bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eocene-Oligocene sedimentation in the external areas of the Moldavide Basin (Marginal Folds Nappe, Eastern Carpathians, Romania): sedimentological, paleontological and petrographic approaches
Authors: Miclăuş Crina , Loiacono Francesco , Puglisi Diego , Baciu Dorin 
Published: October 2009

Eocene-Oligocene sedimentation in the external areas of the Moldavide Basin (Marginal Folds Nappe, Eastern Carpathians, Romania): sedimentological, paleontological and petrographic approachesThe Marginal Folds Nappe is one of the most external tectonic units of the Moldavide Nappe System (Eastern Carpathians), formed by Cretaceous to Tertiary flysch and molasse deposits, piled up during the Miocene closure of the East Carpathian Flysch basin, cropping out in several tectonic half-windows, the Bistriţa half-window being one of them. The deposits of this tectonic unit were accumulated in anoxic-oxic-anoxic conditions, in a forebulge depozone (sensuDeCelles & Giles 1996), and consist of a pelitic background sporadically interrupted by coarse-grained events. During the Late Eocene the sedimentation registered a transition from calcareous (Doamna Limestones) to pelitic (Bisericani Beds) grading to Globigerina Marls at the Eocene-Oligocene boundary, and upward during the Oligocene in deposits rich in organic matter (Lower Menilites, Bituminous Marls, Lower and Upper Dysodilic Shales) with coarsegrained interlayers. Seven facies associations were recognized, and interpreted as depositional systems of shallow to deeper water on a ramp-type margin. Two mixed depositional systems of turbidite-like facies association separated by a thick pelitic interval (Bituminous Marls) have been recognized. They were supplied by a "green schists" source area of Central Dobrogea type. The petrography of the sandstone beds shows an excellent compositional uniformity (quartzarenite-like rocks), probably representing a first cycle detritus derived from low rank metamorphic sources, connected with the forebulge relief developed on such a basement. The sedimentation was controlled mainly by different subsidence of blocks created by extensional tectonic affecting the ramp-type margin of the forebulge depozone.
Taxonomic revision and new species/subspecies of Middle-Late Miocene (Bessarabian) miliolids of the Family Hauerinidae Schwager from Georgia — Eastern Paratethys
Authors: Maisuradze Lamara , Koiava Kakhaber , Spezzaferri Silvia 
Published: October 2009

Taxonomic revision and new species/subspecies of Middle-Late Miocene (Bessarabian) miliolids of the Family Hauerinidae Schwager from Georgia — Eastern ParatethysThree new miliolid taxa from Bessarabian sediments from Georgia (Eastern Paratethys) are described following the classification of Łuczkowska (1972), which has never been used before by ex-Soviet micropaleontologists. They are:Varidentella luczkowskae; Varidentella reussi(Bogdanowicz) subsp.costulata; andAffinetrina voloshinovae(Bogdanowicz) subsp.eldarica.This classification takes into account the morphology of the aperture and the shape and size of teeth as criteria to distinguish the species. This study contributes important criteria which will help to unify the taxonomical inconsistencies between the Eastern, Central and Western Paratethyan miliolids.
Mineral stability of Fe-rich bentonite in the Mock-Up-CZ experiment
Authors: Stríček Igor , Šucha Vladimír , Uhlík Peter , Madejová Jana , Galko Igor 
Published: October 2009

Mineral stability of Fe-rich bentonite in the Mock-Up-CZ experimentBentonite is a basic component of most concepts of multibarrier systems in underground radioactive waste repositories. It is important to determine the bentonite stability under the conditions close to the future real situation. The paper brings the detailed mineral and structural analyses of smectites from the bentonitic material exposed to the long term Mock-Up-CZ experiment. The compacted barrier blocks and residual filling contained 85 % of bentonite from the Rokle deposit, 10 % of quartz sand and 5 % of graphite. They were exposed to temperatures of up to 90 °C for almost 4 years. Quantitative mineral analyses, crystal size distributions, FTIR spectra, as well as cation exchange capacity and layer charge density show high mineral stability of the Rokle bentonite under the conditions of Mock-Up-CZ experiment. Small changes in the crystal sizes and slight change in the layer charge as a consequence of the experimental alteration could be linked to the hydration and the variation of the geochemical environment of the experiment.
Spinal Manipulative Therapy Has an Immediate Effect on Thermal Pain Sensitivity in People With Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bialosky Joel E. , Bishop Mark D. , Robinson Michael E. , Zeppieri Giorgio , George Steven Z. 
Published: October 2009

