bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory Arthritis Prevalence and Health Services Use in the First Nations and Non–First Nations Populations of Alberta, Canada
Authors: Barnabe Cheryl , Jones C. Allyson , Bernatsky Sasha , Peschken Christine A. , Voaklander Don , Homik Joanne , Crowshoe Lynden F. , Esdaile John M. , El‐Gabalawy Hani , Hemmelgarn Brenda 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveTo estimate prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic disease (PsD), and crystal‐related arthritis and health care use for inflammatory arthritis in First Nations and non–First Nations patients in Alberta, Canada.MethodsPopulation‐based cohorts of adults with RA, AS, PsD, and crystal‐related arthritis were defined, with First Nations determination by premium payer status, to estimate prevalence rates. Rates of outpatient primary care, specialist visits, and hospitalizations (all‐cause, inflammatory‐arthritis specific) were estimated.ResultsRA affected 3 times as many First Nations residents compared to non–First Nations residents (standardized rate ratio [SRR] 3.2, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.9–3.4). AS and PsD were more prevalent in First Nations (AS 0.6 per 100 residents; SRR 2.7, 95% CI 2.3–3.2 and PsD 0.3 per 100 residents; SRR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3–1.9), whereas crystal‐related arthritis was less prevalent (SRR 0.7, 95% CI 0.6–0.7). First Nations patients were more likely to have primary care visits (SRR 1.7, 95% CI 1.6–1.8) and less likely to have specialist visits (SRR 0.6, 95% CI 0.6–0.7) for RA relative to non–First Nations individuals. In PsD and crystal‐related arthritis, First Nations people had higher rates of cause‐specific hospitalizations.ConclusionThe estimated prevalence of RA, AS, and PsD was higher in the First Nations population, while crystal‐related arthritis was less prevalent compared to the non–First Nations population. First Nations people were more likely to see primary care physicians and were less likely to see specialists for inflammatory arthritis care.
Efficacy of a Rheumatoid Arthritis–Specific Smoking Cessation Program: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Aimer Pip , Treharne Gareth J. , Stebbings Simon , Frampton Chris , Cameron Vicky , Kirby Sandra , Stamp Lisa K. 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveSmoking adversely influences comorbidities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether smoking cessation is increased following a 3‐month smoking cessation intervention tailored for people with RA.MethodsThirty‐nine current smokers with RA were recruited. Participants were randomized into the control group to receive the current local standard of care for smoking cessation (i.e., ABC = brief advice and subsidized nicotine replacement therapy [NRT], or into the intervention group to receive ABC plus additional smoking cessation advice for 3 months (ABC+), including face‐to‐face, telephone, and e‐mail contact. Advice was tailored to the participants' specific needs from a range of intervention tools focused on education about smoking and RA, pain control, exercise, coping, and support. The primary outcome was smoking cessation at 6 months. The secondary outcome was sustained reduction in smoking at 6 months. Disease and psychosocial characteristics of quitters and nonquitters were examined.ResultsThe overall smoking cessation rate was 24%. There was no significant difference in smoking cessation rates between the ABC and ABC+ groups (21% versus 26%; P = 0.70). The mean number of cigarettes smoked daily was reduced by 44% (P < 0.001) but did not differ between ABC and ABC+ groups (mean reduction 47% versus 41%; P = 0.72). Successful quitters had more years in education and had smoked less across their lifetime, but these differences were not statistically significant.ConclusionSmoking cessation in RA may lead to a reduced comorbid burden. The lack of added benefit of the tailored intervention suggests that brief advice and NRT are currently the best practice for supporting people with RA who wish to quit smoking.
