bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of intermuscular fat volume in the thigh with knee extensor strength and physical performance in women at risk of or with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Maly Monica R. , Calder Kristina M. , MacIntyre Norma J. , Beattie Karen A.
Published: October 2012

Objective

To determine the extent to which thigh intermuscular fat (IMF) and quadriceps muscle (QM) volumes explained variance in knee extensor strength and physical performance in women with radiographic knee osteoarthritis (ROA) and without.

Methods

Baseline data from 125 women (age ≥50 years) in the Osteoarthritis Initiative study, with or at risk of knee ROA were included. Knee extensor strength was measured using a fixed force transducer, normalized to body mass (N/kg). Physical performance was the time required for 5 repeated chair stands (seconds). The IMF and QM volumes, normalized to height (cm3/meter), were yielded from analyses of T1‐weighted axial magnetic resonance images of the midthigh. Mean IMF and QM volumes, extensor strength, and physical performance were compared between women with and without ROA, controlling for age. Hierarchical multiple regressions determined whether IMF and QM volumes were related to strength and performance after controlling for age, ROA status (yes/no), alignment, and pain.

Results

Compared to subjects with ROA, the subjects without ROA were stronger and performed chair stands faster (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, those subjects without ROA had less mean ± SD IMF (61.1 ± 20.3 cm3/meter) compared to mean ± SD ROA (72.0 ± 25.0 cm3/meter; P < 0.05). In the entire sample, 21.1% of variance in knee extensor strength was explained by alignment, pain, and IMF. A model explaining 13.4% of variance in physical performance included OA status and IMF. QM volume was unrelated to strength and physical performance.

Conclusion

IMF volume explained a small amount of variance in knee extensor strength and physical performance among women with or at risk of knee ROA.
Performance of Matrix‐Based Risk Models for Rapid Radiographic Progression in a Cohort of Patients With Established Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Lillegraven Siri , Paynter Nina , Prince Femke H. M. , Shadick Nancy A. , Haavardsholm Espen A. , Frits Michelle L. , Iannaccone Christine K. , Kvien Tore K. , Weinblatt Michael E. , Solomon Daniel H.
Published: October 2012

Objective

Matrix‐based risk models have been proposed as a tool to predict rapid radiographic progression (RRP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the experience with such models is limited. We tested the performance of 3 risk models for RRP in an observational cohort.

Methods

Subjects from an observational RA cohort with hand radiographs and necessary predictor variables to be classified by the risk models were identified (n = 478). RRP was defined as a yearly change in the Sharp/van der Heijde score of ≥5 units. Patients were placed in the appropriate matrix categories, with a corresponding predicted risk of RRP. The mean predicted probability for cases and noncases, integrated discrimination improvement, Hosmer‐Lemeshow statistics, and C statistics were calculated.

Results

The median age was 59 years (interquartile range [IQR] 50–66 years), the median disease duration was 12 years (IQR 4–23 years), the median swollen joint count was 6 (IQR 2–13), 84% were women, and 86% had erosions at baseline. Twelve percent of patients (32 of 271) treated with synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) at baseline and 10% of patients (21 of 207) treated with biologic DMARDs experienced RRP. Most of the predictor variables had a skewed distribution in the population. All models had a suboptimal performance when applied to this cohort, with C statistics of 0.59 (model A), 0.65 (model B), and 0.57 (model C), and Hosmer‐Lemeshow chi‐square P values of 0.06 (model A), 0.005 (model B), and 0.05 (model C).

Conclusion

Matrix risk models developed in clinical trials of patients with early RA had limited ability to predict RRP in this observational cohort of RA patients.
Eradicating Antibiotic‐Resistant Biofilms with Silver‐Conjugated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Durmus Naside Gozde , Webster Thomas J.
Published: October 2012

Concerns about antibiotic‐resistant microorganisms, such as methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is causing a resurgence in the search for novel strategies which can eradicate infections without the use of antibiotics. In this study, the unique magnetic and antibacterial properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) and silver have been combined through the design of silver‐conjugated SPION. For the first time, it is demonstrated that MRSA biofilms can be eradicated by silver‐conjugated SPION without resorting to the use of antibiotics. A significant decrease in biofilm mass, which corresponds to a seven orders of magnitude decrease in viability, is observed when MRSA biofilms are treated with 1 mg/mL of silver‐conjugated SPION (p < 0.01). Moreover, SPION anti‐biofilm efficacy is further improved in the presence of an external magnetic field. The anti‐biofilm property of silver‐conjugated SPION treatment is due to the significant increases in intracellular or membrane‐bound iron (p < 0.001), sulfur (p < 0.05), and silver (p < 0.001) concentrations, thus increases in SPION uptake within the biofilms. For this reason, this study demonstrates for the first time that silver‐conjugated SPION could be used as a targeted antibacterial therapy to the infection site. Thus, this novel infection eradication strategy holds great promise to be an alternative to the antibiotic of last resort, vancomycin, which bacteria have already started to develop a resistance towards.
Magnetic Silicone Composites with Uniform Nanoparticle Dispersion as a Biomedical Stent Coating for Hyperthermia
Authors: Kim Chang‐Yeoul , XU LIXING , Lee Eun‐Hee , Choa Yong‐Ho
Published: October 2012

Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) offer some attractive possibilities in the field of medicine such as magnetic separation for purification and immunoassay and hyperthermia treatment of cancer. Hyperthermia uses the thermal energy adsorbed by magnetite NPs to kill cancer cells. Concerns regarding esophageal cancer treatment by hyperthermia are related to the development of an advanced film as a polymeric stent cover for hyperthermia. In this paper, we tried to confer the hyperthermia function to the stent cover by the composition of magnetite NPs with a silicone rubber film. Herein, we fabricated the hybrid composite of magnetite NPs and a silicone matrix with a uniform particle dispersion. Forty percent of magnetite NPs could be dispersed in silicone matrices, which was confirmed in the scale of hundreds of nanometers by transmission electron microscopy. The composition could be possible via the surface modification of magnetite NPs with oleic acid in the silicone rubber, which was identified by the analysis of FT‐IR. Plasma treatment of the composite film transforms the hydrophobicity of the film to the hydrophlicity. The hyperthermia effect of the composite film increased temperature from 36 to 42°C. Moreover, our manufacturing strategy could readily control the thickness of the smooth composite film, facilitate large‐scale synthesis, and enable multifunctionalization. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E714–E723, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21314
Electrical and Dielectric Properties of Polyaniline Doped with Carboxyl‐Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Kar Pradip , Choudhury Arup
Published: October 2012

Polyaniline nanocomposites containing various concentrations of carboxylic acid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PANI/c‐MWCNT) were synthesized by in situ chemical oxidation polymerization of aniline monomer using ammonium persulfate in the absence of any added acids. The electrical conductivity measurements evidenced the effect of COOH groups of c‐MWCNTs on PANI units. The morphology of PANI/c‐MWCNT nanocomposites was studied using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The uniform and thick coating of PANI on the c‐MWCNT surface was observed. The electrical conductivity of PANI/c‐MWCNT (3 wt%) nanocomposite is recorded about three orders of magnitude higher than that of pure PANI. In addition, the increase in the conductivity with respect to temperature revealed the semiconductor behavior of the nanocomposites. Similarly, the dielectric permittivity of the nanocomposites enhanced from 3.34 to 10.2 at 1 kHz as the c‐MWCNT concentration increased from 0.5 to 3 wt%. The loss tangent was still low (<0.025) even at a higher concentration of c‐MWCNT, i.e., 3 wt%. The response of permittivity to temperature is increased with increasing the c‐MWCNT concentration in the nanocomposite. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E760–E770, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21319
The Barth Syndrome Registry: Distinguishing disease characteristics and growth data from a longitudinal study
Authors: Roberts Amy E. , Nixon Connie , Steward Colin G. , Gauvreau Kimberly , Maisenbacher Melissa , Fletcher Matthew , Geva Judith , Byrne Barry J. , Spencer Carolyn T.
Published: October 2012

Barth syndrome (BTHS); MIM accession # 302060) is a rare X‐linked recessive cardioskeletal mitochondrial myopathy with features of cardiomyopathy, neutropenia, and growth abnormalities. The objectives of this study were to further elucidate the natural history, clinical disease presentation, and course, and describe growth characteristics for males with BTHS. Patients with a confirmed genetic diagnosis of BTHS are referred to the BTHS Registry through the Barth Syndrome Foundation, self‐referral, or physician referral. This study is based on data obtained from 73 subjects alive at the time of enrollment that provided self‐reported and/or medical record abstracted data. The mean age at diagnosis of BTHS was 4.04 ± 5.45 years. While the vast majority of subjects reported a history of cardiac dysfunction, nearly 6% denied any history of cardiomyopathy. Although most subjects had only mildly abnormal cardiac function by echocardiography reports, 70% were recognized as having cardiomyopathy in the first year of life and 12% have required cardiac transplantation. Of the 73 enrolled subjects, there have been five deaths. Growth curves were generated demonstrating a shift down for weight, length, and height versus the normative population with late catch up in height for a significant percentage of cases. This data also confirms a significant number of patients with low birth weight, complications in the newborn period, failure to thrive, neutropenia, developmental delay of motor milestones, and mild learning difficulties. However, it is apparent that the disease manifestations are variable, both over time for an individual patient and across the BTHS population. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The use of image‐guided surgery in endoscopic sinus surgery: an evidence‐based review with recommendations
Authors: Ramakrishnan Vijay R. , Orlandi Richard R. , Citardi Martin J. , Smith Timothy L. , Fried Marvin P. , Kingdom Todd T.
Published: October 2012

Background

The frequency of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) appears to be increasing, and the use of image‐guided surgery (IGS) in these procedures is becoming more widespread. The use of IGS in ESS and anterior skull base surgery is predicated on the notion that its ability to aid in anatomic identification during surgery will lead to fewer complications and improved surgical outcomes. The purpose of this article is to provide an evidence‐based examination of the benefits of IGS in ESS.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed and recommendations were created based on the Clinical Practice Guideline Manual, Conference of Guideline Standardization (COGS), and the Appraisal of Guidelines and Research Evaluation (AGREE) instruments.

Results

This review identified and evaluated literature regarding the effect of IGS on surgical complications and on postoperative outcomes in ESS. Currently, there is grade C evidence to support the use of IGS in ESS.

