bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of tibial cartilage volume and radiologic grade of the tibiofemoral joint
Authors: Cicuttini F. M. , Wluka A. E. , Forbes A. , Wolfe R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo compare tibial cartilage volume as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with radiologic assessment of the tibiofemoral joint.MethodsThe MRI‐determined tibial cartilage volume was compared with the radiologic grade of individual features of osteoarthritis (osteophytes and joint space narrowing [JSN]) in 252 subjects (mean ± SD age 60.2 ± 10 years, 62% female) who were participating in studies of knee cartilage.ResultsJSN seen on both medial and lateral radiographs of the tibiofemoral joint was inversely associated with the respective tibial cartilage volume. This inverse relationship was strengthened with adjustment for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and bone size. After adjustment for these confounders, for every increase in JSN grade (0–3), the medial tibial cartilage volume was reduced by 257 mm3 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 193–321) and the lateral tibial cartilage volume by 396 mm3 (95% CI 283–509). The relationship between mean cartilage volume and radiologic grade of JSN was linear. Based on results in the subgroup of subjects with normal radiographic findings, we have proposed a model to estimate average “normal” cartilage volume in men and women for a given age, BMI, and bone size.ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate a strong negative, linear association between medial and lateral tibial cartilage volume and increasing grade of JSN. Using data from radiographically normal subjects, we have proposed a simple model for estimating “normal” cartilage volume. However, larger studies will be needed to confirm these findings and to determine whether they are valid in younger subjects.
Role of the tissue factor pathway in synovial inflammation
Authors: Busso Nathalie , Morard Carole , Salvi Roberto , Péclat Veronique , So Alexander 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveClinical and experimental evidence suggests that extravascular fibrin deposition in arthritic joints is prominent and deleterious. The aim of this study was to investigate the contributions of tissue factor (TF) and its inhibitor, TF pathway inhibitor (TFPI), in arthritis.MethodsSynovial tissue specimens obtained from 10 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 12 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) were scored histologically for inflammation and fibrin content. TF and TFPI levels were assayed at antigenic and functional levels. TF messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were determined using RNase protection assays. The effect of TF inhibition in murine antigen‐induced arthritis (AIA) was assessed by administering systemically active site–blocked activated factor VIIa (FVIIai).ResultsFunctional TF activity was significantly increased in synovial membranes from RA patients compared with those from OA patients. In contrast, no difference in TF mRNA and TF antigenic levels was observed between these 2 groups. This discrepancy can be accounted for by TFPI, because we observed a negative correlation between TF activity and TFPI activity. There was a significant difference between the RA and OA groups in terms of synovial inflammation, with more inflammation observed in the RA group. Most importantly, TF activity was associated with fibrin (P = 0.024) and with histologic inflammation (P = 0.03) scores. In AIA, inhibition of TF‐induced coagulation by FVIIai led, on day 9 of arthritis, to decreased synovial thickness and decreased articular cartilage damage, although only the latter difference between controls and treated mice reached significance (P < 0.04). Finally, in FVIIai‐treated mice, there was a strong negative association between the prothrombin time and intraarticular fibrin deposition.ConclusionOur results show that TF expression in arthritic synovial tissue favors extravascular coagulation and may play a role in inflammation in RA. In this context, TF inhibitors may be of therapeutic value.
Intraarticular corticosteroids, supervised physiotherapy, or a combination of the two in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: A placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Carette Simon , Moffet Hélène , Tardif Johanne , Bessette Louis , Morin Frédéric , Frémont Pierre , Bykerk Vivian , Thorne Carter , Bell Mary , Bensen William , Blanchette Caty 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of a single intraarticular corticosteroid injection, a supervised physiotherapy program, a combination of the two, and placebo in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.MethodsNinety‐three subjects with adhesive capsulitis of <1 year's duration were randomized to 1 of 4 treatment groups: group 1, corticosteroid injection (triamcinolone hexacetonide 40 mg) performed under fluoroscopic guidance followed by 12 sessions of supervised physiotherapy; group 2, corticosteroid injection alone; group 3, saline injection followed by supervised physiotherapy; or group 4, saline injection alone (placebo group). All subjects were taught a simple home exercise program. Subjects were reassessed after 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The primary outcome measure was improvement in the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score.ResultsAt 6 weeks, the total SPADI scores had improved significantly more in groups 1 and 2 compared with groups 3 and 4 (P = 0.0004). The total range of active and passive motion increased in all groups, with group 1 having significantly greater improvement than the other 3 groups. At 3 months, groups 1 and 2 still showed significantly greater improvement in SPADI scores than group 4. There was no difference between groups 3 and 4 at any of the followup assessments except for greater improvement in the range of shoulder flexion in group 3 at 3 months. At 12 months, all groups had improved to a similar degree with respect to all outcome measures.ConclusionA single intraarticular injection of corticosteroid administered under fluoroscopy combined with a simple home exercise program is effective in improving shoulder pain and disability in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Adding supervised physiotherapy provides faster improvement in shoulder range of motion. When used alone, supervised physiotherapy is of limited efficacy in the management of adhesive capsulitis.
