bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cure kinetics of aqueous phenol–formaldehyde resins used for oriented strandboard manufacturing: Effect of zinc borate
Authors: Lei Yong , Wu Qinglin 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe effect of zinc borate (ZB) on the cure kinetics of commercial phenol–formaldehyde oriented strandboard adhesives was studied using differential scanning calorimetry. ZB caused a separation of the addition and condensation reactions for both face and core resin (CR) systems with lowered cure temperature for the addition reaction. For the face resin, ZB did not change its nth‐order curing mechanism, but retarded the whole cure reactions, and increased the reaction order and the activation energy. Compared with neat CR, the addition reaction of the CR/ZB mixture, which occurred at temperatures lower than 60°C, also followed an nth‐order reaction mechanism. The condensation reaction of the mixture was changed from an autocatalytic reaction to an nth‐order one with the reaction order of about 1. The proposed models fitted the experimental data well. Relationships among cure reaction conversion (i.e., cure degree), cure temperature, and cure time were predicted for various resin/ZB systems. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 3886–3894, 2006
Stiffness and strength of asymmetric laminates made of isotropic PCBA and PMMA layers
Authors: Papadopoulos G. A. , Sideridis E. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn this work the stiffness and strength of a composite material in the form of an asymmetric laminate are obtained from the properties of the constituent laminae made of isotropic layers, Lexan (PCBA) and Plexiglas (PMMA). The influence of the stacking sequence of the laminate and the interface between the laminae that affects the mechanical properties are investigated. A theoretical analysis based on the lamination theory was performed to determine the stress and strain distribution as well as the elastic constants. Experimental measurements with specimens made of asymmetric laminates of various stacking sequences were carried out. The obtained values were compared with the theoretical values given by the lamination theory and mechanics of materials approach. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 4493–4503, 2006
Development of antimicrobial polypropylene sutures by graft polymerization. I. Influence of grafting conditions and characterization
Authors: Anjum Nishat , Gulrez S. K. H. , Singh Harpal , Gupta Bhuvanesh 
Published: June 2006

AbstractModification of polypropylene monofilament was carried out by the graft polymerization of 1‐vinylimidazole (VIm) using simultaneous radiation grafting method. The effect of radiation dose, monomer concentration, and the grafting medium on the degree of grafting was evaluated. It was observed that the presence of organics as additives in the reaction medium had significant influence on the graft levels. These grafted sutures were characterized using several techniques, such as infrared spectroscopy (IR), X‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found that the grafts are confined to the amorphous region of the monofilament and the crystalline regions remain intact. The surface morphology of sutures was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 3895–3901, 2006
Nonlinear viscoelastic properties of molten thermoplastic vulcanisates: An insight on their morphology
Authors: Leblanc Jean L. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractA series of thermoplastic vulcanisates (TPVs) in the molten state were submitted to large amplitude oscillating strain tests at different frequencies, to investigate their nonlinear viscoelastic properties. A purposely modified torsional harmonic tester with a closed cavity was used to run such experiments, whose results were treated with a Fourier transform (FT) algorithm to extract main torque and strain components, and harmonics if any. Quarter cycle integrations of (averaged) torque signal were also performed, to supplement FT analysis, namely to distinguish extrinsic and intrinsic nonlinear viscoelasticity. The nonlinear viscoelastic character of TPVs was found substantially differing from the one of a molten polypropylene (PP) used for comparison. Within the strain window investigated, no linear behavior is observed with TPVs, in contrast with the pure PP. However, extrapolated “linear” complex modulus G*0 tends to decrease with increasing hardness of TPVs, but subtle differences between the various grades are clearly detected, when using simple models to fit experimental data. While the (room temperature) hardness is somewhat related with the viscoelastic behavior in the molten state, the strain sensitivity of TPVs appears essentially affected by the extractible content (mainly oil). TPVs nonlinear viscoelastic character appears to depend on the strain amplitude: mainly intrinsic, i.e., due to their morphology, at low strain, and essentially extrinsic, i.e., due to the large strain amplitude, at high strain, and in this respect, qualitatively similar to pure PP. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 4193–4205, 2006
