bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relation between cartilage biomarkers (C2C, C1,2C, CS846, and CPII) and the long-term outcome of rheumatoid arthritis patients within the CAMERA trial
Authors: Bakker Marije F , Verstappen Suzanne MM , Welsing Paco MJ , Jacobs Johannes WG , Jahangier Zalima N , van der Veen Maaike J , Bijlsma Johannes WJ , Lafeber Floris PJG ,   the Utrecht Arthritis Cohort study group
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum biomarker levels of C2C, C1,2C, CS846, and CPII can predict the long-term course of disease activity and radiographic progression early in the disease course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods
In patients in the CAMERA trial, levels of biomarkers were evaluated at baseline and after 1 year of treatment. Relations of (changes in) biomarker values with the mean yearly radiographic progression rate and mean disease activity over a 5-year period were evaluated by using regression analysis. The added predictive value of biomarkers over established predictors for long-term outcome was analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis.

Results
Of 133 patients, serum samples were available at baseline and after 1 year of treatment. In the regression analysis C1,2C at baseline, the change in C2C, C1,2C, and the sum of the standardized changes in C2C + C1,2C scores were statistically significantly associated with the mean yearly radiographic progression rate; the change in CPII was associated with the mean disease activity over 5 years of treatment. In the multiple linear regression analysis, only the change in C1,2C was of added predictive value (P = 0.004) for radiographic progression. Explained variances of models for radiographic progression and disease activity were low (0.28 and 0.34, respectively), and the biomarkers only marginally improved the explained variance.

Conclusions
The change in C1,2C in the first year after onset of RA has a small added predictive value for disease severity over a 5-year period, but the predictive value of this biomarker combined with current predictive factors is too small to be of use for individual patients.
Current Therapeutic Uses, Pharmacology, and Clinical Considerations of Neuromuscular Blocking Agents for Critically III Adults
Authors: Warr Julia , Thiboutot Zoé , Rose Louise , Mehta Sangeeta , Burry Lisa D 
Published: August 2011

Objective: To summarize literature describing use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) for common critical care indications and provide a review of NMBA pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, dosing, drug interactions, monitoring, complications, and reversal. Data Sources: Searches of MEDLINE (1975-May 2011). EMBASE (1960-May 2011), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (1981-May 2011) were conducted to identify observational and interventional studies evaluating the efficacy or safety of NMBAs for management of acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), status asthmaticus, elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), and therapeutic hypothermia. Study Selection And Data Extraction: We excluded case reports, animal- or laboratory-based studies, trials describing NMBA use during rapid sequence intubation or in the operating room, and studies published in languages other than English or French. Data Synthesis: Clinical applications of NMBAs in intensive care include, but are not limited to, immobilizing patients for procedural interventions, decreasing oxygen consumption, facilitating mechanical ventilation, reducing intracranial pressure, preventing shivering, and management of tetanus. Recent data on ARDS demonstrated that early application of NMBAs improved adjusted 90-day survival for patients with severe lung injury. These results may lead to increased use of these drugs. While emerging data support the use of cisatracurium in select patients with ALI/ARDS, current literature does not support the use of one NMBA over another for other critical care indications. Cisatracurium may be kinetically preferred for patients with organ dysfunction. Close monitoring with peripheral nerve stimulation is recommended with sustained use of NMBAs to avoid drug accumulation and minimize the risk for adverse drug events. Reversal of paralysis is achieved by discontinuing therapy or, rarely, the use of anticholinesterases. Conclusions: NMBAS are high-alert medications used to manage critically ill patients. New data are available regarding the use of these agents for treatment of ALI/ARDS and status asthmaticus, management of elevated ICP, and provision of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest. To improve outcomes and promote patient safety, intensive care unit team members should have a thorough knowledge of this class of medications.
TRPM7 Is Required within Zebrafish Sensory Neurons for the Activation of Touch-Evoked Escape Behaviors
Authors: Low Sean E. , Amburgey Kimberly , Horstick Eric , Linsley Jeremy , Sprague Shawn M. , Cui Wilson W. , Zhou Weibin , Hirata Hiromi , Saint-Amant Louis , Hume Richard I. , Kuwada John Y. 
Published: August 2011

