potency. In cells, DAPH 2 inhibits signal output from the EGF receptor, but not from other classes of receptor protein tyrosine kinases, such as the platelet-derived growth factor receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor I receptor, and insulin receptor. Selective antitumor activity was demonstrated in vivo at well-tolerated doses in mice. This publication describes the biological profile of DAPH 2 and investigates its cellular and in vivo mechanism of action.

[(Alkylamino)methyl]acrylophenones: potent and selective inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor protein tyrosine kinase

[(Alkylamino)methyl]acrylophenones and (alkylamino)propiophenones, bearing a spacer moiety such as the benzyloxy or (benzoylsulfonyl)oxy group in the 4-position, represent a novel class of inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor protein tyrosine kinase with a high degree of selectivity versus other tyrosine and serine/threonine kinases. The most active compounds inhibited the EGF receptor protein tyrosine kinase from A431 cell membranes with IC50 values of < 0.5 microM. Derivatives with a benzyloxy substituent in the 4-position of the aromatic ring inhibited both the EGF receptor kinase and the proliferation of an EGF-dependent mouse epidermal keratinocyte cell line (BALB/MK) but were only marginally active in the inhibition of the cellular EGF-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation. Compound 18 inhibited ligand-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and BALB/MK cell proliferation with IC50 values of approximately 100 and 1.21 microM, respectively, and showed antitumor activity in vivo in a nude mouse model. However, the discrepancy between the IC50 values for antiproliferative activity and cellular tyrosine phosphorylation as well as the relatively low tolerability in animals suggests a second site of action of this class of inhibitors. Nevertheless, [(alkylamino)methyl]acrylophenones and (alkylamino)propiophenones may prove to be interesting tools for studying the action of tyrosine kinases.

Dianilinophthalimides: potent and selective, ATP-competitive inhibitors of the EGF-receptor protein tyrosine kinase

Dianilinophthalimides represent a novel class of inhibitors of the EGF-receptor protein tyrosine kinase with a high degree of selectivity versus other tyrosine and serine/threonine kinases. Steady-state kinetic analysis of compound 3, which showed potent inhibitory activity, revealed competitive type kinetics relative to ATP. Despite a highly symmetrical structure of compound 3, X-ray studies revealed an unsymmetrical propeller-shaped conformation of the molecule which differs clearly from that of the constitutionally related staurosporine aglycons. These conformational differences may explain the reversal of the selectivity profile of compound 3 relative to the staurosporine aglycons. In cellular assays compounds 3 and 4 have been shown to inhibit EGF-induced receptor autophosphorylation, c-fos induction and EGF-dependent proliferation of Balb/c MK cells. This inhibition was selective as compounds had no effect on PDGF-induced receptor autophosphorylation and c-fos induction. Furthermore, compound 3 showed potent antitumor activity in vivo at well-tolerated doses.

4,5-Dianilinophthalimide: a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor with selectivity for the epidermal growth factor receptor signal transduction pathway and potent in vivo antitumor activity

Deregulated signal transduction via the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) family of protein-tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors is associated with proliferative diseases. We describe a class of compounds (4,5-dianilinophthalimides) that inhibit the EGF-R protein-tyrosine kinase in vitro with high selectivity. In cells, 4,5-dianilinophthalmide selectively inhibited both ligand-induced EGF-R and p185c-erbB2 autophosphorylation and c-fos mRNA induction. Antitumor activity could be demonstrated in vivo against xenografts of the A431 and SK-OV-3 tumors, which overexpress the EGF-R and p185c-erbB2, respectively. In contrast, a platelet-derived growth factor-driven tumor was not inhibited by 4,5-dianilinophthalimide, which is compatible with its cellular selectivity and hypothesized mechanism of action. No overt cumulative toxicity was observed during treatment even though high efficacy was observed, indicating a good therapeutic window. 4,5-Dianilinophthalimides may offer therapeutic agents for the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases that overexpress EGF-R family protein-tyrosine kinases or their ligands.

[The production of streptolysin O by beta-hemolytic streptococci of group A (author's transl))]

128 M- and 15 T-typed strains of A-streptococci were investigated in respect of their streptolysin O production. The peak of streptolysin O production was reached after the logarithmic growth-phase and persisted for more than 24 h. The strains were classified in very weak 44% (0-1,0 E/ml), weak 30% (1,5-3,0 E/ml), medium 21% (4-8,0 E/ml) strong 5% (12-48 E/ml), 9 strains (7%) produced no detectable streptolysin O. The amount of streptolysin O necessary for antigen stimulation is discussed. A connection of growth character and enzyme production was not observed.