bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of microcellular thin polycarbonate sheets
Authors: Xiang Banglong , Guan Rong , Fang Quan , Xiao Zhaoxin , Jiang Yajing
Published: December 2005

A new method was developed for the microcellular processing of polycarbonate (PC) thin sheets by compression molding above PC's glass‐transition temperature and below its melting temperature within a few minutes. The effects of the foaming time, foaming pressure, foaming temperature, and foaming agent active ratio on the cell size, cell density, and relative density were studied. The structures of the microcellular PC foam were controlled in the foaming process by carefully choosing the foaming parameters. In addition, the thermal, dynamic mechanical thermal, and electrical properties of the microcellular PC foam were investigated. A differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that the microcellularly processed PC may have a plastication effect. The variation of the storage modulus, loss modulus, and tan δ under dynamic mechanical thermal analysis was in accord with the calorimetry analysis. The measurement of the electrical property demonstrated that the insulation ability of the microcellular PC thin sheet was obviously enhanced and the dielectric strength of the microcellular PC foam was decreased compared to the unfoamed PC. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1760–1766, 2006
Thermal decomposition behavior of γ‐irradiated poly(vinyl acetate)/poly(methyl methacrylate) miscible blends
Authors: El‐Din Horia M. Nizam , El‐Naggar Abdel Wahab M. , Ali Faten I.
Published: December 2005

Miscible polymer blends based on various ratios of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were prepared in film form by the solution casting technique using benzene as a common solvent. The thermal decomposition behavior of these blends and their individual homopolymers before and after γ‐irradiation at various doses (50–250 kGy) was investigated. The thermogravimetric analysis technique was utilized to determine the temperatures at which the maximum value of the rate of reaction (Tmax) occurs and the kinetic parameters of the thermal decomposition. The rate of reaction curves of the individual homopolymers or their blends before or after γ‐ irradiation displayed similar trends in which the Tmax corresponding to all polymers was found to exist in the same position but with different values. These findings and the visual observations of the blend solutions and the transparency of the films gave support to the complete miscibility of these blends. Three transitions were observed along the reaction rate versus temperature curves; the first was around 100–200°C with no defined Tmax, which may arise from the evaporation of the solvent. The second Tmax was in the 340–380°C range, which depended on the polymer blend and the γ‐irradiation condition. A third transition was seen in the rate of reaction curves only for pure PVAc and its blends with PMMA with ratios up to 50%, regardless of γ‐ irradiation. We concluded that γ‐irradiation improved the thermal stability of PVAc/PMMA blends, even though the PMMA polymer was degradable by γ irradiation. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1773–1780, 2006
Influence of apple flavor absorption on physical and mechanical properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) films
Authors: Denktaş Cenk , Yıldırım Hüseyin , San Nevim
Published: December 2005

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films (280‐μm film thickness), which are used in food packaging, were immersed into 160‐ and 320‐ppm apple flavor solution for 14, 28, and 56 days at 5, 25, and 40°C, respectively. At the end of this period, the changes in the PET films were investigated by measuring the mechanical and physical properties. The mechanical properties were determined by examining changes in the Young's modulus. The changes in the physical properties were investigated by Fourier transform IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The formation of microcracks in the structure of PET films was observed by SEM. According to the results of those investigations, the apple flavor affects PET films, even at very low concentrations and temperatures. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1802–1807, 2006
Experimental study on carboxymethylation of cellulose extracted from Posidonia oceanica
Authors: Aguir Chadlia , M'Henni M. F.
Published: December 2005

The production of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) from bleached cellulose pulps obtained from Posidonia oceanica was explored. The optimal reaction conditions were studied for the carboxymethylation of cellulose in organic liquids. The carboxymethylation reaction was carried out with NaOH and monochloroacetic acid (MAC) as the reagent. Different alcohols were compared in terms of the degree of substitution (DS). The highest DS was obtained with n‐butanol. For this alcohol, the effects of the temperature, alkali concentration, and MAC concentration were studied. The reaction was also carried out in three consecutive steps. The resulting CMC had a DS of about 2.75. The functionalization of cellulose was checked using FTIR spectroscopy and 13C‐NMR. The X‐ray analysis showed that the crystalline structure of cellulose decreased when the DS increased and the structure was totally amorphous in high DS material. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1808–1816, 2006
Flour rice husk as filler in block copolymer polypropylene: Effect of different coupling agents
Authors: Martí‐Ferrer Ferran , Vilaplana Francisco , Ribes‐Greus Amparo , Benedito‐Borrás Adolfo , Sanz‐Box Concha
Published: December 2005