Analysis of performance variation using query expansion
Authors: Alemayehu Nega 
Published: March 2003

AbstractInformation retrieval performance evaluation is commonly made based on the classical recall and precision based figures or graphs. However, important information indicating causes for variation may remain hidden under the average recall and precision figures. Identifying significant causes for variation can help researchers and developers to focus on opportunities for improvement that underlay the averages. This article presents a case study showing the potential of a statistical repeated measures analysis of variance for testing the significance of factors in retrieval performance variation. The TREC‐9 Query Track performance data is used as a case study and the factors studied are retrieval method, topic, and their interaction. The results show that retrieval method, topic, and their interaction are all significant. A topic level analysis is also made to see the nature of variation in the performance of retrieval methods across topics. The observed retrieval performances of expansion runs are truly significant improvements for most of the topics. Analyses of the effect of query expansion on document ranking confirm that expansion affects ranking positively.
Time line visualization of research fronts
Authors: Morris Steven A. , Yen G. , Wu Zheng , Asnake Benyam 
Published: March 2003

AbstractResearch fronts, defined as clusters of documents that tend to cite a fixed, time invariant set of base documents, are plotted as time lines for visualization and exploration. Using a set of documents related to the subject of anthrax research, this article illustrates the construction, exploration, and interpretation of time lines for the purpose of identifying and visualizing temporal changes in research activity through journal articles. Such information is useful for presentation to members of expert panels used for technology forecasting.
Effects of cysteine on the pharmacokinetics of itraconazole in rats with protein‐calorie malnutrition
Authors: Lee Ae K. , Ahn Choong Y. , Kim Eun J. , Kwon Jong W. , Kim Sang G. , Chung Suk J. , Shim Chang‐K. , Lee Myung G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe effects of cysteine on the pharmacokinetics of itraconazole were investigated after intravenous, 20 mg/kg, and oral, 50 mg/kg, administration of the drug to control rats (fed for 4 weeks on 23% casein diet) and rats with PCM (protein‐calorie malnutrition, fed for 4 weeks on 5% casein diet) and PCMC (PCM with oral cysteine supplementation, 250 mg/kg, twice daily during the fourth week). After intravenous administration of itraconazole to rats with PCM, the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to time infinity (AUC) of itraconazole was significantly greater (3580 compared with 2670 and 2980 µg min/ml) than those in control rats and rats with PCMC (the values between control rats and rats with PCMC were not significantly different). The above data suggested that metabolism of itraconazole decreased significantly in rats with PCM due to suppression of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A23 in the rats. The results could be expected since in rats with PCM, the level of CYP3A23 decreased significantly as compared to control. Itraconazole was reported to be metabolized via CYP3A4 to several metabolites, including hydroxyitraconazole, in human subjects. Human CYP3A4 and rat CYP3A1 (CYP3A23) proteins have 73% homology. By cysteine supplementation (rats with PCMC), the AUC of itraconazole was restored fully to control levels. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation and Prediction of Generalized Growth Curve with Grouping Variances in AR(q) Dependence Structure
Authors: Lee Jack C. , Hsu Ying‐Lin 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn this paper we consider maximum likelihood analysis of generalized growth curve model with the Box‐Cox transformation when the covariance matrix has AR(q) dependence structure with grouping variances. The covariance matrix under consideration is Σ = DσCDσ where C is the correlation matrix with stationary autoregression process of order q, q < p and Dσ is a diagonal matrix with p elements divided into g(≤ p) groups, i.e., Dσ is a function of {σ1, …, σg} and – 1 < ρ < 1 and σl, l = 1, …, g, are unknown. We consider both parameter estimation and prediction of future values. Results are illustrated with real and simulated data.
Analysis of the Binary Littermate Data in the One‐Way Layout
Authors: Lee Sunho 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn certain experiments with laboratory animals like rodents, it is common to observe the binary littermate data that the fetuses in the same litter provide a set of independent Bernoulli responses conditional on the litter specific abnormal probability. For testing homogeneity of abnormal proportions of several groups, five methods are discussed in the frame of the one‐way layout with litter effects. Simulation results show a superiority of the Rao‐Scott procedure.
Incorporating Gravity Model Principles into Disease Mapping
Authors: Dreassi Emanuela , Biggeri Annibale 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe space‐time variation of disease risk, considering the closeness and availability of care units, is studied by a hierarchical Bayesian model in a gravitational formulation. The pattern of mortality for Hodgkin's lymphoma over the last twenty‐five years in the Tuscany region and the evaluation of the consequences of distance from the nearest radiation‐therapy center are described. Results show a decrease in mortality for Hodgkin's lymphoma and the attraction exercised by each care units.
Levitation and movement of human tumor cells using a printed circuit board device based on software‐controlled dielectrophoresis
Authors: Altomare L. , Borgatti M. , Medoro G. , Manaresi N. , Tartagni M. , Guerrieri R. , Gambari R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn this study we describe an original, efficient, and innovative printed circuit board (PCB) device able to generate dielectrophoresis‐based, software‐controlled cages that can be moved to any place inside a microchamber. Depending on their dielectrophoretic properties, eukaryotic cells can be “entrapped” in cages and moved under software control. The main conclusion gathered from the experimental data reported is that the PCB device based on dielectrophoresis permits levitation and movement of different tumor cells at different dielectrophoresis conditions. The results presented herein are therefore the basis for experiments aimed at forced interactions or separation of eukaryotic cells using “lab‐on‐a‐chip.” In fact, because many cages can be controlled at the same time, and two or more cages can be forced to share the same or a different location, it is possible, in principle, either to bring in contact cells of a differing histotype or to separate them. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 82: 474–479, 2003.
Impact of operating variables on the expanded bed adsorption of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells using a concanavalin A derivatized perfluorocarbon
Authors: Clemmitt R. H. , Chase H. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe use of fluidizable affinity adsorbents for the adsorption of cells in expanded mode is investigated. Affinity adsorbents have been synthesized by immobilizing the lectin Concanavalin A onto the surface of triazine‐activated perfluorocarbon‐solids. The adsorbents were found to adsorb Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells from solution with adsorption capacities of up to 6.8 × 109 cells mL−1. Adsorption kinetics were rapid with a time constant of ≤8 min. The adsorbed cells could be eluted using 500 mM methyl α,D‐mannopyranoside, although the kinetics of release were slowed by the multipoint nature of the interaction. The dynamic capacity of the Con A PVA FEP in expanded mode was up to 4.5 × 109 cells mL−1. The operating parameters of bed height, application flow rate, and adsorbent size distribution were investigated for any potential improvements in throughput, which may improve utility for more fragile cells. A decrease in settled‐bed height from 20 to 5 cm resulted in a decrease in dynamic capacity of 27% from 4.5 to 3.3 × 109 cells mL−1. An increase in application flow rate from 0.7 to 2.0 mL/min−1 (resulting in an expansion increase from two‐ to fourfold) resulted in a 40% decrease in dynamic capacity from 4.0 to 2.4 × 109 cells mL−1. An increase in the mean size distribution of the perfluorocarbon from 42 to 69 μm and therefore the flow rate needed for twofold expansion of 0.7 to 1.5 mL/min−1 resulted in a 56% decrease in dynamic capacity from 4.0 to 1.8 × 109 cells mL−1. The expanded bed, using certain combinations of the operating parameters, therefore shows significant potential for the robust, high efficiency and high capacity capture and separation of cells. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 82: 506–516, 2003.
Insurance as an alternative environmental regulator: findings from a retrospective pollution claims survey
Authors: Minoli D. M. , Bell J. N. B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractLittle inquiry has occurred on insurance as an alternative environmental regulator, despite a growing interest in the subject. This paper presents the findings from a survey and questionnaire on two leading UK insurance companies' pollution claims. Insurers' initial underwriting assessments and post‐loss investigations and insureds' environmental management practices are poorly developed regarding pollution issues. Insurance is currently a weak financial instrument to prevent pollution losses. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
Comparative Study of the Influence of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous (Multi‐Phase) Precipitation Processes on the Particle Size Distribution
Authors: Aguiar R. , Muhr H. , Plasari E. , Burty M. , Rocabois P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA Plexiglas vessel of a 0.30 m diameter filled with a diluted barium chloride solution and mixed by bubbling of an inert gas is used to model an industrial process. Solid sodium sulfate or sodium sulfate solution are added into the reactor to provoke the precipitation of barium sulfate. Two precipitation models, homogeneous and heterogeneous, are proposed. Especially, the heterogeneous precipitation model (much more complex than the homogeneous one) takes into account all elementary phenomena such as the dissolution of the solid phase, the nucleation in the liquid‐solid boundary layer and the nucleation and crystal growth in the bulk of liquid phase. Both models well predict the precipitate mean particle sizes. The decrease of the particle size in the case of the heterogeneous process is due to higher nucleation rate compared to the homogeneous process because of higher values of the sodium sulfate concentration in the boundary layer than those existing in the bulk.
