bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Water Retention
Authors: Leij F. J. , Haverkamp R. , Fuentes C. , Zatarain F. , Ross P. J.
Published: October 2005

The concept of a shape index was introduced in Part I to characterize the water retention curve. A potential problem with the parameterization of retention data is the interdependency of parameter values and their conversion to other parametric models. In this Part II the shape index is used to derive formulae for the conversion between: (i) hydraulic parameters of the Brooks‐Corey (BC) and van Genuchten (vG) equations, (ii) parameter sets with and without the constraint that the residual water content θr = 0, and (iii) vG‐shape parameters with different constraints. The dependency of hydraulic parameters on the optimization strategy and the applicability of conversion equations were investigated with 660 retention curves from the GRIZZLY database. The BC‐shape parameter λ and the vG‐shape factor mn are poorly correlated for larger λ and mn (overall r2 = 0.96 for θr = 0). Instead of the commonly used equality λ = mn, conversion based on the shape indices PBC and PvG is more accurate (r2 = 0.99). The shape index is also convenient to accurately predict shape parameters for different constraining scenarios involving θr and m = 1 − k/n The values for θr and the shape parameters λ and mn are not unique. They are positively correlated to maintain the same soil water capacity for a particular soil. For the optimization of parameters, we recommend constraining θr Accurate optimization of retention data, in particular the shape parameters, is possible by constraining θr to a non‐zero value inferred from the shape index.
Comparison of Unimodal Analytical Expressions for the Soil‐Water Retention Curve
Authors: Cornelis Wim M. , Khlosi Muhammed , Hartmann Roger , Van Meirvenne Marc , De Vos Bruno
Published: October 2005

This study was conducted to evaluate ten closed‐form unimodal analytical expressions to describe the soil‐water retention curve, in terms of their accuracy, linearity, Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), and prediction potential. The latter was evaluated by correlating the model parameters to basic soil properties. Soil samples were taken in duplicate from 48 horizons of 24 soil series in Flanders, Belgium. All sample locations were under forest and hence the samples had, besides their difference in texture, a high variety in bulk density (ρb) and organic matter content (OM). The van Genuchten model with m as a free parameter showed the highest overall performance in terms of goodness‐of‐fit. It had the highest accuracy, the highest degree of linearity, and the lowest AIC value. However, it had a low prediction potential. Imposing the constraint m = 1 − 1/n and hence reducing the number of model parameters by one, increased the prediction potential of the model significantly, without loosing much of the model's accuracy and linearity. A high degree of accuracy and linearity was also observed for the two Kosugi models tested. Restricting the bubbling pressure to be equal to zero resulted in a rather high prediction potential, which was not the case when keeping the bubbling pressure as a free parameter. A major drawback of van Genuchten and Kosugi type models is that they do not define the soil‐water retention curve beyond the residual water content. We further demonstrated that the performance of all but one model in terms of their match to the data increased with increasing clay content and decreasing sand content, which is contradictory to the deterministic character of these models. Bulk density and OM did not have a significant effect on the accuracy of most models.
Tillage Requirements for Integrating Winter‐Annual Grazing in Cotton Production: Plant Water Status and Productivity
Authors: Siri-Prieto G. , Reeves D. Wayne , Raper R. L.
Published: October 2005

Integrating livestock with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) offers profitable alternatives for producers in the southeastern USA, but could result in soil water depletion and soil compaction. We conducted a 3‐yr field study on a Dothan loamy sand (fine‐loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Plinthic Kandiudult) in southern Alabama to develop a conservation tillage system for integrating cotton with winter‐annual grazing of stocker cattle under rainfed conditions. Winter annual forages and tillage systems were evaluated in a strip‐plot design where winter forages were oat (Avena sativa L.) and annual ryegrass (Lolium mutiflorum L.). Tillage systems included moldboard and chisel plowing and combinations of noninversion deep tillage (none, in‐row subsoil, or paratill) with or without disking. We evaluated forage dry matter, N concentration, average daily gain, net returns from grazing, soil water content, and cotton leaf stomatal conductance, plant populations, and yield. Net returns from winter‐annual grazing were between US$185 to US$200 ha−1 yr−1 Soil water content was reduced by 15% with conventional tillage or deep tillage, suggesting that cotton rooting was increased by these systems. Oat increased cotton stands by 25% and seed‐cotton yields by 7% compared with ryegrass. Strict no‐till resulted in the lowest yields—30% less than the overall mean (3.69 Mg ha−1). Noninversion deep tillage in no‐till (especially paratill) following oat was the best tillage system combination (3.97 Mg ha−1) but deep tillage did not increase cotton yields with conventional tillage. Integrating winter‐annual grazing can be achieved using noninversion deep tillage following oat in a conservation tillage system, providing producers extra income while protecting the soil resource.
Estimation of Gross Nitrogen Transformations and Nitrogen Retention in Grassland Soils Using FLUAZ
Authors: Accoe F. , Boeckx P. , Videla X. , Pino I. , Hofman G. , Van Cleemput O.
Published: October 2005