Flour rice husk (FRH) was employed as a filler in block copolymer polypropylene (PPB) in order to prepare polymer‐based reinforced composites. Four coupling agents were selected to modify the surface of the rice husk in the composite materials, including two types of functionalized polymers [PP homopolymer grafted with maleic anhydride (MA‐PP) and an elastomer styrene–ethylene–butadiene–styrene triblock copolymer grafted with MA (MA‐SEBS)] and two bifunctional organometallic coupling agents (silane and titanate with linear low‐density polyethylene as a carrier). The influence of each type of coupling agent on the interfacial bonding strength was studied by dynamic mechanical analysis, scanning electronic microscopy, and rheological tests. The results showed that strong interactions were formed between the coupling agents and the filler surface. The addition of a coupling agent with an elastomeric carrier (MA‐SEBS) increased the loss tangent and reduced the storage modulus of the composite. A similar but less intense effect was observed for the titanate coupling agent. However, an antagonistic performance was obtained when MA‐PP and silane were employed as coupling agents. In addition, when the percentage of MA‐SEBS was increased, the impact properties of FRH/PPB blends were improved and the strength was reduced. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1823–1831, 2006
Synthesis, characterization, and comparison of self‐doped, doped, and undoped forms of polyaniline, poly(o‐anisidine), and poly[aniline‐co‐(o‐anisidine)]
Authors: Özdemir Cemile , Kaplan Can Hatice , Çolak Nureddin , Güner Ali
Published: December 2005

Polyaniline (PANI), poly(o‐anisidine), and poly[aniline‐co‐(o‐anisidine)] were synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization with ammonium persulfate as an oxidizing reagent in an HCl medium. The viscosities, electrical conductivity, and crystallinity of the resulting polymers (self‐doped forms) were compared with those of the doped and undoped forms. The self‐doped, doped, and undoped forms of these polymers were characterized with infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and a four‐point‐probe conductivity method. X‐ray diffraction characterization revealed the crystalline nature of the polymers. The observed decrease in the conductivity of the copolymer and poly(o‐anisidine) with respect to PANI was attributed to the incorporation of the methoxy moieties into the PANI chain. The homopolymers attained conductivity in the range of 3.97 × 10−3 to 7.8 S/cm after doping with HCl. The conductivity of the undoped forms of the poly[aniline‐co‐(o‐anisidine)] and poly(o‐anisidine) was observed to be lower than 10−5 J/S cm−1. The conductivity of the studied polymer forms decreased by the doping process in the following order: self‐doped → doped → undoped. The conductivity of the studied polymers decreased by the monomer species in the following order: PANI → poly[aniline‐co‐(o‐anisidine)] → poly(o‐anisidine). All the polymer samples were largely amorphous, but with the attachment of the pendant groups of anisidine to the polymer system, the crystallinity region increased. The undoped form of poly[aniline‐co‐(o‐anisidine)] had good solubility in common organic solvents, whereas doped poly[aniline‐co‐(o‐anisidine)] was moderately crystalline and exhibited higher conductivity than the anisidine homopolymer. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Effects of stearates on the thermal stability of chlorinated natural rubber from latex
Authors: Yu He‐Ping , Li Si‐Dong , Zhong Jie‐Ping , Xu Kui
Published: December 2005

The effects of stearates on the dehydrochlorination (DHC) reaction of chlorinated natural rubber (CNR) from latex were studied by the measurement of the HCl evolving rate during the early stage of the thermal degradation of CNR and by the determination of the amounts of cyclic conjugated dienes formed on the CNR molecular chains. During the early stage of the thermal degradation of CNR at 150°C, HCl was eliminated from the CNR molecular chains, and the cyclic conjugated dienes were formed on the CNR molecular chains. Under the effects of barium stearate, lead stearate, cadmium stearate, and calcium stearate, the HCl evolving rates of CNR were reduced, whereas the amounts of cyclic conjugated dienes that formed on the CNR molecular chains were increased. When zinc stearate was added, because of the formation of ZnCl2, which was an active catalyst of the DHC reaction of CNR, both the HCl evolving rate from CNR and the formation of cyclic conjugated dienes were increased. The results indicate that the addition of stearates can reduce the thermal stability of CNR. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1981–1985, 2006
Effects of dibutyltin dilaurate and epoxidized soya bean oil on the thermal stability of chlorinated natural rubber from latex
Authors: Yu He‐Ping , Li Si‐Dong , Zhong Jie‐Ping , Xu Kui
Published: December 2005

The effects of dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTL) and epoxidized soya bean oil (EBO) on the dehydrochlorination reaction of chlorinated natural rubber (CNR) from latex were studied by the measurement of the HCl evolving rate during the thermal degradation of CNR and by the determination of the amounts of cyclic conjugated dienes that formed on the CNR molecular chains. During the early stage of the thermal degradation of CNR at 150°C, HCl was eliminated, and the cyclic conjugated dienes formed on the CNR molecular chains. Under the effects of DBTL and EBO, the HCl evolving rates during the early stage of the thermal degradation of CNR were reduced, whereas the amounts of cyclic conjugated dienes formed on the CNR molecular chains were increased. Under the effects of mixtures from the compounding of DBTL with barium stearate or 2,2′‐methylene‐bis(4‐methyl‐6‐tert‐butyl‐phenol) as well as the compounding of EBO with 2,2′‐methylene‐bis(4‐methyl‐6‐tert‐butyl‐phenol), not only the HCl evolving rate from CNR but also the formation of cyclic conjugated dienes decreased, and this indicated that the compounded mixtures had synergistic functions against the thermal degradation of CNR. However, the mixture from the compounding of EBO with barium stearate had no synergistic effect on increasing the thermal stability of CNR. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1986–1991, 2006
Incidence and prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis in Northern Norway
Authors: Bakland Gunnstein , Nossent Hans C. , Gran Jan T.
Published: December 2005

