bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Readability assessment of the American Rhinologic Society patient education materials
Authors: Kasabwala Khushabu , Misra Poonam , Hansberry David R. , Agarwal Nitin , Baredes Soly , Setzen Michael , Anderson Eloy Jean 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundThe extensive amount of medical literature available on the Internet is frequently accessed by patients. To effectively contribute to healthcare decision‐making, these online resources should be worded at a level that is readable by any patient seeking information. The American Medical Association and National Institutes of Health recommend the readability of patient information material should be between a 4th to 6th grade level. In this study, we evaluate the readability of online patient education information available from the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) website using 9 different assessment tools that analyze the materials for reading ease and grade level of the target audience.MethodsOnline patient education material from the ARS was downloaded in February 2012 and assessed for level of readability using the Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) Grading, Coleman‐Liau Index, Gunning‐Fog Index, FORCAST formula, Raygor Readability Estimate, the Fry Graph, and the New Dale‐Chall Readability Formula. Each article was pasted as plain text into a Microsoft® Word® document and each subsection was analyzed using the software package Readability Studio Professional Edition Version 2012.1.ResultsAll healthcare education materials assessed were written between a 9th grade and graduate reading level and were considered “difficult” to read by the assessment scales.ConclusionOnline patient education materials on the ARS website are written above the recommended 6th grade level and may require revision to make them easily understood by a broader audience.
Intravenous tranexamic acid and intraoperative visualization during functional endoscopic sinus surgery: a double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Langille Morgan A. , Chiarella Angelo , Côté David W.J. , Mulholland Graeme , Sowerby Leigh J. , Dziegielewski Peter T. , Wright Erin D. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundBleeding during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) can hinder surgical progress and may be associated with increased complications. Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic that is known to reduce operative bleeding. The current study was designed to assess the effect of adjunctive intravenous tranexamic acid on intraoperative bleeding and the quality of the surgical field during ESS.MethodsDouble‐blind, randomized, controlled trial. Patients undergoing ESS for the primary diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyposis were included. Sample size calculation based on a clinically relevant difference in the Wormald surgical field score yielded a sample of 28. In addition to standard measures to minimize blood loss, study patients received intravenous tranexamic acid with control patients receiving intravenous normal saline. Outcome measures included the Wormald grading scale to assess the intraoperative surgical field and estimated blood loss based on suction container contents with irrigation fluid subtracted.ResultsTwenty‐eight patients (median age, 45 years; range, 23–80 years) were included in the study. Diagnoses included chronic rhinosinusitis without polyposis (n = 5), chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis (n = 23). The use of the tranexamic acid was not associated with a statistically significant decrease in estimated blood loss (201 vs 231 mL; p = 0.60) or Wormald grading scale (5.84 vs 5.80; p = 0.93). There were no adverse events or complications during the study.ConclusionAdjunctive intravenous tranexamic acid does not appear to result in a clinically meaningful reduction in blood loss or improve visualization of the surgical field during ESS.
Synthesis of poly(methylphenylsiloxane)/phenylene‐silica hybrid material with interpenetrating networks and its performance as thermal resistant coating
Authors: Gao Dahai , Jia Mengqiu 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn this study, poly(methylphenylsiloxane) (PMPS) and phenylene‐silica based hybrid material with interpenetrating networks was prepared by a two‐step sol–gel process. Firstly, in the presence of H2SO4, the phenylene‐silica was formed as sol particles with high branching degree by cohydrolysis and condensation of phenylene‐bridged monomer, tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), and hexamethyldisiloxane (MM). Then, the intermediate transformed into gel framework in polymer matrix using alkali catalyst, in order to produce a homogenous hybrid material with interpenetrating networks. The structure of prepared hybrid material was characterized by FTIR and NMR, suggesting that phenylene‐silica framework was imported into polymer matrix and the hybrid products have a much higher network chain density than neat PMPS. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that the prepared materials start to degrade at around 490°C. The results of tensile test indicate that the typical PMPS/phenylene‐silica hybrid material has a tensile strength up to 26 MPa and demonstrate a certain degree of flexibility. An increase of phenylene content in phenylene‐silica particles tends to produce hybrid materials with improved thermal stability and tensile strength. The hybrid coating films after calcinating at 350 and 400°C for 2 h exhibit a good mechanical performance on adhesion, impact strength and flexibility. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements show that the investigated films have an extremely high electric resistance (1010 Ohm·cm2) and a satisfied impermeability to 3.5 wt % sodium chloride solution. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Removal of copper(II) from an aqueous solution with copper(II)‐imprinted chitosan microspheres
