bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individuals with severe knee osteoarthritis (OA) exhibit altered proximal walking mechanics compared with individuals with less severe OA and those without knee pain
Authors: Hunt Michael A. , Wrigley Tim V. , Hinman Rana S. , Bennell Kim L. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo examine hip, pelvis, and trunk walking biomechanics in individuals with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA) of varying radiographic disease severities and others without knee pain.MethodsHip, pelvis, and trunk kinematics and hip kinetics were assessed in 75 individuals with radiographically confirmed OA and 20 asymptomatic individuals. Differences in peak hip adduction and abduction angles, the amount of contralateral pelvic drop, and peak lateral trunk lean measured by 3‐dimensional gait analysis were examined using analyses of variance. Peak external hip abduction and adduction moments were compared using analyses of covariance, with gait speed as a covariate.ResultsThose with severe OA disease exhibited significantly less peak hip adduction (5.0°), but more ipsilateral trunk lean toward the study extremity (5.0°) than all other groups (P < 0.001). Those in the severe (1.1°) and asymptomatic (0.9°) groups also exhibited significantly less lateral trunk lean toward the non‐study extremity (P = 0.004). No significant differences in hip joint moments or contralateral pelvic drop were observed between the groups (P > 0.02).ConclusionGait changes at the hip and trunk were evident across the groups based on radiographic disease severity and compared with those without knee pain. Although not conclusive from this cross‐sectional study design, the results provide initial evidence to support increased lateral trunk lean as being a compensatory response to the disease.
Classification of rheumatologic opinion on early inflammatory arthritis: Harmonization of a heterogeneous standard
Authors: Tavares Ruben , Wells George A. , Scarf Joel , Cagaanan Ria , Bykerk Vivian P. , Bell Mary J. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectiveInterrater variability limits rheumatologic opinion as a reference standard for early inflammatory arthritis (IA) classification. The study objectives were to determine whether rheumatologic opinion is associated with potential early IA classification methods despite high interrater variability, and to compare the relative strengths of those associations.MethodsEighteen rheumatologists independently classified 30 initial rheumatology presentation summaries as early IA or not and recommended a pharmacotherapy. Case fulfillment of the following classification methods was independently determined: early referral to rheumatology recommendation for rheumatoid arthritis (ERRR), common early IA cohort inclusion criteria (CEAC), and prevalent IA classification criteria (American College of Rheumatology [ACR]/European Spondylarthropathy Study Group [ESSG]). Associations between rheumatologic opinion, disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) recommendation, and each classification method were determined.ResultsParticipating rheumatologists published on early IA and represented 3 continents. The median case was age 43 (interquartile range [IQR] 30–53) years, had 40 (IQR 24–104) weeks of symptoms, 60 (IQR 18–120) minutes of morning stiffness, a swollen joint count of 6 (IQR 1–13), and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 25 (IQR 10–51) mm/hour. The mean ± SD multiple‐rater kappa for rheumatologic opinion on early IA was 0.16 ± 0.02. The common odds ratios for associations between rheumatologic opinion and ERRR, CEAC, and ACR/ESSG were 10.3 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 4.6–23.2), 4.4 (95% CI 2.5–7.7), and 0.7 (95% CI 0.4–1.1), respectively. Odds ratios for associations between DMARD recommendation and ERRR, rheumatologic opinion, CEAC, and ACR/ESSG were 18.7 (95% CI 8.1–43.2), 10.6 (95% CI 6.0–18.8), 2.8 (95% CI 1.7–4.6), and 0.5 (95% CI 0.3–0.7), respectively.ConclusionClassification methods can be used to harmonize rheumatologic opinion of early IA despite high interrater variability. The ERRR is very strongly associated with both rheumatologic opinions of early IA and DMARD treatment recommendations.