Turning the tables of sex distinction in craniofacial identification: Why females possess thicker facial soft tissues than males, not vice versa
Authors: Stephan Carl N. , Preisler Rory , Bulut Ozgur , Bennett Mike 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMales are universally reported to possess larger facial soft‐tissue thickness (FSTT) than females, however, this observation oversimplifies the raw data yielding an underpowered assessment of FSTT sex‐patterning where: differences are small (η2 < 5%) and inconsistent (females are routinely larger than males at the cheeks). Here we investigate body‐size normalized data to assess whether more general and improved understanding of FSTT sex‐variation in humans is possible. FSTTs were measured in 52 healthy living Australians aged 18 to 30 years using B‐mode ultrasound. Participants' stature and body mass were also measured. Sex differences were calculated before and after normalization by the aforementioned body‐composition variables. Methods were repeated in three other independent samples to evaluate reproducibility: 100 American Whites and 60 American Blacks measured by B‐mode ultrasound; and 50 Turkish residents measured by regular supine CT. Compared to raw mean differences (F < M, by −6%), females displayed much thicker FSTTs than males when normalized for body mass (F > M, by +16%). Consequently, while the sexes share similar raw values, females possess much larger FSTTs for their relatively lighter bodies. The relative FSTT difference was 2.7× larger than the raw mean difference. Sex differences in FSTT are of larger magnitude and reversed direction in mass normalized data. Contrary to popular thought, females possess much larger FSTTs than males owing to their generically lighter bodies (−18 kg). These data patterns help explain why the pooling of sex‐categorized FSTT does not jeopardize the sex‐difference—it is encoded more strongly in terms relative to body mass.
Basis for the gain and subsequent dilution of epidermal pigmentation during human evolution: The barrier and metabolic conservation hypotheses revisited
Authors: Elias Peter M. , Williams Mary L. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe evolution of human skin pigmentation must address both the initial evolution of intense epidermal pigmentation in hominins, and its subsequent dilution in modern humans. While many authorities believe that epidermal pigmentation evolved to protect against either ultraviolet B (UV‐B) irradiation‐induced mutagenesis or folic acid photolysis, we hypothesize that pigmentation augmented the epidermal barriers by shifting the UV‐B dose–response curve from toxic to beneficial. WhereaserythemogenicUV‐B doses produce apoptosis and cell death,suberythemogenicdoses benefit permeability and antimicrobial function. Heavily melanized melanocytes acidify the outer epidermis and emit paracrine signals that augment barrier competence. Modern humans, residing in the cooler, wetter climes of south‐central Europe and Asia, initially retained substantial pigmentation. While their outdoor lifestyles still permitted sufficient cutaneous vitamin D3 (VD3) synthesis, their marginal nutritional status, coupled with cold‐induced caloric needs, selected for moderate pigment reductions that diverted limited nutritional resources towards more urgent priorities (=metabolic conservation). The further pigment‐dilution that evolved as humans reached north‐central Europe (i.e., northern France, Germany), likely facilitated cutaneous VD3 synthesis, while also supporting ongoing, nutritional requirements. But at still higher European latitudes where little UV‐B breaches the atmosphere (i.e., present‐day UK, Scandinavia, Baltic States), pigment dilution alone could not suffice. There, other nonpigment‐related mutations evolved to facilitate VD3 production; for example, in the epidermal protein, filaggrin, resulting in reduced levels of its distal metabolite,trans‐urocanic acid, a potent UV‐B chromophore. Thus, changes in human pigmentation reflect a complex interplay between latitude, climate, diet, lifestyle, and shifting metabolic priorities.
Constructing cranial ontogenetic trajectories: A comparison of growth, development, and chronological age proxies using a known‐age sample of Macaca mulatta
Authors: Simons Evan A. , Frost Stephen R. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractRecent morphometric research has generated opposing conclusions regarding the ontogenetic trajectories of catarrhine crania, possibly due to the ontogenetic proxies used to calculate them. Therefore, we used three surrogates: size, molar eruption, and chronological age to generate trajectories in a known‐age sample to produce ontogenetic trajectories and determine the similarities and differences between them. Forty‐three landmarks from an ontogenetic series of 160 Macaca mulatta crania, with associated ages at death, were used to produce ontogenetic trajectories of cranial shape change. These were computed by sex through multivariate regression of Procrustes aligned coordinates against three surrogates for ontogeny: natural log of centroid size (growth), molar eruption stage (development), and chronological age. These trajectories were compared by calculating the angles between them. Each trajectory was also used to produce simulated adults from juveniles, which were then compared with each other and actual adults. The different trajectories are nearly parallel as each of the surrogates track similar aspects of ontogenetic cranial shape change, but chronological age was the most divergent. Simulated adults produced using the developmental stage trajectories were most similar to actual adults. When simulated adults were produced from opposite sex trajectories, they resembled the sex from which the trajectory was produced, not the sex of the juvenile specimen. We discuss properties of the trajectories produced from each of the surrogates, the possible reasons for previously opposing conclusions, how these properties can inform future investigations, and how our investigation bears on analyses of heterochrony.