Authors: Feng Tao , Wang Jie , Zhang Fan , Shi Xiaowen 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIon‐imprinted chitosan (CS) microspheres (MIPs) were prepared with Cu(II) as a template and epichlorohydrin as a crosslinker for the selective separation of Cu(II) from aqueous solution. The microspheres showed a higher adsorption capacity and selectivity for the Cu(II) ions than nonimprinted chitosan microspheres (NMIPs) without a template. The results show that the adsorption of Cu(II) on the CS microspheres was affected by the initial pH value, initial Cu(II) concentration, and temperature. The kinetic parameters of the adsorption process indicated that the adsorption followed a second‐order adsorption process. Equilibrium experiments showed very good fits with the Langmuir isotherm equation for the monolayer adsorption process. The maximum sorption capacity calculated from the Langmuir isotherm was 201.66 mg/g for the Cu–MIPs and 189.51 mg/g for the NMIPs; these values were close to the experimental ones. The selectivity coefficients of Cu(II) and other metal ions on the NMIPs indicated a preference for Cu(II). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Hydrothermal aging mechanisms of aramid fibers via synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray scattering and dynamic thermal mechanical analysis
Authors: Li Chang‐Sheng , Zhan Mao‐Sheng , Huang Xian‐Cong , Zhou Hong , Li Yan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn this study, synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) were used to evaluate the aging behavior of microfibrils and nanovoids. The effects of such structures on the tensile strength were also investigated. We investigated the correlation length of the fibril interface by fitting the SAXS intensity using the Debye–Bueche method. The orientation and size of the voids were determined with Ruland's streak method. The results show that the correlation length decreased with aging time at 90°C. Voids formed after aging at high temperatures for prolonged periods. In addition, the orientation of the 10 Å voids changed with the degree of degradation. DMTA results revealed a new transition temperature for the aged fibers. A model based on the SAXS and DMTA results is proposed to illustrate the hydrothermal aging mechanism. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Poly(butylene terephthalate) electrospun/melt‐blown composite mats for white blood cell filtration
Authors: Guo Shasha , Ke Qinfei , Wang Hong , Jin Xiangyu , Li Yun 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn this research, poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) electrospun nanofibrous mats were prepared for white blood cell (WBC) filtration after the blood was collected from donors. The feasibility of using PBT electrospun mats used as WBC filtration materials was studied. The average fiber diameter and mean pore diameter of the PBT electrospun mats were much lower than those of melt‐blown mats, and such properties were found to be beneficial for the functions of filtration and cell absorbency. A layer of PBT electrospun mats was added before the exit of filter; this formed a kind of compound material with different pore diameters and fibers diameters in the direction of blood flow. The WBC filtration efficiency of the newly designed filter and a traditional filter were also compared. The results show that filters with electrospun PBT fibers reduced the number of WBCs to 104/L, whereas the remaining WBCs after flow through the traditional filter was about 105L−1. The existence of electrospun fibers increased the filtration resistance at the same time, and this led to a longer filtration time. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Rubber toughening of poly(lactic acid): Effect of stereocomplex formation at the rubber‐matrix interface
Authors: Ye Suming , Ting Lin Ting , Weei Tjiu Weng , Kwan Wong Pui , He Chaobin 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn this study, a series of graft copolymers poly(n‐butyl acrylate)‐g‐poly‐L‐lactide (PBA‐g‐PLLA) and poly(n‐butyl acrylate)‐g‐poly‐D‐lactide (PBA‐g‐PDLA) with various molecular weights and PBA/PLA ratios were prepared from the copolymerization of n‐butyl acrylate and PLA macromers. The PLA macromers were prepared by ring opening polymerization of L‐ or D‐lactide in the presence of 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate initiator. The synthesized copolymers can be used to toughen brittle PLLA by incorporating them as an elastomeric phase. Interestingly, the much tougher PLLA was obtained when the commercial PLLA was blended with 10 wt % elastomeric graft copolymer containing pendant PDLA chain. It is believed that the formation of stereocomplex between PLLA matrix and PDLA side chain in the elastomer phase differentiates it from the blend of PLLA and PBA‐g‐PLLA, whose side chain has the same configuration as the matrix PLLA. DSC, XRD, and TEM results support this hypothesis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Mechanistic and catalytic studies of β‐nitroalcohol crosslinking with polyamine
Authors: Li Xia , Li Yongjun , Rao Yi , Solomon Marissa R. , Paik David C. , Turro Nicholas J. 
