bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy ofGanoderma lucidum(lingzhi) and San Miao San supplementation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled pilot trial
Authors: Li Edmund K. , Tam Lai‐Shan , Wong Chun Kwok , Li Wai Ching , Lam Christopher W. K. , Wachtel‐Galor Sissi , Benzie Iris F. F. , Bao Yi Xi , Leung Ping Chung , Tomlinson Brian 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the efficacy of popular Chinese herbs used in a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combination ofGanoderma lucidumand San Miao San (SMS), with purported diverse health benefits including antioxidant properties in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsWe randomly assigned 32 patients with active RA, despite disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, to TCM and 33 to placebo in addition to their current medications for 24 weeks. The TCM group receivedG lucidum(4 gm) and SMS (2.4 gm) daily. The primary outcome was the number of patients achieving American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20% response and secondary outcomes included changes in the ACR components, plasma levels, and ex vivo–induced cytokines and chemokines and oxidative stress markers.ResultsEighty‐nine percent completed the 24‐week study. Fifteen percent in the TCM group compared with 9.1% in the placebo group achieved ACR20 (P> 0.05). Pain score and patient's global score improved significantly only in the TCM group. The percentage, absolute counts, and CD4+/CD8+/natural killer/B lymphocytes ratio were unchanged between groups. CD3, CD4, and CD8 lymphocyte counts and markers of inflammation including plasma interleukin‐18 (IL‐18), interferon‐γ (IFNγ)–inducible protein 10, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, monokine induced by IFNγ, and RANTES were unchanged. However, in an ex vivo experiment, the percentage change of IL‐18 was significantly lower in the TCM group. Thirteen patients reported 22 episodes (14 in placebo group and 8 in TCM group) of mild adverse effects.ConclusionG lucidumand San Miao San may have analgesic effects for patients with active RA, and were generally safe and well tolerated. However, no significant antioxidant, antiinflammatory, or immunomodulating effects could be demonstrated.
Clinical effectiveness of a rehabilitation program integrating exercise, self‐management, and active coping strategies for chronic knee pain: A cluster randomized trial
Authors: Hurley M. V. , Walsh N. E. , Mitchell H. L. , Pimm T. J. , Patel A. , Williamson E. , Jones R. H. , Dieppe P. A. , Reeves B. C. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveChronic knee pain is a major cause of disability and health care expenditure, but there are concerns about efficacy, cost, and side effects associated with usual primary care. Conservative rehabilitation may offer a safe, effective, affordable alternative. We compared the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program integrating exercise, self‐management, and active coping strategies (Enabling Self‐management and Coping with Arthritic Knee Pain through Exercise [ESCAPE‐knee pain]) with usual primary care in improving functioning in persons with chronic knee pain.MethodsWe conducted a single‐blind, pragmatic, cluster randomized controlled trial. Participants age ≥50 years, reporting knee pain for >6 months, were recruited from 54 inner‐city primary care practices. Primary care practices were randomized to continued usual primary care (i.e., whatever intervention a participant's primary care physician deemed appropriate), usual primary care plus the rehabilitation program delivered to individual participants, or usual primary care plus the rehabilitation program delivered to groups of 8 participants. The primary outcome was self‐reported functioning (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index physical functioning [WOMAC‐func]) 6 months after completing rehabilitation.ResultsA total of 418 participants were recruited; 76 (18%) withdrew, only 5 (1%) due to adverse events. Rehabilitated participants had better functioning than participants continuing usual primary care (−3.33 difference in WOMAC‐func score; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] −5.88, −0.78; P = 0.01). Improvements were similar whether participants received individual rehabilitation (−3.53; 95% CI −6.52, −0.55) or group rehabilitation (−3.16; 95% CI −6.55, −0.12).ConclusionESCAPE‐knee pain provides a safe, relatively brief intervention for chronic knee pain that is equally effective whether delivered to individuals or groups of participants.