Morphological and mechanical behavior of chemically treated jute‐PHBV bio‐nanocomposites reinforced with silane grafted halloysite nanotubes
Authors: Zainuddin Shaik , Fahim Abdullah , Shoieb Shaik , Syed Farooq , Hosur Mahesh V. , Li Dawen , Hicks Chelsea , Jeelani Shaik 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTIn this study, at first, thin films of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co−3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) nanocomposites were prepared by adding 1–3 wt % grafted halloysite nanotubes (G‐HNTs). Jute‐PHBV bio‐nanocomposites were then fabricated using these films and chemically treated jute fibers in a compression mold machine. The effect of treatment and modification on jute fiber and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), and the change in their morphology was investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). Flexural and thermomechanical properties were determined using a three‐point bend test and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The results showed separation of fiber bundles with rough fiber surfaces, and grafting of silane coupling agents on fibers and HNTs after the chemical treatment. As a result, a strong bonding was established between the PHBV, G‐HNTs and jute fibers that lead to significant improvements in flexural and thermomechanical properties of jute‐PHBV bio‐nanocomposites. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43994.
The dominant factor for mechanical property of polyimide films containing heterocyclic moieties: In‐plane orientation, crystallization, or hydrogen bonding
Authors: Luo Longbo , Zhang Jing , Huang Jieyang , Feng Yan , Peng Chaorong , Wang Xu , Liu Xiangyang 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTCrystallization, in‐plane orientation, and hydrogen bonding interactions are three vital factors for enhancing mechanical properties of polyimide (PI) films. However, which is the dominant factor? In this study, three PI films containing heterocyclic moiety, poly(benzoxazole‐imide), poly(benzimidazole‐imide), and poly(pyrimidine‐imide) were chosen to comparative study. The crystallinity of poly(benzoxazole‐imide), poly(benzimidazole‐imide), and poly(pyrimidine‐imide) PI films are 36, 24, and 15%, respectively. The results of small angle X‐ray scattering indicate poly(benzoxazole‐imide) and poly(benzimidazole‐imide) films show periodical lamellar structures, while poly(pyrimidine‐imide) shows no long period due to low crystallinity. In‐plane orientation (P200) is calculated from polarized attenuated total reflection (ATR)‐Fourier transform infrared and refractive indices. The order of in‐plane orientation is poly(benzimidazole‐imide) < poly(benzoxazole‐imide) < poly(pyrimidine‐imide). Hydrogen bonding interactions, which restrict chain motion and hinder spontaneous in‐plane orientation, are only formed in poly(benzimidazole‐imide). The relationship between mechanical properties and three influence factors are discussed, and the order of influence extent for mechanical properties of PI films is hydrogen bonding interactions < degree of crystallization < in‐plane orientation. Two structure models for PI films are proposed in order to further confirm the dominant effect of in‐plane orientation on the mechanical properties. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44000.
Myeloperoxidase–Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)–Positive Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Wegener's) Is a Clinically Distinct Subset of ANCA‐Associated Vasculitis: A Retrospective Analysis of 315 Patients From a German Vasculitis Referral Center
Authors: Schirmer Jan H. , Wright Marvin N. , Herrmann Kristine , Laudien Martin , Nölle Bernhard , Reinhold‐Keller Eva , Bremer Jan P. , Moosig Frank , Holle Julia U. 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveTo compare the phenotype, clinical course, and outcome of myeloperoxidase (MPO)–antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–positive granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA) to proteinase 3 (PR3)–ANCA–positive GPA and to MPO‐ANCA–positive microscopic polyangiitis (MPA).MethodsWe characterized all MPO–ANCA–positive patients classified as having GPA by the European Medicines Agency algorithm who attended our center, in a retrospective chart review. A second cohort of patients with PR3‐ANCA–positive GPA matched for age and sex was characterized. Patients with MPO‐ANCA–positive MPA from a recently published cohort were also included in the analysis. All patients were diagnosed and treated according to a standardized interdisciplinary approach at a vasculitis referral center.ResultsComprehensive data were available for 59 patients with MPO‐ANCA–positive GPA, and they were compared to 118 patients with PR3‐ANCA–positive GPA and 138 patients with MPO‐ANCA–positive MPA. We observed a distinct phenotype in MPO‐ANCA–positive GPA as compared to the other 2 cohorts. Patients with MPO‐ANCA–positive GPA frequently had limited disease without severe organ involvement, had a high prevalence of subglottic stenosis, and had less need for aggressive immunosuppressive therapy (cyclophosphamide/rituximab). The patients with MPO‐ANCA–positive GPA were also younger than the MPA patients and were predominantly female (significantly different than the MPA cohort). While GPA patients had higher survival rates compared to MPA patients (due to a high prevalence of pulmonary fibrosis in MPA), patients with MPO‐ANCA had significantly lower relapse rates than those with PR3‐ANCA.ConclusionPatients with MPO‐ANCA−positive GPA show significantly different clinical courses compared to those with PR3‐ANCA−positive GPA or MPO‐ANCA−positive MPA, which should be considered in their clinical management. Classification according to ANCA specificity may improve the evaluation of relapse risk.
