bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Combined Clinical and Ultrasound Assessment Allow Selection of Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis for Sustained Reduction of Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy?
Authors: Marks Jonathan L. , Holroyd Christopher R. , Dimitrov Borislav D. , Armstrong Ray D. , Calogeras Antonia , Cooper Cyrus , Davidson Brian K. , Dennison Elaine M. , Harvey Nicholas C. , Edwards Christopher J. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate whether a strategy combining clinical and ultrasound (US) assessment can select individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for sustained dose reduction of anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapies.MethodsAs part of a real‐world approach, patients with RA receiving anti‐TNF therapies were reviewed in a dedicated biologic therapy clinic. Patients not taking oral corticosteroids with both Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) remission (≤2.6) and absent synovitis on power Doppler US (PDUS 0) for >6 months were invited to reduce their anti‐TNF therapy dose by one‐third.ResultsBetween January 2012 and February 2014, a total of 70 patients underwent anti‐TNF dose reduction. Combined DAS28 and PDUS remission was maintained by 96% of patients at 3 months followup, 63% at 6 months, 37% at 9 months, and 34% at 18 months followup. However, 88% of patients maintained at least low disease activity (LDA) with DAS28 <3.2 and PDUS ≤1 at 6 months. The addition of PDUS identified 8 patients (25% of those that flared) in DAS28 remission, with subclinically active disease. Those who maintained dose reduction were more likely to be rheumatoid factor (RF) negative (46% versus 17%; P = 0.03) and have lower DAS28 scores at biologic therapy initiation (5.58 versus 5.96; P = 0.038).ConclusionCombined clinical and US assessment identifies individuals in remission who may be suitable for anti‐TNF dose reduction and enhances safe monitoring for subclinical disease flares. Despite longstanding severe RA, a subset of our cohort sustained prolonged DAS28 and PDUS remission. LDA at biologic therapy initiation and RF status appeared predictive of sustained remission.
Altitude effect on birth weight and prematurity in the Province of Catamarca (Argentina)
Authors: Candelas Nieves , Terán José Manuel , López Barbancho Diego , Díaz María Cristina , Lomaglio Delia Beatriz , Marrodán María Dolores 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesTo analyze the effect of altitude on weight and prematurity at birth in the Province of Catamarca (Argentina), between the years 1994 and 2003.MethodsRecords of 22,628 newborns were collected from the vital statistics of the census of Catamarca. Weight was recategorized to include low birth weight (<2,500 g), and gestational age was divided into births that had occurred before or after 37 weeks (preterm or at term births). Altitude was also recategorized (<1,500 m, 1,500–2,000 m, and > 2,000 m). Nonparametric statistical tests were performed.ResultsDifferences were found in birth weight between sexes and in the incidence of low birth weight depending on altitude. This pattern changed according to gestational age, because those sexual differences were nonexistent or lower in preterm neonates with certain advantages for females. Moreover, it was found that the effects of hypoxia were not reflected in birth weight until later stages of intrauterine development.ConclusionsTo be female appears to be a benefit under conditions of prematurity and high altitude. The increased incidence of prematurity due to altitude increase may reflect an adaptive advantage of preterm birth under these conditions. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:526–529, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is human mating for height associated with fertility? Results from a british national cohort study
Authors: Krzyżanowska Monika , Mascie‐Taylor C.G. Nicholas , Thalabard Jean‐Christophe 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesVery few studies have investigated whether spousal similarity for height is related to fertility. This study examined the relationship between mating for height and fertility after correction for spousal age, social class, education, and region.MethodsThe data used were collected as part of the British National Child Development Study and 6,535 husband–wife pairs for whom data were available on measured height, spousal age, education, social class, region, and the number of children were studied.ResultsFertility varied between the regions with the highest fertility in Scotland. Fertility tended to increase from more to less educated and from higher to lower social classes in both sexes. These relationships remained significant after correction for mean age. A negative association between husband's height in relation to fertility was noted as well as the negative and the quadratic term for wife's height. Both the linear as well as the quadratic effects of parental height difference were significantly related to fertility, but after removing the effects of mean age, age difference and mean height these effects disappeared. Analysis of region, mean age, social class, education, height, and differences in age, social class, education, and height together revealed that 32.4% of variation in fertility was explained but only mean age, mean social class and mean height and difference in social class remained significant.ConclusionsThe results did not provide any evidence that differential fertility was associated with spousal height difference after taking into account age, social class, education and region. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:553–563, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterizing occupational heat‐related mortality in the United States, 2000–2010: An analysis using the census of fatal occupational injuries database