Published: October 2012

Abstractβ‐Nitroalcohols (βNAs) are promising corneoscleral crosslinking agents for the treatment of diseases such as keratoconus and myopia. Although it is believed that formaldehyde is released from the crosslinking reactions of βNAs, the mechanism by which βNAs react with amine‐functionalized polymers has yet to be known. In this study, we present the reaction mechanism of the βNA crosslinking. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data provide strong evidence that formaldehyde is released during the reaction. Catalytic studies show that sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and salmon testes DNA accelerate the reaction while hydroxynitrile lyase from Arabidopsis thaliana decelerates the crosslinking reaction. These results suggest that βNAs are potential self‐administered crosslinking agents for future clinical use. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Impact of the CTLA‐4/CD28 axis on the processes of joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Körmendy Dezsö , Hoff Holger , Hoff Paula , Bröker Barbara M. , Burmester Gerd‐Rüdiger , Brunner‐Weinzierl Monika C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe importance of the costimulatory molecules CD28 and CTLA‐4 in the pathologic mechanism of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been demonstrated by genetic associations and the successful clinical application of CTLA‐4Ig for the treatment of RA. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of the CTLA‐4/CD28 axis in the local application of CTLA‐4Ig in the synovial fluid (SF) of RA patients.MethodsQuantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the expression of proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines in ex vivo fluorescence‐activated cell sorted CTLA‐4+ and CTLA‐4− T helper cells from the peripheral blood and SF of RA patients. T helper cells were also analyzed for cytokine expression in vitro after the blockade of CTLA‐4 by anti–CTLA‐4 Fab fragments or of B7 (CD80/CD86) molecules by CTLA‐4Ig.ResultsCTLA‐4+ T helper cells were unambiguously present in the SF of all RA patients examined, and they expressed increased amounts of interferon‐γ (IFNγ), interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), and IL‐10 as compared to CTLA‐4− T helper cells. The selective blockade of CTLA‐4 in T helper cells from the SF in vitro led to increased levels of IFNγ, IL‐2, and IL‐17. The concomitant blockade of CD28 and CTLA‐4 in T helper cells from RA SF by CTLA‐4Ig in vitro resulted in reduced levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IFNγ and IL‐2 and increased levels of the antiinflammatory cytokines IL‐10 and transforming growth factor β.ConclusionOur ex vivo and in vitro results demonstrate that the CTLA‐4/CD28 axis constitutes a drug target for not only the systemic, but potentially also the local, application of the costimulation blocking agent CTLA‐4Ig for the treatment of RA.