Conclusion

Based on the best available evidence in the literature, the use of IGS has not clearly been shown to decrease surgical complications or improve surgical outcomes. These evidence‐based recommendations are based on limited literature with suboptimal research methodology. However, the importance, utility, and acceptance of IGS through expert opinion and consensus are supported by the available literature. Therefore, the use of IGS in ESS is an option and should be based on clinical judgment and applied on a case‐by‐case basis.
Topical therapies in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis: an evidence‐based review with recommendations
Authors: Rudmik Luke , Hoy Monica , Schlosser Rodney J. , Harvey Richard J. , Welch Kevin C. , Lund Valerie , Smith Timothy L.
Published: October 2012

Background

Topical therapies have become an integral component in the management plan for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Several topical therapy strategies have been evaluated, but a formal comprehensive evaluation of the evidence has never been performed. The purpose of this article is to provide an evidence‐based approach for the utilization of topical therapies in the management of CRS.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed and the guidelines for development of an evidence‐based review with recommendations were followed. Study inclusion criteria were: adult population >18 years old; chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) based on published diagnostic criteria; and clearly defined primary clinical end‐point. We focused on reporting higher‐quality studies (level 2b or higher), but reported on lower‐level studies if the topic contained insufficient evidence. We excluded drug‐eluting spacer and stent therapy from this review.

Results

This review identified and evaluated the literature on 5 topical therapy strategies for CRS: saline irrigation, topical steroid, topical antibiotic, topical antifungal, and topical alternatives (surfactant, manuka honey, and xylitol irrigations).

Conclusion

Based on the available evidence, sinonasal saline irrigation and standard topical nasal steroid therapy are recommended in the topical treatment of CRS. Nonstandard (off‐label) topical sinonasal steroid therapies can be an option for managing CRS. The evidence recommends against the use of topical antifungal therapy and topical antibiotic therapy delivered using nebulized and spray techniques in routine cases of CRS. There is insufficient clinical research to provide recommendations for alternative therapies or topical antibiotic therapy delivered using other delivery methods (eg, irrigations).
Efficacy and safety of a once‐daily sublingual immunotherapy without escalation regimen in house dust mite–induced allergic rhinitis
Authors: Mun Sue Jean , Shin Jae Min , Han Doo Hee , Kim Jeong‐Whun , Kim Dong‐Young , Lee Chul Hee , Min Yang‐Gi , Rhee Chae‐Seo
Published: October 2012

Background

The conventional escalation regimen for sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in patients with allergic rhinitis has been proven to be safe and successful in reducing allergic symptoms. However, few studies compared the efficacy and safety between a conventional escalation regimen for SLIT and once‐daily SLIT. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy and safety of once‐daily SLIT without escalation (SLITsE) to conventional escalation therapy (SLITwE).

Methods

This study was a nonrandomized open label observational study. In total, 153 patients suffering from allergic rhinitis symptoms and sensitized to the perennial house dust mite allergens Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, were enrolled in this study from July 2008 to December 2009. The patients were divided into 2 groups, SLITwE and SLITsE. Each patient was followed with a diary card on which a symptom score, a rescue medication score, and adverse events were recorded.

Results

All of the nasal symptoms, including rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal obstruction, itching, and olfactory symptoms, defined as a total nasal symptom score, were reduced after 6 months in both groups (p < 0.05). The rescue medication score, defined as the sum of all of the allergy medications used, also decreased in both groups. Adverse events were similar in both groups, and no major adverse events, such as anaphylaxis, were reported.

Conclusion

Once‐daily SLITsE was well tolerated and showed safe and comparable efficacy compared with a conventional SLITwE regimen.
Olfactory and sinonasal outcomes in endoscopic transsphenoidal skull‐base surgery
Authors: Sowerby Leigh J. , Gross Menachem , Broad Robert , Wright Erin D.
Published: October 2012

Background

Endoscopic anterior skull‐base surgery has been previously suggested to cause a significant deterioration in olfactory function. Given the impact on quality of life, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of a unilateral middle‐turbinate–sacrificing approach on olfactory function and sinonasal outcome.

Methods

Prospective cohort study comparing olfactory and sinonasal outcomes pre‐ and post‐transsphenoidal skull‐base surgery. Olfaction was the primary outcome and was measured prospectively using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (SIT). Sinonasal symptoms were assessed subjectively via sinonasal‐specific questions from the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), and objectively via the Lund‐Kennedy Endoscopic Scoring system (LKES).

Results

Twenty‐two patients met study inclusion criteria and completed all data acquisition. The mean preoperative SIT score was 34.8 and the mean postoperative SIT value was 35.1 (p = 0.37). The average change in score (delta) was an increase of 0.3, with changes ranging from −3 to +4. When examined categorically, 91% of patients maintained their preoperative olfactory function classification. There was no significant difference in mean pre‐ and postoperative symptom scores. A small increase in the LKES was noted, from a mean of 0.6 to 2.5 (p = 0.001) in the early postoperative period.

