bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case History: Unique Method Using Hydraulic Workover Unit for Snubbing Operations Successfully Deploys Expandable Liner Hangers into Gas Storage Wells
Authors: Gregoire Nicolas , Ricaud Yves , Bossewinkel Wim , Dan De Clute-Melancon , De Vries Bert , Van Wonderen Marc
Published: March 2009

When wells exhibit fluid-loss problems, lower completion scenarios that employ conventional liner hangers and inflatable annulus packers often exhibit problems as well. These scenarios can include 1), the occurrence of gas migration through the cement, and 2), liner-top, packer-seal failure. To prevent these problems from occurring in two gas storage wells, expandable liner hangers (ELH) that can provide gas-tight seals without requiring liner cementation were suggested. The ELHs have elastomeric elements bonded to the hanger body to provide anchoring and sealing capacity. As the hanger body is expanded, the elastomeric elements are compressed in the annular space, eliminating the casing annulus and providing liner-top pressure integrity. This scenario would provide a more effective solution for the problems experienced with conventional methods.

The major challenges were how to deploy the two liner hangers into the two wells with a hydraulic work-over (HWO) unit and how to snub them into the hole with well pressure on the annulus.

This paper will describe how a conventional rotary drilling rig was used to drill into the top of the well, and a snubbing unit used to drill into the reservoir section and then used to deploy the expandable liner hangers.

To verify the adequacy of the deployment system design, a "Complete-the-Well-On-Paper" (CWOP) exercise was followed by a pre-job trial with the HWO unit. The ELHs were run through the unit to double check space out and potential for damage from the HWO slips with complete success. The next step was to run the equipment on location and into a live well.

The case history will describe how the challenge to deploy and set the two expandable liner hangers with an HWO unit was met successfully.
Improving Performance During Coiled Tubing Logging Operations With a Rugged, Modular, Stab-Through Tool System
Authors: Thomeer Hubertus V. , Burgos R. , Cardon Don Ray , Morbelli Diane , Senters Chad William
Published: March 2009

Coiled tubing logging (CTL) or conveying electric logging tools with coiled tubing (CT) was first adopted as a technique during the late 1980s. With this technique, the rigidity of the CT allowed conventional logging tools to be pushed into highly deviated and horizontal wellbores, which were otherwise inaccessible at that time. The advent of wireline tractor technology has since provided an alternative to log some well profiles without employing CT at all.

CTL still provides a superior solution for many well types and operations. Some of the advantages of the technique, which make it relevant even today, include the ability to pump while logging, efficacy in openhole environments, and overall robustness of the downhole system.

CTL, as a technique, however, comes with some complexities. Operationally, many of these complexities revolve around the logging head adapter, which is the component that connects the logging tools to the CT cable assembly. Over the years, tool designs have evolved to incorporate several feature upgrades, which are aimed at improving overall system performance and reliability.

A novel tool design, which addresses the significant downtime associated with building the logging head assembly during CTL operations was recently introduced into service. The rugged system, with its unique injector stab-through feature, can be used during CT-assisted well-logging and wired-perforating operations. Several case histories have demonstrated that the system results in improved overall performance through reduced operating time without compromising tool reliability and function.
Modeling the Affect of a Downhole Vibrator
Authors: Newman Ken , Burnett Timm , Pursell John , Gouasmia Ouahab
Published: March 2009

Downhole vibration tools are becoming an accepted method of extending the reach of coiled tubing (CT) and jointed pipe (JP) in extended reach wells. They are being used in both well service and well drilling operations. Experimental work was done which shows how the energy generated by dynamic excitation mitigates a certain amount of friction. A tubing forces (torque and drag) model was modified to include friction mitigation due to the vibration. This modification to the model was much more complex than simply modifying the friction coefficient as has been done in the past. This paper will discuss the experimental work, the modifications to the model, and case histories in which a vibration tool was used. Model results will be compared to actual field results.
Lipase-Catalyzed Acyl-L-Carnitines Synthesis in [Bmim]PF6 Ionic Liquid
Authors: Tian Jin-qiang , Wang Qiang , Zhang Zhong-yuan
Published: March 2009

In order to significantly improve the biosynthesis of acyl-L-carnitines catalyzed by lipase, there must be an efficient and suitable reaction medium that is not only polar but also hydrophobic. [Bmim]PF6, which satisfies the above two requirements, was applied as the medium. The optimal reaction conditions were: for isovaleryl-L-carnitine, 0.22aW, 200mg molecular sieves, 60ºC, 4:1 of molar ratio (fatty acid:L-carnitine), 150rpm and 60h; for octanoyl-L-carnitine and palmitoyl-L-carnitine, 0.22aW, 250 mg molecular sieves, 5:1 of molar ratio (fatty acid:L-carnitine), 200rpm, 48h, 60ºC (octanoyl-L-carnitine) and 65ºC (palmitoyl-L-carnitine). Their overall yields could reach 59.14%, 90.79% and 98.03%, respectively. The yields of isovaleryl-L-carnitine, octanoyl-L-carnitine and palmitoyl-L-carnitine in [Bmim]PF6 were 16.21%, 73.67% and 44.22 % more than those in acetonitrile, respectively. [Bmim]PF6 as the medium was better than acetonitrile. It could not only enhance the yields of acyl-L-carnitines, but also protect the lipase activity.
Insulin Therapy and Glycemic Control in Hospitalized Patients With Diabetes During Enteral Nutrition Therapy
Authors: Korytkowski Mary T. , Salata Rose J. , Koerbel Glory L. , Selzer Faith , Karslioglu Esra , Idriss Almoatazbellah M. , Lee Kenneth K.W. , Moser A. James , Toledo Frederico G.S.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

To compare two subcutaneous insulin strategies for glycemic management of hyperglycemia in non–critically ill hospitalized patients with diabetes during enteral nutrition therapy (ENT).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Fifty inpatients were prospectively randomized to receive sliding-scale regular insulin (SSRI) alone (n = 25) or in combination with insulin glargine (n = 25). NPH insulin was added for persistent hyperglycemia in the SSRI group (glucose >10 mmol/l).

