bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emulsifier‐free emulsion polymerization of acrylonitrile in the presence of poly(methyl methacrylate) seed particles: Influence of the addition mode on the surface morphology
Authors: Guangzhi Yang , Yang Liu , Runping Jia , Risheng Xu , Xia Wang , Licheng Ling , Junhe Yang 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAcrylonitrile (AN) was polymerized in the presence of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) seed latex by both the batch and dropwise addition modes. The two addition modes both led to PMMA/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) composite particles with a core/shell structure with PMMA as the core and PAN as the shell. The shell thickness could be adjusted by a change in the amount of the second‐stage AN monomer relative to the PMMA seed polymer. However, the surface morphologies of the composite polymers were quite different, which showed a rambutan‐like batch mode and an urchinlike dropwise mode. The reason was considered as the different precipitation mechanisms of PAN small‐particle precipitation for the batch mode and linear PAN segment growth for the dropwise mode. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Fishless shallow lakes of Southern Patagonia as habitat for waterbirds at the onset of trout aquaculture
Authors: Lancelotti Julio L. , Pozzi Luciana M. , Yorio Pablo M. , Diéguez María C. , Pascual Miguel A. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
The Strobel Meseta, a basaltic plateau of Patagonia (Santa Cruz Province, Argentina), holds thousands of shallow fishless lakes that are prime habitat for many species of waterbirds, including some considered ‘near threatened’. In recent years, several lakes have been stocked with trout which has created uncertainty about the potential effects on the recipient ecosystem.
Limnological and topographical analyses were performed in a group of 32 lakes of the Strobel Meseta in order to characterize and classify individual lakes of the meseta based on their limnological and topographic features, analyze the association between lake type and use by aquatic birds in general and by the endemic hooded grebe (Podiceps gallardoi) in particular, and evaluate the overlap between trout aquaculture and critical habitat for waterbirds.
The lakes were classified by multivariate analyses into four characteristic types: turbid, high conductivity lakes (T), small vegetated lakes (SV) and larger lakes which were subdivided into either vegetated (LV) or unvegetated (LU). In general, macrophyte cover was the main classificatory variable, whereas conductivity, pH, surface, and depth contributed moderately. Large vegetated lakes were generally found to be important for waterbirds and provided critical habitat for the hooded grebe, whereas trout farmers largely favoured large unvegetated lakes. However, since some large vegetated lakes have already been stocked, there is some level of geographical overlap between waterbird habitat and trout farming.
The existence of some level of spatial segregation between production and critical waterbird habitat affords opportunities for designing a spatially‐based management system for trout aquaculture.
Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The cost of systemic sclerosis
Authors: Bernatsky Sasha , Hudson Marie , Panopalis Pantelis , Clarke Ann E. , Pope Janet , Leclercq Sharon , St. Pierre Yvan , Baron Murray ,   The Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo assess costs related to systemic sclerosis (SSc) and their determinants.MethodsThe Canadian Scleroderma Research Group is comprised of 15 centers contributing to a registry of adult patients with SSc. Available cross‐sectional data included clinical variables and standardized measures of health resource use and time loss. Annualized averages of direct medical costs were calculated by multiplying health service utilization levels by the appropriate unit prices, determined from government fee schedules, professional associations, and other sources. Indirect costs were calculated from the subjects' self‐reported time loss related to illness and to seeking health care, as well as caregiver time losses. Costs were represented in 2007 Canadian dollars.ResultsIn the sample of 457 patients with SSc, the average direct cost per patient was $5,038 per year (95% confidence interval [95% CI] $4,400, $5,676). Regarding indirect costs, the value of potential productivity loss related to paid labor was estimated at an average of $5,345 per patient per year (95% CI $4,598, $6,092), and the cost of lost productivity related to unpaid labor contributed another $8,070 per patient annually. The average total annual cost was estimated at $18,453 (95% CI $16,598, $20,308) per patient. Total annual costs were strongly associated with younger age, greater disease severity, and poorer health status.ConclusionCosts related to SSc are considerable, and there is a high impact of disease severity and health status on economic burden.
