bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cross-sectional evaluation of computer literacy among medical students at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Mumbai (Bombay)
Authors: Panchabhai TS , Dangayach NS , Mehta VS , Patankar CV , Rege NN 
Published: January 2011

Background:
Computer usage capabilities of medical students for introduction of computer-aided learning have not been adequately assessed.

Aim:
Cross-sectional study to evaluate computer literacy among medical students.

Settings and Design:
Tertiary care teaching hospital in Mumbai, India.

Materials and Methods:
Participants were administered a 52-question questionnaire, designed to study their background, computer resources, computer usage, activities enhancing computer skills, and attitudes toward computer-aided learning (CAL). The data was classified on the basis of sex, native place, and year of medical school, and the computer resources were compared. The computer usage and attitudes toward computer-based learning were assessed on a five-point Likert scale, to calculate Computer usage score (CUS - maximum 55, minimum 11) and Attitude score (AS - maximum 60, minimum 12). The quartile distribution among the groups with respect to the CUS and AS was compared by chi-squared tests. The correlation between CUS and AS was then tested.

Results:
Eight hundred and seventy-five students agreed to participate in the study and 832 completed the questionnaire. One hundred and twenty eight questionnaires were excluded and 704 were analyzed. Outstation students had significantly lesser computer resources as compared to local students (P<0.0001). The mean CUS for local students (27.0±9.2, Mean±SD) was significantly higher than outstation students (23.2±9.05). No such difference was observed for the AS. The means of CUS and AS did not differ between males and females. The CUS and AS had positive, but weak correlations for all subgroups.

Conclusion:
The weak correlation between AS and CUS for all students could be explained by the lack of computer resources or inadequate training to use computers for learning. Providing additional resources would benefit the subset of outstation students with lesser computer resources. This weak correlation between the attitudes and practices of all students needs to be investigated. We believe that this gap can be bridged with a structured computer learning program.
Association of foot symptoms with self‐reported and performance‐based measures of physical function: The Johnston County osteoarthritis project
Authors: Golightly Yvonne M. , Hannan Marian T. , Shi Xiaoyan Amy , Helmick Charles G. , Renner Jordan B. , Jordan Joanne M. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo examine associations of foot symptoms with self‐reported and performance‐based measures of physical function in a large, biracial, community‐based sample of individuals ages ≥45 years.MethodsData from 2,589 Johnston County participants (evaluated in 1999–2004) were used in cross‐sectional analyses. The presence of foot symptoms was defined as pain, aching, or stiffness of at least one foot on most days. Physical function was assessed by the total Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score (0, >0 but <1, and ≥1), timed 5 repeated chair stands (completion time <12 seconds, ≥12 seconds, and unable), and 8‐foot walk time (<3.35 seconds and ≥3.35 seconds). Separate multivariable logistic regression models examined associations between foot symptoms and physical function measures, controlling for age, race, sex, body mass index, radiographic knee osteoarthritis, radiographic hip osteoarthritis, knee symptoms, hip symptoms, and depressive symptoms. Interaction terms between each of the 3 physical function measures and each demographic and clinical characteristic were examined.ResultsThe prevalence of foot symptoms was 37%. Participants with foot symptoms were more likely than those without symptoms to have higher HAQ scores (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.79, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.50–2.12). Among obese participants, those with foot symptoms had longer chair stand (adjusted OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.04–1.87) and 8‐foot walk times (adjusted OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.21–2.15) than those without symptoms.ConclusionFoot symptoms were independently and significantly associated with 2 of 3 measures of poorer physical function. Interventions for foot symptoms may be important for helping patients prevent or deal with an existing decline in physical function.