BackgroundCurrent evidence suggests that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is effective in the treatment of people with low back pain (LBP); however, the corresponding mechanisms are unknown. Hypoalgesia is associated with SMT and is suggestive of specific mechanisms.ObjectiveThe primary purpose of this study was to assess the immediate effects of SMT on thermal pain perception in people with LBP. A secondary purpose was to determine whether the resulting hypoalgesia was a local effect and whether psychological influences were associated with changes in pain perception.DesignThis study was a randomized controlled trial.SettingA sample of convenience was recruited from community and outpatient clinics.ParticipantsThirty-six people (10 men, 26 women) currently experiencing LBP participated in the study. The average age of the participants was 32.39 (SD=12.63) years, and the average duration of LBP was 221.79 (SD=365.37) weeks.Intervention and MeasurementsBaseline demographic and psychological measurements were obtained, followed by quantitative sensory testing to assess temporal summation and Aδ fiber–mediated pain perception. Next, participants were randomly assigned to ride a stationary bicycle, perform low back extension exercises, or receive SMT. Finally, the same quantitative sensory testing protocol was reassessed to determine the immediate effects of each intervention on thermal pain sensitivity.ResultsHypoalgesia to Aδ fiber–mediated pain perception was not observed. Group-dependent hypoalgesia of temporal summation specific to the lumbar innervated region was observed. Pair-wise comparisons indicated significant hypoalgesia in participants who received SMT, but not in those who rode a stationary bicycle or performed low back extension exercises. Psychological factors did not significantly correlate with changes in temporal summation in participants who received SMT.LimitationsOnly immediate effects of SMT were measured, so the authors are unable to comment on whether the inhibition of temporal summation is a lasting effect. Furthermore, the authors are unable to comment on the relationship between their findings and changes in clinical pain.ConclusionsInhibition of Aδ fiber–mediated pain perception was similar for all groups. However, inhibition of temporal summation was observed only in participants receiving SMT, suggesting a modulation of dorsal horn excitability that was observed primarily in the lumbar innervated area.
Virological and immunological responses to efavirenz or boosted lopinavir as first-line therapy for patients with HIV
Authors: Young Jim , Bucher Heiner C , Guenthard Huldrych F , Rickenbach Martin , Fux Christoph A , Hirschel Bernard , Cavassini Matthias , Vernazza Pietro , Bernasconi Enos , Battegay Manuel ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: October 2009

Background Efavirenz and lopinavir boosted with ritonavir are both recommended as first-line therapies for patients with HIV when combined with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It is uncertain which therapy is more effective for patients starting therapy with an advanced infection. Methods We estimated the relative effect of these two therapies on rates of virological and immunological failure within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study and considered whether estimates depended on the CD4+ T-cell count when starting therapy. We defined virological failure as either an incomplete virological response or viral rebound after viral suppression and immunological failure as failure to achieve an expected CD4+ T-cell increase calculated from EuroSIDA statistics. Results Patients starting efavirenz ( n=660) and lopinavir ( n=541) were followed for a median of 4.5 and 3.1 years, respectively. Virological failure was less likely for patients on efavirenz, with the adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of 0.63 (0.50–0.78) then multiplied by a factor of 1.00 (0.90–1.12) for each 100 cells/mm3 decrease in CD4+ T-cell count below the mean when starting therapy. Immunological failure was also less likely for patients on efavirenz, with the adjusted hazard ratio of 0.68 (0.51–0.91) then multiplied by a factor of 1.29 (1.14–1.46) for each 100 cells/ mm3 decrease in CD4+ T-cell count below the mean when starting therapy. Conclusions Virological failure is less likely with efavirenz regardless of the CD4+ T-cell count when starting therapy. Immunological failure is also less likely with efavirenz; however, this advantage disappears if patients start therapy with a low CD4+ T-cell count.
Combined effect of C-reactive protein and stavudine on adipogenesis
Authors: Stankov Metodi V , Schmidt Reinhold E , Behrens Georg MN 
Published: October 2009