Time to treatment as an important factor for the response to methotrexate in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Albers H. M. , Wessels J. A. M. , van der Straaten R. J. H. M. , Brinkman D. M. C. , Suijlekom‐Smit L. W. A. , Kamphuis S. S. M. , Girschick H. J. , Wouters C. , Schilham M. W. , le Cessie S. , Huizinga T. W. J. , ten Cate R. , Guchelaar H. J. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveMethotrexate (MTX) is the most commonly used disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Currently, individual response to MTX cannot be reliably predicted. Identification of clinical and genetic factors that influence the response to MTX could be helpful in realizing the optimal treatment for individual patients.MethodsA cohort of 128 JIA patients treated with MTX were studied retrospectively. Eleven clinical parameters and genotypes of 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 5 genes related to the mechanism of action of MTX were compared between MTX responders and nonresponders using a multivariate regression analysis.ResultsThe time from diagnosis to start of MTX treatment, physician's global assessment at baseline, and the starting dose were significantly associated with the response to MTX at 6 months after initiation. Patients with a shorter time from diagnosis to start of MTX and a higher disease activity according to the physician but with a lower MTX dose showed an increased response. The effect of the starting dose on MTX response seemed to be mainly due to the influence of the systemic JIA subtype. The time from diagnosis to start of MTX treatment and physician's global assessment at baseline were highly correlated. Therefore, the precise effect size of each independent variable could not be determined.ConclusionIn children with JIA, the time from diagnosis to start of MTX appears to be an important factor for MTX response. Our results suggest that an earlier start of MTX treatment will lead to an increased response.
Inflammatory lesions of the spine on magnetic resonance imaging predict the development of new syndesmophytes in ankylosing spondylitis: Evidence of a relationship between inflammation and new bone formation
Authors: Maksymowych Walter P. , Chiowchanwisawakit Praveena , Clare Tracey , Pedersen Susanne J. , Østergaard Mikkel , Lambert Robert G. W. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether a vertebral corner that demonstrates an active corner inflammatory lesion (CIL) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is more likely to evolve into a de novo syndesmophyte visible on plain radiography than is a vertebral corner that demonstrates no active inflammation on MRI.MethodsMRI scans and plain radiographs were obtained for 29 patients recruited into randomized placebo‐controlled trials of anti–tumor necrosis factor α (anti‐TNFα) therapy. MRI was conducted at baseline, 12 or 24 weeks (n = 29), and 2 years (n = 22), while radiography was conducted at baseline and 2 years. A persistent CIL was defined as a CIL that was found on all available scans. A resolved CIL was defined as having completely disappeared on either the second or third scan. A validation cohort consisted of 41 AS patients followed up prospectively. Anonymized MRIs were assessed independently by 3 readers who were blinded with regard to radiographic findings.ResultsNew syndesmophytes developed significantly more frequently in vertebral corners with inflammation (20%) than in those without inflammation (5.1%) seen on baseline MRI (P ≤ 0.008 for all reader pairs). They also developed more frequently in vertebral corners where inflammation had resolved than in those where inflammation persisted after anti‐TNF treatment. This was confirmed in the analysis of the prospective cohort, in which significantly more vertebral corners with inflammation (14.3%) compared with those without inflammation (2.9%) seen on baseline MRI developed new syndesmophytes (P ≤ 0.003 for all reader pairs).ConclusionOur findings indicate that a syndesmophyte is more likely to develop from a prior inflammatory lesion, supporting a relationship between inflammation and ankylosis.