The flux of N through mineralization–immobilization turnover (MIT) in grassland soils is a major determinant for plant N uptake and for N loss processes. In this study we investigated the dynamics of gross N transformation rates and potential N retention on mineral fertilizer addition in three permanent grassland soils of varying texture (loamy sand, loam, and clay loam). Gross N transformation rates were calculated with the15N‐tracing model FLUAZ. Differentially15N‐labeled NH4NO3(at a rate of 100 mg N kg−1soil) was added to the soils in paired laboratory incubation experiments. Size and15N enrichment of the NH4+, NO3−, and soil organic N pools were measured at 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 d after NH4NO3addition. The accuracy of the simulations of the data using FLUAZ were robust, but tended to decrease (i) with increasing incubation times, (ii) with increasing duration of the time intervals considered, and (iii) with increasing experimental variability. The proportion of the initial N content mineralized on incubation was largest in the loamy sand soil (2.5%), followed by the clay loam soil (1.2%) and the loam soil (0.8%). The actual gross nitrification and N immobilization activity followed the same trend. The loam soil showed the lowest relative N retention (ratio N immobilization over [gross N mineralization + gross nitrification]), which was attributed to its low C availability. In general, the15N retention after addition of15NH414NO3was approximately five times larger than after addition of14NH415NO3
Insect Infestations Linked to Shifts in Microclimate
Authors: Classen A. T. , Hart S. C. , Whitman T. G. , Cobb N. S. , Koch G. W.
Published: October 2005

Changes in vegetation due to drought‐influenced herbivory may influence microclimate in ecosystems. In combination with studies of insect resistant and susceptible trees, we used long‐term herbivore removal experiments with two herbivores of piñon (Pinus edulis Endelm.) to test the general hypothesis that herbivore alteration of plant architecture affects soil microclimate, a major driver of ecosystem‐level processes. The piñon needle scale (Matsucoccus acalyptus, Herbert) attacks needles of juvenile trees causing them to develop an open crown. In contrast, the stem‐boring moth (Dioryctria albovittella Hulst.) kills the terminal shoots of mature trees, causing the crown to develop a dense form. Our studies focused on how the microclimate effects of these architectural changes are likely to accumulate over time. Three patterns emerged: (i) scale herbivory reduced leaf area index (LAI) of susceptible trees by 39%, whereas moths had no effect on LAI; (ii) scale herbivory increased soil moisture and temperature beneath susceptible trees by 35 and 26%, respectively, whereas moths had no effect; and (iii) scale and moth herbivory decreased crown interception of precipitation by 51 and 29%, respectively. From these results, we conclude: (1) the magnitude of scale effects on soil moisture and temperature is large, similar to global change scenarios, and sufficient to drive changes in ecosystem processes. (2) The larger sizes of moth‐susceptible trees apparently buffered them from most microclimate effects of herbivory, despite marked changes in crown architecture. (3) The phenotypic expression of susceptibility or resistance to scale insects extends beyond plant‐herbivore interactions to the physical environment.
Erosive Strengths of Concentric Regions within Soil Macroaggregates
Authors: Park Eun-Jin , Smucker Alvin J. M.
Published: October 2005

The stability of soil aggregate structures is very important for controlling aggregate dynamics and associated biogeochemical soil processes that respond to management and other physical disturbances. We examined the mechanical strengths of concentric soil layers from the surfaces to the centers of individual soil macroaggregates and compared them with polar tensile strengths (Ts), total soil C contents, soil texture, and bulk density of aggregates. Aggregates were sampled at depths of 0 to 5 cm from conventionally tilled (CT), no tilled (NT), and native forest (NF) ecosystems of a Wooster (fine‐loamy, mesic Typic Fragiudalf) and a Hoytville (fine, illitic, mesic Mollic Epiaqualf) soils. Erosive strength (Es) of aggregates was defined as the surrogate for erosive forces required to remove 1 g of soil during 1 min from the surface of a soil aggregate rotating along the abrasive wall of a soil aggregate erosion (SAE) chamber. Total Es values of macroaggregates were consistent with Ts of whole aggregates and were controlled by aggregate size and treatment. The Es increased with decreasing aggregate size and from the exterior to the interior regions of aggregates. Measured changes in soil C content, texture, and bulk density across the different regions within aggregates did not completely explain the spatial distributions of Es among concentric layers within macroaggregates. Higher contents of C and clay contributed to the greater strengths of the Hoytville soil aggregates, regardless of bulk density. On the other hand, Es of soil aggregates from coarser‐textured Wooster soils were correlated primarily with bulk density and appeared to be independent of C content.
Chemical Characteristics and Biological Activity of Organic Substances Extracted from Soils by Root Exudates
Authors: Nardi S. , Tosoni M. , Pizzeghello D. , Provenzano M. R. , Cilenti A. , Sturaro A. , Rella R. , Vianello A.
Published: October 2005

