bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on carboxymethylation of cellulose extracted from Posidonia oceanica
Authors: Aguir Chadlia , M'Henni M. F. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe production of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) from bleached cellulose pulps obtained from Posidonia oceanica was explored. The optimal reaction conditions were studied for the carboxymethylation of cellulose in organic liquids. The carboxymethylation reaction was carried out with NaOH and monochloroacetic acid (MAC) as the reagent. Different alcohols were compared in terms of the degree of substitution (DS). The highest DS was obtained with n‐butanol. For this alcohol, the effects of the temperature, alkali concentration, and MAC concentration were studied. The reaction was also carried out in three consecutive steps. The resulting CMC had a DS of about 2.75. The functionalization of cellulose was checked using FTIR spectroscopy and 13C‐NMR. The X‐ray analysis showed that the crystalline structure of cellulose decreased when the DS increased and the structure was totally amorphous in high DS material. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1808–1816, 2006
Flour rice husk as filler in block copolymer polypropylene: Effect of different coupling agents
Authors: Martí‐Ferrer Ferran , Vilaplana Francisco , Ribes‐Greus Amparo , Benedito‐Borrás Adolfo , Sanz‐Box Concha 
Published: December 2005

AbstractFlour rice husk (FRH) was employed as a filler in block copolymer polypropylene (PPB) in order to prepare polymer‐based reinforced composites. Four coupling agents were selected to modify the surface of the rice husk in the composite materials, including two types of functionalized polymers [PP homopolymer grafted with maleic anhydride (MA‐PP) and an elastomer styrene–ethylene–butadiene–styrene triblock copolymer grafted with MA (MA‐SEBS)] and two bifunctional organometallic coupling agents (silane and titanate with linear low‐density polyethylene as a carrier). The influence of each type of coupling agent on the interfacial bonding strength was studied by dynamic mechanical analysis, scanning electronic microscopy, and rheological tests. The results showed that strong interactions were formed between the coupling agents and the filler surface. The addition of a coupling agent with an elastomeric carrier (MA‐SEBS) increased the loss tangent and reduced the storage modulus of the composite. A similar but less intense effect was observed for the titanate coupling agent. However, an antagonistic performance was obtained when MA‐PP and silane were employed as coupling agents. In addition, when the percentage of MA‐SEBS was increased, the impact properties of FRH/PPB blends were improved and the strength was reduced. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1823–1831, 2006
Synthesis, characterization, and comparison of self‐doped, doped, and undoped forms of polyaniline, poly(o‐anisidine), and poly[aniline‐co‐(o‐anisidine)]
Authors: Özdemir Cemile , Kaplan Can Hatice , Çolak Nureddin , Güner Ali 
Published: December 2005

AbstractPolyaniline (PANI), poly(o‐anisidine), and poly[aniline‐co‐(o‐anisidine)] were synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization with ammonium persulfate as an oxidizing reagent in an HCl medium. The viscosities, electrical conductivity, and crystallinity of the resulting polymers (self‐doped forms) were compared with those of the doped and undoped forms. The self‐doped, doped, and undoped forms of these polymers were characterized with infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and a four‐point‐probe conductivity method. X‐ray diffraction characterization revealed the crystalline nature of the polymers. The observed decrease in the conductivity of the copolymer and poly(o‐anisidine) with respect to PANI was attributed to the incorporation of the methoxy moieties into the PANI chain. The homopolymers attained conductivity in the range of 3.97 × 10−3 to 7.8 S/cm after doping with HCl. The conductivity of the undoped forms of the poly[aniline‐co‐(o‐anisidine)] and poly(o‐anisidine) was observed to be lower than 10−5 J/S cm−1. The conductivity of the studied polymer forms decreased by the doping process in the following order: self‐doped → doped → undoped. The conductivity of the studied polymers decreased by the monomer species in the following order: PANI → poly[aniline‐co‐(o‐anisidine)] → poly(o‐anisidine). All the polymer samples were largely amorphous, but with the attachment of the pendant groups of anisidine to the polymer system, the crystallinity region increased. The undoped form of poly[aniline‐co‐(o‐anisidine)] had good solubility in common organic solvents, whereas doped poly[aniline‐co‐(o‐anisidine)] was moderately crystalline and exhibited higher conductivity than the anisidine homopolymer. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Effects of stearates on the thermal stability of chlorinated natural rubber from latex
Authors: Yu He‐Ping , Li Si‐Dong , Zhong Jie‐Ping , Xu Kui 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe effects of stearates on the dehydrochlorination (DHC) reaction of chlorinated natural rubber (CNR) from latex were studied by the measurement of the HCl evolving rate during the early stage of the thermal degradation of CNR and by the determination of the amounts of cyclic conjugated dienes formed on the CNR molecular chains. During the early stage of the thermal degradation of CNR at 150°C, HCl was eliminated from the CNR molecular chains, and the cyclic conjugated dienes were formed on the CNR molecular chains. Under the effects of barium stearate, lead stearate, cadmium stearate, and calcium stearate, the HCl evolving rates of CNR were reduced, whereas the amounts of cyclic conjugated dienes that formed on the CNR molecular chains were increased. When zinc stearate was added, because of the formation of ZnCl2, which was an active catalyst of the DHC reaction of CNR, both the HCl evolving rate from CNR and the formation of cyclic conjugated dienes were increased. The results indicate that the addition of stearates can reduce the thermal stability of CNR. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1981–1985, 2006