Different patterns of associations with anti–citrullinated protein antibody–positive and anti–citrullinated protein antibody–negative rheumatoid arthritis in the extended major histocompatibility complex region
Authors: Ding Bo , Padyukov Leonid , Lundström Emeli , Seielstad Mark , Plenge Robert M. , Oksenberg Jorge R. , Gregersen Peter K. , Alfredsson Lars , Klareskog Lars 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo identify additional variants in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region that independently contribute to risk in 2 disease subsets of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) defined according to the presence or absence of antibodies to citrullinated protein antigens (ACPAs).MethodsIn a multistep analytical strategy using unmatched as well as matched analyses to adjust for HLA–DRB1 genotype, we analyzed 2,221 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning 10.7 Mb, from 6p22.2 to 6p21.31, across the MHC. For ACPA‐positive RA, we analyzed samples from the Swedish Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis (EIRA) and the North American Rheumatoid Arthritis Consortium (NARAC) studies (totaling 1,255 cases and 1,719 controls). For ACPA‐negative RA, we used samples from the EIRA study (640 cases and 670 controls). Plink and SAS statistical packages were used to conduct all statistical analyses.ResultsA total of 299 SNPs reached locus‐wide significance (P < 2.3 × 10−5) for ACPA‐positive RA, whereas surprisingly, no SNPs reached this significance for ACPA‐negative RA. For ACPA‐positive RA, we adjusted for known DRB1 risk alleles and identified additional independent associations with SNPs near HLA–DPB1 (rs3117213; odds ratio 1.42 [95% confidence interval 1.17–1.73], Pcombined = 0.0003 for the strongest association).ConclusionThere are distinct genetic patterns of MHC associations in the 2 disease subsets of RA defined according to ACPA status. HLA–DPB1 is an independent risk locus for ACPA‐positive RA. We did not identify any associations with SNPs within the MHC for ACPA‐negative RA.
CXCR3+CD4+ T cells are enriched in inflamed kidneys and urine and provide a new biomarker for acute nephritis flares in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Enghard P. , Humrich J. Y. , Rudolph B. , Rosenberger S. , Biesen R. , Kuhn A. , Manz R. , Hiepe F. , Radbruch A. , Burmester G.‐R. , Riemekasten G. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveThe high frequency of CD4+ T cells in interstitial infiltrates of patients with lupus nephritis suggests a contribution of these cells to local pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the role of CXCR3 and the chemokine CXCL10 in recruiting these cells into the kidney and to determine whether the infiltrating T cells could be monitored in the urine to provide a reliable biomarker for acute lupus nephritis.MethodsThe frequencies of CD3+ T cells, CXCR3+ cells, and CXCL10+ cells were determined by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses of kidney sections from 18 patients with lupus nephritis. The frequency of CXCR3+CD4+ T cells was determined by flow cytometry of peripheral blood and urine from 38 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and the values were compared with disease activity as determined by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index.ResultsIn renal biopsy tissues from patients with lupus nephritis, a mean of 63% of the infiltrating cells expressed CXCR3, ∼60% of them were T cells, and the CXCR3+ cells colocalized with CXCL10‐producing cells. In biopsy tissues from SLE patients with acute nephritis, ∼50% of the urinary CD4+ T cells were CXCR3+, as compared with 22% in the peripheral blood, and the frequency of urinary CXCR3+CD4+ T cells correlated with disease activity. Moreover, the number of urinary CD4+ T cells reflected nephritis activity, and elevation above 800 CD4+ T cells per 100 ml of urine sharply delineated active from inactive nephritis.ConclusionCXCR3+ T cells are recruited into the inflamed kidneys, are enriched in the urine, and are a valuable marker of nephritis activity in SLE. They also present a potential target for future therapies.
Tolerization with Hsp65 induces protection against adjuvant‐induced arthritis by modulating the antigen‐directed interferon‐γ, interleukin‐17, and antibody responses
Authors: Satpute Shailesh R. , Rajaiah Rajesh , Polumuri Swamy K. , Moudgil Kamal D. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectivePretreatment of Lewis rats with soluble mycobacterial Hsp65 affords protection against subsequent adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AIA). This study was aimed at unraveling the mechanisms underlying mycobacterial Hsp65–induced protection against arthritis, using contemporary parameters of immunity.MethodsLewis rats were given 3 intraperitoneal injections of mycobacterial Hsp65 in solution prior to the initiation of AIA with heat‐killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Thereafter, mycobacterial Hsp65–specific T cell proliferative, cytokine, and antibody responses were tested in tolerized rats. The roles of anergy and the indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO)–tryptophan pathway in tolerance induction were assessed, and the frequency and suppressive function of CD4+FoxP3+ Treg cells were monitored. Also tested was the effect of mycobacterial Hsp65 tolerization on T cell responses to AIA‐related mycobacterial Hsp70, mycobacterial Hsp10, and rat Hsp65.ResultsThe AIA‐protective effect of mycobacterial Hsp65–induced tolerance was associated with a significantly reduced T cell proliferative response to mycobacterial Hsp65, which was reversed by interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), indicating anergy induction. The production of interferon‐γ (but not IL‐4/IL‐10) was increased, with concurrent down‐regulation of IL‐17 expression by mycobacterial Hsp65–primed T cells. Neither the frequency nor the suppressive activity of CD4+FoxP3+ T cells changed following tolerization, but the serum level of anti–mycobacterial Hsp65 antibodies was increased. However, no evidence was observed for a role of IDO or cross‐tolerance to mycobacterial Hsp70, mycobacterial Hsp10, or rat Hsp65.ConclusionTolerization with soluble mycobacterial Hsp65 leads to suppression of IL‐17, anergy induction, and enhanced production of anti–mycobacterial Hsp65 antibodies, which play a role in protection against AIA. These results are relevant to the development of effective immunotherapeutic approaches for autoimmune arthritis.
Sodium oxybate relieves pain and improves function in fibromyalgia syndrome: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter clinical trial
Authors: Russell I. Jon , Perkins A. Thomas , Michalek Joel E. ,   Oxybate SXB‐26 Fibromyalgia Syndrome Study Group
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of sodium oxybate for management of the symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).MethodsPatients with FMS (according to the American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria) were randomized, after discontinuing their prestudy medications for FMS, to receive 4.5 gm or 6 gm of sodium oxybate or matching placebo once per night for 8 weeks. The primary outcome variable (POV) was a composite score for changes from baseline in 3 coprimary self‐report measures: patient's pain rating (in daily electronic diaries) on a visual analog scale (PVAS), the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score, and the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGI‐C). A beneficial response rate for the POV composite score was defined as ≥20% improvement in the PVAS and FIQ scores plus a rating of “much better” or “very much better” on the PGI‐C. Secondary measures included subjective sleep outcomes (on the Jenkins Scale for Sleep) and quality‐of‐life measures. The analyses were based on an intent‐to‐treat (ITT) population.ResultsThe ITT population included 188 patients with FMS, 78% of whom completed the trial. Significant benefit was observed with both dosages of sodium oxybate, according to changes in the POV and subjective sleep quality. Improvements in the PVAS score were significantly correlated with sleep outcomes. Sodium oxybate was well tolerated overall; dose‐related nausea (≤28% of patients) and dizziness (≤18% of patients) tended to resolve with continued therapy.ConclusionSodium oxybate therapy was well tolerated and significantly improved the symptoms of FMS. Further study of sodium oxybate as a novel therapeutic option for FMS is warranted.