Plants have evolved with roots in close contact with the solid phase of the soil. Therefore, root exudates may be a better medium for extracting low molecular size (LMS) organic fractions than currently used alkaline solutions. Our objective was to compare the chemical and biological activity of LMS extracts using maize (Zea mays L.), Picea abies, and Pinus sylvestris root exudates to humic substances (HS) extracted with alkaline solution. Gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) spectra revealed that the LMS fractions had a greater variety of fatty acids than the HS. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectra of LMS fractions also indicated different amounts of functional groups by comparison with HS. The possible biological role of LMS fractions with respect to HS was assessed by measuring hormone‐like activity and nitrate uptake in P. sylvestris seedlings. The LMS fractions from agricultural soil stimulated nitrate uptake and nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthetase (GS) activities, whereas those from a forest soil increased ammonium uptake, NR, and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activities. The stimulation of nitrate and ammonium uptake via a NR‐GS or NR‐GDH metabolic pattern was consistent with the different chemical composition of the LMS fractions. This indicates LMS fractions in soil have consequential affects on the plant's capacity to adapt to different environmental conditions.
Effects of Cover Crops on Soil Aggregate Stability, Total Organic Carbon, and Polysaccharides
Authors: Liu Aiguo , Ma B. L. , Bomke A. A.
Published: October 2005

Structural degradation of silt clay loam soils in Delta, British Columbia, has resulted from intensive cultivation of vegetable crops. A field experiment and a laboratory incubation study were conducted to assess the ability of nonleguminous winter cover crops, spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), fall rye (Secale cereale L.), and annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), to affect soil organic C, total and dilute acid extractable polysaccharides, and aggregate stability, expressed as mean weight diameter (MWD). The field experiment included four treatments: three cover crops (spring barley, fall rye, and annual ryegrass) and control (bare soil) arranged in a randomized complete block design. Annual ryegrass and fall rye increased MWD, and all of the cover crops increased soil dilute acid extractable polysaccharides. In the incubation experiment, starch (2.68 g C kg−1 soil) or chopped shoots and coarse roots of fall rye (single‐ [4.14 g C kg−1 soil] and double‐dose [8.28 g C kg−1 soil]) and annual ryegrass (4.62 g C kg−1 soil) were added to a soil from the cover‐crop site and incubated for 2, 4, and 8 wk. Cover crop and starch amendments increased soil organic C, dilute acid–extractable polysaccharides, and soil MWD. After 2‐wk incubation, the starch amendment had the greatest MWD in all the treatments, increasing by 25, 44, and 45%, compared with the annual ryegrass, double‐dose fall rye, and fall rye amendments, respectively (P < 0.05). After 8‐wk incubation, however, the MWD in the starch amendment containers decreased by 18% compared with that in the double‐dose fall rye amendment treatments (P < 0.05). All the cover crop amendments increased MWD and percentages of water stable 2‐ to 6‐mm aggregates at all incubation periods (P < 0.05). Soil aggregate stability highly correlated with dilute acid‐extractable polysaccharides in the field and in incubation experiments. This study suggests that the dilute acid‐extractable polysaccharide fraction represents active binding agents under short‐term cover crops. It has been shown that soil aggregate stability can be increased under 8‐mo nonleguminous cover crops in the intensively cultivated soils.
Continuous, Automated Nitrous Oxide Measurements from Paddy Soils Converted to Upland Crops
Authors: Nishimura Seiichi , Sawamoto Takuji , Akiyama Hiroko , Sudo Shigeto , Cheng Weiguo , Yagi Kazuyuki
Published: October 2005

Since rotation of irrigated rice (Oryza sativa L.) and upland crop cultivations is a major land use management widely conducted in Japan, dynamics of greenhouse gas emission from drained paddy fields are required to be clarified. In the present study, the seasonal courses of N2O flux from a drained paddy field were measured continuously over one and a half years with an automated monitoring system at an interval of six times per day. The experimental paddy field with Gray lowland soil was drained and cultivated with two upland cropping systems: single cropping of upland rice and double cropping of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Unlike many of the previous studies, the increase in N2O flux after fertilizer application was not distinctive, which suggests that the contribution of nitrification to the N2O flux is relatively small in this field. Temporal peaks of N2O flux were often observed after heavy rainfalls and harvest of the crops, which lasted for a few to approximately 15 d. In all the crop cultivations, high peaks of N2O flux were observed when the crops were in the flowering to ripening stages, which suggests significant influence of crop development on N2O flux. N2O production in the rhizosphere or possible pathway for transport through the plant body is possible loss mechanisms. In particular, the amounts of N2O flux during the flowering and ripening stages of the summer crops were significant and were most responsible for the cumulative N2O emissions. Cumulative N2O emissions increased 4.0 to 5.3 times by the land use change from paddy rice cultivation to upland crop cultivations.
Characterizing Water Dependent Soil Repellency with Minimal Parameter Requirement
Authors: Regalado C. M. , Ritter A.
Published: October 2005