Mutations in the gene encoding TRPM7 (trpm7), a member of the Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) superfamily of cation channels that possesses an enzymatically active kinase at its C terminus, cause the touch-unresponsive zebrafish mutanttouchdown. We identified and characterized a new allele oftouchdown, as well as two previously reported alleles, and found that all three alleles harbor mutations that abolish channel activity. Through the selective restoration of TRPM7 expression in sensory neurons, we found that TRPM7's kinase activity and selectivity for divalent cations over monovalent cations were dispensable for touch-evoked activation of escape behaviors in zebrafish.Additional characterization revealed that sensory neurons were present and capable of responding to tactile stimuli intouchdownmutants, indicating that TRPM7 is not required for sensory neuron survival or mechanosensation. Finally, exposure to elevated concentrations of divalent cations was found to restore touch-evoked behaviors intouchdownmutants. Collectively, these findings are consistent with a role for zebrafish TRPM7 within sensory neurons in the modulation of neurotransmitter release at central synapses, similar to that proposed for mammalian TRPM7 at peripheral synapses.
Extraction of caesium(I) from HNO3 medium using room temperature ionic liquid containing calix[4]crown ligands as the selective extractants
Authors: Ansari S. A. , Mohapatra P. K. , Raut D. R. , Manchanda V. K. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Studies on the extraction of Cs(I) from nitric acid medium were carried out using three commercial calix-crown ligands, viz. calix[4]arene-bis-crown-6, calix[4]arene-bis-1,2-benzocrown-6 and calix[4]arene-bis-2,3-naphthocrown-6 dissolved in different room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), viz. 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (C4mim·PF6), 1-hexyl-3-methyl-imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (C6mim·PF6) and 1-octyl-3-methyl-imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (C8mim·PF6). The distribution ratio of Cs(I) decreased with increased alkyl chain length of RTILs. The effect of nitric acid concentration on distribution behaviour of Cs(I) by calix[4]arene-bis-1,2-benzocrown-6 was investigated. The extraction of Cs(I) from HNO3 was found to be exothermic and extraction was found to be enthalpy driven. Selective extraction of Cs(I) could be achieved from a mixt ure of various fission product elements like Tc, Mo, Zr, Ce, Ru, La, Ba, and Sr.
Synthesis and incorporation of selenide in pyrite and mackinawite
Authors: Diener Alexander , Neumann Thomas 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
According to performance assessment reports for high-level radioactive waste repositories, 79Se is a radionuclide that could represent a potential threat to the biosphere. Therefore knowledge of its geochemical behavior during its transport in aqueous solutions is fundamental to assess the safety of repository sites. Selenium is often associated with sulfides such as pyrite, a frequent minor constituent of host rocks and bentonite backfills considered for radioactive waste disposal. In this study, we investigated the uptake of Se by Fe sulfides synthesized in batch experiments under anoxic conditions. Results from X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses reveal the formation of pyrite and mackinawite. More than 98% of the Se added to solutions (initial concentration: 10−3–10−6 mol/l) was taken up by the Fe sulfide minerals. Focused ion beam analysis shows an inhomogeneous Se distribution with a higher accumulation in the center of the pyrite grains, probably due to the progressive depletion of Se from solution with regard to S. The results imply that pyrite and its most important precursor phase, mackinawite, are efficient in removing selenium from solution, which may contribute in reducing the mobility of 79Se released from radioactive waste.
Risk Factors for Self-Harm in Children and Adolescents Admitted to a Mental Health Inpatient Unit
Authors: de Kloet Liselotte , Starling Jean , Hainsworth Cassandra , Berntsen Ellen , Chapman Lucy , Hancock Karen 
Published: August 2011