Effects of dibutyltin dilaurate and epoxidized soya bean oil on the thermal stability of chlorinated natural rubber from latex
Authors: Yu He‐Ping , Li Si‐Dong , Zhong Jie‐Ping , Xu Kui 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe effects of dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTL) and epoxidized soya bean oil (EBO) on the dehydrochlorination reaction of chlorinated natural rubber (CNR) from latex were studied by the measurement of the HCl evolving rate during the thermal degradation of CNR and by the determination of the amounts of cyclic conjugated dienes that formed on the CNR molecular chains. During the early stage of the thermal degradation of CNR at 150°C, HCl was eliminated, and the cyclic conjugated dienes formed on the CNR molecular chains. Under the effects of DBTL and EBO, the HCl evolving rates during the early stage of the thermal degradation of CNR were reduced, whereas the amounts of cyclic conjugated dienes formed on the CNR molecular chains were increased. Under the effects of mixtures from the compounding of DBTL with barium stearate or 2,2′‐methylene‐bis(4‐methyl‐6‐tert‐butyl‐phenol) as well as the compounding of EBO with 2,2′‐methylene‐bis(4‐methyl‐6‐tert‐butyl‐phenol), not only the HCl evolving rate from CNR but also the formation of cyclic conjugated dienes decreased, and this indicated that the compounded mixtures had synergistic functions against the thermal degradation of CNR. However, the mixture from the compounding of EBO with barium stearate had no synergistic effect on increasing the thermal stability of CNR. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1986–1991, 2006
Incidence and prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis in Northern Norway
Authors: Bakland Gunnstein , Nossent Hans C. , Gran Jan T. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the incidence and prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) over a prolonged period in the 2 northernmost counties of Norway, where HLA–B27 has a high prevalence in the population.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study of all patients registered with a diagnosis of AS between 1960 and 1993 at the University Hospital of Northern Norway, which is the sole rheumatology department serving these counties. We registered demographics, year of disease onset (clinical disease), and year of diagnosis (radiograph confirmation) for all patients. The date of onset of clinical disease in patients with AS was used in the calculation of incidence rates. Annual incidence and point/period prevalence rates were expressed per 100,000 adults. Primary AS was defined as AS in the absence of psoriasis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).ResultsA total of 534 patients (75.1% male, mean age at clinical diagnosis 24.2 years, 93.0% HLA–B27 positive) had a confirmed diagnosis of AS (by the modified New York criteria). Median time from disease onset to radiologic confirmation was 8.0 years. Annual incidence of primary AS (n = 417) was 7.26, while estimated point prevalence rose from 0.036% in 1970 to 0.10% in 1980 and to 0.21% in 1990 with a period prevalence of 0.26%. AS was secondary to psoriasis or IBD in 117 patients (18.1%), with a diagnostic delay similar to that in primary AS. Annual incidence (14.1) and period prevalence in 1982–1993 (0.41%) were significantly higher in the town of Tromsø than in the surrounding rural region (5.21 and 0.22%, respectively). Mortality in patients with AS was low.ConclusionThe incidence of AS was relatively stable in the northern part of Norway over a 34‐year period. Incidence and prevalence are higher than reported in similar studies from Finland and Minnesota, possibly due to a higher population prevalence of HLA–B27.
Analyzing reliability of change in depression among persons with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Martens Matthew P. , Vandyke Melanie , Parker Jerry C. , Smarr Karen L. , Hewett James E. , Hewett John E. , Walker Sara E. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo examine several methods of determining reliability of change constructs in depressive symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to demonstrate the strengths, weaknesses, and uses of each method.MethodsData were analyzed from a cohort of 54 persons with RA who participated in a combined behavioral/pharmacologic intervention of 15 months duration. These longitudinal data were used to examine 3 methodologies for assessing the reliability of change for various measures of depression. The specific methodologies involved the calculations of reliable change, sensitivity to change, and reliability of the change score.ResultsThe analyses demonstrated differences in reliability of change performance across the various depression measures, which suggest that no single measure of depression for persons with RA should be considered superior in all contexts.ConclusionThe findings highlight the value of utilizing reliability of change constructs when examining changes in depressive symptoms over time.