The effects of vigorous exercise training on physical function in children with arthritis: A randomized, controlled, SINGLE‐BLINDED trial
Authors: Singh‐Grewal Davinder , Schneiderman‐Walker Jane , Wright Virginia , Bar‐Or Oded , Beyene Joseph , Selvadurai Hiran , Cameron Bonnie , Laxer Ronald M. , Schneider Rayfel , Silverman Earl D. , Spiegel Lynn , Tse Shirley , Leblanc Claire , Wong Janice , Stephens Samantha , Feldman Brian M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the effectiveness of high‐intensity aerobic training compared with low‐intensity training in terms of energy cost of locomotion, peak oxygen uptake, peak power, and self‐reported physical function in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).MethodsEighty children with JIA, ages 8–16 years, were enrolled in a randomized, single‐blind controlled trial. Both groups participated in a 12‐week, 3‐times–weekly training program consisting of high‐intensity aerobics in the experimental group and qigong in the control group. Subjects underwent exercise testing measuring submaximal oxygen uptake at 3 km/hour (VO2submax) as the primary outcome, maximal oxygen uptake, and peak power at the beginning and end of the program. Physical function was measured using the Child Health Assessment Questionnaire (C‐HAQ).ResultsThe exercise program was well tolerated in both groups. There was no difference in VO2submax or any other exercise testing measures between the groups through the study period and no indication of improvement. Both groups showed significant improvements in C‐HAQ with no difference between the groups. Adherence was higher in the control group than the experimental group.ConclusionOur findings suggest that activity programs with or without an aerobic training component are safe and may result in an important improvement in physical function. The intensity of aerobic training did not seem to provide any additional benefits, but higher adherence in the qigong program may suggest that less intensive regimens are easier for children with JIA to comply with, and provide a degree of benefit equivalent to more intensive programs.
Economic evaluation of a rehabilitation program integrating exercise, self‐management, and active coping strategies for chronic knee pain
Authors: Hurley M. V. , Walsh N. E. , Mitchell H. L. , Pimm T. J. , Williamson E. , Jones R. H. , Reeves B. C. , Dieppe P. A. , Patel A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo conduct an economic evaluation of the Enabling Self‐Management and Coping with Arthritic Knee Pain through Exercise (ESCAPE‐knee pain) program.MethodsAlongside a clinical trial, we estimated the costs of usual primary care and participation in ESCAPE‐knee pain delivered to individuals (Indiv‐rehab) or groups of 8 participants (Grp‐rehab). Information on resource use and informal care received was collected during face‐to‐face interviews. Cost‐effectiveness and cost‐utility were assessed from between‐group differences in costs, function (primary clinical outcome), and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). Cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves were constructed to represent uncertainty around cost‐effectiveness.ResultsRehabilitation (regardless of whether Indiv‐rehab or Grp‐rehab) cost £224 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] £184, £262) more per person than usual primary care. The probability of rehabilitation being more cost‐effective than usual primary care was 90% if decision makers were willing to pay £1,900 for improvements in functioning. Indiv‐rehab cost £314/person and Grp‐rehab £125/person. Indiv‐rehab cost £189 (95% CI £168, £208) more per person than Grp‐rehab. The probability of Indiv‐rehab being more cost‐effective than Grp‐rehab increased as willingness to pay (WTP) increased, reaching 50% probability at WTP £5,500. The lack of differences in QALYs across the arms led to lower probabilities of cost‐effectiveness based on this outcome.ConclusionProvision of ESCAPE‐knee pain had small cost implications, but it was more likely to be cost‐effective in improving function than usual primary care. Group rehabilitation reduces costs without compromising clinical effectiveness, increasing probability of cost‐effectiveness.
