bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and thermal properties of polycarbonate. II. Influence of titanium dioxide content and quenching on pigmented polycarbonate
Authors: Rouabah F. , Fois M. , Ibos L. , Boudenne A. , Dadache D. , Haddaoui N. , Ausset P. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe effects of quenching temperature including different thermal histories on mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of pigmented polycarbonate (PC/TiO2) were investigated. Tensile test, Izod impact strength and heat distortion temperature (HDT) were performed on specimens of 3 mm thickness. Pigment content and quenching temperature are two key factors that affect the properties of the materials. A higher content of pigments results in an increase of modulus of elasticity and a decrease of unotched and notched Izod impact strength, as well as elongation at break. A maximum of yield stress and HDT is obtained at 3% of TiO2, which was considered as the optimum level of pigment. An additional second quenching at 40°C has allowed to improve Izod impact strength and elongation at break of specimens with 3% of TiO2; whereas modulus of elasticity, density, yield stress, and HDT were minimum at this quenching temperature. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Crystallization behavior of dry‐brush PEO‐PS block copolymer and PEO homopolymer blend
Authors: Gao Ying , Liu Honglai 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe crystallization behavior of semicrystalline PEO homopolymer/triblock PS‐PEO‐PS copolymer blend system, which exhibited “Dry‐Brush” in the melt. A symmetric polystyrene–poly(ethylene oxide)–polystyrene triblock copolymer was blended with PEO homopolymer (h‐PEO) having the same molecular weight as that of the PEO block in the copolymer. Considering the composition of the blend (Wps≥ 0.8), PEO spheres were formed in the blend. Because of the dry‐brush phase behavior of this blend, h‐PEO added was localized in the PEO microdomains, which increases the domain size without changing the microdomain morphology. The crystallization of PEO block was confined within the microdomains and the crystallization temperature was about 60°C lower than normal. Self‐seeding tests were performed to clarify the nucleation mechanism of the blend. Because the droplets size varies greatly, multicrystallization peaks were witnessed in the self‐seeding process. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Photopolymerization of clay/polyurethane nanocomposites induced by intercalated initiator
Authors: Tan Hailin , Nie Jun 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAn intercalated initiator was synthesized and used for preparation of clay/polyurethane nanocomposites by UV irradiation. Organoclays containing initiator groups were prepared by cationic exchange process which acted as both suitable intercalant and photoinitiator. These modified clays were then dispersed in the mixture of urethane acrylate and hexanediol diacrylate in different loading, then situ photopolymerized. Intercalated and exfoliated nanocomposite structure were evidenced by both X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscope. Thermal properties and morphologies of the resultant nanocomposites were also investigated. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Photocatalytic functional cotton fabrics containing benzophenone chromophoric groups
Authors: Hong Kyung Hwa , Sun Gang 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn preparation of self‐decontamination clothing materials in high reactivities against toxic agents, photoactive benzophenone chromophoric groups were incorporated into cotton fabrics. The cotton fabrics were treated by using 4‐hydroxybenzophenone as a reagent, 1,2,3,4,‐butanetetra carboxylic acid (BTCA) as a crosslinker, and sodium hypophosphite as a catalyst. The fabric treatment was conducted by a pad‐dry‐cure method. The benzophenone chromophoric group incorporated cotton fabrics were characterized by FTIR, SEM, TGA, and so on. The results confirmed the expected structures of the benzophenone chromophoric group modified and BTCA crosslinked cotton fabrics. The treated cotton fabrics demonstrated radical reactivities and antibacterial activity under UV irradiation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Kinetics and mechanism of the decay of methyl cellulose‐manganate(VI) polysaccharide transient species–novel spectrophotometric kinetic trace of methyl cellulose hypomangate(V) gel intermediate polysaccharide