Soil water repellency varies nonlinearly with soil moisture, describing a repellency versus water content curve. Despite this water dependence, soil repellency is usually characterized by repellency indexes measured at fixed soil water content. We provide a statistically robust yet simple method to determine water repellency at a range of soil water contents, by proposing alternative water‐dependent soil repellency parameters derived from the molarity of an ethanol droplet (MED) test. Useful correlations are found between some of these proposed repellency parameters, such is the case of the integrated area below the repellency curve, which is found to be strongly correlated with the soil water content at minimum repellency. Consequently, an efficient strategy for describing the repellency versus water content curve is designed based on a combination of parameter interdependence and a minimum number of determinations necessary. Following this strategy, only 27 samples are sufficient (p < 0.05) to characterize the water‐dependent repellency of the studied soil. The integrated area below the repellency curve is proposed as the key index for repellency characterization. Furthermore, a new combined parameter IRDI (Integrative Repellency Dynamic Index) is defined as a measure of the average water dependent repellency. This allows simple comparisons of the whole water repellency behavior among different soils by coalescing the repellency curve into a single characteristic value.
Microbial Populations and Enzyme Activities in Soils Fumigated with Methyl Bromide Alternatives
Authors: Stromberger Mary E. , Klose Susanne , Ajwa Husein , Trout Tom , Fennimore Steve
Published: October 2005

Methyl bromide (MeBr; CH3Br) use for soil fumigation will be banned in 2005 due to its ozone depleting properties. Potential alternative chemicals to replace MeBr include chloropicrin (CP; CCl3NO2), 1,3‐dichloropropene (1,3‐D; C3H4Cl2), iodomethane (IM; CH3I), and propargyl bromide (PrBr; C3H3Br). The goal of this research was to assess changes in soil fungal populations, microbial biomass C (MBC) and respiration, nitrification potential, and enzyme activities after fumigation with MeBr and alternative fumigants. Four formulations of alternative fumigants (CP, InLine [61% 1,3‐D plus 33% CP], Midas [50% IM plus 50% CP], and PrBr) were applied at commercial rates through drip irrigation systems to two field plots located in main strawberry production areas in California, USA. Soil samples (0–15 cm) were taken at 1, 4, and 30 or 37 wk after fumigant application. Fumigation with MeBr plus CP and the alternative chemicals eliminated soil‐borne fungal pathogens in soil and reduced culturable fungal populations up to 4 wk post fumigation. Soil microbial respiration decreased with fumigant application and was the least (>40% reduction relative to the control) in the PrBr treatment 1 wk after fumigation, while soil MBC was not affected by fumigation. The activities of acid phosphatase and arylsulfatase were generally lower in fumigated soils over the 30‐ or 37‐wk study, and those of β‐glucosidase and dehydrogenase were lower up to 4 wk past fumigation. Potential nitrification rates were substantially reduced (>55% reduction relative to the control) by the fumigants, but rates recovered toward the end of this study. Results of this study suggested that fungal populations and the activities of acid phosphatase and arylsulfatase were more sensitive to fumigation with the tested MeBr and the alternative fumigants than total microbial biomass, microbial respiration, nitrification, and the activities of dehydrogenases and β‐glucosidase. Short‐term impacts of MeBr and its alternative fumigants on microbial activities and enzymatic processes suggest that all the tested fumigants have the potential to alter important microbial and enzymatic functions such as nutrient cycling.
Cover Picture: Fabrication and Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube Interconnections (Adv. Funct. Mater. 11/2005)
Authors: Wang M. S. , Wang J. Y. , Chen Q. , Peng L.‐M.
Published: October 2005

The fabrication of carbon nanotube (CNT) structures, including simple tube–tube connections, crossed junctions, T‐junctions, zigzag structures, and even nanotube networks, has been achieved by cutting and soldering CNTs using electron‐beam‐induced deposition of amorphous carbon (a‐C), as detailed in the work of Peng and co‐workers on p. 1825. These CNT structures have been constructed with a high degree of control, and it is found that the electric conductance and mechanical strength of the junctions can be improved by the deposition of a‐C and by increasing the contact area of the junctions.

Individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been cut, manipulated, and soldered via electron‐beam‐induced deposition of amorphous carbon (a‐C) and using a scanning tunneling microscope inside a transmission electron microscope. All CNT structures, including simple tube–tube connections, crossed junctions, T‐junctions, zigzag structures, and even nanotube networks, have been successfully constructed with a high degree of control, and their electrical and mechanical properties have been measured in situ inside the transmission electron microscope. It is found that multiple CNTs may be readily soldered together with moderate junction resistance and excellent mechanical resilience and strength, and the junction resistance may be further reduced by current‐induced graphitization of the deposited a‐C on the junction.
Surveillance of hearing loss among older construction and trade workers at Department of Energy nuclear sites
Authors: Dement John , Ringen Knut , Welch Laura , Bingham Eula , Quinn Patricia
Published: October 2005

Background

Medical screening programs at three Departments of Energy (DOE) nuclear weapons facilities (Hanford Nuclear Reservation, Oak Ridge, and the Savannah River Site) have included audiometric testing since approximately 1996. This report summarizes hearing evaluations through March 31, 2003.

Methods

Occupational examinations included a medical history, limited physical examination, and tests for medical effects from specific hazards, including audiometric testing. Hearing thresholds by frequency for DOE workers were compared to age‐standardized thresholds among an external comparison population of industrial workers with noise exposures <80 dBA. Multivariate analyses were used to explore the risk of hearing impairment by duration of construction trade work and self‐reported noise exposure, while controlling for potential confounders such as age, race, sex, smoking, elevated serum cholesterol, hypertension, solvent exposures, and recreational noise exposures.