Systemic sclerosis–associated Sjögren's syndrome and relationship to the limited cutaneous subtype: Results of a prospective study of sicca syndrome in 133 consecutive patients
Authors: Avouac J. , Sordet C. , Depinay C. , Ardizonne M. , Vacher‐Lavenu M. C. , Sibilia J. , Kahan A. , Allanore Y. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of sicca symptoms and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in a 2‐center prospective series of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), using the American–European Consensus Group criteria for SS.MethodsConsecutive SSc patients hospitalized for followup care were evaluated for sicca symptoms. When the initial clinical evaluation yielded positive findings, a labial salivary gland biopsy was performed; histologic analysis evaluated focal lymphocytic sialadenitis and/or glandular fibrosis. Computed tomography and respiratory function tests were used to assess pulmonary fibrosis.ResultsWe included 133 SSc patients (mean ± SD age 55 ± 13 years; mean ± SD disease duration 6.5 ± 6 years). Eighty‐one patients had limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc). Ninety‐one patients (68%) had sicca syndrome. Histologic analysis revealed fibrotic involvement in 50 of these 91 patients, but labial salivary gland fibrosis was not associated with any organ involvement we evaluated. Nineteen of the 133 patients (14%) had SS. In this subgroup, lcSSc was present at a significantly higher frequency (18 of 19 patients) than in the remaining patients with sicca syndrome (39 of 72 patients) and the patients without sicca syndrome (24 of 42 patients). This subgroup also had a significantly higher frequency of anticentromere antibodies (18 of 19 patients) than did the remaining patients with sicca syndrome (19 of 72 patients) and the patients without sicca syndrome (5 of 42 patients). In addition, this subgroup had a significantly lower prevalence of pulmonary fibrosis (2 of 19 patients) than did the remaining patients with sicca syndrome (29 of 72 patients) and the patients without sicca syndrome (19 of 42 patients).ConclusionThere was a 68% prevalence of sicca syndrome in this prospective series of SSc patients. Sicca syndrome was related primarily to glandular fibrosis, the hallmark of SSc. The prevalence of secondary SS, as defined by the American–European Consensus Group criteria, was 14% and was markedly associated with lcSSc. We believe that lcSSc should be regarded as a specific autoimmune subgroup of SSc.
Nephritogenic Anti‐DNA antibodies regulate gene expression in MRL/lpr mouse glomerular mesangial cells
Authors: Qing Xiaoping , Zavadil Jiri , Crosby Michelle B. , Hogarth Mark P. , Hahn Bevra H. , Mohan Chandra , Gilkeson Gary S. , Bottinger Erwin P. , Putterman Chaim 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjectiveLupus‐associated IgG anti–double‐stranded DNA antibodies are thought to be pathogenic in the kidney due to cross‐reaction with glomerular antigens, leading subsequently to immune complex formation in situ and complement activation. We undertook this study to determine if pathogenic anti‐DNA antibodies may also contribute to renal damage by directly influencing mesangial gene expression.MethodsComplementary DNA microarray gene profiling was performed in primary mesangial cells (derived from lupus‐prone MRL/lpr mice) treated with pathogenic, noncomplexed anti‐DNA antibodies. Significant gene up‐regulation induced by anti‐DNA antibodies as determined by microarray analysis was further investigated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and methods to detect the relevant proteins. Induction of proinflammatory genes by pathogenic antibodies was confirmed by comparing gene expression in glomeruli of old versus young MRL/lpr mice, and by antibody injection in vivo.ResultsPathogenic, but not nonpathogenic, antibodies significantly induced a number of transcripts, including CXCL1/KC, LCN2, iNOS, CX3CL1/fractalkine, SERPINA3G, and IκBα (“marker genes”). Blocking of Fcγ receptors or using Fcγ chain–knockout mesangial cells had no effect on the gene regulation effect of the pathogenic antibody R4A, indicating a non–Fc‐dependent mechanism. The glomerular expression of these marker genes increased over time with the development of glomerular antibody deposition and active nephritis in MRL/lpr mice. Moreover, injection of R4A into SCID mice in vivo significantly up‐regulated glomerular marker gene expression.ConclusionThese findings indicate that the renal pathogenicity of anti‐DNA antibodies may be attributed in part to their ability to directly modulate gene expression in kidney mesangial cells through both Fc‐dependent and non–Fc‐dependent mechanisms.