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg‐Strauss): Clinical characteristics and long‐term followup of the 383 patients enrolled in the French Vasculitis Study Group cohort
Authors: Comarmond Cloé , Pagnoux Christian , Khellaf Mehdi , Cordier Jean‐François , Hamidou Mohamed , Viallard Jean‐François , Maurier François , Jouneau Stéphane , Bienvenu Boris , Puéchal Xavier , Aumaître Olivier , Guenno Guillaume Le , Quellec Alain Le , Cevallos Ramiro , Fain Olivier , Godeau Bertrand , Seror Raphaèle , Dunogué Bertrand , Mahr Alfred , Guilpain Philippe , Cohen Pascal , Aouba Achille , Mouthon Luc , Guillevin Loïc ,   for the French Vasculitis Study Group
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveEarlier studies of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg‐Strauss) (EGPA), with limited patient numbers and followup durations, demonstrated that clinical presentation at diagnosis, but not outcome, differed according to antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) status. This study was undertaken to describe the main characteristics of a larger patient cohort and their long‐term outcomes.MethodsA retrospective study of EGPA patients in the French Vasculitis Study Group cohort who satisfied the American College of Rheumatology criteria and/or Chapel Hill definitions was conducted. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared according to ANCA status and year of diagnosis.ResultsWe identified 383 patients diagnosed between 1957 and June 2009 (128 [33.4%] before 1997 or earlier) and followed up for a mean ± SD of 66.8 ± 62.5 months. At diagnosis, their mean ± SD age was 50.3 ± 15.7 years, and 91.1% had asthma (duration 9.3 ± 10.8 years). Main manifestations included peripheral neuropathy (51.4%); ear, nose, and throat (ENT) signs (48.0%); skin lesions (39.7%); lung infiltrates (38.6%); and cardiomyopathy (16.4%). Among the 348 patients tested at diagnosis for ANCA, the 108 ANCA‐positive patients (31.0%) had significantly more frequent ENT manifestations, peripheral neuropathy, and/or renal involvement, but less frequent cardiac manifestations, than the ANCA‐negative patients. Vasculitis relapses occurred in 35.2% of the ANCA‐positive versus 22.5% of the ANCA‐negative patients (P= 0.01), and 5.6% versus 12.5%, respectively, died (P< 0.05). The 5‐year relapse‐free survival rate was 58.1% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 45.6–68.6) for ANCA‐positive and 67.8% (95% CI 59.8–74.5) for ANCA‐negative patients (P= 0.35). Multivariable analysis identified cardiomyopathy, older age, and diagnosis during or prior to 1996 as independent risk factors for death and lower eosinophil count at diagnosis as predictive of relapse.ConclusionThe characteristics and long‐term outcomes of EGPA patients differ according to their ANCA status. Although EGPA relapses remain frequent, mortality has declined, at least since 1996.
Monocytes from patients with osteoarthritis display increased osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption: The In Vitro Osteoclast Differentiation in Arthritis study
Authors: Durand Marianne , Komarova Svetlana V. , Bhargava Ajay , Trebec‐Reynolds Diana P. , Li Keying , Fiorino Cara , Maria Osama , Nabavi Noushin , Manolson Morris F. , Harrison Rene E. , Dixon S. Jeffrey , Sims Stephen M. , Mizianty Marcin J. , Kurgan Lukasz , Haroun Sonia , Boire Gilles , Lucena‐Fernandes Maria de Fatima , de Brum‐Fernandes Artur J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the osteoclastogenic capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) to that of PBMCs from self‐reported normal individuals.MethodsPBMCs from 140 patients with OA and 45 healthy donors were assayed for CD14+ expression and induced to differentiate into osteoclasts over 3 weeks in vitro. We assessed the number of osteoclasts, their resorptive activity, osteoclast apoptosis, and expression of the following cytokine receptors: RANK, interleukin‐1 receptor type I (IL‐1RI), and IL‐1RII. A ridge logistic regression classifier was developed to discriminate OA patients from controls.ResultsPBMCs from OA patients gave rise to more osteoclasts that resorbed more bone surface than did PBMCs from controls. The number of CD14+ precursors was comparable in both groups, but there was less apoptosis in osteoclasts obtained from OA patients. Although no correlation was found between osteoclastogenic capacity and clinical or radiographic scores, levels of IL‐1RI were significantly lower in cultures from patients with OA than in cultures from controls. Osteoclast apoptosis and expression levels of IL‐1RI and IL‐1RII were used to build a multivariate predictive model for OA.ConclusionDuring 3 weeks of culture under identical conditions, monocytes from patients with OA display enhanced capacity to generate osteoclasts compared to cells from controls. Enhanced osteoclastogenesis is accompanied by increased resorptive activity, reduced osteoclast apoptosis, and diminished IL‐1RI expression. These findings support the possibility that generalized changes in bone metabolism affecting osteoclasts participate in the pathophysiology of OA.