Results

Hearing thresholds among DOE workers were much higher than observed in a comparison population of industrial workers with low noise exposures. Overall, 59.7% of workers examined were found to have material hearing impairment by NIOSH criteria. Age, duration of construction work, smoking, and self‐reported noise exposure increased the risk of hearing loss. The risk of material hearing impairment was significantly elevated for construction trade workers compared to the external comparison population (odds‐ratio = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.3–2.1) and increased with the duration of trade work.

Conclusions

These medical screening programs confirm worker concerns about risks for hearing loss and the need for hearing conservation programs for construction workers, with emphasis on the prevention of noise exposures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 48:348–358, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary abnormalities associated with occupational exposures at the Savannah River site
Authors: Makie Toshio , Adcock David , Lackland Daniel T. , Hoel David G.
Published: October 2005

Background

A program of medical evaluation for former Savannah River Site (SRS) workers at health effects due to exposures to hazardous or radioactive agents was conducted.

Methods

This study includes data from 1,368 participants aged 45 years or older who were assessed regarding work‐history and exposures to industrial agents. According to the standard industrial classification (SIC), participants were employed in five of the SIC divisions. Based on the International Labour Office Classification of Radiographs, two categories of pleural and parenchymal abnormalities were evaluated by a single radiologist. The SRS results were compared with the second national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES II) results.

Results

The odds ratio of the SRS male aged 45–75 compared to NHANES was 2.4 for pleura abnormalities and 0.8 for parenchymal abnormalities. Using logistic regression, the highest‐risk worker division was construction (OR = 2.76); asbestos exposure was clearly associated with pleural abnormality (OR = 2.15).

Conclusions

Pulmonary abnormalities were higher in former SRS workers than that in general population. Asbestos and possibly other exposures were related to pulmonary disease in this population. Am. J. Ind. Med. 48:365–372, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of ergonomic interventions in healthcare facilities on musculoskeletal disorders
Authors: Fujishiro Kaori , Weaver Jean L. , Heaney Catherine A. , Hamrick Christopher A. , Marras William S.
Published: October 2005

Background

The high incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among healthcare workers suggests that the introduction of ergonomic interventions could be beneficial. While laboratory studies have clearly documented the efficacy of ergonomic devices, few studies have examined their effectiveness in the healthcare workplace.

Methods

This study evaluated a statewide program that provided ergonomic consultation and financial support for purchasing ergonomic devices, which aid in patient handling and lifting. Changes in MSD rates between baseline (1 year pre‐intervention) and post‐intervention (up to 2 years) periods were examined in 100 work units in 86 healthcare facilities.

Results

The median MSD rate decreased from 12.32 to 6.64 per 200,000 employee‐hours, a decrease greater than the secular trend for the study period (1999–2003).

Conclusions

This study suggests that ergonomic consultation and financial support for purchasing ergonomic equipment can be an effective intervention to reduce MSDs among healthcare workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 48:338–347, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
13C NMR investigation of the reaction in water of UF resins with blocked emulsifiable isocyanates
Authors: Despres A. , Pizzi A. , Delmotte L.
Published: October 2005

A solid state 13C NMR study of hardened networks obtained by the reaction of blocked and nonblocked isocyanates (pMDI) with urea‐formaldehyde (UF) resins in water showed different results according to the temperature of the reaction. At high temperature, in water, both a nonblocked or an emulsifiable, blocked isocyanate, appear to crosslink with UF resins through the formation both of traditional methylene bridges connecting urea to urea and of urethane bridges. The latter have been confirmed by 13C NMR to form in water by reaction of the isocyanate NCO group with the hydroxymethyl groups of the UF resin. At ambient temperature, UF/pMDI resins where the pMDI is a emulsifiable blocked isocyanate, do not appear to form urethanes to any great extent but rather to crosslink through the usual UF resin urea to urea methylene bridges. Even in this case, when urethane bridges appear to be absent, evidence of crosslinking in water through reaction of the isocyanate with the NH2 and NH amide of the UF resin has not been observed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 589–596, 2006
Low‐dose prednisolone in addition to the initial disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug in patients with early active rheumatoid arthritis reduces joint destruction and increases the remission rate: A two‐year randomized trial
Authors: Svensson Björn , Boonen Annelies , Albertsson Kristina , van der Heijde Désirée , Keller Catharina , Hafström Ingiäld ,   for the BARFOT Study Group
Published: October 2005

Objective

To assess the efficacy of low‐dose prednisolone on joint damage and disease activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

At the start of their initial treatment with a disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), patients with early (duration ≤1 year) active RA were randomly assigned to receive either 7.5 mg/day prednisolone or no prednisolone for 2 years. Radiographs of the hands and feet were obtained at baseline and after 1 and 2 years and scored according to the Sharp score as modified by van der Heijde. Remission was defined as a Disease Activity Score in 28 joints of <2.6. Bone mineral density was measured by dual x‐ray absorptiometry at baseline and after 2 years.

