bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Focal Erosions, Bone Mineral Density, and Parathyroid Hormone in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: ROSSINI MAURIZIO , BAGNATO GIANFILIPPO , FREDIANI BRUNO , IAGNOCCO ANNAMARIA , LA MONTAGNA GIOVANNI , MINISOLA GIOVANNI , CAMINITI MAURIZIO , VARENNA MASSIMO , ADAMI SILVANO 
Published: April 2011

Objective.To investigate the relationship among focal bone erosions and bone mineral density (BMD), 25(OH) vitamin D (25OHD), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) values in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.The study included 1191 RA patients (1014 women, 177 men, mean age 58.9 ± 11.1 yrs) participating in a multicenter, cross-sectional study.Results.Radiographic evidence of typical bony erosions on hands or forefeet was found in 64.1% of patients. In those with bone erosions as compared to those without, mean BMD Z score values were significantly lower at both the spine (−0.74 ± 1.19 vs −0.46 ± 1.31; p = 0.05) and the hip (−0.72 ± 1.07 vs −0.15 ± 1.23; p < 0.001). In the subgroup of patients not taking vitamin D supplements, PTH levels were significantly higher in those with erosive arthritis (25.9 ± 14.0 vs 23.1 ± 11.6 pg/ml; p = 0.01); whereas the 25OHD concentrations were very similar in the 2 groups. The mean differences for BMD and PTH among the erosive and nonerosive RA remained statistically significant when values were simultaneously adjusted for all disease and mineral metabolism factors (i.e., age, sex, menopause, disease duration, Disease Activity Score 28-joint count, Health Assessment Questionnaire, activities of daily living, Steinbrocker functional state, glucocorticoid therapy, body weight, and bisphosphonate treatment).Conclusion.Our results suggest that the presence of bone erosions in RA correlates with low BMD levels and high PTH levels, and that these associations are independent of the degree of functional impairment and other common determinants of bone mass and mineral metabolism in adults with RA. These findings suggest that treatments to prevent bone loss or suppress PTH levels might positively affect the progression of bone erosions in RA.
Longterm Therapeutic Response to Milnacipran Treatment for Fibromyalgia. A European 1-Year Extension Study Following a 3-Month Study
Authors: BRANCO JAIME C. , CHERIN PATRICK , MONTAGNE AGNES , BOUROUBI ATHMANE 
Published: April 2011

Objective.This double-blind, 1-year extension study investigated the longterm efficacy and safety of milnacipran 100, 150, and 200 mg/day in the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM) in completers of a 3-month European double-blind lead-in study of milnacipran 200 mg/day versus placebo.Methods.A total of 468 patients with FM successfully completing the lead-in study were either blindly maintained on milnacipran 200 mg/day (MLN200:MLN200, n = 198) or (if previously receiving placebo) rerandomized to milnacipran 100 mg/day (PBO:MLN100, n = 91), 150 mg/day (PBO:MLN150, n = 92), or 200 mg/day (PBO:MLN200, n = 87) for an additional 12 months (including a 4-week dose escalation). The main efficacy endpoint was a 2-measure composite responder rate (relative to lead-in study baseline) incorporating the weekly-recall pain score recorded on a visual analog scale and the Patient Global Impression of Change score. A panel of other assessments including the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire explored the multidimensional aspects of FM. Descriptive analyses using the last observation carried forward approach were performed.Results.At the 1-year endpoint, the proportion of composite responders (relative to the lead-in study baseline) ranged from 27.5% (PBO:MLN100) to 35.9% (MLN200:MLN200), and had increased from the extension study baseline by 15.2% (PBO:MLN150) to 20.7% (PBO:MLN200 and MLN200:MLN200). At endpoint, an improvement from both baselines was shown in all groups on pain, fatigue, sleep, and quality of life measures. Up to 1 year, all doses of milnacipran were safe and well tolerated. The most common drug-related adverse events were hyperhidrosis and nausea.Conclusion.Over 1 year, milnacipran 100, 150, and 200 mg/day exhibited sustained and safe therapeutic effects on predominant symptoms of FM. Registered as trial no.NCT00757731.