Separation of Hydrogen from Carbon Monoxide Using a Hollow Fiber Polyimide Membrane: Experimental and Simulation
Authors: Peer M. , Mehdi Kamali S. , Mahdeyarfar M. , Mohammadi T. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe separation of hydrogen from carbon monoxide (syngas ratio adjustment) with polymeric membranes was investigated in this work. A polyimide hollow fiber membrane module was used for hydrogen separation. This polymer has shown large permeability and selectivity for hydrogen separation (selectivity of ca. 30). Permeation tests were carried out at different feed conditions. Feed flow rates were varied between 150–300 mL/min, temperature was varied in the range of 20–80 °C and feed pressure was varied between 5–9 bar. Mixtures containing 0–50 % carbon monoxide were used when carrying out experiments. Measured membrane permeances for hydrogen and carbon monoxide were about 70–100 GPU (gas permeation units) and 3–5.5 GPU, respectively. In addition, a mathematical model for simulation of gas separation in hollow fiber membrane modules with all flow patterns (crossflow, countercurrent and cocurrent) was presented. This model can be used for calculation of membrane performance or its required surface area for a specific separation. Experimental results have shown good correlation with simulation results. Plasticization, competitive sorption and concentration polarization effect of carbon monoxide on membrane performance is shown with experimental results. This effect reduced hydrogen permeances in mixed gas experiments.
A field experiment on the development of sedimentary structures in a gravel‐bed river
Authors: Lamarre Hélène , Roy André G. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn gravel‐bed rivers, bed sedimentary structures exert a significant influence on the stability of the bed, particle motion and stream dynamics. A detailed description of the development of sedimentary structures is essential to define the overall activity of sediment transport. This paper aims to improve our understanding of the dynamics of sedimentary structures at the reach scale using a field approach. The objectives of the study are (1) to describe the processes of sedimentary structures development from a manipulated bed surface and (2) to show the effect of keystones on the development of the sedimentary structures by monitoring the displacement of individual tagged particles. We investigated the dynamics of sedimentary structures in three 15 m long reaches of a small gravel‐bed river characterized by moderate slope and high relative roughness. The bed material is composed of a range of gravel sizes with sparse boulders that remain immobile during most flows. We have disrupted the bed surface material of the first reach to create a disorganized bed surface. Two reaches where the bed material remained undisturbed were used as control sections. Detailed topographic maps and passive transponders were used to describe the formation processes of sedimentary structures. The initial manipulations of the bed led to a more fragmented surface in the experimental section. However, sedimentary structures developed very quickly, with an equilibrium bed surface developing after only two sediment transport events of low magnitude discharge. This rapid adjustment of the bed is associated with the development of key sedimentary structures anchored by the large boulders. At the reach scale, these structures increased the probability of congested areas in the displacement of bed material. In both control sections, sedimentary structures were maintained during the experiment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modulation of cognitive performance following single doses of 120 mg Ginkgo biloba extract administered to healthy young volunteers
Authors: Kennedy David O. , Jackson Pillipa A. , Haskell Crystal F. , Scholey Andrew B. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPrevious research from our laboratory demonstrated that administration of single doses (120, 240, 360 mg) of standardised Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) had linear, dose‐dependent, positive effects on the speed of performing attention tasks in comparison to placebo. However, whilst the lowest dose, which is typical of a recommended daily dose, had no effect on the speed of attention task performance it did engender mild improvements in secondary memory performance. The current study presents a reanalysis of data from three methodologically identical studies that each included a treatment of 120 mg GBE and matched placebo.All three studies were of a multiple dose, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, balanced‐crossover design, employing four or five treatment arms in total. Across the studies 78 healthy young participants received 120 mg GBE and placebo in randomly counterbalanced order, separated by a wash‐out period of at least 7 days. On each study day participants' performance on the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) computerised cognitive assessment battery was measured immediately prior to dosing and at 1, 2.5, 4 and 6 hr following treatment, with scores collapsed into the six measures (speed of attention, accuracy of attention, secondary memory, working memory, speed of memory, quality of memory) which have previously been derived by factor analysis of the data from CDR subtests.The results showed that 120 mg of Ginkgo engendered a significant improvement on the ‘quality of memory’ factor that was most evident at 1 and 4 hr post‐dose, but had a negative effect on performance on the ‘speed of attention’ factor that was most evident at 1 and 6 hr post‐dose.The current study confirmed the previous observation of modestly improved memory performance following 120 mg of GBE, but suggests that acute administration of this typical daily dose may have a detrimental effect on the speed of attention task performance which is opposite to that seen previously following higher doses. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bisphosphonate binding affinity as assessed by inhibition of carbonated apatite dissolutionin vitro
Authors: Henneman Zachary J. , Nancollas George H. , Ebetino F. Hal , Russell R. Graham G. , Phipps Roger J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBisphosphonates (BPs), which display a high affinity for calcium phosphate surfaces, are able to selectively target bone mineral, where they are potent inhibitors of osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption. The dissolution of synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAP) has been used previously as a model for BP effects on natural bone mineral. The present work examines the influence of BPs on carbonated apatite (CAP), which mimics natural bone more closely than does HAP. Constant composition dissolution experiments were performed at pH 5.50, physiological ionic strength (0.15M) and temperature (37°C). Selected BPs were added at (0.5 × 10−6) to (50.0 × 10−6)M, and adsorption affinity constants,KL, were calculated from the kinetics data. The BPs showed concentration‐dependent inhibition of CAP dissolution, with significant differences in rank order zoledronate > alendronate > risedronate. In contrast, for HAP dissolution at pH 5.50, the differences between the individual BPs were considerably smaller. The extent of CAP dissolution was also dependent on the relative undersaturation, σ, and CAP dissolution rates increased with increasing carbonate content. These results demonstrate the importance of the presence of carbonate in mediating the dissolution of CAP, and the possible involvement of bone mineral carbonate in observed differences in bone affinities of BPs in clinical use. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Adenovirus‐mediated interleukin‐13 gene therapy attenuates acute kidney allograft injury
Authors: Sandovici Maria , Deelman Leo E. , van Goor Harry , Helfrich Wijnand , de Zeeuw Dick , Henning Robert H. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackgroundKidney transplantation is possible by virtue of systemic immunosuppression, which is in turn accompanied by serious side effects. The search for novel therapeutic agents and strategies is ongoing. Here we investigate the effects of adenovirus‐mediated gene therapy with interleukin (IL)‐13, which is a cytokine with strong immunomodulatory properties, on acute renal allograft injury. In addition, we compare the effects of local (intrarenal) and systemic (intramuscular) IL‐13 gene therapy in kidney transplantation.MethodsThe experiments were performed in a rat Fisher to Lewis acute rejection model of kidney transplantation. An adenovirus‐IL‐13 or adenovirus‐luciferase was injected either into the donor kidney before transplantation (local treatment) or into the hind leg muscle of recipient rats (systemic treatment). A group with no treatment served as control. No additional immunosuppressive therapy was applied. The rats were sacrificed after 8 days and inflammatory markers and renal pre‐fibrosis were assessed.ResultsEfficient gene transfer was confirmed by ELISA, immunohistochemistry and real‐time PCR. IL‐13 gene therapy diminished graft infiltration with macrophages and cytotoxic T cells and limited up‐regulation of mRNA levels of the adhesion molecule E‐selectin and pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IFN‐γ. Moreover, reduced renal interstitial pre‐fibrosis was found in the rats receiving IL‐13 gene therapy. The effects of local and systemic therapy were similar.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that IL‐13 gene therapy in the graft significantly attenuates acute renal allograft damage, suggesting local therapy with IL‐13 as a strategy to reduce the need for systemic immunosuppressive medication and thereby its side effects. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical and dynamical downscaling of the Seine basin climate for hydro‐meteorological studies