Results

Of the 250 patients included, 242 completed the study and 225 had radiographs available both at baseline and at 2 years. At 2 years, the median and interquartile range (IQR) change in total Sharp score was lower in the prednisolone group than in the no‐prednisolone group (1.8 [IQR 0.5–6.0] versus 3.5 [IQR 0.5–10];P= 0.019). In the prednisolone group, there were fewer newly eroded joints per patient after 2 years (median 0.5 [IQR 0–2] versus 1.25 [IQR 0–3.25];P= 0.007). In the prednisolone group, 25.9% of patients had radiographic progression beyond the smallest detectable difference compared with 39.3% of patients in the no‐prednisolone group (P= 0.033). At 2 years, 55.5% of patients in the prednisolone group had achieved disease remission, compared with 32.8% of patients in the no‐prednisolone group (P= 0.0005). There were few adverse events that led to withdrawal. Bone loss during the 2‐year study was similar in the 2 treatment groups.

Conclusion

Prednisolone at 7.5 mg/day added to the initial DMARD retarded the progression of radiographic damage after 2 years in patients with early RA, provided a high remission rate, and was well tolerated. Therefore, the data support the use of low‐dose prednisolone as an adjunct to DMARDs in early active RA.
Relative contribution of cardiovascular risk factors and rheumatoid arthritis clinical manifestations to atherosclerosis
Authors: del Rincón Inmaculada , Freeman Gregory L. , Haas Roy W. , O'Leary Daniel H. , Escalante Agustín
Published: October 2005

Objective

To estimate the contribution of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease manifestations to atherosclerosis in RA.

Methods

We used high‐resolution carotid ultrasound to measure the carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) and plaque in 631 RA patients. Using R2 measures from multivariable models, we estimated the contribution of demographic characteristics (age, sex, and ethnic group), CV risk factors (diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, cigarette smoking, hypertension, and body mass index, and RA manifestations (joint tenderness, swelling, and deformity, nodules, erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], C‐reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, the HLA–DRB1 shared epitope, and cumulative glucocorticoid dose) to each of the outcomes. Estimates were obtained in the full sample, and within strata defined by age, sex, and ethnic group. We tested for interaction between CV risk factors and RA manifestations.

Results

The contribution of demographic factors, CV risk factors, and RA manifestations to IMT and plaque R2 varied depending on the patients' age stratum. Demographic features explained 11–16% of IMT variance, CV risk factors explained 4%–12%, and RA manifestations explained 1–6%. The greatest contribution of RA manifestations occurred in the youngest age group, while that of CV risk factors occurred in the older age groups. Results for carotid plaque were similar. There was a significant interaction between the number of CV risk factors present and the ESR, suggesting that the ESR's effect on IMT varied according to the number of CV risk factors.

Conclusion

Both established CV risk factors and manifestations of RA inflammation contribute significantly to carotid atherosclerosis in RA, and may modify one another's effects. These findings may have implications regarding the prevention of atherosclerosis in RA.
Somatic mosaicism of CIAS1 in a patient with chronic infantile neurologic, cutaneous, articular syndrome
Authors: Saito Megumu , Fujisawa Akihiro , Nishikomori Ryuta , Kambe Naotomo , Nakata‐Hizume Mami , Yoshimoto Momoko , Ohmori Katsuyuki , Okafuji Ikuo , Yoshioka Takakazu , Kusunoki Takashi , Miyachi Yoshiki , Heike Toshio , Nakahata Tatsutoshi
Published: October 2005

Chronic infantile neurologic, cutaneous, articular syndrome (CINCA syndrome) is a severe inflammatory disease that was recently found to be associated with mutations in CIAS1. However, CIAS1 mutations have been detected in only half of CINCA syndrome patients, and it remains unclear which genes are responsible for the syndrome in the remaining patients. We describe here a patient with CINCA syndrome who exhibited CIAS1 somatic mosaicism. We genetically analyzed the CIAS1 gene in various blood cells and the buccal mucosa of the patient. The production of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the ability of the mutant CIAS1 gene to enhance ASC‐dependent NF‐κB activation was assessed to confirm that the mutations of CIAS1 found were responsible for the patient's clinical manifestations of the CINCA syndrome. The patient had 1 heterologous single‐nucleotide polymorphism, 587G>A (S196N), and 1 heterologous mutation, 1709A>G (Y570C), in exon 3 of CIAS1. The latter mutation was found to occur as somatic mosaicism. The patient's PBMCs produced a large amount of IL‐1β in the absence of stimulation, unlike those from controls or from his mother, who also bore the S196N polymorphism. In addition, the Y570C mutation (with or without the S196N polymorphism) increased the ability of CIAS1 to induce ASC‐dependent NF‐κB activation, unlike the wild‐type gene or the gene bearing the S196N polymorphism alone. The findings in this patient indicate that somatic mosaicism is one reason CIAS1 mutations have not been detected in some patients with CINCA syndrome.
Hip abduction moment and protection against medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Chang Alison , Hayes Karen , Dunlop Dorothy , Song Jing , Hurwitz Debra , Cahue September , Sharma Leena
Published: October 2005

Objective

To test the hypothesis that a greater peak internal hip abduction moment is associated with a reduced likelihood of ipsilateral medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) progression.