High Prevalence of Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: SHANG QING , TAM LAI-SHAN , YIP GABRIEL WAI-KWOK , SANDERSON JOHN E. , ZHANG QING , LI EDMUND KWOK-MING , YU CHEUK-MAN 
Published: April 2011

Objective.Endothelial dysfunction and early atherosclerosis have been found in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) without cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Few studies have investigated whether there is any early impairment of myocardial function. The aims of our study were to determine the prevalence of subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in PsA patients and the disease-related risk factors.Methods.Ninety-four PsA patients without clinical evidence of CVD and 63 healthy subjects were enrolled. All underwent conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging.Results.Sixty-one (65%) patients with PsA had evidence of subclinical LV dysfunction as defined by mean myocardial peak systolic velocity (Sm) of basal 6 segments < 4.4 cm/s, lateral E’ < 11.5 cm/s, and/or lateral E/E’ > 10. Thirty-six (38%) patients had only diastolic dysfunction, 4 (4%) had only systolic dysfunction, and 21 (22%) had both systolic and diastolic dysfunction. PsA patients with subclinical LV dysfunction were older, had a higher age at diagnosis of PsA and of psoriasis, a longer disease duration, a higher prevalence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, higher levels of serum creatinine, and more antihypertensive treatment than those with normal LV function. Multivariate regression showed that age at diagnosis of PsA > 40 years (OR 3.388, 95% CI 1.065–10.777, p = 0.039) and hypertension (OR 4.732, 95% CI 1.345–16.639, p = 0.015) were independent predictors of subclinical LV dysfunction.Conclusion.PsA patients without established CVD disease and in the absence of traditional CV risk factors have a high prevalence of subclinical LV dysfunction.
Analyser un corpus illisible ? Le logiciel Alceste confronté à des registres de condoléances
Authors: Truc Gérôme 
Published: April 2011

Les registres de condoléances sont réputés constituer un matériau d’enquête difficile à appréhender pour le chercheur. Le formalisme et la répétitivité des messages qu’ils contiennent d’une part et leur volume pléthorique d’autre part semblent rendre impossible toute lecture exhaustive et vaine toute tentative d’analyse de contenu. Dans cet article, nous passons tout d’abord en revue les différentes stratégies mises en œuvre pour contourner cette difficulté, puis nous examinons dans quelle mesure le recours au logiciel de statistique textuelle Alceste, développé par Max Reinert, peut s’avérer particulièrement pertinent pour ce type spécifique de corpus. Nous appuyons cette réflexion sur une analyse menée avec Alceste d’un ensemble de presque 60000 messages de condoléances électroniques rédigés à la suite des attentats du 11 mars 2004 à Madrid, dont nous présentons pour finir les principaux résultats.
Pertinence de la notion de formation discursive en analyse de discours
Authors: Maingueneau Dominique 
Published: April 2011

Dans cet article, j'interroge la pertinence de la notion de formation discursive, qui a joué un rôle privilégié dans chez les analystes du discours francophones, puis a connu un net déclin à partir des années 1980. Elle reste aujourd’hui très employée, mais sans avoir un statut bien clair, en quelque sorte par défaut. Je commence par rappeler quelle fonction elle a occupé chez les deux auteurs qui l’ont introduite, Michel Foucault et Michel Pêcheux, puis je propose de lui conférer un nouveau statut en l’inscrivant à l’intérieur d’une typologie des unités sur lesquelles travaillent les analystes du discours. Après avoir séparé les « unités topiques » des « unités non-topiques », j’opère une distinction, parmi les unités non-topiques, entre « formations discursives » et « parcours » et j’introduis une distinction entre les formations discursives « unifocales » et « plurifocales ». On peut penser que cette redéfinition de la notion de formation discursive est mieux adaptée à la configuration présente des études sur le discours.
Napping During Night Shift: Practices, Preferences, and Perceptions of Critical Care and Emergency Department Nurses
Authors: Fallis Wendy M. , McMillan Diana E. , Edwards Marie P. 