Conclusion

Olfactory function, as measured by the SIT test, was preserved with a middle‐turbinate–sacrificing skull‐base approach. Subjective sinonasal symptom scores were unaffected, but a slight worsening of objective endoscopic appearance was noted.
Template‐free electrochemical synthesis and electrochemical supercapacitors application of polyaniline nanobuds
Authors: Shaikh ShoyebMohamad F. , Lim Ji‐Yeon , Mane Rajaram S. , Zate Manohar K. , Han Sung‐Hwan , Joo Oh‐Shim
Published: October 2012

One‐step and template‐free synthesis of polyaniline nanobuds (PANI NBs), synthesized using anodic electrochemical polymerization method, is reported at room temperature onto a conducting indium‐tin‐oxide glass substrate. The PANI NBs are characterized for their structural, morphological, and electrochromic properties. Scanning electron microscopy image reveals NBs type architecture, perpendicular to the substrate surface. These NBs are broader at their bottoms and narrower at the tops. Individual NB has confirmed 30 nm top diameter and 100–200 nm length. Electrochemical supercapacitive behavior of the PANI NBs electrode is investigated by measuring cyclic voltammetry curves. Moderate specific capacitance of 128 F/g is achieved in the potential range of −0.2 to 1.0 V at 10 mV/s sweep rate in 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte. Influence of inner and outer charges on a resultant specific capacitance is also investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
The effect of borax‐modified starch on wheat straw‐based paper properties
Authors: Ali Imtiaz , urRehman Shafiq , Hyder Ali Syed , Javaid Asad
Published: October 2012

This study was focused on the improvement of mechanical strength properties of wheat straw‐based paper through modification of wet‐end cationic starch with borax. Borax has been used extensively in many industrial applications for its unique physical and chemical properties. We investigated the strengthening effect of borax‐modified starch (BMS) as wet‐end paper strength additive on the mechanical strength properties especially the tensile strength of wheat straw‐based paper. Hand‐sheets made of typical wheat straw‐based papermaking furnish were investigated. Experimental results showed that BMS substantially increased the strength properties. Tensile index, elongation, tensile energy absorption, and wet tensile index were increased by 17%, 23%, 20%, and 21%, respectively. A short mill trial was also conducted on papermaking machine in which the impact of BMS on wheat straw‐based low grammage paper (<90 gsm) was investigated. The objective of mill trial was to reduce costly virgin softwood pulp content in wheat straw‐based paper recipe. Mill trial results showed similar trends in strength properties as in case of laboratory studies. Virgin softwood pulp was reduced from 30% to 25% in papermaking furnish. Furthermore, no sheet breaks were reported during trial which often happened due to poor strength of paper web. This study strongly suggests that modification of wet‐end cationic starch with borax holds a tremendous potential as wet‐end strength additive. It can provide significantly improved strength properties, reduction in softwood pulp costs, and better papermaking machine performance. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
5,6‐bis(tetradecyloxy)‐2,1,3‐benzoselenadiazole‐based polymers for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Tang Wanjun , Chen Xuewen , Zou Yingping , Liu Bo , Zhong Hong , Pan Chunyue
Published: October 2012

A series of new 5,6‐bis(tetradecyloxy)‐2,1,3‐benzoselenadiazole‐based copolymers (PBDT‐DTBSe, PC‐DTBSe, and PF‐DTBSe) have been first synthesized by Stille or Suzuki coupling polymerization reaction. The synthesized copolymers show good solubility in common organic solvents, such as chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, and chlorobenzene with excellent film‐forming properties. The molecular weight was determined by gel permeation chromatography and the thermal properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. All the copolymers exhibited broad absorption from 350 to 700 nm. The preliminary results showed the device based on the structure of indium tin oxide/PEDOT:PSS/PC‐DTBSe:PC61BM (1 : 2, w/w)/Ca/Al displayed the best photovoltaic performance with a power conversion efficiency of 1.35%, a Voc of 0.87 V, a Jsc of 3.84 mA/cm2 and a fill factor of 40.4%, under illumination of AM 1.5 G (100 mW/cm2). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Properties of carbon fiber sized with poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) resin
Authors: Liu W. B. , Zhang S. , Hao L. F. , Jiao W. C. , Yang F. , Li X. F. , Wang R. G.
Published: October 2012

We studied thermoplastic poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) (PPEK) resin as a sizing agent on carbon fiber, with emphasis on its thermal stability, surface energy, wetting performance, and interfacial shear strength (IFSS). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization was carried out to study the chemical structure of sized/unsized carbon fibers. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize surface topography. TGA was used to analyze the thermal stability. Meanwhile, contact angle measurement was applied to analyze the compatibility between the carbon fibers and PPEK and the surface energy of carbon fibers. IFSS of carbon fiber/PPEK composite was examined by microbond testing. It is found that carbon fibers uniformly coated with PPEK resin had better thermal stability and compatibility with PPEK resin than the uncoated fiber. The contact angle is 57.01° for sized fibers, corresponding to a surface energy of 49.96 mJ m−2, much smaller than that for unsized ones with contact angle value of 97.05°. The value of IFSS for sized fibers is 51.49 MPa, which is higher than the unsized fibers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Increasing pneumococcal vaccination for immunosuppressed patients: A cluster quality improvement trial
Authors: Desai Sonali P. , Lu Bing , Szent‐Gyorgyi Lara E. , Bogdanova Anna A. , Turchin Alexander , Weinblatt Michael , Coblyn Jonathan , Greenberg Jeffrey O. , Kachalia Allen , Solomon Daniel H.
Published: October 2012

Objective

Pneumococcal vaccination is important for patients taking immunosuppressive medications, but prior studies suggest that most patients do not undergo vaccination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a point‐of‐care paper reminder form as a quality improvement (QI) strategy to increase the numbers of immunosuppressed patients being kept up‐to‐date with pneumococcal vaccination in a rheumatology practice.