RESULTS

Glycemic control was similar in the SSRI and glargine groups (mean ± SD study glucose 8.9 ± 1.6 vs. 9.2 ± 1.6 mmol/l, respectively; P = 0.71). NPH insulin was added in 48% of the SSRI group subjects. There were no group differences in frequency of hypoglycemia (1.3 ± 4.1 vs. 1.1 ± 1.8%; P = 0.35), total adverse events, or length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Both insulin strategies (SSRI with the addition of NPH for persistent hyperglycemia and glargine) demonstrated similar efficacy and safety in non–critically ill hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes during ENT.
Evaluation of the effect of extracorporeal shock wave treatment on experimentally induced osteoarthritis in middle carpal joints of horses
Authors: Frisbie David D. , Kawcak Christopher E. , McIlwraith C. Wayne
Published: March 2009

Objective—To assess the clinical, biochemical, and histologic effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of horses with experimentally induced osteoarthritis (OA).

Animals—Twenty-four 2- to 3-year-old horses without evidence of lameness.

Procedures—OA was induced arthroscopically in 1 middle carpal joint of each horse. Fourteen days after induction of OA, horses were treated with a sham ESWT probe (placebo; n = 8), polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) administered IM every 4 days for 28 days as a positive control treatment (8), or ESWT administered on days 14 and 28 with a focused shock wave unit (8). Evaluations included clinical assessments of degree of lameness every 2 weeks and weekly synovial fluid analyses. Horses were euthanized 70 days after induction of OA, and gross pathologic and histologic examinations of cartilage and synovial membrane specimens were performed at necropsy. A generalized linear mixed model was used to compare outcomes among treatment groups.

Results—No adverse treatment-related events were detected in any horse. The degree of lameness in horses treated with ESWT improved significantly, compared with the degree of lameness in placebo- or PSGAG-treated horses. No disease-modifying effects were evident in results for synovial fluid, synovial membranes, or cartilage from the ESWT- or PSGAG-treated horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Although a disease-modifying effect of ESWT was not detected, the significant clinical effect of ESWT suggested that this modality should be considered for treatment of horses with OA in combination with another modality that does affect the disease process.
Agreement between echocardiographic techniques in assessment of the left ventricular myocardial performance index in rabbits
Authors: Moura Cláudia , Fontes-Sousa Ana Patrícia , Teixeira-Pinto Armando , Areias José Carlos C. , Leite-Moreira Adelino F.
Published: March 2009

Objective—To report reference values and examine the agreement in the myocardial performance (Tei) index of the left ventricle (LVTI) as measured by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), pulsed-wave Doppler imaging (PWD), and M-mode echocardiography in clinically normal rabbits.

Animals—26 clinically normal male New Zealand White rabbits.

Procedures—Echocardiographic examinations that included TDI, PWD, and M-mode echocardiography were performed. Rabbits were sedated by SC administration of ketamine and midazolam. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to measure absolute agreement among the 3 echocardiographic techniques. Intraclass correlation coefficients were computed for values a and b and for the equation (a – b)/b used to determine LVTI; value a equals the sum of isovolumic contraction time, ejection time, and isovolumic relaxation time, and value b equals the left ventricular ejection time. Values of ICC > 0.75 indicated good agreement between 2 echocardiographic techniques.

Results—For value a, Pearson correlation coefficients between pairs of techniques were all high (r r 0.7). However, only the septal TDI and the lateral wall TDI had good agreement (ICC, 0.86). For value b, correlations were generally low with the exception of the correlation between the septal and the lateral wall TDI. For value b, TDI was the only technique with good agreement (ICC, 0.77). For LVTI, only TDI techniques had a significantly positive correlation. All the other correlations were close to zero with a paradoxic moderate negative correlation between PWD-determined LVTI and lateral wall TDI–determined LVTI.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—For LVTI, the absolute agreement was poor between all pairs of techniques.
Effects of anticoagulant on pH, ionized calcium concentration, and agonist-induced platelet aggregation in canine platelet-rich plasma
Authors: Callan Mary Beth , Shofer Frances S. , Catalfamo James L.
Published: March 2009

Objective—To compare effects of 3.8% sodium citrate and anticoagulant citrate dextrose solution National Institutes of Health formula A (ACD-A) on pH, extracellular ionized calcium (iCa) concentration, and platelet aggregation in canine platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Sample Population—Samples from 12 dogs.

Procedures—Blood samples were collected into 3.8% sodium citrate (dilution, 1:9) and ACD-A (dilution, 1:5). Platelet function, pH, and iCa concentration were evaluated in PRP. Platelet agonists were ADP, γ-thrombin, and convulxin; final concentrations of each were 20μm, 100nM, and 20nM, respectively. Washed platelets were used to evaluate effects of varying the pH and iCa concentration.

