bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel action of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Inhibition of arachidonic acid–induced increase in tumor necrosis factor receptor expression on neutrophils and a role for proteases
Authors: Moghaddami Nahid , Irvine James , Gao Xiuhui , Grover Phulwinder K. , Costabile Maurizio , Hii Charles S. , Ferrante Antonio 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveNeutrophils and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) play important roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Modulation of TNF receptors (TNFRs) may contribute to the regulation of tissue damage, and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as arachidonic acid (AA) can increase the expression of TNFRI and TNFRII on neutrophils. Because the n‐3 PUFAs are antiinflammatory in RA, we examined whether, as a novel mechanism of action, n‐3 PUFAs can antagonize the AA‐induced increase in TNFR expression.MethodsHuman neutrophils were treated with PUFAs and examined for changes in surface expression of TNFRs by flow cytometry. Translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) and activation of ERK‐1/2 MAPK were determined by Western blotting. Intracellular calcium mobilization was measured in Fura 2–loaded cells by luminescence spectrometry.ResultsPretreatment of neutrophils with nanomolar levels of n‐3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid, or docosahexaenoic acid led to a marked inhibition of the AA‐induced up‐regulation of TNFRs I and II. Such pretreatment, however, did not prevent AA from stimulating the activities of PKC and ERK‐1/2, which is required for the actions of AA or its ability to mobilize Ca2+. Nevertheless, treatment with n‐3 PUFAs caused the stimulation of serine proteases that could cleave the TNFRs.ConclusionThese findings suggest a mechanism by which the n‐3 PUFAs inhibit the inflammatory response in RA, by regulating the ability of AA to increase TNFR expression. These results help fill the gaps in our knowledge regarding the mechanisms of action of n‐3 PUFAs, thus allowing us to make specific recommendations for the use of n‐3 PUFAs in the regulation of inflammatory diseases.
The United States rheumatology workforce: Supply and demand, 2005–2025
Authors: Deal Chad L. , Hooker Roderick , Harrington Timothy , Birnbaum Neal , Hogan Paul , Bouchery Ellen , Klein‐Gitelman Marisa , Barr Walter 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo develop and apply a model that allows prediction of current and future supply and demand for rheumatology services in the US.MethodsA supply model was developed using the age and sex distribution of current physicians, retirement and mortality rates, the number of fellowship slots and fill rates, and practice patterns of rheumatologists. A Markov projection model was used to project needs in 5‐year increments from 2005 to 2025.ResultsThe number of rheumatologists for adult patients in the US in 2005 is 4,946. Male and female rheumatologists are equally distributed up to age 44; above age 44, men predominate. The percent of women in adult rheumatology is projected to increase from 30.2% in 2005 to 43.6% in 2025. The mean number of visits per rheumatologist per year is 3,758 for male rheumatologists and 2,800 for female rheumatologists. Assuming rheumatology supply and demand are in equilibrium in 2005, the demand for rheumatologists in 2025 is projected to exceed supply by 2,576 adult and 33 pediatric rheumatologists. The primary factors in the excess demand are an aging population which will increase the number of people with rheumatic disorders, growth in the Gross Domestic Product, and flat rheumatology supply due to fixed numbers entering the workforce and to retirements. The productivity of younger rheumatologists and women, who will make up a greater percentage of the future workforce, may also have important effects on supply. Unknown effects that could influence these projections include technology advances, more efficient practice methods, changes in insurance reimbursements, and shifting lifestyles. Current data suggest that the pediatric rheumatology workforce is experiencing a substantial excess of demand versus supply.ConclusionBased on assessment of supply and demand under current scenarios, the demand for rheumatologists is expected to exceed supply in the coming decades. Strategies for the profession to adapt to this changing health care landscape include increasing the number of fellows each year, utilizing physician assistants and nurse practitioners in greater numbers, and improving practice efficiency.
A longitudinal study of the effect of disease activity and clinical damage on physical function over the course of psoriatic arthritis: Does the effect change over time?