Objective

To determine the incidence and prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) over a prolonged period in the 2 northernmost counties of Norway, where HLA–B27 has a high prevalence in the population.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study of all patients registered with a diagnosis of AS between 1960 and 1993 at the University Hospital of Northern Norway, which is the sole rheumatology department serving these counties. We registered demographics, year of disease onset (clinical disease), and year of diagnosis (radiograph confirmation) for all patients. The date of onset of clinical disease in patients with AS was used in the calculation of incidence rates. Annual incidence and point/period prevalence rates were expressed per 100,000 adults. Primary AS was defined as AS in the absence of psoriasis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Results

A total of 534 patients (75.1% male, mean age at clinical diagnosis 24.2 years, 93.0% HLA–B27 positive) had a confirmed diagnosis of AS (by the modified New York criteria). Median time from disease onset to radiologic confirmation was 8.0 years. Annual incidence of primary AS (n = 417) was 7.26, while estimated point prevalence rose from 0.036% in 1970 to 0.10% in 1980 and to 0.21% in 1990 with a period prevalence of 0.26%. AS was secondary to psoriasis or IBD in 117 patients (18.1%), with a diagnostic delay similar to that in primary AS. Annual incidence (14.1) and period prevalence in 1982–1993 (0.41%) were significantly higher in the town of Tromsø than in the surrounding rural region (5.21 and 0.22%, respectively). Mortality in patients with AS was low.

Conclusion

The incidence of AS was relatively stable in the northern part of Norway over a 34‐year period. Incidence and prevalence are higher than reported in similar studies from Finland and Minnesota, possibly due to a higher population prevalence of HLA–B27.
Analyzing reliability of change in depression among persons with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Martens Matthew P. , Vandyke Melanie , Parker Jerry C. , Smarr Karen L. , Hewett James E. , Hewett John E. , Walker Sara E.
Published: December 2005

Objective

To examine several methods of determining reliability of change constructs in depressive symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to demonstrate the strengths, weaknesses, and uses of each method.

Methods

Data were analyzed from a cohort of 54 persons with RA who participated in a combined behavioral/pharmacologic intervention of 15 months duration. These longitudinal data were used to examine 3 methodologies for assessing the reliability of change for various measures of depression. The specific methodologies involved the calculations of reliable change, sensitivity to change, and reliability of the change score.

Results

The analyses demonstrated differences in reliability of change performance across the various depression measures, which suggest that no single measure of depression for persons with RA should be considered superior in all contexts.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the value of utilizing reliability of change constructs when examining changes in depressive symptoms over time.
Effect of physical activity on functional status among older middle‐age adults with arthritis
Authors: Feinglass Joe , Thompson Jason A. , He Xiaoxing Z. , Witt Whitney , Chang Rowland W. , Baker David W.
Published: December 2005

Objective

To determine the effect of leisure time and work‐related physical activity on changes in physical functioning among 3,554 nationally representative survey respondents, ages 53–63 years in 1994, with arthritis and joint symptoms, interviewed in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS).

Methods

In 1992–1994, light and vigorous exercise items were empirically categorized into recommended, insufficient, and inactive leisure time physical activity levels using data from the HRS. Leisure and work‐related physical activity levels in 1994 were used to predict 1996 functional decline or improvement, controlling for baseline functional difficulties, health status, sociodemographic characteristics, and behavioral risk factors.

Results

Whereas 29.7% of respondents reported functional declines in 1996, 38.6% of those with baseline difficulties in 1994 reported improvement. Compared with inactive respondents, recommended and insufficient leisure time physical activity were equally protective against functional decline (odds ratio [OR] 0.59 and 0.62, respectively; P < 0.0001). Higher levels of physical activity were also modestly associated with functional improvement among respondents with baseline functional difficulties (OR 1.47, P = 0.05 and OR 1.45, P = 0.01, respectively). Work‐related physical activity was not a significant predictor of decline or improvement.

Conclusion

Given the high prevalence of arthritis, even modest increases in rates of lifestyle physical activity among older adults could make a substantial contribution to disability‐free life expectancy.
Course and prognosis of knee complaints in general practice
Authors: van der Waal Johanna M. , Bot Sandra D. M. , Terwee Caroline B. , van der Windt Daniëlle A. W. M. , Scholten Rob J. P. M. , Bouter Lex M. , Dekker Joost
Published: December 2005

Objective

Patients frequently present with knee complaints in general practice. Information about the course and prognosis of knee complaints is needed to inform patients and facilitate decisions on referral and treatment. The objective of the study was to assess the course of knee complaints and to identify predictors of outcome in patients visiting their general practitioner with a new episode of knee complaints.

Methods

Data were collected by means of self‐administered questionnaires. After 3 and 12 months of followup, the following outcomes were assessed: perceived recovery, change in pain, and change in physical functioning. As potential predictors of outcome, several sociodemographic variables, characteristics of the symptom, baseline scores of the outcome measures, and intra‐ and extra‐individual variables were analyzed using multiple regression analyses.

