bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formamide as the plasticizer for thermoplastic starch
Authors: Ma Xiaofei , Yu Jiugao
Published: June 2004

As a novel plasticizer, formamide was tested in thermoplastic starch (TPS), in which native cornstarch granules were proved to transfer to a continuous phase by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the hydrogen bond interaction between plasticizer and starch was proved by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Mechanical tests showed that tensile strength and Young's modulus of formamide‐plasticized TPS (FPTPS) were lower than glycerol‐plasticized TPS (GPTPS) and elongation at break and energy break were higher. The effect of formamide and glycerol on the retrogradation of TPS was studied using X‐ray diffractometry. Formamide could effectively restrain the starch retrogradation at three different relative humidity (RH) environments, because it could form the more stable hydrogen bonds with the starch hydroxy group than glycerol. From these results, we found that the elongation at break, energy break, and the retrogradation of TPS were ameliorated by formamide. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1769–1773, 2004
Preparation and properties of water‐swellable elastomer
Authors: Zhang Yuhong , He Peixin , Zou Qichao , He Benqiao
Published: June 2004

A series of water‐swellable elastomers were prepared by blending chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) with poly(acrylic acid–acrylic amide) [P(AA–AM)]. The effect of component on its water‐absorbent properties such as degree of swelling, swelling ratio, and weight loss ratio was discussed. Mechanical behavior of blends was also investigated. The results indicate that swelling rate of CPE/P(AA–AM) was very quick; the blend reached its equilibrium state in only 30 min. The equilibrium swelling ratio increased with increasing amounts of water‐absorbent resin, the greater the amount of P(AA–AM), the higher the swelling degree. The effect of temperature on swelling ratio was very interesting, below 30°C, with an increase of temperature, the swelling ratio of blend increased, but above 30°C, with an increase of temperature, the swelling ratio decreased, indicating that this is a temperature‐sensitive water‐swellable elastomer. The effect of pH of solutions on the swelling behavior showed that water absorption of blends was heavily influenced by pH. The effect of different metal ions on the swelling behavior were also studied and the results showed that the absorption of blends was decreased dramatically with increasing the charge number of the cation, but was not influenced by radius and valence state of the anion. Owing to the compatibility of the amphiphilic graft copolymer (CPE‐g‐PEG), the equilibrium swelling ratio of the blends increased and the weight loss ratio decreased. Adding CPE‐g‐PEG can improve the mechanical behavior of blends. But too much grafted copolymer can worsen the tensile strength of blends. Tensile strength of blends decreased with an increase in P(AA‐AM). After absorbing water, the material's strength is greater than in the dry state. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1719–1723, 2004
Ring‐opening copolymerization of maleic anhydride with propylene oxide by double‐metal cyanide
Authors: Hua Zhengjiang , Qi Guorong , Chen Shang
Published: June 2004

Ring‐opening copolymerization of maleic anhydride (MA) with propylene oxide (PO) was successfully carried out by using double‐metal cyanide (DMC) based on Zn3[Co(CN)6]2. The characteristics of the copolymerization are presented and discussed in this article. The structure of the copolymer was characterized with IR and 1H‐NMR. Number‐average molecular weight (Mn) and molecular weight distribution (MWD) of the copolymer were measured by GPC. The results showed that DMC was a highly active catalyst for copolymerization of MA and PO, giving high yield at a low catalyst level of 80 mg/kg. The catalytic efficiency reached 10 kg polymer/g catalyst. Almost alternating copolymer was obtained when monomer charge molar ratio reached MA/PO ≥ 1. The copolymerization can be also carried out in many organic solvents; it was more favorable to be carried in polar solvents such as THF and acetone than in low‐polarity solvents such as diethyl ether and cyclohexane. The proper reaction temperature carried in the solvents was between 90 and 100 °C. The Mn was in the range of 2000–3000, and it was linear with the molar ratio of conversion monomer and DMC catalyst. The reactivity ratio of MA and PO in this reaction system was given by the extended Kelen–Tudos equation: η=[r1+(r2/α)]ξ−(r2/α) at some high monomer conversion. The value of reactivity ratio r1(MA) = 0 for MA cannot be polymerized itself by DMC catalyst, and r2(PO) = 0.286. The kinetics of the copolymerization was studied. The results indicated that the copolymerization rate is first order with respect to monomer concentration. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1788–1792, 2004
Sequence analysis and fiber properties of a blend of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐4,4′‐bibenzoate)
Authors: Min Byung , Kumar Satish , Hibbs Michael R. , Ma Hongming , Collard David M. , Schiraldi David A.
Published: June 2004

Blends of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐4,4′‐ bibenzoate) (PETBB) are prepared by coextrusion. Analysis by 13C‐NMR spectroscopy shows that little transesterification occurs during the blending process. Additional heat treatment of the blend leads to more transesterification and a corresponding increase in the degree of randomness, R. Analysis by differential scanning calorimetry shows that the as‐extruded blend is semicrystalline, unlike PETBB15, a random copolymer with the same composition as the non‐ random blend. Additional heat treatment of the blend leads to a decrease in the melting point, Tm, and an increase in glass transition temperature, Tg. The Tm and Tg of the blend reach minimum and maximum values, respectively, after 15 min at 270°C, at which point the blend has not been fully randomized. The blend has a lower crystallization rate than PET and PETBB55 (a copolymer containing 55 mol % bibenzoate). The PET/PETBB55 (70/30 w/w) blend shows a secondary endothermic peak at 15°C above an isothermal crystallization temperature. The secondary peak was confirmed to be the melting of small and/or imperfect crystals resulting from secondary crystallization. The blend exhibits the crystal structure of PET. Tensile properties of the fibers prepared from the blend are comparable to those of PET fiber, whereas PETBB55 fibers display higher performance. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1793–1803, 2004
Differential versican isoforms and aggrecan expression in the chicken embryo aorta
Authors: Arciniegas Enrique , Neves Carmen Yudith , Candelle Daniel , Parada David
Published: June 2004