Effect of physical activity on functional status among older middle‐age adults with arthritis
Authors: Feinglass Joe , Thompson Jason A. , He Xiaoxing Z. , Witt Whitney , Chang Rowland W. , Baker David W. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effect of leisure time and work‐related physical activity on changes in physical functioning among 3,554 nationally representative survey respondents, ages 53–63 years in 1994, with arthritis and joint symptoms, interviewed in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS).MethodsIn 1992–1994, light and vigorous exercise items were empirically categorized into recommended, insufficient, and inactive leisure time physical activity levels using data from the HRS. Leisure and work‐related physical activity levels in 1994 were used to predict 1996 functional decline or improvement, controlling for baseline functional difficulties, health status, sociodemographic characteristics, and behavioral risk factors.ResultsWhereas 29.7% of respondents reported functional declines in 1996, 38.6% of those with baseline difficulties in 1994 reported improvement. Compared with inactive respondents, recommended and insufficient leisure time physical activity were equally protective against functional decline (odds ratio [OR] 0.59 and 0.62, respectively; P < 0.0001). Higher levels of physical activity were also modestly associated with functional improvement among respondents with baseline functional difficulties (OR 1.47, P = 0.05 and OR 1.45, P = 0.01, respectively). Work‐related physical activity was not a significant predictor of decline or improvement.ConclusionGiven the high prevalence of arthritis, even modest increases in rates of lifestyle physical activity among older adults could make a substantial contribution to disability‐free life expectancy.
Course and prognosis of knee complaints in general practice
Authors: van der Waal Johanna M. , Bot Sandra D. M. , Terwee Caroline B. , van der Windt Daniëlle A. W. M. , Scholten Rob J. P. M. , Bouter Lex M. , Dekker Joost 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectivePatients frequently present with knee complaints in general practice. Information about the course and prognosis of knee complaints is needed to inform patients and facilitate decisions on referral and treatment. The objective of the study was to assess the course of knee complaints and to identify predictors of outcome in patients visiting their general practitioner with a new episode of knee complaints.MethodsData were collected by means of self‐administered questionnaires. After 3 and 12 months of followup, the following outcomes were assessed: perceived recovery, change in pain, and change in physical functioning. As potential predictors of outcome, several sociodemographic variables, characteristics of the symptom, baseline scores of the outcome measures, and intra‐ and extra‐individual variables were analyzed using multiple regression analyses.ResultsWe included 251 patients with a new episode of knee complaints presented in general practice. Only 25% reported recovery after 3 months, increasing to 44% after 12 months. A history of knee complaints, a longer duration of the current episode of knee complaints, other coexisting musculoskeletal complaints, and a higher level of distress were associated with a worse prognosis. In the linear regression models, 41–53% of the variance in pain reduction and improvement in functioning could be explained by the predictors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, estimating the predictive accuracy of the Cox regression models concerning perceived recovery, was 0.77 after 3 months and 0.72 after 12 months.ConclusionMany patients did not recover after 12 months. Distress was found to be strongly associated with less pain reduction and less improvement in functioning.
Comparison of the COX‐inhibiting nitric oxide donator AZD3582 and rofecoxib in treating the signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: Schnitzer Thomas J. , Kivitz Alan J. , Lipetz Robert S. , Sanders Nick , Hee Angela 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of AZD3582 with that of rofecoxib, naproxen, and placebo in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, and to define the dosage of AZD3582 (125 mg, 375 mg, and 750 mg twice a day) that is noninferior in efficacy to rofecoxib.MethodsA double‐blind study of 672 patients with OA of the knee was conducted. Patients who experienced increased pain on withdrawal of analgesia were randomized to receive AZD3582 125 mg, 375 mg, or 750 mg twice a day; rofecoxib 25 mg once a day; naproxen 500 mg twice a day; or placebo for 6 weeks. Efficacy, tolerability, and safety were monitored throughout the study. The primary variable was the change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain subscale from baseline to the mean of weeks 4 and 6, comparing AZD3582 with placebo for superiority and with rofecoxib for noninferiority using a predefined margin of 10 mm.ResultsFor the primary variable, AZD3582 375 mg and 750 mg were superior to placebo (least squares mean difference [95% confidence interval] −12 mm [−18, −6], P < 0.001 and −13 mm [−19, −7], P < 0.001, respectively) and were noninferior to rofecoxib (−2 mm [−8, 4], P < 0.001 and −3 mm [−9, 3], P < 0.001, respectively). AZD3582 125 mg was not significantly different from placebo for the primary variable.ConclusionAZD3582 375 mg and 750 mg twice a day were superior to placebo and as effective as rofecoxib 25 mg/day in treating the signs and symptoms of OA of the knee. AZD3582 125 mg twice a day was not statistically different from placebo.