Results

We included 251 patients with a new episode of knee complaints presented in general practice. Only 25% reported recovery after 3 months, increasing to 44% after 12 months. A history of knee complaints, a longer duration of the current episode of knee complaints, other coexisting musculoskeletal complaints, and a higher level of distress were associated with a worse prognosis. In the linear regression models, 41–53% of the variance in pain reduction and improvement in functioning could be explained by the predictors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, estimating the predictive accuracy of the Cox regression models concerning perceived recovery, was 0.77 after 3 months and 0.72 after 12 months.

Conclusion

Many patients did not recover after 12 months. Distress was found to be strongly associated with less pain reduction and less improvement in functioning.
Comparison of the COX‐inhibiting nitric oxide donator AZD3582 and rofecoxib in treating the signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: Schnitzer Thomas J. , Kivitz Alan J. , Lipetz Robert S. , Sanders Nick , Hee Angela
Published: December 2005

Objective

To compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of AZD3582 with that of rofecoxib, naproxen, and placebo in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, and to define the dosage of AZD3582 (125 mg, 375 mg, and 750 mg twice a day) that is noninferior in efficacy to rofecoxib.

Methods

A double‐blind study of 672 patients with OA of the knee was conducted. Patients who experienced increased pain on withdrawal of analgesia were randomized to receive AZD3582 125 mg, 375 mg, or 750 mg twice a day; rofecoxib 25 mg once a day; naproxen 500 mg twice a day; or placebo for 6 weeks. Efficacy, tolerability, and safety were monitored throughout the study. The primary variable was the change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain subscale from baseline to the mean of weeks 4 and 6, comparing AZD3582 with placebo for superiority and with rofecoxib for noninferiority using a predefined margin of 10 mm.

Results

For the primary variable, AZD3582 375 mg and 750 mg were superior to placebo (least squares mean difference [95% confidence interval] −12 mm [−18, −6], P < 0.001 and −13 mm [−19, −7], P < 0.001, respectively) and were noninferior to rofecoxib (−2 mm [−8, 4], P < 0.001 and −3 mm [−9, 3], P < 0.001, respectively). AZD3582 125 mg was not significantly different from placebo for the primary variable.

Conclusion

AZD3582 375 mg and 750 mg twice a day were superior to placebo and as effective as rofecoxib 25 mg/day in treating the signs and symptoms of OA of the knee. AZD3582 125 mg twice a day was not statistically different from placebo.
Preliminary results of integrated therapy for patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Huang Mao‐Hsiung , Yang Rei‐Cheng , Lee Chia‐Ling , Chen Tien‐Wen , Wang Ming‐Cheng
Published: December 2005

Objective

To investigate the effects of integrated therapy on the functional status of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

A total of 140 subjects with bilateral knee OA (Altman grade II) were randomized sequentially into 4 groups (groups I–IV). Group I received isokinetic exercises; group II received isokinetic exercise and pulse ultrasound for periarticular soft tissue pain; group III received isokinetic exercise, pulse ultrasound, and intraarticular hyaluronan therapy; and group IV acted as the control group. The therapeutic effects of the interventions were evaluated by changes in Lequesne's index, knee range of motion, peak muscle torques of knee flexion and extension, and ambulation speed after 8 weeks of treatment and at followup 1 year later. In addition, changes in visual analog scale pain and rates of attrition in each group were also recorded.

Results

Patients in groups I–III exhibited increased muscle peak torques and significantly reduced pain and disability after treatment and at followup. Groups II and III showed significant improvements in range of motion and ambulation speed after treatment. Group III also showed the greatest increase in walking speed and decrease in disability after treatment and at followup. Both group II and group III had significant gains in muscular strength after treatment and at followup; group III showed the greatest gains.

Conclusion

An integrated therapy deals with the extra‐ and intraarticular progressive pathologic changes, and kinesiologic management of OA is suggested for the management of knee OA.
Diagnostic value of single‐photon–emission computed tomography in severe central nervous system involvement of systemic lupus erythematosus: A case‐control study
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zhu Zhaohui , Zhang Fengchun , Shu Huijun , Li Fang , Dong Yi
Published: December 2005

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic value of single‐photon–emission computed tomography (SPECT) in severe central nervous system (CNS) involvement of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Forty‐three patients with SLE, including 22 with CNS‐SLE and 21 with non–CNS‐SLE, underwent SPECT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. SPECT was repeated 1–2 months after treatment in patients with abnormal findings.