Authors: Husted Janice A. , Tom Brian D. , Farewell Vernon T. , Schentag Catherine T. , Gladman Dafna D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether there are differential effects of disease activity and damage on physical functioning as measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) over the course of psoriatic arthritis (PsA).MethodsBetween June 1993 and March 2005, 382 patients attending the University of Toronto PsA clinic had completed ≥2 HAQs on an annual basis. At the time of each HAQ assessment, clinical and laboratory measures of disease activity and damage were recorded. Generalized linear mixed‐effects models were used to investigate the longitudinal relationship between disease activity, damage, and the HAQ score. To avoid floor effects that would arise in a single mixed‐effects model, we adopted a 2‐part model.ResultsThe number of actively inflamed joints (measure of disease activity) and the number of clinically deformed joints (measure of damage) were positively and significantly related to the HAQ score. Furthermore, interaction terms for illness duration with the number of actively inflamed joints were statistically significant, with or without inclusion of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and morning stiffness in the model (P= 0.029 andP< 0.001, respectively). The positive effects of actively inflamed joints on the level of the HAQ score decreased over increasing duration of PsA. There was less evidence to suggest that the positive effect of joint damage on the HAQ score increased over time.ConclusionOur results support the view that the influence of disease activity on HAQ scores declines with increased disease duration. We could not demonstrate strong evidence that the effect of clinical damage increases over the course of illness.
Novel siRNA‐based molecular beacons for dual imaging and therapy
Authors: Chang Emmanuel , Zhu Ming‐Qiang , Drezek Rebekah 
Published: February 2007

AbstractShort interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have become a mainstream tool reliably used to study and silence protein expression. We offer a proof‐of‐principle demonstration that siRNAs may be modified into a siRNA‐based molecular beacon that activates upon binding to sequence‐specific mRNA in cells while mediating RNA interference. We successfully demonstrate detection and knockdown of telomerase expression in human breast cancer cells. This probe provides a novel look at siRNA target validation that is not currently possible in live cells and holds promising potential in biological applications for disease detection and therapy based on mRNA expression, such as a telomerase‐targeted siRNA probe in cancer.
Gastric diverticula, with report of a case before and after operation
Authors: Ewart G A , Cordiner G R Mather 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Although regarded as a rarity, a diverticulum of the stomach is commoner than is generally supposed. In a series of 370 consecutive opaque-meal examinations a gastric diverticulum was found in 11 cases. This series included a case of a post-operative diverticulum following a wedge excision of an ulcer on the lesser curvature. Excluding the post-operative diverticulum, so far only one of the cases has been confirmed at operation. The following is a short account of the case.
Comparison of the cost of preventing postoperative deep vein thrombosis with either unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin
Authors: Bergqvist D , Lindgren B , Mätzsch T 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
The relative costs were analysed of (1) no prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis (DVT), (2) selective treatment of DVT after confirmation of diagnosis, (3) general prophylaxis with standard low-dose unfractionated heparin and (4) general prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in patients undergoing elective general abdominal surgery or elective hip surgery. The mean calculated costs per patient undergoing general abdominal surgery were: Swedish crowns (SEK) 1950 for no prophylaxis, SEK 5710 for selective treatment of DVT, SEK 735 for prophylaxis with unfractionated heparin and SEK 665 for prophylaxis with LMWH. The corresponding costs for hip surgery were SEK 3930, SEK 10 790, SEK 1730 and SEK 1390 respectively. Thus, the least expensive management strategy in patients undergoing elective general abdominal or hip surgery would appear to be general prophylaxis with either unfractionated heparin or LMWH. Furthermore, general prophylaxis with LMWH would appear to be more cost-effective than general prophylaxis with unfractionated heparin.
Pedal bypass for limb-threatening ischaemia: An 11-year review
Authors: Eckstein H-H , Schumacher H , Maeder N , Post S , Hupp Th , Allenberg J-R 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Fifty-six patients with limb-threatening ischaemia had pedal revascularization with either autologous vein (n = 39) or sequential composite graft with a 6-mm polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis and autologous vein (n = 17); 75 per cent had gangrene and skin necrosis and 25 per cent had ischaemic rest pain alone. Twelve grafts occluded within the first week, and resulted in major amputation in eight patients after unsuccessful revision. Two patients required amputation for persistent ischaemia despite a patent bypass. One patient died from bowel perforation (2 per cent). In 47 (84 per cent) of the 56 patients limb and life were preserved. The primary patency rate after 1, 2 and 4 years was 65, 55 and 55 per cent respectively, the secondary patency rate was 71, 62 and 62 per cent, and cumulative limb salvage rates were 77, 71 and 66 per cent. Life-table survival rates during follow-up (median 25 (range 0–112) months) were 89, 78 and 52 per cent respectively after 1, 2 and 4 years. Thirteen of 21 patients who died during follow-up did not require major amputation. Pedal reconstruction with autologous vein provides limb salvage until death in nearly two-thirds of patients with critical limb ischaemia resulting from crural arterial occlusive disease.
