bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Calprotectin Versus Acute‐Phase Reactants in the Discrimination of Inflammatory Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Receiving Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
Authors: Inciarte‐Mundo José , Victoria Hernández Maria , Ruiz‐Esquide Virginia , Raquel Cabrera‐Villalba Sonia , Ramirez Julio , Cuervo Andrea , Pascal Mariona , Yagüe Jordi , Cañete Juan D. , Sanmarti Raimon 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveTo compare the accuracy of serum calprotectin and acute‐phase reactants (C‐reactive protein [CRP] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) in stratifying disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients receiving tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), and to correlate calprotectin levels with TNFi trough serum levels.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study of 87 RA patients receiving adalimumab, etanercept (ETN), or infliximab (IFX); 56 psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients and 40 healthy blood donors were included as controls. Associations between calprotectin, CRP, and ESR and composite articular indices (Disease Activity Score in 28 joints [DAS28], Simplified Disease Activity Index [SDAI], and Clinical Disease Activity Index) were analyzed by correlation and linear regression and the accuracy and discriminatory capacity of calprotectin by receiver operator characteristic curves (area under the curve [AUC]).ResultsCalprotectin levels correlated better with all composite activity indices than CRP and ESR (all r coefficients >0.70). Calprotectin levels were significantly lower in RA and PsA patients in clinical remission compared with those with low disease activity for all articular indices. In RA, ESR discriminated between remission and low disease activity only when using DAS28, and CRP only with SDAI. In RA patients in remission/low disease activity, calprotectin but not CRP or ESR distinguished between patients with no swollen joints and those with ≥1 swollen joint (1.74 μg/ml versus 3.04 μg/ml; P = 0.010). Using DAS28 ≥2.6 as the reference variable, calprotectin showed an AUC of 0.92; the best cutoff was ≥2.47 μg/ml with a likelihood ratio of 6.3 (95% confidence interval 2.5–15.8). Calprotectin serum levels inversely correlated with trough serum drug levels of ETN (ρ = −0.671, P < 0.001) and IFX (ρ = −0.729, P = 0.017).ConclusionCalprotectin may more accurately discriminate disease activity in RA patients receiving TNFi than acute‐phase reactants, even in patients with low inflammatory activity.
Immunoglobulin G Levels as a Prognostic Factor for Autoimmune Hepatitis Combined With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Lim Doo‐Ho , Kim Yong‐Gil , Lee Danbi , Min Ahn Soo , Hong Seokchan , Lee Chang‐Keun , Yoo Bin 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveAutoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic progressive liver disease characterized by circulating autoantibodies and hyperglobulinemia. This study was conducted to identify the features of AIH accompanied by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE‐AIH) that differ from those of primary AIH (P‐AIH), and to evaluate factors that affect the outcome for SLE‐AIH patients.MethodsFrom May 1995 to April 2014, clinical data (including liver pathology) from 164 patients with P‐AIH and 23 patients with SLE‐AIH were collected from an electronic database at a tertiary referral center. AIH was diagnosed according to the diagnostic scoring system for AIH (revised in 1999). SLE patients fulfilled at least 4 of the 1997 revised American College of Rheumatology criteria. Progression was defined as occurrence of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, or death from hepatic failure.ResultsThe age at the time of AIH diagnosis was lower and initial levels of serum IgG were higher in SLE‐AIH than in P‐AIH patients. Progression was more common in P‐AIH, and hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, or death occurred only in P‐AIH patients. Among 23 patients with SLE‐AIH, 8 with cirrhosis had higher levels of serum IgG than 15 patients without cirrhosis (mean ± SD 4,077.4 ± 1,641.0 mg/dl and 2,560.7 ± 932.2 mg/dl, respectively; P = 0.017). Moreover, a serum IgG level more than 2‐fold the upper normal limit was associated with a high risk of cirrhosis in SLE‐AIH (odds ratio 11.00 [95% confidence interval 1.420–85.201]; P = 0.026).ConclusionInitially high levels of serum IgG are a poor prognostic factor for SLE‐AIH. Additionally, the long‐term outcome for SLE‐AIH might be better than for P‐AIH.