Psychological interventions for rheumatoid arthritis: Examining the role of self‐regulation with a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Knittle Keegan , Maes Stan , de Gucht Véronique 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the efficacy of psychological interventions for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to determine whether self‐regulation interventions demonstrate efficacy superior to that of other psychological treatments.MethodsOnly randomized controlled trials testing a face‐to‐face psychological intervention among patients with RA were included. Two independent investigators extracted pertinent study data, rated each study on a scale of methodologic quality, and assessed each treatment condition for its inclusion of 5 behavior‐change techniques derived from self‐regulation theory (goal setting, planning, self‐monitoring, feedback, and relapse prevention).ResultsTwenty‐seven trials were included, and cumulative effect sizes were calculated for the 5 outcomes. Significant effect sizes (Hedges' g) were found at posttreatment for physical activity (0.45), pain (0.18), disability (0.32), depressive symptoms (0.23), and anxiety (0.17). At followup (range 2–14 months), significant effect sizes were obtained for physical activity (0.36), pain (0.13), disability (0.15), and depressive symptoms (0.32). Comparative analyses revealed that interventions utilizing more self‐regulation techniques reduced depressive symptoms and anxiety significantly more than interventions utilizing fewer such techniques. Additionally, depressive symptoms were reduced significantly more among recently diagnosed RA patients than among those with longstanding RA.ConclusionPsychological interventions are beneficial for many patients with RA, particularly when it comes to increasing physical activity levels. Intervention techniques derived from self‐regulation theory appear to play a role in reducing depressive symptoms and anxiety among patients with RA.
Nanotribology – Fundamental Studies of Friction and Plasticity
Authors: Bennewitz Roland , Brörmann Katrin , Egberts Philip , Gosvami Nitya Nand , Hausen Florian , Held Christian 
Published: May 2010

AbstractNanotribology explores the mechanical properties of materials at small length scales, where deviations from the scaling laws of macroscopic descriptions are observed. Atomic force microscopy is introduced as an important instrument in nanotribology for imaging friction contrasts on heterogeneous surfaces, for quantitative friction studies, and for the observation of single dislocation processes in plastic deformation. Recent experimental results for the frictional properties of carbon‐based materials are discussed. Friction studies using microstructured surfaces are presented as an attempt to bridge the gap between nanotribological and macroscopic friction studies.
Synthesis of Monodisperse Silica Nanoparticles Dispersable in Non‐Polar Solvents
Authors: Murray Eoin , Born Philip , Weber Anika , Kraus Tobias 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThree synthetic routes to hydrophobic silica nanoparticles are compared in this paper. First, the established synthetic method based on the Stöber process was examined. Monodisperse colloidal silica particles with diameters of 15–25 nm were prepared via the hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) by aqueous ammonia in ethanol. The surfaces of these particles were rendered hydrophobic with octadecyltrimethoxysilane (ODTMS) after the reaction or, more conveniently, during the growth phase. Secondly, silica particles with diameters of 15–50 nm were prepared using a one‐pot synthesis in which TEOS was hydrolyzed by an amino acid and the resulting particles were coated with ODTMS. Lastly a novel, direct approach to the synthesis of hydrophobic organosilica nanoparticles was developed using ODTMS as the single silica source. Hydrolysis of the ODTMS by aqueous ammonia in ethanol yielded monodisperse colloidal organosilica particles with diameters of 15–30 nm.
Brief communication: Three‐dimensional motion analysis of hindlimb during brachiation in a white‐handed gibbon (Hylobates lar)
Authors: Oka Kenji , Hirasaki Eishi , Hirokawa Yohko , Nakano Yoshihiko , Kumakura Hiroo 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn brachiating gibbons, it is thought that there is little movement in the hindlimb joints and that lateral body movement is quite limited. These hypotheses are based on naked‐eye observations, and no quantitative motion analyses of the hindlimbs have been reported. This study quantitatively describes the three‐dimensional movements of the lower trunk and distal thigh during continuous‐contact brachiation in a white‐handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) to evaluate the roles of the trunk and hindlimb. The results revealed that the lower trunk moved both laterally and vertically. The lateral movement of the lower trunk resulted from the lateral inclination of the trunk by gravity. The vertical movement of the trunk was converted into forward velocity, indicating an exchange between potential and kinetic energy. We also observed flexion and extension of the hip, although the excursion was within a small range. In addition, the lateral movement of the hindlimb in thedirection opposite to that of trunk movement helped to reduce the lateral sway of the body. These results suggest that during continuous‐contact brachiation a gibbon uses hip flexion and extension motions to increase the kinetic energy in the swing. In addition, fine motions of the hip may restrict the lateral sway of the center of body mass. Am J Phys Anthropol 142:650–654, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Porous epoxies by reaction induced phase separation of removable alcohols: Control of spheroidal pore size by mass fraction, cure temperature, and reaction rate
Authors: Klein Robert J. , Celina Mathew C. , Lenhart Joseph L. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPorous organic and inorganic materials with both random and controlled microstructures have utility in a variety of fields including catalysis, sensors, separations, optical platforms, tissue engineering, hydrogen storage, micro‐electronics, medical diagnostics, as well as other applications. This work highlights a simple and general technique for tuning the pore size in crosslinking polymeric systems by adding a solvent poragen that phase separates during the curing process (reaction induced phase separation). The pore size can be controlled over large length scales ranging from microns to well below 100 nanometers. In this system an amine cured epoxy resin was reacted in the presence of the sacrificial poragen octadecanol, which is removed by vacuum‐assisted evaporation once the epoxy components have reacted to form a solid, porous matrix. The importance of the present approach is based on the simplicity of the chemical formulation, the ease by which other epoxide or amine chemistries may be substituted for the two reactive components, and the control of pore size down to the nanometer scale by the addition of a small amount of catalyst. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.† J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable crosslinked polymers from 5‐hydroxylevulinic acid and α,ω‐diols
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wu Linbo , Li Bo‐Geng 
Published: May 2010

AbstractNovel biodegradable chemically crosslinked polymers, poly(5‐hydroxylevulinic acid‐co‐α,ω‐diol)s (PHLA‐diols), were synthesized from 5‐hydroxylevulinic acid and α,ω‐diols and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The gel content, swelling ratio, tensile properties, and hydrolytic degradation behaviors were also measured and assessed. The glass‐transition temperature of the PHLA‐diols could be adjusted within a wide range (−50 to 30°C) by the type and feed ratio of the diol. Because of the low glass‐transition temperature and crosslink structure, they exhibited certain elastic properties. The tensile modulus, strength, and elongation at break measured at 37°C were 1.4–6.3 MPa, 0.8–1.6 MPa, and 10–25%, respectively. These polymers could be hydrolytically degraded. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Thermal bonding of nonwovens as simulated by polypropylene films: Effect of time, temperature, and molecular weight
Authors: Michielsen Stephen , Jain Siddharth 
Published: May 2010

AbstractMany nonwoven fabrics are made by melt spinning semicrystalline fibers followed by thermal bonding using heated calendar rolls. In this work, we have studied thermal bonding of polypropylene films to simulate bonding of nonwoven fibers. We have tried to relate the thermal bond strengths with the concepts of chain dynamics via interfacial adhesion development at symmetric polymer interfaces. This requires relating the microscopic dynamics of chains with macroscopic interfacial adhesion measurements. It was found that the interfacial bond strength was proportional to the fraction of the crystals melted. This required heating the interfacial region between the polymer layers into the melting region. Bond strengths were also related to process time as t1/2. This dependence is consistent with the literature for reptation, but is also due to the required thermal diffusion to bring the interfacial region to the bonding temperature. Finally, the bond strength is also dependent on the polymer molecular weight as 1/M1/2, which is consistent with forming the bonds via chain reptation, provided that the bonding time is less than the reptation time. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Ligament and bone pathologic abnormalities more frequent in neuropathic joint disease in comparison with degenerative arthritis of the foot and ankle: Implications for understanding rapidly progressive joint degeneration
