bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of anti‐tumour necrosis factor therapy for rheumatoid arthritis on the use of other drugs and hospital resources in a pragmatic setting
Authors: Sandhu R. S. , Treharne G. J. , Douglas K. M. J. , Cassim K , Saratzis A. , Piper H. , Erb N. , Jenkins D. , Tavakoli M. , Deighton C. , Kitas G. D. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground: Anti‐tumour necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapy has been an important development for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but the impact of its delivery on hospital resources in still emerging.Aims: We audited the effect of starting anti‐TNF on the use of other anti‐rheumatic therapies and hospital resources in a routine secondary care setting.Methods: A retrospective study of resource use before and after anti‐TNF was conducted. Hospital records of 54 RA patients were studied and data taken from the time of commencing anti‐TNF to 1 October 2004 and an equal time period prior to commencing anti‐TNF. Identical data were collected for 54 controls not on anti‐TNF. Relevant figures were extrapolated to per annum rates. Results were analysed using two‐factor ANOVAs comparing the pre‐ versus post‐anti‐TNF period. Cases on intravenous (IV) versus subcutaneous (SC) anti‐TNF were also compared in separate ANOVAs.Results: Mean duration of anti‐TNF therapy was 17.04 months (range 3.60–42.36). Mean pre‐ and 3‐months post‐anti‐TNF Disease Activity Scores (DAS28) were 6.93 and 3.88, respectively. Cases were more likely than controls to be on oral prednisolone pre‐ and post‐anti‐TNF. Methylprednisolone requirement, number of disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), telephone helpline contacts and duration as an inpatient reduced significantly post‐anti‐TNF. Day case admissions increased but outpatient appointments decreased only in cases on IV anti‐TNF.Conclusions: In a pragmatic setting, anti‐TNF therapy led to reduced need for steroid injections and other DMARDs, as well as reductions in use of several hospital resources. Wider replication of these findings will be important for planning delivery. Copyright: © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influences that drive clinical decision making among junior rheumatology nurses: A qualitative study
Authors: Bryer Domini Jayne 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis paper presents a qualitative study exploring the influences that drive clinical decision making among a small group of junior rheumatology nurses.A qualitative, descriptive design was chosen. Semi‐structured interviews were used with a purposive sample of six junior staff nurses from two inpatient rheumatology wards in a large teaching hospital in the North of England. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed using Burnard's (1991) thematic content analysis.The findings demonstrate four distinct themes which influence clinical decision making including professional development, patient‐focused care, working in a specialty and rheumatology nursing. Development of experiential knowledge alongside access to specialized information and expert practitioners was also influential in informing decisions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3D source simulation method for static fields in inhomogeneous media
Authors: Canova Aldo , Gruosso Giambattista 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn this paper, an integral approach based on the source simulation method (SSM) for the solution of three dimensional (3D) static electric fields is presented. This is an extension of the well‐known charge simulation method to the electric and current static fields. The formulation allows the solution of 3D electrostatic or static current field problems, where several perfectly conducting bodies (electrodes) are placed in inhomogeneous media. Only electrode surfaces and dielectric interfaces need to be discretized by triangular elements. Matrix coefficients are accurately evaluated by using closed integral forms of 1/rand of grad(1/r). Dirichlet and Neumann conditions can be imposed on the different conducting bodies; in particular, floating potential problem can also be solved. The method of images allows ground plane to be taken into account. The procedure has been applied to several practical cases and it represents an efficient tool for the evaluation of lumped circuit parameters such as capacitances of 3D conducting bodies and ground resistances of grounding systems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental study of pyrolysis and combustion of scrap tire
Authors: Juma M. , Koreňová Z. , Markoš J. , Jelemensky L. , Bafrnec M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPyrolysis and combustion behaviors of a single rubber particle in a derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) apparatus were investigated. The influence of temperature (400–850°C) and oxygen content in gas (5–21%) on combustion behavior of rubber samples and solid products of the pyrolysis process (chars) was studied. Development of the porosity and specific surface area of the rubber particle during pyrolysis was investigated.Pyrolysis of scrap rubber samples was carried out under nitrogen atmosphere over a temperature range 20–850°C using a heating rate of 5°C/min. The measured DTG curves show two different weight loss regions during the pyrolysis over a temperature range 250–550°C. In all, 52–55% of the samples weight was lost during the pyrolysis process and another 30% during the combustion of char. Ashes create approximately 17% of the samples weight.The ignition temperature of scrap rubber samples in air was around 512°C and increased with decreasing oxygen content. The reaction time of the combustion process decreased about 1.4 times with increasing temperature from 500 to 750°C and 5.5 times with decreasing oxygen content in the inlet gas from 21 to 5 mol%. The total specific surface area of the rubber sample with the degree of pyrolysis increased rapidly to 83 m2/g. The values of total porosity increased significantly from 0.3 to 32% at the end of pyrolysis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance of polyolefin composites containing recycled paper fibers