An efficient one‐pot synthesis of 2‐benzylpyrroles and 3‐benzylindoles
Authors: Sharma Ratnesh , Chouhan Mangilal , Sood Divya , Nair Vipin A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractOne‐pot regioselective benzylation of pyrroles and indoles using zirconium tetrachloride is discussed. This has been achieved by in‐situ generation of di(1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)zirconium(IV) chloride and di(1H‐indol‐1‐yl)zirconium(IV) chloride. It was observed that benzylation reactions of these complexes using n‐BuLi occurred at C‐2 position for pyrrole and C‐3 for indole. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photopolymerization characteristics of bisbenzo[1,3]dioxol‐5‐ylmethanone as an initiator
Authors: Cui Rong , Wang Kemin , Ma Guiping , Qian Bin , Yang Jianxin , Yu Qiang , Nie Jun 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBisbenzo[1,3]dioxol‐5‐ylmethanone (BBDOM), a type of hydrogen‐abstraction photoinitiator, exhibited redshifted maximal absorption in comparison with benzophenone (BP) according to ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy. The kinetics of photopolymerization of the photoinitiator in different systems was studied with real‐time infrared spectroscopy. The concentration of BBDOM, the components of the initiator, and the functionality of the monomer had great effects on the kinetics of photopolymerization. The results show that BBDOM is a more effective photoinitiator than BP. BBDOM consists of cyclic acetals that are widely distributed in nature, and with BBDOM, the use of large numbers of amines can be avoided in the system without the requirement of an additional hydrogen donor. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Theoretical analysis of fracture of tetra‐needle‐like ZnO whisker in polymer composite
Authors: Zhu Shibu , Jiang Man , Qiu Jianhui , Zhou Zuowan , Wang Yong , Fan Ximei 
Published: January 2011

AbstractIt is of practical importance to develop the tetra‐needle‐shaped ZnO whisker (T‐ZnOw)‐reinforced polymer composites that have isotropic properties. To give a guidance of material design and manufacture, it is necessary to have a theoretical analysis of the fracture mechanisms of this peculiar structure fiber in polymer composites. Based on previous investigations of the T‐ZnOw‐reinforced polymer composites, and from the viewpoint of materials mechanics, here we analyzed the distribution of stresses on different points of the tetra‐ needle‐like crystal whiskers in a composite and calculated the total stress at the connection point. The results indicate that the stress on the connection point is proportional to the exerting force and correlates with the dimension, the size, and the location of the whiskers. According to the theoretical derivations, it was found that the stress at the connection point of the T‐ZnOw is much larger than that at the others, leading to breakage on that point mainly or wholly, which is in accordance with the experimental observations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Aminolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) wastes based on sunlight and utilization of the end product [bis(2‐hydroxyethylene) terephthalamide] as an ingredient in the anticorrosive paints for the protection of steel structures
Authors: Tawfik Magda E. , Ahmed Nivin M. , Eskander Samir B. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe increasing demand for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) polymer, the simultaneous shortage in landfill disposal spaces, and known problems associated with PET waste specifically (e.g., its nonbiodegradability and huge accumulation) are challenges with which mankind must cope nowadays. In this study, PET postconsumer bottle wastes were cut to very small slides and then subjected to an aminolysis process with ethanol amine as a degradative agent in the presence of one catalyst from three used in this study. These catalysts were dibutyl tin oxide, sodium acetate, and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide. The reaction was performed in sunlight: a beneficial, clean, cheap, and renewable source of energy. The end product, which was a white precipitate of bis(2‐hydroxyethylene) terephthalamide, was subjected to spectrophotometric and thermal analyses. The product was characterized to asses its suitability for use in pigments in anticorrosive paint formulations. In general, this process was a green, environmentally friendly degradation based on the utilization of solar energy for the aminolysis reaction using simple, cheap, available chemicals as catalysts. The originality of this study was derived from the use of waste materials to yield a product with beneficial applications in the field of corrosion inhibition. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Exacerbation of type II collagen–induced arthritis in apolipoprotein E–deficient mice in association with the expansion of Th1 and Th17 cells
Authors: Postigo Jorge , Genre Fernanda , Iglesias Marcos , Fernández‐Rey Maigualida , Buelta Luis , Carlos Rodríguez‐Rey José , Merino Jesús , Merino Ramón 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the bidirectional relationship between the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and atherosclerosis using bovine type II collagen (CII)–immunized B10.RIII apoE−/− mice, a murine model of spontaneous atherosclerosis and collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA).MethodsMale B10.RIII apoE−/− mice and wild‐type controls were immunized with 150 μg of CII emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA). The clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic severity of CIA, the levels of circulating IgG1 and IgG2a anti‐CII antibodies, the expression of proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines in the joints, and the percentages of Th1, Th17, and Treg lymphocytes in the draining lymph nodes were evaluated during CIA induction. In addition, the size of atherosclerotic lesions was assessed in these mice 8 weeks after CIA induction.ResultsB10.RIII apoE−/− mice that were immunized with CII and CFA developed an exacerbated CIA that was accompanied by increased joint expression of multiple proinflammatory cytokines and by the expansion in the draining lymph nodes of Th1 and Th17 cells. In contrast, the size of vascular lesions in B10.RIII apoE−/− mice was not affected by the development of CIA.ConclusionOur findings indicate that a deficiency in apolipoprotein E and/or its consequences in cholesterol metabolism act as accelerating factors in autoimmunity by promoting Th1 and Th17 inflammatory responses.
