bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and properties of ion‐exchange membranes prepared by the radiation‐induced grafting of a styrene/acrylic acid comonomer onto low‐density polyethylene
Authors: Mahmoud Ghada A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe preparation of ion‐exchange membranes by the direct radiation grafting of acrylic acid and styrene onto low‐density polyethylene was studied. The effects of the grafting conditions, such as the comonomer composition and concentration and the irradiation dose, on the grafting yield were also investigated. The swelling behavior, ion‐exchange capacity, structural changes, and thermal properties of unsulfonated and sulfonated membranes were studied. The crystallinity decreased with grafting and sulfonation, but the chemical and thermal stability was improved by sulfonation. The removal of some toxic heavy‐metal ions—Cd2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+—was studied. Some factors that influenced the metal‐ion uptake were studied. The metal‐ion‐uptake results showed that the membranes could be used for the adsorption of the investigated metal ions and had an affinity toward Pd2+ ions in a mixture. The regeneration of the membranes was carried out by a treatment with 1M HNO3, and the membranes were used several times with high efficiency. Thus, the membranes may be suitable for pervaporation or vapor permeation to separate wastewater because of their hydrophilicity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro drug‐release properties of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate copolymers
Authors: Babazadeh Mirzaagha 
Published: February 2007

Abstract2‐Hydroxyethyl methacrylate was copolymerized with acrylamide, N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, and n‐butyl methacrylate by free‐radical solution polymerization with α,α′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator at 70 ± 1°C. The average molecular weights and molar compositions of the resultant copolymers were determined with gel permeation chromatography and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy data, respectively. Diclofenac or 2‐[(2,6‐dichlorophenyl)amino]benzene acetic acid, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, was chemically attached to the copolymers by transesterification reaction in the presence of N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide to give macromolecular prodrugs. All the synthesized polymers were characterized with Fourier transform infrared, 1H‐, and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy techniques. The polymer–drug conjugates were hydrolyzed in cellophane member dialysis bags containing aqueous buffered solutions (pH 8) at 37°C, and the hydrolysis solutions were detected by UV spectrophotometer at selected intervals. The results showed that the drug could be released by selective hydrolysis of the ester bond from the side chain of the drug moiety. The release profiles of the drug indicated that the hydrolytic behavior of polymeric prodrugs strongly depends on the hydrophilicity of the polymer. The results suggest that the synthesized copolymers could be useful carriers for the release of diclofenac in controlled‐release systems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2403–2409, 2007
Investigation on stilbene‐ and azobenzene‐based liquid crystalline organophosphorus polymers
Authors: Rameshbabu K. , Kannan P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTwo series of combined liquid crystalline polyphosphates bearing dual photoreactive mesogenic units (stilbene and azobenzene/α‐methylstilbene and azobenzene) were synthesized by solution polycondensation method. The structures of the synthesized polymers were confirmed by various spectroscopic techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that they are stable between 230 and 320°C. Differential scanning calorimetry studies were done to study the liquid crystalline property, and glass‐transition, melting, and isotropization temperatures for all the polymers. Polarizing optical microscope shows the birefringent melt for all the polymers exhibiting liquid crystalline property. The photochemical response was studied by UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy for all the polymers. The photocrosslinking reaction of the stilbene containing polymers was ascertained by spectroscopic and photolysis studies. The rate of the switching time for the conversion of trans to cis form of azobenzene unit was investigated by UV spectroscopy. The terminal substituents in the side chain affects the texture of liquid crystalline phase for all the polymers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Swelling behavior and biocompatibility of Carbopol‐containing superporous hydrogel composites