Authors: Baroulaki I. , Mergos J. A. , Pappa G. , Tarantili P. A. , Economides D. , Magoulas K. , Dervos C. T. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAn alternative process to the conventional melt compounding for the incorporation of paper fibers into polyolefins was developed, based on the dispersion of paper fibers in a hot polyolefin solution and the subsequent precipitation of the polymer by cooling, which leads to an homogeneous polyolefin/paper compound. The hardness, tensile and dielectric properties of composite specimens prepared by compression molding of the obtained compound, with filler content ranging from 0 to 40% (w/w), were examined. The tensile strength of the examined composites decreases especially in the case of high‐density poly(ethylene) (HDPE) and poly(propylene) (PP) composites at relatively higher filler content. The modulus of elasticity was improved only for the low‐density poly(ethylene) (LDPE) composites, in comparison with unfilled specimens, and this behavior is in agreement with the observed improvement in the hardness values of these composites. Dielectric spectroscopy has been used as a characterization method of the prepared composites. It was found that the addition of newspaper fibers to the polyolefins does not significantly affect the insulating properties of the materials. In conclusion, it seemed that polyolefin/paper fiber composites with acceptable properties can be prepared by the solution/precipitation technique studied in this work. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Removal of dyes from water by poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) hydrogel
Authors: Senkal Bahire Filiz , Erkal Dürdane , Yavuz Erdem 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe interaction between polymer and dye leading to polymer‐dye complex formation exhibits many interesting and important practical features. For this purpose, a hydrogel was prepared by crosslinking copolymerization of vinyl pyrrolidone with tetraallyl ammonium bromide in aqueous solution, using K2S2O8 as a radical initiator. Dye extraction experiments were carried out simply by contacting wetted gel samples with aqueous dye solutions at room temperature. Capacities were determined by colorimetric analysis of the residual dye contents. The hydrogel swelled in water showing that reasonable high dye sorption capacity (0.71–1.13 g per gram of gel) was achieved. This material is also able to remove the anionic dyes completely even from highly diluted aqueous dye solutions. No trace absorbance was detected in the visible range, after processing. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capacity building through research and educational collaboration: a report of a UK–Sri Lanka collaboration
Authors: Dissanayake A , Idampitiya CA , Amarasinghe A , Thomson GA , Fernando DJS 
Published: November 2006

AbstractDeveloping countries are faced with an escalating epidemic of non‐communicable diseases. There is an urgent need to build capacity in terms of health care resources to combat this epidemic. In this article we describe a project co‐funded by the World Diabetes Foundation, the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine Colombo Sri Lanka, the Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Trust of Sri Lanka, and the charitable Sri Lanka Education Fund held in Trust at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust, UK. This project has sought to improve capacity in a developing country through fostering research and educational partnerships. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons.
Diabetes prevention and control in Viet Nam: a demonstration project in two provinces
Authors: Cockram CS , Van Binh T , Galea G 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA demonstration project has been underway in two provinces in the north of Viet Nam since 2004 as part of the diabetes component of the national plan of the Government of Viet Nam targetting non‐communicable diseases. The project is designed to develop health care networks at provincial level which can address diabetes prevention and management in a comprehensive and sustainable manner. The model which results can then be implemented on a national basis. The project is a collaborative venture between the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization and is also receiving specific project funding from the World Diabetes Foundation. Implementation is coordinated by the National Hospital of Endocrinology in Ha Noi.Baseline data collected for the project confirm overall diabetes prevalence rates in the provinces to be in excess of 3% of whom 80–90% remain undiagnosed. An interesting, but unexplained, finding is a three‐fold difference in the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance between the two provinces.To date the project has identified, by screening, more than 2500 people with previously undiagnosed diabetes, and the number of people with diabetes now receiving care in the two provinces has more than tripled. Diabetes clubs have been formed in both provinces and are being linked with the new national diabetes association. A very large number of community‐based activities aimed at primary prevention have also been held, using local media outlets such as provincial radio stations. Some barriers within the system which reflect traditional methods and resource allocation have been identified and intensive and determined efforts are allowing these to be overcome both at provincial and national level. The successful solution of these problems will allow a smoother transition when other parts of the country implement the model.In 2007, the project will be extended to a third province in the south of Viet Nam. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons.