The benefit of targeted and selective inhibition of the alternative complement pathway for modulating autoimmunity and renal disease in MRL/lpr mice
Authors: Sekine Hideharu , Kinser Ting Ting Hsieh , Qiao Fei , Martinez Efrain , Paulling Emily , Ruiz Phillip , Gilkeson Gary S. , Tomlinson Stephen 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveComplement has both protective and pathogenic functions in lupus due to a balance between its role in the clearance of immune complexes (ICs) and apoptotic cells and its role in inflammation. The classical pathway contributes to IC and apoptotic cell clearance, whereas the alternative pathway is a key mediator of renal inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a new targeted inhibitor of the alternative pathway, CR2‐fH, on lupus‐like renal disease in MRL/lpr mice.MethodsMice were treated with either saline, CR2‐fH, CR2‐Crry (which inhibits all complement pathways), or soluble CR2 (sCR2; C3d‐binding targeting vehicle). Sera were analyzed every 2 weeks for autoantibodies, circulating ICs, and C3. Urinary excretion of albumin was also determined, and kidneys were collected at 23 weeks for histologic evaluation.ResultsTreatment with CR2‐fH or CR2‐Crry improved survival and significantly reduced proteinuria, glomerular C3 deposition, and the level of circulating ICs. CR2‐fH, but not CR2‐Crry, also significantly reduced glomerulonephritis, expression of serum anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) antibodies, and glomerular IgG and C1q deposition. Interestingly, sCR2 also significantly reduced the levels of anti‐dsDNA antibodies and circulating ICs and reduced glomerular deposition of IgG, C1q, and C3, although there was no significant reduction in glomerulonephritis, proteinuria, or mortality.ConclusionTargeted and selective inhibition of the alternative complement pathway is an effective treatment of murine lupus and is more effective than blockade of all pathways. The data demonstrate benefits to leaving the classical/lectin pathways intact and indicate distinct roles for the classical and alternative pathways of complement in disease progression. The sCR2‐targeting vehicle contributes to therapeutic activity, possibly via modulation of autoimmunity.
Characterization of CCL19 and CCL21 in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pickens Sarah R. , Chamberlain Nathan D. , Volin Michael V. , Pope Richard M. , Mandelin Arthur M. , Shahrara Shiva 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo characterize the expression of CCL19 and CCL21 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue (ST) and to examine their regulation and pathogenetic role in macrophages and RA ST fibroblasts.MethodsExpression of CCL19 and CCL21 in RA and normal ST was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry analysis. CCL19 and CCL21 levels in synovial fluid (SF) from patients with osteoarthritis (OA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and RA were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Regulation of CCL19 and CCL21 expression in in vitro–differentiated RA peripheral blood macrophages as well as RA ST fibroblasts was determined by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Proangiogenic factor production in CCL19‐ and CCL21‐activated in vitro–differentiated peripheral blood macrophages and RA ST fibroblasts was examined by ELISA.ResultsCCL19 and CCL21 were elevated in RA ST compared to tissue from normal controls. Levels of CCL19 and CCL21 were greatly increased in RA and PsA SF versus OA SF. In RA macrophages and fibroblasts, expression of CCL19 was increased by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β). However, CCL21 expression was modulated only by IL‐1β in RA fibroblasts, and by TNFα and RA SF in RA macrophages. CCL19 and CCL21 activation induced vascular endothelial growth factor and angiotensin I (Ang I) production in RA ST fibroblasts and secretion of IL‐8 and Ang I from macrophages.ConclusionThe findings of the present study identify, for the first time, regulators of CCL19 and CCL21 in RA fibroblasts and in vitro–differentiated RA peripheral blood macrophages and demonstrate a novel role of CCL19/CCL21 in angiogenesis in RA.