Results—Mean pH and iCa concentration were significantly greater in 3.8% sodium citrate PRP than ACD-A PRP. Platelet aggregation induced by ADP and γ-thrombin was markedly diminished in ACD-A PRP, compared with results for 3.8% sodium citrate PRP. Anticoagulant had no effect on amplitude of convulxin-induced platelet aggregation. In washed platelet suspensions (pH, 7.4), there were no differences in amplitude of platelet aggregation induced by convulxin or γ-thrombin at various iCa concentrations. Varying the pH had no effect on amplitude of aggregation induced by convulxin or γ-thrombin, but the aggregation rate increased with increasing pH for both agonists.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Aggregation of canine platelets induced by ADP and γ-thrombin was negligible in ACD-A PRP, which suggested an increase in extraplatelet hydrogen ion concentration inhibits signaling triggered by these agonists but not by convulxin. Choice of anticoagulant may influence results of in vitro evaluation of platelet function, which can lead to erroneous conclusions.
Estimation of heritabilities, genetic correlations, and breeding values of four traits that collectively define hip dysplasia in dogs
Authors: Zhang Zhiwu , Zhu Lan , Sandler Jody , Friedenberg Steven S. , Egelhoff Jill , Williams Alma J. , Dykes Nathan L. , Hornbuckle William , Krotscheck Ursula , Moise N. Sydney , Lust George , Todhunter Rory J.
Published: March 2009

Objective—To estimate heritabilities and genetic correlations among 4 traits of hip joints (distraction index [DI], dorsolateral subluxation [DLS] score, Norberg angle [NA], and extended–hip joint radiograph [EHR] score) and to derive the breeding values for these traits in dogs.

Animals—2,716 dogs of 17 breeds (1,551 dogs in which at least 1 hip joint trait was measured).

Procedures—The NA was measured, and an EHR score was assigned. Hip joint radiographs were obtained from some dogs to allow calculation of the DI and DLS score. Heritabilities, genetic correlations, and breeding values among the DI, DLS score, NA, and EHR score were calculated by use of a set of multiple-trait, derivative-free, restricted maximum likelihood computer programs.

Results—Among 2,716 dogs, 1,411 (52%) had an estimated inbreeding coefficient of 0%; the remaining dogs had a mean inbreeding coefficient of 6.21%. Estimated heritabilities were 0.61, 0.54, 0.73, and 0.76 for the DI, DLS score, NA, and EHR score, respectively. The EHR score was highly genetically correlated with the NA (r = −0.89) and was moderately genetically correlated with the DI (r = 0.69) and DLS score (r = −0.70). The NA was moderately genetically correlated with the DI (r = −0.69) and DLS score (r = 0.58). Genetic correlation between the DI and DLS score was high (r = −0.91).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Establishment of a selection index that makes use of breeding values jointly estimated from the DI, DLS score, NA, and EHR score should enhance breeding programs to reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia in dogs.
Experimental primary ocular canine herpesvirus-1 infection in adult dogs
Authors: Ledbetter Eric C. , Dubovi Edward J. , Kim Sung G. , Maggs David J. , Bicalho Rodrigo C.
Published: March 2009

Objective—To characterize clinical ocular disease, viral shedding, and serologic response associated with primary canine herpesvirus-1 (CHV-1) ocular infection in naïve adult dogs.

Animals—12 specific pathogen-free adult Beagles.

Procedures—Dogs were topically inoculated in the right eye with CHV-1 (infection group; n = 8) or virus-free medium (control group; 4). Dogs were inoculated with or without corneal microtrephination and subconjunctivally administered corticosteroids. Conjunctiva, buffy coat, and serum samples for real-time PCR assay, virus isolation, and serum neutralization (SN) antibody titers were collected until postinfection day (PID) 224, and general physical and ophthalmologic examinations were performed.

Results—Dogs in the infection group developed bilateral, mild to moderate conjunctivitis that reached maximal intensity on PIDs 7 to 10. Ocular viral shedding was detected in all dogs in the infection group between PIDs 3 and 10. Infected dogs developed CHV-1 SN antibody titers, beginning at PID 7 and peaking on PID 21. All buffy coat PCR assay results were negative. Corneal microtrephination and subconjunctival corticosteroid administration did not significantly affect clinical disease or viral shedding. Following recovery from primary infection, dogs remained clinically normal, did not shed virus, and had slowly decreasing SN antibody titers. Dogs in the control group did not develop conjunctivitis, shed virus, or develop CHV-1 SN antibody titers.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Primary ocular infection of adult dogs with CHV-1 was associated with self-limiting conjunctivitis and ocular viral shedding, which was evident in the absence of clinically detectable keratitis or systemic disease. Features of this infection resembled herpes simplex virus primary ocular infection in humans.
Effects of fascial abrasion, fasciotomy, and fascial excision on cutaneous wound healing in cats
Authors: Mitsui Akiko , Mathews Kyle G. , Linder Keith E. , Kruse Meghan A. , Roe Simon C.
Published: March 2009

Objective—To evaluate the effects of fascial abrasion, fasciotomy, and fascial excision on cutaneous wound healing in cats.

Animals—Eight 1- to 3-year-old domestic shorthair cats.