Members of the family of large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), such as versican and aggrecan, are involved in early heart development, and in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and restenosis. Given the important roles played by versican and aggrecan in such processes, we sought to determine whether these molecules are present in the aortic wall during the advanced stages of chicken embryo development and the endothelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT). Immunolabeling of serial cryosections revealed versican immunoreactivity around the cells within the intimal thickening, and the cells organized in lamellar and interlamellar cell layers. In contrast, a weak aggrecan immunoreactivity was limited to the cells arranged into lamellar and interlamellar cell layers. Immunolabeling also demonstrated that V2 is the main versican isoform present at the intimal thickening. According to immunoblotting analysis, the aggrecan content was very low in all stages examined, and two versican isoforms (V0 and V2) were present at day 14 of development. We also investigated whether versican isoforms were present during EMT in vitro. Versican immunoreactivity was detected in patches of endothelial cells; in the detaching and migrating cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) deposited by them; and in cells that had acquired mesenchymal characteristics. These data indicate that versican and aggrecan have different spatial and temporal patterns of expression, and they have different functions during remodeling of the aortic wall. Also, the different immunoreactivity and immunolocalization patterns observed for versican both in vivo and in vitro, in addition to being associated with the presence of different versican isoforms, may be related to the predominance of the V2 isoform during intimal thickening formation and EMT. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymorphisms in the interferon‐γ/interleukin‐26 gene region contribute to sex bias in susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Vandenbroeck K. , Cunningham S. , Goris A. , Alloza I. , Heggarty S. , Graham C. , Bell A. , Rooney M.
Published: June 2004

Objective

To determine whether polymorphisms in the interferon‐γ (IFNγ)/interleukin‐26 (IL‐26; formerly, AK155) gene cluster contribute to sex‐based differential susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Four microsatellite markers, located in a 118‐kb interval that contains both the IFNγ and IL‐26 genes on chromosome 12q15, were typed in 251 patients with RA and 198 unrelated healthy controls (all of whom lived in Northern Ireland) by means of polymerase chain reaction–based fragment analysis.

Results

Marker D12S2510, which is located 3 kb 3′ from the IL‐26 gene, was significantly associated with RA in women (corrected P [Pcorr] = 0.008, 2 degrees of freedom [2 df]) but not in men (P = 0.99, 2 df). A 3‐marker haplotype, IFNGCA*13;D12S2510*8;D12S2511*9, was inferred that showed significant underrepresentation in women with RA (odds ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.32–0.78; P = 0.002, Pcorr = 0.03) but not in men with RA.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that common polymorphisms in the IFNγ/IL‐26 gene region may contribute to sex bias in susceptibility to RA, by distorting the propensity of female carriers versus male carriers to contract this disease. These results conform to our recent observations of a role for this gene cluster in sex‐based differential susceptibility to another Th1‐type inflammatory disease, multiple sclerosis.
Endothelin 1 promotes osteoarthritic cartilage degradation via matrix metalloprotease 1 and matrix metalloprotease 13 induction
Authors: Roy‐Beaudry Marjolaine , Martel‐Pelletier Johanne , Pelletier Jean‐Pierre , M'Barek Khatija Nait , Christgau Stephan , Shipkolye Fazool , Moldovan Florina
Published: June 2004

Objective

Degradation of the collagenous extracellular matrix by metalloproteases (MMPs) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Recently, it was suggested that endothelin 1 (ET‐1), a potent vasoconstrictor, may be involved in MMP regulation. This study investigated the role of ET‐1 in OA cartilage degradation.

Methods

We explored ET‐1 expression and synthesis in normal and OA cartilage and synovial membrane by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. MMP‐1 and MMP‐13 gene expression and protein synthesis were investigated using Northern blotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Additionally, ET‐1–induced collagenase activity, type II collagen metabolites, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases 1 (TIMP‐1) protein were evaluated.

Results

We found expression and synthesis of ET‐1, in situ, in both normal and OA cartilage and synovial membrane. We demonstrated that ET‐1 induced gene expression and protein synthesis of both MMP‐1 and MMP‐13. These enzymes were produced in OA chondrocyte cultures, and the production increased in a dose‐dependent manner in the presence of ET‐1. In OA cartilage, ET‐1 also induced type II collagen–derived neoepitopes concomitantly with an increase in collagenase activity and a decrease in TIMP‐1 protein.

Conclusion

Our results provide strong evidence of the catabolic role of ET‐1 in OA cartilage via MMP‐1 and MMP‐13 up‐regulation. As well, ET‐1 increased the net MMP/TIMP balance and secondarily increased collagen degradation. Hence, ET‐1 becomes an attractive factor to target in the conception of new therapeutic approaches for OA and other diseases in which MMP‐13 and MMP‐1 actions are crucial in tissue alteration.
Hydrostatic pressure modulates proteoglycan metabolism in chondrocytes seeded in agarose
Authors: Toyoda Takashi , Seedhom Bahaa B. , Yao Jian Q. , Kirkham Jennifer , Brookes Steven , Bonass William A.
Published: June 2004

Objective

To investigate the effect of isolated hydrostatic pressure on proteoglycan metabolism in chondrocytes.