Diabetes prevention and control as a part of an integrated non‐communicable disease strategy: the Pakistan approach
Authors: Nishtar S , Shera S 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAddressing non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) in a developing country such as Pakistan is a multidimensional challenge with implications at different levels. Lobbying for appropriate investments and policies to facilitate the inclusion of the prevention of NCDs as part of the global development and health agenda is a critical aspect of the issue. However, on the other hand, the implementation of policies for the prevention of NCDs is a challenge in its own right because of the diverse nature of strategies that need to be instituted in tandem. These include institutional, community and public policy level changes set within a long‐term and life‐course perspective.These considerations lent impetus to the formulation of a tripartite alliance between the Ministry of Health, Government of Pakistan, the World Health Organization, Pakistan office, and the non‐government organisation Heartfile. This public–private partnership aims at the development and implementation of a long‐term national strategy for prevention and risk factor control of NCDs and health promotion in Pakistan.Though the ingredients of this strategy are sound, it needs to be supported by a clear, strong and sustained political and policy commitment backed by a legislative framework that is supportive of multi‐stakeholder models. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons.
Life cycle assessment of thin‐film GaAs and GaInP/GaAs solar modules
Authors: Mohr N. J. , Schermer J. J. , Huijbregts M. A. J. , Meijer A. , Reijnders L. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis paper presents an environmental comparison based on life cycle assessment (LCA) of the production under average European circumstances and use in The Netherlands of modules based on two kinds of III–V solar cells in an early development stage: a thin‐film gallium arsenide (GaAs) cell and a thin‐film gallium‐indium phosphide/gallium arsenide (GaInP/GaAs) tandem cell. A more general comparison of these modules with the common multicrystalline silicon (multi‐Si) module is also included. The evaluation of the both III–V systems is made for a limited industrial production scale of 0·1 MWp per year, compared to a scale of about 10 MWp per year for the multi‐Si system. The here considered III–V cells allow for reuse of the GaAs wafers that are required for their production.The LCA indicates that the overall environmental impact of the production of the III–V modules is larger than the impact of the common multi‐Si module production; per category their scores have the same order of magnitude. For the III–V systems the metal‐organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) process is the main contributor to the primary energy consumption. The energy payback times of the thin‐film GaAs and GaInP/GaAs modules are 5·0 and 4·6 years, respectively. For the multi‐Si module an energy payback time of 4·2 years is found. The results for the III–V modules have an uncertainty up to approximately 40%. The highly comparable results for the III–V systems and the multi‐Si system indicate that from an environmental point of view there is a case for further development of both III–V systems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of a ‐shaped amphiphilic block copolymer by the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization and living anionic polymerization
Authors: Yu Xifei , Shi Tongfei , An Lijia , Zhang Guo , Dutta P. K. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe functionalization of monomer units in the form of macroinitiators in an orthogonal fashion yields more predictable macromolecular architectures and complex polymers. Therefore, a new
‐shaped amphiphilic block copolymer, (PMMA)2–PEO–(PS)2–PEO–(PMMA)2 [where PMMA is poly(methyl methacrylate), PEO is poly (ethylene oxide), and PS is polystyrene], has been designed and successfully synthesized by the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and living anionic polymerization. The synthesis of meso‐2,3‐dibromosuccinic acid acetate/diethylene glycol was used to initiate the polymerization of styrene via ATRP to yield linear (HO)2–PS2 with two active hydroxyl groups by living anionic polymerization via diphenylmethylpotassium to initiate the polymerization of ethylene oxide. Afterwards, the synthesized miktoarm‐4 amphiphilic block copolymer, (HO–PEO)2–PS2, was esterified with 2,2‐dichloroacetyl chloride to form a macroinitiator that initiated the polymerization of methyl methacrylate via ATRP to prepare the ‐shaped amphiphilic block copolymer. The polymers were characterized with gel permeation chromatography and 1H NMR spectroscopy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 147–156, 2007
Sub‐second electron spin lifetimes in quantum dots at zero applied magnetic field due to alignment of QD nuclei
Authors: Oulton R. , Verbin S. Yu. , Auer T. , Cherbunin R. V. , Greilich A. , Yakovlev D. R. , Bayer M. , Reuter D. , Wieck A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA key to ultra‐long electron spin memory in quantum dots (QDs) at zero magnetic field is polarization of the nuclei, such that the electron spin is stabilized along the nuclear magnetic field. We demonstrate that spin‐polarized electrons in n‐doped QDs align the nuclear field via hyperfine interaction. A feedback onto the electrons occurs, leading to stabilization of polarization, for which spin memory is retained over 0.2 seconds. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Immunostimulating effects of the polyphenol‐rich fraction of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) extract in chickens