Relapsing Polychondritis Can Be Characterized by Three Different Clinical Phenotypes: Analysis of a Recent Series of 142 Patients
Authors: Dion Jérémie , Costedoat‐Chalumeau Nathalie , Sène Damien , Cohen‐Bittan Judith , Leroux Gaëlle , Dion Charlotte , Francès Camille , Piette Jean‐Charles 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveRelapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare condition characterized by recurrent inflammation of cartilaginous tissue and systemic manifestations. Data on this disease remain scarce. This study was undertaken to describe patient characteristics and disease evolution, identify prognostic factors, and define different clinical phenotypes of RP.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of 142 patients with RP who were seen between 2000 and 2012 in a single center.ResultsOf the 142 patients, 86 (61%) were women. The mean ± SD age at first symptoms was 43.5 ± 15 years. Patients had the following chondritis types: auricular (89%; n = 127), nasal (63%; n = 89), laryngeal (43%; n = 61), tracheobronchial (22%; n = 32), and/orcostochondritis (40%; n = 57). The main other manifestations were articular (69%; n = 98), ophthalmologic (56%; n = 80), audiovestibular (34%; n = 48), cardiac (27%; n = 38), and cutaneous (28%; n = 40). At a mean ± SD followup of 13 ± 9 years, the 5‐ and 10‐year survival rates were 95 ± 2% and 91 ± 3%, respectively. Factors associated with death on multivariable analysis were male sex (P = 0.01), cardiac abnormalities (P = 0.03), and concomitant myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) (P = 0.004) or another hematologic malignancy (P = 0.01). Cluster analysis revealed that separating patients into 3 groups was clinically relevant, thereby separating patients with associated MDS, those with tracheobronchial involvement, and those without the 2 features in terms of clinical characteristics, therapeutic management, and prognosis.ConclusionThis large series of patients with definite RP revealed an improvement in survival as compared with previous studies. Factors associated with death were male sex, cardiac involvement, and concomitant hematologic malignancy. We identified 3 distinct phenotypes.
Outcome and Trends in Treatment of Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in the German National Pediatric Rheumatologic Database, 2000–2013
Authors: Klotsche Jens , Raab Anna , Niewerth Martina , Sengler Claudia , Ganser Gerd , Kallinich Tilmann , Niehues Tim , Hufnagel Markus , Thon Angelika , Hospach Toni , Horneff Gerd , Minden Kirsten 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical presentation and medical treatment of patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) during the first year of illness. Our study focused on 3‐year outcomes in a subsample of patients who were followed up longitudinally.MethodsFrom 2000 to 2013, 597 patients with systemic JIA and a disease duration of ≤12 months were recorded in the National Pediatric Rheumatologic Database. Among those patients, 3‐year outcome data were available for 133. These data included the clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score in 10 joints (JADAS‐10) and the physician's global assessment score (on a numerical rating scale), as well as assessment of joint involvement, growth retardation, and patient‐reported outcomes.ResultsThe median clinical JADAS‐10 declined significantly, from 7 in 2000 to 2 in 2013, while the proportion of patients with inactive disease increased from 19% in 2000 to 41% in 2013. The rate of treatment with systemic glucocorticoids and disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) remained stable from 2000 to 2013. By 2013, the proportion of patients with systemic JIA who were treated with biologic DMARDs had increased to 20%. At 3‐year follow‐up, 72% of patients with systemic JIA had inactive disease, and 77% had no functional limitations. Growth retardation was associated with persistently high disease activity and continuing treatment with systemic glucocorticoids. At the 3‐year follow‐up, one‐third of patients were still being treated with systemic glucocorticoids.ConclusionThe proportion of patients with inactive disease has increased over the past decade. Possible explanations may include improved access to specialized care, additional treatment options, and earlier or faster step‐up treatment. However, challenges in the management of systemic JIA remain, as ∼30% of patients continue to present with ongoing active disease.