Authors: Halstead Jill , Bergin Diane , Keenan Anne‐Maree , Madden Julie , McGonagle Dennis 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectiveThe variable disease progression of osteoarthritis (OA) and the basis for rapid joint deterioration in some subgroups of patients are poorly understood. To explore an anatomic basis for rapidly progressive OA, this observational study compared the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patterns of disease between patients with neuropathic joint disease (NJD) and patients with degenerative arthritis of the ankle and foot.MethodsMR images of the foot and ankle of patients with early NJD (n = 7) and patients with OA (n = 15) were assessed. The anonomized MR images were dichotomously scored by a musculoskeletal radiologist for the presence of the following abnormalities per bone (of a total of 14 bones): cartilage defects, bone cysts, bone marrow edema, fractures, joint debris, joint effusions, tendinopathy, tendinitis, and ligament tears.ResultsAlthough the degree of cartilage damage and joint cyst formation was comparable between the groups, the degree of ligament tears, or change in MRI signal intensity in the ligaments, was significantly greater in patients with NJD compared with patients with OA (median of 3 tears versus 0, of 14 total bones; P < 0.01). Moreover, in patients with early NJD compared with patients with OA, there was a significantly greater degree of diffuse bone marrow edema (median of 6.5 tarsal bones versus 2 adjacent bones, of 14 total bones; P < 0.01), a greater number of bone fractures (median 4 versus 0; P < 0.01), and more frequent bone debris (median 4.5 versus 0; P = 0.013).ConclusionThis analysis of NJD in the foot and ankle shows the predominance of bone and ligament abnormalities in NJD compared with the pattern of involvement in OA. These findings highlight the importance of structures other than articular cartilage in OA of the ankle and foot, and suggest that rapid joint degeneration in NJD may be more ligamentogenic or osteogenic in nature.
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in severe and refractory systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sun Lingyun , Wang Dandan , Liang Jun , Zhang Huayong , Feng Xuebing , Wang Hong , Hua Bingzhu , Liu Bujun , Ye Shengqin , Hu Xiang , Xu Wenrong , Zeng Xiaofeng , Hou Yayi , Gilkeson Gary S. , Silver Richard M. , Lu Liwei , Shi Songtao 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectiveUmbilical cord (UC)–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown marked therapeutic effects in a number of diseases in animal studies, based on their potential for self‐renewal and differentiation. No data are available on the effectiveness of UC MSC transplantation (MSCT) in human autoimmune disease. This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and safety of allogeneic UC MSCT in patients with severe and treatment‐refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsWe conducted a single‐arm trial that involved 16 SLE patients whose disease was refractory to standard treatment or who had life‐threatening visceral involvement. All of the patients gave consent and underwent UC MSCT. Clinical changes were evaluated before and after transplantation using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), measurement of serum antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) antibody, serum complement C3 and C4, and albumin levels, and assessment of and renal function. Evaluation of potential mechanisms of MSCT effects focused on the percentage of peripheral blood Treg cells and serum levels of cytokines.ResultsFrom April 2007 to July 2009, a total of 16 patients with active SLE were enrolled and underwent UC MSCT. The median followup time after MSCT was 8.25 months (range 3–28 months). Significant improvements in the SLEDAI score, levels of serum ANA, anti‐dsDNA antibody, serum albumin, and complement C3, and renal function were observed. Clinical remission was accompanied by an increase in peripheral Treg cells and a re‐established balance between Th1‐ and Th2‐related cytokines. Significant reduction in disease activity was achieved in all patients, and there has been no recurrence to date and no treatment‐related deaths.ConclusionOur findings indicate that UC MSCT results in amelioration of disease activity, serologic changes, and stabilization of proinflammatory cytokines. These data provide a foundation for conducting a randomized controlled trial of this new therapy for severe and treatment‐refractory SLE.