Procedures—8 evenly spaced 4-cm2 skin wounds were created on each cat's dorsum, and the underlying subcutaneous tissue was removed to expose the epaxial muscle fascia. Wounds were randomized to receive 1 of 4 treatments (2 wounds/treatment/cat): fascial abrasion, fasciotomy, fascial excision, or control treatment (muscle fascia not disturbed). Bandages were changed and digital photographs and acetate tracings of the wounds were obtained for planimetry daily for 1 week, every other day for 2 weeks, and then every third day for 3 weeks (ie, 40-day observation period). Digitized images were evaluated for granulation tissue formation, wound contraction (surface area measurements), and area of epithelialization.

Results—The epithelialized area and open and total wound areas did not differ among treatments at any time point. Time to the first appearance of granulation tissue was significantly shorter for all treatment groups, compared with that of the control group. Time to achieve granulation tissue coverage of wound base was significantly shorter following fasciotomy (9.6 days) and fascial excision (9.0 days), compared with that of control treatment (18.5 days) or abrasion (16.7 days). Numbers of wounds that developed exuberant granulation tissue following fascial excision (9/16) and control treatment (3/16) differed significantly.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Fasciotomy and fascial excision facilitated early granulation tissue development in cutaneous wounds in cats. In clinical use, these fascial treatments may expedite secondary wound closure or skin grafting.
Estimation of glomerular filtration rate in dogs by plasma clearance of gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid as measured by use of an ELISA
Authors: Nolan Benjamin G. , Ross Linda A. , Vaccaro Dennis E. , Groman Ernest V. , Reinhardt Christopher P.
Published: March 2009

Objective—To evaluate use of gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by plasma clearance and use of an ELISA as the method of Gd-DTPA quantification.

Animals—16 dogs of various sexes and breeds (12 dogs were clinically normal, and 4 dogs were polyuric and polydipsic with no other clinical or biochemical abnormalities).

Procedures—GFR was estimated by measuring the plasma clearance of Gd-DTPA and iohexol by use of an ELISA and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. The GFR was determined by use of a 1-compartment model for both methods. The GFRs obtained by Gd-DTPA plasma clearance were compared with those obtained by iohexol plasma clearance by use of correlation analysis, paired t tests, and limits of agreement analysis. A paired t test was used to evaluate differences between the 2 plasma clearance methods.

Results—A strong linear correlation (r2 = 0.90) was found between GFRs derived from the plasma clearance of Gd-DTPA and those derived from the plasma clearance of iohexol. By use of limits of agreement analysis, almost all (13/14) dogs had Gd-DTPA GFRs that were within 12% of iohexol GFRs. The remaining dog had a Gd-DTPA GFR that was 45% higher than the iohexol GFR. There was no significant difference between Gd-DTPA GFRs and those obtained with iohexol.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—This study revealed that plasma clearance of Gd-DTPA measured by use of an ELISA is an effective method to estimate GFR in dogs because it compared favorably with results for the iohexol-HPLC method.
Latinos and Latinas in Communal Settings: A Grounded Theory of Recovery
Authors: Alvarez Josefina , Jason Leonard A. , Davis Margaret I. , Olson Bradley D. , Ferrari Joseph R.
Published: March 2009

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Latino/a residents of a mutual help residential recovery program (Oxford House) in order to elicit their experiences of the program’s therapeutic elements. A model of recovery emerged from the analysis including several themes supported by existing literature: personal motivation and readiness to change, mutual help, sober environment, social support, and accountability. Consistent with a broad conceptualization of recovery, outcomes included abstinence, new life skills, and increased self-esteem/sense of purpose. Most participants were the only Latino/a in their Houses; however, cultural differences did not emerge as salient issues. The study’s findings highlight potential therapeutic aspects of mutual-help communal recovery programs and suggest that English-speaking, bicultural Latinos/as have positive experiences and may benefit from participating in these programs.
Occurence and Bioactivities of Funicone-Related Compounds
Authors: Nicoletti Rosario , Manzo Emiliano , Ciavatta Maria Letizia
Published: March 2009

Studies on production of secondary metabolites by fungi have received a substantial boost lately, particularly with reference to applications of their biological properties in human medicine. Funicones represent a series of related compounds for which there is accumulating evidence supporting their possible use as pharmaceuticals. This paper provides a review on the current status of knowledge on these fungal extrolites, with special reference to aspects concerning their molecular structures and biological activities.
The Mauve Stinger Pelagia noctiluca (Forsskål, 1775). Distribution, Ecology, Toxicity and Epidemiology of Stings.
Authors: Mariottini Gian Luigi , Giacco Elisabetta , Pane Luigi
Published: March 2009

The toxicity of Cnidaria is a subject of concern due to its influence on humans. In particular, jellyfish blooms can highly affect human economical activities, such as bathing, fishery, tourism, etc., as well as the public health. Stinging structures of Cnidaria (nematocysts) produce remarkable effects on human skin, such as erythema, swelling, burning and vesicles, and at times further severe dermonecrotic, cardio- and neurotoxic effects, which are particularly dangerous in sensitive subjects. In several zones the toxicity of jellyfish is a very important health problem, thus it has stimulated the research on these organisms; to date toxicological research on Cnidarian venoms in the Mediterranean region is not well developed due to the weak poisonousness of venoms of jellyfish and anemones living in this area. In spite of this, during last decades several problems were also caused in the Mediterranean by stinging consequent to Cnidarian blooms mainly caused by Pelagia noctiluca (Forsskål, 1775) which is known to be the most venomous Mediterranean jellyfish. This paper reviews the knowledge on this jellyfish species, particularly considering its occurrence and toxicity.
Antimalarial and Cytotoxic Phenolic Compounds from Cratoxylum maingayi and Cratoxylum cochinchinense
Authors: Laphookhieo Surat , Maneerat Wisanu , Koysomboon Sorwaporn
Published: March 2009