Authors: Shaker Ali M. , El‐Khatib Rafat M. , Mahran Hossnia S. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractKinetics of the decay of methyl cellulose‐manganate(VI) intermediate polysaccharide [MC‐MnO] have been followed spectrophotometrically in different strong basic solutions at different temperatures, as well as, in the presence of different concentrations of perchlorate salt. The reaction is base‐catalyzed. Salt never affects the reactivity. The activation parameters have been evaluated and discussed in connection with the proposal mechanism. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Hand vascular involvement assessed by magnetic resonance angiography in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Allanore Y. , Seror R. , Chevrot A. , Kahan A. , Drapé J. L. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveImpairment of the microcirculation is a cardinal feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has improved the assessment of vascular lesions of the hand. The aim of this study was to evaluate vascular abnormalities in the hands of patients with SSc, using MRA.MethodsThirty‐eight patients with SSc were compared with 7 healthy subjects and 7 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Among patients with SSc, the mean ± SD age was 52 ± 14 years, the mean ± SD Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score was 0.9 ± 0.8, and the mean ± SD systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was 32.2 ± 8.4 mm Hg. Ten patients had a history of digital ulcers. The MRA protocol consisted of 4 successive acquisitions, each lasting 52 seconds, of 3‐dimensional coronal cross‐sectional images after gadolinium injection. The primary criteria were distality and quality of arterial opacification, avascular areas, and venous return.ResultsThirty‐five of the patients with SSc (92%) had at least 1 true digital artery that did not reach the first phalanx at the initial arterial analysis, and 23 patients (61%) had ≥4 damaged arteries. Twenty‐eight patients (74%) had thin arteries, and 20 patients (53%) had >1 avascular area. Nearly all patients (35 of 38 [92%]) had abnormal venous return, and a lack of visible venous return was observed in 16 patients (42%). Results for all of the control subjects were considered normal. Digital ulcers were more frequently observed in patients with SSc who had ≥4 damaged proper digital arteries compared with other patients (P = 0.003), the HAQ score was associated with thin‐caliber arteries (P = 0.04), and systolic PAP was associated with tissue enhancement secondary to ischemia (P = 0.04).ConclusionThese results show the substantial vascular involvement in SSc. Lesions were diffuse and involved both arterial and venous vessels of small caliber as well as the microcirculation.
An unexpectedly high frequency of MEFV mutations in patients with anti–citrullinated protein antibody–negative palindromic rheumatism
Authors: Cañete Juan D. , Arostegui Juan I. , Queiró Rubén , Gratacós Jordi , Hernández M. Victoria , Larrosa Marta , Alperí Mercedes , Moll Conchita , Rius Josefa , Sanmartí Raimon , Yagüe Jordi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether the MEFV gene, which is involved in the regulation of the inflammatory response and has been associated with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and intermittent hydrarthrosis, is implicated in the pathogenesis of palindromic rheumatism (PR) and to examine its clinical presentation and its evolution in a Spanish cohort of PR patients.MethodsFamily histories, demographic clinical data, and laboratory characteristics of 75 patients diagnosed as having PR were collected from medical records and personal interviews. The healthy control group included 325 blood bank donors. The FMF control group was made up of 84 Spanish FMF patients. Genomic DNA was isolated, and MEFV gene mutation analysis was performed by polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequence analysis.ResultsSixty‐five unrelated PR patients were finally included in the study. MEFV gene mutation analysis identified 8 of these 65 patients (12.3%) as carriers of at least 1 mutated MEFV allele. Patients with MEFV mutations had higher mean age and age at disease onset, but lower mean serum levels of anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). No other significant differences were observed between patients with and those without mutations. The frequency of MEFV mutations in ACPA‐negative PR patients was 22.2%, compared with 5.3% in ACPA‐positive PR patients (P = 0.058).ConclusionThis study shows a previously unreported high prevalence of mutations of the MEFV gene in patients with ACPA‐negative PR. This supports the hypothesis that it might be a susceptibility gene. Our findings also support the hypothesis that the MEFV gene might participate in the pathogenesis of other undifferentiated relapsing inflammatory rheumatic disorders.