Preliminary results of integrated therapy for patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Huang Mao‐Hsiung , Yang Rei‐Cheng , Lee Chia‐Ling , Chen Tien‐Wen , Wang Ming‐Cheng 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effects of integrated therapy on the functional status of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsA total of 140 subjects with bilateral knee OA (Altman grade II) were randomized sequentially into 4 groups (groups I–IV). Group I received isokinetic exercises; group II received isokinetic exercise and pulse ultrasound for periarticular soft tissue pain; group III received isokinetic exercise, pulse ultrasound, and intraarticular hyaluronan therapy; and group IV acted as the control group. The therapeutic effects of the interventions were evaluated by changes in Lequesne's index, knee range of motion, peak muscle torques of knee flexion and extension, and ambulation speed after 8 weeks of treatment and at followup 1 year later. In addition, changes in visual analog scale pain and rates of attrition in each group were also recorded.ResultsPatients in groups I–III exhibited increased muscle peak torques and significantly reduced pain and disability after treatment and at followup. Groups II and III showed significant improvements in range of motion and ambulation speed after treatment. Group III also showed the greatest increase in walking speed and decrease in disability after treatment and at followup. Both group II and group III had significant gains in muscular strength after treatment and at followup; group III showed the greatest gains.ConclusionAn integrated therapy deals with the extra‐ and intraarticular progressive pathologic changes, and kinesiologic management of OA is suggested for the management of knee OA.
Diagnostic value of single‐photon–emission computed tomography in severe central nervous system involvement of systemic lupus erythematosus: A case‐control study
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zhu Zhaohui , Zhang Fengchun , Shu Huijun , Li Fang , Dong Yi 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic value of single‐photon–emission computed tomography (SPECT) in severe central nervous system (CNS) involvement of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsForty‐three patients with SLE, including 22 with CNS‐SLE and 21 with non–CNS‐SLE, underwent SPECT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. SPECT was repeated 1–2 months after treatment in patients with abnormal findings.ResultsSPECT and MRI abnormalities were detected in 20 (90.9%) and 10 (45.5%) of the 22 patients with CNS‐SLE, respectively (P < 0.01). For 4 patients with cerebral infarction or hemorrhage, SPECT was equally as sensitive as MRI (100%). For the patients with CNS‐SLE with diffuse presentations, SPECT was more sensitive than MRI in revealing abnormalities (16 [88.9%] of 18 patients versus 6 [33.3%] of 18 patients; P < 0.01). In 19 (95.0%) patients, the abnormal SPECT finding manifested as moderate to severe perfusion defect (15 in frontal lobe, 11 in parietal lobe, 11 in basal ganglia, 3 in temporal lobe, and 17 in multiple regions). Although mild perfusion defect was also detected in 4 (19.0%) of the patients with non–CNS‐SLE, it only involved a single region and spared the frontal and parietal lobes. Repeated SPECT after treatment showed that perfusion defect had improved significantly or even disappeared in 11 (84.6%) of 13 patients with diffuse CNS‐SLE with abnormal findings before treatment.ConclusionModerate to severe perfusion defect in SPECT involving multiple regions, especially in the frontal and parietal lobes and basal ganglia, in patients with lupus suggests CNS involvement. SPECT is more sensitive than MRI in revealing damage in diffuse CNS‐SLE, and is useful in followup, especially for monitoring disease severity and guiding treatment.
Preventing work disability among employees with rheumatoid arthritis: What medical professionals can learn from the patients' perspective
Authors: Varekamp Inge , Haafkens Joke A. , Detaille Sarah I. , Tak Paul P. , van Dijk Frank J. H. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the perspectives of employees with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with those of medical professionals regarding what persons with RA need to prevent work disability.MethodsConcept mapping was conducted in a group session with 21 employees and by mail with 17 medical professionals. Each group was asked to formulate statements on what enables employees with RA to retain their jobs. Group members scored all statements for importance and clustered them into themes. Results were statistically aggregated at the group level.ResultsThe concept mapping with employees yielded 59 statements, which were clustered into 7 themes. The 4 most important themes were employer support; understanding and acceptance of illness by employees themselves; suitable working conditions; and support from colleagues, health professionals, and the patient's organization. The concept mapping with medical professionals yielded 65 statements, which were clustered into 8 themes. The 6 most important themes were well‐informed professionals who cooperate effectively; employees' coping capacities and commitment to work; financial regulations at the workplace; adequate social security provisions, medication, and therapy; a positive attitude on the part of employers and colleagues; and suitable working conditions.ConclusionFactors that enable continued employment lie at different levels, including the psychosocial, practical, organizational, and social policy levels. Health professionals appear to underestimate factors that are important from the patient's perspective, especially support from employers. In discussing work with patients, health professionals need to address themes that are important from the patient's perspective.