Published: April 2011

BackgroundNurses working night shifts are at risk for sleep deprivation, which threatens patient and nurse safety. Little nursing research has addressed napping, an effective strategy to improve performance, reduce fatigue, and increase vigilance.ObjectiveTo explore nurses’ perceptions, experiences, barriers, and safety issues related to napping/not napping during night shift.MethodsA convenience sample of critical care nurses working night shift were interviewed to explore demographics, work schedule and environment, and napping/ not napping experiences, perceptions, and barriers. Transcripts were constantly compared, and categories and themes were identified.ResultsParticipants were 13 critical care nurses with an average of 17 years’ experience. Ten nurses napped regularly; 2 avoided napping because of sleep inertia. The need for and benefits of napping or not during night shift break were linked to patient and nurse safety. Ability to nap was affected by the demands of patient care and safety, staffing needs, and organizational and environmental factors.ConclusionsNurses identified personal health, safety, and patient care issues supporting the need for a restorative nap during night shift. Barriers to napping exist within the organization/work environment.
Preparation and properties of high performance phthalide‐containing bismaleimide modified epoxy matrices
Authors: Xiong Xuhai , Chen Ping , Zhang Jinxiang , Yu Qi , Wang Baichen 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA series of intercrosslinked networks formed by diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin (DGEBA) and novel bismaleimide containing phthalide cardo structure (BMIPP), with 4,4′‐diamino diphenyl sulfone (DDS) as hardener, have been investigated in detail. The curing behavior, thermal, mechanical and physical properties and compatibility of the blends were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), notched Izod impact test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and water absorption test. DSC investigations showed that the exothermic transition temperature (Tp) of the blend systems shifted slightly to the higher temperature with increasing BMIPP content and there appeared a shoulder on the high‐temperature side of the exothermic peak when BMIPP content was above 15 wt %. TGA and DMA results indicated that the introduction of BMIPP into epoxy resin improved the thermal stability and the storage modulus (G′) in the glassy region while glass transition temperature (Tg) decreased. Compared with the unmodified epoxy resin, there was a moderate increase in the fracture toughness for modified resins and the blend containing 5 wt % of BMIPP had the maximum of impact strength. SEM suggested the formation of homogeneous networks and rougher fracture surface with an increase in BMIPP content. In addition, the equilibrium water uptake of the modified resins was reduced as BMIPP content increased. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
An integrated scale‐down plant for optimal recombinant enzyme production by Pichia pastoris
Authors: Loegering Kai , Mueller Christian , Voss Jan‐Patrick , Wagenfuehrer Claudia , Zahn Daniel , Bertelsen Hans‐Peter , Scheffler Ulrich , Luttmann Reiner 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAn integrated bioprocess was created in a scale‐down production plant by developing a two‐stage enzyme production process with Pichia pastoris, containing a cell‐breeding reactor and a production reactor in combination with a three‐stage downstream process. To harvest the secreted enzymes, a disc separator and a cross‐flow microfiltration clear the broth from the cells. Purification with hydrophobic interaction chromatography removes other proteins, concentrates the product, and prepares the enzyme solution for lyophilization. Fully automated and broad observable multi‐stage parallel process courses have been developed using industrial process control systems and at‐line measurements for enzyme concentration and enzyme activity. Optimal process conditions were found by application of Design of Experiments (DoE) for the production process.
Composites of Polyaniline Nanofibers and Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Recognition of Nitroaromatic Compounds
Authors: Liang Ying , Gu Li , Liu Xiaoqian , Yang Qinyan , Kajiura Hisashi , Li Yongming , Zhou Tianshu , Shi Guoyue 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis paper reports a monomer strategy for imprinting of 1,3‐dinitrobenzene (DNB) molecules at the surface of conductive functional polyaniline nanofibers (PANI) for the first time. It has been demonstrated that the vinyl functional monomer layer on the PANI surface can not only direct the selective occurrence of imprinting polymerization, but can also drive DNB templates into the polymer through charge‐transfer complexing interactions between DNB and functionalized PANI. These two basic processes lead to the formation of DNB‐imprinted polymers at the surface of polyaniline nanofibers. The capacity to uptake DNB shows that selectivity coefficient in the nanofibers polymers is nearly three times as high as that of traditional imprinted materials and the nanofibers polymers also possess high selectivity toward DNB in comparison to similar nitroaromatic compounds. A linear response of DNB concentration between 2.20×10−8 and 3.08×10−6 M was exhibited with a detection limit of 7.33×10−9 M (S/N=3). These results reported here could form the basis of a new strategy for preparing various polymer‐coating layers on polyaniline supports and the molecular imprinting techniques discussed could also find applications in the fields of separation, trace detection, and environmental monitoring.