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for self-harm for children and adolescents in a mental health inpatient unit. Methods: A retrospective file audit of patient files over three years (2006–2009) was conducted to determine risk factors associated with self-harm in children and adolescents admitted to a mental health unit. A checklist of potential factors was based on risk factors found in a review of the literature including demographic information, diagnosis, home situation, environmental stressors, childhood trauma and previous mental health care. The study compared those who self-harmed with a control group who did not self-harm. Results: There were 150 patients who self-harmed (mean age 14 years) and 56 patients who did not self-harm with a mean age of 13 years. Several factors were identified that increased the likelihood of self-harm, including a diagnosis of depression, female gender, increasing age, being Australian-born, living with a step parent, not having received previous mental health care, having a history of trauma, and having other stressors including problems within the family. Conclusions: While increasing age, female gender, a history of trauma and a diagnosis of depression are well known as risk factors for self-harm, this study confirms that family factors, in particular living with a step parent, significantly add to the risk. Child and adolescent services should be aware of the increased risk of self-harm in young people with mental health problems who live in blended families. Treatment approaches need to involve parents as well as the child or young person.
Bioequivalence of Dispersed Stavudine: Opened versus Closed Capsule Dosing
Authors: Innes Steve , Norman Jennifer , Smith Pete , Smuts Marlize , Capparelli Edmund , Rosenkranz Bernd , Cotton Mark 
Published: August 2011

Background Stavudine, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is used commonly to treat HIV-infected children in the developing world. The paediatric liquid formulation presents major logistical difficulties in rural and resource-limited areas, and prescribers are frequently forced to employ off-label ‘opened capsule’ dosing methods using the adult capsule. The South African Department of Health (DoH) has advised that caregivers should be instructed to disperse the contents of an adult capsule in 5 ml water and then withdraw the required dose using a syringe. The bioavailability of stavudine using the opened capsule dosing method has not previously been validated. Methods This was a randomized crossover pharmacokinetic study with each subject serving as his/her own control. A total of 28 healthy HIV-negative adult volunteers were randomized on a 1:1 basis to receive one of the two generic preparations typically available in state hospitals. They were then further randomized to receive either intact or opened 30 mg capsules. After 1 week, those who initially received intact capsules, were given opened capsules and vice versa. The capsule dispersion technique used was identical to that prescribed by the DoH. Serial blood samples were collected and plasma stavudine concentrations were assayed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Stavudine pharmacokinetics were analysed using non-compartmental methods and formulations were compared using ANOVA. Results Plasma drug exposure after stavudine administration as a solution using an opened capsule dosing method was found to be bioequivalent to intact capsule administration. This was true for both generics tested. Conclusions The opened capsule dosing technique is bio-equivalent to intact capsule dosing for stavudine in HIV-seronegative adults.
On‐Water Vinylogous Mukaiyama–Michael Addition of Heterocyclic 2‐Silyloxydienes to 1,2‐Diaza‐1,3‐dienes: One‐Pot Three‐Step Entry to Functionality‐Rich Pyrroles
Authors: Battistini Lucia , Dell'Amico Luca , Sartori Andrea , Curti Claudio , Pelosi Giorgio , Casiraghi Giovanni , Attanasi Orazio A. , Favi Gianfranco , Zanardi Franca 
Published: August 2011

AbstractDensely substituted pyrrole‐carboxylates have been prepared in good yields in a highly practical one‐pot three‐step procedure. The key reaction of this process, which involves an uninterrupted sequence of reactions on‐water, is a diastereoselective vinylogous Mukaiyama–Michael addition reaction (VMMcR) of heterocyclic 2‐silyloxydienes to 1,2‐diaza‐1,3‐dienes mediated by water itself. Subsequent in situ addition of catalytic aqueous sodium carbonate promotes an intramolecular aza‐Michael addition with final ring‐opening and aromatization. The superior use of water in the VMMcR as both reaction medium and promoter vis‐à‐vis deployment of conventional Lewis acids in organic solvents is highlighted, which provides the best results in terms of reaction rate, efficiency, stereoselectivity, and overall practicality.
Pierpont syndrome: A collaborative study
Authors: Wright Emma M.M. Burkitt , Suri Mohnish , White Susan M. , de Leeuw Nicole , Silfhout Anneke T. Vulto‐van , Stewart Fiona , McKee Shane , Mansour Sahar , Connell Fiona C , Chopra Maya , Kirk Edwin P. , Devriendt Koen , Reardon Willie , Brunner Han , Donnai Dian 
Published: August 2011