Methods

Selected rheumatologists at 5 ambulatory practice sites received a point‐of‐care paper reminder form to be applied to patients who were not up‐to‐date with pneumococcal vaccination. Interrupted time‐series analyses were used to measure the effect of the intervention on the pneumococcal vaccination rates among patients, comparing the rates in the intervention group with those in a control group of rheumatologists who did not receive the intervention. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were examined to identify independent predictors of being up‐to‐date with pneumococcal vaccination.

Results

We evaluated a total of 3,717 patients (66.0% with rheumatoid arthritis) who were taking immunosuppressive medications (74.1% women, mean age 53.7 years). Rheumatologists who received the intervention had a significant increase in the rate of patients who were up‐to‐date with pneumococcal vaccination, from 67.6% to 80.0% (P = 0.006), in the time period following the intervention, compared to a rate that remained stable, from 52.3% to 52.0% (P = 0.90), among patients in the nonintervention control group during this same time period. In regression models, positive predictors of being up‐to‐date with pneumococcal vaccination at the patient level included the following: having received the intervention (hazard ratio [HR] 3.58, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.46–5.20), having a primary care physician affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.44–1.97), having a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.02–2.41), and being age 56–65 years at baseline, compared to age ≤45 years (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01–1.51).

Conclusion

A QI strategy involving a simple point‐of‐care paper reminder form significantly increased the rate of being up‐to‐date with pneumococcal vaccination among patients receiving immunosuppressive medications in our rheumatology practices over a 6‐month period.
Anti–müllerian hormone and ovarian reserve in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mok C. C. , Chan P. T. , To C. H.
Published: October 2012

Objective

To study the level of anti–müllerian hormone (AMH) and its relationship to age and previous exposure to cyclophosphamide (CYC) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Consecutive female patients ages 18–52 years who had menses at least once during the preceding 12 months and fulfilled ≥4 American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE were recruited. AMH was determined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Serum AMH levels were compared in patients with and without previous use of immunosuppressive agents. The relationship of the AMH level to the patient's age and CYC exposure was studied by linear regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

A total of 216 patients were studied (mean ± SD age 35.1 ± 10.1 years, mean ± SD SLE duration 7.6 ± 5.9 years). The mean ± SD AMH level was significantly lower in patients previously exposed to CYC therapy than in those who had not been exposed after adjustment for age (1.58 ± 2.92 versus 1.73 ± 2.11 ng/ml; P = 0.04). The median time interval between the AMH assay and the last dose of CYC administered was 6.7 years (interquartile range 3.4–8.5). AMH levels in users versus nonusers of other immunosuppressive agents, including mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, and the calcineurin inhibitors, were not statistically different. Linear regression revealed increasing age (beta −0.32, P = 0.02) and each 5 gm of CYC exposure (beta −0.28, P = 0.047) were independently associated with a lower AMH level. In patients ages 30 years and younger, a cumulative CYC dose cutoff of 5.9 gm yielded a sensitivity of 0.75 and a specificity of 0.80 for the prediction of undetectable AMH level on ROC curve analysis.

Conclusion

AMH is a sensitive marker for ovarian damage due to previous CYC exposure in women with SLE.
The rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid citrullinome reveals novel citrullinated epitopes in apolipoprotein E, myeloid nuclear differentiation antigen, and β‐actin
Authors: van Beers Joyce J. B. C. , Schwarte Carla M. , Stammen‐Vogelzangs Judith , Oosterink Els , Božič Borut , Pruijn Ger J. M.
Published: October 2012

Objective

To generate a catalog of citrullinated proteins that are present in the synovia of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to elucidate their relevance for the anti–citrullinated protein antibody response in RA.

Methods

Polypeptides isolated from the synovial fluid of patients with RA were identified by mass spectrometry. Three proteins (apolipoprotein E [Apo E], myeloid nuclear differentiation antigen [MNDA], and β‐actin) were studied in more detail, using immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. The presence of autoantibodies to synthetic peptides derived from these proteins in sera from patients with RA, sera from patients with other diseases, and sera from healthy control subjects was studied by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

RA synovial fluid samples displayed several distinct patterns of citrullinated proteins. Using mass spectrometry, (fragments of) 192 proteins were identified, including 53 citrullinated proteins, some of which contained multiple citrullinated residues. In addition to previously reported citrullinated proteins in RA synovia (e.g., vimentin and fibrinogen), a series of novel citrullinated proteins, including Apo E, MNDA, β‐actin, and cyclophilin A, was identified. Immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed the citrullination of Apo E and MNDA. ELISAs demonstrated the presence of autoreactive citrullinated epitopes in Apo E, MNDA, and β‐actin.