Identification of transitional type II B cells in the salivary glands of patients with Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Daridon Capucine , Pers Jacques‐Olivier , Devauchelle Valérie , Martins‐Carvalho Christine , Hutin Pascal , Pennec Yvon‐Louis , Saraux Alain , Youinou Pierre 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo identify B cell subpopulations participating in the lymphocyte infiltrate of salivary glands from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. A special emphasis was placed on those B lymphocytes included in the ectopic germinal centers (GCs).MethodsThe presence of B cells in salivary glands and their polyclonality were ascertained by phenotyping and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in salivary gland samples from 18 patients. Their phenotype was thoroughly analyzed using a number of double‐staining combinations. The results obtained in tissue sections were confirmed by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis of B cells eluted from salivary glands, and these findings were compared with those in tonsils.ResultsMemory‐type B cells were defined as CD20+,CD27+ and were seen in all specimens, whereas GCs were found in only 7 specimens. Furthermore, B cells found in these GCs lacked certain characteristics of centroblasts and centrocytes. Instead, they fulfilled the criteria for transitional type II (TII) B cells and resembled marginal‐zone B cells. BAFF (the assistance of which is required for proper transformation of transitional TI B cells into transitional TII B cells) accumulated adjacent to transitional and marginal‐zone–like B lymphocytes. Further evidence for the involvement of BAFF came from the expression of its receptors on infiltrating B cells.ConclusionThese transitional TII and marginal‐zone–like B cells are probably instrumental in the local production of autoantibodies and possibly influential in the ensuing destruction of epithelial cells.
Association between enhanced type I collagen expression and epigenetic repression of the FLI1 gene in scleroderma fibroblasts
Authors: Wang Youngqing , Fan Pan‐Sheng , Kahaleh Bashar 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjectiveScleroderma (systemic sclerosis; SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy and widespread organ fibrosis. Altered fibroblast function, both in vivo and in vitro, is well documented and illustrated by augmented synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. We undertook this study to investigate the possibility that epigenetic mechanisms mediate the emergence and persistence of the altered SSc fibroblast phenotype.MethodsThe effects of DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors on collagen expression and the level of epigenetic mediators in fibroblasts were examined. The effects of transient transfection of SSc fibroblasts with FLI1 gene and normal cells with FLI1 antisense construct on collagen expression were determined. The methylation status of the FLI1 promoter was tested in cultured cells and in SSc and normal skin biopsy specimens.ResultsIncreased levels of epigenetic mediators in SSc fibroblasts were noted. The addition of epigenetic inhibitors to cell cultures normalized collagen expression in SSc fibroblasts. The augmented collagen synthesis by SSc fibroblasts was linked to epigenetic repression of the collagen suppressor gene FLI1. Heavy methylation of the CpG islands in the FLI1 promoter region was demonstrated in SSc fibroblasts and skin biopsy specimens.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that epigenetic mechanisms may mediate the fibrotic manifestations of SSc. The signal transduction leading to the SSc fibrotic phenotype appears to converge on DNA methylation and histone deacetylation at the FLI1 gene.