Infliximab inhibits progression of radiographic damage in patients with active psoriatic arthritis through one year of treatment: Results from the induction and maintenance psoriatic arthritis clinical trial 2
Authors: van der Heijde D. , Kavanaugh A. , Gladman D. D. , Antoni C. , Krueger G. G. , Guzzo C. , Zhou B. , Dooley L. T. , de Vlam K. , Geusens P. , Birbara C. , Halter D. , Beutler A. ,   IMPACT 2 Study Group
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of infliximab on progression of structural damage over 1 year in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) enrolled in the Induction and Maintenance Psoriatic Arthritis Clinical Trial 2.MethodsIn this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, 200 patients with active PsA were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive infusions of infliximab (5 mg/kg) or placebo at weeks 0, 2, and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter through week 54. At week 24, patients initially assigned to receive placebo crossed over to receive infliximab (5 mg/kg). Based on predefined criteria, patients randomized to receive placebo could enter early escape by receiving infliximab (5 mg/kg) starting at week 16, and patients randomized to receive infliximab could have the dose increased to 10 mg/kg starting at week 38. Patients were analyzed according to the treatment they were randomized to receive. Radiographs of hands and feet were obtained at baseline and at weeks 24 and 54. Two readers blinded to treatment assignment and radiograph sequence independently evaluated erosions and joint space narrowing using the Sharp/van der Heijde scoring method modified for PsA.ResultsAt week 24, patients randomized to receive infliximab 5 mg/kg had significantly less radiographic progression compared with patients randomized to receive placebo, with mean ± SD changes from baseline in the total Sharp/van der Heijde score of −0.70 ± 2.53 and 0.82 ± 2.62, respectively (P< 0.001). At week 54, mean ± SD changes from baseline in the total Sharp/van der Heijde score were −0.94 ± 3.40 in patients randomized to receive infliximab and 0.53 ± 2.60 in those receiving placebo/infliximab (P= 0.001).ConclusionInfliximab significantly inhibits radiographic progression in patients with PsA as early as 6 months after starting treatment, and the beneficial effect continues through 1 year of infliximab therapy.
Modulation of interleukin‐6 and matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression in human fibroblast‐like synoviocytes by functional ionotropic glutamate receptors
Authors: Flood Sophie , Parri Rheinallt , Williams Anwen , Duance Victor , Mason Deborah 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectivePatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased concentrations of the amino acid glutamate in synovial fluid. This study was undertaken to determine whether glutamate receptors are expressed in the synovial joint, and to determine whether activation of glutamate receptors on human synoviocytes contributes to RA disease pathology.MethodsGlutamate receptor expression was examined in tissue samples from rat knee joints and in human fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS). FLS from 5 RA patients and 1 normal control were used to determine whether a range of glutamate receptor antagonists influenced expression of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), enzymes involved in matrix degradation and cytokine processing (matrix metalloproteinase 2 [MMP‐2] and MMP‐9), and the inhibitors of these enzymes (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 [TIMP‐1] and TIMP‐2). IL‐6 concentrations were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, MMP activity was measured by gelatin zymography, and TIMP activity was determined by reverse zymography. Fluorescence imaging of intracellular calcium concentrations in live RA FLS stimulated with specific antagonists was used to reveal functional activation of glutamate receptors that modulated IL‐6 or MMP‐2.ResultsIonotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptor subunit mRNA were expressed in the patella, fat pad, and meniscus of the rat knee and in human articular cartilage. Inhibition ofN‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors in RA FLS increased proMMP‐2 release, whereas non‐NMDA ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists reduced IL‐6 production by these cells. Stimulation with glutamate, NMDA, or kainate (KA) increased intracellular calcium concentrations in RA FLS, demonstrating functional activation of specific ionotropic glutamate receptors.ConclusionOur findings indicate that activation of NMDA and KA glutamate receptors on human synoviocytes may contribute to joint destruction by increasing IL‐6 expression.
Aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: van Brussel M. , Lelieveld O. T. H. M. , van der Net J. , Engelbert R. H. H. , Helders P. J. M. , Takken T. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with healthy controls, to determine if there were differences based on disease onset type, and to examine the relationship between aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity in children with JIA.MethodsSixty‐two patients with JIA (mean ± SD age 11.9 ± 2.2 years, range 6.7–15.9) participated in this study. Aerobic exercise capacity was measured using a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Anaerobic exercise capacity was measured using the Wingate Anaerobic Exercise Test (WAnT).ResultsAll patients were able to perform the cardiopulmonary exercise test and WAnT without adverse events. On average, the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and VO2peak/kg were 69.8% and 74.8%, respectively, of that predicted compared with healthy controls. Mean ± SD power was 66.7% ± 37.2% of that predicted compared with healthy children. Mean ± SD peak power was 65.5% ± 43.1% of that predicted compared with healthy children. There were significant differences between subgroups of JIA; the oligoarticular‐onset group values did not significantly differ from healthy control values; the polyarticular rheumatoid factor positive–onset subgroup had the greatest impairment in both aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity. The correlations of mean power and peak power with VO2peak were r = 0.884 and r = 0.697, respectively (P < 0.05).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that both the aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity in children with JIA are significantly decreased. The WAnT might be a valuable adjunct to other assessment tools in the followup of patients with JIA.
Minimal disease activity, remission, and the long‐term outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wolfe Frederick , Rasker Johannes J. , Boers Maarten , Wells George A. , Michaud Kaleb 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of minimal disease activity (MDA) and remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), to assess the effect of anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapy on MDA, and to determine the extent to which MDA status improves long‐term outcomes.MethodsUsing the Patient Activity Scale (PAS) as a surrogate, we assessed the prevalence of MDA and remission in 18,062 patients with RA using the newly developed Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT) criteria for MDA.ResultsMDA was noted in 20.2% of 18,062 patients and persistent MDA, operationally defined as having MDA during ≥2 consecutive 6‐month observation periods, occurred in 13.5% of 7,433 patients followed longitudinally. Disease activity at remission levels was noted in 7%. Among patients with MDA, 82% received disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs or biologic agents. Following anti‐TNF initiation, the cumulative probability of achieving MDA at 2 and 6 years was 4.1% and 7.6%, respectively, and persistent MDA probabilities were 2.7% and 4.5%, respectively. Regardless of RA duration, patients with MDA had substantially better outcomes, including a 10‐fold reduction in work disability and an approximately 2‐fold reduction in total joint replacement and mortality.ConclusionRemission remains uncommon in RA, and the prevalence of new remission in community practice is substantially lower than noted in published trials of biologic therapy. On average, persons with MDA appear to have persistently mild RA. This might be the effect of milder RA and/or more effective treatment in early RA. The PAS had satisfactory levels of agreement with the full MDA criteria and appears suitable for use in clinical and epidemiologic research.
Development and validation of a new short and simple measure of physical function for juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Filocamo Giovanni , Sztajnbok Flavio , Cespedes‐cruz Adriana , Magni‐Manzoni Silvia , Pistorio Angela , Viola Stefania , Ruperto Nicolino , Buoncompagni Antonella , Loy Anna , Martini Alberto , Ravelli Angelo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo develop and validate a new short and simple measure of physical function in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).MethodsThe Juvenile Arthritis Functionality Scale (JAFS) is a 15‐item questionnaire that explores physical function in 3 body areas (lower limbs, hand/wrist, and upper segment). Validation of the Italian version of the instrument was accomplished by evaluating 211 consecutive JIA patients ages 2.2–18 years. The instrument's feasibility, face and content validity, construct and discriminative ability, internal consistency, interrater reliability, and responsiveness to clinical change were examined. JAFS psychometric properties were compared with those of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (C‐HAQ).ResultsThe JAFS was found to be feasible and to possess both face and content validity. The JAFS score correlated with most of the other JIA outcome measures in the range predicted, thereby demonstrating good construct validity, and discriminated well among different levels of disability. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.82. The intraclass correlation coefficients between raters (mothers, fathers, and children) and between reported and observed level of function ranged from 0.65 to 0.84. The JAFS revealed fair responsiveness, with a standardized response mean ranging from 0.42 to 0.56. Comparison with the C‐HAQ indicated that the JAFS may be superior in terms of construct validity and reliability, and at least as good in terms of discriminant validity and responsiveness.ConclusionThe JAFS exhibited good reliability, construct validity, and discriminative ability and fair responsiveness, and is therefore a valid instrument for the assessment of physical function in children with JIA.