B cell activation biomarkers as predictive factors for the response to rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis: A six‐month, national, multicenter, open‐label study
Authors: Sellam Jérémie , Hendel‐Chavez Houria , Rouanet Stéphanie , Abbed Karim , Combe Bernard , Le Loët Xavier , Tebib Jacques , Sibilia Jean , Taoufik Yassine , Dougados Maxime , Mariette Xavier 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo examine whether serum B cell markers can predict response to rituximab, a B cell–depleting monoclonal antibody, in patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThis rituximab re‐treatment dose study (SMART [eSsai MAbthera sur la dose de Re‐Traitement]) involved 208 patients with refractory RA. Serum markers of B cell activation (anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide [anti‐CCP] antibodies, rheumatoid factor [RF], serum IgG, IgA, and IgM levels, serum κ and λ free light chains, and serum BAFF) were assessed before the first rituximab cycle (1,000 mg on days 1 and 15). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with a European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response at 24 weeks.ResultsThere were 149 responders (72%). Two baseline factors were associated with a EULAR response at 24 weeks in multivariate analysis: the presence of anti‐CCP antibodies or RF (odds ratio 3.5 [95% confidence interval 1.6–7.6]) and a serum IgG concentration above normal (odds ratio 2.11 [95% confidence interval 1.02–4.33]), with synergy between them (odds ratio 6.0 [95% confidence interval 2.2–16.2]).ConclusionThe presence of RF or anti‐CCP antibodies and elevated IgG are 2 simple biomarkers that can be used routinely before therapy to predict response to rituximab in patients with refractory RA.
Long‐term clinical profile of children with the low‐penetrance R92Q mutation of the TNFRSF1A gene
Authors: Pelagatti M. A. , Meini A. , Caorsi R. , Cattalini M. , Federici S. , Zulian F. , Calcagno G. , Tommasini A. , Bossi G. , Sormani M. P. , Caroli F. , Plebani A. , Ceccherini I. , Martini A. , Gattorno M. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the long‐term impact of the R92Q mutation of TNFRSF1A in children with periodic fever, in comparison with children with tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) with TNFRSF1A structural mutations and children with periodic fever of unknown origin fulfilling the criteria for periodic fever, aphthosis, pharyngitis, and adenitis syndrome (PFAPA).MethodsThe extracellular region of TNFRSF1A was analyzed in 720 consecutive children with periodic fever, using denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography and DNA sequencing. Followup data on 11 pediatric patients with TNFRSF1A structural mutations (cysteine or T50M), 23 pediatric patients with an R92Q substitution, and 64 pediatric patients with PFAPA were collected during routine clinic visits. The 50‐item Child Health Questionnaire was used to assess health‐related quality of life (HRQOL).ResultsThe frequency of typical TRAPS‐related clinical manifestations was significantly lower and the impact of the disease on HRQOL was significantly reduced in patients with the R92Q mutation compared with TRAPS patients carrying structural mutations of TNFRSF1A. Followup data on 11 TRAPS patients with TNFRSF1A structural mutations (mean followup 7.9 years), 16 patients with theR92Q substitution (mean followup 7.3 years), and 64 patients with PFAPA (mean followup 5.2 years) were available. Patients with R92Q mutations and patients with PFAPA displayed a higher rate of self‐resolution or amelioration of the fever episodes than did TRAPS patients with structural mutations.ConclusionAlthough some cases may progress to a more chronic disease course, the majority of children with an R92Q mutation of the TNFRSFA1 gene show a milder disease course than that in children with TNFRSFA1 structural mutations and have a high rate of spontaneous resolution and amelioration of the recurrent fever episodes.
Metal‐Free Dehydration of Glucose to 5‐(Hydroxymethyl)furfural in Ionic Liquids with Boric Acid as a Promoter
Authors: Ståhlberg Tim , Rodriguez‐Rodriguez Sergio , Fristrup Peter , Riisager Anders 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe dehydration of glucose and other hexose carbohydrates to 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) was investigated in imidazolium‐based ionic liquids with boric acid as a promoter. A yield of up to 42 % from glucose and as much as 66 % from sucrose was obtained. The yield of HMF decreased as the concentration of boric acid exceeded one equivalent, most likely as a consequence of stronger fructose–borate chelate complexes being formed. Computational modeling with DFT calculations confirmed that the formation of 1:1 glucose–borate complexes facilitated the conversion pathway from glucose to fructose. Deuterium‐labeling studies elucidated that the isomerization proceeded via an ene–diol mechanism, which is different to that of the enzyme‐catalyzed isomerization of glucose to fructose. The introduced non‐metal system containing boric acid provides a new direction in the search for catalyst systems allowing efficient HMF formation from biorenewable sources.