Results

SPECT and MRI abnormalities were detected in 20 (90.9%) and 10 (45.5%) of the 22 patients with CNS‐SLE, respectively (P < 0.01). For 4 patients with cerebral infarction or hemorrhage, SPECT was equally as sensitive as MRI (100%). For the patients with CNS‐SLE with diffuse presentations, SPECT was more sensitive than MRI in revealing abnormalities (16 [88.9%] of 18 patients versus 6 [33.3%] of 18 patients; P < 0.01). In 19 (95.0%) patients, the abnormal SPECT finding manifested as moderate to severe perfusion defect (15 in frontal lobe, 11 in parietal lobe, 11 in basal ganglia, 3 in temporal lobe, and 17 in multiple regions). Although mild perfusion defect was also detected in 4 (19.0%) of the patients with non–CNS‐SLE, it only involved a single region and spared the frontal and parietal lobes. Repeated SPECT after treatment showed that perfusion defect had improved significantly or even disappeared in 11 (84.6%) of 13 patients with diffuse CNS‐SLE with abnormal findings before treatment.

Conclusion

Moderate to severe perfusion defect in SPECT involving multiple regions, especially in the frontal and parietal lobes and basal ganglia, in patients with lupus suggests CNS involvement. SPECT is more sensitive than MRI in revealing damage in diffuse CNS‐SLE, and is useful in followup, especially for monitoring disease severity and guiding treatment.
Preventing work disability among employees with rheumatoid arthritis: What medical professionals can learn from the patients' perspective
Authors: Varekamp Inge , Haafkens Joke A. , Detaille Sarah I. , Tak Paul P. , van Dijk Frank J. H.
Published: December 2005

Objective

To compare the perspectives of employees with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with those of medical professionals regarding what persons with RA need to prevent work disability.

Methods

Concept mapping was conducted in a group session with 21 employees and by mail with 17 medical professionals. Each group was asked to formulate statements on what enables employees with RA to retain their jobs. Group members scored all statements for importance and clustered them into themes. Results were statistically aggregated at the group level.

Results

The concept mapping with employees yielded 59 statements, which were clustered into 7 themes. The 4 most important themes were employer support; understanding and acceptance of illness by employees themselves; suitable working conditions; and support from colleagues, health professionals, and the patient's organization. The concept mapping with medical professionals yielded 65 statements, which were clustered into 8 themes. The 6 most important themes were well‐informed professionals who cooperate effectively; employees' coping capacities and commitment to work; financial regulations at the workplace; adequate social security provisions, medication, and therapy; a positive attitude on the part of employers and colleagues; and suitable working conditions.

Conclusion

Factors that enable continued employment lie at different levels, including the psychosocial, practical, organizational, and social policy levels. Health professionals appear to underestimate factors that are important from the patient's perspective, especially support from employers. In discussing work with patients, health professionals need to address themes that are important from the patient's perspective.
Longitudinal study of negative workplace events among employed rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy controls
Authors: Mancuso Carol A. , Rincon Melina , Sayles Wendy , Paget Stephen A.
Published: December 2005

Objective

Most studies of employment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have focused on job loss. Less is known about workplace events in patients who continued to work. The goal of this longitudinal study was to compare the incidence of negative workplace events between employed patients with RA and healthy controls.

Methods

Participants completed the work domains of the Psychiatric Epidemiology Research Interview Life Events Scale and the Inventory of Small Life Events Scale measuring major and minor workplace events. Events were compared between groups according to psychosocial, clinical, and job characteristics.

Results

A total of 122 patients with RA and 122 healthy controls were enrolled with similar demographic and occupational characteristics. There were no differences in percentages of patients and controls who had at least 1 major (35% versus 31%) or 1 minor (48% versus 55%) negative event. For patients with RA, negative events were associated with having more pain, more fatigue, more social stress, and less job autonomy (P ≤ 0.05). For controls, in addition to social stress, negative events were associated with job characteristics, functional status, and social support (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

A comparable number of patients with RA and controls had negative workplace events. In addition to the well‐known contributions of job autonomy and pain, social stress and fatigue also were found to be important variables related to negative events in patients with RA. These potentially modifiable variables have not been fully evaluated with respect to long‐term employment in these patients.
Activity limitation in rheumatoid arthritis correlates with reduced grip force regardless of sex: The Swedish TIRA project
Authors: Thyberg Ingrid , Hass Ursula A. M. , NordenskiÖld Ulla , Gerdle Björn , Skogh Thomas
Published: December 2005

Objective

To evaluate activity limitations 3 years after diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in relation to grip force and sex.

Methods

A total of 217 patients, 153 women and 64 men, with recent‐onset RA were included. Activity limitations were reported using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the Evaluation of Daily Activities Questionnaire (EDAQ). The relationships between activity limitations versus grip force (measured by the Grippit), walking speed, functional impairment, grip ability, pain, plasma C‐reactive protein, the 28‐joint disease activity score and its components, the physician's global assessment of disease activity, and sex were analyzed by partial least squares (PLS).