Temperature‐controlled down‐conversion luminescence behavior of Eu3+‐doped transparent MF2 (M = Ba, Ca, Sr) glass ceramics
Authors: Zhou B. , E C. Q. , Bu Y. Y. , Meng L. , Yan X. H. , Wang X. F. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractEu3+‐doped transparent glass ceramics containing MF2 (M = Ba, Ca, Sr) nanocrystals were fabricated using a melt–quenching method, and the resulting structures were studied using X‐ray diffraction. Levels 5D1 and 5D0 of Eu3+ ions were verified as thermally coupled levels using the fluorescence intensity ratio method. The fluorescence intensity ratios, optical temperature sensitivity and thermal quenching ratios of the transparent glass ceramics were studied as a function of temperature. With an increase in temperature, the relative sensitivity (SR) decreased sharply at first, then slowly increased, before finally decreasing. The minimum SR values of GCBaF2 (GCB), GCCaF2 (GCC) and GCSrF2 (GCS) were 2.8 × 10−4, 0.8 × 10−4 and 1.9 × 10−4 K−1 at 360, 269 and 319 K, respectively. Glass ceramics with an intense emission intensity can be used to convert the measured spectrum into temperature and may have an important role in temperature detectors.
Postsynaptic Y654 dephosphorylation of β‐catenin modulates presynaptic vesicle turnover through increased n‐cadherin‐mediated transsynaptic signaling
Authors: Chen Chin‐Yi , Chen Yi‐Ting , Wang Jen‐Yeu , Huang Yi‐Shuian , Tai Chin‐Yin 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTSynaptic adhesion molecules, which coordinately control structural and functional changes at both sides of synapses, are important for synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Because they physically form homophilic or heterophilic adhesions across synaptic junctions, these molecules can initiate transsynaptic communication in both anterograde and retrograde directions. Using optical imaging approaches, we investigated whether an increase in postsynaptic N‐cadherin could correspondingly alter the function of connected presynaptic terminals. Postsynaptic expression of β‐catenin Y654F, a phosphorylation‐defective form with enhanced binding to N‐cadherin, is sufficient to increase postsynaptic surface levels of N‐cadherin and consequently promote presynaptic reorganizations. Such reorganizations include increases in the densities of the synaptic vesicle protein, Synaptotagmin 1 and the active zone scaffold protein, Bassoon, the number of active boutons and the size of the total recycling vesicle pool. In contrast, synaptic vesicle turnover is significantly impaired, preventing the exchange of synaptic vesicles with adjacent boutons. Together, N‐cadherin‐mediated retrograde signaling, governed by phosphoregulation of postsynaptic β‐catenin Y654, coordinately modulates presynaptic vesicle dynamics to enhance synaptic communication in mature neurons. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 61–74, 2017
Going to political extremes in response to boredom
Authors: Van Tilburg Wijnand A. P. , Igou Eric R. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBoredom makes people attempt to re‐establish a sense of meaningfulness. Political ideologies, and in particular the adherence to left‐ versus right‐wing beliefs, can serve as a source of meaning. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that boredom is associated with a stronger adherence to left‐ versus right‐wing beliefs, resulting in more extreme political orientations. Study 1 demonstrates that experimentally induced boredom leads to more extreme political orientations. Study 2 indicates that people who become easily bored with their environment adhere to more extreme ends of a political spectrum compared with their less easily bored counterparts. Finally, Study 3 reveals that the relatively extreme political orientations among those who are easily bored can be attributed to their enhanced search for meaning. Overall, our research suggests that extreme political orientations are, in part, a function of boredom's existential qualities.