Authors: Tang Cui , Yin Lichen , Yu Jing , Yin Chunhua , Pei Yuanying 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCarbopol‐containing superporous hydrogel composites (SPHCc) with fast swelling and high swelling ratio were prepared using free radical copolymerization. Swelling behavior of the SPHCc was studied in various salt and pH solutions and their biocompatibility was evaluated using tissue damage and cytotoxicity studies. The swelling ratio of the SPHCc decreased with the increase of Carbopol/monomer ratio and was sensitive to pH and ionic strength of the swelling medium. The release of insulin from the SPHCc was rapid in 0.01M phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4). In the jejunum mucosal membrane toxicity studies in rat, no significant morphological damage was observed after application of SPHCc. Besides, no damage of the Caco‐2 monolayers was detected after incubation with SPHCc in the trypan blue and propidium iodide tests. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that the SPHCc might be a safe and effective carrier for peroral delivery of peptide and protein drugs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Synthesis and characterization of core‐shell SiO2 nanoparticles/poly(3‐aminophenylboronic acid) composites
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Ping , Lee Se‐Hee , Reddy Kakarla Raghava , Gopalan Anantha Iyengar , Lee Kwang‐Pill 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSiO2/Poly(3‐aminophenylboronic acid) (PAPBA) composites were synthesized under different experimental conditions, using ultrasonic irradiation method. Polymerization was carried out in the presence of sodium fluoride and D‐fructose to anchor 3‐aminophenylboronic acid groups on to SiO2 surface. The SiO2/PAPBA nanocomposite prepared by NaF and D‐fructose in the polymerization medium was found to show different morphology, electrical properties, thermal behavior and structural characterization in comparison to the nanocomposites prepared under other conditions. Ultrasonic irradiation minimizes the aggregation of nanosilica and promotes anchoring of PAPBA units over SiO2 surface. The morphology of PAPBA/ SiO2 nanocomposite was investigated by using transmission electron microscopy, UV‐visible spectroscopy; thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analysis were used for characterization. Transmission electron microscope of the nanocomposites observation shows that SiO2/PAPBA composite, prepared with D‐fructose and NaF under ultrasonication has a core–shell morphology. The thermal and crystalline properties of core‐shell SiO2/PAPBA nanocomposite was prepared via ultrasonication method is different from the SiO2/PAPBA nanocomposite prepared via conventional stirring method, in which SiO2 nanoparticles are submerged in PAPBA. Conductivity of the composite prepared via ultrasonication shows around 0.2 S/cm. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2743–2750, 2007
Effects of the solvent polarity on the atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by 4‐(chloromethyl)phenyltrimethoxysilane
Authors: Zhang Juan , Pan Kai , Jiang Long , Yi Zheng , Dan Yi 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe controllability of the atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the polar solvent N,N‐dimethylformamide and the nonpolar solvent xylene with 4‐(chloromethyl)phenyltrimethoxysilane as an initiator and with CuCl/2,2′‐bipyridine and CuCl/4,4′‐di(5‐nonyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine as catalyst systems was studied. Gel permeation chromatography analysis established that in the nonpolar solvent xylene, much better control of the molecular weight and polydispersity of poly(methyl methacrylate) was achieved with the CuCl/4,4′‐di(5‐nonyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine catalyst system than with the CuCl/2,2′‐bipyridine as catalyst system. In the polar solvent N,N‐dimethylformamide, unlike in xylene, the polymerization was more controllable with the CuCl/2,2′‐bipyridine catalyst system than with the CuCl/4,4′‐di(5‐nonyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine catalyst system. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2751–2754, 2007
Fe(II/III) adsorption onto styrene/divinyl benzene based polymers