Nine phenolic compounds isolated from Cratoxylum maingayi and C. cochinchinense were evaluated for anti-malarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum, and for cytotoxic activity against the NCI-H187 (human small cell lung cancer) cancer cell line. Formoxanthone C (3) was found to be the most active against the NCI-H187 cancer cell line, with an IC50 of 0.22 mg/mL, while vismione B (7) had the highest activity against Plasmodium falciparum, with an IC50 of 0.66 mg/mL.
A New Insecticidal Sesquiterpene Ester from Celastrus Angulatus
Authors: Wei Shao-peng , Ji Zhi-qin , Zhang Ji-wen
Published: March 2009

A new sesquiterpene polyol ester with a β-dihydroagarofuran skeleton, NW37 (1), and three known compounds NW13 (2), NW16 (3) and NW35 (4) were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation from the highly polar MeOH extracts of the root bark of Celastrus angulatus. Their chemical structures were elucidated mainly by analyses of MS and NMR spectral data. The insecticidal activity of compound 1 against 4th instar Mythimna separata larvae with a KD50 value of 252.3 μg·g-1 was demonstrated.
Small Magnetic Sensors for Space Applications
Authors: Díaz-Michelena Marina
Published: March 2009

Small magnetic sensors are widely used integrated in vehicles, mobile phones, medical devices, etc for navigation, speed, position and angular sensing. These magnetic sensors are potential candidates for space sector applications in which mass, volume and power savings are important issues. This work covers the magnetic technologies available in the marketplace and the steps towards their implementation in space applications, the actual trend of miniaturization the front-end technologies, and the convergence of the mature and miniaturized magnetic sensor to the space sector through the small satellite concept.
How Do Cancer Registries in Europe Estimate Completeness of Registration?
Authors: Blettner M. , Schmidtmann I.
Published: March 2009

Objectives: Several methods for estimating completeness in cancer registries have been proposed. Little is known about their relative merits. Before embarking on a systematic comparison of methods we wanted to know which indicators were currently in use and whether there had been comparative investigations of estimation methods.

Methods: We performed a survey among European cancer registries asking which methods for estimating completeness they used and whether they had performed comparisons of methods.

Results: One hundred and ninety-five European cancer registries were contacted after identification using membership directories of the European Network of Cancer Registries (ENCR) and of the International Association of Cancer Registries (IACR). Fifty-six (29%; 22%–36%) of the 195 cancer registries replied. Forty-eight (86%; 74%–94%) of these stated that they estimated completeness. Thirty-five (73%; 58%–85%) used historic comparisons, 31 (65%; 49%–78%) compared their data with a reference registry, 28 (58%; 43%–72%) registries used mortality incidence ratio. Capture-recapture methods were applied in only 12 (25%; 14%-40%) registries. The flow method was used by ten (21%; 10%–35%) registries. There were regional differences in the use of methods. Comparisons of methods were rare and usually restricted to real data at hand. A systematic comparison including all indicators actually in use in cancer registries was not reported.

Conclusions: A comparison of methods under well defined realistic conditions seems to be indicated. Unifying the methods for estimating completeness would improve validity of comparisons between cancer registries.
A Functional Haplotype of PADI4 Gene in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Positive Correlation in a French Population
Authors: GANDJBAKHCH FRÉDÉRIQUE , FAJARDY ISABELLE , FERRÉ BENJAMIN , DUBUCQUOI SYLVAIN , FLIPO RENÉ-MARC , ROGER NADINE , SOLAU-GERVAIS ELISABETH
Published: March 2009

Objective.

A functional haplotype of peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PADI4) was associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Asian populations, but the results are contradictory in Europeans. We investigated (1) the association of 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) located in exon 2 of PADI4 with RA in another Caucasian population; and (2) the association between PADI4 and anti-citrullinated protein (anti-CCP) antibodies.

Methods.

DNA samples were obtained from 405 French RA patients and 275 controls. All RA patients met the revised criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. PADI4_89 163(G→A) and PADI4_90 245(T→C) SNP were genotyped using a PCR-RFLP method confirmed by direct sequencing. All patients and controls were genotyped for HLA-DRB1. The presence of anti-CCP antibodies was tested in 243 RA patients using an ELISA technique.

Results.

We focused on PADI4_89 163(G→A) and PADI4_90 245(T→C) SNP that distinguished 2 main haplotypes: AC haplotype (PADI4_89*A PADI4_90*C) and GT haplotype (PADI4_89*G PADI4_90*T), described, respectively, as “nonsusceptible” and “susceptible.” A positive association between RA and presence of the GT haplotype was found in the heterozygous state (p = 0.002) and the homozygous state (RA patients 22%, controls 13%; p = 0.005). A correlation was observed between the presence but not the level of anti-CCP antibodies and the GT heterozygous (p = 0.03) and homozygous (p = 0.05) haplotypes. No correlation was found between the HLA-DRB1 shared epitope and any of the PADI4 haplotypes.

Conclusion.

Our findings confirm those of Japanese, Korean, and Canadian studies and suggest that PADI4 may be a new susceptibility gene independent of HLA-DRB1 for RA in Caucasian populations.
Changing Patterns of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Use in 9074 Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: YAZICI YUSUF , KRASNOKUTSKY SVETLANA , BARNES JAIME P. , HINES PATRICIA L. , WANG JASON , ROSENBLATT LISA
Published: March 2009

Objective.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) commonly switch between tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors after failing to control disease activity. Much of the clinical data that support switching to a second TNF agent when one agent fails to work has come from small, short-term studies. We utilized a US insurance claims database to determine patterns of use such as dose escalation, time to discontinuation, and switching between TNF inhibitors in patients with RA.

Methods.

A retrospective analysis was performed using an insurance claims database in the US from 2000 to 2005. TNF inhibitor use, time to switch, dose escalation, and continuation times were analyzed in patients with RA.

Results.

Nine thousand seventy-four patients with RA started TNF inhibitors during the period 2000 to 2005. Etanercept was the most commonly used TNF inhibitor; infliximab had the highest duration of continuation, about 50% at 2 years. In addition, infliximab showed higher rates of dose escalation compared to etanercept and adalimumab. For all TNF inhibitors, time to switching decreased from 2000 to 2005.

Conclusion.

TNF inhibitor use patterns changed from 2000 to 2005, with more frequent changes among the different TNF inhibitors and a shorter duration of treatment before the change. Only about 50% of TNF inhibitors are still continued at 2 years, reflecting the difference between randomized clinical trials and real-world experience.
Postmarketing Surveillance of the Safety and Effectiveness of Etanercept in Japan
Authors: KOIKE TAKAO , HARIGAI MASAYOSHI , INOKUMA SHIGEKO , INOUE KAZUHIKO , ISHIGURO NAOKI , RYU JUNNOSUKE , TAKEUCHI TSUTOMU , TANAKA YOSHIYA , YAMANAKA HISASHI , FUJII KOICHI , FREUNDLICH BRUCE , SUZUKAWA MICHIO
Published: March 2009

Objective.

Postmarketing surveillance (PMS) was conducted evaluating safety and effectiveness of etanercept (ETN; Enbrel®) in Japan, following all patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during the conditional approval period of ETN.

Methods.

Registration of patients from 1,334 medical sites was conducted between March 2005 and April 2007. Patients were followed for 24 weeks; data regarding patients’ background, safety, and effectiveness was recorded centrally. Adverse events (AE) and adverse drug reactions (ADR) were coded using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. Effectiveness was measured using the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28).

Results.

Of 14,369 patients registered, data collection and evaluation for 7,091 patients by March 2006 is reported. At least 1 AE was observed for 2,173 patients (30.6%); 60% of AE occurred within 8 weeks of starting ETN. Most frequent AE were injection site reaction (n = 377, 5.3%) and rash (n = 228, 3.2%). Serious AE occurred in 403 patients (5.7%); most frequent were pneumonia (n = 59, 0.8%) and interstitial lung disease (n = 42, 0.6%). Pneumonia was the most common specifically important ADR (n = 102, 1.4%). Mean baseline DAS28 was 6.0, which reduced to 4.4 within 4 weeks, and to 3.9 within 24 weeks. The proportion of patients having good or moderate EULAR response measured by DAS28 was 84.1% at Week 24. Effectiveness rates were more favorable in patients concomitantly using methotrexate. Good or moderate EULAR response rate among patients switched from infliximab was 84.9%.

Conclusion.

This extensive observational trial, including all patients with RA in Japan taking ETN, found ETN to be both effective and well tolerated by Japanese patients with RA. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00503503.
Serum Levels of Soluble CD40 Ligand at Flare and at Remission in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: URQUIZU-PADILLA MARIA , BALADA EVA , CORTÉS FINA , PÉREZ EDUARDO HERMOSILLA , VILARDELL-TARRÉS MIQUEL , ORDI-ROS JOSEP
Published: March 2009

Objective.

To perform a prospective evaluation of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) levels according to the activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods.

Two serum samples were taken from 53 patients with SLE: at flare and at remission. Clinical and biological measures (sCD40L levels were measured by a commercial ELISA) were evaluated in both situations.

Results.

Patients with SLE had significantly lower median levels of sCD40L during flare than during remission [3365 (6157) vs 7125 (4122) pg/ml; p < 0.001]. The multivariate analysis to explain those patients with lower values of sCD40L during flare than during remission included 3 variables: 2 related to flare (prednisone dose received ≤ 15 mg/day and platelet counts > 192,000 × 106/l) and one related to lower changes in SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score. We regrouped patients with the 2 characteristics related to flare as Group 4, and the others were Group 123. All patients with low SLEDAI scores at flare had statistically significant lower sCD40L levels during flare than during remission. When flare SLEDAI scores were higher than the 50th percentile, patients of Group 123 showed the same behavior and even more diminished levels of sCD40L during flare than patients of Group 123 with low SLEDAI scores (p = 0.023); and patients of Group 4 showed no differences in the values of sCD40L between flare and remission (p = 0.241).