AbstractPierpont syndrome is a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome with learning disability first described in 1998. There are only three patients with Pierpont syndrome who have previously been published in the literature. Details of a series of patients with features of this condition were therefore obtained retrospectively to better characterize its key features. These patients were noted to have distinctive shared facial characteristics, in addition to plantar fat pads and other limb abnormalities. Further individuals with equally striking hand and foot findings were identified whose facies were less characteristic, and hence we considered them unlikely to be affected with the same condition. Despite several patients with possible Pierpont syndrome having had high‐resolution array CGH or SNP array, the etiology of this phenotype remains unknown. Whilst it is as yet unclear whether it is a single entity, there appears to be a group of patients in whom Pierpont syndrome may be a recognizable condition, with typical facies, particularly when smiling, and characteristic hand and foot findings. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct patterning of polysilanes and polygermanes using interference lithography
Authors: Yang Yun , Lu Cheng , Dias Eva A. , Lipson Robert H. , Baines Kim M. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe direct patterning of poly(p‐methoxyphenylmethylsilane) (PMPMS) and poly(p‐methoxyphenylmethylgermane) (PMPMG) by interference lithography is reported. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyacrylonitrile fiber mat‐supported palladium catalyst for Mizoroki–Heck reaction in aqueous solution
Authors: Shao Linjun , Liu Jie , Ye Yuhang , Zhang Xian‐Man , Qi Chenze 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA novel palladium catalyst immobilized on polyacrylonitrile fiber mats (Pd/PAN) was prepared by electrospinning. The catalytic activity and recyclability of the microwave‐assisted Pd/PAN fiber mats were examined for the Mizoroki–Heck cross‐coupling of aryl iodides with three different acrylates in aqueous solution. The morphology of the prepared Pd/PAN fiber mats was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The large size of the PAN fiber mat‐supported palladium catalyst enables much easier separation from the reaction mixture by simple filtration. Density functional theory calculation indicates that the chelation energy of palladium chloride (PdCl2) with propionitrile (model of PAN) is considerable smaller than that of PdCl2 with water, suggesting that the stability and reactivity of the Pd/PAN fiber mats catalyst could be improved through the surface derivatization with polar functional groups. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity to the physical and chemical structure of hard‐segment‐reinforced polyurethane elastomers with variable percentage of hydrogen bonding
Authors: Prisacariu C. , Scortanu E. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA series of segmented polyurethane elastomers was achieved with similar structures but with various percentages of hydrogen bonding. The effect of the hard segment (crystallizing or not) was followed by the inclusion of a conventional rigid diisocyanate, 4,4′‐diphenyl methane diisocyanate, and an isocyanate with a large conformational mobility, 4,4′‐dibenzyl diisocyanate. Hydrogen substitution was carried out with the following procedures: (1) the substitution of hydrogen bonding by direct exchange with deuterium of liquid D2O, (2) deuteration by synthesis with deuterated chain extenders (CEs) or deuterated macrodiols (MDs), and (3) hydrogen substitution with inert CH3 groups. The stress–strain data and hysteresis in uniaxial tension indicated a dramatic softening and weakening when the hydrogen of the urethane groups was replaced by inert CH3 groups, which were incapable of undergoing intermolecular interactions. This was in contrast with the observations made on the materials synthesized with deuterated CEs, where the elastomeric behavior of the materials was observed to improve. For the materials obtained with deuterated MDs, significant modifications in the mechanical response were not observed relative to the analogous normal materials. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Electrospinning of drug‐loaded polymer systems: Preparation and drug release
Authors: Russo G. , Lamberti G. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIn this study, biomedical devices for tissue regeneration loaded with anti‐inflammatory drugs were formulated and characterized. We realized these systems by homogenously dispersing an interclay, a lamellar hydrotalcite loaded with diclofenac sodium (HTlc‐DIC), in a polymeric matrix made of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) to produce a controlled release of the drug. These biomedical devices were obtained with the electrospinning technique, which has proven to be very efficient. In particular, in this study, microfibers loaded with HTlc‐DIC were obtained, and the drug delivery of diclofenac sodium from these systems was studied and compared with the release from biomedical devices loaded with the free drug. We analyzed these results by evaluating the diffusivity coefficient by means of the pure diffusive mathematical model. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
A basic approach toward the development of nanocomposite magnetic scaffolds for advanced bone tissue engineering
Authors: De Santis R. , Gloria A. , Russo T. , D'Amora U. , Zeppetelli S. , Dionigi C. , Sytcheva A. , Herrmannsdörfer T. , Dediu V. , Ambrosio L. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractMagnetic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering based on a poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) matrix and iron oxide (Fe3O4) magnetic nanoparticles were designed and developed through a three‐dimensional (3D) fiber‐deposition technique. PCL/Fe3O4 scaffolds were characterized by a 90/10 w/w composition. Tensile and magnetic measurements were carried out, and nondestructive 3D imaging was performed through microcomputed tomography (Micro‐CT). Furthermore, confocal analysis was undertaken to investigate human mesenchymal stem cell adhesion and spreading on the PCL/Fe3O4 nanocomposite fibers. The results suggest that nanoparticles mechanically reinforced the PCL matrix; the elastic modulus and the maximum stress increased about 10 and 30%, respectively. However, the maximum strain decreased about 50%; this suggested an enhanced brittleness. Magnetic results evidenced a superparamagnetic behavior for these nanocomposite scaffolds. Micro‐CT suggested an almost uniform distribution of nanoparticles. Confocal analysis highlighted interesting results in terms of cell adhesion and spreading. All of these results show that a magnetic feature could be incorporated into a polymeric matrix that could be processed to manufacture scaffolds for advanced bone tissue engineering and, thus, provide new opportunity in terms of scaffold fixation and functionalization. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Tissue factor–thrombin signaling enhances the fibrotic activity of myofibroblasts in systemic sclerosis through up‐regulation of endothelin receptor A
Authors: Chrysanthopoulou Akrivi , Mitroulis Ioannis , Kambas Konstantinos , Skendros Panagiotis , Kourtzelis Ioannis , Vradelis Stergios , Kolios George , Aslanidis Spyros , Doumas Michael , Ritis Konstantinos 
Published: August 2011