Diagnosis and therapy of aortic prosthetic fistulas: Trends over a 30-year experience
Authors: van Baalen J M , Kluit A B , Maas J , Terpstra J L , Van Bockel J H 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
A retrospective study was carried out of patients from a single institution over a 30-year period. Thirty-one patients presented with 33 fistulas, four non-enteric and 27 enteric. In 25 of 27 patients with a prosthesis-related enteric fistula gastrointestinal bleeding was present. Angiography revealed the fistula in five patients, endoscopy in three, and barium studies, echography and computed tomography each revealed one fistula. Six patients died before and five died during operation. In 20 patients various techniques were used for treatment. In-hospital mortality decreased from six of eight patients before 1970, to seven of ten between 1971 and 1980, and to four of 13 after 1981. In the long term, patients treated with an extra-anatomic reconstruction had a poorer prognosis than those treated by in situ reconstruction. This experience shows that diagnostic tests often fail to reveal a prosthesis-related fistula and that mortality can be substantially reduced by early exploration in patients with negative diagnostic studies.
Transposition of anorectum to the abdominal wall
Authors: Williams N S , Corry D G , Abercrombie J F , Powell-Tuck J 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
A unique procedure is described in which the anorectum is mobilized on the inferior mesenteric vascular pedicle and transposed to the anterior abdominal wall. The aim is to preserve maximal intestinal length in patients with short bowel syndrome and intractable diarrhoea. Unique physiological data provided by the second case demonstrate that the specialized sensory functions of the rectum reside in the rectal wall and are subserved by an autonomic nervous supply that is independent of the pudendal nerves.
Ambulatory manometric examination in patients with a colonic J pouch and in normal controls
Authors: Romanos J , Stebbing J F , Humphreys M M Smilgin , Takeuchi N , Mortensen N J McC 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Anorectal function after anterior resection may be impaired as a result of reduced luminal capacity in the pelvis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the colonic J pouch neorectum by means of ambulatory manometry. Twelve patients with a colonic pouch following anterior resection and seven healthy controls were studied for a median of 6 (range 6–24) h using a probe with two pouch-rectal and two anal canal transducers. Records were interpreted by visual inspection. Pressure values and wave frequencies were determined by software analysis. Pouches had been functioning for a median of 32 (range 11–55) months. All patients with a pouch had an acceptable stool frequency. Seven of 12 patients complained of incomplete evacuation. Resting anal canal pressure (73 versus 100 cmH2O), pouch-rectal pressure (29 versus 15cmH2O) and anal canal pouch-rectal pressure gradients (60 versus 85 cmH2O) were similar in patients and controls. The frequency of slow-wave activity in patients with a pouch was significantly lower than that in controls (7 versus 16 cycles per min, P =0.001). Coordination between the colonic J pouch and the anal canal, in the form of sampling episodes, was observed in more than half of the patients with a functioning pouch. Large isolated contractions (pressure greater than 30cmH2O and lasting longer than 20 s) and rhythmic contractions were the most frequent pattern of pouch motility.