Authors: Ahmetli G. , Tarlan E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe effectiveness of two styrene/divinyl benzene (SDB) compounds was studied for the removal of Fe(II) and Fe(III) from aqueous solutions. The first one was styrene/divinyl benzene sulfonate (SDB‐S), which was commercially supplied and used as an ion‐exchange resin. The second one was a terpolymer, styrene/divinyl benzene/allyl methacrylate (SDBAM), which was synthesized from the monomers and used as an adsorbent. Fe(II/III) removal experiments were conducted in columns and in batch reactors. The results indicated that both SDB compounds were effective for both Fe(II) and Fe(III) removal. The ion‐exchange capacity of SDB‐S was calculated to be 907 mequiv/100 g for Fe(II) and 1100 mequiv/100 g for Fe(III) (which are good quantities). The adsorptive capacity of SDBAM, determined from isotherm calculations, was 79 mequiv/100 g for Fe(II) and 70 mequiv/100 g for Fe(III). This was less than the adsorptive capacity of SDB‐S but acceptable in comparison with common adsorbents. The SDB compounds were more selective for Fe(II). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2696–2703, 2007
Serum macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 in rheumatoid arthritis: A potential marker of erosive joint destruction
Authors: Brown David A. , Moore John , Johnen Heiko , Smeets Tom J. , Bauskin Asne R. , Kuffner Tamara , Weedon Helen , Milliken Samuel T. , Tak Paul P. , Smith Malcolm D. , Breit Samuel N. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveThe transforming growth factor β superfamily member macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 (MIC‐1) is expressed upon macrophage activation, regulated by the p53 pathway, and linked to clinical events in atherosclerosis and cancer. Since rheumatoid arthritis (RA) shares similar etiopathologic mechanisms with the above diseases, we sought to determine the clinical utility of determining MIC‐1 serum levels and MIC‐1 genotype in the management of RA.MethodsNinety‐one RA patients were recruited. Serum was collected from 83 of these patients and synovial biopsy samples were collected from the remaining 8 patients. Of the 83 patients from whom serum was collected, 61 were treated on an outpatient basis (defined as having nonsevere disease), and 22 patients went on to undergo hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) (defined as having severe disease).ResultsSerum levels of MIC‐1 were higher in RA patients and reflected disease severity independently of classic disease markers. MIC‐1 was detected in rheumatoid synovial specimens, and allelic variation of MIC‐1 was associated with earlier erosive disease and severe treatment‐resistant chronic RA. Additionally, algorithms including serum and/or allelic variation in MIC‐1 predicted response to HSCT, the presence of severe disease, and joint erosions.ConclusionDetermination of serum levels of MIC‐1 and MIC‐1 genotype may be clinically useful in the management of RA as well as in selection of patients for HSCT, since they predict disease course and response to therapy. The data indicate a potential role for MIC‐1 in RA pathogenesis. These results warrant larger prospective studies to fully delineate and confirm a role for MIC‐1 genotyping and serum estimation in patient selection for HSCT and in the management of RA.
Induction of autoimmune depression in mice by anti–ribosomal P antibodies via the limbic system
Authors: Katzav Aviva , Solodeev Inna , Brodsky Ori , Chapman Joab , Pick Chaim G. , Blank Miri , Zhang Wei , Reichlin Morris , Shoenfeld Yehuda 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveAutoantibodies against ribosomal P proteins are linked to the neuropsychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The present study was undertaken to assess how the specific brain‐binding autoantibody anti–ribosomal P can induce a depression‐type psychiatric disorder in mice.MethodsMice were injected intracerebroventricularly with affinity‐purified human anti–ribosomal P antibodies or IgG as control. Pharmacologic and immunologic treatments included the antidepressant drug fluoxetine, the antipsychotic drug haloperidol, and antiidiotypic antibodies. Behavior was assessed by the forced swimming test, motor deficits by rotarod, grip strength, and staircase tests, and cognitive deficits by T‐maze alternation and passive avoidance tests.ResultsAnti–ribosomal P antibodies induced depression‐like behavior in the mice (mean ± SEM 147.3 ± 19.2 seconds of immobility versus 75.2 ± 12.1 seconds of immobility in IgG‐injected control mice; P < 0.005). The anti–ribosomal P antibody–induced depression‐like behavior was partially blocked by a specific antiidiotypic antibody and significantly blocked by long‐term treatment with fluoxetine, but not by short‐ or long‐term treatment with haloperidol. The depressive behavior was not associated with any motor or cognitive deficits. Anti–ribosomal P antibodies specifically stained neurons in the hippocampus, cingulate cortex, and the primary olfactory piriform cortex, compatible with the previously described binding to the membrane‐bound P0 ribosomal protein.ConclusionThis is the first report of an experimental depression induced by a specific autoantibody. The results implicate olfactory and limbic areas in the pathogenesis of depression in general, and in central nervous system dysfunction in SLE in particular.
