bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constructed Wetlands
Authors: Langergraber Guenter 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
The term constructed wetlands describes artificial wetlands designed to improve water quality. A constructed wetland is a complex mixture of water, substrate, plants, litter (fallen plant material), and a variety of microorganisms (most importantly, bacteria). The mechanisms for improving water quality include settling of suspended particulate matter; filtration and chemical precipitation; chemical transformation; adsorption and ion exchange on surfaces of plants, substrate, and litter; breakdown, transformation, and uptake of pollutants and nutrients by microorganisms and plants; and predation and natural die‐off of pathogens.
Constructed wetlands provide the optimal treatment conditions found in natural wetlands but have the flexibility of being constructed. For optimal support of the treatment mechanisms, various types of constructed wetlands optimized for different applications are used. Free‐water‐surface constructed wetlands and subsurface‐flow constructed wetlands are the main types of constructed wetlands. The applications include treatment of domestic, industrial, and agricultural wastewaters, storm water, and landfill leachate.
Wetland treatment systems are effective in treating organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and additionally for decreasing the concentrations of heavy metals, organic chemicals, and pathogens. A good pre‐treatment for suspended solids is essential for long‐term operation.
Detergents
Authors: Jahan Kauser 
Published: April 2005

AbstractDetergents are formulations that have cleaning and solubilization properties. Their main fields of application are industry (cleaning products, food, industrial processing), household (laundry, dishwashing), and personal care (soaps, shampoos, cosmetics). Detergents consist of surface‐active agents known as surfactants and other subsidiary components that include boosters, builders, and fillers. In 1996, the production of surfactants including soaps was reportedly around 30 × 109 kg per year worldwide. Detergents are thus environmentally important because they are used in huge quantities. Historically, potential detergent contamination of the environment followed when the use of soap‐based detergents changed to synthetic detergents. Detergents are discharged to the environment typically through wastewater treatment plant effluent and the use of sewage sludge on land. Industrial discharges to surface waters, oil spills, and surfactant‐enhanced remediation of contaminated soil can also be other sources. Biological treatment of wastewater typically removes 95% of the detergents and their metabolites. However, recent research has generated scientific and regulatory concern because certain detergents and their metabolites appear toxic to aquatic organisms. These studies also indicate that detergent metabolites are also more toxic than their parent compounds. The complexity of detergent products, it has also been shown, leads to synergistic effects.
Ecological Wastewater Management
Authors: Langergraber Guenter 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Conventional sanitation concepts are neither an ecological nor an economical solution for rural areas in both industrialized and developing countries. Ecological sanitation (EcoSan) represents a holistic approach toward ecologically and economically sound sanitation. The underlying aim is to close nutrient and water cycles with as small an expenditure on material and energy as possible to contribute to sustainable development. EcoSan is a systemic approach and an attitude. Single technologies are only a means to an end. Therefore, EcoSan‐technologies may range from nearly natural wastewater treatment techniques to compost toilets, simple household installations, and to complex, mainly decentralized systems. These technologies are not ecological per se but only in relation to the observed environment. Promotion of EcoSan concepts, therefore, is the strategy for achieving the goal—closing the loop in wastewater management and sanitation.
Inside Front Cover: Self‐Assembly of SiO2 Nanowires and Si Microwires into Hierarchical Heterostructures on a Large Scale (Adv. Mater. 8/2005)
Authors: Hu J. , Bando Y. , Zhan J. , Yuan X. , Sekiguchi T. , Golberg D. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe inside cover shows a scanning electron micrograph of a novel hierarchical heterostructures, as reported by Hu and co‐workers on p. 971. The heterostructures are formed from Si core microwires covered by dense, aligned SiO2 nanowires, thus forming multiple junctions to the cores. The inset shows a schematic of the Sn‐catalyzed vapor–liquid–solid growth mechanism. These materials are envisaged to become important for optical fibers, low‐dimensional waveguides, scanning near‐field optical microscopes and high‐bandwidth optical signal processing devices.
Reduced p53 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis is associated with loss of radiation‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Maas Kevin , Westfall Matthew , Pietenpol Jennifer , Olsen Nancy J. , Aune Thomas 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectivePatients with autoimmune disorders exhibit highly reproducible gene expression profiles in their peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This profile includes, at least in part, a collection of underexpressed genes that encode proteins that inhibit cell cycle progression and stimulate apoptosis. We aimed to determine whether this gene expression profile confers functional liability on lymphocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsViability studies in response to a panel of proapoptotic stimuli revealed that T lymphocytes from patients with RA were resistant to gamma radiation–induced apoptosis, a process known to be dependent on p53. To assess p53 function in RA peripheral blood mononuclear cells, baseline levels of p53 protein and TP53 transcript were measured in patients with RA and controls. The cellular p53 response to gamma radiation was also assessed by immunoblotting.ResultsLymphocytes from patients with RA had lower baseline levels of TP53 messenger RNA (mRNA) and p53 protein than did those from control subjects and were deficient in their ability to increase p53 after exposure to gamma radiation. A subgroup of patients with RA had a second biochemical defect characterized by expression of very low baseline levels of checkpoint kinase 2 mRNA and protein.ConclusionWe conclude that defects in the expression of TP53 mRNA and, in a subgroup, defects in expression of CHK2 mRNA, lead to severe defects in apoptosis in patients with RA. We hypothesize that this liability may contribute to autoimmunity.
Patients seen for standard rheumatoid arthritis care have significantly better articular, radiographic, laboratory, and functional status in 2000 than in 1985
Authors: Pincus Theodore , Sokka Tuulikki , Kautiainen Hannu 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectiveA comprehensive quantitative analysis of measures of disease activity and joint damage has not been available to compare patients in different eras in the same clinical setting. This study was undertaken to determine whether the clinical status of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has improved on average in recent years.MethodsA quantitative cross‐sectional evaluation, which included joint count, radiographic, laboratory, patient questionnaire, and physical function measures, and therapies, was performed in 125 consecutive RA patients seen from 1984 through 1986 (“1985 cohort”). A virtually identical assessment was performed in 150 patients seen from 1999 through 2001 (“2000 cohort”), in the same weekly academic clinic. Measures were compared using descriptive statistics and a median regression model, adjusted for age, duration of disease, level of formal education, and rheumatoid factor.ResultsPatients in 1985 had significantly poorer status compared with those in 2000: median 12 versus 5 swollen joints, Larsen radiographic score 20 versus 3, erythrocyte sedimentation rate 33 mm/hour versus 20, and modified Health Assessment Questionnaire 1.0 versus 0.4 (P < 0.019). Severe Disease Activity Scores >5.1 were seen in 69% of 1985 patients, compared with 30% in 2000. Methotrexate was taken by 10% of patients in 1985, versus 76% in 2000. The proportion of patients not taking any disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs was 66% in 1985 versus 13% in 2000.ConclusionPatients receiving standard care for RA in this setting had significantly better status, including radiographic scores, in 2000 than in 1985, associated with aggressive treatment strategies, prior to the introduction of biologic agents.
Effect of oral glucosamine on cartilage degradation in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Tiraloche Gabrielle , Girard Christiane , Chouinard Luc , Sampalis John , Moquin Luc , Ionescu Mirela , Reiner Agnes , Poole A. Robin , Laverty Sheila 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether oral glucosamine alleviates cartilage degradation in an animal model of osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsThe effect of 8 weeks of daily oral glucosamine hydrochloride on degeneration of articular cartilage was evaluated in rabbits in which anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) was performed to induce OA. Animals were treated with glucosamine (n = 16) or a placebo (n = 16) and necropsied at 11 weeks. Seven unoperated rabbits served as controls. The articular cartilage was evaluated macroscopically and histologically and analyzed for total type II collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content.ResultsHistologic analysis revealed that loss of proteoglycan, based on Safranin O–fast green staining, was significantly reduced in the lateral tibial plateau cartilage of ACL‐transected limbs in the glucosamine group compared with ACL‐transected limbs in the placebo group, with a similar, but not significant, trend for the lateral femoral condylar cartilage. Likewise, macroscopic analysis of cartilage showed that the lateral tibial plateau alone had a significantly lower rate of disease in the glucosamine group, which was consistent with the results of the independent histologic assessment. However, no significant treatment effect was detected when composite histologic scores were analyzed. A significant reduction in GAG content was observed in the femoral condyles of placebo‐treated ACL‐transected joints, but not in the same region of glucosamine‐treated ACL‐transected joints, compared with their respective contralateral unoperated joints.ConclusionOral administration of glucosamine had a detectable, site‐specific, partial disease‐modifying effect in this model of OA. From a clinical perspective, the administration of glucosamine did not prevent fibrillation and/or erosions of the articular cartilage in all of the treated animals, and no effects were detected in the medial joint compartments.
Sustained benefits of infliximab therapy for dermatologic and articular manifestations of psoriatic arthritis: Results from the infliximab multinational psoriatic arthritis controlled trial (IMPACT)
Authors: Antoni Christian E. , Kavanaugh Arthur , Kirkham Bruce , Tutuncu Zuhre , Burmester Gerd R. , Schneider Udo , Furst Daniel E. , Molitor Jerry , Keystone Edward , Gladman Dafna , Manger Bernhard , Wassenberg Siegfried , Weier Ralf , Wallace Daniel J. , Weisman Michael H. , Kalden Joachim R. , Smolen Josef 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and tolerability of infliximab therapy for the articular and dermatologic manifestations of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA).MethodsOne hundred four patients with PsA in whom prior therapy with at least 1 disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) had failed were recruited into this investigator‐initiated, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. During the initial blinded portion of the study, patients received infusions of infliximab (5 mg/kg) or placebo at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 14. After week 16, patients initially assigned to receive placebo crossed over to receive infliximab 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks through week 50, while patients initially randomized to infliximab continued to receive active treatment at the same dose through week 50. The primary efficacy outcome was achievement of the American College of Rheumatology 20% criteria for improvement in rheumatoid arthritis (ACR20) at week 16. Additional predefined clinical efficacy assessments included the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score, the ACR50 and ACR70 criteria, the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, the Health Assessment Questionnaire, ratings of enthesitis and dactylitis, and the Psoriatic Arthritis Response Criteria score.ResultsThe proportion of infliximab‐treated patients who achieved an ACR20 response at week 16 (65%) was significantly higher than the proportion of placebo‐treated patients who achieved this response (10%). In addition, 46% of infliximab‐treated patients achieved an ACR50 response, and 29% achieved an ACR70 response; no placebo‐treated patient achieved these end points. Among patients who had PASI scores of ≥2.5 at baseline, 68% of infliximab‐treated patients achieved improvement of ≥75% in the PASI score at week 16 compared with none of the placebo‐treated patients. Continued therapy with infliximab resulted in sustained improvement in articular and dermatologic manifestations of PsA through week 50. The incidence of adverse events was similar between the treatment groups.ConclusionTherapy with infliximab at a dose of 5 mg/kg significantly improved the signs and symptoms of arthritis, psoriasis, dactylitis, and enthesitis in patients with active PsA that had been resistant to DMARD therapy. With continued infliximab treatment, benefits were sustained through 50 weeks. The benefit‐to‐risk ratio appeared favorable in this study population.
Successful treatment with intraarticular infliximab for resistant knee monarthritis in a patient with spondylarthropathy: A role for scintigraphy with 99mTc‐infliximab
Authors: Conti Fabrizio , Priori Roberta , Chimenti Maria Sole , Coari Giulio , Annovazzi Alessio , Valesini Guido , Signore Alberto 
Published: April 2005

AbstractPositive experiences with intraarticular infliximab have been reported in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and Behçet's disease. We used intraarticular infliximab to treat resistant knee monarthritis in a patient with spondylarthropathy. Clinical and laboratory improvement was associated with improvement in scintigraphic findings. This approach is less expensive than intravenous administration of infliximab. We suggest that selection of candidates for this innovative therapy should be guided by anti–tumor necrosis factor α scintigraphy.
An opposing time‐dependent immune‐modulating effect of the sympathetic nervous system conferred by altering the cytokine profile in the local lymph nodes and spleen of mice with type II collagen–induced arthritis
Authors: Härle Peter , Möbius Daniel , Carr Daniel J. J. , Schölmerich Jürgen , Straub Rainer H. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectiveThe sympathetic nervous system (SNS) seems to play a proinflammatory role in the early asymptomatic phase of arthritis, but its role in the late stages of chronic arthritis is not well known. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the SNS on late‐stage chronic arthritis in mice with type II collagen–induced arthritis (CIA).MethodsWe tested the effects of the SNS by ablating sympathetic nerves at different time points in mice with CIA. Early sympathectomy was performed 7 days before immunization. Late sympathectomy was performed on day 56. Cytokine stimulation assays were performed on local lymph node cells and spleen cells, and levels of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), IL‐4, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and interferon‐γ (IFNγ) were determined.ResultsAnimals with CIA that underwent early sympathectomy showed significantly lower arthritis scores than the controls. In contrast, animals that underwent late sympathectomy had significantly increased arthritis scores compared with controls. On day 0, lymph node cells from animals subjected to early sympathectomy had increased levels of IL‐10 and IL‐4 and unchanged levels of TNFα and IFNγ compared with those from untreated animals. This indicates an immune‐stimulating property of the SNS in draining lymph nodes. On day 80, lymph node cells and spleen cells from animals subjected to late sympathectomy showed increased levels of TNFα and IFNγ compared with those from nonsympathectomized controls with CIA. This indicates an immune‐depressing property of the SNS in draining lymph nodes and spleen. Arthritis per se largely diminished sympathetic nerve fiber density in synovium on day 80 (P < 0.01).ConclusionThe effect of the SNS is bimodal, enhancing or depressing levels of proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines. This feature is dependent on the time point of immune system activation and the respective compartment. The SNS supports inflammation during the asymptomatic phase of CIA, whereas it inhibits inflammation during the chronic symptomatic phase.