Authors: Gubernot Diane M. , Anderson G. Brooke , Hunting Katherine L. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundOccupational heat‐related mortality is not well studied and risk factors remain largely unknown. This paper describes the epidemiological characteristics of heat‐related deaths among workers in the US 2000–2010.MethodsFatality data were obtained at the Bureau of Labor Statistics from the confidential on‐site Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries database. Fatality rates and risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated by year, sex, age group, ethnicity, race, state, and industry.ResultsBetween 2000 and 2010, 359 occupational heat‐related deaths were identified in the U.S., for a yearly average fatality rate of 0.22 per 1 million workers. Highest rates were found among Hispanics, men, the agriculture and construction industries, the state of Mississippi, and very small establishments.ConclusionsThis study provides the first comprehensive national profile of heat‐related deaths in the U.S. workplace. Prevention efforts should be directed at small businesses and at industries and individuals with the highest risk. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:203–211, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Workplace cohort studies in times of economic instability
Authors: Cherniack Martin , Dussetschleger Jeffrey , Farr Dana , Dugan Alicia ,   The CPH‐NEW Team
Published: January 2015

BackgroundA prospective study directed to musculoskeletal health in the manufacturing workforce.MethodsA 36‐month longitudinal study using mixed method; surveys with work and non‐work psychosocial variables, physiologic measurements physical performance, interviews and focus groups, and direct observation of work activity.ResultsChanging economic conditions introduced barriers requiring recruiting a larger number of study sites. Study adherence was unexpectedly high. Coincident with their economic concerns, participants perceived an increase in workplace stress, but not physical demand. New instruments were added to assess economic effects on retirement planning and the physical and emotional costs of caregiving responsibilities.ConclusionsThe economic conditions required adaptive alterations in design due to workforce volatility but presented opportunities for studying the link between working conditions and health. Nevertheless, study size expectations were met through an adaptive approach that suggests a potential effect of the economy on health and well‐being. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:138–151, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonlocal effects in black body radiation
Authors: Bremm Guilherme N. , Falciano Felipe T. 
Published: January 2015

Nonlocal electrodynamics is a formalism developed to include nonlocal effects in the measurement process in order to account for the impossibility of instantaneous measurement of physical fields. This theory modifies Maxwell's electrodynamics by eliminating the hypothesis of locality that assumes an accelerated observer simultaneously equivalent to a comoving inertial frame of reference. In this scenario, the transformation between an inertial and accelerated observer is generalized which affects the properties of physical fields. In particular, we analyze how an uniformly accelerated observer perceives a homogeneous and isotropic black body radiation. We show that all nonlocal effects are transient and most relevant in the first period of acceleration.image
The influence of Ni/Nd‐based Ziegler–Natta catalyst on microstructure configurations and properties of butadiene rubber
Authors: Chatarsa Chansuree , Prasassarakich Pattarapan , Rempel Garry L. , Hinchiranan Napida 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTNeodymium (Nd)‐based Ziegler–Natta catalyst has been well known for preparing polybutadiene rubber (BR) containing high, about 98%, cis−1,4 configuration with extremely low gel content providing superior resistance to low‐temperature fatigue and abrasion. However, its cost is more expensive than a conventional nickel (Ni)‐based catalyst. The Nd‐BR has poor processability with high cold flow due to its high linearity and molecular weight. To compare with a traditional process, the BR produced by Ni‐based catalyst has higher level of branching resulting in the better processability, but it contains medium amount of gel. To balance the catalyst cost and the BR properties, this article reported the influence of a solution containing Ni‐ and Nd‐based Ziegler–Natta catalyst (Ni/Nd) using diethyl aluminum chloride and triethyl aluminum as co‐catalysts on 1,3‐butadiene (BD) conversion and physical properties of the elastomeric materials based on obtained rubber (Ni/Nd‐BR). In the presence of toluene, the increase in the Ni/Nd molar ratio from 0.0/1.0 to 0.4/0.6 yielded Ni/Nd‐BR containing cis−1,4 units of 95%–96% with significantly decreasing both levels of vinyl−1,2 and trans−1,4 configurations from 0.26% to 0.13% and 4.44% to 3.07%, respectively. When cyclohexane was applied as the reaction media, 100% BD conversion was achieved and the Ni/Nd‐BR had very low content of vinyl−1,2 unit (0.07%). The mechanical properties in terms of tensile properties and abrasion resistance of the elastomer based on Ni/Nd‐BR having high cis‐1,4 and relatively higher trans−1,4 configurations were superior to elastomers based on commercial BRs produced by using Ni‐ and Nd‐based catalyst systems. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41834.