Introduction Subcutaneous fat wasting in HIV therapy is primarily associated with the use of stavudine (d4T) and zidovudine (AZT). We hypothesized that C-reactive protein (CRP) might have an additive effect on nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)-mediated peripheral fat loss. Methods 3T3-F442A cells were exposed to AZT (6 μM), d4T (3 μM) and/or CRP (0.5 μg/ml) during differentiation. Differentiation was assessed by real-time PCR measurement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)α, by quantification of triglyceride accumulation and by determination of adiponectin expression and secretion. In addition, parameters of lipid accumulation, lipolysis, cell viability and apoptosis were examined. Results When preadipocytes were induced to differentiate in the presence of only AZT, d4T or CRP, only AZT significantly impaired adipogenic differentiation. When combined, d4T+CRP also led to reduced triacylglycerol accumulation, an effect not explained by CRP-induced apoptosis or cell death, but instead confirmed by reduced PPARγ and C/EBPα expression and decreased expression of factors involved in lipogenesis, such as fatty acid synthase and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase. We observed further reduction in adiponectin expression and secretion when adipocytes were differentiated in the presence of AZT or d4T together with CRP. Addition of rosiglitazone (1 μM) had no effect on reduced adipogenesis, but partially rescued the effects of d4T and d4T+CRP on adiponectin production. Conclusions We conclude that CRP at levels circulating in patients with HIV infection might promote the anti-adipogenic potential of d4T, a cooperative effect that could account for the in vivo observed variability in the development of lipoatrophy.
Telbivudine in the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B: Experience in HIV Type-1-Infected Patients Naive for Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Milazzo Laura , Caramma Ilaria , Lai Alessia , Violin Michela , De Maddalena Chiara , Cesari Miriam , Galli Massimo , Balotta Claudia 
Published: October 2009

Background Telbivudine is a potent inhibitor of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication without anti-HIV type-1 (HIV-1) activity demonstrated in vitro; however, very few clinical data on HIV-1-infected patients are available at present. Because it represents a therapeutic option in HIV-1-HBV-coinfected patients who do not require antiretroviral therapy, we strictly monitored three HIV-1-HBV-coinfected patients treated with telbivudine monotherapy for chronic hepatitis B. Methods We performed molecular analysis of HBV DNA and of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and protease RNA and DNA sequences in three HIV-1-HBV-coinfected patients treated with telbivudine monotherapy. Results Despite a transient and deep reduction of HIV-1 RNA, observed in two of the three patients studied, no genotypic resistance mutations were detected on both HIV-1 and HBV viruses. Conclusions Telbivudine therapy for 24 weeks showed a potent anti-HBV activity in HIV-1-positive, hepatitis B e antigen-positive patients with high HBV viraemia. No direct anti-HIV-1 activity of telbivudine was demonstrated and no genotypic resistance mutations to anti-HIV-1 drugs was found; however, the transient but deep reduction of HIV RNA, after telbivudine introduction, deserves further investigation and a strict monitoring of HIV-1 viraemia in HIV-1-infected patients on treatment with this drug.
Trends in Medical Care Expenditures of US Adults with Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Conditions 1997 to 2005
Authors: CISTERNAS MIRIAM G. , MURPHY LOUISE B. , YELIN EDWARD H. , FOREMAN AIMEE J. , PASTA DAVID J. , HELMICK CHARLES G. 
Published: October 2009