Conclusion.

sCD40L plays a biologically active role, with decreased levels at flare at low SLEDAI scores. At high SLEDAI scores there are mechanisms that involve platelets and that are inhibited by high doses of prednisone that lead to increased serum values of sCD40L at flare.
Quand la variable « femme » ne sera plus significative dans les équations de gains...
Authors: Meurs Dominique , Ponthieux Sophie
Published: March 2009

Résumé Dans la logique de l’analyse orthodoxe des déterminants des salaires, le rapprochement des niveaux d’éducation des femmes et des hommes devrait se traduire par un resserrement de l’écart des salaires. Cette prédiction peine à se réaliser : le niveau moyen d’éducation des femmes qui travaillent est supérieur à celui des hommes, mais leurs salaires restent en moyenne inférieurs. L’avantage éducatif n’est en effet pas de taille face aux différences de structure des emplois et de durée de travail, qui expliquent l’essentiel de l’écart des salaires. Ces différences sont liées à des phénomènes de ségrégation, euxmêmes largement issus des comportements sociaux et de la distribution des tâches domestiques et familiales entre les femmes et les hommes.
L'argent du « ménage », qui paie quoi ?
Authors: Roy Delphine
Published: March 2009

Résumé Loin d’être fondus en un unique « budget du ménage », l’argent de l’homme et celui de la femme restent, dans un couple, différenciés. Une analyse élémentaire des données de l’enquête « Budget des Familles » de l’Insee indique que l’argent des deux conjoints ne sert pas toujours à la même chose : certains postes de dépenses sont clairement sexués. D’un point de vue ethnographique, on observe que l’ampleur et les modalités de la mise en commun des ressources au sein du couple ne vont pas de soi. Le domaine du budget collectif est plus ou moins étendu, et sa négociation explicite, pas toujours possible ni souhaitée. Enfin, dans le cas où la femme gagne moins que l’homme et où il n’y a pas de compte commun, on constate que tous les ménages rencontrés procèdent d’une façon totalement opposée à la notion de « salaire d’appoint » : c’est le « petit » salaire de la femme qui constitue la base de l’argent collectif.
Travailler et prendre soin d'un parent âgé dépendant
Authors: Le Bihan-Youinou Blanche , Martin Claude
Published: March 2009

Résumé Dans cet article, les auteurs proposent d’analyser la situation de femmes qui font face en même temps à une activité professionnelle à plein temps et à la prise en charge quotidienne d’un parent ou d’un beau-parent âgé dépendant. Ils analysent à la fois la manière dont les femmes organisent cette prise en charge et l’impact que celle-ci a sur leur vie personnelle, familiale et professionnelle. A la différence des soins dispensés aux enfants en bas âge, ces femmes puisent dans leurs temps personnel et familial le temps nécessaire pour faire face à cette pression, tout en préservant leur implication professionnelle.
Force physique et féminisation des métiers du bâtiment
Authors: Gallioz Stéphanie
Published: March 2009

Résumé L’objectif de l’article est de montrer que la notion de force physique comme caractéristique naturellement dévolue aux hommes, pendant de la fragilité de la femme, est le résultat de la construction sociale de la masculinité et de la féminité. Nous avons, pour cela, pris appui plus particulièrement sur le secteur du bâtiment. Dans ce dernier, la mobilisation de la notion de force physique a réussi à la fois à interdire et à occulter la présence des femmes. Le bâtiment, s’il ne peut être désigné de secteur non mixte par excellence, les femmes y jouant depuis toujours un rôle important, se construit autour des caractères de la masculinité. La force physique apparaît alors comme une notion structurelle pour les métiers de ce secteur. Ainsi, être femme dans le bâtiment n’est pas quelque chose d’anodin, voire naturel. De ce fait, celles qui y travaillent malgré tout, sont soit niées, soit confinées sur certains métiers, tâches et fonctions.
La Confederación Española de Centros de Estudios Locales
Authors: Madrid y Medina Ángela
Published: March 2009

La Ley Fundacional del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) organizó el Consejo en diversos Patronatos. Entre ellos, el “José María Quadrado” se encargó de la coordinación de los Estudios Locales. Este Patronato desapareció en la reorganización del CSIC de 1979 y en 1980 se creó la CECEL, que asumiría sus funciones. Se narra la historia de la Confederación, su personalidad jurídica, sus órganos de dirección, sus objetivos y se relacionan los centros que la componen.
La CECEL en el CSIC
Authors: Rincón García Wifredo
Published: March 2009

Se analiza la evolución legislativa del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) en relación con el nacimiento y desarrollo de la CECEL, y la relación de la Confederación y el CSIC.
Targeted deletion of the γ‐adducin gene (Add3) in mice reveals differences in α‐adducin interactions in erythroid and nonerythroid cells
Authors: Sahr Kenneth E. , Lambert Amy J. , Ciciotte Steven L. , Mohandas Narla , Peters Luanne L.
Published: March 2009

In red blood cells (RBCs) adducin heterotetramers localize to the spectrin‐actin junction of the peripheral membrane skeleton. We previously reported that deletion of β‐adducin results in osmotically fragile, microcytic RBCs and a phenotype of hereditary spherocytosis (HS). Notably, α‐adducin was significantly reduced, while γ‐adducin, normally present in limited amounts, was increased ∼5‐fold, suggesting that α‐adducin requires a heterologous binding partner for stability and function, and that γ‐adducin can partially substitute for the absence of β‐adducin. To test these assumptions we generated γ‐adducin null mice. γ‐adducin null RBCs appear normal on Wright's stained peripheral blood smears and by scanning electron microscopy. All membrane skeleton proteins examined are present in normal amounts, and all hematological parameters measured are normal. Despite a loss of ∼70% of α‐adducin in γ‐adducin null platelets, no bleeding defect is observed and platelet structure appears normal. Moreover, systemic blood pressure and pulse are normal in γ‐adducin null mice. γ‐ and β‐adducin null mice were intercrossed to generate double null mice. Loss of γ‐adducin does not exacerbate the β‐adducin null HS phenotype although the amount α‐adducin is reduced to barely detectable levels. The stability of α‐adducin in the absence of a heterologous binding partner varies considerably in various tissues. The amount of α‐adducin is modestly reduced (∼15%) in the kidney, while in the spleen and brain is reduced by ∼50% with the loss of a heterologous β‐ or γ‐adducin binding partner. These results suggest that the structural properties of adducin differ significantly between erythroid and various nonerythroid cell types. Am. J. Hematol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Innentitelbild: Perfluoropentaphenylborole (Angew. Chem. 16/2009)
Authors: Fan Cheng , Piers Warren E. , Parvez Masood
Published: March 2009