Authors: Boé J. , Terray L. , Habets F. , Martin E. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractTwo downscaling methods designed for the study of the hydrological impact of climate change on the Seine basin in France are tested for present climate. First, a multivariate statistical downscaling (SD) methodology based on weather typing and conditional resampling is described. Then, a bias correction technique for dynamical downscaling based on quantile–quantile mapping is introduced. To evaluate the end‐to‐end SD methodology, the atmospheric forcing derived from the large‐scale circulation (LSC) of the ERA40 reanalysis by SD is used to force a hydrological model. Simulated discharges reproduce historical values reasonably well. Next, the dynamical and statistical approaches are compared using the Météo–France ARPEGE general circulation model in a variable resolution configuration (resolution around 60 km over France). The ARPEGE simulation is downscaled using the two methodologies, and hydrological simulations are performed. Regarding downscaled temperature and precipitation, the statistical approach is more efficient in reproducing the temporal and spatial autocorrelation properties. The simulated river discharges from the two approaches are nevertheless very similar: the two methods reproduce well the seasonal cycle and the daily distribution of streamflows. Finally, the results of the study are discussed from a practical impact study perspective. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
An extended advancing front technique for closed surfaces mesh generation
Authors: Guan Zhenqun , Shan Julin , Zheng Yao , Gu Yuanxian 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAn extended advancing front technique (AFT) with shift operations and Riemann metric named as shifting‐AFT is presented for finite element mesh generation on 3D surfaces, especially 3D closed surfaces. Riemann metric is used to govern the size and shape of the triangles in the parametric space. The shift operators are employed to insert a floating space between real space and parametric space during the 2D parametric space mesh generation. In the previous work of closed surface mesh generation, the virtual boundaries are adopted when mapping the closed surfaces into 2D open parametric domains. However, it may cause the mesh quality‐worsening problem. In order to overcome this problem, the AFT kernel is combined with the shift operator in this paper. The shifting‐AFT can generate high‐quality meshes and guarantee convergence in both open and closed surfaces. For the shifting‐AFT, it is not necessary to introduce virtual boundaries while meshing a closed surface; hence, the boundary discretization procedure is largely simplified, and moreover, better‐shaped triangles will be generated because there are no additional interior constraints yielded by virtual boundaries. Comparing with direct methods, the shifting‐AFT avoids costly and unstable 3D geometrical computations in the real space. Some examples presented in this paper have demonstrated the advantages of shift‐AFT in 3D surface mesh generation, especially for the closed surfaces. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and properties of benzophenone chromophoric group branched polymer for self‐decontamination
Authors: Hong Kyung Hwa , Sun Gang 
Published: September 2007

AbstractTo prepare self‐decontamination materials with highly reactive chemical species, such as radicals, the benzophenone chromophoric group branched polymer was synthesized by Friedel–Crafts acylation of polystyrene with benzoyl chloride. The resultant polymer could be prepared into a casting film, and the polymer solution and film were characterized by FTIR, NMR, UV–VIS, XRD, and DSC. From the analyses, it was verified that the benzophenone chromophoric group branched polymer was successfully prepared, and the resultant polymer revealed radical reactivities such as antibacterial effect and decoloration of dye, under UV irradiation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1750–1755, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Photoinitiated crosslinking of ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymers and characterization of related properties
Authors: Yao Dahong , Qu Baojun , Wu Qianghua 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPhotoinitiated crosslinking of EVA in the presence of benzophenone (BP) as photoinitiator and triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) as crosslinker and characterization of the related properties have been studied by gel determination, heat extension, DSC, DMTA, TGA, and mechanical measurements. The photoinitiated crosslinking efficiency of the EVA‐BP‐TAIC system and various factors affecting the crosslinking process, such as photoinitiator and crosslinker and their concentrations, irradiation temperature, and irradiation atmosphere were studied in detail and optimized by comparison of gel contents. The results show that the EVA samples with a thickness of 1 mm are readily crosslinked to a gel content of above 80% with 5 s UV‐irradiation under optimum conditions. The data from the heat extension and DSC show that the crosslinking density of photocrosslinked EVA increase and their crystallinities decrease with increasing the UV‐irradiation time. At the same time, photocrosslinking of EVA leads to a lowering of the melt temperature and a decrease of heat of fusion. The DMTA results show that photocrosslinking increases the amorphous phase and storage modulus of the crosslinked EVA, but does not change the glass transition temperature. The data from TGA and mechanical tests give evidence that the thermal stability and mechanical properties of photocrosslinked EVA samples are much better than those of the uncrosslinked EVA. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1761–1767, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers