bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of the combination of a whole‐blood interferon‐gamma assay and the tuberculin skin test in detecting latent tuberculosis infection in rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving adalimumab therapy
Authors: Chen Der‐Yuan , Shen Gwan‐Han , Hsieh Tsu‐Yi , Hsieh Chia‐Wei , Lan Joung‐Liang 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate QuantiFERON‐tuberculosis Gold (QFT‐G) assay and tuberculin skin test (TST) for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with adalimumab.MethodsWe prospectively followed up 43 RA patients who received adalimumab therapy and underwent serial TSTs and QFT‐G assays. TST was performed using Mantoux method and QFT‐G assay was examined by measuring interferon‐γ levels in whole blood samples that were incubated with early secretary antigenic target‐6 and culture filtrate protein 10.ResultsBefore starting adalimumab therapy, 8 RA patients (18.6%) had positive and 35 (81.4%) had negative TST results. All 8 RA patients with positive TST results were diagnosed as LTBI and received isoniazid prophylaxis (INHP) 1 month before starting adalimumab therapy. None of these 8 RA patients developed active TB 2 years after completing INHP. A high rate (10 [37.0%] patients) of TST conversion was observed among 27 patients who had completed 12‐month adalimumab therapy. Of these 10 patients with TST conversion, 2 patients had positive QFT‐G results and 1 developed active TB disease. Among 17 RA patients who did not have TST conversion after 12‐month adalimumab therapy, 1 patient who had a positive QFT‐G result developed active TB disease. Of all 43 RA patients who received adalimumab therapy, 4 (9.3%) developed active TB after starting adalimumab therapy.ConclusionThe application of TST for detecting LTBI is limited in RA patients by the frequent presence of anergy. Combined QFT‐G assay and TST can aid in detecting LTBI in RA patients receiving adalimumab therapy.
Assessment of the item selection and weighting in the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for Wegener's Granulomatosis
Authors: Mahr Alfred D. , Neogi Tuhina , Lavalley Michael P. , Davis John C. , Hoffman Gary S. , Mccune W. Joseph , Specks Ulrich , Spiera Robert F. , St.Clair E. William , Stone John H. , Merkel Peter A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for Wegener's Granulomatosis (BVAS/WG) with respect to its selection and weighting of items.MethodsThis study used the BVAS/WG data from the Wegener's Granulomatosis Etanercept Trial. The scoring frequencies of the 34 predefined items and any “other” items added by clinicians were calculated. Using linear regression with generalized estimating equations in which the physician global assessment (PGA) of disease activity was the dependent variable, we computed weights for all predefined items. We also created variables for clinical manifestations frequently added as other items, and computed weights for these as well. We searched for the model that included the items and their generated weights yielding an activity score with the highest R2to predict the PGA.ResultsWe analyzed 2,044 BVAS/WG assessments from 180 patients; 734 assessments were scored during active disease. The highest R2with the PGA was obtained by scoring WG activity based on the following items: the 25 predefined items rated on ≥5 visits, the 2 newly created fatigue and weight loss variables, the remaining minor other and major other items, and a variable that signified whether new or worse items were present at a specific visit. The weights assigned to the items ranged from 1 to 21. Compared with the original BVAS/WG, this modified score correlated significantly more strongly with the PGA.ConclusionThis study suggests possibilities to enhance the item selection and weighting of the BVAS/WG. These changes may increase this instrument's ability to capture the continuum of disease activity in WG.
Prevalence and associations of hallux valgus in a primary care population
Authors: Roddy Edward , Zhang Weiya , Doherty Michael 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the population prevalence and examine factors associated with hallux valgus in a primary care population.MethodsA questionnaire was mailed to all adults age >30 years registered with 2 general practices. Validated instruments assessed self‐reported hallux valgus, nodal osteoarthritis, and knee pain. The questionnaire also asked about big toe pain, joint replacement, and history of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Hallux valgus prevalence was calculated and standardized by the source population in terms of age, sex, knee pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. A nested case–control study was undertaken and age‐sex adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated between hallux valgus and age, sex, body mass index, nodal osteoarthritis, knee pain, big toe pain, joint replacement, self‐reported osteoarthritis, and self‐reported rheumatoid arthritis, using a binary logistic regression model.ResultsA total of 13,684 questionnaires were mailed and 4,249 (32%) responses were received. The standardized prevalence of hallux valgus was 28.4%. Hallux valgus was associated with age (adjusted OR 1.61 per decade; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.52–1.69), female sex (adjusted OR 2.64; 95% CI 2.26–3.08), nodal osteoarthritis (adjusted OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.26–2.17), knee pain (adjusted OR 1.96; 95% CI 1.65–2.32), big toe pain (adjusted OR 3.28; 95% CI 2.48–4.33), self‐reported osteoarthritis (adjusted OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.15–1.72), and self‐reported rheumatoid arthritis (adjusted OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.43–2.91).ConclusionHallux valgus is prevalent in the community and is associated with age, female sex, and components of generalized osteoarthritis such as nodal osteoarthritis, knee pain, big toe pain, and self‐reported osteoarthritis.
Risk of unintended pregnancy among women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Schwarz Eleanor Bimla , Manzi Susan 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectiveIt is recommended that women with systemic lupus erythematosus carefully time their pregnancies, but little is known about use of contraception and risk of unintended pregnancy in this population. The goal of this study was to estimate the proportion of women with lupus at risk for unintended pregnancy.MethodsWe surveyed 309 women with lupus, ages 18–50 years, seen at the University of Pittsburgh lupus center between January and May 2007.ResultsOf the women surveyed, 212 (69%) completed the survey. In the past 3 months, 97 (46% of 212) had faced some risk of unintended pregnancy. Of these, 53 (55% of 97) reported ≥1 occasion on which they had unprotected sex and 22 (23% of 97) reported that in the last 3 months they had unprotected sex “most of the time.” No women reported having used emergency contraception after unprotected sex. A desire to “discuss birth control with a health care provider at the lupus center” was reported by 22 (10% of 212) respondents and 16 (17% of 94) women ≤35 years old.ConclusionMany women cared for by our lupus center are at risk of unintended pregnancy and are interested in discussing birth control with a health care provider.
Defining appropriate outcome measures in pulmonary arterial hypertension related to systemic sclerosis: A Delphi consensus study with cluster analysis
Authors: Distler Oliver , Behrens Frank , Pittrow David , Huscher Doerte , Denton Christopher P. , Foeldvari Ivan , Humbert Marc , Matucci‐Cerinic Marco , Nash Peter , Opitz Christian F. , Rubin Lewis J. , Seibold James R. , Furst Daniel E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectiveOutcome measures for pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic sclerosis (PAH‐SSc) are only partially validated. The aim of the present study was to establish an expert consensus regarding which outcome measures are most appropriate for clinical trials in PAH‐SSc.MethodsSixty‐nine PAH‐SSc experts (rheumatologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists) rated a list of disease domains and measurement tools in an Internet‐based 3‐stage Delphi consensus study. In stages 2 and 3, the medians of domains and measurement tools and frequency distributions of ratings, along with requests for re‐ratings, were distributed to respondents to provide feedback. A final score of items was identified by means of cluster analysis.ResultsThe experts judged the following domains and tools as most appropriate for randomized controlled trials in PAH‐SSc: lung vascular/pulmonary arterial pressure and cardiac function both measured by right heart catheterization and echocardiography, exercise testing measured by 6‐minute walking test and oxygen saturation at exercise, severity of dyspnea measured on a visual analog scale, discontinuation of treatment measured by (serious) adverse events, quality of life/activities of daily living measured by the Short Form 36 and Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index, and global state assessed by physician measured by survival.ConclusionAmong experts in PAH‐SSc, a core set of outcome measures has been defined for clinical trials by Delphi consensus methods. Although these outcome measures are recommended by this expert group to be used as an interim tool, it will be necessary to formally validate the present measures, as well as potential research measures, in further studies.
Web site visibility evaluation
Authors: Espadas Javier , Calero Coral , Piattini Mario 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn recent years, the Internet has experienced a boom as an information source. The use of search engines is the most common way of finding this information. This means that less visible contents (for search engines) are increasingly difficult or even almost impossible to find. Thus, Web users are forced to accept alternative services or contents only because they are visible and offered to users by search engines. If a company's Web site is not visible, that company is losing clients. Therefore, it is fundamental to assure that one's Web site will be indexed and, consequently, visible to as many Web users as possible. To quantitatively evaluate the visibility of a Web site, this article introduces a method that Web administrators may use. The method consists of four activities and several tasks. Most of the tasks are accompanied by a set of defined measures that can help the Web administrator determine where the Web design is failing (from the positioning point of view). Some tools that can be used for the determination of the measure values also are referenced in the description of the method. The method is furthermore accompanied by examples to help in understanding how to apply it.
The Influence of a gradient static magnetic field on an unstirred Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction
Authors: Okano Hideyuki , Kitahata Hiroyuki , Akai Daisuke , Tomita Naohide 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIt is believed that static magnetic fields (SMF) cannot affect the pattern formation of the Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, which has been frequently studied as a simplified experimental model of a nonequilibrium open system, because SMF produces no induced current and the magnetic force of SMF far below 1 T is too low to expect the effects on electrons in the BZ reaction. In the present study, we examined whether the velocity of chemical waves in the unstirred BZ reaction can be affected by a moderate‐intensity SMF exposure depending on the spatial magnetic gradient. The SMF was generated by a parallel pair of attracting rectangular NdFeB magnets positioned opposite each other. The respective maximum values of magnetic flux density (Bmax), magnetic flux gradient (Gmax), and the magnetic force product of the magnetic flux density its gradient (a magnetic force parameter) were 206 mT, 37 mT/mm, and 3,000 mT2/mm. The ferroin‐catalyzed BZ medium was exposed to the SMF for up to 16 min at 25 °C. The experiments demonstrated that the wave velocity was significantly accelerated primarily by the magnetic gradient. The propagation of the fastest wave front indicated a sigmoid increase along the peak magnetic gradient line, but not along the peak magnetic force product line. The underlying mechanisms of the SMF effects on the anomalous wave propagation could be attributed primarily to the increased concentration gradient of the paramagnetic iron ion complexes at the chemical wave fronts induced by the magnetic gradient. Bioelectromagnetics 29:598–604, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reductive Degradation of nido‐1‐CB8H12 into Smaller‐Cage Carborane Systems via New Monocarbaboranes [arachno‐5‐CB8H13]− and closo‐2‐CB6H8
Authors: Bakardjiev Mario , Holub Josef , Hnyk Drahomír , Štíbr Bohumil 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTreatment of the nido‐1‐CB8H12 (1) carborane with NaBH4 in THF at ambient temperature led to the isolation of the stable [arachno‐5‐CB8H13]− (2−), which was isolated as Na+[5‐CB8H13]−⋅1.5 THF and PPh4+[5‐CB8H13]− in almost quantitative yield. Compound 2− underwent a boron‐degradation reaction with concentrated hydrochloric acid to afford the arachno‐4‐CB7H13 (3) carborane in 70 % yield, whereas reaction between 2− and excess phenyl acetylene in refluxing THF gave the [closo‐2‐CB6H7]− (4−) in 66 % yield. Protonation of the Cs+4− salt with concentrated H2SO4 or CF3COOH in CH2Cl2 afforded a new, highly volatile 2‐CB6H8 (4) carborane in 95 % yield, the deprotonation of which with Et3N in CH2Cl2 leads quantitatively to Et3NH+[2‐CB6H7]− (Et3NH+4−). Both compounds 4− and 4 can be deboronated through treatment with concentrated hydrochloric acid in CH2Cl2 to yield the carbahexaborane nido‐2‐CB5H9 (5) in 60 % yield. New compounds 2−, 3, and 4 were structurally characterised by the ab initio/GIAO/MP2/NMR method. The method gave superior results to those carried out using GIAO‐HF when relating the calculated 11B NMR chemical shifts to experimental data.
Aluminum Complexes Containing Cyclohexane‐1,2‐diyl Linked Bis(ketiminato) Ligands and Proton‐Promoted Demethylation
Authors: Huang Chun‐Hsueh , Hsueh Li‐Feng , Kuo Pei‐Cheng , Lee Hon Man , Uno Chia‐Liang , Huang Jui‐Hsien , Tu Cheng‐Yi , Hu Ching‐Han , Lee Gene‐Hsiang , Hung Cheng‐Hsiung 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA series of cyclohexane‐1,2‐diyl linked bis(ketiminato)aluminum complexes were synthesized. Reaction of a mixture of cis‐ and trans‐diaminocyclohexane and 2,4‐pentanedione gave a mixture of cis‐ and trans‐cyclohexane‐1,2‐diyl linked bis(ketimine) ligands (cis‐1 and trans‐1), which can be separated by fractional recrystallization. Reactions of trans‐1 with 1 and 2 equiv. AlMe3 gave monoaluminum complex trans‐C6H10[(NCMeCHCMeO)AlMe2](NHCMeCHCMeO) (2) and dialuminum complex trans‐C6H10[(NCMeCHCMeO)AlMe2]2 (3), respectively. Contrarily, when 1 equiv. or excess cis‐1 reacted with AlMe3, only five‐coordinate, linked bis(ketiminato)aluminum complex cis‐C6H10[(NCMeCHCMeO)2AlMe] (4) could be isolated in moderate yield. Heating complex 2 at reflux in a toluene solution resulted in the elimination of 1 equiv. methane to generate a five‐coordinate, linked bis(ketiminato)aluminum complex, trans‐C6H10[(NCMeCHCMeO)2AlMe] (5). Complex 2 reacts with allyl alcohol and 2,6‐dimethylphenol to form dimeric aluminum complexes [trans‐C6H10(NCMeCHCMeO)2Al]2(μ‐O–CH2CH=CH2)2 (6) and trans‐C6H10(NCMeCHCMeO)2Al(O–C6H3–2,6‐Me2) (7), respectively. All the complexes have been characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffractometry. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis of undecanoic acid phenylamides as corrosion inhibitors
Authors: Yıldırım Ayhan , Çetin Mehmet 
Published: May 2008

AbstractNon‐substituted or mono‐substituted 11‐cyano or 11‐thiocyanato undecanoic acid phenylamide derivatives were synthesized and characterized with their FT‐IR and 1H‐NMR spectra. Thereafter, their corrosion prevention efficiencies were investigated. All compounds were tested with steel coupons in acidic medium by a gravimetric method. Acidic tests were done with a medium concentration of 2 M HCl for 5 h at variable temperatures and inhibitor concentrations. The corrosion prevention efficiencies of the inhibitors were compared according to their chemical structures and the corrosion inhibition mechanism was also discussed. The synthesized compounds showed promising corrosion inhibition efficiencies under the outlined test conditions. Best inhibitions were obtained at 27°C and 100 ppm concentration of corrosion inhibitors.
Capillary electrophoresis of acidic oligosaccharides from human milk
Authors: Bao Yuanwu , Newburg David S. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractInterest in defining the array of oligosaccharides of human milk has been increasing. Pathogens that bind glycans on their host mucosal surfaces may be inhibited by human milk oligosaccharides. It has been postulated that acidic oligosaccharides in human milk may inhibit binding by pathogens that bind acidic glycans in the gut, but testing this hypothesis requires their reliable quantification in milk. Sialyloligosaccharides of human milk have been quantified by HPLC and CE. A recent CE technique uses the MEKC mode with direct detection at 205 nm to resolve and quantify, in the native form, the 12 most dominant sialyloligosaccharides of human milk in a single 35‐min run. The method gives a linear response from 39 to 2500 μg/mL with a coefficient of variation between 2 to 9% and accuracy from 93 to 109%. This was used to detect variation in expression of specific sialyloligosaccharides in milk. Individual sialyloligosaccharide concentrations in milk differ among individual donors and between less and more mature milk. Thus, CE can be used to measure variation in sialyloligosaccharide expression in milk, and thereby test the relationship of this variation‐to‐variation in risk of specific diseases in breastfed infants.
A microfluidic study of mechanisms in the electrophoresis of supercoiled DNA
Authors: Manage Dammika P. , Imriskova‐Sosova Iveta , Glerum D. Moira , Backhouse Christopher J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn this work, microfluidic chips were used to study the electrophoresis of supercoiled DNA (SC DNA) in agarose. This system allowed us to study the electrophoretic and trapping behaviours of SC DNA of various lengths, at various fields and separation distances. Near a critical electric field the DNA is trapped such that the concentration falls exponentially with distance. The trapping of such circular DNA has been explained in terms of the ‘lobster trap’ or ‘impalement’ model where shorter fibres become trapping sites at higher fields, leading to an ongoing (and gradual) increase in trapping with increasing field. By contrast, the present study suggests that under some circumstances the traps have a barrier such that only when the DNA has sufficient energy (at high enough fields) can it become trapped, leading to a sudden transition in behaviours at the critical field. We propose an ‘activated impalement’ mechanism of trapping in which only at sufficiently high fields is the SC DNA impaled and trapped for long times. The critical electric field appears to be inversely proportional to the length of the DNA molecule, suggesting that the force required to impale the SC DNA is constant.
Fumigant antifungal activity of plant essential oils and components from West Indian bay (Pimenta racemosa) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) oils against two phytopathogenic fungi
Authors: Kim Junheon , Lee Yeon‐Suk , Lee Sang‐Gil , Shin Sang‐Chul , Park Il‐Kwon 
Published: May 2008

AbstractCommercial plant essential oils obtained from 26 plant species were tested for their antifungal activity against Phytophthora cactorum and Cryponectria parasitica. Good antifungal activity against P. cactorum was achieved with the essential oil derived from thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and bay (Pimenta racemosa) at 28 × 10–3 mg/ml air concentration. Inhibition rates of bay and red thyme were 69.1% and 100%, respectively, at 28 × 10–3 mg/ml air concentration. In a test with C. parasitica, the inhibition rates of bay and red thyme oil were 75.2% and 100%, respectively, at 28 × 10–3 mg/ml air concentration. The inhibition rate of cade (Juniperus oxycedrus) essential oil was 63.0%, but other oils were ≤40%. Analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry led to the identification of 17 and 20 compounds, respectively, in the oils of bay and red thyme. The antifungal activity of the identified compounds was tested individually using standard compounds. Phenol and alcohol compounds were generally more toxic than hydrocarbons. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long-term outcome of human leukocyte antigen mismatching in liver transplantation: Results of the national institute of diabetes and digestive and kidney diseases liver transplantation database
Authors: Balan Vijayan , Ruppert Kris , Demetris Jake A. , Ledneva Tatiana , Duquesnoy Rene J. , Detre Katherine M. , Wei Yuling L. , Rakela Jorge , Schafer Daniel F. , Roberts John P. , Everhart James E. , Wiesner Russell H. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

A perfect or nearly perfect human leukocyte antigen (HLA) match has been associated with better immediate and long-term survival of diseased donor kidney transplants. However, the effect of HLA matching for hepatic allografts remains poorly defined. Using data from the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Liver Transplantation Database, we investigated the association between HLA mismatches and hepatic allograft survival, disease recurrence, and immunosuppression interactions. A, B, and DR loci were used to calculate total mismatch scores of 0 (no mismatches in any loci) to 6 (mismatches in all loci). Seven hundred ninety-nine adults (male, 55%; female, 45%) underwent 883 liver transplants. The 10-year graft survival according to total mismatch score was as follows: 0-2, 60%; 3-4, 54%; and 5-6, 57%. There was a negative effect of mismatching at the A locus on patient survival, with shorter survival for patients with 1 or 2 mismatches compared with 0 mismatches [

P

= 0.05, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.6]. Patients on tacrolimus with 1 or 2 mismatches at B or DR loci appeared to have increased rates of patient and graft survival compared to patients with 0 mismatches, with the appearance of a protective effect of tacrolimus (HR = 0.67). The effect of HLA mismatching was more pronounced on certain disease recurrences. DR-locus mismatch increased recurrence of autoimmune hepatitis (

P

= 0.01, HR = 4.2) and primary biliary cirrhosis (

P

= 0.04, HR = 2). Mismatch in the A locus was associated with more recurrence of hepatitis C virus (

P

= 0.01, HR = 1.6) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (

P

= 0.03, HR = 2.9).

Conclusion:

Mismatching at the A locus decreases patient survival in liver transplant recipients, and mismatching at the DR and A loci affects recurrence of autoimmune liver diseases and hepatitis C, respectively. (Hepatology 2008.)
Characteristics of leadership effectiveness: Implementing change and driving innovation in organizations
Authors: Gilley Ann , Dixon Pamela , Gilley Jerry W. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractResearch indicates that numerous variables impact a leader's effectiveness. In this study, the authors explore leadership effectiveness in driving change and innovation, along with the precursory skills necessary to do so. The findings confirm previously identified low rates of organizational success with change and point to skill deficiencies as a cause. Specifically, the abilities to communicate appropriately and motivate others significantly influence a leader's ability to effectively implement change and drive innovation.