Using Marital Status and Continuous Marital Satisfaction Ratings to Predict Depressive Symptoms in Married and Unmarried Women With Systemic Sclerosis: A Canadian Scleroderma Research Group Study
Authors: Levis Brooke , Rice Danielle B. , Kwakkenbos Linda , Steele Russell J. , Hagedoorn Mariët , Hudson Marie , Baron Murray , Thombs Brett D. ,   the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveMarried persons have, on average, better mental health than nonmarried persons. Among married persons, marital satisfaction is associated with better mental health. Studies on mental health in married and nonmarried persons that consider marital satisfaction have categorized patients as satisfied versus unsatisfied, which reduces statistical power and does not generate clinically useful information on mental health across the satisfaction spectrum. Our objective was to demonstrate a novel regression approach to evaluate mental health in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc), comparing married and unmarried women, accounting for continuously measured marital satisfaction.MethodsDepressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) and marital satisfaction with the Dyadic Adjustment Scale‐7. A single multiple linear regression model was used to predict CES‐D scores from marital status and, among married women, continuously measured marital satisfaction, controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics.ResultsOf 725 women, 494 (68%) were married or living as married. On average, married women had mean CES‐D scores that were 2.0 points (0.19 SDs) lower than unmarried women (P = 0.013). Among married women, a 1.0 SD increase in marital satisfaction was associated with a 2.2 point (0.21 SDs) decrease in CES‐D scores (P < 0.001). Married women whose marital satisfaction scores were below the 19th percentile had greater predicted depressive symptoms than unmarried women. Married women's predicted CES‐D scores ranged from 6.7 points lower to 6.9 points higher than those of unmarried women, depending on marital satisfaction.ConclusionComparisons of mental health in married and unmarried patients with rheumatic diseases should include continuously measured marital satisfaction.
The Effect of UV Radiation on the Properties of Rigid PUR‐PIR Foam
Authors: Joanna Liszkowska , Bogusław Czupryński , Joanna Paciorek‐Sadowska , Moraczewski Krzysztof 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTRigid polyurethane‐polyisocyanurate (PUR‐PIR) foams modified with tris(5‐hydroxypentyl)‐2‐hydroxypropane‐1,2,3‐tricarboxylate (THHT) were synthesized. Selected foams were subjected to degradation in an aging oven for 168, 346, and 504 h, respectively. These foams have been exposed to UV radiation. FTIR analysis, TGA, and DSC of the foams were conducted (after radiation and before). Properties of foams radiated with UV rays were compared with the original not radiated foams. The results showed that the degradation time has an effect on the intensity of ranges of bonds related to isocyanurate and hydroxyl bonds. In SEM pictures, the differences in structures between degraded and not degraded foams are clearly visible. The examination with the SEM method showed the disappearance of the heat effect connected to the isocyanurate bond. The degradation time does not affect the anisotropy coefficient of the foams. Foam thermal stability is mostly dependent on the degradation time and in lesser degree on the amount of THHT used.