Methods

Bovine articular chondrocytes cultured in agarose gels were subjected to 5 MPa hydrostatic pressure for 4 hours in either a static or a pulsatile (1 Hz) mode, and changes in glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis, hydrodynamic size, and aggregation properties of proteoglycans and aggrecan messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were determined.

Results

The application of 5 MPa static pressure caused a significant increase in GAG synthesis of 11% (P < 0.05). Column chromatography showed that this increase in GAG synthesis was associated with large proteoglycans. In addition, semiquantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction showed a 4‐fold increase in levels of aggrecan mRNA (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Hydrostatic pressure in isolation, which does not cause cell deformation, can affect proteoglycan metabolism in chondrocytes cultured in agarose gels, indicating an important role of hydrostatic pressure in the regulation of extracellular matrix turnover in articular cartilage.
Differential expression of HLA class II genes associated with disease susceptibility and progression in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Heldt Christian , Listing Joachim , Sözeri Osman , Bläsing Franca , Frischbutter Stefan , Müller Brigitte
Published: June 2004

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)–associated HLA class II genes are assumed to promote susceptibility to and/or progression of the disease. Among the various modes of action proposed so far is the effect of the differential expression of HLA class II genes in different types of antigen‐presenting cells on the Th1/Th2 balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential expression of genes encoded within the RA–associated HLA–DR4 superhaplotype and within the neutral DR7 and DR9 superhaplotypes.

Methods

The promoters encoded within these 3 haplotypes were first analyzed for sequence polymorphisms. To test for functional consequences, we assumed that the binding of nuclear factors to the promoter elements was correlated with the transcription activity, and we used surface plasmon resonance technology. To that end, oligonucleotides representing the polymorphic regulatory sequences and nuclear extracts from a monocyte cell line and a B cell line were used.

Results

While the promoters of the highly polymorphic HLA–DRB1*04, *07, and *09 alleles showed comparable binding of nuclear factors, differential binding was observed for the 2 promoters that drive the relatively nonpolymorphic DRB4 alleles in linkage disequilibrium with DRB1. Interestingly, analysis of RA patients positive for DR4, DR7, and DR9 revealed the segregation of radiographic progression with the stronger of the 2 DRB4 promoters, independent of the DRB1 allele. Moreover, DRB1*04 alleles in RA patients showed a reduced association with the DRB4 splice variant, completely preventing DRB4 expression.

Conclusion

Our findings represent the first evidence of a correlation between the differential expression of HLA class II genes and both the susceptibility and the progression of RA.
Synovial fluid neutrophils transcribe and express class II major histocompatibility complex molecules in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Cross Andrew , Bucknall Roger C. , Cassatella Marco A. , Edwards Steven W. , Moots Robert J.
Published: June 2004

Objective

To investigate a potential interaction between neutrophils and T cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), by defining the optimal conditions for induction of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression on peripheral blood neutrophils in vitro and investigating the capacity for neutrophils to express class II MHC molecules in RA.

Methods

Surface expression of class II MHC and costimulatory molecules by peripheral blood and synovial fluid (SF) neutrophils obtained from healthy controls and patients with RA was measured by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Intracellular class II MHC protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) were detected by Western blotting and Northern blotting, respectively.

Results

Freshly isolated peripheral blood neutrophils from controls did not express surface class II MHC; expression was induced by culture with appropriate cytokines. Freshly isolated peripheral blood neutrophils from patients with RA expressed mRNA, but there was no surface expression of class II MHC. Freshly isolated SF neutrophils from patients with RA contained high levels of class II MHC mRNA, did not express surface class II MHC, but did have large intracellular amounts of this protein as detected by Western blotting. After culture for 20 hours in vitro, SF neutrophils from RA patients expressed large amounts of surface class II MHC but very low levels of costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. Fluorescence microscopy localized surface class II MHC to discrete areas on the neutrophil. Class II MHC–expressing neutrophils stimulated T cell proliferation.

Conclusion

Peripheral blood neutrophils from patients with RA but not healthy controls express class II MHC mRNA. SF neutrophils in RA synthesize and express large amounts of class II MHC but not costimulatory molecules. This might underlie a novel interaction with T cells that is important in terms of disease pathology.
Investigation of the role of ANKH in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Timms A. E. , Zhang Y. , Bradbury L. , Wordsworth B. P. , Brown M. A.
Published: June 2004

Objective

The ank/ank mouse develops a phenotype similar to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in humans. ANKH, the human homolog of the mutated gene in the ank/ank mouse, has been implicated in familial autosomal‐dominant chondrocalcinosis and autosomal‐dominant craniometaphyseal dysplasia. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of ANKH in susceptibility to and clinical manifestations of AS.

Methods

Sequence variants were identified by genomic sequencing of the 12 ANKH exons and their flanking splice sites in 48 AS patients; variants were then screened in 233 patients and 478 controls. Linkage to the ANKH locus was assessed in 185 affected‐sibling‐pair families.