Conclusion

Synovial fluid samples from the inflamed joints of patients with RA contain many citrullinated proteins. Citrullinated Apo E, MNDA, and β‐actin are novel antigens identified in RA synovial fluid, and only a limited number of their citrullinated epitopes are targeted by the immune system in RA.
Propensity‐adjusted association of methotrexate with overall survival in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wasko Mary Chester M. , Dasgupta Abhijit , Hubert Helen , Fries James F. , Ward Michael M.
Published: October 2012

Objective

While medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may affect survival in RA, few studies take into account the propensity for medication use, which may reflect selection bias in treatment allocation in survival models. We undertook this study to examine the relationship between methotrexate (MTX) use and mortality in RA, after controlling for individual propensity scores for MTX use.

Methods

We studied 5,626 RA patients prospectively for 25 years to determine the risk of death associated with MTX use, modeled in time‐varying Cox regression models. We used the random forest method to generate individual propensity scores for MTX use at study entry and during followup in a time‐varying manner; these scores were included in the multivariate model. We also investigated whether selective discontinuation of MTX immediately prior to death altered the risk of mortality, and we examined the association of duration of MTX use with survival.

Results

During followup, 666 patients (12%) died. MTX use was associated with reduced risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio 0.30 [95% confidence interval 0.09–1.03]). Selective MTX cessation immediately before death did not account for the protective association of MTX use with mortality. Only MTX use for >1 year was associated with lower risks of mortality, but associations were not stronger with longer durations of use.

Conclusion

MTX use was associated with a 70% reduction in mortality in RA.
Tumor necrosis factor–costimulated T lymphocytes from patients with systemic sclerosis trigger collagen production in fibroblasts
Authors: Hügle Thomas , O'Reilly Steven , Simpson Rachel , Kraaij Marina D. , Bigley Venetia , Collin Matthew , Krippner‐Heidenreich Anja , van Laar Jacob M.
Published: October 2012

Objective

The role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) remains controversial. The present study was undertaken to investigate the influence of TNF receptor (TNFR)–costimulated lymphocytes on collagen expression in fibroblasts.

Methods

TNFR expression on mononuclear cells from the dermis and blood of SSc patients was assessed by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood CD3+ lymphocytes were activated with CD3/CD28 beads and costimulated with TNFR‐selective variants. Expression of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), soluble IL‐6 receptor (sIL‐6R), IL‐10, and IL‐13 was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay or quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Healthy fibroblasts were incubated with conditioned media from TNFR‐costimulated T lymphocytes, and type I collagen expression was quantified.

Results

TNFRI and TNFRII were up‐regulated on dermal T lymphocytes from patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc. TNFRII expression correlated with skin thickening. After CD3/CD28 activation, peripheral blood lymphocytes from SSc patients produced more IL‐6, sIL‐6R, and IL‐13 compared to healthy lymphocytes. Costimulation with TNFRI‐selective ligands and soluble TNF further increased IL‐6 expression, whereas costimulation with TNFRII led to greater release of sIL‐6R. IL‐10 expression, which normally occurs after TNFRII costimulation, was impaired in SSc T cells. Supernatants of TNF‐costimulated SSc lymphocytes induced higher type I collagen expression in fibroblasts, which was partially reversible by dual inhibition of IL‐6 and IL‐13. Expression of TNFR and IL‐6 in the dermis was reversible in a patient who received lymphoablative therapy prior to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Conclusion

TNF‐costimulated T lymphocytes from SSc patients have a propensity to secrete profibrotic cytokines, while the ability to produce IL‐10 is weakened. These results suggest that T lymphocytes in SSc support fibrosis, but might lack the capacity to resolve inflammation.
Bakterien – eher Partner als Feinde
Authors: Bosch Thomas C. G.
Published: October 2012

Für lange Zeit galt die Aufmerksamkeit der medizinischen Mikrobiologie ganz den krankheitserregenden Bakterien und Infektionskrankheiten; die Bedeutung der mit dem Wirt ständig assoziierten gutartigen Bakterien blieb weitgehend unerkannt. Heute wissen wir, daß alle vielzelligen Organismen von Hydra bis zum Menschen sich aus einer Vielzahl von mikrobiellen und eukaryotischen Arten zusammensetzen, die sich während der Stammesgeschichte sehr wahrscheinlich auch zusammen entwickelt haben. Bei der Kommunikation in einem solchen Metaorganismus kommt dem angeborenen Immunsystem und insbesondere den antimikrobiellen Peptiden eine entscheidende Rolle zu.
Wiesen und Wälder im südlichen Hunsrück
Authors: Petrischak Hannes
Published: October 2012

Der südliche Hunsrück wird charakterisiert durch mehrere parallel von Südwest nach Nordost verlaufende Höhenrücken aus hartem Taunusquarzit, die dicht bewaldet sind. Die Geschichte dieser Wälder ist eng mit der Verhüttung von Eisenerzen in der Region von der Zeit der Kelten bis ins 19. Jahrhundert hinein verbunden. Eine bemerkenswerte Artenvielfalt weisen die mageren Bergwiesen auf, die über Jahrhunderte hinweg extensiv genutzt wurden und nun durch Nutzungsaufgabe oder ‐intensivierung gefährdet sind. Von besonderer Bedeutung sind in diesem Zusammenhang die Borstgrasrasen. Zu den botanischen Kostbarkeiten zählen unter anderem Arnika (Arnica montana), Wilde Narzisse (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) und Bärwurz (Meum athamanticum). Zahlreiche Schmetterlingsarten, die zum Teil stark gefährdet sind, fliegen hier noch in individuenreichen Populationen.
Zugang zur Artenvielfalt im Schulunterricht
Authors: Jülch Cordula , Bergmann Hans‐Heiner
Published: October 2012