A novel human autoantigen, endothelial cell growth factor, is a target of T and B cell responses in patients with Lyme disease
Authors: Drouin Elise E. , Seward Robert J. , Strle Klemen , McHugh Gail , Katchar Kianoosh , Londoño Diana , Yao Chunxiang , Costello Catherine E. , Steere Allen C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveAutoantigen presentation by HLA–DR molecules is thought to be a central component of many autoimmune diseases, but identifying disease‐relevant autoantigens has been a difficult challenge. In this study we aimed to identify autoantigens in patients with antibiotic‐refractory Lyme arthritis, in which infection‐induced autoimmunity is thought to play an important role.MethodsUsing tandem mass spectrometry, naturally presented HLA–DR self peptides from a patient's synovium were identified, synthesized, and reacted with his peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Immunoreactive peptides and their source proteins were then tested for T and B cell responses using large numbers of patient cells or sera.ResultsOf 120 HLA–DR–presented self peptides identified from one patient, one peptide derived from endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF) caused his PBMCs to proliferate. T and B cell responses to ECGF occurred systemically in ∼10–30% of patients with early or late manifestations of Lyme disease, primarily in those with refractory arthritis–associated HLA–DR alleles, such as DRB1*0101 and 0401. Compared with patients with antibiotic‐responsive arthritis, those with antibiotic‐refractory arthritis had significantly higher concentrations of ECGF in synovial fluid (P < 0.0001) and more often had ECGF antibody reactivity. Among non–antibiotic‐treated historical patients who developed arthritis, 26% had ECGF reactivity, which often developed before the onset of arthritis and was associated with significantly longer courses of arthritis.ConclusionT and B cell responses to ECGF occur in a subset of patients with Lyme disease, particularly in those with antibiotic‐refractory arthritis, providing the first direct evidence of autoimmune T and B cell responses in this illness.
Tropische Pilze
Authors: Piepenbring Meike 
Published: October 2012

AbstractMykologische Geländearbeit in den Tropen ist faszinierend, weil Pilze als heterotrophe Lebenwesen auf vielfältige Weise ihre Nährstoffe erlangen und dafür häufig mit Algen, Pflanzen und Tieren assoziiert sind. Die meisten Pilze leben in Symbiose mit Pflanzen oder Algen (Flechten), parasitieren sie oder leben von pflanzlichem, totem Material. Andere Pilze töten Insekten oder andere Tiere ab und nutzen ihre Körper als Substrat für ihre Fruchtkörperbildung, während einige wenige Pilze Symbiosen mit Insekten eingehen. Diese und weitere Pilzgruppen werden anhand von Beispielen aus Panama vorgestellt. Manchmal entpuppen sich vermeintliche Pilzstrukturen jedoch als Mimesen – Pflanzen oder Tiere kopieren Pilzmuster, um unerkannt zu bleiben.
Greifvögel und Pestizide
Authors: Kostrzewa Achim 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIm Verlauf der 1940er bis 1960er Jahre kam es zu einer weltweiten Anwendung von chlororganischen, persistenten Pestiziden wie DDT, um Schadinsekten in Land‐ und Forstwirtschaft zu bekämpfen. Die Folge davon waren dramatische Rückgänge bei den Populationen besonders empfindlicher Spezies am Ende der Nahrungsketten wie dem Wanderfalken und dem Fischadler. Zwischen 1970 und 2004 wurden die gefährlichsten Substanzen weltweit verboten bzw. geächtet. Gleichzeitig einsetzende Natur‐ und Artenschutzmaßnahmen führten zu einem Wiedererstarken der betroffenen Populationen. Neue Pestizide und andere Verbindungen wirken jedoch weiterhin toxisch auf Greifvögel. Es bleibt daher erforderlich, mittels Bioindikation die Umwelt weiterhin strikt zu überwachen.
Vergleichende Genomik: Wie aus Algen Landpflanzen wurden
Authors: Rensing Stefan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDie Sequenzierung des Genomes der ursprünglichen Alge Cyanophora paradoxa belegt, dass einige der Kerneigenschaften der Landpflanzen bereits in den einzelligen Algen vorhanden waren. Aus diesen haben sich noch im Wasser die mehrzelligen Charophyten entwickelt, aus denen die ersten Landpflanzen entstanden. Im Anschluss erhöhte sich sukzessive die morphologische Komplexität, unter anderem durch Genomduplikationen und Diversifikation transkriptioneller Netzwerke. Komplexe Eigenschaften, wie das Vorhandensein einer Plastide, Genomduplikationen und Vielzelligkeit, treten jedoch in vielen Zweigen der Eukaryoten auf. Um evolutionäre Grundprinzipien der Komplexitätsentstehung zu analysieren, bedarf es weiterer sequenzierter Genome, um die Lücken im Baum des Lebens zu schließen.