AbstractObjectiveThe extrinsic coagulation cascade is involved in the fibrotic process, via thrombin‐dependent induction of CCN2 (connective tissue growth factor) expression. Given the previously reported activation of the coagulation system in systemic sclerosis (SSc), we undertook the present study to investigate the involvement of cross‐talk between the tissue factor (TF)–thrombin axis and endothelin 1 (ET‐1) signaling in the fibrotic activity of SSc.MethodsHuman colonic myofibroblasts (HCMFs) from 6 patients with SSc and gastrointestinal symptoms and from 6 control subjects were isolated and cultured under various conditions. Messenger RNA and protein levels of TF, CCN2, and endothelin receptor A (ETA) were investigated. Collagen production and migratory activity of HCMFs were further assessed.ResultsHCMFs from SSc patients demonstrated increased basal CCN2 production, collagen deposition, and migration rate, in a thrombin‐dependent manner. Increased TF expression was also observed in SSc HCMFs. Subsequent activation of the extrinsic coagulation system resulted in thrombin‐dependent enhancement of ETA expression. ETA overexpression led to further increases in both TF expression and fibrotic activity in HCMFs. Moreover, inhibition of ET‐1 signaling by bosentan abolished the TF‐mediated fibrotic capacity of HCMFs.ConclusionTissue factor–thrombin signaling is involved in the increased fibrotic activity of HCMFs from patients with SSc. Moreover, the up‐regulation of ETA expression by thrombin and the effect of ET‐1 in the induction of TF expression indicate an amplification loop for enhanced collagen deposition. Therapeutic interventions targeting the extrinsic coagulation system or ET‐1 signaling may provide clinical benefit by breaking this vicious circle.