Methods

Fifty‐seven persons with knee OA (by definite osteophyte presence and symptoms) were evaluated. Baseline assessments included kinematic and kinetic gait parameters, obtained with an optoelectronic camera system and force platform, with inverse dynamics used to calculate 3‐dimensional moments at the joints; pain, using a separate visual analog scale for each knee; and alignment, using full‐limb radiographs. Radiographs of the knee in a semiflexed position, with fluoroscopic confirmation of tibial rim alignment, were obtained at baseline and 18 months later. Disease progression was defined as worsening of the grade of medial joint space narrowing. Logistic regression obtained with generalized estimating equations was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for progression per unit of hip abduction moment, after excluding knees with the worst joint space grade at baseline (which could not progress).

Results

The 57 participants (63% women) with mild to moderate OA had a mean age of 67 years and a mean body mass index of 29. A greater internal hip abduction moment during gait was associated with a reduced likelihood of medial tibiofemoral OA progression, with OR/unit hip abduction moment of 0.52 and a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 0.32–0.85. This protective effect persisted after adjustment for age, sex, walking speed, knee pain severity, physical activity, varus malalignment severity, hip OA presence, and hip OA symptom presence, with an adjusted OR of 0.43 a 95% CI of 0.22–0.81.

Conclusion

A greater hip abduction moment during gait at baseline protected against ipsilateral medial OA progression from baseline to 18 months. The likelihood of medial tibiofemoral OA progression was reduced 50% per 1 unit of hip abduction moment.
Linkage at 5q14.3–15 in multiplex systemic lupus erythematosus pedigrees stratified by autoimmune thyroid disease
Authors: Namjou Bahram , Kelly Jennifer A. , Kilpatrick Jeff , Kaufman Kenneth M. , Nath Swapan K. , Scofield R. Hal , Harley John B.
Published: October 2005

Objective

To identify genetic effects potentially shared between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and autoimmune thyroiditis (AITD).

Methods

Families from the Lupus Multiplex Registry and Repository were studied in which there was at least 1 member who had both SLE and AITD (Graves' disease or Hashimoto thyroiditis). Genome scan genotyping findings in these pedigrees were evaluated for evidence of genetic linkage, by the maximum‐likelihood parametric method. Nineteen pedigrees were used in the initial genome scan. Subsequently, an independent sample of 16 pedigrees was used to replicate findings.

Results

Studies of the first set of 19 pedigrees yielded a 2‐point parametric logarithm of odds (LOD) of 4.97, which was independently confirmed in the replication sample of 16 pedigrees (LOD 2.89). For all 35 pedigrees together, the 2‐point LOD was 7.86, under a dominant model used for screening with 90% penetrance and a disease allele frequency of 10%. The multipoint locus homogeneity LOD in the 35 pedigrees was 6.90 (α = 1.0) at 5q14.3–15 between D5S1725 and D5S1453, a 12‐cM interval, with the peak at D5S1462 at 96.64 cM (nonparametric linkage P = 0.00002). Fine mapping further confirmed the genetic linkage effect and narrowed the region likely to contain the gene to ∼5 Mb.

Conclusion

These results suggest that stratifying SLE pedigrees by the presence of other autoimmune disorders may facilitate the discovery of genes related to SLE and that 5q14.3–15 harbors a susceptibility gene shared by SLE and AITD.
Very low‐dose prednisolone in early rheumatoid arthritis retards radiographic progression over two years: A multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Wassenberg Siegfried , Rau Rolf , Steinfeld Paul , Zeidler Henning ,   Low‐Dose Prednisolone Therapy Study Group
Published: October 2005

Objective

To assess the effect of 5 mg/day prednisolone on disease progression in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving standardized disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy.

Methods

Patients with active RA of <2 years' duration were randomly assigned in a double‐blinded manner to receive prednisolone or placebo while starting concomitant DMARD therapy (gold sodium thiomalate or methotrexate). Hand and foot radiographs were taken at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months and were evaluated according to the Ratingen score and the total modified Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS).

Results

Of 192 included patients, 166 were available for the intent‐to‐treat analysis (ITT). Seventy‐six patients completed the study per protocol (PP). Radiographic progression (increase in the Ratingen score) was significantly less with prednisolone than with placebo. The difference in the progression rate between the groups was greatest in the first 6 months. At 24 months in the ITT population, the least squares (LS) mean difference was 3.14 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.94, 5.34),P= 0.006. The results were confirmed by the total SHS in the ITT population (LS mean difference 7.20 [95% CI 0.93, 13.47],P= 0.022) and with the PP population. Clinical and functional outcomes tended to be better and the rate of remissions was higher in the prednisolone group. Side effects were observed more frequently in the prednisolone group than in the control group: weight gain (4 versus 0 patients), hypertension (6 versus 2 patients), glaucoma (3 versus 0 patients), Cushing's syndrome (5 versus 0 patients), gastric distress (9 versus 4 patients), and gastric ulcers (only with concomitant nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug therapy; 3 versus 0 patients). No new lumbar fractures were found in either group.

Conclusion

The very low daily dose of 5 mg prednisolone given over 2 years in combination with background DMARD therapy substantially decreased radiographic progression in early RA at low risk.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis in prevention of wound infection after mesh repair of abdominal wall hernia
Authors: Aufenacker T J , Koelemay M J W , Gouma D J , Simons M P
Published: October 2005

Background

The aim was to determine whether systemic antibiotic prophylaxis prevented wound infection after repair of abdominal wall hernia with mesh.