Results

Five single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were identified within the coding region and flanking splice sites. No association between either susceptibility to AS or its clinical manifestations and these novel polymorphisms, or between disease susceptibility and 3 known promoter variants, was seen. No linkage between the ANKH locus and AS was observed. Multipoint exclusion mapping rejected the hypothesis of a locus of a magnitude λ≥1.4 (logarithm of odds score <−2) (equivalent to a genetic contribution of >10% to the AS sibling recurrence risk ratio) within this area contributing to AS.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that ANKH is not significantly involved in susceptibility to or clinical manifestations of AS.
Prostaglandin E2 is an enhancer of interleukin‐1β–induced expression of membrane‐associated prostaglandin E synthase in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Kojima Fumiaki , Naraba Hiroaki , Sasaki Yasuharu , Beppu Moroe , Aoki Haruhito , Kawai Shinichi
Published: June 2004

Objective

Membrane‐associated prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES) is a recently identified terminal enzyme of the arachidonic acid cascade, which converts PGH2 to PGE2 in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs). This study was undertaken to investigate factors regulating the expression of mPGES.

Methods

RASFs were treated with interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), indomethacin, NS‐398, rofecoxib, or meloxicam. The effects of PGE2 and selective agonists for PGE2 receptor subtypes (EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4) were also studied. Expression of mPGES messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein was measured by Northern and Western blot analysis, respectively. EP receptor mRNA expression in RASFs was determined by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Production of PGE2 and cAMP was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The enhanced expression of mPGES mRNA and protein in IL‐1β–stimulated RASFs was attenuated by the addition of indomethacin, NS‐398, rofecoxib, or meloxicam. This reduction of expression was reversed by PGE2. IL‐1β–induced PGES activity, measured by conversion of PGH2 to PGE2, was decreased by rofecoxib. EP2 and EP4 receptor mRNA was detected in RASFs. EP2 and EP4 agonists, as well as PGE2, restored the inhibitory effect of rofecoxib on mPGES expression. The effect of PGE2 was mimicked by forskolin, a direct activator of adenylate cyclase. Intracellular cAMP was increased by IL‐1β and was inhibited by rofecoxib.

Conclusion

Enhancement of mPGES expression by PGE2 via the EP2/EP4 receptors with an increase in cAMP may play an important role in articular inflammation in patients with RA. It also seems that cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) inhibitors decrease PGE2 production not only by direct inhibition of COX‐2, but also by reducing mPGES expression in activated RASFs.
Subgrouping of fibromyalgia patients on the basis of pressure‐pain thresholds and psychological factors
Authors: Giesecke Thorsten , Williams David A. , Harris Richard E. , Cupps Thomas R. , Tian Xiaoming , Tian Thomas X. , Gracely Richard H. , Clauw Daniel J.
Published: June 2004

Objective

Although the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for fibromyalgia are used to identify individuals with both widespread pain and tenderness, individuals who meet these criteria are not a homogeneous group. Patients differ in their accompanying clinical symptoms, as well as in the relative contributions of biologic, psychological, and cognitive factors to their symptom expression. Therefore, it seems useful to identify subsets of fibromyalgia patients on the basis of which of these factors are present. Previous attempts at identifying subsets have been based solely on psychological and cognitive features. In this study, we attempt to identify patient subsets by incorporating these features as well as the degree of hyperalgesia/tenderness, which is a key neurobiologic feature of this illness.

Methods

Ninety‐seven individuals meeting the ACR criteria for fibromyalgia finished the same battery of self‐report and evoked‐pain testing. Analyzed variables were obtained from several domains, consisting of 1) mood (evaluated by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [for depression] and the State‐Trait Personality Inventory [for symptoms of trait‐related anxiety]), 2) cognition (by the catastrophizing and control of pain subscales of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire), and 3) hyperalgesia/tenderness (by dolorimetry and random pressure‐pain applied at suprathreshold values). Cluster analytic procedures were used to distinguish subgroups of fibromyalgia patients based on these domains.

Results

Three clusters best fit the data. Multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed that each variable was differentiated by the cluster solution (Wilks' λ [degrees of freedom 6,89] = 0.123, P < 0.0001), with univariate ANOVAs also indicating significant differences (all P < 0.05). One subgroup of patients (n = 50) was characterized by moderate mood ratings, moderate levels of catastrophizing and perceived control over pain, and low levels of tenderness. A second subgroup (n = 31) displayed significantly elevated values on the mood assessments, the highest values on the catastrophizing subscale, the lowest values for perceived control over pain, and high levels of tenderness. The third group (n = 16) had normal mood ratings, very low levels of catastrophizing, and the highest level of perceived control over pain, but these subjects showed extreme tenderness on evoked‐pain testing.

Conclusion

These data help support the clinical impression that there are distinct subgroups of patients with fibromyalgia. There appears to be a group of fibromyalgia patients who exhibit extreme tenderness but lack any associated psychological/cognitive factors, an intermediate group who display moderate tenderness and have normal mood, and a group in whom mood and cognitive factors may be significantly influencing the symptom report.
The energy cost of adjuvant‐induced arthritis in rats
Authors: Goodson Tara , Morgan Sarah L. , Carlee Jodelle R. , Baggott Joseph E.
Published: June 2004

Objective

To test the hypothesis that rats with adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AIA) need more metabolic energy to maintain body weight than healthy control rats or rats with AIA treated with methotrexate (MTX).

Methods

Rat AIA was induced by Mycobacterium butyricum injection at the base of the tail. The MTX‐treated group was injected with MTX (1.0 mg/kg/week) in phosphate buffered saline. Negative controls (i.e., disease‐free) and the MTX‐treated group were pair‐fed with positive controls (i.e., untreated AIA rats) to ensure equal mean body weights.

Results

An additional 0.85 gm of food per day per rat was needed by the positive control group and 0.54 gm per day by the MTX‐treated group to maintain a body weight comparable with that of the negative control group during days 5–15 post–adjuvant injection. During days 15–34 post–adjuvant injection an additional 1.4 gm of food per day per rat was needed by the positive controls and 0.62 gm by the MTX‐treated group.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that adjuvant arthritis has a metabolic cost, which increases substantially as the disease becomes clinically apparent (days 15–34). MTX treatment does not completely eliminate the caloric cost of the disease. During days 5–15 post–adjuvant injection, an average of 6% of the total calories eaten by the positive controls was metabolized to support subclinical inflammation and other physiologic processes of this disease. During the active phase of the disease (i.e., clinical inflammation), this value increased to 18% of total calories.
Monitoring by rheumatologists for methotrexate‐, etanercept‐, infliximab‐, and anakinra‐associated adverse events
Authors: Yazici Yusuf , Erkan Doruk , Paget Stephen A.
Published: June 2004

Objective

To determine what monitoring protocols rheumatologists use to identify adverse events in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with methotrexate (methotrexate), etanercept (etanercept), infliximab (infliximab), and anakinra (anakinra), how often rheumatologists encounter treatment‐altering adverse events in their RA patients receiving these treatments, and how they feel about and comply with the current monitoring guidelines.

Methods

Three hundred ten physician members of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) were notified by e‐mail of a survey that was posted on our rheumatology Web site. Questions were closed‐ended and multiple choice in format.

Results

One hundred twenty‐three responses were received (40%). Most rheumatologists reported that they utilize the ACR recommended screening tests at baseline before methotrexate treatment is initiated. Seventy‐nine percent reported that treatment‐altering abnormalities had occurred in <5% of their methotrexate‐treated RA patients, and 88% reported that such abnormalities had occurred in <10% of such patients, in the previous 3 years. Forty‐one percent believed liver function monitoring guidelines need to be changed; 59% said they would agree with new guidelines that would include a recommendation for liver function monitoring every 3–4 months. Most rheumatologists were not aware of any guidelines for monitoring by blood tests in RA patients treated with biologic agents, yet the majority reported that they order blood tests before patients start these therapies and on followup.

Conclusion

Our survey indicates that treatment‐altering liver function abnormalities in methotrexate‐treated RA patients are rare, and more than half of rheumatologists agree that a less stringent monitoring regimen should be considered. Rheumatologists and pharmaceutical companies might work together to develop guidelines for monitoring of patients treated with biologic agents.
Tumor necrosis factor α activation of the apoptotic cascade in murine articular chondrocytes is associated with the induction of metalloproteinases and specific pro‐resorptive factors
Authors: Cho Tae‐Joon , Lehmann Wolfgang , Edgar Cory , Sadeghi Cameron , Hou Andrew , Einhorn Thomas A. , Gerstenfeld Louis C.
Published: June 2004

Objective

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) blockade provides substantive reduction of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While the biologic actions of TNFα have been well characterized in immune and synovial cells, which are known to be major contributors to the progression of cartilage destruction in RA, the current studies were designed to assess the direct effects of TNFα on chondrocytes.

Methods

We examined the expression of several groupings of messenger RNA (mRNA) that define key biologic pathways that have previously been associated with either the general actions of TNFα or cartilage destruction, in murine articular chondrocytes isolated from wild‐type mice and TNFα receptor–null (p55/p75−/−) mice.

Results

TNFα induced the expression of multiple mRNA that facilitate apoptosis and lead to apoptosis‐induced cell death. The induction of apoptosis was accompanied by the increased expression of several factors involved in the regulation of skeletal tissue proteolysis and resorption. Quantitative increases from 2‐fold to >10‐fold were seen for inducible nitric oxide synthase, matrix metalloproteinase 3, macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, and osteoprotegerin mRNA expression. The dependence of the induction of these mRNA on TNFα was confirmed by comparison with the effects of TNFα on chondrocytes isolated from receptor‐null mice.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that TNFα alters the expression of a complex array of genes within murine chondrocytes that contribute to the destruction of joint surfaces, independent of its actions on synovial and immune cells. Further studies are needed to clarify the biologic actions of TNFα in human cartilage cells.
Age‐dating a star‐burst with GEMINI/CIRPASS observations of the core of M83
Authors: Sharp R.G. , Parry I.R. , Ryder S.D. , Knapen J.H. , Mazzuca L.M.
Published: June 2004

We present preliminary results from a set of near‐IR integral field spectroscopic observations of the central, star‐burst, regions of the barred spiral galaxy M83, obtained with CIRPASS on Gemini‐S. We present maps in the Paβ and [FeII] 1.257 μm emission lines which appear surprisingly different. We outline the procedure in which we will use Paβ emission line strengths and measures of CO absorption to determine the relative and absolute ages of individual star‐forming knots in the central kpc region of M83. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Integral field spectroscopy of QSO host galaxies
Authors: Jahnke K. , Wisotzki L. , Sánchez S. F. , Christensen L. , Becker T. , Kelz A. , Roth M. M.
Published: June 2004

We describe a project to study the state of the ISM in ∼20 low redshift (z < 0.3) QSO host galaxies observed with the PMAS integral field spectrograph. We describe the development of the method to access the stellar and gas components of the spectrum without the strong nuclear emission, in order to access the host galaxy properties in the central region. It shows that integral field spectroscopy promises to be very efficient in studying the gas distribution and its velocity field, and also the spatially resolved stellar population in the host galaxies of luminous AGN. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Disk Mass project; science case for a new PMAS IFU module
Authors: Verheijen M.A.W. , Bershady M.A. , Andersen D.R. , Swaters R.A. , Westfall K. , Kelz A. , Roth M.M.
Published: June 2004