Occupational exposure to carcinogens in Australian road transport workers
Authors: Si Si , Carey Renee , Reid Alison , Peters Susan , Glass Deborah D. , Driscoll Timothy , Darcey Ellie , Fritschi Lin 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundRoad transport workers (RTWs) are at high risk of exposure to several occupational carcinogens. However, there are gaps in knowledge regarding the extent and the circumstances of exposure. As a sub‐study of the Australian Work Exposures Study, this study investigated the prevalence of occupational exposure in Australian RTWs.MethodsA random sample of Australian working population was invited to a telephone interview regarding their current jobs. An automated expert‐assessment procedure was applied to self‐reported job‐related tasks using a web‐based application. 162 RTWs were included in this study.ResultsRTWs were exposed to diesel exhaust (97%), solar ultraviolet radiation (78%), environmental tobacco smoke (55%), benzene (29%), silica (15%), and asbestos (10%) at work. Besides driving on roads, vehicle maintenance‐related tasks were the major source of carcinogen exposures among RTWs.DiscussionMost RTWs are exposed to at least one carcinogen at work. We have identified tasks where the use of control measures could potentially reduce exposures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:31–41, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of preparing for OSHA local emphasis program inspections of New York dairy farms: Case studies and financial cost analysis
Authors: Gadomski Anne M. , Vargha Marybeth , Tallman Nancy , Scribani Melissa B. , Kelsey Timothy W. 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundOSHA inspection of dairy farms began in July 1, 2014 in New York State. As of September 2014, a total of eight farms were randomly selected for inspection. This case study addresses how dairy farm managers prepared for these inspections, and identifies farm level costs preparing for inspection and/or being inspected.MethodsFour farms that were OSHA inspected and 12 farms that were not inspected were included in this mixed method evaluation using a multimodal (telephone, email, or mail) survey. Descriptive analysis was carried out using frequencies, proportions, means, and medians.ResultsOverall, the impact of OSHA inspections was positive, leading to improved safety management and physical changes on the farm and worker trainings, although the farmers’ perspectives about OSHA inspection were mixed.ConclusionsThe cost of compliance was low relative to estimated overall production costs. Clarifications and engineering solutions for specific dairy farm hazard exposures are needed to facilitate compliance with OSHA regulations. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:245–255, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerebellar neuronal loss in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases with ATXN2 intermediate repeat expansions
Authors: Tan Rachel H , Kril Jillian J , McGinley Ciara , Hassani Mohammad , Masuda‐Suzukake Masami , Hasegawa Masato , Mito Remika , Kiernan Matthew C , Halliday Glenda M 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveDespite evidence suggesting that the cerebellum may be targeted in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), particularly in cases with repeat expansions in the ATXN2 and C9ORF72 genes, the integrity of cerebellar neurons has yet to be examined. The present study undertakes a histopathological analysis to assess the impact of these repeat expansions on cerebellar neurons and determine whether similar cerebellar pathology occurs in sporadic disease.MethodsPurkinje and granule cells were quantified in the vermis and lateral cerebellar hemispheres of ALS cases with repeat expansions in the ATXN2 and C9ORF72 genes, sporadic disease, and sporadic progressive muscular atrophy with only lower motor neuron degeneration.ResultsALS cases with intermediate repeat expansions in the ATXN2 gene demonstrate a significant loss in Purkinje cells in the cerebellar vermis only. Despite ALS cases with expansions in the C9ORF72 gene having the highest burden of inclusion pathology, no neuronal loss was observed in this group. Neuronal numbers were also unchanged in sporadic ALS and sporadic PMA cases.InterpretationThe present study has established a selective loss of Purkinje cells in the cerebellar vermis of ALS cases with intermediate repeat expansions in the ATXN2 gene, suggesting a divergent pathogenic mechanism independent of upper and lower motor neuron degeneration in ALS. We discuss these findings in the context of large repeat expansions in ATXN2 and spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, providing evidence that intermediate repeats in ATXN2 cause significant, albeit less substantial, spinocerebellar damage compared with longer repeats in ATXN2. Ann Neurol 2016;79:295–305
Spatio‐temporal adaptive soft sensor for nonlinear time‐varying and variable drifting processes based on moving window LWPLS and time difference model
Authors: Yuan Xiaofeng , Ge Zhiqiang , Song Zhihuan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIndustrial plants often undergo different kinds of changes like variable drifts and time‐variant problems, which may cause the degradation of soft sensors. In this paper, a spatio‐temporal adaptive soft sensor modeling framework, which is based on the moving window and just‐in‐time learning (JITL) techniques, is proposed for nonlinear time‐varying processes. The JITL (locally weighted partial least squares) can adapt the model by spatial weighting technique, and the moving window technique can adapt the soft sensor model to the new process state. Furthermore, time difference (TD) model is utilized to handle the process change of variable drifts. Case studies are carried out on a numerical example and two industrial processes. The results show the effectiveness and flexibility of the proposed soft sensor framework. © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pre‐dispersing of montmorillonite nanofiller: Impact on morphology and performance of melt compounded ethyl vinyl acetate nanocomposites
Authors: Osman Azlin Fazlina , Kalo Hussein , Hassan Mohd Saifullah , Hong Tew Wei , Azmi Farehah 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTEthyl vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers are potential materials for biomedical applications due to their exceptional mechanical properties and biocompatibility. As new medical device designs continue to reduce in size, new materials are required that exhibit improved strength and toughness. In this research, EVA nanocomposites containing synthetic montmorillonite (MMT) are being investigated as new biomedical materials with similar flexibility, biocompatibility, and biostability to neat EVA, but with far superior tensile strength and toughness. We show that the pre‐dispersing of the organo‐MMT prior to melt compounding with the EVA matrix can facilitate nanofiller exfoliation and dispersion in the EVA, thereby enabling significant improvement of EVA nanocomposite performance when high organo‐MMT loading (5 wt %) was added. It was observed that the polarity of pre‐dispersing medium influenced the nanofiller's surfactant organization and distribution, organo‐MMT exfoliation, and dispersion in the EVA, and also interphases of the host copolymer. Consequently, changes in morphology have brought noticeable effects on the mechanical and thermal properties of the EVA. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43204.