Eine Schulklasse von 27 Schülern im Alter von 13–14 Jahren eines Wolfenbütteler Gymnasiums hat innerhalb von zwei Schulstunden Ende April 2008 in einem Stadtpark Reviere von Singvögeln kartiert. Sie haben dies in Kleingruppen und arbeitsteilig durchgeführt. Entscheidend war die Vorbereitung in einer sechsteiligen Unterrichtsreihe. Die Ergebnisse sind mit der Unteren Naturschutzbehörde diskutiert worden. Bei den Schülern ließen sich nach dem Projekt Lernzuwachs und gesteigertes Interesse an der Vogelwelt nachweisen.
Palolo‐rising: Ein Fest für einen Wurm
Authors: Kronberg Marie , Kronberg Inge
Published: October 2012

Kann ein Wurm berühmt sein? Ja, wenn fast in jedem Zoologie‐Lehrbuch von ihm erzählt wird, und erst recht, wenn Einheimische bei seinem Erscheinen ein Fest feiern. Die Rede ist vom Palolowurm (Palola viridis) vor den Küsten der Südpazifischen Inselwelt. Bei den Einheimischen gilt er roh oder geröstet als Delikatesse, die Wissenschaft interessiert sich mehr für sein synchrones alljährliches Schwärmverhalten.
Jahresringe: die Uhr in der Tür
Authors: Högermann Christiane
Published: October 2012

In diesem Jahr feierte das historische Rathaus von Osnabrück seinen 500. Geburtstag. Es ist neben dem Rathaus von Münster von besonderer historischer Bedeutung, da hier 1648 durch den Schluss des Westfälischen Friedens der 30jährige Krieg beendet wurde. Anlässlich dieses Jubiläums wurden nicht nur die historischen Ereignisse rekapituliert, sondern auch eine bis dahin unbekannte naturwissenschaftliche Besonderheit der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich gemacht: das ungewöhnlich hohe Alter des Bauholzes der Rathaustür.
Das Anfertigen eines Blutausstriches
Authors: Hauk Andrea
Published: October 2012

Die Komponenten des Blutes können mit Hilfe des Blutausstriches in quantitativer, qualitativer und morphologischer Hinsicht charakterisiert werden. Die Anfertigung eines guten Blutausstriches ist recht simpel, doch einige Tipps sollte man hierbei beachten.
Was lernen Schülerinnen und Schüler beim Experimentieren?
Authors: Hammann Marcus , Mayer Jürgen
Published: October 2012

Viele Biologen stellen in der Ausbildung von Studierenden fest, dass deren Fähigkeiten und Fertigkeiten des Experimentierens ausgesprochen gering sind, obwohl sie in ihrem naturwissenschaftlichen Unterricht zahlreiche Experimente durchgeführt haben. Warum ist davon so wenig hängen geblieben? Was könnte man besser machen, um experimentell gut geschulten wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchs auszubilden?
Wie Pflanzen den programmierten Zelltod kontrollieren
Authors: Brennicke Axel
Published: October 2012

Zur Verteidigung gegen Schmarotzer wie Pilze und Bakterien setzen Pflanzen neben vielen anderen Maßnahmen den programmierten Zelltod ein. Dabei tötet die Pflanze rund um den Infektionsort ihre eigenen Zellen und lässt so den Schädling verhungern. Bisher war unklar, wie die Pflanze diese Todeszone begrenzt. Die Identifizierung von Rezeptoren für das Hormon Salicylsäure zeigt jetzt, dass diese in einem gegenläufigen Mechanismus sowohl den Zelltod auslösen als auch begrenzen.
Vorbereitungen auf den Winter: Haus‐Besuche von Faltern, Kröten und Spinnen
Authors: Petrischak Hannes
Published: October 2012

Wenn die Tage kürzer und kälter werden, zieht es viele Tiere in die Nähe des Menschen. Die letzten Tagfalter des Jahres tanken noch einmal an überreifem Obst auf, bevor sie Verstecke aufsuchen oder wie Zugvögel nach Süden aufbrechen. Gärten, Schuppen, Dachböden und Keller sind Ziel ganz unterschiedlicher Tierarten auf der Suche nach geeigneten Überwinterungsplätzen.
A new marker design for a robust marker tracking system against occlusions
Authors: Álvarez Hugo , Leizea Ibai , Borro Diego
Published: October 2012

Marker systems are a widely used optical tracking method that does not support occlusions. Thus, this paper proposes a new marker design to overcome the problem of marker occlusions. It is highly adaptable, because it can be used by any marker tracking system that uses its central area to codify the digital identification. Our proposal takes advantage of an untapped frame to place some textures that will be tracked during marker occlusion. In addition, these textures are customizable, which lets users make their own designs. Two tracking methods are combined to offer a robust tracking, updating the six degrees of freedom of the camera in real time. The first one is a fast technique based on temporal coherence, whereas the second one is a robust technique based on appearance, which is used as a recovery mode. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hardware‐accelerated dynamic clustering of virtual crowd members
Authors: Haciomeroglu Murat , Ozcan Cumhur Yigit , Barut Oner , Seckin Levent , Sever Hayri
Published: October 2012