Controlled Synthesis of CdSe Quantum Dots by a Microwave‐Enhanced Process: A Green Approach for Mass Production
Authors: Ayele Delele Worku , Chen Hung‐Ming , Su Wei‐Nien , Pan Chun‐Jern , Chen Liang‐Yih , Chou Hung‐Lung , Cheng Ju‐Hsiang , Hwang Bing‐Joe , Lee Jyh‐Fu 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA method that does not employ hot‐injection techniques has been developed for the size‐tunable synthesis of high‐quality CdSe quantum dots (QDs) with zinc blende structure. In this environmentally benign synthetic route, which uses less toxic precursors, solvents, and capping ligands, CdSe QDs that absorb visible light are obtained. The size of the as‐prepared CdSe QDs and thus their optical properties can be manipulated by changing the microwave reaction conditions. The QDs were characterized by XRD, TEM, UV/Vis, FTIR, time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectrophotometry. In this approach, the reaction is conducted in open air and at a much lower temperature than in hot‐injection techniques. The use of microwaves in this process allows for a highly reproducible and effective synthesis protocol that is fully adaptable for mass production and can be easily employed to synthesize a variety of semiconductor QDs with the desired properties. Possible applications of the CdSe QDs were assessed by deposition on TiO2 films.
Six color flow cytometry detects plasma cells expressing aberrant immunophenotype in bone marrow of healthy donors
Authors: Peceliunas Valdas , Janiulioniene Ausra , Matuzeviciene Reda , Griskevicius Laimonas 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground:Both normal and malignant plasma cell (PC) populations can be identified using modern flow cytometry (FC) technique in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Expression of CD19 and CD56 markers is heterogenous on bone marrow PCs of healthy individuals. Little is known about immunophenotypically aberrant (CD19−/CD56+) PCs subpopulation of healthy people.Methods:Using six color FC, we analyzed PCs in BM samples of 11 healthy donors (HD) and compared their immunophenotypic properties with clonal PC populations from MM patients.Results:Both immunophenotypically normal (CD19+/CD56−) and aberrant (CD19−/CD56+) PC populations could be detected in 10 of 11 HDs' BM samples and constituted the median of 60.3% (37.3–72.3) and 9.6% (0–35.7) of BM PCs, respectively. CD19, CD56, CD38, CD45, and CD20 marker expression characteristics were of little value discriminating clonal PCs of MM patients from immunophenotypically aberrant PCs of healthy donors.Conclusions:Our findings suggest that aberrant immunophenotype is common in BM PCs of healthy people. Improvements in FC methodology to separate normal and malignant PCs remain an open area for future investigations. © 2011 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Killing of myeloid APCs via HLA class I, CD2 and CD226 defines a novel mechanism of suppression by human Tr1 cells
Authors: Magnani Chiara F. , Alberigo Giada , Bacchetta Rosa , Serafini Giorgia , Andreani Marco , Roncarolo Maria Grazia , Gregori Silvia 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIL‐10‐producing CD4+ type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells, defined based on their ability to produce high levels of IL‐10 in the absence of IL‐4, are major players in the induction and maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Tr1 cells inhibit T‐cell responses mainly via cytokine‐dependent mechanisms. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the suppression of APC by Tr1 cells are still not completely elucidated. Here, we defined that Tr1 cells specifically lyse myeloid APC through a granzyme B (GZB)‐ and perforin (PRF)‐dependent mechanism that requires HLA class I recognition, CD54/lymphocyte function‐associated antigen (LFA)‐1 adhesion, and activation via killer cell Ig‐like receptors (KIRs) and CD2. Notably, interaction between CD226 on Tr1 cells and their ligands on myeloid cells, leading to Tr1‐cell activation, is necessary for defining Tr1‐cell target specificity. We also showed that high frequency of GZB‐expressing CD4+ T cells is detected in tolerant patients and correlates with elevated occurrence of IL‐10‐producing CD4+ T cells. In conclusion, the modulatory activities of Tr1 cells are not only due to suppressive cytokines but also to specific cell‐to‐cell interactions that lead to selective killing of myeloid cells and possibly bystander suppression.