Modulation of lubricin biosynthesis and tissue surface properties following cartilage mechanical injury
Authors: Jones Aled R. C. , Chen Shuodan , Chai Diana H. , Stevens Anna L. , Gleghorn Jason P. , Bonassar Lawrence J. , Grodzinsky Alan J. , Flannery Carl R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of injurious compression on the biosynthesis of lubricin at different depths within articular cartilage and to examine alterations in structure and function of the articular surface following mechanical injury.MethodsBovine cartilage explants were subdivided into level 1, with intact articular surface, and level 2, containing middle and deep zone cartilage. Following mechanical injury, lubricin messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were monitored by quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, and soluble or cartilage‐associated lubricin protein was analyzed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Cartilage morphology was assessed by histologic staining, and tissue functionality was assessed by friction testing.ResultsTwo days after injury, lubricin mRNA expression was up‐regulated ∼3‐fold for level 1 explants and was down‐regulated for level 2 explants. Lubricin expression in level 1 cartilage returned to control levels after 6 days in culture. Similarly, lubricin protein synthesis and secretion increased in response to injury for level 1 explants and decreased for level 2 cartilage. Histologic staining revealed changes in the articular surface of level 1 explants following injury, with respect to glycosaminoglycan and collagen content. Injured level 1 explants displayed an increased coefficient of friction relative to controls.ConclusionOur findings indicate that increased lubricin biosynthesis appears to be an early transient response of surface‐layer cartilage to injurious compression. However, distinct morphologic changes occur with injury that appear to compromise the frictional properties of the tissue.
Differential expression of αB‐crystallin and evidence of its role as a mediator of matrix gene expression in osteoarthritis
Authors: Lambrecht Stijn , Verbruggen Gust , Elewaut Dirk , Deforce Dieter 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveAlpha B–crystallin belongs to the family of small heat‐shock proteins (HSPs). The role of this protein family in chondrocytes is not well understood. The present study was undertaken to investigate expression levels of αB‐crystallin in chondrocytes isolated from healthy subjects and patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and to explore the functional role of this potentially interesting protein in chondrocyte metabolism.MethodsWestern blot and real‐time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analyses were performed to determine expression levels of αB‐crystallin in healthy and OA chondrocytes cultured in alginate beads. RNA interference–mediated gene knockdown was used to explore the role of this small HSP in chondrocyte biology, by transfecting low concentrations of small interfering RNA (siRNA) in cultured chondrocytes.ResultsWe initially identified αB‐crystallin as a small HSP that was differentially expressed between healthy and OA‐affected chondrocytes. The decreased abundance of this protein in OA chondrocytes was confirmed by Western blotting. Moreover, real‐time RT‐PCR confirmed the differential expression between chondrocytes isolated from visibly intact and visibly damaged zones of OA cartilage. The proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor α both down‐regulated αB‐crystallin expression. Transfection of low concentrations of siRNA in cultured chondrocytes resulted in efficient knockdown of αB‐crystallin gene expression. This was accompanied by altered expression of the chondrocyte‐specific bone morphogenetic protein 2, aggrecan, and type II collagen genes.ConclusionThe present findings identify the small HSP αB‐crystallin as a novel mediator of chondrocyte matrix gene expression that may contribute to altered chondrocyte metabolism during the development of OA.
Identification of relevant concepts of functioning in daily life in people with systemic lupus erythematosus: A patient Delphi exercise
Authors: Bauernfeind Bettina , Aringer Martin , Prodinger Birgit , Kirchberger Inge , Machold Klaus , Smolen Josef , Stamm Tanja 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the most important and relevant concepts of daily functioning from the perspective of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsWe conducted a consensus‐building, 3‐round, electronic mail survey with SLE patients using the Delphi technique. The Delphi technique is a structured communication process with 4 key characteristics: anonymity, iteration with controlled feedback, statistical group response, and informed input. The concepts contained in the answers of the patients were extracted and linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).ResultsOf the total 225 participants, 194 (86.2%) completed the questionnaires from all 3 Delphi rounds. In total, after the third Delphi round, 307 concepts were identified. Ninety concepts (55 in the domain body functions and structures, 16 in activities and participation, and 19 in environmental factors) were considered relevant by at least 50% of the participants in the third round and linked to the ICF. Twelve concepts were considered important by at least 75% of the participants.ConclusionThe high number of concepts resulting from this large‐scale patient Delphi approach underlines the great variety of SLE patients' problems in daily functioning. The results of this patient Delphi project supplement the findings of our focus‐group study in establishing a comprehensive overview of the patient perspective in SLE.