The incidence and natural history of Raynaud's phenomenon in the community
Authors: Suter Lisa G. , Murabito Joanne M. , Felson David T. , Fraenkel Liana 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectiveRaynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a common disorder, yet its incidence and natural history are unknown. Our objective was to determine the incidence and natural history of RP not associated with a connective tissue disease in a large, community‐based population.MethodsUsing serial examinations of the Framingham Heart Study offspring cohort, we collected data regarding RP symptoms for 717 women and 641 men over a 7‐year period. We used validated criteria for RP classification and categorized participants as having incident, persistent, or remitted RP. We performed sex‐specific analyses of RP status by age, body mass index, vibratory tool use, season of examination, state of residence, use of antihypertensive medications, and smoking status.ResultsThe mean ± SD age of participants was 53.5 ± 10 years. The incidence of RP was 2.2% in women (n = 14) and 1.5% in men (n = 9). Of the 78 women and 50 men who had RP at baseline, 36% of women (n = 28) and 36% of men (n = 18) had persistent RP. RP remitted in 64% of women (n = 50) and 64% of men (n = 32), with 41 women and 25 men meeting no or only 1 RP criterion at followup. RP episodes were infrequent and rarely interfered with daily activities.ConclusionThis is the first prospective study to determine the incidence and natural history of RP in a community‐based cohort. Our data demonstrate that RP not associated with a connective tissue disease is frequently a transient phenomenon and rarely interferes with daily activities.
New classification of HLA–DRB1 alleles supports the shared epitope hypothesis of rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility
Authors: du Montcel Sophie Tezenas , Michou Laetitia , Petit‐Teixeira Elisabeth , Osorio José , Lemaire Isabelle , Lasbleiz Sandra , Pierlot Céline , Quillet Patrick , Bardin Thomas , Prum Bernard , Cornelis François , Clerget‐Darpoux Françoise 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectiveThe shared epitope hypothesis was formulated to explain the involvement of HLA–DRB1 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, several studies, which considered only the HLA–DRB1 alleles shown to be associated with RA risk, rejected this hypothesis. In this report, we propose that a different classification of HLA–DRB1 alleles be considered, based on the amino acid sequence at position 70–74.MethodsThe fit of both HLA–DRB1 classifications was tested in 2 groups of RA patients. All subjects were recruited through the European Consortium on Rheumatoid Arthritis Families, and included 100 patients with isolated RA and 132 patients with at least 1 affected sibling.ResultsThe new classification produced risk estimates that fit all of the observed data, i.e., the distribution of the HLA–DRB1 genotype in the 2 patient groups, and the distribution of parental alleles shared by affected sibpairs. The risk of developing RA under this new classification depends on whether the RAA sequence occupies position 72–74 but is modulated by the amino acid at position 71 (K confers the highest risk, R an intermediate risk, A and E a lower risk) and by the amino acid at position 70 (Q or R confers a higher risk than D).ConclusionA new classification based on amino acid sequence allows us to show that the shared epitope RAA sequence at position 72–74 explains the data, with the risk of developing RA modulated by the amino acids at positions 70 and 71.
Continuous indices of core data set measures in rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials: Lower responses to placebo than seen with categorical responses with the American College of Rheumatology 20% criteria
Authors: Pincus Theodore , Amara Ingrid , Koch Gary G. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo describe indices that are continuous counterparts of categorical responses to the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (ACR20), ACR50, and ACR70, which extend rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical trial results and recognize clinical worsening (as well as improvement) with active and placebo treatments.MethodsData from a clinical trial of leflunomide, methotrexate, and placebo treatment over 1 year were reanalyzed. Percent change was computed for each of the 7 components of the ACR core set of outcome measures. Four continuous indices were computed: 1) ACR‐N (lowest of 3 values: number of swollen joints, number of tender joints, and median of the other 5 measures); 2) composite (median of all 7 measures [3 patient and 3 assessor measures plus erythrocyte sedimentation rate]); 3) patient‐only (median of physical function, pain, and global status); and 4) assessor‐only (median of number of swollen joints, number of tender joints, and global status). Means, medians, categorical 20%, 50%, and 70% responses, and continuous probability plots were computed according to each index for the 3 treatment groups and were compared with one another and with standard ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 responses.ResultsMean levels of improvement calculated using the different methods, in patients taking leflunomide, placebo, and methotrexate, respectively, were as follows: ACR‐N 20%, −12%, and 13%; composite 43%, 9%, and 33%; patient‐only 36%, 0%, and 26%; assessor‐only 50%, 20%, and 44%; and ACR20 52%, 26%, and 46%. Differences between leflunomide and placebo were 30–36%, and differences between methotrexate and placebo were 24–26%.ConclusionContinuous indices may be an informative addition to categorical ACR 20%, 50%, or 70% responses to compare efficacies of various treatments in RA, and to describe lower responses to placebo by recognizing worsening as well as improvement.