Perfluorarylborane sind eine wichtige Klasse von metallorganischen Lewis‐Säuren, die wie alle perfluorierten Verbindungen besondere Anforderungen an die Synthesemethodik stellen. In ihrer Zuschrift auf S. 2999 ff. beschreiben W. E. Piers et al. die Synthese eines neuen, vollständig fluorierten heterocyclischen Borans, das überdies zur seltenen Verbindungsklasse der antiaromatischen Borole gehört. Die Syntheseroute umfasst normalerweise einfache Transmetallierungen, die durch die elektronenziehenden C6F5‐Gruppen des Produkts verkompliziert werden.

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Tetraazuliporphyrin Tetracation
Authors: Sprutta Natasza , Maćkowiak Stanisław , Kocik Marzena , Szterenberg Ludmiła , Lis Tadeusz , Latos‐Grażyński Lechosław
Published: March 2009

At the crossroads: A unique carbon‐bridged annulene motif—dehydroquatyrin—is imprinted into the molecular structure of the tetraazuliporphyrin tetracation (see picture). The macrocycle, which lies at the intersection of annulene, carbocation, and porphyrin chemistry, is obtained by the standard condensation of azulene and arylaldehyde followed by oxidation. The meso positions of the tetracation are susceptible to anionic or weak nucleophilic attack.

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A rheumatology‐specific informatics‐based application with a disease activity calculator
Authors: Collier Deborah S. , Kay Jonathan , Estey Greg , Surrao Dominic , Chueh Henry C. , Grant Richard W.
Published: March 2009

Objective

To design a rheumatology‐specific tool with a disease activity calculator integrated into the electronic medical records (EMRs) at our institution and assess physicians' attitudes toward the use of this tool.

Methods

The Rheumatology OnCall (ROC) application culls rheumatology‐pertinent data from our institution's laboratory, microbiology, pathology, radiology, and pharmacy information systems. Attending rheumatologists and rheumatology fellows accessed the ROC and disease activity calculator during outpatient visits at the time of the clinical encounter.

Results

During the 12‐week study period, 15 physicians used the ROC application and the disease activity calculator during 474 and 429 outpatient clinic visits, respectively. In weekly survey responses, physicians reported that use of the ROC interface improved patient care in 140 (78%) of 179 visits, and that the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) results at the time of the visit would not have changed patient management in 157 (88%) of these, although seeing a trend in DAS28 was useful in 149 (96%) of 156 visits. At the study's conclusion, most physicians reported that the ROC application was useful (11 of 12 physicians) and that seeing a trend in DAS28 improved daily patient care (12 of 13 physicians).

Conclusion

The ROC application is useful in daily rheumatologic care, and the disease activity calculator facilitates management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, widespread acceptance and use of such tools depend upon the general acceptance of and access to EMRs in the clinical setting. The utility of the disease activity calculator may be limited by the lack of available acute‐phase reactant results at the time of the clinical encounter.
Lack of detection of agonist activity by antibodies to platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α in a subset of normal and systemic sclerosis patient sera
Authors: Loizos Nick , LaRiccia Leah , Weiner Jami , Griffith Heather , Boin Francesco , Hummers Laura , Wigley Fredrick , Kussie Paul
Published: March 2009

Objective

To investigate whether agonist anti–platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α (anti‐PDGFRα) antibodies are present in the serum of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma).

Methods

Sera were obtained from healthy subjects and scleroderma patients. An electrochemiluminescence binding assay was performed for detection of serum autoantibodies to PDGFRα, PDGFRβ, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and colony‐stimulating factor receptor 1 (CSFR1). Serum immunoglobulin was purified by protein A/G chromatography. To assess Ig agonist activity, PDGFRα‐expressing cells were incubated with pure Ig and the level of receptor phosphorylation determined in an enzyme‐linked immunoassay, as well as by Western blotting. Ig agonist activity was also assessed in a mitogenic assay and by MAP kinase activation in a PDGFRα‐expressing cell line.

Results

Sera from 34.3% of the healthy subjects and 32.7% of the SSc patients contained detectable autoantibodies to PDGFRα and PDGFRβ, but not EGFR or CSFR1. Purified Ig from these sera was shown to retain PDGFR binding activity and, at 200‐1,000 μg/ml, exhibited no agonist activity in a cell‐based PDGFRα phosphorylation assay and did not stimulate a mitogenic response or MAP kinase activation in a PDGFRα‐expressing cell line. Two purified Ig samples that were unable to bind PDGFRα did exhibit binding activity to a nonglycosylated form of PDGFRα.

Conclusion

Although approximately one‐third of sera from scleroderma patients contained detectable autoantibodies to PDGFR, these antibodies were not specific to scleroderma, since they were also detected in a similar percentage of samples from normal subjects. PDGFRα agonist activity was not demonstrated when purified Ig from these sera was tested in cell‐based assays.