Results

Women had significantly lower grip force and more activity limitations (HAQ and EDAQ) than men. The PLS analyses demonstrated that grip force was the strongest regressor of activity limitation, closely followed by walking speed. However, within subgroups based on grip force (group 1 = grip force <114 N, group 2 = 116–206 N, group 3 = 214–321 N, group 4 = grip force >328 N) and including sexes, women and men had corresponding degrees of activity limitation as reported by the HAQ and EDAQ.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the more pronounced activity limitations seen in women with RA, as compared with men, may be explained by lower grip force rather than sex.
Clinical responsiveness of self‐report functional assessment measures for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis undergoing intraarticular corticosteroid injections
Authors: Brown G. Ted , Wright F. Virginia , Lang Bianca A. , Birdi Nina , Oen Kim , Stephens Derek , McComas Joan , Feldman Brian M.
Published: December 2005

Objective

The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), Juvenile Arthritis Functional Assessment Report (JAFAR), and Juvenile Arthritis Functional Status Index (JASI) are widely used functional measures for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) that differ in content, format, and completion time. We compared the responsiveness and child‐parent agreement of the JAFAR, CHAQ, and JASI in a prospective, multicenter study.

Methods

Children and adolescents from 5 rheumatology centers were enrolled. Subjects were about to undergo therapy (intraarticular corticosteroid injections [IAS] and methotrexate or hip surgery (MTX/hip]) expected to produce a functional improvement. All subjects were studied before the intervention and at 6 weeks and 6 months posttreatment. At each study visit, the 3 measures were administered in randomized, balanced order to both parents and children.

Results

A total of 92 subjects (mean age 12.8 years) were enrolled in the study, 74 of which were in the IAS group. The responsiveness of all 3 measures was moderate to strong. The standardized response mean at 6 weeks for the IAS group on the JAFAR, CHAQ, and JASI was 0.41 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.18, 0.64), 0.70 (95% CI 0.47, 0.93), and 0.36 (95% CI 0.13, 0.59), respectively. The CHAQ was somewhat more responsive to change at 6 weeks (IAS group: relative efficiency 0.34 [JAFAR], 0.27 [JASI]), but less responsive at 6 months (MTX/hip group: relative efficiency 5.1 [JAFAR], 3.9 [JASI]). All 3 questionnaires showed acceptable parent‐child agreement, and overall, there were few differences between the 3 questionnaires.

Conclusion

The functional outcome measures currently used for JIA are all adequately responsive for use in trials or in the clinic setting. The choice of which measure to use should therefore be based on the time available for completion, the intended clinical/research use, and the depth of content required.
Positive association between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level and bone density in osteoarthritis
Authors: Bischoff‐Ferrari Heike A. , Zhang Yuqing , Kiel Douglas P. , Felson David T.
Published: December 2005

Objective

To describe the association between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level and bone mineral density (BMD) in persons with primary knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

We conducted a population‐based survey of the Framingham Study. A total of 228 subjects with primary radiographic knee OA were identified. For vitamin D status, 25(OH)D levels ≤15 ng/ml were classified as vitamin D deficient, 25(OH)D levels 16–32 ng/ml were classified as hypovitaminosis D, and 25(OH)D levels >32 ng/ml were classified as vitamin D replete. We compared average BMD between categories of 25(OH)D levels in subjects with OA using a linear regression model while adjusting for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), knee pain, physical activity, cohort, and disease severity.

Results

Mean age was 74.4 years and 36% were men. Of 228 individuals, 15% were vitamin D deficient, 51% had hypovitaminosis D, and 34% were vitamin D replete. Compared with subjects with vitamin D deficiency, those with hypovitaminosis D had a 7.3% higher BMD (adjusted percent difference; P = 0.02) and vitamin D replete subjects had an 8.5% higher BMD (adjusted percent difference; P = 0.02; test for trend across categories: P = 0.04).

Conclusion

We observed a significant positive association between serum 25(OH)D and BMD in individuals with primary knee OA, independent of sex, age, BMI, knee pain, physical activity, and disease severity. Given the high prevalence of low 25(OH)D status in persons with knee OA and the positive association between 25(OH)D and BMD, vitamin D supplementation may enhance BMD in individuals with OA.
Effects of supervised cardiovascular training program on exercise tolerance, aerobic capacity, and quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Carvalho Maria Rosenilda P. de , Sato Emilia I. , Tebexreni Antonio S. , Heidecher Raquel T. C. , Schenkman Simone , Neto Turíbio L. Barros
Published: December 2005

Objective

To determine if supervised cardiovascular training improves exercise tolerance, aerobic capacity, depression, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Sixty women with SLE (ages 18–55 years) were evaluated using Short Form 36, visual analog scale for pain, scale for fatigue, Beck Depression Inventory, and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and participated in a training protocol of incremental load on a treadmill with computed gas metabolic analysis. Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and anaerobic threshold VO2 were calculated with a SensorMedics Vmax29C analyzer (Sensor Medics, Yorba Linda, CA), and heart rate was measured by electrocardiogram. Patients were divided into 2 groups: a training group (41 patients) that participated in the supervised cardiovascular training program and a control group (19 patients) that did not participate in the program. All variables were analyzed at baseline and after 12 weeks for both groups. The training program occurred in the morning for 60 minutes, 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon's rank sum test, Mann‐Whitney U test, chi‐square test, and Fisher's exact test. P values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.