Long-term follow-up of over 1000 patients with salivary gland tumours treated in a single centre
Authors: Renehan A , Gleave E N , Hancock B D , Smith P , McGurk M 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Between 1947 and 1992, 1403 patients with 1432 salivary gland tumours were treated at the Christie Hospital, Manchester. There were 1194 epithelial neoplasms: parotid, 1082 (91 per cent); submandibular, 47 (4 per cent); minor glands, 65 (5 per cent). The commonest histological diagnoses were pleomorphic adenoma (n = 776) and adenolymphoma (n = 159). A total of 244 carcinomas were seen (adenoid cystic carcinoma, n = 75). Treatment was primarily surgical, conservative where possible, and determined by tumour extent and not histology. Adjuvant radiation therapy was used in over half the definitively treated malignancies. The recurrence rate following the treatment of 551 new parotid pleomorphic adenomas was 1.6 per cent at median follow-up 12.5 (range 1-34)years, increasing to 15 per cent the secondarily referred group (n = 170). For patients with definitively treated primary salivary carcinomas (n = 148), the disease-free survival rate at 5, 10 and 15 years was 58, 47 and 45 per cent respectively. Using multivariate analysis, clinical stage was the most important predictor of survival; the 10-year survival rate for stages I-IV was 96, 70, 47 and 19 per cent respectively.
Cyclosporin A and multiple fibroadenomas of the breast
Authors: Baildam A D , Higgins R M , Hurley E , Furlong A , Walls J , Venning M C , Ackrill P , Mansel R E 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Multiple bilateral fibroadenomas are uncommon. This finding in four women who had received renal transplants prompted further inquiry. A prospective study was performed on 39 women under the age of 55 years who had received a renal transplant at least 1 year earlier. Clinical examination and breast ultrasonography were performed. Factors considered included immuno-suppressive therapy, concurrent medication and renal function. Blood was taken for estimation of oestradiol, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and sex hormone binding globulin levels. Fibroadenomas were found in 13 of 29 women who had received cyclosporin A: multiple in ten and bilateral in five. No abnormal breast findings were seen in 10 patients immunosuppressed with steroids and azathioprine alone (χ2 = 7.30, 1 d.f., P&lt;0.01). Serum oestradiol concentration was raised in women with fibroadenomas compared with that in those with normal breasts (P&lt;0.05) and the level of FSH was lower (P&lt;0.01). Cyclosporin A may act on breast fibroblasts by humoral mechanisms and direct action.
High prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in duodenal ulcer perforations not caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Authors: Ng E K W , Chung S C S , Sung J J Y , Lam Y H , Lee D W H , Lau J Y W , Ling T K W , Lau W Y , Li A K C 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
There has been controversy regarding the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and perforated peptic ulcer, which is known to have a high recurrence rate if only simple patch repair is performed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between H. pylori infection and intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with perforated duodenal ulcers. Of the 73 patients recruited over a 16-month period, 51 (70 per cent) had evidence of H. pylori infection by intra-operative gastroscopy and antral biopsies. The infection rate rose to 80 per cent if NSAID users were excluded. The H. pylori-infected group was significantly younger (mean 47.6 versus 62.5 years), with a male preponderance (49 of 51 versus 14 of 22 patients), and had significantly less NSAID consumption (three of 51 versus ten of 22) and more prolonged dyspepsia (40 of 51 versus ten of 22), compared with H. pylori-negative patients. H. pylori infection probably plays an important role in the causation of non-NSAID-induced duodenal ulcer perforation. Whether eradication of the bacteria can alleviate the strong ulcer diathesis in this subgroup of patients is unknown.
Thrombogenic properties of arterial catheters: A scanning electron microscopic examination of the surface structure
Authors: Thomsen Henrik Klem , Kjeldsen Knud , Hansen Jorgen Fischer 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe performed 300 consecutive coronary arteriographies with 2 different kinds of catheters: polyurethane catheters and polyethylene catheters. The thromboembolic complication rate for investigations with each type of catheters is compared to the surface structure as seen with the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The complication rate was 21.4% for polyurethane catheters and 0.3% for polyethylene catheters. The inner surface of polyurethane catheters was irregular, while the inner surface of polyethylene catheters appeared smooth. The outer surface of polyurethane catheters was slight irregular, while the outer surface of polyethylene catheters was smooth. These results are compared to other investigations of the surface structure of coronary catheters and to reports on the thromboembolic complication rate at coronary arteriography. It is concluded that the 2 types of catheters have different thrombogenic properties and that the surface structure is of major importance for this difference.
Effect of Microchannel Plate Design on Fluid Flow Uniformity at Low Flow Rates
Authors: Griffini G. , Gavriilidis A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn order to increase productivity of microfluidic contactors, a large number of units operating in parallel is required. For operations involving heat transfer, mass transfer and reactions, fluid velocity and residence time in the microchannels play a crucial role in system performance. Therefore it is important to design microstructures able to guarantee satisfactory flow equipartition within the microchannels. In this work, flow distribution in microstructured plates of varying geometries was investigated. CFD calculations showed that two‐dimensional simulations can be misleading in assessing flow maldistribution. Three‐dimensional models revealed the presence of a critical value of Reynolds number at which a transition occurs from a flow regime fully determined by viscous forces (where fluid distribution is independent of flow rate) to a regime where inertial effects start to affect fluid distribution. It was found that flow distribution improves by including fins in the plate to guide the flow, increasing the length of the fins and decreasing the plate width. Increasing the length of flow distribution chambers also improves flow uniformity but a limit is reached for the geometries considered, beyond which no further improvement is obtained. Furthermore, modification of the flow distribution chambers and positioning of the inlet and outlet in line with the microchannels can improve flow uniformity.
Optimierung von Batch‐Kühlungskristallisationen
Authors: Warstat A. , Ulrich J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractUm den Kristallisationsprozess im Hinblick auf die geforderten Produktqualitäten (Korngrößenverteilung, Korngröße, Reinheit) zu optimieren, werden Regeln aufgestellt. Die Entwicklung dieser Regeln erfolgt über eine Ableitung der kontrollierten Kristallisation, insbesondere durch Impftechniken. Dazu wird ein umfangreiches Versuchsprogramm mit fünf Stoffsystemen durchgeführt, die aufgrund unterschiedlicher spezifischer stofflicher Eigenschaften ausgewählt wurden. Sowohl die Breite des metastabilen Bereiches als auch die Kristallwachstumsgeschwindigkeit haben einen entscheidenden Einfluss darauf, wie der Kristallisationsprozess mit Hilfe der Impftechnik durchgeführt werden muss, um ihn kontrollieren zu können. Ferner sind die Neigung der Stoffsysteme zum Abrieb und zur Agglomeration von Bedeutung für die Partikelverteilung und die Reinheit des Endproduktes. Es werden Daten angegeben, die für das betreffende Stoffsystem bekannt sein müssen, um gezielt handeln zu können.
Einfluss der Prozessführungsstrategie auf Produktivität und Produkteigenschaften einer „Bevorzugten Kristallisation”︁
Authors: Czapla F. , Lorenz H. , Elsner M. P. , Seidel‐Morgenstern A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractDie „Bevorzugte Kristallisation”︁ ist eine Methode zur Gewinnung reiner Enantiomere aus Racematen. Bei diesem Verfahren ist die Wahl der richtigen Prozessführungsstrategie entscheidend, da es sich bei der „Bevorzugten Kristallisation”︁ um eine kinetische Trennung in einem Nichtgleichgewichtsprozess handelt. Der Impfstrategie kommt hierbei neben der Temperaturführung eine zentrale Bedeutung zu. Durch Beschaffenheit und Menge der Impfkristalle werden sowohl die Produktivität als auch die Produkteigenschaften wesentlich mitbestimmt. Weiterhin kann die Zugabe eines chiralen Additivs eine Steigerung der Produktivität bewirken.
Fourier Transform Raman and DFT Study of Three Annulated Oligothiophenes with Different Molecular Shapes
Authors: Malavé Osuna Reyes , Ponce Ortiz Rocio , Ruiz Delgado Mari Carmen , Nenajdenko Valentin G. , Sumerin Viktor V. , Balenkova Elizabeth S. , Hernández Víctor , López Navarrete Juan Teodomiro 
Published: February 2007

AbstractHerein, we study the conjugation properties of three different thienoacenes, each of which has three or four fused thiophene rings, by means of Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy. The B3LYP/6‐31G** vibrational analysis of all of the collected spectroscopic data evidences that the selective enhancement of a limited number of Raman scatterings is related to the occurrence in the three thienoacenes of a vibronic coupling between the lowest unoccupied frontier molecular orbital (LUMO) and some Raman‐active skeletal ν(CC) stretching modes of 1600–1300 cm−1.