Rheumatoid Factor and Disease Activity Are Independent Predictors of Lymphoma in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Nocturne G. , Virone A. , Ng Wan‐Fai , Le Guern V. , Hachulla E. , Cornec D. , Daien C. , Vittecoq O. , Bienvenu B. , Marcelli C. , Wendling D. , Amoura Z. , Dhote R. , Lavigne C. , Fior R. , Gottenberg J. E. , Seror R. , Mariette X. 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveTo define parameters predictive of lymphoma development in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS).MethodsA multicenter case–control survey was performed to identify predictors of lymphoma. Cases were patients who developed lymphoma after diagnosis of primary SS and were mainly recruited through the Club Rhumatismes et Inflammation network. For each case, 2 controls (matched for disease duration and age) were randomly selected among patients with primary SS and without lymphoma. Cases and controls were compared using univariate analysis and then using multivariate analysis to identify independent predictors of lymphoma.Results One hundred one patients with primary SS and lymphoma were included. Eighty‐seven patients were women (86.1%), and the mean ± SD age at lymphoma diagnosis was 57.4 ± 12.6 years. The most frequent histologic type was B cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in 99 of 101 patients, with marginal‐zone lymphoma in 76 of the 99 patients (76.8%) including 58 (58.6%) with lymphoma of the mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue type. Lymphomas were most frequently located in the salivary glands (43 patients). A specific treatment was initiated at diagnosis in 87 patients with B cell NHL, and 61 patients (61.6%) achieved complete sustained remission after the first line of treatment. In the multivariate analysis, salivary gland enlargement, the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF), low C4, cryoglobulinemia, lymphopenia, and disease activity according to the European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (excluding the lymphoma domain) were found to be predictors of lymphoma. No previous treatment for primary SS was associated with any effect on lymphoma occurrence.ConclusionIn addition to previously known factors predictive of lymphoma occurrence, the independent roles of RF and disease activity were demonstrated in this case–control study of primary SS–associated lymphoma. Our findings highlight the roles of chronic antigenic stimulation and disease activity in the development of this severe complication.
Heteropoly Acid/Nitrogen Functionalized Onion‐like Carbon Hybrid Catalyst for Ester Hydrolysis Reactions
Authors: Liu Wei , Qi Wei , Guo Xiaoling , Su Dangsheng 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA novel heteropoly acid (HPA)/nitrogen functionalized onion‐like carbon (NOLC) hybrid catalyst was synthesized through supramolecular (electrostatic and hydrogen bond) interactions between the two components. The chemical structure and acid strength of the HPA/NOLC hybrid have been fully characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, IR spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, NH3 temperature‐programmed desorption and acid–base titration measurements. The proposed method for the fabrication of the HPA/NOLC hybrid catalyst is a universal strategy for different types of HPAs to meet various requirements of acidic or redox catalysis. The hydrophobic environment of NOLC effectively prevents the deactivation of HPA in an aqueous system, and the combination of uniformly dispersed HPA clusters and the synergistic effect between NOLC and HPA significantly promotes its activity in ester hydrolysis reactions, which is higher than that of bare PWA as homogeneous catalyst. The kinetics of the hydrolysis reactions indicate that the aggregation status of the catalyst particles has great influence on the apparent activity.