Results

The 2 groups were homogeneous and comparable at baseline. The training group showed a significant improvement of aerobic capacity measured by anaerobic threshold VO2 (14.67 ± 3.03 versus 17.08 ± 3.35 ml/kg/minute, P < 0.001). Comparison of the training group and control group after 12 weeks showed a significant difference relating to VO2max (24.31 ± 4.61 versus 21.21 ± 3.88 ml/kg/minute, P = 0.01) and anaerobic threshold VO2 (17.08 ± 3.35 versus 13.66 ± 2.82 ml/kg/minute, P < 0.0001). After cardiovascular training, we found a significant improvement of Beck inventory score (8.37 ± 12.79 versus 2.90 ± 3.00, P < 0.001) and HAQ score (0.14 ± 0.21 versus 0.06 ± 0.19, P < 0.01) in the training group.

Conclusion

This study showed significant improvement in exercise tolerance, aerobic capacity, quality of life, and depression after a supervised cardiovascular training program in patients with SLE.
A decision theoretic approach to combining information filters: An analytical and empirical evaluation
Authors: Elovici Yuval , Shapira Bracha , Kantor Paul B.
Published: December 2005

The outputs of several information filtering (IF) systems can be combined to improve filtering performance. In this article the authors propose and explore a framework based on the so‐called information structure (IS) model, which is frequently used in Information Economics, for combining the output of multiple IF systems according to each user's preferences (profile). The combination seeks to maximize the expected payoff to that user. The authors show analytically that the proposed framework increases users expected payoff from the combined filtering output foranyuser preferences. An experiment using the TREC‐6 test collection confirms the theoretical findings.
A well‐mixed, polymer‐based microbioreactor with integrated optical measurements
Authors: Zhang Zhiyu , Szita Nicolas , Boccazzi Paolo , Sinskey Anthony J. , Jensen Klavs F.
Published: December 2005

We describe a 150 µL microbioreactor fabricated in poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) to cultivate microbial cell cultures. Mixing is achieved by a small magnetic stir bar and fluorescent sensors are integrated for on‐line measurement of pH and dissolved oxygen. Optical transmission measurements are used for cell density. The body of the reactor is poly(methylmethacrylate) with a thin layer of poly (dimethylsiloxane) for aeration, oxygen diffuses through this gas‐permeable membrane into the microbioreactor to support metabolism of bacterial cells. Mixing in the reactor is characterized by observation of mixing of dyes and computational fluid dynamics simulations. The oxygenation is described in terms of measured KLa values for microbioreactor, 20–75/h corresponding to increasing stirring speed 200–800 rpm. Escherichia coli cell growth in the microbioreactor is demonstrated and the growth behavior is benchmarked with conventional bench‐scale bioreactors, flasks and tubes. Batch culture experiments with Saccharomyces cerevisiae further demonstrate the reproducibility and flexibility of the microbioreactor system. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Contrasting secretory processing of simultaneously expressed heterologous proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Rakestraw Andy , Wittrup K. Dane
Published: December 2005

In this study, secretory processing of cell‐surface displayed Aga2p fusions to bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) and the single chain Fv (scFv) antibody fragment D1.3 are examined. BPTI is more efficiently processed than D1.3 both when secreted and surface‐displayed, and D1.3 expression imparts a greater amount of secretory stress on the cell as assayed by a reporter of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Surprisingly, simultaneous expression of the two proteins in the same cell somewhat improves BPTI surface display while decreasing D1.3 surface display with minimal effect on UPR activation. Furthermore, co‐expression leads to the accumulation of punctate vacuolar aggregates of D1.3 and increased secretion of the D1.3–Aga2p fusion into the supernatant. Overexpression of the folding chaperones protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and BiP largely mitigates the D1.3 surface expression decrease, suggesting that changes in vacuolar and cell surface targeting may be due, in part, to folding inefficiency. Titration of constitutive UPR expression across a broad range progressively decreases surface display of both proteins as UPR increases. D1.3‐Aga2p traffic through the late secretory pathway appears to be strongly affected by overall secretory load as well as folding conditions in the ER. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The combination of gemcitabine and carboplatin as first‐line treatment in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Bamias Aristotle , Moulopoulos Lia A. , Koutras Aggelos , Aravantinos Gerassimos , Fountzilas George , Pectasides Dimitris , Kastritis Efstathios , Gika Dimitros , Skarlos Dimosthenis , Linardou Helena , Kalofonos Haralambos P. , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

The toxicity of platinum‐based combinations represents a common problem for patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma. The authors previously reported encouraging efficacy for the combination of carboplatin and gemcitabine in patients considered to be unfit for cisplatin‐based treatment. The objective of the current multicenter Phase II study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination of gemcitabine and carboplatin as first‐line treatment in unselected patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma.

METHODS

Patients with previously untreated, bidimensionally measurable, inoperable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma were treated with carboplatin, area under the concentration curve of 5 (Day 1) and gemcitabine at a dose of 1000 mg/m2 (Days 1 and 8), every 21 days for a total of 6 cycles.