Antiviral gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis: Role of IKKϵ and interferon regulatory factor 3
Authors: Sweeney Susan E. , Mo Ling , Firestein Gary S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveThe rheumatoid synovium displays characteristics of Toll‐like receptor (TLR) activation and antiviral gene expression, including production of RANTES and interferon‐β (IFNβ). The mechanism of this activation in rheumatoid synovial tissue is unknown. This study was designed to investigate the role of the IKK‐related kinase IKKϵ and IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF‐3) in the activation of antiviral genes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsKinase assay and immunostaining were performed on synovial tissue. Dominant‐negative (DN) IKKϵ adenoviral infection of human fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) was followed by poly(I‐C) stimulation and Western blotting. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed on DN IKKϵ–infected FLS and IKKϵ−/− and IKKϵ+/+ mouse FLS.ResultsWestern blotting showed that IKKϵ phosphorylation was significantly greater in RA synovium compared with osteoarthritis synovium. Kinase assay confirmed that IKKϵ was activated in RA synovium, and immunostaining showed localization of pIKKϵ to the intimal lining. Western blot analysis demonstrated that activation of IRF‐3 was also increased in RA synovium. Poly(I‐C), lipopolysaccharide, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) activated phosphorylation of IKKϵ and IRF‐3 in FLS. DN IKKϵ inhibited IRF‐3 phosphorylation as well as RANTES and IFNβ protein production in synoviocytes. Antiviral gene expression was also reduced in FLS from IKKϵ−/− mice compared with IKKϵ+/+ mice.ConclusionAntiviral gene expression in RA, especially due to TLR ligands and TNFα, is dependent on IKKϵ and IRF‐3, and this pathway plays a key role in the production of type I IFNs and chemokines such as RANTES. These findings indicate that the IKKϵ pathway may have potential as a therapeutic target in RA.
Influence of inflammatory polyarthritis on cancer incidence and survival: Results from a community‐based prospective study
Authors: Franklin Jarrod , Lunt Mark , Bunn Diane , Symmons Deborah , Silman Alan 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether the incidence of cancer is increased and whether the rate of cancer survival is reduced in patients following the onset of inflammatory polyarthritis.MethodsBetween 1990 and 1999, we recruited 2,105 patients to a large primary care–based register of new‐onset inflammatory polyarthritis. Subsequent cancers were ascertained by linkage to hospital and death records and were confirmed by the regional cancer register. Cancer incidence, both all‐site and site‐specific, was compared with regional rates, adjusting for age, sex, and calendar year. Overall cancer survival, adjusted for site, was compared with regional data using Kaplan‐Meier curves and Cox regression.ResultsThere were 123 incident cases of cancer in the cohort of patients with inflammatory polyarthritis. The overall incidence of cancer among this cohort of patients with inflammatory polyarthritis was not increased compared with that in the regional population. Among cancers of all major organ systems, only the incidence of hematopoietic cancers (including lymphoma) was increased. Five‐year cancer survival was reduced in patients with inflammatory polyarthritis compared with patients without inflammatory polyarthritis. After adjusting for diagnosis, age, sex, and tumor type, mortality in patients with inflammatory polyarthritis and cancer was significantly increased (hazard ratio 1.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1–1.7).ConclusionThis is the first investigation of overall cancer survival in patients with inflammatory polyarthritis. Compared with an increased incidence of cancer, reduced cancer survival might be a greater contributor to the increased cancer mortality observed in some rheumatoid arthritis populations.
Perceived adherence to prescribed treatment in juvenile idiopathic arthritis over a one‐year period
Authors: Feldman Debbie Ehrmann , Civita Mirella de , Dobkin Patricia L. , Malleson Pete , Meshefedjian Garbis , Duffy CiarÁn M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo document perceived adherence to treatment (taking medications and performing exercises) in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) over a 1‐year period and to identify related factors.MethodsWe surveyed parents of patients with JIA at the Montreal Children's Hospital and British Columbia's Children's Hospital in Vancouver. Parents were asked to respond to a series of questionnaires every 3 months over a 12‐month period. Perceived adherence was evaluated on a 100‐mm visual analog scale (VAS) in the Parent Adherence Report Questionnaire (PARQ). Parental coping, distress, child function, disease severity and duration, perceived helpfulness of treatment, problems encountered, and sociodemographic data were also assessed.ResultsThe mean age of our sample of 175 children was 10.2 years; mean age at diagnosis was 6.1 years and mean disease duration was 4.1 years. Perceived adherence to medications was consistently high, with average adherence at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months being 86.1, 91.7, 90.4, 92.0, and 88.8, respectively, on the PARQ VAS. Perceived adherence to exercise was lower but remained steady, with corresponding means of 54.5, 64.1, 61.2, 63.0, and 54.3, respectively. Using generalized estimating equation analysis, factors associated with higher perceived adherence to medications included perceived helpfulness of medications and lower disease severity; those associated with higher perceived adherence to exercise were younger age of the child, child involvement in responsibility for treatment, and higher perceived helpfulness of the treatment.ConclusionBelief in helpfulness of treatment is associated with higher parental perceived adherence to treatment.