Objective.To examine trends in annual medical expenditures from 1997 to 2005 among adults with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions (denoted Arthritis group).Methods.We analyzed annual medical expenditures (2005 US dollars) among adults with Arthritis using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), a nationally representative survey of the US civilian, noninstitutionalized population. Expenditures were stratified by Arthritis and comorbidity status.Results.The Arthritis population increased by 22% (36.8 to 44.9 million) during this period, attributable entirely to the subpopulation with at least one comorbid condition (31.8 to 40.3 million). The overall, inflation-adjusted annual mean medical expenditures for adults with Arthritis increased from $6,848 in 1997 to $7,854 in 2005. In 1997, inpatient care was the most expensive component of overall expenditures (mean $2,702), but beginning in 2001, mean inpatient and ambulatory expenditures were almost identical. Mean prescription expenditures increased nearly every year, almost doubling from $970 in 1997 to $1,811 in 2005. Aggregate total expenditures for the Arthritis population increased markedly during this period, from $252.0 to $353.0 billion (+40%). Most of this increase was attributable to the population increase in the Arthritis and comorbid condition subgroup.Conclusion.Mean annual ambulatory and prescription expenditures for adults with Arthritis increased far above the rate of medical inflation, offsetting a relative decline in inpatient expenditures. Increases in overall mean and aggregate total expenditures are attributable to the increasing number of adults with Arthritis and at least one comorbid chronic condition. Projected increases in this population suggest that these expenditures will continue to rise.
Work Disability in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: HUDSON MARIE , STEELE RUSSELL , LU YING , THOMBS BRETT D. , BARON MURRAY 
Published: October 2009

Objective.Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disease associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. Little is known about work disability in SSc. We undertook this study to determine the prevalence and demographic and clinical correlates of work disability in a large cohort of patients with SSc.Methods.Cross-sectional, multicenter study of patients from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group Registry. Patients were assessed with detailed clinical histories, medical examinations, and self-administered questionnaires. The primary outcome was self-reported work disability. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between selected demographic and clinical variables and work disability.Results.Of the 643 patients available for this study, 133 (21%) reported that they were work disabled. Work disability in SSc was common, even in people with short disease duration, and increased steadily with increasing disease duration: among those who were ≤ 65 years and who reported being either disabled or working, 28.0% and 44.8% of patients with disease duration of < 2 and 10–15 years, respectively, reported that they were work-disabled. The significant correlates of work disability included co-morbidities, disease duration, diffuse disease, disease severity, pain, fatigue, and physical function.Conclusion.Work disability is prevalent, occurs early, and is associated with markers of disease severity and functional status. Further research is needed to identify other, potentially modifiable, risk factors for work disability in SSc.
Pulmonary Nodulosis and Aseptic Granulomatous Lung Disease Occurring in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Receiving Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Blocking Agent: A Case Series
Authors: TOUSSIROT ERIC , BERTHELOT JEAN MARIE , PERTUISET EDOUARD , BOUVARD BÉATRICE , GAUDIN PHILIPPE , WENDLING DANIEL , le NOACH JOSÉ , LOHSE ANNE , LECUYER EMMANUELLE , CRI Le 
Published: October 2009

Objective.To describe cases of development of pulmonary nodulosis or aseptic granulomatous lung disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) therapy.Methods.A call for observation of such cases was sent to members of the French “Club Rhumatismes et Inflammation.” The cases had to occur after introduction of TNF-α-blocking therapy.Results.Eleven cases were examined: 6 patients were treated with etanercept, 2 with infliximab, and 3 with adalimumab. Pulmonary nodular lesions were observed after a mean treatment period of 23.3 ± 15.3 months. Clinical symptoms were observed in 5 cases. Radiographs or computed tomography of the chest showed single or multiple nodular lesions in 10 cases and hilar adenopathies in 1 case. Biopsy of the nodular chest lesions or mediastinal lymphadenopathies were performed in 8 patients, and revealed typical rheumatoid nodules in 4 cases and noncaseating granulomatous lesions in 4 cases. Mycobacterial or opportunistic infections were excluded for all cases. Outcome was favorable for all the patients, with either discontinuation or maintenance of anti-TNF-α treatment.Conclusion.Aseptic pulmonary nodular inflammation corresponding to rheumatoid nodules or noncaseating granulomatous inflammation can occur during anti-TNF-α therapy for RA, mainly etanercept. The mechanism explaining such a reaction is not clear but certainly includes different processes. These cases of pulmonary nodular inflammation generally have a benign course and do not systematically require withdrawal of treatment.
Expression and Function of the C-Class Chemokine Lymphotactin (XCL1) in Wegener’s Granulomatosis
Authors: BLASCHKE SABINE , BRANDT PHILIP , WESSELS JOHANNES T. , MÜLLER GERHARD A. 
Published: October 2009