RESULTS

Sixty patients (49 men and 11 women, with a median age of 69 yrs) were enrolled in the current study. Intent‐to‐treat analysis demonstrated an objective response rate (ORR) of 38.4% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 26–51.8%) (11.7% complete responses and 26.7% partial responses). The median time to disease progression was 7.6 months (95% CI, 4.5–10.7 mos) and the median overall survival was 16.3 months (95% CI, 12–20.6 mos). The median survival was comparable to that reported for the combination of methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (M‐VAC) according to the Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center prognostic model for patients with similar baseline prognostic features. Grade 3 or 4 toxicity (according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria [version 2.0]) included anemia (18%), thrombocytopenia (23%), and neutropenia (52%), with 7 episodes of febrile neutropenia (11%) reported. Nonhematologic toxicity was rare. One toxic death occurred during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of gemcitabine and carboplatin appears to have considerable activity as the first‐line treatment of unselected patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma with manageable toxicity, and deserves further evaluation in this setting. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Oral mucositis in patients undergoing radiation treatment for head and neck carcinoma
Authors: Vera‐Llonch Montserrat , Oster Gerry , Hagiwara May , Sonis Stephen
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

The current study was conducted to characterize the risks and clinical consequences of oral mucositis (OM) in patients with head and neck carcinoma (HNC) who are receiving radiation therapy.

METHODS

Data regarding 450 HNC patients who had received radiation therapy were collected via chart review from 154 U.S. medical and radiation oncologists. Information obtained included patient characteristics, treatments received, highest recorded grade of OM during radiation therapy (none, mild, moderate, or severe), and outcomes potentially associated with mucosal injury.

RESULTS

The mean age (± standard deviation [SD]) of the study subjects was 61.3 years (12.3 yrs); the majority of patients (80%) were men. Primary tumor locations included the oropharynx (26.4%), larynx (26.4%), oral cavity including the lip (24.4%), hypopharynx (13.6%), and nasopharynx (9.1%). The majority of tumors were new and were classified as AJCC Stages III or IV. The majority of patients (83%) received standard radiation therapy; the mean (± SD) cumulative dose was 6285 centigrays (cGy) (± 1158 cGy). Approximately 33% of the patients received concomitant chemotherapy. The majority of patients (83%) developed OM; 29% developed severe OM. Patients with severe OM were more likely to have nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal tumors (adjusted odds ratio [OR] of 10.1 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 2.1–49.9] and 6.9 [95% CI, 2.4–19.7], respectively), and to have received cumulative radiation doses > 5000 cGy (OR of 10.4; 95% CI, 2.9–37.1) and concomitant chemotherapy (OR of 3.3; 95% CI, 1.4–8.0). Patients with OM had more unplanned breaks in radiation therapy (OR of 3.8; 95% CI, 1.7–8.5) and hospital admissions (OR of 3.5; 95% CI, 1.3–9.5).

CONCLUSIONS

HNC patients with nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal tumors, and those who receive cumulative radiation doses > 5000 cGy or concomitant chemotherapy, are more likely to develop OM. Patients with OM are at a higher risk of unplanned breaks in radiation therapy and hospitalization. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Micrometer scale Ex Vivo multiphoton imaging of unstained arterial wall structure
Authors: Boulesteix T. , Pena A.‐M. , Pagès N. , Godeau G. , Sauviat M.‐P. , Beaurepaire E. , Schanne‐Klein M.‐C.
Published: December 2005

Background

We characterize the application of multiphoton microscopy to the observation of the extracellular matrix of fresh unstained vessels.

Method

Combined two‐photon‐excited fluorescence (2PEF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging of large arteries reveals the architecture of elastin and collagen fibers in the vessel wall with remarkable specificity.

Results

We present elastin/collagen imaging in unstained rat vessels at both micrometer and whole vessel scales, and we characterize the optical properties of rat carotid artery and aorta walls. We apply this method to evidence deleterious effects of residual doses of a pesticide on the vessel wall.

Conclusion

This study illustrates the potential of 2PEF/SHG microscopy for pharmacological studies in unlabeled arteries. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Staining and quantification of poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Cupriavidus necator cell populations using automated flow cytometry
Authors: Kacmar James , Carlson Ross , Balogh Steven J. , Srienc Friedrich
Published: December 2005

Background

Poly [(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyric acid] (PHB) is a prokaryote storage material for carbon and energy that accumulates in cells under unbalanced growth conditions. Because this class of biopolymers has plastic‐like properties, it has attracted considerable interest for biomedical applications and as a biodegradable commodity plastic. Current flow cytometric techniques to quantify intracellular PHB are based on Nile red. Here, an improved cytometric technique for cellular PHB quantification utilizing BODIPY 493/503 staining was developed. This technique was then automated using an automated flow cytometry system.

Materials

Using flow cytometry, the fluorescence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Cupriavidus necator with varying PHB content after staining with BODIPY 493/503 and Nile red was compared, and automated staining techniques were developed for both cultures.

Results

BODIPY 493/503 staining had less background staining, higher sensitivity and specificity to PHB, and higher saturation values than did Nile red staining. The developed automated staining procedure was capable of analyzing the PHB content of a bioreactor sample every 25 min and measured the average PHB content with accuracy comparable to offline GC analysis.

Conclusion

BODIPY 493/503 produced an overall better staining for PHB than did Nile red. When combined with the automated system, this technique provides a new method for the online monitoring and control of bioreactors. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.