Micropatterned Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Pedrosa Valber A. , Yan Jun , Simonian Aleksandr L. , Revzin Alexander 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis paper describes the use of Au nanoparticle (NP)‐containing hydrogel microstructures in the development of electrochemical enzyme‐based biosensors. To fabricate biosensors, AuNPs were conjugated with glucose oxidase (GOX) or horseradish peroxidase (HRP) molecules and were dispersed in the prepolymer solution of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG‐DA). Vinylferrocene (VF) was also added into the prepolymer solution in order to lower operating potential of the biosensor and to prevent oxidation of interfering substances. The prepolymer solution was photolithographically patterned in alignment with an array of Au electrodes fabricated on glass. As a result, electrode arrays became functionalized with AuNP/GOX‐ or AuNP/HRP‐carrying hydrogel microstructures. Performance of the biosensors was characterized by impedance spectroscopy, chronoapmerometry and cyclic voltammetry. Impedance measurements revealed that inclusion of Au nanoparticles improved conductivity of PEG hydrogel by a factor of 5. Importantly, biosensors based on AuNP‐GOX complex exhibited high sensitivity to glucose (100 µA mM−1 cm−2) in the linear range from 0.1 to 10 mM. The detection limit was estimated to be 3.7×10–7 M at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3. Biosensors with immobilized AuNP/HPR had a linear response from 0.5 to 5.0 µM of hydrogen peroxide with sensitivity of 1.4 mA mM−1 cm−2. The method for fabricating nanoparticle‐carrying hydrogel microstructures described in this paper should be widely applicable in the development of robust and sensitive electrochemical biosensors.
Identification of proteins secreted by head and neck cancer cell lines using LC‐MS/MS: Strategy for discovery of candidate serological biomarkers
Authors: Ralhan Ranju , Masui Olena , DeSouza Leroi V. , Matta Ajay , Macha Muzafar , Siu K. W. Michael 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn search of blood‐based biomarkers that would enhance the ability to diagnose head and neck/oral squamous cell carcinoma (HNOSCC) in early stages or predict its prognosis, we analyzed the HNOSCC secretome (ensemble of proteins secreted and/or shed from the tumor cells) for potential biomarkers using proteomic technologies. LC‐MS/MS was used to identify proteins in the conditioned media of four HNOSCC cell lines (SCC4, HSC2, SCC38, and AMOSIII); 140 unique proteins were identified on the basis of 5% global false discovery rate, 122 of which were secretory proteins, with 29 being previously reported to be overexpressed in HNOSCC in comparison to normal head and neck tissues. Of these, five proteins including α‐enolase, peptidyl prolyl isomerase A/cyclophilin A, 14‐3‐3 ζ, heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein K, and 14‐3‐3 σ were detected in the sera of HNOSCC patients by Western blot analysis. Our study provides the evidence that analysis of head and neck cancer cells' secretome is a viable strategy for identifying candidate serological biomarkers for HNOSCC. In future, these biomarkers may be useful in predicting the likelihood of transformation of oral pre‐malignant lesions, prognosis of HNOSCC patients and evaluate response to therapy using minimally invasive tests.
A unique stepped multifunctionality of perfluorinated aryl compound and its versatile use in synthesizing grafted polymers with controlled structures and topologies
Authors: Zhao Zhenhua , Ma Xiaohua , Zhang Aixin , Song Naiheng 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA unique stepped multifunctionality of perfluorinated aryl compound for the first time was studied by using model reactions between 2,5‐dipentafluorophenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (FPOx) and mono functional p‐cresol at different reaction conditions. Four distinctively different levels of reactivity were discovered for the para and ortho CF of FPOx, which could be easily triggered by the reaction temperature in the range of r.t. to 160 °C. CF of all levels of reactivity could react quantitatively with nucleophiles (such as phenoxide); and by controlling the reaction conditions, the low‐level‐reactivity CF would not interfere with the reaction of CF of higher reactivity. Application of this multistepped reactivity of FPOx in quantitative postpolymerization functionalization of polymer was successfully demonstrated. Stoichiometric amount of p‐cresol, with the molar feed ratio of p‐cresol in relative to the repeat unit of the polymer of FPOx and 6F‐BPA in the range of 1–4, could be readily grafted onto the polymer by simply controlling the reaction temperature. FPOx‐based, versatile one‐pot synthesis of high molecular‐weight grafted polymers with well‐controlled structures and topologies were also demonstrated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011