A randomized controlled trial of calcium supplementation to increase bone mineral density in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lovell Daniel J. , Glass David , Ranz Julie , Kramer Sandy , Huang Bin , Sierra Rosa I. , Henderson Carol J. , Passo Murray , Graham Brent , Bowyer Suzanne , Higgins Gloria , Rennebohm Robert , Schikler Kenneth N. , Giannini Edward 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the effects of daily supplementation with calcium (Ca) in combination with vitamin D on total body and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) who had not taken corticosteroids for at least 3 months prior to the beginning of the study.MethodsOne hundred ninety‐eight children and adolescents (141 girls and 57 boys) with JRA, ages 6 to 18 years, with a mean ± SD age of 11.7 ± 3.3 years and a mean ± SD disease duration of 5.6 ± 3.8 years at the beginning of the study, were enrolled in this randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial to receive either daily oral supplements of 1,000 mg of Ca and 400 IU of vitamin D (n = 103) or matched placebo tablets and 400 IU of vitamin D (n = 95) for 24 months. Total body BMD (TBBMD) was measured by dual x‐ray absorptiometry at baseline and every 6 months for 24 months.ResultsAt baseline, the mean ± SD TBBMD was 0.89 ± 0.14 gm/cm2 among patients randomized to the Ca group and 0.87 ± 0.14 gm/cm2 among those randomized to placebo (P = 0.445). At 24 months, the mean ± SD TBBMD among those receiving Ca was 0.95 ± 0.13 gm/cm2, compared with 0.92 ± 0.14 gm/cm2 among those receiving placebo. A longitudinal random‐effects mixed model analysis that controlled for differences in the subject's initial BMD, sex, Tanner stage, adherence to the study medication regimen, and body composition revealed significantly higher TBBMD among patients who received Ca compared with patients who received placebo during the study period (P = 0.03).ConclusionCa supplementation resulted in a small, but statistically significant, increase in TBBMD compared with placebo in children with JRA.
Manipulation of isoprenoid biosynthesis as a possible therapeutic option in mevalonate kinase deficiency
Authors: Schneiders Marit S. , Houten Sander M. , Turkenburg Marjolein , Wanders Ronald J. A. , Waterham Hans R. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjectiveIn cells from patients with the autoinflammatory disorder mevalonate kinase (MK) deficiency, which includes the hyperimmunoglobulin D with periodic fever syndrome, MK becomes the rate‐limiting enzyme in the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway. This suggests that up‐regulation of residual MK activity in these patients could be a way in which to prevent or alleviate the associated symptoms. We studied the effect of 2 specific inhibitors of isoprenoid biosynthetic enzymes on the residual activity of MK in cells from patients with MK deficiency.MethodsSkin fibroblasts from MK‐deficient patients and from controls were cultured for 7 days with either simvastatin, an inhibitor of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, or zaragozic acid A, an inhibitor of squalene synthase. Following culture, MK activity, MK protein levels, MVK messenger RNA levels, and the effect on the pathway flux toward nonsterol isoprenoid biosynthesis were determined.ResultsTreatment of the fibroblasts with either of the inhibitors led to a marked increase in residual MK enzyme activity, which was largely attributable to increased MVK gene transcription. This effect was even more pronounced when the cells were cultured in lipoprotein‐depleted medium. The flux toward nonsterol isoprenoid end‐product synthesis was reduced when cells were treated with simvastatin but was partly restored by concomitant treatment with zaragozic acid A.ConclusionOur results indicate that manipulations of the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway that promote the synthesis of nonsterol isoprenoids may provide an interesting therapeutic option for the treatment of MK deficiency.
A severe case of chronic infantile neurologic, cutaneous, articular syndrome treated with biologic agents
Authors: Matsubara Tomoyo , Hasegawa Masanari , Shiraishi Masahiro , Hoffman Hal M. , Ichiyama Takashi , Tanaka Takeo , Ueda Haruo , Ishihara Tokuhiro , Furukawa Susumu 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn this report we describe a case of severe chronic infantile neurologic, cutaneous, articular (CINCA) syndrome with a novel G307V cryopyrin mutation and all of the characteristic clinical and laboratory features of this autoinflammatory disease. There was no clear response to standard therapies, including human interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) receptor antagonist (anakinra) and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (etanercept). The patient finally had a partial clinical response (reduction in fever and irritability) and complete laboratory response (improved C‐reactive protein and serum amyloid A levels) to humanized anti–IL‐6 receptor antibody (MRA), but died from congestive heart failure and interstitial pneumonia 2 months after initiation of therapy. We serially measured the serum cytokine levels and expression of NF‐κB activation in the patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells before and during consecutive therapies. Pathologic examination of autopsy specimens was also performed. This case illustrates the continued difficulty in management of patients with CINCA syndrome and the complexity of the inflammatory pathways in this disorder.