Effect of interfacial pretreatment on the properties of montmorillonite/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposites
Authors: Shori Shailesh , Chen Xiaoming , Peralta Michael , Gao Hongsheng , zur Loye Hans‐Conrad , Ploehn Harry J. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThis work explores the factors that control the dispersion of exfoliated montmorillonite (MMT) in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) during solution blending and solvent evaporation. Nanocomposite films were prepared by solution blending of aqueous PVOH solutions with dilute suspensions of fully exfoliated MMT platelets (as confirmed by AFM). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicates that addition of MMT suspensions to PVOH solutions results in undesired particle aggregation and thus poor MMT dispersion in cast films (as evidenced by transmission electron microscopic images and gas permeation measurements). We believe that PVOH bridging induces MMT platelet aggregation. To counteract bridging aggregation, we explore the novel idea of pretreating the MMT surface with a small amount of compatible polymer prior to solution blending with PVOH. We hypothesize that “pretreating” the MMT platelet surfaces with adsorbed polymer in dilute suspensions will protect the platelets from bridging aggregation during solution blending and solvent evaporation. MMT/PVOH composite films have been prepared using low‐molecular‐weight PVOH as the pretreatment polymer; and low‐, medium‐, and high‐molecular‐weight PVOH as the matrix polymer. A PEO‐PPO‐PEO triblock copolymer (F108 from the Pluronics® family) was also evaluated as the pretreatment polymer. DLS shows that pretreated MMT platelets are less susceptible to aggregation during blending with PVOH solutions. Results compare the crystalline structure, thermal properties, dynamic mechanical properties, gas permeability, and dissolution behavior of MMT/PVOH films incorporating untreated versus pretreated MMT. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41867.
Synthesis and stability research of reproducible aqueous polyurethane micelles with low de‐blocking temperature
Authors: Wu Hongchuan , Li Zhiguo , Zhu Libin , Gu Jiyou 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTAqueous polyurethane micelles from 2,4,6‐trichlorphenol blocking terminal‐isocynate pre‐polymer were prepared which could be de‐blocked at low temperature. The prepared aqueous blocked polyurethane micelles (BPUMs) were uniform and spherical micro‐particles. The particle size was decreased with increase of the DMPA content, while it was enlarged at first and then gradually decreased by increasing R‐value. The stability of the micelles was affected by the R value, blocked efficiency and DMPA content. HDI‐BPUMs were more stable than HDI‐BPUMs at the same condition. The stability was further researched by the zeta potential combining with technique and viscosity tracking method, and the initial zeta potential be used as the stability criterion. In addition, a stabilization mechanism of the micelles was proposed. TCP‐blocked TDI‐BPUMs could be initially de‐blocked at about 75°C and TCP‐blocked HDI‐BPUMs was de‐blocked at about 80°C. The de‐blocking temperature could be further reduced in the presence of catalyst, but it was scarcely affected by the change of R‐value and DMPA content. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41908
Effects of polycaprolactone molecular weights on thermal and mechanical properties of polybenzoxazine
Authors: Tiptipakorn Sunan , Keungputpong Noppawat , Phothiphiphit Somruthai , Rimdusit Sarawut 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTPolymer blends of polybenzoxazine (PBA‐a) and polycaprolactone (PCL) of different molecular weights (Mn = 10,000, 45,000, and 80,000 Da) were prepared at various PBA‐a/PCL mass ratios and their properties were characterized. The results from dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) revealed two glass transition temperatures implying phase separation of the two polymers in the studied range of the PCL contents. Moreover, a synergistic behavior in glass transition temperature (Tg) was evidently observed in these blends with a maximumTgvalue of 281°C compared with theTgvalue of 169°C of the PBA‐a and about −50°C of the PCL used. The blends with higherMnof PCL tended to provide greaterTgvalue than those with lower Mnof PCL. The modulus and hardness values of PBA‐a were decreased while the elongation at break and area under the stress−strain curve were increased with an increase of the content andMnof PCL, suggesting an enhancement of toughness of the PBA‐a. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of the sample fracture surface are also used to confirm the improvement in toughness of the blends. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 41915.