Methods

This was a systematic review of the available literature identified from multiple databases using the terms ‘hernia’ and ‘antibiotic prophylaxis’. Randomized placebo-controlled trials of antibiotic prophylaxis in abdominal wall mesh hernia repair with explicitly defined wound infection criteria and a minimum follow-up of 1 month were included. After independent quality assessment and data extraction, data were pooled for meta-analysis using a random-effects model.

Results

The search process identified eight relevant trials. Two papers on umbilical, incisional or laparoscopic hernias, and six concerning inguinal and femoral (groin) hernias were suitable for meta-analysis. The incidence of infection after groin hernia repair was 38 (3·0 per cent) of 1277 in the placebo group and 18 (1·5 per cent) of 1230 in the antibiotic group. Antibiotic prophylaxis did not significantly reduce the incidence of infection: odds ratio 0·54 (95 per cent confidence interval 0·24 to 1·21); number needed to treat was 74. The number of deep infections was six (0·6 per cent) in the placebo group and three (0·3 per cent) in the antibiotic prophylaxis group: odds ratio 0·50 (95 per cent c.i. 0·12 to 2·09).

Conclusion

Antibiotic prophylaxis did not prevent the occurrence of wound infection after groin hernia surgery. More trials are needed for complete evidence in other areas of abdominal wall hernia.
Challenging the Standard Story of indigenous rights in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Kirkwood Steve , Liu James H. , Weatherall Ann
Published: October 2005

Three public submissions are discursively analysed to understand how history, identity and equality are used to legitimise positions on indigenous rights claims over the foreshore and seabed in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The first submission illustrates the Standard Story of ethnic relations, whereby the ethnic majority is unmarked, colonisation is construed as unrelated to the present, and a tolerant, unified nation is constructed to exclude ‘divisive’ indigenous rights. In contrast, the second submission legitimises the claims by flagging the position of the ethnic majority, construing colonisation as an ongoing process that continues to favour Pakeha (white) New Zealanders over Maori. The third submission works up the similarity between indigenous rights and general property rights, negotiating the relationship between equal treatment and self‐determination to legitimise the claims. We argue that discursive research on discrimination should approach texts as contributions to a dialectics of racism and anti‐racism. This is useful for gaining a better understanding of oppressive discourses, and developing arguments that actively challenge discrimination. The Treaty of Waitangi provides Pakeha New Zealanders with discursive resources for constructing the subject position of a ‘partnership’ with Maori that legitimises the positions of both groups within a shared national identity. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Examining discourses of whiteness and the potential for Reconciliation
Authors: Green Meredith J. , Sonn Christopher C.
Published: October 2005

The aim of this article is to explore how examining discourses of whiteness can contribute to an anti‐racism that does not only focus on those affected by racism, thereby locating the issue with the ‘other’, but also attends to the privilege and dominance that is central to unequal and unfair distributions of power. Based on the discourse analysis (see Henriques, Hollway, Urwin, Venn, & Walkerdine, 1998; Parker, 1992) of interviews and focus groups with white Australians about their involvement in Reconciliation we discuss how by examining discursive negotiations at the micro level we are able to critique dominance and privilege at the macro level. In particular, we identify spaces for the examination and critique of whiteness within white Australians' discursive negotiations of Reconciliation. We also discuss how engagement with Indigenous knowledges is a necessary part of the critique of whiteness. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Break on through to the Other Side—Biophysics and Cell Biology Shed Light on Cell‐Penetrating Peptides
Authors: Fischer Rainer , Fotin‐Mleczek Mariola , Hufnagel Hansjörg , Brock Roland
Published: October 2005

Cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) have become widely used vectors for the cellular import of molecules in basic and applied biomedical research. Despite the broad acceptance of these molecules as molecular carriers, the details of the mode of cellular internalization and membrane permeation remain elusive. Within the last two years endocytosis has been demonstrated to be a route of uptake shared by several CPPs. These findings had a significant impact on CPP research. State‐of‐the‐art cell biology is now required to advance the understanding of the intracellular fate of the CPP and cargo molecules. Owing to their presumed ability to cross lipid bilayers, CPPs also represent highly interesting objects of biophysical research. Numerous studies have investigated structure–activity relationships of CPPs with respect to their ability to bind to a lipid bilayer or to cross this barrier. Endocytosis route only relocates the membrane permeation from the cell surface to endocytic compartments. Therefore, biophysical experiments are key to a mechanistic molecular understanding of the cellular uptake of CPPs. However, biophysical investigations have to consider the molecular environment encountered by a peptide inside and outside a cell. In this contribution we will review biophysical and cell‐biology data obtained for several prominent CPPs. Furthermore, we will summarize recent findings on the cell‐penetrating characteristics of antimicrobial peptides and the antimicrobial properties of CPPs. Peptides of both groups have overlapping characteristics. Therefore, both fields may greatly benefit from each other. The review will conclude with a perspective of how biophysics and cell biology may synergize even more efficiently in the future.