Verified predominance of slow acetylator phenotype N‐acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) in a Hmong population residing in Minnesota
Authors: Straka Robert J. , Burkhardt R. Todd , Lang Nicholas P. , Vang Ter , Hadsall Kelly Z. , Tsai Michael Y. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractSoutheast Asians known as the Hmong have a high prevalence of tuberculosis and select cancers. The slow acetylation (SA) phenotype for N‐acetytransferase 2 (NAT2) has been associated with toxicity from the anti‐tuberculosis drug, isoniazid and in increased risk of select cancers. Previous research indicates a 74.5% prevalence of SA in Hmong which differs from other Asian populations including the Japanese and Thai (range: 7%–45%). Given this contrast, the purpose of this study was to confirm or refute this unexpected predominance of the SA phenotype in Hmong. Unrelated, Minnesota Hmong between 18 and 65 years of age consented and participated by ingesting caffeine as the probe for NAT2. A urinary caffeine metabolic ratio AFMU/1X (<0.6) was used to classify subjects as slow acetylators. Among 51 analysable samples provided by 61 enrollees (27 male, 33 female, 1 sex unknown, age 30±11 years [mean±SD]) there were 47 (92.2%) slow and 4 (7.8%) rapid acetylators. The prevalence of the SA phenotype (92.2%) from this study exceeds the 74.5% (p<0.02 by chi‐square test) previously noted in Minnesota Hmong (n=98). The predominance of the SA phenotype within Minnesota Hmong is confirmed. Further studies evaluating this unexpected prevalence, its genetic basis and potential clinical relevance to drug toxicity and disease are warranted. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nutrition and management of enterocutaneous fistula
Authors: Lloyd D A J , Gabe S M , Windsor A C J 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe management of enterocutaneous fistula is challenging, with significant associated morbidity and mortality. This article reviews treatment, with emphasis on the provision and optimal route of nutritional support.MethodsRelevant articles were identified using Medline searches. Secondary articles were identified from the reference lists of key papers.Results and conclusionManagement of enterocutaneous fistula should initially concentrate on correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalances, drainage of collections, treatment of sepsis and control of fistula output. The routine use of somatostatin infusion and somatostatin analogues remains controversial; although there are data suggesting reduced time to fistula closure, there is little evidence of increased probability of spontaneous closure. Malnutrition is common and adequate nutritional provision is essential, enteral where possible, although supplemental parenteral nutrition is often required for high-output small bowel fistulas. The role of immunonutrition is unknown. Surgical repair should be attempted when spontaneous fistula closure does not occur, but it should be delayed for at least 3 months.
Redefining the R1 resection in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Verbeke C S , Leitch D , Menon K V , McMahon M J , Guillou P J , Anthoney A 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
Resection margin (RM) status in pancreatic head adenocarcinoma is assessed histologically, but pathological examination is not standardized. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of standardized pathological examination on the reporting of RM status.

Methods
A standardized protocol (SP) for pancreaticoduodenectomy specimen examination, involving multicolour margin staining, axial slicing and extensive tissue sampling, was developed. R1 resection was defined as tumour within 1 mm of the RM. A prospective series reported according to this protocol (SP series, n = 54) was compared with a historical matched series in which a non-standardized protocol was used (NSP series, n = 48).

Results
Implementation of the SP resulted in a higher R1 rate overall, and for pancreatic (22 of 26 85 per cent) compared with ampullary (four of 15) and bile duct (six of 13) cancer. Sampling of the circumferential RM was more extensive in the SP series and correlated with RM status. RM involvement was often multifocal (14 of 32), affecting the posterior RM most frequently (21 of 32). Survival correlated with RM status for the entire SP series (P &lt; 0·001), but not for the NSP series. There was a trend towards better median and actuarial 5-year survival after R0 resection in the SP pancreatic cancer subgroup.

Conclusion
Standardized examination influences the reporting of RM status.