Authors: Hikosaka Kenji , El‐Abasy Moshira , Koyama Yukari , Motobu Maki , Koge Kenji , Isobe Takashi , Kang Chung‐Boo , Hayashidani Hideki , Onodera Takashi , Wang Pi‐Chao , Matsumura Masatoshi , Hirota Yoshikazu 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe phagocytic activity of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) in chickens orally administered sugar cane extracts (SCE) or polyphenol‐rich fraction (PRF) of SCE (500 mg/kg/day) for 3 consecutive days increased significantly, when compared with that of saline‐administered control chickens. Chickens orally administered SCE or PRF (500 mg/kg/day) for 3 consecutive days showed significantly higher antibody responses against sheep red blood cells and Brucella abortus than control chickens. In addition, oral administration of SCE or PRF also resulted in a significant increase in the number of IgM‐ and IgG‐plaque forming cell responses of PBL, intestinal leukocytes and splenocytes, when compared with those of control chickens. Furthermore, delayed type hypersensitivity responses to human γ globulin significantly increased in chickens orally administered SCE or PRF, compared with those of control chickens when evaluated on the basis of net increased wattle thickness at 24, 48 and 72 h after challenge. These results suggest that PRF of SCE has an immunostimulating effect in chickens. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kamikihi‐to, a Kampo medicine, Ameliorates impairment of spatial memory in rats
Authors: Egashira Nobuaki , Manome Naomi , Kurauchi Kouji , Matsumoto Yoshiaki , Iwasaki Katsunori , Mishima Kenichi , Shoyama Yukihiro , Fujiwara Michihiro 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe present study investigated the effects of Kamikihi‐to (KKT), a Kampo medicine, on impairment of spatial memory in rats using an eight‐arm radial maze task. Scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), a non‐selective muscarinic receptor antagonist, and Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; 6 mg/kg, i.p.), a principal psychoactive component of marihuana, each markedly impaired the spatial memory. KKT (1 and 3 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly improved the scopolamine‐induced impairment of spatial memory. KKT (30 mg/kg, p.o.) also improved significantly the THC‐induced impairment of spatial memory. Moreover, KKT (3 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) enhanced tremors induced by oxotremorine, a muscarinic M1 receptor agonist. Taken together these findings suggest that KKT is a useful drug for treating memory deficits. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intellectual property protection in the natural product drug discovery, traditional herbal medicine and herbal medicinal products
Authors: Kartal Murat 
Published: November 2006

AbstractTraditional medicine is an important part of human health care in many developing countries and also in developed countries, increasing their commercial value. Although the use of medicinal plants in therapy has been known for centuries in all parts of the world, the demand for herbal medicines has grown dramatically in recent years. The world market for such medicines has reached US $ 60 billion, with annual growth rates of between 5% and 15%. Researchers or companies may also claim intellectual property rights over biological resources and/or traditional knowledge, after slightly modifying them. The fast growth of patent applications related to herbal medicine shows this trend clearly.This review presents the patent applications in the field of natural products, traditional herbal medicine and herbal medicinal products. Medicinal plants and related plant products are important targets of patent claims since they have become of great interest to the international drug and cosmetic industry. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doublet–quartet conversion in negative ions as a possible mechanism of the electron autodetachment delay
Authors: Khvostenko Olga G. , Tuimedov Georgy M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMolecular negative ions with abnormally high lifetimes (20 µs) relative to electron autodetachment were registered at 1.65 eV electron energy in pyromellitic acid imide by means of negative ion mass spectrometry with resonant electron capture. Using quantum‐chemical calculations, it was shown that the delay of the electron autodetachment may be caused by the conversion of an originally generated molecular ion‐doublet into a molecular ion‐quartet, as a result of intersystem crossing of the potential energy surfaces of these ions. It was noticed that the ion‐quartet cannot decay rapidly into the molecule of the ground state because of the prohibition of the spin flip, which is similar to that for phosphorescence. It can also not decay into the parent triplets, because these triplets are higher in energy than the ion. As a whole, both prohibitions provide the observed effect of the high lifetime of the ions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Different levodopa actions on the extracellular dopamine pools in the rat striatum
Authors: Rodríguez M. , Morales I. , González‐Mora J.L. , Gómez I. , Sabaté M. , Dopico J.G. , Rodríguez‐Oroz M.C. , Obeso J.A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractLevodopa has been the mainstay treatment for Parkinson's disease for several decades, but the precise mechanism for its therapeutic action is still not well understood. To date, little distinction has been made between the effects of levodopa on the different brain DA pools. We studied the levodopa action on two extracellular DA pools: one was analyzed by microdialysis (often considered as indicative of volume transmission) and the other by in vivo amperometry during nigrostriatal cell stimulation (more indicative of neurotransmission). Levodopa administration induced a moderate (↑200%) and tardy (began at 60 min) increase in the DA‐pool measured by microdialysis, an effect that increased (↑500%) and accelerated (began at 10 min) after DA‐cell degeneration. Levodopa action on the DA‐pool measured by amperometry was very fast (10 min) and prominent (↑600%) in normal rats. The DA‐denervated striatum showed a fast exhaustion during cell stimulation, which prevented further study of the levodopa effect on the DA amperometry‐pool under this condition. This study suggests a different kinetic for levodopa action on the volume transmitter and neurotransmitter DA‐pool, showing marked changes in levodopa action in the denervated striatum. Synapse 61:61–71, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.