Peptidylarginine deiminase from Porphyromonas gingivalis citrullinates human fibrinogen and α‐enolase: Implications for autoimmunity in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wegner Natalia , Wait Robin , Sroka Aneta , Eick Sigrun , Nguyen Ky‐Anh , Lundberg Karin , Kinloch Andrew , Culshaw Shauna , Potempa Jan , Venables Patrick J. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate protein citrullination by the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis as a potential mechanism for breaking tolerance to citrullinated proteins in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThe expression of endogenous citrullinated proteins was analyzed by immunoblotting of cell extracts from P gingivalis and 10 other oral bacteria. P gingivalis–knockout strains lacking the bacterial peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) or gingipains were created to assess the role of these enzymes in citrullination. Citrullination of human fibrinogen and α‐enolase by P gingivalis was studied by incubating live wild‐type and knockout strains with the proteins and analyzing the products by immunoblotting and mass spectrometry.ResultsEndogenous protein citrullination was abundant in P gingivalis but lacking in the other oral bacteria. Deletion of the bacterial PAD gene resulted in complete abrogation of protein citrullination. Inactivation of arginine gingipains, but not lysine gingipains, led to decreased citrullination. Incubation of wild‐type P gingivalis with fibrinogen or α‐enolase caused degradation of the proteins and citrullination of the resulting peptides at carboxy‐terminal arginine residues, which were identified by mass spectrometry.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that among the oral bacterial pathogens tested, P gingivalis is unique in its ability to citrullinate proteins. We further show that P gingivalis rapidly generates citrullinated host peptides by proteolytic cleavage at Arg‐X peptide bonds by arginine gingipains, followed by citrullination of carboxy‐terminal arginines by bacterial PAD. Our results suggest a novel model where P gingivalis–mediated citrullination of bacterial and host proteins provides a molecular mechanism for generating antigens that drive the autoimmune response in RA.
Prolonged expression of CD154 on CD4 T cells from pediatric lupus patients correlates with increased CD154 transcription, increased nuclear factor of activated T cell activity, and glomerulonephritis
Authors: Mehta Jay , Genin Anna , Brunner Michael , Scalzi Lisabeth V. , Mishra Nilamadhab , Beukelman Timothy , Cron Randy Q. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo assess CD154 expression in patients with pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to explore a transcriptional mechanism that may explain dysregulated expression of CD154.MethodsCell surface CD154 expression (pre‐ and postactivation) in peripheral blood CD4 T cells from 29 children with lupus and 29 controls matched for age, sex, and ethnicity was examined by flow cytometry. CD154 expression was correlated with clinical features, laboratory parameters, and treatments received. Increased CD154 expression on CD4 T cells from the SLE patients was correlated with CD154 message and transcription rates by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and nuclear run‐on assays, respectively. Nuclear factor of activated T cell (NF‐AT) transcription activity and mRNA levels in CD4 T cells from SLE patients were explored by reporter gene analysis and real‐time RT‐PCR, respectively.ResultsCD154 surface protein levels were increased 1.44‐fold in CD4 T cells from SLE patients as compared with controls in cells evaluated 1 day postactivation ex vivo. This increase correlated clinically with the presence of nephritis and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Increased CD154 protein levels also correlated with increased CD154 mRNA levels and with CD154 transcription rates, particularly at later time points following T cell activation. Reporter gene analyses revealed a trend for increased NF‐AT, but decreased activator protein 1 and similar NF‐κB, activity in CD4 T cells from SLE patients as compared with controls. Moreover, NF‐AT1 and, in particular, NF‐AT2 mRNA levels were notably increased in CD4 T cells from SLE patients as compared with controls.ConclusionFollowing activation, cell surface CD154 is increased on CD4 T cells from pediatric lupus patients as compared with controls, and this increase correlates with the presence of nephritis, increased CD154 transcription rates, and increased NF‐AT activity. These results suggest that NF‐AT/calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus and cyclosporine, may be beneficial in the treatment of lupus nephritis.