Crystallization of Supramolecular Complexes as an Alternative Route for the Separation of Racemic p‐X‐phenylethanol
Authors: Grandeury A. , Tisse S. , Gouhier G. , Agasse V. , Petit S. , Coquerel G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA partial chiral discrimination of racemic p‐halogenated derivatives of phenylethanol is observed during the crystallization in water of host‐guest supramolecular compounds with permethylated β‐cyclodextrin. Enantioenrichment with this chiral host is however highly sensitive to crystallization durations and to the chemical nature of the halogenated substituent of the guest. Structural determinations performed for the complexes formed with (R) and (S) p‐bromo‐phenylethanol indicate that stereodifferenciation for this guest is associated to distinct inclusion features. The understanding of the underlying chiral recognition mechanisms, the careful design of suitable crystallization conditions, and the use of a procedure involving successive crystallizations allows to envisage a complete resolution of racemic mixtures by means of supramolecular complexations.
Health care disparities in older patients with breast carcinoma
Authors: Maly Rose C. , Leake Barbara , Silliman Rebecca A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDLittle is known about how disparities in the treatment of patients with breast carcinoma based on patient age and ethnicity are effected or mitigated at the patient‐physician interaction level. The objectives of this study were to document physician provision of informational support to patients at the time of a new diagnosis of breast carcinoma and to assess differences according to patient age and ethnic group in terms of the information received and desired.METHODSParticipants were 222 patients with breast carcinoma in Los Angeles County, California, age ≥ 55 years who were interviewed within 6 months of their diagnosis of breast carcinoma and/or within 1 month posttreatment. Respondents were asked about receipt and helpfulness of 10 tangible informational support items (e.g., whether booklets, videotapes, medical records, etc. were provided by physicians) and 15 interactive informational support items (e.g., whether physicians discussed breast cancer topics, such as risk of recurrence or treatment options). An index of the tangible informational support items and a scale of the interactive informational support items received were created for summary analyses. Patients' medical records were abstracted for breast carcinoma stage and treatment type; surgeons also were surveyed about sociodemographic and practice characteristics.RESULTSIn multiple linear regression analyses, older age (β coefficient [β] ± standard error [SE], − 0.08 ± 0.02; P = 0.001) and Latina ethnicity (β ± SE, − 1.21 ± 0.40; P = 0.003) had a negative association with physician provision of interactive informational support, controlling for patient and physician sociodemographic characteristics, practice characteristics, breast carcinoma stage, comorbidity, number of physicians seen, visit length, social support, and patient self‐efficacy in interacting with physicians (adjusted correlation coefficient [R2] for the model, 0.33; P < 0.00001). Both older patients and ethnic minority patients, as well as their respective comparison groups, rated most breast cancer information as at least as helpful. Both groups preferred interpersonal sources of information to written sources, although they received interpersonal sources less frequently.CONCLUSIONSOlder patients and Latina patients with breast carcinoma received less interactive informational support from their physicians compared with younger patients, differences that persisted after controlling for a wide range of sociodemographic, psychosocial, and physician factors. Improving the quality of communication at the patient‐physician interaction level may be an important avenue to reducing age and ethnic group treatment disparities among patients with breast carcinoma. Cancer 2003;97:1517–27. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11211
Factors influencing arm and axillary symptoms after treatment for node negative breast carcinoma
Authors: Yap Karen P. L. , McCready David R. , Narod Steven , Manchul Lee A. , Trudeau Maureen , Fyles Anthony 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe purpose of the current study was to identify the factors that contribute to postoperative arm symptoms following breast conserving surgery in a well‐defined cohort of node negative breast carcinoma patients.METHODSA convenience sample of 370 women ≥ 50 years of age with node negative breast carcinoma who were participants in a randomized controlled trial designed to assess the need for breast radiation in addition to tamoxifen were surveyed. Axillary dissection was optional for patients 65 years or older and who were clinically node negative.RESULTSA total of 65.1% (241/370) of women had ipsilateral shoulder or arm symptoms. Multivariate analysis revealed that axillary dissection, breast radiation, and younger age (odds ratio = 11.2, 1.65, and 3.8 respectively) were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with increased ipsilateral shoulder or arm symptoms. Treatment with axillary dissection and breast radiation were significant factors (P < 0.02) associated with the self‐reporting of arm swelling (odds ratio = 4.4 and 2.0, respectively). Patients 70 years old or greater reported significantly fewer arm symptoms (odds ratio = 0.26, P < 0.05) after axillary dissection.CONCLUSIONSArm symptoms were present in about 80% of patients who underwent breast conserving surgery, axillary dissection, and breast radiation in the current study. These symptoms were significantly associated with the use of axillary dissection, breast radiation, and younger age. Older patients experienced fewer arm symptoms after standard treatment for node negative breast carcinoma, and thus older age should not be a contraindication to axillary dissection. Cancer 2003;97:1369–75. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11217