Clinical and morphometric parameters of frailty for prediction of mortality following hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery in the elderly
Authors: Wagner D , Büttner S , Kim Y , Gani F , Xu L , Margonis G A , Amini N , Kamel I R , Pawlik T M 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Background
Although frailty is a known determinant of poor postoperative outcomes, it can be difficult to identify in patients before surgery. The authors sought to develop a preoperative frailty risk model to predict mortality among patients aged 65 years or more.

Methods
Clinical and morphometric data including total psoas area (TPA), total psoas volume (TPV) and psoas density (Hounsfield unit average calculation, HUAC) were collected for patients undergoing hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) surgery between 2012 and 2014. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify preoperative risk factors associated with 1-year mortality.

Results
The median age of the 518 patients included in the study was 72 (i.q.r. 68–76) years; 55·6 per cent of patients were men, and half of the cohort had multiple co-morbidities (Charlson co-morbidity index (CCI) of 4 or more, 55·6 per cent). TPA cut-offs to define sarcopenia were 552·7 mm2/m2 in women and 702·9 mm2/m2 in men; cut-offs for TPV were 18·2 cm3/m2 in women and 26·2 cm3/m2 in men, whereas HUAC cut-offs were 31·1 HU in women and 33·3 HU in men. The overall 1-year mortality rate was 14·1 per cent. In multivariable analysis, risk factors associated with 1-year mortality included CCI of 4 or above (hazard ratio (HR) 2·91, 95 per cent c.i. 1·47 to 5·77; P = 0·002), malignant disease (HR 3·94, 1·17 to 13·30; P = 0·027) and sarcopenia by HUAC (HR 1·85, 1·10 to 3·10; P = 0·021). A weighted 25-point composite score was developed to stratify patients at risk of 1-year postoperative mortality. The 1-year mortality rate was noted to be 2·5 per cent among patients scoring 0–10 (low risk), 17·3 per cent among patients scoring 11–20 (intermediate risk) and 29·2 per cent among those scoring between 21 and 25 (high risk) (P &lt; 0·001).

Conclusion
Clinical and morphometric measures of frailty accurately predict the risk of 1-year mortality following HPB surgery in elderly patients, and can be used to risk-stratify patients appropriately.
Exposing Differences in Monomer Exchange Rates of Multicomponent Supramolecular Polymers in Water
Authors: Baker Matthew B. , Gosens Ronald P. J. , Albertazzi Lorenzo , Matsumoto Nicholas M. , Palmans Anja R. A. , Meijer E. W. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe formation of multicomponent and bioactive supramolecular polymers is a promising strategy for the formation of biomaterials that match the dynamic and responsive nature of biological systems. In order to fully realize the potential of this strategy, knowledge of the location and behavior of bioactive components within the system is crucial. By employing synthetic strategies to create multifunctional monomers, coupled with FRET and STORM techniques, we have investigated the formation and behavior of a bioactive and multicomponent supramolecular polymer. By creating a peptide‐dye‐monomer conjugate, we were able to measure high degrees of monomer incorporation and to visualize the equal distribution of monomers within the supramolecular polymer. Furthermore, by tracking the movement of monomers, we uncovered small differences in the dynamics of the bioactive monomers.
Electrospun N‐Substituted Polyurethane Membranes with Self‐Healing Ability for Self‐Cleaning and Oil/Water Separation
Authors: Fang Wenyuan , Liu Libin , Li Ting , Dang Zhao , Qiao Congde , Xu Jinku , Wang Yanyan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMembranes with special functionalities, such as self‐cleaning, especially those for oil/water separation, have attracted much attention due to their wide applications. However, they are difficult to recycle and reuse after being damaged. Herein, we put forward a new N‐substituted polyurethane membrane concept with self‐healing ability to address this challenge. The membrane obtained by electrospinning has a self‐cleaning surface with an excellent self‐healing ability. Importantly, by tuning the membrane composition, the membrane exhibits different wettability for effective separation of oil/water mixtures and water‐in‐oil emulsions, whilst still displaying a self‐healing ability and durability against damage. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate a self‐healing membrane for oil/water separation, which provides the fundamental research for the development of advanced oil/water separation materials.