In this study, a hardware‐accelerated dynamic clustering of moving virtual entities technique is proposed. By clustering virtual entities, both clustered and unclustered virtual agents became more aware of other agents’ topological configurations. Clustering is based on their continuously changing velocity and position vectors. The proposed clustering technique efficiently uses graphics processor's parallel processing capabilities. Therefore, almost no additional central processing unit overhead is required to bring the clustering information into the simulation. In addition, in this paper, how cluster information can be used on top of the proposed virtual human steering technique is explained. The results show that by using the dynamic clustering, the number of collision in the simulation reduces, and the velocities of the the agents in the simulation increase. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aortic valve morphology is associated with outcomes following balloon valvuloplasty for congenital aortic stenosis
Authors: Maskatia Shiraz A. , Justino Henri , Ing Frank F. , Crystal Matthew A. , Mattamal Raphael J. , Petit Christopher J.
Published: October 2012

Objectives

Evaluate the incidence of various morphologic types of congenital AS, and the association between valve morphology and long‐term outcomes, including repeat BAV, AVR, and death/transplant.

Background

Reports on long‐term outcomes have low agreement on the influence of morphologic type.

Methods

We queried our institutional database and hospital billing records to identify all patients who underwent balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) from 1992 through 2009. We excluded cases where morphology was not clear based on the description in the pre‐BAV echocardiogram report and patients who underwent single ventricle palliation. The primary outcome of the study was the occurrence of any of the following events: repeat valvuloplasty, AVR, heart transplant, or death.

Results

There were 147 patients in our study cohort. The most common morphology was functionally bicuspid (n = 92, 63%), followed by functionally unicuspid (n = 20, 14%), dysplastic (n = 16, 11%), true bicuspid (n = 13, 9%), and true unicuspid (n = 6, 4%). The primary endpoint was less likely to occur in patients with functionally bicuspid valves (P < 0.01) and patients with true bicuspid valves (P = 0.03), whereas it was more likely to occur in patients with functionally unicuspid valves (P = 0.02) and patients with true unicuspid valves (P = 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that valve type other than functionally bicuspid was associated with diminished freedom from repeat intervention, death or transplant (HR 3.3, CI 1.2 – 8.6, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

In our cohort, patients with functionally bicuspid aortic valves, the most common type, had improved outcomes as compared with all other morphologic types. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functions of neurotrophins and growth factors in neurogenesis and brain repair
Authors: Oliveira Sophia L. B. , Pillat Micheli M. , Cheffer Arquimedes , Lameu Claudiana , Schwindt Telma T. , Ulrich Henning
Published: October 2012

The identification and isolation of multipotent neural stem and progenitor cells in the brain, giving rise to neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes initiated many studies in order to understand basic mechanisms of endogenous neurogenesis and repair mechanisms of the nervous system and to develop novel therapeutic strategies for cellular regeneration therapies in brain disease. A previous review (Trujillo et al., Cytometry A 2009;75:38–53) focused on the importance of extrinsic factors, especially neurotransmitters, for directing migration and neurogenesis in the developing and adult brain. Here, we extend our review discussing the effects of the principal growth and neurotrophic factors as well as their intracellular signal transduction on neurogenesis, fate determination and neuroprotective mechanisms. Many of these mechanisms have been elucidated by in vitro studies for which neural stem cells were isolated, grown as neurospheres, induced to neural differentiation under desired experimental conditions, and analyzed for embryonic, progenitor, and neural marker expression by flow and imaging cytometry techniques. The better understanding of neural stem cells proliferation and differentiation is crucial for any therapeutic intervention aiming at neural stem cell transplantation and recruitment of endogenous repair mechanisms. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
RchyOptimyx: Cellular hierarchy optimization for flow cytometry
Authors: Aghaeepour Nima , Jalali Adrin , O'Neill Kieran , Chattopadhyay Pratip K. , Roederer Mario , Hoos Holger H. , Brinkman Ryan R.
Published: October 2012

Analysis of high‐dimensional flow cytometry datasets can reveal novel cell populations with poorly understood biology. Following discovery, characterization of these populations in terms of the critical markers involved is an important step, as this can help to both better understand the biology of these populations and aid in designing simpler marker panels to identify them on simpler instruments and with fewer reagents (i.e., in resource poor or highly regulated clinical settings). However, current tools to design panels based on the biological characteristics of the target cell populations work exclusively based on technical parameters (e.g., instrument configurations, spectral overlap, and reagent availability). To address this shortcoming, we developed RchyOptimyx (cellular hieraRCHY OPTIMization), a computational tool that constructs cellular hierarchies by combining automated gating with dynamic programming and graph theory to provide the best gating strategies to identify a target population to a desired level of purity or correlation with a clinical outcome, using the simplest possible marker panels. RchyOptimyx can assess and graphically present the trade‐offs between marker choice and population specificity in high‐dimensional flow or mass cytometry datasets. We present three proof‐of‐concept use cases for RchyOptimyx that involve 1) designing a panel of surface markers for identification of rare populations that are primarily characterized using their intracellular signature; 2) simplifying the gating strategy for identification of a target cell population; 3) identification of a non‐redundant marker set to identify a target cell population. Published 2013 Wiley‐Periodicals, Inc.