High‐yields and extended serum half‐life of human interferon α2b expressed in tobacco cells as arabinogalactan‐protein fusions
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Tan Li , Goodrum Kenneth J. , Kieliszewski Marcia J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTherapeutic proteins like human interferon α2 generally possess short serum half‐lives due to their small size, hence rapid renal clearance, and susceptibility to serum proteases. Chemical derivatization, such as addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) groups overcomes both problems, but at the expense of greatly decreased bioactivity. We describe a new method that yields biologically potent interferon α2b (IFNα2) in high yields and with increased serum half‐life when expressed as arabinogalactan‐protein (AGP) chimeras in cultured tobacco cells. Thus IFNα2‐AGPs targeted for secretion typically gave 350–1400‐fold greater secreted yields than the non‐glycosylated IFNα2 control. The purified AGP domain itself was not immunogenic when injected into mice and only mildly so when injected as a fusion glycoprotein. Importantly, the AGP‐IFNα2 chimeras showed up to a 13‐fold increased in vivo serum half‐life while the biological activity remained similar to native IFNα2. The use of arabinogalactan glycomodules may provide a general approach to the enhanced production of therapeutic proteins by plants. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 97: 997–1008. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phlegmasia caerulea dolens and venous gangrene
Authors: Perkins J M T , Magee T R , Galland R B 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Phlegmasia caerulea dolens and venous gangrene are rare conditions that tend to occur in association with malignancy. They are characterized by total or near-total occlusion of the venous drainage of the limb, including the microvascular collaterals. Associated mortality and morbidity rates are high, especially when progression to venous gangrene has occurred. Treatment options are limited; elevation and anticoagulation are recommended as first-line management. Experience with thrombolysis has been disappointing although intra-arterial administration of thrombolytic agents may improve results. Thrombectomy cannot be advocated routinely. Little advance in management, or in life and limb salvage, has been made in the past 30 years.
Multicentre study of surgical complications of colonoscopy
Authors: Garbay J R , Suc B , Rotman N , Fourtanier G , Escat J 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
A total of 196 records of colonoscopic surgical complications were reviewed during a 12-year period. Perforation (183 patients) and haemorrhage (11) were the two main complications. Diagnosis of perforation was delayed in 58 per cent of patients. The sigmoid colon was the site of perforation in 72 per cent with evidence of peritoneal contamination in 59 per cent. Postoperative mortality rate of perforation was 12 per cent and was significantly related to a past history of medical disease and size of perforation. Postoperative morbidity rate was 43 per cent. There were two deaths after colostomy closure. The overall mortality rate of colonoscopic perforation requiring an emergency surgical procedure reached 14 per cent. Haemorrhage always occurred after endoscopic polypectomy; the postoperative course was uneventful in these patients.
Sphincter function after transanal endoscopic microsurgical excision of rectal tumours
Authors: Hemingway D , Flett M , McKee R F , Finlay I G 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Benign tumours of the rectum may be destroyed by diathermy or cryotherapy, or may be locally excised using a urological resectoscope or by more invasive techniques such as the York-Mason trans-sphincteric resection1,2. Transanal endoscopic microsurgical excision of such tumours has the advantage of allowing a magnified view during excision, which enables resection of an unfragmented specimen with clear margins3. More proximal lesions can also be resected. However, the technique requires a prolonged period of anal dilatation using a 4-cm diameter sigmoidoscope, which may compromise sphincter function4,5. The aim of this prospective study was to examine sphincter function before and after transanal endoscopic microsurgical excision of rectal tumours.