Predictors of exercise and effects of exercise on symptoms, function, aerobic fitness, and disease outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Neuberger Geri B. , Aaronson Lauren S. , Gajewski Byron , Embretson Susan E. , Cagle Perri E. , Loudon Janice K. , Miller Peggy A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effects of participation in a low‐impact aerobic exercise program on fatigue, pain, and depression; to examine whether intervention groups compared with a control group differed on functional (grip strength and walk time) and disease activity (total joint count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C‐reactive protein) measures and aerobic fitness at the end of the intervention; and to test which factors predicted exercise participation.MethodsA convenience sample of 220 adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ages 40–70, was randomized to 1 of 3 groups: class exercise, home exercise using a videotape, and control group. Measures were obtained at baseline (T1), after 6 weeks of exercise (T2), and after 12 weeks of exercise (T3).ResultsUsing structural equation modeling, overall symptoms (latent variable for pain, fatigue, and depression) decreased significantly at T3 (P < 0.04) for the class exercise group compared with the control group. There were significant interaction effects of time and group for the functional measures of walk time and grip strength: the treatment groups improved more than the control group (P ≤ 0.005). There were no significant increases in measures of disease activity. Fatigue and perceptions of benefits and barriers to exercise affected participants' amount of exercise, supporting previous research.ConclusionThis study supported the positive effects of exercise on walk time and grip strength, and demonstrated that fatigue and perceived benefits/barriers to exercise influenced exercise participation. Furthermore, overall symptoms of fatigue, pain, and depression were positively influenced in this selective group of patients with RA ages 40–70 years.
Racial/ethnic differences in activities of daily living disability in older adults with arthritis: A longitudinal study
Authors: Song Jing , Chang Huan J. , Tirodkar Manasi , Chang Rowland W. , Manheim Larry M. , Dunlop Dorothy D. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate racial/ethnic differences in disability onset among older Americans with arthritis. Factors amenable to clinical and public health intervention that may explain racial/ethnic differences in incident disability were examined.MethodsWe analyzed longitudinal data (1998–2004) from a national representative sample of 5,818 non‐Hispanic whites, 1,001 African Americans, 228 Hispanics interviewed in Spanish (Hispanic/Spanish), and 210 Hispanics interviewed in English (Hispanic/English), with arthritis and age ≥51 years who did not have baseline disability. Disability in activities of daily living (ADL) was identified from report of inability, avoidance, or needing assistance to perform ≥1 ADL task.ResultsOver the period of 6 years, 28.0% of African Americans, 28.5% of Hispanic/Spanish, 19.1% of Hispanic/English, and 16.2% of whites developed disability. The demographic‐adjusted disability hazard ratios (AHR) were significantly greater among African Americans (AHR 1.94, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.51–2.38) and Hispanic/Spanish (AHR 2.03, 95% CI 1.35–2.71), but not significantly increased for Hispanic/English (AHR 1.41, 95% CI 0.82–2.00) compared with whites. Differences in health factors (comorbid conditions, functional limitations, and behaviors) explained over half the excess risk among African Americans and Hispanic/Spanish. Medical access factors (education, income, wealth, and health insurance) were substantial mediators of racial/ethnic differences in all minority groups.ConclusionRacial/ethnic differences in the development of disability among older adults with arthritis were largely attenuated by health and medical access factors. Lack of health insurance was particularly problematic. At the clinical level, treatment of comorbid conditions, functional limitations, and promotion of physical activity and weight maintenance should be a priority to prevent the development of disability, especially in minority populations.