Brief Report: Chikungunya Viral Arthritis in the United States: A Mimic of Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Miner Jonathan J. , Aw Yeang Han Xian , Fox Julie M. , Taffner Samantha , Malkova Olga N. , Oh Stephen T. , Kim Alfred H. J. , Diamond Michael S. , Lenschow Deborah J. , Yokoyama Wayne M. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveChikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthritogenic mosquito‐transmitted alphavirus that spread to the Caribbean in 2013 and to the US in 2014. CHIKV‐infected patients develop inflammatory arthritis that can persist for months or years, but little is known about the rheumatologic and immunologic features of CHIKV‐related arthritis in humans, particularly as compared to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The purpose of this study was to describe these features in a group of 10 American travelers who were nearly simultaneously infected while visiting Haiti in June 2014.MethodsPatient history was obtained and physical examination and laboratory tests were performed. All patients with CHIKV‐related arthritis had detectable levels of anti‐CHIKV IgG. Using cytometry by time‐of‐flight (CyTOF), we analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cells in CHIKV‐infected patients, healthy controls, and patients with untreated, active RA.ResultsAmong 10 CHIKV‐infected individuals, 8 developed persistent symmetric polyarthritis that met the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2010 criteria for (seronegative) RA. CyTOF analysis revealed that RA and CHIKV‐infected patients had greater percentages of activated and effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells than healthy controls.ConclusionIn addition to similar clinical features, patients with CHIKV infection and patients with RA develop very similar peripheral T cell phenotypes. These overlapping clinical and immunologic features highlight a need for rheumatologists to consider CHIKV infection when evaluating patients with new, symmetric polyarthritis.
Type VI Collagen Regulates Pericellular Matrix Properties, Chondrocyte Swelling, and Mechanotransduction in Mouse Articular Cartilage
Authors: Zelenski Nicole A. , Leddy Holly A. , Sanchez‐Adams Johannah , Zhang Jinzi , Bonaldo Paolo , Liedtke Wolfgang , Guilak Farshid 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveMechanical factors play a critical role in the physiology and pathology of articular cartilage, although the mechanisms of mechanical signal transduction are not fully understood. We undertook this study to test the hypothesis that type VI collagen is necessary for mechanotransduction in articular cartilage by determining the effects of type VI collagen knockout on the activation of the mechano‐osmosensitive, calcium‐permeable channel TRPV4 (transient receptor potential vanilloid channel 4) as well as on osmotically induced chondrocyte swelling and pericellular matrix (PCM) mechanical properties.MethodsConfocal laser scanning microscopy was used to image TRPV4‐mediated calcium signaling and osmotically induced cell swelling in intact femora from 2‐ and 9‐month‐old wild‐type (WT) and type VI collagen–deficient (Col6a1−/−) mice. Immunofluorescence‐guided atomic force microscopy was used to map PCM mechanical properties based on the presence of perlecan.ResultsHypo‐osmotic stress–induced TRPV4‐mediated calcium signaling was increased in Col6a1−/− mice relative to WT controls at 2 months. Col6a1−/− mice exhibited significantly increased osmotically induced cell swelling and decreased PCM moduli relative to WT controls at both ages.ConclusionIn contrast to our original hypothesis, type VI collagen was not required for TRPV4‐mediated Ca2+ signaling; however, knockout of type VI collagen altered the mechanical properties of the PCM, which in turn increased the extent of cell swelling and osmotically induced TRPV4 signaling in an age‐dependent manner. These findings emphasize the role of the PCM as a transducer of mechanical and physicochemical signals, and they suggest that alterations in PCM properties, as may occur with aging or osteoarthritis, can influence mechanotransduction via TRPV4 or other ion channels.