We present our Disk Mass project as the main science case for building a new fiber IFU‐module for the PMAS spectrograph, currently mounted at the Cassegrain focus of the 3.5m telescope on Calar Alto. Compared to traditional longslit observations, the large light collecting power of 2‐dimensional Integral Field Units dramatically improves the prospects for performing spectroscopy on extended low surface brightness objects with high spectral resolution. This enables us to measure stellar velocity dispersions in the outer disk of normal spiral galaxies. We describe some results from a PMAS pilot study using the existing lenslet array, and provide a basic description of the new fiber IFU‐module for PMAS. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Randomized clinical trial of the effects of preoperative and postoperative oral nutritional supplements on clinical course and cost of care
Authors: Smedley F , Bowling T , James M , Stokes E , Goodger C , O'Connor O , Oldale C , Jones P , Silk D
Published: June 2004

Background

Postoperative oral nutritional supplementation has been shown to be of clinical benefit. This study examined the clinical effects and cost of administration of oral supplements both before and after surgery.

Methods

This was a randomized clinical trial conducted in three centres. Patients undergoing lower gastrointestinal tract surgery were randomized to one of four groups: group CC received no nutritional supplements, group SS took supplements both before and after surgery, group CS received postoperative supplements only, and group SC were given supplements only before surgery. Preoperative supplements were given from the time it was decided to operate to 1 day before surgery. Postoperative supplements were started when the patient was able to take free fluids and continued for 4 weeks after discharge from hospital. Data collected included weight change, complications, length of stay, nutritional intake, anthropometrics, quality of life and detailed costings covering all aspects of care.

Results

Some 179 patients were randomized, of whom 27 were withdrawn and 152 analysed (CC 44, SS 32, CS 35, SC 41). Dietary intake was similar in all four groups throughout the study. Mean energy intake from preoperative supplements was 536 and 542 kcal/day in the SS and SC groups respectively; that 2 weeks after discharge from hospital was 274 and 361 kcal/day in the SS and CS groups respectively. There was significantly less postoperative weight loss in the SS group than in the CC and CS groups (P < 0·050), and significantly fewer minor complications in the SS and CS groups than the CC group (P < 0·050). There were no differences in the rate of major complications, anthropometrics and quality of life. Mean overall costs were greatest in the CC group, although differences between groups were not significant.

Conclusion

Perioperative oral nutritional supplementation started before hospital admission for lower gastrointestinal tract surgery significantly diminished the degree of weight loss and incidence of minor complications, and was cost-effective.
A review of clinical guidelines
Authors: Andrews E J , Redmond H P
Published: June 2004

Background

Clinical guidelines are increasingly used in patient management but few clinicians are familiar with their origin or appropriate application.

Methods

A Medline search using the terms ‘clinical guidelines’ and ‘practice guidelines’ was conducted. Additional references were sourced by manual searching from the bibliographies of articles located.

Results and conclusion

Clinical guidelines originated in the USA in the early 1980s, initially as a cost containment exercise. Significant improvements in the process and outcomes of care have been demonstrated following their introduction, although the extent of improvement varies considerably. The principles for the development of guidelines are well established but many published guidelines fall short of these basic quality criteria. Guidelines are only one aspect of improving quality and should be used within a wider framework of promoting clinical effectiveness. Understanding their limitations as well as their potential benefits should enable clinicians to have a clearer view of their place in everyday practice.
A Photoswitchable Rotaxane with a Folded Molecular Thread
Authors: Abraham Werner , Grubert Lutz , Grummt Ulrich W. , Buck Karin
Published: June 2004

Novel [2]rotaxanes containing the tetracationic cyclophane cyclobis(paraquat‐4,4‐biphenylene) and a dumbbell‐shaped molecular thread incorporating a photoactive diarylcycloheptatriene station as well as a photoinactive anisol station have been synthesized with yields of nearly 50 % by the alkylative endcapping method. The rotaxane was transformed into the related rotaxane incorporating a diaryl tropylium unit by electrochemical oxidation. The precursor of the cycloheptatrienyl rotaxane, the related pseudorotaxane, and the rotaxanes incorporating the diarylcycloheptatriene and the corresponding tropylium unit were characterized by 1HNMR spectroscopy and UV/Vis spectroscopy. According to the NMR spectra, both the cycloheptatriene and the tropylium rotaxane possess a folded conformation enabling the tetracationic cyclophane to interact with two stations. The diarylcycloheptatriene station is incorporated inside the cavity of the cyclophane and the anisol station resides alongside the bipyridinium unit of the cyclophane. In contrast, the anisol station is inside the cyclophane in the tropylium rotaxane. The exchange between both conformations can be achieved by introducing the methoxy leaving group into the cycloheptatriene ring; the tropylium rotaxane is generated by photoheterolysis of this methoxy‐substituted rotaxane, which reacts thermally back to the cycloheptatriene rotaxane, thus closing the switching cycle. These induced conformational changes achieve a so‐called molecular machine.
The Rotational Spectrum and Geometrical Structure of Thiozone, S3.
Authors: McCarthy Michael C. , Thorwirth Sven , Gottlieb Carl A. , Thaddeus Patrick
Published: June 2004

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Synthesis and Structure of Five Sc3CuyZn18‐y‐Type Compositions (0 ≤ y ≤ ≈2.2), 1/1 Crystalline Approximants of a New Icosahedral Quasicrystal. Direct Example of Tuning on the Basis of Size Effects and Hume—Rothery Concepts.
Authors: Lin Qisheng , Corbett John D.
Published: June 2004

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Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Two Sodium Ruthenates: Na2RuO4 and Na2RuO3.
Authors: Mogare Kailash M. , Friese Karen , Klein Wilhelm , Jansen Martin
Published: June 2004

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Crystal Structures of the Ternary Cerium Rhodium Silicides Ce2Rh12Si7 and Ce6Rh30Si19.
Authors: Tursina A. I. , Gribanov A. V. , Seropegin Y. D. , Bodak O. I.
Published: June 2004

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First Characterization of the Ammine—Ammonium Complex [{NH4(NH3)4}2 (μ‐NH3)2]2+ in the Crystal Structure of [NH4(NH3)4] [B(C6H5)4]×NH3 and the [NH4(NH3)4]+ Complex in [NH4(NH3)4] [Ca(NH3)7] As3S6×2NH3 and [NH4(NH3)4] [Ba(NH3)8] As3S6×NH3.
Authors: Rossmeier Thomas , Reil Markus , Korber Nikolaus
Published: June 2004

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Investigation of Hydrothermal Routes to Mixed‐Metal Cerium Titanium Oxides and Metal Oxidation State Assignment Using XANES.
Authors: Wright Christopher S. , Walton Richard I. , Thompsett David , Fisher Janet
Published: June 2004

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Ti5Se4: The First Step of Cluster Condensation with Titanium Selenides.
Authors: He Meng , Simon Arndt , Duppel Viola
Published: June 2004

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Li17Ag3Sn6: A Polar Intermetallic π‐System with Carbonate‐Like [AgSn3]11‐ Anions and Trefoil Aromatic [Ag2Sn3]6‐ Layers.
Authors: Lupu Corina , Downie Craig , Guloy Arnold M. , Albright Thomas A. , Mao Jiang‐Gao
Published: June 2004

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Palladium‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Asymmetric Hydroamination of Alkynes.
Authors: Lutete Leopold M. , Kadota Isao , Yamamoto Yoshinori
Published: June 2004

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The First Catalytic Asymmetric Allylation of Imines with the Tetraallylsilane—TBAF—MeOH System, Using the Chiral Bis‐π‐allylpalladium Complex.
Authors: Fernandes Rodney A. , Yamamoto Yoshinori
Published: June 2004

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Construction of a New Asymmetric Reaction Site: Asymmetric 1,4‐Addition of Thiol Using Pentagonal Bipyramidal Hf(salen) Complex as Catalyst.
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Watanabe Akira , Uchida Tatsuya , Ogi Kayoko , Katsuki Tsutomu
Published: June 2004

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Preparation of β‐ and γ‐Lactams via Ring Closures of Unsaturated Carbamoyl Radicals Derived from 1‐Carbamoyl‐1‐methylcyclohexa‐2,5‐dienes.
Authors: Bella A. Franco , Jackson Leon V. , Walton John C.
Published: June 2004

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Nitriles in Heterocyclic Synthesis: The Preparation of Novel Indeno[1,2‐d]pyridazines, Fused Pyrazolo[5,1‐c][1,2,4]triazines, and Fluorenones.
Authors: Hassanien Abu Zeid A. , Kandeel Zaghloul E.
Published: June 2004

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Stereoselective Intramolecular Nicholas Reaction Using Epoxides as Nucleophiles.
Authors: Crisostomo Fernando R. P. , Martin Tomas , Martin Victor S.
Published: June 2004

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Hydrogenation and Hydrogenolysis with Pd/C in Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG): A Practical and Recyclable Medium.
Authors: Chandrasekhar S. , Shyamsunder T. , Chandrashekar G. , Narsihmulu Ch.
Published: June 2004

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Synthesis of Nitrogen‐Containing Spiro Compounds from Lactams by Allylboration and Subsequent Ring‐Closing Metathesis.
Authors: Nieczypor Piotr , Mol Johannes C. , Bespalova Natalia B. , Bubnov Yuri N.
Published: June 2004

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A Novel Class of Tunable Zinc Reagents (RXZnCH2Y) for Efficient Cyclopropanation of Olefins.
Authors: Lorenz Jon C. , Long Jiang , Yang Zhiqiang , Xue Song , Xie Yinong , Shi Yian
Published: June 2004

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Prostanoids. Part 87. Synthesis of 3‐Hydroxy‐2‐phenylsulfonyl‐2‐cyclopentenone and Its Ethylene Acetal.
Authors: Ivanova N. A. , Shangiraeva F. G. , Miftakhov M. S.
Published: June 2004

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From α,β‐Unsaturated Fischer Carbene Complexes to Highly Substituted 3‐Ethoxycyclopentadienes, Masked Cyclopentenones.
Authors: Wu Yao‐Ting , Flynn Bernard , Schirmer Heiko , Funke Frank , Mueller Stefan , Labahn Thomas , Noetzel Markus , de Meijere Armin
Published: June 2004

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Ionic Liquid Catalyzed Henry Reactions.
Authors: Jiang Tao , Gao Haixiang , Han Buxing , Zhao Guoying , Chang Yanhong , Wu Weize , Gao Liang , Yang Guanying
Published: June 2004

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Trifluoroacetyl‐Activated Nitrogen—Nitrogen Bond Cleavage of Hydrazines by Samarium(II) Iodide.
Authors: Ding Hui , Friestad Gregory K.
Published: June 2004

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Pd(0)‐Catalyzed Conjugate Addition of Benzylzinc Chlorides to α,β‐Enones in an Atmosphere of Carbon Monoxide: Preparation of 1,4‐Diketones.
Authors: Yuguchi Motoki , Tokuda Masao , Orito Kazuhiko
Published: June 2004

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A New Simplified Method for the Preparation of N,N′‐Diphenylurea.
Authors: Tran Kevin , Berlin Darrell
Published: June 2004

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Phosphorus—Nitrogen—Phosphorus Ligands: Cooperative Effects Between Nitrogen and Phosphorus Substituents on Catalytic Activity.
Authors: Parisel Sebastien L. , Moorcroft Neil D. , Jutand Anny , Aldous David J. , Hii King Kuok
Published: June 2004

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Enantioselective Hydrolysis of Various Substituted Styrene Oxides with Aspergillus Niger CGMCC 0496.
Authors: Jin Hao , Li Zu‐yi , Dong Xiao‐Wei
Published: June 2004

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Regioselective Oxidation of 2‐Amino‐3‐aroyl‐4,5‐dialkylthiophenes by DMSO.
Authors: Joshi Elizabeth , Chordia Mahendra D. , Macdonald Timothy L. , Linden Joel , Olsson Ray
Published: June 2004

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Synthesis of Optically Pure Highly Functionalized γ‐Lactams via 2‐Azetidinone‐Tethered Iminophosphoranes.
Authors: Alcaide Benito , Almendros Pedro , Alonso Jose M.
Published: June 2004

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Carbazolothiophene‐2‐carboxylic Acid Derivatives as Endothelin Receptor Antagonists.
Authors: Babu Govindarajulu , Yu Hui‐Ming , Yang Shyh‐Ming , Fang Jim‐Min
Published: June 2004

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Photochromic Dihetarylethenes. Part 19. Synthesis of 1,2‐Dihetarylethenes with 2,5‐Dihydrothiophene Bridge from Thieno[3,2‐b]pyrroles.
Authors: Krayushkin M. M. , Yarovenko V. N. , Semenov S. L. , Zavarzin I. V. , Martynkin A. Yu. , Uzhinov B. M.
Published: June 2004

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The First Example of Ring‐Closing Olefin Metathesis of Dehydroamino Acids: An Application to the Synthesis of Azabicyclo[X.Y.0]alkanes.
Authors: Manzoni Leonardo , Colombo Matteo , Scolastico Carlo
Published: June 2004

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The Behavior of N,N‐Disubstituted 5‐Arylmethylidene‐2‐aminothiazole‐4(5H)‐ones Towards Cyclic CH Acids and Ethyl Cyanoacetate.
Authors: Kandeel Kamal A. , Youssef Ali M. , El‐Bestawy Hany M. , Omar Mohamed T.
Published: June 2004

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New Heteroarylbenzenesulfonamides as Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors.
Authors: Delbecq Frederic , Cordonnier Guy , Pommery Nicole , Barbry Didier , Henichart Jean‐Pierre
Published: June 2004

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Antagonists of Human CCR5 Receptor Containing 4‐(Pyrazolyl)piperidine Side Chains. Part 3. SAR Studies on the Benzylpyrazole Segment.
Authors: Shu Min , et al. et al.
Published: June 2004

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One‐Pot Syntheses of 6‐Mercaptopurines (6MP) from 4,5‐Diamino‐6‐chloro‐pyrimidines.
Authors: Tandel Sagun , Bliznets Igor , Ebinger Katalin , Ma You‐An , Bhumralkar Dilip , Thiruvazhi Mohan
Published: June 2004

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Simultaneously Electrogenerated Cycloaddition Partners for Regiospecific Inverse‐Electron‐Demand Diels—Alder Reactions: A Route for Polyfunctionalized 1,4‐Benzoxazine Derivatives.
Authors: Blattes Estelle , Fleury Maurice‐Bernard , Largeron Martine
Published: June 2004

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Aminomethylation by Formaldehyde and Primary Amines of Anionic σ‐Adduct Obtained from 2,4‐Dinitrophenol and Acetophenone Carbanion.
Authors: Shakhkel'dyan I. V. , Leonova O. V. , Atroshchenko Yu. M. , Boikova O. I. , Bobrulevich O. Ya. , Grintselev‐Knyazev G. V. , Yakunina I. E. , Shchukin A. N. , Alifanova E. N. , Subbotin V. A.
Published: June 2004

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One‐Pot Ring‐Closing Metathesis‐Alkene Cross Metathesis Reactions of Sulfamide‐Linked Enynes.
Authors: Salim Sofia S. , Bellingham Richard K. , Brown Richard C. D.
Published: June 2004

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Efficient Synthesis of exo‐Olefinated Deoxoartemisinin Derivatives by Ramberg—Baecklund Rearrangement.
Authors: Oh Sangtae , Jeong In Howa , Lee Seokjoon
Published: June 2004

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Synthesis of Various Sulfoforms of the Trisaccharide β‐D‐GlcpA‐(1→3)‐β‐D‐Galp‐(1→3)‐β‐D‐Galp‐ (1→OMP) as Probes for the Study of the Biosynthesis and Sorting of Proteoglycans.
Authors: Thollas Bertrand , Jacquinet Jean‐Claude
Published: June 2004

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