Objective.In Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG), vasculitic lesions are characterized by prominent infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and T cells, but underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain to be defined. We analyzed the expression and functional role of the C-class chemokine lymphotactin, XCL1, in WG.Methods.Sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from 16 patients with WG and healthy controls. Serum XCL1 concentrations were measured by ELISA. PBMC were subjected to flow cytometry for activation markers and immunophenotype of XCL1+ T cells. Renal biopsies were analyzed by double-label immunohistochemistry.In vitrostimulation of PMN with XCL1 was performed to study its function.Results.Flow cytometry demonstrated coexpression of the activation markers CD25, CD69, and HLA-DR in a significantly higher proportion of T cells in WG patients in comparison to controls. XCL1 was found to be mainly expressed in CD4+CD28− T cells in WG patients. In renal biopsies, the presence of XCL1 was only detected within interstitial CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Functional studies demonstrated a significant enhancement of IL-8 production in isolated PMN afterin vitrostimulation with XCL1. There were no significant differences in XCL1 serum concentrations between WG patients and controls (p = 0.88).Conclusion.Our data indicated increased expression of XCL1 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in WG. Considering its function as a lymphocyte-specific chemoattractant, XCL1 might be a key modulator of T cell recruitment in WG. Functional studies further suggest that XCL1 may support vascular inflammation by induction of release of interleukin 8 in PMN.
Copper(II) Triflate as a Source of Triflic Acid: Effective, Green Catalysis of Hydroalkoxylation Reactions
Authors: Tschan Mathieu J.‐L. , Thomas Christophe M. , Strub Henri , Carpentier Jean‐François 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe hydroalkoxylation of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) and norbornene (NB) with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) for the synthesis of industrially relevant monomers has been investigated with various metal‐based Lewis acids and strong Brønsted acids. In the absence of other additives, copper(II) triflate is the most efficient catalyst system. Kinetics, electron spin resonance (ESR), catalyst poisoning and cross experiments indicate that triflic acid (TfOH) is the true active catalyst in these reactions. This in situ generation of TfOH occurs via reduction of Cu(OTf)2 by the olefin reagent (DCPD, NB). The copper ions present in the reaction mixture act as radical polymerization retardants, preventing polymerization of HEMA (which is observed with most other metal salts and strong Brønsted acids investigated), thus improving the selectivity and yield (up to 95%) for the desired products. These observations have led to the development of a highly effective green process, using bulk reagents (no solvent) and a cheap, metal‐free catalyst system, based on TfOH and a phenolic radical inhibitor (2,5‐di‐tert‐butylhydroxytoluene, BHT).
Intramolecular Palladium‐Catalyzed Direct Arylation vs. Heck Reactions: Synthesis of Pyrroloisoquinolines and Isoindoles
Authors: Lage Sergio , Martínez‐Estíbalez Unai , Sotomayor Nuria , Lete Esther 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe competition between CH activation and Heck reactions has been studied on 2‐alkenyl‐substituted o‐iodobenzylpyrroles. The reaction can be switched from the alkene to the pyrrole nucleus by choosing the adequate catalytic system, regardless of the nature of the substituent on the alkene, obtaining excellent yields of pyrrolo[1,2‐b]isoquinolines or pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoindoles.
Increased Efficacies of an Individual Catalytic Site in Clustered Multivalent Dendritic Catalysts
Authors: Jayamurugan Govindasamy , Jayaraman Narayanaswamy 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn the studies reported so far on dendrimer‐mediated catalysis, the efficacies of the catalytic units were studied and compared primarily across the generations. In order to identify the efficacy of an individual catalytic unit with respect to the number of such units present within a given generation, a series of catalysts were prepared within a generation. Dendrimers incorporated with phosphine‐metal complexes were chosen for the study and as many as 11 catalysts within three generations were synthesized. The CC bond‐forming reactions, namely, the Heck and the Suzuki coupling reactions, were then selected to study the catalytic efficiencies of the series of partially and fully phosphine‐metal complex functionalized dendrimers. The efficacies of the formation of cinnamate and biphenyl, catalyzed by the dendritic catalysts, were compared. The comparative analyses show that an individual catalytic site is far more effective in its catalytic activity when presented in multiple numbers, i.e., in a multivalent dendritic system, than as a single unit within the same generation, i.e., in a monovalent dendritic system. The study identifies the beneficial effects of the multivalent presentation of the catalytic moieties, both within and across the dendrimer generations.