Self‐Assembly Approach toward Chiral Bimetallic Catalysts: Bis‐Urea‐Functionalized (Salen)Cobalt Complexes for the Hydrolytic Kinetic Resolution of Epoxides
Authors: Park Jongwoo , Lang Kai , Abboud Khalil A. , Hong Sukwon 
Published: January 2011

AbstractA series of novel bis‐urea‐functionalized (salen)Co complexes has been developed. The complexes were designed to form self‐assembled structures in solution through intermolecular urea–urea hydrogen‐bonding interactions. These bis‐urea (salen)Co catalysts resulted in rate acceleration (up to 13 times) in the hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) of rac‐epichlorohydrin in THF by facilitating cooperative activation, compared to the monomeric catalyst. In addition, one of the bis‐urea (salen)CoIII catalyst efficiently resolves various terminal epoxides even under solvent‐free conditions by requiring much shorter reaction time at low catalyst loading (0.03–0.05 mol %). A series of kinetic/mechanistic studies demonstrated that the self‐association of two (salen)Co units through urea–urea hydrogen bonds was responsible for the observed rate acceleration. The self‐assembly study with the bis‐urea (salen)Co by FTIR spectroscopy and with the corresponding (salen)Ni complex by 1H NMR spectroscopy showed that intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions exist between the bis‐urea scaffolds in THF. This result demonstrates that self‐assembly approach by using non‐covalent interactions can be an alternative and useful strategy toward the efficient HKR catalysis.
Frontline treatment of localized osteosarcoma without methotrexate
Authors: Daw Najat C. , Neel Michael D. , Rao Bhaskar N. , Billups Catherine A. , Wu Jianrong , Jenkins Jesse J. , Quintana Juan , Luchtman‐Jones Lori , Villarroel Milena , Santana Victor M. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:The standard treatment of osteosarcoma includes cisplatin and high‐dose methotrexate (HDMTX); both agents exert significant toxicity, and HDMTX requires complex pharmacokinetic monitoring and leucovorin rescue. In the previous OS91 trial, the treatment of localized disease with carboplatin, ifosfamide, doxorubicin, and HDMTX yielded outcomes comparable to those of cisplatin‐based regimens and caused less toxicity. To build on this experience, the authors conducted a multi‐institutional trial (OS99) that evaluated the efficacy of carboplatin, ifosfamide, and doxorubicin without HDMTX in patients with newly diagnosed, localized, resectable osteosarcoma.METHODS:Treatment was comprised of 12 cycles of chemotherapy administered over 35 weeks: 3 cycles of carboplatin (dose targeted to area under the concentration‐time curve of 8 mg/mL × min on Day 1) and ifosfamide (at a dose of 2.65 g/m2 daily ×3 days) and 1 cycle of doxorubicin (at a dose of 25 mg/m2 daily ×3 days) before surgical resection, followed by 2 additional cycles of the combination of carboplatin and ifosfamide and 3 cycles each of doxorubicin (25 mg/m2 daily ×2 days) combined with ifosfamide or carboplatin.RESULTS:A total of 72 eligible patients (median age, 13.4 years) were enrolled between May 1999 and May 2006. Forty of the 66 (60.6%) evaluable patients had good histologic responses (>90% tumor necrosis) to preoperative chemotherapy. The estimated 5‐year event‐free survival rate was 66.7% ± 7.0% for the OS99 trial compared with 66.0% ± 6.8% for the OS91 trial (P = .98). The estimated 5‐year survival rate was 78.9% ± 6.3% for the OS99 trial and 74.5% ± 6.3% for the OS91 trial (P = .40).CONCLUSIONS:The regimen used in the OS99 trial was found to produce outcomes comparable to those of cisplatin‐containing or HDMTX‐containing regimens. This therapy offers a good alternative for patients, particularly those who demonstrate an intolerance of HDMTX, and for institutions that cannot provide pharmacokinetic monitoring for MTX. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.