Th1 and Th17 Cytokines Drive Inflammation in Takayasu Arteritis
Authors: Saadoun D. , Garrido M. , Comarmond C. , Desbois A. C. , Domont F. , Savey L. , Terrier B. , Geri G. , Rosenzwajg M. , Klatzmann D. , Fourret P. , Cluzel P. , Chiche L. , Gaudric J. , Koskas F. , Cacoub P. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTakayasu arteritis (TAK) is a large‐vessel vasculitis that induces damage to the aorta and its branches. Glucocorticoids remain the gold standard of therapy for TAK. The nature of the T cells driving vascular inflammation and the effects of glucocorticoids on the systemic components of TAK are not understood. The aim of this study was to analyze T cell homeostasis and cytokine production in peripheral blood and inflammatory lesions of the aorta in patients with TAK.MethodsT cell homeostasis and cytokine production in peripheral blood and inflammatory lesions of the aorta were analyzed using Luminex analysis, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemical analysis. The study included 41 patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of TAK (17 patients with active TAK and 24 patients with disease in remission), 30 patients with giant cell arteritis and 39 patients with Behçet's disease (disease controls), and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control subjects.ResultsWe observed a marked increase in the expression of Th1 and Th17 cells, which correlated with TAK disease activity. The addition of serum from patients with active TAK to sorted CD4+ T cells from healthy donors in culture medium induced significant production of interferon‐γ (IFNγ) and interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A). We demonstrated the presence of IFNγ‐, IL‐6–, and IL‐17A–producing T cells in vascular inflammatory infiltrates in patients with TAK. Corticosteroid therapy was associated with decreased levels of circulating Th1 cytokines in corticosteroid‐treated patients with TAK compared with steroid‐free patients with TAK (for IL‐2, mean ± SD 5,079 ± 5,300 versus 7,359 ± 3,197 pg/ml; for IFNγ, 2,592 ± 3,072 versus 8,393 ± 3,392 pg/ml; for tumor necrosis factor α, 847 ± 724 versus 1,491 ± 392 pg/ml). However, glucocorticoids had essentially no effect on the frequency of Th17 cytokines (IL‐1 receptor, IL‐17, and IL‐23).ConclusionThe Th17 and Th1 pathways contribute to the systemic and vascular manifestations of TAK. Glucocorticoid treatment suppresses Th1 cytokines but spares Th17 cytokines in patients with TAK.
Construction of an antimyoglobin single‐chain variable fragment with rapid reaction kinetics
Authors: Jang Jun‐Hyuck , Kim Dong‐Hyung , Paek Se‐Hwan , Woo Eui‐Jeon , Kim Young‐Wan 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAntibodies with rapid reaction kinetics (high association and dissociation rates), named reversible antibodies, are used to perform continuous monitoring of sensitive disease biomarkers. In cases of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), continuous monitoring and early diagnosis are important. Human myoglobin (Myo) is a useful biomarker for AMI during the early stage after the onset of symptoms. In this study, a single‐chain variable fragment (scFv) specific to Myo was derived from an IgG antibody that has rapid reaction kinetics. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay revealed that recombinant scFv exhibited 3.8‐fold reduced affinity compared with the parent IgG antibody based on the antibody concentration necessary for 50% of the maximum signal. The scFv retained the rapid reaction kinetic mode with average kon and koff of 2.63 × 105 M−1 Sec−1 and 3.25 × 10−3 Sec−1, respectively, which were reduced to 10‐ and 2.3‐fold compared with those of the parent antibody. The equilibrium constant for the association of the scFv (KA = 8.09 × 107 M−1) was 4.6‐fold lower than that of its parent IgG antibody. This scFv may be a starting point for further mutagenesis/kinetic and structural analyses providing valuable insight into the mechanism of reversible antibodies.